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// Chapter 25: Truths At Sunset  
// Story: When Snow Falls 
// by Prophet Of Doom 
//------------------------------//

      Princess Celestia sat upon her throne, finally finishing off the last of today's paperwork. She rested back in her throne and sighed. 
“Is that all for today?” She asked one of her aides, who replied with a nod. “Then I shall retire for the evening.”
Around the room, aids bowed and guards stood to attention as Celestia arose from her throne and strode down the lush red carpet with the gracefulness she was renowned for.
Once past the large double doors, Celestia became aware of a guard at the far end of the corridor, a pony she had not seen in a long while. She made her way to the far corridor, the guard stood to attention. Even through the armours magic, Celestia knew who it was.
“Foxtrot,” She smiled. “It has been a while.”
“Yes, your highness,” She replied, issuing a salute.
“You can drop the formalities,” Celestia said’ ushering her by her side. “Come, walk with me.”

Foxtrot took her helmet into her magic and started walking by the princesses side. 
“So how are things since we last meet?” Celestia asked in a soft informal voice.
It had been over a year since she and Twilight Sparkle had delivered the sobering news that Midnight Snow was going to be stranded in Equestria for the foreseeable future.
“Pretty good, all thing considered,” Foxtrot replied. “Midnight’s more or less settled in completely, although he keeps saying ’somebody’ instead of ’somepony’.”
“Such is the nature of mannerisms,” Celestia chuckled.
They wandered outside into small courtyard, of where statues cast long shadows from the evening sun. “Is he still having night terrors?” 
Foxtrot nodded. “Yes, every so often. However he hasn’t had one recently.”
“He will likely never be rid of them completely,” Celestia sighed. “A part of him will always be at that crash site.”
Foxtrot nodded thoughtfully, coming to a stop with Celestia who was looking up at the sun, slowly making its way to the far version.
“May I ask you something, Foxtrot,” Celestia asked’ still looking skywards. “Do you know what Midnight will do if the mirror reopens?”
Foxtrot pondered for a moment, rubbing a hoof against her chin.
“Well, he recently started working for Professor Blessed Beard,” Foxtrot started, Celestia chuckled quietly at the professor's name. “He’s also due to go to the Crystal Empire to assist the professor with a dig. But his intentions on when and if the mirror opens in six moons time, I can’t say. I don’t know if he’s really thought about it.”
Celestia nodded, before looking at Foxtrot. “Do you want Midnight to go back to his world?”
“No,” Foxtrot answered unwittingly, before catching herself. “Well, I mean, it would be sad to see him go, of course.”
Celestia smiled, as the flushed Foxtrot tried to regain her composure.
“Foxtrot, I’m going to ask you something but feel free not to answer if you do not wish to,” Celestia said softly, as Foxtrot turned to face her. “Why did you become Midnight’s chaperone?”

There was a period of silence, while Foxtrot pondered her answer, drawing small circles in the good with her hoof.
“Well,” She started, uncertainty in her voice.”When I first meet Midnight in Ponyville, he was scared and alone in a strange land. He needed somepony, he needed…”
“He needed you,” Celestia finished for her. “And if we’re being truthful, you needed him.”
Foxtrot didn’t argue this, just continued to make circles, her cheeks flaring up slightly.
“Foxtrot,” Celestia began, in a voice that was as comforting as it was wise. ”I know about all my guards, I knew of your father and I know of your mother. You need not hide your true self from me, or from midnight.”
Foxtrot looked up at her princess, her warm face radiating an aura of wisdom. Celestia placed a hoof on her shoulder.
“Just make sure you don’t make the mistake that I’ve seen so many ponies make. Leaving things unsaid.”

“Yes, princess, and thank you,” Foxtrot replied’ as Celestia smiled and unfolded her wings.
“You most excuse me now, it is time for me to lower the sun.”
“Understood princess,” Foxtrot stated. “And thank you again.”
Celestia smiled once more’ before taking flight, heading towards the tallest tower where princess Luna could be seen waiting. Foxtrot put her helmet back on and headed back to her post. The magical seals hiding her rosy cheeks.