Lunar Eclipse

Chapters

Her Return, His Duty
Her Request, His Honor
Her Will, His Hands
Her Fears, His Dream
Her Title, His Station
Her Night, His Choice

Her Return, His Duty

Author's Note

This is my first time writing in a few years, so I hope you are willing to leave some feedback for me. Happy new year, and I hope for many chapters to come.

This story is intended to be a nice-paced romance, where two ponies learn quite a bit about eachother... as well as an action novella, of the classic "I didn't sign up for this" type.

Let's see where it goes, shall we?

Her Return, His Duty

“The night that my peaceful life ended wasn’t the one where I was assigned my new duties. It was when all of us learned we had to practice our old ones.”

The night air was cool above Canterlot as the New Year approached. The stars overhead twinkled in the cool twilight air as the ponies below began their evening tasks. For most, it involved cleaning up after dinner, putting their foals to bed, and settling down for some much needed mom and dad time.

For others, it was time to get to work on their night shifts. A DJ began playing her beats in The Scratch while the Night Crowd began their celebration. A town watchpony put his baton on, beginning the patrol on the streets. In the palace, the Royal Solar Guards (night shift) roused themselves, checking into their posts before departing to kill time until dawn, when they could turn the quietest shift back over.

It wasn’t destined to be quiet for long, however. Noticed by only a few skywatchers and one purple unicorn in Ponyville, four stars converged behind the moon while a dark mist gathered outside the Canterlot Palace.

**********************

“Hey, Grape? Ever wonder why we’re here?”

Grapefruit, the pegasus mare assigned to Simple Task, rolled her eyes as they entered the gardens, the brilliant sky reflecting off her auburn eyes. “Probably because you were dumb enough to let Weave catch us playing polker. Who was on watch for her, anyway?”

He winced. “Fair enough. So, how’s Grelda?” he asked, grinning. Her relationship with a gryphon was the talk of the guard since the obnoxious bird had stormed into the barracks to inquire why her ‘future life-mate and chick-mother’ was not available for their anniversary. Not wanting to argue with a Gryphon outweighing any of them twice over, she had been directed to Fruit’s station amidst snickers.

“She’s fine. I’m actually going to pick up some of those Candied Plums on the way home. Our third anniversary is next week, and I don’t want to miss this one. We’re going to Gryphony for a week, she’s going to introduce me to her parents.”

For once, the sergeant looked a bit nervous. “I’d ask you for advice, but since your dating life can be found in your sock-drawer-”

Task chuckled. “I’ll find the right mare sometime. Anyway, what’s up with this fog?” he said, looking around at the mist that gathered on the edges of the garden. “I thought we weren’t due for any till next month?”

Normally, anything out of the ordinary would be reported at once… a hundred years ago. Ever since Celestia had gotten that never-to-be-sufficiently-damned phoenix, “Ordinary” had become a thing of the past. Instead, the two guards wandered over to the edge of the strangely thick, purple and black mist.

“That’s weird”, commented SImple Task. “That isn’t normal fog, is it?” Grape Fruit remained silent. Shaking his head, Task turned around, only to stop dead.

Sergeant Grape Fruit stared at him in shock, before looking down at the six inches of pure darkness protruding through her chest. The fog abruptly began to coalece into over a dozen wraith-like figures, each with pale eyes and gleaming fangs. As he looked on in horror, his mind frozen by the sheer shock of the impossible sight, she collapsed with an almost peaceful sigh.

“Grape-” he started, before a hand yanked his head back and a foot and a half of darkness released his life from his body. Within thirty seconds, the shadowy assassins stole into the palace, searching for their target.

**********************

Lieutenant Eclipse Penumbra, 2nd Royal Guards Detachment, Deputy Quartermaster, and Aide to the Night Guard, Royal Celestial Guard, was not particularly pleased. It had nothing to do with working a double shift over New Years and missing out on Hearth Warming Eve a couple weeks ago with the same. Rather, he was hungry, tired, and annoyed at having to fill out another missing uniform item request. Despite the ostensible care taken by the guardsponies involved, it seemed that non magical pieces of equipment had a habit of vanishing into thin air.

All too often, it ended up in some collector’s vault after a few bits changed hands.

Still. Quiet evening so far. No complaints, no shift disputes, and nothing unexpected. I should really clean up in here… my desk is getting a bit- The opening of the door behind him interrupted his thoughts.

“Lieutenant? Hey, Pen, Got that manifest for me?”

Captain Mithril Weave stood in the doorway to his tiny cubicle. Taller than the Unicorn she addressed by nearly two inches, she towered even without intending to, but her bored expression gave no hint of threat. The forms she referred to, JXC-433, were more conveniently known as “FUN guy lost his gear”.

“New helmet, arbalist, and tunic. Size medium, Model 3. For Corporal Winds, correct, Ma’am?” Eclipse Penumbra was the Night-Shift quartermaster for the Royal Guard, quite an honor for somepony with less than a year in the service. Studying accounting from Gryphons qualified one for such duties, however, and it meant he spent more time chasing lost bits than dangerous criminals, or even standing 4-hour watches at a time. Nopony wanted his job, which was just fine by him.

The mare inspected the presented form, nodding over it. “I’ll take this to Armory. You’re about due for mess, so go grab a bite to eat. Get me something too.” Eyes flicking over the younger unicorn, she shook her head. “For the love of Celestia, why are you working New Year’s too?”

Eclipse shrugged. “Same reason I worked Hearth Warming. You want I should get haybrowns and bits, and the same as usual for you?”

She nodded. “Coffee and Pretzel. One with salt on it, if you please. I got the munchies something bad. It’s a little too quiet tonight, I keep expecting somepony to fall down the stairs or show up drunk.” Mithril Weave was known for her laid-back nature, the hallmark of the Night Shift that had filled the duties of the Lunar Guard for a thousand years of peace. Still, it was like wrangling the ever-popular cat: Each would wander off if not kept strictly on a leash.

For most, it was a dead-end job, the place you got shuffled to when somepony was cheesed off or you got a bad performance review. For Eclipse, or Pen as he prefered for short, it was the ideal job for a quiet soul such as himself.

He knew that without any regular social contacts, most thought him a stuffy busybody, but just because he wasn’t interested in the more martial aspects of being a Guard didn’t mean he was less respected. Anypony who could ensure that everypony got paid in full, on time, and managed to find bits for bonuses was golden for the guard. As such, most greeted him as he passed in the quiet night-clad hallways.

The brilliant pale moon shone through a skylight, casting a violet and blue hue over the world as he mused. I wonder what Chef’s got for dessert today. Maybe brownies…. The unicorn never finished the thought as, just as he walked up to the Cafeteria, a cry of alarm went up.

Each guard carried a Whistle used to summon each other, and a single flare for non-unicorns. Going about in pairs, a thousand years of peace hadn’t caused total neglect in tradition. Ahead of him, two pegasi in dusky golden plate sprinted around the corner, coming to a careening halt as they spied the officer before them.

“Lieutenant Eclipse, Sir! We’ve got, ah, a problem!” The pegasi on the left was ten kinds of out of sort, his eyes wide with alarm. “It’s, ah, Rose and Parks, sir!”

When every night for six months had been peaceful, it didn’t take much to excite the bored troopers. ANYTHING, from a prank by Celestia’s pet Phoenix to somepony stumbling back drunk to the barracks could be seen as a full-scale changeling invasion by the end of the guard change. When a junior enlisted pony physically grabbed an officer and began dragging him over to the window, things were different.

“Corporal! What’s this about?” Eclipse demanded, looking at the clearly frightened pegasus. Enlisted didn’t usually seek staff officers when an alarm was raised, but pulling double duty wasn’t uncommon in the stripped-down Night Guard units. Everyone trained for everything… supposedly.

“Sir? Remember what Twilight was nattering about earlier? And that warning we got from High Up to stay alert? Well… now we’ve got THIS sir!” He pointed up, through the window, at the brightly shining full moon. Just as blankly as Eclipse, it stared back at him. Then it clicked, his eyes so good at spotting details widening.

Its… blank. Where’s the Mare in the Moon? Do the stars look a bit brighter than usual? I wonder… His mind stumbled. In a perfectly ordinary shift, filling out requisition and order forms, a snag had occurred. One he wasn’t sure how to rectify. Still, there was only one thing to do in this situation.

“Corporal… Pass the word to the rest of the guard. Have everypony on alert, and tell them to be ready for… something, anything.” The corporal nodded, his companion and him scuttling off as the hungry Lieutenant cast one last longing look at the mess hall before sprinting back the way he came.

***************

Captain Mithril Weave was also hungry. Unlike the quartermaster, her official second-in-command, she couldn’t spare the time to go and get herself a meal despite working the ‘quiet’ shift. Her constant patrolling had revealed no less than three patrols, six guards, all missing from their posts. The sad thing was, this was not the first time it had happened: New Years celebrations tended to end with quite a few reprimands for drunkenness on duty, to her eternal shame.

When the subordinate she sent for the food she requested returned without it, her eyebrows went up. When a short explanation consisting heavily of “You need to see this” and “We need to tell the Princess” along with her own viewing of the moon only added to the mystery, she knew without a doubt that the night was going from bad to worse. “I think the Purple Menace might have had a point. We need to ask Celestia about this.”

When the two of them approached the T-shaped intersection to the tower housing Princess Celestia’s Quarters and found the guards outside slumped on the ground, clearly dead, with two shades looming over them, it tended to arouse something closer to panic than rational thought.

“Intruders! INTRUDERS!” she shouted, drawing her sword. The two shades, looking like pegasi but… oddly blank, like silhouettes cut from dark thunderheads, turned towards the two of them. Behind, the door to the princess’ room was ajar, and the inside was already tossed as from a struggle. Snarling, the one on the left lunged for the Captain, its companion standing up and circling to the right, looking at the young Lieutenant.

“Identif-” was all Weave got out, before the creature darted forward, producing a sword of pure dark and leaning into the strike. Their blades met, and then Eclipse had no time to react as the creature facing him made its move. In an instant, its own blade manifested as it raced at the unicorn who was still attempting to draw his sword.

For all her other faults, Mithril Weave had not become a Captain of the Night Shift without being one of the best on the force. While she wasn’t THE best, she was easily one of the most skilled warriors and officers the guard had produced of late, and had vied with Shining Armor for the title of Captain General of the Royal Guard. She lost that match, but had no issues with her current one.

Eclipse Penumbra, on the other hand, was a committed bibliophile and clerk, with all the combat prowess of a first-year recruit tempered by more common sense than most veterans, translating to a desire to avoid fights than seek them. Nevertheless, the first oath any guard took was to lay down life and limb in defense of the crown, and whatever the thing he faced was, it clearly was a threat to that vow.

Yanking his sabre just in time, he brought it up horizontally across his face, blocking the opposing strike by mere centimeters from removing his horn. Snarling, the creature retracted, thrusting at his belly. Leaping back, he felt a sudden impact with the wall. Twisting aside, he yelped as the sword dove into the wall, embedding the creature there for a moment.

Time seemed to slow for him as he spun to look at the shade fighting his captain. Her back was to him, and for a moment the creature seemed to gain the upper hand as her sword clattered to the ground. Then it froze as her dagger went home under its chin.

From the chamber, two more creatures emerged, and then all was moving too quickly as his spin took him back around to his own foe. The shade’s blade came free of the stone wall as it turned to face him. The clerk was no match for the assassin, who pressed forward once, twice, and a third time. Each time, he backpedaled, moving away from the wall and to the entrance of the hallway to the Chamber Tower. The fourth time, he was not so lucky.

“PEN!”

The captain’s cry didn’t cut through the haze of blood as the Unicorn stared at the shattered remnant of his sword, suddenly aware that his face was burning while one of his eyes didn’t seem to be working anymore. With two deft strokes, the Pegasus mare disarmed her foes, quite literally, and turned as they puffed away into smoke while she faced her final foe, who loomed over her subordinate. With a cry and two powerful wing strokes, she tackled the creature against the wall as the Unicorn slumped against the floor, a vicious gash across his face and chest. This shade was different than the rest: Taller and stronger, it, headbutted her away before stabbing down at the injured Unicorn.

Flicking out with her dagger, she deflected the blow into the floor as she scooped up her sword from where it had fallen. Kicking the unicorn over backwards to get him out of the way, she spared a glance to make sure he was alright.

In an instant, she knew her mistake. This creature was far more canny than the rest, and didn’t hesitate to take advantage of her opening. For a moment, she didn’t feel a thing; then she looked down to where her left hand used to be, and her dagger lying on the ground.

“Oh. That’s… not good.” The single, mundane thought ran through her mind as she almost idly swatted its next thrust away. Right, then left, then right again, before she began to feel the loss of blood hitting her. Having never actually fought like this before, she could feel the ache in her muscles and the throb of her heart. Then, her chance: Its sword tip a bit too far to the left, and she shouldered in. The blade skittered across her pauldron as she leaned in, driving her own up to the hilt in its belly. For a moment, it glared at her; then it vanished into smoke with the rest.

When Eclipse forced his eye to open, struggling against the wave of confusion and pain radiating across his body, his first sight was Captain Weave slumped over, clutching her arm. The second, just before the pain sucked his world into darkness was the arrival of half a dozen other guards, many bearing injuries and wounds of their own, lead by a Unicorn Stallion clad in white armor, with the Golden Sun emblazoned on his chest and a shield at his side.

“See to the wounded! The rest of you, with me, hurry we don’t have much time…..”

*************************

The Events of Nightmare Moon’s return were not fully understood until the following morning… when it finally happened. During the night, ‘wraiths’ had spirited away Princess Celestia, despite the efforts of the woefully unprepared Night Guard. However, in a single bloody evening, the 37 surviving soldiers of the 60-strong garrison had become the only active Veteran unit in the Royal Army.

