1. A Run Around Castle Grounds
Princess Luna's Days Off
Chapter 1
A Run Around Castle Grounds
Sometimes, you just have "one of those days." That phrase carries so much weight and empathy from others, yet its meaning can be completely ambiguous should one prod for elaboration. Often times, the only explanation one can offer is merely "... just one of those days." This particular day happened to be one of "these" days for both rulers of the nation of Equestria.
As of recently, both Princesses Luna and Celestia would hold a combined court rather than two separate Day and Night courts conversely. This was the result of Luna aligning her sleep schedule to that of Celestia’s, which was a rather interesting development yet nevertheless it proved more efficient than the previous system, of which: Day Court by day, Night Court by Night.
It also served to alleviate the stress and sorrow that saddled itself with Luna with the feeling that her subjects never cared nor appreciated her. With a simple five minute conversation between her and Celestia it was found that further complications could easily be avoided by altering Luna’s sleep schedule, as few of her subjects really visited her during the late hours of the night. As well, the change proved more efficient in the sense that both voices of power could keep the Combined Court running smoothly throughout any given work day. Usually the two would take turns but once in a while a major issue would arise which would necessitate both Princesses observing the court procession. Luna was positively thrilled to have a greater role, more of what she considered equal in the government alongside her sister. As well, it was easily seen that her subjects appreciated the effort, some coming in just to speak with her personally.
Indeed it was a grand time to be had. A happy Luna and Celestia meant an overall happy kingdom afterall.
The last session of the Combined Court ended for the day as the guests filtered out. Last to leave were both Princesses. The two figures exited the large double doors which lead to the throne room.
“Well, I’d say that went fairly well,” Princess Celestia offered the first words of the evening. She stood a bit taller than her sister, fair complexion accentuating her ethereal, multi-colored hair perfectly and donning a white, regal dress which was fairly form-fitting. She squinted her eyes, partially shrouding her magenta irises as she stretched her back and arms, undoubtedly tight from sitting for a long period of time.
“Normally I am inclined to agree yet I feel this time our definitions of ‘fairly well’ differ if only slightly,” Princess Luna responded with mild sarcasm, rubbing one of her eyes and staring at her finger immediately afterwards, frowning in dis-amusement as she accidentally rubbed off her navy eyeshadow. Like her sister, Luna was fair-skinned and her own ethereal blue, sparkling hair complemented her perfectly. The younger of the regal sisters sported a similar bodily build to her solar sibling, albeit more toned and defined in certain areas. She was currently clad in a two-colored navy-blue/violet sleeveless dress with a (rather antiquated in style) corset underneath. A small, single sash acted as a semi-sleeve over her right arm.
“Oh come on, Luna, it really wasn’t that bad today! Besides, I saw that Guard totally checking you out,” Celestia alluded teasingly, knowing full well that it got under her younger sister’s skin. The two sisters were more than comfortable with talking about more common subjects and using more raunchy language when they were amongst themselves. Celestia nudged Luna in her side as they strode down the hall.
“That is precisely why I felt this day was subpar, dear sister,” Luna deadpanned, feeling some blood rush to her face and heart rate increase in mild discomfort. Her attempt to shrug off Celestia’s teasing failed miserably.
“I really don’t understand why you’re put off, Lulu… especially with that corset you wear,” Celestia prodded more, her grin getting wider by the second.
“And just what offense has my corset committed?”
“Nothing really… If I didn’t know you better I’d think you were trying to show off…” the solar princess accentuated her innuendo by flicking her eyes to her sister’s chest.
“Do. You. Mind?!” Luna harshly muttered as she elbowed Celestia in her side, causing her to laugh as Luna instinctually attempted to adjust and pull the top of her dress upward. Luna felt quite hot in her attire at the moment and it definitely showed through her embarrassment. The reddening in her cheeks definitely wasn’t due to the blush she applied.
“Well… anyway,” Celestia began, deciding to cease annoying her little sister. “Just in case you’ve forgotten, there’s no Court tomorrow.”
Luna felt a small grin etch itself onto her lips. That meant she could get an early start on her day off.
And boy, could she use one.
“I see that smile worming its way onto your mug… got something planned for tomorrow?” Celestia asked. The two made a left into the royal quarters section of the castle, footsteps resounding from their white and blue respective heels in perfect synchronization.
