Chapters Moonlit Romance By Lux Chapter 1
You sit on the bench in marble lined corridor with your hooves shuffling nervously. You’ve been down these halls in the Canterlot Castle many times and yet the place was always as magnificent as when you first came here. The walls, floor and ceiling was polished to a mirror shine enough for you to make out your reflection. Light streamed in through the simple but elegant big windows across from you which were not enough to blind you but added an almost ethereal glow to the place. Several pictures hung on the wall which although in most of the rest of the castle these were of the Princesses, moments in Equestria’s history or landscapes of places around the kingdom this place was different. Each of these portraits was of a pony in the military either dressed in their traditional golden armor or in their formal military coat adorned with all manner of awards and medals. Your younger sister once teased you, calling the array of colors and shapes “fruit salad.” You couldn’t help but agree with the imaginative filly.
There was something about the faces in the portraits of generals and famous soldiers many of whom had long passed from the world. Their stoic expressions and eyes which all appeared fixed upon you, staring accusingly like a jury ready to hand down a guilty verdict in court. Why you could imagine that these portraits all coming to life as the spirits of these soldiers appeared to pass judgment with whatever you were accused of. Admittedly you had no idea why you felt like a school colt sitting outside of the principal’s office. You were a castle guard, and by all accounts you felt that you were doing a great job. Most of the time a guard’s life was fairly monotonous standing in the hallways and rooms and escorting ponies of all types through the castle to see to that they didn’t get lost or in trouble. But you were a private, and with that came a great risk of being watched constantly like those pictures around you.
As you shuffled uncomfortably in your seat you hear the door across from you swings open, echoing throughout the otherwise empty hall. You immediately take a deep breath and taking you helmet from the spot on the bench next to you place it back on your head. You then walk towards the door pausing just as you enter the room. You’ve been in this place before as all guards have been here sometime in their career. This is the office of Captain Shining Armor, your boss. The white unicorn was widely known for his military prowess and his cool head under duress, but perhaps one of his most memorable feats is marrying Princess Cadence of the Crystal Empire. He was always somepony that you looked up to as a model of courage and strength a pony that if you could be only a fraction of you could consider your life going in the right direction.
“You wanted to see me sir?” you asked standing in attention while knowing that this was probably the dumbest question you could ask. Of course Shining Armor wanted to see you! You remembered exactly that moment when you were standing guard and the Captain of the Guard stopped and pointing his finger at you said, “Meet me at my office one hour from now.” Then just as quickly he said this the Captain was gone, off to resolve some other issue. You wondered at that moment as you did now what the purpose of this meeting was and if any other pony encountered the same fate as you did.
“Take a seat Private,” Shining Armor said as you found yourself to a nice chair, but one that you still could not get comfortable. The white unicorn had a file on his desk which you knew instantly was your file with every success and failure was documented with accuracy and now laid out for the Captain of the Guard to review. Glancing down at it you could tell that Shining Armor already read through most of it with a few final pages to go. There was an unsettling silence as your boss read through the last pages broken only by the pages being magically held aloft and flipped over as the next one was revealed. Occasionally the Captain would take a quill from an ink pot with his hand and write something on a piece of paper. At last a wave of fear overtook you with a sudden realization: you were about to be fired. Your mind reached back as far as it could to recall all of your events as a guard. There weren’t any major ones you could think of, well there was that one on your first day of patrol where you walked into the locker room for mares instead of stallions which you occasionally are reminded of by both genders, mares especially. Then there was that time that you sent a defiant pony to the jail only to find out it was Prince Blueblood, Princess Celestia’s nephew. Strangely nothing came of it despite the Prince’s constant attempts afterwards to have you court marshalled. But little things had a habit of building up to something big, which you hoped wasn’t going to come back and haunt you now.
“Private, I am sure that you are wondering why I called you in today,” Shining Armor spoke.
“Yes sir,” I responded hoping that the truth would be revealed soon.
“I have gone over your record in detail and it is my decision that there needs to be a change.”
“A change sir?” you replied still surprised but thinking the worst. A lump in your throat the size of an apple formed, threatening to choke the life out of you as you waited nervously for the response.
“Yes,” Shining Armor said with a serious gaze that made you straighten up in your seat, “Although you perform admirably in your job as a castle guard, your services in this position are no longer required.”
The news hit you like ton of bricks no matter how much you had an inkling that it would happen. You were about to open your mouth to protest the decision, citing all the examples of how you still felt adequate for the military. You even considered pleading for your job to the Captain. Instead though you decided that nothing you would say or do would convince shining Armor to change his mind.
“I see,” you responded trying to hold back the disappointment, “Well then I will clean out my bunk as soon as possible. I thank you for allowing me the time being a guard.”
You were about to turn and leave to begin what would be your end of your military career, your mind thinking about where you would go to next when you heard Shining Armor say, “Wait, I have more to say to you Private. As I explained that you are no longer required to be a guard, as your skills exceed this position. You have shown your ability to follow orders and go above and beyond the call of duty. For this reason I will be reassigning you to a new position.”
“A new position?” you said in disbelief as your fortunes reversed themselves in a matter of seconds. You wondered what this mean, perhaps a promotion or task.
“You like repeating what I say, don’t you?” Shining Armor said breaking out of his stoic military persona, “Yes, your new position will still be a guard, but it will be for a very important pony.”
“Who will that be sir?’ you asked as you noticed that Shining wasn’t looking at you but at something or somepony behind you with a smile.
“My sister,” a calm voice replied from behind you, one that you knew exactly who was there. You turned around to see Princess Celestia standing there with a smile on her face. She was always a source of beauty with her ivory white skin and dressed in her white dress with golden designs. Her hooves were adorned in golden shoes that extended up to her legs as did the bracelets on her arms stop just before her elbows. Her gleaming crown placed amongst her ethereal mane and golden necklace only added to her beauty and her regal nature. No matter where she went her presence lit up a room, and she was never once harsh to others but more of a motherly figure to guards and everpony who ever met her.
You immediately kneeled and bowed your head to the Princess but this only elicited a giggle from the Princess.
“Rise sir, you do not have to bow to me,” she said before turning to Shining Armor, “I hope I wasn’t too late. My last meeting ran a little longer than anticipated.”
“You didn’t miss anything Princess,” Shining said before adding, “By the way Princess Cadence want me to send her greetings to you from the Crystal Empire.”
“And how is my niece doing?” Celestia spoke as if to a good friend than to a subject.
“Oh she is fine, and she hopes that when her royal duties lessen she will find the time to visit.”
“Wonderful! Tell her I will look forward to meeting her,” she said before turning to you and saying, “Oh excuse me for that interruption. I felt I wanted to catch up on family before getting down to the business at hand. As I mentioned, a new position has opened up in which you would be Princess Luna’s personal guard during the time that she wakes until the time she sleeps. This of course means that you will be up largely at night although this may change if Luna is needed in the daytime. A good guard will respect her wishes and her privacy, something that I know firsthand that she guards carefully. As you also know that she is still adjusting to her return to Equestria and still is trying to understand the modern customs and advances here. Accepting this job however is entirely up to you as I understand that it is a very prestigious position but one that require much responsibility, so will you accept this position and help guard the very pony that I treasure more than my reign or life itself?"
You were shocked at the fact that you were presented such a position and wondered if you were able to fulfill the role that Princess Celestia wanted you to be in. It wasn’t that you had a doubt of wanting to guard Princess Luna. But this was a grey area in your mind not having met Celestia’s sister personally during your time as a guard. Yet to you this was just another challenge in your position and you were not one to shirk from any challenge given to you in the past or now.
“Princess Celestia, it would be an honor to guard your sister Princess Luna.”
“Then by my authority as Princess of the Sun and co-ruler of Equestria, I hereby appoint you as official bodyguard to the Princess of the moon, co-ruler of Equestria and sister to yours truly. Congratualtions!”
“Thank you, both of you for this opportunity. I promise I won’t let any of you down.”
“I have no doubt,” Celestia said, “Your position start Sunday night before the sun sets whereby I will introduce you to Princess Luna. Perhaps you might in this position find that you two are quite comparable to each other.”
With that Princess Celestia gave a little wink to you, one that you could not tell what this meant as your mind was still clouded by the euphoria of your new position. If there was one thing that you learned with your time in the castle it was that Princess Celestia was sometimes cryptic in her words like she had another plan that was waiting to be revealed.
“There is one more thing,” Shining Armor said, “You will need to return your armor to the royal armory. A new position such as this calls for a change in armor. You will also be moving from the barracks to your new home on the floor to where the Princess’s living quarters are. I will have the castle staff assist you in your moving and your new armor will be delivered to your new home. Now if you have no further questions you are dismissed where you will have the next day to prepare for your transition. I extend my congratulations to you as well.”
“Thank you sir and again Princess Celestia,” you replied as part of you wanted to hug Shining Armor and Princess Celestia. You resisted that urge though and leaving your seat passed by the smiling Princess as you made your exit. As you left feeling nervous and excited at your new life you couldn’t help but hear a conversation behind you.
“He seems like a wonderful pony for my sister,” Princess Celestia said.
“That reminds me, Luna does know about this right?” Shining Armor asked.
“Don’t worry, I will introduce him to her on his first day. I’m sure she will be accepting.”
“I hope so,” Shining Aromor said, “for his sake.”
Author's Note
New year and new story!
I decided that this one unlike the other Second Person stories would feature anthro characters to blend the human and pony elements together. There will still be the same awkward and fluffy love moments that you would expect when reading my other tales.
Anyway, let me know what you think with this first chapter and I will be posting more chapters soon!
Chapter 2
The next day flew by as you prepared to transition to your new home and job. You assumed that it would be long and boring not working like you normally did, but you had a feeling this would not be the case. Your morning attempts to pack started simply enough but quickly it became apparent how much stuff you acquired over the time you were a guard. Granted you weren't one to collect tons of things, as you barely had time to get a bite to eat away from the castle let alone have a whole day to shop for things. But this was what you wanted in your life, something that wasn’t cluttered by stuff. Still even the thing you had easily filled the top of your bed in the barracks.
Your attempts at packing were further hampered by several of your inquisitive friends in your barracks who saw you curiously packing. One in particular was your best friend Silver Streak, a Pegasus whom you met during basic training.
“What’s going on?” he asked with a concerned look, “You didn’t get kicked out, did you?”
“No, why would you say that?”
“Well you were kind of worried when you heard that the Captain wanted to see you, so I wondered if this meant the end for you here.”
“I’m not fired Silver,” you said as you tried to continue arranging your stuff into piles.
“Well that’s good. I’d feel pretty upset if I didn't see you in the halls. So what was the meeting for anyway?”
“I’m not sure I can tell you,” you said after thinking about what was revealed.
“Come on. We’re on the same team, remember? Have I ever spilled any secrets you asked me to keep?”
“What about the time that I accidentally went into the mare’s locker room?”
“Ok well you got to admit that was funny and I couldn't help but share it. But besides that you know if it’s something personal it’ll remain between just you and I.”
“Alright fine, I’ll tell you. I actually go promoted.”
“Wow, congratulations! You made Corporal?”
“Not exactly, that meeting was about me no longer being a normal guard but guarding somepony.”
“Oh really, who are you protecting? It’s not that stuck up pony Prince Blueblood, is it?”
“No, thank goodness. I’m actually going to protect Princess Luna.”
Silver looked at you for a moment while saying nothing as if he was trying to decide whether you were lying to him or telling the truth. You knew that your news would come as a shock to anypony that you told it to, one of the reasons why you wanted to keep telling it to a minimum so as not to repeat the same thing. Then he finally said something, not words but a laugh that almost sent him rolling on the floor.
“What so funny?” you asked the Pegasus.
“Oh you’re a funny one! I never pegged you as a joker, but this one is perfect! I love how you even kept a straight face to make it look like you were telling the truth.”
“But I am telling the truth!”
“Yeah, sure you are. Next thing you’re going to tell me is that you’re moving in right next door to Luna to watch over her.”
“I am moving there!” you said trying to convince him. The more you protested the more that you realized that this was a losing battle. It appeared that there would be no way to convince your friend the truth.
“You know, you almost had me fooled there,” Silver said, “But nothing you’re going to say to me will make you believe that you’re going to be Luna’s guard.”
You were about to admit defeat and change the subject as tactfully as possible when a group of stallions entered you room. They weren't the typical guards dressed in armor but ponies clad in matching uniforms as if they were from a company.
“Excuse me,” the one stallion replied, “We are here to assist in moving your things and to escort you to your new location in the castle by order of Princess Celestia.”
“Thank you,” you replied to the moving company as you looked over at your friend. For once in the many years you knew Silver he never was so silent and in shock as he did now. His mouth hung open as the moving company collected your bags filled with your things and began to file out the door of your former room. You were about to leave when you turned back, partly to bid a fond farewell to the place where you live ever since joining the military. But then you noticed the still shocked stallion standing there, and you couldn’t help but add one last remark.
“Um… do you think that your friend will be ok?” one of the moving ponies asked you.
“Oh I’m sure he will. He just needs time to recover.”
The walk to the Princess’s private quarters was on in which you took many times, passing through familiar rooms and halls on your guard patrols. This time it felt different, like you were seeing the castle for the very first time. It was an exciting moment starting your new job any yet scary as well. You wondered if you had what it took to guard a Princess, not that Luna needed guarding. Guard duty was mainly ceremonial as both of the Royal Pony Sisters could dispatch enemies with ease. But guards were always there just in case, not to protect the Princess but to help with crowd control and to put everypony’s minds at ease that the Princesses were safe.
The question then shifted from whether you would be a good guard to whether Princess Luna would see you as such. Being a guard you have of course seen Luna from a distance, usually along with her sister. You couldn't help but admit that she was beautiful, more than any other mare that you knew and that was saying a lot considering that Canterlot had its share of beauties. But Princess Luna had the total package of flawless beauty, like a walking statue or a model. Strangely though it appeared that in all her times that she was out with her sister she never acknowledged this quality of hers and yet she still naturally flaunted what she had. You remembered the first time that she passed by you with her royal entourage and how your heart stopped for a moment at the sight of her beauty. Your eyes couldn't help but trace every curve of her body from her hooves to her horn. She of course paid no attention to your visual admiration, her face locked steadfastly forward. She probably saw this all to before with guards taking an interest at least in and even lust after her. Surely she wasn't blind to others.
You knew that the Princess wasn't just a pretty face. From your fleeting observations of her you could tell that she was very intelligent, filled with over a thousand years of knowledge. She also had a sense of compassion towards others like their concern and pain was hers. From your talks with other guards this Princess was also very mischievous, especially in teasing her sister. But there was something else about her, a dark mystery in this mare. It was like she wasn't comfortable in her own skin let alone this world she lived in. There was also a feeling like a dark cloud was always over her, darkening her world.
You of course heard what happened those many years ago, that same story that was told to almost every filly and colt on dark stormy nights by parents or relatives. It was inevitable hearing in Equestria’s capital the story about Luna becoming Nightmare Moon, her banishment, her return a thousand years later and her eventual reformation. Yet the story was just that, something that you heard and never connected to reality. That was until you actually saw Luna. You could only imagine what she went through knowing the evil that she did and being isolated from everypony else for centuries. But what could you do to help her as a mere guard, and more importantly would she listen?
