//------------------------------// // Sun and Moon // Story: A Goddess' Sorrow // by Whiter Penmanship //------------------------------// The day dawned humid and grey, a stark contrast to the warm and sunny day prior, upon which Luna had awoken from her millennia-long slumber. The castle was surprisingly quiet considering the number of its equine inhabitants, save for the stifled clop-clop-clopping of armored hooves echoing throughout its long, winding hallways every now and then. Soon, however, huge dark masses of clouds bunched together in a lowering sky, occasionally cut through by flashes of forked lightning searing the air over to the west. The dull rumble of a distant thunderclap signaled the approach of a storm, before drops of rain, cool and heavy, began falling over the city. Luna found herself up exceptionally early, having been awoken shortly after her sister’s normal morning routine of rising to raise the sun by the distant grumble of thunder. She stood on the balcony outside of her elder sister’s room, quietly basking in the soft warmth of a rainy morning. She exhaled quietly, looking down upon Canterlot in all of its regality, taking it all in. One thousand years. She mused, watching as the many little ponies down far below scattered beneath the sudden drizzle, looking like ants from her high angle. Could she really be blamed for brooding? It had been so very long, far longer than she could have ever imagined. Moreover, thoughts of the prior day weighed heavily upon the lunar princess’ mind, threatening to topple her already fragile neutral mood into something on the more unpleasant end of the spectrum. Her return, primarily, but also the night which followed and just what had occurred. Her cheeks took on a purplish hue and she turned her head downward, embarrassment bubbling up within her. I can’t believe I was so foalish. The thought had been resonating throughout her mind for hours now, growing louder and louder each time it passed through until it was simply impossible to ignore. She was the princess of the night, for goodness sakes! She was nigh immortal! She was the lunar diarch of an entire civilization! How could she possibly even— Luna curved her train of thought straight into the ground with a deep breath and buried it there, forcing herself to relax both physically and mentally. Though she hadn’t even realized it, the frustrated princess had begun gritting and grinding her teeth subconsciously. A hoof rose up to stroke at her jaw, which faintly ached from the strain. One thousand years and I still haven’t kicked the habit… A single droplet of icy cold rain struck Luna on the nose, bringing her back to reality. She gave a little twitch of her snout and looked up into the sky, seeing little more than the underbellies of the grainy, overstuffed clouds. A dark, billowing blanket of monotonous grey which blotted out any sign of the sun and skies. It reminded her, in a sense, of her time on the moon, where all she saw, felt, heard, smelled and tasted was darkness. Dreary, empty darkness, everywhere, all the time. However, there was no breeze there, as she so very clearly recalled. As the wind passed through her somewhat frazzled mane, Luna found herself smiling ever so slightly. Despite yesterday’s various unpleasantries and the effect the embarrassing scene she’d made in the presence of her sister had had on her mood, she couldn’t help but enjoy it, especially after having been deprived of her senses for a thousand years. Her aforementioned senses were alight with all sorts of old, yet seemingly new sights, sounds and smells, not quite forgotten, but not fully remembered, either. There was that familiar scent of the rain, of the city and the local, well-tended flora within when damp, the wet streets below, a scent so soft it barely registered. The steady, light pitter-patter of raindrops tapping away at the curved roofing of her room, tickling at her ears ever so gently, leaving them twitching this way and that to gather up as many sounds as they could. Thunder roared and Luna found herself staring down at the empty streets once more. It only served to remind her of the times long past, when she stood upon the balcony from her room in the old castle, looking down upon the beginnings of a small, blooming village just a short walk away. So many familiar faces wandering the streets, going about their daily lives and greeting her and her sister with broad smiles. Filled with a myriad of bittersweet memories, Luna’s smile waned. That which was once a small, budding village lined with those simple dirt paths and small cottages here, there and yonder was now replaced with the view of towering spires of fine marble and brilliant gold, wide, sprawling buildings, ornate statues and paved pathways which seemingly reached everywhere. The occasional patch of greenery here or there was mostly overtaken by yet another marble pillar, which held aloft the balcony on some grandiose, multi-story estate that seemed stuffed with elegantly dressed unicorns who came and went in a blur of unknown faces. The rain steadily grew heavier, enough so that the princess was eventually forced to retreat indoors, though the break from her thoughts was a relief, if nothing else. Pushing herself from the railing , Luna turned and entered the castle once more, sliding the glass doors shut behind her with a quick flick of her magic. Thoroughly soaked, Luna left a trail behind herself as she made her way into the restroom to retrieve a pair of soft white towels, one for her body, the other for her mane. Wrapping them around herself and securing them, she found a comfortable spot beside the unlit fireplace—a force of habit more than anything—and laid down to rest and dry off. Think positive. The mare reminded herself. Her shoulders lowered as she calmed, sapphire eyes fading behind dark blue lids. <><><><><><><><><><> Returning from yet another stressful meeting regarding the suspicions surrounding her sister’s return and all which it entailed, Celestia quietly, yet gratefully slipped into the blissful peace and quiet of her own