Author's Note
For starters....
OMG another one shot!
I just wanna say that I found liking in them, the help me to relief some stress and to improve my wirtting; more practice better results.
Besides there are ideas that just stuck my head and don't leave me alone until I write them off.
Alright the thing I wanted to say before you start.
This fic was based on a story that I was told when I was only a kid, a kid's story. so please don't question the logic since Kid's stories doesn't have much logic Okay?
I revised this story over and over again. but I know that there are still grammar mistakes there, so please point them out in the comments.
Share thoughts, like and fav and don't forget to leave a comment!
The comments are awesome, like finding money in your pockets.
Aetherial humanized version of unicorns.
Aerial: humanized pegasi
Terran: humanized earth ponies
No, you don't.
The night was still young, the moon was at its full glory providing a sight to behold which pleases the eyes of all guests who had come to celebrate one of the most important dates for the king and the queen, and also for a certain young princess.
Today Princes Luna, princess of the night and the moon had become officially an adult.
The celebration which was held in her honor surpassed any other event or party that the nobles constantly held.
The castle was so alive; every single room which is open to tonight’s guest has its own orchestra.
The entire castle staff had prepared themselves for this special occasion and divided in several groups to meet any necessity which the guests might have.
But those were not so important parts; the most important was the garden where the queen and king were; also the place which was overcrowded with guest.
At middle of the garden the fountain showed the economical power of the royalty by being decorated with gold and silver ornaments and instead to provide water it provided the finest of wines; however guests couldn’t approach unless they wanted a single drink from it; even by that they needed to request it and speak with the butler tasked to serve the drinks.
Nobles and high ranked officers, rich merchants and even some representatives from other nations were gathered together that night; Luna had already made her appearance to the crowd and partially enjoyed their company, since one of her concerns was about the decorations were made to fit her tastes.
All tones of blue color and silver, black too but in reduced and controlled quantities.
Chairs made of pure silver.
Plants bathed in silver only for this night before they die.
Starry curtains like the night sky.
The guards stationed at the entrance were wearing a different uniform resembling the night.
Even the servants’ uniforms matched with the night while each one had a crescent moon badge on their chest.
There was more to explain!
But explaining every little detail will take us the entire night.
Besides, our guest of honor is not in the party.
However the aristocracy didn’t seem to notice such a thing since they were very occupied discussing and boasting about their fortunes while other were preoccupied with dance at the captivating rhythm of the orchestra which did its best to grace the ears of the nobles with their skills.
But Celestia was not everybody; no sir, she was Princess Celestia, princess of the day and the sun and also known as the older and only sister of Luna. Unlike the rest she had been searching for her little sister between the crowds for a long time; she knew her sister very well and she knew that Luna loves to get all the attention; to be the center of the universe.
And despite this attitude of hers, Celestia loved her sister.
She deduced that Luna retired to her chambers for some reason since she couldn’t find her in any of the crowded rooms. She could easily use her magic and teleport to her room but she might do a scene if she dares to cast the simple spell; she didn’t want to ruin her sister’s moment of glory so as a normal terran would do; walk.
It would be also improper if she took flight in front of so many eyes.
Besides a bit of exercise doesn’t harm anybody.
Passing through the loud crowds of nobles was a rather annoying, many had tried to get her attention so they could discuss about certain ‘things’. She perfectly knew what they wanted to discuss about; but no matter what they try to offer or what sweet words they would tell her, she will never change what she has and treasures with all her heart.
After countless ‘I’m sorry’ , ‘I’m busy’, ‘In another day’ and other excuses that she said but can’t remember she finally made it to the hallways which were forbidden for the public, across the red and gold carpet she passed with all the grace of a princess of Equestria should have and show.
She recalled her party four years ago, instead of the colors blue and silver the decorations and main theme was white and gold, just like her. She and Luna were the only ones who didn’t have the obligation to respect the color scheme so they could dress in the color they felt more comfortable, despite knowing this Luna wore a long white and gold dress in her birthday; so to repay such kindness Celestia commissioned a dress similar to her sister’s, though of course omitting some parts about the design.
However after the party is over another will begin event tomorrow at morning, an event which she wants to discuss with her sister alone.
The immense dark; entrance adorned with small jewels, was finally at reach, and as expected two aerial guards were stationed there.
No words were spoken between them; there was no need for that.
Yet they bowed in respect the moment she approached.
With both hands she made her entry to her sister’s chambers.
“There you are.”
Right at the room’s balcony Luna stood, staring the glory of the night sky while her right hand held a glass of wine, the best wine in Equestria by the way, and both of her midnight wings wide open.
Celestia wasn’t a woman to boast about her gift in beauty but her sister was one of them, and she made that fact obvious by wearing a dress which gives much to desire.
It was like the two of them were opposites, but remember the fact which opposites attract.
Meanwhile, Luna train of thoughts was focused about the next day, the beginning and also inauguration of the most important event for a princess of Equestria.
Tomorrow the selection of her future husband will start, just like her sister did four years ago.
Her excitement was hidden from the peering eye, she could easily jump in joy or giggle without control while she was accompanied with a flushed face, but as stated before she hide those feeling; they weren’t proper for a princess.
The glass of wine was enveloped by a blue aura and brought right at front of the young lady face distanced enough to be able to see her reflection with aid of the light which the moon provided, her small smile turned into a grin when she saw what she wanted to see.
She was beautiful.
Her long indigo hair danced in synchronization the gentle wind that passed over her personal balcony, the cerulean eyes that stared at hers could hypnotize those weak of will, a simple smile would send artist over the edge and her voice was the envy of any singer.
“Who shall be the one worthy of my attention?” With delicacy two fingers held her wine, also stopping her spell in the process.
“Sister.” And her personal fantasy was over, however she didn’t get much into it; so no harm was done.
“Oh, hello Celestia.” Luna greeted as well but with the difference that she didn’t turn to talk Celestia face to face; such act is considered an offense between nobility and royalty but Celestia let it pass.
For now.
She only got next to her beloved sister and seek support on the railing made of pure marble; a faint smile adorned her face when the gentle breeze of the night caressed her cheeks and hair.
“Mother did a very good job with the night.” That was enough to get Luna’s attention.
“We also helped if you didn’t know.”
Celestia laughs were faint but sincere and without any hint of malice behind them.
“Of course… of course I noticed.”
Anyways that didn’t prevent the little sister to grunt an attempt to be offended.
Celestia rolled her eyes. “So tell me, how does it feels to finally reach adulthood?”
Luna’s lips touched the wine while a very small portion was taken out of the glass.
“I feel no different sister.”
The big sister could only roll her eyes.
“There is not much difference, is only a year added to my current age.”
“Well Luna, your age now matters to an entire nation.”
Luna waved her hand dismissively. ”I only need to choose my future husband just like you did, I don’t see much importance to it.”
There it goes the carefree attitude of hers. “I don’t like your attitude Luna.”
As a reply she received a hard glare.
“Has you come HERE only to lecture me?”
A question was shot and an answer was given.
“No, I have other intentions.”
Luna didn’t look at her sister. “So, tell me about your real intentions.”
“I just wanted to speak with my LITTLE sister.” Celestia’s lips contorted into a cocky smile
Luna crossed her arms under her breasts, and continued to look anywhere but her sister. “I’m not little anymore.” She failed to appear offended since a cute blush adorned both cheeks, the crimson color was so easy to find since her skin was pale.
Celestia couldn’t resist the urge to laugh at seeing her dear sister in such state. “True, but remember that you are younger than me.”
Now it was Luna’s turn to roll her eyes as she took another sip of her delectable wine.
The taste of wine still fresh in her mouth made her wonder a trivial thing about her sister. She didn’t know how the taste of the wine could have related with her sister’s affairs, yet it happened.
“Celestia, why aren’t you married?”
The question caught the older sister off the guard. “What do you mean?”
Luna’s eyes stared the ripples that she did while she explained. “I mean that it had been four years since you chose your fiancé but I hadn’t heard or see any wedding bells.”
