It might not have been considered an unexpected knock on the door if it hadn’t occurred somewhere in the vicinity of midnight. Twilight had been trying to finish her last additions on a research report for Princess Celestia when the steady rap came in and echoed across the library, rousing her from a deep bout of thought that had forced her eyes closed. She gave a start and tried to realize what exactly had forced her to bring attentions away from the papers on her desk when it came yet again. A quick check of the time and she felt more confused than before.
“Who on earth would be up at this hour?” she wondered. “I hope it’s nothing serious…” When she opened the heavy wooden door and recognized her visitor as the Princess Luna, a small thought occurred to her that this should have been her first assumption in the first place. “Princess!”
“Miss Twilight. I saw your lights were still on,” Luna replied, that formality of tone still not yet gone from her voice, though the smile appeared genuine. “I hope I did not wake you.”
“No, not at all! At least- well, I don’t think you did,” Twilight replied, stepping aside to offer her guest entry. “Come in, what can I do for you?”
“I wanted to return your book back to you,” the Princess said, a snap of her fingers materializing the item and placing it on the nearby bench. “I’m thankful for your suggestion, it was quite enjoyable.”
“You’re quite welcome! I know it’s not a super ‘serious’ sort of novel, but it’s still fun to read lighter fare every now and then,” Twilight said. She took the book in hand and let her fingers shuffle through the pages, the memory of the words sealed within bringing forth a smile. “It’s a sort of feel-good story, you know? Just something that makes your heart smile when you see friends enjoy themselves like that.”
“Yes, assuredly so. It was… pleasant.” Luna’s smile had changed slightly, though Twilight wasn’t quite sure how just yet. “To read. It must remind you of your own friends, correct?”
“It does! I wouldn’t have thought that when I first read it- I hadn’t met them yet! But now…” Twilight gave a sigh. “Is there anything else I can get you, Princess? Some tea sound nice?”
“Your kindness is admirable, Twilight, but I must decline. I will be patrolling the wilds tonight, I have little time to spare. But if you would be so kind as to help me find a book…”
“Of course!” Twilight practically leapt over to her catalogue lists, poring over the hundreds of numbers and titles that were intertwined together. “What sort of genre are you looking for? Non-fiction, fiction? Something dramatic or maybe-”
“Actually, Twilight, I was looking for a- umm… a book. For help.” Luna was starting to falter.
“Huh?”
“A- a self-help. Book. If you have any.”
“I don’t have many, but I do have a couple here and there,” Twilight answered. “What are you looking for?”
Luna’s expression was that of discomfort, eyes darting everywhere as she tried to find a means of not answering. “For socializing. Or something like that,” she said in a voice so very small.
“I mean, I don’t think…” Luna’s embarrassment was palpable and Twilight knew it, she not wanting to admit that she possessed no such book in the library and thus force the already uncomfortable Princess to have to inquire from a less trusted source. “Is everything alright, Princess?”
Luna looked around the quiet library and her gaze slid over to the window where the outside world lay sleeping. “Twilight, could you just call me Luna, please?”
“Of- of course, Luna,” Twilight said. “What’s wrong?”
Luna’s gaze held firm to the darkened village as though she could see all the movement and lives that were being lived in its streets and houses, where shouts and sound of merriment were sure to be found. “I’m glad you have such good friends, Twilight,” she murmured.
“Umm… thank you?” The librarian had no clue where this was going.
“So, I’m- sorry for being jealous of you. For that.”
“You’re jealous of… me having friends?” Twilight asked.
Luna looked absolutely shamefaced. “I know it’s a horrible thing to admit to…”
“Princess- Luna, it’s- it’s alright, do you not have a group of friends yourself? I really do understand if that’s the case.”
“And I don’t even know really how to make friends. Especially ones as good as yours,” the Princess admitted. “I was hoping you might have something that could help me start to try and remedy that. Or at least give me some knowledge of what to try before I go gallivanting off and making a fool of myself. Tia suggested you might have something to help me when I brought it up with her.”
“I’d certainly love to help, Princess! But if I’m being honest, I’m not sure a book can really help you in that,” Twilight answered. “I didn’t read some book and get my friends, we sort of- well…”
“Became friends by fighting my corporeal dark side?”
“I was going to say the journey was what helped, but- Princ- Luna, it’s something you have to just try. It’s not easy and it can be really awkward, but the only way you’ll learn is by trying and sometimes failing,” Twilight said. “I wish I could tell you more than that, but it comes from- effort. Being attentive to the other person and caring about them, and then letting them do the same in return.”
“It sounds so easy when you say it like that,” Luna murmured. “I wish I had your confidence.”
“Well it’s a good thing you can have that sort of confidence!” Twilight said brightly. “I know it’s a bit scary, but you can do it. If anyone can, you can!”
“I guess, I…” Luna stumbled again, suddenly turning to the young woman with a pleading expression on her face. “Do you know someone who might be able to help me learn? That won’t laugh at me or get their feelings hurt or anything when I do something stupid?”
It was the crucial question Luna had been aiming toward since the start of the conversation, Twilight realized. She must have come by with the book for the sole excuse to start up the conversation, and find an easier means to ask for assistance. The only problem was Twilight wasn’t sure what to say in response. Yes, she could do it herself, but something about the idea felt… uncertain. Luna was a Princess, and such a thing was not always easy for Twilight to forget. She’d easily slip back into that formality she’d held with Princess Celestia and not really be of much use. Someone who wouldn’t overreact or gush emotionally, and wouldn’t really care about the title and rank that could overwhelm. Someone kind and gentle, who would be so ever patient-
“I am such an idiot.”
“Twilight?”
The idea now whirring in her mind was alight like fire, the smile growing wide as she saw each logical step to take next. “Princess -I mean Luna!- would you be willing to come back here come sunrise? I know it will be a late morning for you, but I have an idea of how to help.”
“Certainly. I will be here waiting,” Luna said, her fair face alight with hope as the trust she had given the young librarian seemed to bear fruit. “And thank you very much, Twilight. I do appreciate it very much.”
A snap of her fingers and she had disappeared, leaving Twilight trying to burn with excitement at the thought. Learning how to be friends was difficult, but a kind, patient person like Fluttershy was the perfect person with whom to practice! “Why didn’t I think of that right from the start?”
Oh yeah. That’s why. Twilight had forgotten Fluttershy’s first encounter with Luna had nearly ended with the poor girl having a heart attack. Judging by the fearful expression on the soft face of her friend, it wasn’t easily forgotten.
It also didn’t help that she was looking at Luna and Twilight through the door window.
Luna stood somewhat behind Twilight and wavered, her hesitancy only intensifying at the sight of Fluttershy’s fearfulness. “Umm, Twilight-”
“So it’s a bit unorthodox,” Twilight replied quickly as her face grew red. “Hold on- Fluttershy, it’s me! And you’ve met Princess Luna before, come on out!”
The door opened, albeit slowly, revealing a shamefaced young woman with long hair that seemed to help hide her demure form from view. “Sorry,” she said in almost a whisper. “I wasn’t expecting guests this early and you startled me!”
“Yeah, sorta my fault. Look, umm- So Princess -Luna, yes, just Luna- was wanting to ask you something,” Twilight said. “And I figured you might be able to help her.”
Fluttershy nodded, her wide eyes drifting over to her friend’s regal companion and trembling. In fairness, Luna was a tall, striking figure, not bearing the softened features and expressions that Celestia seemed to exhibit naturally. The dark hair and clothing only heightened the sense of majesty around her, turning the truthfully hesitant woman into an intimidating character- an unintentional effect that likely was not aiding Luna’s efforts.
“Miss Fluttershy,” Luna began. “I am… sorry if I scared you.”
“Oh- well, it’s- it’s alright, I’m better now,” the reserved girl said, letting her hands fall back down to her sides. “Thank you. And I’m sure you didn’t mean to.”
“I promise, I- Miss Fluttershy, would you please help me?” The midnight princess’s voice suddenly became tight with emotion, her swift turn to vulnerability leaving the two younger woman surprised. “I’m wanting to learn how to be around people nowadays and I’m not very good at is so Twilight said you might be able to help me and that you’d not get mad when I screw up so I was hoping you might be able to- that was a lot, that was a lot. I’m sorry- sorry. Sorry.”
A rush of sympathy welled up within Twilight at the sight of Luna, one normally so proud, struggling with something so dear to her heart. With a sister so beloved for so long, and now having to create a new reputation after such darkness… the studious woman hadn’t realized just how lonesome Luna must be, particularly when her duties kept her so detached from the populace she protected. Invite her for tea every now and then. Make an effort for it.
“I- I, well…” Fluttershy seemed willing to offer her help, but perhaps wasn’t quite sure what to say. “Princess Luna-”
“Just Luna- please?”