“Not as of right now, no… which also begs the question of what to do now…?” Luna answered and followed up with her own thoughts out loud. She lightly grasped her chin between her thumb and index finger subconsciously, as was her habitual thinking-pose; her lips resumed their usual stoic form. Celestia lurched her upper body forward and stretched her arms out, yawning at the same time.
“Well, I don’t know about you, but I didn’t sleep as well as I’d have liked to last night so I think I’m gonna catch up on some shuteye,” Celestia revealed as they stepped in front of her large chamber doors. Luna stopped with her, her thoughts never faltering. “What about you? Think of anything interesting yet?”
Truth be told, Luna hadn’t done much in the last week in the way of anything physically strenuous. She prided herself on keeping in good shape but her exercise regimens had to be put off due to flare-ups in royal matters. As a result, she found herself with a surplus of energy that she just realized she needed to expend at this instant.
“I think… I shall go for a run,” Luna decided resolutely, clicking her tongue against the roof of her mouth and adding a small “Luna grin” for good measure. She turned to her older sister.
“A… run?” Celestia asked for confirmation, as Luna’s resolution seemed a bit out-of-the-blue.
“But of course! I have too much energy right now, and I feel it shall be a grand way to expunge it in entirety.” Luna then donned a sly smile. “It would be nice for you to join me once in a while, for I feel you could use it,” Luna quipped. Celestia raised her brow as she removed her golden tiara from her hair.
“And just what is that supposed to mean, Lulu?”
“Oh nothing really… just looking out for you lest you add more curvature to your rear,” Luna pressed her teasing.
“Implying I’m opposed to having a curvier rear. Don’t knock what you don’t have, Luna,” the solar sister rebutted with an equally sly grin. Luna merely chuckled as she turned and got ready to start down the hall.
“Celly, I feel there was a reason that that Guard was treating me as eye-candy and not you,” she finished. Celestia could only scoff, not having anything else clever to say. “Goodnight, sister. I love you dearly,” Luna added while already walking down to her own quarters, eyeing her sister over her shoulder with a most amused and victorious expression. Celestia only shook her head, chuckling to herself as she closed her doors.
Luna finally reached her room and delicately opened her doors, letting herself inside and shutting out the outside world temporarily. Just giving a quick once over, she looked all the way up to spy the ceiling of her bedchambers, covered magically by a background of deep space, stars twinkling with various luminosities and galaxies spinning. She took a deep breath and breathed out a sigh.
The Lunar Princess strode to her dresser and delicately removed her garments: placing her tiara on a marble bust and gently laying her dress on the bed as she stripped out of it. Next gone was the corset, leaving her bare to no one but herself. Turning back to her dresser, she removed the ideal clothing for her activities: violet mesh shorts, running shoes, and a navy blue sports bra and tank-top. Her last step entailed restoring her hair to a lifeless state, leaving it a normal blue with silky locks that she could run her fingers through.
Eager to get outside, she performed a shortened version of her warm-up routine, which consisted of lots of hard stretching with some elements of yoga. Once she worked out that light burn in her legs and little sheen of moisture on her brow, she knew she was ready. Satisfied, Luna teleported herself out to the castle courtyard.
A few Guards were stationed and they glanced in her direction yet paid her no mind. They were used the Princess performing such activities. Luna cracked her knuckles, relieving some stiffness in her joints before taking her running stance. On her count, she was off.
She started with a little jog, letting the air fill her lungs and evacuate at a very even pace and ensuring that blood rushed to her legs properly. She could probably run for hours at this pace, but that wasn’t good enough for her. Once Luna rounded the first corner of the castle (her route was the castle perimeter) she pushed her legs faster. She felt the burn instantly but it subsided as fast as it came, her legs and lower abs quickly adjusting to the new speed. Her breathing intensified yet she pushed onward.
Rounding the next bend, she grunted a little bit in exertion as she pushed herself even harder. Now she was in a full-fledged run. She could hear her heartbeat in her ears… feel the wind pass through her now lifeless hair.
Just how she enjoyed it.
Luna wore her determined grin as she pressed forward, sweat slowly making its way to the surface of her face and offering a cooling sensation when combined with the air. Her breathing was more labored, yet she wanted more.
