Midnight's Haze

Throughout the next couple of days, Ruby had spent her time studying furiously to get back on track with her course, as well as to keep her wandering mind off of Luna. Even though she wanted nothing more than to simply let herself daydream about that perfect pony, she had a deadline coming up which was starting to strain her.

Sitting down at the desk, the mare used her magic to flip the page of her textbook and began reading. She was slightly behind with her work and had missed a workshop which would have helped her out, but she wasn’t feeling bad about that at all.

In fact, Ruby was feeling rather upbeat about the whole thing. She had her date with Luna in several hours and while she knew she would be an absolute mess, she simply repeated the words: She chose me, under her breath, which seemed to help her calm.

Scribbling down a few notes in a notebook, Ruby levitated over one of her gems, a scarlet ruby and placed it down beside her notes. Pushing back her chair, the mare got up and lit her horn with one of the spells in the textbook, aiming it at the precious gem.

Closing her eyes, she inhaled and held the breath for a couple of seconds as the runes flashed through her mind. Double checking that she did, in fact, remember the runes correctly, Ruby blasted the gem with her magic and found herself tensing up at the thought of having this one shatter like the others.

Her room was much like it was usually, with a few cans here and there, along with the shattered remains of several gems strewn about. She had taken to cleaning her room more than usual, since Cinnamon would barge in at strange times and she didn’t want her friend to step in last night’s meal or knock anything over. It was a simple task, but one that had brought a smile on her face. Cinnamon probably didn’t even notice.

Opening her eyes just a crack, in case the gem exploded, she found that it sat where she had placed it, glowing softly in time with her own heartbeat. Frantically turning pages, the mare’s smile widened, and she hopped back and forth on her hooves in glee.

“Finally!” Ruby picked up the gem in her magic, watching at the pulse quickened and settled down.

Standing there, her thoughts now turned to Luna and an idea formed, one which she found had caused the gem to pulse quickly. Shaking her head, Ruby tried to dismiss the idea, but couldn’t help but squirm at the thought now that she could imagine it properly.

Placing the gem which she’d need for her assignment on the table, she pulled over another ruby then slipped it into her saddlebag, before levitating that over onto her back. Ruby would need to be quick if she wanted her present to be completed in time.

Though she didn’t know much about dating, she did know that her father had given a gift to her mother when they started, so she would do the same, even if her date was an immortal Alicorn Princess.

Exiting her room, she hoped that she wouldn’t be assaulted by Cinnamon. As much as she actually enjoyed being in the pretty pony’s presence, she was in a rush and Ruby knew that the mare would simply gush at how adorable she was being with the idea she had in mind and though Ruby was getting better, even she couldn’t handle that.

Stealthily leaving her dorm, she let out a thankful sigh and began her journey towards the closest gem cutter, eager to get this over with before she lost her nerve.

The mid-morning bustle of the university campus helped put her mind at ease as it gave her a chance to focus on other ponies instead of inward at her own insecurities. There were a lot of students that she hadn’t noticed before, which caused her lips to curl slightly. It was a minor change, but something that felt completely foreign to her; smiling while relatively alone.

Cinnamon is really brushing off on me.

It took her only five minutes to leave the campus and enter the city proper. Unlike the university the city itself was more packed, and Ruby imagined the gem back at home flashing wildly. She took a few experimental leans into the crowd, before forcing herself in and falling in line with everypony else. She squeaked and yelped at being pushed around, but managed to keep up with the no-nonsense flow, at least until she saw the shop coming up on her left.

Grunting, Ruby fell out of the river of ponies and let out an oof as she hit the floor. She brushed a hoof over herself to make sure she wasn’t covered in dirt or had lost her precious cargo before sighing in relief. Picking herself up, Ruby trotted forwards and pulled the glass door open, only to hear the ring of a bell above her.

The store was seemingly out of another era. Angled mahogany tables lined the perimeter of the store, showing off the various, rather unusual gems on offer, as well as any items which might have jewels studded into them. The main counter sat in the middle of the store with what she assumed were the most expensive sets of jewels, each one cut into intricate designs. Behind that was the back of the store, which was divided with several rows of shelves. Ruby could just about see some tools and a worktable.

Behind that was an older looking, blue coated Unicorn. She was wearing a set of horn-rimmed glasses which seemingly kept her yellow mane from falling across her face. The mare smiled upon looking up from behind the desk, using her hoof to adjust her glasses.

