There were many a day when Celestia wanted nothing more than to lie upon her bed and let the sound of the softened breeze pass across her balcony. Little more than the serenity of nature would be considered excessive, a nuisance in the form of noise. After an entire day of draining politicians and nobility that failed to see past their own nose, what more could she desire than the simplicity of natural quiet? Yes, her duties were important, and Twilight Velvet’s youngest probably did have some magical potential considering how stupendous her son was. But there was absolutely no desire to consider such things –any of it, really- after the whole of the day had passed her by. Whatever demands that had come to her feet were surely better suited for tomorrow than today. Now was the time for solitude. Serenity.

Sort of.

She held her eyes closed and took in the emptiness. Outside was still the tinge of color across the sky, shades of orange, pink, and yellow in faint rows that turned the sky into a tapestry of vivid life. Having seen so many of its like across her many years, Celestia found herself completely unintrigued by what nature could offer today. Her nephew had again decided to make a royal buffoon of himself and cleaning up that mess had been the majority of her day’s work, along with every other critical task that had demanded completion before the end of day court. All she wanted to do was rest- no, check that. All she wanted to do was sleep and forget the day ever happened!

But out on the balcony was part of her heart, and what now transpired over nature was too beautiful for such a happy young woman to pass up. She could hear the clacking of Cadance’s heels as she tap-tap-tapped against the hard stone of the railings, gazing out across city and landscape alike as the endless flow of warmth and colors enveloped it. She had seen it so many times before, yet somehow it possessed a uniqueness here in the world up so high. She wanted to soak it in, let its beauty become memory and tied to her soul. So Celestia waited.

“Shouldn’t you have lowered the sun by now?” Cadance inquired, a delicacy in her tone as she did so. Hardly was she one to suggest actions or course of command to one so powerful! “It’s past six- I thought you said it should be on the horizon by now.”

“Are you done watching it fall?” Celestia asked- and none too lightly, the weariness of her mood affecting her attitude. A small streak of guilt promptly erupted. Be nice, now.

“Wait… you were waiting for me?”

“So long as you continue to enjoy it, I will be glad to let it linger.” The warmth of her voice was forced even if the emotion behind it was genuine. Better to fake it for a time than to speak down against one so joyful.

“I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to keep you waiting, especially when you seem so tired!” The scratching of footwear across stone and the princess knew her beloved had turned away from the sight. “Please, go ahead!”

It was the first laugh she’d given all day, short and small but enough to buoy her spirit. “Thank you, sweetheart,” Celestia murmured, and with a single snap of her fingers she saw the deed done. Swiftly did the great orb of fire fall from the edge of the sky, settling upon the edge of the horizon as its lunar twin came to show its face upon the opposing side; with a mood so dour, she dare not risk a glance to where her kindred now dwelled. None knew but her, and the gloom would make revealing the secret far too easy. Better not to say a thing.

Cadance considered the swift sinking of the sun and the fast-pace rise of celestial rock. “I… I thought you needed to go to the Tower to do that,” she murmured. “Why do you go up there if you can accomplish it just like that?”

“To clear my head,” Celestia said, though her words were partially a lie. “After a long day, I… I enjoy the solitude for a little while.”

The wondrous Lady considered that remark for a time; the clacking of heels against hardwood before they were cast aside, she coming to rest upon the bed just beside her splendid beloved and giving her a quizzical look. “I think that’s not really true,” Cadance murmured. “Do you want to talk about it?”

She so desperately wished to, but even now was not yet the time to reveal such secrets. The day was swiftly coming, but- not yet. “Would you feel offended if I said I wasn’t?”

“Of course not,” Cadance replied, her words becoming especially gentle as she caught wind of sorrow. There came the sensation of a soft touch, fingers gently stroking along the contours of Celestia’s cheek. “I hope you don’t think I was trying to pry or anything. I was only hoping I could help.”

“I know.” Because of course she was. Because that’s what Cadance did best, because the very core of her being was so bent on restoration and the care of others that she would happily allow her own self to be wounded if it meant another was made whole. She loved so wholeheartedly, so deeply; Celestia had only known this sweet woman for a spare few years, but she doubted there would ever be another soul of her like. Cadance was something extraordinary, and most definitely bearing a royalty of spirit that she could not match.

She deserves to be a princess more than I ever did, Celestia thought, her melancholy thoughts distant from the smile that saw she and her youthful paramour entwined. What sort of good could she do when put face-to-face with my people? Think of how many broken homes, broken families she could restore with just a simple word.

“I didn’t ruin your downtime, did I?” Cadance inquired; words brining Celestia back to reality. Back to the gentle, teasing expression of her lovely Lady. “Feel like getting a little excited?”

“Tonight, I am afraid, has me beaten,” Celestia admitted, the weight of her sister making the stream of morose feeling more difficult to bear than normal. “I think I would retire for the night.”

“May I recommend against it?” The lovely woman countered. “It is still early, and you haven’t even had dinner. Come, take a visit to the gardens, breathe the clean air. Perhaps it would do you good.”

She very much wanted not to; the comfort of her bed was terrible to resist and her desire for sleep was strong. But Cadance had been right about the solution to her troubles more times than not; why not heed this advice and follow her girlfriend’s guiding hand?

“A cup of tea might help us,” Celestia said. Rising to a sitting position and granting a kiss that left Cadance giggling, she forced herself to stretch and try to awaken. “And perhaps something light for the stomach.”

