Forgive
Princess Luna awoke, eyes still closed from her previous slumber. She wished to remain in that most pleasant of dreams for a few moments longer, but she sensed now was no longer the time for such fancy. It was time to face the waking world, and she resolved to welcome it with aplomb.
Her eyes cracked open, slightly offended by the rush of light that jaunted through her pupils. She snapped her eyes shut, then carefully opened them again to the inviting glow of Twilight’s Castle—well, the floor of Twilight’s bedroom, to be more precise. She immediately recognized a familiar set of greaves. Luna gazed upwards, and her suspicions were confirmed as she recognized the well-worn creases of worry adorning her sister’s face.
Luna smiled and smacked her lips. “Good morning, sister. How are you this fine day?”
Celestia’s face softened into a grin. “Are you feeling better, Luna?”
Luna took measured movements to orient herself into a standing position. “Much.” Her stomach growled, eliciting a rosy hue from her cheeks. “Although I am feeling a bit peckish.”
“That’s quite alright.” Celestia exited the bedroom, Luna not far behind. “Twilight and Spike are out with their friends right now, so we’ll have to fend for ourselves for breakfast.”
A wry grin danced across Luna’s face. “I hope your cooking has improved since you last attempted to procure a meal.”
“Please.” Celestia playfully shoved Luna as they traversed the hallways leading to the kitchen. “If it makes you feel any better, I’ll focus on the tea and you can make breakfast. That way we won’t end up eating something we might regret.”
Luna’s heart skipped a beat when her sister uttered that final word. “Of… of course, sister.”
The two sisters’ hooffalls echoed across the cavernous expanse of Twilight’s castle. Luna quickly glanced at the architecture, catching her reflection broken across the facets of one of the pillars. She quickly focused her attention forward, trailing Celestia.
They soon reached the kitchen, Luna taking a seat while Celestia produced a teapot from one of the shelves, filled it with water and placed it on the stove. She then turned the stove on and sat across from Luna, a warm smile across her face.
Luna studied Celestia’s features carefully, attempting to pry any minute signs of scorn or disapproval hidden within. She was almost positive Celestia would be most disappointed in what led to the events that had transpired last night. After careful scrutiny, Luna decided that her sister hadn’t a clue and let out a deep sigh.
“Hm.”
“What was that, Celestia?”
“Nothing. You just look so… relaxed.” Celestia glanced at the teapot. “I don’t think I’ve seen you this relaxed in a long time.”
Luna inhaled and ran a hoof through her mane. “A night of sound rest can cure many an ill.”
Celestia looked back at Luna and nodded. “So it seems.”
Luna and Celestia sat across from each other for a good amount of time—Celestia seated serenely, Luna fidgeting with her mane. Luna bit her lip.
“Celestia, about last night—”
“Twilight told me everything.”
Luna’s stomach dropped. “E-everything?”
“Yes, Luna. Everything.”
Luna’s mind bounced across the events of the dreams, from how they grew from taunting Twilight and her friends to all of Ponyville. She looked away. “...I can explain.”
“You don’t have to.” Celestia reached across the table and grabbed Luna’s hooves. “I’ve never been more proud of you.”
Luna blinked. “W-what?”
“Luna,” Celestia said, followed by a drawn-out sigh. “You’re not the only pony to be haunted by the spectres of their past. There are thousands of individuals who torture themselves day in and day out by revisiting their own haunted memories, unable to let go and unable to move on.” She rubbed Luna’s hooves. “It takes an incredible amount of fortitude to live with regret.” Celestia smiled weakly as she looked into Luna’s eyes. “Trust me, I know.
“But what you mustn't forget is that it takes an even greater strength of will to find the courage to forgive oneself for their past sins and put their sordid misdeeds behind them. Many ponies wouldn’t have been able to do what you did last night.”
Luna teared up as she looked into her sister’s eyes. “But I could not do it alone.”
“No pony is an island,“ Celestia said with a chuckle. “Everypony needs someone that will believe in them when they are unable to believe in themselves.”
“So…” Luna said as she blinked the glisten out of her eyes, “you forgive me?”
Celestia threw her arms around Luna. “Oh, Luna, I forgave you a thousand years ago.” Luna hugged her sister tightly as she felt drips of wetness caress her shoulder.
They released their embrace after a few seconds and stared into each others’ eyes, Luna grateful for the sister that she had.
The sharp whistle of the kettle broke Luna out of her trance. “The tea!”
Celestia moved to stand up. “I’ll get—”
“No,” Luna said as she pressed her hoof into Celestia’s. “Let me.” Luna stood up, the pulsing in her gut reminding her that she was still hungry. She went to the stove and turned it off, catching her reflection in the kettle. Warped, but still whole. She smiled at the reflection, her mirror image returning the favor.
“Luna, I love you, but I don’t feel like drinking cold tea.”
Luna grasped the kettle in her magic along with two tea cups and two tea bags. “Nor do I.”
Luna set the tea cups in front of their places, the bags nestled safely inside.
“Thank you,” Celestia said as Luna poured the water into the cup. She poured hot water into her own cup shortly after and sat down.
Luna took to the important task of stirring her tea. “No, Celestia. Thank you."