You look around to see that you are in a place you've never been to, the highest level of the castle where the Royal Sisters’ private rooms were. As a guard you ventured to many parts of the castle, but even this place was unknown, a forbidden section left only to your imagination. But even that couldn't prepare yourself for this. The halls still had their same simple but elegant design, but then you saw the two doors side by side each other. One was made of brilliant gold and alabaster and carves with images of the sun indicating that this was Princess Celestia’s room. The other, Princess Luna’s room, had black doors made of obsidian with silver accents of the moon and stars. Your mind eagerly wanted you to open those doors and glimpse into the Princess’s private sanctum, but your duties as the newly minted bodyguard held your curiosity at bay. So you left the mystery as just that, perhaps something to be unraveled in another time.
The mover then pointed to a smaller yet still ornate door that bore on it the words “Royal bodyguard of Princess Luna.” Below that a plaque was recently added bearing your name, something that you couldn't help but notice was easily removable without damaging the beauty of the door. It was in that moment you realized how just as quickly as your job began it could end. You wondered how many ponies in the course of Luna’s return to Canterlot walked up to this same door for the first time with the same wonder only to however long after leave that door for the last time in sadness.
“It’s your room now,” the one mover said as he handed you a fittingly ornate key to match the ornate door, “You do the honors.”
Holding the key in your hand you confidently placed it into the lock and turning it opened the door to your new room and new life. The place was slightly bigger than your bunk space as a guard, but it was certainly more beautiful. The furniture was all ornately hand carved with lunar and stellar designs and consisted of a very comfortable looking bed, mirrored dresser, and chair. The room glowed with a magical light that hung from the ceiling, lighting the place as bright as the moon. One door led to a closet where you could have easily fit your bunk bed in there. Another led to a bathroom, one that for the first time wasn’t one shared by an entire group or soldiers. But the most wonderful of things you saw was sitting right on your new bed. There neatly placed in a pile was your new armor, no longer the familiar gold that you wore but brilliant silver mixed with black and adorned with crescent moons like the Princess you were to protect. There by the armor was a note that read:
“May you wear this armor as a symbol of pride and faith that you will do what is best for my sister.
It brought a smile to your face knowing that Princess Celestia put her trust and the safety and happiness of her sister in your hands. This however also put great pressure on your shoulders, but you were not afraid. For all you know you might like being with Princess Luna, and maybe, just maybe she would like being with you too.
“Well here we are,” the one moving pony said, “Would you like these to be put somewhere?”
“No thanks,” you replied holding back your excitement, “I’ll take this from here. Thanks for helping me move.”
“You’re welcome. Congratulations on your new job,” they said as the small group left you alone in your room. With the door closed you squealed like a little colt on Hearth’s Warming Day getting all those presents. That night would be the start of your new life, and everything would be great. At least you hoped that it would be.
Author's Note
Never expected this part to be this long but that's fine. Next chapter the ever-present You gets to meet Luna for the first time.
Chapter 3
The rest day seemed to drag on forever as you finished unpacking and arranging your new home to your liking. It was strange not being on patrol during the day and the short time it took for you to get things in order leaving you waiting for your time to start your new job. This is something that you always hated as a guard: waiting. You didn’t mind standing around and guarding a particular area as this you felt important and even essential to your duties. But when you knew that something was coming up and you had to wait for it to happen you couldn’t just sit idle. There was always something to do while in preparation for the next task, and doing nothing was an option you’d rather skip.
Your hatred of waiting was intensified as you knew what was coming up. You couldn’t just go on patrol like you did before, as that was now a chapter closed in your life. You could wander the halls, but in doing so you would only draw suspicion and more questions from your fellow guards. The less that knew your new position, the less time you needed to explain where you were and what you were doing. Having met Silver Streak and enduring his disbelief you didn’t want that repeated many times after if you could help it. You knew eventually the truth would get out, but this would be on your terms as you walked alongside Luna, standing guard in your new silvery armor.
“That’s an idea. I’ll try the armor,” you said as you looked at the pile of metal on the bed. It would certainly take some time putting it on as you knew first hand when you were on patrol. You got used to it though, going from requiring an hour to put it on to about twenty minutes. To your relief the armor was very similar to the one you wore on patrols, divided similarly into parts and held on with the familiar clasps and straps. To your surprise everything fit perfectly, which made you wonder how Princess Celestia knew your armor size in time to get it ready for your position. Maybe the last pony to have this job was your size or maybe there were several suits of armor in different sizes that can be picked. Looking in the mirror once you were finished you felt and admittedly looked very well in your new Luna inspired armor.
“Same job different armor,” you said with a smile as you took off your helmet. You were about to begin removing your armor and head to the mess hall for an early supper when you heard a knock at the door. Bracing yourself for what you thought would be one of your guard friends who found out where you were staying you opened the door. There you saw Princess Celestia standing there.
“Hello again,” she said in her calm tone, “I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”
“Not at all,” you said trying to not act too surprised, “I was trying the new armor on.”
“I see. Well I’m happy to see that it looks very well on you. I actually came here to see how you were doing and to offer you to dinner with my sister and me.”
The offer the Princess gave you was one that shocked you. Before this once in a lifetime offer you considered it a privilege to live even in the barracks let alone eat in the mess hall. This however was something that you couldn’t imagine happening to you. While part of you wanted to run up and hug the Princess, you decided to play it cool.
“Are you sure I won’t be interrupting anything important Princess?”
“True my time spent with my sister is important, but since you will be with her as much as I am, I feel it is the best way to get acquainted with Princess Luna. Unless, of course, that you have prior arrangements for dinner.”
“No,” you said kind of more forceful than you liked it to be, “I mean, I would love to dine with you Your Highness and Princess Luna.”
“Sure,” you replied willing to do practically anything if it meant a great meal.
“I know you were trained to address me as Your Majesty or Your Highness, but since you are working so closely with my sister you can call me simply Princess Celestia or even Celestia.”
“Ok Your Highness… I mean, Princess Celestia. I’m ready to join you.”
The two of you proceeded out of your room and down the familiar marble halls passing a number of doors that in your life as a guard you had yet to set your hooves in. Part of you always wondered the lives that the Princesses lived while not in the public eye. You and many other ponies saw inklings of this private life and the sisterly bond while the two were out and about the city. It wasn’t that you assumed that Princess Celestia was one to put on a façade with her subjects, and from the many times you’ve seen her in passing you knew that public and private life blended seamlessly with each other. Still not having any siblings yourself nor being thrust in such a public role made you curious.
You almost kept going down the hall when Princess Celestia stopped at a rather ordinary looking door. Quickly wheeling around to catch up with her, you followed through the door to the dining room. The place was not like the dining room where Celestia attended with guests with its long ornate table and sea of chairs. This one was more intimate, consisting of a simple round table only big enough to fit a mere eight ponies comfortably like a table in a restaurant to fit a small group. This clearly wasn’t a place where ordinary ponies visited but only her most trusted of friends and family could dine. To be there and know you were welcomed to dine was a great honor indeed. The rest of the room was ordinary with walls painted green, a large window to looking out over the city, and a small chandelier overhead providing light especially when the evening hours would come.
“Please, have a seat,” Celestia said motioning with a pale pink hand to the table.
“Thank you,” you replied as you chose a chair closest to you. Celestia merely nodded and sat across from you as a courtesy so that she could speak with you without needing to turn her head.
“I hope that you don’t mind having a bread bowl salad. If you prefer something else, I can have my personal chef make something to your liking.”
“No, bread bowl salad is fine,” you reply, finding it ironic that the Princess chose your favorite food for the first night of your duty as Luna’s bodyguard. You wondered if it was just a coincidence or if she somehow knew. She merely nodded as the head chef appeared from a side door.
“I see that you have a guest Princess. Will he be having what you are having?”
“Yes, and the usual breakfast for my sister,” Celestia said as the chef nodded and disappeared into the kitchen again.
“Princess Luna has breakfast for dinner?” you ask Celestia, making sure that you heard her correctly.
“You heard it correctly; my sister has breakfast while I have dinner. My sister begins her day while mine is wrapping up. At least that is our usual schedule. There are times of course that she accompanies me in the daytime as well.”
“May I ask how you remain close while not seeing each other except in passing?”
You realized that your question hovered dangerously close to crossing the line between idle conversation and delving into one’s personal life. You hoped that Princess Celestia wasn’t offended by your question but instead she looked a little wistful.
“I won’t lie to you; it has been trying at times not seeing her as long as I want her. But this was something that we made do with for centuries. Life can throw up barriers, but if you believe in something enough like friends, family, or even love you will find a way to make it work. And I’m happy to say that we made it work.”
Promptly the chef returned again carrying two of the largest bread bowls you’ve seen in your life. It was a while since you were able to venture out from the castle grounds and have one of these due to your busy schedule and while the cafeteria food was good, it wasn’t like you could order what you liked on a whim. The two of you settled into your meals, you especially enjoying the variety of flavors from the bread shaped to hold the salad and the very interesting dressing that was liberally placed on the greens and other veggies.
“Do you like your salad?” Celestia asked between bites as she levitated a napkin and wiped her mouth.
“Yes but there’s something about the dressing that is familiar. Is it made of peanuts?”
“Yes it is,” she said with a slight concern, “You’re not allergic to them, are you?”
“No Princess. Actually it reminds me of the peanut butter I’d have as a colt, only different.”
“Well this dressing was something my sister and I tried while traveling to another territory. Apparently it is a common dressing where we visited. We loved it so much that we have it imported here. And yes, it does taste like peanut butter now that you mention it. It reminds me of that peanut butter pie Luna and I had last night.”
“Speaking of your sister, is Princess Luna ok?”
“Oh don’t worry about her. She has trouble getting up, not an evening pony. I’m sure that any moment now you’ll get to meet Luna.”
“Did you call me sister?” a voice replied as the door to the dining room opened. In stepped Princess Luna, just as beautiful as you last remembered her. But there was something about her despite looking like her sleep was anything but restful and waking up was anything but easy. She still looked stunning dressed in her typical black dress that sparkled and accentuated every curve of her body. She wore her usual silvery arm guards and hoof shoes and her crescent moon necklace and crown only accentuated her beauty.
“I was wondering when you’d be awake” Celestia said with a smile, “Did you sleep well sister?”
“As well as I normally do,” Luna said before noticing that there was somepony that did not belong. That somepony was you.
“Sister,” Luna said, “Who is this stallion at our table?”
“Oh sorry. My mind slipped for a bit. This is your new bodyguard sister.”
“It is an honor to meet you and serve you in this position,” you said rising out of your seat and giving a slight bow of respect. You looked up to see Luna looking at you like she was staring at every inch of your body and mind, counting the strengths and flaws while wearing a frown of disdain.
“Sister,” Luna finally said, “may I see you in private for a moment?”
“I’m sure that what you have to say can be said in front of him,” Celestia said her face scrunched up at Luna’s reaction.
“Not if you want to see your guest upset,” Luna said.
“I…I can leave if you two want to talk alone.”
“Yes,” Luna said curtly.
“No,” Celestia said looking at you and her at the same time, “Sister, in the kitchen now.”
Luna huffed and walked into the kitchen, her eyes ever locked on you. Celestia followed and before entering the kitchen said, “Sorry about this. Please continue your meal. I will talk some sense into my sister.”
The door to the kitchen then closed leaving you in an eerie silence after what happened. You wondered how much Luna new about this arrangement Princess Celestia and Shining Armor organized. Clearly it seemed that Luna wasn’t interested in having anypony as a bodyguard let alone you. Curiosity got the best of you as you got out of your seat again and put an ear to the door to listen to what sounded like a heated conversation.
“Luna…”
“No!”
“Come on Luna!”
“No, and I don’t understand why you felt that this would be something I’d agree to.”
“You need a bodyguard Luna, just as I do.”
“Haven’t things changed in a thousand years like you oh so often tell me? I think I can take care of myself without needing back up.”
“Luna please, I know you’d rather be by yourself, but that guard on the other side of the door is somepony that is highly recommended. Please give him a chance for at least a few nights.”
There was another moment of silence, the tension thick enough to be cut with a knife. Finally you heard the younger sister say with a defeated sigh, “Fine, I’ll give him a chance, but only because you trust him.”
“Thank you sister,” Celestia said.
“But I hope this isn’t one of your schemes to try and force a friend or worse a suitor upon me!”
“I never did that,” Celestia said matter-of-factly.
“You really aren’t a good liar,” Luna said as her voice grew louder as she approached the door causing you to head back to your seat, “I suppose I will have to meet this new bodyguard.”
The two sisters exited the kitchen as you sat like nothing happened.
“Don’t play coy with me,” Luna said taking a seat next to her sister, “I know that you were listening to my sister and I at the door. My sister has decided to force your services upon me to which I have reluctantly agreed to under one condition. My private chamber is off limits. Is that clear?”
“Crystal Clear.”
“Good. Now I shall have my breakfast and we will begin.”
Author's Note
Finally the Everypony protagonist meets Luna. But this is only the start of the first night. The best is yeet to come.
Chapter 4
The dinner, or in Princess Luna’s case breakfast resumed without much incident. Despite there being no more shouting and secret conversations in the kitchen among sisters, you knew things weren’t yet back to normal. Princess Luna sat across from you, jabbing and cutting her pancakes with a knife and fork with the intensity of a warrior fighting an enemy, muttering something incomprehensible between mouthfuls. You watched as syrup and pieces of pancake clung to her perfect dark blue lips, her making no attempts to immediately clean herself up. You wondered if all the times you saw her was a lie, that the refines façade was just one put on for the public where here in the privacy of her sister and you it was going to be anything but. You didn’t say anything at all, afraid that the slightest thing you say will annoy her enough to scrap your entire chance at being her bodyguard before you even had a chance to begin.
“So, from what Shining Armor has told me you were born and lived in Canterlot, correct?” Celestia said sensing the tension between you and Luna and hoping to rebuild the bridge between the two of you.
“Oh, yes, Canterlot has been my home my entire life. Funny, I never imagined as a colt that I’d find my job here.”
“Oh, why not?” Princess Celestia asked after waiting for Luna to respond and receiving nothing. The Princess was more interested in her meal than getting to know anything about you.
“I guess I thought when I was you that I’d be somewhere else. Don’t get me wrong, I love here but I guess it was my interest in the unknown.”
“I understand. I have live a long life and have seen many things, but both the world I see and the ponies I meet never cease to amaze or surprise me. I assume that being a guard changed your mind but why did you decide to be one in the first place?”
“Well it all relates to my cutie mark actually. I got it after defending one of my friends from a very strong and very annoying bully. It was then I realized that I can protect others from being harmed, and having lived here I of course saw the guards in and around the castle So that was the best job I can think of.”
“So you think that now that you are my bodyguard that you can protect me?” Princess Luna suddenly spoke up surprising you that despite her apparent lack of interest she was listening to your entire conversation.
“Yes, as your bodyguard I can protect you.”
“Then you think I am in need of protection, that I cannot handle myself in combative situations?”
“Not at all,” you said as you began to wonder where this line of questioning was going, “I think that you are certainly more than capable of defending yourself and protecting others.”
“Then you admit that this position is unnecessary, that it is merely ceremonial at best. Is this why you chose this, out of the prestige of being my guard and flaunting your new position amongst your friends and fellow guards as one would win a trophy?”
“Luna, I don’t think that he feels comfortable with the way you are questioning him now,” Celestia said subtly towards her sister, hoping that she would ease up on you.
