From all of the feelings that Princess Luna expected the village to inspire within her, nervousness was certainly not one of them.

By no means was the princess a stranger to curious onlookers. Being royalty, she was fairly used to the feeling of being stared at; to the murmurs of voices diluted through an agitated crowd. However, back at the rising city of Canterlot, most gazes directed her way did not see her but instead saw Princess Celestia’s little sister.

At times Luna could not distinguish if the lack of acknowledgement was less offending than the sheer surprise in the face of their “subjects” once the notion of her identity settled in.

Nonetheless, those feelings drowned in the sheer warmth that crept upon her cheeks as the disguised royal followed the large mare’s hoofsteps faithfully. After so many decades of relentless work in obscurity, the raw curiosity which the villagers’ eyes directed at her felt like a fresh start. It made her feel bashful, and slightly flustered even.

The fur cloak surrounding her body did well to hide her colored cheeks as Diana marched forth through the place, guiding the pegasus to the village’s main hall as many other ponies peeked at the strange mare being escorted. Some even walked alongside the duo while briefly exchanging words with Diana.

Paying no mind to the chit chat Snowfall ran her eyes over the village; the houses were placed in a circular fashion around the main hall, with streets made of rough rocky bricks in between them creating distinguished paths while adorned by sparse and coarse foliage.

As for the builds of the local ponies, Luna could not be anything but impressed by them. Children were as tall as teenagers, while mares were taller than your average stallion, and most stallions towered over everyone else by a dozens of centimeters. Unlike common ponies, their bodies held naturally strong muscles which granted them both power and the warmth necessary to live at such an unforgiving frozen land.

Walking absently minded, the princess felt her cheeks starting to cool off as she got used to the gazes of the adults and how the colts and fillies curiously but cautiously tried to approach her. A younger foal even tugged at the cloak, causing her to stop in her tracks and look over her shoulder only to witness the foal’s older brother pulling the child away and scolding her lightly. Luna couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight.

• “Hey Snowfall, come in.” - Diana called out, standing by a tall and large opened door as she motioned with her muzzle. Two equally large stallions stood parallel to her, one with his arms folded and the other wearing a warm smile with his hands on his hips.

• “Of course.” - Looking upwards, the pegasus admired the building before she walked the remaining meters between her and the large doors. About to go in, she undid the buttons of the cloak and started to slide it down her shoulders but Diana interrupted her.

• “Keep it for now, you need it more than me.” - With a playful smile she pulled it back on and buttoned the cloak again, before giving the smaller mare a tap on each shoulder to nudge her forward.

• “Thank you, again.” - Entering the large building the warmer air enveloped her in great contrast to the cold one outside, swirling in circles, carrying small snowflakes in as they fell down the entrance.

A moment of absolute silence reigned as the door was pulled closed with a few creaking sounds; Diana and the two stallions coming in alongside her.

Upon closer inspection a spark went off in Luna’s memory… Those stallions looked like the pair that she found fishing the first time she paid a secret visit. Her eyes widened and her lips parted, but before she could say anything their gazes all turned forward as the sound of hoofsteps resonated through every corner of the large room.

Stone walls and arcs were supported by large wooden girders that sustained balconies acting as a higher floor, filled with ponies who had ceased their tasks to take a look at the newcomer. A round and large table stood at the center of the place, while robust stallions were by the doors at different walls, yielding large battle axes.

Torches adorned the place granting them light and heat. At the center of the room stood a pair of throne-like chairs which found themselves empty as a couple of elegant ponies were walking towards the group. By their fancier garments and seemingly olden age, Luna could tell that they were the villager’s chief and chieftess respectively.

• “Why Diana, who is this pretty bird you brought in?” - With a motherly tone the elegant tall chieftess approached Snowfall, being none too shy to casually lay her hand under her jaw and raise it to get a better look at her face.

Not surprised by physical contact by now, she smiled gently in return. - “Thank you for the compliment.” - Snowfall said while noticing the marks of time on the mare’s features; the chief couple had to be in at least their fifties.

