Moonlight was on guard as Celestia’s sun started to rise. It was his turn to stay up through the time when many others slept. He greeted those of his clan who’s turn was to work through the sun, as was usual. The clan that lived in the Garden of Shadows, may have associated themselves with the night princess more, but even they knew the benefits of the sun were not to be ignored. Only a few ponies were needed to do the morning work though. The clan preferred their nocturnal existence.
Moonlight looked to the horizon with a smirk as he saw Moonstone’s cart coming into view from the horizon. ‘Right on time… what the?’ Accompanying Moonstone was a few guards, from both the Lunar Royal Guard, and the Solar Royal Guard. The Lunar Royal Guard were often confused for bat ponies as they often had bat wings and dark shades of coats. The Solar Guards seemed more uptight. Following the group were the two princesses. Moonlight called back to his fellow Children of the Night. “We have guests arriving! Those who are not too tired, prepare space for our guests. I feel that they will stay a few nights.” The ponies rushed instantly, knowing that Moonlight would only call to that attention if someone important was coming.
By the time the Princesses and their group arrived at the edge of the Garden, the ponies had rooms set up for their guests and were back to their usual work that they did by the daylight. Moonlight waited at the edge of the garden wall that was made out of a luminescent rock that lit up only in darkness and made it look like the wall was the starry night sky.
Celestia looked at the stone wall with some fear and interest. She had never realized that her sister had disobeyed her, but at the same time, she didn’t find herself feeling angry. She felt… proud… proud that some ponies had preferred her sister to her, as strange as it seemed. “Sister, what is this place? Are we near the garden?”
“Just outside it, actually, Princess Celestia.” A young male voice came from the shadows. Moonstone just smiled as she started to pull her cart faster, finally happy to have made it home. “Welcome home, Moonstone. You must be tired.” A white alicorn with bright summer night blue eyes came out of the shadows with a smile on his features. His cutie mark was a crescent moon with a large shadow.
“Yes, I am, Moonlight. Is everything alright here?”
“Haha, it is as you left it, my friend. Go now, rest. I will handle our guests.” Moonstone nodded and seemed to walk through the wall to get into the garden. Celestia and her guard were surprised, but the night guard smiled at the age old trick. “Come, you must be tired from your journey. I am sure that my sister didn’t let you rest as she prefers to travel at nights.” The white alicorn laughed.
“Who are you?” Celestia asked with hesitance.
“Ah, my apologies, Princess Celestia. I am known as Moonlight Shadow. I am the elder here, and all children of the night are my siblings. I humbly welcome you to the Garden of Shadows.” He bowed to show respect, but not as much as other ponies would bow. Then he turned towards the Lunar Princess. “It has been a while since I have seen your caring face.” He showed more respect to her than he had to Celestia, which was a surprise to the day guard. “We greatly welcome your return.”
Luna smiled as she walked over to the white alicorn and hugged him with her wings. “We are so sorry…” She started to sob while Moonlight rolled his eyes. “I had promised to protect you all and…” She muttered into his mane.
“Easy, easy. You are disturbing your sister, and the other children would love to be graced with your presence if nothing else. Please, calm yourself. You are not to blame for the madness and fear that plagued you all those centuries ago.”
At this, Luna sniffled and backed up to smile at her son. “You are right, of course… Thank you, son of the moon.”