Chapter 36
Surprises
Starfall once more found himself approaching Princess Luna's room at the Everfree Motel, trying to fight down his nervousness as he tried to determine the reason for the summons, and whether said reason was good or bad.
He knew he was not being called by the Princess for a surprise lesson in astronomy...it was still far too early in the afternoon to do any kind of stargazing, and they had no lesson planned that night. Starfall also had not scheduled one of the Princess' culture lessons today, either, so it could not have anything to do with that, he reasoned. No, he was certain this was completely unrelated to their various studies...and that was what had the young pegasus worried more than anything else.
Princess Luna had never really summoned him for anything before now...except when she had sent her guards to call him out on his instinctive knowledge of the magic in the stars...and that was before they even knew each other. What did she want to talk to him about that could not afford to wait until their next lesson to discuss?
But as he made his way up to their part of the motel, he could not get an idea of what she could want to talk to him about today. He was sure he had not done anything wrong lately...unless she was catching on to his resurfacing feelings. He sincerely hoped that was not the case, fearing how badly that had ended last time, and how much angrier Luna could possibly get this time around.
No, he was sure Luna was not calling him up for that, but in the end, with no ideas on what she wanted, all he could do was head up to her room and find out the old-fashioned way, as nervous as it made him to do so.
But as he reached the hallway where Luna's room, along with his own, was located, he paused, hearing something coming from the Princess' accommodation, even if the shut door muffled the sound to the point is was almost inaudible.
Lifting his ears, straining to figure out what the faint noise was, Starfall stepped closer to Luna's room, blinking as he finally figured out what it was...music. The Princess of the Night had obviously turned her radio on. He could not discern exactly what song was playing, but it sounded familiar to Starfall. It did not really help, though...after his teachings to Luna about modern music, just about any song the radio played at the present time would seem familiar.
Shaking his head, knowing he'd never figure it out from this side of the door, Starfall finally just went up and knocked on the door. "Luna? It's me, Starfall," he called, letting her know who it was in case she was distracted.
It appeared that she had been, judging by the startled noise and faint crash coming from inside the room. "Starfall!" he heard her call, clearly caught totally off-guard. "We forgot our request to talk to thee...one moment," she called, Starfall stepping back and waiting patiently as she fixed up whatever she had knocked in her surprise.
It seemed she had knocked the radio, judging by the fact that he could no longer hear music, though a few seconds later it started up again, now playing a different song, Luna clearly having fixed it up without much difficulty, but likely having accidentally changed the station in the process.. In the meantime, Starfall tried to figure out what had Luna so distracted. Even when she was focused, there was very little that could startle her like he had just now. Whatever she had been doing must have taken up all her focus and attention, and as such was either really important...or really troubling for her.
Starfall was tempted to ask what was taking up her attention, but resisted it. The younger Princess knew how to handle things...and it was likely a private matter. He simply let it go, smiling warmly as Luna finally opened the door. Looking a little sheepish and self-conscious...and slightly nervous, too, something that surprised the stallion, even if he did not voice it out loud.
"We apologise for the commotion, Starfall. We are afraid we may have been too focused on listening to the radio, and thy presence caught us by surprise," she explained, before gesturing for him to enter. "Come on in," she said needlessly, her horn glowing briefly as she shut the door behind him.
Now inside the room, Starfall could finally make out the song on the radio, recognising it as one from a strange genre that blended modern metal with classical orchestra, by a band calling themselves the Elements of Harmony. Metal music wasn't quite his thing, but this obscure genre of it did have its fans...and had apparently gained Princess Luna's interest. Starfall did note, however, that this was not the song that had sounded familiar earlier...the song from before was one he definitely knew well, but could not quite place.
Letting it go as unimportant, however, Starfall turned back to Luna, sitting down on of the cushions in her suite's living area. "What was it you wanted to see me, for, Luna?" he asked. He was nervous, but also curious, especially since Luna never summoned him directly. He was both eager to learn what this was about, but at the same time worried that it might not be a good thing.
Upon bringing it up, however, Luna's awkward expression returned with a vengeance. Whatever she wanted with him today, she was nervous about it, and nervous enough that it made it passed her usual stoic mask. That thought was enough to see Starfall become as nervous as Luna likely was...if it made the Princess of the Night pause, it could be anything.
"We...we attempted to discuss this with thou previously, but with the discovery of thy history at Stratos Crossing, and the race with Rainbow Dash, we never found a suitable opportunity to speak to thee," Luna began, Starfall listening for a moment, thinking, before pausing, something clicking in his mind.
"That's why you were looking for me when you saw me and Star Hunter, isn't it?" he asked, even if he couldn't stop the faint grimace, and the way his throat caught slightly as he remembered that day. It was still a little raw for comfort, the emotions of the day still a little too fresh. But he was getting better, and what's more, he was now able to think about that fateful day four years ago without feeling crushing level s of guilt and despair. It still hurt, but it was nowhere near as bad as it used to be...he was finally recovering and moving on.
