Canterlot Castle

The snow was again falling with little to no resistance from the wind. The pegasi had gotten into high gear to re-blanket the ground, most of it clear from the Battle of Canterlot. The city was also under construction in the damaged areas, most of it caused by the now deceased Spinosaurus. But duty still called in this world.

Princess Luna sat in the counseling chambers, a room set up to speak with delegates outside of preparing for war. The Griffin King, Gwilyn, was present, wanting to know what happened to the griffins that were supposed to fight off changelings. Shining Armor was also present, him being reappointed to the guards in a hurry. As well that room consisted of an ambassador for the dragons, a representative from the Diamond Dogs, and a Canterlot City Ponies’ Representative. Cadence was next to Luna, more for emotional support than anything else.

The Griffin King was not pleased that Celestia was not present, especially since it was during her time as well. He was constantly grumbling under his breath, causing the tension to rise in the room. The Dragon Ambassador was uncaring, it being a pony that was raised by dragons. Luna was surprised that the Diamond Dogs felt that had to send a representative, but she knew they were trying to build a better nation and the first step was allies. And the Representative from Canterlot City Ponies was none other than Prince Blueblood, which Luna did not enjoy as she knew he was an ass.

Everyone was in the room, and she felt that they had been waiting long enough, so she began.

“First, I would like to thank you all for taking an interest in the recent happenings of this nation,” Luna said, trying to get the basic formalities out.

“Where is Princess Celestia? She said she would speak to us after the events of the battle,” the Griffon King asked, venom in his voice.

“My sister is unavailable at the time being, and shall remain so until she is given proper medical care. We shall leave it at that, as she still must maintain some form of…reputation,” Luna said, trying to find the word at the end.

“We of the Canterlot city Ponies feel that we deserve to know what has happened to our Princess. And I wish to know what happened to my aunt,” Blueblood argued.

“The Canterlot City Ponies get the same answer as the Griffin Kingdom; my sister is currently indisposed and unavailable. I will inform you on what has happened to my sister later, in private,” Luna said to her nephew. “Now if that is enough about my sister, we shall continue with this meeting. Shining Armor.”

“Right, yesterday was the Battle of Canterlot. This was a fight between the Army of Blackwing and the Changeling Kingdom outside of Canterlot, resulting in the death of two hundred changelings and over a thousand troops on Blackwing’s side. The changeling army was led by General Anthony, Queen Chrysalis, Princess Scarlet, and myself, our goal was to defeat Blackwing’s army.

“The result was the death of the reanimated Nightmare Moon and Queen Chrysalis and the defeat of Blackwing’s Army. We surrendered to Celestia, who had dubbed herself Queen, as a show of good faith. Her actions of what happened with Queen Scarlet and the other defectors shall remain classified at the time. In an attempt to execute General Anthony, his pet rushed into the city and carried him and the Bearers of the Elements of Harmony away. In route to a location, he disembarked to confront Blackwing. I don’t know any details, all I know is that he was successful and Blackwing was able to be executed for his crimes. A formal uprising with the guards was in place and all of Celestia’s Day Guards have been removed from their positions and Princess Luna’s Night Guards are temporarily in place.

“And at the moment, General Anthony is in the hospital. I am sure Princess Luna wishes to finish this up quick so she may see him,” Shining finished.

“You have not said anything about the dragons that had joined to fight against the changelings,” the Griffin King said, wondering where the dragons had gone.

“I shall answer this inquiry,” the dragon ambassador said. “It was discovered that the dragons under Blackwing’s control had been of a clan that has been banished from this world, none of them allowed back in this world. Our dragons saw this and removed them from this world permanently, second chances not given to any of them.”

“And where are they now?” Blueblood asked.

“They have returned home, the taint of the Unders soiled the leader of this place,” the dragon ambassador said. “I can sense it, but it is not in this room. It is with the Princess of the Sun, as she the one in charge of the dragons while on stay here.”