room, though the reprieve was likely to be short-lived. Although the majority of her larger and more serious meetings were canceled in favor of spending time with her sister, there was simply no getting out of explaining to her council and the many higher-ups of Canterlot that they had a new ruler to defer to. As she entered, she was expecting to find her sister sleeping in total darkness, only to draw back as a bright light met her magenta eyes, followed by a gentle breeze which carried the chill of the Canterlot mountain air. Blinking the spots from her vision, she glanced at Luna, who she was surprised to find sitting up in her bed, leaning against the fancy, hoof-crafted wooden headboard—expertly carved with the design of a rising sun—and absently flipping through a book. Luna turned her curious gaze up to her sister, ducking her head low and drawing the covers closer to herself. There was a momentary silence before she lowered them, allowing the solar princess a chance to approach. Celestia raised a brow as Luna carefully marked her page with an unnecessarily intricate bookmark and closed it. She sat it aside, then looked back to Celestia, flashing her a smile, which the elder mare returned. “How did you sleep?” She inquired after a brief silence, in which the other mare shimmied down into the covers further, pulling them snug to her upper body as if to hide her figure. Celestia found the behavior a tad odd, but passed it off as one of those unusual quirks that everypony had. “You mean before or after the nightmares?” She inquired dryly. A shake of the head and the alicorn placed both forehooves over her chest, her gaze turned upward toward the ceiling. “It was not a very restful night, but I am prepared for the day ahead, sister.” She explained, receiving a soft nod in response. “I honestly didn’t expect it to be so bright in here, Luna. Enjoying the daylight?” Celestia half-teased, eyes scanning the room from left to right before turning back to rest upon the other alicorn’s form. Her lips pursed. It was a tad odd, was it not? Luna was once notorious amongst the servants for her inky-black, dark-as-the-void room. “That’s unlike you. Why all the light?” Luna shrugged in response, rubbing her forelegs together. “I do not know, I have found that I dislike resting when it is so dark out.” She explained, only to receive a particularly surprised look from her sister—unsurprising, all things considered. Expected though it may have been, however, it was still upsetting to be reminded just how much the mare was affected by her incarceration. Celestia frowned. “Well that’s something I never thought I’d hear.” The alabaster mare said slowly, grasping at the window with the translucent golden glow of her ethereal magic, sliding it shut and drawing the blinds closed shortly thereafter, draping the room in a soft, comfortable darkness. “Why not use a lantern, or candles? I’m sure the wind must get a bit irritating up here, with the windows open like that.” She suggested, turning her gaze back to the sapphire-coated mare, who seemed to blend in with the bedding now that it was darker. “I’m certain that I had some brought up to your room yesterday.” The response she received was hasty and somewhat forced, which furthered the frown upon her features. “Oh, no, I prefer to be able to see the sunlight while I rest and the sunrise was so pretty.” Luna told her, returning the window to its open state from her place in the bed, the strain audible in her tone as she conjured up her magic. Exhaling slowly, the mare sank back into the bedding, her eyes closing. “It makes me feel like...” She trailed off, breathing somewhat more heavily than usual. A crimson hue spread along Luna’s face, giving her a gentle violet glow. “Like somepony is always there, watching over me.” She whispered, quickly looking away to hide the blush upon her cheeks. Celestia’s cheery mood from the prior day’s events wavered slightly, her brow furrowing, though only for a fraction of a second before returning to the usual calm and pleasant expression that she always seemed to wear. Making her way over, she raised herself up, then sat down on the edge of the bed right beside her sister. A broad white wing unfurled from her back and, as if by instinct, the blue mare slowly leaned forward, making just enough room for the wing to slip in behind her. It was hastily draped along Luna’s back, feathers tickling at her coat in a most pleasant manner. “Luna, I...” Finding herself at a loss for words, the solar princess simply gave her beloved sister a reassuring squeeze and reluctantly changed the subject. The pitter-patter of a steady drizzle gave her an idea with a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips, she leaned in close and nuzzled at her sister, who seemed to flinch away from the contact. Luna wanted to enjoy it, she really did, but she was still a tad uncertain and wasn’t quite feeling like her usual self. She gave her sister an apologetic look and simply leaned back into the plumage of her sister’s wing, whispering something incoherent under her breath. The mare just kept up the cheerful facade and continued, acting as though it had never happened. “You know, you always did love a rainy day.” She remarked, looking out through her window at the storm outside. “Most ponies assume that I don’t because the clouds block out the sun, which I did, but when you were gone, I really took the time to take in the sights and smells just like you used to. I find them very soothing now. What about you, Luna?” She asked, turning to her sister with the very same soft smile played out on her lips. “Do you still enjoy a nice rainy day?” It wasn’t to last. Luna would have none of that, changing the subject once more. “I dislike them.” She interjected in a disinterested manner, despite the fact that she had, in fact, basked in the beginnings of a light storm not all that long ago. She quickly spoke again, making known what was on her mind and likely her sister’s as well. It was still gnawing away at her despite her sister’s reassurance the eve prior that there was no