• “Honestly I just found her outside by the main path down the mountains. She was chilly so I brought her in… There is no way for a pegasus to fly through tonight’s blizzard.” - Explaining calmly, Diana had her arms crossed.

• “Indeed. And what are you called, dear?” - A deeper voice joined in the conversation. Unlike his slender and elegant wife, the chief had a rougher build adorned by longer fur than average, such as his fetlocks and beard.

• “I’m Moonlit Snowfall.” - Answered the pegasus in a confident tone, masquerading her bashfulness.

The chief couple exchanged a glance, communicating without any words as the chieftess nodded and laid her hand on the mare’s shoulder. - “It truly befits you. I am Noelle, and this is my husband Liam. We have hopes of knowing how you came across Månviken, so once night falls and everyone gathers, would you be so kind to share the story?”

Noelle’s electrical blue gaze bore into hers waiting for a response as her long slick black mane fell to the left, hiding half of her face.

• “Of course, chieftess Noelle.” - Answering politely the pegasus proceeded to give a small bow of her head which managed to get a chuckle from the older mare.

• “Although I appreciate the manners, there is no need for that. Now join us for a hot beverage as we wait for everyone to be done with their daily tasks.” - Smiling kindly, Noelle didn’t even ask if Snowfall actually wanted to drink.

Standing there baffled at the hospitality for a moment, Snowfall looked at Diana over her shoulder. - “Is this custom of your village?”

This immediately got more giggles out of the trio behind her as the bigger mare caught her breath and ushered her forward with a hand. - “You get used to it, now let’s get you something hot.”

With the sun sinking below the horizon as afternoon gave away to dusk, villagers slowly returned as their tasks were finished, heading to the village’s hall in hopes of getting to know of their strange little visitor.

Having finished a hot mug of apple cider, Snowfall sat in one of the various chairs brought to the main room of the big building as ponies congregated. She felt their curious gazes tracing over her as she sat in front of the chief couple by the edge of the large round table. Diana and the brothers who presented themselves as Kari and Blaze were sitting closer to the olden couple than most other ponies, as a large chunk of the village had turned up.

Focusing on the feeling of her chest rising and falling with her steady breaths, Luna thought of what she was going to tell them for the tale of the mare known as Snowfall. She did not have to search far for a story, however, there were a few adjustments to be made upon names and events. Despite her own distaste for lies, the princess’ own life and problems were the last thing that she desired to put up with right now and that was more than enough motivation to fuel her creativity.

The sound of casual conversations between the merry villagers filled the room as the words became mixed and almost indistinguishable; even so, Snowfall’s ears turned backwards as the heavy wooden door creaked open and closed one last time for the moment. Shortly after, a young stallion greeted a few ponies which cheered in return.

Walking towards the chief couple, said stallion gave a small head bow before Blaze pulled him into a side hug. Most ponies, such as Kari, Blaze, Diana or even Noelle had darker coats adorned by fancy markings of all types... But this stallion’s coat was of a snowy white tone devoid of markings. His mane was also white but with icy blue stripes, and his eyes had a strong ice blue color to them. He wore a long black cloak with a fuzzy layer upon the shoulders and a hoodie folded back.

• “Now, everypony.” - Said Liam after he stood up, causing all conversations to cease as the ponies directed their attention to him. - “Many may have already noticed, but Diana found this young pegasus mare earlier today named Moonlit Snowfall by the main path to the village. And since a blizzard will occur tonight, we shall offer her a place to stay while it blows over… So in the meantime, she may share the tale of what brought her to Månviken. Won’t you, Snowfall?”- Inquiring with a calm tone, Liam had now shifted everyone’s attention to the pegasus.

With a small sigh to relax her nerves, Snowfall corrected her posture in the chair as she held her back straight. The cloak was now loosely placed on her shoulders and had been unbuttoned, revealing her own clothes under it alongside the top of her folded wings. - “Naturally.” - She said, taking a pause as she closed her eyes and a small smile grew on her lips. - “In all honesty I did not know of this place until I quite literally stumbled upon it a few weeks prior. I had only came to visit… Luna’s bay.” - as she paused between her words, she opened her eyes and tucked a strand of mane behind her ear.

