The Stillness of the Night
A gentle wind rustled his short cut hair. He lifted a hand to brush away a strand from his face. It was quiet and peaceful.
Just what he needed.
He looked to the cloudless sky. The stars illuminated the darkness, and the moon bathed the land in a blue hue. It was always beautiful to him and it seemed to fill him with awe. Nights like these were cherished and made him feel privileged to be blessed with such a sight.
It was a nice break from his constant depressing thoughts. It felt good to just be. Life had always felt rushed, so a moment to breath and enjoy the simplicities of life itself felt, well, relieving.
He released a deep breath, slowly letting a smile form on his lips. He felt all the stress and heavy emotions lift off his shoulders for a moment, a precious feeling he didn’t even want to let go.
He listened for the creatures of the night but what he got was the soft sound of clip–clops from hooves. He didn't bother to look back and just continued to stare at the stars.
Luna stepped into view. She didn't say anything, instead she simply looked to the sky with him as if she, too, felt the tranquility.
He turned his head to look at the princess. Her eyes seemed to shine with admiration in the moonlight.
"Do you like it?" She asked suddenly, breaking the quiet night air.
Nathan sat there in silence, a few more seconds passing. He glanced at the sky once more, the small smile still on his lips.
"It's beautiful." He said simply.
Luna looked pleased and perhaps just the slightest bit surprised. Not many ponies had ever complimented on her night sky.
"That it is," She agreed, letting out a quiet laugh. "Tell me, what brought you out here tonight?" She continued curiously, her eyes drifting to his.
"I needed a little fresh air.” A pause.
"Just fresh air?” She pressed with a smirk.
"..."
"Goddamit Luna!" He bellowed, letting out a boisterous laugh. "Why do you always have to ruin the moment by trying to find some deeper meaning?"
"Now now, there's no need for profanity." She teased. "I was just curious is all. It's not often that somepony enjoys my night sky. It seemed that coming out here just for "fresh air" wasn't the real reason. You could have done so any other time. So let me ask you again, why are you out here?”
Nathan seemed to consider her question this time. Luna always had a way to get the truth out of you.
"I wanted to look at the stars because… I know somewhere up there is my home. It's very... comforting." He smiled genuinely.
"See? More than just fresh air." She replied with an air of 'I told you so'.
Nathan shook his head. Haha, just like her to get it out of me.
"I'm glad you came out here tonight." Luna said with care, the teasing absent from her voice this time.
"Really? Why's that?"
"I've been meaning to ask you something; something in private." She said, suddenly serious but her tone was gentle.
Natethan didn't really like where this was going.
"What is it?" He asked, a little nervous. He felt the weight start to place itself back on his shoulders again, piece by piece.
"I've wanted to talk to you about... your arrival," Nathan was about to speak up to lightly refuse speaking on the topic but she kept going. "I know it's a touchy subject but it's been weighing heavy on you. You know you can't keep this locked up inside you forever. It's hurting you and we agreed that if any one of us is ever struggling the other would be there. So please... I want to be there for my friend." She placed a hoof on his thigh, her turquoise eyes pleading.
He knew she was right. It had been on his mind ever since he landed on this planet. It haunted him and plagued his dreams. His home was in ruins before he ended up in Equestria. It was a topic he had avoided for a very long time, and one he hoped he would never have to share.
He looked at out of the conner of his eye Luna for a moment, hesitation plain on his face. She knew it was uncomfortable for him but this conversation was going to have to happen sooner or later. He took in a deep breath and stared straight ahead, focusing on some far off distant point.
“Luna, you have to understand that… my mission before I was sent here was to find a way to save the people of my home and…” He felt his throat tighten and his eyes burn. “And I… I…” His voice cracked and he felt all his strength melt away. And in a voice as quiet as a whisper he said, "I pray that they got that data, because if they didn’t… everyone would be dead by now."
Luna was completely shocked. She had nothing to say. She didn’t exactly understand what data he was talking about, but the part about all the people of Earth dying?! From what he told her, there were billions of them–a number she had yet to even fathom! She just watched him struggle with his emotions and it hurt her deeply. She had only seen the human cry once and that was when he had first arrived here. She thought she had prepared herself for this conversation but…. she could see now that she was so very wrong. She wasn’t sure if she should comfort him or let him continue, but their eyes making contact seemed to make the decision for her.
“I wish I could tell you everything but I don’t know if you could understand. To be honest I don’t even know how I ended up here in the first place! And to even begin to contemplate what it all means–everything–just.. completely overwhelms me. I don’t even know if any of this is even real or not…” He looked at his hands and he was so unsure, so unsure about everything. “Luna… I’m sorry. I’m sorry. So… so sorry,” Tears streaked down his face and he rested his head in the palms of his hands. Those very words were like a mantra as he repeated them over and over.
A dark blue wing encompassed his back. She felt his arms reach around her neck as he poured all his feelings into her fur.
He mourned for his home, the people of Earth and his daughter. And all the while Luna held onto him hoping that he wouldn’t slip away into the depths of despair.