//------------------------------//
// Part 3: The oath and the witness. 
// Story: Harmony Unfurled 
// by Saturni_Rose 
//------------------------------//

Beleaguered, Luna crested the hill which overlooked her home for the second time that day. The sun was setting and her curious eyes chased after it, thinking once again about the sister she hadn’t talked to for some time. Though, “some time” was putting it lightly, she realized. She hadn’t had a proper conversation with Celestial since well before her exile. 
Surely this vast swathe of time gone by changed her sister. Change which her curiosity yearned to see. And again she thought of what Sunset had told her, wondering how one so much younger seemed so much wiser. Bitter perceptions of time and change and growth all wracked her brain as she descended upon the hill, lowering into the shadows of her new life. With her mind wandering like it was, she didn't even notice the pleasant pink pony patiently awaiting her triumphant return. 
In she loped along, flinging her keys onto the far counter with a half hearted flick of her horn. Pinkie happily strode in behind her. And when Luna went to close the door, she got it for her. “Oh, thank you Pinkie.” said Luna as she turned back for the stairs which lead to her room. But then she stopped, craning her head back around, mouth slightly agape. “Oh, Pinkie. I was so out of sorts, I barely noticed you. I’m deeply sorry.” 
Pinkie Pie perhaps purposed to put forth a response, post-haste. But her glancing eyes were tugged upon by a new shiny trinket. Playfully, she batted at the gemstone pendant, unabashed in her kitten-like swipe. “Nice new necklace, Luna.” 
“Oh, thank you.” replied Luna half-heartedly, reactively bearing it forth for a better view. In reality, she was merely trying to get a glimpse of it herself from this odd angle. “It was a gift, actually. From a new friend.”
Pinkie Pie’s face lit up like a street lamp on a dark summer’s night. Meanwhile, outside, a unicorn out on behalf of the city lit a roadside lamp, shedding a dull, warm light on them through the window. “A new friend?!” asked Pinkie, practically bounding into the air. “How’d you meet--what are they like--can I meet them I just love making new friends, you know--do they live around here--ah this is so exciting!” 
With a snicker, Luna found herself smiling again, her woes washing away like the brine at high tide when the full moon rises over a lonely, albeit peaceful beachside. “Well, Galahad was rather pleasant, actually. We found we had a lot in common, surprisingly, despite her being a dragon.”
“There’s a dragon nearby?” Pinkie’s face contorted slightly. It wasn't so much a frown as it was a wrinkle in one corner of her mouth, accentuated by a slight tilt of the head. 
“You hadn’t heard? The weather team found her lair early this morning, and Rainbow was rushing around town trying to find me and tell me.”
“Huh.” Pinkie rubbed her chin. “That explains why she stormed into Sugarcube Corner earlier asking about you then left when I said I hadn’t seen you. Anyway I’m super proud of you branching out and making new friends! 
“Why, thank you.” she replied simply, brimming in confidence. But then she remembered something: her manners. “Oh, would you like some tea, dear?” 
Pinkie nodded, relaxing and resting her hooves in her lap. She then called after Luna as she got up to go, speaking in a faux posh accent. “Why but of course that sounds most lovely. Hmm, yes, quite.” 
“Psh,” pouted Luna with a smirk, “okay, I get it. No fancy talk.” 
“Aw, Luna, I’m only kidding around. You can speak how you want with me.” There was a smile between the two of them, and with it, a sort of understanding. A quiet settled over them, and Pinkie watched her turn back toward her modest little kitchen area stowed in the back. But then she called out again: “I like what you’ve done with your hair, by the way.” 
Luna paused. She felt her locks, realizing her energy was still drained from the day she’d had. Loose strands of light blue fell limp over her brushing hoof, shining somewhat slick with the sweat she’d so profusely perspired from the fanning, white-hot flames. All she could curiously manage in response was: “Oh?” 
“Yeah!” beamed Pinkie. But she immediately began to fumble her words after. “I dunno, I guess it feels more down to earth? Maybe that sounds kinda silly. Does that make any sense?” 
“Oh, it does.” assured Luna with a pleasant nod. “You needn’t feel self-conscious with me, Pinkie.” 
“Thanks.” said Pinkie, somewhat uncharacteristically sighing, relieved to be in good company. 
