Author's Note

Sorry if this chapter seems a little rushed, i was trying to finish it while watching the panthers get murdered last night but anyway heres chapter 2. Warning solo clop

Drinking the moon

"But mommmm I dont want to go" I said pouting. My mother sighed in frustration. "I know Luna but its not an option this time" I rolled my eyes at moms unwillingness to compromise. "I'll do anything else I swear to Faust. I'll do all the laundry in the whole castle, I'll trim the bushes, I'll water the flowers, I'll clean the gutters just please PLEASE dont make me go" I begged.

Mom set down her coffee and looked at me "Luna listen I detest social gatherings and fancy do's just as much as you, but you are a princess whether you like it or not and its time you started attending these events". "But im not Celestia I hate all the fake smiles and compliments, why cant I just stay in bed, you can tell every one im sick" I said hopefully. Mother grimaced "Thats your excuse everytime. Luna im not going to be queen forever and you need to mingle with your subjects if your going to gain thier trust, you need to make friends"

"But I have friends already...." I started before Mom waved her hand cutting me off. "Friends besides Celestia and Essix and that little bat pony....erm what was her name?". "Nightshade" I grumbled. "Ah yes Nightshade". "Mom I-" "ENOUGH! Luna you are going to the ball and thats final. All you do is stay up all night with Essix practicing sword play and offensive magic, its time you took a more active role as a princess of Equestria"

I pushed my breakfast around on my plate as I mumbled to myself. "What was that dear?" Mother asked looking up from a letter. "Nothing" I replied knowing it was hopeless to argue with her.

Across the table Aunt Nebula had just finished up her morning dessert. "Trust me Luna darling I know these gatherings can be quite dull, but its a good chance to meet some nice young colts" she said as if that would change my mind. "Celestia has enough coltfriends for the both of us" I argued. "Thats because she's making an effort" mother said idly. "Aurora is right Luna, just put your best hoof forward and you may be suprised how much fun you'll have" Aunt Nebula said eyeing another pastry.

"But mommm, Essix doesnt have to do all this royal stuff, he gets to stay in the armory all day and night if he wishes" I said pushing my untouched plate away. Mom sighed and focused on me again. "We've already discussed this Luna, Essix is a special case, as the rightful ruler of this world, he can do pretty much as he pleases. If he were to desire the throne I would gladly step down after he was properly groomed for it. As it is he detests the thought of being 'prince Essix', he would rather be a knight, and that is his perogative" she narrowed her eyes and glared at me "You however are a princess first and a warrior last and Nebula is right, you may have more fun than you think". "And no more buts" she said as I opened my mouth to say that very word.

Knowing better than to keep pushing the issue I decided to just keep silent. "If it makes you feel any better Essix will be attending as well" mother said. I looked up quickly "Really?" I said. "Yes, I had to force him no less than you but in the end he agreed". Well maybe it wouldnt be all bad at least Essix and I both despised social events. We could huddle up against the wall and discuss how much we hated being dragged into it "Yes, Aurora has been recieving countless letters from parents who wish to arrange a marriage between Essix and thier daughters" Nebula said.

"What? Which parents? What daughters?" I asked quickly lookin from mom to my aunt. They both chuckled "Why Luna is that a blush? If I didnt know better I'd say you were jealous" Aunt Nebula teased.

"Wha-? Jealous? Hahahah" I said forcing a laugh. "You havent developed a crush on our dear Essix have you?" Aunt Nebula prodded. "No! I havent!" I said rather too defensively. "He's like my brother" I added. "Well he isnt technically any blood relation to you dear, and he has grown into quite the strapping young colt, i've seen more than a few of the castle maids staring after him" Aunt Nebula said matter of factly.

My ears grew hot at this "Well I...I mean....thats good for him" I finished lamely. "Luna if you've grown attracted to Essix its quite all right, he IS a very handsome colt" mother said. "MOM! Your taking Aunt Nebula's side? Celestia and Essix and I used to bathe together! How could you even suggest something so....so crass". "Yes you did used to bathe together and now your practice swords together. Now you two go off into the Everfree forest to hunt ghosts and timberwolves, in fact you spend more time with Essix than anypony else"Aunt Nebula said.