Captain Mithril Weave would survive her injuries; and she was commended for her actions. Lieutenant Eclipse Penumbra would remain in a coma for nearly a month while recovering from injuries to his horn and face. Though he would return to the guard, it was as a Reservist.

The actions of the Night Guard, unprepared and ill-suited to their tasks, nevertheless prevented greater tragedy: Buying enough time for reinforcements, the two officers ensured that the guards were able to alert Shining Armor and rouse a chase to recover the Princess from her abductors.

“Everyone involved,” he is quoted saying, “Is a hero. There are glaring flaws in our training and tactics: these WILL be addressed.”

For the rest of the guard, the newest addition was Princess Luna, rescued from the clutches of Nightmare Moon. Or so they were told.

Her Request, His Honor

Two months after the Return of the Nightmare, it was revealed to the general public that Princess Luna had returned, being redeemed. For most, this was a time of celebration. The night shone more brightly than ever, the moon no longer had its ominous shadow, and many believe that a time of unity and prosperity comes. For others, there is only fear: Twice Luna has attempted to bring ruin, and each time with loss of life amongst the Loyal Guards. The dozens who were injured or killed during The Return, as it became known,

The guards who survived the Night Shift were a new breed of Soldier, the first and only combat-tested unit in over two hundred years, and the first to take casualties in over fifty. A sense of shame and doubt hung over them despite being lauded for their courage by commoners and nobles alike, for above recognition they now craved only to do their jobs correctly.

The injuries were painful. Failure was understandable, if regrettable. The rehabilitation, however, was the hardest thing Eclipse Penumbra had ever done. After a full month of sleeping in a hospital while his fractured skull and horn healed, his muscles were weak and his body frail. It had taken over a month more for him to be able to run a full mile again. Learning to see properly with only one eye was going to take much longer. What Eclipse had lost in Depth Perception, however, he had made up for in perspective.

Eclipse grunted as he squinted at the long ledger. Two weeks back on light duty meant short shifts and (supposedly) easy work, a reward given to nearly all survivors of The Return. With the upsurge in requests for training pay, new equipment and additional recruits meant that the work that needed to be done had grown out of all reasonable control. Considering that the only other accountant in the guard, Paper Pusher, had been retired due to a level of incompetence and corruption the guard could no longer tolerate, it meant that Eclipse no longer had the time to do what he needed to do.

Returning to his small apartment every night was the worst part. The nightmares, of shadowy creatures waiting to ambush him. For that reason alone, he had taken to sleeping in the barracks, and most of the Survivors, as they were being called, had begun to do the same. Never one to go to bars or pubs, Penumbra found his evenings suddenly no longer quiet times of rest and relaxation. Now, the time he had to himself was filled with ‘what-ifs’.

What if I had been a bit faster? What if I ran instead of walked? Why didn’t I take Twilight Seriously?

These thoughts swirled through the head of the young unicorn stallion, who set his quill down, rubbing the scar along the left side of his face and muzzle. It still felt raw, and the stitches had left a marching line of pockmarks down his narrow face. His right eye was exhausted, for the first time since his freshmare year at Gryphonholm School of Scribes. A knock at the door of his cubicle drew his attention.

“Pen? Got those Resupply forms?” The mare at the door, now missing a hand, stepped in carrying a large mug of coffee. The beverage steamed as she set it down, leaning over his shoulder. Her left arm ended in a stump fitted with an archanotech prosthetic that she detested with a vengeance, claiming (accurately) that it wasn’t as good as the limb it replaced.

“Yes, Captain.” A new degree of formality had been introduced, and those in the Night Guard had begun to hew to their duties with a new level of motivation unseen anywhere else in the Royal Guard. “Form IRK-23, new Equipment and Training Fund Request. It just needs Celestia’s Stamp.” He looked up at her from his piles of paper, raising his eyebrow. “I just need more time to get the rest of these done. I’m good for full duty, Captain.”

“I know you’re ready to get back, but The Doctor says it’s for your own good. A low-stress environment should help recovery. You still having headaches?”

Eclipse nodded. “Every morning, but it eases off near noon. Until I see this stuff” he replied, waving an arm at the piles of forms and requests. “Paper Pusher had absolutely no system, and doing the Day Shift accounting is eating all the time I should be using for night. When are the new clerks getting here?”

She shook her head. “No idea. We’ve got interviews, but we’re more focused on getting more troopers for now. Orders, and all that. I know, I know” she said, waving her remaining hand to forstall his complaint. “The guard runs on paper, not coffee. With any luck, you won’t be dealing with quite this by yourself for much longer.”

Eclipse stood, putting his officer’s cap back on and buckling his sword to his side, something he never left home without. Even off-duty Guards had been noted carrying sidearms in the form of short daggers and their duty swords when outside of the palace. “I’ll go drop these on Raven’s desk for her to see in the morning.”

She left, following a half-step behind him. “Actually, Raven is with the Princesses right now. I’ll go with you, though, there’s something I need to talk to Celestia about.”

The Unicorn’s eye narrowed. The order to expand the guard to its full capacity, nearly four hundred strong, meant pulling street patrollers from the nicer parts of town and transferring them in to fill gaps in the schedules. Though most of the Aristocrats were livid at the lowered security in their sections of town with the manors and micro-palaces they enjoyed, their private security was deemed sufficient to the task of patrolling their neighborhood.

The two walked in relative silence, troopers saluting as they passed. The intersection leading to the Royal Quarters had not only been cleaned up, it had been reinforced while they had been renovated. Double security leading to the Solar Quarter lead to most of the troopers, used to Day shifts, yawning. A sharp glare from Mithril caused them to snap to attention. Without hesitation, one of them stepped aside.

Mithril, however, hesitated for a moment, before starting to move forward. Eclipse instead narrowed his remaining eye. “Aren’t you forgetting something… Swiftsure, is it?”

The Corporal paled. “Uh… Right!” Looking embarrassed, he and his compatriots crossed their glaives, blocking the path, and assumed a more formal pose. “Your Identification and Pass Phrase, Ma’am? Sir?”

Mithril Weave nodded as Eclipse groaned inwardly. For Celestia’s sake, there were reports of Changelings again, not to mention the shades that had attacked the royal quarters less than two months ago. He was not in much of a mood for taking chances, and produced his pass identifying him as Lieutenant Penumbra, before leaning in to whisper his code phrase while Mithril Weave did the same. After checking their list and notes, they nodded, stepping aside.

“Apologies, Captain, Lieutenant. Still getting used to the new regulations. Won’t happen again.”

The Captain nodded. “See that it doesn’t.” Without a backward glance, she motioned for the lieutenant to follow her.

After they walked through, while waiting outside the door to Princess Celestia’s quarters, Eclipse looked sidelong at his commanding officer. “Were you seriously going to just let that go?”

She sighed. “It’s been a long day, but you’re right. That’s no excuse, and this should have been a good enough reminder of that” she said, lifting the magical prosthetic and grimacing. “Heh, I was right in my report though. You’ve got quite the eye for detail. By the way, I’m sorry for what’s about to happen next.”

Eclipse raised his eyebrow, opening his mouth to speak before the door swung open, revealing the Solar Monarch’s personal quarters.

As he’d hoped, Raven, Princess Celestia’s personal secretary, wandered out. “Raven, I’ve got the requisitions filled out. Can you-” he started, before she shook her head.

“Not right now,” replied the Unicorn, looking ragged. “Sorry, Lieutenant, but I’ve got about four hours to sleep before I’m back at it. Just hand them off to the new Quartermaster.”

At his confusion, she paused. “Uh, I guess nopony’s told you. You’ve been relieved of your duties as Night Shift quartermaster. Don’t worry, you’re not in trouble. Princess Celestia has a new assignment for you, given your… repeated requests to be returned to full duty.”

Eclipse could feel a sinking feeling in his gut despite her reassurance, but the careful look in the eye of his captain stilled his tongue. Instead, he gave a formal nod. “Yes, Raven. Does that mean she wishes to speak to me?”

She nodded, before pausing. “Here, I’ll do you a favour and take those forms off your hands.” Her gaze lingered on the left side of his face for a moment before she took the papers. WIthout another word, she strode off, rounding the corner in seconds with her practiced, efficient gait. At his side, the Captain cleared her throat.

“Ah, let’s get this done, okay? I promise, you’re not in trouble.” Together, the two of them entered the Royal Chambers.

The inside of the room was filled with items collected over a millenia of rule. Antiques of all eras, magical knick-knacks, arcane doodads and the empty cage where Philomena SHOULD have been were pressed against the walls or on shelves, leaving the main sitting area open for two large overstuffed couches. The remnants of a banana bread cake were scattered on a coffee table like a defeated army of crumbs, and the tea set looked like it was from the far east.

It was, however, the two ponies sitting on the couches that demanded his full attention. Coming to a stiff salute, he and the Captain gazed at Princess Celestia while Princess Luna sat on the parallel couch. She sipped slowly from an oversized mug as Celestia finished speaking to her in soft tones and turned her gaze to the newcomers.

“Captain Weave, Lieutenant Penumbra. I was hoping you’d stop by. Thank you, my little ponies, for taking the time out of your busy schedules. I know how hectic things are right now,” she said with a small and pained smile, “but it truly does warm my heart to see you working to protect my sister and I.”

Carefully avoiding staring at Luna, whom he had only seen during the announcement of her return to palace life a few weeks ago, he nodded when Mithril Weave nudged him. “I, ah, am honored to serve, Your Highness. The real heroes are the ones who didn’t get to clock out at the end of their shift.”

Princess Luna, he noted, winced at that. Celestia took no notice, however, and simply nodded gravely. “Actions always have consequences, and it grieves me.. US,” she said, finally glancing at her sister, “when any of my subjects falls in service to Equestria. That being said… I am well aware of the debt I personally owe the two of you. Without you interrupting the shades, they may well have succeeded in capturing me. You and the commotion you raised ensured that they didn’t get far before Shining Armor overtook them and retrieved us.”

Despite knowing that he and Mithril Weave had done their best, Eclipse couldn’t help but feel a bit embarrassed by the praise. It was a duty, not a choice, that had driven him, and training overtook instincts when confronted with danger. Rather than saying as much, he simply nodded. “You don’t owe me anything, Your Highness. I’m just glad that you and your sister are safe.”

She shook her head. “That is all well and good, but I made a vow similar to yours. A Monarch has duties to those who give their utmost to Crown and Country, and for that reason, among others, I wish to reward you in particular. As I heard Raven say, you have been relieved of your duties as Quartermaster of the Night Guard. However” she said, raising her hand much like Mithril had to forstall him, though he would not dream of interrupting her, “That is not because of any failing on your part. It is because the Night Guard is being disbanded tomorrow morning.”

Mithril Weave stiffened, her eyes wide and nostrils flaring as her feathers stood on end. Eclipse, however, paused, his mind racing. If she’s disbanding the Night Guard, and it’s not a punishment, AND Princess Luna is back… that must mean… For a moment, the throught escaped him, before it drove home.

“You’re re-forming the Lunar Guard?”

All eyes in the room focused on him, and Eclipse blinked, realizing he had spoken out of turn. Instead of vaporizing him (not that he suspected she would actually do that), she simply nodded. “How very astute. Mithril told me you are clever and quick-thinking.” Turning to the Captain, she smiled. “Your judge of character speaks volumes to your leadership. It seems only fitting that you become the Lunar Guard’s new leader.”

Mithril paused, swaying a bit as she processed the rapid fire news. For a minute, all was silent, before she said “I… Your highness, this is all a bit much. I would be honored to serve wherever you deem necessary, but I would ask some time to think it over. I’m sure you could find somepony more qualified than I to-”

The white alicorn shook her head. “Take what time you require over the next week. Sleep on it, for I do not ask you to forsake the Day for the Night at the snap of a finger. For now, perhaps I and my sister may have a moment with the Lieutenant?”

She nodded, seeming grateful for the implied dismissal. Before she could leave, however, Princess Luna spoke for the first time. “A moment, Captain” were her words, before standing and leaning over to Mithril Weave, speaking too quickly and quietly for Eclipse to catch the words. However, Mithril relaxed, nodding, before bowing. Though Eclipse burned with curiosity at the exchange, he kept his attention focused on Celestia as Mithril Weave nodded again and left, shutting the doors behind her with a soft “thunk”.

Suddenly, Eclipse was aware of the fact he was alone with the princess he had sworn to lay his life down for, and the one that nearly made him do just that. The two princesses were a study in contrasts though, and his remaining eye quickly darted between them. While Celestia remained calm and regal, her sister seemed uncomfortable, refusing to make eye contact with the guard as she took another sip from her drink. Finally, he worked up the nerve to speak.

“I was told I was being reassigned by you. Am I not also transferring to the Lunar Guard?” he asked, trying to keep the tinge of hurt out of his voice. Despite his efforts, some must have leaked through as the princess studied his face. After a moment, she cleared her throat.

“If you would, please, this is an informal meeting from here on. Your helmet and armor, I would ask you to remove them if it would not trouble you greatly.”

Eclipse paused. Technically, he was on duty, and the new regulations were draconian about being ready at all times. However, this was a request from his monarch, and by the sounds of it, he wasn’t to be on duty much longer. Aware suddenly of the fatigue in his knees, he shifted a bit before finally reaching up and removing his helmet. As he did so, revealing the smooth scar, Princess Luna gasped. Celestia, however, simply looked pained.