• “Isn’t the bay still awfully far from home?” - Diana tilted her head and asked curiously. - “Surely I don’t know how fast you can cover the distance flying, but it’s quite the trip.” - Uncrossing her arms, she placed a hand on each thigh and smiled as she closed her eyes shortly. - “Even though it’s worth the effort.”

The comment made Snowfall’s chest feel a little bit warmer as she chuckled lightly. - “It may be, but my heart always felt more at home under the cover of the stars themselves.” - Her gaze fell down to the wooden table as she tapped it with her claws. - “I beared witness to how the ponies of this village live in perfect harmony, despite the adversities that nature itself throws your way… I couldn’t stifle the wish to visit; to know just how you manage that.” - The sheer awe shown by her sincere words were layered thickly in melancholic appreciation.

Squinting her eyes briefly at the mare’s words, Noelle shifted in her chair as she leaned forward lightly, her cupped hands resting on her lap. - “That’s a really loving description of our ways my dear… However, I can’t help but to feel that the value you place on us stems from the wish for harmony back at the place that stopped feeling like home for you.” - A collective silence fell through the room after these words as Snowfall’s eyes met the chieftess’.

Luna knew that the older mare’s wisdom would be put to play eventually, and indeed she could read through her nuances with crystal clarity. - “Perhaps you are correct… Harmony was an ideal we always strived for after all.” - intertwining her fingers, the pegasus’ features switched into a frown. - “But sadly I’m afraid that home has been anything but harmonious for me.”

• “I felt that was the case, Moonlit.” - Noelle spoke with a serious tone, straightening her posture. - “Do you wish to share your hardships, dear? It is fine if not.”

• “I… I believe I could.” - There was a moment in which she was lost for words; searching for a starting point, her expression shifted into a scowl. - “However, I do not know-”

• “Maybe start by what hurts you the most.” - Even if Diana’s interruption could be seen as rude, her curiosity had been exchanged for worry now, as she sat with her elbows propped up on her thighs.

A brief quietude filled the room for the moment as the howling wind could be heard outside. The banners softly swayed back and forth from the wooden girders.

• “My sister.” - Clenching her claws upon the thick cloak, Snowfall was blunt; her tone filled with both frustration and an aching. - “No matter the size of my efforts, I cannot help it to live in her shadow. I have grown tired of this unpleasant situation… I’ll not be just a witness of her deeds or a ghost by her side.”

Kari and Blaze visibly winced at this. Liam took the next turn as he closed his eyes briefly. - “Family can indeed be a complicated matter at times… But nothing changes the fact that they’re there for you when the entire world turns it’s back.”

• “I...” - The pegasus’ scowl visible deepened before she closed her half-lidded eyes. - “I am afraid to tell you that she does not care for me or my owes as I stay by her side.”

Furrowing his brow, Liam was left speechless at the declaration, much like everypony else at the room. Sensing the tension, his wife gently placed a hand over his in a calming manner and continued the conversation.

• “Even if I do stand by my dearest words, I can understand that sometimes those closest to our hearts are also those who can inflict the deepest of wounds. However, do not give up sweetheart. Give it time and show your true feelings to her. You may not see eye to eye now, but the bond that connects you are one of the strongest things in this world; take this advice my dear, do not let it sever.” - As she spoke, the elegant mare got up from her chair and walked towards the pegasus, leaning down and reaching out to take her hand into hers, holding it tightly as she looked into her eyes.

• “I-I… I promise I’ll try to preserve it. I’ll take your words to heart, thank you.” - Stuttering out of sheer surprise, Snowfall felt the lump in her throat shrink slightly as she lost herself in the motherly gaze of the chieftess.

A smile formed on Noelle’s lips as she gave a few taps to the back of her hand before letting it go and standing upright, holding her own hands by her hips as she looked over her shoulder, exchanging a glance at Liam who quietly nodded in consent to a silent exchange of thoughts between them. - “How many days do you need, dear?”

• “What?” - Snowfall asked, taken off guard.

• “I don’t think that you’ll want to go home so soon… That’s why you came here, is it not? Besides visiting and observing our ways.” - Noelle asked lightheartedly.