issue with it, if only due to her slightly wounded ego. “Celestia, about last night...” She began rather suddenly, then trailed off after only a few words. Tucking her lower lip between her teeth, the lunar princess shifted upon the bed uncomfortably. “I do not know what came over me. I apologize for invading your personal space and—” “Luna, please.” Celestia cut her off abruptly with a stern, but caring voice, resting a gentle hoof on her shoulder and tightening her feathery embrace. “You had a nightmare and you’ve only just returned from a long, long time away from home. Please, don’t feel that you can’t come to me.” She explained, trying to convey that she was there for her beloved little sister. “It’s completely understandable that you would be uncomfortable in a new room, after...” She hesitated, features dropping for a moment, then finished her thought. “That.” Her tone was that of distaste, as though she’d eaten something which was bitter and destined to be thrown out—the mere thought of what had happened all those years ago nearly made her ill, as it were. Luna was prepared, however, and spoke up with a certain bite to her voice which caused her sister to draw back, if only slightly. “It is hardly alright, Celestia.” The dark-hued alicorn told Celestia, sliding out of the bed and rising onto her hooves. “Only foals are afraid of the dark... Of their own dreams.” She explained, turning toward her sister with a frustrated snort. If her expression was anything to go by, she knew she was pushing the facts a little bit, but in her upset state it was to be expected. “I am a grown mare, for goodness sakes! I should be able to handle such problems myself.” She said, watching Celestia’s expression fall yet again. It struck a chord deep within her, which only further led to her dismal mood shift. “Luna, please, you don’t need to feel that way.” Celestia quickly went about making the bed whilst she tried to ease Luna’s mind, horn glowing a brilliant golden amber as the comforter and sheets began to fold and tuck themselves in tightly. “Everypony needs a helping hoof every now and then—you and I included.” She told Luna, laying the pillows in place at the head of her bed, positioning them just so. Celestia’s little speech fell on deaf ears, however, only furthering Luna’s ire. “What kind of princess am I? Luna, the Night Watcher.” She started, stomping her forehoof. The younger alicorn began to list off a series of names which she had been given long ago by both her people and the people which she had shared strife with, friend and foe. “Luna, the Iron-Hoofed. The Black Heart. Deae Lunae.” Within mere moments the mare’s little rant grew entirely incoherent, her words twisting and shifting into a language that the celestial mare hadn’t heard in centuries. “I can’t... I can’t even...” She whispered. Catching sight of her sister’s distressed look, the lunar mare finally curved her frustrations into the ground and exhaled a shaky breath, her head lowering. Already another pang of guilt was striking away at the back of her mind, this one for similar, but different reasons. After several moments of slow, steady, measured breathing, she looked back up and shook her head. “I refuse to believe that it is “alright” as you say, Celestia.” She explained, giving the gist of her impromptu rant, stubborn as she was, in one simple sentence. “You and I are leaders of a nation, sister. How fit am I to do just that if I cannot accomplish a task a filly could?” She inquired, looking away. “We are to set an example, are we not? What sort of great leaders go about making their flaws known to friend and foe alike?” Celestia’s rebuttal came in much less aggressively than Luna’s, her tone almost motherly as she craned her neck downward to meet her sister’s gaze. “A great leader is able to admit their weaknesses so that they may find aid and conquer them. It strengthens not only them, but also their people, knowing that their leader is another pony. They find them relatable.” Celestia stepped closer, golden slippers clacking against the smooth flooring. “Believe it or not, Luna, not all ponies find comfort in some sort of all-powerful, perfect being ruling over them. Times have changed.” Luna, yet again, said nothing, remaining quiet and thoughtful. Celestia, meanwhile, tapped her hoof at the floor, a small frown upon her features. She was trying her best not to argue, she really was, but Luna was making things very difficult. Truth be told, the princess wasn’t exactly used to having ponies so openly disagree with her, let alone with such poor, flimsy backing such as this. It was the stubbornness of her sister, however, and the combative and aggressive nature that she’d had since she was young that made things difficult. Celestia knew she should have expected as much, but it she had sincerely hoped otherwise. Perhaps I was foolish to expect everything to return to the way it was. Before long, Luna shook her head and rubbed her hoof at a foreleg, her tone low. “I’m sorry, Celestia.” She apologized, breathing out. Her eyes faded behind blue lids, then appeared once more, her nose turning upward. Celestia’s ears perked, though her hope was quickly dashed away by the lunar mare’s next comment, which was far more sharp than she intended for it to be. “However, I believe that we will have to agree to disagree.” She said, stepping around the bed and walking toward the door where her sister stood. “Perhaps we should partake in breakfast now, I’m famished.” Celestia released a disappointed breath and gave a nod, her magenta eyes closing for just a moment. She was frustrated and, to top it all off, wounded now and it was beginning to show, but she reeled any comments that she could have made in. “Yes, of course. Let’s show you the dining hall.” She said, her smile as hollow as could be. “You’ll love the decorations.” <><><><><><><><><><> The early morning sun beamed down upon Canterlot Castle from just overhead, illuminating that which wasn’t already alight via the gentle glow of candlelight. Golden shafts of light streaked into the dining hall through