//------------------------------// // Chapter 1 // Story: Waning and Waxing // by Calliope Pony //------------------------------// I wake up to see the sun sinking low in the sky. I have a couple hours yet before Celestia sets it and I raise the moon. In the centuries since we started doing this job we’ve honed the timing to perfection. Celestia rules during the day, and I guard the land at night. In between is our time to spend together, the twilight hours at dusk and dawn. It used to be, anyway. Lately, Celestia has been so busy that we barely have time to say hello before one or the other of us goes to bed. I understand, I really do. Pretty much all of the business and meetings and social events happen during the day now. It didn’t use to be this way, but I suppose times change. Still, I wish... No good wishing. Royal duties have to come first, and Celestia just happens to be stuck with the manticore’s share. Still, I’m up early enough that I can join her for her dinner. My breakfast. I quickly brush my mane and tail and put on my regalia. Celestia’s not in the little dining room where we sometimes eat together. She must be in the bigger one. As I approach the door I hear voices. Celestia is inside with some nobles from... I can’t remember. They look up and quickly stand to greet me. “Ah, Sister, We didn’t realize you would be joining us. Please be seated. You remember the Count and Countess of Horseshoe Bay.” She knows perfectly well that I don’t remember them at all. Still, it wouldn’t do to let them know that. “Ah, dear Countess, We are pleased to see thee again. And thee as well, Count. We hope you are well?” “Indeed, Princess Luna. We have just been speaking with your gracious sister about the expansion plans.” I throw a glance at Celestia. She chimes in quickly, “The Count and Countess are looking to expand their territory southward. The area, however, is quite swampy, and there is concern about the safety of the endeavor.” “We see. May We be of any assistance?” “Nay, Sister, all is well. General Firefly will be taking a flight of pegasi over the area to scout it out.” “Very well, then.” Of course she has it all taken care of. No need for me to do anything useful. The four of us sit there eating, the time just dragging out. They keep talking about this survey they’re planning, but I don’t see why Celestia lets the meeting drag on like this. I ask a few questions about the project, but she just waves me off. I’m getting in the way. Finally she breaks it off. “We do beg thy pardon, Countess, but We fear We must call a halt to this discussion for the time being. It is almost time for the sunset.” “Oh, of course, Your Highness! We wouldn’t dare dream of delaying you from such an important task as the closing of this lovely day.” I stand up. “We shall accompany you, Sister. For just as you must set the sun, so it is nearly time for Us to raise the moon. We look forward to seeing thee again, Count, Countess.” They look almost surprised to hear me speak after I’ve been sitting silently for so long. “Certainly, Princess Luna. We wouldn’t want to keep you from your duties. Good evening to you.” I feel something like a twisting in my stomach. They wouldn’t dream of keeping Celestia from finishing off her perfect day. Starting the night is just a duty. Still, I keep my manner calm and genteel as we see them out. Celestia and I walk along without speaking for a while. I’m kind of... frustrated. I want to say something about what happened in the dining room, but what can I say? I wish she had been in the little room so we could have eaten together, just the two of us. But if she had to entertain the Count and Countess then she couldn’t have just left them. I wish they had included me in the conversation, but it wouldn’t have been right to ask them to halt everything just to bring me up to speed. I turn over the words in my head, not even sure exactly why I’m upset. At last, I try to start a conversation. “I was hoping we’d have a chance to talk together.” “About what?” “Nothing specific. I just... feel like I’ve barely seen you at all lately.” “I know it’s been busy. Some days I scarcely feel like I have time to check whether I’m coming or going.” “Can I do anything to help? The nights aren’t so busy. Maybe I could take some jobs off your hoofs.” “No, that’s all right. Most of it involves meetings and discussions with other ponies. You can’t exactly do that in the middle of the night when most ponies are sleeping.” Right. Of course not. “It’s time,” Celestia says. We’ve reached the outer courtyard. She turns to face the sun and raises her horn. Slowly, she sinks the sun down below the horizon. My turn. After all these years I barely even have to think about it anymore. A rush of joy flows through me as my magic connects with the moon and coaxes it up. I remember years ago when we would trade the orbs in the sky and then just sit together and enjoy the fulfillment that came with our beautiful work. “Well, I’m off to bed then.” Celestia yawns. “Already? I thought maybe we could stay out here for a little while.” “You can stay out here all night if you want to, Luna, but I’m just beat. I had six meetings today, and tomorrow’s not looking any better. Good night.” “I... all right. Good night then. I’ll see you in the morning.”