“You mean to tell me that Princess Celestia is tainted and still ruling?!” the Griffin King asked, anger rising quickly.

“No, my sister is no longer in charge of this land. We are currently seeking for somepony to help treat her, and she has been sealed in her room. I am currently taking the place as leader until my sister is fit to rule again,” Luna quickly said, knowing that this could turn into a very dangerous situation.

“And we should follow you? Until Celestia is put back in command, I am denouncing the truce between our two species. My griffins will take back our old land, no matter who lives there at the moment!” the Griffin King shouted, all reason and logic leaving him.

“Then my kingdom shall take to preventing you from the secession of land to you,” a new voice said, all eyes turning to the now opened door.

A red unicorn mare stood in the door way, none of them recognizing the new arrival. She looked tired, as though she had not slept for days. She walked in and stood next to Shining Armor, an air of authority surrounding her.

“And who are you?” the Griffin King asked, thinking nothing of the pony in front of him.

“I am Scarlet, Queen of the Changeling Kingdom. Your griffins will stand no match to the new generation of changelings about to be bred,” Scarlet said, her eyes flashing green as she spoke.

“Guards! Remove this changeling from these chambers!” Blueblood shouted, but no guards arrived.

“I asked her to be here, knowing that we need to work together with those that have been cast out for being different. She and her changeling are currently residing in the castle, waiting to return home,” Luna said, keeping her voice calm. This was not easy considering what has been happening in the room.

“Then I am don’t with these talks, I shall not share a room with a changeling,” the Griffin King said. “I leave you, with the knowledge that we griffins are no longer held down by our truce.”

With that, the Griffin King left. Luna waited to see if one of the other two would follow suit, but neither did. She sighed internally, knowing that the situation wasn’t a total loss. She turned to the Diamond Dog Ambassador and spoke to him.

“I am glad that the Diamond Dogs felt they had to be here, as this matter concerns all of us,” Luna said.

“I know our two species have not always seen eye-to-eye, but I hope we can resolve these differences and form a real alliance,” the ambassador agreed.

“Good, I hope we can speak more at length on this subject of unity. But for today, I must cut this short. I am tired and this has been too much for one day. I invite you both to remain in Canterlot, as it is a holiday season,” Luna offered, both ambassadors taking it in thanks and departed. “Thank you for being here.”

“We know this has been difficult, and that you do not need to continue this for now,” Shining Armor said. “Cadence and I will handle most of the affairs with the city; you take some time to relax, princess.”

“My changelings will also assist, as a sign of good faith between our species,” Scarlet added.

“Thank you, I think I’ll do that,” Luna agreed, leaving the room and heading towards the hospital.

She walked the halls, all thoughts on the location she was heading for. She realized how whenever Anthony did anything, he somehow ended up in the hospital. Luna smiled a little at the thought, hoping it wasn’t going to be a recurring thing now that he was staying. Luna walked in the front area of the hospital and was instantly greeted by a nurse.

“Hello, Princess Luna. How are you?” the nurse asked.

“I am doing fine. Where is Anthony?” Luna asked, wanting to get to him quickly. The nurse’s face turned from happy and carefree, to that of a slightly darker tone.

“He is currently in surgery. His arm was broken in multiply location, and the material on his bones is making it difficult to repair. He has multiple cuts and bruises, and we don’t know what other damages he might have internally. We are also having a hard time with blood, as his body is rejecting all that we have currently given him, we just don’t have his type,” the nurse finished. “I’m sorry; I wish I had better news.”

“Is there anything I can do?” Luna asked.

“That depends on your blood type, and whether or not his body will reject it,” the nurse told her. “But I don’t want to take any blood from you.”

“And why is that?” Luna asked, raising her voice.

“Princess, we’re not supposed to take blood from anypony who’s pregnant. It can have complications for those that receive your blood,” The nurse informed Luna. Luna sighed, knowing she was unable to assist. “I can have you wait in the family room, and keep you informed on his status.”