“You must be tired. Take a seat” she said, indicating the couch that Luna had vacated. Though uncomfortable at the thought of sitting while his monarchs stood, Celestia demonstrated her legendary mind-reading powers as she sat back down, touching Luna’s arm and leading her to do the same.With a glow of magic, the table moved between the couches and the tea set came to life. Offering him a cup, she continued. “I know you’ve been pushing yourself hard to rejoin the guard proper, and while I appreciate your efforts, it’s high time your talents are put to better use. I’m afraid the reward I mentioned earlier is a bit of a double-edged sword, however.”

Not inclined to refuse the offer of tea from Celestia, Eclipse took the cup and sipped. His eye widened at the minty taste. This is, without a doubt, the best cup of tea I have ever had. I suppose a thousand years or more would make one an expert on the subject, though. The thought nearly brought a smile to his face, but the presence of the two other ponies in the room drove it away before it even arrived.

“My sister, as you know, has been back in Equestria for only two months. Sister, perhaps this request should come from you?”

Eclipse switched his gaze to Luna as she stirred, drank deeply, and then spoke. “Eclipse Penumbra, thy services to the Guard have been exemplary, and thine courage in the face of mortal peril is without question. However, there is a request I wish to make of thee. Mine sister and I have discussed this, and it is clear to us that thy assistance in a matter of… personal importance would be most appropriate, if thou wouldst be agreeable.”

“What my sister is saying is that we require your help with a… small matter. Actually, this has to do with your training in the Gryphon School of Scribing. You trained in secretarial arts, did you not?”

Eclipse nodded, downing the last of his tea and setting it down. “I did, your Highness. I was third in my class, and it’s the reason I joined the guard as an officer rather than enlisting. I enjoy working with numbers, forms, and… well, that kind of stuff. I’ve never wanted to hurt anypony.”

His response seemed to satisfy the two, who exchanged a glance. Celestia spoke again, smiling softly. “Then I would be most honored to offer you the position of Adjutant in the Lunar Court. Not the Guard, but the Court itself. My sister has been having… trouble adjusting to today’s Equestria, as it is far different from the land she knew a thousand years ago.”

Thankful that he had already swallowed, the former lieutenant would have spat out his drink. A whirl of thoughts clouded his mind suddenly, each chasing the others around in a frenzy.

She killed over a dozen guards. Maybe not personally, maybe not in her right mind, but she KILLED them the same as if she had the sword in her own hand! Tartarus, she tried to do the same thing before! I knew those guards, I had coffee and doughnuts with them. How can…. How can she even ASK this of me? How can I stand next to Nightmare Moon?!? She wants me to… help Princess Luna ‘adjust’ somehow?

A darker thought followed that one, quickly pushed aside but still gnawing at the gate.
If Celestia had killed her a thousand years ago, how much pain and suffering could have been avoided?

The tension in the chamber was suddenly very thick, and the soft sounds of crickets could be heard from the garden where the first two guards fell during the attack. A pin striking the floor would have been deafening. The Lunar Princess sat stock still, her expression blank as she looked at the pony furiously considering his path before her. Celestia, however, maintained her regal bearing.

“I do not ask you to choose now, but it is not a request I make lightly. Raven has been attempting to help, but she is worn ragged. This duty and office would come with, among other things, Quarters in the Lunar Wing, higher pay, and a better dental plan.”

Her last four words pulled him out of his stupor. “Dental… ah, I mean… I’m sorry, your Majesty...s… I’m just… a bit overwhelmed.” What he wanted to do was scream “Are you SERIOUS?” at her, but one did not do that to the pony responsible for raising a giant flaming ball of gas every morning. Instead, he found himself speaking nearly against his will. “I would… be honored to accept.”

Looking down, he removed the Sun Emblem stuck to his breastplate, setting it on the table before taking a deep breath. You don’t even know her. If Mom caught you judging somepony you just met based on stories… that sword still hurt less than the paddle.

“What would my new duties entail, precisely?” he inquired as he looked back up. To his surprise, Luna had a pleased expression on her face, as if something she had been dreading had failed to come to pass. Smiling somewhat less radiantly than her sister, she leaned forward. Her eyes kept flicking back between his good one and the vivid scar, he noted. “I don’t mind if you stare. A Lot of ponies do.”

She shook herself. “Apologies. ‘Tis most inappropriate to draw attention to a grave wound. However, I did not expect that thou wouldst accept this post so quickly. Mine needs are simple: I do not know the Equestria of today, and the duties expected of myself are… difficult enough for that even without assistance. I require a skilled scribe to transcribe during my court, as well as assistance in mine duties. In short, a variety of tasks.”

Eclipse continued to sit, somewhat nonplussed. This was not what he had expected coming into this meeting. Reward? Perhaps in the mind of Celestia, to whom handing out tokens of favour was second nature. To him, it was a gut punch: Being a guard was his life for the last three years. Before that, however, it would have been any scribe’s dream to serve in a royal court.

His dreams had been nightmares of late, however.

Her somewhat more regal voice cut a contrast to the relaxed informality of Celestia. Setting down her own now-empty mug, she stood up, while Eclipse did the same, sensing something coming.

Instead, however, she simply stepped around the table to stand before Eclipse Penumbra. “Look into mine eyes, Eclipse Penumbra.”

Raising his gaze, his right eye stared into hers. For the first time, he saw the depths of shadow lurking behind them, something he saw in the eyes of Royal Army troopers cycling back from peacekeeping in Saddle Arabia: A haunted look given to those who have done things they regret.

The same look he saw in his own eye every night.

Placing a hand on the side of his face, she traced the scar. “If thou wilst vow thy services to the Night, then this oath I make to thee: Never shall I rest until the Night is as comforting as the Day to My Little Ponies. Thy sacrifices thus far are a credit to yourself and your training, but more so to the character you display. Thy diligence would be a great boon to Mine Court of Night.

He shivered at her touch. Her hands were cool as an evening breeze while her gaze was steady and unwavering. It took only a moment to make his decision. Duty was paramount before personal desires, and too many had died in service to that ideal to discard it now.

If she is dangerous… if she cannot be trusted… then shouldn’t at least one of us keep an eye on her? I’ll be at her side… and close to her back. But Celestia says she is redeemed. Then again, a thousand years ago, she said the threat was over.

But don’t you DARE doubt her! She is your PRINCESS and Monarch!

Loyalty and mistrust, duty and exhaustion, all warred within him for a full minute before he nodded. “I stand by my words, Your Highness. I would be honored to Serve the Night.”

The joy beaming from Luna’s Face could have lit up a full moon.

Her Will, His Hands

The Royal Lunar Quarter of the Palace had been renovated after a thousand years of standing empty. Located in the West Wing of the palace, its magical enchantments kept the hallways in a permanent twilight, the purple flames of the lamps casting dark shadows that danced in the dim. Eclipse Penumbra, formerly Lieutenant and Quartermaster of the Solar Guards Night Shift, carried a large duffel bag over one shoulder as he moved with care, his single eye adjusting to the dark as he left the brightly lit sections of the palace.

Having lived in the Barracks for the last month, his landlord was not surprised when he asked to close out the lease on his apartment in the Middle Ring of Canterlot, and was kind enough to refund security deposit despite minor water damage to the ceiling from a cooking accident. His new quarters were to be granted by Luna personally, somewhere in the Lunar Quarter. Nodding at several of the attentive guards, he strode past them with a measured gait. Before him were the two massive doors featuring the phases of the moon in a circle, and the guard on the left saluted before knocking.

“Princess Luna! Eclipse Penumbra, here to see you!” cried the mare, rapping her halberd on the polished metal door. After a moment, a clear voice came through.

“Send him in, if thou would be so kind.” Her tone was somewhat stressed, and Eclipse prepared himself. As far as rewards went, if he was to be quartered in this luxurious section of Canterlot, it couldn’t be too bad. The door swung open, and he squinted at the gloom inside.

For the first time in several years, he was without armor or weapon, and his ‘uniform’ consisted of dark and drab colours with a lunar crest on the right breast. This matched the decor perfectly, but his vision was drawn to the balcony where the Lunar Diarch stood, her horn glowing as the sun set and her moon rose above the horizon. Setting his bag down near the door, he approached, clearing his throat.

“Lieu- er, Eclipse Penumbra, reporting as requested, Princess.” His tones, more clipped and formal than he had ever used with Captain Mithril Weave, washed over her as she turned towards him. Behind her, the stars began to blink into view one at a time, a bright swathe across the sky.

She stood silently for a moment before sighing. “Since my return, I’ve seen nothing but flattery and condolences. Please, your formality is appreciated, but unnecessary. I see you have brought your bags. You are truly prepared to leave the day behind?”

He blinked. Her shift from stilted, marekspeareian language to a more casual tongue was nearly as unexpected as her mane, which was not floating etherialy but hanging in long tresses around her head and shoulders. “I am, your grace. If you have duties for me to attend to, I am ready, though I would like to stow my belongings in my quarters. I haven’t been told where they are yet.”

She nodded. “Unlike Raven, whomst Celestia grants her own offices and quarters seperate from the Solar Wing, mine Night Court is smaller and less formal. Few ponies seek my council and many of mine duties are related to the administration of our Armed Forces… or they were, when our country was still young and vulnerable. Now, our army has no war to fight, and our guards have… few foes.” She grimaced at the end.

Almost without thinking, Eclipse replied. “Few external foes.” Instantly, he paled. What the HAY did you just say that for?

She winced. “That is… a fair statement. I do not wish to discuss such matters now, however. Please, come with me, and I will show you your new quarters.”

He shook his head. “I can follow directions, your Highness. Just tell me where to go, there isn’t any need to trouble yourself.”

“Nonsense! It will be far quicker to show you.” Turning quickly, she lead him not out the door as he expected, but to a side room next to her sleeping chamber. The door was far smaller, though still plenty tall for his slim frame, and she opened it with a wave of her hand and a glow from her horn. What he saw put any abode he had stayed in to shame.

A large cloud bed and nightstand (or daystand, he supposed) were in one corner, while a large array of cabinets and a comfortable desk, all hand-carved, were pressed against the far wall. For an accountant and clerk who lamented the time wasted by traveling between an office and his home, it was a dream come true. Everything he could need, all within two hundred square feet. The bathroom and shower were separate from eachother, and his own smaller balcony extended from a large double-paned glass paneled door. The most remarkable aspect, however, was revealed when he looked up.

“It’s… beautiful…” he said, gazing upon a ceiling that was only visible by the unlit chandelier hanging from it. Rather than the dusky tiles covering the rest of the lunar quarter, it showed a perfect replica of the night sky, with the moon hanging gently overhead. A wispy cloud drifted over it as a night patrol winged overhead.

“Indeed” replied the lunar princess. “The enchantment was renewed by Twilight Sparkle. It can be suppressed if you wish. Please, these are your chambers.”

He blanched. “I am to share your quarters? I mean… if that is your wish.” He struggled to come to grips with this: his impression was that he was to be located somewhere within the West Wing, but he had hardly expected to be sleeping less than ten yards from the princess of the night herself.

“Unless it is a problem? I would prefer to have mine loyal aide close to hand. Please, make yourself at home. Night Court begins in an hour, and we have far too much to do.”
Her departure was marked by the swish of her cloak as she departed the room. After marveling at the luxury for a moment, Eclipse shook his head and carried his bag over to the bed, setting it on the poofy mattress. It sank nearly an inch. That’s gonna take a while to get used to. Good thing I don’t spend much time sleeping. Prodding it, he finally began unpacking his few possessions of note.

It was only ten minutes later that he appeared, immaculately groomed. Princess Luna was standing near the balcony looking at her night sky as the stars twinkled overhead. The glow of the sun under the horizon was gone leaving only a deep blue fading to black as the now-blank moon stared down at Equestria. Turning to her newest retainer, she smiled.

“Your choice of outfit is quite tasteful. Now, are you ready to begin? Our first Night Court begins in half an hour, and I have yet to partake of my evening caffeine. Now, perhaps we shall impose upon the kitchens before undertaking this night’s duties?” Her right eyebrow arched, and he could sense a slight tone of anxiety under the gentle humor.

“Coffee sounds like a good place to start a shift, your Highness.”

The blue alicorn and her unicorn companion, flanked by two Pegasi with bat-wings made a bit of a stir arriving directly at the kitchens without warning. The only chef on duty, Vanilla Pudding, was nevertheless quite pleased to see them.

“Good Evening, your Highness. Lieutenant.” The earth pony bustled around, his hat tilted to one side as he pulled out an oversized mug, putting it under the nozzle and dispensing a brown liquid with the consistency of mud. Luna’s eyes lit up as she accepted the proffered beverage.

Eclipse looked at it longingly. “Actually, it’s Adjutant now. Technically retired from the Guard.” At his gaze, the pony chef pulled another mug down and began filling it. “Can we actually get a full barrel of it?”

He nodded as Luna raised her eyebrow. Leaning over, she whispered “Wait, we can do that? I’ve only had one cup at a time. We can have more?”

The question gave Eclipse pause. If I remember history correctly, a thousand years ago Coffee was exclusivly imported from Zebracica. Rare luxury, reserved for royalty and upper-class. “I don’t see why not, Your Highness. It’s the third-most grown crop in Appleoosa, after Carrots and Apples. Actually, the Guard is the tenth-largest consumer of coffee in Equestria. Right after the Astronomy Guild.”

“Then the Productivity shall be Doubled, at the very least. Yes, Chef. A large barrel of your finest Saddle Arabian, if you please!” Chuckling, the chef nodded. “It will be ready shortly, Princess. I will have somepony bring it over to you.”

Leaving the smells of the kitchen behind, the small group made its way to the Throne Room, which had the Lunar Crest draped over the solar sigils of the day while the lights were much dimmer than before. Humming to herself, Luna sipped her drink. Eclipse, taking his cue, nearly scolded his tongue on the steaming beverage. The two guards with them opened the doors as they approached, before standing aside to open the Night Court for business.