Then, before Luna could even attempt to turn back for that tea again, there came a flash from outside. Bright blueish light broke the encroaching dark, but was gone, near as soon as it came. And after a shared glance of confusion between the two ponies, it was followed by a knock on the door. A moment of hesitation later, Luna made to answer, right as another, increasingly impatient rapping rang out. 
“Yes?” asked Luna as she opened up. In came Sunset Shimmer of all ponies, advancing on stomping hooves, while Luna retreated in an awkward scuttle. 
“You have got some nerve, you kn--” began Sunset in a huff, but then she noticed this pink pony sitting a few paces away, now staring at her wide-eyed. “I wasn’t aware you had company.” 
“Oh, th--” Luna started to say, before Sunset cut her off. 
“Hey,” she curtly interrupted, “I need to borrow Luna for a bit. Would you mind taking a five minute hike?” 
Pinkie Pie bounded up before her with as big a smile as ever. “Sure as sunshine, Luna’s other new friend I didn’t know about until just now. I’ll be back in five minutes, but also hello it was nice meeting you and I hope we can meet again some other time when it’s more convenient but only if you’d like to of course no pressure.” 
Struggling to get a word in edgewise, Sunset stammered, watching her bounce out the door. “W-wait, I didn’t mean literally.” But it was too late. She was already gone. Sunset’s flabbergasted eyes fell back onto Luna. “I’m going to go out on a limb and guess that one was Pinkie Pie?” 
Saying nothing, Luna nodded. She was still mainly perplexed as to why Sunset was here in her home. Stranger than that, she was being aggressive; suddenly her tone matched not the coolness of her eyes, but the fiery hues of her person. 
“We probably have about four minutes and thirty seconds, then, so I’ll make this quick.” 
“Alright,” said Luna, straightening up, “what is this about, Sunset?” 
“You really have no idea how hard I had to hold back my anger earlier. Not for your sake, of course; I would’ve upset Twilight.” Sunset grimaced, disheartened by the notion. 
This ruffled Luna up a little, her feathers bristling in confused frustration. “I beg your pardon?” 
“Beg all you like, Luna, but you have got to work on how you speak to other ponies.” barked Sunset as she approached her, sizing her up. She prodded Luna’s puffed up, indignant chest, and ranted on. “Especially Twilight.” 
Luna’s lip curled into a frown. “When d-” 
“I understand that you’re working through some difficult things, and it’s one thing if your friends can deal with you taking out your frustrations on them, but now you’re hurting my friend, and I’ve had enough.” Her brow furrowed further, the hurt echoing in her words. 
Luna slid back on her hind legs, beginning to concede ground, try as she might to maintain her full height. “B-b-”
“You really have no idea how much she looks up to you, do you?” She gave a single, bitter laugh. “It’s all I ever hear now, is book club with Luna this, oh Luna said this, or Luna did this. What a cruel joke.” 
As Sunset huffed, trying to catch her breath, Luna thought she might find room to respond. But suddenly, no words came. Even as the shouting subsided and the princess became slightly more calm, she still found herself hunching further back. What ever indignation she’d had prior felt less and less justified. So she let it go. 
“She only invited me today because she wanted me to help you.” Sunset finally peered at her again, meeting her eyes, but only from the side as she now began to loom over her. “Did you know that?” 
Her voice caught in her throat. No words would come. Sinking lower before the princess, Luna simply shook her head. 
“Of course not.” Sunset tossed some of her frazzled mane out from her eyes. “She cares so much about you, after such a short time. And how did you repay her today, Luna?” 
“I’m…” It was a struggle to maintain this half-hearted, contemptuous eye contact. So instead, Luna looked the other way. 
“Besides obviously putting her in danger? You yelled at her. All she wants is to help you, and you yelled at her, Luna.” Sunset sighed and shrugged, shaking her head as much in disagreement over this whole thing as pure, rotten dismay. “And from the way I hear it, it sounds like this isn’t the first time this has happened, even just between the two of you.” 
Luna shifted uncomfortably. 
“Do you have any idea how frustrating that is? Watching your best friend fawn over somepony new, who seems to treat her like dirt?” She drew a deep, long breath, composing herself, smoothing down her own feathers. “It’s just the worst.” 
That word, it hung heavy on the silent air for what felt like an eternity. The worst. It made Luna’s stomach churn, an all too familiar nausea taking hold. A lump caught in her throat, but she gulped it back down. At long last, she managed actual words. “I’m sorry.” 