“Thank you, I’ll go do that,” Luna agreed, allowing the nurse to lead her to the room.

Luna didn’t look at the room, finding a couch and laying down on it. Luna fell asleep quickly, the events of the day truly catching up on her. She entered the world of sleep, wishing she could see her beloved in it. But she knew that he would not join her, the doctors placing him in a dreamless sleep. She sighed as her mind was finally taken into the realm of sleep.

Canterlot Castle Throne Room

Cadence, Scarlet, and Shining Armor all stood in the throne room, each of them having a different idea of the next step to reconstruction. Cadence felt that they had to warn the cities on the border of the griffin-Equestria border, which Scarlet agreed to, but not at the moment. Scarlet argued that her kingdom needed more land to grow, to which Shining Armor agreed was not important at the current moment and the rebuilding of the guard was currently important. None of them could agree on what to do next and it has currently stopped at a stale mate.

A silence took over the room, none of them able to agree. They looked at the time, and realized that it was actually quite late. They then realized that the sun was still high in the air. Fear crept into their minds, knowing that it was not good. Shining didn’t say a word as he ran over the guard at the door and told him to find Princess Luna. The guard, running as fast as he could.

“Scarlet, could you go to the hospital? We need an update on Anthony’s condition,” Shining asked, Scarlet only nodding as she left the room in her unicorn form.

“Cadence, can you stay with Luna when she gets here? She’s probably going to need some help,” Shining asked. “I need to go ensure that construction of the castle continues.”

“Okay, just don’t be too long. We need to figure out what to do next,” Cadence said, planting a kiss on Shining Armor before he left.

“I’ll be fast,” Shining Armor assured, leaving the room.

Shining Armor ran out of the throne room and right into Twilight Sparkle. They collided and were both knocked down. They both looked at each other, and then Twilight hugged her brother. Shining was a little shocked, but didn’t mind as he had missed Twilight and wasn’t able to properly say hello earlier.

“Shining, it’s been too long,” Twilight said, moving back a little from her brother.

“Yeah, it has. How have you been, Twilly?” Shining Amor asked.

“Good, the girls and I have been planning for the battle, but didn’t think it would happen as it did. I just wish we were there to help,” Twilight said.

“No, you don’t, Twilight,” Shining quickly said. “That battle was the last place I would have wanted you to be at, for the same reason we didn’t want you present for Blackwing’s execution. Death is not something I want you to see; you do not want to have that in your memories.”

“If it’s because of PTSD, I have friends and I know how to –” Twilight started, but was quickly cut off.

“No, you don’t. PTSD is not easy to deal with,” Shining said, almost shouting. He quickly calmed down to explain. “I have a slight case of it; I only get occasional nightmares and anxiety in extremely stressful situations. Anthony has it worse, a lot worse. The only time he doesn’t have nightmares is when he is awake and doing something, and he has actually been unable to do things because his body has shutdown at times. His mind is calm when he is around Luna, and sometimes Scarlet, but otherwise it is always taking him back to moments were he believed he failed.

“This is why it is worse for him. He believes he has failed at saving lives, and is unable to keep them from entering his mind. He has come to terms with the failure, but the memories don’t stop. And the battle that just happened will continue to haunt him for years, forever maybe. Neither off us wanted this for you or your friends, and did everything we could to keep you from seeing it,” Shining explained, tears starting to well in his eyes.

“I’m sorry,” Twilight said, hugging her brother.

“It’s okay, Twilight, we’ll get through this. Go see Cadence, she hasn’t been able to see you I hear,” Shining said, releasing his sister to go to his wife.

“Okay, just don’t take too long,” Twilight requested, the same one Cadence had.

He nodded and ran off, the work on the castle having to be finished before other work can be organized.

