Always and Forever

Luna, the princess of the night, stood atop the hill where she usually stood, preparing to raise the moon. Luna used her magic as she did every night, and the moon rose into the sky, along with the twinkling stars. Luna gazed up at her handiwork, admiring the peacefulness of it all. Now finished with her task, she lay down on the ground, hooves crossed in front of her, her mane and tail waving in the gentle night breeze. She sat in silence for a while, then sighed and lay her head on her hooves. Luna felt lonely. No one ever enjoyed her night. Everypony went inside to sleep, instead of enjoying the beauty and peace that night brought to Equestria. Not only did nopony seem to appreciate the night, nopony seemed to appreciate her either. Many feared her. Ever since Luna returned to Equestria after her banishment to the moon as Nightmare Moon, whenever she even approached another pony, they ran away. This saddened Luna. All she wanted was somepony to be her friend, even if they never truly understood her. But lately, it had been harder than ever. Because of this, Luna was constantly on the verge of depression, loneliness and hurt overwhelming her. Tonight, as she lay on the hill, her emotions got the best of her. She broke down in tears, letting them fall freely down her cheeks. Sobbing, she buried her face in her hooves. The reality of everything crashed down on her. In her heart, Luna knew that nopony would ever truly understand or accept her, and there was nopony for her to turn to, no shoulder to cry on, nopony to comfort her, nopony to listen to her, nopony to love her. After all, with her reputation as Nightmare Moon, who would dare love a monster like her?

As luck would have it, Prince Artemis happened to be taking a walk through the quiet hill country where Luna raised the moon nightly. The stately blue alicorn thought he heard the sound of crying close by, and went over to investigate. Artemis looked up on top of the hill and saw Luna, curled up in a shaking little ball, whimpering and crying. Artemis’ ears drooped compassionately. He recognized the pony as Luna, princess of the night. He had met Luna before, and knew that she was quite a friendly pony. In truth, he quite liked her. And seeing her like this made him very unhappy. He knew that she needed comfort. He walked slowly up the hill towards Luna, then lay down near her. Luna did not notice him. Nickering softly, he asked, “Princess Luna? Are you alright?” It was then he realized how stupid that must have sounded. It was clear through her tears that she was not feeling alright.

“Huh?” Luna looked up and saw Artemis’ concerned and sympathetic face. “Artemis? W-what are you doing here?” she struggled to choke back the tears, “I-I’m sorry you have to see me like this… I just…” Luna started to cry again.

“It’s alright, Luna. You can cry.” Artemis stretched his wing protectively over her back.

Luna saw the compassionate gesture and knew that she could trust Artemis. She whimpered softly and lay her head on his shoulder. Luna looked up at Artemis, tears still falling down her cheeks. Artemis looked into Luna’s sad blue eyes and just about melted. He wrapped his hooves around her shaking body, pulling her into a warm hug. She sighed contentedly and leaned into his embrace. Artemis wrapped her up in his wings, holding her tight to his chest. The two remained like that in silence for a while, enjoying each other’s company. It was Artemis who finally broke the silence. “Feel any better, princess?” he asked, tenderly stroking Luna’s mane.

Luna looked up at him. “I think so…” she sighed. Luna gazed into Artemis’ dreamy blue eyes. “I…” Leaning towards Artemis, she gently pressed her lips to his. Artemis’ cheeks flushed red. “I love you, Artemis.” She said, smiling shyly.

Artemis looked at her, not really knowing how to react to this at first. He gently held her face in his hooves, pressing his lips to hers, more passionately now. Luna kissed back, savoring the taste of his lips on hers.

They pulled back, their faces flushed and red. “I love you too, Luna.” Artemis whispered. ‘Always and forever.’ He added silently. Luna leaned against his broad, furry chest, enjoying the new found warmth and comfort. Completely at peace for the first time in many long years, she slowly drifted off to sleep.