fancifully designed stained-glass windows, bathing the room in a plethora of brilliant colors and warming it to a comfortable temperature. It was a similar effect to the one Luna had experienced night before, though the morning’s light felt far more lively. Breakfast began silently, quickly becoming a wholly awkward affair as Luna tentatively took her seat across from Celestia, nearly jumping out of her skin as a finely dressed, moustached stallion slid it into place with a gentle application of teal magic. After shooting a look of displeasure at the sheepish stallion—who quickly looked to Celestia for some sort of aid, only to receive an apologetic glance in response—Luna sat her forehooves upon the table and gazed at her sister once more, her eyes slightly narrowed. “The servants are quite bold, I’ve noticed.” She commented, peering at the unicorn that had seated the royal duo from the corner of her eye in an almost contemptuous manner. The stallion took it as his cue to leave and promptly skittered off with his tail between his legs. “Luna, be nice.” Celestia whispered with a frown, despite the fact that there wasn’t a soul to be seen within hearing distance. “He’s just doing his job.” She berated, though it was somewhat half-hearted. She couldn’t quite be angry at her sister for being rude, not so soon after her return. Shaking her head, the alabaster mare leaned back and sighed. “Just think before you speak.” Luna mirrored her sister’s frown. “He startled me.” Came the younger alicorn’s response, followed by a near-inaudible huff. She had no desire to deal with snooty servants, especially so soon after returning. Luna paid him no mind after he turned his back to her and focused once more on her sister, the grand dining table and the warm light streaming in, which shimmered in the metal of her shoes. The food arrived in short order, with several ponies bringing out a wide variety of platters, trays and other such objects being sat down upon the table before Luna. By the time at least a half-dozen were laid out in front of her, she was simply at a loss for words. Luna shifted in her seat with mild discomfort, slightly anxious to be in the presence of so many ponies so suddenly, but they were gone just as quickly as they’d arrived after a quick compliment from the alabaster alicorn across from her. She looked up at her sibling, curious. Before Celestia, oddly enough, was a mere single platter of fine silver and her glass which had been there before Luna arrived. It looked to be foreign if the designs upon it were anything to go by, though these days there was really no telling where something of the sort came from. Celestia lifted the top from it to reveal a mere salad, dashed with various fine cheeses and breaddings and a potent, vinegar-like topping of some sort which Luna could smell from across the table. The portion was generous, but there was little else in comparison to what she had received. The mare didn’t begin eating, but she did take a sip of her water and set the rounded lid to the platter aside. “Well, go on.” Celestia encouraged, a small, coy smile played out upon her lips. It quickly disappeared behind her glass with another sip of her water. Still, the knowing look drew a half-frown from Luna. If there was one thing that hadn’t changed about her elder sister, it was her obnoxious, playful mannerisms. “What is all of this, Celestia?” She inquired, her head tilted ever so slightly to the side in curiosity. Her look of uncertainty successfully dispelled the majority Celestia’s grin and Luna herself smiled a little bit inside. She knew her sibling far too well sometimes. “Well, I wasn’t sure what you’d want for breakfast and I didn’t want to interrupt you while you were sleeping...” Celestia paused, then gave her sister an almost disapproving look, akin to something a mother would give a disobedient child who was caught red-hoofed. “Ahem, when I thought you were sleeping. Anyhow, I didn’t want to make a blind guess, so I asked the head chef to cook up some of his best breakfast dishes.” She explained, that small smile appearing upon her features once more. “Have whatever you’d like, but don’t feel obligated to finish anything. They’ll completely understand if it’s not to your liking.” The corners of Luna’s lips twitched in the slightest beginnings of a smile, but it didn’t quite make it there and her expression shifted back into its neutral state, tinged with that very same curiosity. It was still more than enough to draw a larger smile from Celestia, however, because progress was still progress to her no matter the case. “Well thank you, ‘Tia.” She commented somewhat off-hoofedly, already looking down toward the various dishes laid out before her. Celestia’s smile only grew at the sound of her nickname, which, while clearly spoken subconsciously, still warmed her heart to hear. The solar diarch’s ear flicked in her sister’s direction as Luna’s horn flickered to life, a light blue aura forming around the spiralling appendage. It was quite similar to the glow around the handle of a lid to one of the many trays, but it fizzled out within moments and the metallic lid clattered back to the table. Flattening her ears and acting as if she hadn’t just made quite the ruckus, the lunar princess simply reached out and removed the lid by hoof, gazing down upon a rather generously stuffed omelette. Onions, peppers and other such vegetables were all visible within the perfectly folded egg, with cheese practically oozing from every visible crevice. “I was going to have them whip up one of your old favorites, but, well...” Celestia went on, encouraged by the apparent positive shift in her sister’s mood. She cleared her throat, cheeks taking on a light pink hue. “It’s been quite some time and most of the recipes no longer exist. As you know, I’m no chef myself, so...” She admitted, trailing off in a somewhat embarrassed manner. There was no response. She looked across the table and found that Luna was quietly inspecting each and every dish one by one, raising the lid, taking a deep breath and either sampling it, or