“I suppose Coffee was a bit of a rarity back when… well, a long time ago?” asked Eclipse diplomatically.

“Before I succumbed to darkness, attempted a coup against my sister, and tried to plunge Equestria into eternal night? Indeed. Please do not feel the need to hold your tongue around me, Penumbra. I know your dreams, and have seen your pain.”

In a moment, the atmosphere crystalized. Her calm demeanor was replaced by the best poker face Eclipse had ever seen (which was saying something, considering how many games of cards he had played with his fellow guards off-duty) as they stopped less than ten feet from the throne.

“It… is not my place to judge, Princess. My duty is to serve as you need, and to aid you in your… return to society. My opinions on the matter are hardly relevant.” It took every year of service he had performed to summon the right words. Duty and Honor always went ahead of personal feelings, and gripes were shared with peers, not dumped at the feet of Royalty.

“Eclipse Penumbra, I think it is high time thou and myself had honest intercourse upon this subject. Thou art troubled deeply by mine return, for reasons quite understandable. We owe a debt to Our subjects that can never be fully repaid, and We… I… would prefer to make amends. Thou are not the only one suffering the effects of Nightmare.” Her words, clipped and formal, were a far cry from her humor of earlier, and it was as if a mask had been torn away.

Striding forward, she seated herself upon the throne in the empty hall. Setting the cup down, she gazed fixedly at Eclipse with an expression best described as ‘intense’. Licking his lips and buying time by taking another (smaller) sip of coffee, he shook his head. “My problems are mine, Your highness. Your duties are heavy enough-”

“Thou hast but one duty: Never lie to Us. Since We have returned, nopony has had anything but praise and flattery. The Nobles seek favours through flattery with no regard for what truly needs to be done; We… ah, I, cannot make our… MY… wrongs right if I am not told the simple truth. You hide your fears well, but if you wish to serve the Night, then that is all I ask of you: Be the one pony who will never hesitate to call us out on our wrongs.”

The colour slowly returned to Penumbra’s face. This wasn’t what he had been expecting. The calm, placid, and somewhat humorous Night Princess had been replaced by somepony with a bleak expression, dull eyes and slumped shoulders. Her entire bearing was that of somepony afraid of the response they would get from another after asking a painful question.

The fear of rejection.

She… is afraid. What on Equuis of? His mind faltered for a moment, before the train of logic arrived at its station. The same thing she was afraid of a thousand years ago. That nopony loves her. She knows I don’t, that I am afraid of her as anyone else. What do I do then? What do I say to that?

By her own request, the truth. “You are right.” She paused at his words, unblinking. “You are right. It is a debt that cannot be repaid. Desk Cartes, Grape Fruit, Regal Bearing, Iron Hoof, Steel Wing, Simple Task, and a couple dozen others I didn’t know personally. They won’t get to go home. By Your Moon, Princess, Grape had a Fiancee and was going to meet her parents. She’s never going to get to do that. If you wish for Honesty, there it is. It will be difficult to earn trust back, and more so to earn the admiration of… well, of Us. The smallfolk.” With each name he listed, her ears drooped further until they lay flat against her head. Her ethereal mane slowed its undulations as she slumped slightly.

“The truth can be painful, Your Majesty. Many fear it. Few choose to face it. If it is the truth you seek, then I will give it to you: Many fear you, but none hate you. My uncle told me that “With great power, comes great responsibility”, and few possess such power as yours.”

She nodded finally. “I… thank you for your candor, Eclipse. I can never apologize enough for the wrongs I have done, but I wish nothing more than to make them right. Once again, I ask you… will you aide me?”

Eclipse nodded. “I have given my word, Princess. I’ve never broken it before, and don’t intend to now. Seeking to break the tension and move to a less hurtful topic, he tilted his head. “Are you aware you tend to revert to Middle Equestrian when you are… stressed?”

For a moment she said nothing. Then, she let out a most un-princess like snort of laughter. “Indeed. How is it you say now? Old habits die hard?”

His reply was interrupted by the doors to the throne room opening One of the guards outside, poking her head in, stated simply “Mithril Weave to see the Princess.”.

In strode Mithril Weave on the heels of that short statement. Both ponies looked at her as she approached the throne, helmet tucked under her truncated arm and an arming sword at her side. Luna’s eyes lit up. “Ah, the new Captain of mine guard! A most welcome sight.”

Mithril Weave stopped ten paces from the throne, before nodding. “Princess. Lieu- er, Adjutant. Captain Mithril Weave, ex of the Solar Guard, reporting to swear in. If you are not busy, your Highness, I would like to submit my oath and assume my duties.” Princess Luna looked to the side at her aide.

“Ah, Our first official duty! Eclipse, if you would be so kind as to transcribe.”

Horn glowing, Eclipse pulled a piece of parchment from his belt-pouch and a quill from his pocket. Wetting the tip with his tongue, he dipped it in an inkwell with the force of habit given to the most utilized of clerks. Setting it to the parchment held in his magic, he nodded. “Ready when you are, your grace.”

Princess Luna arose, towering over her captain by a full eight inches (despite the fact that Mithril Weave was among the tallest in the guard… an advantage in a fight many bemoaned when facing her in practice sparring matches), she strode forward to stop less than four feet away from the one-armed pegasus mare. Her formerly despondent attitude vanishing, she summoned a grave expression. “You are aware that, unlike the Solar Guard, appointment in the Lunar Guard is for life, and carries with it both a Boon and a Price? To swear oneself to the Night is no simple thing: Once made, this oath cannot be Unmade. There is no shame in declining this, and you will be free to return to the Light of Day if you wish to do so now.”

Mithril shook her head. “My Princess, my mind has been made. If you will have me, then I will gladly offer my services to you.”

Luna nodded approvingly, and Eclipse could see her visibly relax as the more familiar and formal words fell upon her ears. “Then I, Princess Luna, am prepared to hear your oath.” With those simple words, she waited as Mithril Weave searched her mind for the vow she had so carefully memorized. Bowing her head, she knelt on one knee before setting her helmet down and drawing her sword. With a small metallic clink as it lay flat across her archanomechanical hand, she smoothly adjusted her grip to allow it to lay across both of them. Eclipse prepared to write, though he had a good idea of what was about to be said.

Speaking in a clear voice, Mithril Weave began. “I, Mithril Weave, daughter of Adamant Plate and Iron Hoof, do hereby declare my allegiance, offering my life and sacred honor to the Night. From this breath until my last, I swear to be your true Mare, to dedicate my strength and skill to the safeguarding of your body and life. I shall follow all orders given to me, without hesitation or reservation.”

Princess Luna nodded, her formal demeanor holding fast as she gazed upon the first pony in a thousand years to make this oath. “I, Princess Luna, do hereby accept your vow. In return, I swear to provide for your needs, to quarter you within My palace, and to take council with you when I have need of it. From this moment until your last, Mine hand shall shield you from the attacks of nobles that you may perform your duties without impedance.”

Mithril continued without missing a beat. “I swear, upon pain of death, to act in good faith and without deception in Your service, to represent you as a Loyal Retainer should, and to provide no disservice to Your name or image.”

“And I swear that your service shall not be abused nor leveraged for ill.” The Lunar Diarch lifted the sword from her hands, examining the blade before touching it to each of Mithril Weave’s shoulders. “By My Moon, and by the Authority granted to me, I recognize thee as Captain of the Lunar Guard. Rise, my Protector, and accept the Gift of the Night.”

What happened next gave even Eclipse pause. As the sword touched her shoulders, a ripple overcame Mithril Weave. Her eyes narrowed to slit pupils as the feathers of her wings began to fall out. Bones stretched and popped though she gave no sign of pain, and before the last feather touched the ground she had the appearance of one of the Lunar Pegasi that Eclipse had seen around.

“Arise, Ser Mithril Weave of the Lunar Guard. I recognize thee as a Knight of the Realm, granted the rights and responsibilities of such. From this moment until I release you, you are now Mine.”

The only sound in the chamber after that proclamation was the scratch of a feather quill as the Unicorn finished transcribing her oath.

Author's Note

Alright, here it is. I don't intend to keep to any kind of schedule, but I want to TRY to put out at least one chapter a week if I can. Between looking for new employment and dealing with depression (I muscled through and found 'awesome' on the other side), I do want to do as much writing as possible since it is a great stress relief.

Please Like, Hate, and Comment as you see fit. I promise, there is some romance and action coming up, but like it says, this is a slow-burn romance. Still, slow-burning fires CAN grow fairly hot.

Her Fears, His Dream

He ducked again, trying to bring his sword up into position. The shade snarled, its impossible strength hammering against the interposed blade again and again. Blast it, he was a CLERK, not a proper soldier! He went to school to study writing and mathematics, not combat arts. Nevertheless, duty was duty, and this thing was a threat.

Everypony else was down. Guards lay strewn in the hallway as the blood-red moon hung overhead and the crowd of shades pressed in around him. This was it. Years of training and education about to end on the blade of some magical demon thing. Still, if he could just buy enough time for Shining Armor to arrive!

“You can’t win. Give up.”

The words echoed through his mind as he tried to catch his breath, gasping through burning lungs. A dozen cuts across his body sapped his strength, and his hands felt cold as they starved of blood. The shade lunged again, and brought its sword down in a vicious arc. Their swords met.

Once again, he found himself on his knees, blinking through a torrent of blood as he stared at the shattered blade in his hand. This time, there was no captain to save him. He was alone, trapped, and beaten. The sword came down-

Eclipse Penumbra gasped, bolting upright. The blankets were soaked with sweat and his hands would not stop trembling. The tired red sun was just beginning to set outside as the day ended. Night would soon arrive, and Princess Luna would be awakening soon. Reaching for the basin of water on the nightstand, he took a moment to remember where he was as he splashed his face. The Lunar Quarter in his personal chambers. A far cry from a week ago, it was not stocked with all manner of clerky things, from an abacus to one of those newfangled mechanical calculators from Gryphony. Ink, quills, parchment for days (or nights, as the case may be) and various other vital objects were strewn in what looked to the untrained eye to be a chaotic fashion across the desk and shelves.

Standing up, the Unicorn pulled on his robe and walked to the Balcony overlooking the gardens. Drawing aside the sliding doors, a cool evening breeze washed over him and stole away some of the tension in his shoulders. The burning scar on his face felt soothed by the current of air and he looked up to the stars overhead, twinkling in the comfort of their eternal black blanket.

It’s time to go to work, He thought to himself. “Nothing for it, Eclipse. Buck up.”

A quick shower and a trimming of his mane later, he stared at himself in the mirror. Unlike two months ago, his cheeks were gaunt and drawn, giving him a nearly skull-like appearance. It was hard to keep a full meal down and working 16-hour shifts to catch up on the multitude of details required to get the Night Court up and running after a thousand years was no simple task. Still, it’s a case of needs must, Pen. Now how about we make sure Princess Luna has her evening drink, shall we?

Fastening on his belt with the short dagger, he strode out of his chambers. Nodding to the guards outside, he hurried down to the kitchens as the remainder of the staff not yet off duty prepared to turn in for the night. By now, the kitchen knew to have a large barrel of extra-strong coffee ready to go, enchanted to keep it warm and fresh throughout the night. A special blend of Saddle Arabian beans and imports from the Badlands, she claimed it was “The true Power of the Night” and ensured that all her staff and guards were plied with as much as they needed.

A familiar click of boots alerted him to the approach of a friend. Without even turning, he held another cup out which was accepted as Mithril Weave caught up to him. “Evening, Pen. Got those forms for me?”

He rolled his eye. “If there is one thing I don’t miss, it’s filling out the same requisition form for the same five ponies every week. At least now I never have to do the same thing twice. Other than transcribing the swearing-in of sixty new guards in a row.”

“With any luck, that’s a one-off. So, you settling in well enough? How’s the eye doing?”

“It’s still blind,” he replied as he flashed a grin at her. “How’s the arm? Hey, where IS your arm?”

She looked down, grimacing. “It’s still not taking properly. The Artificer says the adjustment is all in my head, but I can’t seem to get it to move properly. It’s dead weight right now, so I’m not lugging it around.”

“After all the years you spent lugging the rest of us around, and NOW you’re concerned with dead weight? Getting old, Captain?” His comment provoked a grimace from her.

“Young enough to kick your ass, Pen. You know you don’t have to call me Captain anymore, right? You’re retired from the guard. Lighten up a little, you look like you’re about to suffer an attack of nerves.”

“Old habits, as the Princess likes to say. We’ve served what, four years together? I remember your little speech to us the first night on detail. Something about not falling asleep, just before we caught you napping in your office?”

“In my defense, I had been pulling double shifts for two weeks straight, and Shining Armor had my ass for that one. By the way, did you hear Shining’s getting married?” That comment drew Eclipse to a stop as he directed his full attention to her.

“Really? Who to?”

“Cadence, by the sounds of it. Or, as the full title goes, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. His little sister’s babysitter.”

“Oh! Well, that should be a fun wedding. Good for him!” Though known for his utterly rigid discipline amongst the guards, he was respected as both competent and charismatic, able to lead rather than drive his subordinates to excel. On the day shift, at least. He had a somewhat darker reputation for shuffling under-performers to the Night Shift in order to boost his performance reviews.

The two stopped outside the Lunar Quarters. “Well, I’ve got to run a surprise inspection. But really, do you have anything I should know about?” She raised her eyebrows as Eclipse considered.

“Nothing off the top of my head. Just make sure noponys got any contraband. If you can, try to get your budget report pushed past Bean Counter so I can sign off on it.”

She nodded before putting her helmet on and striding away. Levitating the barrel of coffee in after him, Eclipse was not surprised to see Luna standing on her balcony raising the moon. At the smell, she turned, her expression brightening. “Ah, mine most loyal vassal. Here with tribute fitting for a Princess?” She accepted the proffered cup and sipped of the near-boiling liquid, sighing with relief. “Most excellent. My compliments to the chef, as usual. Now, what exciting duties await us this night?”

