I hold my hoof up to knock on my sister’s door, just for a moment … but then think better of it. Scarcely more than one day has passed since Twilight and her new friends vanquished Nightmare Moon and returned my sister, my dear sister, Luna to me.

Only yesterday, this ‘Royal Guest Suite’ had been a mostly-forgotten mystery to all other residents of Canterlot Castle. Before last night, nopony had ever slept in these rooms. Few have ever been inside them at all, save for the hastily summoned cleaning staff to come in and thoroughly dust everything off yesterday evening. Few now remember that their vaunted Princess once had a sister, and until now, nopony had realized that this special suite was built in the new castle specifically in the desperate hope that I might someday have a sister once more.

Despite the jubilance of the celebration in Ponyville, the chariot ride back to Canterlot had mostly passed in awkward silence. It was only then, during the trip, that I noticed it had been everypony else at Pinkie Pie’s party in Ponyville who’d done all the talking. Luna said scarcely a word the entire time.

“You’re going to love Canterlot,” I’d told her during that chariot ride, though now I have my doubts as to the truth of it. I had only desired to spark a conversation. “It’s built on top of a soaring mountain, and when you stand atop the high towers, you feel closer to the sky there than nearly anywhere else!”

Luna had looked at me, and merely nodded. A spark of hope glimmered in her eyes, yes, but was soon quashed. She seemed almost … afraid? But there is nothing to be feared in Canterlot, certainly.

And now I find myself staring at the door to my sister’s suite, in my own castle, not knocking.

Perhaps there is something to fear in Canterlot after all? It’s silly. Ridiculous, even. Why should I hesitate to visit my dear sister, now reunited after so long apart? And yet … doubt gnaws at me, a pernicious and binding pinch of worry. For the first time in centuries, I find myself unsure of how to proceed.

I last knew Luna a millennium ago, and I’ve spent the last thousand years maturing on my own without her. She even looks different now – not the way she looked just before becoming Nightmare Moon, but like a much younger version of herself. She looked much the same as when she’d only just ascended to become an alicorn. Could the Elements have erased more than just the Nightmare from her? What if they had taken centuries of her life as well?

Perhaps I should allow Luna some space, some time to recover from the effects of the Elements. How traumatic it must have been, to be blasted not once, but twice by the most powerful magic known to pony-kind? Was it painful? How could it not be? The Nightmare had taken hold of her – it was part of her. Are we not shaped by our experiences, both positive and negative, even one’s darkest thoughts? The Elements must have ripped all of that away, and none too gently. How must it feel, to be missing a part of oneself?

I know that well, actually, now that I think about it. Have I not felt the same, when I had to send my sister to the moon? When she was ripped away from me, it took me years to recover … if I ever truly did. So, surely, I should give Luna more than a single day…

And yet… The last time, I waited too long to approach her, too long to ask her about her feelings. Can I afford to make the same mistake again?

That look of fear in Luna’s eyes, the fear that smothers hope… Staring at her door, I suddenly see it as clearly as if she is right next to me once more.

Could she fear … me? The elder sister, towering over her, who outshone her at every turn for so long that bitterness devoured her heart. The elder sister who neglected her for ages before, eyes burning with tears and rage, unleashing the Elements of Harmony upon her and locking her away for a thousand years. What if attempting to talk to her might make things worse? The very first moment I saw her, after the Nightmare had been banished… That frightened gasp, the panic in her eyes at the mere sound of my voice, no matter how gentle. Yes, she certainly feared me then, as she lay amidst the crumbling remains of Nightmare’s armor, the evidence of her crimes, lying all around her. What had she thought might happen in that moment? Did she think I would banish her once more? Or worse?

No. I need time to think. Luna needs time to recover. After irresolutely standing before her door for heavens only know how long, I resolutely turn and walk away, back down the hall to my own suite. For better or for worse, the decision has been made. I have much to arrange now, after all.