Canterlot Castle Hospital

Scarlet walked into the hospital, not liking how white the walls were. She was accustomed to the green of the forest and brown of the ground, so the sanitary white was harsh on the eyes. She moved to the front desk and waited for the receptionist to see her. Scarlet didn’t want to wait, but knew that running around the hospital would not be in anyone’s favor. Luckily, the receptionist returned and quickly saw Scarlet.

“Yes, may I help you?”

“I am looking for an update on the human, Anthony. Princess Cadence and Captain Armor are requesting this,” Scarlet said, keeping her identity hidden.

“I am not at liberty to say, but I know somepony who is. Follow me, I’ll take you to them,” the receptionist said, moving from behind the desk and waving Scarlet into a room.

Scarlet was a little surprised to find both Princess Luna and Anthony in the room. Anthony was back to a pony, sleeping on the bed with a few wires on him. Princess Luna was next to him, her head resting on his chest as she sat next to him. The receptionist moved to the princess and gently shook her shoulder. Luna woke up and looked at the one woke her up.

“Princess, somepony is here about Anthony. She was sent by Princess Cadence,” the receptionist informed her.

“Thank you, you may go,” Luna told the receptionist, who just bowed slightly and left the room. Scarlet moved forward and started to speak to Princess Luna.

“Princess, we need you back at the throne room. The sun is still up and it is late, we need you back in charge,” Scarlet told Luna, her status as queen putting her on par with the Lunar Princess.

“And what if I don’t want to go back, but instead remain here? What if I don’t want to rule this nation, but to live a life with the stallion I love and our child? How about I pass the duties onto Princess Cadence and you, instead of going back and dealing with all the political bullshit that Celestia has allowed to run this land? Would that be all right?” Luna asked angrily, not wanting to deal with anything at the moment.

“Princess Luna, as a daughter who must burry a mother without a body, you do not get to quit,” Scarlet said, her eyes changing from the peaceful ruby to emerald green while she spoke. “I wish I could have a week to mourn the loss of my mother, but I can’t right now, and neither can you. We both have nations that need to be rebuilt, and cannot ignore our duties to these nations. As far as I can see, Anthony is going to be fine, but your nation will not be if you remain in here.”

Luna just stayed in the seat, not wanting to leave. Scarlet was starting to get annoyed, and was about to drag the princess out when a groan was heard. Both mares looked over and saw that Anthony was moving a little in the bed, pain evident as he groan with each move. Luna instantly stopped caring about Scarlet and focused wholly on Anthony. He opened his eyes and smiled as he stared into the orbs that belonged to Luna.

“Hey,” Anthony said weakly.

“Hey,” Luna replied, keeping her voice on level with his.

“I’m in the hospital again, aren’t I?” Anthony asked, smiling slightly.

“Yes, and I hope this is the last time,” Luna replied, nuzzling her love softly.

“Can’t promise you that,” Anthony said meekly, his strength still mostly lost. “Hey Scarlet, what brings you here?”

“I was here to see how you were doing, which I’m glad you’re okay,” Scarlet replied, smiling softly at him.

“Good, good,” Anthony said, his mind not completely awake.

“I need Princess Luna to come with me, the moon is still up,” Scarlet explained, Anthony just staring at her.

“I will not leave his side, nothing can drag me away,” Luna said, looking into Anthony’s eyes.

“Stop being selfish, your kingdom needs you,” Scarlet said, her anger rising again.

“Why should I help ponies who have no love for me?!” Luna shouted, glaring at Scarlet as tears start to well in her eyes.

Scarlet only stared, finally realizing the truth. Why should she help them, they have never shown her the amount of love that her sister had acquired? Scarlet tried to find an answer, but was beaten to it.

“Because you are better than them,” Anthony said weakly to his love.

Luna turned back and looked at him, surprised he was actually paying attention to the conversation.

“You are to be an example to your ponies, no matter what they have done to you. It is your responsibility to help them, even if they don’t help you. That is the job of rulers, and that is why you must do your job,” Anthony said, his strength growing quickly. “I’ll be fine here, no pony would dare to enter without angering you anyway.”

