//------------------------------// // Beauty Like the Blue Nights Moon // Story: Moonlight // by Ocean Heart //------------------------------// I do not understand this feeling... Yet it feels as if I have known her all my life.. Mother...what is this new found warmth in my heart...yet fear in my mind... I am at war with what I know and what I feel... He is different.. She is the same... But both of us must take that leap... Take the plunge Into the unknown and ignoring what others might say, we fall To finally open up and find peace in each other embrace. Jump... Acrylic jolted awake, gasping sharply with half his ragged mane hanging over his face; panting breathless, sweat staining the couch he lay on and heart beating to a new pace...faster...faster it beat as he scanned the room in disbelief and shock. Slower...slower until it found a steady rest, his heart caught up to the real world once again and Acrylic was able to understand what just happened. Luna was in the castle just a few blocks away thinking of him enough to give him a chance at a date...and it was fantastic! Acrylic grinned widely and let his jaw hang, trying to find the right words to express himself but still speechless from the life altering dream. It was everything he could've hoped for! "I knew it!" Acrylic shouted, heart fluttering with reassurance..and love... Wintered Tail was startled awake, he had managed to get comfortable by the fireplace while keeping watch over his brother; even falling asleep once the clock rang ten. Now though, Acrylic was awake and he seemed to be overflowing with energy and excitement. "Acrylic! Silence! The twins are still asleep.." Acrylic looked to find the voice, stopping when he lowered his eyes on his groggy looking brother, feeling a bit guilty he completely forgot where he was. The pony rubbed the back of his head and flattened his ears... "Sorry...I just...had an amazing dream." Tail sat up, wincing when his old back was painful to move after sleeping on the rug in front of what once was a comforting fire. "Acrylic...brother, this obsession is consuming ye. The mare of the night is twisting you mind!" He said with as much a hushed tone as he could muster. Acrylic felt the smile fade..after all the work making his gift to her, the date and even finding out that she shares the same feelings. Tail looked so worried...beyond what Acrylic had ever seen, he was actually assuming that this sweet mare..this gentle soul and shy princess was twisting his mind?! Acrylic felt anger build... "Brother...I have not visited this place in a very long time, nor have I ever felt this...this..." Acrylic found he had no words to describe his feelings...so many emotions that he had never experienced, it just made him more frustrated.. "But do not speak of Luna like that! Thou cannot fathom what she and I feel!" He yelled, getting off the couch and not caring if he woke the twins... "Listen to thyself! Ye have known this mare for a few days-!" "And yet I feel as if I've known her all my life! I am not the greatest with emotions, but I know what I feel for her...and I am willing to take the time to show thee my love be true..." Acrylic looked down, blinking away the water in his eyes while trying to contain his own growing anger at his brother...but regardless...it was said...he admitted his true feelings. Wintered Tail backed up a little in shock, failing to notice his children peaking down on the staircase when the guilt and confusion became frustration and worry...turning it into his own anger. "Acrylic! Think on this fools errand! Nightmare Moon only causes pain and suffering, at night I worry she might yet draw my foals into her twisted world of shadows as she has done to others!" "She has done no such thing!" Acrylic defended. "She has! ...please listen to your family! We love you, but she means to tear your heart out! Stop and think you twat!!" That was the final straw...Ancient Tome rushed from the stairs much to his sisters surprise and just as Tail saw the first tear run down his face and stain the ground, others flowing to join it; Tome was there to hug his uncles leg in a hope to comfort him, glaring up at his father... "Leave him alone, dad! Didn't thou tell me to follow my heart?! J-just leave him alone!" Tail immediately felt his heart sink...his daughter following her bothers lead and standing in front of Acrylic. Tome did his best to comfort Acrylic, yet the shaking rage and tears still feel freely. Tail was suppose to be there to support his own brother, even if they didn't share blood. It was his promise to take care of Acrylic...now he stood against his son, daughter and brother as the only one who saw how dangerous this attraction was. With the determined glare of his colt, spiteful stare of a filly and sorrow written on his brother...his heart couldn't take this much and still hold a strong resolve. After a few tense moments, Tail let out a heavy sigh and say down, rubbing his head from the brimming headache. "But Acrylic...I...This is not.." He sighed heavily once again... "I have done everything to help ye, and while I still very much do not like this...it seems I cannot dissuade thee.." Tail felt the worry mount even higher when Acrylic looked up with a slight smile as his words sunk in. Tail bit his tongue and turned around, leaving Acrylic to keep himself from arguing more like he so wanted to. This was his step to take now, and as much as Tail was burning inside...Acrylic would just have to figure this out on his own... Luna smiled softly, sitting in her throne aside Celestia while a politician droned on about a