“Hello there! How can I help you today?” she asked, her high-class tone of voice oozing through.

Ruby stopped in front of the counter and pulled out her gem and placed it onto a wooden part of the glass counter.

“Are you able to cut this?” she asked, placing a bag of bit next to it. “I, um, I need this today.” Ruby watched as the mare levitated the gem in her magic and looked it over. “I can pay extra!”

Glancing from the ruby to Ruby, she raised a brow. “What shape do you need it in?” she asked, going straight back to inspecting the gem.

“A heart,” Ruby answered, feeling her cheeks darken as a wave of warmth flowed over her. “It’s for a date.”

The unicorn placed the gem down and smiled. “I can do that for you, sweetie,” she said, letting out a hum as she thought about something. “You can come pick it up at half five, okay?” With that, she gathered up a small amount of bits and levitated the ruby into the back of the shop, turning around once she heard Ruby speak up.

“Please don’t use your magic. I need the spell matrix intact.”

Blinking at that, the mare tapped her hoof on the floor and nodded. “I think I have an old cutting machine somewhere out back.”

She placed the gem on the worktable and wandered back out to the front. “Now, unless you plan to wait, it would be best to come back later, sweetie.”

***

Ruby found herself wandering throughout the city, towards her parent’s house. She decided it would probably be best if she told them everything that was happening to her and get some advice on what she should do during the date with a princess. Even that thought had made her giddy with excitement, which was squished right down once she realised she was giggling in the open!

Nearing the apartment, Ruby used her magic to unlatch the gate and wandered up the brick steps that led to the front door. She was still rather hesitant to see them; knowing what they were like. Pressing her hoof against the sixth buzzer, she waited a second and depressed, hoping that they had actually gone out for once.

The building itself wasn’t particularly old. Much like most of the surrounding area, there had been a major effort to house more ponies in the city, instead of simply businesses, royals and the palace. As such, since Princess Twilight’s coronation, the city had expanded quite a bit down the mountainside, which is currently where Ruby’s parents lived.

The outside held a light beige, along with more modern brickwork. A couple of conservatories stuck out from some apartments, held up by support beams.

She was knocked out of her focus by the voice of her father; a gruff and no-nonsense earth pony stallion.

“Yes?” he asked, before his voice moved away. “I’m seeing who it is, dear!”

Ruby let out a quiet chuckle hearing them bicker, but then actually answered. “It’s just me, Dad.”

Immediately she heard a grunt come from the intercom and a buzz as the lobby door opened. She brought her hoof down and let out a sigh.

Here goes nothing, she thought, entering the lobby. It took her only a few seconds to reach the elevator and then step inside.

Closing her eyes, she took in the pleasant music and tried to will herself to calm. It was just one date… she didn’t have to go into extreme specifics, especially with what she and Princess did that first night. Ruby would never live that down and her father would probably say something like, ‘You need to marry her,’ or some other horrifying thing that would leave her mortified.

The ding pulled the mare out of her thoughts, and she saw her parents standing outside of their apartment, waiting for her. Her mother looked like she was ready to burst down the hall, while her father, predictably, was standing there, staring at her. Ruby began to make her way down the bland hallway and stopped in front of them.

“Hey, mom. Dad,” she greeted, smiling as her mom snatched her up and embraced her.

Ruby’s mom, Sapphire Dawn, wore a soft butter yellow coat with a slightly greying mane that still held hints of her bright scarlet mane. Her dad, Steel Mill, on the other hoof, had a mane of the lightest charcoal, along with an almost obsidian mane.

While her mother was embracing her, Steel stood there, watching the pair. That was, until he leaned forwards and gently nuzzled his daughter on the cheek. “We’ve missed you.”

“I know, dad, sorry I haven’t been over in a while.”

Sapphire pulled away and grinned. “We didn’t know when you’d be back, but we kept your room like it was… come and see!” She took hold of Ruby’s leg and began to drag her inside, ignoring her squeaks.

The inside of the apartment was in stark contrast to the bland hallway outside. The walls were plastered with a bright off-white cream, making the place seem larger than it actually was. The entranceway carried on for several feet, until the living room, with a pair of doors on the left side, one of which was open. That door led to what seemed to be the parent’s room, which left the other to be apparently, Ruby’s old room. All along the left side of the wall were numerous pictures of her growing up.

