Luna’s Honor
The couple trotted into La Colt Park in the center of Stallion Island to prepare for the night’s festivities. Sure there would be a big celebration just to the north in Manehattan, but the tall buildings sort of defeated the purpose of the holiday. To view the night sky on the winter solstice.
The zebra stallion turned to the mare, “I’m on the set up crew so I’ll catch up with you at dusk over at the band stand.”
“Sounds good,” the pony replied. “I’ll double check my part in the entertainment, and maybe catch up with you to help out in setting things up?” The mare lifted her head to give her taller husband a kiss.
The orange and black zebra smiled after the kiss, “Just having you near is help enough, love. You’ve really out done yourself with the stars in your mane and tail.”
A light blush crossed her cheeks, “Of all the nights in the year this seemed to be the one to pull out all the stops.” She turned with a shake of her mane and flick of her tail and headed toward the administration tent. The earth pony looked back over her shoulder to add some parting words, “So off you go to help set up the show. Do take care and have fun at the fair!”
The stallion rolled his eyes and then cantered off to where the work crew was located. They were easy to find with all the materials in front of the bandstand. “Hello Tinkerer,” he called out to the lead set up pony. “Where can you use my help?”
The dark forest green pegasus looked up from some plans, “I’m happy to see you Caffeinated!” He pointed with a wing, “Jackstand over there could use your muscle setting up the viewing stands. A bunch of city ponies are leaving their monuments of stone to see if there really is a sky.”
Caffeinated looked over at the piles of wide benches and pipes, and the few earth ponies that were hard at work. “I guess this festival has become popular again.” He looked back at his friend, “I hope you got enough hooves for the work. This project will keep me busy till the show starts.”
Tinkerer shrugged, “We’ll be fine as long as everypony shows up. By the way aren’t zebras supposed to speak in rhyme?”
The tiger colored zebra arched an eyebrow, “Your words do show that you don’t know all that hype is a stereotype.”
The pegasus nodded, “That’s better, now get to work!”
The blue-gray mare entered the tent, “Greetings Requiem, how is your day going?”
The painted mare of blue and red looked up, “Thespian! Hello, aren’t you a here a bit early dear?”
“Caffeinated is part of the set up crew,” she replied, “And I’d rather be here than sitting at home alone. So what can I do to help you?”
The earth mare ran a hoof through her red and blue mane, “Well, not much to do Thespian, just some menial paperw…”
“Hold it right there Requiem,” interrupted the blond maned mare, “We’re not sitting at Times Square sipping tea, and this,” she gestured with a hoof, “Is as off-Broadway as it gets.” She could see that the administrator was about to speak so Thespian pointed a hoof at her, “And don’t say I’m sorry either. Just let me be your administrative assistant for the day.” With a smile she added, “Or until the other performers show up.”
“Fine,” Requiem responded. “Plop yourself down here next to me and I’ll get you started.” Once the mare was seated she placed a stack of folders in front of her. “I’ll handle personal and you can handle requisitions. Just need to know if every pony has what they are supposed to have and if not why and when.” The administrator pointed to the radio at the end of the table, “The channel list is taped to the table so use that to call whoever you need to for verification. “ She placed a hoof on the phone between them, “We have to share the phone, but don’t hesitate to use it if you need to.”
“Okay, and thanks,” Thespian stated as she picked up the top folder. She used the radio to verify one vender had received the Milk Mare products and checked it off. The next vender hadn’t received the fresh breads though. A phone call to the bakery let her know the truck was stuck in holiday traffic but expected on site in the next thirty minutes. She then radioed back to the vendor to let them know. The blue-gray mare turned to her partner, “It seems you are expecting a lot more ponies this year. A whole lot more.”
Requiem smiled and answered, “Now the Princess of the Night is free it seems a lot more ponies have taken an interest in our celebration to honor Princess Luna.”
“Pfft,” responded Thespian. “I’ve been coming to this celebration since I was a little filly and I’ll bet once the see how cold it is half those coming won’t be back next year!”
“That as it may be dear,” said the blue and red dappled mare in a calm voice, “Those ponies are bringing a lot of bits to our community, and I’ve prayed to the Princess for a mild night so they’ll do it again next year.”
Thespian couldn’t find an argument against that so she nodded. Then the mare returned her attention to the clerical work on the table.
“Hello Thespian,” interrupted her thoughts. The mare looked up from the paperwork and saw a unicorn she knew smiling back. She was aware of other ponies moving around while she worked, but for the first time actually looked around the tent. There were ponies stuffing bags with literature, and others working the snack and drink table. In front of her a registration table had been set up with two stallions behind it and the unicorn in front.