Sunset just looked at her. Her mouth tightened. “Look, this needed saying. Seeing the heartbreak on her face earlier, it just… boils me up inside. So, you know. Don’t hurt her again. And don’t endanger her again, obviously.” Her words hissed like smoldering embers. “Or I’m going to intervene, I don’t care if it means Twilight has to see me lose my temper again. Do we understand each other?” 
Luna quivered as she nodded. 
Callously, Sunset turned about face, holding her chin up high. And not looking back, she told Luna “You probably have just under three minutes before your friend comes back. So stop shaking behind your chair like a scared little filly. You’re a grown mare, Luna. It’s time you started acting like it.” 
Luna began picking herself up off the floor, accidentally knocking her chair over in the process. It clattered on the floorboards as the door firmly shut behind Sunset. Luna watched the flash through the window, knowing that she was gone. Setting the chair upright once more, she claimed the seat, slumping into it in a way that couldn’t be comfortable. But maybe she didn’t deserve comfort… 



A little over two minutes later, the door merrily swung open again. Pinkie Pie pranced in, wiping the sweat from her brow. “Whew, that was a nice little hike. Hey, Luna, your new friend gave a really good suggestion. I’d been meaning to get more exercise!” 
The library responded with silence. There were no lights on in the main chamber. Passing by, Pinkie saw the two chairs replaced under their respective tables. Her hoofsteps clicked across a lonely dark. “Luna?” 
Making her way beyond the shelves with their books, Pinkie saw the door leading into the back, where the storage and modest kitchen lay in wait. A dim little light barely seeped under, and around the crack where the door had been opened, but not properly closed. Pushing it in, Pinkie found Luna hunched over a pot, inspecting its content for boiling water. 
Luna’s head snapped up fast, turning toward the creak of the door. But an odd relief settled over, subsiding the brief instant of panic, betrayed by widened eyes. Lowering her ears and wings, she said “Oh, Pinkie. You’re back.” 
“I am!” sang Pinkie, idly flicking the light switch, blinding Luna. She cheerily danced into the room, prancing and twirling across the short distance. Upon arrival, she gave Luna a playful hip bump, scooting in to join her in looking over this kettle. “Whatcha got on the stove?” 
Luna recovered, having been only halfway paying attention. “O-oh, after our… guest left, I finally put that tea on like I um, like I talked about earlier. Yeah.” 
“Sounds good.” Without even asking, Pinkie stretched up for the cupboard above the counter. She plucked one cup, then another, setting them down right-side-up. The second of the two bumped a golden chain. “Oh, Luna,” she said, pointing in surprise, “you took off your new necklace?” 
“Hmm? Ah, right, so I did.” Luna meekly cast a bit of magic, sliding the pendant further out of the way, replacing it with a couple small tin containers. “I suppose I felt rather gaudy, talking to Sunset with that thing on.” 
Pinkie Pie nudged her gently with an elbow. “What, like some sort of princess or something? Eh?” 
Luna’s teal eyes glossed over, popping the lids off her tins, revealing teabags and sugar cubes. She met Pinkie’s expectant gaze. “Yes.” 
Pinkie was nonplussed, entirely unused to having a joke not land. Goodness knows there’s been a few shaky landings. They can’t all be gold, alright? But getting anything colder than at least a copper reception was practically unheard of. “Did you at least have a good conversation with your friend? Sunset, was it?” 
“Maybe ‘good’ isn’t the right word. It was definitely… informative. It helped me put a few things into perspective.” Luna shuffled away from the kettle. Watching it wouldn’t bring on the boil. Nevertheless she went ahead and turned her attention to her cups. 
“Three lumps for me, please,” beeped Pinkie with a smirk, watching her drop in the bags and lay out the spoons from the drawer, “just try not to leave any bruises, okay?” 
Luna gawked at her a moment, deafeningly silent. Unease settled in, though, as Pinkie became visibly frustrated by getting nary a peep of laughter, no hint of a chuckle, and not even the beginnings of a smirk. 
“Yeesh,” sighed Pinkie in defeat, “maybe my necklace doesn’t fit me either.” She accepted the cup as Luna spooned in her sugar and placed the bag overtop, covering the sweetness she desired. And with it she ambled over to the tiny table for two, slumping into one chair. 