“Oh… OK. Um- Luna, I would like to help, but I’m not sure how I would be able to help.”
“I’d like to just- umm, well, spend some time with you. Talk, and learn about other people. Just trying to do some normal things, I guess. I know I’m usually only up all night,” Luna continued, “but I don’t mind staying up late- or getting up early. I could help you with your animals, if you’d like that.”
“Umm… yes, that would be nice.” Fluttershy took a quick breath for courage, and said, “If you’d like, you could come by tonight for some tea and cakes. Maybe it would be a nice way to start your day!”
“You’d really let me come visit you tonight?”
“Only if you want to, of course,” Fluttershy added. “I understand if you’re busy-”
“I’d love to!” Luna cried, taking the quiet woman in her toned arms and raising her high, gazing up at her with rapturous delight shining in her bright eyes. “Thank you so much, you don’t know how much this means t-” A swift bout of realization struck her and quickly tempered her exuberance, she gently placing Fluttershy back on her feet. “Sorry. That was a- bit much.”
“It’s OK,” Fluttershy gasped, holding a hand to her chest.
“I’m off to bed, but I’ll see you tonight, Miss Fluttershy! Thank you, Twilight, for such a wonderful idea! May you both have beautiful days!” Without another word she snapped her fingers and vanished, leaving her former companions at something of a loss for words.
Twilight had to give herself a shake to overcome the sight of the outburst. “Well, that was…” she turned to her friend, who still stood rigid. “Are you OK?”
“Um-” More flustered than Twilight had ever seen her, the soft-faced woman seemed to be going through an absolute cavalcade of emotions and thoughts as she tried to answer the simple question. “I- I don’t know.”
“Do you, like, need my help or something?”
“I’m. I’m fine, thank you, Twilight.” Fluttershy’s hand flexed subconsciously, she seemingly trying to find a means in which she could recompose herself. “I- I have somethings to, uh- think about. Yes. I’ll be going back inside now.”
Without another word she turned to the door and almost slammed it shut, leaving the very tired, hardly sensible librarian standing there alone, and not quite sure what she had just witnessed.
Were nerves normal? Luna didn’t quite know. It wasn’t even like she was about to do anything grand or dangerous. She was less nervous when fighting monsters than she was about meeting a young woman for tea- and this particular woman had been terrified the first time they’d met! “I have made such a big mistake,” she kept muttering to herself. “I don’t know what I’m doing and she’s scared to death of me. This is all a bad idea.”
Lips fell silent, yet words continued to flow freely within a wild mind that had chosen to whip itself into a frenzy. Luna had been standing at the edge of Fluttershy’s front yard for nearly ten minutes as she tried to convince herself to continue on with the plan. It’s not as though what she was trying to do was some great undertaking; tea with a gentle-hearted maiden shouldn’t be causing this much capacity for stark terror in either of them. This was stupid! “Oh, why did I agree to this?” Luna bemoaned, wringing her hands and beginning to walk in circles. “This is so dumb, I don’t know what to do- and Fluttershy is terrified of me, I’m an idiot! Will someone just walk by and put a-”
“Luna? Is everything alright?”
The scream that seemed to shake the evening scenery was not a small one, the pitiable Princess of the Night practically leaping out of her skin as the barely audible words came filtering through her ears. The assaulting shriek of Luna was met by another’s and eyes met as two terrified women leapt back from one another and then found their footing once again, breaths coming in short gasps from the extent of their fright.
“Flutter- I’m sorry, I didn’t see you come outside!” Luna, the first to find her voice again, tried to soothe her companion- and herself.
“It’s… alright. I think. You scared me!”
“I scared you? You scared me!” Luna replied, allowing herself time on her knees so as to recover. “Goodness…”
A few gasps- then suddenly Fluttershy began to giggle. “I scared you, did I?”
“I don’t think you meant it, of course!” Luna promptly proclaimed-
Fluttershy’s laughter continued, more freely as a smile grew on her face to match the glow in her eyes. “It’s only natural, after all. People who look at me always come away terrified!” A sudden distortion of her lovely features came and turned her sweet face into an attempted sneer, one of little effect. The most gentle-hearted woman of the lowlands looked more like a slightly misshapen doll than anything fearsome.
Luna looked at her for a time, kept confused by the seeming intent to hold such an expression. At first, she resisted the urge- but the steady sight of Fluttershy’s poor snarl provoked her further to laughter, and the deeplight Princess at last began to crack, letting muffled snorts of laughter grow strong and turn to laughter. The sound only incensed Fluttershy’s own amusement and the two women laughed heartily together, sharp emotions turning the simple moment into something precious.
“Stop! Stop, please! I can’t- mff- I can’t keep laughing, it hurts too much,” Fluttershy protested, wiping the tears of mirth away from her eyes. “Please, won’t you come in? I was about to set the water to boil.”
“Yes, I- thank you,” Luna said, still struggling to recover. “I- oh goodness, I almost forgot! I brought some tea from the palace, I thought- well, it’s a little rarer…”
“Ooh, jasmine oolong!” Fluttershy said delightedly, taking the offered package in hand. “I haven’t had any in a very long time, this is wonderful! Thank you very much, Luna- you didn’t have to bring anything!”
Luna felt a small glow of pride at the compliment. So she’d started on the right foot after all! With a pleasant hum, she followed her hostess into the cottage and wondered if she might be able to prevent this evening from being a disaster.
“I hope you don’t mind all the animal supplies I have around,” Fluttershy remarked, disappearing into the kitchen as her guest slowly crept into the living room. “I guess it must be a bit cluttered to anyone visiting.”
“You are perfectly fine. It is your house, after all,” Luna remarked. A snow-white rabbit was leaning back against a nearby table and staring at her with such a stink-eye that it seemed almost intentional. Not to be outdone, she stuck her tongue out in protest- no little bunny rabbit would out-sass her. “Thank you again for inviting me tonight. I pray it wasn’t a bother.”
“Oh, not at all, Luna! I’m probably not the best for company, but I never mind if people want to be friendly. A nice cup of tea with a friend is a lovely way to spend the evening.”
A friend? Luna was making real strides, faster than she could have hoped.
“Here you are.” A steaming cup of tea appeared before her and Luna accepted it gratefully, watching as the lovely maiden sat in the recliner across from her.
And then as the seconds began to creep by, Luna realized she’d hit her first roadblock: what on earth was she supposed to say? What passed for normal conversation nowadays? How was she supposed to do this when she didn’t even know what to do? The awkwardness was creeping in with full fervor now, and Luna was desperate to not drop the ball. She needed to get this set right lest-
“Oh, Angel, don’t be rude to our guests!” Fluttershy chided, giving a hardened stare to the criticizing rabbit that Luna had seen earlier. “This is Luna, and she’s our new friend, just like Twilight and Rainbow Dash or anyone else.”
The rabbit seemed to actually pout at the admonition, and suddenly darted away out of sight, and Luna wondered if she’d actually seen the whole thing play out or if it had been some trick of the mind.
“I’m sorry if he was being rude,” Fluttershy apologized. “Angel can be a bit over-protective at times.”
“He certainly has a strong personality,” Luna remarked.
Fluttershy giggled again. “Angel is very sweet and caring, when he wants to be. Please don’t let it bother you.”
Luna realized now she and her sweet-faced hostess had something in common due to their lives that were so intertwined with nature; a deep bond with nature, and the animals that dwelled within it. “How long have you been this region’s nursery?” she inquired.
“I’m… sorry?”
Too cryptic, you dolt. “Twilight said you have many animals here with you. And that you help some who dwell in the woods,” the Princess continued. “I must assume they purposefully come to you for aid.”
“Oh! I… I guess so, I’m only trying to help. They’re ever so nice to me in return,” Fluttershy muttered, though a restrained smile spoke to the happiness of her work. “It’s very pleasant to deal with them.” She turned to her guest. “Do you like animals, Luna?”
“Oh, yes, very much so!” Luna replied. “Though I do not get to choose the soft and small things of the wildlands, in light of my work. The wastes and deep places of the kingdom are full of mighty beasts, terrible to behold.”
“Oh…”
“If you had seen it, Fluttershy- my patrol and I, surrounded by a pack of vicious, bloodthirsty Wargons,” Luna said, the exhilaration she had felt in the heat of that past moment igniting the fire in her blood and setting her to standing tall. “When we had thought that we might spill all our blood against them, my men screaming as powerful claws tore through their flesh and bone, I cleaved through the snarling lot and I at last found their pack leader and I plunged my axe deep int- into…”
It didn’t take any real realm of attentiveness to realize Fluttershy had been given perhaps a bit too much information. The wide eyes, the fearfulness, the lack of color in her cheeks- the little things that gave her away. The warrior Princess had been so caught up in the heat of the moment that she had forgotten who exactly she was speaking to.
