//------------------------------//
// XXVII 
// Story: The Lesbian: One Hundred Nights 
// by Undome Tinwe 
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If she lived to be as old as the Princesses themselves, Sappho would still never tire of hearing Luna sing.

"...Set to all things mortal..."

The rest of the crowd seemed to think the same. Thunderous applause filled the amphitheatre as the Princess of the Night let her melodic voice drift into silence. It took nearly a minute before she could speak again.

"Thank you, everypony," she said, no hint of hesitation or nervousness in her voice. "I am glad you enjoyed the performance, and I would like to give my sincere thanks to Lady Sappho of Lesbos for penning these masterful lyrics. The power of this song would be aimless but for the wit of her words. Sappho, please, step onto the stage so that you may be recognized."

Sappho was prepared for this moment. Taking a deep breath to steel herself, she ignored the rapid beating of her heart and joined her friend in facing the crowd of thousands of ponies who had come here to hear the Princess perform for the first time in decades.

The spectators hushed as they beheld this strange creature. Though enough time had passed for word to spread of her residency at the Castle, few had actually seen "the human" with their own eyes. Of course, none dared speak openly against her, not when she stood beside the Princess of the Night.

"Sappho of Lesbos." Much to her surprise, Luna bowed towards her, a gesture that was completely off-script. "Since you arrived here in Equestria, you have helped me rekindle my love for the arts, and reminded me of my duties as the Princess of all creative endeavours. This year's Festival of Mistmane has brought together more artists and patrons of the arts than ever before, and it is no coincidence that this outpouring came about after you dropped in on the Day Court that fateful day.

"Thank you, Sappho, for all your service to the Crown, and I hope we can all prove to you that Equestria is truly the most beautiful nation in all the realms."

There was a smattering of polite clapping as ponies struggled to divine the correct response to the Princess' words.

As for Sappho, there was only one thing to say. "There is no need for more proof." Speaking from the heart quelled the fear that had dwelled within it, as did focusing her attention on Luna's deep blue eyes. "Every day, I am blessed to witness sights and sounds beyond mortal brilliance. I am truly honoured by your patronage, and I can never repay the hospitality that you have granted me. There is none more deserving of praise and love than you, and I think the ponies here would agree, no?"

That was an easy question for them to answer. If the applause before had been as thunder from the heavens, then this one could shake both Mount Olympus and Tartarus with its defining roar. Even Luna was taken aback by the reaction, and Sappho took the opportunity to lean in and whisper, "I believe you owe me ten bits for our wager, Princess. I doubt that even Princess Celestia received such an ovation at the Summer Sun Celebration last week."

Luna was quick to recover. "Do you truly wish to test me here, Sappho of Lesbos?" she asked with mock sternness. "The crowds will not lift a hoof to save you."

Sappho quickly pulled back, knowing that the playful princess was not above making a scene to embarrass her. The incident in the hallway several days prior had proved that. Sappho still got the occasional odd stares from the staff whenever she stared too long at a piece of tapestry on the wall.

After that, there was the usual speech from Luna welcoming everyone to the Festival, and thanking them for their attendance and contributions. A few more rounds of subdued applause later, Luna bid them all farewell to enjoy the rest of the exhibits before leaving through the back exit with Sappho in tow.

"I do not see how my sister can partake in such performances each and every day," Luna said as soon as they were out of the public eye. She leaned against a wall as her head sagged, and even her billowing mane seemed to droop.

"You were marvellous, Luna," Sappho quickly assured her. "I daresay ponies will be talking about your enchanting voice for centuries to come, and you have likely inspired a score of artists and poets to try and describe their experience today."

A metal-clad hoof waved off her praise. "Not that. I meant the speeches and the greeting of the organizers and the incessant smiling that is required of me at these events. In truth, had you not been keeping me company, I would likely have fled after the song."

"If you are not too drained, there is still the entirety of the Festival to enjoy," Sappho said. "I would rather experience it by your side, as my guards are unfortunately not connoisseurs of the arts."