Before I could retort mother spoke up "Luna the way Celestia and Essix used to be inseperable made me wonder if perhaps they would one day become special someponies. But that was all childhood fun, they are still close, but they have grown apart in thier interests. Now you and he have more in common and that means that instead of growing apart you have grown closer" I was silent as I really couldnt argue with that, we HAD been spending an awful lot of time together. But we just had similiar interests that was all.....wasnt it?

"Your wrong, Essix will always be my brother and nothing more" I replied determined to win this argument. Aunt Nebula leaned forward and intertwined her fingers. "If what you say is true and you have no feelings for Essix then go to the ball tonight and meet some nice young colts, and let Essix meet some pretty fillies, if you can survive then I'll believe you" she said smugly.

I stumbled around for a reply. Mother chuckled while Aunt Nebula spoke up again "Whats wrong dear? Afraid you might lose?"

I stood up from the table "You have a deal" I said turning to leave. "Luna" mother called my name. I half turned towards her, staring questioningly. "Put your chair under the table" she said, sipping her coffee. "Yes mother" I grumbled

My eyes opened as the dream ended, my face was half embedded in his pillow. I breathed deeply hoping for at least a lingering trace of his scent. Sighed I sat up and stretched first my arms, then my wings. My internal clock told me there was an hour before I had to raise the moon and stars.

Once I had been very meticulous in the patterns that I painted in the sky. But as of late they had become mere random configurations. I had simply stopped caring long ago.

I remember mother once spoke to me of such pain. An Alicorn only took one mate in its lifetime. And thier hearts were said to be bound for eternity. An Alicorn is immortal in almost every sense of the word. Our memories never fade, our magic and knowledge and youth never naturally diminish. And our love lasts as long as we do, alas so does our heartache.

My mother had lived through the love and the heartache when she lost my father Sagittarius.

It took a great deal of magic and energy to conceive and birth an Alicorn foal. No couple had ever birthed two Alicorns, not for many centuries. The siblings would always be born as very powerful Unicorns or particularly talented Pegasi. I was the first second born Alicorn in 1,500 years. But the strain on my mother had been great, so much energy from the mother was required, that the physicians feared she would not survive a second birthing.

My father loved my mother very much, at least thats what she told me, I never met him. He had given up his lifeforce to save my mother and to allow me to be born. It had drained him to the point that his body had simply withered away. There were only two ways to kill an Alicorn. A death through violence or the relinquishing of ones lifeforce, which was akin to suicide in our culture.

My father had sacrificed himself to give life to me and to save my mothers. She had lived with the pain every day and night of her life. Sometimes at night I would hear her crying softly. But she had Celestia and I to remind her of him. She said it made the pain more bearable.

I thought I understood her pain then, but now I truly felt the weight of longing and yearning. How blessed was Celestia that she had never taken a mate, other than for recreation. Essix was my first lover, and my last, I would never allow another to touch that which only his hands had ever caressed.

I clothed myself and teleported into the dining hall, Celestia was absent, no doubt preparing to lower the sun. Knowing where she would be I teleported into the highest tower of the castle. There I found Celestia working her solar magic. Her wings outstretched as her hands drew sigils of white energy into the air. Her eyes glowed a solid white as her magic surged forth.

The sun slowly lowered below the horizon. The lower it fell, the less her aura glowed until finally it faded completely. No words were spoken as I stepped next to her. My wings outstretched in mimic of hers as a soft dark blue glow enveloped my body. My eyes glowed a sapphire hue as I traced sigils in the air of like color.

I did not know what when through my sisters mind as her power raised and lowered the great burning sphere every day. But for me it was exhilirating, or at least it used to be. As my powers grew, my mind reached out into the cosmos. I was aware of every constellation in the Equus system, almost intimately so. Every moon that orbited the lifeless planets that surrounded ours was mine to control, to command. Every constellation was mine to twist and contort as I saw fit. But even such power had dulled with the loss of my mate.

I now merely raised the moon as quickly as I could, splashing random constellation into the black canvas above me. All the sooner to be done.