“Hello Recital. What time is it?” Thespian questioned.
“It’s four O’clock my dear,” answered Requiem. “And yes, you’ve been here since noon so off you go.” A hoof took the folder her partner was holding. “Thank you for all you’ve done as I think this year I might actually be able to enjoy the festivities!”
The mares touched cheeks, “You’re welcome Requiem, and thank you for letting me help.” She moved out from behind the table and around to where the unicorn stood. “Welcome Princess Platinum. It is quite lovely that you have graced our fine celebration this year.”
The unicorn bowed, “It is my honor as I’m your most loyal subject Princess Luna. Will you allow me the privilege of escorting you to the theater?”
Both mares giggled loudly and then hugged. “It is good to see you again Recital, you really should stop by more often.” Both mares left the tent and chatted away as old friends do.
Caffeinated wiped a foreleg across his brow. The sun had set and somewhere behind the trees the moon had risen, but the job was done. The festival was already getting crowded, and the zebra could tell there was a lot of city ponies here by how they dressed. Or by the fact the dressed at all. The stallion wasn’t going to judge others by their fashion. He dressed at his job in the city and Thespian loved to dress whenever she had a chance. His smile widened as not everything she wore was for public consumption.
He noted the time and trotted off to a concession stand for a bottle of berry flavored water and a beer for himself. He also picked up some fruit filled pastries and put it all in a bag. Next stop was the carnival ticket booth where he bought a roll of coupons for the rides and events. Caffeinated tucked the tickets into a small shoulder pouch and trotted back to the bandstand.
The zebra placed the bag down at the edge of the stage. He opened the beer and sat down to watch the ponies as they wondered the fair. Then he noticed a blue-gray hoof out of the corner of his eye. The stallion kept his gaze on the hoof and moved to where his lips almost touched it. “I’ve been visited by a goddess! Will you marry me?”
“I don’t know,” the mare answered. She watched the stallion stand and they were eye level for a change. “I’d have to divorce my current husband first and that would really be a hassle. How about we just have an affair instead?”
“Oh, an illicit affair,” he said wide eyed and she nodded. “Sound intriguing, but if my wife was to catch me it would be,” his hoof shot up pointing to the sky, “To the Moon!” The mare broke down in laughter. “I’ll bet some pony has bothered to eat or drink since she’s been here.” Her ears wilted. “So I have,” he said while he opened the bag, “A bottle of water and a lovely pastry that will be easy on your throat.”
The mare took the bottle first and opened it. She quickly downed half the container. Next was the pastry he offered, and after as sniff she asked, “Orange marmalade?” With her husband’s nod she pounced, “Tasty!” and nibbled it away followed by the remaining water. “I have a couple hours before I need to be backstage and my plushie collection is woefully low.”
“Let us venture forth then my lady into the den of thieves and see what treasure we may fine!” Caffeinated moved so she could jump down and they cantered off to the amusement section of the fair. First stop was the ring toss where they both had fun and politely turned down the goldfish that they would have won.
They ventured deeper into the carnival when Thespian pulled her husband up short at the baseball toss game. A bored unicorn mare looked up and sighed, “Okay Caffeinated, what plush do you want this time?”
The earth pony beside him spoke up, “He wants the Luna plush.”
The unicorn looked up, “The large one?”
“No,” Thespian replied, “He wants the medium one.”
The carnie smiled, “Not that I’m complaining but why?”
“I have a Celestia plush the same size at home and I don’t want a larger Luna plush in case she drops in.” the mare answered with a straight face.
The unicorn stood back in surprise, “Celstia forbid the Goddess of the sun would raid your house with an unannounced plushie inspection!”
The mare nodded vigorously, “You know, right!”
Behind the counter the mare turned on her carnie voice, “Step right up good sir and just nine in a row will win the pretty filly a Luna plush of her desires!”
Caffeinated remained stoic throughout the conversation. He tore off six tickets and laid them on the counter. They quickly vanished into the casher box and nine balls levitated to the counter in their place. He took one in the mouth and with practiced ease tossed it with plenty of back spin. It landed just inside the leading edge and bounced off the top of the basket to settle nicely at the bottom.
He took the second ball in his mouth and looked at the unicorn. She just waved a hoof. He tilted his head and she repeated the gesture. The stallion shrugged and tossed again. The ball ended its journey resting next to the other. He picked up the next one and the unicorn just watch so Caffeinated landed that one in the basket.
Finally he asked, “Are you going to empty the basket?”
She sat there and looked at her hoof, “I’m pretty busy right now so you can just keep going.”