Almost immediately Celestia face flushed with a faint tone of crimson, while a goofy grin adorned her face. She was a bit embarrassed about this topic; and she had the tendency to play with the end of her pink hair when this happens.
“W-well sister, we just decided to give us time so we could learn more about the other…”
However that was the first reason.
“Besides we made a promise.”
With a hand Luna tried to hold her laugh, now she remembers.
“We will marry the same day, at the same place and at the same time.” Both sisters said in unison.
Holding a laugh was impossible by now. “I can’t believe we said that.”
“W-we were very young Luna.” Celestia wore a warm smile.
“We are young sister.”
“True.”
Now together they laughed without any kind of control, the situation was hilarious. They couldn’t maintain a serious face longer than 2 seconds, and the peals of laughter weren’t very… princess-like.
They didn’t want this moment to end; they wanted to keep this moment a bit longer.
“It was a while since we stopped acting as princesses, wasn’t it?” Celestia wiped out a tear.
“I miss the times when our duties were only to learn everything about being a proper princess.” Luna stared at her wine again but this time she didn’t want to see her reflection; she just wanted to get rid of it as fast as possible.
And there was only one way to do it.
To the bottom is said.
All the contents of the glass were poured inside her mouth in less than five seconds.
Celestia grinned ear to ear. “Luna, your manners?!”
“Oh hush you! Your manners at the table aren’t to be appraised when pastries are on stake.”
Sarcastically the big sister gasped. “You dare?!”
“Of course I dare since certain parts of your body had grown over time.”
A moment for laughter was in order.
“Well sister, you should know that men appraise these assets.” Celestia signaled her body.
With a grin Luna gave her reply. “But only one is allowed to touch them.”
“Hey! We made the promise to wait after marriage!” Luna realized that she tickled a nerve.
“Oh…” A sheepish smile followed, giving the best appearance of ‘I’m sorry.’
“Is fine, but please don’t question my purity.”
The princess of the night nodded.
“However, tomorrow is the grand day; remember to wear your best dress sister.”
Luna looked up to the moon, a lot of emotions were mixed and they were reclaiming their freedom, so did she.
She sighed, it refreshed her.
“I just hope that I will find somebody who is worth my attention.”
Celestia hide her shock very well behind a smile, she wanted to say something but it wasn’t the time yet. “Goodnight Luna.”
“Rest well Celestia” Then Luna kept appreciating the starry night.
Only after she was far away from her sister’s bed chambers did she allow her mind to partially speak. “If she only knew.”
Next day….
All the incessant hard work of the maids finally gave its fruits.
She was ready.
But first she needed to check her figure one more time, just to be sure nothing more.
A smile worth gold graced her face the moment she stepped in front of the body-size mirror, normally she is against the idea of wearing a make-up but only for today she accepted and now she doesn’t regret it; her eyelashes were curled with extreme care every single eyelash had the same position, but before that they applied on her a delicate mascara.
Her midnight hair was braided with precision and equality; though it was a quite simple braid style but it matched with her appearance, double-lace side braid; at first she didn’t like the idea since she wanted something extravagant, relevant that would be the envy of any woman but that would take more than a morning so she had to accept this style but it resulted very well at the end.
Her dress was another commission to the best tailor in all of Equestria and it was finished a week before her birthday. Sadly because her sister, mother and father saw the dress and figuratively their jaws dropped, her father face palmed after seeing his daughter's dress, he understood why quite a fortune was gone from the treasury. The whole royal family had a long but very serious talk about humility and modesty, especially about humility.
So her dress suffered a LOT of modifications, beginning with removing all those ornaments made of silver and gold. Beside the weight of the dress could’ve caused future problems to her back. Now it was dress with blue and black which hugged her assets enough to show that her body was to be appraised, though that part belongs to Celestia who has more gifts than her.
But despite that simple fact, Luna was more desired than her sister; she heard that the candidates list had surpassed her sister’.
She loved to feel desired.
She wanted to see them fight for her favor.
But more importantly; she wanted to see what they were going to offer her.
What surprises await her?
She would never know until she goes and find out by herself.
An arrogant smile appeared on her face.
“I’m better than my sister.”
Not get her wrong, she also loves Celestia but she always wanted to surpass her she wanted more than her.
“And for the final touch…”
With delicacy she placed her personal crown on top of her head.
Now she was ready.
Without further interruptions she headed to her chamber’s entrance, once there with her magic she opened the doors and was greeted by a very special person.
“Mother!” She exclaimed “What a surprise!”
Her mother just gave her the motherly smile which she always gives. “You look beautiful, Luna.”
Luna replied in kind. “Thank you.”
“Just looking at you brings me back so many memories.”
Luna merely rolled her eyes while a cute smile adorned her young face.
“We shouldn’t keep them waiting, Luna.”
“Of course.”
One next to each other walked across the long castle’s halls, every guard bowed in respect when they passed; but Luna couldn’t care less about them. The only thing that mattered at the moment was to reach the gardens where she judge who is worthy to get her attention.
When they reached the entrance to the gardens the princess gave a deep breath before giving the first step.
“Now presenting her highness, Princess Luna!”
And the event began.
The orchestra started to play while all the guests applauded her entrance.
Two servants unfolded the royal carpet so the princess could head to her throne.
Glancing around the gardens, Luna found difficult to count the candidates one by one; there were just so many.
Giving the best of her smiles she began her walk to her throne; she didn’t greet or turned to see them, she just walked straight forward with her best posture.
Once sat on her personal throne, two guards immediately stationed themselves to her sides meanwhile the queen left all the attention to her dearest daughter, after all it was her day not hers; Only when her daughter was seated on the throne did she cast a spell to appear right behind Luna.
Once there she cleared her throat.
Silence, the orchestra stopped its piece of music.
“I thank all of you for coming to this special day.”
“Yesterday my daughter, Princess Luna, became officially an adult and as the tradition dictates we all called for your presence so the princess can choose her future husband.”
Everybody, except the guards, applauded.
“So I hope…”
Luna wasn’t very much interested of her mother’s speech, probably it was about how proud she was of her and that every single one must introduce himself and present his offering to her.
What she was really interested was the candidates themselves.
Everybody was in their finest.
The most expensive attires.
Unique hair styles, not a single one could be seen in another head.
They wore accessories made of gold or adorned with gold; canes, eyeglasses, monocles, hats, shoes, badges, and more.
And one of the important features for her, the age.
Between them were young and old men, but to her luck the old men were countable.
Though she couldn’t deny that some of the older candidates had certain attractiveness.
“And please wait for your respective turn.”
“With everything settle we can begin.” And the queen left the place, she had already got attention and she stated that she didn’t want that to happen.
Again the servants who unfolded the royal carpet began to undo their action so the waiting line could form.
The first candidate came in front; an aetherial, wearing his best attire which represented his family legacy.
Luna noticed that he was not in the peak of youth but he neither was old; he was between them so it could pass besides his attire is flamboyant, he wore vines but not real ones, his vines were made of cupper and well placed around his upper-body. His hair was white as the snow, his eyes were a tone of purple, his skin was tanned and much to her surprise each of his pointy ears had earrings made of silver with the shape of roses.
“I’m so honored by being graced with your presence you highness, but first allow me to introduce myself.”
The noble bowed in utter respect.
“My name is Acinus Arvum, son of the sixth noble house of Equestria which takes pride in their vast lands. We have specialized in the art of wine and now we are the number one wine provider to the royal family of Equestria and other kingdoms.
“However over the years we have been constantly working to obtain the best wine and we can proudly say that we achieve said objective; your highness my offer to you is our finest creation that is worthy for your lips to touch.” Then his personal butler brought the bottle on a small cushion.
Luna pondered about the situation.
But it wasn’t long, in fact it couldn’t have been called ponder since she took no more than 5 seconds to come up with an answer.
“I cannot deny the truth that your family produces the best wine that I’ve ever tasted, but I can acquire it when I please, and I can wait for your family to produce this wine in numbers.”
An innocent smile appeared on her face. “I apologize but the answer is no.”