Once he would stand with me in awe of the masterpieces I would design, more for his pleasure than my own. Now it was just another tedious chore.

As the moon fully rose and my power reached its peak I heard Celestia shuffle her wings. "Nicely done sister" she said. "Thank you, quite the brilliant sunset you concoted, as always". "Well" she said waving her hand dismissively "I have had 4,000 years of practice" she chuckled. I allowed a small smile to grace my lips in return.

Celestia bit her lip, it was a sign that something was on her mind, but she didnt know how to phrase it. She had obtained that little habit as a filly.

"What is it sister?" I queried. She looked up quickly denying that anything was bothering her. As usual I had to coax it out of her. Finally she came clean "I was just wondering, if perhaps you'd join me for dinner tonight? Its been a while since we enjoyes eachothera company over a hot meal". I smiled inwardly, I knew exactly what she was trying to do and I appreciated the gesture, but i would much prefer my own quiet and solitude. The hustle and bustle of the castle had never been intriging and it was even less so these days.

"Thank you 'Tia, but I would rather take a long shower before I begin the rest of my nightly duties". Nodding her head, gave my shoulder a small squeeze and teleported on the spot.

Following suit, I too transported, rematerializing in my opulent bathroom. The color scheme was far diffrent from the purple and dark blues of my bed chambers. The floor was of polished ivory granite tiles. Gold trim seperated the seperate tiles one from another. The bath itself was an even grander affair. Big enough for 10 ponies and made of a light grey onyx stone. In a pinch it could substitute as a small swimming pool.

Passing by I made my way towards the shower. It was an open showers, no doors or knobs, only a drain in the center of the tiled floor and a silver shower head from above. It was easily the newest addition, as I had it made especially for Essix, he always did enjoy showers more than bathing.

I was never a fan of washing with steaming hot water, I always preffered a gentle warm sensation, but Essix would fill the entier bathroom with steam from the heat of his showers, and I must say I had grown accustomed to them as well.

Stripping my gown, I tossed it behind me, hearing the quiet swooshing noise as it teleported before it hit the ground. There I stood fully naked as turned on the water and adjusted the temperature to the desired effect.

Celestia and I had always been polar opposites, in both personality and interests. The shape of our bodies was no diffrent matter. Despite being known as a kind and just ruler, Celestia was also highly regarded and lusted after due to her ample breasts and full thighs. Her plot was the subject of many wet dreams, as I was all too familiar.

For my part, I was more slender and lithe than my voluptious sister. My breasts. were smaller and my hips not nearly as wide. Once I had thought that I was not as beautiful as my elder sister. Despite the many marriage requests and Stallions desiring to rut me. It was only when Essix became more than my adopted brother that I felt truly attractive.

How I missed the attention he lavished upon me. How his masterful hands would caress my coat, how they would work along my spine and trace the dimples in my lower back. How his lips would kiss my neck, and the feeling of his sharp canines nipping playfully at my throat.

I longed for the way he would kiss his was down to my collar bone and gently trace the sensitive area with his tongue, and then pepper my breasts with gentle kisses.

I hadnt even realized that my hands had started to grope my breasts as they remembered his touch. His skillful tongue would swirl around the tips of each soft mound. The flexible appendage contrasting so inticingly against my dark areola.

Slowly my hands crept towards my navel. He had always loved to tease me there with his lips. The area was so sensitive it was almost ticklish. Sometimes he would lavish extra attention upon it just to bring me into fits of laughter.

But his favorite spot, as well as my own was just slightly lower down. My fingers moved of thier own accord as the parted my dark blue lips. With my other hand I slowly pushed a two fingers inside. The water from the shower as well as my own juices made for an easy entry as I gently prodded the place where once his tongue had made its home.

Gently I pulled out both soaking wet digits then returned them with more force, mimicking the piston like motion that he knew I loved.

I could almost envision him atop my body, his strong arms forcing my legs apart as he ravished me with his tongue. How he would hold me in place when the pleasure became too much to bear and I would try to squirm away. A deep moan escaped my lips as I began to stimulate the small nub, that he loved to tease.