Eclipse didn’t even have to pull out the list he had been ready to prepare. Well, gotta get it over with. “Nopony has sought an audience this evening, your highness.”

Her ears drooped. “Alas, again. Still, I suppose it has only been a week since we have, ah, ‘opened for business?’ Mahaps we shall find something productive to do tonight. I grow weary of spending hours sitting in a stuffy throne room where nopony has need of me.”

Eclipse squinted at her. She seemed… nearly as under the weather as him. “Your highness… forgive me if I am out of line, but are you alright? You seem down.”

“‘Tis nothing of concern. I’m sure that they will come… eventually. Perhaps another look over the budget reports for the Royal Army?”

He shook his head. “We’ve been over them every night this week, and I sent them off to Shining this morning. I’m sure you are aware you do not HAVE to sit on your throne all night? You have other aides who can summon you if needed.”

“I refuse to sit in my quarters all night. It is too much like just another prison.” She nearly spat out the word, before colouring. “My apologies, I should not speak in such a manner before you.”

“It’s alright, Princess. It’s just me, Eclipse. Everypony’s friend.” His dry tone didn’t cover the twinkle in his eye, tired though he was as he offered her a small joke in an attempt to lighten the mood.

It didn’t have the expected effect. Rather than a chuckle or laugh, or that snort that could have come from a pig that he found so amusing, he got only a sigh. “Friend… indeed. A princess does not get the luxury of such things.”

“Your highness? With all due respect, your sister has plenty of friends.” That, as it turned out, was exactly the wrong thing to say. Her eyes flashed as her hand trembled, clenched around the cup.

“Our dear sister has much that we do not. ‘Twould be no understatement to call her the most beloved in all the land. Not… not that I begrudge her AUGH!” Her statement came to an abrupt end as the cup in her hand shattered. As accustomed as her tongue may have been to scalding hot coffee, her hand was not, and her shriek drew a loud crash from the door as two lunar pegasi burst in, halberds brandished.

“Your Highness, what-” one started, before she waved them away. “‘Tis nothing, a spill. Return to your posts, please” she said, turning swiftly without meeting Eclipse’s eye. The two bowed before retreating, closing the door behind them as Eclipse Penumbra stepped forward. Grabbing a towel, he began to clean up the broken pieces and mop up the spilled liquid. Luna strode away, pushing open the doors to the balcony and stepping out, gazing up at the sky.

I didn’t sign up for this. I suppose there was a bit of a reason she went… nightmare mode. Suddenly, he stopped, unaware of the broken ceramic digging into his palm. Her sister. That’s why she did what she did, she was angry and jealous because she… has never had a friend? How is that possible? She’s a princess. Still, the evidence was there: In a week of the Night Court being open for petitioners, not one had come forward, not even any of the nobles seeking favours. The throbbing pain drew his eye back and he finished picking up the pieces as Luna stood silently on her balcony.

Then, he had an idea. A dangerous, risky, and completely inappropriate idea. He might still be a little rusty, and it had been ages since he had done it with anypony other than himself, but if she was the kind of pony he thought she was… Finishing nabbing up the last of the spilled coffee, he stepped over to the door and poked his head out. One of the guards, still on high alert, looked at him. “Please inform anyone who wishes to petition the Princess that she is not available tonight, but if it is urgent, let me know.

The guard nodded, resuming her post as he quickly moved across the room to his own quarters. It took less than a minute for him to locate and retrieve the item he desired, one which had provided him endless hours of pleasure and entertainment. Only those with great fortitude had ever beaten him, but if he recalled correctly, Princess Luna had invented chess. Returning to the living area, he began to set the pieces up. By this time, the princess had come back in and was filling another cup, her hand still trembling, but she looked somewhat interested as he quietly set the board and looked up at her.

“It seems tonight, protocall be damned, your highness. How about a friendly match? It’s been a couple of years for me, but I understand you invented this game as a way to improve strategic skills? I’ve had this set since my father passed it down to me, and his father had it before he did. We’ve been playing for generations.”

She slowly approached him, her face neutral as she looked at the board. “‘Tis a game of no chance at all, only skill. I would enjoy it, but we have-”

Aware his mother would have twisted his ear off for doing so, he interrupted her. “Nopony wants to see you. You asked me to give you the truth? There it is. In time, I am certain many will seek you. Perhaps some will do so to go around your sister. Perhaps they will seek to court you or win favours. Tonight however? There is nothing wrong with relaxing once in a while. If you wish, I would be happy to spar with you, so to speak.”

For a moment, he thought she was going to dismiss him on the spot. Then, she pulled out a chair and sat down. “I believe I shall play black. Your move, my White Knight.”

Two armies clashed. Lowly foot soldiers rushed ahead, meeting in a desperate melee frenzy as galloping knights charged into the fray. Bishops hid behind their castles as the Queen herself waded forward, striking down any who would oppose her.

Finally, when the blood and screams of the field faded, only the few remnants of the black army remained, crushed without mercy by the Solar guard.

“My apologies, but that is Checkmate, again” stated the Unicorn as he set his castle down next to the King, watched over by the bishops.

“Drat! Best six out of ten?” The princess glared at her opponent as he used his magic to reset the board. The moon hung low in the sky, nearly ready to be dropped the rest of the way as the stars began to fade in the early pre-dawn light. The keg of coffee stood empty while the remnants of a cake pilfered from Celestia’s Repository lay scattered across the table. A far cry from a few hours ago, she was finally at ease as she leaned back and belched softly. “Pardon! That was undignified.”

“Nearly as undignified as what you did to my poor knights.” Eclipse rubbed his horn, a massive headache building up in his forebrain as he squinted at the board. “Most churlish of you, Princess. You nearly had me that time.”

“I suppose, in a thousand years, you lot have developed plenty of strategies I have never heard of. What was that series called again?”

“The Discordant Maneuver. Knights in the middle, queen on the flank, bishops guard the King while the castles move in for the kill. Here, like this” he said, setting the board with the pieces in the proper places. “Just like this. Move 35, Castle to back file, and it’s checkmate.”

Before she could reply, the clock chimed behind them five times. She looked over his shoulder at the timepiece as it alerted her. “Ah, our rematch will have to wait. This has been… a most enjoyable night.” She stood up from the table and stretched her wings. “Mayhaps we shall do this again?”

Penumbra nodded at her. “You nearly had me that last one. I had to improvise there. Your highness?” he said, raising his voice in a query. At her raised eyebrow, he continued. “If it makes any difference… I… don’t think you are a bad pony.” He stood up. “I swore to help you as you need. If you ever need to talk, need to vent… I will listen, and nothing you say to me leaves this room.”

She looked at him. He met her eyes with his own, and though he couldn’t see through it, even his milky left one met hers steadily. “I… thank you for that. I think I will take you up on that, My Little Pony. I… must lower the moon to make way for my dear sister’s sun.”

As she turned away, he thought he saw a wet gleam in her eyes.

“Dammit.”

The Gryphon cursed her foul luck. Knowing a former guard was enough to get her into the palace, but the Princess of the Night had not made her normal trek to the Throne Room this night, meaning she had stayed up so late for nothing, and would have to risk another trip back. Pulling a picture out, she ran her talons over it mournfully. “I promise you… we'll be together again. Soon, my love. I will avenge you, and it will be the last thing I ever do.”

From the picture, her love, Grape Fruit, smiled, her arm around her gryphon lover under the bright sun of Marealago.

Her Title, His Station

Thrust. Parry Riposte. Keep her in your good eye. Keep your sword up, keep your stance wide. The evening sun cast honeyed light across the sparring room floor as the clang of steel-on-steel rang out. The one-armed pegasus mare leaned into her strikes as the Unicorn gave ground. Finally back up to speed, he turned his head to keep track of her as she attempted to step around him.

“C’mon, Pen! Sword UP! That’s how you lost half your damn face!” Eclipse ducked as Mithril Weave grinned, slicing through the air above him. Both blades were magically dulled for protection against accidents, but it still hissed uncomfortably close to his horn. “Should really watch out for that!”

Penumbra strained to put himself upright again, before throwing caution to the wind and tackling her before her guard recovered. With a startled “Oomf!” she was borne to the ground, both their swords clattering to the ground.

His left arm twinged uncomfortably as she corrected the situation, stealing his momentum and rolling them over. An unmerciful knee was planted in his back while his left arm was twisted nearly as far as it was willing to go. “Really? You know you haven’t passed a ground fighting course in… well, ever?”

The personal aide and adjutant to Princess Luna herself groaned against the matt on the ground. “Always a first time. Or a last, I suppose.” His former captain helped him roll over and pulled him to his feet before the two collected their weapons. Penumbra dismissed his warding spell, and winced at the jolt that ran through his head. “Thanks for the match, Captain.”

“Not a problem, Pen. You were slow today, try to get a bit more sleep, eh?” She raised an eyebrow at him. “Anything good for tonight?” asked the blue and green pegasus, putting her sparring gear away.

Eclipse grinned at her. “Actually, yes! We finally have a petitioner for Lu- er, Princess Luna.” Hopefully, that will get her evening off to a good start. She’s been itching for something, ANYTHING to do. “With any luck, at least.”

The two finished cleaning up and Mithril Weave headed for the showers. “Try and get some sleep, okay? Court’s adjourning for Spring Clean this next week. Dunno what you’re gonna be doing, but we’ve got drills scheduled.”

If there was one thing Penumbra didn’t miss, it was doing drills on the formation square while everypony else was enjoying some relaxation. Since The Return, however, drills were no longer a time to gossip and clean armor: the formations were now ruthlessly drilled in teamwork, small-arms and general guardsmare education. “Well, the Princess doesn’t have anything scheduled. I’m hoping I can get her out of the palace, though. She hasn’t left it since she got back, as far as I know.”

The two departed the sparring room, walking towards the main courtyard before parting ways. The Knight Captain left to see to her charges while the ex-accountant headed towards the Lunar Quarter. As usual, he stopped by the kitchens to have his liege’s favorite beverage in hand before he got to her. The kitchen was in full swing even this late, ensuring that all orders were placed and everything was in order before scaling down over the Spring Clean. Coffee in hand, he nodded at the two guards on duty before knocking on the door. Hearing not response, he waited a minute before knocking again. He raised an eyebrow at the two royal guards.

“She should be in there, Sir,” stated one of the two lunar pegasi stationed there.

Shrugging, Eclipse pushed the door open. There was no lunar monarch in sight, although her evening outfit was laid out on the sofa in the main room. Setting the coffee down, he walked over to the balcony. Perhaps she’s just slow rising, this evening. Then again, the moon is up, so she must be too. His thoughts were interrupted by the door to her chamber opening. He turned, opening his mouth to speak but stopped short by the sight.

“Princess, I-” He started, before his remaining eye bulged. The princess stood there in all her glory, unclothed, and yawning. Her eyes were puffy and red while her mane, usually enchanted to be ethereal, hung in damp locks down her head and on either side of her horn. He took all this in in a moment, though his brain refused to process the information.

The princess simply stared at him, before looking down at herself. “Eclipse. You’re a bit-” she started, before coughing several times. Not one to be distracted by something as simple as a heaving bosom, he was nevertheless a bit uncertain of what to do. His flawless memory searched, but there wasn’t any protocol for walking in on a princess in a state of nature.

Outside of some rumors regarding Shining Armor and Celestia, not fit for repetition by loyal servants of the crown, of course.

“Princess… is this… a bad time?” he asked, making sure to meet her eyes. She grimaced, though raised a hand to conceal herself somewhat.

“Nay! We are just a bit-” she said, pausing to give a wet, rattling cough. Something unspeakable landed on the priceless rug as her knees gave out. In a moment, Eclipse dropped the parchment scroll as he rushed to her side, taking her arm. From this close, he could see that she looked just as exhausted as him, her eyes red and muzzle running in something all too familiar to one who worked with alot of pegasi. “I am simply… a bit under the weather. ‘Tis just a sniffle... “

Penumbra’s mind raced. He had a fairly simple task, but being flayed alive for being caught in… questionable-looking state with the Princess of the Night was not high on his list of ‘things to have done to me’. “Princess! Let’s get you to bed for now, alright?”

She shook her head, attempting to rise weakly before leaning on her most loyal vassal. “No! We have… court. We are expected to… duty…” she mumbled. Putting a hand on her forehead, Eclipse confirmed it: Between the fever, red eyes, and running muzzle, she probably was sick. Feather Flu, if he had his guess.

“The Night Court is in session at your pleasure, Princess. Please, you told me to tell you the truth? Do you want your first court appointment to see you in such a state?” The young stallion helped her up, entering her bedroom for the first time, bearing most of the nude princess’ weight (not an inconsiderate task: though a dream of many a mare for her proportions, she was still more than six inches taller than him) and seeing her to her bed. With only a token protest, she allowed him to lay her back on the bed and pull the blanket over her for the sake of decency.

“I just need a few moments rest... “ she said, looking at him through bleary eyes. “Wake me in… an hour... “

She didn’t even react to ‘your first appointment’! Poor mare. She must be quite under a spell if she didn’t even hear this. For the last few weeks, she’s been wanting official duties, and the first time it comes up she is in no state to address it. Prince Blueblood’s gonna be pissed, but not as much as her.

Those thoughts whirling around, he looked down at her. Within a minute of her head hitting the pillow, she was sound asleep and snoring in a most undignified fashion. Sighing, he pulled the blanket up a bit further and tucked her in much as he had done for his mother during her final year.