Being pulled into the apartment, Ruby internally groaned and gave up on trying to resist her mother, having easily been overpowered. The pair stopped in front of her bedroom door and Sapphire grinned, waiting for her daughter to open it.

With a soft push from her magic, Ruby turned the handle and creaked the door open. Her eyes widened upon seeing that her room had not changed since she moved out. Not one single bit.

She moved inside, ignoring the front door closing and took in her old room.

“I’m so happy you’re coming back to us, dear. I didn’t touch a single thing as I knew you would get upset with it…”

Her room itself wasn’t particularly large, only being several square feet. Her bed was pushed up against the far corner, sat upon a plush rug, with a long shelf hung over it that stretched across the entire wall. A desk was placed opposite, next to the door, upon which was a lamp and several cracked jewels, as well as mechanical instruments. The strangest thing was that there was no dust on anything. Surely her mother hadn’t been cleaning it every day?

“Mom, wait- Do you think I’m back for good?” Ruby asked as she turned back to her mom, who was not joined by her father next to the doorframe and giving them a quizzical look. “I haven’t quit Uni.”

“Why else would you be back?” Steel asked, causing Ruby to wince at the unintended insult.

She knew her father didn’t meant to do it, but it still hurt having them think that the only reason she’d be back would be if she had to drop out.

“I was worried when you left, dear. You’re always so nervous and University is a big place with so many ponies. You know how you get,” Sapphire tried explaining, then taking a step forward. “Not that you couldn’t do it, of course, but it was so hard to get you to talk to your cousins, let alone anypony else.”

Ruby wasn’t sure what sort of expression she had on her face, but her mother glanced over to Steel with a worried look.

“Actually,” Ruby began, feeling her voice crack a little, “I have some news.”

She let that settle in the air for a second, until feeling that familiar cold wave wash over her. “I, uh, I have a friend!” she finally stated, her heart still thumping away. “A best friend! And she’s nice and she makes me smile and she listens!”

The pair of ponies in front of her simply stood there, shocked. They really didn’t know what to say to that. They had never known Ruby to actually want to willingly talk to somepony that wasn’t them and now here she was with this information!

“Ruby,” Sapphire whispered. “I can’t believe this!” she squealed, grinning. “A friend! Our little filly has a friend!” she laughed, turning to Steel with happiness bursting from her.

The stallion walked over and after a second, leaned down and nuzzled his daughter. “I knew University would help,” he whispered, letting Ruby lean against him.

“I know, dad,” Ruby simply replied, still shivering from the effort it took to not vomit from her growing nausea.

Now it was time to tell them about her bigger news. “I have something to ask…” she said, giving her dad’s shoulder a nuzzle, then pulling back.

Unable to keep eye contact, she looked away. Ruby felt her stomach do triple front-flips and her cheeks grow horribly warm.

“What is it, Ruby?” Steel asked, taking hold of her shoulder with a comforting squeeze. “You can tell us anything.”

Sapphire didn’t say anything, and simply nodded along.

“Well, uh, what do I do… on a date?”

Ruby winced as she could hear her mother breaking from the news. “I, uh, actually have a date with somepony.”

Sapphire rushed over and bounced on the spot, causing Ruby to squeak and try to move back. Unfortunately, her father’s hoof had her pinned and she turned to gaze up at him.

“D-Dad?” she asked, now worried. Sapphire answered for him as she took Ruby in her legs and hugged her tight, causing her to let out a quiet ‘eep’!

“Tell us all about them! Is it a mare or stallion?!” Sapphire asked, staring down at her sweating daughter. “Where do they work? Where are you going?! Tell us everything!”

***

Ruby hobbled out of her parent’s apartment with a hoof held against her stomach. It had only been five hours since she had entered, but it felt like an eternity that she wouldn’t want to go through in a long while. Making her way back towards the center of the city, she glanced at the hovering dress that floated beside her with a small smile. Even though her mother had been extremely overbearing and pressured her at times, she did help her out and found one of her old dresses for her to wear.

Ruby found the dress actually fit her, which was surprising, but the main thing she couldn’t help but smile at was that she looked half-way decent in it. Her cheeks burned from the thought of Luna’s eyes gazing over her body, hungry with lust. She found herself sighing dreamily at the thought of showing off her body for her Princess… then found her anxiety flare up as she only just remembered that she would be on a date with the Princess.

