Luna feels as though the ponies of Equestria do not respect her as they do her sister.
A year after her return, Luna feels as though the ponies of Equestria do not respect her. Another Nightmare night passed and all the ponies wanted her to do was scare them by turning into Nightmare Moon. She wants more than that and assisted by her big sister Celestia and some familiar ponies she takes on a great majority of responsibilities. Is she ready for this? Is she familiar enough with the customs of this time to make sure that the land is safe and peaceful?
The Princess of the moon gazed over her moonlit kingdom with a mournful expression. Everypony had already gone into their houses and went to sleep and she knew that she was alone. She turned from her balcony letting out a low sigh as she walked back into her bedroom. “These ponies don’t know what they’re missing.” she said to herself in a hushed tone. “They sleep the night away, not knowing how beautiful the stars are or how bright the moon may shine.” She then let a quick smile form on her lips. “But I suppose that is how things always were and how they always will be.” she said as she started to levitate a brush from her vanity desk. There was not much need to brush her mane but the gesture of it always soothed her thoughts and calmed her in times of worry. Another sigh passed her lips as she thought of the recently passed Nightmare Night. All the ponies gathering around her only for her to turn to Nightmare Moon to scare them away. She loved spending time with her subjects but she wished she could do so without them running away in fear. After a few minutes of brushing she placed the brush back on the desk and headed to her bed as she saw it was nearing the time for her sister to raise the sun.
The kingdom was always calm when the sun first rose. Everypony had just woken up, smiling at the everlasting light that their princess brought to them. As Celestia finished raising the sun, she returned into her castle, closing the balcony windows with her glowing magic. As she returned to her room she heard a faint sound coming from her sister’s quarters. As she opened the door she found, to her surprise, her sister sitting at her desk. “What are you doing up at this hour?” Celestia asked with a slightly worried look on her face. Luna turned, slightly startled by her sister not realising that she had entered.
“I have tried to sleep sister, but something has been bothering me.” Luna looked towards her hooves as her gaze returned to her desk. Celestia slowly walked towards her younger sister and placed a hoof on her shoulder. Luna did not respond immediately and kept her gaze to the desk. “I do not feel that I am important to this kingdom anymore sister.. I do not have near as many responsibilities as you and am not looked up to as you are.” Luna had unwittingly started to sob, only noticing after a tear dropped from her cheek. Celestia was quiet for a few minutes as she towered over her sister. Luna looked up expecting to see a disappointed face, but instead was greeted with a warm smile.
“Then I suppose it’s about time Equestria realises that their beloved Princess of the Moon is back.”
Luna’s expression brightened greatly hearing these words. She suddenly embraced her sister, squealing slightly as she did so. “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” Celestia smiled and gave a gentle pat.
“To be honest, I grow weary of running everything. There are so many tasks to complete and so much responsibility. Are you sure you understand what you’re taking onto yourself?” Celestia examined her words in her mind not wanting to accidentally insult her sister. She knew how fragile Luna was after returning, despite the attitude she tried showing towards her subjects.
“I understand sister. I think I am ready.” Luna had regained her regal stance and a joyful smile She could not remember the last time she was this excited. ‘I can’t believe Tia is actually considering this!’ she thought to herself still showing the same bright smile. “I will do anything it takes to make sure every pony is happy and satisfied.”
Celestia looked down at her sister, losing her smile as it turned into a serious gaze. “You must know Luna. You will not always be able to make every pony happy. There will be moments where you must make important decisions and you must be ready to make the right choices, no matter the cost.”
Luna returned her sister’s serious gaze with her own. She had not heard her elder sister talk like this in quite some time. “I- I understand sister.” Luna’s voice was confident and proclaiming. “I will do what is best for this kingdom.”
“I know you will.” Celestia said with a smile. She tried to hide the fact that she was truly worried. It had been so long since she had actually had a break from her royal responsibilities, but was Luna ready to take this weight onto her shoulders? It had just been a year since her sister’s return, and she felt that her younger sister was still getting used to the new customs of this time. “Well, maybe there is someone you should speak to before taking on full responsibility.” She said with a forced smile.