That perked her up. "I would not miss it for the world. Come, let us away to the Square to see the rest of the festivities."

It was a short walk from the amphitheatre to Mistmane Square, where the festival that bore her name was being held. On the way, the odd pair of human and pony princess discussed the various artists whose works would be unveiled today, and which of them they were most eager to see.

Only three weeks ago, the idea of walking side by side with a Princess as her companion would have been ludicrous to Sappho. And yet, in the time since they'd shared their hopes and fears with each other in the gardens, they had grown to be fast friends, with Luna always finding some time out of her schedule to spend with her in the Castle.

Though Sappho had already been given a tour of her temporary home on arrival, Luna possessed a perspective that none of the servants could ever hope to gain, and the skill of a seasoned bard in conveying that perspective. Sappho had been graced with stories both mundane and divine about everything from a vase chipped during a game of discus throwing between the princesses in the hallways to an epic battle between the griffons and the Arimaspi.

"You've grown quiet again." Sappho turned to see Luna eyeing her curiously, ignoring the rest of the crowd who were staring at them. "Does something trouble your mind?"

"Quite the opposite," she replied. "I am overcome by my good fortune. In my realm, those who cavort with the gods rarely meet good fates, and yet, with you, I have found a happiness that I did not know I could feel so far from my home. Though I have done nothing worthy of legend, I am graced with your friendship."

Luna smiled. "I have no need for a hero; I can fight my own battles well enough. A friend, though, that is not something I have had in over a century, and something I cannot provide for myself."

They were approaching the main square now, and crowds were getting thicker, but they still parted to let their Princess through. "Sometimes I wonder about those gods of yours," Luna continued without paying any mind to the ponies around her. "Every story you tell me of them only deal with their scheming and their dealings with those who would use or serve them for glory. Very few of them seem to have friends, and even those seem to meet tragic ends. It must be a lonely existence, to be a god in your world."

"I never considered that," Sappho mused. "I suppose the gods are more like us than we would like to think." A quiet chuckle sounded from her throat. "I never thought I would be speaking such blasphemies so freely one day. They would have had my tongue for it in Mytilene."

"Well, maybe your world needs more brave souls like you to remind the gods that they still feel as mortals do."

"Perhaps. I would like to show you my home one day, if it be the will of my gods." A marble statue of an aged pony loomed ahead, and Sappho couldn't help but be reminded of the alicorn statue in Artemis' temple that had been her last sight before being transported to Equestria.

"I spoke to Star Bright last night," Luna said. "They told me that they had discovered that the magic clinging to you is a form of Veil Magic, and was likely responsible for bringing you to this realm."

"I know," Sappho replied. "I also know that they have no idea as to the origins of this magic, nor can they trace it back to my realm, and as such, they cannot send me back." She forced a smile onto her face. "Do not trouble yourself with my plight, Luna. I am content here, now that I have you as my friend and an audience for my works." Odd how it felt easier and easier to speak those words with each passing day. She was scarce certain that they were still a lie.

"Very well, but we will find a way to reunite you with your family one day."

"I know." Sappho acknowledged the solemn vow with equal respect before smiling. "Now, let us not speak of such dour matters. We have a festival to enjoy!"

"Of course." Luna turned towards one corner of the square. "Ah, I believe Cross Stitch is presenting her latest tapestry over there. Shall we see what story she's woven this time?"

The pair walked over to a stall where an Earth Pony mare had a wooden frame covered by a tarp. Her eyes lit up as she beheld them. "Princess Luna!" she exclaimed, bowing deeply. "I am honoured to be in your presence. Have you come to see my latest creation?"

"I have." Luna inclined her head towards the tarp. "Would you be so kind as to grace us with the beauty of your work?"

"It would be my pleasure, Princess." Cross Stitch reached up and pulled down the rough covering, revealing a vision of colour and grandeur. Across a field of green thread, six ponies — two from each tribe — stood around a heart of blue fabric in two sets of three. Though it was but woven cloth, Sappho could feel the power and warmth emanating from the heart at is stood fast against the encroaching fields of icy white snow and the ethereal horselike creatures whose blue colours wove in and out of the white tapestry.

