The Marionetter

Princess Luna managed to wake from her sweetest sleep yet, and it scared her. The normal days of tormented dreams did not descend. It was scary to think he had that much power, or that she felt so safe with him.

Her crown lay on the bedside, although she did not remember removing it. Without any armour she felt exposed.

Rubbing her eyes she nestled under the sheets to fend off the cold nipping her nose. Her ears tried to retreat in kind. It was going to be winter soon, no doubt the festivities were near. Soon Hearths warming eve would be upon them.

It was truly warm under these sheets, and all without a the hot bottle. She remembered how her sister would share a bed when they were young. Luna could not muster enough courage to ask it of her now. Yet, she chuckled at the thought, yet she had asked it of this odd creature. During the day he had not moved and she remained with her head rested on his arm.

She kissed the supple flesh cradling her to a hot body. It was a surprise, then overwhelmingly joyful. Her sweetest day was the truth, he was still with her and she never wanted to move again. Luna closed her eyes, not to sleep but to feel this moment where they were the only two in the world.

She had just realised something; she felt his breath, he had kissed her head before she slept. Even more shocking was that his jaw was neatly resting over her head this very moment. It moved, it was supple. He was not wearing the mask.

Such a desire flared up then to look on him and see what he was, to taste him and break the final wall he held before her. Luna painfully wanted to, but she would not. With a reluctant sigh she arched her back and pushed into him to feel that heat envelope more of her.

There was a shape she could decipher from what was felt. Luna used the back of her head to feel that form. With concentration and closed eyes she brushed his muzzle into her mane with key strokes to sculpt her picture of him. It did not bode as well.

The image slowly crafted was not as hoped. Her mind created a depiction of a stallion without a muzzle, a gaping maw with exposed incisors or lack thereof. She could envision the wound where once a long and proud nose was, a deformity left in place of a face. A quick bump felt something soft, scar tissue or lips were her choices. She hoped for lips, at least some lips.

After what felt a mere moment his arm quickly lifted away.

She cleared her throat to sleepily call out to him, having to press her face harder into the pillow to fight temptation, “No, please no. Stay. I did not look. I promise.” It felt painful as he got up to don the mask again, each cruel click of the harness sounding out clearly.

“Good afternoon, Luna. I know you did not look, you are still here. You want to.”

“Tis… the truth. Your body is warm,” she giggled.

“As is yours, you have a very embracing coat.”

Luna looked to the clock on the bedside. It was not late, he did not sleep long. “Do we have to stop now? Your performance is not for some hours. I want to go on forever.”

“I think we must stop.”

“Why?” Luna could not mask her upset. “You and I share such tortured stories, why can we not live out our chapters together?”

“Luna. That would be a depressing book.”

“And yet you make me feel sad now.”

“Do not fear. I will be here for my friend until she no longer is in need of my service.”

Luna would forever need him now. The feeling of her revitalised body as it stretched with a groan told her this. The way these wings fluttered open to greet the afternoon, the way her muscles sang as they stretched out, the way her back longed for his warmth to return. This was the greatest sleep she had in a long time.

“Are you decent?”

“Yes, Luna.” She rolled around to see him sitting on the bedside, that mask she hated resting atop his head. If felt right to pull herself up to sit by him, a wonderful idea coming to mind. “Is there not some lucky stallion thine eyes doth linger upon?”

“Tis not so, thou art the first partner to share my bed… and I am not done yet.” She pushed herself closer to him, savouring the touch of his arm on her back and her belly against his side. It was his turn to be held. She reached up to hold him as tenderly as he had her, letting her weight fall back to the bed. He did not fight. She pressed her cheek to lay on his chest, having to mind the placement of her horn once more. Marion pulled the sheets over them both with a shudder, this one from the cold. “Thou hast delivered great warmth unto thine princess. I ask of thee to accept her return of thine favour.”

“Forsooth, thou art a persistent one.”

“Dost thou not love it so.” She felt that big arm come round and press into her side again. Closing her eyes she exhaled a gentle swoon to feel this moment and reward him in whatever way she could.

“I do.”

“I know you have suffered, but I want you to know my offer will always stand. I cannot forsake my Marion because of the way he looks.” Those hands gently stroked her side as he spoke.

“In time the novelty will wear off and you will find somepony more suitable; one who has a strong heart, a smooth coat, a real pony head, a sturdy flank, the means with which to truly bring pleasure to you, I could go on.”