He would laugh gently everytime i would grab his head and push him deeper and deeper into my moist folds. I pulled my fingers free from thier tight confine and guided them to my mouth as I tasted myself, something he had loved to see me do. My other hand quickly replaced the missing digits as I furiously assualted my swollen mound.

My breathing was becoming more and more ragged, the moans longer and more drawn out. I could feel my inner muscles clenching tighter and tighter, undulating around my figers like a powerful serpent.

I was so close, just a little more and I would-

And as suddenly as my orgasm had been so close to erupting forth in a tidal wave of pleasure and relief, it was just as suddenly gone. I knew why of course. No matter how clear and lucid my memories they paled in comparison to the real thing. With enough free time I could easily bring myself to climax in my bed or bath. But here in this shower, I could not. Because this was OUR place. At least once a day our bodys intertwined under the fall of crystal lava. Sometimes just a quick session before breakfast, or a long sensual affair after dinner.

No. No matter how long or hard I tried, this spot was sacred and without him here it was always impossible for me to climax in this place

Sighing I began the actual task of lathering my coat and washing my long, star speckled mane. After a long shower and a role in the proverbial hay, Essix and I would stay fully nude and air dry while we retired to our bed chamber. His antics would always have my sides splitting from laughter. I loved how he talked with his hands, making grand gestures as if his mere words were not enough to convey his meaning.

As much as I wouldve loved to reminesce all night long I had other duties to preform. A small bit of magic later and my coat and mane were fully dry and a dark gown adorned my body. As usual a large hood surround my face, it had become a habit over my years of mourning.

My favourite method of filtering through the dreams of Equestria was to simply glide on the wind above the lands, catching whatever nightmares I came upon and altering them into pleasant dreams. I could have done it from my bedroom, or anywhere for that matter, but I always found this to be the most effective and pleasing manner.

As I drifted above the towns and settlements of our vast lands, I could make out the various dreams of my subjects. Whereever a pleasant dream formed an sapphire aura, almost smoke-like in substance would waft above the residence. In the case of a nightmare the smoke would take on a putrid green color. I was the only one that could see these auras and tonight there was quite a shortage of nightmares, meaning another slow night ahead of me. But in a land as peaceful as this nightmares truly were few and inbetween.

Normally only small foals would experience them, the childish mind has no limit of imagined dangers and monsters. Older ponies and Alicorns had nightmares more frequently due to thier long years and experiences. But tonight every house I passed over exuded a soft blue glow.

I sighed, not that I wished bad dreams upon anypony, but they did tend to keep my mind occupied. I came to rest above Trottingham, which coincedentally was where Aunt Nebula and her son Star Luster once lived. Star and Essix had been best friends growing up, even after Essix took an interest in combat and Star began learning the ways of a politician they remained close. In fact it was Essix that had indirectly been responsible for Star meeting the mare that he would later marry

"I cant believe Aunt Aurora managed to rope you into coming" StarLuster smirked at the obviously irritated human. Essix shook his head "If it was anyone but mom, i wouldve flat out refused" he confided. The castles ball room was large, even by royal standards, but even its extravagant size had limits as 1,500 ponies had managed to attend. Needless to say the dance floor and refreshment areas were so crowded, one barely had room to squeeze through. Essix and StarLuster had been leaning against the wall sipping on thier beverages. Essix was merely uninterested in the festivities, while Star was simply to shy to walk up to a mare and ask her for a dance.

Thats not to say they werent drawing looks from lusting females. Both young royals were attractive and they had certainly dressed for the occasion despite the one's nonchalance and the other's timidness.

"There certainly are some nice looking fillies out tonight" Star murmered over his drink. "Yeah I guess so" Essix shrugged. One particular mare had been eyeing the two friends for some time, deliberately dancing close by as well as putting on a slightly provacative show by dancing with another mare.

"I think she likes you star" Essix said as he swirled his drink around with his finger.
StarLuster blushed "Who?". "That light purple mare with the braids". StarLuster quickly spotted the mare not 10 feet from them. She was gorgeous.....the most beautiful Unicorn he had ever seen.

Her mane was long and silvery, a single purple streak running its length. Her eyes were a bright turqouise. She wore a low cut, form fitting dress that matched her eyes perfectly. Her purple coat almost glittered in the light of the ballroom.