"Marvelous as always," Luna commented as her eyes roved across the entire scene. "I see you've dug further back in time, to the beginnings of our great nation. The Founders would have been honoured at your dedication to your craft. You have done them proud in showing them what this great nation can achieve."

"I thank you, princess." Cross Stitch gave a nervous chuckle. "In truth, I was worried when I couldn't make the alterations in time..."

"Alterations?" Luna cut in as Cross Stitch trailed off. "I think it's perfect as it is."

"I am glad." Cross Stitch bowed low. "I believed that you would appreciate the artistic integrity of the Founding over what the others did."

"The others?" It was really quite adorable how her head tilted in confusion, an altogether very human gesture.

"Have you not seen the other works of art at the festival, Princess?"

"I have not. You are the first, for I have known you and your work for many years, and was eager to see what you had created."

"I— I am honoured, princess." It seemed that praise had finally broken through Cross Stitch's mask of calmness as she stammered back her response, her body both shrinking in on itself even as she lit up with joy. "Please, I hope you enjoy the rest of the festival."

"I intend to. Thank you for sharing your gift with the world, Cross Stitch, and I shall look forward to the masterpieces you shall create in the future." Princess Luna and Cross Stitch exchanged farewells before she and Sappho took their leave.

Sappho turned to Luna. "That was odd in the end," she commented as they moved on to the next stall.

"Quite," Luna agreed. "I wonder what was the matter with her."

Sappho shrugged. "I suppose you can ask her afterwards."

Luna nodded. "Now, I believe the next pony on our journey of the arts is Stone Pose, and I am very much eager to see what masterpiece he has created this time. His skills at statuary are beyond compare, and each creation of his is an exercise in lifelike detail."

They reached the stall, where a unicorn stallion with a chisel Cutie Mark was waiting for them. "Ah, Princess Luna," he said. "So wonderful to see you. Have you come to marvel at my newest creation?"

"Of course, Stone Pose." Luna gestured towards the covered statue. "Let us see what you have created for us today this fine day."

"Behold, The Raising of the Moon!"

As was unusual in this realm, the earth did not shake either literally or figuratively as the statue of an alicorn mare rearing up was unveiled. Sappho could clearly see that it was a skilled depiction of the Princess of the Night, and silently commended Stone Pose on his skill at rendering her ethereal mane in marble to look like it was actually flowing.

Still, despite the clear expertise that had gone into the statue, Sappho didn't feel particularly moved to tears at its beauty. And further examination revealed that the smaller "gems" on her peytral were, even to Sappho's untrained eyes, rather crude for the work of a master sculptor.

From the expression on Luna's face, she too was underwhelmed by the statue. After a few moments of wordless staring, Stone Pose began to shift uncomfortably on his hooves. "Ah, well, it could use some touching up, I suppose," he said, unable to look the Princess in the eyes.

Luna gave him an awkward smile. "I look forward to seeing this statue in all its glory. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must go see what other wonders await me here." She backed off quickly, Sappho following on her heels.

The next exhibit was a painting of Luna. And, like the statue they had just passed, it too lacked the finishing touches that the paintings in the Castle possessed. Oddly enough, the background of soft white lilies and oak trees had far more detail than Luna herself, who was reclining on a seat that she seemed to be nearly hovering over. While the painting had been created with masterful skill, it was obvious that something about it had not quite gone right for the artist.

"This is very odd," Luna commented after as they stood in front of yet another exhibit featuring Luna, this time carved onto a vase that had an obvious crack on it.

"Forgive the damage to the vase, Princess," the unicorn mare standing next to it said quickly. "We had some trouble moving it here on such short notice."

"Short notice?" Luna raised an eyebrow. "The date of the festival is the same every year."

"I— I mean, there was a confusion at the last moment, and we had packed the wrong vase," she hastily corrected.

"I see. Well, you have done excellent work, and such imperfections only show that the work is genuine, for life itself is never without hardship."