“Who would this be?” the younger sibling inquired. “Surely there be no pony better to talk to than you?” She threw her gaze to the ground in thought. ‘Who could help me with royal responsibilities better than ‘Tia?’ she thought as her eyes bolted left and right as if she could see her own thoughts.
Celestia smiled a warm, gentle smile as she moved closer to her younger sibling. “The only pony that can teach you about the ponies of Equestria better than myself would be my greatest pupil, Twilight Sparkle.” She turned and began to write a letter.
Luna’s eyes lit up as she heard the name. It has been quite some time since she had talked to the mare that saved her from her dark powers. “I shall go at once, sister!” Luna said as she started speeding for the door. As she got closer to the door it suddenly shut, just in time to keep her inside.
“Wait, sister. You still have the duty of raising the moon. We need to schedule this meeting since you are up at such odd hours compared to everypony else.”
The Moon goddess looked towards her sister, anxious for her to release her magic from the door. “But ‘Tia, I must learn all I can as quickly as I can!” she said as she slowly moved toward her sister. She had never been this anxious to see someone and was surprised by her own words. She looked to her sister with pleading eyes, hoping that she would rethink this decision.
Celestia continued to write a letter, finally rolling it and wrapping the royal seal around it. “I know little sister, but everything needs planning. That is a lesson you could learn.” she said as she cast the letter away.
“Alright Spike, just one more try, and I promise you can go to bed,” Twilight said as she raised her horn to the air, pointing it at a glistening red apple. A faint purple glow appeared around the apple in Spike’s claws. “I just have to focus.” The apple lifted slowly into the air, growing brighter and brighter. “Almost ... there...” Suddenly a loud banging appeared at the door to her library. The apple shot off and bounced around in numerous directions before finally coming to a stop as it laid smoking on the ground. “Who could that be at this hour?” She said, looking towards Spike. As Twilight opened the door Spike’s eyes widened, suddenly losing his drowsy expression. Twilight’s expression lightened in cheer. “Princess Luna!” She ran to the door, filled with excitement and embraced the Princess.
Luna stood in slight shock, looking down at the mare. “Ehem, Twilight?” She gently patted her back in attempt to escape the unexpected contact. “Celestia has sent me to you, saying you could teach me about the ponies of the land.”
Twilight looked up, releasing her grip as she heard her mentor’s name. She stood in confusion for a moment, trying to realize if what she heard was truly what was said. “Celestia sent you to ... me?” Her expression lit up as she started hopping around with a giddy giggle.
“Yes, did you not get the letter my sister sent you?”
“Oh..” Twilight looked over to her desk as she saw the unopened letter resting upon it. “Well ... you see ... I was going to read it once I got this spell down. I guess the time had gotten away from me.” Twilight’s face turned a slight red in embarrassment. She had never forgotten to open a letter from Celestia.
Luna entered, removing her cloak and hung it on the coat rack just right of the door. “Perhaps you should read the letter then. Celestia is better than I at delivering such news.”
Twilight levitated the note closer as she sat on her couch. Her eyes quickly scanning the words, her expression changing again to the bright and excited smile she held previously. “This is such an honor, such a pleasure...” Her words trailed off as she slowly looked to the ground. “Such a responsibility..” She continued as she looked up at the Princess of the night.
The Moon Goddess gave a soft smile to the worried unicorn. “My sister completely trusts you, and so do I. I know that if anyone were to be in trouble you would do your best to save them, to keep the well-being of everypony.” She gently pet her friends mane. “And maybe this will give us some time to become better friends.”
The young mare looked up, regaining a slight grin. “Yeah, I would like that. We would need to meet at some point in the morning though,” She said as she trotted across her library’s floor. “The best way to get to know everypony is to meet them!” She levitated her calendar, mumbling to herself as she crossed certain dates out.
“I will do my best to arrange our meet-”Her words were cut off by Twilight levitating her schedule just inches away from Luna’s eyes. “Oh, you’ve already planned our whole meeting?” She took hold of the schedule replacing Twilight’s magical aura with her own. Luna’s eyes squinted as she read through the day’s activities.
Twilight spoke with a proud grin on her face. “Yep! I thought that first you should get reacquainted with my friends. You remember them right?” Her expression changed entirely as she realized the event she had just brought to light.