Luna watched after her, heart feeling heavier as she prepped her own mug. “Pinkie? What do you mean?” 
“Not to toot my own horn, but I like to think I’m funny. How could I be the element of laughter and earn that special necklace you gave me if I wasn’t?” Pinkie propped her cheek against the back of her hoof, mannerlessly resting her elbow on the short table. 
A moment’s hesitation later, Luna abandoned the warming water and sat across from her friend. “Now who said you’re not funny?” 
“Well nopony said it, exactly. But I can usually get a laugh out of you.” Pinkie gestured vaguely in Luna’s direction with her other hoof. “Not today, though. Guess I’m losing my touch.”
“Oh, Pinkie, no…” As her friend’s hoof came to rest, Luna covered it with her own. “Do you think it’s your fault I’m not laughing?” 
“It must be.” Pinkie lifted her chin from her hoof, peering headlong into Luna’s softening eyes. Something about them seemed to keep her volume steady, upset as she was getting. It were as though she were Fluttershy, speaking sweetly to a timid young doe. Which she had to admit, was odd, considering she was not now, nor had she ever been Fluttershy. 
Well, actually, there was that dream once. But that probably doesn’t count. 
“Well, it’s not.” Luna tried to wear a convincing tone, despite herself. “I’m so sorry if I made you feel that way. You… could never be the blame for my discontent.” 
The gears started to turn in Pinkie’s head, quickly taking over the relief she briefly felt. “Then was it something that pretty Sunset lady said?” 
“Snrk, I guess she is rather pretty.” Short lived, the smile faded from Luna’s lip. “But yes, I suppose she struck a nerve.” 
“Ah ha, I thought so.” Pinkie nodded, pride brimming in her correct conclusion. Pride which was certainly outweighed by concern. Returning her attention, her look became strangely solemn. “But Luna, if that’s the case, why didn’t you just say so?” 
Sluggish with regret, Luna’s head veered away. “I didn’t want you to worry about me.” 
Pinkie took the initiative here; she reached out and gently persuaded her friend’s face back into view, now that her hoof was free from Luna’s. “Of course I’m worried about you, silly. Why do you think I’m trying to cheer you up?” 
Sullenly, a navy hoof covered the pink one which cupped Luna’s chin so delicately. “I’m sorry I haven’t seemed appreciative of your efforts, then. Your companionship means the world to me, you know.” 
“Then why didn’t you just tell me when I got back?” 
Luna blinked. Pinkie’s head tilted to one side, painfully earnest in the inquiry. Things came to a boil. She separated, their connection severed, and went to fetch the water before things could bubble over. At long last, she began to pour. “Hrm, I don’t want to bring you down with me. And I know you worry about me, but I don’t like being a cause for concern.”
Pinkie Pie watched as Luna set the kettle back upon the stove. The two of them let their tea steep. She waited for Luna to settle back down, knowing there was more to come. Maybe this was a drag for her usual energy levels, and she wanted to help; but she figured right now, giving Luna room to let off the steam might be best. “You were saying?” 
Luna patiently blew on the steam from her cup. “Right. Basically, Sunset helped me realize some bad habits of mine today, and I just… I want to work on it.” 
After a loud, disruptive slurp, Pinkie told her, gawking, “That business again? Luna, you’re fine.” 
“Pinkie…” Luna’s eyes grew heavy. She wanted to appreciate that sentiment, but it felt so hard. “I know you’re trying to help me, but… I think I… don’t want a friend to tell me what I want to hear, instead of what I need to hear.”
Pinkie bit her lip and made a note to never drink hot, hot tea for the sake of the gag ever again, especially if it wasn’t going to work. She replied with a wince. “H-how do you mean?” 
“Are you alright? The tea is still pretty hot, you know.” Luna didn’t think twice to drop the whole conversation for her best friend. She halfway began to rise out of her chair and go to her. 
“I’m fine, I’m fine!” Pinkie halted her with a hoof, then ushered her on. “Keep going, heheh. I think we were getting somewhere?” 
Luna sat back down, musing. “Huh. I suppose so.” 
“So what were you saying? Sorry to interrupt.” Hope beat faintly anew in Pinkie’s heart as the hint of a smile began again. 
“Ponies keep telling me I’m doing fine.” sighed Luna, toying with her cup. “And maybe I am better, and I know they mean well, but I honestly don’t think I am.” 
