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// The Garden Keeper 
// Story: Son of the Moon 
// by Aurora Hope Healer 
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It had been over a thousand years since the lunar princess had been banished. A young albino alicorn looked at the small cave that housed his siblings, the Children of the Night. They were descended from the children that Luna had rescued before her banishment. They had been orphans that she had turned into her lunar colony at the edge of Equestria after Discord had been turned to stone. “Prince Moonlight,” The albino alicorn turned towards a young mare with a moonstone as her cutie mark. “I am ready for my monthly travel into the heart of Equestria. Would you like me to look into anything while I am out?”

Moonlight smiled kindly at the light blue mare. “Ah, Moonstone. I think checking in on the royals would be a good idea… and please, don’t call me ‘Prince’. I’m simply known as Moonlight Shadow. Should you see our dear mother, take care to behave yourself and do as requested by her.”

Moonstone smiled and nodded as she looked at her cart. It was filled with precious jewels and stones that had been harvested from the caverns and crafted into beautiful items. “Alright, Moonlight. If I have the honor of running into her, I’ll give her my utmost respect, just like with every other princess, I know. OH, do you think she’ll recognize the pin?” Moonstone indicated to the pin that held her cloak over her body. It was a small pin with a crescent moon design that glowed on the night of the new moon to guide the way for the Children of the Night.

Moonlight smiled kindly as he looked at the young mare. “It’s been over a thousand years since she founded this colony. I’d be surprised if she even remembered us at all. The duties of a princess are quite hard and overtaxing to the mind.”

“Oh… but if she did recognize it?”

“Heh, then she’ll ask questions probably. If that happens, feel free to answer all of her questions. You’re smart enough. You’ll know what to do.”

“Right.” Moonstone grinned as she pulled her cart out of the valley. “I’ll stop by Ponyville on my way to Canterlot. Ms. Rarity loves these for her clothing shop.” Moonlight grinned and waived a hoof.

“Safe trip, and may the light of the moon always be there to guide you!”

“And may the mother moon watch over you and the rest of the Garden.”