Though I know it not, just on the other side of her door, Luna turns away as well … keenly aware of my presence, and of my choice.

☀️ ❇️❇️❇️❇️❇️ 🌙

Instead, one day later, I’ve decided on a more subtle, more diplomatic approach. It seems to me the best way – a balance between being sensitive to my sister and seeking to involve her, but also not forcing myself on her when she still might be frightened of my mere presence.

I’ve sent a missive, by way of the royal servants, formally inviting Luna to a presentation breakfast, a welcoming ceremony of sorts to introduce her to the nobility of Canterlot, to ensure that they know she has indeed returned.

And now I wait, seated at the head of the table in the Formal Dining Hall, every seat full of eager nobleponies, save for one: the seat directly to my right.

Trim Tables, ever the one to concern himself over the ‘extraordinarily busy’ schedules of the nobles, steps up discreetly to my side. “Are you certain that your sister will be in attendance this morning, Your Highness?”

“Not at all,” I reply honestly, keeping my face as serene and neutral as ever. A few among the nobility are vicious and cannot be allowed to see any sign of weakness. Mercifully few, but a few nonetheless.

“Oh, they’re not going to like that…” Trim shakes his head. “Perhaps I could find some alternate way to assuage them and make them feel that their precious time hasn’t been wasted? We could move up your scheduled discussion of tax rates. Most of the ponies scheduled to attend are already present here, and if we—”

It isn’t like Trim Tables to be suddenly silenced like that. Something must have truly shocked him. I glance back toward the doorway, and I find…

Luna. My heart breaks all over again, just seeing her. She looks so small now, so alone, as she hesitantly steps through the large gilded doorway into the Formal Dining Hall. Perhaps I should not have made the design of our new castle quite so imposing…

But she came – she truly came! To be darkly honest, I have found myself having doubts ever since she disappeared into her chambers. Had my sister truly returned? Or had I – as seems far more likely – worked myself up into some sort of fever dream enough to convince myself that she had been redeemed, that the faults of our past had been healed, no more than fantasies brought to life by a guilty conscience? And yet, here she was! Truly, right in front of me and everypony in the hall. Living proof that I am not yet a madmare. Living proof that my past choices are not irredeemable.

“Luna…” Despite long centuries of practice in keeping my bearingsbearing, there is a quiver to my voice as I say her name. “Welcome. I’m glad you could make it. Please, have a seat.” I gesture toward the chair next to mine, every bit as opulent as my own, but finished in blue, rather than red. “We were just about to begin.”

A little grumbling rises from the nobles about that. Grumbling which makes Luna wince as she slowly and self-consciously steps behind them all, making her way to her seat. A flash of anger burns through me for a moment. How dare they? Can they not see the state she’s in?Do they not care for her in the slightest?

With a long-practiced deep breath, I banish the feelings of anger from my body. Acknowledge them, feel them, and let them flow away, far away. Such feelings rarely prove useful, and are more often a hindrance. Especially when trying to reintroduce a pony who seems as fragile as Luna does now.

It is a welcome surprise to see her here at all. Could this be a sign that she is healing? I had feared that my sister might end up as a recluse, never venturing out of her chambers. Since arriving at the castle, the only indication of her presence has been that I no longer need to lower the moon. Luna has not been raising it, only lowering it. Curious… Is it because she fears overstepping her bounds again, or is it some sort of deference? I would love for her to take on her former duties fully, but I mustn’t press her before she’s ready. Still, it’s a marvel to see her at all. A part of me can still hardly believe she’s actually, truly back. It’s as if everything that has happened might have been only a pleasant dream, and I’m constantly in fear of waking from it.

And yet, here she is, now standing almost at my side. She hesitates, glancing at the only empty seat … and she takes a small step backward.

“Please,” I say, trying to sound as anodyne as possible, “have a seat here with me. The nobility of Canterlot is eager to meet you, Sister.” Well, at least they’re certainly eager to get on with this and get back to whatever keeps them busy all day. Near enough to the truth.