“Ah, yes. The other wielders of The Elements of Harmony.” Luna’s eyes stayed on the page as she spoke, her expression unchanged by the topic.
‘She didn’t react at all like I thought she would. Celestia may be right about her being ready to take on the responsibilities of ruling the kingdom.’ Twilight thought to herself as she looked up at the regal alicorn. “So ... does that schedule work for you?” she asked nervously, not trying to seem too anxious.
Finally closing the calendar, she returned it to Twilight’s magic’s grasp. “This is brilliantly thought out.” She said with a faint smile, “It seems that we will be able to learn all you think I need in just a few hours.” Luna then, engulfed in her own thoughts, tried to hide the enormous excitement she had for her upcoming quality time with the mare who has been her only real friend from that very first Nightmare Night. “It’s getting late, I will leave you to sleep.” She said as she returned her coat to its resting place atop her broad shoulders, magically pulling the hood over her mane.
“Goodnight Princess,” Twilight said as she followed the princess out. She wasn’t sure what compelled her to follow the Princess instead of simply staying in her home, but she didn’t think anything of it.
As Princess Luna took flight in her carriage her eyes returned down towards the smiling mare that was watching her ascent. Her thoughts filled with excitement and joy. She could not wait to return to young unicorn’s side. Just the feeling that somepony other than her sister cared for her enough to be willing to put so much effort to her well-being filled her with happiness. Luna walked into the castle; Celestia was asleep and only the night time guards remained. She walked up to her private quarters, removing her royal dressings. As she laid on her bed, joyous thoughts continued to fill her mind. “Only a few days until the meeting..” she said to herself as her eyes drifted shut.
As every closing day and night drew the faithful date closer, Luna’s excitement grew. Finally, the day arrived to see the unicorn that had been dancing around her thoughts for days.
Celestia walked into her younger sibling’s room expecting her to be asleep, but instead was greeted with a warm “Good morning sister!”. She smiled as she saw the joy in Luna’s eyes. “You must be excited if you’re up this early. How did you sleep?”
Luna turned to her sister, smiling widely. She had just woken up, but was already filled with the energy of a young filly just being released from school. “I slept well, despite the unusual timing,” she said as she placed her crown atop her head. She levitated the brush from her vanity desk and started brushing her mane out of pure joy.
“You may leave whenever you like. I have told my carriage colts to be ready for you whenever you arrive,” Celestia said as she started out of her sister’s room. “I wish you the best of luck my little sister,” She walked out, closing the door behind her.
Luna walked down her tower to the balcony that outlooked ponyville. The carriage was exactly as her sister had said. She boarded it, and took her leave for her meeting. As she landed in ponyville, she was met by Twilight in Ponyville Square. “Alright, what is our first task?” She asked trying, but failing to hide her excitement.
“Well, the first thing on the list is Sweet Apple Acres,” she said as she lead Luna down the road. “After that we can visit Sugar Cube Corner, one of the friendliest places in Ponyville.” Twilight’s eyes skimmed across her schedules pages. “Then.... Ah! Rarity can tell you all about the issues of ponyville. She engages in a LOT of gossip and complaining.” She said, her voice growing more and more excited.
Luna smiled in anticipation of learning to be a great ruler. She now realized why it was Twilight who could help her better than her own sister. Twilight was the center of the very elements of friendship. She knew better than anyone what everypony needed. She had realised she was not gaining a mentor, but instead gaining an opportunity to truly learn about friendship.
Luna and her young unicorn friend crept through the castle doors. There was no need to sneak but the gesture of it entertained them both. As they headed to Luna’s quarters they were greeted by a stark quiet. The castle was as motionless as the guards that guarded it. Luna looked to Twilight and gave a silent “Shh” as she opened the door to her bedroom. After entering, she gently closed it behind her only to burst out in laughter. “Today was simply amazing!” she exclaimed as she sat on her bed. “I had no idea how close everypony in Ponyville were. They all rely on each other and perform in perfect harmony!”