Swallowing her nerves, she quickened her pace to get to the gem cutters shop before it started to get too packed to move again. Entering, that little bell rang out and the older mare made her way out from the back.

“Oh, I had just finished your heart, give me one second,” she said, going into the back once more.

Ruby heard the tell-tale sound of rummaging and saw the mare return with a small, ruby heart with a thin, silver chain attached to the top. The ruby itself seemed to bare a few imperfections here and there, with a crack or two being seen snaking through the center of the slightly translucent gem.

“It’s been a while since I had used to do it by hoof. I’m sorry it didn’t come out perfect, but only magic can really do that nowadays,” the unicorn said, placing Ruby’s bits back on the table.

“I can’t, in good conscience, take your money while giving you a half-flanked gem back,” she continued, a remorseful look on her face. “I hope it’ll make your date happy though. It seems like a very thoughtful gift.”

Ruby was finding this all terribly awkward now and reached out to levitate the heart and the bits back into her bag.

“Thanks,” she mumbled, tapping the floor with her hoof, not sure what else to say. “It’s lovely,” she finished, turning towards the door, then glancing back. “I’m sure I’ll be back sometime.”

With that said, Ruby made a hasty exit and found herself thankful to finally be out of that. She hadn’t the nerve to really be angry at the mare, considering that the gift was more symbolic than anything and she was sure that Luna could already have any amount of gems that she wished for. Ruby did find it funny that the gift that she would enchant to represent her affections would be an imperfect one and found herself smiling once again.

Now that she had some more alone time, Ruby began to plan what she would be doing for the next two hours. Step one would obviously be to get back to her room, step two would be to try to do her hair and makeup. There was a limit as to what Ruby was willing to ask of her friend and considering it had been less than a week, she wanted to back off and give Cinn a little breathing room.

Then, step three would be: Freak the buck out!

Entering her dorm, she stealthily opened the door to her flat and tip-hoofed in, trying as best as she could to make as little noise as possible. Of course, one of the other ponies she was living with just had to leave their room at that exact time!

Stood frozen with wide eyes, Ruby watched as the Pegasus stallion closed and locked his door. She tried to remember the pony’s name but came up short. He was slightly smaller than she was, with a light cream coat and pink mane. Turning, he saw her standing there and smiled.

“Oh, hey there. I haven’t seen you in a while. Name’s Turn Table,” Turn said. His accent reminding her of somepony she knew from Staliongrad.

Ruby blinked and pushed down the growing annoyance that she felt with herself. She had met so many ponies; why was she still so damn nervous! “I, uh, I’m Ruby,” she replied, smiling a little.

“It’s nice to finally talk, Ruby,” he chuckled. “Unfortunately, I have to shoot off. Hope to see you around some more though!”

He moved past the mare, opened the door and left, giving her a smile as he did so.

Ruby closed her eyes and breathed in. Like the other times, she held it for a few seconds, then let it out to try and calm herself. To her relief, she wasn’t shaking quite as much as most times, but it was still visible to herself. Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, the mare unlocked and entered her room.

The threw the dress-bag on her bed and placed down her saddlebag on her desk. Carefully taking her necklace out, she settled it down, before taking a seat and staring at it. She just about noticed the beating of the enchanted gem off to the side and levitated it over to herself. Glancing between the two, Ruby closed her eyes, remembered the runes for a magical erasure spell and cast it upon the ruby.

Quickly, the glow faded away until all that was left was the remnants of magic that were fading away like dying embers. Ruby didn’t want to try and cast the spell on Luna’s present, just in case she messed it up and it ended up just like the remains of the other shattered gems that were scattered around her room.

Closing her eyes, she felt the flow of her magic spiral to the top of her horn and weave its intricate details into the spell matrix at the heart of the crystal. Ruby could feel the pressure and the thrum of magic as it filled up the gem as easily as she could feel the seat beneath her rump and she felt herself relax under the familiar feeling, the world falling around her, yet leaving her breathless as her magic came to a stop. Levitating in front of her was the same gem, this one’s glow beating to her own heartbeat once again.

Ruby placed it down gently and felt her heart flip at the fact that she was about to symbolically give her heart to the mare that had stolen it. Now levitating the crafted heart up, she closed her eyes once more and poked her magic inside, feeling the slightly fractured spell matrix. It wasn’t a huge problem, but she’d have to be more careful now.