Luna looks at me and forces a smile. No reply, only a hurried nod before she rushes into the seat as if she hopes to be hidden from view there.

Far from it. Throughout the entire Formal Dining Hall, every eye is on her. Even I am guilty of that. All these nobles are seeing Equestria’s other princess for the very first time, and none of them seem quite sure how to react. Even the serving staff stand speechless.

That won’t do. It’s only making Luna feel even more uncomfortable! Quickly, I turn back to Trim Tables and attract his attention with a subtle gesture. “Everypony is here,” I whisper.

Thankfully, he takes the implication perfectly and hurries away toward the rear entrance. Breakfast can finally be served, and I know he’ll see to it.

And now I can turn my attention back to Luna. She’s wilting under the curious gaze of all the nobleponies, her eyes darting from one to another as if wondering which one might strike her first.

Ah … she can’t possibly know who any of them are, can she? Every single one of them was born long after she was sent to the moon, and all the ones she knew then are now… Oh. Oh… Could that be part of why Luna is so upset? Except for myself, every last pony Luna ever knew is now gone. As alicorns, both of us were always used to outliving our friends and even our lovers, all lost to the ravages of time, but they would always be lost one by one, replaced by new friendships and new love. But to lose all of them at once… She would feel almost completely alone, wouldn't she? How can she stand it? Truly, my sister is stronger at heart and more resilient in spirit than I have ever imagined.

But enough brooding! We’re here for a purpose, after all. As soon as I stand up, the room’s attention focuses back on me. Oh how easily Luna is ignored in favor of me yet again… This event is for her, however, so I can easily give back the stolen attention. “Welcome, everypony,” I proclaim, “it is my great pleasure this morning to introduce my long-lost sister, Princess Luna, now returned from the darkness which stole her from me so long ago. Now that we’re together once more, everypony has an opportunity to make new introductions and offer her a fresh start, with all the love and support in Equestria.”

Gentle applause. Ah, good. Things are going well, and at least I haven’t lost my touch. As I glance down to Luna, however, things don’t seem to be going quite as well. She’s looking down at her own hooves, her lips pursed tightly.

Hm… What could be wrong with that? Should I have let her speak first? She’s shown no indication of wanting to speak, and somepony had to say something…

Before I can elaborate further or begin the long line of introductions, the castle’s Head Chef, Perfect Pinch, wheels a covered cart into the dining hall, followed by a small army of waiters with carts of their own.

Ah, a welcome distraction. Moving as if I planned this timing exactly, I sit back down next to my sister.

Perfect Pinch’s accent is thick, but his enunciation is impeccable: “Greetings, everyone! Today’s breakfast is Griffonian-style waffles with a blueberry glaze and a cherry-almond cream cheese trifle.”

Disappointingly, the waiters rush to serve me first, and it takes quite a bit of subtle gesturing and throat-clearing to get them to serve the guest of honor, Luna, first instead. Once again, I’ve ended up stealing her spotlight without even trying. Not an auspicious start. This event is supposed to be entirely in Luna’s honor. And even if it wasn't, aren’t the two of us supposed to be treated as equals? Why do the serving staff continue to give preferential treatment to me, rather than her? I make a mental note to have a word with them about it…

Once my sister and then myself are both served, it’s finally time to eat. Both Luna and I are certain to be quite busy with introductions, so we might not get much of a chance except for now, as the waiters are busy distributing plates to everypony else in attendance.

The waffles are, of course, excellent. Somehow perfectly crispy and warm, despite the long delay, with a perfect buttery-sweet flavor nicely balanced by the tangy-tart blueberry glaze. I can hardly wait to try the trifle! Of all the perks of being royalty, the food is the only one I think I couldn't do without.