“I’m glad I could help you Princess.” Twilight said as she sat beside Luna. “You did so well! No Royal Canterlot Voice outbreaks, no accidently scaring anypony; you did fantastic!” She said as she fell back onto the bed, closing her eyes. “It was a lot of work, and it took all day, but I think you've definitely learned more about caring for your subjects.”
Luna looked down at Twilight and gave a soft smile. “It’s all because of you and your brilliant planning. Thank you Twilight Sparkle.”
Twilight opened her eyes, seeing the princess’ crystal blue eyes looking into her own. “You’re welcome.” she said, sitting up and nuzzling the princess slightly. “I enjoyed spending some actual time with you, not to mention my friends joining in on the fun!”
The Moon Goddess gained a surprised face at the unexpected contact. She gave a soft smile and nuzzled Twilight back. “You’re friends, along with the rest of the ponies of Ponyville, are so kind as to welcome me back, even if I wasn’t scaring the horseshoes off of them.” she said, giving a quiet giggle.
Twilight looked up at The Princess and lost her smile. “I guess I should be heading back home, Spike has probably been working himself rabid keeping the library in top shape.” She stood up from the bed, turning to Luna.
Luna lost her smile as well before gaining a pouty expression. “Aww, must you really go so soon?” she asked, standing up beside Twilight. “Could you not stay for just awhile longer?”
Twilight could not help but smile. There was something about a Princess asking for her to stay that filled her with delight. “I really shouldn’t. Besides, you really should get some sleep. You’ve been up all day and I’m sure it’s really taken a toll on your energy.” she said as she tucked her head under the Princess’, nuzzling her gently.
The regal alicorn shook her head slowly, regaining her smile. “I’m full of energy, really.” she returned the gentle gesture as she spoke. She couldn’t remember the last time she enjoyed spending so much time with one pony. Her face sank as she gave a gentle sigh. “If you must leave, I will not keep you.” she said with a frown, returning to her bed.
Twilight noticed the Princess’ sudden change of expression. ‘Does she really want me to stay this badly?’ she thought, watching the princess slowly trot back to her bed. “I suppose, if you like, I could stay the night.” She said, bringing her hoof to her chin and looking to the ceiling.
Luna swung her head around in excitement and galloped over, embracing Twilight tightly. “That is a stupendous idea! You could teach me more about caring for everypony, and I could teach you more about great magic!” She continued to squeeze tightly, rocking Twilight back and forth in her grasp.
Twilight was struggling for breath as she weakly gave a smile. “Princess, you’re hugging.. a little.. too.. tight!” She pushed away from the princess regaining some of her breath.
“Sorry, I couldn’t control myself.” Luna said as she released Twilight, blushing and giving a quiet giggle. She looked down at her sister’s faithful student, her expression changing from her excited, giddy smile, to a gentle grin.
The night passed on slowly as the two friends talked and laughed. Twilight was telling her about all of the celebrations and all of her and her friends’ adventures. Luna listened with content and after a while, started showing Twilight some new techniques to control her magic. After many hours of talking and casting, they retired to the Princess’ grand bed. It was easily big enough for the alicorn and her guest. As Celestia rose the sun, the two lay dormant in Luna’s bedroom. Suddenly, a knocking is heard at the door.
“Sister? Are you awake?” said a voice from outside the door. She entered her sister’s room to find the two laying in Luna’s bed, fast asleep. Although she enjoyed seeing her younger sister so happy, she gained a worried look. She walked over to the bed and looked down at the two. In the night they had moved closer together, each muzzle just inches away from each others. The Sun Goddess raised her hoof and shook her sister gently.
Luna’s eyes opened slowly, only to be greeted by a purple unicorns gentle, tired smile. She blushed slightly and slowly turned her head to meet her elder sister’s gaze. Her eyes were tired and squinted. “G- Good morning sister...” she said gaining a sheepish smile.
Celestia’s worried look was easily visible as she looked down at her sister. “Luna, why is Twilight still here? And why have you slept in so late?” Her tone was an annoyed one and made Luna slightly frightened.
“Well... Twilight and I returned a little later than we had first anticipated. We started talking and the time just got away from us I suppose. I offered to allow her to sleep in my quarters.” Her eyes looked around rapidly, attempting to avoid her sister’s angry gaze.
