A Lesson in Laughter

Here she was, once again, alone in her tower during a calm afternoon, curled up on her overly-plush bed with a book floating ahead of her. She hadn't read a word of it for quite a while now - she had instead opted to stare absentmindedly out the window and be alone with her thoughts as she waited for the sun to set.

She felt a longing in her heart - a dull ache that she could not subdue no matter how hard she tried. The feeling was all-too-familiar to her, and she had become accustomed to it being around. That did not mean she liked it.

With a sigh, she placed a bookmark on the page of her book and floated it back onto the bookshelf. Immediately following that, she tossed herself backwards onto the bed. Her dark blue coat blended nicely into the similar-colored sheets, and the blanket atop of it was custom made to be both fluffy and smooth at the same time. It was like sleeping on a very warm cloud, and she absolutely adored it.

It did nothing to help in easing her burdened mind, however. As much as she'd like to just go to sleep and dream away her troubles, she knew that wasn't an option - the night was rapidly approaching, and she had her royal duties to look after. A lot of good being the "Queen of Dreams" did her; she couldn't even conjure up a properly distracting daydream. And so she was stuck staring at her ceiling until either her boredom overcame her and she was forced to move, or she fell asleep naturally.

There was, however, a third option, and it presented itself at perhaps the most opportune of times. There was a gentle knock on the door and a muffled voice calling from behind it, "Sister, are you in there?" When she gave no response other than to look over at the door and debate whether or not she should answer, a second call came in the form of, "Luna?"

With a sigh only audible enough for herself to hear, Princess Luna rolled over on the bed and assumed a more royal posture before answering with a courtly, "Yes, dear sister. You may come in."

The door clicked and glowed faintly as Celestia's magical aura surrounded it and pushed it forward slowly. She was ever-so gentle when it came to others' things. Even more gentle was the expression that she wore when she peeked from behind the door. It was a mixture of concern and care, but also one of doubt and worry. Luna had seen it enough times before to immediately recognize the mood that had befallen the room.

Celestia stepped through the doorway and shut the door gently behind her, careful to make as little noise as possible. After that, she moved only a few steps before sitting down in the most perfectly-practiced of ways. Celestia had the courtesy of giving others their space when she felt they needed it. Unfortunately this only caused Luna's heart to ache a slight bit more, for some reason.

"Hello, sister," Luna managed to say in a kind tone before her tongue was twisted by the knot now forming in her throat. She had no idea why, but it felt as if she was going to cry at any moment. Perhaps her sister simply had that effect on others; they wanted to burst forward with all of their emotions when they saw her.

"Is something wrong, dear?" Celestia asked. Straight to the point, it seemed. At least it wouldn't be like last time; Celestia had spent so much time trying to work up towards discussing the problem that they never actually discussed it at all.

"Is it that obvious?" Luna asked, her tone a bundle of amusement and sadness. It was an odd combination, but it got the point across rather well when it came to these situations. Something was indeed wrong, but Luna herself could not quite place a hoof on it.

"Would you like to talk about it?" Celestia asked politely, her faint smile only adding to the fact that she was sincere in her intentions to help.

But as lovely as the prospect sounded, Luna was never one for talking over her problems. She much preferred to find those problems and then find the solutions on her own. So with a simple shake of her head, Celestia understood her intentions.

"I thought so. But fear not, for I came prepared!" her tone was jovial, perhaps even a bit childish in her joy. Instead of awaiting a reply, she went on to explain, "You take on quite a burden by being in charge of the night sky and all of its splendor, I know this. I also understand that you have taken it upon yourself to control the dreams of the land - something not even I could have managed."

Luna blushed a bit at the compliment, but interrupted her sister to correct her upon the matter. "You did not manage it only because you had not desired to do so. I am sure you would be perfectly capable of doing so, should you wish to," she said sincerely.

She felt only a slight sense of pride in what she did - she believed she could probably perform her duties much better if she only knew how. That simple fact pushed her to work harder, in fact, and had even fueled her desire to brighten the night sky with stars in the first place. It was one of her most magnificent accomplishments, and yet she still wondered how to make it better.

"Now, now, my dear. Give yourself some credit," Celestia said, her smile still present as she wagged a hoof towards Luna. "And besides, I have not come to discuss your rapidly-growing skills. I came bearing good tidings."

"Oh?" Luna said, her eyebrow arched as she awaited this good news. She enjoyed pleasant surprises from time to time, and Celestia did seem to know what she liked. Perhaps this would be just the thing to cheer her up.

"Of course. I even brought someone to help me present the news to you properly," Celestia said, her grin growing ever-so-slightly. It was becoming less of an innocent grin and a bit more of a mischievous smirk, and Luna couldn't help but feel a little put-off by it.

"Oh?" Luna asked once again, but her tone was a bit more cautious this time around. She was fine with surprises; but when it involved introducing her to ponies she might not know, she couldn't help but feel a bit weary. After all, Luna still was not accustomed to the standards of modern society or their habits. Twilight was doing her best to teach her, but she lacked enough experience to formulate new opinions just yet.

"Not to worry, however. I think you'll find her company to be a rather joyous experience. But you're probably wondering just what I have in store for you," Celestia said, moving elegantly to take a standing position. "It's rather simple, really. Tonight I have prepared for you.."

She stopped herself in order to focus her magic upon the the bedroom door and open it one again. Erupting from behind it was a pony as pink as any candy and more energetic than any other creature that Luna had ever encountered before.

".. a SLUMBER-PARTY!" she shouted, her voice explosive and joyous. She threw confetti into the air and let loose the sounds of a horn of some sort. The expression upon her face told Luna that she was not only ready to party, but was completely determined to party.

"A slumber-party?" Luna echoed, her voice filled with worry. She turned her gaze away from the one known as Pinkie Pie and looked towards Celestia. "But sister, I cannot. I've got to raise the night sky! And I must tend to everyone's dreams! If I do not, then who-"

"Twilight has taken quite an interest in that field, dear sister. I do believe this is the perfect opportunity for her to learn," Celestia said, putting the latter issue to rest. As for the former, she was able to rid Luna of that worry as well by saying, "And I have taken care of the moon and its sky before. I surely can do so once again."

"But-" Luna started, but could find no suitable argument. "But I do not even know what to do," she said, settling for the truth rather than a convenient excuse. She hardly understood the customs of the nobility that surrounded her every day life; how could she possibly understand a concept that she had not practiced in over ten centuries?

"Don't you worry about that, Princess! Pinkie Pie's got it all covered," the pink mare said triumphantly, giving a wink along with her declaration. She was wearing two saddlebags, Luna noticed. No doubt they were filled to the brim with every manner of trinket, game, and other party favors.

Before Luna could protest any further - and she did try - Celestia spoke with utmost urgency, "Now. If I am to prepare Twilight for the night to come, I really should get a move on." She then turned to Pinkie Pie and gave a wink, "I'm sure you will take care of things here."

She then left the room, offering Luna only a quick, "Goodnight you two, and have fun!" After that, the door was shut and the games began - literally.