Rounding another bend in the castle perimeter, which happened to be one last, long straightaway before she ended up where she started, she delved into a full-on sprint. She leaned forward a little just to add that extra leverage as she never lost her form. Her legs were begging for a break; her lungs pleading for more air. Luna pushed herself that much harder, her entire lower body screaming in agony, and only finally did she reach where she started. As she passed her marked starting point, she expended the last of her surplus energy by launching herself into the air, somersaulting once, and landing on her feet perfectly, bouncing a few times.
Her breathing was deep and rapid. Sweat made its presence known from her hairline down to her legs, of which Luna wiped her brow with her forearm and then placed her hands on her exposed sides. She could feel her abdominals extend and compress with every breath she took, the light definition she had on her exposed stomach making itself known every time she exhaled. Finally, Luna chuckled and a nice smile formed on her face.
“Just what I needed…” she said to no one in particular as she decided to turn and make her way back inside, preferring to walk rather than teleport.
The Lunar Princess decided that a shower was a great necessity at the present moment and only after could she get started on her much needed day off. When she finally reached her room after twenty minutes of a cool-down walk through the castle, Luna peeled her workout attire off her body and proceeded straight to her bathroom, eager to wash off the dried up sweat from her sore body.
Princess Luna's Days Off
Chapter 2
Swing
The success of Luna’s run the previous day had done well to expend the surplus energy the Night Princess had obtained throughout the week and as a result, left her quite sore yet feeling rather amazing. After her forty-five minute long shower, she did nothing but grab some sleepwear and pass out in bed. The following morning went on as usual, with Celestia waking Luna up to lower the moon, and then the latter promptly going back to sleep. Of course, the change in sleep schedule came with a small price as mentioned above: merely waking up to lower the moon if it was a day off, but Luna didn’t mind. Most of the time she would be up at the same time as Celestia anyways, so nothing was really lost yet all was gained.
The Lunar Princess stirred once more at about ten-thirty in the morning with a cliche yawn and over-head stretch, her navy sleeping top riding up her stomach a bit. It was then that she revealed her blues to the room, sunlight sneaking its way in. There she laid, undisturbed by much and simply keeping her eyes fixed on her ceiling as her body and mind slowly decided to kick itself into gear. Of course, a few more yawns, stretches, and the threat of being dragged off into dreamscape once again, Luna forced herself out of bed and decided to get ready for the day.
Once it registered that today was her day off (as thoughts tend to get murky in the mornings after long sleeps) Luna decided to take her time with getting ready.
Another shower… time to really wake up.
And so it was decided. The comfort of her fuzzy blue pajamas were forgone for her own birthday suit as Luna strode into her own bathroom once more, using her magic to prepare her shower. Before she entered into the large glass cube of everlasting comfort, Luna snagged a glance at herself in the bathroom’s full length mirror. She took a moment to face front and center as she traced her finger down her arms and sides. It had been a while since the Night Princess had gotten a good look at herself.
Hmmm…
Her face bore little emotion at the moment. Luna’s eyes roamed the features of her corporeal form; skimming the curves which defined her as a woman, eying the definition of muscle on her stomach, shoulders, back, and legs due to rigorous exercise and training with the Guard, and just processing it all in her head. A few thoughts crossed her mind… one of them being that one Guard soldier that had been eying her up during Combined Court. Luna felt the heat in her cheeks rise at this thought, which also brought to her attention another question: Why was she embarrassed?
Hmph.
A thought for another time. Turning away, she stepped into her shower and went about her little ‘ritual.’ Doing what she needed to do within a reasonable timeframe, Luna exited, dried off, and chose her attire for the day: a simple long-sleeved shirt and some denim pants. While Luna was never a fan of an overly casual clothing set, even she had to admit: on days where she had nothing to do, some decently fitting shirts and jeans were perfect!
Luna brushed her hair to a satisfactory appearance before altering it to her ethereal form, and then fixing her tiara to her head. That done, she exited her room and went about her route to the dining room to catch her first meal of the day. Upon entering the aforementioned room, she was surprised to find Celestia still sitting down, chilling with a paper and a bowl of some unidentified food. She looked up upon her younger sister’s entrance.
