The Events Of An Evening
Gold that glimmers so brightly in the day adorns these halls of alabaster and onyx. Yet as the beams of the moon race across their surface, the gold lets off a muted reflection almost knowing that it is not the time for glimmering. These hard stones and heavily worked metals stand strong and defiant, to the eye, almost begging for something to try and test the strength of their make. There is a strange comfort in them, despite knowing that these objects only stand before me today because they are not as strong as they would appear. Molded by the force of hooves, wings, and magic, they were twisted into these appealing masses before me.
Quiet contemplation on the purpose of molded rocks and metals aside, the muted golden gleam of my own regalia seems out of place in these moonlit halls. For nearly a thousand years such a thought was never at the forefront of my mind, but constantly in the background, burning away at my thoughts like the orb that I am tasked to raise. But now it is just a confirmed fear, that I am so happy has finally been realized. This is not my element, and it never was, the night and the cool air dancing around me in a light whisper, as if carrying the conversation of the stars down to those who still gaze at them.
Yes, whispers certainly do frolic forth this night, claiming all that I have watched over as their own. A soft sigh I held without knowing finally slipped past my lips, and with it a smile, more genuine then any I'd worn in many centuries, graced my face for but a second. It felt so good, so perfectly right, to finally know I was not out of my element by myself. No longer a lonesome candle called upon to hold back the dark. No, with her return the stars did shine brighter than a newborn's face as it experiences it's first taste of bliss. What need was there of a single candle at night when a grand halo of moonlight would light up the world as if at a ball, with the stars serving as chandeliers of the heavens, and no longer pale dots of remorse?
None, there was absolutely no need of a candle on this night, nor any other. Unless, and only if, someone wished for there to be a light just for them. And it was this, my new personal purpose that I was elated to fulfill this night as the heavy doors of my sister's room stood before me. Imported wood from the Zebra tribes, inset gems from the Dragons of old, and the subtle etchings of Griffon artisans, gifts hidden away behind dust and disuse for too long, now looked as new as the day they first arrived. With only a passing fancy for the doors, my mind dismissed them as simple obstacles, that blocked me from my dearest sister. It was with great joy I pushed against their delicate features much more vigorously than most would call for.
“Welcome Sister” the words that I had only recently been graced with hearing, each time bringing tears to my eyes as they had for the last month. The deep dark chambers of my sister's room were only visible by one light, a large window that shone silver as it let the moon softly caress every surface of this most comforting of rooms.
“You really must find a new hobby.” the words left my mouth with my smile returning from earlier. “At this rate you'll stare at that window long enough to bore a hole through it.” As I crossed the room and dipped my head, my sister raised a solitary wing, welcoming me under it even with my greater height. It cared not how odd it must have looked to see me hunched below my dear sister, for if I were to be guilty of snuggling up to those I love, I would wear the blame with pride.
“I need a new hobby?” Luna asked with a smirk. “I am not the one huddling underneath thine younger sister as if I twere but a duckling.”
“I missed you so much Luna... so very much” my tears once more rolled down my fur without end in sight.
“I know, and as have I. You are what makes everything worth it.” Her words filled me with a strange unease.
“Worth it?” I hoped with all my might it was my curiosity and not my fears that brought forth those words from my lips.
“Worth trying to reconnect after so long. With all the ages that did pass, I would feel as though it twas going to fade, everything that I knew of the world, even now, my memories of before feel so far away, faded thin by the hatred that bound me and kept us astray of thine love.” Tears now fell from both of us, my own being joined on the floor. “I just, I knew, I knew they would perish, that one day they would all be gone, but so many ponies, so many friends who I did not cherish as I should, whom I never said farewell to, that left the world thinking of the monster they last laid eyes on.”
“Oh Lulu...” my words dropped off, the pain of passing that we both must live with being forced upon my sister seemed such a perverse punishment only to be made worse by the circumstances.
“Worse still, it doth become harder to remember their faces, names fall out of my tongue as hollow sounds... I fear they are lost to me, as I was to them.” Luna's head draped over my own, heaving slightly as her emotions rattled her very core. I didn't even think it awkward as I rolled over, most undignified to anyone but my dearest sibling, holding her close as sorrow again visited her.
“I cannot offer much comfort, I know this, but if I can call on you to break your vigil in a few night's time, I may offer something to you.” A plan, one both loving and possibly cruel at the same time formed in my head. It was with a silent hope that an idea like this would be felt deeply, but not enough to cripple my sister forever.
“I... I... I doth hesitate to act on this offer Tia, I cannot with good faith let you put effort into something that could be such a waste of your well earned time off. Have I not burdened you enough for this last thousand years? But nay, you would never say as such, you doth have only words of joyful sorrow to bring forth, claiming the worth of it all.”