“There we go,” the beautiful woman said, smiling at seeing her princess come to life once again. “Your orders for the garden’s rejuvenation should be done by now. Are you curious about what came in from the tropics over the season?”

Not in the slightest; flowers had never been much of Celestia’s preference. But for Cadance? “I can hardly wait to see them,” she said. And so hand in hand they departed the gloomy bedchamber to seek the joys of greenery and life below, forgetting melancholy in the midst of love and restoration that so gladly saw fit to see them more tightly wound together.

If she were to be honest, Celestia had absolutely no love for formal occasions. She had spent dozens of lifetimes taking part in such frivolity, surrounded by the elite and nobility of her realm in an austere environment that was totally devoid of joy- or any real emotion, truthfully. Every once in a while there would be amusement to be found in the form of a drunken noble ranting and raving about something or other before being dragged away from the crowd and –she guessed politely- exorcised from the event. But by and large? Little more than ceremony and pomp she would rather avoid, clothing not of her choice nor preference, and what words that crossed her lips being mandatory sayings rather than anything from the heart. If her sister was here, perhaps it might be something more enjoyable; but an evening spent awake under her moon-

No, nothing about the Gala was all that pleasant; not its ceremony, not its people, not its activities, and certainly not the occasion that had marked its birth. So why did she have a smile on her face?

“We’re going to try a little of everything tonight,” Cadance declared, if not instructed her secret paramour as they strode down from the palace’s upper hallways to greet the awaiting crowd that now permeated the main floor. “I checked in with the kitchens a few days ago to see what they would be making, and guess what- I actually managed to convince them to switch a few things up and add some of your favorites! Some wonderful coq a vin with rosemary and thyme is supposed to be the main dish, and the chef actually seemed interested in trying out a chocolate candy recipe for one of the desserts.”

Celestia gave the younger woman a wide-eyed look. “Andrei has refused to deviate from his Gala menu for years now,” she murmured. “How on earth did you manage to convince him..?”

“I… may have asked a favor,” Cadance admitted, still smiling but a little shamefaced as she recalled the memory. “I came across him one day and he seemed upset, I asked him what was wrong, and- well, he said he was having trouble at home. With his wife, I mean. And I gave him a little advice that might help.”

“And it worked?”

Cadance nodded. “It took a little while. And he kept coming back for advice, but yes. So when I asked if he’d be willing to try something different, well…”

She was so kind. Not once did she find anyone beneath her aid, even one as tetchy and miserable as an aged chef. It was in this wondrous girl’s nature to simply help because they were there, seeking out restoration in the lives and relationships of others as though their pain wounded her own spirit also. She gave so much of herself away, making others shine brighter because of it; Celestia had thought Cadance as something remarkable for quite a while now. Perhaps the better word would be ‘extraordinary.’

And doesn’t she look it! Though Celestia’s royal tailor always managed to produce a quality garment, this year’s lilac ballgown no exception, what she had delivered for Cadance was truly royal. Held to one shoulder and the sleeve drawing down to her wrist, the beautiful sequin gown had her shining like gold beneath water, the dark-blue floral patterns across it occasionally interrupted by the seams of precious metallic color. A high slit allowed her slender leg to reveal itself, a sensuous edge to her formality that only managed to enhance her loveliness; complete with only the slightest touch of gold earrings and a splendidly colored bracelet, this glorious woman had somehow become more beautiful than anything the princess had ever seen. Surely all eyes would turn to her and fall in love, just as she had! Who could resist someone so loving and beautiful and wonderful as Cadance?

“What’s the matter?” The teasing note of her voice interrupted her admiration and roused the solar woman from her thoughts; they had paused just as the edge of the threshold that separated them from the main floors below, a staircase to go and then they would be amidst the crowd. Cadance’s eyes shone as she gazed up at her girlfriend, likely all too aware of what currently transpired within that mind.

“And you’re sure you want to be here tonight,” Celestia inquired; romantic feelings were set aside for a time so that she might ask in earnest. “It will not be as exciting as you think, you know. You remember last year.”

“I know. But I promise we’ll have fun this time, I’ll make sure of it!” Cadance insisted, her dazzling smile brought to life as she ensured good cheer within them both. “I’ve made so many friends around the palace lately, I know we’ll have such a good time! We’ll eat nice food, have something good to drink, we’ll dance together, and we’ll enjoy a walk in the garden if we need to be somewhere quiet for a moment! I made sure of it this time- you’re going to want to do everything!”

Celestia couldn’t say no to that shining face, not now and not ever. Cadance was her weakness, the one who she would relent to no matter what she wished otherwise. She may as well ask for all the gold and precious jewels in the world, and Celestia would do whatever it took to see the deed done; there wasn’t a thing this world could offer that she did not deserve. So what that her own spirit was unwilling to continue down those stairs and join the party? If Cadance wished for it to be a joyful night, then that would be all it took for the memories that came to be something she would treasure.

“Oh my… if only I could just show you off as mine to everyone,” Celestia whispered, leaning over and ensuring that Cadance’s plump lips were properly kissed. Perhaps a reckless act considering what adornment they had, but she could hardly be bothered to care? A little lipstick on her collar? Ooh, she’d love to be scandalous and break up the Gala’s monotony. “Curse my luck, being a Princess.”

