Interlude (Celestia I)

Luna was in a good mood.

That sentence was an understatement. The Princess of the Night was close to start prancing happily as she started her ‘day’, something that her sister had taken notice almost instantly as they crossed paths. The previous night had been quite interesting, with the Gala leaving quite the mark on both of them. Celestia had some fun entertaining dignitaries and enjoying a somewhat less burdened event compared to previous years, yet the one that definitely gained ‘the most’ out of this was her little sister.

“I see you are doing well, sister,” The white-furred Alicorn commended. “What made you smile so radiantly today?”

“Nothing much, just a thought,” Luna effortlessly replied, almost breathlessly too, and soon a giggle erupted from her muzzle. “What about you, sister? I see you are less worn by the day court.”

“Oh, that’s mostly because most will probably visit the night court,” The older Alicorn remarked. “After all, many are intrigued by the one event that has you quite in the giddy mood.”

Luna’s posture tensed. “Giddy? Me? O-Oh, I was just- Wait, the ‘event’? Which one?”

...Celestia may be a bit silly herself, but she could tell that Luna was just acting at this point. So, no reason to be too ‘cautious’ with her words.

“The one that involved you receiving a peck on your cheek and making you shiver and blush like a little filly?”

Luna’s nervousness seemed to double in response to that.

“The kiss? What kiss? You mean the one from John? The one onto my cheek? That kiss?”

The excessive emphasis highlighted a disturbing amount of sarcasm and… excitement.

“Yes, sister.”

“Well, what about it?” Lulu inquired, almost too innocently and yet genuinely confused.

“I know this might… sounds a bit odd to learn, Lulu, but… some ponies are really keen to see this kind of gesture in a more romantic than friendly manner.”

“...And?” Luna’s tone had shifted from the amusement thrilling her, and turned more into growing realization as her little sister knew when Celestia was trying to tell her ‘Tartarus was about to break loose’.

“And you may have to handle a dreadful amount of reporters that are looking into a potential relationship, ramifications to it and how this could all be a plot to overthrow me.”

...

“Sister… what the heck!?” Cue the Royal Canterlot Voice, just as expected. “Surely they will not transcend the boundaries by insinuating this deplorable garbage!”

“I’m afraid the public opinion is quite the finicky thing, Lulu. Which is why I wish for you to be wary of any surprises in that regard. Remember to not get too irritated by this,” She argued and her sibling looked far from accepting of being moderate. So, perhaps, some teasing was in order. “In fact, wouldn’t you behaving too negatively on this matter spark some concerns from your newest friend. I assume you wish to take that into account too~.”

Luna’s anger suddenly vanished, leaving just a blush on her snout and a nervous look.

“I- John- John would be… Fine!” She exclaimed half-angrily, half-defeated. “I will be mindful of these subjects. But if they try to go beyond the slanderous and into the illicit accusations, then I shall personally have them provided housing in the dungeons. It’s been a while since we had guests there.

Celestia… frowned. Hard. And Luna sighed and chuckled nervously at her sister’s stern look.

“I’m jesting, Tia. Go and sleep.”

And yet I can’t blame you for jumping for that, Lulu.

Sighing and shaking her head at her sister’s antics, Celestia deemed this a victory in the name of moderation. At least for this time. To be fair, Tia could see why their subjects would believe Luna and John were quite close.

The way these two interacted was quite ‘intense’ for normal friends, and there was a sense of attachment that was quite odd coming from Luna. She didn’t doubt her little sister had genuine feelings for the human, but, at the same time, the way she was approaching it was more on the line of Luna trying to ‘befriend’ her love interest.

Yes, Celestia had the chance to witness Luna befriending ponies when she was younger, and the current behavior she had fitted with that former mindset of her. It almost felt like Luna had gone back… to retrieve the good things she lost due to Nightmare Moon. That and developing from those for her own good. And Equestria.

To say that the white alicorn was delighted to see her younger sibling throwing her lot into helping the country was an understatement – Celestia was just elated to have Luna to provide help she didn’t expect of needing. Especially now that they were discussing the military matters that were developing by the Changeling Lands’ borders.

Chrysalis had managed to stabilize her country after being defeated in Canterlot. The situation had still left her prestige in tatters before the other queens but… the leader of these lands was also a unifying figure. The political gambles of so many powerful queens under her relied on stability and safety, both of which Chrysalis was providing while also setting up a national working ground for all to stand on.

The defeat was a reality check that their investment could end up in ruin if Chrysalis was left to reign without some ‘limitations’. And that was going to create quite the devious and cautious mindset out of the Changeling Queen in charge. As much as Celestia knew how quick to anger Chrysalis was, the truth was that she had the intelligence to get into high places with enough attention and planning.

And right now, with the Changeling using the knowledge they retrieved from Equestria through their infiltrators, the heart of Ponykind was not prepared to deal with a war of that proportions. Even if the Crystal Empire was recruited in this endeavor, the chances of victory were slim. They needed a new leadership and a greater conscription levy. That and… fix the two issues that were Stalliongrad and Olenia. Princess Velvet had many times pressed for a more direct intervention, but for now the Kingdom of Olenia was still willing to ‘trust’ King Johan as their ruler.

It wasn’t much about loyalty itself, but more of distrust towards Harmonic Principles which were forwarded by the Equestrian Political Doctrine. In the eyes of many old politicians of the deer kind, Velvet was too young and naive. Her positive view of Equestria was ‘detrimental for their traditions’. A bunch of crap, obviously, but Celestia’s words, crass or expressed in a more polite manner, would still yield no change in their position. Only mistakes by Johan’s plans and ambitions were.

So, in a way, she could somewhat sigh in relief when Velvet mentioned planning a week-long trip in the Crystal Empire. Celestia knew the young deer wanted to sulk around and perhaps ‘soften’ a deal with Equestria by befriending the new ruler of the Empire, but she knew for a thing John was too rational to try and risk peace with the Changelings without having finished consolidating those refugees he took in and concluded a potential reform of the Empire's army.

And her last thoughts before going to sleep were all about this unusual human. She could see what Luna found attractive in him, yet no warm emotion spread in seeing him be or interact with her or others. After you are lost in a world of numbing interactions, one just stops minding about love in that regard. Filial and friendly love? Celestia rejoiced at these and was keen to spread the beauty of them. But romance? Sadly, no longer a thought in her weary mind. Which was good since it meant Luna would be free to pursue that interest without having to worry about any ‘sisterly competition’.

These two… she could see why Cadance was so earnest to have her witness their interaction. They are somewhat matching, and while John had yet to show any legitimate interest, he had shown enough comfort around Lulu with that polite and cute peck on her cheek for a goodbye gift that it would be foolish for Tia to think less of any chances these two will have in growing closer. And it will definitely be a most amusing event to watch unfold from the side.

Her musing was soon interrupted when a small blue ball was suddenly sent soaring like a meteor out of one of the glasses by the throne room. Celestia blinked, untouched by the sight as she lazily witnessed the ball soar further and further...

And… that’s Luna’s stress ball. I guess my investment of buying a couple of thousands of those was indeed worthwhile.

She sighed in amusement at that last thought, letting out a yawn before surrendering to sleep and…

Wondering how the human was facing the few ‘issues’ coming at the notion of kissing a princess from another country.

Author's Note

AN

The woes of being an older sibling dealing with a little sibling in-love with someone else.

Next arc will deal with Apocrita (since the Changelings are getting uppity at the border), Radiant Hope’s Round 2, and finally Velvet. Quite the packed mini-arc for sure.