silly problem...well to her it seemed silly...Celestia though had to keep an image, listening intently. Perhaps the reason the stallion stuttered occasionally was because of Luna's whimsical attitude, that or her natural darkness was cast on the grand hall to suit a joined court rather than a sun dominated one. "In summary...I simply wish to make a more permanent residence for some of the caravans with a farm. I need a expansive plot of land to even begin this undertaking, yet if the first harvest is a fraction of what I expect, then Equestria will never fall short of food ever again." There was a silence, Luna looked to her sister who's face had become unreadable. From what bits she listened to, the idea was sound and the stallion seemed true to his nature as a farmer. After the famine during the years of chaos, it was hard to imagine what would happen should one of the small and few farms produce a foul crop. Perhaps what they needed really was a major source of food... "I will grant you ownership...on the condition that should ye fail to meet your promise. I shall remove thee and ye shall pay back the cost of the land that I am lending thou." Celestia looked to Luna for the affirmation she already could see. While Luna did nod in agreement, she was a little upset that Celestia assumed she would agree. "I thank thee with all my heart. I shall deliver the first apples to thou- er..my apologizes...both of ye personally as a thanks." He said with an eager smile and a bow, turning curtly and leaving the hall quickly. Again, Luna was added as an after thought in fear more than respect. Once the door was shut, Luna stood up to stretch her legs and sighed heavily. "Sister, I know it is frustrating...but give them time, they are simply getting accustom to the change." Luna drew her attention to the knock at the grand hall doors, yet another stallion wishing to speak his mind. Luna didn't bother to answer her sister before she sat back down, guard opening the door and letting in a stallion dressed in an expensive looking suite and an angry glare in his eyes... Oh...now this might be interesting.. "Princesses...I come before thee today in a very awkward plight. I will be frank, for my mind is too unsettled by recent events...My daughter say's that Princess Luna encouraged her to 'Follow her heart'" He said with a disgusted tone... Luna's eyes widened when she realized what this was about... "She speaks of affections...for a mare..this alone causes me alarm, yet as the one's who are currently in a position of power and influence, It unsettles me greatly to hear that they would use that power to corrupt the minds of our youth!" Celestia kept her stone face, Luna however was purely offended that he dare take this sort of tone with the princess of the night. Though she did her best to let the stallion finish his rant before she retorted... "I wish to see action done to reverse this spell cast on my daughter, and punishment for the one responsible." He said, regaining his snooty composure... Now it was Celestia's turn to take offence...so instead of going with her original plan of showing this self-centered stallion the door, she looked to her sister; allowing her to stand up for herself and explain...that and she would like an explanation as well... Luna nodded at her sister and stood up, clearing her throat to gather her thoughts. This was not the first time a privileged citizen thought his opinion was above the god-sisters...and Luna enjoyed hearing her sister use the Royal Canterlot voice to silence all that would blind themselves with their own ego and narcissism. "Now sir..I believe that where thou find's a problem, I glimpsed a solution. Tis my duty to safeguard the truths and secrets of all...and in thy daughter I saw a secret burning to cry aloud. I understand that it is hard to accept, but not even I nor my sister can alter the fate of true love...I merely helped her end the war that raged inside. My suggestion to thee is to go home...show thy daughter that ye will support her no matter what, for thou are her father...and tis thy responsibility to support her and love her for who she is." Celestia smiled slightly and nodded in approval, the speech was moving...it made her realize just how deeply Luna cared for the dreams of Equestria. Unfortunately the stallion would not hear of it... "Bollocks! Thou sister runs amuck into other ponies dreams and pulls and twists at our minds! My daughter is a freak thanks to her!" Celestia stood up now..the trademark glare of fury somehow not stopping the enraged stallion... "I demand retribution! Put that mad dog on a leash before she tears this kingdom apart!" Luna felt her last button pushed...Before Celestia could even call in the guards to arrest this out of control noble, Luna's eyes glowed a bright white and mane pouring out a terrifying black...taking a deep breath before bringing out the full Royal Canterlot voice... "Nave! Still thy tongue before I rip it out of thy disgusting mouth! Thou has the right to enter our court because we only seek to FIX problems, not make them worse! Now that you have made a fool of thyself, leave this hall and be assured that if any harm comes to thy daughter, I will personally exact justice." Letting as much venom seep into the last words to make sure her point got across... The stallion was speechless..suddenly, even in the expanse of the great hall, he felt cornered. Shadows closing around him and threatening to harm him while the earth shattering voice of the enraged princess shook the windows. Luna didn't mean to..but she used some of her dream powers to