"Y-Yes, of course. Thank you, Princes." It was getting painfully awkward, and Sappho was just about to make some excuse to leave when Luna said her perfunctory farewells and continued their journey.

The next exhibit was a statue by yet another famed sculptor. "You've noticed it too, yes?" Luna asked Sappho as they crossed the street to reach it.

"That the past three exhibits have featured you, and all of them seem... as if they are not the artist's best work?" Sappho had seen her fair share of art created without passion, had done it herself enough times to recognize it in another.

"I can assure you, I was not so popular at last year's festival, which I did not attend." For the first time in weeks, Sappho couldn't read Luna's emotions. "I wonder..."

"Ah, Princess, your presence honours me!"

"Thank you..." Luna quickly glanced at the name on the display. "...Chisel Chip." She turned towards the statue of herself curled up in a sitting position and staring up at the skies. "You have created something beautiful here."

"I call it, 'Reflections at Midnight,' in honour of your glorious self."

"I see." Luna walked closer to observe the statue, and Sappho followed suit, beginning to feel like an attendant or a priestess following her goddess. The Lunar Princess leaned down to examine the flank of her statue, an amusing gesture that Sappho would have to remember to tease her about later.

Her mirth stilled as Luna frowned. "Sappho, would you please take a look at this?"

"Of course, Princess." They were in public now, and it was expected that Sappho would use her title. She did as instructed, peering at the stone flank emblazoned with the mark of the crescent moon. "What should I be looking for?"

"Look at the cutie mark. See how the crescent moon was once a full circle?" Indeed, though it had been mostly chiselled off, it was clear that there was a deepening on the stone that completed the circuit of the crescent moon.

"And look here." Luna pointed at the shadows surrounding in the cutie mark. "You can see the faintest hint of rays cast out by the circle." Again, Sappho nearly had to touch the statue with her forehead to see it, but the darkened lines were present as Luna had described.

Luna's eyes narrowed as she turned to face Chisel Chip, who was beginning to sweat under her examination. "The cutie mark was once the Sun, wasn't it?" she asked, though it wasn't really a question so much as a statement of fact.

With that, Chisel Chip threw himself on the floor, prostrating himself before the Princess. "Forgive me, Princess Luna," he pleaded. "I did not have enough time to create something new, so I altered the piece I was going to bring to the festival."

"Rise, Chisel Chip." The pony in question nearly jumped back onto his hooves at the command. "Tell me, why did you not simply leave the statue as it was? Celestia is an inspiration to us all, and deserves to be remembered in art as well."

"But Bas Relief said..." he trailed off, but Luna pressed her interrogation.

"Yes? Has there been some rumour spreading here like a plague?"

"He said that everypony had to have at least one work depicting you!" Chisel Ship exclaimed. "He said that if we wanted our work to be recognized it had to include you!"

Luna started at that, he eyes going wide. "W— What?" She shook her head. "That is preposterous. I am the Princess of the Arts, and I look favourably upon any work that displays passions and skill."

"But everypony was saying—"

"You should not go to the crowd for knowledge," Luna admonished. "Now then, I do not know if this statue can be salvaged, but I believe that it can be much more than it is. If you do decide to create something worth presenting, I would be glad to see it next year."

With that, Luna took her leave, still grumbling under her breath. "Where do our ponies even get such foolish notions?"

"Can you blame them?" Sappho asked. "It is the first time you have graced their festival in living memory. If Artemis or Apollo were to visit Lesbos, we would have every artisan on the island working day and night to create offerings to them. The ponies here love you, and they want to show you that love in any way they can."

Luna snorted. "Or they are sycophants who only desire my favour and blessing."

Sappho shrugged. "I choose to believe that they are genuine, for surely others must see what I see in you, and would wish to worship at your hooves."

A blush crept up on Luna's cheeks before she hid it with a shake of her head and a scoff. "You are wonderfully naive at times, Sappho of Lesbos. Never lose touch of that goodness in your heart."