“Sister,” Luna interjected, “I feel that after you forced this position upon me then I have a right to interview him as much as you did at least.”
“To answer your question I don’t consider you or the title of being your bodyguard to be something taken lightly as a trophy. I in all honesty do wish to protect you, and even though I know that you are more than capable to handle anypony or creature that threatens you wouldn’t it better to have somepony who is there to help you just in case?”
Princess Luna paused as she examined your words as one would examine something under a magnifying glass. You knew that just simply saying that you wished to protect her would begin the cycle of her stating her case that she had no need of you or your position as bodyguard. Admitting that she was right in thinking this would only jeopardize your position more and show that you caved into challenges like mere debates easily. But you knew the mind of the Princess as much as you did knowing all the stars in the sky, but you hoped that what you said and what she felt weren’t poles apart.
“You have answered truthfully and thoughtfully and made me consider your position in a new light,” Princess Luna said as her stoic face softened into something more casual, “I see that you are more competent than most guards in that you are willing to defend what you believe even when I questioned it. In all honesty I had no intentions to remove you from your position as bodyguard when you had yet to prove yourself as I trust the judgment of my sister and Captain Shining Armor. So we shall continue with your duty providing that you answer one final question.”
“Sure,” you said relaxing a little as you doubted any question she threw at you would be worse that the ones before.
“Do you think I am pretty?” Princess Luna said.
“Wait, what?” You said almost spitting out your drink. Surely she didn’t ask what you thought she said, right?
“My question wasn’t a hard one,” Princess Luna said as she levitated a napkin and wiped the last of her breakfast from her mouth before setting it down near her empty plate, “Do you think I’m pretty?”
You felt like a rat caught in a trap as you struggled to come up with a decision. You couldn’t say no as that could unravel everything you were trying to do. Saying yes was also tricky because you didn’t want to be some pony who fantasized being with the Princess. There was no doubt that she was gorgeous even sexy, but you couldn’t admit that much.
“Yes,” you finally squeaked out which you realized by elevating your voice at the end it sounded more like a question than an answer.
“Oh, and is there a specific part off me that you think is pretty?”
“Um… I can’t say.”
“Why not?” Luna said with a smirk looking over at Celestia who rolled her eyes at the way she toyed with you.
“Because all of you is beautiful,” again making the statement into a question.
Luna then let out a laugh and said, “And modest too. I can see that this was a tougher set of questions than the one before and you are blushing too. And you said sister that I couldn’t make any stallion I met blush?”
“I said you shouldn’t try to make every stallion blush like that,” Celestia said while finishing her dessert, “but the hour is getting to sunset and moonrise so we must be going.”
“Indeed it is,” Luna replied before saying to you, “Well as my new bodyguard I believe that we shall start with this first. This will surely be something that you won’t forget.”
Chapter 5
Chapter 5
You followed closely behind the Princesses as they made their way down the otherwise empty hall, their hoof shoes echoing off the polished marble. They walked with a sense of intent but made no urge to hurry to their destination. You couldn’t help as you walked catching a glimpse of Princess Luna oh so perfect butt which even clothed in her normal black dress made it still stand out. It reminded you of a heart shape turned upside down, the tip of the heart where the Princess’s tail emerged from the dress, flowing like some starry cloud as if it had a mind of its own. You noticed that Princess Celestia’s tail and mane did the same thing, flowing when there was no wind. There was something about Luna though that was different from her sister and you couldn’t deny that no matter how hard you wanted to ignore it. Both were gorgeous beyond belief, putting even the prettiest of mares in the city to shame. Yet Celestia was more motherly towards you and her subjects while Luna acted more like a pony your age, one who had a quick wit and was not serious the entire time.
“Why are you still back there?” Princess Luna asked looking back as she kept walking.
“I thought that you would prefer to have only your sister by your side and me behind you.”
“Do not presume to know me from this simple encounter,” Luna said, “Normally yes I would like some private time with my sister but because you are now here I would prefer if you stood beside me rather than behind me.”
You quickly accelerated your pace and caught up to Luna’s side, walking on an even pace with her and her sister. You couldn’t help but notice that Luna was a half foot taller than you. Of course you saw her before in passing but this time walking with her you couldn’t help but see how tall she stood next to you which said much as you were a tall stallion. To you this felt less like guard duty and more natural like walking through a park with the two Princesses. Normally your military training would make you not even think about of being relaxed but this felt actually nice walking this way. You happened to notice Luna’s slender hand next to you, moving hypnotically like a pendulum as you turned down another hallway. Your hand inched towards her instinctively, wanting to hold it like two friends holding hands.
“By the way,” Luna said drawing away her hand, “were you enjoying the view from back there?”
“What do you mean?”
“Well you were behind my sister and I. Surely you caught a healthy glimpse at our posteriors,” she said with a smile. You face immediately turned red as you tried to cover up any signs of your crime.
“Sister, please stop teasing your new bodyguard,” Celestia said with a slight frown, “I think you tortured him enough with what happened in the dining room.”
“Oh I’m just having a little fun Tia. I mean no harm in it. You are still comfortable by my comments, correct?”
“Oh, yes, of course I am,” you replied trying to keep your composure.
“See, he’s fine,” Luna said looking over at his sister before turning to you and whispering, “I know that you are a guard, but you don’t need to be all stiff and emotionless like the others. You are safe to be yourself.”
“We are here,” Celestia said as she opened the two giant wooden doors with her magic. Instead of leading to a room like you imagined you found yourself looking out onto a large balcony able to support easily a few ponies comfortably. Beyond the golden railing was nothing but an endless expanse of sky.
“Stand between us,” Celestia said as she motioned you to switch from one side of Luna to the other. You walked up to the edge and looked down to see the city of Canterlot spread out before you like a model. You watched as a couple dots of colors made their way down the streets sometimes stopping net to others. These were the ponies that frequented the city, many of whom were busy wrapping up the daily activities. It was then that you realized you weren’t on one of the many balconies that were no less spectacular in their views but the balcony which the sisters would raise and lower the moon. Never in your imagination did you think you would be here on this most coveted of places to watch one of the most magical and mysterious events that although happening daily and nightly was never boring.
As if on cue Celestia spread her wings and took to the sky, her form becoming less noticeable as she approached the sun. Although you couldn’t tell exactly what was going on you watched as she sun made its slow descent over the horizon, the colors of the sky changing from blue to a rainbow of pinks, reds, and oranges like somepony painted it. As the colors faded into darkness Princess Luna then took to the skies, joining her sister on the horizon. You watched as the sun made its final descent and the moon start to rise into the sky. The prismatic colors of the sunset darkened to blues and purples as stars slowly appeared in the sky. Soon the night had a kaleidoscope of pinpoints of light as you stared at the wonder before you. You didn’t even realize that Princess Celestia flew back to the balcony as you watched the moon rise into its final position, the silhouette of Princess Luna outlined in its glow. Then she too returned to where you were standing your mouth hanging open but no words coming out.
“Look at him sister,” Princess Luna said with a giggle, “He’s positively speechless, like a statue. Don’t worry I’ll snap him out of it.”
Without you knowing it the Moon Princess leaned over until her face was an inch away from your ear and whispered in the most sensual tone you have ever heard, “So did you like it?”
You let out the most non-stallionly of screeches as you snapped to attention looking around and wondering if you really heard what you though was whispered in your voice. You then heard Princess Luna laugh hysterically as she fell on the ground.
“Oh nothing,” she said with a smile and a wink that anypony could see through. You never imagined Princess Luna having such a sense of humor as all the times you see her pass she had a dignified almost stern demeanor that was reminiscent of the ways that the Princesses would most likely address their subjects many centuries ago. Luna seemed to be a mare lost in time, trapped between her mannerisms of the past and the very different present that she was in. Yet now it looked like Luna was more adjusted to the ways of the world than you thought. She indeed was a mystery, and it was your hope that you could learn more about her if nothing more than to help her the best way you knew how.
“Well, it looks like it is near time for me to prepare for sleep,” Celestia said with a yawn, “I must be awake for the next morning. I don’t think my visitors to my castle would like it if I was yawning all the time or can’t concentrate. Goodnight sister, and may your night be peaceful.”
“And may your sleep and dreams be as well,” Luna replied with a nod as she hugged her sister. You wondered how many nights that Princess Celestia and Luna repeated this same ritual of wishing goodnight to each other this way. Despite how many unfathomable times the two sisters didn’t appear to grow tired of it. It was then that you realized something that so conveniently slipped your mind. There was that thousand year time when Princess Luna was banished to the moon, those many nights where the two Princesses gazed into the sky wishing to simply hold each other and say goodnight but could not. It was an irony that something so routine for granted only to have it lost. Then when it was gone for so long and the routine changed to no goodnight wishes fate changes again and the two are reunited. But something changed as the memory of life without hugs and goodnights is still there, making every moment like this a gift.
“I wish you goodnight as well,” Princess Celestia said to you before leaving, “I hope yours is peaceful as well. Oh, and sister?”
“Yes?” Princess Luna replied.
“Try not to torture your new bodyguard too much. I’d like to see him last through this week at least.”
With a wink Celestia disappeared through the doorway but not before catching her younger sister playfully sticking her pink tongue out at her. It was hard for you not to giggle at the sight especially as Luna’s tongue stuck out so well on her blue muzzle. The Princess of the Sun simply rolled her eyes and smiled as she departed down the hall.
“So, what do you think of the night?” Luna asked you as she stared up at the night as if deep in thought, “Do you look at it often?”
“I guess so. I don’t have that much free time but there are moments when I’m in the castle and I glance up at the night sky. I must say it can be very enchanting.”
“Hmm you are right,” Luna said, “It can be enchanting. You do know that I didn’t create the moon nor the stars just like my sister didn’t create the sun. As you have seen we simply usher in the day and night and then stare in wonder at this land we rule. Many ponies think that because we rule this world we have complete control over it, but every time I step on this balcony with my sister I know that we are just like everypony else. But I digress. Much as I’d like to spend the night looking at the stars there are things to be done.”
“There are many things to do in the night?”
“Of course there are!” Luna said with a laugh, “You didn’t think I sat on my bed eating cake all night, did you?”
“No of course not,” you said as you felt your cheeks getting hot with embarrassment again.
“You have much to learn about me it seems. Fear not for you shall soon see what I do at night, things that ponies who now sleep are often unaware.”
Author's Note
Now we're moving from the introduction to a little Night in the Life of Luna.
I'm trying to keep the character count to as few as possible as it should be just Luna Celestia and "You" that are the main factors. Anypony else I add will be just cameos like Shining Armor and Silver Streak were.
Chapter 6
Chapter 6
No sooner had you left the balcony did Princess Luna suddenly took off in a fast trot, catching you by surprise. You tried to catch up, hoping not to lose her around a bend or in a room. Part of you wondered if there was some sense of urgency that needed to be attended to, like the Princess had to get from one part of the castle to the other quickly. You knew about those moments when you found yourself on one of the topmost floors only to have to hurry down to the ground floor for your next assignment. Then again there was always the possibility that Luna was simply toying with you and was engaging in a little race through the castle. Anything was possible with Luna the more you spent with her company.
You saw her make her way down one of the many steps in the castle and you thought that perhaps that you would catch up with her. But then Princess Luna suddenly spread her wings and floated down the spiraling stairs with a shout of enjoyment. For a moment you stood mystified at those gorgeous wings, each of them big enough to wrap itself around your body like a soft feathery blanket. You shook your head as if to dislodge the thought from your brain as you wondered what it was that made you thinking of such silly things while trying to do your job.
Half galloping you hurried as fast as you could down the stairs, the other half tripping and almost rolling down the stairs if not for recovering. You watched as Luna descended before she stopped suddenly and turned back to you. You quickly stopped so as not to accidentally collide with her. She merely laughed at your awkward actions as she hovered in the air.
“There you are,” she said in wearing a mock frown with her hands on her hips, “I was wondering if you got lost. Guess you’re not used to following a pony that likes to race to her next destination, huh?”
“I can gallop when I need to but I didn’t expect…”
“That I would be the kind of pony that would like to run down halls and fly down stairs?” she interrupted, “Let me guess, you assumed I was like my sister: refined, proper, and not one to shake things up?”
“Well I don’t know,” you said honestly, “This is the first time I had a chance to speak with you.”
“Here’s your first lesson then: I’m not that kind of Princess,” she replied sticking out her tongue before turning around. She then gave your arm a little smack with her flowing tail before flying down the stairs, leaving you wondering what happened. It was like the more you tried to figure her out, the more surprises you received when you were with her. Once again now you had to run down the stairs to catch up as you pondered everything you learned about the Moon Princess in the few short moments you met her. It was this moment that you realized that she like every other pony you knew had her own personality, and what a chaotic yet fun personality it was!
You watched as she suddenly went through a door, seeing only a glimpse of her tail telling you where she was going before the door closed shut. You ran and opened the door to what you now knew was one of the more public areas of the castle. Looking down the hall one way then the other you noticed that something or somepony specifically was missing: Luna. Not even the sound of her hooves on the stony surface could be heard, making you wonder where she ran off to. You wandered the hall less like a guard and more like a lost tourist. Thankfully no guard could be found in your travels as having this get out that you lost Princess Luna would make you the laughing stock of the military let alone probably put you in hot water with Captain Shining Armor.
“Luna?” you whispered as you opened a door only to find nothing but a broom closet. Taking care to not knock over anything in the cramped room, you close the door carefully and resume your search for the Princess. To you it wasn’t like she could just disappear that easy. After all it wasn’t like there was another Alicorn fitting her description. Somehow though, she managed to escape your pursuit, most likely in one of the many doors in the hallway. You knew the only way was to check each and every door in the hopes of finding the correct one where the Princess was. It felt like this was becoming increasingly like a game with Luna being the host. The prize was keeping your job it appeared, and that wasn’t a very good prize to be so carelessly handled.
“Luna, this isn’t funny,” you mumbled as you opened another door to find it darkened for the night. You were about to give up with the search when you turned around and came face to face with Princess in question. She didn’t seem all that worried that you were searching for her compared to the almost frustrated appearance you had.
“There you are,” she said, “I was wondering if you got lost, but I didn’t think so since you’re a guard.”
“Where were you?” you said in an exasperated tone, “You just disappeared and I looked all over for you.”
“I hope you didn’t check the bathroom that I was in because that would have been really weird,” Luna said, “I know you’re upset, I can see it, but I wasn’t trying to make you like that.”
“It feels like the more I’m with you the more I’m part of some strange game. It’s almost as if you’re going out of your way to make me give up being your bodyguard.”
It was not like you to yell at anypony, especially not a Princess. It wasn’t that what you said was very bad, but you were accusing her of sabotaging your plans. At best you were telling her that she was being deceitful and at worst that she was being malicious. There was no going withdrawing your words once they had been said. All you could do was wait and hope your punishment wasn’t severe.
“You think that I am deceptive in my actions, that I wish you nothing but misery in your new position?” she said staring at you sternly while looking at you with her piercing blue green eyes. You held your breath as if waiting for the world to drop on top of you as the Princess stared at you without saying a word. You dared not look away as this could be a sign of guilt. But then there was a change in her eyes, very subtle but still noticeable to you. As a guard reading faces was essential to your duties as they could often tell more about you than just words or actions. The slight turn of an expression or the way eyes moved could reveal whether a pony was lying, telling the truth or what state of emotion they were in. You watched as her frown softened and her eyes dropped to the floor as if she didn’t want you looking at her. Clearly there was something on her mind, and it was saddening.
