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?