Many ponies don’t stay up and watch the stars anymore…
At least, that’s what Princess Luna had thought. Ever since Luna was freed from the evil grasp of Nightmare Moon, she had been having thoughts like this. I know I shouldn’t think like this, given that this mistrust in the people of Equestria is what made me become Nightmare Moon. But, I cannot help but think this way. So many children no longer insist on staying up just to have my night shine on them. This feeling isn’t jealousy though. It’s more of a lack of confidence in my night. Have I not made the night sky pleasing to my and my sister’s people?
The balcony her room held at Canterlot Palace gave rise to many of these thoughts. Perhaps, it is just the lack of ponies I see during the nightly hours. The guards give me plenty of company, but other than that, this castle falls silent. I cannot help but feel an empty void where my confidence in the night should be. Suddenly, a knock came at her chamber doors, temporarily snapping Luna out of these brooding thoughts. “Who, pray tell, disturbs us at this hour?” she asked. The voice that responded on the other side surprised the Princess of the Night.
“Lulu, it’s your sister. May I come in?” Luna, seeming slightly desperate to have somepony to talk to about these thoughts, unlocked the door and opened it with her magic.
“I was lying in my chambers when I saw you overlooking the town, Luna. Is everything-” Celestia was interrupted by slight sobs coming from her sister.
“Tia, ever since we- I came back, it seems as though my work goes on unappreciated. I can’t feel more than a sense of dread! These were the same thoughts that gave rise to my mistrust in you, before the banishment, but no matter how hard I try, I cannot seem to rid myself of them!”
The Princess of the Sun walked up to her sister, and put her hoof to her sister’s chin, lifting it up to meet her eyes. “Oh lulu, so much has changed since then. ‘Tis true that not many ponies gaze at your stars- even less in these modern times. Come, there is something I must show you in the Hall of Stories.” Luna stopped crying, and brought a slight smile to her face, feeling a glimpse of happiness in the sea of dread she was experiencing.
A few moments later, in the Hall of Stories…
I always felt a sense of purpose walking through these halls. Though erected after my banishment, these murals always make me feel proud of the events that transpired on them. As they were walking, Celestia started talking to Luna, not in a serious tone, or the tone used to comfort Equestria’s citizens, but in a tone that only sisters know. “Luna, I know we live in strange times. Discord’s reformed, my pupil joined us in the Royal bloodline, even the Crystal Palace was recovered.”
“Our lives have always been strange, Tia. It doesn’t surprise me that these events transpired.”
Tia sighed. “Then why are you bothered by the people not praising your night?”
Luna didn’t expect, nor think of the question Celestia brought up. Why am I upset at the citizens? It seems childish, when she puts it that way.
“I guess I’m looking for proof.”
“Of what, dear sister?” Celestia asked.
Luna paused for a moment, almost afraid of saying anything. “Proof that someone can still appreciate the beauty of the night- my beauty. You have been courted by many individuals that both admire you and your bright and wondrous days. Yet, I have never been approached, even before my banishment, and my nights were never praised that often. I now realize that it isn’t because I live in your shadow, but rather because nopony sees me the same way they see you. They fear me, as they always have. My night guard has always looked intimidating, making me unapproachable. My chariot strikes fear into any that look upon it. Even my night doesn’t provide enough light at times to ease the many fillies and colts in their beds of imaginary shadow monsters or ghouls in the dark. I have tried intermingling with our subjects on a night that was named for my shadowy self, only to make them fear me more until the end.”
Celestia felt sadness for her sister, realizing why Lulu cannot sleep often, why she spends so many nights alone in her chambers, looking into the distance as if searching for something. “Lulu, if I knew you felt this way sooner, I would have helped. It is true that I have been approached by many suitors, both young and old, but not once did I say yes. My days have always been admired, this has also been true. But if you think nopony praises your beauty, you are wrong. Not only do I admire you and your night, but there are many that still require your guidance in this world, and although they will never approach you in person, the realm of dreams is their way of courting you. Those fillies and colts too young to face fears, will find comfort in their dreams, knowing you will vanquish their monsters, even in their nightmares. Your arrival in Ponyville on Nightmare Night, despite the fearful entrance, was welcomed with joy at the end. Your beauty is praised, but subtly. Look here, on this mural.”
She motioned to a glass mural of Luna, after being reformed. The night Princess’ mural image looked humble and forgiving, and behind it stood the moon and stars painted to represent the night. “I commissioned that this be added to the Hall of Stories. It was to represent your return to Equestria, but now looking at it, it shows how much both I and our subjects see you not as a monster or a cruel demon, but rather as a misunderstood princess only looking to keep her subjects happy with the night she erected.
“There is yet one pony that still enjoys your night every day. Not only me, but since your return, only one pony has respected you for who you are, and not who you were. Do you know who that pony might be?” Luna thought for a moment, trying to recall who appreciated her for herself, not fear her shadowed past. Then it occurred to her.
It was she who was the only pony to understand I wasn’t my past self at Nightmare Night. She was the one who saved me as well. “Twilight Sparkle still appreciates my beautiful night?” Her sister nodded to confirm it. “But does she appreciate me as well?”
“That is a mystery for you to solve, dear sister. I cannot answer for the feelings that others possess.” With that, hope was restored to Luna’s lonely heart.