make sure her ideas of punishment flashed vividly though the stallions mind. Somehow he felt like a colt again stuck in his worst nightmare...eyes not able to leave the horrifying sight of the princess and mind racked with tormenting images. In truth...he even felt like his bladder wanted to give way to the fear that suddenly filled every corner of his mind... "M..M.....M-m-y...a-apologies...I shall...l-leave..." The stallion turned and bolted for the doors, tearing though as fast as his shaking legs could take him. Luna smiled slightly and took a deep breath to compose herself again, mane shimmering blackness and eyes glaring like a predator...it made Celestia shudder just looking at the serpent like eyes now on her sister... "Lulu...?" Luna blinked and the viper eyes vanished, mane slowly flowing back to elegant blue. Luna let out a deep breath and sat back down in her throne, wishing dearly that the cushions were just a tad bit softer.. "I apologize...I do not know what came over me..." She said quietly. Celestia now knew this change wasn't a coincidence, something was changing in her sister...perhaps it was her troubles from earlier that was the source. Yet she resolved that... which means that this was yet another issue dividing the regal sisters. Luna slowly hunched over and felt herself quivering in rage still, if this is what her sister had to deal with on a daily basis...perhaps it was understandable why the sun goddess grew so cold over the years. Strange though...it felt good to let some of the anger out, to just let go and empty out all the built up emotions she had buried. Which is why she sat back straight and regal again, a soft smile on her face that Celestia could let out a sigh of relief from. "Feeling better, sister?" Celestia asked quietly. Luna nodded...telling the truth in the gesture. Perhaps this could be a dynamic that Luna could use...Celestia would be the calm voice and Luna could be the powerful hoof. The sword and shield...in fact...the more she thought of it, the more it made sense. Ponies already had a fear for her because of a misunderstanding, so she would always have an advantage by just using that... That's it! That was the lesson mother wished to impart! Luna was so caught up trying to be like her sister..she completely failed to realize that she could be better in her own way. Equestria needed a leader, Celestia filled that role perfectly, being calm and wise in all her actions; but they also needed a protector...that role was to fall on her. The smile on Luna grew, Celestia felt more reassured than ever..her sister had a look that spelled confidence and leadership. Luna had finally broken out of her shell and was ready to take on the world it seemed, she even greeted the next guest before Celestia once he finally had the courage to enter, after seeing the noble run out with his tail between his legs The rest of the day it was like this, Luna was taking charge and trusting herself to share the court with a leader such as her sister...it even forced Celestia to blink away a few tears while the smile she had refused to leave. Even if the realization came with a dark undertone, it was still astounding to see the light in Luna's eyes that was gone for so many years. Mother would be so proud, Lulu... _ _ After a long day of helping the citizens of Equestria sort out the problems, Luna was still full of energy. Ready for the coming night of actual vigilance over the dreams of her subjects. Celestia on the other hand was ready to climb into her bed...it was tiring keeping up with how fast Luna could process the different problems that each pony presented, that though made her all the more proud to see her sister step up and take a firm place in the courts. Yet the sun was setting and soon it would be the moon's turn to take its place in the sky and heavens, eternal and ethereal to shine its pale light unto the world to let know that the princess of the night stands guard. Luna smiled and stood up from the throne, stretching her legs out and looking to her sister. "I am off to my room, enjoy thy restful night, sister." She said with a cheer, something that Celestia couldn't help but smile back at. "Goodnight, Lulu..." Luna was walking back to her quarters but looked back. "Rest well, Tia..." Celestia got up and followed her sister back behind the thrones and into the hallways, turning for her room while Luna went the other direction. Celestia soon fell into her soft bed with a less than graceful manner, eager to wrap herself in the soft sheets and think on today's events until she felt the warm comfort of sleep taking her mind off the world and sending her into the peaceful night she so needed. Luna however, stood at her balcony and watched the moon rise into the sky slowly, it was another outstanding night that stood out in her memory. After a few moments she noticed another pony was on a rooftop watching the moon rise with her! Today was just her day...she found her place in Equestria and finally more ponies took the time to enjoy her night. "Tis silent and wondrous that make's it so astonishing and beautiful...wouldn't thou agree?" Luna felt her heart quicken and that confident grin was quickly replaced by a shy and flattered smile... "Acrylic...I thought ye would be more interested in sleeping early so we can see each other again." The pony turned around, emerald eyes gleaming up at her and a soft smile on his face that made Luna redden a bit more. "We are seeing each other now, correct?" He said with a snarky grin. Luna rolled her eyes and laughed quietly. "I could just go inside though, then what