//------------------------------//
// Entry 4 - Apologies 
// Story: Journal of the Princess of the Night 
// by Basmati 
//------------------------------//

When I woke up today, I saw that there was a letter from Gem lying on my bed. I immediately opened it and read it. I'll copy it out. It said:

 
My dear Luna,
Well...it's not like you didn't see this coming. I know how much you love Everfree Castle (I love it too), but somethings do have to come to an end. I know it's hard, but there is nothing you can do about it now.
I know that Celestia did make that decision without your permission and your knowledge, and that was wrong of her, but do try to listen to what she has to say in return - she may actually be sorry. She is your sister after all, and I think you owe her that.
I know how you're feeling right now - you probably never want to speak to Tia again - but remember this. Celestia is your sister. Your only sister. You are both princesses. If the princesses of this land cannot make up after an argument, why should the public? Why should they forgive others when those above them cannot forgive themselves? Ponies look up to you. Children look up to you. You cannot let them down after something like this.
Please talk to Celestia, and try to sort it out.
At least do it for me.
Gemini.


I sat in bed for a while after reading this. He was right. What kind of example would I be setting for little fillies if I refused to have anything to do with Tia ever again? I knew exactly what I must do, and I also knew that it wouldn't be easy.

As I climbed out of bed, I suddenly realised something about Gem's letter. There was no mention of the fact that I will be closer to him, or even able to see him more often. I checked and check again, but I saw no mention of it. I placed the letter back on my bed - it was probably just because he didn't want to sound too happy when he knew how upset I was. Gem can be so nice sometimes. Well, all the time, actually.

When I got to the dining room, I saw Celestia sitting at the far end of the table, playing with her food. She only does this when she is upset or guilty, and I knew that she was feeling both.

As I walked in, Tia's head sprung up to face me.

"Luna, I-"

I raised my hoof to stop her. "Please. I want to eat first. Then we can talk."

I sat down at the head of the table, directly opposite her, and I began to eat. Every now and then, I could see Tia staring at me, and throughout my meal, I feel her eyes watching me.

Soon, I put my spoon down and began to talk. "I think-"

"Before you start," Tia interrupted. "I would just like to apologise. What I did was wrong, and if you wish, I will cancel the commission of the castle."

I sat there, with my mouth open. Everytime Tia and I have an argument, she pulls 'I'm a victim just as much as you are'. I remember once, when Tia 'accidentally' let Philomena loose in my room and burnt everything in there, she started going on about how she had no idea where her beloved phoenix was, and that she was sick with worry. She didn't mention anything about the fact that all my possessions, everything I owned, were now ash. 

But this time, she had every right to go all 'I'm a victim' - I was being selfish, and childish. I didn't want to move to place I didn't like, just because I didn't like it. I was being completely unreasonable, and unfair, and she had the right to pick on this. But she didn't.

"No."

Celestia's face was full of confusion. "Whatever do you mean?"

I lowered my head and closed my eyes. "You want to live in Canterlot. I shouldn't disallow you that pleasure." 

There was no reply from Tia for some time. When I finally opened my eyes and raised my head, I saw her face, full of disbelief. We both weren't our usual selves today.

"Are-are you sure?"

I nodded. As much as I hated this, it was only fair to Tia. Everfree Castle was my home, but it couldn't be that forever. Even now, as I write this, I can feel the tears forming. I can't cry now - I'll smudge the ink.

Soon after that, Celestia went on a quick visit to Canterlot, just to verify the plans for...I guess it will be called Canterlot Castle. She allowed me to stay, though. I was grateful for this - at least she wasn't forcing me to go on anymore Canterlot trips. I went straight up to my room and wrote a quick reply to Gem. I wrote:


To my friend, Gemini,
As much I hate to admit it, you are right. I have spoken to Tia, and we have sorted everything out. We are moving to Canterlot.
Thanks for you help. Luna

p.s. Celestia is currently on her way to Canterlot to go over the plans for the new castle. I, however, am being allowed to stay at home, due to the fact that I am not in a state to show my face in public.


His reply came almost immediately.

I am on my way. G.