November 14, 1000 ANM
The past few days have been the sort in which a sane pony tiptoes carefully around those who can find no comfort. In the streets, lives continue on as usual, and ponies are even making preparations for tonight. Despite Discord’s rampage, or perhaps because of it, the Grand Galloping Gala will commence as if nothing had happened. Sister Dearest was adamant that this should happen, and I was pleased with her attitude for the situation.
“More now than ever, they need to be happy,” she told me not long ago as we strolled through an busy hall. “And in any case, we’re having a ceremony to honor Twilight and her friends for their triumph against Discord. It’ll do everypony some good, I think, if we follow up a night of tradition with a morning of celebration.”
“Your logic is impeccable, as usual.” For once, this was not a lie. “With our six heroes at the Gala, it will go off without a hitch.”
“We’ll see.” For the first time in days, there was a hint of a smile in her face, though I could not fathom why.
“Has Mi Amore Cadenza been willing to speak with you yet?”
The smile faded. “Unfortunately, no. Ever since Discord told her the secret, she’s been hiding in her room. She won’t even come out to eat. As for discussing it with me, well … at best, she sees me in a very different light.”
“It is understandable. Can you imagine suddenly being told that—?”
“Princess Celestia!” A member of the Royal Guard trotted over, coming to a sudden stop before us and smartly saluting. “Princess Luna. We’ve still heard no word from Princess Cadence. The doors haven’t so much as cracked open since we’ve stood watch.”
“Thank you, Moonshadow.” Sister Dearest regarded me, seemingly ignorant of the strange look the guard cast on her before he departed. “I wish she would talk to me, but I won’t force her to. After Discord, I’m probably the last creature she wants to see.”
“She will forgive you,” I assured her. “It is not in her nature to do otherwise.”
“I hope so.” She nodded at a pair of decorators as they passed by. “Well, when the time comes, I will be prepared for it. Are you sure you don’t want to come to the Gala? I think they’ll be thrilled to see a princess who isn’t me.”
“I waver between yea and nay,” I admitted. “While it would be nice to replicate the success of Nightmare Night, I have the strangest sensation of that my presence would only aggravate everypony present.”
“It’s your decision.”
Such was our conversation. I have decided to retire early, in the event that I do decide to attend. Though the glaring sun still shines, my chambers are soft and dark, and I can almost pretend that my dreams will not ring with the sound of steel against stone.