"You flatter me, Luna."

"I speak only truth gained from centuries of experience." Luna looked up as they approached the next stall. "Oh, most joyous of joys," she said, deadpan. "Another portrait of myself hastily assembled at the last moment."

The next five displays they visited did indeed feature Luna as their main focus. To Sappho, it was comical how some of them had clearly altered an existing work to fit the Princess in. From a painting that was clearly supposed to be Celestia sunbathing changed to be Luna enjoying the Summer Sun, to a vase depicting what had once been a unicorn that had gained wings hastily etched onto her sides. Sappho found her mood lightening with each absurd sight.

"I cannot believe he painted you in the skies above Princess Platinum's coronation," Sappho said, giggling. Even she knew enough of Equestrian history to know that Luna had not yet been born for that event.

"I shall admit, it was amusing to see Base Coat trying to justify my presence as a metaphor the legacy of Equestria she would leave behind. I do not think I have seen such prevarications since I caught Lady Bluebelle stealing the Crown Jewels from the Treasury." Luna seemed to finally have tired of her grumpiness, allowing a small, indulgent smile to rest on her face. "In more hopeful news, Base Coat said that this next exhibit did not feature me. It will be a relief not to have to look at another facsimile of myself."

They reached the next stall, where a large painting sat on an easel. The piece depicted two mares soaring among the clouds, locked in a tight embrace. Their hooves were wrapped around each other in an oddly intimate fashion, and their muzzles...

"Are they kissing?" Sappho whispered to Luna, unable to believe her eyes.

"Ah, Princess Luna," an Earth Pony with a paintbrush for a cutie mark said as he approached them. "I deeply apologize for not having a painting of—"

"This is a remarkable presentation of the female form, and the passion between the two mares nearly leaps from the canvas," Luna said, interrupting the artist before he could no doubt apologize for not featuring her. "Your work is commendable, and a welcome change of pace from the rest of the festival. Tell me, what inspired this piece?"

"Well, it all started when I was given the opportunity to visit Cloudsdale..." As Luna spoke with the artist about his work, Sappho found her attention fixed on the painting itself, and the act it depicted.

There was no doubt that the two mares were lovers, their muzzles locked together in a passionate kiss. It was depraved. It was wrong. And Sappho couldn't stop staring, her eyes tracing each and every curve of both mares' bodies. Something within her stirred, a heat that she wrote off as embarrassment.

Thankfully, Luna did not spend too much time in conversation in front of the painting, and soon they found themselves moving on. Having finally broken the streak of seeing herself over and over again, Luna elected to rest for a short while in the centre of the square, next to the graceful fountain that sprayed a steady stream of water into the air.

"That was quite the breath of fresh air, was it not?" Luna mused as she sat down.

"If you say so," Sappho replied. "I am shocked, though, at how brazen it was."

Luna raised an eyebrow. "Oh? I did not think it too far beyond propriety. Blank Canvas did a wonderful job of hinting at something more, without revealing so much as to become tasteless. A skill that many lack."

"Not that. I meant that it was between two mares."

Luna stilled. "Do you object to two mares taking each other as lovers?" There was a dangerous edge to that tone, and Sappho was reminded of that night in the garden when Sappho had spoken of finding a husband.

Still, she knew the Princess better now, knew that she would not be punished for speaking freely. "It is unnatural," she said simply. "It violates the natural laws, and in my realm, such a thing would never be accepted."

"Hmmph. Well, in this realm I have some measure of control over the natural laws, and when I took a mare as a lover, the heavens did not shake in fury, unless you count my sister being jealous that I had taken a lover before her."

"I suppose if mares can stand with stallions as equals, then a mare taking another mare as a lover is not so odd," Sappho mused. Then, the full force of Luna's words hit her. "You have taken a lover before?" Perhaps it was because she still thought of her as alike Artemis, but the notion that the Princess of the Night had shared her body with another made her uneasy.

"A few times, when I was young and more prone to rashness," Luna admitted. "They never lasted long, as I was even more capricious than my Moon in those times."