Pinkie pursed, honing her focus solely on Luna, hanging on her every word. And as her attention drifted away with her, Pinkie absentmindedly began to lift her cup once more. “Uh huh?” 
Gingerly, Luna set Pinkie’s cup back down for her, smirking as it dawned on her before continuing. “Because, despite everything I’ve been through, after all this time, I’m still lashing out when I get upset.” 
“Like when you threw that book, and it almost hit Fluttershy?” Air hissed inward through her teeth, because Pinkie knew even she couldn’t necessarily excuse that, even if she did understand it. Either that, or she was still trying to cool her mouth off. 
“Not just that. There’ve been more that you haven’t seen. I’m afraid you may have seen the best of me.” Her lashes fluttered the disappointment in herself. 
“Wow, then I’d be awful excited to see an even better you.” With a flash of her pearly whites, Pinkie earned an earnest smile in kind. Whatever unfamiliar ground she was treading, she could feel the progress. “Do you um, oh, want to… tell me about these other times? I think that’s what I’m supposed to do here. Am I doing this right?”
“You’re doing marvelous, dear.” assured Luna in a tone so chipper, it surprised even herself. “But, well, I’m afraid I haven’t been the best of friends to Twilight. I’ve been utterly tactless toward her. Unkindly so, even.” 
The mood sank a little more, so Pinkie tried to lift it. “Well, at least you haven’t been getting into any more fights. Ha, that would be really bad. Not to mention unhealthy not just mentally but physically too! I mean, could you im-oh, oh no you’ve totally gotten into a fight, I can tell by the look on your face, oh Celestia I am so embarrassed.” 
Luna bounced in her chair with shock at the sudden thunk of Pinkie not so gently bringing her head to a sudden rest on the table. And in response to the muffled groan that inquired, she told her “I fought Twilight’s brother, because he thought I was still Nightmare Moon at the time, though I think I told you and the other girls about that.” 
Narrow, scrutinous eyes peered up from Pinkie’s crossed hooves. “I may or may not have forgotten that.” she grumbled, seemingly more angry with herself about that one. 
“And today, well. I erm, fought a dragon?” 
Blinking is something that happens rather quickly when eyelids are awfully close together to begin with. “Say what now?” 
Timidly, Luna gingerly tapped her hooves together. “Um. The dark clouds today were dragon’s smoke. Sh-she was hostile at first, and well, I… fought her?” 
There came a stern and sturdy click when Pinkie clacked her hooves together. She hissed a deep breath through flaring nostrils. “Luna. I love you. But you fought a dragon. Do you see the problem here?” 
“It was… a rather destructive impulse. Yes, I think I’m aware of the issue with it.” 
“I’m holding back…” trebled Pinkie, trembling. “I’m holding back from flinging myself across this table and holding you and telling you to please, please never do something so dangerous ever again, please.” 
“Hmm.” thought Luna aloud, ponderously tapping her chin. “I think that might be what I need.” 
“Me to hold you?” asked Pinkie, uncertain, but already getting halfway out of her chair all the same. 
“No.” said Luna. But then she thought about it. “Well, I suppose I certainly wouldn’t mind that, actually. But what I mean is, I think I ought to take an oath.” 
Pinkie sat back down, the hugging mood somewhat spoiled. “Like a paladin?” 
“In a manner of speaking. But this oath, it would be to never lift a hoof again in anger.”
“So, no more fighting?” 
“Not unless there’s a very good reason. Like defending my friends.” Luna defiantly, proudly nodded her head, certain in her newfound conviction. “I think there might even be a book of old Equestrian law I might be able to swear upon, for the sake of tradition.” 
“Wait, wait.” bade Pinkie, inviting her back from the doorframe into her darkened archives. She timidly rubbed her hooves together before offering both of them, face up, to Luna. “What if you swore this oath… to a friend? A friend who really cares about you?” 
Confusion melted away into warmth. Smiling, Luna retook her chair. She gave her hooves into Pinkie’s. “I would be delighted for you to be the keeper of my solemn oath, Pinkie Pie. Let’s do it.” 
Pinkie beamed at her quietly for a solid moment. Then she broke the silence, saying “Okay, now what?” 
“Hehe, ask me if I have anything I would swear to you.” 
“Oh, okay. Ahem…” Pinkie put on her best attempt at a serious face. She righted her posture, lifted her chin, and lowered her eyes most scrupulously. “Luna. Do you have anything you would swear to me?” 