Luna gave him a small nod. "Yes. Earlier that day, we have received a message from our dear sister, reminding us of a commitment we admit had slipped our mind, which is coming up soon," she explained slowly, Starfall immediately seeing what he thought the problem was.
"This commitment...requires that we return to Canterlot, doesn't it?" he asked hesitantly, fearing the answer. While he knew that they would eventually have to return to Canterlot Castle in time, having planned this as a short-term study holiday, Starfall has assumed that they would have more time than this. The town had grown on him, as had Twilight and her group of friends.
Princess Luna once again gave Starfall a small nod. "We are afraid so, but before thy disappointment takes over, let us explain," she requested, once more making Starfall pause, looking up at her, surprised and curious. He had just assumed Luna's commitment was a royal matter, and as such private. But obviously that was not the case, if she intended on sharing it with him.
But the way she spoke suggested she was trying to use the explanation to ease his disappointment, and as such tried to sooth her misgivings. "It's okay, Luna, I understand. These things are important, so we can't stay here," he said, trying to reassure her.
Luna, however, shook her head. "Thou hast misunderstood my meaning, Starfall. This matter is not important or an emergency, but something we really must attend, especially since we were not present last year. We were...still recovering, from our exile."
She paused for a moment, a flicker of guilt appearing across her features, obviously remembering her brief escape from the moon as the feared Nightmare Moon, before the darkness was taken away from her, allowing the Princess of the Night to return to Equestria once more.
But she quickly moved on, continuing to explain the situation to Starfall. "In two weeks an event in the Equestrian calender will occur...the Spring Equinox," she added, Starfall nodding to show he understood.
He knew that, despite the fact that Celestia and Luna controlled the sun and moon, and by extension night and day, the days were not even across the year. In order to allow the four seasons to take their natural course once various pony teams had brought out the change at the start of each season, the length of day was changed across the year, the Summer Solstice being the longest day, and the day of the Summer Sun Celebration. Winter had it's own Solstice for the longest night. And in between, fall and spring both had an event called the Equinox, when Equestria's night and day were perfectly balanced, lasting the same time.
It took Starfall a few moments to remember what was so important about the Spring Equinox in particular, but Luna explained it just as it all came together. "The Spring Equinox marks the day we were coronated as Equestria's Princess of the Night, at the same time Celestia was inducted as Princess of the Day. Our sister always organises a great celebration to commemorate the occasion, and this year is no different."
Starfall had heard about to Coronation Day celebrations, yet another day of significance in the Equestrian calender, ponies all around taking, for the most part, a public holiday to celebrating yet another year of Celestia and Luna's rule. The day eventually wound up with the massive event that was the Coronation Day Ball...a formal occasion even bigger than the popular Grand Galloping Gala. Like the Gala, it was an exclusive event, by invitation only, and held at Canterlot Castle. Naturally, due to the occasion it represented, both Princesses were meant to be present, and would likely be expected to make some kind of speech.
But with Luna's exile, and her recovery from her return last year, it had been a thousand years since Luna had attended the Coronation Ball. Now, it seemed Princess Celestia expected her to take part this year.
Starfall nodded, though he was still confused about something. "I understand, Princess. But, if I may ask; why not tell me this at one of our lessons?" he asked, confused about why she considered this important enough to rate a personal summons.
The question had obviously gotten to the heart of the matter, as Princess Luna once more appeared somewhat awkward at the conversation's direction, but resolute, as if she needed to talk about whatever it was that was causing her to hesitate. "Our sister wishes us to attend this Ball, as it is in our honour as much as it is in hers. We will have to return to Canterlot to attend, but that is not what is troubling us."
She paused for a few moments, Starfall simply keeping his attention focused as he waited patiently, knowing she would explain the rest in her own time. "We would have mentioned all this at our next lesson, except for one thing. We...we wish to extend thou an invitation to the Coronation Ball, Starfall."
Starfall blinked. He had partially been expecting it, but it still sort of surprised him, even as he lowered his head in deference and gratitude. "I would be honoured..."
Starfall's thanks were interrupted by the Princess, who apparently was not quite done yet. "Wait, Starfall. We wish to extend thee not just any invitation. Our wish is for thy attendance, not just as another pony, but as our personal guest."
That amendment made Starfall freeze, his mind stopped dead in its tracks, struggling to comprehend that the Princess had just offered him what his ears had clearly picked up. Luna really wanted him at the Ball...as her personal guest?
Being invited to the Coronation Ball was generally a fairly big deal in the first place, usually a function only the wealthy and famous got the opportunity to attend. A regular invitation was a big enough deal...but officially attending the Coronation Ball as a personal guest of one of the Princesses was a big, big deal. It said that you were a close, trusted friend of the Princess in question, and by extension were on good terms with the other. It was the ultimate sign of being well-connected, and Starfall knew that many of Canterlot's elite always hoped to be a personal guest of the Princess to any sort of function or event.