“I upset you this much with my fun, haven’t I?” she said softly, “I’m … sorry.”
“What was that last part?” you said leaning in to try to hear her better.
“I’m… sorry?”
“I didn’t catch that again,” you said as a wink of your eye gave away your true intentions.
“I said…” she began with almost deafening tone before she stopped and realized, “Oh you’re good, a very clever stallion indeed. I took you for being one of those stuffy stoic guards like those ones that Celestia employs. I hope it doesn’t upset you when I talk of your fellow guard ponies but sometimes I like to try and break their emotionless expressions.”
“That’s ok,” you said, “Actually I was surprised that you apologized the first time.”
“Why? Do you think Princesses are incapable of expressing emotions especially remorse? Are apologies not part of our routine? There are many things that my sister and I answer for and though we might not say we are sorry we do seek to rectify each situation. While ponies such as you carry a little weight of past slights with friends or families, we much carry the burden of the kingdom on our shoulders more than most.”
Princess Luna paused as if something pained her. She turned away from you as if to hide from you as you heard a whisper escape her lips saying, “If you only knew how the pain of a thousand years feels when you are alone in your struggle.”
“Princess are you ok?”
“Yes,” she said quickly snapping back to her calm demeanor, “Now we are running late. We are first going to Night Court, which I assume that you know is like the Day Court that my Sister holds. It is where ponies come to address their issues and concerns. Mine is not so heavily visited as my sister as many ponies are concerned with sleep and fun rather than carrying on their issues through the night. But this is why I am here in case those ponies do wish to see my council. You do not have to worry about doing much here, just to guard in case things get rowdy. Usually though they do not behave in such a way as ponies are typically civil. But there is something very important that you do.”
“You must introduce me to the ponies. It doesn’t have to be anything showy, just a brief introduction. Are you read to proceed?”
“Yes I am,” you replied as Luna nodded and opened a familiar set of doors with her magic, one in which you visited before. The doors led directly into the throne, a place that was the very beating heart of the kingdom. No matter how many times you stood guard at this place you couldn’t help but stare in awe at the high vaulted ceilings, the long plush red carpet that stretched from the throne to the doors where the public entered, and the massive throne that stood upon the marble dais above it all. You walked out to see that there was a fairly sizeable crowd waiting for the Princess, still about a third of what Celestia saw daily. There was no need to delay things any further.
“Announcing the Princess of Night and co-ruler of Equestria, Princess Luna!” you said as loud as possible as you stood by the throne. Princess Luna walked into the throne room, her demeanor shifted back to the regal one that you often saw her as when you were simply a guard, nodding to the crowd before her.
“Thank you,” she said turning to you loudly before her voice dropped to a whisper saying, “Not bad for your first night.”
She then sat on the throne as she lifted the first of many papers from a table next to the throne and set upon her nose a set of reading black framed glasses which made her look a little nerdy and kind of cute in some way. You tried not to pay attention as you remained facing forward, but not without a little smile on your face.
Author's Note
Finally got this out! You know how it is you have a dozen different things you need or want to do and something always gets put aside. Well this story got the short straw for some time.
Hopefully in the future this will be easier to submit.
You probably noticed how Luna has three personalities she keeps: her regal side for royal duties, her normal playful side, and now hints of a remorseful broken side. I'll get into that third side more as the story progresses.
Chapter 7
The rest of Night Court went by without much fanfare. There were only about thirty or so ponies that sought to speak to Princess Luna but to you it felt like each one took hours for the Princess to help. You almost wished there was action rather than standing and watching. You felt yourself at times getting distracted but quickly snapped out of it lest Luna see you slack off. There were some conversations that were interesting like a dispute between two neighbors. The one neighbor claimed that he planted a row of hedges on his side while the other said that the plants went over his part of the property. Luna questioned why a fence was necessary to see if there was an ongoing dispute between the two, but no the neighbor with the plants just wanted privacy and liked the other neighbor. With feelings mended the two agreed to keep the plants and maintain them equally.
The most heartwarming event of the night came when a filly somehow snuck past the guards and presented herself in front of Luna. The Princess was a little concerned that she seemed to be alone.
“Child, are your parents here?”
“No Princess, but I live only a few blocks away,” the filly said honestly.
“Why are you not getting ready for bed like many fillies and colts your age should be doing?”
“Well, I was ready but I wanted to see you and say hello and to say that you’re really pretty and I want to be just like you! So I sort of snuck out.”
“What’s your name?”
“Um… it’s Moonstone.”
“Well Moonstone, I thank you for your compliments,” Princess Luna said before her voice turned grave, “but please don’t try to be like me. You should go and be your own pony, finding your own way in this world rather than trying to be somepony else, understand?”
The filly nodded as she appeared to be a little disheartened. At least she understood what Luna meant, but there was something else that the Princess meant that you saw on her face and the way she spoke. It was as if to say, “Please especially don’t be me.” You knew why, that often told tale about Luna falling from her position and becoming Nightmare Moon. That was in the past though and no pony you knew of ever looked down upon her now. Was she still reliving that moment over a thousand years ago?
“Guard,” Luna said calmly to you, “Would you escort Moonstone home safely?”
“I will, but are you sure that you will be safe by yourself?”
“Yes, and besides that she doesn’t live far away so you should be back before Night Court ends,” she said to you before turning to the filly, “This is my personal bodyguard. He will make sure you get home safely. Will you show him the way to your house?”
“Oh, yes Princess Luna,” the filly said as you followed her out of the castle and into the streets before asking you, “So you’re Luna’s bodyguard? What does that mean?”
“It means that while the other guards are in the castle to protect all Princesses and the public from harm, I have a special task of protecting the Princess.”
“You’re not her stallionfriend, are you?”
“No,” you said surprised at the comment, “Why do you ask?”
“Don’t you know the way you look at her?”
“Err… no. I mean I do but I’m making sure that she is fine that’s all. A guard has to make sure that whoever they are protecting is fine.”
“Oh I see,” the filly said as she turned a corner, “so what’s it like protecting a Princess like Luna?”
“I don’t really know actually. It’s my first day as her bodyguard. I do that Luna is much alike other ponies than others might think.”
“She seems to me kind of… sad,” Moonstone said thoughtfully.
“Sad how?”
“You’re her guard and you don’t know?” she said giving you a funny look, “Oh right you’re new to protecting her. I don’t know, maybe it’s my imagination but it’s like she’s wearing a mask, like she’s trying to be happy but under that mask there’s a lot more going on. I guess that’s the way that I can describe it. Can you do me a favor sir?”
“Sure,” you said to the filly as you came to a stop at a house, “Can you help the Princess not be sad?”
“I don’t know what I can do honestly but I’ll try.”
“Thank you,” the filly said giving you a hug, “I hate to see ponies upset especially Princess Luna. Oh and please don’t tell my parents I snuck out, ok? They’ll throw a fit.”
“But how will you get in?”
“Duh,” The filly said as she pointed to the tree next to the house with the still open window on the second floor. Before you could say anything, Moonstone shimmied up the tree and giving you a little wave shut her window softly leaving you alone in the street.
“Make Princess Luna happy?” you said as you made your way back, “How can I do that if I don’t know much about Luna? I’m just getting to see the real private version of her. Maybe I’ll do more later on.”
You made your back to the throne room where to your surprise no ponies were in line. Princess Luna sat on her throne, not in the regal pose like she was but sitting sideways with her perfect royal blue toned legs hanging over the arm rest as she lazily kicked them.
“There you are,” she said, “I was wondering if you go lost. I take it Moonstone made it home safely?”
“She did,” you replied, “How long were you waiting for me?”
“Oh, only a few minutes. Those last few ponies in line just had simple questions or requests and after that I ended Night Court. So are you ready to see the next thing I do at night?”
“Sure,” you replied as the Princess swung her legs around and stood up, “but may I ask you something as we go?”
“Certainly,” Princess Luna said, “That is as long as it’s not too personal.”
“Well I know that you have this one side when you are with others like during Night Court, but you have your normal personality when you are with me. So why…”
“Why do I act differently in public? I’m not sure maybe it’s because my sister and I were trained to be regal and dignified in public no matter how we are in private. Don’t you ever do so as a guard?”
“I guess, but I don’t know. Nopony ever called me on it and I never knew.”
“It’s the same thing for me,” Luna said as the two of you left the throne room, “I guess it’s a habit to do so. Why do you think there was some other reason for having another personality in public?”
“No,” you said when your mind truly wanted to say yes, “But I can’t really see anything wrong with your normal side. It’s nice actually.”
“Nice?” Luna said, “How so?”
“Well you are kind and fun and smart and you have that mischievous streak to you.”
“So you like mischievous mares huh?” Luna teased, “I’ll try to remember that. Anyway, on to my next part of the night. Try not to fall asleep while I’m doing this. “
Author's Note
More on Luna's nightly routine. There will be a few more chapters dedicated to this before going on. I wanted to paint a picture of what Luna does in the night while ponies sleep and maybe throw in a few surprises.
Chapter 8
There was no telling how late the hour was other than the brief moment that you caught a glimpse of the darkened night sky through the windows. Still you didn’t feel as tired as you expected to be on your first day on the night shift. Maybe it was that long sleep you took in preparation for this change in your life. There was another idea, something that although was in the back of your mind you couldn’t erase. It was Princess Luna that made you forget about time, that despite her teasing behavior you found it refreshing to speak with her. It was like you weren’t guarding her this night but just speaking with her casually like two friends that knew each other for years.
“Where are you going?” Princess Luna said from behind you making you suddenly stop and turn around.
“I thought that we had to go to another hall or floor.”
“Well if your mind wasn’t thinking about other things you would have seen me stop here,” Luna said teasing you, “What are you thinking about anyway that’s making you so distracted?”
“I don’t know,” you said honestly, “I’m not like this normally.”
“You mean when you were not guarding me? So what is it about me that make you forget what you’re doing?”
“I guess the way time passes by with you. I’m not used to being up all night so I thought that things would drag on and I’d be really tired but I’m not.”
“Time does fly when you’re having fun,” Luna said, “especially when you’re with others. Let us continue then our fun night in here.”
With a glow of her horn the door opened, revealing a rather normal room, a contrast to the huge throne room where you were just in. It was a rather bland windowless room with its walls, ceiling and floor painted black. A simple light overhead was the only source of illumination other than the light from the hallway. Obviously the place was meant to have as little light as possible. The only furniture consisted of a soft circular rug, a very comfortable looking red couch in the center of the room and a simple coffee near the couch where there was an open book, a quill and inkwell. The most curious parts of the room were the tall black bookshelves, each containing a multitude of books.
“What is this place?” you asked looking around.
“This is my dream room,” Princess Luna said as she shut the door behind her, causing the light to get dimmer, “It is where I listen to the dreams of ponies as they sleep. Not all dreams mind you as there are thousands of ponies in Equestria. What I am most concerned about are the nightmares that ponies experience, especially recurring ones. These are the ones that grip ponies in fear and keep them from having a restful night’s sleep.”
“So you help them to defeat their nightmares?”
“Yes, although as I said I do look into the dreams of others to see what ponies want in their life. Dreams are like wishes, places where what we need or want are played out before us. A child dreaming of a magical encounter, a stallion wishing for success in his new job, a mare longing for the love of her life to meet her. These all are seen in dreams and they help me to understand how to help ponies more. While I can’t give them everything, and nopony should be given everything they want without effort, I can help them achieve their goals.”
“So how can you tell the difference between dreams and nightmares?”
“By the way they feel when I am in a dream state. Dreams feel lighter like clouds while nightmares are heavy and dark.”
“What about these books?” you said pointing to a shelf with some very old books.
“These are my dream diaries, although this is a misnomer as most of what are written here are nightmares. These chronicle my journeys through the dream world so that if I must I can look back to these. This room represents merely a fraction of the journals I wrote in as there is many more in storage. These are the ones I created after my return.”
“So what do you need me to do here?”
“Not much actually, as I’ve done this dream walking before. All you need do is to make sure that no pony disturbs me while I’m doing this so I can have total focus.”
“That I can do,” you said although deep down you wished for more action. With a nod Princess Luna sat on the couch and then pulling her legs up relaxed into a comfortable sleeping position with her head on the padded arm rest. With a flicker of her horn the light above you dimmed to a level that you would expect while watching a movie or going to a play, not so dark that you couldn’t see but dark enough that you could only make out the Princess and the couch she lay on in the dimness. She then closed her eyes and drifted into a world where only you could imagine, leaving you behind to watch her.
Time seemed to drift on as Princess Luna spent defeating the nightmares in ponies’ minds. There were none that interrupted her, nor would you dare stop such an important task. Your attention though wandered from the only door into the dream world to other things to occupy your time. It was far too dark to read one of the many dream journals surrounding you in the room, and turning up the light would possibly awaken the Princess. You wondered if she was a light sleeper, one who could be awakened at the slightest noise or if she could sleep heavily through things.
She looked so peaceful sleeping there on her couch, the way her mane and tail spilled down the side of the furniture like water, moving slightly back and forth as her mind focused on whatever existed in the unseen dream world. Her chest and stomach rose and fell with each breath as her lips were parted. You walked up to the edge of the couch to get a better look at her, the closest you dared to approach. There was part of you that just wanted to hold her hand or even if you were more daring steal a kiss from the beautiful Princess while she was unaware. There was no denying that she was beautiful, but there was no chance that she would ever be interested in you. You don’t even know why your mind was even considering being on an equal hoof with her as friends let alone anything beyond that.
As you tried to resist your wild thoughts Luna’s eyes fluttered opened as you suddenly pulled away from her couch, stumbling and falling to the ground. She wiped the sleep from her eyes and looked over at you as you lay in a jumbled mess of armor.
“Hello Princess,” you said trying to recover, “I hope your journey in the dream world was good.”
“More like uneventful,” the Princess replied, “There were only a few minor nightmares to contend with. But what I’m more interested is what you were doing kneeling at my couch while I was asleep.”
“Well I thought that you were in distress so I wanted to check to see if you were ok.”
“You know,” she said as she sat up, “You’re a good guard but a horrible liar. You could be more original with your deception as yours sounds like a colt sneaking a cookie from a jar and lying to your parents. So do you fancy staring at ponies as they sleep?”
“No, I mean you’re the first that I did that.”
“The first huh? You weren’t planning to sneak a kiss or a subtle touch were you?”
“Um… no?”
“Another lie. You know, if we are going to continue this arrangement then you are going to have to be more truthful with me. None of this traipsing about and lying. So I’ll ask you again, were you watching me sleep?”
“Um… yes?”
“Very good,” she said like a teacher complimenting a student, “You are catching on. Now for the next one, do you think I’m pretty?”
“I see you’re skilled in flattery too. Just don’t tell my sister that I’m prettier than she is. Alright one more question before we must move on with the night, did you consider kissing me while standing over me?”
“Yes, I did,” you said as one weight was lifted off your shoulders but another quickly placed on you of what this meant for your future as a guard for Luna.
“I thank you for your honesty,” Luna said as she stood up and reached out her hand to help you up. You took her soft royal blue hand as she pulled you up with a force that you didn’t expect. You rose so suddenly that you suddenly fell forward, held aloft by the Alicorn’s magic before your face connected with Luna’s chest.