Acinus clenched his hands in anger, ruining his white gloves in the process however he still wore the friendly smile. “Then I will take my leave, my sincere thanks for giving me part of your time your highness.” With a bow he left, his butler followed after bowing in respect.
‘Wine in exchange for my hand…BAH…He dares?!’ Inside her mind was a tantrum but outside was another story.
Another aetherial noble came in front.
“My sincere apologies but you will never have a chance, no matter how outstanding your gifts might be.”
The room was rendered silent; she didn’t give him the chance to show his worth, much less to speak.
But everybody who was youth understood immediately the situation and began their laughs against the rejected candidate.
He was old, and it was so easy to see since both hair and facial hair were complete grey; however he wasn’t that old.
“You should seek for ladies of your age.” Luna finished and with her right hand she tried to hold her laughs.
The old noble looked away and did his best to suppress the rage that coaxed inside him; all those mocking laughs were hitting him on his pride.
Then the rest of the older candidates also took their leave to avoid humiliation, however the harm was done.
Luna ignored the laughs and mentally sighed in relief, at least she wouldn’t have the need to invent excuse for them since she never had the intentions to choose somebody whose age surpasses hers by 30 or more.
“If you may.” She told to her guard.
“As you wish.”
Hit the base of his spear on the ground a few times, enough to get the attention of everybody gathered in the royal gardens.
The message was clear, so they continued.
The next candidate stepped in front, he was an aerial with white wings; his hair was grey and the same could be said with his eyes, though his hair had that color he was a young good looking man who had a small scar on his lips that made him look even more attractive.
He wore the formal uniform that every high officer of equestrian military wears, a long white cape that also covered his shoulders.
He had a full silver chest plate, and under his armor was a chainmail made of cupper. The bottom was also silver with the exceptions of the boots which were silver bathed in gold; and for the final touch on his belt he carried his formal sword which its shaft has a few jewels incrusted over it.
He looked more like a knight in shining armor than an actual officer; but in reality he was a knight.
He was the embodiment of every woman’s dreams, but for Luna this was not the case.
“Equestria a land were peace shall prevail, and we always recur to the diplomacy rather than unnecessary violence; so I will ask you to leave”
Everybody gasped without exception, guards, servants, musician and nobles alike. What their princess said was something which caught them off the guard, unlike the rejection of the older candidates the rejection of the young candidates was a very shocking revelation.
But what shocked them even more was that the princess plainly rejected a knight, whose reputation is very well known across Equestria and a few border kingdoms without giving him a chance.
The aerial knight stood there frozen while his jaw hanged open in shock; he was powerful, loved, desired, feared and handsome yet for her it didn’t matter.
“I believe I was clear, wasn’t I?” She crossed her arms.
“FINE!” With a wounded pride he left with heavy steps while his face wore an indignant expression.
Once he left other candidates who were part of the military left.
The ~~brat~~ princess of the night sighed, between the ones who left were the most attractive candidates; however there is still a lot to choose from.
Later…
Luna returned to her room with a face pure of anger mixed with frustration, but how she is a princess she couldn’t lash out where others could see her; that’s why she needed to arrive to her room with haste, there was a lot to relieve.
She slammed open the doors and almost immediately casted a sound barrier over the entire place; but before she could began to express her ire a familiar figure stopped her from doing so.
“It seems that you didn’t have a good day sister.”
Celestia.
She was waiting for her with crossed arms and with a glare that showed how much disappointed she had over her younger sister.
“Why are you in my personal chamber sister?” Luna didn’t have time for this; she wanted to get rid of her as soon as possible.
“I came to say that I’m very disappointed on you.”
“WHAT?!”
“Luna you rejected all the candidates in less than a day!” The big sister shouted. “You didn’t give them a chance to explain themselves!”
“Is not my fault that they weren’t worthy for my attention!” Luna shouted, if she hadn’t casted the sound barrier probably the guards stationed outside her room would have rushed in to check on them.
Celestia glared at her sister trying to pierce her thick skull so she could understand how immature she was acting.
“Luna, your attitude today was childish and completely improper for a princess of Equestria.” This time Celestia didn’t raise her voice, the words just left her mouth without remorse.
“CHILDLISH?!”
Celestia’s index finger pointed accusingly. “You are acting like a spoiled brat!”
Luna pale skin turned red of anger and hysteria. “YOU DARE?!”
“Yes, I dare sister.” Her tone was clear.
The young princess’ jaw dropped as her pupils turned pinpricks, her ears didn’t betray her; it was exactly what she thinks she had just witness her sister to direct at her.
“Get out.”
“Excuse me?”
“I SAID GET OUT!”
Celestia was beyond offended, but her sister was right; she didn’t want to be around her sister acting like that, the last glare she gave was hard but it seemed to do not affect Luna in the slightest; yet she couldn’t care less since she already gave a piece of her mind.
But before she completely left the room she turned her head. “Mother was wrong, you aren’t an adult.”
“OUT!”
Luna this time used the Royal Canterlot voice, the yell echoed through the halls and every single person was able to hear it.
Celestia’s right eye twitched and slammed the door closed.
Luna groaned and yelled in frustration, the pent up anger was still there but thanks to her sister the flame became stronger. She wanted to destroy things, incinerate them, shatter them rip them apart anything but punch it since that was not lady-like.
It was a good thing that the sound barrier was still on effect, or probably the guards outside could have gotten daft.
Luna after letting all the anger out lay on her back on the mattress of her royal size bed. There were still some negative emotions left, but it was tolerable for now. Staring at the roof she couldn’t think any other thing that her sister was wrong very but very wrong; she is Luna, princess of the night and the moon who now is a mature adult, an adult who can take her own decisions and doesn’t need of another to tell her what to do.
Besides it wasn’t her fault, is there was somebody to fault was them; they weren’t worthy of her attention and much less to be considered for marriage.
It was a good thing that the traditions had other possibilities if the first failed. If all the candidates of Equestria had been rejected then they will proceed to expand the search to other kingdoms.
A grin appeared when the thought came, she couldn’t wait to see what the other kingdoms could offer her that Equestria couldn’t.
“GAH!” Luna was lying again on her bed with feeling the soft texture of her pillow all over her face.
The kingdom of Kushia not only was a disappointment, it was an offense!
‘SLAVES?!’
‘They have dared to offer me slaves?!’
She took the offer as a direct insult, but she had to keep the façade of a good little girl and gently decline those offers.
Then they also offered gems and diamonds of unimaginable sizes but she had to reject them since she has many chest filled with those resources.
“Luna…”
The owner of the name sighed behind her pillow the moment she heard a very familiar voice.
However she didn’t remove the soft pillow “What do you want?”
“Tell me sister, how much time took me to hear and decline all the candidates of our home?”
“A week long.”She said in her muffled tone.
“You are right, a week… and in less than a week you have already rejected FIVE KINGDOMS!” Celestia couldn’t even believe her own words; he sister’s deeds had been shocking in the bad way.
“What’s wrong with you?!”
Finally the little sister removed the pillow from her pretty face. “I already told you sister, they aren’t worth my time.”
“You are incorrigible!” Celestia exclaimed in disbelief.
Luna didn’t feel like arguing with her sister again so he turned to her right side and tried to get some well deserved rest. “Go away.”
“Please sister, just hear me.”
“Please Celestia, leave me alone.” Her voice sounded tired than before, the sleepiness was getting her fast.
Celestia just sighed. “Fine…”
Celestia also was tired and didn’t want to give any step more; so she casted the teleportation spell and left her sister alone in her respective bed.
After all this days Luna’s heart ached, it seems that finally after all those discussion and yelling she understood that fighting with her sister was stupid and that is not how sister should act between each other.
Her eyelids felt heavy.
Tomorrow she will apologize, that was a promise.
Now it was time to enter the land of dreams.
As expect all the representatives had been rejected but now with the difference that this time she finally decided to follow her sister advice in hear them, rather than just rejecting them by mere sight; she would be lying that some of the gifts weren’t incredible however they weren’t enough for her, they lacked something that she couldn’t tell for sure.
But hearing them one by one should have taken a lot of time right?
Of course, but that’s another problem which got her attention and alarmed her.