“Well well well… sleeping beauty is finally awake I see,” Celestia remarked with her own personal greeting as Luna took her seat next to her.
“Good morning to you too, Celestia.”
“You sound peachy as always. How’d you sleep?”
“Wonderfully, if I do say so myself,” Luna replied. “I feel plenty rejuvenated, for I’ll definitely need the energy tonight.”
“My, Luna, you didn’t tell me you had intention of bringing someone back to your room tonight… Just be sure to leave the sock on your doorknob,” Celestia added in, enjoying Luna’s reaction of burying her face in her hand.
“Hilarious. Pure comedic genius, Celly,” Luna deadpanned and rolled her eyes after letting her initial discomfort leave as quickly as it came. A waiter came around and Luna placed an order as quickly as he arrived.
“In all seriousness though, what do you plan to do tonight?” Celestia asked, dropping the jesting tone of voice.
“Something. I am currently not completely sure, but I have no intention of remaining in the castle.”
“For someone as uptight as yourself you’re awfully social, you know that, Lulu?” Celestia pointed out an observation as she turned a page in her newspaper.
“Pleasant” conversation continued as Luna’s food eventually was brought out. The two sisters shared more than mere words and thoughts. As irritating as Celestia could be and as snide as Luna could be, in the end they were each others greatest companions and they always found time to act as such. Eventually, the two of them parted ways for that part of the day, deciding to do dinner together before Luna headed out. As much as they got on each others nerves sometimes, it was all in jest and Luna's opinion of her sister never faltered. The inverse was also just as true.
I love my sister...
Dinner had ended and Luna decided it was time to get ready once she and Celestia transposed their respective celestial objects in the sky. Her destination for the evening called for a bit more formal attire, but first she stood in her undergarments finishing her eyeshadow. She opted for her favorite shade of blue for that purpose and when that was complete, she opened her dresser and saw her outfit for the night: a black and navy strapped dress that sparkled in the light, almost as if her ethereal hair was a piece of cloth. Luna slipped it on, her bare arms adjusting and eventually resting on her hips as she eyed her image in the mirror. While there were no sleeves, the dress left no skin shown on her chest this time around. She didn’t care for that particular attention tonight. This was made up by her dress containing a decent aperture from her upper-mid back and upward. The length of the dress went passed her knees but wasn’t too long as to drag while she walked.
She let a grin worm its way onto her features and at the same time, removed the magic from her hair, once again letting it fall lifeless on her shoulders and back. Silky smooth locks of a gorgeous blue remained in the once ethereal hair’s place. She finished off with a necklace bearing her cutie mark, and eventually some classy black support shoes that were ideal for the nights activities.
Glancing around, she located and grabbed her pocketbook, put on a thick, black overcoat, and left her room for the night. The Guards stationed along the hall attempted to be discreet in eying their Lunar Princess as she strode by. Luna was well aware of their light ogling yet she decided to not let it bother her so much… even though the uncomfortable heat rose to her blush-covered cheeks she eventually willed her internal temperature down.
Luna gave a gentle knock to her sister’s door as she stopped in front of it, proceeding to open it slightly and peek her head in.
“I am leaving for a good portion of the night. Just making you aware,” Luna called out. Celestia was just sitting at her desk, most likely reading a friendship report from Twilight.
“Make sure he wears a condom. Have fun and be safe!” Celestia called back without looking over her shoulder. Luna rolled her eyes as she closed the door, not even dignifying her sister’s response.
The early-night air garnered a soothed reaction from Luna as she stepped out of the castle. From her position on the bridge many people, older and younger, could be seen frolicking into Canterlot’s center for a guaranteed good time for the start of the weekend. Deciding to not waste any more time, Luna casually walked along the bridge towards the main street, hanging a right as she headed towards a specific destination in mind.
The Princess passed by many people, all of them recognizing her. There was no danger of harassment by news reporters or the like, as Luna had had many… incidents with journalists and paparazzi. We’ll just say that they received her message: “do not interfere in my personal time.”
Still, it didn’t stop the young citizens of Canterlot from giving friendly waves and bows, all of which she returned accordingly with her own waves and a genuine smile. Over the years, all the fear of “Nightmare Moon” died out and instead was replaced by sheer curiosity. Those who were able to personally meet Luna as she adjusted to modern social norms felt a sense of… awesomeness about it. The Night Princess tried her hardest to make herself as approachable as possible to anyone and in the end it paid off. She even made a few friends along the way!