His concern for her was comforting. “I will share a secret with my friend, it may be true that the means are considered important, but that should not be the part of it that truly matters. I always promised myself to feel love before I let a single stallion touch me.” Luna realised what she had just said, judging by his increased heart beat, so had he. “We did share a very special touch.”

“Love? Surely your highness does jest.”

“Will you stay here with me until nightfall? Tonight requires my full attentions so I will not be able to see you tomorrow. There is a matter of which I cannot speak.”

“This will end badly, Luna. Please stop this, for your love to be wasted like this-”

“Shh shh shh my love.” Her voice trembled as she said it, yet it never felt so comfortable to say. “I will not have you speak such falsehoods. I have found thee after so long and I never want to loose you. Be silent now and let me savour the sweetest dream.”

He sighed without another word as she clung to him, letting herself rest and feeling those hands caress again. Marion found his ease. It was impossible to resist the exhale of his swoon. She kissed his mask’s cheek and basked in her reward. A swoon, any exhale of pleasure, betrayed Marion entirely. A doze descended and she enjoyed a half sleep in a peaceful place.

The sound of retiring creatures of the day, pony and non, murmured outside the dim room as time passed. The gentle hum nearly returning the mind to sleep. She wanted to stay awake with him now though, no dream could equate this. A great deal was left unsaid in the time they lay there, it was the longest time in each other’s company without speaking. Luna loved talking with him, but this time she loved being silent with him. Enough time soon passed that the inevitable question would surface.

“What time is it?”

“About, four.”

Luna groaned. “I must raise the moon.”

“You nearly missed the deadline?”

“Sometimes my moon does linger.”

Luna pushed herself up to stand by the window. Sir Nightlark was nowhere to be seen. Thankfully the trusted soldier had left them to rest together. She respected him for trusting her. The cold was terrible, a nuisance nipping at every inch.

Luna closed her eyes and felt the familiar spin of existence. She could sense every fold in this world and many, all spinning around each other and about themselves. The moon was there, it needed to be guided to rotate about this home once more. Luna need only find its spin and encourage her moon to go for another day.

Her magic reached out, wings fluttered open, and that smallest of spins sent her beloved moon on another journey. She opened her eyes, and the moon began to rise.

“Wow.”

Luna turned about to see Marion was sitting up and focused on her. She hated this respect, this unfound admiration for doing nothing more than her duty. She hated that he was in awe of her.

The Princess took a deep breath and folded her wings, unable to look at him. “I am still Luna,” she whispered.

“I cannot marvel at your magic?” he folded his arms and huffed playfully. “After all the times you gawked at mine!” She chuckled at that.

“What… did you think then?”

“Performers that are passionate about their work exude such joy when they craft it. I witnessed thine passion and it is radiant. I think you are talented at spell weaving. I am also thinking Princess Celestia is less worried knowing her sister is alright.” Luna smiled and could not look away. “Did I… misstep?”

“Not at all.” She did not feel inhibited and walked over to Marion, then on top of him. Slowly they descended to the bed and a flicker of her magic drew the sheets over, still thankfully warm. He was not afraid of the spell.

“Very forward,” he whispered with a gulp.

“Very,” she agreed without any shame. She kissed the lips of the mask. It lasted a moment but she let the parting linger. Luna locked to his eyes and cradled his head, stroking the sides gently. Luna loved him, and it scared her.

“What have you done to me?” They chuckled at the coincidence of saying it together. It was scary.

His hand lifted to her cheek and smoothed the contour very tenderly.

“Luna, can you promise me something?”

He could never remain silent for long enough. “One would have to hear it first.”

“Tonight when you are trotting about the grounds of your home, I want you to really look at the stallions that guard Canterlot. I need you to see them, and understand what it is you are truly leaving. There must be some colt to suit thine fancy. Please really look.”

“I have.” She took his hand in her hoof and kissed the scarred top, then the warm palm.

“I’m sorry?”

“There are many colts, Marion. Stallions of might and legend who would be a fairytale match for me. They are strong hearted, fierce, loyal, true heroes to Equestria.”

“Then there you go, perfect.”