Giggles subsided, but the butterflies tickled her tummy. Luna tried her best to remember tradition just as well. “Yes, in fact I do, Pinkie of clan Pie. I, Luna of Canterlot, former exile, former Equestrian royalty, former Nightmare, hereby solemnly swear an oath in your name. Nary shall I do battle, or become involved in pitched combat again, for the sake of mine own righteous fury. Nay, I shall instead fight only for those I love, and to protect my home, should necessity arise.” 
A slight shortness of breath overtook Pinkie, gazing into the eyes of this elegant, eloquent mare. The sheer resolve of her words felt intimidating. Somewhere in all this, it suddenly struck her that this pony, her friend, was a fearsome warrior, a wizened wizard; above all, an ethereal being rendered into mortal flesh. She was like some marble statue of a mighty, beautiful figure of romanticized days gone by, come to life before her. Why, in fact, wasn’t that exactly what she was? At least, in a way? 
Pinking had to redouble her focus, dutifully hanging on every word, even if eye contact became a struggle. 
“Furthermore, I shall henceforth promise to try and keep said fury in check around these aforementioned loved ones of mine, lest I lash out at them, as has been my shame. Thus is this protection of mine extended to being even from myself… Pinkie of clan Pie?”
“Y-yes ma’am?” 
“Do you accept the burden of being witness to this self-sacred oath?” 
Pinkie gulped, hoping her hooves weren’t getting clammy. “Uh huh.” 
“And will you aide my quest, in helping me keep this oath?” 
“I will. For sure.” Pinkie nodded and Luna nodded back. She felt those blue hooves leave her pink ones, exposed and lonely in the cold air of their absence. But in withdrawing her own, Pinkie felt no sorrow. How could she, when she felt she truly saw Luna for what oddly felt like the first time. Despite her dark tone and the solemn air about her, she tended to be so warm and inviting… and even loving. “S-so how do you feel, Luna? Like a paladin?” 
“Perhaps not, but I do feel refreshed. Like the first real steps towards a better me have been walked. It only took, what, one measly millennium?” She saw a blank stare before it clicked. A healthy, honest laugh washed over Pinkie, like a great sigh of relief. She gleefully joined in, until their laughter rang out boisterously. 
“Good one, Luna.” congratulated Pinkie. 
Luna wiped a single tear from the corner of her eye. “Whew, I haven’t laughed like that in ages.” she sighed, retrieving her cup. She held it aloft with her magic and prompted Pinkie once more. “Cheers?” 
“Cheers.” Pinkie nudged their cups together, gently so no tea would spill. The two of them sipped the aromatic brew, still cozying in warmth as it danced across their respective palates. 
The two of them whiled away a couple hours, going through a couple cups apiece. Luna recounted the tale from just this morn, of how she met her newest friend, Galahad. Somewhere, somehow, the conversation drifted to family life; Pinkie spun a few yarns regarding life back home on the rock farm, as she called it. Her sisters, she loved, especially Maude. A promise was made to introduce her at least, to Luna. But Pinkie piped up as her stories reminded Luna of a few stories of her own, involving Celestia. 
Luna lost herself once more in those long castle halls of her youth as she described them. “Never was there a sconce unlit. Because, once upon a time, Celestia was afraid of the dark. Did you know that? My elder sister, more grown and mature than I, born to embody the sun… scared of the shadows as they danced across her bedroom wall.” 
Pinkie Pie watched, disappointed as what at one point must have been a very fond memory faded back into that sullen look Luna often had when discussing her sister. The laughter, the smile: both gone. And with it, the light in her eyes. 
The sun had set too, as the darkness which loomed over them from the window told. Pinkie spoke up; “Are you okay on your own tonight? I could run back to my loft and get a sleeping bag. I mean, if you’d like.” 
“Oh, like a bedroll?” Luna actually felt somewhat proud she was able to put that together herself. 
“Yeah! It could be like a sleepover!” 
“As to your question, dear, I think I’ll be alright for tonight. I haven’t felt this okay with myself since the six of us beat Nightmare Moon.” 
“Oh. I see.” She slumped, dejected. 
“Hmmmmmmmm, but if, say, that’s something you wanted to do, I suppose I couldn’t stop you.” Luna smirked as Pinkie perked right back up, her hair bouncing as she shot upright. 