Scarcely pausing my thinly veiled gluttony to do so, I glance over at Luna. “This is one of my favorites. These thick Griffonian-style waffles are just so much heartier and more satisfying than the Equestrian type, don’t you agree?”

“... Waffles?” Luna hasn’t eaten any of it yet. She’s merely poking at it with her levitated fork.

Oh dear… Were waffles only invented in the past thousand years? I can’t quite recall. I’ll have to stop eating for a moment to explain. “Right, well … do you remember how some ponies used to cook flatcakes between iron plates? Well, sometime later, they began imprinting designs on those irons, merely decorative at first, but as the designs became deeper and more elaborate, ponies very much started to prefer their flatcakes like this – not so flat anymore. And eventually, that developed into a deep grid that gives it a wonderful and delicious crispy texture with lots of surface area to coat with more delicious things. Go on, try it. I’m sure you’ll love it.”

Still eyeing her waffle with a dubious squint, Luna carefully cuts out a section with her fork and tries it. Instantly her eyes light up with joy. She turns to me, smiling wide despite her full mouth … and then retreats back into herself just as quickly. She looks away, hangs her head low.

“Is it to your liking, Sister?”

A tiny, almost imperceptible nod. She’s just pushing it around on her plate with her fork now.

Come on! I saw her, just for a moment: the sister I remembered! How could she have come and gone so quickly? I have to try and keep her engaged! “What makes Griffonian waffles so special is that the indentations are much deeper than usual, and the batter is a little less sweet than Equestrian ones. I think that combines to make the waffle not just a treat, but a truly satisfying meal, wouldn't you say?”

“Ah… Yes?” She’s still mostly just pushing things around. At least she does take one more small bite … but no intense reaction now. It’s as if she’s afraid to be seen so much as looking at me.

Oh, right. I’ll have to catch her up on some history as well. “Also, by the way, we made peace with the griffons about seven hundred years ago. And the dragons as well … as much as it’s possible to be at peace with dragons.”

“Oh…” Luna takes another small bite, still not even looking at me.

Momentarily accepting defeat, I return to my own waffle, no longer enjoying the flavor quite so much. What can I even talk about with a pony so profoundly ignorant of current events and modern society? And I must be cautious, avoiding anything that might embarrass her or make her feel even more isolated. My conversation thus far probably hasn’t helped in that matter. When Luna was last in Equestria, the centuries were punctuated by bitter on-again-off-again wars between Equestria and the Griffons. What must it be like to come from a world like that into one that’s now so different?

I’m also in severe danger of domineering the conversation. Again. Now as it ever was. I had always dominated conversations back when we were younger, always loud and bold and ready to take charge … while overshadowing my quieter sister and seldom even allowing her to get a word in.

I can remember one instance quite clearly, and with deep regret in hindsight. The two of us were in a diplomatic meeting with Yakyakistan, hoping to negotiate a mutual defense pact that could help protect both kingdoms from Griffon raids. Over and over, I reiterated to their prince that both of us had much to gain from this. Over and over, I highlighted how Equestria’s numerical superiority and use of magic could protect Yakyakistan. Over and over, I ignored what Luna was trying to whisper to me from the side.

Luna had been trying to tell me that the yaks were a proud people, resentful of any implication that they might ever need help of any kind. That we should instead stress how much ponies needed the strength and resilience of the yaks. It was a negotiation tactic that likely would have worked.

But I hadn’t listened, not even for a moment. I’d been too busy talking to the yaks to listen to my sister, and she’d been too demure to insist. In the end, the two of us had gone back to Equestria without any mutual defense agreement in place, which had only made the Griffonian wars all the longer and more bitter.

So … I should give Luna every possible opportunity to speak her mind freely now, yes? But how can I do that when she seems to show no interest in speaking whatsoever?