“I know, I know you are right Luna, but please, just one last thing, one last attempt. I would wager anything that this would help you” I only hoped it sounded as convincing as I wanted my words to.
“Anything?” Her voice came with a strange tone, one I had heard before but couldn't quite place.
“Anything.” I affirmed, smiling as a smirk began to form at the corners of her mouth.
“Then, if I were not to be satisfied, thy choice of dessert for the month shall be forfeit to mine own choosing.” Her lips curled as I realized my folly.
“But, the cooks already have everything prepared for the cakes!” my protest was automatic before I shook myself of my childlike response. “I, I, accept your terms.” Anything was worth it for that short glimpse of Luna as her old tricky self.
“Well then, I shall allow you to prepare for your plans, or at least to ready your pallet for something much more pleasing than angel cake for the umpteenth time. Didst thou not expect my eyes to notice those pounds you accumulated in a thousand years of comfort food?”
Oh, my shrewd sister was certainly a delight to have back, even if just in small glimpses like these.
The night once again let the silver tendrils of the moon play through the palace. Only slightly subdued with the moon's passing from full those few nights ago. However, the light was more than ample enough as I led Luna through the winding paths of the gardens. Now, in contrast to the imposing rocks of the palace, the gentle curves of ivy and flowerbeds displayed twinkles of light as beads of moisture collected in the cool air.
Our silent passage through the gardens finally ended at a small hill, one that I remembered all too well. This ground of hallowed importance, secluded from all but the most dedicated of gardeners, or the most lost and deserving of sorts, now welcomed the four hooves of she who inspired it's subtle memorial. Her confusion was of course expected, who but I would drag their sister our to the castle gardens with nary a word only to gaze upon a small hill with no distinct features, save a patch of moss.
“Knowing you Tia, this mound holds great importance, but I have failed to see any grandiose trappings, or other such markings of merit. Amuse us with it's purpose?” My smirk couldn't have been more obvious, even if all light had ceased for a moment, I somehow know Luna would have still seen it.
“This moss, as plain as the eye, is what is left of a memorial, left by those whom cared for you more than you knew.” I swept back the moss, revealing worn stone, letters only small bumps, having been lost to the ravages of time. With a small flare I ripped the stone from it's place letting the dirt around it settle before lighting up the second stone beneath. “A decoy, to prevent others from soiling it in their sickness.”
“Sickness?” Luna asked as she stepped closer to read the new revealed stone.
“Yes, after you were imprisoned the entire nation seemed to suffer Sun-Stroke, becoming delusional and aggravated at the thought of the Nightmare...” My own words hurt as I remembered those who had turned on my sister all those years ago. Her eyes narrowed as she glanced from the stone to myself.
“Tia... these are...” She paused with a small sob in her throat. “Constance, Silver Thread, Boisterous Bell, Silent Harp.” The tears began all too quickly for her to handle. “Oh Connie, Silva, Boise, and Harpo. How, I missed the memories of you all, not just staff, sent to wait on a brooding pony, but friends that I shut out in my time of need.”
“It was your hoof-maiden's idea, Constance insisted they remember you. Silver Thread and her erected this small mound, they found the subtler form of memorial more suiting for your softer light.” I let my own tears fall as I smiled at my dear sister.
“And what of Boise and Harpo? Did, did they have a hoof in this as well?” Luna's face was the greatest mix of sorrow and jubilation that any had seen in the last millennium.
“If you pull on the small thread that sticks from the right corner, Silva told me there would be a surprise. One she had to rope Boise's mouth shut or else risk spilling when they approached me.” I watched with hope beyond hope that the enchantments from so long ago kept what ever surprise they had planned withstand the tests of time. Without much ceremony, a soft glow illuminated a corner of the stone, pulling a solitary thread out until a soft click sounded, causing the stone to swing outward on hidden hinges.
“Go on” I ushered Luna forward as she stared at the inside of the memorial. It was with shaky magic, and soon shaking hooves that she drew out a small box, thin but as long as a foreleg. Slowly, it was opened to reveal a scroll, it's make looking just like those Luna had adorned her desk and study with so long ago.
“Dear Luna” She began to read aloud, quivering over syllables as her tears streamed across the ground below her. “By the time thou hast indulged in this small gift, we shall have parted for lands unknown, each of us taking a different path with the same destination in mind. We care not to lament over lost opportunities, or to make you regret your actions more than you may already have beat yourself up over. Instead, we offer our sentiments, that it is on the day you read this, that we wish so softly to the stars that we could be there to welcome you. Silva has been busy enchanting everything she could touch to make it last as long as possible, these last words we can offer to you. Boise and Harpo couldn't manage to fit all their words onto such a small scroll, feeling for once at such a loss of words or lack of melody to bring to you. Imagine that, the seamstress and the hoof-maiden with more to say than the jester or bard! But, I fear I risk ruining this scroll with endless ink and tears, over everything we want to say, or didn't say in time. So I will draw these final words of ours to a close. We love you, our Princess of the Night, our Devious Dreamwalker, our Gentle Light in the dark. Our lovely Luna, we all miss you. --- Boisterous Bell, Constance, Silent Harp, & Silver Thread.”
