I awoke to the hoofsteps of Twilight in my room. Centuries of assassination attempts left me quite the light sleeper. I turned to face her and opened my eyes, startling the unicorn.

"Good morning Twilight. Nearly time for us to leave, I presume," I more stated than asked, getting up and stretching. My clothes were unwrinkled despite sleeping in them. The benefits of modern textile engineering.

"Afternoon you mean, and yes. A chariot will be arriving for us in an hour," she replied with a huff of annoyance at my late start.

"Bah, waking up early is overrated. Happen to have a shower I can borrow? I would prefer to freshen up a bit before meeting equine royalty," I asked. Twilight motioned for the door and I followed her out into the hallway. The bathroom was a door down.

"You can use my soap if you need to," she politely offered before turning and walking back down the hall. "And remember, one hour!" she yelled as she went back downstairs into the library proper.

I quickly undressed and began my shower. It was quite tight, but I barely managed to wash. I snapped my fingers, summoning a travel soap container as well as shampoo and conditioner from my dimensional locker. After a few more minutes of scrubbing and soaking, I exited the shower and faced the mirror. Several more snaps and about half an hour later, I had finished my preparations. A well trimmed mustache and perfectly white teeth greeted me as I smiled in the mirror. Excellent. A final snap packed all my toiletries away in my pocket dimension one again, and I stepped out into the hallway to meet Twilight. Exactly on time.

I found her pacing in the library below. As I approached, she stopped her pacing and fixed me with a glare. Before she could berate me about not being early, I asked her a question I had been waiting to ask since yesterday.

"Twilight, may I have my blade back? You have my word I will hurt no creature with it, I simply wish to wear it while I meet your princess. It is just as much a mark of my position as the circlet on my head."

She appeared to consider for a moment, before walking over to where it sat on top of a bookshelf. Levitating it down, she laid it on the floor before casting a spell on it. After doing so, she levitated it to me and dropped it into my waiting hands.

"I placed a spell on it so that it cannot be drawn. I'll remove it once we're sure we can trust you," she said as I buckled the blade back on to my hip.

"A wise precaution. Well then, let us get a move on. This is perhaps the only scenario in which I wouldn't enjoy being fashionably late," I said, before opening the door to the outside. Twilight seemed to pale at the mention of the word 'late.'

"SPIKE! Keep the library tidy while we're gone, food is in the fridge. We'll be back by tomorrow!" Twilight yelled back to the purple dragon as he dusted a shelf.

"Gotcha Twilight," he replied, giving a thumbs up without even looking up from his work.

With that we both finally made our way onto the road outside. The sun bore down, although the air bore a typical autumn chill. As expected, a chariot awaited us in front of the library. By the bored looks of pegasi drawing it, they likely arrived a few minutes ago. They quickly stood back up to their full height upon spotting me, looking at me warily. They seemed to relax somewhat upon seeing Twilight though. Townsponies also gave me their fair share of stares, but they didn't last long as Twilight and I mounted the chariot. As soon as we were settled in, the guards took to the skies with us in tow.

I was positively terrified.

Space elevators, interstellar warships, water going boats, high speed rail lines. All these methods of transport I was used to. Indeed, although I took them rarely, I didn't mind fixed winged aircraft. This was completely different. I was keenly aware of precisely how little stood between me and the hard earth below. Beyond that, the wind whipped and whirled around my face, only enhancing the feeling of speed while this high in the air. I made the mistake of looking down, and nearly lost my salad from last night.

Twilight must have noticed the tinge of green in my face, because she laid a reassuring hoof on my back. A simple enough gesture, a friendly encouragement for someone. But it made my thoughts of dying a mangled corpse after a five-hundred foot drop cease. Just how long had it been since someone had even given me such a gesture? I had people I was close to, but even then the master-servant relationship kept a level of distance between us. Long ago the old Terran nobility may have treated me as an equal or even a lesser due to my upstart status, but these days? I was a lord to be feared or a tool by which to gain substantial power. The former tried to avoid me, and the latter either became the former or found themselves stripped of title and on the next colony ship to nowhere. I frowned as I realized I couldn't remember the last person to ever give a generally friendly gesture.

My thoughts were interrupted as Twilight attempted to say something. I shook my head and looked towards the mare, maintaining my white knuckled grip on the handholds on the chariot.

"What did you say?" I asked, raising my voice over the wind.

"I said it gets better! My first pegasus chariot ride left me vomiting on the ground once we landed, but nowadays I feel fine. If it gets too bad, I find mint helps to settle the stomach," she offered helpfully. It seems she mistook my consternation for holding in the contents of my stomach. Not that she was far off, I still felt sick.

"I hope you're right. I will definitely take you up on the mint offer as well, I'd hate to fly back to your place and soil the well maintained steps with my dinner," I said in a jovial tone. As jovial as I could manage anyways. She laughed at my remark and removed her hoof from my back.

