//------------------------------//
// Filly - Knight of Lycaeus 
// Story: Dark Paradise: the TwiLuna Group Collab 
// by Habanc 
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Written by: Knight of Lycaeus

*****


They spent the rest of the night on the moon, Luna had used her magic to conjure a small dwelling with enough food and comforts to last them the night. They settled in to watch the stars which shone more brightly and more clearly than they had back in Equestria.

The next morning or what Luna claimed as morning looked no different to Twilight than night on the moon had although she attributed to the different rate of rotation of the moon. Luna guiding their teleport the pair left the moon for their usual destination; nights spent stargazing was common for the two as was falling asleep in each other's hooves. The following morning likewise had a similar ritual, it seemed mundane compared to the previous night but no less important, breakfast at Pony Joe's.

The Triarchs of Equestria all held fondness for the shop, its friendly shopkeeper, and its delicious wares, so much so that it inevitably became part of Twilight and Luna's regular stargazing ritual. Invigorated now by fresh donuts and steaming hot cups of tea and coffee, the second and last day of their weekend together began.

Today Luna led Twilight to a few places across the world, these were forgotten locales. Locations once of great significance but now people and time had forgotten leaving them to ruin. Their last stop was also where Luna had planned to have dinner.
"You brought us to your old castle for dinner?" asked a confused Twilight.

"Indeed, the Everfree Castle is a place of importance for us both."

Twilight turned to face Luna, "You're fine being here?"

Luna sighed, "Despite what did happen here it is still somewhere I have fond memories of." she closed her eyes thinking of the time she spent here, "This place once served as the last bastion from Discord's chaos, the powerful magics in this forest sheltered us which is why it and the castle bears the name "Everfree". I do not mind being here, I have been striving to not let the past weigh me down and being here and on the moon were part of that."

"If you're sure" Twilight began before trailing off.

"I am, the past will always be with me. With the many millenniums I've been alive that especially holds true." Luna paused when she noticed the slightly distracted look on Twilight's face. "Something else is still troubling you, more than what you told me before."
Twilight sighed, "There is, it's something that has always been with me in a way. From what Celestia and you have discussed, alicorns are ageless capable of surviving many centuries." she looked over at her wings, "I'm one now, ascension was never something I even thought was possible but my new role makes me stand out. Again."

"Elaborate for me please, I know the present you but little of before."

Twilight nodded, "Growing up as a noble in Canterlot meant I was supposed to distinguish myself and my family. But I had a different problem, I've always enjoyed keeping to myself as the many librarians of the city will attest to. But I also had the challenge of being above others, I never wanted to put myself so above everypony but they saw me as above and even beyond them. My intelligence and my sheer raw power in magic isolated me, pushed me out in front of others. Becoming the Ponyville librarian was a fresh start in a way, ponies didn't stare at me in fear of what I could do or beg me to help them. I was one of the community, an equal. Ascension and coronation placed me outside again, even among the others Princesses I feel alone. All of you have a better grasp and understanding of your roles, I feel caught between my role as Ponyville's bookworm librarian and as Equestria'a newest Princess with an uncertain role."

Luna just stood there, her mind mulling over each thought her marefriend was bringing to light. "I understand. More than maybe you know right now but I understand. I too have felt as an outsider, in the before I was the "lesser" Princess yet I was also a skilled mage. I was once one of the more respected experts on magic yet few knew that, even fewer ever approached me about it. Now in the after, I feel alone again. Alone in a world so different than what I had left, returning to a role so similar yet different, not the warrior-princess of old as our role now is to negotiate through words not by the sword. Words is my sister's strength not so much mine. I have also found myself woefully inadequate as a mage, outclassed not by the Archmage but by a humble student in magic."
At this Luna stepped closer to Twilight to embrace her, "I found myself outclassed, even my millenniums of knowledge paled to what you could do and what potential you possess. I am caught between the rougher world of before and the peace of now. Perhaps this is a reason why we found solace with each other. In a way we both understand what it means to stand out, what it means to be caught between roles and expectations, we are kindred spirits. We are alone save for some who know us; save for even fewer who understands us. If you are caught then I am as well, the words I spoke last night was the truth. You shall not lose me and I will be with you as you are with me, we walk together in learning and understanding what our roles are, of who we are now and who we are meant to be."

Twilight just stood there as Luna defeated her fears and insecurities, everything she had been struggling with. "Thank you Luna. I'm glad you're here with me. Thank you for this weekend, I glad to learn I'm not as alone as I thought. I love you Luna" leaning in to kiss her tenderly on the lips.