//------------------------------// // Prologue- Nightmare Night // Story: The Night smells of Lavender // by Dark0592 //------------------------------// The tears of a goddess. Legend states that they are so rare they could grant wishes. If that was so then all of Ponyville would be getting what they wished for tonight for they were pouring down Luna's cheeks. Nightmare Night. She thought it would go well. It did, for a few moments. However short lived it was, the fun she had was amazing. It was thanks to that Twilight Sparkle, her sister's student. If Luna's mood and mind wasn't clouded with sadness she may have been able to realize the crush she had on the Unicorn. But now all she could think of how her subjects were no longer hers to care for, for a princess with fearful subjects deserves no subjects. Something new was in the area. Her nostrils twitched as she detected a scent. It was familiar, yet new. It was the Night, but it had something in it. The familiar scent was laced with a sweet, clean scent. The Night smelled of Lavender. “I'm sorry Princess...” she heard extremely close to her, a sniff sounding directly afterwards. Startled, Luna quickly wiped her eyes, albeit clumsily, and was shocked to find the source of the familiar scent of Lavender, Twilight Sparkle, lying right next to her with tears of her own. “T-Twilight Sparkle.” she asked with confusion. “You came here hoping for a good n-night and it was ruined...I only wanted to help, I just made it worse...” Twilight said, sobs threatening to break out. “No...not your fault...the fault is mine for coming so soon after...my return...” Luna said, more to herself than Twilight. “You had every right to do so...I'm the one who pushed you into trying to do things...” Twilight retorted. “You didn't mean it to end like this...” Luna said. “But that doesn't matter. I just wanted nothing more than to be your friend and help you...but good intentions doesn't make anything better...” Twilight said, another sniff finding it's way out. “...you...you wanted to be my...friend?...why?” Luna asked. “W-why?...what do you mean why?...you deserve friendship just as much as anypony else...besides...you're a really good pony...” Twilight explained, as if it was obvious. “A good pony?...Tch...a good pony wouldn't try to oust the day...” Luna retorted darkly. “Princess...that wasn't you...that was Nightmare Moon...” Twilight said. “No...I am Nightmare Moon...she was born from me...my jealousy...my hate...she is a part of me just as my magic is...” Luna continued, snorting. “The fact that she isn't out here while you're in a vulnerable state tells me if she is a part of you, you're in control...now please...let me be your friend...we can still salvage tonight if you have a friend.” Twilight said. Luna was shocked at the hopeful twinkle in the Mare's eyes. “How?” Luna asked. “Anything can be made better with Friendship.” Twilight replied. “Why are you trying so hard to make things better for me? You owe me no favors...” Luna asked. “Why are you avoiding friendship? Every time I get to it you change the subject...I'm trying so hard because I want to be your friend, you need one and I'm glad to be the one to do it.” Twilight said, annoyance creeping into her tone as she stared down the princess. “I'm...scared....of friendship...of letting somepony I don't know close...I only have my sister...” Luna admitted softly. “I understand that perfectly...we have a lot in common if I think about it...if you accept my friendship we can find all of that out. That's what Friendship is, getting to know somepony else and being there for each other...” Twilight explained. After a few moments Twilight's ears drooped as Luna's response never came. She was shocked however when it finally came in the form of an embrace. Her face lit up as Luna held her tightly. “Twilight Sparkle...nopony has ever offered to be my Friend...I am still afraid of this...but...I know I need not fear with you...” Luna said, unintentionally getting a large waft of the Unicorn's mane. It naturally smelled of magic and Lavender. “Of course Princess. I'll do everything in my power to be a good friend.” Twilight replied, doing the same. Luna smelled of the Night. A more detailed description would be that of a soft, grassy field just after it rained mixed with that unique smell that could be only described as the Night. As they held each other, Luna realized something. It may just be a part of this new friendship thing, but as she pulled back and looked at the Unicorn she had to resist the urge to press her lips into the Mare's. She felt love for this Mare. Tia had once described Friendship as loving another so she assumed it was normal for her to feel this way, but -wisely- prompted not to indulge upon this feeling. “I hear the towns ponies coming...I've got an idea...” Twilight started, looking towards the sound of voices in the distance. Luna cautiously listened. --- “Favoritest princess ever eh?” Twilight said with a sideways glance and a grin as she walked the princess of the Night to her Chariot. “I guess so...Twilight...I have to thank you...I couldn't have had such a good time without you...” Luna replied. “Of course Princess.” Twilight replied with a smile. “Luna...” Luna said softly with a smile. “Huh?” “It's Luna...I don't like all those formalities...it's just an empty title...Princess...I'd rather just be Luna...but Tia says Equestria needs balance so I Oblige.” she continued. “Oh um...ok...Luna...so Friends?” Twilight asked. “Friends.” Luna replied. They both grinned at each other as they neared the Chariot. “Do you think you could come back soon? I'll be busy with things here for a while or I'd come and visit you and your sister- I mean if you're not too busy of course.” Twilight rambled slightly. “I would like nothing better.” Luna answered. “Great, I'd be willing to house you at the Library any time. I guess you have to go now.” Twilight started, but changed the subject when one of the Night Guards snorted. “I had better. Farewell Twilight Sparkle, we shall see thee at another time.” Luna replied, slipping back into the old tongue. --- “What's the matter sister?” Celestia asked upon seeing Luna looking out of her window in her chambers with a very unreadable expression. “I suppose you heard about Nightmare Night...” Luna said lowly. “I heard it started out bad, but you wound up enjoying yourself greatly.” Celestia answered. “That is correct...I owe the enjoyment to your student, Twilight Sparkle. Without her the night would have ended in disaster.” Luna explained. “She wrote me telling me of it. To tell the truth, I was surprised at how good of friends you have become.” Celestia started with a smile. “What do you mean?” Luna asked. “Over the years I have been able to read Twilight like the books she adores...even through a letter. I can tell you with no doubt she has a crush on you sister.” Celestia replied, her smile turning into a grin. Luna racked her brain for a moment to remember what the modern usage for that word was. She sighed when she did. “I know Tia...but that's not the problem here...” Luna said. Celestia gave her a confused look. “I...have a...crush...back...but I don't know what to do about it...” Luna said lowly. If Celestia's grin was any wider, she would have torn her cheek muscles. “Go visit her then. Spend time with her and her friends. Get to know each other. Admit your crush. Just go and have fun.” Celestia listed off. “But what about you?” Luna asked. “I handled things myself for centuries. I can do it for a few nights. Besides, the week after holidays like Nightmare Night are always slow going- ponies still returning to work and such. Even with you away I'll still have time for myself. Go and have fun.” Celestia said. “Right now?” Luna asked. “If you want. I would take your captain with you as well, she deserves a vacation...she only takes a break when you sleep.” Celestia suggested. “Shadow Wing? She is a kind company. Very Well, I would like to leave in the morning though...Everypony would be exhausted from such a night anyways.” Luna said. “It's all up to you sister.” Celestia said. Luna smiled and Celestia left her quarters.