The first letter. Written in tears and hope.
Author's Note
I still do not have an official editor, so my read overs will have to do for now. This letter is meant to portray the personality of King Sombra, but also give you a glimpse of who he was as a prince. This letter in a way reflects some of my own struggles. I hope you enjoy!
-OYL
The first letter. Written in tears and hope.
Dearest citizens of the Crystal Empire,
I, Prince Sombra the first, inscribe this informal letter to serve as a reminder to myself of why I continue to bear the burden and undesirable title of prince. This title wields immense power and influence. This influence is exactly what I privately wish to avoid. Influence, power, obligation and overpowering responsibility are all hideous thorns that are disguised as badges of honor. Amongst these responsibilities and legal obligations I find little joy. Though my affectionate relatives are adequate in terms of family relations, they lack the sincerity and profound love that I privately desire.
The thorns of influence are lethal, and choke the life and emotions out of all who are thrown into the bushel. I have stood paralyzed as the few ponies I love are violently pulled away by those whom I serve. I observe from my place on high, contemplating the confound meaning and laws of life by which my masters live. Though the everyday, reminial lives of my beloved ponies are simple and tedious in nature, they are not held captive as I am. Instead, they are protected and free to experience life for all it has to offer. As royalty I am charged with providing this protection. To protect them from 'what' is the true question.
Their true emotions and heartfelt actions give their life purpose and excitement. It is such beauty that it drives me to the brink of insanity. I contemplate why such beauty and peace should be withheld from me. What had I done besides serving others? From birth my life had not been my own. I do as I am told and trained. I am the product of expert manipulation and dire need for control.
Resentment has evolved into a loving friend. A friend whom I attempt to accept. I shall never admit to my longing for such trivial things as love. However, I cannot deny the yearning of my very soul. The mask of serenity that I wear everyday seemingly procures a vast amount of weight. My iron gaze and stone cold posture, a result of my upbringing, are shallow and only a veil to conceal my true distress. I am always told that “following my heart” will only bring ultimate destruction. I am obliged to believe such sentiments, and am seemingly coerced into a radical belief in my parents and their heavenly mission.
I scoff more often than naught at their lack of tact when they approach their subordinates. Great leaders, yes, well versed and wise magicians, indisputable, but empathetic and emotionally aware, certainly not. I now realize as I continue to write, that such pitiful tangents as the one I have just completed are futile and a waste of time. The purpose of this entry was to hopefully convince myself that I have a reason to fight. More than once I have been tempted to take my leave from royalty, and to run away to the rumored lands of Equestria. These sinful thoughts only deepen my growing despair.
The mysterious hoof of fear itself seems to press against my skull. Forcing me to gradually abandon my true self, and to morph into the king I am destined to become. I wasn't always the way I am now. I was once mischievous, adventurous, and overflowing with joy. I continue to hold out hope that one day that side may return to the forefront of my pitiful existence, and that it will save me from the dark fate that awaits me.
Though this letter has caused great distress, it has also granted clarity. I have come to peace with the fact that I will never experience true joy or love. However, what I can do is protect those who are lucky enough to have such luxuries. Alongside the loneliness and freezing cold sadness, there is also the warmth of purpose. The ponies of the Crystal Empire deserve happiness and safety, and it is my duty as prince to provide this for them. If there is one thing in life I will retain, it is my honor and my sovereign duty to my ponies. Though informal and ridiculous, this letter has realigned my values. I may continue to write these letters, in hopes of regaining who I ounce was.
May the ponies of my kingdom remain ever so innocent and beautiful.
With hope for the future,
Prince Sombra
Author's Note
I wrote the ballad myself. I have always loved the night. I tried to fill this chapter with emotion, so I would recommend sad music. The chapter is meant to give a glimpse of my version of Luna, and show similarities between her and Sombra. Still no editor, please let me know what you thought or how you felt after this chapter. I really tried on this one.
Just an FYI: The ballad is meant to be like a song, not an ode. The format might make it feel less flowing, so again music might help.
-OYL
Ballad Of The Night
OFFICIAL WARNING:
Issued by: The Second Scribe to her royal highness, Princess Calora.