The stallion snorted and quickly followed up with the fourth and fifth ball landing in the basket. The sixth one went a little deeper than he intended and hit one of the balls already inside. The noise cause the unicorn to turn her attention to the basket as one ball rolled to the lip. Forces of nature halted the progress though and returned the ball to join its brethren. The carnie sighed and the zebra smiled.
The stall owner looked up, “Throw three more and the plush is yours.”
The seventh and eighth balls landed perfectly just inside the lip to nestle with the rest. Caffeinated picked up the final ball but saw that those in the basket had filled in the landing zone. He tossed the ball a bit deeper into the basket, and it didn’t matter if it was the one he tossed or one that was already there for a ball rolled out to the ground. He could feel the soft sigh beside him and tore six more tickets from the roll. “I want to try again,” stated the stallion as he laid the tickets on the counter.
The unicorn leaned forward and whispered in his ear. “Keep your tickets the plush is yours. Your performance has attracted a lot of marks to my booth.” The Luna plush levitated over to Thespian to rest on her back.
Caffeinated whispered back, “Keep the tickets Mapper we all need to eat.” The tickets vanished without another word.
The couple moved away from the booth but could hear the unicorn shout out, “See how easy it is! Come test your skill! Not eight or even seven, but just six balls in a basket will win you a medium plush! Test your skills against the baskets of Doom!”
Thespian leaned against her husband, “We thank thee brave Knight for you have endured many trials to set us free from our imprisonment.”
The stallion looked down at his wife and saw the Luna plush on her back. “It was my duty and honor fair Princess. There is no service I would not do on your behalf!”
“We are pleased,” the mare stated. “Now lead us to further adventure!” They walked past a few attractions when Thespian cried out, “Huzzah! Look at yonder establishment! They play with water. We must go there so that the fun can begin!” A few steps brought them to the front of the booth, “Proprietor of this fine palace we seek to have fun! Sir Caffeinated lay down our stake so the fun can begin!” The stallion laid six tickets on the counter so both could play.
The earth stallion behind the counter looked at the mare and replied, “We need to wait for some more players.”
“Wait!” exclaimed the mare, “How dare you make us wait! We should banish you for your indiscretion! Yes, banish you to the Moon!”
Caffeinated watch his wife with a smile and when the hapless stallion behind the counter turned to him the zebra leaned forward and whispered, “She is getting into character.” He saw the realization cross the fellow’s face.
“I pray to thee Princess Luna give me a chance to make amends.” The stallion groveled before her. He watched the mare stop her tirade and look down at him. She gave a brief nod and the stallion jumped back up to his hooves. “Citizens, come one and all to meet the challenge of Princess Luna! Step up, lay down your tickets, and take up your water pistol least the Princess of the Night show her displeasure!”
Most of the ponies had no idea what was going on, but a few recognized Thespian. Soon the sounds of, “I accept the challenge Princess,” or “Yes Princess, I’m at your service.” In little time all the positions at the booth were filled.
“Huzzah!” shouted the blue-gray mare, “Let the fun begin!” The game was fairly simple. There was always a winner. Just shoot water into the target until your balloon exploded. The varying water pressure did make it difficult to aim. Thespian concentrated on keep the stream on target when the balloon broke and the bell sounded. She started jumping up and down. “Victory! We have defeated the evil balloon and our fun has been doubled! We demand a reward! We demand… ah…” She looked at the stallion behind the counter, “What may we demand?”
The stallion nodded his head towards the rafters, “Princess you may demand a parasprite or a dragon for your victory tonight.”
“We demand a dragon for our victory!” She took the cute little purple dragon plush and nestled it in front of the Luna plush. “Now brave Knight, with our dragon companion, let us venture forth to more adventure and have our fun tripled!” The couple trotted off to the sounds of cheers from those around them.
The couple left the fun house laughing. She now had a parasprite sitting in front of the dragon. “It is time I got backstage, but my hooves are tired,” she looked up at the stallion with a little pout.
“Fear not Princess for I shall be your chariot.” The zebra folded his legs under him as he lay on the ground.
Thespian grabbed the Luna plush in her mouth and straddled the stallion’s back. She set the plush on his head and used her hooves to move the plushie’s forelegs. “Make way citizens! Make way to allow my faithful chariot to process to the theater!” Beneath her Caffeinated rose to his hooves and started forward. While many of the ponies didn’t understand why they still parted to let the zebra through. “To the theater everyone! Music, dance, entertainment, and song! To the theater!”
After the crowd parted to let the couple pass they fell in behind the mare riding horseback and followed along. Many picked up the chant, “To the theater!”