“How do you expect to rule this kingdom if you cannot take your duties seriously?” Celestia said as her expression changed for the worse.
Luna stood up from her bed, her face now tilted in confusion. “What do you mean sister? Twilight and I were talking about the issues and characters of the ponies of ponyville. Is that not what you wanted?” She leaned closer as she talked, gaining her own worried tone.
The elder alicorn looked down, trying to calm her voice. She had noticed that Luna had started to get defensive. “Do you not remember our arrangements? We were supposed to meet this morning so I could show you the system of paperwork that needs to be done daily.”
Luna’s eyes widened in realization. She had completely forgotten her plans with her sister. As she stared at her sister with the wide eyed expression, she began to think. As she thought her expression changed, and she lowered her gaze to the floor. She knew she had disappointed her sister, and even more, herself. ‘Perhaps I’m really not ready to rule the kingdom.’
Celestia put her hoof on her sister’s shoulder. She knew exactly what Luna was thinking and raised her sister’s head so she could look directly at her. “You’ll get better.” She said giving a faint smile. “Let’s start.” she continued as she gestured for Luna to follow her as she walked out the door.
Luna raised from her bed and started to follow her sister. She stopped and turned her head back towards Twilight, smiling softly. ‘She’ll be fine by herself for a little while.’ She thought to herself as she gave a soft giggle. She dressed herself, placing her royal garbs over her shoulders and levitating her tiara onto her head, before heading out of her room.
Celestia opened the doors to her usual working area. It was a small room given the size of all the other rooms in the castle. There was a plush blue pillow lined with golden lace, a grande oak desk and a small fireplace in the corner. All of this surrounded by the purple walls and carpet expressed a quaint but still royal feeling. “This is where I answer and receive letters from all over. From Las Pegasus to Saddle Arabia, letters appear with all sorts of news.” Celestia explained as she lead her sister to the pillow near the fireplace. “You may work in comfort.” She continued, turning to her younger sibling.
Luna’s eyes darted around, taking in all that was before her. Her face remained calm and collected as she examined every little detail of the room. She was engulfed with the responsibility she was really taking on and started to get quite excited. “Is this all that there is? Signing and sending letters?” she asked as she trotted around the room.
Celestia smiled and gestured for her sister to sit on the plush blue pillow. “No dear sister, there is much more.” She levitated a spare pillow next to the one her sister lay upon. As they sat, Celestia explained the full duties and responsibilities of ruling the kingdom. She explained the celebrations and what everypony needed to do to prepare. Hours passed as The Sun Goddess continued to explain while her little sister listened with content. “Do you think you can handle all of that?” She asked finally finishing her explanation.
Luna nodded slightly, looking to the floor, a thoughtful expression looming over her face. “I believe so..” she said, the uncertainty lingering in her voice.
A knocking appeared at the door to the work room, drawing both sisters attention. “Luna? Are you in there?” Said a familiar voice from the hall. As the door creaked open, a small purple mare with extreme bed head walked in.
The two princesses giggled silently as they observed their usually neat groomed friend. “Good morning my faithful student.” Celstia said with a bit of a giggle. “How did you sleep?”
Twilight smiled and blushed a bit at her own informality. “I slept very well, thank you.” She said after a moment of silence. “I can’t believe I slept in this late, to be honest.” She continued.
Luna stood and stretched her legs after having to sit for that long. She walked over to her friend and nuzzled her gently. “My dear sister had just been explaining the full extent of ruling all of Equestria.” She looked to the ground sheepishly. “And it is quite the responsibility...”
The purple mare looked up to the princess and nuzzled her gently. “I know you will be a great ruler Luna.” She said as she tucked herself under Luna’s chin. “I’m going to have to go now, though. I’m sure Spike is worried sick...”
Suddenly, a letter fabricated itself in a green puff of flame and smoke just inches in front of Celestia. The Sun Goddess looked to the letter for a moment and grinned. “It appears that spike IS quite worried. It has the emergency stamp on the seal.” She said with a small giggle.
Twilight walked up and opened the letter, skimming it quickly before rolling it back up. “Heh... He insists on a search party...” She said returning it to Celestia. “I should go. It was my pleasure helping you in your studies Luna.”