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I found this to be a sweet story. It also put a wide smile on my face, which is always appreciated. Anyway, I like how you portrayed Luna here in addition to her communication with Celestia. I could see just how close they were just from their dialogue and behavior, not to mention Luna's anxiety was quite believable as well. The ending was cute and definitely something I could see happening in the show. Excellent work as always!
6210208 derpicdn.net/img/view/2015/7/12/935332__twilight+sparkle_princess+luna_princess+celestia_suggestive_animated_vulgar_dialogue_innuendo_spoiler-colon-s05e13_do+princesses+dream+of+magic+sheep.gif
I just leave this here.
6210211 Thank you; I appreciate your kind words.
Luna always seemed to be a tough character for me to nail down. I'm glad I appeared to have done so.
6210287 You're welcome!
6210315 ...the latest episode really resonated with me. So I wrote concerning it.
Missing close quote.
This was touching. Not your usual random zaniness, but it was still very good. I came expecting a good laugh, I did not expect to get such tender feelings.
~KBO.
6210237
that was perfect
Very sweet, and fitting to their characters I think.
6210440 Thank you.
I tried to match their characterizations as best I could.
That was pleasant.
6210354
It isn't missing. It's absent because the next paragraph is a continuation of that quote.
6210477 Ah. Fair dues.
Nice! A welcome change from the slew of angst fics between the pair over this issue.
This was a rather lovely little read.
Cold, iced tea is best tea.
Wow. That description is incredibly vague.
6210511 I think all the parties involved would realize that what Luna's done to herself is worse than anything they could do to her.
6210555
But the aaaaaaaaangst. What is a fic without angst?
6210621 I KNO RITE!?
But seriously though, I've written a lot of angst. This wasn't a fic I felt needed to be angsty.
6210525 I know it is almost like it was done intentionally.
6210631
6210511
it's almost as if some people from forever ago did nothing but write about luna and others having issues
glad im not one of those people
6211292
Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! We're being hypocritical.
Also, I am glad to say I have never written a Luna angst fic. I'm all about the Applejack angst, because she cries on the inside.
6210512
media.giphy.com/media/xV9cwjF0Z40LK/giphy.gif
All joking aside, though, nice story. The Dalai Lama even notes (as do most religious figures) that in order to truly be a compassionate person, one must have compassion for oneself.
Did not contain a James Bond, therefore only one upvote, favorite, and cup of feels for you.
6211332
As one of the people who apparently started the MLP Fandom:
i.imgur.com/8wNpFhF.jpg
I have read some of your stuff and approve. You may continue, hypocrite.
6211372 I honestly just told the story I wanted to tell from the episode.
6211341 I'll take whatever you're giving.
I rate this 9.8 out of 10! 7+ gets a thumbs up!!!!!
She's asking about the Tantabus, Celie. Also, since when do you have arms?
All joking aside, this is an interesting approach to Celestia's reaction to the Tantabus. I've only read one other story with this premise, and she seems a lot more patient and understanding here. The other story had her getting upset because Luna was hurting herself without telling anypony. While I consider both reactions to be in character for her, I kinda like this one more.
That being said, there isn't a whole lot of meat to this one. It's simply restating the lesson of the episode. I think it would've been stronger had Celestia been a bit more specific about how she related to Luna's woes. But, that's just my opinion. It's still a nice little story regardless.
6211341
My sides hit the walls...
I contain a lot of blood... I'm going into the burst juicebox industry! And there is nothing you can do to stop me!
6211751 Thank you! I'm glad that you enjoyed it.
As for restating the lesson of the episode, I felt it was somewhat necessary. I know that me as well as a bunch of other authors I respect on the site and in Skype chats were so focused on the idea of Luna hurting herself that the fact that Luna accomplished something huge was somewhat lost in the shuffle. I just wanted to remind myself at least of that, and I wanted Celestia's reaction to be cognizant of the fact that the Tantabus was merely a reflection of Luna's self-loathing rather than something like a razor.
Also, I believe horses do technically have forearms.
6212041 That last point is true, I suppose. Though for those not familiar with horse anatomy, it can be seen as confusing.
I'm not against restating the lesson of the episode. In fact, I'm mostly in agreement with you. But I think if Celestia explained how she empathized with Luna instead of just saying "Believe me, I know," that would make the story a lot better. Again, that's just me.
As usual I find myself in awe of your work.
Great short story and follow up from the latest episode. Thanks
6214126 You're welcome.
Cute! I appreciated the metaphor inherent in Luna's reflection—broken at the start, warped but whole by the end. That was sweet.
6214367 Thank you. Your words are too kind.
I'm also glad that didn't go unnoticed.
I don't have anything unique to say here. I'd love to leave another long-winded, overly thought out comment like I usually do-
But no. Great job.
6210237 That is the most amazing thing I have ever seen.
This was pretty cute and a nice read. I love seeing the interaction between these two, and it's cool to see how different authors approach them. Keep up the good work!
6210237
Dammit, Luna! Explain better next time! XD
Also, Celestia has a dirty mind. Why am I not surprised?
i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/Valikdu/EdI1r.jpg~original
D'aww. Nice little follow-up to the episode. And nice to see a serious story from ya too.
Have a fave, but on a different bookshelf!
Short and sweet.
8227353
This was a fun one to write, as well.