“There have been many that tried to win my affections and friendship before,” she replied as she helped you stand up, “and many will do the same in the future for me. I am flattered that you share such sentiments with me, and I do wish to get to know you more. But you must promise me one thing.”
“What is that?”
“Don’t fall in love with me. Nothing good can come from that for you and for me. So will you promise me to keep your heart for another pony?”
“I think I can,” you said as you wondered how a simple flirtation on your part could be interpreted as love and why Luna felt like she shouldn’t fall in love.
“Good,” she said placing her hand on your cheek, “Now let me write down my memories of these nightmares I saw and we’ll go to the next task.”
“Actually I have one question about this place.”
“Oh,” Luna said as she opened the recent book and levitating a quill began to write, “What question do you have?”
“Do you have anything in these books about me?”
“Well, there was that one time you were afraid that Canterlot would be overrun by Changelings. That was a common nightmare among many a pony in the city and thankfully fleeting.”
“I mean anything dream related.”
“Such as?” she said before she noticed how red your face became, “Oh that kind huh? Wouldn’t you like to know?”
With that she gave a little smile and a wink before going back to her writing.
Chapter 9
“You have to also consider that it’s not just my mail I look at but my sister’s that she hasn’t taken the time to look at. I help by picking out the important mail and then trashing the junk. Actually, maybe you can help me with this.”
“How so?” You replied willing to do anything to help her and save you from having to sit and do nothing.
“You can read the letters and tell me basically what it’s about, and then I’ll tell you whether I or my sister will respond to it or trash it. Sound like a plan?”
“Definitely!”
“Then pull up a chair next to me and hopefully we’ll get this done quickly. Oh and I trust you won’t share any of what’s in these letters to your friends, right?”
“Yes mam,” you said giving a smart salute.
She only shook her head and waited for the first letter report. It was a good thing you could quickly skim a letter and come up with a general idea of what it meant.
“A request to merge to build an apartment building for your sister,” you said.
“That’s a keeper. Celestia will have to meet with the property owner. Next one.”
“A request for you to rearrange the stars to spell out the name of a special somepony?” you said sounding perplexed.
“Yeah, how about no. Into the fire with that one. Don’t seem so perplexed as I get stranger requests. Turning the moon pink, asking to come to a filly’s birthday party, asking what my favorite color is.”
“Well what is it?”
“What is what?”
“Your favorite color?”
“Take a guess,” she said as she whipped her ethereal mane past you.
“Oh, right dark blue.”
“Yes, although I also like black and silver too. Onto the next letter.”
Many of the other letters were of the same vein, requests for things like expanding or merging businesses or homes, settling of disputes, questions about clarifying of Equestrian laws and customs, and yes even a few more strange letters like the one before. Luna instructed with each letter, sending out replies with a swift efficiency that you had never seen before with anypony. You watched the very methodical approach, taking the letter from you, reading it closely, quickly writing a reply, and with an envelope and an address it went into the “Out” bin. Quickly the formidable pile of things to do shrunk as the letters were destined for going out, to Celestia, or in some cases the fireplace. You felt glad in helping Luna with a such a tedious task, that in some way you were connecting with her more.
“So Princess Luna can I ask you a few questions about you?” you said as she worked on a letter.
“I suppose so. It will certainly break up the silence and the monotony. I however must caution you on not asking any personal questions.”
“That’s fine,” you said as you thought about your first question, “Well, what’s it like having a sister? I don’t have any siblings.”
“I see, well I consider sisters like best friends that are with you more than mere friends. Celestia has always been there to support me, comfort me, provide guidance, and even be the voice of reason against me. Sisters or even brothers need not support you all the time especially if what you are doing is wrong. But even when we argued we would never abandon each other. I never knew what it felt like to be alone until I was without her.”
With that the Princess grew silent as if she pondered some past event. You knew to be careful when asking future questions.
“Ok, so what’s your favorite food?”
“Oh, well that’s easy, fettuccini alfredo! And before you ask my favorite dessert is cheese cake, favorite candy is dark chocolate, and favorite drink is sparkling cider.”
“Hey, dark chocolate is mine too!” you said.
“What a coincidence,” Luna said with a laugh as she folded the letter she was working on and slipped it into an envelope, “So what other questions do you have about me?”
“Well, what do you like besides the night and such,” you said as you looked at the next letter, “Oh, this one is about a meeting of a dignitary from the Griffon Kingdom.”
“Thank you,” she said as she read it, “As for your question, there are lots of things that I like besides the night and stuff as you so eloquently put it. I like listening to music, especially dance music and music played on pipe organs. I’m a little rusty playing the organ myself but hopefully I’ll get back to playing. I like taking walks at night when no ponies are around to clear my mind. Hmm… what else? Oh, I do like to meditate as I find that nice as well, and I’ve been known to dance. Oh, and hot showers, those are great to wake me up. Those are a few things I can think of right now. Does this answer fulfill your question?”
She looked over at you noticing that you had a blank stare like your mind was on something else. Your face felt flushed and no doubt the Princess saw the rosy cheeks you had further incriminating you. She snapped her fingers in front of you, waking you up again with a jolt.
“Oh huh?” you said looking around for a moment until you saw Luna’s curious look on her face, “Oh Princess, did you need the next letter?”
“Yes, but that’s not the point right now. What happened there? You weren’t sleeping but your mind just blanked out like it was on something else. What were you thinking? Unless… wait, were you thinking about me in a hot shower?”
“Yes, I mean no,” you said as indeed that was something you had in your mind but you tried to redirect, “I mean it’s about this next letter I have.”
“Um… I can’t say.”
“Has a cat got your tongue? Surely it isn’t anything too strange as the other hundreds of letters.”
“Well…”
Before you could say or do anything else Luna let out an exasperated groan and with her magic literally ripped the letter out of your hands. If you were holding onto the letter tighter she would no doubt pull you across the desk. Once again you misjudged her magic for being as strong as a unicorn’s but she had her way of reminding you who you sat next to. She studied the letter with intent until suddenly her eyes went wide and her royal blue face changed to a slight purple as it grew flush.
“Oh, I see what you mean,” she said trying to regain her composure, “This letter is quite… interesting.”
You knew what the letter said, one that waxed poetically about how much the writer loved the Princess. But that wasn’t what shocked you the most as the letter quickly devolved from a love letter into a list enumerating what the unnamed stallion wanted to do for, and more importantly to, Princess Luna.
“You seem calm about this,” you replied, “I don’t know what I would do if I got one like this!”
“I think that a stallion like you would be flattered if you got one from a mare. But I have received letters like this before countless times before. This one in particular has been trying to win my attention and affections for months now.”
“Do you want me to do something, maybe find him?” you said although it sounded to heroically, “I mean he is kind of stalking you.”
“No need to come to my rescue like a knight of old defending a helpless maiden as I am anything but helpless. I know exactly where to find him, not doubt he fantasizes about me in a dream of his. Once I find out where his dream lies I’ll have a little chat with him and maybe give him a little fright. You have to understand many ponies, both mares and stallions, like to share their affections towards me. Some of them simply want to know me more or become friends with me, simple and innocent and ones which I can if having the time oblige to. Then there are those like the anonymous author of this letter who think they know me enough to declare their undying love, or in this case lust, for me when they have no idea who I truly am.”
“Well, have you ever met a pony that wasn’t fake, that knew you enough…”
“To love?” Luna said raising her eyebrow, “You’re getting dangerously close to crossing the line into forbidden territory, but to satisfy your curiosity, yes, I had ponies that I’ve fallen in love with but they were as fleeting as the seasons. And I know what you are thinking after reading this letter, about what that stallion mentioned and added to the fact that I’m sure you had a very interesting image of me in said hot shower, but that answer I will not reveal to you. As for this one…”
She crumpled up the love letter and tossed it into the fireplace where it immediately vanished in the flames saying, “His letter will be the closest he will ever get to me. So will I have a problem with you now that you read that letter and have a certain image in your mind? Will you be another crazy stalker like the writer?”
“Oh no, not at all Princess,” you said trying to purge any bad thoughts in your mind as if fearing that she could see into them.
“Good, I cannot change what you think, but as I said I don’t want certain feelings muddling our arrangement. Now, it looks like we tackled almost all of my sister’s and my letters. Let us finish it up and we will then go somewhere that I like to visit and I’m sure you’ll enjoy.”
Chapter 10
“So where are we going?” you asked as you followed Luna through the immense castle.
“If I told you then it wouldn’t be a secret, now would it?” she said taking a strange pleasure in torturing you, “You asked me if I knew about anything to do for fun. I have to say it is very difficult for a Princess to be out in the city even at night when most ponies are at sleep. But I have found a few ways to do so.”
The two of you walked outside the main doors and towards the gate which separated the castle grounds from the streets of Canterlot. The two guards standing there took notice of you and Luna.
“Don’t worry boys,” Luna said, “I’m just going out for a few hours to the usual place with my bodyguard. I’ll be back soon.”
The guards nodded as they opened the golden gate, letting the two of you pass through before shutting it with a resounding clang.
“Now that were out, time to do a little alteration,” she said as her horn flickered. Her coat lightened to a medium blue. Her ethereal mane and tail changed to a silver blue style with the mane reaching the small of her back and her tail nearly touching the ground. Her wings disappeared although you knew that they were still there just invisible. Luna’s eyes changed from aquamarine to purple, and her crown changed to look like something more of a headpiece that you saw the more affluent ponies wear.
“So what you think?” the altered Luna said.
“You look great,” you said.
“You’d say that about me even if I was caked in mud,” she said with a giggle, “What I meant was do I look like how I normally do?”
“No, you look perfectly like a regular pony,” you said.
“Thank you ,” Luna said, “Normally I wouldn’t see that as a compliment but in this circumstance it means my disguise magic worked well.”
“Have you used it much?”
“More than even Celestia knows, but don’t tell her that. Now then, with my identity a secret it’s time to take you to one of my favorite night spots. Follow me!”
You followed Luna through the relatively empty streets, past shops and restaurants that were closed for the night and houses with their lights out as all ponies have gone to bed. Your eyes then catch a place open with a line of a few ponies waiting to get inside and a very stern looking security guard in front. You could hear the thumping beat of music through the walls, and anytime a group of ponies entered or left the music got louder for a brief minute.
“Shall we go inside?” she said as she trotted towards the line. You followed her as the line quickly moved, some ponies going in with a few being turned away. Finally it was your turn as the guard looked at you two.
“Tonight is couples night only at the club,” he said alternating his gaze between the two of you, “You are a couple, aren’t you?”
“Yes we are,” Luna said, “right honey?”
“Of course we are dear,” you said trying your best to give off a persona of dating the mare next to you, something that seemed more natural in your mind than you imagined it to be. The guard, satisfied with the act waved you into the club. You were greeted by bright lights and pulse pounding dance music as you found a seat by the bar.
“What can I get for you two?” a friendly Pegasus mare said as she wiped off a clean glass with a towel.
“I’ll have a Blue Moon,” said Luna as if this was her drink of choice, something you knew most likely was alcoholic. You knew you were next and you didn’t want to seem like you were not brave enough to drink.
“A rum and a coke,” you said to which the bartender nodded and began to prepare your drinks.”
“Drinking on the job, huh,” Luna said noting the fact that you were still in your armor.
“Well so are you,” you replied.
“That is true. I’m just pulling your tail,” she said with a giggle, “I like coming here from time to time as it has some nice energy. All the ponies are here having a good time and enjoying the night. How about you, do you typically go out at night?”
“Maybe to some kind of event but really after being a guard I’m typically too tired to do things besides in my barracks.”
“Yes, I suppose guard duty can be tough,” she said as you watched Luna’s drink being made, consisting of three types of alcohol and as the name noted appeared blue like the moon on some nights.
“That’s kind of a strong drink there,” you said.
“When you’ve lived long enough like me,” she said quietly, “You develop a tolerance for spirits. Besides I don’t drink to get so drunk that I forget where I am. My sister would never let me heard the end of it!”
With the drinks served Luna sipped the concoction as she stared out at the dance floor before saying, “So do you dance?”
“Nonsense, it’s time for you to learn something new,” she said tossing back her drink in one gulp, “Finish your drink and follow me!”
“Now, listen to beat and start moving your body from side to side. Like this, “Luna said as she demonstrated a little as you stood mesmerized for a moment at how good she was at dancing, “Now you try.”
You follow her lead and move your body to the rhythm, feeling a little robotic doing so. You felt even more awkward having Luna hear you who danced like a pro, putting her whole body into the dance. At last the song ended as everypony cheered for the DJ.
“So how was I?” you asked.
“You were ok. Perhaps a few more times and you’ll get the hang of it. I wonder what the next song is.”
“Ok ponies,” the DJ said, “We’re going to slow things down for all you couples out there, so anypony who wants to do a slow dance with their special somepony please remain on the dance floor.”
You turn to leave the floor when you feel a hand on your shoulder suddenly stop you.
“Hey, where are you going?” Luna said, “You’re not scared of a slow dance, are you?”
“No, I just thought that you wouldn’t be interested in dancing one…”
“With you?” she interjected as the music started, “Nonsense, I think it will be fun. Have you slow danced with a mare before?”
“Don’t be embarrassed,” Luna said with a smile, “Here, let me teach you. First stand in front of me, but you’ll need to get a little close.”
“Like this?’ you said standing a few feet away from the disguised Princess.
“No, closer,” she said with a giggle as she literally grabbed you and pulled you in, “like a hug see? Don't worry I'm not going to bite. Now I’m going to put my hands on your shoulders and you’ll put your hands around my waist. If I feel you touching my tail or my butt, you’re doomed, got it?”
“Ok,” you said not taking any chances as to if that was a joke.
“Now we simply move in a circle like this,” Luna said as the two began dancing. Although it felt awkward at first holding the Princess of the Night, as the music played and you watched the other couples dancing around you it felt very natural dancing with her. Looking at her face you could tell that she was enjoying it too. You felt like this was the way you wanted things to be forever.
“Um, you can let go now,” Luna said, “The slow dance has stopped.”
“Oh you said,” shaking yourself out of the feelings of joy, “Guess I got lost in the music.”
“Don’t worry I get that way too,” she said, “You did great for your first slow dance, better than a normal dance. You know there’s one thing you can say you did that few ponies have done before.”
“What’s that?”
“Slow danced with a Princess,” she said quietly, ‘Now let’s get another drink. All that dancing is making me thirsty.”
Author's Note
I was trying to think of things to do at night that would be available in Canterlot. There will be a few other interesting encounters Luna has for our unnamed guard in the coming chapters.
Chapter 11
The fun stretches long into the night as you and Luna continue dancing and drinking at the club. The more you spend with her, the less you feel the need to be the staunch stuffy guard that you thought you had to be when taking this assignment. Luna certainly didn’t want you to be anything else than yourself just as she didn’t want anypony to see her as somepony different than who she was. The more you spent with her in her disguised form, the less it felt like you were with Princess Luna and more with a beautiful, smart, kind and funny mare, the kind that you always dreamed you’d like to be with but for one reason or another couldn’t seem to make that dream a reality. The longer you danced and talked with her the more you felt the world disappear around you, leaving just you and her.
As you held her close in another slow dance, your mind drifted to all the possibilities of being her special somepony, forgetting all about who the mare you held in your arms was. As she closed her eyes for a moment to let her mind drift into the sounds around her, your resisting her slowly decreased as you felt your muzzle drifting closer to her lips, wanting to show her how you truly feel.
