//------------------------------// // Tears and questions // Story: A true Redemption // by Stormhoof //------------------------------// Luna looked up as Celestia entered, her eyes still watering as she watched her drawn nearer. "A-are we a failure as a princess, Celestia? Are we bad to our subjects? We cannot bare it any longer."Luna said, fighting back her tears to keep her words coherent. Celestias eyes widened taken aback by her younger sisters questions. "Of course not dear sister, You have taken over your royal duties, and have been nothing but kind to the citizens of Equestria. What could have put these thoughts in your head sister?" Celestia said, truly worried as she had never seen Luna so emotional. "W-w-we were...told to leave several shops today s-so we would n-not scare away customers...a-another shopkeeper demanded that We pay triple the bits for a Horn ornament We were going to buy..." came Lunas voice, still shaky as she wiped her eyes on a dark blue pillow before continuing "We don't know what to do, we are unloved by all our Citizens. Must we put up with this hate for eternity?" She finished looking up at Celestia with sad eyes. Celestia thought to herself, She knew Luna was sorry for what happened a thousand years ago,and that her banishment had made her lonely. It infuriated her to hear how the citizens mistreated her. picking her words carefully Celestia spoke up saying "My dear sister, You must not dwell on how a few citizens feel, they are simply adjusting, just as you are." Celestia sat next to luna on her bed and nudged her saying "Try not to let it get to you. Just think of something you can do that will show equestria the real you."Smiling down on her younger sister she gave her another nudge. Luna blinked away a few more tears before saying "We just want the love they show you...or...even tolerance...b-but..." before she could get another word out she broke out sobbing again and spoke in between sobs "w-we ask t-that thou...leave u-us alone...'Tis too painful to discuss..." she buried her face back into her pillow, Hiding her face from Celestia, as if to hide herself from equestria,from all the hate. Celestia gave an understanding nod and stepped over to the door saying "Given your state, I am going to let you have a rest from raising the moon tonight...try to cheer up dear sister...Perhaps you will meet more sociable ponies at the gala, it is only a few months away." she finished and stepped out, not able to bare the sound of her sisters crying any longer. Perhaps crying is what she needs to do, just to let it out. closing the door quietly She turned to a guard saying "If she needs anything please be right there for her, Luna has had a hard time today." she spoke in almost a whisper but the guard gave a nod. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- After a few more minutes, Luna finally managed to calm herself down. She was starting to feel lonely, a few stuffed animals from her childhood was simply not enough. The sun had not set, there were still a few more hours of daylight. "It is only a few more months away..." Luna murmured to herself, thinking over the words. She hopped off her bed saying again to herself "It's only a few more months away" Luna went quickly to the bathroom to wash her face, saying the same words in her head over and over. She quickly ran out of her room in search of Celestia. She was not in the throne room however,nor her own, or even the dinning room. Luna took a glance out the window to the courtyard where the guards ponies usually trained, Celestia was there watching them. well, it was now or never, luna bolted through the halls before reaching the door to the courtyard. Taking a deep breath she stepped through, to see Celestia Idly watching them. "Sister? We have a question to ask thou..." Luna said trying to keep her voice steady. she sat down next to her sister quickly and breathed deeply again. "What is it Luna? you never have to be afraid to ask me anything."Celestia said with a gentle smile. now or never...now or never...Now.Luna exhaled gently before speaking, saying "We ask that thou let us Plan the Grand Galloping Gala this year so we..." she started but Celestia interrupted. "No, I am very sorry sister but the gala is already completely planned out."Celestia Did not mean to be rude, but it was simply a fact, re-planning it would cause too much stress on both of them. Luna lowered her head quietly. Unsure now of what to say. "However Luna, I am aware that you are well suited to planning such an event an had planned on asking earlier but you were too upset, During the winter Solstice you may throw your own Ball,dance,feast or whatever you wish. You would just have to start planning it now, and if it is popular enough, we shall hold one every year to Honor you" Celestia smile as she seen her sisters face go quickly from depressed to ecstatic. "We cannot thank you enough sister! we Assure thou that it shall be successful!"Luna leaned in to hug Celestia overjoyed now. Almost all eyes were on Luna now, she hadn't quite yelled it, but it was loud enough to draw the attention of everypony in the direct vicinity. Blushing Luna trotted off to her room, as she had planning to do. A few of the Guards kept their gaze on luna as she left, All blushing and looking around Innocently when Celestia Cleared her Throat with a short grin. "If you all enjoy the view so much I suggest asking her to be your date to the Gala" She said widening her smirk, her suggestion had brought a blush to all of them. Luna lay in her bed minutes later,nuzzling against her tear stained pillow, millions of Ideas flew through her head for what she could do. and before she could complete any of her thoughts she felt her eyelids growing heavy, and fell asleep.