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// Alone? 
// Story: Zinnias 
// by Serinity Southerland 
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Princess Celestia sat on an exorbitantly soft cushion as she sipped quietly at a cup of tea and enjoyed the company of her sister, who had finished lowering the moon to make way for her sister’s sun. Princess Luna was tired, but smiled as one of her attendants brought her a cup of the steaming amber tinted drink as well. “Thank you, sister. I appreciate you taking time from your morning to speak with me.” She grasped the cup with her magic and lifted it into the air. It shimmered, cloaked in a dark star filled aura as it floated up to her lips and she savored the floral taste of the sweet beverage as she sipped.

“You know that you are always welcome, Lulu. I suppose the Night Court was rather taxing?” Celestia smiled at her sister and set her tea cup back on it’s porcelain tray to take a bite from a blueberry scone which she levitated from a silvery plate of offerings in the middle of the table. 

“As humorous as you believe that joke to be, Tia, overseeing the writing of tax code is doubly tiring when those who write it are often doing so with their own needs in mind.” Luna sighed, setting her own now half-drained cup to the table. “It is a wonder you were able to manage both courts during my extended vacation on the moon.” 

Celestia winced at Luna’s statement. Her banishment to the moon was a one-thousand year sentence which still weighed heavily on Celestia’s heart. “It was difficult, not having my sister by my side. In more ways than one. I am sorry. I believe my actions were a mistake; one I intend to atone for."

“Sister, you do not need to apologize. My actions were inexcusable. I had sought to throw all of Equestria into darkness, and worse, I betrayed your trust. If anyone is to apologize, it is I. I only hope that I may one day set right what was done wrong and earn everypony’s trust once again.” Luna said remorsefully. Plunging the world into an ever lasting night because of her jealousy and bitter feelings towards her sister and allowing Nightmare Moon to control her was not something she was proud of, but she had made great strides in redeeming herself since her reformation.

Princess Celestia nodded, but still felt as though she was still partially to blame. Had she paid more attention to her sister, had she helped the citizens to understand and love Luna's night, maybe Nightmare Moon would never have been. She had promised to spend more time with Luna, and they both loved the little moments they got to share. 


Luna saw that her sister was still bothered by her past actions, but allowed the conversation to drop. She took a scone for herself and nibbled on it happily. She did envy Celestia’s ability to make friends, but since Luna had returned, she had made a few herself which made things a lot less lonely. She especially enjoyed the letters she and Celestia's student shared from time to time. She smiled and tried to stifle a yawn with a silver-shod hoof.

“It seems as though you are ready to retire for the day, dear sister. We can meet again for dinner before your night court begins this evening, if you wish." Celestia motioned for her attendant to come collect Luna's cup, which she graciously relinquished upon emptying it of its contents. 

"Yes, but before I leave, there is something I wish to speak with you about, dear sister.”

Celestia eyed the Princess of Night curiously. “Is something the matter, Lulu?” 

“Have you felt the disturbances as of late, dear sister? I feel there is something strange occurring with the natural flow of magic.” Luna didn’t show it on her face, but Celestia knows her sister well enough to tell she was concerned.

Celestia nodded and closed her eyes. “I have. These last few days have proved troubling, indeed. It is as though there are ripples and tiny tears in the fabric of magic that quickly dissipate nearly as soon as they appear. It would seem nopony else has noticed these rifts save for my student and one of her friends. I have received no small number of letters concerning her worry over this phenomena.” 

“Indeed. The tears are becoming worse as time progresses, and I fear that somepony, or something may have slipped through the veil and into Equestria last night.” Luna's concern managed to reach her face as she looked at her sister.

Celestia took another sip of her tea. "Tell me. What do you make of this creature? Have you made contact with it through the realm of dreams?" 

"I have, but only briefly. The creature is strange, but it is sentient. I do not believe that whatever, or more accurately whoever, it is will be a danger to Equestria, but I do fear for their safety. I have tracked them through the Astral Plane, but they appeared to have fallen unconscious shortly after arriving. I worry they may be injured and in need of aid, however they are currently out of reach.”

“They wander the wilds?” Celestia asked, now understanding the reason for her sister’s concern.

“Yes. I believe them to currently be located somewhere in the Everfree Forest. They appear as we do, in the form of a pony, though they feel distinctly foreign. I feel no hostility from them, just fear and desperation. I am…unsure what to make of this. That is why I came to ask you for guidance, Tia." Luna looked to Celestia hopefully.

“What is certain,” Celestia stood and motioned for one of her attendants, “is that there is a lost soul, who is afraid and alone, wandering through the wilds of Equestria; And It is our duty to protect those citizens who live within our borders, as well as those who are in need of a friend. I will alert the royal guard of this individual and have them perform a search. I would ask that you keep an eye on them in their dreams to ensure their safety and potentially help us find exactly where they are. I would feel much better with them living under a roof comfortably, rather than in a hole or tree. Would you agree?”

Luna nodded and smiled at her sister before hiding another yawn with a hoof. "Indeed. I shall leave it to you then, dear sister. I will inform you and the guard should I find their location or if their condition and well-being changes." Luna stood and bowed slightly, excusing herself.

"Thank you. Rest well, Lulu. We shall meet again this evening."

Luna bade Celestia a good day then retired to her room to rest before it was once again her turn to bring about the night. Once her sister had left, Celestia turned to her attendant, who was already holding a parchment and quill. “Take a note. To my faithful student, Twilight Sparkle."