Most of Equestria knew that was nothing more than fantasy, however. Princess Celestia, if she ever brought somepony with her as her special guest, always gave the offer to Twilight Sparkle, though her friends and responsibilities in Ponyville, and her own self-admitted social awkwardness, meant that she often declined, Celestia simply never passing the privilege onto anypony else. Luna, however, was still recently returned from a thousand-year exile, and many of Canterlot's elite did not want to risk trying to suck up to her.
And now here Starfall was, being offered to attend one of Canterlot's biggest events as Princess Luna's personal guest. It was beyond anything Starfall had ever imagined happening to him. For several moments, he was too shocked to even move, let alone answer Luna, leaving the Princess to bring him back to coherence.
"Starfall?" she asked, slightly concerned, obviously having noticed his shocked state. "What say thee? Dost thou wish to attend this event with us?" she asked, finally snapping Starfall out of his daze to look at her.
"You...you really want me to accompany you to the Ball?" he asked, fighting very hard to keep his deeper affection for Luna down. He knew what his crush wanted to construe this as, while his rational side fought it down fiercely. This was not an offer of a date, just a sign of the trust and care Luna held for him.
The Princess' thoughts seemed to be wandering along the same track, as she appeared to backtrack slightly. "As friends, Starfall, yes," she said, a slight edge to her tone. It sounded like she was still wary of him...of the crush he had admitted having on her all that time ago.
To Starfall's relief, however, it seemed like she was unaware of his crush recently resurfacing, and was simply ensuring there was no misunderstanding, something he wanted to be sure of as well, giving her a firm nod. "Of course, Luna," he said, before pausing, realising he still had not given her a definitive answer to the offer in the first place.
Events and functions such as the Coronation Ball, while an honour to attend, were something Starfall was sure he would not like. While more low-key than clubs and parties...like what Pinkie Pie organised to welcome Luna and Starfall to Ponyville, they were still big events, and were usually full of upper-class ponies, the kind who usually looked down with disdain upon the 'common rabble'...the kind of ponies Starfall really did not like. He would also need to smarten up, and get himself some formal wear for the occasion.
But in the end, it would something new, having never been to large-scale function like that before...and he would be spending the entire time in Luna's company, as her personal guest. That, for him, would be enough to make the night memorable. "I would honoured to go, Luna. I will need to find something to wear, however...I don't have any formal attire for such an occasion," he admitted sheepishly.
Princess Luna nodded, giving him a warm smile. "We are glad to have thou accompany us, Starfall. We could not think of anypony else suitable to invite. You are our student and friend," she added, Starfall ducking his head self-consciously. "As for seeking out suitable attire...we believe Rarity would be happy to provide you with something," she suggested, making Starfall pause, a little concerned.
As relieved as he had been when Rarity had resisted giving him a totally new hairstyle, and instead just fixed his mane up slightly, Twilight and the rest of her friends had told him more than a few stories of what Rarity did to stallions when allowed to play dress-up with them. If even half of what they said was true, Starfall had every reason to be scared.
Luna seemed to understand his look, though, stifling a noise that sounded suspiciously like a giggle...something Starfall had never heard Luna do before. "What?" he asked, trying to put on an offended tone.
His accusing tone only seemed to spur Luna's amusement on, though...which was kind of Starfall's intention. He never really saw Luna laughing, and wanted to get her into a fit of giggles, let her relax for once. "Nothing, Starfall...we were just trying to decide what was funnier. Thy expression just now, or how thou would look in one of Rarity's more...outlandish designs."
Starfall's act disappeared at this point as his plan backfired spectacularly, the look of horror at some of the mental images he got being entirely genuine. It only served to amuse Luna even further, though, her giggles finally breaking out into the open, making Starfall try and glare at her, but fail miserably, only making her laugh all the harder.
"Don't give us that look, Starfall!" she cried between laughing fits. "Thou should see thy own face!" she added, before fighting to get herself under control. "Besides, we are sure Rarity will be kind, you are a friend, after all," she added, still letting out the occasional giggle.
"That's the part that scares me," Starfall replied dully, still feeling a little put out at the way Luna was taking amusement from his own discomfort. He was sure he would see the funny side tomorrow, but right now, he just felt embarrassed.
Luna, seemingly done with unwinding, put her serious mask back on, though let it relax into a kind expression as she put a hoof on Starfall's shoulder. "Trust us, Starfall, Rarity will not lead thee astray. She, along with Twilight Sparkle and all their friends, will be attending to Ball as well, and we are confident she will designing gowns for all of them."
Starfall sighed, before nodding, conceding Luna's point. Of all ponies, Rarity would know how important this Ball was, and would not be inclined to mess around with Starfall's clothing needs once she was aware of his situation. "I guess..." he finally relented, before looking back up at the Princess. "And Luna? Thank you...I cannot express how much of an honour it is that you have given me this offer."
Luna's responding smile was full of warmth, friendship and respect, the relationship the two of them shared stronger than anypony could ever have imagined just a few short months ago. "The honour is ours Starfall...the honour is ours..."