Our flight lasted only a couple hours. My ruminations regarding the odd loneliness that consumed my life for the past few centuries was only interrupted by the occasional question from Twilight. Mainly regarding Terra's weather, she seemed interested in it greatly. Apparently the pegasi were able to control the weather here. I explained that we could to a limited extent through extensive technology usage, but preferred to allow nature to run its course. Tended to be healthier for the planet that way.

Not that the ecumenopolis of Terra had any natural weather patterns since it was encased.

Finally, a great mountain came into view. Perched upon its side was a majestic city, great spires and walls displaying the full glory of Equestrian architecture. The city itself was quite expansive for their time, likely equal in size to medieval Paris or bigger. Additionally, it was an absolute marvel of engineering, being set into the mountain side as it was. As we began to glide down into the courtyard I noticed that the walls were not all merely decoration. Killzones, murder holes, and other forms of defense were clear. It was easily to forget that such static fortifications not situated kilometers beneath the earth were still useful in this period. I wondered how they would have reacted to the moon after it was turned into a fortress world. Before it was cracked.

We finally settled down into a courtyard, the pegasi coming to a halt. Twilight and I stepped off the carriage, though I nearly tripped from the feeling of solid ground. Had to lose my sealegs. Or airlegs, rather. Before I could start walking off the slight loss of balance though, two armored ponies with spears approached me and Twilight.

"With us. Her majesty wished to see you immediately upon your arrival," one of them said gruffly before turning and walking towards a door. Twilight and I rushed to follow. They led us through grand halls, with large vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows. Each window seemed to depict some historical event or another, though many featured a white unicorn with wings. Likely members Celestia's family line. On the thought of Sun Princess, I looked over to Twilight.

"So Twilight, I heard you're Celestia's student, what exactly does that entail? Is she training you to be her heir or something?" I asked, receiving a sharp look from one of the guards at my lack of her title. I merely raised an eyebrow at him before turning back to Twilight.

"It's Princess Celestia, and no. She's closer to a magic teacher and general mentor for me. Sort of like a second mom, if that makes sense," she replied.

"Most intriguing. What's she like, if you don't mind me asking? I want an idea of what to expect."

"She's a very kind and fair ruler. I'm sure once she hears of your plight, she'll immediately find a way to help you! After all, if something can be done, she knows how to do it," the unicorn gushed. It was clear that she greatly respected Celestia, and considering my rather high opinion of Twilight at the moment, I figured at least some of it was deserved. Perhaps even all the respect Twilight had for her.

"I most certainly hope so. While mankind can and will survive without me for a few years until they can find me, it'd be far easier to simply be sent directly home."

"Agreed," Twilight replied simply.

"We are here." one of the guards said simply as we came to a large pair of ornate doors. They split off to stand guard at either side of them. I looked to Twilight as I raised a hand to knock, and she gave a nod.

I gave three swift raps to the door, before awaiting a response. I heard shuffling on the other side of the door, and a few seconds passed before I heard a response.

"Enter," commanded a feminine voice, motherly in its intonation. I pushed both doors open before striding in, straight backed with my cloak billowing behind me. I mustered every ounce of authority into my gaze, confidence filling me as I entered her court. For me, it felt like a return to home. Although typically I was the one on the throne.

Before me on a throne with a stylized sun set into its head sat a tall equine, exactly like the ones in the stained glass. Her white coat was pristine, and her multi-coloured mane rippled in a non-existent wind. On her flank was the same image of the sun, and she was quite a bit larger than the other ponies of this world. She had to raise her gaze to meet mine, obviously used to meeting with those lesser stature. As her purple eyes met mine, I stopped in my tracks. And by the sudden widening of her eyes, I could tell she was shocked as well.

For within her eyes I found the same wisdom, knowledge, and patience tinged with notes of loneliness and boredom that I saw in my own eyes every day within the mirror. My confidence wavered as we continued to stare at one another, standing stock still for a few moments.

"How many years?" she finally blurted out, interrupting our silence.

"Only another decade or so until my eighth centennial. And you?" I replied, still somewhat shaken.

"Nearly to my second millenium," she replied.

Twilight simply looked between us in confusion. Celestia moved to explain but I held up a hand and turned towards Twilight.

"I must admit, MIss Sparkle, to not being entirely truthful. While in body I am in my late twenties, I have lived for nearly eight hundred years. I apologize sincerely for this deceit, as I assumed your kind lacked the ability to prolong life for such a length of time. Introducing yourself as an impossibly old creature seems like an excellent way to either make your host regard you as a madman or some terrifying, godlike creature," I told her.

She cycled first through shock, then anger, before finally settling into thought. After a moment she replied, "I suppose I understand where you are coming from. From now on though, no more lies. We can only help you if you tell us everything."