“Sorry. Umm, I-” Luna needed to find a way to recover from this. This wasn’t exactly the poor girl’s idea of comforting thoughts. Bring her world back down to something more gentle and familiar. “I’ve seen the Sea Boons nesting in the cliffs that stand proud over the sea, their chicks little more than balls of feathers calling to their parents. And- and the Gwailiheen flying through the rays of the dawn, turning the world silver and gold with their feathers.”
“Oh. That’s… that’s nice,” Fluttershy murmured, though clearly still disturbed. “Luna, I, umm… do you have to… you know… kill a lot of animals in your patrols?”
Was an honest answer the best policy here? She wasn’t quite sure. “Sometimes… yes, sometimes we have to, Fluttershy,” Luna at last answered. “We do not like to, of course- my soldiers and I are not bloodthirsty, we just- the wilds can be a dangerous place, and we want to keep the kingdom safe. Or sometimes an animal is sick and there is no cure, so we- we, well… end their misery.” She felt terrible, of all the people to say this to.
“I’m sorry. It must be a hard thing to do.” Fluttershy’s tone was sympathetic, genuine.
“I never relish it. The great beasts are wild, beautiful- and best left alone,” Luna admitted. “But if one were to threaten you, or anyone else of my people, I would not hesitate. My love for you would be too great to ignore.”
“You love me?” Fluttershy went from curious to a deep violent shade of red in a heartbeat-
“Oh jeez, that came out very wrong!” Luna spluttered. “I mean, I- yes, I do, just as I would anyone of my kingdom. You are all very… dear to me. And I wish I could be with you more instead of just seeing you sleep peacefully. It has been nice to actually spend time with you rather than just looking from afar.”
Fluttershy seemed to mull the thought over for a moment. “If that’s the case, then I’m very glad I could spend some time with you tonight,” she said- perhaps even meaning it. “And thank you very much for the tea, it’s very nice.”
“It’s- it’s my pleasure, Fluttershy. And,” Luna hesitated. Should she even say it? “Thank you for just, well, calling me… Luna. It’s nice to hear my name.”
Fluttershy smiled warmly, giving a small toast to her guest before taking a long, slow sip of the hot drink and letting the scent and heat fill her slender form with its tantalizing heat. To Luna’s great surprise, Fluttershy actually seemed to enjoy her company. Maybe was even willing to endure it a little longer.
Well how about that.
They had been meeting at Fluttershy’s cottage for some time now. It was time, Luna had decided, to offer something in return for the consistent hospitality. “If I only knew what,” she muttered. “Come on now, you- Fluttershy has been nothing but hospitable every single time I’ve gone to visit, she deserves something special for all her kindness. Even you know that, you-”
She paused; a deep breath, then exhale. The self-derision needed to be put aside, it did nothing to appeal to anyone. Tia had tried to tell her that, and the words of wisdom had never stuck- after all, who listens to the advice of their sibling? But when Fluttershy had spoken it, the reasonable advice had actually gotten through. Strange, as it were. Why had that been? Maybe the way Fluttershy had said it had been helpful: “You don’t need to say such things to yourself like that, Luna. You’re always trying very hard to be kind to me, so I don’t think any of the things you say about yourself are true at all.” It had been such a decent thing to say, and Luna had been left smiling like a fool- even now at the thought of it!
Or, Luna wondered, it had been because Fluttershy had been the one who’d said it. Peaceful, quiet, and not a hint of selfishness in the words. She had said it because she believed it. What a thing to think. Fluttershy actually thinks I’m kind! She liked that thought immensely. It tickled her, somehow.
So, she reasoned, such warmth and heart needed to be given something special. Fluttershy liked the jasmine oolong she had brought for their first meeting, but she couldn’t just give her tea everytime. Hardly original. Besides, it wasn’t unique enough, the novelty it could have brought now gone. Why not try something different? Fluttershy loved music, animals, and the peaceful happiness that came from a quiet life. There had to be something that this lovely woman would find special, right?
Luna sighed and leaned back in her bed, not feeling the least bit tired. She had been up well into the morning, yet she couldn’t find the path to slumber with such thoughts on her mind. She wanted to make this dear girl happy, with something she could actually provide. “A memory,” she murmured. “Something intangible that could only be held precious.” But how could she provide such a thing? Luna was a warrior, a woman of the wildlands. She saw the great things that only crept through the deep of the night, a special world untouched by human whispers, it was such a different place than the gentleness that Fluttershy provided.
“Wait a minute.” Luna was just beginning to get the tail end of an idea. “But how…”
A few days later, and Luna was practically bouncing across the well-worn path to Fluttershy’s cottage, so great was her eagerness. This was actually a good idea, she had actually come up with a good idea for spending time with Fluttershy! How had she done that? It was almost too good to be true.
As she came to the front yard, she was surprised to see a shadowed figure sitting at the small garden table, the sweet face of Fluttershy lit only by the warm glow of a candle that hung near the front door. Her eyes were not to the door or to her incoming guest, but rather held skyward and up to the great expanse of glistening lights that shone brightly above.
“Does the view please you?” Luna asked as she came close, taking a seat across from her dear friend.
“Luna, hello! Yes, the view is wonderful!” Fluttershy said, gaze switching from her friend to the stars above, trying to decide which one she wanted to look dwell upon more. “I’ve usually been early to bed, so I guess I never gave much thought to the night sky. But now that I’ve been staying up late to spend time with you, I started to spend some time out here to just… see.”
Luna’s smile was more akin to a glow. “They’ve been my companion and guide through many travels over the many years I have known,” she said, closing her eyes and letting their light shine within her deepest thoughts in which they dwelled and held power. “It is cold, and distant up there in the heavens… but they are beautiful. And oh so free.”
“Free? What do you mean?”
Luna’s smile softened, grew quieter. “They are able to just- be, dear. No darkened thoughts, no inner shadow. A star simply burns, and so brightly. Light, and light alone.”
“Oh…” Fluttershy reached out, and then promptly retracted, an outstretched hand. “Do you still worry about Nightmare Moon, Luna?”
Truthfulness? Fluttershy had always been able to understand it. “On occasion,” the princess admitted. “She’ll always be there. Worming in, besmirching the good things I have seen. She’ll lock me in an endless battle, if she could have it.”
“Well, you’ve seem to have done a very good job standing up to her,” Fluttershy replied. “She must know she’ll never defeat you again by now. And you’ll always have your friends to help you if things get hard!”
“I guess, I- my friends?”
Fluttershy smiled. “Well yes, of course! Twilight is your friend, isn’t she? And Princess Celestia may be your sister but she’s your friend, too. And then me,” she added as though an afterthought.
“You- my dearest friend,” Luna said, and the young woman was set to blushing. “Thank you, Fluttershy. You have been a great comfort.”
“I’m very glad I can be, Luna.” Fluttershy smiled ever so sweetly and rose from the garden chair. “Would you like something to drink before patrolling tonight? I have some coffee if you’d like something stronger.”
“I appreciate the thought, but,” Luna said, coming over to the young woman’s side and taking her arm in her own, “I instead have something for you tonight.”
Fluttershy was blushing again, and not possessing the words for what to say next. She kept darting between Luna’s shining eyes and the well-toned arm that had sealed her to the princess’ side. Eyes kept wide, the gentle spirit didn’t seem at all sure as to how react next.
Luna took the hesitancy for displeasure. “If that is not something you’d enjoy,” she began.
“Oh- no, I’d love to!” Fluttershy replied rather loudly. “Whe- where are we going?”
“Not far. Just a small walk, this time around,” Luna said, leading her treasured companion out from the haven of the cottage yard and towards the darkened treeline. “Have you ever spent any time out in the woods at night? Deep in the shadowed places where only beams of moonlight come piercing?”
“I- no. Not very late, at least,” Fluttershy admitted. “I was… am… a bit scared of the dark. At times.”
“Now you shall never fear the dark again,” Luna declared, the two striding into the depths of the woods, “For whenever the moon rises, there my eyes shall watch over you. Now come, and see the world you cherish in a different light!”
Their journey into the depths of the woods continued late into the night, later than Fluttershy had ever intentionally kept awake for. The creatures and wild things of the world she called friend, and some faces that were entirely unfamiliar to her, strode through the trees before her very eyes and kept the maiden smiling and gasping at every new sight that she had never before known. Even if the sight was accustomed and the ones whom she saw came forward in friendship, this new part of their world was a side she had never seen, the yawns and snores and sleepy looks she had always been given now given vibrancy and life in a new way; the family of foxes she cared for crept by with their kits moving deftly behind, coming to pause at the creek’s side and peer into the darkened waters for signs of prey. A young male raccoon trilled happily at the sight of the object of his affections, chasing after her with wild glee. Stunningly, a massive elk came striding silently through, deigning to bring its gaze over to the thrilled woman and seeming to give a small nod in her direction.
