Powdered Snow Falls Softly

by libertydude

Confession

Luna didn’t initially know what to make of her sister and Pinkie Pie appearing in the middle of her living room, disheveled and dotted with snow. She was right in the middle of Level 37 of Gallopga, but something in the way both of them looked at her killed any annoyance she would’ve had any other day. A deep melancholy seemed to fill their entire being. A feeling she knew and understood.

They sat down in the other chairs around her. Celestia began to tell the story of the past few hours. Pinkie said nothing, only nodding along as if to confirm the story. Luna likewise remained silent. Her eyes never left her sister.

Everything, from the Powder Cookies to Kalamandra to the Reverse Room, spilled out of Celestia. A million details Luna never would have thought Celestia could remember in all that happened. Stories from over a millennia ago intermixing with the present. Apologies for gifts that would never be given and memories never re-experienced.

Then the story was all over. Celestia rested her face in both of her hooves, not to hide tears but to lessen the burden that seemed to weigh her whole existence down. Pinkie lounged back in her chair and stared up at the ceiling. Luna remained unmoving.

Then, without a word, she got up and embraced Celestia. A look of shock filled Celestia’s face, then she returned the hug.

“Celly, I do not require Powder Cookies to have a delightful Winter Solstice,” Luna said. “Having you by my side is enough.”

Tears filled Celestia’s face. “Yes, but it would’ve been nice to-“

“No buts, Sister,” Luna said softly, but firmly. “Yes, it would’ve been grand to have Powder Cookies again, but it was grand enough having them all those years ago. Those memories have never faded from my mind. They are enough.” She pushed herself back and looked deep into her sister’s eyes. “I want to spend this Winter Wonderday making new memories with you.”

Celestia nodded, tears streaking down her face. Pinkie Pie wanted to cry too as she gazed upon the scene. She withheld herself though; she knew this was not the moment to bawl like she did all those years ago when she and her friends had restored Luna to her rightful self. Luna had begged for forgiveness back then.

Now it was Celestia’s turn, and Luna would do the same as her sister had long ago: Remind her that her sister still loved her despite everything.

A few soft sobs filled the room for a few minutes. Then, after a quick sniffle, Celestia said: “You know, I promised Pinkie cookies after all this. We didn’t get the Powder Cookie recipe, but we have quite a few ancient desserts we could still share.”

“Indeed,” Luna said with a smile. “Like the Towering Technicolor Tiramisu, or the Deep-Melted Delight.”

“Ooh!” Pinkie said, hopping off her chair. “Those sound like they could be fun!”

“Correct!” Luna proclaimed. “They are the most fun!”

Pinkie Pie giggled. “Then what are we waiting for? Winter Wonderday is only three days away, and we need those desserts prepped stat!”

Celestia and Luna followed the bounding party mare toward the kitchen, leaning their heads against one another all the way. Ready to make a delicious dessert, and ready to make new memories.

Author's Note:

I thought about an ending where Pinkie somehow managed to copy the recipe or Luna had another one that had a slightly different instructions, but I decided against it. The story's message about moving on from the past and trying to make new memories wouldn't work as well if I hadn't gone with this ending.

Comments

[Hey its that Pony]

Sorry it took me so long to sit down and read this.

This was fantastic! Exactly what I was hoping for.
This was a fun pairing. Good choice!

I thought that you would reveal that the picture that Pinkie took would have the recipe after the curse had been undone, but I think I agree that the moral of the story was much better delivered the way you did it.

Thank you very much for the story.

[libertydude]

11463457
You're welcome! This story was tough to write, not just for the length, but because it took me a while to decide on a concept. I originally planned to do a Pinkie/Limestone team-up where they searched for the recipe, but it was so comedic that I thought it ruined the adventurous tone I figured you wanted. I then changed it to Pinkie/Celestia and toned down the comedy (Pinkie provides enough comedic relief by herself), as well as tying Luna into the story. I actually had the revelation that Celestia was trying to relive her youth with Luna at the beginning, but I realized it'd have more impact if it was revealed by Kalamandra in the climax.

In the end though, I'm glad I wrote this and that you enjoyed it. Jinglemas always seems to push me in creative directions, and this story, while hard to write, was still fun to do.