Before either of them knew it, there came a soft click. The lamp on Luna’s bedside went out. With Galahad’s draconic smoke still lingering on the air, the moon could only struggle to shine through, covering two cozy fillies in a shroud of dark, like a blanket comfortably falling over them entirely. A shuffle of real blankets followed after. 
Luna, propped on one elbow, peering over the ledge of her bed. There below, as above, Pinkie had nestled in. She gave her new confidant a most pleasant look. “You’re sure you’re comfortable there?” 
Pinkie defiantly shook her head, refusing to rest elsewhere. “Wouldn’t have it any other way.” 
“Alright, fair enough.” She laid her head down, pulling the bed sheet part way up to stay somewhat cool in the balmy summer night. From here, she saw the crown and necklace, amusedly wondering if by the end of summer she might have an entire ensemble of gold and white to go with them. Not that she’d want to go around wearing them… Well, not the crown at least. “Pinkie Pie?”
“Yes, Luna?” came Pinkie’s response from below, right away. 
“May I be candid with you?” It was a question that invited uncertainty, perhaps. But she asked with conviction. 
“Always.” 
Despite the dark, Luna could see it so perfectly clear, that day. “You finding me on the day of Summer’s Sun may be one of the brightest moments in my life.” 
“Pun intended?” asked Pinkie with a giggle. 
“Very much so.” teased Luna, and the two of them shared a little laugh. “But I really do mean it, though. I’m so grateful you reached out to me.” 
“I woulda done that for anypony.” Pinkie assured, and she meant it too. But there came a pause. A thought loomed in her mind, then another. She thought maybe she’d ask Luna about her sister again. Surely she seemed happiest when not thinking about her or the other parts of her past life. Maybe moving on was best for her. But… no, it wasn’t her place to say, even if she resented her queen for the pain she’s cause. 
“Even the queen?” jokingly asked Luna, unaware that Pinkie now suspected her a mind reader. 
“Maybe.” said Pinkie with a huff. “I’m still mad she didn’t recognize you.” 
“That was… unfortunate.” Luna shifted uncomfortably in bed. “But we will move on eventually.” 
“You sound like you already forgive her.” That big pink puff of hair appeared at the side of Luna’s bed, followed by curious blue eyes. 
Luna met them. She propped up again to properly address the keeper of her oath. “Perhaps, but only because I want to. I really do.” 
Pinkie Pie shifted, her gaze glazing over as she looked away from her. “Maybe you don’t have to. I-I mean, go back to her side, that is. The forgiveness thing is fine.”
Luna gave her a skeptical, curious look. “I’m… What makes you say that?” 
“Because you’re happy. For the most part. Despite how sad you are…” Pinkie’s tone took on a certain sort of desperation. On some level she felt she’d said too much, and yet she couldn’t stop herself from digging her hole deeper. “With us, with Ponyville… with me. Aren’t you happy?” 
Luna’s mouth tightened. She thought about what to say to that. Any of that. “Pinkie…” 
Pinkie stammered and floundered and just generally rattled her head for more words to say, better words. “What I mean is… that is to say…” 
Luna brushed some of that pink fluff aside so Pinkie could see her better through those curly locks. This got her undivided attention. “My sister can wait; we can always worry about all of that tomorrow. But here and now, what I’m most certain of is I meant it wholeheartedly when I said you brighten my life.”
A skittish little smile returned to Pinkie’s face. “That… really means a lot to me. I mean, I make a lot of ponies smile, like, all the time, you know. It’s sort of part of my special talent, after all. Ooh, did I ever tell you that story, how I got my cutie mark, I guess not, huh? Anyway, even though I have a gift for putting smiles on faces, it really does mean a lot that I can give you one, most of all, because I think you really deserve it and-” 
Luna kissed her forehead, because why not. It seemed of little consequence, but then Pinkie’s momentum came to a shuddering stop. She couldn’t help but giggle. “It will be the witching hour soon, dear. I think we’d better get some rest.” 
“Oh. Yeah. Okay.” Pinkie touched her own cheek. It felt warm. A warmth she was shy about, so she lied back down in her sleeping bag with a whump. 
“Goodnight, oh trusted keeper of my oath.” cooed Luna as she settled in once more. 
“Goodnight, um… sweet summer paladin.” Pinkie nodded. Yeah, that sounded good.