“This is beautiful,” Fluttershy whispered happily, not once having tried to remove her arm from the depths of her beautiful companion. “I didn’t know there was an elk living here…”
“He does not. He travels far and wide across this kingdom, tending to the wild things of the world and ensuring their welfare,” Luna replied. “A king among the beasts, a great lord of nature. Few have ever seen him, Fluttershy. Be honored that he allowed you such a kindness.”
“Oh my!” Fluttershy, the tranquil caretaker of the natural world, seemed shocked by the thought. “I never knew there were- well, animal… royalty.”
“Some say they were once spirits, incorporeal beings that took flesh and form. Some tend to the people of the world, some to the land and its many beings. But all are wise, and woe to those whom they despise.”
“Wow…”
“The great elk is a caretaker of life. Your woods that you cherish will blossom and be strong for the rest of this year, hearty and full of healthy life- both flora and fauna.” Luna looked down at her still-starstruck companion and smiled warmly. “I have no doubt it is because of your love for this place, Fluttershy. He honors your work.”
Fluttershy blushed fiercely, though her smile glowed. The thought that such a wondrous creature would come to the woods by which she dwelled and bless it with its powers because of her… “This has been wonderful, Luna. Thank you so much.”
“One last surprise, dear Fluttershy. Not all creatures are so easily seen.” Luna released her arm from the young woman’s willing grip, and turned to the grove around her. Hands raised to eye level, then a sudden whirl through them as a great breath poured through her lungs. Leaves and branches shuddered and rattled, oak and green things shuddering under the beckoning of an Alicorn’s calling… and so many of the darkened leaves suddenly glowed in the flashes of white moonlight from above, and split into two as the great swarm of moths took flight all around them, their wings beating softly and surrounding the two onlookers in a bath of green-blue glows. And there stood Fluttershy in the midst of it, her rapturous expression bringing forth a smile upon her face and that of her dear companion, who could hardly believe such a beautiful sight had come by her efforts.
Luna was growing comfortable. An easy feat when one had friends to spend one’s time with! Twilight, the oft recipient of her ‘training’ had become an intellectual peer she valued, their discussions upon literature keeping the two pleasantly engaged deep into long, winding debates that occasionally became vibrant, but never unfriendly. Twilight’s manner had become more relaxed in the warrior princess’ presence, and their camaraderie had become surprisingly strong.
“So where are you off to tonight?” Twilight asked, putting away a series of notebooks she had kept sitting on the desk. “Fluttershy mentioned you were taking her somewhere again tonight. She’s really enjoyed these nighttime nature hikes you’ve brought her on.”
“Somewhere much further away this time,” Luna said, her voice betraying her excitement. “I am taking her to the mountains. A trail my soldiers and I cleared for travel to the coastline when fall began to rear its head. It shall be safe, and hopefully clear tonight. I’ve begun teaching her some of the constellations.”
Twilight laughed, though not unkindly. “You’re really excited about this, aren’t you? Goodness, Pri- Luna, you’ve really started to get out of your shell lately.”
“I have good company with which to share it all. Why would I not be eager?”
“Well, I’m certainly happy for you.” A yawn from the apt scholar, and she got to her feet. “It’s been a long day for me, so I’m heading to bed. You two lovebirds have fun, tell me all about it when you can!”
“I will, Twilight, I-” Before she could say another word Twilight had departed, leaving Luna stewing in emotions she didn’t want to admit to, and fairly flushed from the thought of them. “Oh, that’s not fair.”
Fluttershy was waiting outside for Luna to arrive, comfortably dressed in a comfortable burgundy jacket as per Luna’s recommendation. She came forward and warmed her friend’s heart with a hug that was soon reciprocated, the smile on her kindly face only outmatched by the one worn by her Princess companion. “Will this be enough, you think?”
“I would say so. Movement will help, and it will not be terribly cold,” Luna assessed. “It looks very nice on you.”
“Oh- thank you, and so do you!” Fluttershy quickly replied, taking in the warrior’s garb. Little more than her standard outfit, though lacking the chain mail that would normally be hiding beneath the battleskirt. Comfort and movement seemed to be the goal here, but the fabric highlighted the strength within the woman.
“So… shall we?” An offered arm came and was quickly taken, Fluttershy holding to Luna tightly as a snap of the fingers came and set them both spinning wildly through the empty space until the chaos came to a sudden end, the whistling sighs of wind passing by and over the great spires of green-marked rock which surrounded them.
“My goodness!” Fluttershy looked up at the endless skyline that beckoned for her attentions and marveled at just how close it now appeared to be. “It looks so different here. They’re so… clear!”
“There is less to block their light, to bend its shape and cloud their glory,” Luna said, still holding tight to Fluttershy’s hand lest she stumble. “Here they are at the tips of your fingers, enticing you to reach out and grab them!”
Fluttershy said nothing, simply basking in the glory of limitless starlight and letting its distant peace quiet her heart. It was so easy to simply stand there and be, not a care in the world. But something else tugged at her, and it would be rather difficult to ignore.
“What sort of animals do you see up here?” Fluttershy asked, the pair walking along the path with care. Luna, more accustomed to hostile terrain, held her inexperienced companion close, the deep darkness not a place for trifling footwork. A few stumbles had already come and given them both quite a scare. “This place seems so lonely.”
“Only because it chooses to be that way, for now,” Luna replied. “With the festivals in Vanhoover soon to arrive, the activity along the lower paths has frightened away the more timid creatures. Some, however, are less than kind. From now until winter, these mountain paths will be kept under watch by my soldiers.”
“Oh… will some animals attack people?”
“Not often. It is a means of assuring the two dwell peacefully for a time,” Luna replied. “But some of the more vicious creatures have dared before. So for their sake…”
A rumbling. Stone sliding down stone, from a source that was not beneath their feet. Luna immediately paused and pulled Fluttershy close. The sound was not their doing.
“Is everything-”
“We are under watch,” Luna whispered. Her eyes, sharp and accustomed to the dark places of the world, caught sight of movement further along the path. A fallen tree shifted as weight came upon it. “Do not move.”
Fluttershy trembled once, and then promptly stopped. She had yet to see the danger, but took heed of Luna’s words. Another shift, a creak as tree bark splintered-
Luna raised a hand and blew upon it, a sudden paleness of light appearing as bright blue flames came to life in her palm and illuminating the world around them-
The snarl that came in retaliation was violent and almost as long as the teeth by which it tore into the air, the dark-yellow eyes of the feline predator flashing in anger at the sight of Luna’s fire-
“Sabre!” Luna took a strong step forward and placed herself directly in between Fluttershy and their foe, the sudden daring setting the Mountain Sabre to roaring again, perhaps infuriated by the boldness. “Stay behind me, stay behind me!”
The Sabre leapt down from its perch upon the fallen trunk and crept towards them both, a massive paw extending its claws in preparation for an attack-
“Luna, wait-”
“Stay behind me!” Luna roared, her ferocity more than a match for the great predator’s fury. Her other hand, now free, ignited and in her palms were crystallized flames clutched only by fingers that were eager to retract and let loose the barrage. “Come on, then! Dare yourself to face me!”
“Luna, STOP!” Fluttershy’s voice cut through the beginnings of the violence like a thunderclap, and suddenly the whole world became very quiet indeed. “Don’t harm her, please!”
Luna could hardly believe she’d even heard it. Fluttershy had suddenly taken an edge, her eyes afire as she walked past her guardian and right into the Sabre’s paws-!
“Flutter-”
“I thought so,” Fluttershy murmured, taking the massive paw in her hand and examining it. “No wonder you came to us, you poor thing. It must be very hard to walk around with all these sharp stones.”
Luna, having been standing there gaping at what she thought would be a bloodbath, finally found her voice. “Fluttershy, what are you doing?”
“Her paw is injured!” Fluttershy practically wailed, her eyes losing that hardened edge and becoming soft with sympathy. “Look, the pad is nearly wide open! Oh, you brave thing, you’ve been trying so hard. Here, let me see what I can do- Luna, you have medicine in your bag, don’t you”
Luna couldn’t have seen a stranger thing. Fluttershy, the wilting flower in the face of slightest violence, was now deep at work on the outstretched, injured paw of the biggest predator in the western mountains. And somehow, the beast was letting it happen. It was the oddest reversal of roles Luna had ever known.
“Now, you’ll have to make sure not to tug at it,” Fluttershy spoke to the feline, her fingers finishing the last of a bind filled with infusions that now lay comfortably wrapped around the giant’s paw. “I know, it’s not very fun, but you’ll be back on your feet in no time. You were very brave to come looking for help.”