Flaring her magic, Ruby began to focus the runes through her mind, magic spiralling up her horn and cascading down into the matrix, filling it up. Every inch of the heart was filled with her magic, her devotion to the mare that had captured her, owned her and wanted her.

Stopping her magic once the matrix was full, she let out a breath she was holding and sat there. Her breathing was laboured at the amount of magic she had spent already and reached up with shaky hooved to hold the crystal instead of levitating it. Ruby pulled it in, held it to her chest and let out a small squeal of glee.

She suddenly remembered that she didn’t have that much time to really do her hair or get herself ready and settled the gem down on her desk before galloping into the bathroom for a quick shower!

Ruby was there for less than ten minutes before she burst out of her bathroom, levitating her hairdryer behind her as she brushed her coat down. Next was her fetlocks that she tried her best to trim so they weren’t so… unruly. It wouldn’t do to be seen like that with a Princess.

Of course, the mare didn’t actually know what she was doing, only going from what she had been told by her parents and Cinnamon. With a yelp, she tripped over the cord and hit the ground.

Blowing her mane out of her face, she pushed herself up and continued on, ignoring the fact that it felt weird to be looking after her looks.

Ruby wasn’t sure if she should put on any makeup. The chance that it would turn out to be anything other than a bad clown impression would be low and she didn’t want the Princess to leave their date because she thought that she couldn't do the simplest things. Shaking her head at the worry that was starting to bubble up from inside, she continued to dry her mane, battling back her worries as time ticked on. Despite her actions and the sound from the hairdryer, Ruby could sense each tick of the clock. Each one quickening her heart on the desk.

***

Luna found herself waking up a little earlier than usual, with a strange giddiness enveloping her entire being. Even throughout her normal morning routines, she couldn't help but smile, the night sky bursting with Nebulae and galaxies that sparkled. Leaning once again on her balcony's railing, she released a dreamy sigh and laid her head down on her forehooves, feeling excitement wash over her.

I simply cannot wait! With that thought, she jumped away and made for the door.

Before she could open it with her magic, Wing entered with his usual knowing smile. "Somepony’s up early," he teased. "Excited for your big date?"

Luna squeaked, rushed up to him and placed a hoof over his mouth. "Shh! Somepony will hear you!" she hissed, using her magic to firmly shut the door.

"Relax, Princess. There's no pony out there," he replied, pushing her hoof away. "Besides. You really should be worrying about the time."

The Princess glanced behind her at a clock and gasped. "Why didn't you say anything?!"

She practically galloped over to her desk, pulled out a brush and sat down at her vanity mirror. With a brief glow of her horn, the mare's hair stopped flowing and drifted down to resemble a regular pony's.

Luna began to brush through it, grunting a little from. Tiny knots that didn't exist in its ethereal state. She inhaled sharply as she felt the brush move from her magic and her guard standing next to her.

"I have little sisters, ma'am. Let me, with permission?" he asked, waiting for a response.

Luna smiled and nodded. "Thank you, Wing. Is it that obvious?"

The mare's face was a mixture of different emotions. Fear, excitement and nerves were the main ones. "I... I just don't want it to go horrible. Even with Twilight's help, some ponies still look at me like I'm a monster and-" Luna sighed as she trailed off and then closed her eyes. "Am I a silly pony?"

Wing stopped brushing, unsure how to answer that.

"In what context, ma'am?" he asked, moving is brush again. "If it's trying to find love, no. If it is thinking that Miss Haze will see you as the Nightmare, then yes."

He felt the Princess wince at the mention of that name but continued anyway.

"My job is to look after you princess. Not lie to you." His tone levelled out as he stopped for a moment. "I've watched you try and drown your unhappiness with sex, Princess. You have brought back so many ponies, but I know that none of them have made you feel like this."

He saw Luna glance up to meet his eyes in the mirror.

"and I also know that she has similar feelings, judging by her reaction the other day."

Luna had never been spoken to like that, but she found it refreshing and looked down. "Your words wound me so, Wing, but you are correct. It hurts to admit but I have been naught but a common harlot." she frowned and hit a hoof against the desk.

Wing placed down the brush on the table and smiled.