“Only until you think up a role for me,” The sweet-faced beauty teased, words slipping through busied lips as she returned her beloved’s affection with kisses of her own; small and gentle presses that saw them bound together by the mouth, lightning bolts of pleasure coursing through them both. “I’ll keep waiting, you know. You’ll think of something.”

The rest of the night went exactly the way Cadance wanted it, and Celestia could not find it in herself to complain. Who cared if she had no interest in any of the night’s activities herself? To see that joy upon her beloved’s face was more important than any desire she had to be anywhere else. To be present in the midst of her happiness easily overruled whatever preferences were possessed. Cadance’s smile was as beautiful as a work of art, so brimming with life and a light of its own. To hold her hand as they danced together amidst a crowd that knew not their love was to put one’s hand in fire and not be burned- only the heat and incredible purity of flame could be found. Her delight set ablaze Celestia’s and ensured that she, too, radiated the magnificence of a gregarious soul. Though never would she know it, her countenance was a boon to those she met that night; the wearied and unhappy souls that so dominated the rich and mighty of the world came away from her comforted. The goddess of legend was there amongst them and somehow more wondrous than even ancient word could describe.

Though they wished for time to be spent only amongst one another, duty and discretion saw them entertain the fascinations of others as well. A young lieutenant with dark-blue hair was left starstruck after his waltz with Cadance, her unmatched cheer come the end of song seeing him left reeling even as he toddled away from the crowd. Celestia attended to her young nephew, bratty nature set aside so that he might enjoy a moment with his illustrious aunt. She had come to tire of him, be left strained by his consistently greedy nature; but tonight, of all nights, saw her own softness tickle his heart.

How long had she been out amongst the twirling crowd? Celestia found that even her own tireless body was becoming wobbly under the weight of numerous songs. Goodness, her dancing legs were not what they’d once been! Though others still had her name upon their card, the royal woman insisted she take a moment to recover- and well away from the sound of symphony. From behind her came the tireless stride of another, a warm farewell to a lovestruck soldier as Cadance made to follow her Princess.

“Are you alright?” The bright woman inquired; finding Celestia sagging against a wall was not part of either of their norms. “I hope you weren’t staying out there for my sake.”

“Not at all,” Celestia gasped, a smile on her face though her strained features suggested she might be on the verge of exhaustion. “I believe I found myself… a little carried away.”

“Shall I send for… anyone, or-”

“No, no, I am fine,” Celestia said; a snap of her fingers and a hardwood bench appeared beneath her, the luxurious princess crashing upon it so as to rest. “Oh, that’s better…”

Celestia’s eyes fell shut and left Cadance to bite her lip. Was- was she supposed to be concerned? Never before had she known her charge to be like this; the idea that the Daughter of the Sun could be worn out was unfathomable until now! If she called for aid, she might instead cause a panic. Perhaps, if only for now, it would be better to simply do nothing and let the moment pass. Their nights together had left them both gasping before, yet Celestia had always been willing for one round more. Maybe all she needed was a breather, and so Cadance settled down beside her princess and let the sound of music and good cheer beyond comfort her spirit.

For a time, sitting together was all they knew. A waiter passed them by with prime drink upon his tray and Cadance motioned for a pair of his finest, the two ladies soon laden by quality champagne that bubbled and tempted their palate. Though Celestia had no true interest in such fare –cheap as it were, she loved pub ales- she downed the flute glass in a heartbeat before finding herself thirsty. One more glass was needed to dry her throat, perhaps. If not several. Cadance tried not to encourage this clear attempt at drunkenness, but couldn’t help but be fascinated by it. Their few years together had given the young woman the illusion of knowing this princess; what transpired now was something of a different kind entirely.

A dozen flutes and a sip of wine later had turned the regal princess into a morose being. Words passed not by her lips, for surely her speech would be slurred and the secret would be out. She was drunk- drunk! Celestia, the Princess of Equestria was drunk as a skunk and hardly capable of rising to her feet. Yet she wanted to be away from this place. Wait, was it a place? The world seemed so dark, passing by her eyes in a blur was hardly much of anything. Yet she knew she insisted that she go away from the confines of this palace that she somehow still knew to be so. Was she speaking after all, too? Cadance was following after her and laughing, though at what Celestia couldn’t quite figure.

The gardens lay all about them, the lovely Lady trying to focus more on her charge rather than the enhanced natural beauty that lay all about her. The light of fairies in the bushes, the lush colors of green and growing things all about- the vibrancy of life in the form of flowers found all across the world! So magnificent was it all beneath this sheet of starlight, yet Cadance had only eyes for her beloved. Mostly out of love, yet also a good deal of concern. Celestia wasn’t exactly in her best mind, more focused on tottering towards her next destination whatever it may be. Forward, onwards to the next goal- and then a sudden halt! Cadance found it best that she keep Celestia by the arm and whoever may pass by to see the affection be damned; she would not let the woman she loved come to harm if she could prevent it.

“Celestia- darling, maybe it would be better if- you’ve said all your speeches and everything,” Cadance murmured. Keeping to her royal companion’s side was proving to be a challenge, the constant shuffle and change in pace difficult to predict. “Maybe we should just… retire! For the night, I mean. We go back to your chambers and watch the Gala from the balcony until you feel a little better.”