The beast meowed- it actually meowed. A solitary lick on Fluttershy’s cheek before retreating back to the shadows, where miniscule shapes just like it came out from beneath the trunk to pitter-patter after it, the mewling cries of attentive kittens pestering their mother.
“Oh, that is so sweet! We helped a mama and her kittens!” Fluttershy cried, delighted at the sight of the massive animal slinking away and out of sight with its young in tow. “Oh, I can’t wait to tell everyone what we did, and-” At last out of her moment, she turned back to Luna and the smile faded. “Umm… are you alright?”
“Fluttershy!” Luna nearly bowled over the young woman as she held her tightly, not able to embrace her deeply enough. “You scared me to death, I thought I was going to lose you! What were you thinking, you could have died, it could have- Fluttershy!”
“Oh, I was never in any danger,” Fluttershy said, “that poor thing was only scared and trying to take care of its kittens. I wonder if she came to us for help on purpose.”
“Don’t- don’t you ever do such a thing again!” Luna cried. “That was the maddest, most bravest thing I’ve ever seen! Goodness…” The warrior princess, one so deeply familiar with bloodshed and battle, was almost on the verge of fearful tears as she tried to bring her rattled emotions back down to a level field.
“I’m fine, Luna. I promise I am,” Fluttershy said warmly. “I hope I’m not spoiling the trip, but maybe we should go back to my cottage and try to relax. I’m sorry I scared you so badly.”
Luna, hardly in a state to argue, simply nodded. Her embrace never faltered as the two disappeared from their place on the mountains and back down to the warm light of Fluttershy’s cottage. Guided by her companion, the princess sat close as the two enjoyed a cup of chamomile tea in the hopes of soothing frayed nerves. She had never before been so scared for someone before…
“Will you be alright to continue working tonight?” Fluttershy asked after a time. “I hope I didn’t scare you that badly, I didn’t mean to at all.”
“I will… likely retire to my quarters. There is some work of a personal nature I can attend to instead,” Luna admitted. “I am sorry if I reacted poorly.”
Fluttershy giggled. “You must think I’m very scary!”
“The scariest, for certain,” Luna affirmed. “And one of the bravest people I’ve ever met.”
Fluttershy blushed, turning away- and trying to ignore the fact that a hand was now in hers, the fingers intertwining with that of her own.
“And certainly the kindest,” Luna added softly. “My dearest friend.”
“Am I really?” The tranquil maiden asked. “Am I… I’m just a frien-”
Words were silenced as Luna leaned forward and took her lips for a deep, passionate kiss. Fluttershy couldn’t speak, couldn’t find breath as the shock of the moment overwhelmed her senses and sent them into override. Nothing registered to her, not the softness of her lips, not the feeling in the action, only a stunning realization that she was kissing someone for the first time- and it was a woman who just happened to be a Princess.
Luna relinquished Fluttershy’s lips from hers, eyes so soft and warm that at last the numbness that had pervaded the young woman’s senses began to fade. She was beginning to have thoughts on the matter, and she just might-
“Oh shit!” Luna cried, immediately releasing Fluttershy from her grasp and leaping away. Her expression was stricken, her gaze now glistening as tears were taking rapid form, she continuously backing away from the heat of the moment that had brought about something she now deeply regretted. “I didn’t mean- I wasn’t supposed to do- I am so stupid! Damn you, Luna!”
“Luna, it’s al-”
“I’m sorry!” the Princess wailed, now in full meltdown. “I didn’t mean to, it just came out and I- Oh, what’s the use?”
With a snap of her fingers she was gone, leaving a newly kissed Fluttershy agog at just how quickly the whole conversation had been turned upside down three times over, and the fact that it had likely not even lasted thirty seconds. Lips now returned to feeling, senses at last back under control, the demure maiden of Ponyville found her soft voice once again. “What just happened?”
Author's Note
Because why not? For Lore Horse because favorite ships need love.
Shout-out to the downvoters that will strike without even reading.
As Celestia walked through the halls, she knew she had probably eaten more than she needed. Cake was always a temptation, and this one had been especially decadent- but perhaps its richness was a bit much. Either way, she knew that the late-night snack was one for the record books. As she came to the door to the royal chambers, she came to a pause right before she could open her bedroom door and throw herself into that plush bed she so deeply desired. A sound, muffled by stone and wood, but distinct and most definitely coming from Luna’s bedroom: a continuous, steady sobbing.
Luna was crying.
Both curious and worried, she gave a gentle knock before entering and finding the stunning sight of her proud, unbreakable younger sister sitting on her bed, hunched over in the form of absolute misery that highlighted splotchy eyes and a tear-soaked face. When Luna was able to rouse herself from the excess of her dejection, she turned to see her sister standing there without a word to say.
“Oh, go away,” Luna hiccupped.
“I didn’t even do anything!” Celestia protested. “Luna, what’s wrong?”
“I said go away!” Luna cried, a hand now free and looking as though it was searching for something to throw. “Leave me alone!”
“No! Not in a million years,” Celestia replied, coming over and sitting beside her sister, taking her in a soothing embrace. “Now come on, let it all out. I’m here.”
Luna didn’t hesitate to take up the offer and began to really bawl, tears pouring from her eyes like a waterfall in a relentless deluge, clutching her sister tightly as she let the deep recesses of her grieved heart be wrung dry. It was a sight the likes of which Celestia hadn’t seen in thousands of years, and she couldn’t begin to imagine what had brought it to pass.
“There. It’s going to be OK,” Celestia murmured softly as the worst of it seemed to have passed. Luna still hiccupped, but the tears had ceased to flow. “It’s going to be OK. So let your big sister help, and tell me what’s wrong.”
“Oh sister,” Luna wailed when she had at last found her voice, “I’m a complete idiot!”
Celestia was left silent for a time before turning herself to look directly into her sister’s bloodshot, despondent gaze. “Luna...” she murmured, “How did it take you this long to figure that out?”
“Tia!”
“I’m sorry! I couldn’t resist, it was too good!” Celestia said, trying not to laugh as Luna’s glare turned to daggers. “OK, OK. I promise, this time I’ll be serious. Now, take a deep breath, and relax. Then tell me what’s upset you so.”
“You’ll make fun of me.”
“No, I won’t,” Celestia insisted. “I promise I won’t, Luna. I haven’t seen you this upset since… since I can’t even remember when. I’m not going to laugh, I’m not going to make fun of you, I’m not going to do anything but listen. And when you want me to say something, I will. Alright?”
“You promise?”
“Absolutely.”
Luna still appeared doubtful, but she gave a slow series of nods in assent. “I… I did something really stupid tonight. And I think I might have ruined something when I did it.”
Celestia took a more attentive position, ensuring she could easily focus on nothing but her sibling’s woes. She was sympathetic, but quite curious as to what could upset her indomitable sister so deeply.
“So for- for a few months now, I’ve become close friends with… Fluttershy, you know who she is. Twilight’s friend. When you suggested I try to branch out and make friends again, I went to Twilight for help- and Twilight sent me to Fluttershy,” Luna began. “And we’ve become good friends and tonight, I just, oh jeez… I was really stupid and I kissed her!”
Out of all the things she’d expected to hear, that wasn’t on the list. Celestia’s first inclination was actually to laugh, but the stricken expression on her younger sister’s face helped keep her mirth in check. This was what had upset her so? “Did she… uh, not like it? Or something?”
“I didn’t even mean to do it, it just happened! She did something that was really brave and scared me half to death and when we were back in her cottage I just kept thinking how much I wanted to kiss her and- and so I did, and then I realized that was really, really stupid!” Luna said, head plunging into her hands when she could bear the shame no longer. “Oh Tia, I might be the dumbest person on earth.”
“Well, perhaps sometimes,” Celestia replied. “But not always. And I don’t think you were tonight, your emotions just were a little strong tonight. That’s all.”
“But I ruined it!” Luna cried. “I ruined everything, our friendship, and, and our evening tea and- sister, you’re sure you can’t just banish me to make it better?”
“Not even if you ask me nicely. So let’s take a deep breath, and try to relax. There’s nothing you can do about what you’ve already done, so don’t keep beating yourself up for it. I doubt it’s as terrible as you think it is.”
“But I kissed her! Like, full on the mouth and everything!” Luna replied. “Friends don’t do that!”
“Most don’t.” Celestia tried to be patient. She hadn’t been the one trapped inside the bounds of her own dark side, and Luna’s emotions had always been more pronounced. Gentleness and patience. “Lovers do, though. I’m guessing that’s what you’re hoping for?”
“I just- I- maybe a little bit,” Luna mumbled. “She’s just- she’s so sweet, Tia. And pretty and patient and always has this quiet little happiness inside her. I wasn’t trying to think anything about her, I just did! And I just couldn’t stop thinking about wanting to do it and it just, sort of, slipped out.” The Princess of the Night at last bore a grin, albeit a bitter one. “I’m an idiot, aren’t I?”