Luna nodded and smiled warmly. “The pleasure was entirely mine, Twilight Sparkle.” She said as Twilight walked out of the room.
After Twilight had left Celestia looked to Luna, her eyes now filled with worry. “Luna... There is something you should know...” She said as her voice trailed off.
Luna looked back to her sister as she closed the door. She had rarely seen Celestia’s expression so worried, and when she had, it was usually something she did not want to hear. “More about ruling the kingdom?” She inquired as she sat back down on the plush blue pillow next to her elder sister.
Celestia nodded slowly as she closed her eyes, preparing her thoughts. After a few moments of silence, she finally spoke. “You above anyone should know that with immortality, there comes a price...” She said, looking not to her sister, but to the fireplace that was near them. “There comes a time in anypony’s life that demands decision. We are no exception. Twilight Sparkle is not immortal and although having her as a friend is great, you must understand that it is dangerous for us to care deeply for somepony...”
Luna’s eyes shot open upon realization of what her sister was telling her. “Are you insisting that... that Twilight Sparkle has become more than a friend to me?..” She asked, her voice nervous and stuttering. There was silence in the room as she looked to her sister, then down at the floor in thought. “Maybe... maybe you’re right.” she said admittingly. “But even if you are, what am I to do sister? I do not see how I can control that which I cannot even understand.”
Her elder sister looked to her and stood. “My dear sister, there is nothing wrong with it.” She said as she walked closer, placing a hoof under Luna’s chin. “I am merely suggesting that you must be prepared with what is to come. You cannot let your emotions get the better of you when making decisions for the rest of the kingdom. You must always remember to do what is right for the general population... even if that means sacrificing a bit of yourself to do it.”
Luna looked down as a tear rolled down her cheek. “I understand...” She said quietly, not knowing any other way to respond. “I will do what is right for the kingdom... For Equestria.” She continued as she stood, wiping the tears from her eyes.
Celestia smiled at the bravery of her younger sister. “I know you will.” She said as she wrapped her wing around her younger sister. “You will be a great ruler, dear sister. I know it.”
The sun set on another day in Equestria as one regal figure stood atop Canterlot castle. This would be the last night, at least for a while, that her duties were limited to entering pony’s dreams. She looked over the kingdom, mainly towards Ponyville, where she could see a small light illuminating from the Ponyville library. Her mind became distracted with blissful thoughts of the little bookworm that she had spent so much time with just the night before. She gave a soft sigh as she turned away. ‘No Luna. You mustn't let yourself get distracted.’ The princess commanded as she began walking inside. Her movements were stopped, though, as she turned her gaze back over the balcony. ‘One last visit couldn’t hurt.. right?’ She thought to herself.
Without another moment wasted, she jumped from her tower, falling rapidly through the shadows of the night sky. Her eyes squinted as she watched the ground approach her. The Moon Goddess took a deep breath as she extended her wings just before she hit the ground. Luna did not often have the opportunity to fly without her carriage, but when she would be presented the opportunity, she would take it. The wind brushed against her fur and fluttered through the feathers of her wings as she quickly approached the small town’s library. She started to slow, as to not make too much noise when she landed.
“Spiiiike!” Twilight called, looking through her bookshelves. It was obvious that she was trying to locate something, as she levitated many books at a time from their current positions. She skimmed along the titles of each book as she awaited her assistant’s return.
The small dragon entered the main lobby, rubbing his eye with the back of his claw as he looked to the frantic purple pony. “Wh- What’s going on?” He asked with a yawn as his tired gaze fell on the pile of books that Twilight’s stream of literature was leading to. “Romance novels?..” He asked with a bit of confusion. “Since when are you into romance?”
It was a few moments before Twilight had realised what Spike has asked. A blush started creeping across her muzzle as she blinked a few times. “I’m not! I just thought that I should research the cause of those kinds of feelings.” She said with a shaky voice, giving a soft laugh as though she had made a joke.
Luna landed at the door of the library as she raised a hoof to knock, but stopped upon hearing voices inside. Her curiosity was peaked as she raised an ear to the door. Normally she wouldn’t snoop, but Twilight was somewhat of a special case.