I nod in acknowledgement. While I was able to talk circles around Twilight last night, I had no doubts such tactics would fail against Celestia. Whatever she asked, I would have answer truthfully. It would likely shake the foundations of their world, but I had few doubts the one nearly thrice my age before me could handle it. I turned back and re-established eye contact with the princess.

"Now then, where are my manners? While I am known by many names, I usually prefer Lux Aeternus," I said, leaving my name untranslated for the first time, "Or Eternal Light in your tongue."

"And I am Celestia, Diarch of Equestria. But you can just call me Celestia," she replied.

"A lovely name, quite fitting considering this whole sun raising business I've heard about." The princess blushed slightly at the compliment. She quickly took on a more serious look, however.

"Moving on to the purpose of your audience though, Twilight here tells me you were teleported from your home suddenly, and as of this moment have no way to return?" Celestia stated.

"Indeed, although now that we are here and not holding anything back," I turned to Twilight, giving her my best accusatory glare, "I believe Miss Sparkle wasn't telling the whole truth regarding my arrival."

The purple mare squirmed under my scrutiny, refusing to meet my eyes. Finally, after what felt like hours, she met my eyes with her own tear-filled ones.

"It's my fault! I tried to make a permanent teleportation circle and somehow snagged him! The circle, rather than staying, burnt out and left him here stranded away from home," she said, finally starting to full on sob after getting her last words out.

I only stared in shock. Not in that she'd lied of course, frankly if she had led with that I may have hurt her in a fit of panic induced anger. It was smart of her to hide this truth until I had an opportunity to collect myself. More so, I was shocked she had managed a teleportation circle, one capable of somehow getting me to wherever in the universe here was, without a method of producing massive amounts of energy. Of course, it was one use and somehow interfered with the Imperial transporter network, but it was quite the impressive feat nonetheless. While I thought, Celestia moved forward and embraced the young crying mare. As her tears subsided, I got down on my knees before her and looked her in the eye.

"I appreciate you telling the truth Twilight, and to be honest I am still quite frustrated over being stuck here. But I blame you no more than I blame those scientists who accidentally consumed a star in a black hole a few centuries ago. Which is to say, not at all. I am actually quite impressed than you managed to make a circle good enough to link up with the network on Terra," I said honestly. She seemed to perk up at my compliment.

"Indeed my most faithful student. I too am quite impressed with how your abilities have developed," Celestia chimed in. Twilight's mood continued to improve. Celestia, however, continued, "Although, I do think some punishment is requited for what you put our poor guest through. I want a full essay on your studies into these circles by the end of the week. In addition, while I know you would like to host Light at your own home as per your letter, I feel it would be best for him to reside here. A much more suitable home for a foreign dignitary, don't you think?"

I initially moved to say that I was fine with staying at Twilight's, but then I realized that as this castle was built to Celestia's scale, it likely had properly sized bedding and showers. Sorry, Twilight, but I can't do a game of twister to wash my body every day.

"I understand Princess. May I still visit and talk with him though?" she asked hopefully. Celestia looked to me for an answer.

"I am fine with that Twilight, just as long as you try not to summon any more aliens. Not all of them are as friendly as I," I joked.

"I won't! Oh yesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes!" she said prancing in excitement at the prospect of being able to grill me for information again at a later date.

I smiled, and then turned back to Celestia before saying, "Well then, with that settled, I presume your mention of me residing here implies that it will take some time for you to find me a way home?"

"Unfortunately so. While short ranged teleportation is commonplace, I'm afraid what Twilight has done is quite out of the ordinary," Celestia replied with an apologetic gaze. "I assure you that the best minds of my nation will be working on this issue though."

"Nothing to be done about it, i suppose," I said with a shrug. I then smiled, "An extended vacation was on my to-do list though. Perhaps this was just the opportunity I needed."

Celestia laughed at my joke. "You and me both in terms of needing a vacation. I wish somebody told me just how hard running a nation is, all those years ago. Now, as much as I would like to discuss specifics regarding your stay here, I have many more supplicants to see. In addition to wanting my sister present for our agreement, of course. If you would like, I can personally show you to your new quarters." she told me, before turning to Twilight and continuing, "Twilight dear, I suggest you get moving back to Ponyville. You have an essay to work on," Celestia said, with a hint of sternness in her last sentence.

"Yes, Princess Celestia," Twilight replied before turning to leave.

"Wait!" I shouted. She turned around, and gave her a quick hug. It felt wonderful, I hadn't done such a thing in years. She hugged me back. I pulled away as I remembered something important. "Before I forget, Twilight here put a spell on my sword to keep it locked in its sheathe. Could she remove it now? I assure you I will not use it outside of self defense, on my honor. It's more of a ceremonial piece regardless."