They left the other ponies at the front of the bandstand while zebra continued to the backstage door. He lowered himself to the ground so his wife could disembark. The mare recovered her Luna plush and returned it to her own back. “I’ll meet you here after the show,” the stallion followed up with a kiss. The mare nodded and walked through the door. The stallion turned to take care of a few more errands before he looked for a seat.
Caffeinated found a nice spot off to the right near stage to sit and watched the festivities. A live DJ was on stage to warm up the crowd and several ponies danced in the open space in front of the bandstand.
The DJ finished his last set and stood up to hoof stomps and cheers. A painted mare walked on to the stage. Such colorations weren’t common, but who was as zebra to talk about any pony’s markings. The blue and red mare wore a very nice dress in festive greens and reds.
“Greetings everypony and thank you for attending this year’s Winter Solstice Festival. I’m Requiem your host for this evening. I would like to thank Fasttrack,” she nodded to the DJ who helped the stagehands get his gear off the stage, “For bringing you all to a festive mood! Now it is time for our second production of the night. A classic for many years. The History of Equestria.”
The mare moved into her role as narrator with ease. This was one of the productions that Caffeinated looked forward to. His friend, Tinkerer, landed the part of Captain Hurricane. He had seen the stallion do a good bit of improve in some of the coffee houses. Also a dear friend of Thespian and himself was playing the part of Princess Platinum. The show went without a hitch. He did notice the unicorns horns were a lit as they powered the illusions that made the play so much more real. Again thunderous hoof stomps and cheers accompanied the cast as they took their bows.
Next up was a youth choir group. They were loud and proud as they sung festive songs. There was a good mix of fillies and colts in the group, and even a zebra filly he didn’t recognize. Then there were a lot of ponies in the Manehattan area. Caffeinated thought they received an even louder ovation than the History play did. Everyone has a soft spot for youth when they perform. Once they cleared the stage the lights dimmed for the next show. The zebra waited with anticipation.
Three ponies walked onto the stage. A pegasus mare flanked by an earth pony stallion on her left and a unicorn stallion on her right. They first moved to center stage and then side stepped to the left.
Six earth pony musicians moved out to center stage. Thee mares and three stallions. They moved off to their right where stage hands had placed the instruments. Two violins, a cello, clarinet, prench horn, and drum set. The lead violinist announced to the audience, “Luna’s Lament.” They took their places and began to play.
From above a mare was lowered to that stage. This is the part that Caffeinated had waited for. His wife looked beautiful in the back dress covered with sequins that sparked in the lights. A crown with unicorn horn attached and wings strapped to her back. Then she sang.
Luna
My stars shine down upon the world
Our Moonlight fills it with shadows
But none come out to see the sky
They hide away till the cockcrows
Three ponies
Let us remember this very night
To the one who painted its glory
Let none forget each has a part
In making this nighttime story
Luna
Working hard each and every night
Placing the moon high in the sky
Knowing the name of every star
Friends and lovers from days gone bye
Earth pony
To you my friends we sing this song
To remember all that is done
To always recognize each time
To say thank you to everyone
Luna
The light does bring out pony joy
The sweet night is filled with sorrow
Every pony to hearth and home
Under cover till tomorrow
Pegasus
How quickly we can forget
Each small service we receive
Generous acknowledgement
Can bring some pony reprieve
Luna
I see now where the glory goes
Only to the sun it does shine
Darkness forever takes its place
For all the world will soon be mine
The musicians played for all they were worth. The drummer pounded away as the stage lights flashed. The three ponies cowered in fear as the moon was lowered. Over the noise Luna’s laughter could be heard. Suddenly she was lifted from the ground and the Princess screamed, “No.” as she is rose to the moon than hanged behind her.
Unicorn
All for the lack of a kind word
Forced the dire deed to be done
Could have happened to any of us
The dark hides within everyone
Luna
Buried in my lunar prison
Trapped here for all eternity
Through teary eyes the world below
Lost to me the serenity
Three ponies
So go forth you this very night
And always keep to heart our tale
Acknowledge all that others do
And thank all of them without fail
Normally that would have been the end of the play, and all but Luna would have took their bows. Caffeinated smiled for he knew of the part they added this year. Luna was lowered back to the stage
Luna
Harmony did break down the locks
Freed by the friendship of a few
Pain and anguish now extinguished
I’m able to love all of you
Four ponies
So go forth you this very night
And always keep to heart our tale
Acknowledge all that others do
And thank all of them without fail
The audience erupted in hoof stomping and tapping along with cheers and whistles. The four were joined by the musicians to take there bows. As they left the stage the Manehattan Orchestra moved on stage to prepare for the next segment of entertainment for the night.
