//------------------------------//
// The End of the Beginning 
// Story: When Two Are One 
// by Rigoo 
//------------------------------//

Princess Luna stood out on her balcony, high above the city of Canterlot. The mild warmth of the evening air soothed her tired body, and the orange light of the setting sun highlighted her shape next to her sister. Were anypony to look up and see herself and Celestia, she hoped they might smile, knowing they were under the care of the Royal Pony Sisters.

As the sun continued to set, the moon rose into the sky, bringing with it the blackness of night. It glowed a near perfect silver as it shined down onto the land. Previously invisible stars twinkled into existence alongside it, completing the transition to night.

But even though the day had ended, the city below her only became more lively. Blue and black banners bearing crescent moons were hung above the streets, the smell of smoke and hot food filled the air, and music and voices echoed from every street corner. The Winter Moon Festival had begun.

For the first time in a long time, Luna smiled as she looked upon the moon. She hadn't forgotten the time she had spent trapped there, and she doubted she ever would. But now more than ever, she understood the beauty of the night sky. Beauty that she had created through her own hard work and strife, and that she got to share with all of Equestria every night.

She looked over at Celestia, and gave her a nervous smile. Celestia warmly nuzzled her in return, before giving her a gentle nod. Though her heart beat loudly in her chest, Luna took a deep breath, and opened her wings. She took flight above Canterlot, leaving a starry trail behind herself and drawing the attention of the festival goers beneath. She came to a stop above the city center, and spoke with the Royal Canterlot Voice.

"Greetings, citizens of Equestria! Welcome to the first ever Winter Moon Festival!"

Cheers erupted from the entire city. The warm welcome gave Luna confidence, but the hardest part of her speech started now.

"You have my sincerest gratitude for your attendance! I've no doubt that by now you have all heard of my dark past." Quiet fell over the crowd as she spoke. "That I once gave into jealously and rage, and let evil into my heart. I have done things that I am not proud of, and not a day goes by that I don't regret them."

Luna let the silence hang in the air for a moment. All she could hear was the flapping of her wings and her heart pounding inside her chest.

"But I am not the same pony I once was. I have learned from my mistakes, and I am trying to be better. I ask of you, accept this festival as a token of my goodwill, and a promise that I will work to be a Princess worthy of your love and admiration!"

The cheers began anew, even louder than before, and they brought tears to Luna's eyes. It was all so surreal, she felt like she might get woken up at any moment. But this was no dream. This was real.

"Thank you, ponies!" she called out to the crowd. "Your acceptance means the world to me! To start the festivities, please enjoy this fireworks show, preformed by Imaginarium Pyrotechnics!"

Not a second after she spoke, the crack of a launching firework echoed through the city, and a bright explosion of color filled the sky. The ponies of Canterlot stomped their hooves as more fireworks followed after, creating a cacophony of celebration. 

Luna flew back to her balcony where Celestia was waiting for her. Her sister put a wing over her back, and Luna returned the gesture. They leaned against each other, basking in the energy of the festival below, and Luna savored the pride of knowing she was responsible for it.

We're not done, you know, said a voice only she could hear. And with it she agreed.

“We aren't,” she replied. “We may never be done. But we'll keep going anyway.”

The crackling of fireworks was her only answer.