Unfortunately for my appetite, the waiters are quite efficient in their work, and all of the nobleponies are soon served … before I’ve managed to finish even half my waffle, and the poor, delectable-looking trifle still remains entirely untouched. Now that breakfast is served, they’ll be expecting royal introductions, which will leave scant time for any further eating. I’ll have to remember to request this dish again from the chefs … later, when I can take the time to truly enjoy it. For now, I have expectations to fulfill.

“Everypony, this is my long-lost sister, Princess Luna, who long ago used to rule by my side, equal in every way.” True … if only in theory. Now was time to put that into practice. “Though stories of her have passed into legend and myth, she has now returned, and I would see her fully welcomed and accepted, just as she once was in the past.” There, the light applause in response is a good sign. Time to get to the heart of the matter. “Please feel free to approach the head of the table and introduce yourselves to her. Since she has been gone for so long, she knows none of you, and I am certain she would be pleased to make your acquaintance.”

That last part was very likely a lie. Luna does not look pleased at the prospect of meeting them. But, after all, polite society is built on a foundation of comforting little lies, is it not?

Though I’d invited them to come in any order they pleased, that is not how Canterlot nobility operates. The pecking order immediately becomes apparent, with the highest-ranking and most insufferable of them, Prince Blueblood, at the very head of the line.

“This is Prince Blueblood,” I say, well practiced in hiding any disdain. “A descendant of yours, actually. His many-times-great grandfather was Prince Bloodheart.”

If the mention of her son from nearly two thousand years ago excited Luna, she certainly showed no sign of it. She greeted Blueblood with not a single word, only a polite nod.

And then it was onto the next, and the next, and the next … all with quite similar results. It seems nothing can pique Luna’s interest or draw anything more than the slightest acknowledgement from her. She is just so withdrawn … how am I supposed to draw her out?

The meal ends up being one of the least satisfying I have ever known … and not just because my waffle is cold and disappointing by the time all the introductions have finally concluded. I would trade a week’s worth of delicious breakfast delicacies in exchange for just a few more words from my sister. Throughout the entire proceeding, she has hardly said anything at all.

How am I supposed to relate to her? How am I supposed to draw her out of this shell she’s confined herself in? Or is it I who have confined her? Or perhaps the Elements of Harmony?

After a perfunctory speech thanking the nobles for their time and making excuse-filled apologies for how taciturn my sister was, the event is over. And now, I find myself heading back to my study, alone. I have much to think on. Despite my high hopes, the gap between us seems wider than ever. Perhaps even worse than it was before this morning.

Despite how close we are – merely a few castle walls – Luna feels so distant that she might as well still be trapped on the moon. There must be something I can do…

☀️ ❇️❇️❇️❇️ 🌙

The Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters. For centuries, it was the center of all splendor in Equestria … now fallen into abject ruin. More a pile of rubble than anything else, and surrounded by a wild forest where ponies fear to tread.

Until recently, it had been over nine hundred years since I last walked these castle grounds. And the last time I was here – to see what had become of my sister – I had come only in the early glow of a much-delayed morning, with quite a lot of other things on my mind, so I hadn’t exactly gotten much of a look at it.

Even the royal staff do not know I’m here. They still think I’m in the middle of a desperately needed rest in my bed back in Canterlot Castle, not to be disturbed under any circumstances. If they had known I was coming here, they would have made an entire royal procession about it. If they had known that I secretly teleported out of my chambers and flew the rest of the way down into the heart of the Everfree Forest, they would have declared a national emergency.

Commotion wouldn't suit the mood of this place. The huge, dead castle now rests in well-earned peace. It would be sacrilege now to disturb it more than dictated by utmost need.

The cobblestones under my hooves have been broken and churned by the roots of mighty trees. What once had been a carefully manicured rose garden is now a dangerous wilderness. The grand and serene statues that once graced the garden now haunt it, their broken visages peering out from behind twisted tree limbs and poisonous vines.

