Lunar Eclipse
by New Moon
edited by Namara
A lone mare flew away into the darkness as the small church clock struck midnight with twelve ominous bongs..
Her soft wing beats struck out a thumping rhythm in the darkness of the meticulously prepared night sky. She spied an unusually dark cloud near the rolling hills of Ponyville. She slowed her flight and descended onto the cloud with a soft puff. She checked to see if her fragile bundle was safe and sighed with relief when her worries were assuaged.
"Hello Feather Flyer," the dark mare said softly into the night.
"Hello my friend, is the foal with you?" A pale shape came into sight.
"Yes..."
Feather Flier's hooded friend sagged under her cloak.
"Nopony can know, Flier," the mare croaked.
"I won't. But..." Feather Flier's gaze shifted toward the small basket.
"Please do this for me, Feather." the mare pleaded. "I mustn't-"
"I know, but it's been... painful, to say the least, since Plume passed." Feather Flier said sadly.
"But that means that you have an even greater capacity to care for her," the mare said delicately.
Feather Flier looked away. "No, it doesn't."
"The night is waning," the mare noted. "Make your decision soon. I must return to Canterlot,"
After a moment, Feather Flier spoke up. "It will keep her safe?"
"What?"
"My taking her. Will it keep her safe?"
The hooded pegasus dipped her head. "Yes. It will."
Sighing sadly, Feather Flier returned her gaze to the mother. "Then yes, I will raise her," After a moment's thought, she added. "As if she were my own."
Shuddering to keep her sobs held inward, the mare lifted the basket off her back and nudged it to Feather Flier. "I will always love you, New Moon." she whispered. "Always."
Feather Flier took the basket handle in her mouth. Unable to speak, she nodded and flew away.
With nothing left there, the mare checked that her cloak was still firmly bound to her and flew off, not looking back.
Dawn was christening the previously dark sea of clouds with rosy pink light as three pegasi were creeping ever so slowly across the soft cloud cover.