“My word, I wondered when I was gonna see you again, Princess!” someone called out from Luna’s left. By the time first few words uttered, Luna already knew who it was by his defining accent. She smiled as she turned.
“Is it truly my fault that you never made me aware of your presence in Canterlot, Pip?” Luna responded with a jesting tone as the two closed their distance. Pipsqueak was… not much of a pipsqueak anymore to be honest. Although only a little more than a few years had passed since that fateful Nightmare Night that they met, Luna had reconnected with him and they hit off a friendship almost immediately. She was happy to have been in his life through his transition from a boy to a young man… a rather decent looking adolescent at that.
“Well excuuuse me, Princess!” he responded sarcastically as he chuckled, running a hand through his dark brown, combed hair and adjusting his sportcoat. Luna chuckled as they embraced.
“By the stars you are as tall as me!” she observed, obviously the young man having gone through a recent growth spurt. “And didn’t I tell you in our letters to call me ‘Luna?’”
“Ah right... force of habit, Luna. And I wouldn’t count on that too much longer,” he joked. “It’s good to see you in the flesh and runnin’ about in the city. Where you off to, if I may so inquire?”
“Down this street aways to ‘Club Equestriana,’ actually. What about yourself, young man?” Luna returned the question. Pip couldn’t help but laugh at that point.
“I’m actually heading straight there myself!”
“Surely you jest!” Luna giggled. “I was not aware your taste in music swang that far back, no pun intended.” The two couldn’t help but laugh lightly at that.
“Ah but that is where your assumptions fail you, My Liege. I happen to thoroughly enjoy the art of swing.”
“Well then, Pip. We must not waste more time. Shall we?” Luna gestured onward.
“Of course!” Pip responded, offering a small bow his arm to Luna. She nearly guffawed at the gesture.
“My my, you always were the gentleman,” she commented, interlocking her left arm with his right as they walked onward, catching up with each other. Several other guys watched the whole exchanged with dropped jaws.
“Damn. He’s. Good.”
Track 1
The two made excellent timing to Club Equestriana although it was probably helped along by the fact that the two good friends were talking nonstop. The line hadn’t formed just yet so the pair were able to easily get inside the large, rustic-looking (although intended for style) club. Then again, either way, it wasn’t like the bouncers would deny the Princess and her escort entry.
The harmonious music immediately assaulted their ears as they strode into the room, lights being operated in accordance to the music being played for added effect.
“Ahh… it is good to be back,” Luna commented out loud, not bothering to hide the excited smile on her face.
“Indeed! But I need a drink right now. You want anything?” Pip commented and asked. Luna gave him an incredulous stare.
“Are you even old enough to drink, Pip?” she asked, placing her right fist on her hip.
“We met when I was twelve going on thirteen. It’s been six years, Luna. So I’m perfectly legal by Equestrian Law,” he proudly stated.
“I see that. Not like I would have stopped you anyways. You grab your refreshment. You already know where to find me. And no thank you, I am quite content at the moment,” Luna rebutted and the two separated. He gave a mock salute and made a beeline for the bar. Luna couldn’t help herself and dropped her coat on an empty booth before strutting straight onto the dance floor, immersing herself in the group of dancing people; the grand majority being couples. Didn’t bother her the slightest.
Track 2
The current musical piece ended and the next promptly started as she found the perfect spot with just enough space. She found the beat and slowly began finding her rhythm. This had been long overdue for her. Many other patrons were quite shocked to turn around and find Princess Luna on her lonesome, dancing to the glorious music with a smile of pure joy on her face. All were happy to even share the opportunity to dance and party around their Night Princess.
From Luna’s point of view, she was already having a great time. Her legs and feet worked in tandem with the rest of her body as she showed any who glanced over exactly what she had to offer the realm of dance. While swing was more enjoyable with a partner, she had no qualms with having fun on her own. This was her night. She’d rope Pip onto the floor later but for now, she was more than content with herself.
Luna twirled herself around once, finishing another cycle of dance when a random man in a pinstripe suit made his presence known, dancing up to her but keeping a respectable distance. Luna immediately faced him and it took off from there. Once the percussion was joined by the winds the two took off dancing harmoniously, although keeping a small distance from each other.