“No. For all their strength and virtue they still see me as Princess Luna, and her monster; Nightmare Moon. The most charismatic dare to whisper a faint word to me. It all still does pale under their fear. There are those who do not fear, but they prove to be too naive for my liking.” She exhaled to relive the memories and anxiety of the failed courting, rubbing her cheek to that warm chest for comfort. “You were never afraid of me. I see this hesitation… shyness.”

“I am very afraid of you.”

She pouted and squeezed his body. “Tis a cute sort of afraid.” He laughed with nerves. “I can still turn the bravest courter coward should I speak of myself and Nightmare Moon as one.”

“I thought you and that were at peace now. You’ve stopped referring to yourself as we after all.”

“The plural of we carries the name of Canterlot and my family. Tis a habit unlearned to suit the times. Nightmare however… is still here, but we are together. She was simply a part of me I pushed away until she and I became different.” Luna stared at the folds of the bed they lay on in contemplation. “I think it so at least. Now though we are one and I feel so much better in that truth.” Luna examined her hoof a moment. “Tis how I explain it anyway.”

“Could she… ever, um… come back?”

“I hope not. At least I know this time I will have a friend to hold to when the days get harder to bear.” She felt him squeeze her in reply, the embrace which fought against a painful anxiety.

“Luna, if you ever do suffer like that again… I will never allow it to come to pass.”

“Oh my Marion,” she kissed his chest on the mark of the beast, “I know you wouldn’t, although your abilities would serve little aid. However knowing you as my friend is what holds me steadfast. You see that’s the fate I am, the way they all see me. It is the one difference I see in you, compared to these courters you push me to, that brings me closer. Yesternight I made up my mind about what I want with you.”

“I…” He hesitated, and gulped with an amusing tone. “Luna… is this because I do not age?”

Her ears and eyes shot up to him in the shock. “Nay! Of course not!”

“Then were I mortal, you would still be this way?”

Hearing it she realised something about his patterns, this was but, “Another falsehood...”

“If it was?”

“I feel such sadness knowing this… knowing you have spoken falsely with me once more. Why do you not-”

“Luna, please answer. Would it change if I were not as you are?”

“The only change would be your absence in my eternity.” She ended this with a kiss to his cheek, knowing this was a poor test for her, pleased with how certain she was of her own words. “Every day apart would be lost time.”

“I am not mortal Luna. You need not fear times reprise with me.”

“Oh,” she exhaled while tucking her muzzle to the neck, “twas a cruel trick, my love.”

“Maybe… I am sure there are immortal ponies somewhere, Luna.”

“Of course. Perhaps I might sway you were you to know what swayed me to you?”

“I cannot imagine.”

“I see your hesitation for my benefit and of such sacrifice to what you desire. Last night you had the Princess of Equestria under you, begging for satiation. You fought it, never allowing yourself.” She could not resist brushing her muzzle against his throat, a loud swallow betraying his fear. “The day we first met is my fondest, you did not hide because you were afraid, but because you were shy. I know you want me to reconsider it, but may I ask you something that vexes me so? No more falsehoods between us.” She clung tighter to await his consent.

“What is it you wish to know?”

“Have you ever taken a mare?”

“E...excuse me? I already-”

“Have you ever taken a mare?” she repeated, having to giggle at his nerves and rapid heart.

“That is very personal, Luna, you should know better. Very improper behaviour for-”

“Have you?” There was an uncomfortable pause. She wanted him to be like her, the poetry of the moment would resonate in all time.

“Not a mare.”

Luna was relieved to hear that. “How did you not seek relief?”

“My work. If you have a passion in life you do not want to go to sleep, you wake up early just to greet it. It fills your every action and moment, you can sleep for minutes and still feel that energy to press on.”

Luna buried her face lower against his chest before asking this question, it had worried her a great deal after that resilience last night, “Do you not find my body at all interesting? Does my form not please you? There are spells… temporary but they can help.”

“You do not have to change for anypony my friend. You are radiant, remember?”

“Then why do you fight me? Why will you not see this?” It seemed hours before he answered her.

“Why does mine not repulse you?” The question left her stunned.

“I… don’t… How can I be repulsed?”

He took a deep breath with what was certain to have been a whimper. “L…a…st day I disrobed before a pony, and they were not… sickened. I am scared.”

“You weave such a difficult conversation, Marion. You may always seek courage in me. Could I umm… at least ask you to see me again? I want another day like today, if possible the one after tomorrow.”

“And where will this lead to?”