“A lovesick fool, perhaps. But not an idiot,” Celestia answered. “So now… what are you going to do?”
“Do?”
“Well, you can’t just disappear and ignore her, Luna. You’ll have to see her again and hash this out.”
“So you won’t just banish me to make it easier?”
“No, Luna, I’m not banishing you. Come on, you’re dying a thousand deaths. You need to deal with this reasonably,” Celestia said, somewhat irritated. Bullheaded sister of mine…
Luna looked around as though searching for a solution to her woes. “So what do I do?”
“I would talk to her- not now, silly! But tomorrow night, go over there and speak your mind to her. Let Fluttershy know how you feel about her and then just deal with what comes.”
“Oh, she’s going to hate me for it! I probably ruined her life or something awful!”
“Enough of this! Come on now,” Celestia chided. “Luna, has it not occured to you that Fluttershy might have liked kissing you?”
The thought, it seemed, had not actually occurred to the deeplight Princess. “She might like me?”
“Good heavens, you really are an idiot.” Celestia’s exasperation was thankfully tempered by her humor. “Luna, she’s been more than willing to spend a great deal of time with just you. I’m not going to say it does mean something, but she certainly might care for you in return. Let yourself consider that possibility!”
“So- so what do I do?” Luna asked. “What did you do when you went to win over Applejack?”
Celestia couldn’t completely hold back laughter at the memory of the event. “Sister, I doubt my methods would go over as well for you in your situation. Let us assume that Fluttershy would prefer something more straightforward.”
“So… just…”
“Just go and talk to her. Plainly. Not with tons of emotions or anything wild, but do say what you feel,” Celestia said. “And then accept whatever answer she gives. Even if you don’t like it.”
“OK. Yes, that’s… that’s what I’ll do,” Luna said quietly. “I’m going- I feel exhausted.”
“A good cry will do that to you sometimes,” Celestia said with a grin. “Now come on, go down to the kitchens and get yourself something to eat before trying to sleep. You’ve been up for far too long without anything.”
“You’re probably right. Something small, at least,” Luna said. As the two sisters walked out into the hallway, the elder veered off to her own chambers in the hopes of finding slumber after such excitement. “Tia?”
“Yes, Luna?”
She looked embarrassed, but pushed ahead anyway. “Thanks. I’m glad you’re my sister.”
Celestia smiled at the warmest compliment she could receive. “I wouldn’t wish for another sister myself.”
Twilight was a person of logic. Of reason. She knew theory and patterns and all range of sensible things that could be explained and understood by modern science. One of those strange terms was that of ‘déjà vu,’ the idea of a repeating a moment already seen. Often used to describe familiar situations that have similarities to other periods in one’s life, or ideas and thoughts seen in literature and other forms of fiction.
Unfortunately, this was not déjà vu. She had experienced this sort of conversation before.
“Twilight?” Fluttershy stood a distance away, looking at her friend with some measure of concern. “Is everything alright?”
“Yes, I just- give me a second,” Twilight replied. At least what she was feeling this time around wasn’t the same. No disappointment or immaturity to push aside lest it prevent words of wisdom from forming. It was the shock that this strange sort of lightning could strike twice that kept her silent. “OK! So, just to make sure I actually did hear you- say it again.”
Fluttershy blushed, smiled, and then immediately forced the smile away. “Do you need to hear all of the story again, or-”
“No, just the last part, please.”
“Oh, alright. Umm…” Fluttershy looked torn between keeping it silent and screaming it out to the clouds. “Luna kissed me last night.”
“OK, so I’m not crazy.” Twilight was still somewhat stunned, but no longer in her great daze. “Unbelievable. Completely unbelievable.”
“Are you mad, Twilight? I’m not making you angry, am I?”
“No! Fluttershy, not at all!” Twilight replied. “No, I'm just... amazed I'm actually having this conversation again. If I had a bit for every time someone had come into my library and told me they'd kissed a princess, I'd have two bits.”
Fluttershy didn’t get it. “But that's... not very much,” she remarked.
“I know, but it has to be weird that it's happened twice now, right?” Twilight simply sat there for a little bit in the hopes she would find something to say. “OK, so… let’s deal with this rationally. I think. Can you rationalize romance?”
“I don’t-”
“Well, we’re gonna try and find out,” Twilight said. “Fluttershy, did you even like the kiss?”
Perhaps the question was too blunt in nature, or maybe too personal to be answered all that swiftly. Fluttershy had to stand there for a moment to actually let the words sink into her mind, rather than her own struggling emotions. The longer she remained silent, however, the more the answer came to reveal itself; a smile began to form, slowly until it couldn’t be hidden. “I don’t know,” she murmured. “Well- it was nice.”
Twilight was left bemused, groaning aloud at the reply. “Heaven help me, this is happening again. First Applejack, and now you. I don’t believe it.”
“Twilight?”
“So you like Princess Luna. That’s great! I’m being honest, Fluttershy, I’m happy for you.” Twilight’s incredulity hadn’t fully faded, but she did seem genuine.
“Wait, Twilight, I-” Fluttershy was absolutely trying to get some semblance of control in this conversation. “I didn’t really say much of anything at all, and I don’t really know what I’m supposed to… to…”
“OK, so I’ll help you. Fluttershy, do you have feelings for Princess Luna?” Twilight asked. “Yes or no, to help make it simple for you.”
Fluttershy looked eager to melt through the floor, eyes darting about for some form of an exit. Slowly, subtly, she began to move back towards the door-
“Locked, and I’m keeping it that way, Fluttershy,” Twilight said. “What do you think I’m going to do? I’m not going to tell anyone. I promise. I’m trying to help you understand what you’re feeling.”
“Twilight…” Fluttershy was a little angry about this. “Please, this is very personal.”
“She’s going to try and talk to you about it, Fluttershy,” Twilight guessed. “It’s something you’re going to have to deal with. She deserves an honest answer.”
The problem was that she was right and Fluttershy knew it. As much as she really, really didn’t want to admit it, she cared enough about Luna to actually sort this thing through- or at least pretend like she had to deliberate an answer. “Well- you promise you won’t say anything just yet?”
“Not a word to anyone,” Twilight assured her.
“Well…” Now the smile came out in full force, unable to hidden behind fearfulness or some idea of embarrassment. “She’s very pretty. And brave. And- and caring, and strong, and she loves to be happy. It’s- I… I love it.”
Twilight looked smug at the unsurprising answer. “Well, at least we got there,” she remarked. “Well, she came looking for a friend, and she fell in love instead.”
Fluttershy scrutinized Twilight’s self-satisfied smile with some suspicion. “Were you trying to play matchmaker with me and Luna?” she asked.
“Do I LOOK like Rarity?”
A fair reply. “Well, no...”
“So not on purpose,” Twilight replied. “But let me know how things go.”
“How things go?”
“Like I said, she’s going to talk with you again,” Twilight said. “So I’ll want to hear all about it in the morning, alright? If you get the chance, I mean.”
Fluttershy nodded, but her face was suddenly becoming downcast. Some troubled thought began to creep into her mind and bring her happiness back down to the pits.
“What’s wrong?” Twilight asked.
“I’m… I’m not very- umm, romantic,” Fluttershy answered. “And I don’t really need anything fancy. I just want to, uh- just spend time with her. And be happy.”
“And that’s fine! Luna isn’t particularly ‘fancy’ anyway,” Twilight reminded her. “Fluttershy, just because Rarity is a big romantic doesn’t mean that’s how all love needs to look like. Luna likes you, not some idea of you. And you’re the same. So don’t go trying to sabotage something that’ll make you happy for some silly reason. You can be happy with Luna in your own way.”
The demure, gentle-hearted maiden of Ponyville gave a nod, and a smile returned back to her lovely features. She decided that there would be a need for an afternoon nap; tonight was going to be an eventful one indeed.
A day passed. Then two, then two more. Yet- nothing. Not even a whisper of her presence to be found. Fluttershy continued to wait until late in the night for even the smallest sign that she was there, but Luna had yet to make an appearance. Even when she left the door wide open (a mistake she regretted, with moths everywhere) as a sign that she would be welcome, the Princess of the Night did not show her face.
It hurt. She hoped that Luna hadn’t taken her surprise to be a form of rejection. That would only make it much, much worse. So she continued to wait.
Needing to vent her worries, Fluttershy spoke of her fears to Twilight, the one person she could trust with the matter.
“She hasn’t- oh for crying out loud,” Twilight muttered. “I’m sorry, Fluttershy. I’ll see if she’s been busy with something.”
Fluttershy didn’t know what she could say. She wanted to ask Twilight to deliver a message, say something to Luna that would put the poor, desirous girl back into those strong arms that had held her so gently many times before. That, however, would require words, and sensible ones. She had no such thing to offer right now.