A fond smile graced her lips as she stood up. "Now, shall we see what other methods the craftsponies here have devised to insert me into their works?"

"Lead, and I shall follow, Princess."

Yet another painting awaited them, and this time, Luna's jaw dropped as well as Sappho's at the sight.

"Oh, Princess Luna, I'm so happy you came to see my Dreams of Desires!" A cheerful pegasus mare flittered about rapidly as she chattered away excitedly. "I've been working on this piece for months. I never dreamed that you'd be here to see it in person. I'm so so so so grateful that you graced our festival with your presence this year."

Luna still had not spoken a word, which the pegasus took as a sign to continue.

"Do you like it? I hope you like it. I worked really hard on it and I've been looking forward to showing this off since I started working on it last year."

"It... umm... it is clear that you have a keen eye for detail, and that you are a skilled wielder of the brush." Luna's head tilted as she stared at the painting. "It is a fine image of myself that you have painted, and the mare who is... umm... sharing in my passion is finely rendered as well."

The pegasus beamed. "I'm so glad you liked it! I really wanted to show off your passionate side. After all, you are more than the Princess of the Night. You are the Princess of Dreams, of Desire and Lust and Love, and I really wanted to make sure that I conveyed that as well."

"I see." From her stance, Luna was refusing to make eye contact with the mare. "And is there a reason that the other mare in this image possesses a remarkable similarity to yourself?"

"No no no." It was a wonder that the pegasus mare's head didn't come off with how fast she was shaking it. "I'm a pegasus with a green coat and a teal mane. The mare in the painting is a pegasus with a teal coat with a green mane. My cutie mark is a paintbrush, and hers is an easel. See, we're completely different ponies! I definitely haven't had dreams that inspired this painting!"

"I am certain that you have not," Luna said in such deadpan that it was a wonder the other mare's heart hadn't stopped on the spot. "Well, I will say that this is the best work I have seen today featuring myself, and I commend you on adhering to your artistic vision, whatever that may be."

"Thank you, Princess!" Buzz, buzz, buzz. She was a like a little hummingbird with how she flitted around the stall, and Sappho couldn't wait to be away from her. "I'll see you in my dreams!"

"I believe you." As they walked away, a small smile graced her features, lighting her face up like the moon she held dominion over.

Sappho waited until they were out of earshot of the mare until she spoke. "How dare she defile you so!" she whispered hotly. "Will you not smite her for her insolence?"

That got a chuckle out of Luna. "I do believe that she is plenty smitten already."

"But— But, that painting!" Sappho gestured helplessly into the air, trying and failing to convey the wrongness of it. "You, and her, and that bed! Her hooves on your—!"

"She is certainly a mare who knows what she wants, and has a very vivid imagination." A mischievous glint formed in her eyes. "Perhaps I shall visit her dreams tonight to see if they live up to that painting."

"Luna!"

"What, did you not say that you wished more ponies thought fondly of me as you do?" As scandalized as Sappho was, it warmed her heart to see the playful mood Luna was in.

"I am hardly fond of you in that way," she retorted. "And I still think the ponies should fear you even as they love you. And that mare certainly doesn't see you as a goddess."

"I suppose I shall see how well she worships tonight." The mare actually winked at her!

Sappho snorted. "I hope you wash yourself after she gets her hooves all over you."

"Oh, Sappho, do I sense jealousy within you?"

That got an even louder snort out of her. "Of course not," she said. "I care not whom you share your bed with." Though, the painting did make her wonder what it would be like to run her hand through her soft fur, to feel the warmth from her skin as she let her hand graze lower and lower...

"You're thinking of it now, aren't you?" Luna said with a coy smile. "We'll make an Equestrian out of you yet."

"I'd rather bathe in Acheron without a towel," Sappho retorted, rolling her eyes. "Now then, what is next on our agenda?"

"That would be—" A ripple of commotion in the crowds interrupted Luna. All around them, ponies were looking up at the sky, in the direction of the castle.