The amount of candidates had been reduced by half.
It was time to apologize to her dear sister.
*Knock Knock*
Luna stood there a bit nervous, she didn’t know how to start; she could easily say sorry or just ran off while there is still time, she also didn’t know how her sister will react; will she be angry?
Will she yell at me?
Will she slam the door at the moment she sees me?
So many questions, yet so little answers.
“Luna…”
She immediately awoke from her self induced trance by the voice of her sister.
“Celestia…”
Silence.
Pure silence between them, it was very uncomfortable for them even more that days ago they were fighting and saying things to each other that now they regret with all their hearts.
Finally Luna was the brave one.
“Can we talk?” She felt so nervous.
“Of course, please come in.” Celestia stepped aside allowing her sister to step inside her room.
Luna hesitated for a moment but she went forward it was too late for turn back, her sister personal chambers were different than hers, starting that they were less luxurious. The bed compared to hers was ridiculous small, she couldn’t find any shiny object that could be considered as gold or silver or at least cupper, her body-size mirror had a simple design, the floor wasn’t filled with carpets of silk, she couldn’t see any chest of personal treasures around and there weren’t many furnishings.
When they were young both sister shared a room which together they decorated, she recalled the tea table and their favorites cushion with the form of a sun and a moon, their bed beds were so simple but at the same time expensive.
And she almost let out a gasp of surprise when her eyes caught the form of two things inside her sister’s room.
A tear threatened to fall.
There they were.
Their old tea table.
And their old child cushions.
Silently she kept walking with a heavy weight on her heart.
She couldn’t believe that she dared to believe that she was better than her sister; she never was and never will.
Both sisters took seat on the bed, despite it looked so humble the mattresses were another story.
Once again both sisters remained silent as they looked anywhere but the other.
Luna couldn’t take it anymore; she hugged her sister tightly and sobbed on her chest. Celestia was a bit surprised but quickly she returned the embrace including her wings while she caressed her sister hair.
She muttered over and over again the same words. “Is fine.”
The little sister just received the comfort that she needed and craved for.
The honest was that the last days were secretly a nightmare for Luna, always after ending a fight with her sister left a very but very bad taste in her mouth, the taste was so disgusting that she wanted to throw up.
Celestia gently lifted her sister’s head from her chest, and wiped out the tears that were still on her cheeks, the big sister didn’t care that her nightgown had been dampened , her sister was her only concern.
“P-please forgive me.” Luna sounded so weak.
With a warm smile she kissed gently the forehead of her sister.
“Luna, you are my sister I will always love you no matter what.”
That statement was enough for the sobbing princess to return a smile to her face, hearing those words of forgiveness warmed her heart and removed all the weight that she had to endure.
“What would mother and father think of me?”
“They love you Luna, never forget that.”
“Is just…I went against our teachings sister, I acted poorly. And today meeting was a proof of my terrible development.”
Celestia connected her eyes with hers. “Luna the past is in the past, what matter now is the present where you are trying to change for the best.”
Luna broke the connection and placed her head on her sister chest where she resumed her cries until there was no more tears left. Meanwhile Celestia continued to provide her comfort as she hummed a lullaby for her.
Luna felt so proud of her voice for singing, and now hearing at the hums of her sister she felt so little against her.
“Please tell how you meet him.”
A request which caught Celestia off the guard again, and filled her with surprise. “Why do you want to know?”
“I just…” Words failed her; she didn’t know what to say next.
However Celestia laughed at her sister petty problem. “Don’t worry sister, I will tell you the story.”
Maintaining the embrace she cleared her throat so the tale could begin with no problems.
“As expected I rejected all the candidates of Equestria after hearing them to end, the reason was that they didn’t make me feel special, they didn’t make me feel a spark which I sought. The same story was for the next two kingdoms, I gently declined them thought some of them were kind enough to leave their gifts as a signal of friendship, if I may add they were better than Equestria’s. Anyways, the third kingdom was a different story.”
“I remember myself sat on the throne wearing a bright smile, my hair wasn’t braided that day, my dress was too simple to be real; I think it was pure white, however I wore my gold collar and gold sandals for that occasion, so as always I gave a quick look and I will never regret that action. Before I could finish my eyes landed on him and didn’t want to move an inch, and inside me I felt a spark…a very powerful spark of passion.”
“At that instant I called for him to introduce himself forgetting about the rules that our mother stated, I didn’t care about the other who should have come before him; I was only think about him. He looked to surprised, I would even dare to call him cute; he was hesitant at first but at the end he came in front of me and introduced himself, the first thing that made him different from the rest was that he didn’t have a servant by his side.”
Celestia stopped and looked at her sister who was so enthralled by the story. “Do you know what he offered?”
As expected the reply came out of instinct. “What?”
“Nothing.”
Luna at first didn’t understand that, how he could have gone there without any gift?
“Well, technically he didn’t offer nothing, he practically asked me on…on a date in front of many nobles. But there was more, he didn’t ask to take me to extravagant and expensive places, he just wanted to walk with me in the gardens of the palace.”
“Then I accepted much to the dismay of the others but I didn’t care. It was my decision and mine alone, of course a lot of complains came aftermath but our mother took care of it. Honestly sister, I felt so nervous when the moment came, it didn’t help me the fact that I had two guards following me everywhere where I went. When I finally arrived I expected him to wait for me with carts filled with flowers or at least an expensive gift, instead he was there waiting for me with also his own guard. He carried a handmade basket which was filled with fruits but not the kind that is difficult to harvest or find it was the fruit that you can buy in any carnival or store and for the final touch he also had small treats, which later I found out he everything that he brought was made by his own hands.”
“That’s so beautiful!” Luna exclaimed, the sadness slowly leaving her.
“I know!” The blush in her sister face intensified.
“Together we spend the day talking and talking and talking, he told me so many things and I also did; occasionally he told me how beautiful I was and I couldn’t do anything but giggle a bit embarrassed. The environment was so friendly, so perfect that even ours guard began to talk each other to the point that they also joined us! Can you believe it? I never felt so happy before.”
“Sadly the sun set over the horizon and our guards needed a job to do, together we protested against this but they were under the direct orders of the crown and there was little that we could do, I felt so empty when we parted different directions; I always turned back hoping that he would be there, being separated didn’t feel right. That night I couldn’t sleep, my mind was clouded, I only could think about him; every time I closed my eyes I could see his smile right at front of mine so immediately I got up from my bed and went to my balcony, right there I stared at the night sky and counted stars hoping that I would have the chance to see a wishing star; but I was interrupted by a white bird which descended from the sky with a piece of paper and a small rose, with haste I read the note and it said the best words in the entire world, ‘Would you go out with me again?’ “
“…sister?” A weak voice attempted to be heard.
“It was so romantic!” Celestia continued.
“Everything was so perfect!”
“SISTER!”
“Yes Luna” The big sister finally broke up with the stupor, and looked at her little sister who currently was trying to break free from her amrs.
“Oh! I am so sorry, I got caught by the heat of the moment.” The blush that she wore didn’t leave her while she played with the tip of her hair, she needs to learn control of herself when she recall those beautiful times.
“It seems both… of you were destined to be with each other.” Luna had some difficult to spek since she was recovering al the air that she lost by that powerful grip.
“I also believe that Luna.”
“So what happened next?” Her curiosity was still unsatisfied.
“Well, the next day I ran to the throne room and… yelled a bit, just a bit… stating that I had already made my decision. Our parents called for his presence immediately and when he arrived he wanted to declare our engagement to the entire kingdom, but he stopped him from doing so. He said that it was too soon for marriage, it shocked everybody; including the guards. But then he held my hands and looked directly at my eyes while he said that he wanted to know better the girl who he has fallen in love. I loved the idea and mother too, however father was silent for a moment; only to laugh and accept his request.”
“Despite he can’t stay too long, he always do his best to come to visit me.”
“I am so happy for you Celestia!” Luna again hugged her sister with both arms and wings. “You should have married years ago!”
The sun princess returned the embrace with a smile. “I’m sorry sister but we have a promise to fulfill.”