“But what if you need help? I should –” Luna started, but was quickly cut off by a hoof touching her face.

“I’ll be fine, the nurses here will make sure that I am as comfortable as possible,” Anthony said, placing his hoof back down on the bed. “Now go be the Princess I know you are.”

“I’ll be back,” Luna said, nuzzling quickly on Anthony before turning to Scarlet. “Let us go before I change my mind.”

“Of course, come Princess,” Scarlet agreed, leading Luna back to the castle throne room.

Scarlet was unaware though of the crowd that had formed inside the hall. Many ponies had filled the room, the crowd uncontrollable by the Royal Guard. Cadence was at the throne chair, trying to speak over them to no avail. Shining Armor was unavailable, him being buried in the crowd. Luna was about to be rushed by scared ponies, all of them wanting answers, but she had other plans.

“ENOUGH!!” Luna shouted, the full force of the Royal Canterlot Voice in effect.

The room entered a new level of quiet, no pony wishing to anger the Princess of the Night for fear that she had turned into Nightmare Moon again. Luna strode to the front of the hall to stand next to Cadence, ponies moving aside to allow her access. The Lunar Princess turned to look at her subjects, allowing her weariness to show.

“I know you all have questions, and I intend to answer them, but for right now we need you to be the orderly ponies I know you are,” Luna spoke, the Voice gone and sympathy layered in her words.

“Where is Princess Celestia?” a voice asked from the crowd, a stallion by the depth of the voice.

“Yeah, what have you done with her?!” another voice shouted out.

“Tell us what you did with her!” another accusatory voice yelled out.

“Please, we will answer your questions, but you all must calm down,” Luna tried to say, but the crowd was starting to get unruly again.

Shining Armor had found a way to get to the front with Cadence and Luna, him obviously tired from the day’s events and having to try and control an uncontrollable mob. Luna knew though that he would do anything she told of him, but now was not the time. Luna had almost forgotten about a certain pony, until they revealed themselves to the crowd.

“Your Princess is attempting to speak with you, and you show her nothing but disrespect,” Scarlet yelled, flying up above the citizens of Canterlot. “When my mother would speak, her subjects would remain quiet. They did so out of respect, not fear like some of you believe. When I speak to my subjects, it is with authority, and they remain quiet, just like for my mother.

“You believe yourselves above us changelings, but what you show here is the opposite. You all used to be a proud race, but you have forgotten the respect that is due to leaders of nations. Even if you disagree, respect is not bought or given, it is earned, and Princess Luna has earned your respect. But you don’t show her it, why?”

The crowd remained quiet, not out of respect, out of fear. None spoke, all afraid that the new changeling queen would suck the love from all of them. Scarlet flew over next to Luna, holding her head up high. Luna looked over at the changeling, not in rage or disgust, but in thanks.

“Thank you, Queen Scarlet, now, citizens of Canterlot, you have been patient and we appreciate that. It is time that you learn what has happened to my sister...” Luna said, explaining everything that happened.

She explained about the first day that Anthony had arrived, even telling that they had made love at that time. She spoke of how her sister did not trust him, her dislike of humans evident. She explained of the beginnings of Blackwing, and the danger he posed even at the time. She told of Anthony’s banishment, and the dangers he took to uncover the truth about Blackwing’s Army. She spoke of him gaining the trust of the changelings and leading them against the tyrant Blackwing, and his eventual victory over the beast.

She then talked about her sister, how should had started to go crazy from the influence that Blackwing was having over Celestia. Cadence took over from that point, the situation being too difficult for Luna to continue speaking. Cadence told of Celestia’s grabs for power, and the eventual mental breakdown Celestia had before the execution of Blackwing.

All remained silent while the Princesses spoke, both out of fear and out of curiosity. They wanted to know the truth, but the truth was not what they wanted to hear. After Cadence had finished speaking, Luna retook the stand and finished off speak to her subjects.