Only one word came to mind. It captured the feeling to such perfection that she said it as instantly as she heard his question, “Happiness.”

“Luna… I need some time to think. There are held truths you should know. Please, I beg of thee to grant me time to consider.”

Hearing this, Luna’s wings stretched out and rippled, her body did not ache in the same way it had before. Now to hold him there that ache drew something from him, gave something to him. She could not explain it.

“How long does my Marion need?”

“I don’t know.”

He was shuddering and Luna had to giggle at his resilience. She would have to leave eventually but now there was time to savour. She kissed the salty chest once more, letting it linger for three deep breaths before nuzzling her head to it and feeling his heart’s beat. She let her eyes close and smiled, embracing the tense body under her. “Alright my Marion the Marionetter, you forget your Luna can wait. She has time. This night though, I will spend with thee. I fear there will no longer be one.”

“Listen, I will always be here for you. What my friend asks of me though is more than a warm bed. I must know my answer before I give it.”

“When will you perform tonight?”

“If I do not show then there are alternatives. They pay for the food, not the theatre.” He curled her mane in his digits. “Rest, sweet mare. I do so think thou requires a fine night.”

Luna eased and found herself slowly drifting back to sleep. She did not dream of time nor place but of a feeling of warmth that encapsulated. It pressed in every crease, weaved through every lock. No nightmares came, no fear or shame. Luna was here and she was safe. The warmth retreated its caress and she was forced to wake.

Marion was still laying beside her. He had rolled to his side in his own doze. She wanted to cry, for it hurt to look at that mask. The sounds of the world outside this room came to present themselves to mind. Her thoughts carried away from the bed and to the noises that were a pleasing distraction.

The room was warmer, she could feel Marion’s sweat and her own. A crack drew her attention to the heat radiator, his jacket was laying on it. She remembered seeing a story in the moving picture theatre which involved a mare wearing the shirt of her beloved. The affair was ultimately doomed in the story so she hesitated thinking about it. Luna had to try though, and gently eased out of the bed.

This was not made for ponies. She touched the weave, it felt nothing like his shirt. The evening was still cold and his jacket was warm. So she slid into it, one hoof through the sleeve then the other. Luna did not notice her lack of magic. It was odd how free of its hold she was in his company.

The fit was terrible, but the fill was extraordinarily big. She had to fold it inwards and over itself to make it fit in any fashion. She simply enjoyed the heat with an exhale, seating herself and staring out to the city streets below. Her mane was thankfully not too noticeable, her place far too hidden for a casual onlooker. Luna could understand why Marion enjoyed this room.

The Canterlot city bustle was a thing of beauty in contrast to an age long past. Ponies flooded the streets eve with all manner of forms and frenzies. There was a pony selling something baked and full of squares. A mare bought two to share with an eager filly or colt who enthusiastically hugged her with a great bite to the treat. A musician with a cello of all things was performing on the corner with a hauntingly beautiful melody Luna recognised from the Canterlot archives.

She watched the night come to life, the busy streets below with lights galore and festivities for the eyes to behold. Luna never could keep her composure seeing this, her joy was expressed as a silent sob. It ceased its sounding as the beating steps of Marion came through her hooves. She wanted to look about, but her body was more eager to look to the street.

His hand found her shoulder and he kneeled behind. She awaited something expectantly, yet nothing came of it. Her hooves felt empty, her shoulders cold. “Enjoying my apparel?” She nodded to his amusement.

“I am cold this eve.”

“Tis cold, he agreed.”

“Wear you your trappings still?”

“| do. Why is this of consequence?”

She looked about and reached for his hands, guiding them to hold about her in an embrace. This guidance was the permission he required. She leaned back gently to the support of the body, she accepted the draped sheets he wore as a cloak as they encompassed the two in its thick warmth. His jaw, or that of the mask, found her shoulder. She no longer felt bare, a heavy sigh leaving his gaze with hers on the street below.

“Tis beautiful,” he admitted.

“How I would enjoy being amongst them.” She lifted her hoof to his hand with a brush of her cheek to his.

“I understand that,” he sighed. “Let us go then.”

“I think we would make quite a sight.”

“True,” he giggled half-heartedly. In this silence they sat together until the room grew too dark to see. Luna sat gracefully on her haunches against him. “Thank you my friend,” he whispered. “I…” There was hesitation, a loss for words. Luna smiled and dared to hope he wanted to confess. She would allow him the grace of implication, last night was more than enough.