placing the lid upon it once more with a look of dissatisfaction upon her face. Eventually the dining hall went entirely silent once more, save for the stifled sound of lunch being prepared for the rest of the castle’s staff behind them, in the kitchens, and the equally distant sounds of ponies moving to and fro throughout the many halls. Celestia simply couldn’t stand stewing in the silence, however, and cleared her throat somewhat forcefully after several minutes, as if to draw attention, though it was unsuccessful. Celestia quietly picked at her food, growing more and more disinterested with her own by the moment, a sad expression across her face as Luna seemed to almost entirely ignore her presence. The air between the duo steadily became tense again, though less out of some sort of unseen strife and more simply due to the way that Celestia was fidgeting every now and then and how Luna sat across from Celestia, wordlessly nibbling on various foods. “Yes, sister?” Luna finally spoke up, not even bothering to turn her gaze upward. She continued to chew upon... Well, goodness knew what it was, but it was particularly tasty! Unfortunately, much like the day prior, she found it hard to eat a full meal without getting an upset stomach. “Hm?” Came the solar mare’s response, her head tilting. She hadn’t yet let her line of sight on Luna break. Celestia almost frowned. Luna didn’t seem to ever want to draw her gaze away from the various foods which she was content to sit and sample one tediously slow bite at a time. “You seem more restless than a filly on Hearthswarming Eve.” Luna commented with slight concern, her tone somewhat facetious, but it carried an undertone of something more serious. Celestia was uncertain as to what she meant by it entirely, though a brief moment of introspection reminded her that she was growing quite restless with the silence and it likely showed. A followup glance off to the side at one of the guards standing by the large oaken doors revealed it to be true, if his expression was anything to go by. “Ah, yes, forgive me. The day has felt particularly long and yet it’s only just started, it seems.” She explained. “And?” Luna motioned with a hoof for her sister to continue, though when she heard nothing more, she finally looked up, gently dabbing at the corner of her mouth with a napkin. “Is there something that you wish to say?” The alabaster mare made to speak, only to pause, setting her fork aside. She pursed her lips and began rubbing her forehooves together, drawing the golden rim of her shoe along a few amethysts set in the other. She debated simply going silent for several brief moments, but she felt that it would be in bad taste to ignore her sister. Just... A quick apology. It can’t hurt. She told herself, nodding internally. The last thing that she needed to do was make Luna feel like she wasn't welcome. She was silent for a moment more before speaking up, her usually strong tone unusually soft. "I'm sorry, Luna. I didn't mean to argue with you earlier. I really am so happy to have you back, I just—" "Sister, please. Not now, you'll spoil my appetite." Luna interjected rather forcefully, looking mildly upset. She quickly caught the look upon her sister’s face and let out a soft sigh, slumping back in her seat some, somewhat guilty. "Please, just drop it." She told Celestia, her fork shaking within her magical grasp from the mere thought of their earlier conversation. "Yes, of course. Forgive me." Celestia swallowed the lump forming in her throat and nodded, picking her own utensils back up. The mare was well versed in forcing emotions to seem sincere and to put on a near-genuine facade, but that never did make it hurt any less, especially in such a situation as this. Reminding herself that a change in the subject was for the best, she retrieved her utensil and took a quiet bite of her otherwise untouched salad. “How is breakfast?” “A little heavy on the salt, but acceptable.” Luna responded. She paused, then looked up. Chewing another mouthful of egg, she quietly swallowed it down and straightened herself. “Give the chef my compliments.” Celestia’s not-quite-so-sincere smile grew. “I’m sure he’ll be delighted to hear that you enjoyed it. Cordon Bleu is a wonderful cook. He’s been with us for nearly a decade now—he’s retired from the guard service, believe it or not.” Luna simply nodded, already far more invested in dining on her cuisine than listening to stories of the hired help who she didn’t even know. “I see.” She nudged at a leafy meal of some sort with the tip of her fork, vaguely intrigued by the toppings upon it. Though unintentional, her tone stung the elder mare, who subconsciously turned her gaze toward the floor. It was as if any and all desire to speak within the lunar princess had died off, though why was unspoken, leaving Celestia to stew in her uncertainty. As such, the rest of her explanation died on her tongue right then and there. The desire to inquire if she was boring her sister was strong, but she didn’t want to seem short with her, so she set the concern aside. For the time being, anyways. “Right, well... Yes, he’ll be delighted, I’m sure.” Luna hummed in acknowledgement, but said little more. Within the span of several moments, the duo lapsed into an uncomfortable silence for the third time that day. Celestia decided to let it go, albeit reluctantly, and accepted the fact her sister just wasn’t up to talking at the moment. <><><><><><><><><><> “When do I get to see the city?” The thick and uncomfortable tension blanketing the room was finally breached when Luna spoke up, her voice shattering the silence. “You said yesterday that I was to receive a tour, correct?” She canted her head, sliding a large glass platter aside, all the while silently cursing her feeble magic for being forced to deal with such simple tasks by hoof. Celestia was both upset and relieved in equal parts, the former due to the inevitable conversation which would likely ensue and the latter for obvious reasons. Nevertheless, the alicorn jumped at the chance to converse with Luna once