"Words are easy, Princess. Though I do not see what you see in the young mare, I will endeavour to make sure you are not a silly pony while you two court."

Luna turned around and quickly scooped her guard up into her embrace, hugging him tight against her chest floof! "We thank thee, Wing!" she cried, nuzzling the top of his head as he tried fighting against her alicorn strength with no luck.

She finally let him go and smiled warmly down at the stallion while holding in a giggle. "D-Don't worry about it, Princess..." he muttered, shaking his head. "I assume you'll use your targeted chameleon spell to blend in again. I don't think young Miss Haze would be able to handle having the upper-class watch and criticise her every move?"

"I will be. It wouldn't be right on our first date to have her so scared. Though, something tells me that she will be anyway," Luna replied, rising up to pull her tail around and levitate the brush to Wing. "But part of me finds her so delightfully cute."

Wing sighed and started in Luna's tail, shaking her head. "You sure it isn't to do with the fact that she didn't run away or faint from your games?"

Luna stuck her muzzle up at him and huffed.

"I was very gentle with the mare and she enjoyed every second of it. Besides, I thought you were guarding me, not watching?"

"How can I guard if I don't watch? Who knows if she was an assassin or something worse," Wing muttered, ignoring the look of frustration that was growing in Luna's face. "If it's what you desire, I shall not watch you anymore, Princess. I can sleep soundly knowing that you are safe with Miss Haze by your side."

Her muzzle darkened as she heard that. "You're lucky that you're useful to me, Wing..."

"So I've heard, Princess," he said, smirking. "Besides, where did the Princess that could so easily bend ponies to her will and force them to submit go? I simply see a mare with a crush."

Luna found herself looking away out of embarrassment now, her heart quickened by his words.

"Alas, we are but a shadow of our former self," Luna whispered, sighing as she imagined Ruby smiling, laughing and cuddling up to her. With a reluctant shake of her head, she picked herself up and gestured for Wing to follow. "But the eve draws on and I must still pick our date up!"

The pair of them took the usual route through the castle, at least until they neared the royal dining room. The pair took a detour around that, not wanting to be teased incessantly by her sister.

Closing in on the castle gates, Luna flared her magic and cast her chameleon spell. With a flash, her form shifted into the body of Sweet Dreams.

"Sticking with that body, I see?" Wing asked, raising his brow. "Not that it isn't alluring, of course. It's just quite bottom heavy."

Luna flicked her gaze to him with a frown. "I'll have you know that Ruby lik-."

"But she won't see it, Princess," he interrupted as his knowing smile returned. "But you do you, Sweet." Wing wandered off towards the gate and then passing through once it opened.

Luna couldn't find it in herself to really be angry at him. He was, like usual, correct.

She galloped after him and caught up easily, falling in line. "Do you really have to wear the armour?" she asked, knocking it with a hoof. "I would rather you didn't."

"You never know when a world-ending event might happen. Its best to be prepared."

"Well, I can't really argue with that," she agreed, shrugging. "Still, it makes you stand out."

"If it pleases you, I will. Just for tonight though." Wing began to strip himself, seeing each piece of his armour teleport back to his own room with a flash from Luna's horn.

"See, wasn't so hard?" Luna teased, seeing Wing roll his eyes in return.

Luna let Wing guide her to Ruby's dorm, never actually been in this part of the city before. She was amazed by the modern architecture of the University campus, as well as the sheer amount of ponies still up and enjoying themselves. Spotting a clock inside one of the buildings, Luna quickened their pace, not wanting to be late at all!

Having stopped outside of Ruby's dorm, Luna hesitantly walked up to the buzzer and stopped, not knowing which one was hers.

Silently, Wing stepped up and pressed the third one for her, before nudging her back with a smirk.

***

Ruby had nearly missed the buzzer going off in the hallway, except that she nearly jumped out of her skin at the sound. She didn't know what to expect, but imagined Luna swooping into her room or something else fantastical like that.

The mare had just finished doing her mane, after learning how to use a curling iron. She now had a few small curls in her hair which she thought were cute as well as a couple in her tail that bounced whenever she took a step.

Walking out into the hall, she stood by the buzzer and nervously pressed the intercom button.

"H-Hello?" she asked, wondering if it would be Luna herself.

"Miss Haze. Your date has arrived."

Ruby's breath hitched at those words. It was actually time! She didn't feel ready at all!