would thou do?" Acrylic sat down, while Luna partaking in this banter was reassuring, he wanted to truly...truly tell her how he felt..that is also why he spent all day brushing up on his poetry.. Just as Luna thought that the pony was left without a retort as she turned her tail and ever so slowly stepped back inside, he called out to her.. "Yet all day's are nights to see till I see thee, And nights bright days when dreams do show thee me..." Luna couldn't hide the blush this time... How in Equestria had he known that she loved the tales from Flankspeare, she would never guess...yet here he was, reading lines from his poetry...and it was divine... "Who ever loved that loved not at first sight?" Luna said to retort, turning back around with a bright gleam on her face. "But love is blind, and lovers cannot see the pretty follies that themselves commit; for, if they could, cupid himself would blush..." That was it...this stallion was the love of her life, suddenly Acrylic found himself floating in the air by blue magic; he flailed for a moment but found that it was the princess pulling him to the balcony. The princess backed into her room to hide her stark red face, but the moment his hooves found the ground, the princess rushed him with a warm embrace, wings closing around him and their lips locking in true love's kiss for the first time... Acrylic felt his face flood crimson but within seconds, he melted into the sweet moment, eyes closing and feeling the flame in his heart stronger than ever. Luna let this moment last...savoring each second that she let her special somepony know how much she cared. Acrylic leaned back slowly, eyes opening again and looking deeply back at Luna as she broke the kiss as well...here they were...two lonely souls just drifting around endlessly until one day..until this very day...they found each other. Somehow I would have a happy end... Luna was breathless for a moment until she regained her composure, Acrylic placing a hoof gently on her cheek and smiling softly, pressing his head to hers so their horns crossed. "I love you..princess of the night." He said quietly. "I love you too...my raggedy artist..." She said with a small laugh. Acrylic let a small smirk cross his face before he kissed her once again..hoof wrapping around her back. Luna was the one to break this kiss this time, giving Acrylic a smile before letting him go; she stepped back to let her herself wash in pale moonlight. This was it...this was truly the day that Luna had wished for all these years. The day that she found happiness once again, as well as purpose, no thoughts of the future of the past could ruin this exact moment. For this was her moment...her's and Acrylic's, and with a graceful turn and a flick on the chin with her tail, Acrylic found out quickly that she had even bigger plans to mark this night... "I wish to show thee something, my love..." She said as she walked with a hypnotic stride. Acrylic wasn't sure how to react...now it seemed things were moving a bit fast for him all of a sudden. The thumping in his chest was the only sign of his nervousness that he couldn't mask as he followed into the princess's room, nearly jumping out of his skin when the balcony doors shut behind him. When he turned back around to face Luna, he found her on the massive bed drapped in silk blue sheets, those eyes making his ear tips burn red and the way she bit her lip...suddenly he remembered a very vital detail about himself that he neglected for a very long time. Oh...this...she's waiting for me..but what do I do?! Luna could easily see Acrylic's indecision, that slight sweat and ever reddening face made her realize...yet another thing they share in common. Oh sweet sister...I should help him...but he is so cute like this... Luna smiled warmly and sat up, grabbing the petrified stallion and dragging him with her into the bed, pulling the sheet covers over them both and helping her lover get the idea of what to do next with a ever so gentle nudge here and there. The last clear thought that Luna had was casting a sound barrier over her room just before her sister could hear the adorable sounds that Acrylic was making as Luna...nudged here and there... After many hours standing a watchful duty over the night... Acrylic was still panting next to Luna, the sheets were covering over their lower half and Luna was wrapped snugly around the stallion, her mane disheveled and wings sticking out under the covers. While Acrylic first thought a warm moment between new lovers would end after the first...encounter; to his surprise, it finally ended after three more...leaving him unable to move, even if he wanted to. Under the surprise of endurance...under the sudden leap between them..under the soreness between his legs...he rolled over and wrapped his hooves around Luna once again, pressing heads and closing his eyes to simply enjoy the afterglow and cherish their love... Luna opened her eyes slightly, just as exhausted but smiling back when Acrylic held her tightly. It made her feel warm...loved...and wanted, she nuzzled affectionately against Acrylic and tightened her embrace a bit. Acrylic opened his eyes in return and nuzzled back, knowing full well that at any time, they could fall asleep and know that they no longer needed to see each other in the dream realm. Acrylic even felt his own question arising to him mind...and he thought on it...he thought for a long while as they held each other until he smiled even brighter and surprised her with a warm kiss, making it quick but meaningful when he leaned back and said... "Would thou marry me...?"