There was no need for words anymore, both sister had already reconciled. They promised to each other to never fight again, sister should never fight instead they should help each other; if it wasn’t that Luna had to receive another kingdom she would have stayed even more time and played with her sister on the tea table of her childhood.
The next day Luna waited for the suitors with a big smile of pure joy and enthusiasm, it helped a lot the talk with her sister.
Then they came.
They were even less.
Her heart ached, however she keep the composure and the smile.
Contently she heard them one by one, some were tempting offers very tempting but any of the suitors made her feel the spark in her heart, they lacked something.
When everybody left she sighed with sadness, and the guilt overwhelming her; she perfectly knew why the number had been reducing in an alarming rate. After all... actions have consequences.
The next day nobody came, but it wasn’t what you think.
Actually there were no meetings for the day, since it was the turn for the far kingdoms. The travel would take them quite a time; so in that free time Luna spent it on her balcony reflecting about herself and the virtues that a real princess should have, and as more time she meditated the more she understood how many virtues she lacked and needed help as soon as possible.
Before going to sleep she passed beside her personal mirror…
She didn’t look a woman blessed with all the gifts that nature could give; she only saw her reflection, a little normal princess who was a lot to learn.
Sighing she went under her covers and entered the land of dreams.
She couldn’t believe it.
But her eyes were not lying to her.
The truth was right at front of her, yet she didn’t want to accept it.
It wasn’t fair.
But does she have the right to complain?
Today’s suitor could be counted with much ease, when they arrived she couldn’t hide her shock at the numbers.
It didn’t make sense for her; she was desired for so many, she had changed for the best yet her situation was only getting worse.
Why this has to happen?
She rejected all of them…as expected.
It was still early to head to her chambers, that day impression still pestered her mind as she walked on the royal gardens. The grass tickled her feet despite she was wearing sandals, the wind was constantly coming against her causing her long hair to slightly dance; the sun was still up but slowly nearing the horizon.
Luna recall the days when she walked across the field of flowers with joy when she used to be a child, now she walks again across the field but with no feelings. Silence and her thoughts were the only company she had, what happened earlier was terrible. But everything happens for a reason and something must have caused it first.
But what?
So many questions, yet so little answers; little answer that do not answer but only arise more questions.
She wished that her sister could be with her, but it was an impossible wish.
Celestia left a day ago with her fiancé on travel to visit his family and also future father and mother in law.
Alone she must proceed, and she can do it alone; she trusts her abilities.
She thought of everything that her sister told her and then what she was taught by her mother and father.
She thought, pondered, reflected, questioned, interpreted, idealized, etc.
Finally the sun reached the horizon, and she was still devoid of answers.
Sorrow was her companion all the time that it took her to arrive to her personal bed chambers; once again she stood on the balcony and looked the sunset till night took over it. The nocturnal animals began their day; the city streets became less livid, instead the taverns began their business, the guards changed turns.
Luna saw how everything developed before her eyes, there was nothing better to do anyways.
The fresh air of the night passed through her nostrils while from afar she saw small shining dots moving erratically, it was so easy to notice, those dots were the fireflies.
She was the princess of the night and the moon, her night was always a beautiful place to be; she loved it but she needed her sleep and it saddened her a bit that she couldn’t stay more time for appreciate what soon will be hers for right.
Leaving the best for the end, Luna finally looked up to see her symbol and pride, the white star object of the sky, her moon. Its light illuminated her and her pale skin felt the connection, then she knew what she wanted to do at that exact moment; what she needed to do to banish all the negative emotions which were overwhelming her.
She sought support on the railing made of marble and prepared her throat and voice; she practiced a few times the music notes and the scales. She knew many music pieces; she practiced with the best musicians of the kingdom she affined her voice to reach perfect scales, yet she wasn’t going to sing a lyrical song.
A simple melody of a single word.
Her voice alone was enough.
(You can hear the song complete if you want, it gives more life to the story :p)
That night an entire city stopped what they were doing only to hear the beautiful voice sang along with the night, musicians joined the voice and all the citizen gathered around them
Luna sat on her personal throne the next day….
Alone.
Utterly alone.
Nobody,,,
Nobody went that day.
B-but it was fine really, since they were coming from far away they surely had some unexpected problems leading them to delay their travel, they will come. She was sure that tomorrow they will be there waiting for her to grace them with her presence.
Another day arrived….
Silence in the gardens…
Nobody had presented.
Only Luna accompanied with her mother were the only attendants.
Everything fell around the princess.
She wept.
It was time to accept the nightmarish truth about the reality, it was time to face the reality which she had been denying, and it was time to accept the guilt.
All this time she perfectly knew that she was the sole responsible of this, she slowly caused this; her actions that cannot be undone are finally making themselves known.
“I’m so sorry Luna, please trust me that we did our best to find any suitor for you yet they refused even when we offered rewards.” The queen placed a hand on her daughter’s shoulder but not realizing the mistake she had just said.
What her mother said didn’t give her any comfort, furthermore; it made the matter worse; her cries of sorrow became louder to point that she was believed to be screaming. Nobody wanted to be near her, not even by paying them.
The queen quickly guide her younger daughter to her respective chambers, to avoid any more eyes see the pitiful state of a princess who used to stand with pride and strength. That fateful day they stopped calling for more suitors, and did their best to hide the truth from the public. Meanwhile Luna stayed all the time inside her room locked from the outside world, she didn’t allow anybody to enter and much to the surprise of many she ven didn’t allow entrance to her sister who came days later.
For her every day was the same, a torture; a reminder of her past mistakes that cannot be undone and will haunt her to the rest of her days. What she did every day was exactly the same that it became a lifeless routine; wake up, bath, comb her hair as much time as possible, receive breakfast, eat, leave the plate outside, comb her hair, shed a few tears, stare the sky until the next meal came to her door, comb her hair, stare the sky until the sun disappears, stare the night and finally enter the land of dreams.
And of course she didn’t change clothes she always stayed with her dark blue nightgown.
It was a very depressing state for a princess who had a very promising future ahead.
However the next day, it was different.
She didn’t want to leave the comfort of her bed, the only comfort she received these last days, and she would have stayed behind her mattresses if it wasn’t for the perseverance of the person who had been knocking the door for a long time without fault. Luna ignored the calls and they usually gave up, but this person had been there for what she assumes was hours; and she couldn’t stand it anymore.
She threw the mattresses and stomped her way to the entrance, she was already thinking to scold at the person who had been bothering her for so long. However destiny had another thing reserved for her behind those doors.
“Your highness, you have a new suitor!”
At that moment the world around her stopped, her eyes dilated, her hands trembled, her lips attempted to move.
“Your highness?” The messenger felt worried for the princess.
Sadly he never got a response from her; she just slammed the door close on his face, though for his luck he wasn’t very close to the door otherwise we might have had a broken nose.
A gleaming smile returned to her, giving life to her face that had been devoid of life the last days.
She began with cleaning herself; she couldn’t receive a guest without proper hygiene could she?
Then she didn’t waste time, she rushed in front of her desk mirror with bathrobes still drying the excess of water on her.
She had to cast spells for increase the temperature of the room so her hair could dry faster, everything while she combed her hair, action that was easier thanks for the days of repeating it over and over again.
Once dry, alone she braided her hair, using her magic she levitated several mirrors around her and tools for the current work; she already knew which style for her long midnight hair would have, the style which she wore with pride the first day. That was supposed to be a job for the servants but she couldn’t care less, she wanted to meet him as soon as possible.
Luna didn’t bother in preparing herself for a dress fit of a ruler, instead she just grabbed the dress which she always wear when she is inside the castle walls, her long casual blue dress which has no decorations or ornaments around, it was only fabric.
The preparations ended with placing her feet inside her sandals.
Then she took haste to the gardens, the curiosity, the joy and the hope clouded her mind from thinking rationally and practical; she could have used her magic to arrive sooner or she could have jumped off her balcony and took flight; instead she walked through the halls with a shining smile that artist would kill to immortalize in a portrait.