Swallowing dry, the pegasus felt color returning to her cheeks. She had been seen through easily; impressive. She had planned to perhaps talk to the olden couple in private about a prolonged stay, but now there was no way around it. - “I do not desire to abuse your hospitality...” - she said hesitantly.

• “However?” - Noelle instigated her further.

• “However, I do admit that I would be eternally grateful if you’d let me stay for perhaps a few weeks.” - Her eyes widened at the words that she blurted, as she quickly rose her hands in a slightly alarmed fashion. - “Not for free of course! I may not look the part, but whatever chores there are to be taken, I shall aid with. That is, if I’m allowed to stay-”

• “You can spend this night by Diana’s house. Tomorrow you may better inspect our ways further and then come back to us so we may talk about chores. Is that fine with both of you?” - Turning around, Noelle looked at Diana who seemed surprised but equally content.

• “Sounds good to me.” - With a light shrug of her shoulders, the stocky mare crossed a leg over the other.

• “Yes! I can’t thank you enough, I- I’ll do my best to fit in.” - Sudden excitement coursed through the pegasus’ veins as she rose to her hooves and gave an attempt at a light bow, only to be stopped by the chieftess. Her fine claws tracing over the flurry cloak as she held her shoulder.

• “No need for that, Snowy.” - Turning to the crowd of ponies who had started to break off from their silence as they saw the conversation unfold, Noelle opened her arms in a beautiful gesture. Her forest green dress laced with silver strings accentuated her natural beauty. - “Everypony, welcome Moonlit Snowfall into the great family that is our beloved village. So that even when she departs, she may still be with us at heart.”

At those words there was a significant rejoice and cheering as the villagers seemed pleased by the addition of one more member to Månviken.

Snowfall suddenly felt like the cloak was too hot for her despite the whirling snow that danced outside. It had been so long since she was not only accepted, but also welcome.

• “Well, is this good?” - Diana asked casually as she finished doing Snowfall’s bed. It was a rather improvised thick mattress that she unrolled on the floor; made from a fibrous material encased in a furry clothe along with a few blankets to go with for extra warmth.

• “Of course, it’s more than good.” - The pegasus promptly replied as she stiffly walked around the bedroom of Diana’s house. Removing the borrowed cloak, she returned it to its owner.

Diana chuckled as she sat on her bed, stretching her arms after she hung the cloak on a hook in the wall. - “You look stiffer than a plank. Come on, you’re not that shy, are you?”

• “Hm, no… By all means, I consider myself rather bold.” - trying to lighten up but failing as she came across as a bit bashful by the beginning of her phrase, the pegasus lowered herself as she sat on her own bed for the night.

• “If it brings you any joy, it was very bold of you to be so sincere.” - Sighing and using a damp cloth to polish her hooves and clean them thoroughly before bed, Diana looked at her in the dim lighting. Only her honey irises glinting as she gazed into the pegasus’ periwinkle eyes. - “I can’t begin to understand your problems with your sister but.. I hope that we can be like a second family to you. Well, sleep tight.” - Softly tapping her shoulder, the larger mare had finished cleaning up as she tossed the cloth aside and turned to lay down in her own bed.

• “I’ll always be grateful for your actions.” - Snowfall said softly as she looked over her shoulder, watching the mare turn in for the night. - “Goodnight, Diana.” - She said starting to lay down, pulling the blankets up to her shoulders as she laid on her side.

Tracing her claws over the amulet before fully grasping it tightly, no matter how dark or how silent the room was, the words and the feelings given to her were sure to keep her awake through the night.

“You may not see eye to eye now, but the bond that connects you are one of the strongest things in this world; take this advice my dear, do not let it sever”

Sighing deeply while her heart was churning, Luna wished nothing more than to amend her relationship with Celestia; to be able to stand equally at her side, instead of in her shadow.

A true shame that it was easier said than done.

Author's Note

This chapter was a bit of a challenge by dealing with the two things I struggle with the most, lots of characters and rotating exchanges. But I think I managed it well! Leave your thoughts if you wish and I hope you enjoyed it. x3