I found myself in a heap, holding my sister who had descended closer to the ground with each choking gasp for air as their words flew from her lips. Their surprise, of nearly a thousand years, that I had forgotten for nearly eight-hundred years only to remember the other night. It, was an alien kind of beauty, one that made me sorrowful yet joyous to have witnessed. Luna was not so lucky, the words of those who cared for her, so long ago, hit with the weight of more than a thousand years worth of sorrow, easily each thousand years since she last spoke to each hitting with four times the pain and bliss.
“All of them, oh, my lovely little ponies, how I have missed your words.” Luna sobbed openly, the raw emotion too powerful for any force to hold back. I offered a wing to huddle under, and there we remained, hours passed, and soon the time for the moon to lower and my sun to rise came. But for hopefully the last time, I once again lowered the moon for my sister, her attention elsewhere, in a time and place so close to her, but now so far away. I looked up at the castle, a gift I had been preparing to deliver waited for my magical call, but against such loving words, I knew it would pale, but...
“Lulu, I knew not what resided inside, and as such, I prepared something else to give to you if the memorial had been less than it was. But I fear that such a thing would now be out of place, unless you wish to see it. If not, I shall stash it away, only for when you want it, and never mention it otherwise. But if you will, I would summon it here, so that I might at least share with you my sorry attempt.” A nod was all I got, her eyes swollen and her throat dry.
With a small pop a scroll of old writings appeared before me, and I unfurled it with slow determination. I glanced over each word as I had every night for the past two evenings, making sure all that could be there was. “Would you have me read it to you?” I asked as Luna continued to cry into the grass below her.
And so, as she laid there, with a small acknowledgment all I received to go ahead, I, Princess Celestia of the Sun, Day Bringer, Light of the Nation, Loving Sister, laid prostate on the ground next to my beloved little sister, and read my findings.
“On this, the twenty-third day of the month, overseen by her highness Princess Celestia, the marriage of Constance of Trottingham to Boisterous Bell of Canterlot, has been sealed forever by their vows of love, may their futures be grand. -
Two years later, On this the sixteenth day of Hearths Warming, the family of Boisterous Bell and Constance Bell of Canterlot welcome Lullaby Bell into the world at healthy weight and size for a newborn foal, may her life be ever filled with laughter. -
Dear Princess Celestia, it is on this day of Autumn that I must humbly request for the acceptance of my resignation as a castle bard, my hooves beg for distant lands, and my muse has already gone ahead without me. Inclosed within is the severance required by both my conscious and contract, and I employ it be accepted without review until it has been viewed by Her Majesty, Princess Luna of the Moon. -
Interred within is the last words of the great Equestrian bard, Silent Harp, who was welcomed into the hearts of many and who was beloved by all. 'Being overshadowed is the greatest thing one can hope for, the most beautiful things come from those who shine brightest only when they want to.' -
To Her Majesty Princess Celestia, I feel it important to point out that it is on this day that I fear I am to depart from your services. I regret not completing the 623rd work for your dear sister, and that it unfortunately must remained unfinished, the various tapestries, gowns, quilts, embroideries, and even rugs that I did complete before my welcomed departure have all been stored in the cellars, next to the finest wines, several of which I put aside for Her Majesty Princess Luna's enjoyment once they have aged properly. Now, I must depart, but, please, tell Lulu we love her.”
The tears of a moon goddess run deep, but none more deeply than that day, as the last traces I had of her loved ones flew from my lips. She laid there, convulsions of love and sorrow mixing until at last the outside world intruded on our solemn jubilee. The rustling of feathers and clank of golden armor signaled the arrival of a guard, one of my own no doubt sent to find me in my absence from the palace.
“Princess, I...” His hesitation was clear, I looked up to give him a polite instruction of patience, my smile still genuine from the emotions ripe in the air. However, he was not looking at me, or even acknowledging my glance, instead, he trod forward slowly, offering a hoof to Luna as she glanced at the newcomer.
“Princess Luna, I, I have a stallion at the gates of the castle seeking audience with you. Shall I have him return another day?” His voice wavered, unsure how to go about a task such as this. I opened my mouth, my years of solitude making my reflex to answer for others in pain, but Luna beat me to it, addressing him directly.