“But I… I feel line- fine,” Celestia hiccupped, instantly coming to a halt and nearly sending Cadance crashing to earth. Her eyes were fixated on the lights that gleamed from the hedgerows that had now become so wonderful; unable to take rip her gaze away, the twinkling lights of magic and contained power seemingly fascinating. “You know this is- this is the first Gala I’ve enjoyed in ages, did you know that? I can’t… can’t- can’t remember one I’ve actually had fun with.”

“Is that so?” Cadance remarked. “Well, I’m glad you did. But I think you’re not going to have any more fun if you keep wandering around like this. It’s very late, and I know you’re an early riser-”

“They always just suck, you know what I mean?” Celestia’s voice raised a few octaves, looking down at her beloved with an expression that possessed no qualities beyond bleary. “Like, why do I have to be the one in charge of everything? I hate… like, the speeches. And the grandstanding! And nobody even remembers I wanted it to be a day of mourning- I wanted it to be sad! But NOOO, they all wanted to party! It’s not like we hadn’t had to lose something to survive!”

Cadance felt the muscles in her grasp suddenly grow taut; Celestia was tensing, growing fierce as anger came from nowhere to overwhelm all other emotions like a flame turning dry leaves to ash. This powerful, magnificent princess had lost all manner of drunkenness in the face of whatever caused her emotions to rage, she turning her face to the weakened crescent of stone that shone above them and turning her visage to grief immeasurable. “Celestia, are you-”

“She’s still up there because of me,” Celestia cried. Tears flowed so quickly, instantaneous in their formation as she beheld the pale white-and-yellow that burned in the skies. “I wanted today to be a memorial to what we’d lost. How even the best of us can fail, but now look. They want to party for no reason more than because they can, and they look at me like I’m something good and wonderful to be. Like I’m an example! Well if they wanted an example of what sort of things I can do, maybe they ought to just look up at the moon and see what I’ve done!”

Cadance hadn’t made sense of a single word; enigma and strangeness of speech that she could barely understand through slippery tongue all that came to meet her ears. But the sight of utter grief on the face of the one she loved could not be mistaken, a depth of despair so painful that it would have been impossible to ignore. To look into those beautiful jewels and see that weighted pain of grief within them was like a knife to her heart, tearing and rending until she herself felt the bite of Celestia’s sorrow. The agony beckoned her to do something; she needed to make this right, find a way to fix this brokenhearted spirit, even if it killed her! If Celestia was left like this, how could she herself manage to endure it?

A small, mangled cry of pain and Celestia disappeared from her midst, leaving the dazzling Lady alone in the gardens and more confused than she’d ever been in all her life.

The unusual night beckoned for them to come together and speak about its origin. Cadance was desperate to know, but feared to insist; Celestia needed to speak, but was terrified of the shame that would come along with such a confession. It seemed like an age before the topic was ever to be discusdrd and neither was particularly happy that the moment ever came to pass.

“I was drunk. An unusual scenario, I know,” Celestia eventually confessed when the moment was brought up. In the midst of an empty hallway, her curt manner was found strange by the young girl who knew her so well. It was almost as if she was guarding something, whether it be memory or her image. “Please, do not let such a thing be held in your mind as a confession. Occasionally I can be strange, especially after so many years spent walking upon this earth.”

“And you’re sure?” Cadance insisted. She could see it be a query made at the cost of Celestia’s chagrin, but she had to know; her own heart was absolutely certain something was amiss. To see this beautiful princess –her rescuer, her heart of hearts- lie so swiftly meant that the truth was likely something difficult to extract. She would have to earn the right to its presence more likely than not. “I’m not trying to doubt you, it’s just- you seemed to be so genuine. I’d hate for you to carry something so hurtful and not be able to talk to me about it.”

“And what would I need to talk to you about? What would you rationalize for me that time could not reveal?” Celestia asked of her. It was almost a challenge, a demand that she answer.

Offered only partial truths and limited info, she dare not make assumptions that were based on legend; if she was not given the whole of Celestia’s heart to work with, then any sort of attempt at restoration would bring about more harm than help. “Anything you would wish for me to,” Cadance could only offer. “Please, I know that what you’re saying isn’t everything. I hate for you to hold all that hurt inside, don’t you think it would be better to just- please don’t make this a guessing game… I want to help you. In any way I can; doesn’t that mean something to you?”

“It means the world to me. But there are some things that no soul, no span of time can heal,” Celestia murmured. Unwilling to even look in her beloved’s direction, a small part of the façade had faded away so that her true self could be spoken aloud. “Please, do not concern yourself with my troubles. You could spend a lifetime trying to see them made right and you would come no closer to solving the hurt that is in the world. Better to focus upon what can be fixed rather than what cannot.”

“But-”

“Do you think I haven’t tried myself?” Celestia asked, the regal princess turning about and facing her Lady with such a sorrow in her eyes that Cadance could hardly stand its presence. “Please… don’t waste so much of yourself upon the problems I have caused. If I have yet to solve them, then I doubt there is any upon this earth who could manage them. I would hate to see you waste yourself upon such frivolous things.”