Like this… it’s hard to see the terror that nearly brought equestria to its knees… twice. How can somepony have such a darkness in them, yet seem so gentle? Which is the true Luna, the scared mare or the terrible Nightmare?

He rose to leave, not wishing to be known as one who watches others sleep, but paused. His invitation to the room had only been implied, but now that he was here, his quick glance brought something to his attention.

It was an old portrait, the oil paint faded and the frame looking ready to fall apart at a moments notice. Crossing the room, he pondered it for a moment. The two mares, a tall white one and a slightly shorter blue one next to her both gazed back, smiling. It was, evidently, a Coronation, with Celestia being crowned alongside her sister. Many differences between the two were not emphasized, but still there. Luna stood half a step behind and to the left of Celestia. The Solar Crown, festooned with rubies and sapphires, stood in contrast to the simple golden tiara granted to Luna.

She really has been one step behind her sister this whole time, hasn't she? I’ve never had any siblings, I wonder what it would be like to grow up in another's shadow.

Having probed enough into her personal affairs, he gathered his wits about him and took one last glance at the snoring diarch before leaving, closing the door quietly behind him. Poking his head out the entrance to the chamber, he looked at the guards. “Corporal? Would you mind going to fetch the healer? While you’re at it, make sure a missive is sent to the Prince that his appointment is postponed.” At the mares concerned expression, he waved his hand in dismissal. “Just a case of Feather Flu, I think. No rumors, okay?” She nodded at him, before touching her helmet in salute and running off.

The doctor’s report confirmed Eclipse’s suspicions. Needing to examine a single feather to make his diagnosis, Doctor Whooves’ recommendation was noodle soup, vegetable broth, and bed rest for a couple of days. This left Eclipse to get some from the kitchens and return with haste, keeping it warm with a simple spell as he settled into the living area, spreading some sheets and occupying himself with the familiar task of Budgeting.

It was from these happy thoughts that he was drawn by an armored gauntlet rapping on the door. “Sir! Prince Blueblood to see Princess Luna, Sir! Permission to enter?” The voice was of the corporal from outside, and Eclipse frowned.

“Princess Luna is unavailable, tell the Prince to come back later!”

This time, a Male voice rang out. “Perhaps you can tell me that yourself, and not from the other side of a locked door?”

Eclipse paled. He’s here? In person? Dammit. What he said instead was “Coming, Corporal.”

Opening the door, he was greeted by the Unicorn Stallion with his utterly perfect mane and a pair of eyes that could have belonged to a dragon. Without a word, he pushed past the younger stallion, casting those same eyes around. “I have an appointment with my… auntie. Where is she?”

Penumbra sputtered. Who did this stallion think he was? A mental facepalm followed. Of course. He’s a damned prince.

“I regret to inform you, my prince, that Princess Luna has taken ill this evening. I sent a messenger to inform you that your appointment has been moved to after the Spring Clean. She-”

“Excuse me, but who are you?” he interrupted, rounding on the shorter unicorn. “I came here to see my aunt, not some… flunky. I was informed she was here. Now, where is she? This is urgent.”

Anytime Luna’s Adjutant had found himself forced to interact with Blueblood, he had found himself counting to ten within a minute. Forcing himself to hold his tongue, he continued his professional manner. “As I have said, my lord, I am Eclipse Penumbra, personal aide and Adjutant to the Lunar Court, and stallion-in-waiting for Princess Luna herself.”

“Well then, fetch her in! A bottle of wine wouldn’t be amiss either, Pen.” The Unicorn didn’t bother with a second glance, walking over to the door to Luna’s chamber. “Is she here or not?”

“As I said, my lord, she is indisposed. Feather flu has her in no fit state for meetings right now. I assure you, your appointment will be met after Spring Clean. She is not taking supplicants tonight. If there is nothing else, My Lord, I really must ask you to leave so that she may get some rest.”

Blueblood turned, finally focusing fully on the fool before him. “Do you have any idea who I am, Lieutenant? I’ll have your CO in here in ten seconds flat if you don’t produce my aunt immediately. Are you attempting to hide her from me, or are you just too stupid recognize when your betters have things to do, like signing your paycheck?” All false charm had left him as his eyes, ones shining, grew dark. “I am not accustomed to waiting. Fetch her. NOW.”

The atmosphere grew chilly. The two unicorns stood nearly chest to chest as Eclipse considered his options. Prince Blueblood was well known for holding grudges and demanding his way. Though a highly skilled socialite, he had a well-deserved reputation for ensuring that those who crossed him suffered greatly. Supposedly, he’d had a servant who brought him the wrong wine exiled to the Crystal Wastes. What he would do to a low-level functionary-
But I’m not, am I? This one’s for you, my Comrades. Sorry you aren’t here to see this Captain. I’d love the backup, but not as much as you’d like to see this.

“Sir, I have the duty to remind you that Princess Luna, Diarch of Equestria, Mistress of the Moon and Watcher of Dreams, one of two first-rank nobles. You are a Prince subordinate to both. I would also remind you, without need I am sure, that I am in the direct employ of the House of Two Lights under the direct authority of Her Majesty, Princess Luna. Furthermore-” he said, raising his voice when Blueblood opened his mouth, “I am not subject to your orders unless they do not conflict with my own. Princess Luna is ill right now, and I am bound by oath and honor to see to her well being. If there is nothing else, then Good Evening sir, and I will happily show you the door.”

The white unicorn looked stunned. “You…. I….” He took a moment to sputter before clamping his mouth shut and drawing himself up. “Eclipse Penumbra, was it? I see you are quite devoted to my Aunt-.”

“Princess Luna” interjected Eclipse, losing most of his remaining patience.

“To Princess Luna, yes. I suppose such loyalty is to be commended. I ask you one more time. Will…. you…. Get…. the… Princess?” With each word, he leaned closer than was considered polite in society, and Eclipse could smell the expensive cologne overwhelming his nose.

He stood there for a moment. On the one hand, Princess Luna was eager to get to her duties, something he well understood. On the OTHER, the last thing she needed to deal with was the arrogant twit in front of him. As the one in charge of her schedule, his mind was made up quickly. “No, my lord. I don’t think I shall.”

He stood silent, and Eclipse could see his mind working behind those empty eyes. Then, his mind made up, he gave a curt nod. “Very well. You are new to Court Politics, are you not? No matter. Someday, you will need a favour, Eclipse Penumbra. You will need a document to vanish, or evidence to be produced. You will need money, or time, or a helping hand. On that day, I will hear your plea… and I will be glad to watch you squirm. Mark my words, Lieutenant… actually, it isn’t even that anymore is it?” His lips curled up in an evil smirk. “Couldn’t even defend your princess, and yet here you are, promoted? Remember this: No matter how bad things are, I can make them worse for you.”

Without a backward glance, he strode from the room, leaving the door to close loudly behind him. With him left none of the tension as Eclipse sat down heavily on the overstuffed sofa. All that for… wine selections for the Grand Galloping Gala?

It was late in the evening by the second day that Princess Luna was up and around. Consuming monumental amounts of soup and coffee, she was well enough to soundly lose two games of chess to her servant. However, there was an air of awkwardness between the two as every time Eclipse looked at her, he couldn’t help but remember her with significantly less clothing. Such thoughts were not proper for a Royal Guard, but they infiltrated his mind nevertheless.

“So, my little pony, how was your evening? Didst thou get much done?” She wiped her muzzle, sneezing less violently than before, and took another sip of a drink much closer in consistency to mud than water. “Also, I believe that is Check.”

“Hmm?” He looked down, flushing suddenly as his mind was drawn back to the game. Her knights flanking her Queen put his King in check, but his bishop offered a simple solution. Moving it, he removed her Queen from the board. “With all due respect, your Grace, I return the favour. Check. Actually, I had the pleasure of entertaining Prince Blueblood last evening.”

Her eyes narrowed. “You mentioned a petitioner to the throne? Are the two events related?” Her horn glowed, and her knight removed his bishop from play. Rubbing his chin, he considered both the board and his response.

Finally, he nodded, moving his rook down the entire file. “Check. He wished to petition you for additional funding regarding stocking the wine cellar before the Gala. He was quite insistent upon it, actually. He agreed to meet after the Spring Clean, however. I know you are eager to see to your duties, but-” He stopped at her snort.

“Eager to see Him? Please! If there is one more corrupt noble in Equestria, I challenge you to name them! What my sister saw in him… I do not know. Also, that is Checkmate.” she said, smoothly moving her king one tile to the left, revealing a pincer maneuver with his king caught in the middle. A perfect checkmate.

He wasn’t sure what surprised him more: that somepony had finally beaten him (modesty aside, he WAS a grandmaster for a reason) at chess, or her response to hearing Blueblood’s name. “I, ah… Hmm. That is checkmate. I believe we now stand at 15-1, Princess.”

She leaned back, smiling before hastily turning her head to cough. Recovering quickly she grinned widely. “Finally! Thou art a most worthy opponent, Eclipse Penumbra, but all shall bow before the Glory of the Night!” She lit her horn again, enveloping all the pieces in her aura before sliding them back into the box they came from. “An excellent game.”

He grumbled in jest. “Victory is always sweet… for the victorious, at least. Well played,” he said, bowing deeply to a mare who had just notched his respect up slightly. I’ll have to remember that next time Mithril and I play. Brilliant maneuver. “The Court has been closed for Spring Clean, your Highness. I was wondering what you intended to do for the next week? If you tell me now, I can make arrangements for you sooner. Your sister intends to visit Los Pegasus for a ribbon cutting ceremony, I wondered if you had any plans?”

His heart sank as she scowled. “Nay. After all, I’m still ‘settling in’” she said bitterly. “Nopony needs me at a ribbon cutting ceremony for an orphanage. Foals are still terrified by Nightmare Moon, after all.” She took another drink, far deeper than before before setting her cup aside. “I shall do as I have always done: Remain at the palace, and clean up whatever mess is left to me.”

“You… intend to stay in Canterlot, then?” he asked, skirting the real issue. At her nod, he continued. “You know, the city has changed alot since… well, over the last thousand years. Perhaps you would like to see some of it?”

She shook her head. “Another tour of the mansions and palaces of mine most wealthy subjects? A more depressing activity I can hardly conceive of. No, I have been made well aware that nopony requires or desires Our-, er, My presence. It would be best if I remained here. I do not wish to cause more grief for my sister.”

Penumbra slid the hand-crafted chessboard and its pieces back into the wooden box they came from and walked around the table, before holding out the chessboard. “May I speak openly for a moment?”

She nodded. “I have never asked anything else fo you. I’m not in a mood to be, ah, ‘cheered up’ however. If you’ve a simple anecdote or speech, I assure you, I’ve already heard it from mine sister.”

He shook his head. “No. Well, maybe. Actually, I wanted to give you this. You beat me. You’re the first opponent in… eleven years since I started playing. I had over two hundred games, not a single loss until tonight. It’s a gift to you. My master, Black Square, gave this to me in Griffonholm when I finally beat him and became a Master at this game. He told me it had been given to him by his mother, who taught him to play, and HER father, who taught her, and learned from none other than Grand Maester herself. Once somepony worthy defeats you, it’s going to be your turn to pass it on. Of course…” he said, trying to wink before remembering that the needed eye no longer existed, “I suspect that won’t happen until long after I’m not around to see it.”

She gazed at him, looking confused, and so he sat down again. Drawing up the chair, he sat not across from her but next to her by the corner of the table. “Princess, you’re hurting. I don’t know what I can do, but I want to help. You gave me a chance, got me moved from the Guards where I was about to be discharged, unfit for service, and gave me the opportunity to do something useful. Something meaningful. I know you don’t feel like anypony needs you, but give it time. Many are still afraid. Many will just want favours or perks. Some might ask for more. You say nopony loves you or your night?”

Taking her hand on an impulse, he pulled her to her feet. Heart beating, he knew exactly what to show her. “Look at this then, and tell me what you see.”

Taking her to the balcony, he pushed the sliding door open and let in the breeze. Now that night had fallen in full, there was scant illumination from the city below. Still, the Airship Docks, never quiet, bustled in the distance as a massive airship came in for a landing. A few ponies walked the streets below, patrolled by diligent Night Guards, and in the distance a faint wub-wub could be heard from The Scratch. It alone accounted for half the noise complaints in Canterlot, and had lead to a petition to put a sound-dampening spell over the property. The mare in charge had taken that as a challenge, however.

“‘Tis Canterlot. A bit more alive than before I… was banished… but still quiet.”

He looked up at her. “That’s not what I see. I see peace. Tranquility.” She turned quickly to look at him, her eyebrows raised high in confusion. “You see it if you listen, and you can hear it when you look over the city. Everypony sleeps safe, knowing they will rise tomorrow and continue their lives. They are not afraid of the dark, just some of the things that happen in it. Instead, most go home, spend time with their families, and enjoy rest.”

She looked out again, casting a fresh glance over her domain. The moon, only half-full, gazed down upon the mostly sleeping streets before she jumped as her aide snapped his fingers. “That’s it!”

“What is ‘it’? The last time I heard somepony say that in that tone of voice, Starswirl melted half of Canterhorn Peak.”

He smiled up at her. This is easily the best and worst idea you’ve ever had, Pen. You sure about this? A single glance at her hardened his resolve. She’s hurting in a way you can’t imagine. “With your permission, I would like to add an item to your schedule tomorrow evening. Have you ever heard of The Scratch? It’s a… well, a social gathering place I’m sure you’d like.”

Luna’s head tilted to the side as she considered. “It’s some kind of bar or tavern in the Commons Quarter, isn’t it?”

He suppressed a chuckle. “Actually, it’s a Nightclub. They are pretty popular since somepony discovered how to make lights work at all hours. Ponies go there after work to… well, have fun. They dance, listen to awful loud music, and drink quite a bit.”

