Twilight stared up at the moonlit sky, content with the chill air around her. Her body was in a state of pure relaxation as she remembered the events of her childhood that made her interested in the night.
Ever since I was little, I always found such calm in the night. When most fillies my age were scared of the night, I basked in it. I would stare up at the sky and admire the beautiful artwork of the night. I remember first finding out about the tale of Nightmare Moon. I stared up at the moon and began to cry. I felt bad for Princess Luna. I could see from her point of view why it was she’d be upset. With nopony there to admire her work, she didn’t feel as appreciated as Celestia, who’d be the one to start the day. Everypony looked up to her. How often did Princess Luna hear ‘Oh, what a beautiful night tonight’? Never compared to how much her sister was told how beautiful her day was.
And as I grew older, I would even fall asleep outside. I usually found myself staring up at the beautiful stars, smiling brightly whenever the moon was full. It may seem a little foalish, but as a filly I promised myself I would smile at the moon every night. I hoped Princess Luna could see me. I wanted her to know that her night was appreciated; that there was somepony who admired her for what she was able to do. IAnd if she saw me… I hoped she would be happy.
Twilight just smiled with a small laugh. And now that Luna is free from her darkness, I’ve hardly ever seen her since the party Pinkie threw for her. She must be scared nopony would care for her based on the tales. One day, she’ll break out of her shell. All she needs is a friend to walk her out. Nopony should ever be without friends. And for all that time she’s been imprisoned there’s no way she’s not lonely. After a thousand years, would one even be able to socialize again…?
Princess Celestia sighed heavily and shook her head as a frustrated look crossed over her eyes. “Look, Luna. We’ve been over this before. Ponies aren’t nocturnal creatures. The way you rule during the night is that you help them be ready for the next day.”
“BUT THAT’S JUST IT! They sleep through the night to prepare for your day! Most are inside as it gets to sunset! I just wish I could have time for my work to shine. “She let out an annoyed sigh. “I wish that ponies would be up getting ready for the night to be up and around. I’d like to hear just one pony comment on how beautiful night is. Or how beautiful a night in particular is. But instead they all go inside and don’t come out till morning!” She pouted. She wasn’t angry or fed-up as it had been before she became Nightmare Moon, but the longing for recognition still remained deep in her heart. “I’m going to go out for a bit.” And before Princess Celestia could stop her, Luna had left.
I wonder what Twilight Sparkle is doing right now... Ever since she saved me from what I had become... I… I feel like I need to see her. But what’s the possibility she’s even awake… During her flight, she noticed the library light was on. Not only that, but Twilight wasn’t even in her bed. She was out on her balcony with her eyes planted in her telescope.
“Wow…” Twilight muttered under her breath. “Everything is extremely beautiful tonight. I wonder how she does it… ”
Luna squeaked lightly and quickly hid in one of the few clouds in the night sky. After a moment she peeked over to continue watching Twilight.
“I wonder how many stars she made… there have to be tons!” She was hardly able to contain her glee as she thought about the possibility of the numbers of stars. “Millions… billions… trillions… all in various shapes. Constellations… Dear Celestia I’d stay up all night if I could…” She didn't realize how tired she actually was. As she lay on her blanket, she took her eye off the telescope and rested her head in her hooves, and closed her eyes. "I'll just... rest for... a few... moments..." Twilight fell asleep quicker than a kid crashing from a sugar high.
Luna knew she was blushing as she watched Twilight sleep. Somepony actually thought her night was beautiful? And she even called it artwork! And of all ponies, it was Twilight. The thought made her entire face light up with happiness!
It suddenly dawned on her that it was supposed to get cold tonight, and leave it to Twilight Sparkle to end up falling asleep outside. She slowly glided over to Twilight, lifted her up with her magic, and carried the sleeping mare back to her bed in the library. She covered her up in her comforter, a smile bright on her face. Twilight Sparkle; you have no idea how happy you’ve made me tonight. She flicked off the light and with that last thought Luna flew back to the castle, her face filled with happiness.
Celestia took notice right away. “So, not even an hour ago you were upset nopony appreciated your work, and now your face has a smile ten miles wide on it. What happened?”
Luna turned and faced her sister with a giggle as she tried to think of what to say. “Well… a star smiled at me…” With another small giggle, she turned away and headed up to her room, leaving the ruler of the Sun dumbfounded, but with a grin.
A star smiled at me...
