Incidents like these were a weekly occurrence, daily when Lovely managed to get by the guards more easily. Each time, the young alicorn showed Celestia a new spell, dazzling the guest or guests present without fail.
Autumn came and went, winter quickly taking hold with frigid days and rooftops covered in frost. The palace began to buzz with more activity than usual as light blankets and drapes were traded in for heavier and darker ones. Firewood was stocked to the brim and guards fresh out of the boot-camp took new positions.
One night, Lovely Feathers snuck out of her room and into Celestia's. She waited patiently for her mother's return, knowing she was tending to her final duties before heading to bed.
When the princess did return to her bed chambers, she was not at all surprised when she saw Lovely, who was sitting comfortably by the fire. "I thought Madge put you to bed already," the older teased.
Madge -Madge Brightheart fully- was a middle-aged unicorn mare who possessed a light-brown coat and a slightly-grayed dark brown mane and tail that were both tied in braids. She had soft blue eyes and her cutie mark was a white cradle surrounded by red hearts, proving to Celestia that she would make a wonderful nurse and nanny for Lovely Feathers.
The filly looked up at her adoptive mother and giggled. "Yes, but I wanted to ask you something, since Madge wouldn't answer." She picked up a book that lay beside her with her magic and showed it to Celestia.
The older alicorn was surprised when she saw that the book her daughter held was the one that contained the story of Nightmare Moon.
"Madge saw me reading this and said it's just an old mare's tale to scare little foals and colts, but that's not true, is it?" Lovely stated, a serious look on her face.
Celestia tried her best and stayed calm, smiling slightly. "Now what would make you believe such a silly thing?"
Lovely Feathers turned her head and looked at the night sky that could be seen through the glass balcony doors. "Because... I've... had dreams about her."
"Who, dear?"
Lovely hesitated for a few more moments before answering "Nightmare Moon."
A tinge of curiosity picked at the sun goddess's heart, but she continued to act oblivious. "Well of course you would have dreams of her if you've been reading that book," she offered.
"But that's just it, Mother. I've been having these dreams even before I found the book. And-" Lovely paused for several more seconds before adding "-it's not truly dreams of Nightmare Moon herself, but of another pony who's trapped inside her."
Though on the outside she appeared calm and collected, Celestia's mind was racing as it tried to make sense of what Lovely Feathers had just said. Why is it now that you try to contact those down here, sister? She thought to herself. And why have you chosen to speak with Lovely Feathers?
"Mother?" Lovely's voice brought the older alicorn out of her thoughts and back to reality. The filly gave her mother a concerned look. "Please tell me, Mother. I need to understand why I keep having these dreams. Can't you do that?"
Celestia just stood there, staring at her daughter and debating what to do. Though it was probably just her imagination, she thought she heard her dear sister, telling her that Lovely deserved to know the truth, despite being young and possibly not being able to fully understand.
The young alicorn looked at the older with pleading eyes. Stars seemed to glisten in the sapphire orbs, giving a sense of innocence.
Eventually, Celestia released a breath of defeat, knowing her daughter should be aware of her new family's history. She smiled at her daughter and held out a hoof. "Come here."
Lovely's eyes lit up as she jumped to her feet and hurried into her mother's embrace. Her eyes closed happily as she took in the warmth Celestia gave off, nuzzling her legs and the very tip of her chest.
Celestia brought her hoof around her daughter's back, while also bringing her wings forward and wrapping the both of them in a warm cocoon. It wasn't going to be easy to explain, especially to somepony so young, but Celestia knew she could manage.
"It was several centuries ago; long before you or any pony now were born. I ruled Equestria as I do now, but I was not alone. I had a younger sister by the name of Luna who led Equestria beside me. While I brought the day, Luna brought the night. We ruled for several years, trying to make our home a beautiful place once again. However, while everypony loved the sun and warmth I brought, they all shunned and ignored the moon and calmness of night Luna brought. For many years, Luna became frustrated and upset that her night was hated, while my day was loved. I tried to make her see that her gift was just as beautiful and important as mine, but she could not think reasonably, and because of that... darkness took hold of her heart. One night, Luna refused to lower the moon, claiming that her night would remain eternal and ponies would come to love her. I could not let do so, for it would upset the balance of the world and throw everything into chaos... I used the legendary powers of The Elements of Harmony... and banished the now transformed Nightmare Moon to the moon. From then on, I took on the responsibility of both raising and setting the sun and moon."
Once she was done, tears streamed down the princess's face.
"Oh, Mother." Lovely hugged Celestia more tightly, starting to cry as well. "Now I understand. Thank you... for trusting me."
They both continued to cry as they fell to ground, hugging each other well into the night.