Her eyes lit up. “Like a party or ball?”

“Erm, not really. It’s a bit more… random than that. It’s not a very exclusive club, so entry is easy, but you may want a disguise if we’re going out into the city. Taking along an entire platoon of guards will… well, I suppose, it would ‘kill the mood’, so to speak. We can take Mithril and Corporal… I think her name’s Butterwing, she’s a new transfer.

“I’m not sure what a ‘nightclub’ is like, but it does not sound like the sort of place royalty would go.”

“Depends on the sort. Your sister is pretty well known for attending small parties unexpectedly… but there will be far more commoners than aristocrats there. It’s run by a mare named Vinyl Scratch-” he said, before a squeal of joy erupted from Luna.
“Ooh! I love her music! Her… what is it called, a ‘remix’? Her remix of Lunacy under the Sun and the Dream Wyverns records are wondrous! She lives here? In Canterlot?”

Eclipse, a bit nonplussed, nodded. Well, can’t judge a pony for her taste in music. “Yes, she is. Proper name Record Label, she goes by Vinyl Scratch for her performances.”

She nodded quickly. “Very well then! Our first unofficial visitation shall be to this ‘nightclub’ of yours. HATCHOO!” Her last remark, less of a word than an expulsion of illness, rang out over Canterlot as the Princess of the Night considered the chance before her. To go out, to see something new… and no big sister looking over her shoulder to ‘make sure things are alright’? The shorter stallion at her should had no idea of the reasoning behind her eyes, but she nodded again. “Make the arrangements post-haste!”

Eclipse turned, scribbling a note for later before her clearing her throat drew his attention back to her.

“There is one other thing I wished to ask you before you make arrangements. Remember, you swore yourself to honesty?” Her suddenly impish expression made him more nervous than Blueblood’s threats.

“Of course, Princess? What is it?”

“Did you enjoy the Full Moon last night?” Her beaming grin at his flabbergasted expression lit the room brighter than Celestia’s Sun.

Author's Note

Well, next chapter we are gonna start seeing some action, some fun, and maybe some action, in that order.

Drop a comment or two below, they really encourage me to keep going. I've got the end goal in mind, but the journey is the most important part, amirite?

Her Night, His Choice

A Unicorn tossed in his sleep, covered in a sheen of sweat as his scarred face convulsed. Clutching at the blankets, he relived the same memory that had plagued him for over two months now.

He ducked, the blade of pure ebony whistling past his horn. Beside him Captain Mithril Weave parried as well, dealing her assailant a mortal blow and banishing it to whatever mist it came from. His heart soared as his blade sang out, rendering his own foe to a cloud of vapours.

“Pen! Watch out!” His captain’s cry caused him to whirl as a dozen more advanced from the mist before them. Outnumbered, the two fled. All around, the maze of hallways stymied their attempts at escape, each turn revealing more wickedly grinning shades until the door to Celestia’s chambers stood before them. A dead end, but the place he knew he needed to be.

The place he knew he was to die.

The shades advanced, blades sliding from their forearms.

He thrashed, knocking over the arcane alarm device meant to wake him up as the sun set. It fell to the ground, but the sound of it shattering did not rouse him.

Thrust, Parry, Riposte!

His opponent was too strong, too fast, and the cry of anguish beside him was cut off as Mithril Weave fell, tongue lolling out of her mouth as her eyes went blank. The shades closed around him. No matter how hard he fought, he knew there could be only one outcome. He HAD to warn her, get her to safety… but Celestia was already gone, wasn’t she?”

His brow furrowed, and that instant of pondering cost him dearly. His mind was nearly as sharp as the crystal-edged sword that arced down, sending a fan of blood across the marble floor as he fell to his knees, shattered sword bouncing away from him.

Everything was wrong. This couldn’t be real? It had already happened! Eclipse looked up at his foe, waiting for the end he knew was coming.

“ENOUGH! THIS HAS GONE ON FOR FAR TOO LONG!”

With the sound of shattering metal and wood, the door behind him exploded. Driven back by the raw force, the Shades scattered before a mare tall and terrible, clad in armor with a sword most would struggle to wield two-handed. As the dark sword came down, the brighter one interposed itself, and Eclipse realized where he was.

It was a dream. A Nightmare, to be sure, but a dream nonetheless.

The world around him faded as he remained on his knees, watching it be replaced by starlight and the moon. Blinking, he stared as the mare turned around. Princess Luna in all her terrible glory stood before him, the very avatar of war painted a thousand years ago when Equestria was still fighting for its right to exist.

He struggled to find words, and when they came out, they were weak and shaking. “P-Princess Luna? I… I’m dreaming?”

She looked down at him, before kneeling. Her visage had gone from one of terrible wrath to concern more commonly seen on her older sister. “My dearest Eclipse Penumbra… This? This is what has been troubling you so?”

His heart still pounded in his chest and he could hear blood rushing in his ears as he gazed up at her, trying to clear the fog of battle from his mind. “It… it was so real. I dream this every night, but it’s always so real!” For once, his dedication to propriety failed him as his emotions swelled up. “I couldn’t stop them! I CAN’T stop them!”

She lay a hand on the side of his face, and her heart ached the same way it did every time she saw that wound. “I know. For weeks, I have watched, yet never once have you asked after my assistance. I thought… maybe it was something you needed to handle yourself?”

He stared at her, a tear falling down the side of his face as he looked around. The starscape brought no solace to him, and he found himself speaking nearly without cognition. “I tried, by faust I swear I tried, but I wasn’t GOOD enough! I couldn't… stop them. I couldn’t protect my princess…” His voice faded off.

“Eclipse? Look at Me.” Her hand on his face tilted it until his remaining eye met hers, and he saw the depth of sorrow in them. “I have wanted to speak to you of this, but you never brought it up. Why have you never told me? This… you don’t need to suffer this anymore! Even I have seen how exhausted you are, night after night.”

“It’s not your problem to deal with, Princess.” His voice was hard as he fought himself back under control. “Please, this is my burden to bear. I wasn’t strong enough.” His head tilted, and the active mind he prides himself on jumped back into action. “Why… why are you here?”

“Mine servants notify me of recurring nightmares in case they signify something. However, it was mine Captain of the Guard that told me her best friend was suffering. You are my subject, Eclipse. Your burdens are mine.”

He shook his head. “Please… Princess. I do not wish to speak of this further. I… lost some friends that night. Ponies I had served with for a few years. I’d even met Grape’s fiancee, just a few weeks before… well, before. I apologize for disturbing you.”

Her expression fell but she simply nodded. “You have been honest with me, and I shall return the favour. But know this: You are not the first pony to suffer survivor’s guilt, and there is nothing to be ashamed of for being afraid in battle. If you do not wish to discuss this, then I shall honor that… but know that I shall never turn away from you, Penumbra, so long as you remain loyal. That is my burden to bear, and one I take gladly.”

Finally collected, Eclipse rose shakily to his feet. “Princess… I swear. Someday, I will talk about it. But not tonight… not now. If I’ve not slept through it, then we have a night club to attend.”

“Very well then. I don’t agree with you, Eclipse, but neither shall I press you. You have done much for me. Just remember this, my most faithful servant: You told me you find peace and tranquility in the night. I didn’t see you enjoying either. We all have our sins to bear, but if you have taught me one thing… it is that perhaps sharing them, at least a little, makes them lighter.”

Everything faded away, and Eclipse slipped into a peaceful black oblivion, free for the moment of the terror that haunted him like one of those accursed shades.

An hour later, the much-calmer unicorn stood before his dresser, examining himself in the mirror. A somewhat more casual attire than usual, his civilian-dress was nearly as out of practice as he had been before The Return. The smooth scar across his left side had by now turned from its ugly raw pink to a pale strip of hairless flesh winding down to his throat.

You do cut a dashing figure, don’t you, Pen? The Unicorn adjusted his mane, letting the bangs dangle in front of his damaged eye as he adjusted his hat. Satisfied with its tilt, he departed his quarters and entered the living space of the Lunar Chambers. A moment after, the door to Luna’s bedchamber swung open. She was dressed in casual wear as well, a light blue sweater and loose pants. He braced himself for the inevitable ‘talk’ he had dreaded since awakening. Instead, however, she simply smiled.

“Sleep well?” she asked, before walking past him to seize upon her evening beverage. At his nod, she simply replied in kind. “Good. We have much merriment ahead of us, do we not? It would not do for my Guide to be asleep on his feet! Now, what delightful events await us?”

“Is that the Royal “We”, or the normal one?” he asked, being rewarded with a most un-princess-like snort of laughter.

“I suppose we shall find out. Is Mithril Weave to be attending us tonight?”

He nodded. “The plan is simple. Even at this hour, the moment you step foot outside the palace reporters will be all over us, and any chance of seeing Canterlot in ‘normal’ operations goes out the window.”

“I trust you have a solution for this?” She sounded almost eager to his ears.

“Of course, Your Highness. For this evening, you will be Shimmer Mist. It’s a cover identification we use for undercover agents, but it has a full suite of identification, all legal and such. This club does not allow minors inside, and demands proof of identity before entering.”

“Truly? It sounds quite exclusive. Are you sure we can get in?”

Eclipse grinned. “Mithril Weave says there’s usually a two-week waiting list. Since she and the owner might have… enjoyed a drink or two, she says she can get us in whenever we are ready to go. Blueblood’s not the only one with Connections.”

“Then let us depart! Mine sister says a bit of ‘fresh air’ would do me good, but I don’t think this is quite what she had in mind. Truely, this shall be a night to remember!”

Outside her quarters, they were met by Knight Captain Mithril Weave and Corporal Butter Wings (Recently sworn in, and not yet possessed of Luna’s Gift) who greeted them. Despite Butter’s obvious awe at being assigned to escort Luna outside the palace, she maintained a calm and professional facade. Mithril, on the other hand, looked distinctly uncomfortable as Eclipse gave her a dirty look. Friends or not, there were some lines you didn’t cross, and she had certainly crossed one.

“This way, Your Highness.” Mithril was dressed in slacks and a tee-shirt, exposing her muscular arms (or arm and a half, as the case may be) as she pivoted, avoiding Eclipse’s look with deft precision granted only to the greatest of duty-skaters. “Do you have your disguise ready?”

Luna nodded. With a shimmering twirl, she lit her horn and spun around gracefully. When she returned to her starting point, she was nearly four inches shorter and a Unicorn of striking beauty. Even Eclipse was taken aback, as he would never recognize her despite having lived with her for a few weeks. Her horn was shorter too, making her look almost… normal.

“Well… I think that will do, your grace. I bribed the cook to leave the back door to the kitchens open, no questions asked. I suppose we’ll have to have someone talk to him later, but for now, we should be able to escape prying eyes. It’s a twelve-block walk to The Scratch.”

“Before we were Diarchs, my sister and I walked the depth and breadth of the land, dear Weave. I’m sure I can manage a few petty blocks. I’m feeling much better today, thanks to Penumbra’s ministrations.” With hardly a backward glance, she strode away, leaving the other three to catch up as she moved with purpose towards the first event she had been looking forward to in months.

“Butter Wing, do you mind walking next to Princess Luna?” Eclipse looked at the young corporal, his voice giving no illusion that it was an order. She took one look between her commanding officer and a highly respected veteran, before hurting her pace to walk next to Luna while Eclipse glared daggers at his erstwhile friend. As they walked, a mere ten paces behind their charge, she avoided his gaze again.

She was the first one to break the silence, however. “Lovely evening for a walk in Canterlot, isn’t it?”

“You told her. Mithril, what the HAY?” His voice was far harsher than he intended, but the fury he had contained bubbled up suddenly and without warning. As she opened her mouth, eyes widening as they met his, he nearly snarled at her. “That is NOT your place! This is NOT a problem you bring to the Princess of the Night!”

His tone raised her own bristles. “You want to talk about this now? Fine. You’ve been off the last few weeks. You ain’t sleeping. You don’t eat. You’ve lost at least fifteen pounds since you got out of the hospital! Ponies who have been in comas are not supposed to lose any more weight! Are you really going to stand there and tell me that it isn’t a problem?”

“It’s not YOUR problem, and it’s sure as hay not HER problem! She has plenty to worry about without a few bad dreams of mine being added into the mix!”

“Dammit, Eclipse!” The two stopped, suddenly forgetting their task as emotions got the better of both of them. For Mithril Weave, it was a simple matter of a subordinate needing counseling, and a friend needing help. For Eclipse, it was a much deeper problem.

Burdens were never sent up the chain. If you had a problem, you dealt with it or learned to make do. His father, a career soldier, had taught him that. When everypony is already miserable, there is no need to share your own. You don’t cry, you don’t beg, and you don’t ask for handouts or sympathy.

Mithril stared at the pony she thought of as more like a brother than a comrade, and was surprised by the raw-edged fury in his eye. For the first time, she began to realize that she might have overstepped an undrawn line. Still, she ploughed on. “You know, I’ve seen a lot of ponies just like you in the guard. I’ve always found there are two types of us: Those who think they know everything, and those who actually do. You’re the second, and in my opinion, that’s more dangerous. You’re worse than a fool, you’re a SMART fool. Do you REALLY think that you being out of sorts doesn’t affect the rest of us?”

He stepped forward, anger boiling up, pushing a finger into her chest. “You had no right to concern her! Mithril, I watched you lose an arm! I saw the bodies of ponies I served with for years, stabbed in the back! I lost an EYE doing my duty! I’ve never once complained, as this is the sacrifice we make! So tell me… What in all of that makes you think I would EVER want to worry the princess with a few bad dreams? Do you have any idea what that feels like? I”m not a foal any more, running to mother when I wet the bed!”

She snorted, nostrils flared as she bit back her own temper. “No you’re not. You’re the other kind, the one that tries to hide the sheets.” Her response was cold and biting. “You know what your problem is?”