A haze of unhappiness kept her fatigued, and when she rose from her place on the couch, she was surprised to see it was dark outside- quite dark, too. Last she had known, the sun had only begun to set and she had lain down for a quick nap. “What time is it..?” she mused, giving herself a shake and trying to find her senses. “If it’s late, maybe I should just go to bed.”
A sound at the door put an end to all those thoughts and turned her sleepiness into a maddened energy. Late at night, knock at the door, talking with Twilight tonight-! Fluttershy was about to open the door when she realized she wasn’t exactly presentably dressed, wearing little more than her underthings. That’s too much, too desperate or- something! Or will she like that better? Oh goodness, what if it’s not even Luna and I just walk outside in my underwear-
Another knock and Fluttershy had to move fast, much faster than she preferred. “In a minute, please!” she gasped, racing upstairs and throwing on the nearest piece of clothing she could find, a knee-length dress that she often wore while working; dusty, maybe a stain or two, but it was all she had. Another rush down the stairs where she nearly fell flat on her face, and then back at the door where she stood gasping. “OK,” she breathed, “you can do this, you can… definitely mess this up. But it’ll be OK!” With nothing else left to say, Fluttershy swung open the door and was greeted by the exact face she had expected most to see almost a week earlier. “Luna!”
“H- hi, Fluttershy,” Luna stammered, standing there as the pristine example of discomfort, and struggling to find the words she wished to say. “Can I… I’d- is it OK if I come in?”
“Of course you can!” Fluttershy said delightedly, giving her beloved guest a deep hug. “I’m sorry if I’m a bit messy.”
“It’s fine. Really.” Luna still wasn’t at ease, but she looked a bit more relaxed than she had earlier. Her footsteps through the cottage door were tentative, slow.
The silence between the two was awkward. Neither exactly the greatest of conversationalists, nor either one certain of how to put their feelings into words, at first all Luna and Fluttershy could do was to sit there and try to avoid the eyes of the other. A few twitches and movements, a furtive gaze, but still silence.
Just as Luna thought she couldn’t take it anymore, Fluttershy found her voice first. “Would you like to go on a walk?” she asked, the words tumbling out in rapid fashion.
“Would I- a walk?” Luna echoed. “Yes- yes, that would be lovely.”
“Would you please wait, then?” she said. “I’m not exactly… this dress is a little dirty.”
“I will wait as long as you require,” Luna answered.
Fluttershy smiled, trying to find a means to convey all her warmth and feeling in a way that words could not yet satisfy. As she passed by the still-stressed Princess, she paused to give a quick squeeze of her hand- just in case it would help. She felt the gaze of the beautiful royal following her as she went upwards.
Luna waited as patiently as she could manage. Fluttershy had hugged her, squeezed her hand, seemed genuinely happy to see her. Those were all good signs, right? She wanted to think so, but if she was wrong… just in case.
“Will this be alright? It didn’t seem all that chilly today.”
As the Princess turned back to the stairwell, she let a gasp escape her lips. Fluttershy was, in her eyes, the picture of loveliness; a comfortable, green dress that fell to just above the ankle. It was not spectacular, nor did it offer any accentuation of the lovely form that the beautiful girl possessed, but it was so truly her that nothing else would have been suitable.
“Is it alright?”
“It is marvelous, Fluttershy,” Luna murmured.
Fluttershy smiled. “I’m glad. I… sort of… hoped you might like it.” She crept over to Luna and petered back and forth for a moment on the tips of her toes- then leaning up to leave a kiss on the woman’s cheek. “I’m ready to go if you are,” she said.
Luna had been kissed on the cheek. She led the way out and the two made their way along the trail into the woods, a silly grin still on her face. Perhaps, Luna began to think, tonight will go along well after all.
A crisp, cool fall night awaited their joyful eyes, seemingly the whole natural world awake and alive to offer them a new happiness to enjoy. The moon seemed to lie in a standstill in honor of its princess and her special one, filtering through the branches and what leaves had yet to begin their descent to the earth beneath them, bathing the deep woods in the silvery glow that only came when the great orb shone brightest. Fluttershy wondered if perhaps some of this natural magnificence was of Luna’s doing; some magic had been cast out, a spell to bind the world in this shadowed gloriousness. The thought that someone just might do that, for her… flattering, and embarrassing all at once, but she enjoyed the thought.
Little was said for quite a while as the two women walked together, hand in hand. There was no real aim or direction whenever their feet touched ground, an aimless purpose guiding them together to wherever they desired to be next. It was not a journey in search of a destination or some end goal, but simply a means to have time well spent in the absence of what words could not yet say. Time to understand, ponder, and grow was all that was required. For a time, the simple sensation of fingers intertwined was all that was necessary.
As the woods began to open up and the ground beneath them dipped downwards, before them lay a pristine grove, untouched by the onset of the coming cold. Its trees stood tall and strong, still bearing their leaves and blossoms, a nearby waterfall adding its thin hiss to the air, and its nurturing waters to bless the soil. With a look shared between the two, they soon descended down into the depths of the trees where this grove seemingly awaited them and found its depths still pleasant to the skin. A warmth of spring still remained here in this special, beautiful place.
“This is beautiful,” Fluttershy whispered, releasing herself from Luna’s hand to wander about the grove with eyes kept wide in wonder at the resplendent sight. “I’ve never seen anything like it… did- did you do this? For me?”
Luna shook her head. “If I had known it would please you so, I would have given you the greatest garden the world had ever known,” she replied. “This magic is not by my hand… but it most certainly was made for you. Of that I am certain.”
Fluttershy glowed. How, and why, this place had come to be would always be a mystery to her, one that she would never try to fully understand. Leave the air of magic and unknown beauty to remain, and only to be enjoyed by the eyes and ears that could bring it to the senses and call it good. “We’ll keep it a secret. Just the two of us,” she said excitedly, holding Luna by the hand as though sealing a promise. “It will be our special place, forever.”
“And what will make it special, dear Fluttershy?” Luna inquired.
“Well…” Fluttershy began to turn a shade of pink yet continued on, “you’ll tell me that- that you love me. And I’ll say it right back.”
It was perhaps the boldest thing Luna had seen the young woman ever do. The Princess held a tremulous smile, knowing she had to say something. Anything, but it needed to be the truth- and quickly! Now if only she could actually go ahead and say it! “I…” a horrible first start and the starry-eyed princess took a moment to recover. “Fluttershy- is this what you want to hear?”
“I think so,” she answered, meekly at first. “Well- I know so. I want you to tell me the truth, please.”
Luna’s heart was absolutely pounding, even if she was sure of what she’d hear in response. “Dearest Fluttershy, I- I didn’t mean to, I spoke truly when I said I sought a friend. But I just- I sort of… couldn’t stop letting my thoughts dwell on you. I love you, Fluttershy. Maybe it’s a small sort of thing, but I do. And I- I want to let that love grow. If you want to.” There it was. Out in the open, words irrevocable. It was a relief to let them be free from within her heart and actually made known, no matter what end.
But it was only one half of a shared secret. “I love you, too,” Fluttershy replied, now smiling more brightly than she had in many long years. “I wasn’t really expecting it, but I’m glad it did. You make me very happy, and I hope I can do the same for you. If I can make you as happy as you make me feel safe, then I know it’ll be worth every moment.” It didn’t surprise her in the least when Luna lifted her up off the ground and held her high, those shining beacons of starlight that were in her eyes positively dazzling, those arms strong and steady that it set her to giggles.
“I- sorry! I know that’s not really your sort of thing,” Luna said, trying to back away from her enthusiasm-
Fluttershy would have none of it, and kept herself wrapped in Luna’s caring grasp, she putting her own arms around the Princess’ waist so as to preserve the spell. “No, it’s not,” she said. “Only when you’re not the one doing it.”
Luna, the ever-steady constant of unbent will, felt as though she might weep joyous tears. She would not be lonely again, her heart now held and cherished by another- one who knew her and wished to feel all the warmth and life she held within. It was the dream come true for the dreamwalker.
As they held each other there in the peace of the grove, the world seemed to come to a standstill. “I… am unsure of what to do next,” Luna admitted. “I am not familiar with the ways of romance.”
“I’m not really, either. You must be so surprised!” Fluttershy giggled, all the harder as she saw the laughter in her lover’s eyes. “But that’s OK. We’ll love each other in our own way.”
“And what shall that look like, my dearest one?”
A soft tinge of pink returned to the maiden’s face once more. “Well… I’d like for me to kiss you this time. If that’s, well-”
“It is most certainly alright with me,” Luna whispered, her eyes beginning to close as she instinctively leaned forward.