“Only together can we hope to survive this ordeal. The Griffins have broken off their alliance with us, as the griffin king does not feel he should listen to me. The dragons will follow mine and Cadence’s lead, as they do not sense any taint that had corrupted my sister. The new changeling queen has pledged to join us, and we are finding alternative sources of food for the changelings. This is something that my sister has been unable to perform, for her anger at the changelings blinded her from their very real plight.

“Cadence and I will lead Equestria while my sister is put through treatments. Now, without further ado, I shall lower the sun so that the night can officially begin,” Luna finished, her horn lighting up its signature blue.

As the sun fell, the moon rose just as quickly. The moon reached the point in the sky it would normally hang at the time it was. Some citizens were surprised at this, them believing that Princess Luna was going to throw all of Equestria into perpetual darkness. As Luna’s horn died out, the lights in the hall were turned on and soft murmurs could again be heard.

“I suggest you all go home and get some rest, tomorrow is going to be a busy day for Canterlot, as different representatives from the towns will be arriving and we need to show them that Canterlot is fine,” Luna suggested, noticing most of the citizens leaving. Only a few stayed, those one moving forward to converse with Princess Luna.

“Princess Luna, we are reporters from The Canterlot Gazette, and we would like to ask a few more questions?” one of the ponies said, holding a pad and pencil with his magic.

“I am sorry, but tonight would not be good. I need rest, as I still have my pregnancy to worry about,” Princess Luna said, trying to not make herself look bad.

“These wanted take long, we promise,” another stallion said quickly.

“If your questions must be answered now, than I ask that Princess Cadence answer them, as I am tired and still heavy with child. Good night to you sirs,” Princess Luna said, turning and finally walking away from the throne.

She knew it was a lot to have Cadence to answer the questions, but Luna was tired and her child was aching for new nurturance. Cadence just nodded and proceeded to answer the questions, Luna heading towards the kitchens to see if any of the kitchen staff was still working.

The walk through the castle was quick for the hungry princess, her night walks helping her to know the fastest route to anywhere. She arrived at the kitchen, finding that only a few staff were up at this hour. They were the ones that Luna knew on almost a personal level, them being the ones who stayed on the late nights so she could have prepared meal too. The staff noticed the princess quickly and moved to greet her.

“Good evening, Luna, we’ve been worried about you,” the mare cook greeted, genuine worry in her voice.

“It is good to see you, too. Everything will be fine, I just need to get something to eat, please,” Luna asked, her stomach growling at the end, causing the princess to blush slightly.

“Of course, we were thinking you would come in, and decided to make you something special,” the cook said, moving over to the oven that was on.

One of the stallions moved aside as the mare cook opened the oven and used her hooves to pull out a large, deep pan. She placed the pan on the oven and removed her mits, placing them next to the oven. She then grabbed a spatula and proceeded to cut the mystery food. She placed a slice of it on a plate, covered the plate, and carried it over to the Princess, all without the assistance of magic.

“For you, Luna, I present, Dark Chocolate and Peanut Butter Brownies,” the cook said, removing the lid to reveal multiple squares of dark, chocolaty goodness.

Luna was at first wondering why the cook would give a treat instead of an actually meal, but then her stomach growled louder and her mouth watered. What could a little chocolate hurt anyway, she was pregnant after all? Luna used her magic and levitated one of the squares over to her mouth before taking a bite out of it.

After the first bite, the rest of the plate disappeared quickly. The cook only smiled as the princess ate, the mare knowing she was enjoying the food. After Luna found that the brownies were all gone, she blushed and quickly apologized.

“It is no issue, Luna, I’m glad you enjoyed them,” the cook said with a smile. “If there is anything else I can do for you, just let me know.”

“Thank you, and I will,” Luna said, waving goodbye to the cook and heading back to her room.