Essix laughed as StarLusters tongue was practically lolling out of his mouth. "Go talk to her" he prodded, nudging his friend in the side. "Wha-!" Star said tearing his eyes ftom the luscious mare. "No I...I'm fine, hehehe this is lame, I'm probably going to leave soon". "Star come on, we've been here two hours and that mare has been giving you bedroom eyes for half that". "R-really?" StarLuster turned to gaze at the purple Unicorn again. "Yeah, she was probably staring at you Ess". Essix shook his head in disbelief. "Come on she practically eye rutting you from across the room". "I...well I mean....maybe I could-". Essix sighed "Wait here" he said cutting Star's rambling off.

The human strode confidently up to the two mare and grandios smile on his face. "Hello my lady" he said offering small bow. This mare was obviously more mature than most her age, instead of gigglishing foalishly, she smiled an returned the bow. "You must be prince Essix" it wasnt a question but a statement. Essix grimaced at the title. "Just Essix is fine, but my friends call me Essy, or Ess" he responded. "Well 'Essy' its a pleasure to make your aquaintence, how relieving that only some of the rumors where true". "Rumors? What sort?". "Well you are tall but certainly not a giant. Your eyes donot glow like fire, though they are quite fetching, and you teeth arent quite as imposing as I had been led to believe".

Essix shook his head as he laughed. "Im must say im ashamed that I dont quite live up to the legends". "On the contrary" the purple mare said batting her eyelashes "I find that the legends dont quite live up to the stallion". "My name is Radiant by the way. RadiantSparkle". Her smile was certainly a sight to behold.

"Im sorry for bothering you but my cousin and I" at this Essix pointed across the room at StarLuster "Were having a debate concerning you". "Oh?" Radiant said, her eyes widening in suprise. "What about?". "Your flank" Essix said bluntly. Rather than look offended, the purple mare actually looked intrigued. "Or more specifically your cutie mark". "What of it?". "Well, we were trying our best to guess what your special talent might be, and Im afraid we ended up at to completely diffrent theories" Essix explained. "And what sort of theories may I ask?" Radiant was really enjoying this as Essix could tell, or at the very least his presence, not exactly what he had planned.

"Well my cousin, whose name is StarLuster by the way, is convinced that your special talent is navigation". At this RadiantSparkle's eyes widened slightly. "And what basis does he have for his theory?" She asked. "Well he says your cutie mark is made up of two constellations. Eqis Dratonis, and Eqis Valori. Eqis Dratonis is a set of stars revered by scholars, everyone knows the story of the Alicorn twins Dratonis and Valori. Dratonis was a patron of philosophers and teachers. His sister Valori was a guide to the afterlife. It just so happens a star in the Eqis Valori constellation is the brightest star in equstrian astronomy. As such those lost, or having to navigate without the use of magic, rely upon its position in the sky. Now you could just as easily be a teacher or philosopher, but the way your hooves are slightly harder and thicker than the average mare, suggests you spend quite a bit of time standing. You also have exquisite calf muscles which says that you spend alot of time walking, and lastly the way you were shaking your flank earlier is not something most educators would do in public. Thus leading him to the conclusion of navigation". During Essix's explanation RadiantSparkle grew more and more impressed, as well as repeatedly staring at StarLuster with greater interest.

"And your theory?" She said drawing her attention back to the human before her. "Gardening" he said as he turned from her and strode towards the bar, nodding towards the mare that had been silent throughout the whole exchange. Looking intrigued Radiant made her way over to Star, who felt like he was being forced to swallow a rather large pill.

At the bar, mares and stallions were drinking and making idle conversation. A rap of knuckles on hard wood drew the bartender's attention and the jetblack stallion known as BottomsUp approached Essix. "What can I get for you Ess?" He asked, drying out a freshly washed glass.
"Eh, suprise me Bottoms" the human shrugged.

BottomsUp was not the stallions real name of course, that would be ludicrous. His real name was DarkHoof and his talent was carpentry. He was also one hell of a drink mixologist. He got the royal bar man's job due to the fact that he and Celestia used to be special someponies. She was also the one that gave him the nickname BottomsUp. After they had discontinued thier relationship, Queen Aurora had kept him on as head bar man.