“I… uh… well you see…” you said as your haze filled mind couldn’t think of an excuse. Not that it would help as Luna was quick to see through your lies.
“You’re drunk,” she said with a sly smile, “Wow, you really are a lightweight. Either that or you didn’t remember who were about to kiss. Perhaps it is time that we leave this club and return you to the castle.”
“No, I’m ok, honestly,” you said trying to recover, but as you let go of Luna you trip and fall on the dance floor.
“Uh huh,” Luna said with a smile, “That does it, I’m taking you back, and that isn’t a request. Come with me.”
Luna puts her arm around yours and with a force that you didn’t expect any mare to exhibit, literally drags you out of the club and down the street. She lets you go again and you try once more to prove that you a competent and sober guard to walk on your own. You take a few steps and then your legs give out and you break your fall with your hands before your face meets the cold cobblestone road.
“You look like some strange horse on all fours like that,” Princess Luna said with a chuckle, “Come, and let me help you home. Much as you would be accepting of me dragging you all the way there I have a better plan to get you home.”
With a glow of her horn, her disguise falls away, leaving the Princess you knew. She offers her hand to you which you gladly accept knowing there really isn’t other choice. Before you can react you are up on your feet as Luna quickly steps around you and raps her midnight blue arms around you in a tight hug.
“Hold on,” she whispers in your ear, and before you can resist you hear Princess Luna’s massive wings unfold and with a mighty series of flaps you feel your hooves leave the ground. You look down as the city grows smaller beneath you until all you see are the few lights from houses or businesses in the darkness with lights on. For a moment you are held aloft there until Luna suddenly takes off with you as her cargo like you were a mere box or basket.
The castle came into view closer and closer until your mind though you would smash against the white stone. But in the last second when you are within a few feet of the wall Luna pulls up and lands on the balcony where you watched her and Princess Celestia in their act of raising the moon and lowering the sun respectively. Her glass shoed hooves mad a clinking sound as she touched down to safety. You are about to try and walk again thinking that Luna would release you from her embrace. Instead you felt an arm pick you up in the bend of your knee and lifting you off your feet while her other arm switches to supporting your back. You find yourself bobbing like walking, only it’s not you doing so but Luna. You look over and can’t help but feel embarrassed how you face was so close to the Princess’s well-endowed chest. Trying to divert yourself from your position, you look up at her face to see her rolling her eyes as she looks down at you, only she has a smile letting you know you’re not in trouble.
“I think you’ll do well as my guard,” she said with a smile, “but for now you’ve earned a rest for soon it will be dawn. I will take you to your room.”
A quick trot later you find yourself in your room as the haze of alcohol and sleep washes over you. The last thing you remember is you being lowered to your bed looking up at Luna’s beautiful face and body. Her wings unfurl again as they cradle you while she frees her hands from your back. Each feather feels like they’re made of the softest velvet as you touch down in your bed.
“May your sleep be uninterrupted and your dreams pleasant,” Luna said softly, and with a flicker of your horn the blackness of sleep overtook your body.
Author's Note
A short chapter but I feel this is a good bridge to the next few chapters.
Up next, a dream and a nightmare!
Chapter 12
The night, or in your case more like the day, after your first time guarding Princess Luna you lay in your bed, sleeping probably the best you had in a while. It wasn’t that you had trouble sleeping, but this was one of those deep sleep moments where you were out the moment your head hit the pillow. The last thing that you remember was Luna looking down at you with a smile on her face and those soft wings caressing your face and body.
Your sleep wasn’t totally made of nothingness though as you did have a very interesting dream. You were standing at the base of the hill at night with no towns or even houses around. The moon was partially hidden behind the clouds, yet there was enough light to silhouette the hill and trees around you. As you walk up the hill you see the darkened outline of a pony standing and looking at the moon. You approach close to see that it was indeed Princess Luna with her flowing mane and tail.
“I was wondering when you would find me,” she said with a playful giggle while glancing slightly over her shoulder, “I didn’t think that you would keep me waiting here.”
For some reason Luna’s silhouette looked different than how you remembered it, but at the distance you were at you couldn’t tell how.
With a glow of her horn the clouds rolled back as the moon light poured in, as the Princess turned around slowly with a smile, revealing that she was naked. Without pausing for a second she sauntered up to you until she pressed her body against you. She gave you a long passionate kiss and then opened her mouth as if to say something but instead of more sensual words there was an ear piercing scream.
The scream suddenly jerked you awake as your eyes shot open. For a moment you were blinded by the light of the sun streaming through your room, but after a moment of recovering you tried to get a sense of your surroundings. It was hard to think with the splittling headache of the hangover you were having. There was something about that scream that sounded too real to be just from a dream. It was almost as if that scream came from nearby, yet there was nopony else on the floor except for Princess Celestia and Luna. Celestia by now was awake and surely Luna was resting sound asleep.
Another scream came from the room next door, one that sent a chill down your spine worse than the first one that woke you from your dream. You knew who it was who screamed, and there was no time to waste. You stumbled out of bed, not even giving it a second thought how you distinctly remember returning to the castle in your armor and now were in nothing but a pair of boxer shorts, and with one goal in mind you dashed out of the room and into the hallway, knocking over a very surprised maid.
“Sorry,” you said as you made your way to the adjacent door where behind it you knew Luna was. Another scream erased any reservations of you entering the one place you were forbidden to enter. The room was big enough to fit three of the bedroom you were in into this space. Unlike the white marble around the castle, this room was painted black blue, and white, Luna’s choice colors. All of her furnishings were made of dark wood and carved ornately with celestial designs. For a moment your eyes looked at the table where Luna’s crown was carelessly placed, then down on the ground where her hoof shoes and arm guards lay, then finally to at the foot of the Princess's bed where her clothes lay in a pile.Clearly the Princess had no sense of tidiness as sleep took over her mind after she finished her nightly duties, abandoning her garments and heading straight to bed.
Your eyes were then fixed on the spacious bed where Luna lay. The Princess’s body was wrapped tightly in the sheets as if she had a bad sleep. Her eyes were closed were closed but her teeth were clenched as if in pain.
“Sister, I’m sorry,” she cried out as she thrashed back and forth as if she was sick as sweat poured down her body and tears flowed down her eyes, “Come back! Don’t leave me alone!”
You stood there motionless, unsure what to do to help her. You were no doctor to help her if she was sick, and it wasn’t anypony tormenting her. Yet you hated to see her in so much pain so quickly your mind made a decision.
“Luna,” you said softly in her ear, “It’s me. I’m here.”
She sat up and looked about the room while breathing heavily, searching the room. She then saw you standing there with her bloodshot eyes, looking less like the beautiful Princess you once knew and more like somepony tormented. For a moment she just stared at you as if in disbelief as the sheets wrapped around her body threatened to fall off.
“Get out!” she said with her voice more like a growl as she panted, staring at you with a fearsome gaze as she held the sheets tightly to preserve some ounce of modesty.
“I’m sorry,” you said, “but you were screaming and I…”
“I said get out, or so help me!”
The door opened behind you with a squeak as you turned to see Princess Celestia standing there. For a moment you thought that it was over for you especially standing there in such a compromising position. But the Princess of the Sun’s face was not that of anger but sadness at her sister.
“Princess Celestia, I…” you began but she raised her hand.
“Thank you,” she said calmly, “You may return to your quarters. I will speak with you soon.”
You quickly hurried towards the door, not wanting to add to Luna’s anger. You opened the door and turning around saw Celestia sitting on Luna’s bed, supporting the younger sister’s head the way that a mother would console a crying child. She was whispering something to Luna, but you were so far away to only hear mumbling. You had seen and heard enough as you closed the door behind you and returned to your room, wondering what darkness was in Luna’s mind and what your fate was as a guard after what happened.
Author's Note
Dreams and nightmares in this chapter. What will happen to the guard, and will this change his view of a certain Princess he is guarding?
Chapter 13
There was an ominous silence as you lay in your bedroom feeling like a prisoner waiting for sentencing than a guard trying to protect Princess Luna. In such a short time you went from a guard willing to protect the Princess at any cost to being more like a friend to her. You wondered the real reason why you tried to come to her rescue knowing that you broke one of the few rules Luna gave you. Was it because your guard instincts overrode an order of privacy or was it something deeper, a feeling that you cared for Luna enough to not see her in pain or sad. The more you tried to think about the situation you were in and how exactly you viewed the Princess, the more your mind felt like a tornado, threatening to sweep up the last of any sanity you had.
Beyond these thoughts, your mind wondered about what would happen next. On one hand you did what you could to help the Princess, but on the other you violated Luna’s privacy and placed yourself in a compromising situation with Princess Celestia seeing you. Even if she did forgive you, it would be Luna that would be the hardest to convince. You shuddered at the thought of losing this golden opportunity of guarding a Princess after one night, but you couldn’t bear the thought of not being the one to protect the Princess of the Night. Your mind considered that if it came to that where Luna chose somepony else, would you be able to be a guard in the same castle? That would mean not being a guard, but then the next question would be what you would do after that as your cutie mark was about protecting others.
“What am I doing this?” you said as you sat up from your bed unable to get any rest, “Why am I risking giving up everything I’ve done because I couldn’t bear losing the chance to guard Princess Luna? Why am I so devoted to protecting her? Sure we seem to have much in common, more than I thought I did before meeting her, but that’s not it. It couldn’t be… no, I can’t even think that! I’m supposed to be her protector and nothing else. But how is it every time I think of her there is the possibility of there being something else? What has she done to me?”
There was suddenly a knock on the door as you nervously yet hurriedly got up from your bed. Thankfully you were already dressed, preparing for this moment and even relieved that it you would know the truth and consequences of your actions. For a moment you expected Princess Celestia to be greeting you at the door, but instead it was none other than your fellow guard pony Silver Streak. Of all the ponies you wished not to see, it had to be him.
“Hi Silver,” you said.
“Oh wow, when I was told that I had to assist Princess Celestia on this floor, I didn’t expect it would be to meet you. Small world, huh?”
“Yeah, small world,” you said.
“So, Celestia wants to see you in her private dining room. She said that you know the way, but she asked me to accompany you. Not sure why, you’re not having cold hooves are you?”
“What, no, of course not!” you said as you noticed that Silver wasn’t looking at you but past you into your bedroom.
“Wow, cool digs for a protector of a Princess,” he said as he stared in wonder.
“About the escorting thing?” you said closing the door behind you, denying the chance for the nosy guard to explore any further with his eyes.
“Awww you’re no fun,” he said, “Fine, let me take you to the Princess.”
You thought that the conversation would be over with Silver Streak who you hoped had his fill of gossip that you knew the moment he had the chance would spill to anypony with a listening ear. But just as you began your journey to an uncertain fate, the guard decided to talk again.
“So what’s it like being Luna’s personal bodyguard?”
“It’s ok I guess,” you say downplaying the whole thing to save face.
“Come on, don’t be so modest!” he said, “You’re protecting a Princess, and a smoking hot one at that. No offense to Celestia but you got the better sister to protect. So what did you do with her all night?”
“Oh, you know, night court, paper work, escorting her, checking to make sure she was ok,” you said not mentioning the events in the night club.
“Oh I bet you checked Luna out,” he said with a sly grin, “So how much have you checked the Princess out? Did you visit her in her bedroom?”
“Well, that’s not what I heard,” he said, “I heard you were in her room and now I was called to escort you to the Princess. So, what happened? You didn’t…”
“No!” you said loudly that took Silver off guard, “I’m a guard, and despite what you want to do if you were in my position I didn’t.”
“Sheesh ok,” Silver said as the two of you finally approached the door to the dining room, “Such a testy pony. Well, were here. Good luck. Hope you don’t get fired or put in jail for whatever you did or didn’t do.”
“Thanks,” you said dryly as Silver trotted off. Taking a deep breath you opened the door and stepped inside. There sitting in the space was Princess Celestia who despite looking as regal as ever had a worried look on her face. At first she barely noticed you came in as if her mind was on something else. You could guess what that something was or more exactly who.
“Oh,” she said as she looked up, “I didn’t hear you come in. Please take a seat. Would you like some tea? It’s chamomile which is a very calming tea. I feel after today we both need it.”
“Sure,” you said as you took a seat as the Princess poured the tea using her telekinesis and after preparing it for you placed the cup near you.
“I believe I’m doing well. It was only the first night.”
“Yes, indeed it was. You know, I’m not going to be offended if you need to tell me that something is wrong. My sister can be exacting at times and a little mischievous.”
“Well to be frank, I have seen that, but once I got to know her I found that we actually got along very well as the night passed,” you said before taking a deep breath and saying, “Princess Celestia, I want to apologize for entering your sister’s room without her permission and in such an awkward state. I…”
“Please,” Celestia said as she raised her hand, “There is no need to apologize. You did what any guard would do in the same situation hearing the pony you’ve sworn to protect screaming like that. Actually it is I that must apologize to you.”
“Apologize why?” you said not because you thought that the Princess was above apologizing for her mistakes as you’ve seen multiple times when she did so but in wondering what she was about to apologize for.
“I have not been completely forthright with you when I spoke to you when you were picked for protecting my sister,” she said setting down her tea cup, “I didn’t think that I would have to come to this conversation after the first night of your guarding, but it can’t be avoided any longer now that you saw my sister in such a state of agony. You know about our story right, especially about my sister and what happened a thousand years ago?”
“Yes, I have,” you said.
“There are many that believe that once Princess Luna returned and was cleansed of the foul presence known as Nightmare Moon by the Elements of Harmony that everything was back to normal between her and I, but that sadly is not the case. Memories are a funny thing. Some of them fade over time while others are fresh as if the moment occurred a short time ago. Such is the case with my sister as although she has been restored she still vividly remembers the time she was as Nightmare Moon and her banishment to the moon. We all have nightmares, but as the Princess of Night Luna’s dreams and nightmares are magnified, making them all seem as real as this moment with you and I speaking to each other.”
“She has these nightmares every night?” you asked as a look of worry crossed your face.
“Thankfully no,” she said with a sigh, “I the first few years after she was restored and she was regaining her power, yes, she did experience those nightmares each night. Because she was weak she could not fight them off like she can now, which you could only imagine the torment she had, waking up every night not knowing if she was still Nightmare Moon or on the moon. As time passed she has grown to block these nightmares and memories, but there are times like these when they do come back, and they are no less painful than the days and nights they happened. These events are random which is why I could not know when they would happen. So I want to apologize for not telling you the truth before they did.”
“Princess Celestia, you don’t have to apologize for that,” you said sensing that there was something deeper to the apology, like she was trying to still forgive herself for her actions in banishing her sister.
“You are too kind,” she said with a faint smile, “I guess we all must heal. I must say that I can tell that you are more than a mere guard to my sister after seeing you rush to her aid. You truly care about her, more than just as your duty, don’t you?”
“I do,” you said not wanting to lie to the Princess about your feelings. For a few tense seconds the Princess said nothing as she thought about your admission. You watched her body as it instead of tensing up like you thought would happen actually relax.
“Thank you for your admission,” she finally said, “I could see it in your eyes that you truly care for my sister, perhaps more than I imagined it to be. This is not a bad thing mind you as when somepony cares about another in such a way their bonds are even closer. I must admit that in choosing you I hoped to achieve something else besides you simply being her guard.”
“Oh, what’s that?”