Cadance had no reason to think that her wondrous girlfriend’s problems were something trivial; could any of her issues be seen as such? But disbarred from the whole truth, she dare not make an attempt at anything. Rather than insist and cause real harm, she settled for only a shrug; better to wait for another day and see what came with it. Even if she couldn’t bear to endure that darkened gleam of pain in her love’s eye…

For too long, the days blurred together with little to distinguish them in her mind. Cadance found that the Gala had been a strange sort of severance between she and the princess she adored, as though a falling out had occurred to see them break up without either informing the other. Had she done something wrong? Was her presence in the midst of Celestia’s drunken breakdown a sin that had passed her by unnoticed? There were so many unanswered questions in regards to the regal woman’s behavior that answering any of her own felt impossible. Even if she tried to make sense of what little she’d gleaned, random guesses would do neither of them any good; for now, she would have to settle for simply being an attendant rather than a girlfriend.

But could she even manage? Cadance had spent only a spare few years within the Palace walls, yet she’d become used to Celestia being more vibrant in her comings and goings. This was more like the early days when she’d been little more than concubine, one of many warm bodies present for her Princess’ pleasure- no, this was far worse. At least then she had been able to reach out and provide comfort, give touch and affection without fear of a shrinking away. Celestia kept herself at arm’s reach, pouring fully into her tranquil regality so as to be utterly unapproachable.

Cadance could only find it discomforting, her heart wrenching at the sight of one so soft forcing herself to become so cold. There had been so many whispered moments deep in the night, when slumber was hard to find, that the stellar beauty had spoken of how she wished to be more connected with her people. She disliked the feeling of being a god amongst those she protected and led- that she wished to simply be their friend. Yet now here she was, achieving the exact opposite.

Try as she might to rationalize it otherwise, Cadance felt a cold stone sink in her stomach; whatever transgression she had made by bearing witness to Celestia’s sadness, it had been enough to ruin the blossoming of a deeper beauty.

“That is enough for Day Court today,” Celestia commanded, her even voice echoing across the empty throne room and signaling to her weary guards that their duties were nearing their climax. “Let all those that still await my presence be told to arrive tomorrow morning. Have we any urgent matters requiring my attention?”

“None have been made known to me, Your Grace,” Cadance replied. The remark gave life to conjured thought in her brain, alighting an idea in the furnace; if she were to try and provide aid to her girlfriend, empty space in the twilight might be her best opportunity yet. “The only reports that have been asked to be brought your attention are from the academy. It seems that young Twilight Sparkle is achieving a great deal in her studies, and that she wishes to speak to you regarding a few matters soon-”

“Another time, I think,” Celestia cut through. Waving her hand, she brought an end to that suggestion before it could even try and take root. “Lady Cadance, please inform the kitchens I wish for my meal to be brought to my private quarters tonight rather than to my dining hall. And if any bottles from the ‘sixty-five’ casks still remain, I would be pleased to have it alongside my meal-”

“Might I suggest a different approach for your evening, Your Majesty?” Cadance hadn’t meant to interrupt, at least not intentionally; she’d thought that Celestia’s words were to end sooner than that! But the moment she’d made her mistake, every eye that could be found within the magnificent throne room were upon her, wide-eyed and hardly able to believe themselves.

Celestia’s visage offered no clue. No emotion, no sign of anger or discontent, not a thing. Placid as a lake at sunrise, without a single flaw to be found upon it and leaving Cadance uncertain as what to do next. Had she been too bold, or not bold enough? It was almost as though she was being scrutinized.

“Guards, you may still depart, I do not believe Lady Cadance poses any threat,” Celestia commanded, motioning for her guards to remove themselves from the chamber. Perhaps knowing well enough, the well-armored men were hasty in their departure, eager to be away lest a proverbial storm begin to brew.

They were alone, which meant this was likely to be an honest conversation. Cadance bit her lip; should she even say anything else without further provocation? Celestia likely wasn’t going to make this easy, and unless she fully confessed as to her troubles then it could take quite a lot of digging. Heaven help me- help HER, she thought. Please, she’s in pain and I can’t bear it, don’t let her just be like this.

“You think a warm meal and a glass of wine would do me harm, Lady Cadance?” Celestia inquired. The formality involved was a warning: choose your words carefully.

So she was not to play the role of girlfriend just yet. “I do not believe either would be harmful to Your Majesty,” Cadance began, “but rather that the isolation and intentional solitude would be detrimental.”

“I have done such things before. Especially when tired, and I wish for privacy. Is that so terrible a thing for a Princess to ask for?”

“Hardly, Your Majesty. But you have kept yourself at arm’s length from anyone who might be willing to be your friend for some time now,” Cadance replied. Not just her, though the lovely woman counted herself primary amongst them; her highest-ranking officers and eldest counsellors had all come to take notice of this intentional seclusion. “There are many who are quite fond of you, and care deeply about your welfare. Would they not be glad to know you are well?”

“And do I look unwell, Lady Cadance?” She could hear the charge in her voice now- feel it, too.

“I…” Was now the time to break the façade and answer plainly? Each course of action seemed as risky as the other. “You seem unhappy, Your Majesty. And as your… attendant, I am uncomfortable allowing you to remain as such. Surely there is something I can do to help you?”

“Have I not reminded you that my trivial matters are not worthy of your concern?” Celestia said. “Offer my trouble no heed, let them pass you by. They stick to me by simple presence; it would do you no good to remain near.”