more. “Yes, of course! We’ll visit any part of the city you wish!” She began, perked up in her seat in her enthusiasm. “Oh, you’ll just love it. There’s so much to see.” She explained, though she quickly began to regret it. “I shall prepare to depart after breakfast, then.” Luna informed her, reaching for a dark cloth napkin and wiping at her mouth with it, more out of habit than a real need to. It went to show just how deeply ingrained some things, were in the lunar princess considering the length of her absence, simple or otherwise. Celestia nearly cringed, drawing both forehooves close and resting them on the edge of the table before her. “Oh, no, I’m afraid we won’t be able to go today.” She reached up to rub at her neck, already receiving a very slight slump of disappointment from her sister. “I’ve just got so much on my plate right now. You understand, don’t you?” The silence was deafening, even if it only lasted for a mere thirty or so seconds. Luna certainly understood, but that didn’t make it any less unpleasant. But such was the duty of a ruler, always looking after their subjects and putting their needs and concerns over their own, personal desires. Even when such desires involved showing their little sister around after a lengthy trip away from home. The lunar mare’s expression fell further. “I see.” She said quietly with a nod of her head. She rested her hooves on the table in a manner not that dissimilar to her sister and leaned back in her seat, releasing a soft breath. “That is understandable. Politics are important.” Celestia looked away, stung by Luna’s comment. Was it just a bout of passive-aggressiveness? No matter the case, it hurt, intentional or otherwise. “Oh, Luna, please don’t take it that way. This is something I can’t simply overlook. I have to set up the Gala or—” “Gala?” Luna interrupted, raising her hoof. “What is this?” “A celebration here in Canterlot we hold once a year. The Grand Galloping Gala, it’s a staple of our culture, these days.” The lunar diarch’s response was a quiet, “Ah.” Celestia was hoping for something slightly more verbose from her sister, but when she received none, she went on. “I have to work out several details with that and the sooner I take care of it the better. Ponies will be coming from all across the world for it and I can’t have them going unnotified.” She explained. There was a pause, then she perked up slightly. “I’ll also need to send tickets to my student and her friends, come to think of it.“ Goodness, I’ve certainly been scatter-brained as of late. The celestial mare thought, shaking her head. Luna didn’t seem very concerned with the Gala anymore, nor did she seem all that invested in her food. In fact, she looked quite intrigued by something that her sister had said. “You have a new student?” She asked rather suddenly, her brow raised. “Whatever happened to—” The mare stopped herself just a little too late, raising a hoof to cover her mouth. It’d been a thousand years, far and beyond the lifespan of any common pony. Of course that student was long gone. “Ah, I’m… Sorry, ‘Tia. I spoke without thinking.” If Celestia was upset, she didn’t show it. She raised a hoof and gave a dismissive little wave with it. “Think nothing of it.” She reassured, before lowering the limb once more. “It’s been a long time, I can’t hold that against you at all. But in answer to your question, yes.” She paused, then released a long, drawn out breath. “Yes, I do. She’s an aspiring...” She trailed, donned a thoughtful look, then smiled. “Well, she’s a sweet young unicorn with a lot of promise and some lovely friends. I don’t see her nearly as much as I used to, but we still speak to one another through letters.” Luna tilted her head, intrigued. She made note of Celestia’s form of communication with her student and gave a brief little nod in acknowledgement. “I would very much like to meet this mare some time.” She leaned in slightly, her expression somewhat coy. “After my trip to the city, preferably.” She added, putting extra emphasis on her last statement. Celestia chuckled under her breath, quietly so as to not be overheard. This was the Luna that she knew and loved and missed so very dearly. Well, if her sister wanted to play that way then she was happy to oblige! “Breakfast was wonderful, wasn’t it, Luna?” She asked in a swift turnabout of the subject, sliding her half-eaten food aside and clopping her hooves together in a most distracting manner. “Monsieur Bleu, how about something sweet for a dessert?” She called out, before turning back to her sister. “Luna, would you like something sweet? A slice of cake, perhaps?” “No thank you.” Replied Luna, a single brow raised in bemusement. “Would you care to remain on subject?” She inquired, the slightest hint of impatience carried upon her tone. Celestia sighed yet again, her soft white ears flattening. “If there’s one thing that’s endured since your... Departure, Luna, it’s leadership. In fact, with the population steadily on the rise, it’s only become more difficult.” The mare explained, giving Luna a look. “My schedule is far too busy. I can’t just outright wander off and leave them hanging. What if we set a date to tour the city instead?” She suggested, her smile ever so hopeful. It grew after a moment, becoming more playful. “I’m free for the afternoon in three days, how about you?” She asked, facetious. “No, sorry, I will be busy then.” Luna deadpanned, leaning forward and resting her chin on her hoof. The other rose up to sway from side to side, as if to say “how droll.” Needless to say, the lunar princess was not very amused by Celestia’s antics. “Perhaps you could send an escort with me toni—” “I’d rather not.” Celestia cut her off, looking apologetic. The playful aura about her died out, replaced by an air of genuine concern. “It’s not that I don’t trust you, or them for that matter, but ponies... They don’t know you yet.” She leaned back, exhaling softly. “There’s no telling how they’ll react.” It took all that Luna had to rein herself in and refrain from groaning aloud. She was hardly the diplomatic type and it