Spike walked towards one of the bookshelves as he murmured to himself. “Hmm... I could’ve sworn it was.. Ah! There it is.” He climbed the shelves, grabbing an old, dusty book as he looked back to Twilight. “A beginners guide to love.” Spike said as it was yanked out of his hand by Twilight’s magical aura, making Spike fall to the floor.
“Perfect! Thank you, Spike.” She said, looking to her dazed assistant with a sheepish grin. “Uh, sorry.” She said, helping him back to his feet. “Now I can really see if I have feelings for-” She stopped herself, growing wide eyed and donning an even more intense blush as she realised what she had revealed. “I mean.. Uh...” She couldn’t think of how she could possibly recover from that. ‘At least I didn’t reveal WHO it was...’ She thought to herself. “Just go back to sleep!” She said with a bit of annoyance in her voice as she moved to her work desk.
Normally, Spike would investigate more into the matter, but it was much past his bedtime and he was actually being offered sleep. “Alright.. Just try not to stay up all night.” He said with another yawn as he walked back up the stairs.
Luna’s eyes had widened and a blush had spread itself across her face as she listened to what the two were saying. She blinked a few times as she turned to the door. Could Twilight have been talking about her? Does she really mean this much to the unicorn? Is it wise to continue further? All these questions and more flooded her mind as she held her hoof just a few inches away from the door. With a large intake of breath and an even larger rush of courage, she pushed her hoof forward, knocking on the door a few times. Her nerves shook as she reached the point of no return. There was no way she could fly away fast enough to escape Twilight’s sight, and she didn’t know any time travel spells. A mixture of excitement and nerves filled in her stomach as she awaited an answer.
A few moments passed and there was no answer. It almost seemed as though nopony was home. Then, it happened. The doorknob slowly jiggled in place as the door was unlocked. The knob slowly turned as the door creeped open. A purple mare stood in the entrance of the doorway. “Luna? What’re you doing here?” She inquired with a tilt of her head. She already had a small blush looming over her face from what she had read from the book.
Upon seeing the blush of the small unicorn in front of her, Luna gave a giggle. It was cute to her and she rarely had the opportunity to see it on any pony as it usually referred to an embarrassing moment, and as a princess she was taught to try her best to look good in front of her subjects. As the mare spoke, Luna donned a blush of her own. “Oh.. Well.. I..” She wanted to put ‘I wanted to see you again.’ into less awkward terms, but was finding it quite difficult. “I...” She was stuttering and she knew how odd she must look. She gave a large exhale of breath before she continued. “May I come in?” She asked, trying to regain some of her posture.
Twilight nodded with a smile as she stepped to the side. She used her magic for just a second to spark the book she had been reading off of the desk and behind the desk side trash can. She didn’t want Luna to know about her feelings.. Not yet anyway. ‘There’s a time and place for everything, Twilight.’ She thought to herself as Luna entered. ‘And a candlelit library in the middle of the night is no time for romance!’ She assured herself as she turned to the Princess.
Luna looked about the library. Her eyes darted from the candles to the bookshelves, then to the stairs that led to Twilight’s bedroom. She tried to push that section of the scene as far back in her mind that was possible. “Twilight Sparkle.. You’ve helped me a great deal so far but I must ask one more favor of you..” Her voice had less of a regal tone than usual and had more of a timid nature. She sounded nearly as Fluttershy normally does, but a bit louder. “Do you know anything about... love?..” She asked, looking to the moon she had just raised what seemed like moments ago.
Twilight looked up to the regal figure that stood in front of her. Her mind had just been shattered to pieces as she started to believe Luna had heard what she had been talking to Spike about. She couldn't keep eye contacts for more than a few moments after the question had been sprung. The unicorn walked over to the window, looking up at the moon and taking a large breath before exhaling in an attempt to regain herself. “Love..” She began, as if that was all she meant to say. “An intense feeling of deep affection.” She then continued, revealing that her intent was to give the literal definition of the word. She turned back to the other and gave a wide, blatantly fake smile.