The two danced around each other in circles, Luna having a grand old time if evident by the radiating joy that shown through her teal-blue eyes and smile. Soon, another man, who looked slightly older than her current partner, stepped up to the plate, dancing up to the two of them in his jet-black suit and fedora. Luna’s current partner bowed respectfully to her and turned her loose to the newcomer. She flashed him a grateful smile as he left and turned to her new partner, repeating the cycle of dancing around each other, a little closer together this time but not at the point of taking each others hands.
About ten minutes later and exhausting another dance partner, Luna was definitely starting to feel a bit of burn in her legs but she didn’t care. She was having a blast and enjoying the company of the music and her subjects alike. It was about that time when she noticed Pip on the sidelines of the dance floor, enjoying whatever drink he had in his hands. He waved to her, obviously keeping tabs on her. Luna waved back with an excited smile before her grin turned slightly mischievous. She pointed to her good friend and beckoned him over with a finger.
He jokingly shrugged and made his way over, squeezing through the crowd of dancing people and eventually meeting with her in the middle. She was panting ever so slightly because hey, swing and really any other form of dancing is a great workout.
“I certainly hope you did not intend to be able to evade me so easily,” Luna commented, same grin still on her face.
“I had no intention of the sort,” Pip replied, taking the initiative and offering the Night Princess his hand, to which she took immediately.
Track 3
The next song started strong, percussion setting the beat perfectly and the winds diffusing rejuvenating life into the dance floor. Pip and Luna started off slow, being sure to correctly adjust to the changes in percussion and apply their footwork accordingly.
“Well well well… you learned how to dance,” Luna commented with genuine pleasant surprise. Pip twirled the Princess under his arm before snapping her close against him, his arm going to her back.
“I have a lot of time on my hands,” he answered somewhat shyly.
The two broke apart temporarily but still danced ‘with’ each other. Luna was having even more fun at this point, made all the better with an accidental running in to one of her best friends. Her foot and leg work was impressive to say the least, yet she maintained a certain grace and elegance while she continued to ‘swing it out.’ Pip, on the other hand, had excellent balance and control. While his current form of dancing was indeed similar to Luna’s, his skill laid in true partnering up.
The tempo and percussion picked up considerably as the saxophone had a glorious solo with the trumpets. The pair took each other’s hands and showed exactly what they were capable of. In all honesty, it looked like one of those old dancing movies. Luna had decided to let Pip lead and she did not regret her decision at all. He twirled her, swung her, you name it. It all correlated perfectly with the tempo and soon, the two found themselves separated once again as the beat returned to its starting state.
Pip and Luna continued to dance around each other, smiles, laughs, and eyes never leaving the other. Their bodies were becoming tired. Both pairs of legs begged for relief. Their feet cried in agony and release from the confines of their shoes. Only finally did both of them take their last hard step and the song died out. Both panted yet smiled in success at each other.
That was definitely one for the books.
“That was… quite nice…” Luna spoke through her breaths, the lightest sheen of moisture lining her hairline and skin in general.
“To say the least… that was really fun… I might add,” Pip replied through his own light pants.
“Would you terribly oppose if we took a small break before heading back out here? I do not wish for this night to be over so soon,” Luna admitted. Pip chuckled and motioned for the both of them with his head towards their booth.
“Sounds like a great idea to me, Luna.”
The night continued on beautifully after that. Luna had a great time with Pip as they danced, rested, drank, danced more, and continued the cycle into the later hours of the night. The two eventually, and unfortunately, had to part ways at about two in the morning but promised to keep in much better contact in the future.
Luna made her way home with a tired smile on her face, eager to strip out of her dress and plop down for the night as she finally entered her bedchambers. She had lots of fun, and Pip made it all the better for her. She’d have to thank him again for the great time the next day in a letter. She unceremoniously stripped down and jumped into bed, letting the silkiness of her sheets, covers, and pillows caress her body, being sure to massage her sore legs over the entire surface of her bed. The feeling of that level of comfort on her aching muscles was absolutely euphoric. Slowly but surely she let the grasp of sleep take her away from the conscious realm.
I verily must do this more often...