showed, both in her expression and her exasperated tone. “Celestia, I’ll be fine. Anything that I can’t handle by myself can easily be taken care of by the guards.” Unsurprisingly, Celestia would have none of it. “It’s not just that, Luna.” She tucked her lower lip between her teeth and bit it, then sighed. It desperately needed to be said, but she’d been so hesitant to bring it up. She was just content to enjoy her sister’s presence now that she was finally back and she didn’t want to upset her further. “I’m also worried about how you’ll react to being around them. I worry about your mental health, Luna. I know you’re a strong pony, but you know as well as I do that they’ll all crowd around and stare. I just have a lot to do before I can accompany you and I don’t feel comfortable letting you go alone, with or without a royal escort.” “Excuse me?” Luna’s head snapped up, her sapphire eyes trained upon Celestia’s face. “I can handle myself just fine.” “Luna, you looked ready to keel over last night at dinner and there were only a few ponies present! I won’t be there to usher them away if you get uncomfortable out there.” The tension between the duo seemed to grow until Luna outright stood up, leaning over the table. The guards standing at attention over along the eastern wall shared a look, then slowly stepped toward the doorway, not all too keen on getting caught up in the imminent fight between the royal siblings. “Yes, and I’ve just returned, therefore that makes me incapable of taking care of myself, right?” Luna retorted, cheeks tinged purple out of anger. She took a single calming breath and quietly dabbed one final time at the corners of her mouth before pushing her seat back with a loud creak. The sapphire alicorn rose up and turned her nose up at her sister, stepping away from the table. “I have had my fill. I shall retire to my quarters for the day. Send for me if you need anything.” Her tone was firm, but quiet and very clearly restrained. Then, just like that, she left, her hoofsteps quickly fading into silence. Celestia watched Luna leave with a regretful expression on her face, already berating herself for her tactlessness in handling the situation. Good work, Celestia. You’re driving her away. Again. <><><><><><><><><><> Luna stepped out into the halls with a quiet huff, sterling silver shoes clacking into the marble floors with her steps, her frustration evident in her stance and doubly so on her face. She wasn’t angry at her sister, for the most part, she was simply frustrated at the fact that she was being babied about such trivial matters. Knowing Celestia, it wouldn’t just be from her, either. The entire staff would be treating her like a feeble little foal. Surely she could handle a simple trip to the city, right? Of course she could. Another sigh and the princess wandered off through the halls. The mare made the occasional turn and sidestepped a few guards and maids here and there as she wandered the expansive castle’s halls, no real destination in mind. She wasn’t quite ready to go to her room despite the late - for her, anyways - hour, but where else was she to go? More than half of the castle was still new to her and she was already woefully lost, if a quick peek at her surroundings was anything to go by. She simply decided to wander about until she spotted something interesting, or had simply worked her frustrations out. Tilting her head in the direction of a nearby maid, she called out, her voice resonating through the empty hallway. The poor mare jumped, as if startled, and turned to Luna, clutching at her chest with a forehoof. Her expression quickly went from breathless to apologetic when she realized just who it was standing behind her and a bright red hue overtook her cheeks. “O-oh, Princess! Forgive me, I hadn’t heard you approach! Is there anything that I can do for you?” Luna replied with a quiet tap of the hoof upon the ground, bemused. “Yes. You can inform me how to get outside. I wish to leave the castle.” “Oh dear...” The mare’s hoof shifted upward, moving from her chest to her mouth. She looked even more apologetic, if that was even at all possible. Go on, then. Say it. Prove me right. The sapphire mare thought with a mental scowl, which may or may not have appeared outside of her thoughts, if the blanched look that appeared upon her face was anything to go by. “I, uhm, well... You see, Princess, your sister...” She trailed off for a very short few seconds, searching for the right words to use. “Princess Celestia informed the staff this morning while you were resting that you were, erh...” Whatever it was that she had to say, Luna didn’t catch it. Her voice was but a mumble, low and nearly spoken under her breath. Luna scowled harder. “Do go on, subject.” She said, her brow furrowing. She seemed not all that unlike a wound spring waiting to snap at a moment’s notice, just waiting to hear exactly what she knew the mare was going to say. The mare nearly flinched and took a step back, setting the vase—which depicted a bright sunrise over Canterlot Mountain and the castle nestled into its side—she’d been polishing aside. “You’re to be confined to the castle grounds.” She stuttered, tilting her head away from Luna. She was hardly used to being spoken to in such a manner, but then, nobody around the castle really was. Celestia was a wonderful employer, but the new mare on the other hoof, well... “P-perhaps I could guide you to the gardens instead? They’re still technically considered to be on the castle’s grounds. Would that please you?” She suggested, very clearly intimidated by the other mare. There was a most uncomfortable silence in which Luna simply stared at the younger, smaller mare with an unreadable expression upon her features, which left the poor pony practically writhing with anxiety under the scrutiny. Finally, the alicorn sighed, but nodded all the same. “Very well. This is an acceptable substitute.” For the time being, at least. The maid’s worries seemed to visibly leave her figure in the form of a full-body slump, a soft, shaky, hissing sigh escaping her maw. Relieved, she