It was a near-fatal mistake and the both of them knew it. So Celestia was intentionally pushing her away, was she? Cadance had something to latch onto and shake until she got the answers she wanted. Even this solar royal knew she’d screwed up from the moment the words had slipped off her tongue. “Oh- you needn’t-”

“You’re pushing me away. I knew it!” Cadance whispered; before Celestia could rise from her throne and tarry away, there she was to block the path forward. “What is so wrong that you won’t tell me? I’m not asking to try and solve it, I just don’t want you to be like this!”

“What could you do to change anything? Would your comfort make it any better?” Celestia demanded. Blunt, cold, and so utterly bleak that facing such an unhappiness was like drinking deep of a poison; Cadance wanted to weep for her sake. “Perhaps I make this choice because I know it is the best course to take. You don’t think me so stupid as to not consider asking for your help?”

“What- no! No, of course not!” Cadance objected. “I think it’s something personal that you won’t tell me about and I want you to not just keep hurting! It’s like your heart is bleeding, like-”

“I am not in need of aid-”

“Wait- please, just wait! For one moment- like something’s gouged through you and you’re terrified to pull it out! But you’re just seeping blood, you keep letting the wound be dirtied!” Cadance pushed. “Keeping things the way they are isn’t what’s going to make it better, and- and I know I might not be able to help, but can’t you at least lean on me so you don’t have to hurt alone? I love you, that should-”

“That only twists the knife even further,” Celestia admitted, tears springing froth from her lustrous eyes as both fury and grief crashed within her gaze. “You are better kept away from me. If I had known that keeping you here at my side would bring you harm, I would have sent you away with the rest of the girls. I regret that choice- I regret my choice, selfish as it was. What is coming will be all the worse because of your being here, and it will be entirely my fault… And before you even ask, I wish not for your forgiveness.”

She was gone in a flash; blinding light made Cadance stagger back, waiting for the noise and putrid light to fall away from her senses. When she was able to right herself, the elegant lady found herself alone in the throne room and feeling rather sick. She’d tried to help in any way Celestia would allow, but none had offered even the slightest opportunity for further discussion. So Celestia was blaming herself about something and wanted to be punished for it? But- what on earth could such a wonderful woman do?

With little else to do and likely not allowed back into her Princess’ quarters tonight, the unhappy attendant traversed the darkened halls back to her own chambers that would be so darkened and cold. At least the full moon tonight would offer some comfort and make the empty black feel no quite so miserable-

A pause at the window’s edge and Cadance turned to gaze out into the depths of the silken-blue sky. A full moon; Celestia had always seemed relieved when she was able to raise the sun, had shuddered when it came time for moonrise. Something about that stellar rock always found a way to make her miserable. Just why did she despise the dark so deeply?

Wait a minute- what stories do I know about the moon?

It was so cold out tonight. Standing on the edge of her balcony and gazing out into the depths of the clouded, starless sky above, Celestia felt winter’s first bite within the wind that blew; across skin, through clothing and sinking into her very bones. She felt the need to shiver and tarry away from the cold, yet still she remained upon the ledge and waited on the hopes that the endless sea of grey might break and allow that pale-blue crescent shine down upon her.

In the early days of the punishment she had subjected them both to, the noise and chaotic fury of a rampaging spirit had raged in her mind even across the blackened void. When all there was to find was emptiness in between, there was little to block the way. But then in the end had come silence, an empty ringing that was more terrible than the curses and shouts of rage that had been almost incessant; the sudden stop to the background noise had been almost an acceptance of defeat, perhaps.

But I should have known better than to believe it, she told herself. Celestia saw a thinning of the clouds and the first tinges of lunar light try and pierce the shadowed veil. No, she had been foolish to believe it was truly over. It had taken far too long for her to see the signs, but they had come all the same. The analysis of every unnatural change in the starlight above had coincided perfectly with prophecy and there was nothing she could do to stop it.

She’d searched far and wide for a way to restore her bond with the Elements, but centuries of disconnect from the rest of the world had done more than enough to see that thread severed. Anything to undo the curse she’d rained upon she and her kin, to actually banish that parasitic demon into the depths of the endless dark forever- but nothing. For too long now she had tried to find a way to dispel disaster before it actually arrived, but every failure seemed to only accelerate the process. It wouldn’t be long now before judgment came. And so many people would have to suffer, all because of her.

The wind blew hard against her face, its unforgiving whistle piercing her ears and sending the clouds above to roiling. Loud and roaring was the cacophony of nature that she witnessed, yet not so total in its might as to block out the strange vibrations of flesh upon wood that came from somewhere behind her. Celestia turned about and soon found herself consumed by a rush of colors as her hair was blown across her eyes. For a moment she was blinded- then one step forward back into her quarters saw the maelstrom cease, and there at the door stood the most beautiful angel to ever step forth across the earth.

“I did not summon you,” Celestia remarked, a concoction of fear rising in her stomach alongside a good dose of irritation. She’d given orders not to be disturbed for the night…

Cadance showed no signs of backing down- or much of any emotion at all. There was a strange placidity to her lovely features, yet soft eyes holding the gaze of the unhappy royal without breaking. “I did not need to be summoned,” she said. “I am here because I know this is where I need to be.”

“And why do you feel such conviction about being in my presence?”

“Because you rescued me.” The graceful lady took a step forward, the sleeve of her gown falling down to the elbow as she revealed the colorful bracelet that hung about her wrist. “Do you not… remember that?”

