The Burning Land

The briefest flash of light adorned the twilight as the final rays of the sun dropped below the horizon, making way for the moon to grace the the evening sky. Its path, though, betrayed the emotion behind its movement, at least to those who understood such things.

“What is it that troubles you this evening, Little Sister?” Celestia asked from the edge of the balcony, watching the Princess of the Night as she wearily stepped down to the ground.

Luna cast her eye over the calm evening skyline, and sighed “Our world is so peaceful, Sister. we have maintained order for countless years, but you and I both know that this harmony is a rarity in the way of our world. It saddens me to know that others are not so fortunate as we are.”

“Oh, Luna...” Celestia murmured, nuzzling her sibling comfortingly, “I know that bearing witness to the suffering beyond our realm is no easy load to bear, but we have already interfered too much. Neither us nor them can sustain much more.”

Luna swept past the solar Princess, unplacated. “No, Celestia, we know they can be as kind as us, and peace is their goal much like ours. They are victims, only needing to be saved from themselves! We know this,” Luna looked back into the royal apartments, her eyes following a white-coated mare, a servant to the Princesses, go about her business in silence. “We know that they can be gentle and kind, as she is.”

Celestia sighed, but nodded. “Yes Luna, I know, but we cannot bear so many new residents to our kingdom, and none who may bring with them their violent natures. I wish to help them, too, but we have Equestria to care for...”

“Then I shall go.”

Celestia’s head snapped up at luna’s proclamation, “Excuse me?”

Luna nodded emphatically. “I shall go. I shall help them, and save those who need, who deserve saving. There may be many, but only those without hope. And maybe...just maybe I can help bring them peace.”

Celestia was astounded. “Luna...that would be very dangerous...are you sure you would risk yourself for the peace of another world?”

“Sister, a thousand years ago I risked the safety of my own in greed. I owe a debt to myself...and to you...to help where I may. Yes, I am sure.”

Celestia thought calmly about her sister’s words. Yes, it would be dangerous. Many lives would be risked, but countless others could be saved. And if anypony could do it, it would be Luna herself.

She smiled tightly to the younger alicorn. “Very well, Luna. I wish you well in your journey. I suggest taking some...help, though.” Celestia motioned towards the pale servant pony, a young unicorn.

Luna smiled too, and nodded. “Of course sister, I would not go without her, I wold have need of her knowledge. And Celestia?”

The elder sibling focussed on the younger.

“Thank you.”