“I love you too.”

“It is… hard to say. I enjoy your company very much, but I do not know if this-”

“You cannot love a friend.”

“I love Melody.”

“Then you cannot love me as a friend. This is encouraging yet discouraging.”

He thought on the answer, and Luna laughed lightly seeing the filly or colt dragging the mare through the streets. “I don’t know.”

“I can see why you need time to think.”

“There is a great deal to consider. More than your acceptance or rejection of what will be seen.”

“I have thought much on this already.”

“Enlighten me, wise one.”

“I dare to think you love me. This nature has been denied to you and it is terrifying. I believe you do not know what love is. You fight against it to retain your strength yet it is eaten away with each stroke of the clock.”

“I think so.”

“This is how I feel, but it is something I want to share. You are a great friend, a wonderful companion and so incredibly patient with my advances. You are not afraid of Princess Luna, but Luna. This flatters me. I find this… cute.”

“Then you correctly accuse me.”

“There is solace in a single thought; Were we to stride as partners in the grandest halls of my home, were it to be amongst the countless tourneys of diplomats and high society, I find myself comforted by your presence in those moments. I am more than nervous navigating those functions so I excuse myself on the falsehood of duty.”

“It has been a very long time since I attended a party. What would make you think I would enjoy becoming the abject of disgust at such a grand occasion? Besides enjoying your company of course.”

She smiled, showed no hesitation to kiss the cheek of the mask. The poor grain of hair could not replace the supple yield of a true body. “So with me thine bravery could traverse uncertain ground?”

“I never…” She could not help giggle and his arms playfully squeezed her. “I think I could,” he said surprisedly.

“Am I helping you think?”

“A great deal. He had not released her, and Luna watched the street below not even caring if they were seen this way. The world could go hang for their thoughts as long as he held her like this.

“I have not slept that well for a long time. After returning the duties have become tasking. Please understand I need to-”

“share a bed with you,” he continued, “yet we need not bed each other.”

“Exactly. Then why resist if you share this agony?”

“Because last night you came very close to losing control.”

“I was carried away.”

“It is clear you cannot love me as a friend would another.”

“I protest that-“ she stopped realising his words. “You came close…”

“Too close. That denial is very painful, especially for the normal stallion. Our minds are awash in a very deceitful daze. We need to be apart and cool them to gain clear reflection. It hurts me in ways not yet experienced.”

She laughed. “Oh that has to go down in Canterlot history. The first male to not listen to what makes a male, a male.” She picked up one hand on her belly and kissed it. “You are wonderfully strange. It is apparent you seek more than a short term companion.”

“As do you.”

“There is truth in that. It is strange because it is common practice to explore ones partners before making such decisions.”

“So what if there was a stallion out there who was more tender than myself? A proven survivor of life with no-”

“Should such a stallion exist, he would find my eyes were to draw elsewhere.”

“Why?” He sounded lost, searching for an answer.

“Only you, of all the creatures I have met, can understand what it is to be alone in this world so completely. How much it hurts to lose friends and family. You know so much about me because it seems you hail from such a difficult life.”

“As have you…” he completed her thought.

“You keep asking me why, and I suspect this is intentional so I am sure. So to you, Marion, I ask why. Why did you climb into bed-”

“Fall into bed,” he corrected.

“Why did you fall into bed with Luna? Or was it princess Luna?”

He thought for some time, and the poor mare found a moment's peace as her son watched a unicorn practicing some magic with balloons. “Why did I fall into bed with my friend?”

“Oh. So you fear losing our friendship?”

“I slept with you because it felt so… peaceful. Luna, I truly do think you are wonderful, but you have not made many friends and our feelings could be confused.”

“To my understanding, you wish to simply wait and see if my feelings or your feelings will change?”

“Something like that.”

“Of course there are other beings that live prolonged lives. I could search them all to try find an acceptable partner.” She turned about in his arms to face him, parting the blanket draped about his shoulders and looking at the scarred belly. “You neglect yourself in such heart breaking ways, and you need somepony to help you see that.”

“I doubt I neglect anything.”