So it was to be a turnabout; a reversal of roles. Cadance was determined, but possessed not the power to achieve such a feat. “Cadance, if I thought you could find a way to do something then I would ask for you-”

“Please don’t interrupt me.” The words were spoken with no ferocity yet were as strong as a brick wall; the soft, gentle woman was speaking with a backbone, intent on seeing her full speech delivered. “I know I’ve told you the story before, but sometimes I wonder if you’ve forgotten. Especially lately, since you keep trying to push me away.”

“I do so for the sake of your wellbeing,” Celestia tried to explain, “nothing I do is out of malice of ill intent-”

“I have always done my best to respect you, so please stop interrupting me,” Cadance insisted yet again, a few steps closer and beginning to force her princess into a corner. “You rescued me from a horrible life. I didn’t have a purpose, I was- I was raised to be a thief, a beggar, and a whore. Do you think I wanted that life? When you took me in, brought me under your care, it was… it was like being in heaven. You even treated me like I was something special, you wanted me to be yours. That’s more than I ever thought I’d have- I got to know you. And that means the world to me.”

Despite her intent to remain emotionless, Celestia could feel the hurt and the shame roiling inside her. Cadance wasn’t striking out from a place of anger, not fear or concern- all of it was born of love. It was as if she couldn’t feel the slightest tinge of anything else that could spoil the contents of her heart, and its strength was becoming difficult to witness. The stellar royal knew she needed to flee, but how could she do such a thing without this whole affair starting over again? Cadance was being absolutely insistent…

“I know you keep trying to push yourself away, and I know you think it’s the right thing to do,” Cadance continued; so close now, almost upon her beloved and allowing no place to hide. “But what you’re doing hurts anyway. You’re not keeping me from getting hurt and you have to know that. Do you think that your being in pain is something that doesn’t hurt me, too? Even if we were just friends I’d still be here, trying to help you in any way I could. But I’m more than that, and once upon a time you were happy to have me that way.” It was the first crack in her façade, a small catch of breath as the splendid beauty forced down her misery before it could sink its teeth in. “No matter what you ask of me next, I can’t let you be like this- not alone. Even if you never love me again, I am bound to you for the rest of my days. So please… just tell me what’s wrong. I don’t want you to bear this all by yourself.”

She wanted to break. Crash to her knees, let the tears erupt and turn into a pile of grieving mush that could possibly be molded into something better. But that was something she was not worthy of; a wound that had been seeping for centuries was beyond fixing, her curse to bear and one that she would have to carry forever. It was an unfixable, irredeemable failing. Perhaps now it was time to explain why.

“There is nothing you can do to help,” Celestia whispered through a choked throat.

“Then tell me why,” Cadance insisted. “You’ve been acting like you’re walking towards oblivion, surely you don’t-”

“Because I am.” The words came like a slap to the face, the first tinges of fear in that beautiful woman’s eyes. “Cadance, up there- long ago I had a sister.”

So she’d been right. The pieces of the puzzle had been before her this whole time and it had taken almost a total collapse for her to clue in.

“She’d admired me in everything. I was everything she wanted to be, and everything I was to her was hurtful,” Celestia explained; there was a hurt within her, heart aching and cheeks starting to sting. “She kept reaching out, kept trying to be my friend and- all she ever wanted was to spend time with me, but I was too much a fool to see beyond the end of my own nose. And I kept pushing her away, making her live in my shadow- over and over again until she was so bitter and unhappy that when the devil came to make a deal she took it without a second thought. I helped make my own sister a monster, and rather than trying to help her all I did was put her in a prison.”

“Then- that weird, face-looking thing on the moon-”

Celestia nodded, forcing herself to ignore the tears that burned. “It’s been her home. For almost a thousand years now. But she’s been kicking and bucking against the chains I put on her for so long now that they’re starting to break. She’s going to break free soon and my sister’s going to hurt and kill everyone because of me- and- and I don’t have a single way to stop her. If I could- I’d give her my life if it meant I could keep you safe, but it wouldn’t be enough. Everything I’ve tried to do to save her meant nothing, and now I can’t even save you.”

There were small streaks of salt across her beautiful face. The grief that had been held within for so long was a pain too palpable to not hurt them both, its unyielding flame blazing through flesh and into heart; Cadance was there with her now, arms slowly wrapping about a princess who was falling into the depths of despair that had been held back for so long. “It’s alright,” came her gentle whisper, “It’s alright.”

“It is not alright!” Celestia snarled, salt spraying away as she tried to push against the embrace. “I ruined my sister, what sort of person does that? She- and she’ll kill you, she’ll ruin you! And it’s all because of me, it’s all my fault-”

She kept trying to insist, over and over again even as her bitter mantra repeated itself continuously. She needed to be anywhere but in the presence of one who was so willing to forgive her; to the cold, to the empty world that was doomed because of her pitiful ego and vanity that had desired all glory and offered nothing. Away from this place, from this person she loved more than any that walked upon the earth who would not let her hurt alone. Celestia wept and wept, lips spattered with tears as she wailed aloud in release of the sorrow that had been bound within for time beyond time. She needed to feel pain, further the depths of her hurt that would crash upon her so that she might shatter and was left broken until the day the monster she had made came for her head at last.