“You probably wondered why my sister even needs a guard as she is perfectly capable of protecting herself. In truth I hoped that you would develop a friendship with her as that is what she needs the most at this time, somepony to be a shoulder to cry on or to lend an ear to hear what she has to say. Oh she has the former Bearers of the Elements as friends no doubt, but what she needed was a friend here in the castle. I chose you because I observed the way you acted around others and found you to share in my sister’s personality. I hope that you are not troubled by such information.”
“Not at all,” you said, “In fact that I’m flattered even more that you chose me to be her friend. But honestly I’m not sure I’m up to the challenge.”
“You are up to the challenge,” she said putting a reassuring hand on her face, “I have seen many ponies at this crossroads, wondering whether to turn back or continue the path they are on, and you are ready for this.”
“But how can I face her if she is upset? How can I protect her and be her friend at the same time?”
“If I know my sister, I’m sure she will come around. All you need to do is be honest with her as above all she values this. As to how you can do both, although you are wearing the armor of a guard this is but a façade. All you need to is open up and be yourself. Once you let yourself shine forth she too will open herself up. Does that sound like something you can do?”
“I’ll try,” you say.
“That’s all I want,” the Princess said, “Well I will not keep you much longer as I’m sure you’d like some time to yourself before the next night.”
“Of course,” the Princess said with a chuckle, “but I must ask you one more thing.”
“Sure,” you said.
“Try not to get into too much trouble when you are with my sister on her late night forays,” she said with a wink as she stood up and made her way to the door before saying, “I think you’ll get along with Luna very nicely.”
Author's Note
Oh boy this was a doozy of a chapter to write. I'll actually try in the future to write bigger ones like this instead of smaller ones that are below 1,000 words.
Chapter 14
The rest of the afternoon passed by in a flash as you went about your free time. Granted it was strange having your breakfast for the first time as lunch and starting your day in the afternoon while most ponies were already well into their daily activities. But that wasn’t the thing that troubled you the most as you decided to take a walk throughout the city, hoping that getting away from the castle would clear your mind. The events of the morning echoed in your mind, especially the revelation that Princess Celestia gave you.
“She didn’t want me to just protect her,” you said as you journeyed down the street towards an unknown destination, “She wanted me to be Luna’s friend. But why me, why did she choose me to be the friend of the Princess of the Night? There are hundreds of ponies in Canterlot and thousands in Equestria. Why am I so special?”
But just as you questioned your ability to be a friend your mind considered something. Why couldn’t you be a friend to Luna? True she was a Princess, but even they needed friends in their lives, those that treated them not as some powerful all-knowing being but having the same hopes, dreams, and fears as anypony else. So really you didn’t have to change anymore that Luna did for you. In that one night Luna showed you something very important, that even Princesses could be themselves and feel comfortable doing so. It was as if to say that she was just like the other mares you’ve met.
Your journey ends as you come to a stop in front of the club that you and Luna visited. It was closed now of course with only a few ponies there helping load things into the club for the next night of fun. You chuckled as this was the place that you got to know the true Luna that few ponies could know. As the bell towers in the city chimed the hour you realized that soon you would have to return back to that castle and to Luna. Although that certainly wasn’t something you felt reluctant to do, you knew that returning meant having to face the blue Alicorn.
“Out of the frying pan and into the fire,” you said nervously, “Celestia might be forgiving of me and wanting to continue, but what will Luna do? Will she reject being my friend or accept me back?”
There was no answer you’d get now as you stood in the street, nor was it going to be an easy one for you, but it couldn’t be ignored either. The more that you thought about it, the more it ate at everything else on your mind. It was like nothing else you could enjoy until you’ve resolved this problem.
“A guard never sleeps,” you said as you made your way slowly back to the castle, “But this is more than just guarding Princess Luna. This is about confessing to being her friend. Princess Celestia never expected this to be just a job where I would follow her around in a vain attempt to protect her. She want me to connect with her sister, to try and be her friend, and that’s what I will do!”
With your mind cleared from the walk you returned to the castle and immediately back up to the top where you and the Princesses stayed. To your surprise you saw Princess Celestia waiting for you in the hallway next to the door to the private dining room.
“Princess Celestia,”you said, “Is everything ok?”
“Everything is fine,” she said calmly, “I would hope that my presence to you isn’t a sign that myself or my sister are in danger. I am here because I wanted to let you know that my sister is awake and is ready to speak with you now.”
“Ok, so where should I meet her, in the dining room?”
“No,” Celestia replied as her face changed to a confused expression, “Strangely she is waiting for you in your room. In fact she seems to be insistent to meet you there. I think she’s doing so after you entering her room. I doubt she means any ill will so please just humor her. Also, I think I detected a smell of pizza coming from your room.”
“Thank you Princess,” you said slightly confused, “I guess I’ll go visit her then.”
The Princess of the Sun nodded and entered the dining room for her evening meal. You couldn’t help but hear a little chuckle come from the Princess’s lips although you were uncertain if it was related to her sister’s antics or if it was towards what you were about to expect. Now it was you in the empty hallway with your fate before you. You started walking towards your room which had now been commandeered by the Princess you were sworn to protect. Did she decide to take over your room as well and kick you out? That was the only thing you could think out, although your mind did think about seeing Luna laying on your bed seductively wearing nothing with an open pizza box. You quickly shook the thought from your mind as you approached the door, not wanting to try and reconcile things with that thought in your mind.
Your mind swam with ideas the closer you approached your room and were about to reach for the door handle when it suddenly opened on its own, the colorful aura of magic surrounding the inner handle as it creaked open. There lying on the bed, like it was her own, was Princess Luna. In front of her were a pizza box and some paper plates. She stared idly at it the box as if longingly wanting to have what was inside the box, her one hand supporting her chin while drumming the box with her other. She reminded you of a teenager during a late night with no place to go.
“There you are,” she said looking up from you, “I was wondering when you when come back here. I thought for a moment I frightened you away.”
“No I made it back,” you said, “Listen, Princess Luna, I want to apologize for the morning.”
“Stop,” she said raising her hand, “my sister told me all about it, and I want to thank you for coming to my aid. I could imagine I would do the same thing if I were in the same position. You did what a guard should do, and most of all what somepony who cares would do. So I want to apologize first.”
“You don’t have to apologize,” you said.
“Yes, I do. You wanted to help but I pushed you away. I was upset but I shouldn’t have taken it out on you.”
“Luna, I accept you apology, but I’d like to ask you a few things.”
“I knew you would, and that is why I ordered some pizza. Come have a slice, although it is a little cool right now.”
“Well, why are you in my room right now?”
“I never saw this room actually,” Luna said, “It’s really nice actually. But really I felt it would be better if I met you in a place where you felt comfortable. Plus you know now not to go into my room unless I say so, right?”
“Oh I got that,” you said taking a bit of the pizza, “So I hope that I’m not upsetting you, but those nightmares, you don’t have them every night, right?”
“No, thankfully it happens once a month,” she said as her expression turned dour, “Remember this, there are some memories that are so ingrained in our minds that we cannot just cast it aside. We need to adapt our live around these moments and manage them, and that is what I’ve been doing, managing. I know that many ponies have forgiven me for what I have done but even though I’ve tried to forgive myself there is part of me that cannot yet forgive what I’ve done completely. I hope you understand and that these times when the nightmares return that you are not troubled by them.”
“I’m not trouble by them, but what I’m concerned is to make sure you are ok. I know that you don’t need protection as you are capable to take care of yourself. What you need is a friend, somepony that cares about you and that you can talk to. No pony should be alone after all.”
She stared at you for a moment as you felt a cold bead of sweat drip down your forehead. You didn’t want to lie about what Celestia revealed to you, but you hoped that the truth was not as dangerous as a lie.
“I believe you, and actually Celestia confessed this to me when you were gone. So let’s do it.”
“Um…do what?” you said but suddenly you felt your body embraced in a hug.
“Let’s try being friends,” Luna said, “You know I never thought I’d be a friend with a stallion, but I think we’ll get along nicely. Now, let’s finish our dinner. We have much work to do tonight, and I think a little more fun is in order.”
Author's Note
I think we've reached the halfway mark, maybe more. So, we've gone from acquaintance to friend and now we have one last stop.
Chapter 15
The days, and more importantly nights, passed by without much incident as you seemed to fall into a routine with Princess Luna. Every night you would join her and Princess Celestia for dinner, or in Luna’s case, breakfast, and then watching the exchange of the day and the night. Then it was off to Night Court, dreaming, and some review of important papers. Then the two of you would venture to some nightly activity. Sometimes it was going to the club with Luna in disguise, or walking the streets of Canterlot at night. There were times that she preferred to keep to the castle which you happy to comply. Being in the castle made thing feel like you were closer to her that if you were somewhere else. The once eerily quiet halls and rooms had become a relief as it felt that you could break free of your staunch guard duties and be free to talk to Luna. Although she never said it you, it was clear that having somepony to talk to and have fun with other than her sister.
It wasn’t that the castle was boring either. With the privileges that the Princess had, you were allowed to go anywhere in the castle, even places that you were locked behind closed doors as a guard. One of such places was the Princesses’ own private library which wasn’t just a small room but a grand library filled floor to ceiling with books.
“Do you like to read?” Luna said as she scanning the shelves for a title to peak her interest.
“Sure I do,” you replied trying to take in the sight of the place.
“What are your favorite subjects?"
“I like reading about history and maybe a fantasy novel or two. I really don’t have much time though as a guard, well up until recently that is.”
“I certainly understand what you mean,” Luna said, alternating her gaze between you and the rows of books, “There are times that I wish to simply spend my entire night here and reading, but I know I must uphold my royal duties. I do share an interest in your history as there is much to read about since my thousand year absence. So many fascinating advances in pony culture I read about. Your interest in fantasy intrigues me though. Do you fancy yourself as one of those knights in the stories battling dragons and rescuing damsels in distress?”
“Well in a way I kind of do,” you admitted, “I always felt the need to protect ponies from danger, but unlike some of those stories I know that most mares are perfectly capable of handling themselves in difficult situations.”
“Yes, I have found that most ponies are capable of being their own protectors. Sometimes it takes a pony showing them the hidden strength that they have. Still I have to wonder if you see yourself rescuing a certain mare that is smitten with you the moment you help her.”
You feel your face flush with embarrassment as the thoughts of you being with Luna as more than just friends started to rise to the surface like bubbles. Even though you promised to the Princess that you would not fall in love with her there were times that you felt that promise faltering. You knew how important a promise was to you, and the last thing you wanted to do was break one with a Princess. Yet there seemed to be no reason why she rejected love like that.
“Well…I guess all ponies want to find love in their lives,” you said trying to take the weight of the conversation off you, “I can’t say for sure, but I think we all see ourselves as the greatest protector and ally of the ones we love.”
“Then do you have a marefriend in your life?”
“No,” you said as it pained you to not reveal the truth about your feelings towards the Princess, “not yet. There have been mares that sparked my interest but none of them felt like they were the one I love.”
“Pity,” Luna said as she turned from selecting a few books, “I would expect that of all ponies you would be the one to find the love of your life fairly easily.”
“Why’s that?”
“You have a good heart,” Luna said placing her hand on your chest, “You truly care about what other ponies think and feel and this quality is sadly lacking in some. But may I offer a piece of advice to you?”
“Sure.”
“You don’t have to go looking for a pony to complete you. What you should find is a mare that will love you completely. That is the key to love.”
“Thank you for that advice,” you said to the Princess before asking, “Princess what types of books do you like?”
“The same as you I guess with history, although I’m also interested in magic.”
“Really?” you said surprised at her statement, “You the Princess of the Night studies magic?”
“I’m surprised that you find this so amazing,” she said, “Just because I’m an Alicorn does not make me omniscient. There is always something new to learn in this world.”
She paused as if unsure to admit something to you before saying, “There is also a certain genre of fiction that I like: Romance?”
“Really, you like romance novels? Aren’t they a little sappy?”
“They can be I admit, but it’s the idea of seeing ponies in them find their happiness with the ones they love that intrigues me. Maybe I’m just living vicariously through those characters.”
“Well speaking of love, have you ever found a special somepony in your life?” you said before regretting saying such a personal question.
“I don’t think that’s very appropriate to ask,” Luna said with a frown, “Still I did ask you the same thing so if we are friends we must be mutual in our sharing of secrets. Yes, once long before I was banished I had a love in my life. He was very much like you, a guard sworn to protect me who cared about me more than most. We loved each other and for a moment I thought that he would propose to me. Sadly it was not to be.”
“What happened?”
“You are asking me to exhume painful memories, you understand that?” Luna said staring at you with a look as if it was clearly something she did not wish to do. You felt a chill run up your spine as you risked your friendship with her by delving too deep into her personal life.
“Ok Luna, if you don’t wish to tell me this I understand.”
“No,” she responded sharply, “You initiated it and you must know this part of my life or else your mind will forever be thinking about it. As I said he was a guard and my closest friend, forever caring and loyal to me. But as darkness crept into my mind I could see that he was starting to become afraid of my power and how the mare he love was slowly fading away. He tried to reason with me to stop what I was doing, but in the end I was too blind by my sadness and anger. So instead of letting him help, I pushed him away and dismissed him as my guard and my love. I remember one of the last things as I battled my sister seeing for a very brief moment my love standing there outside the castle, looking up at me with a broken heart. There are many things I still regret from that time when I gave into darkness and became Nightmare Moon, but one that strikes at my heart is the fact that I never had the chance to ask for his forgiveness and to try and love him again. Even though a thousand years have passed I still see him in my mind, when he smiled at me and when he looked at me with that overwhelming saddening gaze.”
“Luna, I’m so sorry,” you said as tears began to flow down your eyes, “I didn’t mean to bring up such bad things. I’m also sorry that you had to endure all that misery of remembering.”
“This is our blessing and our curse,” Luna said as her eyes welled up, “to live a long life and keep our memories as fresh as the moment something happened. But I thank you for your concern. Could you do something for me?”
“Anything!” you said without hesitation.
“Could you hold me for a while? My sister usually is the one to comfort me but she is sound asleep.”
“Say nothing more,” you said as you wrapped your arms around her perfectly flawed body as she embraced you in kind. It was a similar feeling being locked in this embrace, just like when the two of you were slow dancing in the night club. This time though it was different, a deeper connection, as if you shared the same heart with her. She rested her muzzle on your shoulder as warm tears rained down your back. You couldn’t hold back any longer as you too cried for her loss and for the memories in a place where books encircled both of you, holding memories and dreams.
You wished you could take those centuries of pain she held within and put it into you, even if it destroyed you. Anything to not see her in pain was all that you could hope to achieve. But for now being a shoulder to cry on was what she needed and that was all that you could ask for.
“Thank you,” she breathed into my ear through the sniffling, “You are truly somepony that treasures my happiness and for that I am eternally grateful. Now let us put aside the bad memories. I think tonight will be best to get lost in a good book. Now that I think of it, will you do me one last favor?”
“Sure,” you reply as you separate from her.
“Will you read to me? I find it comforting when somepony helps take my mind off my troubles.”
“I will under one condition,” you said.
“Oh, and what’s that?” Luna said.
“I’ll read to you if you read to me.”