As Luna made it back to her chambers, the weight of the day started crashing down on her. Luna yawned from the events and made her way to bed, kicking off her slippers and levitating her crown and neck piece away. She slid underneath her covers and awaited for sleep to overtake her, which in due time it did.

Canterlot Throne Room

“Cadence, you should really get some sleep,” Shining Armor told his wife.

The crowd and reporters had all left, the room now empty. Cadence had finished answering the surprisingly simple questions the reporter had asked, and now she was standing to watch for any one new to walk in.

“I know, but somepony needs to watch over this place, and you are too tired, my love,” Cadence informed Shining, a yawn coming from him as Cadence said it.

“That doesn’t mean any-*YAWN*- thing, I can still do my duty,” Shining tried to argue.

“Hehehe, you’re cute when you try to argue. Now go sleep, I can watch over for tonight, and wake up Luna so she can raise the sun,” Cadence told Shining, him grumbling in agreement and leaving the room.

Cadence sighed as she sat down and tried to calm her mind from the events of earlier, but failing considerable.

“Those thoughts are not going away any time soon,” a voice said above Cadence.

Down flew Scarlet, still in her changeling form. Cadence had forgotten about the changeling, considering she was still a little uncertain about them. Scarlet landed next to Cadence and sat down.

“And how would you know?” Cadence snapped back.

“I know you’re angry at my mother, but I’m not her. I wish the best for my subjects, and feeding off of love is getting to dangerous and not worth it,” Scarlet started explaining. “Changelings can feed off of any type of emotion, but love is the most powerful for us, or that’s what was believed.

“I was born and started by feeding on love, as are all changelings. But as I grew older, I found that I could feed off other emotions. When I came to my mother about this, she had me banished, for fear I would take control of her kingdom. When I rejoined with Anthony, I found that all changelings are able to feed on other emotions, but they have to be raised to do so. The darker emotions, as it turns out, are far more powerful than anyone thought. And that is what I am going to have to do with my changelings.

“I am going to breed a new clutch, and have them all feed on the dark emotions of society. But there is a price, and it is not one I enjoy. The current changelings need to either convert or be destroyed.”

“Why are you telling me this?” Cadence asked.

“Because, I want to show you, the new changelings will be better and able to live in harmony with the ponies here. I am trying to fix the changeling image, but I need help with that. Would you be willing to help me with the public?” Scarlet finally asked.

Princess Luna’s Chamber: 0650 hours

Luna was awoke by one of the maids gently nudging her, rousing her from her slumber. The Lunar Princess grumbled as she looked to see who was interrupting her peaceful rest, only one eye opening slightly.

“Princess Luna, you need to raise the sun soon. I have come to wake you up,” the maid told the sleepy princess.

Luna groaned and attempted to remove the covers off her body, but only succeeded in moving them an inch. She groaned louder and buried her head in her pillow, causing the maid to just shake her head. The unicorn made lifted the sheets off the Lunar Princess and folded them up, leaving her exposed to the morning.

“Princess Luna, you need to get up,” the maid once more said.

Luna sleepily crawled out of the bed, her hair in complete disarray from sleeping on it. She grumbled and moved over to the bathroom, relieving herself. As she walked back out, the maid was still standing there, tapping her hoof in annoyance.

“Princess Celestia was never this difficult to wake up,” the maid said to no one in particular.

“My sister was never this tired and got this little of sleep before,” Luna quickly said, angry at being compared to her sister. “Thank you for waking me, I can prepare myself with waking up, you may leave.”

“As you wish, Princess,” the maid said, leaving the room.

Luna sighed as moved towards the mirror, exploring her features in the low light. She lifted a brush and untangled her mane, allowing it to flow as it should. She moved to the window and looked out over the landscape, the moon’s light shining down on the war torn field. Luna sighed as she felt the flow of magic and lowered her moon, bringing the sun up for the inhabitants of the land.