Sappho did the same and found herself watching Princess Celestia descend from the heavens, surrounded by her own pegasus guards. She landed gracefully on the ground as the ponies spread out to give her space. "Sister," she said as she folded her sings shut. "We must return to the Castle at once."

Instantly, Luna was a Princess of Equestria once again, all teasing wiped from her face as she addressed her fellow ruler. "What happened? Is this about the report on Tartarus? Have the agents in the Badlands finally moved against us?"

Princess Celestia shook her head. "Radiant Hope came to the castle bearing dire news of the Crystal Empire. You should hear it from her first."

Luna nodded. "Allow me a few moments to convey my regrets to the hosts of this event. I shall be with you posthaste." With that, she took to the air, her powerful wings carrying her across the square and leaving Sappho behind with Princess Celestia.

"I don't think I've properly thanked you yet, Sappho," the Solar Princess said after a short bout of silence.

"For what?" Sappho replied, trying to recall what she'd done the last time she'd met with the Princess. Conversations about fashion and the arts were all she could recall.

"I have not seen Luna so happy in a hundred years." Princess Celestia's smile grew melancholy as she spoke. "It is said that ponies fear a frown from me, for I can destroy their social standing and leave them penniless and anathema to the nobles, and they fear a frown from my sister, for she can rip the souls from their bodies and trap them in eternal darkness. And yet, nopony ever talks of making us smile."

A gold-clad hoof was placed on Sappho's shoulders as Princess Celestia looked her right in the eyes, overwhelming gratitude radiating from her expression. "Thank you for making her smile. I have sorely missed the sight."

"It—It was my pleasure, Princess Celestia." What more was there to say? Sappho had not befriended Luna for personal gain or to curry favour, and she would not accept any boon from the Princess for it.

"Please, call me Celestia, at least in private. It is the least I can give you after all you have done for my sister."

"If you wish, Celestia." It felt wrong to speak of her as such. Unlike Luna, Sappho still saw the Princess of the Sun as more goddess than mare, even though she knew it was only because Princess Celestia was more practised at hiding her equine aspect behind the mask of Divinity.

She was saved from having to make any more small talk with Princess Celestia by the reappearance of Luna. "I am ready," she said to her sister before turning to address Sappho. "I am sorry, but I must take my leave now. Please, enjoy the rest of the festival. I will keep a pair of guards here to ensure that you are not molested."

"Thank you, Luna," Sappho said graciously. "I hope that all shall be well soon."

With the farewells exchanged, the Princesses and their escorts returned to the castle, flying side-by-side in perfect harmony. It was truly a sight to behold, and Sappho found her eyes lingering on the Lunar Princess' flank and the curves that the previous painting had brought to light in shocking detail.

The rest of the festival passed by in a haze. Without Luna, and surrounded with reminders of her absence, Sappho simply wandered from exhibit to exhibit, hardly paying attention to what was supposed to be the greatest display of artistic skill in the world. She simply couldn't take her mind off of her friend, and hoped that everything was alright with her.

At some point, she asked the guards Luna had left behind to take her back to the Castle. When she got there, she discovered that the Princesses had already set off to the Crystal Empire to deal with whatever crisis was occurring there.

Sappho ate her evening meal alone, and then retired to her room. Images of Luna, of her supple flanks and slender frame and muscular legs, flowed through her mind unbidden, and she grabbed her quill and parchment and wrote in order to dispel the thoughts clouding her mind.



Never yet, love, in earth's lifetime,
Hath any cunningest minstrel
Told the one seventh of wisdom,
Ravishment, ecstasy, transport,
Hid in the hue of the hyacinth's 
  Purple in springtime.

Not in the lyre of Orpheus,
Not in the songs of Musaeus,
Lurked the unfathomed bewitchment
Wrought by the wind in the grasses, 
Held by the rote of the sea-surf,
  In early summer.


Only to exquisite lovers,
Fashioned for beauty's fulfilment,
Mated as rhythm to reed-stop 
Whence the wild music is moulded,
Ever appears the full measure
  Of the world's wonder.