“That sounds like a deal,” she said as she handed you a romance novel to read. You spent the rest of the night reading to her and her reading to you. The two of you laughed as you struggled through the stories, sometimes trying to do the voices of the characters with little success. The sadness left the two of you as the world returned to the balance you once had between you. It was a moment not lost on you, a certain magic that you had to heal Luna’s broken heart. It was something that you did not take lightly but treasured that you were one of the few ponies to stir her heart and breathe joy into it.
Author's Note
I wasn't sure how I would justify Luna's reasoning for not wanting to fall in love, other than the fear of loss being a long lived Alicorn. But then this idea came to mind and I knew I had to write it.
Chapter 16
The nights passed in euphoric bliss as you spent your time with Princess Luna. While the two of you had your jobs to do, after that the night was yours to do as you both pleased. Sometimes it was going to a club like your first night, and other times it was merely relaxing in the castle. No matter what the routine neither you nor Princess Luna grew tired of the other’s company as each moment felt like you were drawing closer and the bonds of friendship growing stronger. To you it felt like this was how it was meant to be, a certainty greater than you being a guard and equal to only who your parents were and the cutie mark emblazoned on your flanks.
Despite though this growing friendship, you felt that unrelenting hunger inside building with each moment you were with her. It was a forbidden desire, one made clear of such designation that night when Luna bore her heart to you about her lost love. Know you knew the reason why Luna chose not to love anypony else upon her return from banishment even though your mind couldn’t explain why she did not choose to move on and start anew. There was no way for you to fully understand her as you have never nor would ever live as long as her. You could only imagine having only those memories playing back over and over those thousand years as your only connection to the world you knew and yet they were also what caused the greatest pain. To then return to a world that was alien to her, Luna had only her memories once again to the life that she knew.
Your heart and mind were drawn into a tug of war between her desire to never fall in love again and your desire to be the one whom she could love. Every moment you saw her you were entranced by her body mind and spirit and the closer you drew to her the closer you still wanted to be by her side, not as friends but hers to love. But being her also brought you back to the words that she spoke to you, “don’t fall in love with me.” It was a promise and breaking it would shatter everything that you’ve built up to this point. You remember once hearing your fellow guard ponies saying that it was impossible to remain friends with a mare after entering into a relationship and having it end. The irony was that now you risked losing everything for love.
Each night was like a dance between you two, each taking the lead as your friendship grew. She would lead with friendship and you would follow, bonded by her promise yet hoping to help her to see that she didn’t have to settle on no love in her life. But each time you advanced towards that she drew back in the dance and the wall between you appeared. There seemed no way that you could avoid this unless you killed the dream of you loving her, but doing so would surely kill part of you in the process. You knew that that could never happen, but eventually though you knew that one day when you least expected it that part of you caged like an animal would escape.
It was on a seemingly ordinary night, just a few short hours before dawn. The two of you had completed your task and now the rest of the night was yours. But despite the numerous times when the two of you had good ideas about where to go you were both at a loss.
“Nah, I’m actually tired after that long Night Court session,” she said letting out a long not Princess like yawn.
“Ok, how about a movie?”
“Not in the mood for that either,” she said looking bored.
“Well excuse me Princess,” you said playfully sticking out your tongue, “Alright, if you don’t like my ideas how about you come up with one?”
“Fine I will,” she said sticking out her tongue in response as she mulled over the options before saying, “Alright, I got a place where we can go. Hang on!”
Before you could ask, Luna once again wrapped her arms around you and off you flew from the balcony and across the moonlit sky. With the surprise of the takeoff gone you settled into feeling comfortable in her arms, watching as the city below you pass by. You could feel the gusts of wind from the Princess’s powerful wings as she soared through the sky mixed with the cadence of her breath in your ear. It felt good being like this, two ponies in a lasting embrace but before you could dwell further of how pleasant this was, you felt yourself diving over the edge of the cliffs where the city stood upon. She then flew in a descending spiral around the waterfall that cascaded from the mountain above. For a moment you were afraid that she would dunk you into the cascading water, but she merely teased you as she flew you dangerously close. You felt the cool mist from the rushing water as you stretched out a hand and ran your fingers through it, letting out a laugh as you dropped lower down the waterfall. Finally you touched down on the rocky outcropping below as she let you go.
“Did you like the trip?” she asked.
“Oh yes, I loved it!”
“Great, but that’s not why I brought you here,” she pointing to the moonlit pool where the waterfall finally touched the earth, “It’s because of that. This is a place I like to go when I want to get away from the castle and Canterlot but still can be close enough in case of emergency.”
“Ok, so what do you do here?” you said looking at the pool and seeing nothing else around you save for a treacherous path coiled up the one side of the stone wall and disappeared from view, presumably leading back up to the city.
“Isn’t it obvious?” Luna said looking at you strangely, “I swim here!”
“Swim here? But Luna we don’t have bathing suits, so how do you expect that we…”
Your words failed you as you watched Luna give a sly grin before turning around and walking towards the pool. With a flicker of her horn she let her crown float off her head and set it on the wet rocks. Then she stepped out of her silvery shoes and removed her crescent moon necklace and arm guards, letting them join the place where her crown sat. Then without giving any thought to you be there she stripped out of her clothes. You stared at the magnificent shape of her backside, including her perfectly shaped plot until she dove from the rocks into the pool. For a moment that was nothing disturbing the water until soon the Princess’s head and shoulders emerged from the water.
“So are you coming in?” she said as a hand emerged from the water motioning you to join her, “Trust me, you’ll like it here, unless you’re afraid to get wet.”
You reluctantly stripped off your clothes, leaving only your boxer shorts. As you approached the edge of the water, your mind couldn’t help but focus on the fact that Luna was bobbing on the surface naked and without any shame. You pictured her lying naked in your arms as you looked into her eyes and whispered words of love to her. You would be hers and she yours, two ponies in perfect harmony no matter what happened around the two of you.
“This is crazy,” you said as you prepared to jump in, trying to push out the thoughts of being anything more than friends from your mind. Luna waited patiently as the water rose teased at her form as it rose and fell.
“Come on, just jump in,” Luna said as she crossed her arms, “I’m waiting.”
You were about to jump when your one foot slipped on the wet stone, causing you to ungracefully plunge into the water. You struggled to the surface, coughing up water as Luna stood by.
“Smooth jump,” she said as she then looked next to you and began to giggle uncontrollably.
“What? What is it?”
“Looks like somepony lost something else besides their footing,” she said pointing to your boxer shorts as it floated in front of you. Your face immediately went red as you realized that both of you were a mere few feet apart and naked. You reached for the shorts, hoping to maintain some dignity when a blueish aura seized them and hoisted them into the air like a flag of victory. You didn’t have to guess who held your clothes captive.
“You want them?” Luna said waving them just out of arm’s reach, “Come claim them!”
With that she dipped under the water, taking your boxers with her. You swam after them, stopping where Luna disappeared before looking around.
“Over here!” she teased as she poked her head out a few feet from you. Again you swam to where she was, trying to catch her, but she popped back under water.
“Come on Luna, give me those back,” you said before you suddenly felt yourself being pulled under water, as if something or somepony had your legs. Eventually you popped back up, disoriented as you searched for where the Princess was. Before you could react you heard a splash behind you as Luna deposited the shorts right over your head. You heard her laugh as you struggled to pull the soaked shorts off and deposit them where they belonged.
“Oh I haven’t had so much fun here in so long,” she said as she swam in front of you, “You are hilarious!”
Without think you splashed some water in the Princess’s face, catching her by surprise. She stood stunned for a few seconds as you worried that she would be upset. Instead her surprised expression changed to a devilish grin as she said, “Oh so that’s how you want to play?”
With a sweep of her blue arm she sent a small wave of water at your face. You recovered and returned with another wave of your own. She moved closer with splashes, trying to make you surrender but you kept splashing as quickly as possible. Soon the two of you were mere inches apart, splashing each other and laughing.
“So what are you going to do now?” she said as she continued. It was then that you suddenly grabbed her and pulling her close kissed her on the lips, not a kiss between friends, but a long passionate kiss that reached deep into each other’s hearts. Luna’s eyes went wide in surprise but you kept on kissing as your hands ran down the length of her body. With one move she ripped out of your embrace and thrashing her legs kicked you in the chest, knocking the wind out of you.
“Ow! What was that for?” you said gasping for air.
“What was that for?” she said as her face turned to anger, “What was that kiss for?”
“I… it… it just happened,” you said trying to recover.
“It did not just happen!” Luna said, “Kisses like that don’t just happen unless you mean it to be. I know that kind of kiss, one between lovers. It that it, have you developed feelings for me? Have you fallen in love with me?”
“Luna I…” you said trying to swim towards her to calm her down only to see her move away again.
“The truth! Are you in love with me?” she said staring at you with a fierce gaze that you never saw before.
“Yes… I love you Luna,” you said, “You are everything I want in a mare and I want to make you happy…”
“Stop,” she said as her voice quavered with a mixed of sadness and anger, “Did I not say that you could be my friend and nothing more? Did I?”
“Yes, you did,” you said before your sadness turned to frustration as you continued, “But Luna what you’re saying that you never want to love again, it’s stupid.”
“Excuse me?”
“Are you really going to be loveless because of that one guy a thousand years ago? Don’t you deserve to love and be loved? Well I’m not going to hide my feelings for you. I love you Luna.”
She stood there as a storm brewed inside her, until she said, “Well… I don’t love you! And you can forget about us being friends of you guarding me ever again!”
“Luna,” you said as you swam towards her to try and calm her down, “Surely you don’t mean what you say.”
“Do you dare question my words? Perhaps I should spell it out for you. You are by royal decree hereby stripped of your title as my protector and ordered to leave your quarters by next nightfall. You will no longer have contact with me or access to any rooms where I occupy. That is my order!”
“Please Luna,” you said reaching out your hand only for her to slap it away painfully.
“Get away from me!” she yelled as she climbed out of the pool and hastily gathered up her clothes, “We are through. Find your own way back to the castle and be gone from my life!”
She then hastily got dressed and not looking back spread her wind and took off, leaving you alone again in the pool. It was to be such a wonderful time, only to end in sorrow. The realization washed over you at the fact that your job, friendship, and love had been ripped away in one swoop and there was nothing you could do to get it back. As you looked up at the moon that illuminated the rocky outcropping, a painful reminder of what you lost, your tears flowed into the pool you floated in, as you felt nothing but sorrow for hurting Luna and for being stupid enough to even think you could fall in love like that.
Author's Note
Is this the end for our hero's love?
We are nearing the end, so don't miss the thrilling conclusion!
Chapter 17
The trip back felt more like a death march as you finally approached the gates of the castle. The close you reached the place you were so familiar with the more painful the memories echoed in your mind, memories of what could have or should have been but now never would take place. In that short time of happiness your restraint was at its weakest and to your dismay it finally broke. Part of you knew that it was inevitable that this moment would come, a time when your heart overtook your mind. The closer you were with Princess Luna the stronger your heart became and the harder it was to suppress your feelings for the Princess.
Even with the eventual response with her, you still felt terrible about what happened. There was still the lingering idea that if you only suppressed your feelings a little longer and bonded more with the Princess that then she would be more open to your feelings and maybe, just maybe, respond in kind. Again it was silly to think that you could hold out with your emotions or that Luna would be any different a day, week, or month from the present. It was merely a fleeting dream, like the ones Luna saw on a daily basis, one that you now knew wouldn’t come true.
“What will I do now?” you asked yourself as you passed by the empty throne room and into the halls devoid of anypony else. Your hoof steps echoing across the marble only further expressed the emptiness in your heart now that the one thing you hoped to be was now gone. There was no way of going back to your life as a guard after being friends and declaring your love for Luna. You heard the stories of former lovers trying to be friends, but despite that the memories of that former life still resonated in their minds. Even being a guard again would be uncomfortable as the castle held memories of places you went and fun things you experienced with the Princess. You reached for the moon and now felt yourself not among the stars like you were when given such a great opportunity guarding a Princess but back on the ground. There was no choice in your mind now other than to quit guarding the castle.
“Maybe I can be a guard patrolling the city, or guarding some wealthy family,” you said disbelieving that you even were thinking up such bad notions, “Oh what have I done? I had all this opportunity, a perfect job and a perfect friendship, and now I’ve destroyed it all for love. Why must my heart be fond of a Princess, something I could never reach? To think that Luna could ever love me!”
Tears began to well up in your eyes as you found yourself in that familiar floor of the castle where the Princesses lived and where you once lived. The last thing you wanted to do was to meet Celestia and explain what you did as doing so would be like opening wounds up again. You knew that eventually you would have to explain yourself as a simple declaration of quitting wouldn’t suffice the Princess of the Sun. If only there was a way for Luna to see how you felt, but that was yet another dream.
You paused as you approached the great door leading to Princess Luna’s chambers, thinking about entering in and hoping to explain how you felt. But you felt that things already were tense between each other and invading her privacy would be the last nail in the coffin. With a sigh of defeat you turned and proceeded towards your room, settling your mind on packing your things. As you approached the door to your room, you noticed that it was ajar. You couldn’t remember whether you left it open like that in your haste to meet the Princess or not, but usually being a guard you were more careful with such things like security. Perhaps Luna took it upon herself to pack your things, a parting shot to your former friendship. As you opened the door, you could hear in the darkness the sound of something or somepony moving. If it was truly somepony like Luna moving out your things, why all the secrecy of the darkness?
“Hello?” you said fumbling for the light switch, “Is somepony there?”
Suddenly the room became lit as you gasped, for there sitting on your bed was Princess Luna looking solemn in her pose.
“I was wondering when you would come back,” she said looking up at you, “You had me worried.”
“Princess Luna I…” you said but Luna silenced you by raising her hand.
“Please,” she said, “Let me speak. You were right; my mind was still in the past, playing back the memories of my past love when I couldn’t see the present and you standing there. I admit that I had a stirring of feelings for you since the day I met you, as you reminded me so much of him from the past, and much more. But every time I thought of loving you my mind thought about the past and not wanting to repeat the same mistakes. And so I kept my feelings locked away, and for that I was a fool. My sister told me that we must rule with our minds but live with our hearts, and I didn’t listen to my heart once again. Instead I turned you away, and that was the greatest mistake of all. Can you forgive a silly mare like me for breaking your heart?”
“Of course ,” you said without hesitation even though you weren’t sure exactly what that meant.
“Thank you,” Luna said, “and now I declare that I Princess Luna do you love you and I am unafraid to express that to you or anypony else.”
“So you mean…” you said as she reached over and kissed you on the lips as time stopped and your once saddened heart awoke.
“You talk too much,” Luna said with a grin as she parted your lips, “So, are you ready to try this relationship again?”
You didn’t need to reply with words as you kissed her again on the lips, taking the mare by surprise as you watched her wings suddenly flare up. All the feelings of doubt and despair melted away, giving way to joy and pleasure.
"I've had many a stallion kiss me," Luna said as she rose from the bed, "But you are definitely one of the best. Keep stealing my heart this way and maybe I'll let you into my private bedchambers, if you know what I mean."
She sashayed her way slowly past you, letting you drink in the fullness of her body. She opened the door and made her exit, but not before turning and giving you a cute wink that reminded you that even Princess could forgive and love conquers many mistakes. As you pondered how the night changed from good to bad to good again, for once you didn’t care about the future or what others though as long as you were with the Princess of the Night and now the love of your life.
The End!
Author's Note
And we have reached the end of our story. I felt it was a good place to leave this relationship.
Thank you all for reading, liking, or commenting on this story!
