“You’re rather quiet tonight Night Wing,” Luna said as she painted the night sky.
“I could say the same to you,” I responded, deflecting her thinly veiled question.
“Maybe, but I have the excuse of being busy.”
“Got me there,” I said with a laugh. “I’m just tired. I haven’t been sleeping well lately, no big deal.”
“If you say so,” She went back to her work. I noticed she lacked her usual flourish as she finished up but decided not to make a big deal of it.
“Off to night court then.” I sighed, “Joy.” Luna responded with a short laugh and we made our way down the tower steps.
“Captain Night Wing.” A pale orange unicorn with a teal mane saluted me as we emerged from the stairwell.
“Flourish,” I returned her salute. “So, who’s first in tonight’s moaning noble parade?”
“Let’s see…” She replied and levitated a scroll from somewhere in her armor. She unfurled it, read a line, and sighed. “It’s Gold Leaf.”
“Oh you have got to be kidding me, again?” I did my best to resist the urge to bury my skull in the nearest wall. Gold Leaf had been first in line for the past six nights straight with the same complaint.
“Well if we gave awards for persistence he’d definitely be a contender.” Flourish said. “If only it were a worthy cause.”
“Indeed,” Luna added, “There’s no way the music at Club Pon-3 is that bad.”
“Personally, I like it,” I said, “especially since Vinyl started getting more experimental with her mixes.”
“Yeah,” Flourish said, “she’s gained a new appreciation for strings ever since she hooked up with Octavia.”
“That earth pony that plays the cello?” I asked. Flourish nodded.
“How do you know of their relationship?” Luna asked.
“I went to school with Vinyl, we still keep in touch. Mind you it’s not exactly a secret.”
“Huh,” I said, “Well, either way this has to stop. I mean, seven nights in a row is ridiculous, even by my increasingly low standards.”
“Is it just me or do you tend to use bigger words when you’re tired?” Luna chided.
“I like to consider my extensive vocabulary nothing if not evidence of my immeasurably superior intelligence.” I replied.
“Keep that up and you’ll be mistaken for a noble.” Flourish said.
“You know, insulting your boss is the quickest way to end up unemployed,” I deadpanned.
“And risk having to do the paperwork yourself?” Flourish shot back, “You’d never do that to yourself.” We all shared a laugh. By now we had reached the throne room where court was held and as Luna and I settled in for what was sure to be a long night, Flourish headed off to the double doors across from us to fetch our first guest.
“So are you finally just going to shut this whiny colt down or what?” I asked Luna.
“Believe me, I’d like to.” She sighed.
“Luna, you don’t have to appease every single pony,” I said. “It’s impossible, and trying is detrimental to your sanity.”
“More big words,” Luna smirked.
“I honestly can’t help it when I’m tired. It’s like my mind is trying to compensate for being slow on the up… take” I glared at her. “Don’t change the subject.”
“You are so easy sometimes.” When I didn’t respond she sighed again. “I have to try Night Wing… I owe them that much.”
“Luna,” I was cut off by the doors opening as Flourish escorted Gold Leaf in. His appearance certainly lived up to his name. His coat was a fierce gold, his mane was stark white, and the suit he wore was somewhere in between. He had his chin held high and his face contorted in the typical “I’m so much better off than you that I could probably purchase your entire family” way that made him look more like there was an unpleasant smell in the room. And to top it all off, he had an honest to Celestia monocle on.
“Now presenting,” Flourish began the traditional introduction of the plaintiff.
“Save it,” I cut in, “we know who he is and I’d bet my next year’s salary that we also know why he’s here.”
“Indeed,” Gold Leaf said, not faltering in the least at my interruption although I did catch a subtle glare from Luna.
“So then,” Luna said, “You are here to protest the establishment that is known as ‘Club Pon-3’ yes?” And to think she picks at me for big words…
“Yes,” Gold Leaf replied. “Such hovels do not live up to the standard we have here in Canterlot.”