The Princess of the Night looked to the other, giggling to herself even though her mind was troubled and clouded. She knew not another pony that would give, or even know, the literal definition of any word that she was going to ask. “No no” The princess began. “I mean… Have you ever experienced such a feeling?” Being an ageless Goddess, the Princess did have a few interests in ponies here and there, but she was always able to suppress the feeling as she knew that one day, they would leave her. It was a sad existence she lived, but if not she, then who?
There was a long pause of silence as Twilight’s eyes looked deep into Luna’s. Could she be feeling the same as I am? She thought, hoping the Princess didn't have the ability to read minds. Fortunately for her, she didn’t, at least not without concentration and a sedated subject. “I…” Just as Twilight began to open her muzzle to speak, a loud banging sounded from the front door. A booming voice came from the outside. “Open immediately. This is the royal guard!” The voice said as the banging repeated.
Luna gave a small sigh as she hoped that it would be a bit longer before the guards realised she wasn’t at her usual post. Though, she couldn't help but ask herself a question. How did they find me? To her memory, she didn’t leave any signs of where she was going, or even that she left, yet somehow these guards knew exactly where she was. The alicorn spoke up, nearly yelling back to the door. “And this is the Princess of the night!” Her magical grasp surrounded the door knob as she flung it open, giving the guards a large scowl.
There were three armor clad ponies standing outside the doorway, all three donning a terrified expression. They hadn’t expected such a loud and booming response from, ironically, a library at night. “You’re highness. We meant no disrespect. Your sister had sent us to come get you and..” He trailed off, hoping that his current explanation was reason enough for him not to continue. Please don’t yell at us again..
The Princess blunk a few times at their words, standing silently in front of them. So.. It was Tia who sent them.. She thought, as she turned her head to Twilight, frowning slightly. “Goodbye Twilight Sparkle. We will talk again soon.” At this, she began trotting forward, holding her head up high in the position that her sister would usually be seen in when she visited public affairs.
Twilight suddenly had a large burst of panic and dismay as she heard the words come from the other. Her heart was thumping as a bead of sweat dripped down her brow. For once, she acted without thinking, yelling aloud and pushing off the ground to jump at the still close Princess. “Wait!” Just after the words had left her maw, she grasped the Princess in a tight hug, a single tear drop running down her cheek. “Be careful…” She whispered into the other’s neck, enjoying the feeling of the other all too much to immediately let go.
The guards immediately began to sprint forward, but was halted by the raised hoof of the alicorn before them. Her face was a dark purple as the red of her blush mixed with the blue of her coat. She was frozen, petrified in the confusion and hesitation of what was going on. Surely this was just a friendly goodbye hug, but it was lasting far longer than any other that she had given, or received for that matter. Slowly, the hoof that was raised at the guards lowered down to rest upon the back of the small mare. Her coat was soft and smooth as silk beneath the Princess’ touch. “I will.” She replied in the quietest voice anypony today would've heard her use.
After one last final squeeze, Twilight pulled away, hoping the Princess wouldn’t notice the damp spot just under her eye from where her tear had ran. “I suppose I should be getting to bed.. Gotta get up early and all that.” Twilight said with a small chuckle, attempting to heighten the mood, even if only a little. Placing one hoof behind the other, the lavender unicorn slowly started to back away, offering the regal figure a small smile as she did.
The words spoken fell on deaf ears as Luna’s mind was racing from one thing to another. Her sapphire gaze only gave the false impression that she was actually receiving what the other had said. Seeing the other back up, however, snapped her out of her trance. “Oh. Um. Yes. I should get going. Goodbye Twilight Sparkle.” And with that, the princess turned, spreading her wings just after she walked out the door.
One of the guards gesture to the carriage they had appeared brought for her. “There is no need for you to fly, your highness.” He said, kneeling down in hopes of showing respect.
Luna gave a scowl as tears began running down her cheek. It was a pointless expression, as she wasn’t exactly facing any of them. “I can and will fly to my quarters.” She said, pushing off with a great flap of her wings. The cold wind was piercing through her coat like daggers made of ice. She payed no mind to it. The only thoughts she was having were the ones about that small mare. Why do I care so much about her? What makes her so special? She thought to herself, but quickly scolded for such a rude thought. Perhaps it’s just the years of complete isolation coming back to haunt me… Having such a kind pony as my friend would surely turn my heart to them… right?
