//------------------------------// // Chapter 1 // Story: To Yield the Light // by RoyalPonySisters //------------------------------// “Good morning, Sister,” I said as I sat down at our mutual breakfast table. I was poised and ready to start a very busy day, checklist in horn and my loyal Raven at my side. Luna was already sitting at the table, looking rather disheveled after a long night. She returned my greeting weakly. “So, how was your night?” I asked, as we began eating. “Oh, it was fine,” Luna shrugged. “Some nightmares to dispel, a dark creature or two to fight, a little paperwork for the Royal Astronomical Society. The usual.” That doesn’t sound like a whole lot of work compared to what I have to do every day, but I don’t say that. No need to hurt her feelings. Instead I said, “Sounds like you got a lot done.” “I suppose,” Luna said, and took another bite. “What are you doing today?” “You don’t want to know,” I laughed, exchanging a glance with Raven. “We have to prepare for the Griffin Summit next week, choose a location for the Summer Sun Celebration, tax season is coming up, there are some nobles that need to be entertained, of course I still need to hold court….” Luna laughed. “I am sorry I asked.” I shook my head ruefully. “That’s not even half of it, unfortunately. I hope I’ll still have time to talk with you tonight at moonrise. If I can’t make it there, I apologize in advance.” “I understand.” Luna said. Then she got up to go to bed for the day and Raven and and I set off to conquer it. In the end, I did make it to the top of the West Tower to meet Luna, although it was fifteen minutes after moonrise. That isn’t too bad, all things considered. Still, I always try to be punctual. “It is alright,” Luna said, although I wonder if she really meant it. I have been late every day this week. I promise her I will do better, just like I promised yesterday. She nodded. “You look beautiful,” I said. She really did. The silvery moonlight shining on her dark coat and sparkling ethereal mane made her look almost otherworldly. The contrast to how she looked this morning was quite comical. “Thank you,” Luna said. She motioned for me to come over to her, and pointed at a small star at the corner of the sky. I racked my head, but I couldn’t identify it. Usually I can recognize any star instantly. Luna smiled at me. “See that star? It was born tonight.” “Really?” I asked in wonder. “I saw it appear during moonrise,” she said. “I know it is a new one because I did not recognize it, and I know every star.” “Are you going to name it?” I asked. “I have chosen a name, which I will submit to the Royal Astronomical Society tonight,” Luna said. “Think they will approve it?” I teased. Luna rolled her eyes. “They kind of have to, I think. After all, the night sky is my domain.” “Definitely,” I said. “I was never able to make it look as beautiful as you just did tonight.” Luna smiled a bit sadly, then said, “I am sure you did your best… but yes, when I first saw it… it was pretty awful.” A question popped out of my lips, unbidden. “Luna, have you ever wanted to raise the Sun?” Luna looked at me oddly. “That is quite a question, Celestia. What makes you ask?” “Oh, I don’t know,” I said casually, inwardly cursing myself for bringing it up. “I suppose it’s that- we were just talking about me raising the stars, so it got me thinking- what if you raised the Sun?” “I see,” Luna said. “I take it that as you did not particularly enjoy raising the stars, you wonder if I would enjoy raising the Sun?” “Would you?” I asked sincerely. “Well,” Luna said guardedly. “I assume that raising the Sun involves a lot of heat. And I do not really like heat.” “It does involve a lot of heat,” I said. “So I guess you probably wouldn’t like it, then?” I offered hopefully. Luna ignored me. “It also involves getting up quite early, every day. I certainly would not like that.” “Certainly,” I agreed happily. A feeling of relief spread through me. Of course Luna wouldn’t want to raise the Sun. The idea was preposterous! “Nevertheless,” Luna continued. “Even with those limitations in place, I would like to experience what it is like to raise the Sun. Light is a wonderful thing, after all.” “Oh,” I said softly. I mean, I couldn’t say that I was disappointed with her answer. It made sense, didn’t it? Who wouldn’t want to experience what I do every day? Anyway, she only said she wanted to try it out, not that she wanted to accept the Sun as hers. “Well, then, why don’t you raise the Sun tomorrow morning?” I heard myself say. Luna stared at me in shock. “You cannot be serious.” “I absolutely am. After all, I performed your duties for a thousand years. It is only fair that I offer you at least one opportunity to perform mine. Think of this not as favor, but as a debt.” Luna pondered that slowly. Then a smile broke out on her face. “Thank you, Celestia,” she said excitedly. “This really means a lot to me.” “The pleasure is mine,” I lied, and then we walked down the stairs of the West Tower and I went to my bedchambers and Luna guarded the night.