Dear reader,
I must inform you that the sensitive information pertaining to Princess Luna contained in this chapter is not meant to be known. No pony, not even Princess Celestia, the sister of the newly appointed Princess Luna, has authorization to read the information below. It has been sealed into the archives by royal decree. If you are to continue, you must understand that any, and all information pertaining to the ascension of Princess Luna is to remain exclusive. All leaked information will be denied as truth, and the criminal who dared to spread this private information will have the full extent of the law brought down upon them.
Sincerely,
The Second Scribe to Princess Calora, Nobel Quill.
After the following excerpt, Princess Luna, pre ascension, is seen leaving her home near the time 11:45 at night. She is then known to have embarked alone into a nearby, previously unnamed meadow. The ballad Princess Luna sang to the night was recovered using an illegal time spell. The felon was no other than the young Princess Celestia herself. The Details of why this crime was committed remains unknown.
The final entry of Princess Luna before her ascension:
“Every day feels like a thousand years. The continuous flow of strangers and meaningless events haunt my existence. All effort seems to be for naught. Princess Calora remains ill, and her no good filthy husband refuses to raise the Moon. His inconsideration and blatant lack of care for his ponies is unnerving to say the least.
Since the loss of the moon, I have not felt myself. The moon and the beautiful stars have always been the one constant in my life. My parents love me, but are never around when I need them. My friends all but abandoned me after my past was humiliatingly revealed over a year ago. I continue to struggle in school, no matter how hard I try! I love learning, probably more than I should, but I still cannot keep up with the other ponies. I cannot fathom why I am to be cursed as I am. What have I done wrong? Why does loss have to exist? Why do I have to remain alone?
Adopted. Alone. Humiliated. Robbed. Imprisoned. Foolish. Ugly. These words are all that crowd my mind. Who am I? REALLY! I know nothing of true love, nothing of companionship or success. What am I but the moronic and challenged mare? The unwanted child? The one who gives her all for nothing. I am a plague to others, and a deathly sickness to myself. There is no place for me. But then I remember.
I remember the cold nights when I felt like I had nothing to live for, looking up and embracing the light of the moon. I remember the hot and disgusting emotions that would lead to rivers of tears, only ending at the beauty of the stars. I remember the unparalleled joy of life during the summer nights, as the miraculous miracle of a night sky expanded before me. I REMEMBER, the days when I had nothing, and I found my everything.
The Moon is not distant. The stars are not cold. The night sky is not dark.
The Night is bright, it is up close and alive, it wraps the lonely and loved alike in its embrace.
I have fallen into the bottomless pits of depression and despair in the absence of my true savior. The thoughts of loss and what is to come, scaring me away from any and all joy. These past days I have not lived. I cannot live. Not without the true night. I am willing to do anything to get it back. ANYTHING! I pray every moment for its return, yet I receive nothing! Why? WHY! Can I not receive any love? Do I not deserve to gaze upon the glorious moon?
My heart dies. I will go with it. One last time I will go out into the night, and pray for my only friend to return. I will accept nothing but victory. I will stay with the stars until the Moon may return to their side. This will not be the last time, I vow it will not be so. My soul is one with that of the night.”
Call Of The Lost
Where did you go?
You're all I know?
Why did you have to leave?
You mean so much to me.
*_*_*_*
Alone in the night.
You once shined so bright.
Amidst a million stars.
You were always ours.
Now you are keeping me awake.
My heart will always break.
I lay broken and alone.
I need you to feel at home.
*_*_*_*
The day is death.
But the night is life.
Your existence is always bold.
I cannot follow the common mold.
*_*_*_*
I hear you call my name.
Like a warrior seeking fame.
I follow you alone.
Please take me home.
*_*_*_*
I have missed your call.
You are my all.
You complete my heart.
I cannot stand for us to be apart!
*_*_*_*
The days grow old.
But the night stays young!
We will overcome!
We will overcome!
*_*_*_*
If I am to be!
Alive and free!
So also you will be!
Never alone!
*_*_*_*
If you lend me strength!
I will go any length!
To ensure you rise above!
Oh Moon my one love!
*_*_*_*
The night will reign!
We have all to gain!
I plead on my knees!
Please come rescue me!
*_*_*_*
Together we shall stand.
Or united we will fall.
I will do it all.
*_*_*_*
The stars shine bright.
Awaiting your true light.
To join them free.
So you will ever be.
*_*_*_*
My last cry.
Will shake the night.
I pledge to set you free.
Oh Moon, you have so much to be.
Rise for me.