“I’m not perfect, Mithril. I know my limits.”

“That’s not what I asked, so I’m gonna tell you. You, Eclipse Penumbra… are arrogant. You’re the most arrogant pony I know. Even Blueblood could learn a thing or two from you!”

That response stopped him cold. Of many adjectives he could use to describe himself, that one did not fall up on the list. Arrogant? ME?

Never one to stop pressing the attack, Mithril slapped his hand away before pointing a finger an inch from his muzzle. “You think you are the only one who can help you. You also think you are the only one who can help anypony else. You think you are the only one who’s had those nightmares? News flash! Princess Luna helped the rest of us weeks ago! I’ve never slept better! You’d know that if you pulled your head out of your plot and looked around!”

“I… you… what?” He found himself searching for words. “The rest of you?” The fire building into an inferno was snuffed out like a candle in a breeze as his shoulders slumped.

“Pen… You’re not the only one hurting. Ever since The Return, we all have been. You wanna talk about loss? Try Grelda. Grape’s Fiancee? She’s been in the bar, sunup to sundown, nearly every day since her lover died. Yeah, with a knife in her back, just like a dozen more. We got to survive, Eclipse.” Turning and walking after the Princess, she didn’t look back. “Someday, you’re gonna have to decide that Surviving isn’t enough. There’s a difference between it and Living.”

She left the stunned and somewhat humbled Eclipse in her wake, sputtering nonsense as his mind raced to process things, seeing them in a slightly different light.

She’s right.

“Fillies and Gentlecolts! This is… THE SCRATCH!”

The pony on stage waved his hat, and the lights dimmed as the turntable glowed, beginning to produce the sounds fed to it by a spinning record. The crowd cheered, nearly deafening in the small space as a hazy smoke began to fill the air along with the opening stanza of the current #3 song on “Canterlot’s Top Ten”.

I HEAR YOUR HEART BEAT TO THE BEAT OF A DRUM!
What a shame, that you came here with someone!
So while you’re here in my arms,
Let’s make the most of the Night like we’re gonna die Young!”

“That there could be such merriment at this hour! How have I not heard of this?” The disguised princess had to shout to be heard as the cheers, laughter, and general sounds of said merriment continued around them. Butter Wing had taken a place near the door while Mithril was avoiding Eclipse, justifying it as “Simply patrolling the block”. Penumbra and Luna were left alone with each other, both somewhat uncomfortable in the unfamiliar setting. All around them, ponies danced wildly as if it was indeed their last night.

“A thousand years ago, we had nothing like this! Even in Canterlot, the Gala was the only real event of note to last long into the night. Eclipse? Is everything alright?”

Her questioning lilt to her voice brought him back out of his thoughts. “Hmm? Of course, P- er, Shimmer. Just thinking about things.”

“Well, perhaps a drink or two would help things be put in place?” Her eyebrows rose as she smiled. For the first time in the weeks he had known her, she looked both relaxed and happy. The sight of so many partying under the night sky had her spirits up, and each time somepony meantoned how beautiful the sky was that night, her smile grew only wider.

“I’m on duty right now, but I’d be happy to fetch you-” he started, before she seized his hand.

“Not tonight! ‘Tis the Spring Clean, and if you are not Cleaning, you should be Springing!” Her nonsense retort carried them to the bar, whereupon she climbed onto one of the stools. “Barkeep! Two pints of your finest!”

Unable to protest without revealing his liege’s identity, he sat quietly next to her as the bartender poured two glasses of amber liquid. “Four bits, Miss. Taking the Coltfriend out on the town? I don’t recognize you.”

She beamed at that. “Forsooth! Mine dear Eclipse told me of this establishment, and I simply had to see it for myself!” She ignored the eyeroll of the longsuffering stallion assigned to ‘help her as she needs’ and peered into her mug before taking a long drink. “‘Tis a most fine mead! It has been far too long, and one can only have so much wine before wishing for a real drink, truly?”

The bartender nodded, smiling at her. “Most here can’t tell Mead from Rum. From the accent, I’d say Nobility? Not many aristocrats end up here… on purpose.”

“It has been a trying few months. I for one am pleased simply to get out of the Palace and- Hm?” She cut herself off, glancing at Eclipse as he nudged her. Eyes widening, she nodded. “I mean, it’s simply so stuffy there, where I work. As a secretary.”

He nodded, taking it in stride. “Well, if you say so. Must be nice to look out on all us lower sorts though. Still, your coin’s as good as any. Your pass says you know somepony to get in here too, so I’m happy to put your drink on the house.” He slid her bits back to her, but she shook her head.

“Please, I insist! ‘Twould be a crime of theft not to pay for such a fine drink. Mahaps, however, we can have another?”

Eclipse groaned as the Princess of the Night started on her second mug while he debated downing his first. Finally, he allowed himself a small sip, rolling the honeyed alcohol across his tongue. That is actually really good. If it wasn’t for all the noise and smells, this would make a great bar.

Princess Luna amused herself chatting with multiple other ponies, having to be reminded twice by Eclipse to preserve her cover. Still, the hours moved towards midnight and the crowd only increased in fevered frenzie, the songs growing faster and the dances more raunchy as alcohol flowed freely. It was after her fourth mug that he suddenly spotted a familiar face.

“Grelda?!?” The beaked face turned towards him, and he saw her eyes widen.

“Eclipse? What are you doing here? I thought you were working for Luna now?”

He stood up, still steady and leaving his still-mostly-full mug on the bar. “I thought you were planning to move back to Griffonholm? I mean… after…. Dammit, I’m sorry for bringing that up. How are you doing?”

She visibly drooped. Even from three feet away, Eclipse’s muzzle wrinkled as he smelled whiskey on her words. “I was going to. Had some other plans come up… can’t figure out what do do with Grape Fruit’s stuff. I… can’t look her parents in the eye.”

Eclipse’s heart melted. He remembered Grelda from nearly a year ago, and the griffon he saw now was not the same one he remembered. The face, sure. However, she seemed to have lost weight, and there was a haunted look around her eyes. The same look that started out of the mirror whenever he looked into one. “Grelda? You can talk to me if you want.”

For a moment, nothing happened, and the sounds of the club faded from his perception before a tap on his shoulder spun him around. “Eclipse? Somegriffon you want to introduce me to?”

He started to reply, before hesitating. Grelda was a friend of the guard, and she had taken the death of her lover hard. She’d been in and out of the hospital for drinking issues as far as he could recall, and had refused assistance from the guardsmares in settling Grape’s affairs. She also, very publicly, blaned Princess Luna for the deaths.

“Shimmer Mist… this is Grelda the Griffon. Grelda, this is Shimmer Mist.” He hardly dared to breathe as the two looked at eachother, before the disguised princess held out a hand. “Pleased to meet you, Grelda. Eclipse speaks very highly of you. I am… I heard about your loss. ‘Twas a tragedy.”

She scowled. “I don’t know where you get your ideas from, but it wasn’t a tragedy. Tragedy is when half a mountain slides down onto a village. My would-be wife was murdered. That’s evil. Those who bring evil… must be made to pay.”

To her credit, Luna took the statement in stride, though the crinkles around her eyes clued Eclipse to the fact she was working hard to measure her words. “You are… quite correct. What happened that night was horrible, however… don’t you think that the Princess might have been… well, not in her right mind?”

The griffon scoffed as Eclipse wished eagerly for rapid reassignment to the Crystal Wastes. “When a violent insane griffon murders several others, they are given the same treatment. Not a crown.” Turning to Eclipse, she said “Your marefriend’s pretty deep in bed with the Aristocrats, isn’t she? Get tested when you’re done with her.” Without another word, the Griffon left, snagging a bottle off the bar on her way out. It was a quarter of the way gone before she walked out the door.

“Eclipse… I…”

The unicorn held up a hand, Mithril’s words in his ears. “Princess… it’s fine. We’ve all made mistakes. Sometimes, they cost others dearly. She’s hurting, in a lot of pain and looking for a target. Before she emigrated, she was a soldier in the Sturmtruppen Battalions. A Storm Trooper. They are a breed of soldier we can’t hope to emulate, and she was hurting before she ever got here. If I remember right, Grape Fruit was more or less the only reason she hadn't been deported for disturbing the peace.”

“Is she right?” Her words came out with an edge of apprehension, and Eclipse took one more look at his drink.

“Maybe. But the future isn’t here yet, is it? We’ve still got to make it.”

He turned to look her directly in the eyes. “You’ve to to build it. Everypony deserves a second chance, right? A very wise mare once told me… sharing burdens makes them a bit lighter. Another one recently brought to my attention that I might be a bit… ah, overconfident in my abilities.”

The disguised alicorn levitated a their drinks over to them, and raised hers. “Then to new beginnings?”

Abandoning all that was right and proper in his world, he raised his in reply. “A fresh start, Your Highness.”

“Then so it shall be.” Without taking a sip of her drink, she set it back down before stepping over to the enchanted amplifier on the stage. As the current song died down, she whispered something in the ear of the recently returned Mithril Weave, who nodded and scurried off towards the white mare with the glasses who turned her tables with skill. A moment later, the music stopped as she grinned, pointing towards the stage where, to his horror, Eclipse witnessed Luna dropping her disguise.

“Fillies and Gentlecolts… Hello.” She seemed for a moment at a loss for words, seeming to shrink before the eyes suddenly fixed on her. “I do not mean to, ah, ‘bring down the mood’, but I wish to say something to you.”

Many were murmuring now, most along the lines of disbelief at seeing the Princess of the Night in her regal bearing… wearing a getup more in line with an overtaxed mother. Butter Wing straightened up, scanning the crowd for possible threats now that the plan had been altered. Mithril stood next to Vinyl Scratch surveying the scene impassively while Eclipse started.

“It has come to Our attention that many are displeased with our… with my return. The actions of that night were horrid, and I shall forever regret them. For a thousand years I was bound to watch Equestria, unable to speak or interact, only to watch from afar. In that thousand years… I learned nothing.” Her voice no longer quavered, and now held the same air her older sister brought forth so easily. A couple of voices in the crowd began to jeer, but were quickly silenced by others wishing to hear her.

“I am Princess Luna of the Night, and I stand before you to be held for account. Mine sister has forgiven me and asked me to take my rightful place… but I do not know where it is. My crimes are… great in scope, if limited in number. For hundreds of years, I was jealous and angry at the joy my sister brought to others.” She was interrupted by a hiccup, and even from across the room Eclipse could see the tinge to her cheeks. The same hiccup and flushing of the skin that occured after drinking, but before doing something really, really stupid. The kind of stupid that involved after-action reports and citations.

“Princess, I think-” He started, before she held up her hand.

“This is Eclipse Penumbra, one of the loyal guards who halted my… my shades. He and his comrades have given up much in service to mine family, and I wish I did not have to ask so much of him as I must. Captain MIthril Weave, my Captain of the Guard. Corporal Butter Wing, a recruit who has sworn herself voluntarily to service of the Night. Yet I stand before you a mare repentant: For a long time, I had no faith in myself, and nothing but envy for my sister.”

“Yet for every name I could read off, there is another who will never stand post again. Many who fell to the darkness that overtook me.” A tear ran down her cheek as the club renowned for its noise was dead silent. “Would that I could return to then, and undo the mistakes of my past! For the first time ever, I have seen ponies enjoy my night! But it isn’t mine anymore… it belongs to all of you. As do I.”

She drew herself up to her full height. “I am Princess Luna, and I swear to you that I shall never give less than my full measure of devotion. The Night Court shall, now and henceforth, be open to ALL who would petition the crown. The Light of Day may shine upon the court of canterlot, but My Moon shall never wane nor falter. If you would have me… then I will be your Princess.”

As far as speeches went, Eclipse had heard Cadenza speak and had to admit it didn’t really hold a candle. As far as drunken regrets went… perhaps this wouldn’t be one of them after all. The crowd, however, held its breath for only a moment. Then…

“Princess Luna?” A single young stallion stood out from the crowd. His friends looked nervous, but he stepped forward nonetheless. “Can I petition the Court?”

She paused as Eclipse moved to stand near her. The colt looked around nervously before speaking again at her nod. “Can you… I mean, if it’s not too much trouble… Can you… maybe keep the moon up another couple hours?”

There was a ripple of nods and gasps, most seeming eager to hear the answer as Luna looked surprised. “That… is your request? May I ask why?”

“Well, the Guards tell us we have to close the club when the moon goes down. Something about ponies wanting a couple hours of sleep before work.” A chorus of good-natured ‘boos’ echoed from the crowd.

“And you think that keeping the moon up longer will let you keep the doors open the same?” Her naturally impish nature poked through as the tension in the room wound down rapidly. Many nods around the room followed before she spoke again. “I… will see what We can do for you then.”

There was a cheer as the record scratched, and a new song played fourth. Looking down from the stage, Luna held out a hand towards Eclipse as the crowd resumed their feverish dancing, the combination of booze and social vibes letting them move on from an unexpected, though apparently not unwelcome visitation. Finishing his drink, Eclipse set it down before stepping up. “Yes, your Highness?”

“This is a club with dancing? Would you care to join me?”

As he found out, the night was indeed young. Hours of dancing left the fairly athletic accountant exhausted and sore by the time the sun rose.

At the door, a Griffon returning to ask one last favour from a friend of a lover started, eyes widening with anger. Her alcohol-soaked brain was able to parse the scene before her just fine: The pony she intended to ask for help, one of few she could trust, dancing with the mare she needed to kill. Soon, my dear sweet Grape. I’ll be with you soon. But not tonight.

Author's Note

Longest chapter I've ever written. Next goal: Fit 6k words on a page, whilest making sure each and every one of them belong.