Celestia to happened to walk by, she saw her sister who was walking with such pace that didn’t look that she was walking if not trotting, at first she wanted to call for her and talk about what happened but she stopped herself from doing so the moment she noticed how livid and happy she was, the joy that she irradiated was even more than the day everything started. Celestia could only smile while her eyes adopted a sympathetic look, she felt happy for her and she only wished the best for her.
So close.
She was so close to arrive.
To arrive where somebody is waiting for her.
Somebody who saw past her errors and wanted to be with her.
She felt like walking on a tunnel with a beaming light at the end, she wanted to forget everything about manner and ran toward the light and embrace it with all her might; however her mind wasn’t clouded enough to forget about that.
Steps away she felt how the world went slow, she could hear her heartbeat against her chest; her blood felt a bit cold for the nerves about the typical question of ‘What if…’
She broke from her stupor when the grass tickled her feet again, she had arrived.
This time no carpet was unfolded for her entrance.
She didn’t need it anyways.
A there he was.
Right at the middle, he was standing.
He…
He was…
…A Terran?!
Luna really got a surprise out of that.
Putting aside that he was a terran, he was a young man who probably was older than her for a year or two, the style of his blonde hair wasn’t to be appraised; it was messy though it wasn’t stained or dirty to say at least. From the distance that was between them, she could tell that he was slightly taller than her while she quickly examined his size she noticed the color of his eyes; they were cerulean very similar to hers and under his eyes she noticed the freckles that his cheeks had.
Terrans who were part of the nobility wasn’t unheard of; however this youth wasn’t part of that special group. Luna noticed it thanks for a simple fact about him.
His clothes.
For starters they didn’t have any kind of decoration that could be appreciated from afar, then they weren’t made of the finest materials or materials that could be considered…acceptable for nobles, then the style and the fashion of his clothes. Everything combined shouted that these clothes were the kind that anybody could buy at a commoner store.
All hopes to find her beloved and her happiness died.
The man in front of her was a mere commoner, a plebeian without power.
The first thought of what to do was to yell at him and humiliate him for daring to mock her but she remembered what her sister told her; sighing she slowly made her way to be near his position so she could talk him face to face.
Besides she doesn’t have anything better to do.
“Please start with your name.” Luna said with listlessness in her voice.
He nodded. “Of course your majesty.”
‘At least he has some education.’
The truth is that, plebeians and commoners didn’t know how to read and write since the education was for the ones who could afford it, though some plebeians are able to afford it; but she just generalizes them since the majority surpasses the minority.
“My name is Orbis, I work the earth with my family and I became a blacksmith apprentice.”
Of course he would be working on that field, commoners; mostly Terrans, only stain themselves with dirt and grease what she could’ve expected?
Even more….
What does this simple commoner who had dared to mock her has to offer her in the first place?
Fruits?
Vegetables?
Farm animals?
Rusty tools?!
WHAT?!
With a bow of respect he spoke.“You highness I have devoted myself to you since the day you graced our town with your presence, I’m a poor plebeian who doesn’t possess riches or vast lands; so I have nothing material to offer to you.”
That was it.
She wanted to explode, Luna wanted to let out all the anger she was holding back. She wondered how mother could have allowed this, her mother was supposed to only allow the suitors who are worth and might be worth her time, what worth does this insolent fool have?
“However as a proof to show the veracity of my words I will remain under your balcony one hundred days without fault, I will survive with the rain and I will stay with only the clothes which I currently wear.”
“This is my sincere offer.”
Luna’s interest sparked just a bit, JUST A BIT.
His offer caught her mild interest since he was promising to achieve an impossible goal, she knew about the Terrans and their connection with the earth and the natural ability which they posses to connect with the energy of the earth and survive with it, so it was undoubtedly that Orbis was going to use his connection to attempt to complete his goal; however she also knew that they have a dead line of how much time they can remain connected with the earth; and that time was only a month and a half, any further the user will die. So it was impossible task since the amount of time he had proposed was more than three months; any living being in the world appreciate the gift of life so he is going to give up before he reaches the dead line, so when that happens she will take amusement from his failure.
Luna pretended a smile. “I shall accept your sincere and humble offer, one hundred days you shall remain there without fault, and surviving of what the nature force might provide you.”
He gave another bow of respect. “I thank you with all my heart.”
With her hand she commanded to one of the royal guards to escort him to the place that was accorded, only after he left did she use her magic and appeared in her room near her bed which without any second though she dropped with death weight sighing while she rubbed her face.
What a great deception she had.
A big, but very big deception… or was disappointment?
To clear her currently negativity she went to the balcony and she encountered ith a not so pleasant surprise…in away.
He was already there, Luna could see him giving a sincere smile one that she hasn’t seen before making her wonder about him for a glimpse.
She saw how he took deep and calm breaths and began the promise.
She wasn’t going to waste her time watching him, after he took seat on the grass she left the balcony and head to the royal archives to learn about something, anything that could help her to erase her mind from everything that happened that day.
However as she walked through the halls, she finally realized something very important for her and her family.
She was out.
She finally left her room, where she grieved without fault.
And she felt glad, content; she felt that a she turned to the next page of her book.
She didn’t care for him and his meaningless promise, but he actually did something very important for her and that mattered to her a lot. When he finally gives up she will compensate him for helping her to get over an episode of her mixed emotions.
“Sister!”
Luna was stopped abruptly by a pair of arms that quickly closed on her neck pulling her closer to another body; which it didn’t take her any time to recognize her beloved sister, Celestia.
“Oh Luna, I was worried sick!”
Luna broke from the embrace so she could properly talk to her sister, face to face.
“Now things have returned to the normal, there is nothing to worry about.”
Celestia face was graced by a smile, one that she uses to tease her sister. “So…Who was the fortunate?”
“What?” Luna raised an eyebrow in confusion.
“Who was the candidate that made you leave your room?”
“A mere plebeian who came with nothing than a promise to remain sit one hundred days below my balcony.” She answered with a straight face.
“One hundred days is an impossible task to achieve.” Celestia replied, her eyes widening at what she just heard.
“But I have decided to give him a reward for help me to leave my pitiful state, and receive another day with a smile rather with sorrow and dread."
“So, you felt IT?”
Luna became confused. “I felt, what?”
“The spark Luna!”
“Of course not!” The younger princess crossed her arms under her breast looked away offended. “He is only a commoner.”
Celestia almost immediately frowned at hearing her sister’s words.”I thought we had talked about this Luna.”
“I know sister but, do I need to remind you that your fiancé is a noble?”
“He was adopted by a noble house.” The big sister defended.
“That doesn’t change the fact that he forms part of the nobility.” Luna sounded so serious about the topic that there was no point in fighting again, so she just left it like that.
“Putting that aside, I’m so glad to see you again sister.”
With that said Luna resumed her journey to achieve more knowledge.
Luna returned to her bedchambers, it was night already she learned a few things about the economy of other kingdoms and how Equestria is trying to propose a worldwide currency. The comfort of her bed felt nice on her back and head, it was a nice feeling which caressed her with pure gentleness.
She could sleep early tonight, sleeping helps to increase the beauty after all.
Though…
Now that she was looking at her balcony, the curiosity began to slowly rise; she didn’t want to go and check but fighting against the curiosity was a hopeless battle. So rather than wait for it she got up and walked in direction of the outside.
And he was still there.
With curiosity satisfied she merely rolled her eyes in annoyance and returned inside. Then she headed to her bed where she allowed her eyelids to fell and embraced the night.
The time passed and Orbis remained faithful to his word, however for Luna it was matter of time before he has to give up for stay alive, the deadline is going to arrive in mere days. The princess had other better things to do rather than watching a foolish Terran attempting to do the impossible; but in that time she also used it for meditate and reflect even more about her persona.
Another thing was that it amazed her was Orbis’ will power and perseverance, she saw how the guards that were stationed there to watch over him, in case that he breaks the promise, had tried to tempt him by placing plates of food and blankets but failed since Orbis never accepted them; he just ignored them.
He had endured cold nights and hot days, she perfectly knew about the kindness of a few servants from the castle who those days they covered him with blankets in hope that he will not get sick; but Luna made it clear that his word must be respected and face the challenge ALONE.