As the sun started to rise, Luna felt slightly less tired. She knew that falling back asleep was going to be difficult, so instead she prepared for the day. Maybe she could actually help when the city delegates arrived, she would definitely need to be present when they arrived. Luna looked at the calendar and her mood turned for the worse, for it was not a good day for politics.

“Why today of all days,” Luna said to herself, going and washing up.

As she finished and walked to the throne room, she noticed that the guards present were only her Night Guards. She would have to ask Shining Armor to rebuild the guard, as the loss of Celestia’s Day Guard was massive. The walk was mostly peaceful, different castle staff members racing by to complete the tasks they have before the delegates arrive.

Luna found the throne room empty except for Cadence and Scarlet sitting up by the throne. Luna smiled, as she saw it as a good sign that relationships between the changelings and ponies might improve. The two didn’t notice the Lunar Princess until she was standing in front of the two.

“Good morning you two, I see that neither of you has killed the other,” Luna joked slightly, trying to raise her own spirits.

“Good morning, Luna, and yes, we have not tried to even hurt one another,” Scarlet agreed.

“How are you this morning, Auntie?” Cadence asked, using the nickname she had given her when Luna returned.

“Fine, I am still tired, but I need to be here for when the delegates arrive. Has there been any word on Anthony?” Luna asked, trying to find a little more happiness.

“He is recovering, and quite quickly, much to the doctors’ surprise,” Scarlet answered.

“Yes, while you were sleeping, a few of them came by to ask if we knew how he was recovering so quickly, but we didn’t know either. The doctors said it was a form of magic that is very difficult, if not impossible, to find, and wanted to know if we knew any magic like that. We didn’t,” Cadence informed Luna.

“Actually, we didn’t tell them, but it was because of the close contact with the Hive,” Scarlet added. “The Hive increases the health of all in its interior, which is why the changelings are almost always ready for combat. It takes a few weeks for the effects to wear off, but until then, any changeling or pony who lived inside for a few months is living a little better.”

“And you didn’t want to tell the doctors this, because?” Luna asked.

“Because, it’s more fun to watch them dig for something that they will never discover,” Cadence giggled out, both mares now laughing.

Luna smiled slightly, happy they were getting along. Luna moved to the throne and sat in it, resting her hooves. Even though the walk wasn’t long, Luna needed to rest. Her pregnancy, plus lack of sleep, was not good. As the Lunar Princess was about to get comfortable, Twilight Sparkle and her friends ran into the throne room.

“Princess Luna!” Twilight yelled in joy.

“Twilight Sparkle, how are you?” the Lunar Princess asked.

“We’re doing fine, I’m just surprised you’re actually up and here in the throne room,” Twilight said.

“It is true that I don’t normally sit up here, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t have to sit here. I do have certain duties for today,” Luna explained.

“Yes, but shouldn’t you be in bed, you did have a long day yesterday,” Rarity asked.

“I should, but I need to also greet the delegates that come today. Every city is wondering what happened, and I need to inform them all of the facts,” Luna told them.

“But why today, can’t they wait until tomorrow? It is an important day,” Rainbow Dash brought up.

“I know it is, but politicians don’t want to wait, and I have to be there to keep the facts straight,” Luna explained.

“Shouldn’t they be home with their families?” Applejack asked.

“Yes, but they want answers, and I am the only one with the answers they want. It is sad that they have to do it today, but I can’t stop them from coming,” Luna explained, once again.

“Okay, it might be that I don’t know pony customs, but what is today?” Scarlet asked, confused about the calendar.

“Today is Hearth’s Warming Eve.”

Author's Note

Thank you all, those of you who follow this story. I know I have not posted anything in while, but I have a reason.
I edit a story for another person, and he has been pumping out chapters quickly, giving me just enough time to edit the chapter. this holiday has been the only time I have had to write, which was not much.

Just please comment if you see anything I should fix, or if you want to tell me anything about the story.