gave a swift nod and turned on her hoof. One final gentle dusting of the vase and she motioned for the alicorn to follow her. “This way, Majesty. The gardens are simply beautiful this time of year.” Luna kept her gaze locked forward as she followed behind the mare, her armored hooves clop-clop-clopping upon the hard tile flooring. “We shall see.” <><><><><><><><><><> Long after Luna had left and breakfast was complete, Celestia still found herself resting at the table, slumped back in her grand, red-cushioned golden throne of a dining chair. Both eyes were turned forward, seemingly focused upon the stained glass windows lining the wall. However, the solar princess couldn’t have been any less focused on the brilliantly designed decor, lost deep within her thoughts. It was only when a hoof lightly tapped her upon the shoulder that her awareness was returned to her with a slight start. “Hm?” Celestia blinked once or twice, her ears rotating toward the offending pony’s direction. It took the princess a moment to gather her composure, but when she finally turned to view whoever it was that dared to touch the royal body, surprise was evident upon her features. “Oh, Monsieur Bleu!” She relaxed slightly in her seat, magenta eyes landing upon the chef, of all ponies. “I am terribly sorry to interrupt your breakfast, Princess, but it’s nearly noon.” He stated in a particularly thick accent, which indicated that he was likely native to Prance. ”Were you not to have a meeting today? “ He drew back several steps, stopping a more respectable distance away now that he had her attention. “Perhaps I was... Misinformed?” If there was one thing that Celestia had learned in her centuries of time ruling over a nation of thousands upon thousands of individuals, it was that keeping up a facade did wonders for reassuring everyone that all was well, thus preventing potential dissent before it could even begin. In response, Celestia donned that ever-peaceful, almost motherly smile that always seemed to grave her features in the presence of her subjects. She shook her head lightly. “You’re correct, I’m simply feeling a tad distracted today.” She slowly pushed her seat back and rose, placing the lid upon her plate once more. “Very well.” Cordon nodded, though his gaze briefly shifted to the mare’s nearly untouched meal. He could clearly see that it was as much a truth as it was a complete lie, of course, but outright saying as much, besides being treachery, simply felt wrong. He opened his mouth to speak, surprised, then closed it. After a moment of careful thought, the Prench stallion spoke once more, though this time far more tentatively. “Forgive me for asking, but were these dishes not to your liking, Your Highness?” He began, motioning toward her plate and the tray beside it. “My Lady has not even touched her tea, and to my recollection, that is her favorite part of her morning meal.” He licked at his lips, pausing for just a few seconds, as if collecting his words. “I noticed that Princess Luna also left before finishing her meal. Surely, if there’s an issue we could attempt to rectify it, yes?” “Ah, no, Cordon. Your cooking is as wonderful as ever, I’m simply not in the proper spirits to dine today.” She explained, slightly apologetic. “However, Luna did ask me to inform you that she found the meal exquisite.” Cordon stood patiently with a quizzical gaze upon his features, though it was laced with a hint of personal concern for his princess. He didn't want to pry into her life, but he could tell that something was awry, and the way that Luna stormed out concerned him greatly. As per usual, the nosy stallion didn’t press for any details beyond what the princess was comfortable with sharing, nor did he offer any assistance of his own. To some it may have come off as cold and distant, but everypony needed their space sometimes and worrying ponies with issues they couldn’t even hope to fix was guaranteed to upset them. Such were the woes of appearing perfect to one’s subjects. “I’m delighted to hear as much, Your Highness. I’m sure the others will be as well.” The stallion knew that it wasn’t his business and he hated to pry, but Luna had returned and everyone in the castle had so many questions! Many of the castle’s staff had so very many questions, himself included, but he refrained from bringing anything up out of respect for his Princess. Space was what she needed at the moment, not nosy ponies poking and prodding for information. She’d likely have enough of that to deal with when the media sunk their claws into her. “Shall I call in the others to clean up whilst you prepare for your meeting?” “That would be lovely. I'm very sorry that I didn’t sample any of your fare, but I just can't keep anything down right now.” Though Celestia didn’t waver, she remained in place, standing beside the table with a semi-thoughtful expression upon her features. The day’s events had left quite the mark on the princess and it showed in her almost weary expression, as well as the way that her ears pinned back against her scalp. The stallion caught sight of her drooping features and clopped his forehooves together. “It’s no trouble at all, My Lady. It will be my pleasure to whip something up for you the moment your appetite returns.” He informed her, bowing down in a traditional, albeit old-fashioned manner. Pushing himself back up onto four hooves, the stallion turned and quickly, but quietly went about his duties, grasping the handle of the cart between his teeth and dragging it back into the kitchen while a pair of pretty young maids trotted in to clean up the remnants of the meal. Celestia hated to make her subjects worry about her well being. Usually stifling her emotions—particularly the negative ones—in their presence was as simple as simple could be, but given the circumstances, she found hiding her somber disposition particularly difficult. Her smile softened and she took took several steps toward the doors before pausing, glancing over her shoulder at the cook and mouthing an inaudible, “Thank you, Cordon.” before disappearing into the halls.