//------------------------------//
// The Saddened Royal 
// Story: Children of the Night 
// by Wolfen Spirit 
//------------------------------//

Flare and I walked in the castle, with Minutte on our hooves. She looked from me to Flare awkwardly and suprisingly didn't ask me any questions. As I walked towards my room, Minutte guided me away, almost nervously, "Um, yeah Red. I... Don't think they want you in there right now, you better come with me." I looked at her in confusion but continued to walk with her anyway. 

She led me to a dark room. It had its door open slightly and I could hear yelling, "IT IS NOT THOU'S BUSINESS TO KNOW WHAT THOU SAW!" I could hear the mumble of the ever so quiet reply.

Minutte turned to me, "They have been arguing ever since you left Red. Maybe you need to go in there to show them you are alright... or something like that." 

I looked at her worried face, and reluctantly shook my head, "I think that will only make it worse, friend." She nodded but Flare stared at me quizzically. He opened his mouth to say something, but I held up a hoof and spoke to him, "Thank you for caring for me. But, you must be busy and I think it will be best if you go now." Flare stubbornly shook his head, and I glared at his defiant face. "Flaring Song. Go." 

He shook his head again staring me down, but then his eyes drifted over my shoulder and widened considerably, "He doesn't have to go young Cougari." 

I turned around and saw Luna behind me, I immediately bowed, albeit sadly I agreed, "Yes Moon Mother." I looked up at her, she had sadness in her eyes. "Princess? Are you alright?" 

She shook her head, "I will talk to you soon Cougari."

"Princess, My name. It's Nightly Red. I will not be Cougari." She looked at me. It like she wanted to say something, but headed off without a word.

I saw the Sun Goddess step out of the room, moments after her sister left, "Cougari." She looked at me like she saw a ghost, but her gaze softened as she continued speaking, "I have many questions for you, but most can wait till morning. Get some rest, my little pony." I pretended to walk away as I crept towards the corner of the room and let the shadows encompassed me. She turned to Flaring Song and Minutte, "Minutte, go to the kitchens and help Chef. And you." She pulled her undivided attention unto my rescuer as Minutte galloped off. "Your name."

The confusion showed on his face, "What?"

Celestia sighed, "What is your name?"

Realization dawned, and I felt like face-hoofing, "Flaring Song, my Ladyship. But, ponies call me Flare." 

She nodded, and cued some guards to come forward, "These guards will show you to your chambers. Food will be brought to you." He left moments later. She looked in my direction. "Cougari."

I sighed and came out of hiding, knowing she saw me. "Yes Princess. I'm sorry for spying. I wanted to make sure Faring Song would be alright. Princess, if you are angry with me, it's okay... but do not be mad at Princess Luna at my dispense."

The White Princess's glare softened, "Long ago, my sister disobeyed my direct instructions. I believe that is a reason to be angry."

I took a step towards her, "Princess Luna followed her heart to do what she believed is right, and though you say she disobeyed you, you have to remember that Princess Luna is your equal, not your subject. If you did what she did, whatever that might be, and disobeyed her instructions, what would she do to you? What would she say?"

Princess Celestia looked down, her expression thoughtful, "She would be angry at first, but would find it in herself to forgive me." 

I nodded, smiling that she finally understood my point, "Goodnight my Lady." I bowed and headed towards my room. "I'll see you tomorrow sometime, for those questions?"

I heard her mumble a polite and quiet 'goodnight' as I headed down the long, decorated hall. I smiled to myself, Goodnight indeed.


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I didn't sleep at all that night. But, that was normal for me I guess. I looked out to the distance, asking my family for help. When I left I knew it would be very long before I came home, but I missed my family, and didn't care so much for the truth anymore. I just wanted to know if my loved ones were okay. 

It was dawn when I stepped out of my room and headed down the corridor. I turned throughout the castle and after a while I ended up at the grand entrance. I stared ahead, knowing all it took was one step, one step to leave and never come back. I forced myself to look away and slowly headed back towards my room with my head down, and ears and eyes drooping. Suddenly, I was exhausted. 

As I got into bed I reflected on the past few days. I knew that I would have to keep up my guard for the next week or so. Princess Luna was as mysterious as the old stories said, and I was downright confused. When my tribe learned of the Night Watcher's return, we rejoiced and looked expectantly towards the sky, hoping for a glimpse of our grand mother. But, as hours trickled to days, which turned to month, then years, we lost most of our hope. But, my father never stopped looking. He was a dreamer, a practical dreamer, yes, but a dreamer nonetheless. Soon. I looked out my window, unto the night sky and spoke to my family, Soon I'll be home again.