Celestia gave a shallow nod towards the gathered mares. "I'm so relieved you could all make it. Twilight, I'm counting on you and the others to locate and bring my sister back."
She gestured towards the open window. "It's been a worrying length of time since she was last seen, being born away from the city on the back of her new pet. I thought it little to consider at first. I've... gotten into plenty of my own mischief with my own dear pet." Philomena gave a squawk at being referred to and Celestia paused to smile at the phoenix. "But this has been far too long. Please, find her and return her to Canterlot."
Applejack gave a sharp salute. "Shoot, don't you worry none. We'll find her and make sure she's safe."
Pinkie bobbed her head. "I'm already planning the celebration party. Should it be Nightmare Night styled? No, that might upset her, hmm..."
"Are you seriously pondering that?" asked Rarity with a raised brow. "Let's focus on getting her majesty returned safely before we consider revelries, darling."
Twilight smiled at her friends' antics. "We have this well in hoof. I've gathered the reports of what direction she left the city in and some spottings across Equestria. We should be able to triangulate her position without a problem. Come on, girls!" With a loud communal cheer they turned for the door and got to marching just for it to open right into their collective snouts.
A large rabbit-like creature was stepping in with a happy face. He was wearing the same helmet first given to him by Luna, and the armor that had come from the same pony. "Tsuki annou... announce...."
A hissing noise came from the hallway.
"Oh, yes, s! Announce S! Tsuki does that for Princess Luna. Best Princess." Tsuki drew himself tall and slapped a paw against his armored chest.
Twilight, her friends, and Princess Celestia all watched with varying expressions of shock as Luna strode in with her head held up high. Atop her head was a crown made of finely smithed crystal that glimmered and shone in the light. "It is good to return." Her eyes swept over the would-be rescuers. "Princess Twilight Sparkle, a delight to see you."
Twilight gathered herself up, bowed her head low then stood up. "Princess Luna. We were just about to go looking for you. Is... everything alright?"
Rarity's eyes were focused on the helmet. "Pardon me, darling, but wherever did you find that rustic chapeau?"
Luna's expression brightened into smile. "I'm glad you ask. Sister, I must announce that Equestria has made peaceful contact with another nation."
That had Celestia sitting up straight. "Really? This is fantastic news. Tell us about these new people. Are they ponies?" she asked with a hopeful tone. Pony nations were rarely difficult to keep as friends. One could blame herd instincts. "Even if not, I am eager to meet those who come with harmony in their hearts."
Luna gestured to Tsuki. "You have already met one of them, sister. Tsuki Usagi, Entitled Toby by his king, is the second-highest ranking member of his nation."
Applejack rubbed behind her head as she looked Toby up and down slowly. "Yer a king?"
Toby shook his head. "Tsuki get new name from king. Tsuki is Toby. Is also Tsuki." He fell to all fours and bounded the short distance to Applejack. "Nice to meet you. What is your name?"
"Uh, Applejack." She offered a hoof.
He didn't take it. He took the rest of her instead, grabbing her up in a warm hug. "Toby is glad to meet Applejack. Can we be friends?"
Celestia softly coughed, her eyes on Luna. "If he is second in command, sister, who is their king? Did he not wish to visit us?"
"He has many reasons to delay that, for the time being." Luna strode past the others as they worked to extract Applejack from the affectionate grip of Toby. "He has a... history with us, and wished I speak on his behalf before he came in person."
Twilight perked an ear. "Does he want to meet me? I can give a fresh perspective."
Luna smiled at the newest princess. "That is very kind of you, but you have had... experiences with him in the past."
Twilight looked dumbfounded. Who could it be that she had met and didn't get along with? "I... see, well... You're here and safe. I guess that's that."
Celestia nodded towards Twilight. "Thank you for coming, all of you, even if she did turn up under her own power. Please, stay the night and return home when you are rested."
Luna and Celestia watched the heroes of the nation depart before Luna turned to Celestia directly. "My apologies for being vague, sister. I trust you understand the need."
"I do not entirely," admitted Celestia. "But I do trust you. When you wish to tell me, you will."
Toby landed beside Celestia and gave her a light sniffing at. "Nice to see you again."
"And nice to see you as well." She raised a hoof to pat Toby gently. "Please don't take my sister again without informing me."
"Promise," he insisted firmly. "Princess Luna, tell Princess Sun Flank about King Sombra?"
Luna applied her hoof to her forehead with a low clop. That had not been the way she had in mind to break the news.
Celestia looked between the two. "I still trust you, sister, but the time for answers has come upon us."