Twilight's Sun, Celestia's Stars

by JKinsley


14. Pomp

“Because, dammit Luna! I have been alone for a thousand years!” Celestia shouted with tears streaming down her formerly pristine coat. “And this bright, inquisitive young filly damn near blows up my school trying to hatch a dragon egg. She’s scared, she’s showing off more raw power than most unicorns will show in their entire lives, and she’s in need. And I help. I’m there to calm her down on the most stressful day of her young life. And I’m rewarded with a personal student who wants nothing more than to be the very best student of magic she can be, because she fell in love with how I rose the sun.”

Celestia sniffled and kicked the ground. Luna sat on her haunches across from her, not moving: even her mane stayed still and lifeless.

“She’s the closest thing I’ve had to a daughter. I’ve cared for her for so much of her life, Lulu, and now she needs me again!” Celestia slumped to the ground and covered her face in her hooves. Through her hooves, Celestia muttered, “You know what it’s like to be alone with no one there. Banishing you to the moon remains my deepest, most bitter regret. But you don’t know what it’s like to alone for so long, surrounded by ponies who care only what you can do for them. Every relationship was business or politics. There was nopony for me, Luna. Twilight changed everything for me. She brought me joy and purpose again. And she brought you back. I would do anything to pay her that kindness.”

Luna settled down next to Celestia and stroked her older sister’s withers with a hoof. “You’re right, as always, dear sister. But still, I worry this princesses-only-slumber-fest is for your benefit, not hers. All pomp and circumstance and nothing to help her heal.”

“It is for her benefit. All she wants is to be loved, Lulu. Like anypony else. Like you did.” Celestia nestled further into her hooves, whispering to the pillows. “Like I do.”