Light Fades Fast

Ten years before the princess’ banishment

Moonlight danced off of Strya’s alabaster coat as she gazed into the lake. The warm spring air blew a flurry of cherry petals from the trees bordering the lake. Strya took a deep lungful of the fresh, sweet scent and sighed with contentment. Truly spring is a magical time.

She was awoken from her reverie when the soft sound of hoof beats made her turn around to see a dusk-colored mare before her. The mare’s mane was a perfect match for the evening sky, flowing with an unnatural ease Strya’s mane lacked. Smiling the mare approached the shore where Strya stood. Strya returned the smile and spoke with the slightest hint of apprehension, “Why have you come to me this evening Luna? It is not your way to seek me out. Is this about your friend’s passing?”

“No Strya that is not why I came-" She pawed the ground slowly "- I have reached an understanding regarding that event… I wished…I had hoped to seek your council.”

“My council? Truly Luna you have never sought my advice before. I would have thought I would be the last mare you would wish to speak with.”

“Trust me Strya I would not be here if there was an alternative. Celestia is a fool, she talks nonsense all the time. I ask for advice she gives me no heed and treats me like a filly! Strya, you are nearly as old as she and know much about the world, more than my sister at any rate. I believe that if any mare exists who can possibly understand my predicament it would be you.”

“What troubles you?”

“It is about my place…My place in this world. Every time we cross paths you seem so sure of yours. Tell me can you give me advice on mine?”

Strya stared into the lake, contemplating the moonlight in the ripples. “I will try to answer your questions Luna but you must understand that I am not omniscient nor do I care to be. However, I do not believe I understand your question. Your place in the world is obvious isn’t it? Luna, you must raise the moon every night and lower it at dawn. Why are you confused about this?”

Luna stamped her hoof in frustration, “Not that Strya! I know all about that role! The one I want advice on is of a more complicated nature.” Luna stepped forward and looked into the lake herself, “Why must I live in the shadows while Celestia receives all the praise? Is my night destined to remain second to her day for the rest of eternity?”

Strya whinnied a laugh, “What a ridiculous notion Luna! Your night is not second to the day! Why look around you. No other pony in all the world could create such a beautiful night. It is different from the day, yes, but not lesser. Would the crane mourn not being born a swan? Of course not! You are who you are Luna, a separate but just as important part of the world.”

“You don’t understand Strya. What’s the point of all this-” Luna gestured sharply to the sky, “-If I don’t even receive even the slightest recognition for it? I can’t go on living with ponies treating me the way they do.”

“The way they do, what do you mean Luna?”

“Like…Like my night is a horrible, useless thing to be afraid of. Why the moment I bring up my moon, ponies everywhere rush for lamps, torches, and candles to blot it out. They are so enamored with my sister’s light that they fear my darkness. I go through all the trouble of showing them the constellations, shooting stars, beautiful moonlight and all they do is sleep through it! And yet with all my nighttime wonders why can’t I bring a light into their lives like Celestia? Is it so much to ask for love once in a while instead of hate?” Luna stood panting from her rant eyes flashing sharply at Strya.

“I feel your pain Luna and your predicament is not a new one. I too have struggled with the same thoughts many years ago and still do today. I wonder why no pony ever celebrates death. They are all so bent upon this life that they fail to see the possibility of a new life beyond this one. Of course I pray and hope for things to change but I understand why for them it is difficult.” Strya bent forward and nuzzled Luna gently.

“For you it is the same. You do your best to show them the joys of the night. And yet, their fear clouds over all the beauty surrounding them and they cling to the day. It is not your fault, you are doing your best. Luna, you must understand how very valuable you are to this world. You are needed as I am needed. As I said before, you are who you are, embrace your duty and hold your head high. You give plenty of light Luna, a different light than Celestia’s but one just as precious to the world.”

Luna cried into Styra’s long mane, “What good is a light that no pony loves? Can you even call that a light? Night is darkness, not light.”

“That’s where you are wrong Luna. There is plenty of light in the night. Look around you at this beautiful moon you brought out, the stars and their constellations you reveal, the good rest you give all creatures, and the morning dew you leave behind. Every living thing benefits from it and with it grows stronger. Night is just as precious as day and I don’t believe that you should call it darkness. True darkness is the very absence of light, a despair at being separated from all that is good. Luna you are anything but a harbinger of darkness.”

Luna broke away from Strya wiping her tears. She stared at the white mare with determination. “I believe you speak some sense Strya, certainly more than my sister. However, you are making a mistake. Why should we wait for the ponies of Equestria to realize the worth of the night? Why, I ought to come before them and show the whole world how the night is just as good as the day. I wonder what would happen if I waited to lower the moon? They would start to notice the night then for sure!”

Luna began to pace excitedly, “Perhaps we ought to work together Strya. Between the two of us we could put on a show that will really make them see the truth. What do you say?”

Strya glared at Luna, a touch of her own powerful magic stirring up the petals around her, “Luna you misunderstand me. There is no reason to force ponies into accepting us. Acceptance comes with trust, not coercion. Think carefully Luna. Such drastic tactics may turn the joyous light of the night into darkness. Let it be, accept that for the time being you must remain in the background as do I.”

Luna frowned at Strya, her own magic stirring up violently, “What do you know Strya? You live your whole life in the shadows hiding from every pony until you come for them. At least I show myself proudly and try to gain their love. You just sit back and leave the situation as it is. It may be your choice to do nothing but it isn’t mine. I’m willing to take the risk and change this world. If you’re too much of a coward to join me than so be it!”

Luna wheeled sharply around and flew upwards. Strya stared as the mare disappeared into the evening sky, praying. Creator of the world, please watch over Luna. Let her see the darkness that clouds her judgment. Open ponies' hearts and allow them see the worth in the night. And if it be your will, may they see the benefit of my work too…