She touched his chest, right over the mark of the beast branded into it. “All the pain I see has failed to create what this stands for. You contain such a rare grain of kindness that all this failed to harm it.” She looked into the eyes of the mask, catching a dimly lit glimpse of his true ones for a moment. They were spectacular. “I could never find another as resilient as yourself. Appreciate it. You need not be a partner in bed but one to me as Melody is to you.”

She leaned in as he held her waist, sighing at the force holding tight. He sniffed and Luna watched the neck lining of the mask as it released a drop or two. She could understand why.

In that moment, she appreciated her friends, her sister, her subjects, and all they had done for that traumatic return. Nopony can overcome hurt alone, Luna wanted to be here for him as so many others were for herself. He would not express it easily, but the actions made were expression enough.

“Luna. There is too much… I could never hope to find anyone as brave as you.”

“Or as half baked,” she jested.

“Half baked indeed,” he chuckled. She let her wings reach about to cover this creature. All Luna wanted to do was protect him. “You need not look for another to confide in. That is a privilege I am honoured to share with you.”

“So let it be said that our friendship shall always remain true.”

“Should we find ourselves beyond a simple state as that?” She felt him brace for the answer.

“Let it be so tonight.” She rubbed her eye on his shoulder. “I do want to sleep again with thee.”

“I will have the answer ready the day after the next.”
She huffed her disappointment. “You know you try my patience. So it shall be.”

“Thank you.”

“But it must be an answer with a reason, for you have two nights to think.” He nodded and she ruthlessly hugged him. Tucked over the smooth shoulder the clock became an unwelcome presence. It nagged and barked the hour loud and clear to torment them both with their tardiness. It was late, almost an entire night was gone in what felt like moments. Luna had to welcome some visiting dignitaries for the festivals before morning.

“Melody has not come to yell at me yet.”

“I think thine compatriot does not hasten proceedings. You are lucky to have her.”

“She reminds me every night.”

Luna held to him, refusing to look at the clock face despite its nagging glare. It was the firmness of the shoulder, the sweet taste that came to kiss it. It was the breath tickling her neck that made leaving here such torment. He was exposing himself, the true self. When she found strength to lift her eyes, fifteen minutes had thrown themselves past.

“I need to leave. Do not ask me stay please, I fear I cannot resist it.”

“I understand.” Her wings hesitantly folded inwards and his arms slid back to hold her hooves in those odd paws. She lifted her apparel onto herself with magic, he did not show any fear of her doing do. “Luna… I am not…” he took her armoured hoof, “thank you for your bravery. You deserve someone equally brave.”

“I think you are.”

“Despite everything, I am honoured to be your friend. Have a good night, Luna.”

It should not have been this difficult to turn away. She had her desire to rest with him and yet the idea to remain with him tormented Luna beyond her understanding. This was agony, but was it love?

She slid her hooves away. “I shall see thee on the eve after. Good night, Marionetter.” It was difficult to look away, to unlock the window and dive to the crisp night air. It was near impossible to not look back and wonder if he still watched her flight.

Fortunately, NIghtlark was ever vigilant and by her side in moments. He lead two larger soldiers who followed in near perfect unison. She noted their faces should rumour spread about her activities. Luna did not yet trust the new regime as she once did her own. She shook the sting out of her head, more grateful for the distraction.

One of the guards pulled up by her, his shield labelled him as Luna’s senior most captain. “Princess Luna, the ambassador will arrive in three hours.” She watched this stallion in his flight, how the beat of his wings was powerful and elegant. His throat was thick and defined. He was a fine specimen indeed.

What scared Luna was how every detail she absorbed failed to coax Marion from her mind. She would think on him all night, Luna already knew that.

“What of my sister?”

“Princess Celestia has retired.”

“I shall be ready to meet the envoy. Fetch me when they enter the Castle grounds.”

“Yes Princess!” The guard saluted and glided back into formation. It was clear they were all tense about Luna’s ability to welcome the guests. They could have been tense knowing where she had slept. Her cheeks flushed thinking about it. They knew, and the first one to speak of it would suffer.

They were well trained at least, and could maintain that secrecy. Indeed she found it irksome and grew to detest these guests for prying her away as they did. Thankfully it subsided in the wake of her duty. She needed to be there to greet them and source an agreement for a comfortable exportation inflation price. It was not easy to deal with such matters, yet she was grateful for the distraction.

Luna Took a deep breath and flew faster. She needed time to eat, bathe, drink and prepare herself to receive.