“Sorry, but since when was it your place to decide Canterlot’s standards?” I said.
“What? W-Well I-I,” He stuttered looking to Luna no doubt in hopes that she would reprimand my audacity or some drivel along those lines.
“Seriously,” I continued, “all you’re doing is wasting our time, so either you tell us the real reason you have a problem with Club Pon-3 or get out.”
“Your highness,” He finally managed, “surely you can’t sit there and allow this… this ruffian to-” Oh, now he was in for it.
“Silence,” Her voice was not loud but it carried authority that demanded obedience. “While I may not completely agree with Captain Night Wings particular wording he is the Captain of my Lunar Guard and you will give him the respect he deserves. Furthermore he is correct.”
“Princess Luna, I implore you,” Gold Leaf pleaded, all of his noble composure gone. Luna ignored him.
“I take pride in knowing all of my subjects and I happen to know for a fact that your residence is not within half a mile of Club Pon-3, therefore you have no legitimate grounds to file a complaint which means your motive must be a personal one.” Luna paused graciously to give Gold Leaf one last chance to plead his case. Unfortunately it seemed that all he could do was stare with his jaw on the floor. Every ounce of my self-control was focused on not laughing. “Then it is as I thought.” Luna finally said, “I’m afraid that my court has no place in settling personal matters. Flourish, show him the door.”
“With pleasure, your highness,” she replied with a bow. As the door shut I continued to hold my laughter, determined to wait until they were out of earshot. Then Luna spoke.
“That felt good.” She said. I have never laughed so hard, and before I knew it Luna was laughing too.
“See,” I said once we had regained control of ourselves, “Sometimes you just have to cut loose a bit.”
“I suppose you’re right,” she conceded, “but I don’t think I should make a habit of it.”
“Fair enough,” it was a small victory, but a victory nonetheless.
The rest of the cases passed slowly and without incident and I was glad it was over. Four hours was plenty enough time for the high I got watching Luna hand Gold Leaf his flank to thoroughly wear off.
“Glad that’s over,” Flourish said.
“You’re telling me,” I replied starching out my legs and wings.
“I just might rest a bit before setting the moon in the morning.” Luna added.
“Welp, I got paperwork to sort,” Flourish said and sighed. As she left I heard her mutter, “I need a vacation.” I turned back to Luna. She really did look tired. Her eyes were closed and she was teetering a bit on her hooves.
“You ok Luna?” I asked. Her eyes snapped open.
“Huh?” She muttered before comprehending the question, “Oh yes, yes, I’m uh…” She shook her head, “I’m just a bit tired. That’s all.”
“Go get some rest,” I replied, “I can handle things until morning.”
“Thank you Night Wing. You’re a blessing.” She headed off to her quarters. I would have offered to walk with her but I had a new mission. I headed off to the watch station where I found Flourish surrounded by paperwork in her telekinetic grasp.
“Watcha need Captain?” She asked as I approached. Her ability to multitask was astounding sometimes.
“I need you to give a message to Shining Armor when he gets here.” I said. “Tell him I need to speak with Princess Celestia first thing after my shift.”
“Will do boss.” She replied, not looking up, “You off to nap in the archives?”
“Am I that bad?” I asked.
“Nah,” she said, “I just know you, that’s all."
“I guess you would after twelve years. Normally I would but I promised Luna I’d hold down the fort until morning.”
“Which would include sitting around here watching me do paperwork,” She looked up at me, “go get some sleep Captain.” I opened my mouth to protest but instead yawned.
“Ok, you win.” I said. “Wake me an hour before sunrise so I can make the rounds.” Flourish simply waved me off and dove back into her work.
The archives are the watch station’s back room. It’s where all the nightly reports get stored away in the unlikely event that we ever need to refer back to them. The sheer number of filing cabinets in this room always managed to amaze me. A pony could write every minute of every day of their entire life and never come close to filling even a tenth of them. I've always wondered if this room is magically enlarged but have never really thought to ask. I made my way over to a corner still near the door and settled in on the floor. Despite the minor discomfort, sleep came easy.
