//------------------------------// // Where lunch is mentioned (But never had) // Story: Moonlight Descent // by Xeron //------------------------------// "-so this new plan we've proposed will increase weather functions all over Equestria by a admirable six percent, and if you think that's impressive then wait till I tell you about the-" It just droned on and on. Princess Celestia liked to think that she was a good ruler. A patient ruler. But it looked as though she was going to have to change the school curriculum again because some ponies seem to have failed the class that taught you how to say one thing in less than a million words. Celestia sighed internally. Perhaps I'm being to hard on him, after all he's only been talking for... about one hour now. That's monumentally shorter than how long the IRS ponies usually take. She shivered as she remembered some of those meetings. Who knew somepony could talk about taxes for six hours without once considering suicide. How could they possible take the utter boredom? Forget the boredom, the mare who composed that meeting had introduced herself as the IRS meeting supervisor. How could she have possible angered someone so much that they gave her that job as punishment? Who was that cruel? None of these thoughts showed on Celestia's face though. The entire time she was musing to herself she held the image of a completely devoted attendant. It was an trick Celestia had learned early on that she quickly transformed into an art. There was a small grumble so faint that only the princess could hear it. The sound of her own stomach rumbling. She sighed internally yet again. Oh I do hope this doesn't go on for much longer, I'm already late for lunch as it is. "-and we will be able to continue the displayed progress as long as we continue to receive our yearly funding from the crown. Thank you for your time my liege. That is all." Celestia blinked a few times before she realized that the weather stallion had stopped talking and the meeting was over. Clearing her throat she responded. "Thank you for the presentation. As you know we always appreciate such thorough and well done research being shown. There will be a decision delivered to you shortly. Now if you would excuse me I will be reprieving for a short lunch." The stallion nodded in conformation and exited the throne room. Once the throne room doors had slammed shut Celestia released the sigh she had been holding for an hour and rubbed the dust out of her eyes. Today was starting to become a very, very tiring day, and it was still early! First had been the emissaries from the griffon kingdom, what with the arrogant attitude and the need to constantly have everything done, and explained, for them. Then she had to deal with the most snobbish Canterlot noble she ever had the misfortune to meet complain about how there were to many peasants in the city, and how there should be a lower quarter created solely for them. Celestia had tried to kindly explain that, despite the higher status nobles held, they had no right to segregate the common ponies. But the noble would hear nothing of it. In the end Celestia was forced to agree to consider the proposal for a few days just to get the noble to leave. And then the weather pony came in and gave the most mind-numbing presentation on rain possible. With a grunt she stretched her back before stepping off her throne. Standing still for so long really did it in for her. Her joints felt like they had been dipped in wet concrete and then left to dry. Perhaps instead of a walk to the dinning hall she would take a nice fly. It seemed like a good enough idea, besides she knew the ponies of Canterlot enjoyed seeing her out in the day. Good for the mood of the city and all. She exited the throne room to the side balcony, and extending both her powerful wings she took off into the air. She always enjoyed flying, the feeling of the wind flowing over her body, the sound of the air rushing past her. It always helped her relax whenever she was feeling stressed from her duties. That being said though, she felt there was never enough time for her to fly often. There was always something, or more likely somepony, keeping her from it. Whether it be the ponies, asking for an audience, or her sister. "Luna" She whispered to herself. She was worried about her sister. Celestia knew Luna thought she was ignorant to whatever was befouling her, but she had in fact noticed. Every time they met there always seemed to be some inner fear in her. Luna's eyes always seemed to be concealing some horrible terror and, for the life of her, Celestia couldn't figure out what was causing it. She had even attempted to bring it out of Luna a few times. She would subtly hint she knew there was something wrong but Luna would always retreat back into a shell and pretend she didn't understand what Celestia was trying to get at. It was frustrating at best. Although... Perhaps it's me? Celestia tentatively thought. But that would be preposterous. Why would Luna have anything to fear from her? Celestia would never harm her, she was her own sister. Maybe she thinks I'll send her to the moon again? But why would she think that? She knows I would never do that to her. Doesn't she? The implications of her own sister being terrified of her were starting to worry Celestia even more. I need to speak with her. Celestia thought gravely. Even if I am just letting my worries get the better of me there is still something wrong with her and I can't just ignore that. The balcony entrance to the dinning hall was within sight now. Celestia sighed once again. Great, now I have another chore I need to take care of today. She mentally slapped herself as she landed. Caring for her sister was not a chore. Why would she ever even think that? As the sun princess walked into the dinning hall, a new thought came to her. Maybe its not me she's been afraid of, but of how I've been acting. These past few weeks have been rather painstaking, and I have been rather short with her because of that. And Luna had just recently returned from the moon...Oh by the sun, no wonder she's scared. I've been nothing but mean to her since she's returned. She must be afraid that I hate her! This is horrible! I need to apologize immediately before this gets any worse. Celestia now had new determination to get through the day. She had to see her sister to set things straigh- "Um. Good day sister. I was hoping that I would catch you here." Luna said somewhat shyly Celestia was at a slight loss of words for a moment, but she recovered quickly. "Luna!" She exclaimed. "I didn't think I would see you until tonight. What are you doing up at a time like this? You went to bed not to long ago, you should still be asleep." Luna looked away before she answered. "Oh I guess I wasn't really that tired. So I decided I would come and keep you company while you ate." Celestia smiled warmly at her sister. "I appreciate the thought Lulu. But you need your sleep more than I need your company." Luna flinched ever so slightly at the word 'sleep' but was able to cover it up well. Unfortunately for her Celestia had spent plenty of time learning watch somepony's face for the slightest movements, so she didn't miss the flinch her sister tried to hide. She flinched when I told her to go back to sleep. Celestia thought bitterly. She does think I hate her. Well...no better time to fix that than now. "Luna" She started. "I... have noticed your mood turning darker. I know that you have been afraid." She saw Luna's eyes widen in fear. "Tia I'm so sorry I wanted to say something but I-" Celestia raised a hoof to stop her panicking sister. "It's okay Luna. I understand, and I apologize." Luna stared at her sister for a moment. "You...you apologize?" Celestia nodded her head. "Yes Luna I apologize. I realized today how mean I had been to you since you had returned form the moon. These have been several trying weeks for me but that is no excuse for how I've been treating you." Celestia then stepped forward and wrapped Luna in a hug."I know you've been scared of me hating you Lulu. But you don't have to be. You're my sister, and I will always love you." She then nuzzled Luna lovingly and waited for her response, still keeping her enveloped in the hug. ...But Luna never responded. Backing away Celestia eyed her sister worriedly. "Luna, are you okay?" Luna had a strange look on her face, it seemed part surprised part...sad?