The dark-blue alicorn looked to the yellow pegasus, unsure of her instructions. "BUT WHAT IF WE- *ahem* But what if I must make a proper declaration?"
Fluttershy simply smiled patiently to Luna. Despite her constant slipping into the use of the Royal Canterlot Voice, the lunar diarch had made great progress today! She no longer had to use earplugs.
"That's completely fine, Luna," the pegasus explained, "You've seen how your sister makes her declarations, haven't you? We've come a long way from when you were last speaking publicly. She tends to usually give them as if she were talking to her friends. She does keep a bit of formality, but it's usually calm and friendly. You don't need to yell to be heard, Princess. Ponies are usually always willing to listen."
Luna nods, lowering her quill to the notebook laying in front of her. The two were currently housed in Fluttershy's cottage, the snow outside gently falling against the backdrop of Celestia's setting sun, wrapping the landscape in a gentle, orange glow. After jotting down a few notes, Luna slips her quill behind her ear, re-settling her glasses some.
"Dear Fluttershy, We-I...I am very grateful for all of your help you have given me these past few weeks. I understand I have been less than...quick...to take some of your teachings to heart, but regardless, it is very much appreciated."
Fluttershy blushes a bit, but beams happily up to Luna. "Oh no, Princess, I'm more than happy to help out! You've come such a long way from Nightmare Night. I'm very proud of your progress!"
Luna blushes a light purple as she smiles, looking shyly to the side. "Thanks, Fluttershy. You're such a good friend to us...me...Sorry..."
With a little sigh, she looks out the window, mulling over her thoughts, watching the snow flutter to the ground, coating the land in it's white blanket.
"Fluttershy, I know we usually end at this time, but I would very much like if you would join me as I paint the night sky tonight."
She offers the smaller pony a nervous smile, awaiting her response eagerly. Fluttershy blinks, surprised.
"Oh, uhm, I-I really appreciate it Luna, but...I'd probably just get in the way. I wouldn't want to be any sort of bother..."
Princess Luna simply chuckles, shaking her head. While her lack of self-esteem could be a bother at times, there was not a single mean bone in that pony's body.
"Fluttershy, I assure you, you would not be a bother whatsoever. In all honesty, it has been a while since I've shared this with someone, and I would be honored if it was you."
Fluttershy ponders for a moment, before nodding to the Princess. "Sure thing Luna. I'll be happy to go!"
She pauses for a second. "Uhm, Princess. Would we need to go to Canterlot?"
Luna just chuckles, before standing, stretching out her lanky limbs some. "Not at all. All I need is a clear space, preferably on a hill outside."
Fluttershy taps her hoof against her chin. "I think I know just the spot!"
After buttoning up in coats, scarves and boots, the two made their way outside, trotting along behind Fluttershy's cottage for a ways. Eventually, the two come upon a hill, Ponyville visible to the west, the sun slowly lowering, the lower edge just now touching the horizon.
Fluttershy lays out a large, thick quilt, before the two of them settle down upon it. They lay there silently, watching the sunset peacefully.
As soon as the sun slips under the horizon, Luna's horn begins to alight with magic. Slowly, the moon begins to show itself above the horizon, bathing the two ponies in its cool glow.
Once the moon settles high in the night sky, the princess smirks, before streaks of stars begin to fill the night sky. Dancing this way and that, arcs of stardust stream through the sky, twinkling brilliantly before them.
Fluttershy stares in awe at the beauty of the sight, her mouth slightly agape. It was absolutely stunning, watching the princess paint the night sky. Her eyes were wide as she takes in the splendor of Luna's prowess.
Luna glances to Fluttershy, taking pride in her work, happy to see somebody enjoy her work. For her final act, Luna concentrates as her horn begins to glow brilliantly, increasing its luminescence until it finally bursts. The two were blinded momentarily, and once their vision cleared they were greeted with the most beautiful meteor shower any pony had ever seen.
Fluttershy gasps as she beholds the glowing night sky, stars in her eyes in the most literal fashion. The lunar goddess sits there silently, letting the night's beauty sink in for Fluttershy, before leaning down to give her cheek a gentle nuzzle, whispering softly into her ear. "This is all for you, Dear Fluttershy. This is how happy you make me..."
Fluttershy, for a moment, is unable to respond. She was in complete shock. Could it possibly be? Was Luna coming onto her? She gulps, staring at the sky. Finally, she moves her head under Luna's, nuzzling into her chin, unable to form any words.
Luna grins, letting out a soft sigh of relaxation before carefully spreading her right wing, draping it over Fluttershy's back. She scoots closer to the buttery-yellow pegasus, dipping her muzzle in to rub it against Fluttershy's. The two of them share each-other's warmth, basking in the glory of Luna's night as the snow softly falls around them, blanketing the world in it's cool embrace. Neither of them had a care in the world. They had each-other to keep them warm tonight.
Author's Note
This fic has been sitting in my box for...probably years now. I wrote it in between turns of a Civilization game and just never published it.
I was getting ready to launch a fic, saw this was close to the word limit, and figured I'd pretty it up a little and cast it off, because why not?