“Nay, we, we will require but a moment, did the stallion by chance leave you his name or the importance of his petition for our council?” she shook slightly as her hooves once again began to support her weight.
“He... he went by Muted Lyre, and wished to discuss a 'Night Court' and any positions therein.” The silence in the gardens was thick as I too stood, unsure for easily the one millionth time in a thousand years as to what would Luna do in a situation like this.
“A night court, we must take that into” a sigh was more than enough pause for me to tell she was still gripping with my revelations. “Into consideration, let us go to this Muted Lyre.”
It was not becoming of a Princess, who draped herself in gold regalia, raised the sun over the land, and was idolized by millions to be caught snooping. None the less it was without much deliberation that I risked it, curiosity gnawing at me like a ravenous beast at a grand banquet. This pony, had entered the throne room with Luna but a few minutes ago, carrying with him a old, decrepit looking instrument. Yet, I heard soft music, of beautiful quality that made me think of days past, nay, centuries past.
My ears pressed against the door with strain, even with my spells aiding me in hearing inside as the supposedly private council was sought. I waited with baited breath as I heard the conversation begin.
“While you are a skilled minstrel, and I welcome the soft trill of your craft, I though you came to petition for reinstating the Night Court?” My sister's voice sounded far off, as if she was both here and elsewhere. The music slowed but did not stop, a continuous melody playing softly in the background as a new voice rose to my ears.
“Princess Luna of the Moon, I have indeed come to petition for the Night Court, but I am no good with words, only my music can express my will the way I wish to be understood, however, I do have another's words, passed down like my instrument for many generations, more then most would care to count, and others would feel in awe of.” Silence, except for the soft strumming of his lyre came from the room.
“What words dost thou have to offer Mr. Lyre?” Her response was dripping with curiosity, even more than my own body was at this moment.
“The final works of my Grandmother's Great-grandfather.” Was all he said before the music slowed even more and a soft voice joined it.
“With silver armor and subtle glow,
This tale of beauty I would have you know.
With loving care and starry skies
She did carefully bring moon rise.
Of silent eyes and soft lullabies.
Of subtle lights and quiet nights.
Of dreaming foals and lofty goals.
She did softly caress.
With gentle touch and shimmering stars,
She touched so many lives, yours and ours.
With starlight's cool embrace,
and dreams spun finer than lace.
Of soothing caress and whispered finesse.
Of calming cold and heart of gold.
Of young lover's haste and ethereal grace.
She did sweetly confess.
The moon wears silver armor
Softly gleaming in the night.
Never harsh to the eyes of others.
Always a welcome sight.
The moon wields soothing beams,
Piercing souls with love.
Watch over the dreams of others,
Care from her abode above.
We call to our moon goddess,
Less we forget her love for we.
We shall love thy night eternal,
While away and when she is free.”
The sound of tears hitting the floor were not loud enough for me to hear from my position outside the door, yet, I knew there were there. Somehow, I just knew. Putting aside what I could of my dignity, I strode into the room, drawing the eye of my sister but not the stallion in front of me.
“Sister!” Luna began, not knowing where to go from there.
“My little pony, I implore you” I began finally drawing his gaze away from my sister for a moment. “Where did you come up with those words?” the desperation in my voice clearly showed both to him, Luna, and myself.
“They were not mine to come up with, they were passed down, and today have come from Trottingham, as the gift of my Grandmother's Great-grandfather.”
“And who might that be?” I asked with authority. The stallion looked taken aback for a moment before a soft whisper graced the room.
“Please Muted Lyre, I will give you anything within my power if you can tell me where that tune came from. Please...” Luna's voice drew his attention and his smile.
“Then I am pleased to be your new Night Court Minstrel, like my Grandmother's Great-grandfather, Silent Harp. And as such, I present to you his last work, and harp.”
The tears flowed freely from Luna, her smile wider than I had seen in my life. I heard not the rest of the conversation as I turned to walk the alabaster and onyx halls. My gleaming gold was at it's brightest in the day, and I should go forth to make it as splendorous as possible. For if Luna was as touched as I on this previous night turned day, there was much to do in terms of reinstating a Night Court. I chuckled softly as I passed into my private study, tears still sticking to my coat as I set about my paperwork. It wasn't until a knocking at my door heralded an arrival that I looked up and from my contemplation.
“Princess Celestia!” came the joyful shout of my prized pupil, the one responsible for returning my beloved sister to me so recently. The smile on her face turned into look of confusion as she noticed the tears still dotting my face. “Is something wrong Princess?”
“No, quite the contrary my dear Twilight, I'm just, a bit overcome by the events of an evening.”
Author's Note
I don't really know where this came from, I just felt like I had to write this.
I hope someone actually enjoys it.
--- One Psychopathic Maniacal Fox