Caffeinated quickly moved out from the crowd into the no ponies land behind the concession stands. He stopped at the back of one and caught the cook’s eye. The stallion quickly filled two mugs and placed them on a tray with a couple slices of carrot cake. He hoofed them over to the back door.
The zebra placed the tray on his back and thanked the proprietor with a nod. He stayed behind the scenes as he moved to the backstage entrance. Caffeinated moved the two mugs to his front but left the tray and cake behind him.
He didn’t have to wait long. Thespian walked through the doorway no longer in costume. Also missing were the three plushies. He bowed low, “I thank you your Majesty for gracing us with your presence. May I ask where your companions are?”
Thespian smiled, “Rise our most loyal subject.” She followed with a soft laugh, “The three await my pleasure as I don’t wish for them to stay up beyond their bedtime.” She looked at the mugs, “Is that by chance mulled wine you have brought to quench our royal thirst?”
“I have Princess, for this is the finest in all the lands under your blessed moon.” The stallion lifted a mug to his wife and she took it. They clicked the mugs together and each took a drink. “I’m sure you wish Princess Luna had come to watch the play.”
“I’d be lying if I didn’t say that was true. It would have been nice to watch her watching me play her.” She took another sip of the wine, “But Canterlot is far from here and they have their own production to honor the Princess.”
Caffeinated smiled, “Do you think their production would have the lines you added to this one?”
The mare shrugged, “Who knows, it could have leaked out during our rehearsals. Still, I do hope, that ever production will have those lines next year.”
With a sly smile her husband inquired, “And what do you think the Princess would have said if she saw your performance in the carnival?”
The mare laughed, “I would hope she saw the joy and fun we were having and joined in on the comradery.” Thespian looked up but the moon wasn’t visible from this angle, “Or I’d be up there watching you down here.”
“Know that were you are I’ll be there also, my Princess.” The stallion reached behind and pulled back to plates with cake. He sat them in the middle and dug a hoof into one and presented the cake to his wife. She took the offering and repeated the gesture. Between sips of wine they fed each other cake till it was gone.
He looked at the frosting on her lips and moved forward to kiss her deeply. A kiss the mare returned with passion. Finally Caffeinated broke the kiss, “Finish your wine it is time.”
Thespian nodded and finished the mug. She place it on the tray which was already on his back with the other mug. Together they stayed behind the scenes to stop once and drop of the tray. “Where did you get those lines you used?” His wife gave him a puzzled look. “Like, double the fun, and the other things you said in the carnival?”
“Oh, I read an article in a magazine. I think it was called ‘Nightmare Night in Ponyland’ or something like that,” she answered. “It was full of quotes from the Princess and I thought the way she talked and proclaimed things was kind of cute.” The couple left the fair and started up the hill where the carnival was not allowed.
She watched her step as they trudged up the hill though the snow. When he stopped she looked around and saw several ponies were already sitting on the crest looking up at the night sky. Thespian turned her gaze upwards and flinched, “She… She’s free,” her voice a whisper in the night.
The stallion placed a foreleg over his wife’s shoulder as he looked up at the Mare in the Moon, “She is the artist that paints the night sky and she can paint it however she sees fit to do so.” Caffeinated felt the mare lean against him, “And I do believe that she was watching you sing this night.”
“That is a lovely thought,” responded the blue-gray mare. “I think you’re right that she was watching us and watching over us tonight.” The earth pony sat up again, “This is a lovely night,” whispered and turned her head to face him and hoped to steal a kiss. Her husband had a faraway look in his eyes. “I know that look. It speaks of coffee and poetry.”
The stallion smiled but didn’t lower his gaze from the moon as he recited.
Princess’s majestic night sky
Soft light so pleasing to the eye
Is painted with true artistry
Recorded throughout history
Shine your soft light upon my heart
Let this year be a brand new start
Purge me of jealousy and hate
Before it is too late for fate
Know that all ponies near and far
Look in the night upon that star
For which they gain hope by the light
The one of many in your night
Look upon our celebration
As we gather in your nation
We ask that you bless us this night
Shine down now with your lunar might
We venture under your night sky
Raising glasses to you up high
May our party and songs have shown
Through our love you are not alone
After a pause Thespian commented, “Zebras and rhymes.”
“That’s an old mare’s tale,” her husband replied.
“Right,” added the mare. “Ready to head back down? I think there is mulled wine calling out to me.”
Caffeinated smiled, “Nothing is as fine as the taste of mulled wine. The party is still young for the night has just begun.” With that the stallion trotted back down the hill.
With a soft snort she trotted after, “The midnight viewing is now past and until dawn the party will last.” With laughter she added, “Now you got me doing it!”
The End