“Rise and shine Captain.”
I groaned as Flourish prodded me into consciousness.
“Good nap?” She asked as I stood.
“Mmph,” I muttered, then my back popped, “Oof, there we go, much better.”
“I’ll take that as a yes.” She said with a laugh. “I talked to Captain Armor. He said he’d pass your message on to the Princess and they’d meet you in the throne room first thing.”
“Thanks Flourish,” I replied and headed off to do my last rounds for the night.
Before long I found myself at the top of the tower waiting for Luna. I quickly lost myself in the peace of the night. The whole world was still. I soaked in the ambiance until the flutter of wings snapped me out of my trance.
“Took the scenic route huh?” I said as Luna landed next to me.
“Gotta stretch my wings somehow,” she replied, “Lest they wither and fall off.”
“Did you get some rest?”
“Yes, and once we’re done I’ll be getting some more.” We shared a laugh. Luna closed her eyes and the moon slowly dipped below the horizon. We turned and watched as a band of orange began to fill the sky. A soft breeze began to blow as the sun crept into the sky. The oranges and yellows mingled with the last deep blues of the night, it was breathtaking.
“Show off,” Luna muttered, but she was smiling.
“What am I gonna do with you two?” I said, shaking my head. Luna laughed.
“Alright, back to bed.” She said.
“Right, see you tonight.” I replied, making for the stairs as she took off.
A few minutes and a short walk later and I was back at the doors of the throne room. As I entered I found Princess Celestia and Shining Armor waiting for me.
“Good morning Captain,” Celestia greeted me brightly.
“And a lovely one at that your Highness.” I replied giving a small bow as I reached the throne.
“Why thank you, so what’s on your mind?”
“It's Princess Luna,” I said, figuring we might as well get straight to the point. “I think the nobles are starting to get to her.”
“I have noticed it as well."
“I’m starting to worry. She’s good at hiding it when it comes time for night court but when we’re alone…” Celestia studied me for a moment.
“I believe a vacation is in order.” She finally said.
“How do you mean?”
“Correct me if I’m wrong but I believe the furthest she’s been from Canterlot since her return is Ponyville.” Celestia said. I nodded.
“And on top of that, our last outing was like a month ago.” I added.
“Well then, I believe my sister needs to see how Equestria has grown, and you and Flourish are going with her.”
“If that’s what you think is best.” I said with a smile, like I was going to argue with time off.
“Well then, it’s settled. I believe a week should be sufficient enough time to prepare everything. I’ll take care of all the details and don’t worry, I’ll tell Luna.”
“I was just about to ask.” I laughed. “Thank you your Highness. If that’s everything I think I hear my bed calling.”
“Just one more thing,” she said. “Shining Armor, would you give us a moment?”
“Of course,” He replied and left through one of the back doors.
“What’s this about Princess?” I asked. She lowered herself to my height.
“Is there something going on between you and Luna?” She asked. Oh horseapples.
“Well, uh…” I started racking my brain for the right words. “I guess that’s up to her at this point.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well…” I told her about that night, about the lake where I poured my heart out to the Goddess of the Night, and about what she had told me. “We haven’t really talked much about it since then, haven’t really had the chance.”
“I see.” Celestia replied when I was done.
“Um… If I may… Uh…” Oh come on, stop stuttering like a foal.
“You seek my blessing.”
“That would be great, yeah.” Smooth Night Wing, real smooth. Celestia smiled.
“Luna is her own mare, but if it makes you feel better I approve.”
“Really?” She simply nodded. “Thank you.”
“No Night Wing. Thank you. You have stood by Luna since day one of her return. You have no idea how much that has meant to the both of us.” She smiled then stood back up. “Now then, go get some rest Captain.”
“With pleasure your Highness.”