//------------------------------// // Side Story: Luna's Lament // Story: Politics // by Dai Kirai //------------------------------// 3/13/14 Luna, the dark navy blue alicorn stood next to her pearlescent white sister, her star field mane blowing in a nonexistent wind. The alicorn of the night, responsible for raising and lowering the moon was saying farewell to the most precious pony in the world to her, the one she had tried to overthrow in a fit of rage a millennia ago. “Please, ‘Tia. Listen to thee.” She implored. “They are not to be trusted. At least take a contingent with you.” Her worry as evident in her eyes as in her features. The two alicorns stood side-by-side, alone in the white room housing the portal between worlds. Celestia looked at her little sister. “I will be on my guard.” She reassured, giving a slight chuckle to ease her sister’s tension. “But we still don’t know exactly what their weapons can do?” “They will not attack. These are not the griffons of old.” Celestia tried to reassure, but Luna just became more worried. “No, they are worse. Griffons at least feigned concern. These humans can’t even speak honestly to their own subjects.” Luna accused. “In order to achieve anything they must lie, cheat, and steal. They are changelings, with guises that are just as deceptive.” She implored, fearing for her sister. “I know. As you have seen, politics has changed since you first went away. There was a similar time in Equestria’s past where other countries tried to use the same tactics.” “You trust them too much. You always see the best in ponies, and now these human creatures.” Luna lamented as her head and ears lowered. “You never fell to a point where these tactics were acceptable. You never felt the need to employ them, to tear apart another society.” She raised her head back up, the memories of being NightMare Moon brought up each and every one of her shortcomings. “It will not be that bad. I can protect myself. This plan should work.” “You have never been inside the mind of true evil. Gone through hours of planning on getting revenge against another race, to destroy them as a species, to make them bow to your power.” Maybe it is a good thing Luna is staying here. “I’m so sorry Lulu.” Celestia raised a hoof to her sister’s chin. “But we must do this, we are neighbors now. What would you have me do?” “Block the portal! Don’t let anything through in either direction. Wait until they are less savage.” Luna continued trying to convince her sister. “Thou must seeith that they will kill anyone if it suits their desires.” She can’t see it. Celestia realized, saddened that NightMare Moon and a 1000 year absence had atrophied her sister’s compassion. “We can help them. But even if they won’t accept our friendship, you can’t hide because you are afraid.” Celestia started walking to the portal, she had a meeting to attend to, a brave new world to meet. “At least tell me why magic doesn’t affect them. Tell me that if they decide to attack we can be guaranteed that our ponies will be protected.” Luna pleaded. Celestia let her regal façade drop as she turned to her sister. “I’m sorry.” The elder sister confided, as her heart ached seeing Luna in such pain. “I can’t. There is no way to trult know why they are resistant. But you know I will protect my little ponies ta all costs.” 3/22/14 Sister, we must encourage thee to take more care. Already one faction hath tried to paint you as evil. They are simply looking for a reason to start a fight. They twist the facts and manipulate words. Please exercise more care in how thou deal with them. Luna 3/24/14 Dearest Luna, They may be vocal, but they are also a small faction. Most are decent and will think, will learn. It is worrisome that they are so violent and can be extreme in their actions. I have the best guards and clever ponies to assist. These are just the pains of getting to know each other. ‘Tia 3/25/14 Stop relying on your subjects. You may want them to learn and grow as a species, but this is too important. Look at the information with your own eyes, your own experience. Don’t waste millennia’s worth of experience just so they can ‘learn’. Our job is to protect our subjects. 3/27/14 Dearest Luna, I am protecting them. If we hope for any sort of lasting peace, our two societies must learn to trust and tolerate each other. If were to do everything, when I come back how will they be able to trust each other? 4/3/14 ‘Tia, We have received news that you have ordered a doctor to go through the portal in an emergency. We have seen the reports of the ‘accident’. Thou are lucky the human was tired or he may have killed Sweetie Belle. Thou cannot rely on luck dear sister. Eventually they will attack if just to see what we are capable of. Your Dearest Sister, Luna 4/23/14 Luna, I am regretful it has taken so long to reply, but the politics of this world are more time consuming than I had predicted. Once Rarity returns to her position I can come back and visit. Have some faith in your dear sister. Love ‘Tia 4/27/14 ‘Tia I have talked to Lyra, and I again implore you to reconsider you strategy. Put up a shield around the portal, they will not be able to get through; we can simply wait them out. They are probing for weaknesses, for plans of attack. Yesterday a human started a fight. Supposedly it was drunk, but we cannot ignore the possibility that it was designed to see how well the average pony can fight. The guard was called instantly, but it could still have been enough time. If I am correct, there will be another attack, but this one will be to test out the defensive capabilities of our Embassy and the village. 4/29/14 Lulu, It takes two parties to truly start a fight. Can you tell me for certain who threw the first punch? I promise to call in more guards and if the second attack you predicted come true; We will together think through a new strategy. 5/8/14 Thank you ‘Tia for calling in Shining Armor to protect the village. I am saddened to know they truly are as mad as we had predicted. Hopefully if you threaten to cease all trade they will realize ponies will not bow down to their wishes. But their other option may be to attack if they believe guns are more powerful than magic. Please remain vigilant. Luna.