The stallion slid a glass filled with a dark liquid towards the human. It was a strange concoction. A bird's eye view revealed small specks of a silver crystylline nature. Any other pony may have been suspicious of unknown crystals in thier drink, but not Essix. Although he wasnt fond of being treated like royalty, it did have it's perks. Noone was going to purposefully drug a royal's drink at an event such as this. Well assassins perhaps, or jealous nobles seeking to remove any competition, or even a slighted lover. In any case Essix had always been more brave than careful, although queen Aurora called it foolishness, and Aunt Nebula had another name for it. Stupid.

The Liqour stung as it made contact with the human's throat. But it was a good burn, which quickly turned to a honey-like flavor. There was also a hint of blueberries and another unknown flavor. Perhaps that was from the crystals?. Regardless Essix was addicted immediately. Well maybe not addicted but very fond of the liquid.

"Whats in this Bottoms?" Essix asked smacking his lips. BottomsUp smiled as he named of the ingredients. "The base is a Blueberry cider, a little honey liqour, and Moon essence". That explained the crystals.

Moon essence was a very rare, mysterious substance. It was supposedly made from the filtered light of the full moon's rays. Only a very talented Unicorn could condense the particles of the moon's beams into crystal form. However it could take several years to accumulate a sizable amount, but the profits were substanstial. A single pound was worth several thousand bits and it was always in high demand. It had many properties, both medicinal a magical, it also was a sought after alchemical ingredient.

"So whats it for?" Essix asked, wondering what such a valuable ingredient was doing in a glass of fermented juice. "Well I figured out a way to use Moon essence to prevent a hangover no matter how much somepony drinks. After I told Queen Aurora about it she ordered 100 pounds for tonights ball". 100 pounds? Well the Queen had spent close to a million bits just to ensure nopony suffered a hangover, but then again money was the least of the Queen's worries. Essix downed the rest of his drink and ordered another.

From his seat at the bar, Essix could make out StarLuster being lead through a side door by RadiantSparkle. He chuckled to himself, as the blushing stallion stumbled along behind her.

Across the room a dark blue Alicorn entered, dressed in a dazzling silver gown. Essix's attention was immediately drawn to the princess. He had never seen Luna look so.......beautiful. But then again he had never paid much attention before. She looked so adorable standing there looking completely lost in such a setting. Essix grinned inwardly, Luna and himself were so alike, he knew she was just as repulsed as he was by the ball. He ordered another drink to take to her.

'Maybe I'll ask for a dance' he thought to himself. It wasnt like they were actual siblings, nevermind the fact that they were two diffrent species. Slowly steeling his resolve, while still unsure if the liqour was effecting his judgement, he made his was through the crowd.

Maybe there was more there than just a familial bond. Perhaps the human had fallen for the princess? Oddly the thought seemed more and more pleasing the closer he came to Luna. What would thier mother say? What would Celestia say? What would anypony say if they found out that Essix may have romantic interests in his adopted sister. Surely it would be a scandalous affair, but in no way illegal. Of course it was all pointless conjecture unless Luna felt the same.

But she must, at least to some degree right? Otherwise they wouldnt spend so much time together. And Essix was sure he'd seen her looking at him with at least mild interest.

With only a few more ponies between himself and the Lunar princess, he strengthened his resolve.

And then had it shattered as a crimson coated Earth pony engaged Luna in conversation. Essix was torn, should he interrupt? Or just wait till Luna got rid of the stallion on her own? Surely she wasnt interested, she'd never shown interest in anyone before. A few moments passed and Essix actually saw the princess smile and blush. The. His heart fell as she took the stallions hand and followed him to to a table where they sat and engaged in conversation.

Thinking quickly, Essix adressed the nearest mare to him, a pretty, silver coated Pegasus. He offered her the extra drink and asked her for a dance, to which she excitedly accepted. But as her hands gripped his shoulders, Essix kept throwing crest fallen looks at Luna who was currently laughing, seemingly transfixed on the red stallion.

He knew he shouldnt have came.