Of course I knew the old castle had fallen to ruin. The very reason I moved the seat of Equestria’s government away to Canterlot instead was because my desperate fight against Nightmare Moon had destroyed most of what my sister and I had built here. But, in my mind, I’ve always pictured it just as we left it, a smoldering, smoking ruin.

The fires now are long gone, but a thousand years of being attacked by a forest full of wild magic have not been kind to what was left. Another casualty of my struggle against Nightmare Moon – with so much magic released against each other so carelessly, of course some of it would escape the bonds of will and become wild magic. Another reason I relocated to Canterlot. Though it is much calmer now than in centuries past, it will be centuries more before the Everfree Forest, formerly Everfree City, recovers enough to once again be safe for ponies to inhabit.

Is what I seek even still here? Everything has changed so much. If not for centuries of muscle memory, I might not even be able to locate the old Throne Room.

It would surely take modern pony archeologists days to find the old twin thrones, but I needn’t even look. If not for the encroaching overgrowth of dangerous plants, I could walk there with my eyes closed. Turn right from the garden, into the main entrance hall. Climb what’s left of the Grand Staircase. Then through the Memorial Hall. The great golden doors are no longer on their hinges, but despite their immense value, they remain strewn on the broken floor. With so much wild magic at play in the surrounding forest, it seems nopony has dared to loot the old castle… A good sign. Maybe the rumors of a curse on the old castle have some use after all. Perhaps what I seek really is still here.

Had I wished to gaze once more upon the twin thrones of the royal pony sisters, I would be sorely disappointed. They were one of the first casualties of Nightmare Moon’s magic, both of them shattered as the black void consumed my sister, leaving behind only a crater in the stone, now filled with glossy-leafed ferns and sickly white flowers.

But what I’m looking for is something she cast aside just before that moment, discarding it as if it no longer held any meaning for her.

Perhaps it truly did mean nothing to her then. Perhaps it still means nothing to her, and this is naught but a fool’s errand. Well, then I shall be a fool. Carefully, I tread into the grasses and small thorny bushes behind where the thrones once stood. If this, however foolish, has even a miniscule chance of aiding my sister’s recovery and bringing her back to her former glory, then I must make the attempt.

There! Beneath the matted leaves, half buried in fresh dirt and old crumbled stone, a small point of absolute darkness glimmers. A shard of Luna’s crown!

Carefully, being sure not to scatter even the tiniest pieces of it, I use my magic to seek out all the fragments of the crown, clearing the undergrowth away from them, gradually pulling them one by one from the soil and rubble.

The black crown is not in any way powerful or magical. It is merely a symbol, merely jewelry. Broken jewelry. I am still not sure quite what it was made of. Some sort of glittering black stone, dark as the darkest night sky, with a polished sheen at the edge that still toys with the light to this day. Some sort of obsidian, perhaps? Though I’ve never seen any quite so black and quite so perfectly smooth as this.

Even when she first received it, the crown had been a mystery. These crowns were gifts to us, given by the ponies of old when they somehow decided that our ability to raise the sun and moon all by ourselves meant that we should rule. My own was simply gold set with a few gemstones, easy enough to understand, though still strikingly beautiful and a breathtakingly rich gift for the impoverished ponies of that day. Luna’s crown, though … even at the time, it was a mystery. Nopony told us how it was made or where it came from. Though smaller than my own, its beauty was mystifying and unique. Today, its origins have surely been forgotten entirely.

Looking at the shards of it now, I almost suspect there is some subtle dark magic infused into these cold, sharp stones. Surely not. Both my sister and I are experts in magic, and if there was any magic acting upon this crown, surely one of us would have noticed sometime over the centuries she wore it. And yet…

There. This seems to be all of it… But I will scour the ground here once more nonetheless, to be sure I’ve collected every last little piece.

The royal artisans of Canterlot are superbly skilled, but will they be able to work with this mysterious black material? Certainly, they will be unable to replace any missing parts, so I must make every effort to ensure that there are no missing parts. It must be perfect.

Author's Note

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