But then she wondered after this episode what she will do with her life. She has no fiancé; in other words she is not engaged, and she doesn’t know when an opportunity will arise. She doesn’t want to keep her sister waiting too long; it wouldn’t be fair for her. Sometimes she wants to go to her sister and tell her that she cannot uphold the promise and pleads her to marry his beloved as soon as possible, they deserve happiness.
Sometimes she dares to go outside and seek support on the railing of her marble balcony with a beautiful sight. From there she feels the nature, but also she sees him there unmoving.
She wishes him to fail.
After all this time she wouldn’t like the feeling that somebody died for you.
So the days went on, she had a routine to follow.
Then before she knew it, the deadline has arrived.
One month and a half has passed already.
It was time for him to leave.
But he didn’t.
He remained there in one piece.
Luna at saw that her jaw dropped to the floor, she didn’t know if he was an exceptional case of will power or that he was a simple idiot.
He had already surpassed the limits, he surpassed the impossible; it was impossible for a reason yet Orbis was the living proof to prove that wrong.
Then deep inside her a question invaded her mind.
‘Is he really going to do it?’
Since that day Luna looked at him from her balcony everyday a small amount of time which as the time passed the time she spent watching him increased, first it was mere minutes, then it turned to a considerable amount of minutes which later turned almost an hour.
There were times that Luna wished for him to stare back at her and show her again the sincere smile which his lips had the first day. But the only time he breaks his mediation is when the rain comes which comes every three days to keep the royal gardens alive and fresh for everybody to appreciate and stand in awe.
So secretly she waited for that day to come sooner.
When the day came she checked her surroundings, which was unnecessary action since she was inside her personal room, and casted a spell upon her. She became one with the shadows , it was late night and she could see the clouds in the sky preparing to dropped all.
Meanwhile Orbis finally broke his meditation, he yawned in exhaustion and rubbed his face, he felt famished and thirsty however the day which he craved for, has finally arrived and his efforts will be rewarded with the best substance in the entire world.
Water.
Despite it was night, he could distinct the grey color of the clouds from the sky weakly he smiled and opened his mouth in wait for his fill.
Then after what felt for hours, drop after drop fell from the sky.
It was a refreshing and necessary feeling.
The thirst was not a problem anymore; however his hunger was another problem which was partially solved with the constant streams of water that he received.
With a satisfied thirst he felt how his clothes dampened again. He was glad that his connection with the earth didn’t allow the sickness to slowly destroy him however it didn’t help him to fight the coldness of every night.
As he had been doing, he took off his cheap shirt and began to clean himself with the rain.
However he was completely unaware of a certain princess spying on him while he bathed.
Luna felt her cheeks get warm, despite she was one with the shadows.
She saw his body figure that somehow it remained intact, probably was the connection that helped him to maintain his form.
Her eyes widened when she realized that she was doing something very improper for a princess like her.
In her shadow form she immediately went inside her room and went under her mattresses made of silk, once there she returned to her mortal form which couldn’t hide the red color from both cheeks. She could only hide her face with her hands but couldn’t hide the goofy smile that she wore.
She really wanted to feel how would be if he holds her….
Understanding what she had just thought made her to become devoid of emotions until the exhaustion took her to her sleep.
Luna received another day with a shining smile, when she went to the balcony and saw him still there fighting for her love.
He was different from the rest.
He was so different.
The other never had a chance against him, if he only has presented sooner.
She only knew little about him.
But the time they spent together made her feel like she knew him for a long time.
Only questions where in her head, she couldn’t talk to him but she wished so badly to do so.
He was so close yet so far.
The wild emotions which she needed to control.
It was platonic.
And that was good.
Watching him felt right for her.
She wanted him to remain there for her alone.
The time left was less than a month and Equestria was aware of the young man endeavor, at first they didn’t care in the slightest; they were sure that he would give up in less than two months but when he proved them wrong, the new exploded and became the hot line in every town, village and city. Citizen began to place their bets one side sure of his success and the other sure of his failure, but as the days keep passing the side that bet for his failure became worried. The crown was completely aware of the current situation and dispatched more guards to keep him safe.
The time was approaching .
Citizen from all over the kingdom traveled from their respective homes only to give Orbis encouragement and cheers, hoping that it will help him to keep fighting. At first some of the public tried to give him food and clothes to keep him warm however there was a rule and the guards made it clear.
The side who bet for his success was filled with joy since they were going to win.
Luna in the other hand watched him all the time she could give, of course she hide behind the curtains so the citizens wouldn’t be able to see her. She didn’t feel a spark, she never did.
Because, she has a flame on her heart which becomes stronger every passing day.
The royal family had already begun the preparations to hold two weddings.
One for Celestia.
And another for Luna.
Though, technically they only needed to prepare for one wedding since both sisters told their parents that they were going to marry the same day, at the same hour and at the same place. A strange request but acceptable.
The palace storage rooms were being filled with wines, food, decorations, flowers, tents, curtains, and more.
Only days remained.
Luna’s happiness couldn’t be expressed in a proper way.
She was technically jumping in glee.
I was only days before her grand day.
Her bridal dress was being finished.
Sadly she was interrupted by her sister who she stumbled with and fell to the floor.
“That was an interesting way to greet your family sister.”
Embarrassment invaded the little sister’s face. “I apologize; I wasn’t watching were I was going.”
“Don’t worry, seeing you like this only brings a smile upon me.”
A finger began to play with the hair.”Well…I just cannot believe he is about to complete his promise.”
“Me neither sister, it makes me happy that you will have somebody that feels for you that much.” But the smile on her faded. “However, I believe you should stop this and accept him already.”
“No sense sister, he made a promise to me and I will let him to keep his word.”
Celestia tried to argue back, but thinking it better Luna was technically right. “Very well, I shall trust your judgment sister.”
“So how is your wedding dress?”
The cheerful tone returned. “It almost finished sister! I cannot wait to wear it and stand in front of the altar with it!”
Luna this time hugged her sister. “Me neither sister, we will have the happiest day ever.”
“I know sister, I know.”
That night Luna dreamed.
Of course she always dreams.
But this time is different.
Luna is on the gardens in front of an altar wearing her wedding dress with both hands grabbing a bouquet of beautiful flowers.
In front of her was her soon to be husband, Orbis.
He was so handsome.
She ignored what her mother and father were saying on the altar; all attention was on him and all his attention was on her. It was so perfect.
“Luna, princess of Equestria; princess of the night and the moon; do you take Orbis as your husband, for the better, for the worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, till death do you apart?”
It was impossible and unimaginable for her to say no. Saying the two beautiful words came natural.
She looked directly at his eyes. “I do.”
“And Orbis, do you take Princess Luna as your wife, for the better, for the worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, till death do you apart?”
The moment she always desired felt so close, and with two words the seal will be completed.
“I do.”
The day has arrived.
Only hours were left.
And Luna couldn’t feel more impatient.
She woke up early than she was accustomed, she ran to the balcony and her smile widened when she saw him still there. One hundred days he had remained there without fault.
To pass the time quicker, she called for her maids to prepare herself for the wedding; it was a too early for that since the wedding would be held when the sun set over the horizon; the perfect time for both sister, when is not day, neither night.
Maids rushed to her bedchambers and began the preparations; they helped her to bath while other cleaned her midnight hair.
They helped her with the makeup and her hair style.
Again she chose the double-lace side braid, since that was the style which she used when she first saw him.
Then they helped her to put the dress which she will use and become a beautiful wife for the man who is worthy of her love.
“You look so beautiful your highness.” A maid remarked.
Sincerely Luna thanked rather than saying ‘I know’.
She has changed for the best, she isn’t more like her old self.
She learned from her past mistakes and since that day she will live as the princess she promised to be.
She stared at her reflection which also stared her back, she smiled with joy. She was going to get married.
She didn’t care about titles anymore, since she found a man worthy of her, a man worthy to be loved by her.
The time flew.
But she was sure that it was only an hour left.
From her place she could hear the cheers of her citizens.