Yet the tears were forced to disappear. Sorrow’s steel did not dull, but found its mettle made to match against something far softer, each wound made ready to be healed. Upon her face did Cadance leave a kiss; one, then another- each tear that fell was pressed away, gentle lips falling upon scored skin over and over. Arms that refused to relinquish their grasp offered warmth and comfort, holding fast even as she kicked and writhed within the gentleness she did not deserve. Small caresses, swift kisses to blot out the darkness, and the gentle sound of a shushing voice that broke the stream of sobs. No matter what came to defile her princess, the Lady was there to see it vanquished. Not even when the crashing wave began to fade away and recede back into the lifetime’s worth of pain did she allow it a chance to return, the soothing presence of body and heart there to keep away what misery that tried to remain. As Celestia’s cries faded, wet hiccups replacing them, so came the softly breathed song of a love ballad to overcome them.

Time became meaningless in her arms; how long she remained there, weeping and brokenhearted was a mystery never meant to be solved. Whenever she felt as though the worst was over, a fresh wave would crash upon the shores of her ravaged heart and see her brokenhearted again and simply rejuvenate the process, yet Cadance would always be there to meet it. Determined to outlast a storm that had been growing since long before she was born, the beautiful lady who was greater than any royalty refused to be beaten by any shadows, no matter how bleak. The warmth of her heart was there to push back against the damp dark, tender touch capable of burning away the cold fingers of misery. No matter what came, what tried to see the solar beauty utterly broken, Cadance would find a way to pick up the pieces and see them made right.

It was a miracle that she ever found the strength to speak. “Sorry for being so miserable,” Celestia spluttered, her wet words tinged by an insane sort of laughter. Goodness, why was it funny?

“Shush, you,” Cadance murmured. In her words was an indescribable softness, a gentleness so far beyond reckoning that Celestia wondered if this was the comfort a child felt in its mother’s womb. No matter what she did, this wonderful Lady was there to caress and tend to her wounds before they even had a chance to form. “Not a word bad about yourself tonight- not a one.”

“But they’re true. They’re all true!” Celestia tried to protest. She forced herself free of Cadance’s grasp and came face-to-face, looking into that dazzling gaze so as to find some measure of condemnation. “Everything that I did- what’s coming, it’s all my fault-”

“Shhh… What did I just say?” Cadance couldn’t resist the slightest teasing, her own wet gaze still supported by a smile. “Sometimes, I don’t think you listen to me. Won’t you try and listen to me now, just for a little bit?” Celestia, though uncertain, did offer her a nod, and received a dazzling glow in return. “You saved. You saved me. And I know that the same woman who loves me can save her sister, too. Even if she believes that she should be punished instead.”

“I lost her- I was never able to stop that- thing from taking her,” Celestia wailed. “Don’t act like I don’t deserve it, please.”

“I know you would have done anything to save her. But you chose to save everyone- and that you gave your sister a chance to be saved in the end. Maybe it could have all been prevented… but you still gave them all a chance to be free. To be happy. And someday soon, that’s going to include your sister, too. So start believing in it! Since when has there ever been a day where the sun didn’t rise and see the shadows fade?”

Celestia didn’t want to believe; she couldn’t believe just yet, so affixed in her misery that the centuries of time that had cemented her mindset would not yet be swayed by words spoken by another, even if they were wise and came from the lips of the one she loved. Perhaps there would be a time far beyond, but- not yet, not yet.

“Why do you believe I can make this right?” Celestia muttered. “I can’t save her. Everything I did, all those years ago- I can’t do it again. I’ve tried; I’m not going to be the hero this time. And before you ask, neither will you.”

“Then we find the one who will be,” Cadance insisted. “You’re Celestia- a whole world finds hope when they see you! You’ve dispelled darkness, you’ve given life to so many. For goodness’ sake, look at what you’ve given to me! If you believe it, who wouldn’t wish to follow? Despair should never be part of your world- so start believing again! Hope is the only thing that suits you.”

“It would take power. And a miracle,” Celestia replied. “I might never find the right person who could wield it- and even then, they’d have to be lucky. I don’t think I have the time.”

“You will find the right person. And they’re going to be everything you could ever dream of,” Cadance whispered. In her hands did she hold that sweet face, fingers gently stroking the lines of Celestia’s cheek in a smooth, rhythmic motion; she would not let go, not leave her place that saw her knelt before her love, not until the very last of this horrid black nightmare had been dispelled and sent back screaming into the abyss from whence it came. Though she could not understand fully the depths of her beloved’s agony, she would be there to give her strength and belief until the deed was done. Nothing in all the world, in all the principalities of all existence could see her to break faith now. “Now… no more despair.”

After far too long, Celestia felt her heart’s beat begin to slow. The streams that had run down her face from eye and nostril finally slowed and became stymied beneath the comforting weight of her dear one’s calming words. Though she could not yet believe herself, Cadance had found the strength to will them both through unto the end, whatever end it might be. Though the future seemed so bleak even still and the silence had become deafening, nothing that remained could hope to make this newly birthed princess stumble at all. Cadance’s faith was like a song to the spirit, and what she could bring when imbibed with true might would be like the sweetness of spring upon the wind. Though perhaps not tonight, the path forward in her destiny had come at last.

“And what would counsel would you give your princess?” Celestia asked. “Anything you say shall be done. Do not allow me to question it.”

“Firstly,” Cadance began, “You shall smile. Have hope. And then, you shall rejoin with the world again. I almost wonder if all you’re hoping for is right under your nose.”

Author's Note

So I thought I had a grip on this story. Now I'm not so sure.