“Oh! Well…” Fluttershy hesitated, for only a sparing moment. Then her hands relinquished themselves from the Princess’ waist and rose upwards to caress her face and bring her in for a soft, warm, much-desired kiss. The moonlight shone down upon its Princess in honor of the moment, the two women holding one another firmly but tenderly as their lips remained pressed ever so gently together, letting their quiet, potent feelings speak for them both. As they broke apart, Fluttershy could not resist one more, and leaned back in for a second kiss, lingering only for a moment. But… it’s still not enough.
Luna let herself fall away, lidded eyes now opening and finding herself surprised by the young woman she looked upon. It had been such a sweet kiss, yet there stood Fluttershy in her arms- and looking unsatisfied. “Is something wrong?”
“Well…” Fluttershy leaned up and kissed her again, more firmly this time, less gentleness in the act. “Yes, I think so. Luna?”
“Yes, my darling?”
“I- I want you,” Fluttershy whispered, at first appearing embarrassed, then tossing it aside in favor of her desires. “I want you. And I want you to love me… right now.”
Luna stood there, not sure she had actually heard this demure, reserved girl actually say the words. A buzzing was in her brain, a burning heat further down. Just in case she’d misheard… “Fluttershy, are you sure?”
“I want you to love me, right this very-”
Before she could even finish her sentence Luna held her fast and kissed her fiercely, tossing aside any words that could possibly be said in favor of satisfying their unadulterated passions and letting their union truly begin.
Fluttershy leapt into Luna’s awaiting arms, wrapping her legs tightly around the graceful woman’s waist as they continued their sensuous string of kisses, their continued meeting of lips doing nothing to satiate the burning desire that was quickly consuming them both like a roaring fire. She wanted nothing but Luna, to know nothing but Luna, feel nothing but this glorious, beautiful, priceless woman against her skin. Every kiss was cherished and incensing, somehow the greatest thing she had ever felt yet unable to come even close to satisfying her needs. It was both enough and never enough, each meeting of lips driving her wild and making her yearn for more, more, more!
Luna felt a shock as something slick pressed against her lips and she stumbled, the two women falling to earth and breaking apart. “Fluttershy!”
“Get over to- nevermind!” the once-shy woman proclaimed, leaping atop her fallen lover and peppering her with kisses, as though all the ones she had never received through the years needed to be fulfilled right now, by this resplendent Princess of the Night. She held firm to her new lover, letting her body be explored and felt by the eager hands of this glorious woman.
Luna again felt a slickness press against her lips, plying for entry further in. this time aware of what she now felt, she relaxed and open her mouth to let Fluttershy’s tongue enter and meet at last with her own, the two saliva-coated muscles twirling about as they danced, pressed, melded together. It was unlike anything either of them had ever felt, ever known- their lust, longing for one another driving them out of any sensible thought. Luna felt overjoyed at this slickened sensation and she let her hands wind further down Fluttershy’s slender body and tease at her rump, gently kneading and provoking the kiss to intensify-
Fluttershy, beginning to be overcome by her feelings, tried to retreat from the depths of Luna’s mouth, but was soon followed and held back, Luna’s tongue trying to continue playing with its retreating lover. As the younger girl moved out of reach, Luna leaned up and let her lips grace the slick muscle-
“Ah!” It had been much, much stronger.
“What? What? Is something wrong-”
“Do that again!” Fluttershy practically pleaded. “Kiss- suck my tongue, please!”
Luna obliged and took her lips to Fluttershy’s awaiting tongue, her first suckling a long one and making the young woman moan in delight at the sensation. She’d never felt anything like that, and all she wanted was more; Luna continued in her passions, lips massaging that marvelous tongue of Fluttershy’s and reveling in its slickness, the feel of her saliva intermixing with that of her own.
Fluttershy at last pulled away, gasping from the feeling of it. “Wow,” she murmured. “That- that was… let me see yours. I want you to feel it, too!”
Luna obliged, her tongue reaching out into the open air- only to be ensnared by Fluttershy’s mouth and held fiercely captive, the young woman gracing it with all her affection and love that could not be contained. She continued on with her suckling as hands, seemingly with a life of their own, snaked through the fabrics of the princess’ clothing and found the soft flesh of her breasts, and her assault of this woman’s Sapphic desires only intensified.
“Fluttershy!” Luna rolled atop her lover and gave one last, fiery kiss upon eager lips before taking to the young woman’s dress, pulling it down with care- and swiftness, revealing simple underwear that begged to be tossed aside. “I can’t wait any longer, can I-”
Fluttershy kissed her back and she began to undo the buttons of Luna’s shirt, trying to undress the woman as swiftly as she could with her trembling fingers. Impatient, Luna snapped her fingers and her clothes disappeared, revealing her fair-skinned, magnificent form to the awaiting woman’s eyes; supple breasts, powerful muscles- and all for Fluttershy to enjoy. The two became tightly intertwined as they continued their assault of kisses, hands touching and grasping and kneading at breast and butt alike-
Fluttershy gave a gasp as something struck gently against her folds. Luna saw the reaction and grinned- again she pressed hard against the woman’s pussy, and again as the Princess continued to grind hard against her, pushing Fluttershy’s already inflamed passions being sent into overdrive. The sensation was wonderful, glorious, perfect! It was what she wanted right from the beginning of their bout of lovemaking, that overpowering force that drove all rational, reasonable thought from her mind. Cries came from her opened mouth by instinct, unwilling to be kept buried further down-
Just as it started to feel all the more wondrous, Luna relented from her efforts and leaving Fluttershy distressed. “Why did you stop?” she cried. “Please, keep going!”
“Do you trust me, my darling?” Luna whispered.
“Please, Luna…”
The fair Princess smiled, retreating down Fluttershy’s unblemished body with a string of kisses, from the hardened nipple and down the waist- one even gracing the depths of her folds, a tongue-stroke dealing a blow that made her willowy form shudder. “I shall… try something,” Luna said, taking Fluttershy’s leg and raising it high as she slid her body in underneath. “It may feel strange, at first. For both of us.”
It indeed felt strange. Yet wonderful, magnificent. Fluttershy watched in rapturous enchantment as Luna pressed her pussy against her own, the two uniting again and again as their lust rose to a crescendo. Over and over did they meet, moving together and intensifying the effort to increase their delights, the two women dribbling wet now-
One last, fierce press and Luna held her firmly there, the women as one-
Fluttershy couldn’t help but cry out as the most wonderful sensation she had ever known rocked her body, the orgasm unlike anything she had ever known her senses could understand or hope to achieve. Her fluids rushed out in a brilliant rush, pouring onto Luna’s awaiting body as it intermingled with the woman’s own juices. Luna relinquished her grip, only to return several times over, letting that unrivaled sensation be felt again with a tinge of softness.
Luna felt a smile in her spirit as she watched Fluttershy try to find her breath. She wanted to steal it again- and so she began elsewhere, moving down to the soaked pussy and licking away at the coated folds that she craved. It would be a new adventure for them both, inexperience a shadowed reminder. But she wanted to try, and so try she did. She licked, lapped at every droplet she could find, allowing herself time for indulgence in places that pleased her longing eyes, her cravings. Her tongue reached out and plied further, as deep as she could go. An untouched place caught her eye, one that memory did not recognize, and she took to it-
Fluttershy gave a gasp immediately. “Right there, again, please!” she begged, and Luna did not hesitate for a second. Deeply, ferociously did she dive, lapping away in response to Fluttershy’s movements and sounds. When she found a tempo that made the young woman squirm, she licked away again, only to be greeted by success from which she drank hungrily. All her efforts had paid off, leaving a soaked, tussled Fluttershy there on the soft peat only to gasp in delight and exhausation.
“Fluttershy..?”
The sweet-faced woman glowed at the sound of her name, fingers beckoning for Luna to come atop her and let flesh be pressed against flesh once more. The two women held one another and kissed happily as they let the last vestiges of their passions melt away like ice under sunlight, sweetly held tight as their last unions of lips, their last draughts of one another, came to a quiet close.
“Thank you, Fluttershy,” Luna whispered, gently stroking away the hair from the young woman’s eyes. “I… I never thought it would be like this.”
“I know. Me too,” the kind maiden replied as her fingers traced along the contours of Luna’s exquisite face. “I love you.”
“And I you.” One last kiss, soft and slow, a ribbon on their lover’s rendezvous. “The sun will be rising soon,” Luna said, taking Fluttershy in her arms and holding her gently. “Have you ever seen it?”
Fluttershy had indeed watched the sun rise. Every morning she would awake, watch its glow illuminate the world. But after these circumstances, in this place, with such a wonderful woman? “Not like this,” she answered. And so there they lay together, held together as they watched the first tendrils of the sun’s soft light filter over the horizon and bless the world with the sight of something new.
Author's Note
This was somehow too short a story, and too long a one. I dunno.
Is what it is, I guess. Enjoy.
Always taking suggestions.