She wondered how they will be when the wedding bells ring.
She was ready to accept him.
All his efforts were going to be compensated.
He will make her the happiest woman in the entire world.
“HE HAS LEFT HIS PLACE!!”
What?
Silence followed.
Silence that gave her a very but very bad feeling about the whole situation.
But she was sure that she misheard everything...
After all, he had came this far, why drop everything after so long?
It didn’t make sense at all.
Yet her smile on her face vanished.
She needed to be sure that his beloved was there waiting for her hand.
He must be there.
He promised.
Every maid stood there shocked their jaw wide open, but Luna couldn’t care less about them; she kept walking in direction of her balcony gently pushing aside any maid that was in her way. Every step she gave the more her heart ached; she felt like a knot was in her throat making it difficult for her to breathe properly.
Finally she arrived.
Orbis’ form was there.
Decreasing size as the time passed.
He wasn’t on his place anymore.
He was walking away…
Leaving her behind.
It was a lie.
A terrible but terrible lie.
Futher more!
She must be dreaming.
Of course!
That would explain the situation, it was plain impossible for Orbis to give up despite being so close to achieve his goal.
But why do her tears feel warm?
Why her cheeks are being dampened?
Why does she feel like she was stabbed directly at her heart?
Why does it hurt?
It felt too real to be considered a dream.
She was just denying the truth.
Both wings flared open and took flight in direction of Orbis’ way, she didn’t care that she was currently wearing her wedding dress, she wanted to catch up with him as fast as possible with him and talk to him.
It was difficult to fly for her, the weight of the decorations and clothes were slowing her down, without thinking she ripped of her dress scattering it away didn’t caring about where they might fall.
Then with a destroyed dress she descended in front of his walking form, stopping him from continues. She tried to look at him directly at his eyes but he did his best to avoid her gaze to connect with his, he didn’t want to see her anymore.
“I WANT AN EXPLANATION!” She raised her voice, and probably all the people who saw him depart had heard her broken voice.
Luna seemed angered but it was a façade which didn’t last long, finally she cried openly; tears ruining the mascara and spreading it all over her cheeks.
All the hard work of loyal servants from the royal family and the best designer in the kingdom turned useless.
If they saw her in the current state which she was in, they would surely faint of shock.
Orbis however didn’t care; he pushed Luna away with care avoiding to harm her in any physical way.
Despite she was pushed aside with gentleness, she fell to the ground crying even more. The injury that she has just received was too much for her too bear, her legs didn’t want to move anymore, her wings failed to respond to her commands. Even her arms were too heavy for move an inch.
However her red eyes from the constant cries noticed how he resumed his walk.
“I LOVE YOU!”
The three words were finally out.
She had just confessed to him.
And to her partially relief that was enough to stop him from leaving her.
He stood there like a statue, yet he didn’t turn back to see her.
“My heart belongs to you!”
“I don’t want you to leave, I want to hold you close to me as I want you to hold me close….please come back…” Her cries turned into sobs that didn’t let her to keep talking correctly.
“Y-you… l-love me?” Orbis sounded very weak
“Y-YES!” There was a faint ray of hope that he would turn and pull her closer to his heart where she wants to be and never leaves.
But fate had another thing reserved for her.
“One-hundred days I remained faithful to my word.”
“One-hundred days which I endured the cold and the heat.”
“One-hundred days which I battled against the hunger and thirst.”
“One-hundred days which I spent alone.”
“One-hundred days which you never came to cease my suffering.”
Luna at hearing his response froze, even the tears stayed in their place unmoving. The knot in her throat became tighter, her lips trembled.
All that time she only watched him from her room, the thought of helping him never came to her mind and when her sister told her to help him she plainly refused to do it.
“You didn’t even give me your words of encouragement.”
Orbis was right, and the true couldn’t hurt more.
“You were never worth.” With the true confessed he resumed his walk to his home without the intention of turning back where soon to be wife was.
Luna stayed in the same position frozen, however that didn’t prevent her from watching him disappear of her sight.
When his beloved’s silhouette disappeared, the rain fell all over the royal gardens.
However Luna couldn’t care less that her hair would be ruined, even less her destroyed dress was getting stained by the mud that formed under her and dampened by the endless drops of water.
Again she understood.
But she finally understood.
What she should’ve understood since the start.
Celestia and her fiancé cultivated the seed of love…
Together.
Together, they watered it.
Together, took care of it.
When the flower finally flourished he picked it up and together they consummated the love that together fought and worked.
But the story of Her and Orbis was the opposite.
Orbis cultivated the seed…
Alone.
He watered it alone.
He took care of it all the time, alone.
When the flower finally flourished he picked it up and walked away with his true love on hand, since there was nobody to give it.
She couldn’t stop the wails of sadness and regret.
That day a wedding was held…
A wedding which Luna didn’t assist, she just couldn’t.
And two promises were broken that very day.
Luna was sitting on the railing of her balcony staring the night sky and her white moon. It was calm, everything felt nice around her, the wind was strong neither weak; it was in the enough for her pale skin.
With a sigh another flow of emotions left her.
It had been a month since that fateful day which changed her life…
For the best.
At first she blamed him, she didn’t want to take any responsibility despite everything that she was told. She returned to her pitiful state but in a major scale; that couldn’t be considered healthy anymore. But slowly she began to accept her situation, though when he left her alone she knew it was her fault but the first shock impression was too much for her to bear at the time; that’s why as the time passed she learned more about her to the point to leave her room.
She didn’t hate Orbis.
Furthermore, she wanted to thank him for help her to understand and to finally mature as a real woman.
It was a terrible sad moment of her life but one that she got over it and learned, an big obstacle that required her effort to be passed rather than stay behind.
Now she wishes the best for him, hoping that maybe but maybe; one day she will see him again and thanks him properly.
She was at peace with herself.
“A beautiful night sister, wouldn’t you agree?” A new comer interrupted her personal meditation, though said interruption shouldn’t be called as such she welcomed it.
“Indeed Celestia.”
Her sister had to marry despite everything that happened that day, but she lives happily with her new husband in a castle that they not only designed together but worked on it together.
While Luna remained alone, but not anymore; her sister company was enough for the moment. Together the counted stars as they tried to find constellations or invent constellations to their tastes; they used to do that in their younger days.
Once in a while they shared a small laugh and some innocent pranks , like attempting to push the other off the balcony. Fort others that would be a joke of really bad taste but since they had the traits of both aerial and Atherial they didn’t mind.
But as ever, nothing last forever.
“You didn’t deserve anything of that Luna.”
“Don’t worry sister, personal experience is the best teacher.” Then a wide grin appeared on her face. “Besides I am impatient to become an aunt.”
Celestia’s face flushed crimson as she giggled. “That will take some time sister.”
It there was a moment to say something, this was the moment then.
This was the moment to let everything that had been haunting her for a long time and being finally at peace.
“S-sister…I’m sorry for not assisting to your special day.” Luna wanted to cry again, the wight on her heart was considerable and she needed help to over come it.
Help that her sister gladly provided.
” I forgive you Luna.” Her white wing pulled her closer.
A great relief passed through her, her heart wasn’t aching anymore the guilt was no more, joy overwhelmed her.
But her small moment was cut short when Celestia handed a small box with a ribbon on it, it was a gift.
Luna accepted the gift with curiosity on her eyes. “What it is?”
Rather than answering Celestia spoke. “I know one day you will find that somebody special.”
Luna as she heard; opened the tiny box and saw a very small seed on a small white pillow.
“When that day comes, together prepare the land where your love will grow correctly and healthy.”
Celestia placed a hand over her sister’s.
“And when the time comes.”
“You will see the fruit of your work.” Luna finished.
A lot of emotions invaded her being; most of them were positive emotions that overwhelmed her to point that a few tears fell from the corner of her eyes, those were tears of joy. She has a second chance.
It was only give time to the time.
Sometimes when we are willing to give the best of us as proof of our affection or loyalty, even to risk our dignity at least we deserve mere words of comprehension. People must make themselves worthy of the true love that is being offered to them.