Celestia pursed her lips and once again scoured my eyes for any hint of deceit. Finding none, she looked to Twilight. "You may lift the spell Twilight. Thank you for ensuring everypony's safety though."

Twilight nodded and removed the spell from my blade. I felt some level of comfort return as the sword was once again functional. Even if it was arguably the least in my current arsenal, compared to the psionic force I could bring to bear or the stash of energy weapons in my pocket dimension. Then, for the first time in centuries, I gave another being a short bow.

"I thank you for your hospitality and trust, Miss Sparkle. My gratitude is not given out lightly. If I ever do find my way home, you will always be welcome as a guest of honor within my Imperium," I told her.

"It's the least I could do, Light," She replied simply. With nothing left to be said, she walked back out the way we entered, leaving me and the princess alone.

"Hopefully she won't take too long to forgive herself, my most prized student is her own worst foe..." Celestia muttered to herself. "Now, if you would follow me we can get you settled in," Celestia beckoned, beginning to walk to a side door within the throne room. Afternoon daylight continued to sift down through the stained glass panes, and I continued to observe them as we walked. We were content with silence, a precious commodity for those who spend their lives listening to others drone on about a million and one problems. Eventually she led me down another hall, and out a door to a large bridge that led to a tower. She halted before a large wooden door and opened it with her magic. Within was a spacious sitting area, with stairs that presumably led to the bedroom and bathroom above. Large windows offered ample views of the city and mountainside, while a chandelier provided light. As expected, everything was in alicorn scale, making it comfortably usable by me. I gave her a deep nod in appreciation.

"I would like to invite you to dinner this evening. I am certain my dear sister would love to meet you, and it would provide an opportunity to consider your conundrum in relative comfort. Come just after the sun sets, ask any guard and they will lead you to the dining room. Until then, make yourself at home," Celestia said with a smile.

"I most certainly shall. Actually, I have an odd question. May I watch you and Luna move the sun and moon?" I asked her.

Her smile only brightened as she said, "But of course! Her and I always love to show off to visitors. I just didn't want to impose on you if you were tired though. We'll be on the balcony near my quarters, guards would, as I said, be more than happy to give directions."

With that, she turns and begins walking back across the bridge. I close the door behind her, before moving up the stairs. On the next floor a bathroom is situated behind a door, a large tub and shower combo as well as a pony toilet, which reminded me of those toilets you have to squat over. There is also a medicine cabinet above a fine marble sink. With a snap all my toiletries reappear, this time here to stay for awhile. I then continue up the flight of stairs to the bedroom.

The bedroom is grand, with a large canopied bed dominating the space. Nightstands and a large wooden dresser offer ample storage, while a full body mirror is in the corner to assist in getting ready. Glass doors lead to a wraparound balcony, whilst a small bookcase contains a variety of reading materials. More than enough to pass the time until I can make a trip to the castle library. While what I'm wearing remains my only set of true formal wear, I snap and manifest several sets of simple slacks and button ups, in addition to a set of Imperial Legionnaire fatigues. I could summon my suit of armor and more advanced weaponry later if need be, but for now it was in my own best interest to appear as nonthreatening as possible. I carefully place the clothes in the drawers of my dresser, before lying down on the bed. The mattress is wonderfully soft, but has enough support that my back won't get all crooked. Despite really having gotten up only a few hours ago, this whole experience has been quite taxing. I yawn into my hand, before setting an alarm within one of my implants to awaken me in time to join the princesses. With that, sleep claims me.

I followed the guard down the hall. Even amongst the many palaces and castles I had visited during my lifetime, Canterlot Castle ranked highly. There was a clean elegance and old-school grandeur, not overly gaudy, that I quite enjoyed. Many places these days overused anti-gravity technology, our easy access to gemstones and precious metals, or a million other modern commodities to show off. Canterlot Castle was straightforward like the Imperial Palace on Terra, and I liked that. The guard led me down another hall, before indicating a door at the end.

"Princesses will be in there, sir," he said, before quickly turning and marching back where we came from.

"Much appreciated," I told him as he walked away. He waved his hoof as if to say it was no problem. I knocked before pushing open the door to the balcony.

Two individuals turned to look at me, one I recognized as Celestia. The other was a dark blue alicorn, with a mane that shimmered like the very stars. The one who I presumed to be Luna looked younger than her sister. She was much shorter in stature and was lacking Celestia's motherly gaze, but exchanged that for a bit of youthful spryness. As I looked into her eyes, I saw that she once again was quite old, but appeared to harbor a sort of loneliness or sadness far deeper than her sister's. Perhaps a good friend recently died, or some other traumatic event.

"Sister, doth this be the one thou spoke of earlier, the fellow immortal cast adrift?" Luna asked, her translated manner of speech reminded me much of Shakespearian English. Likely she spoke a much older form of Equestrian. Curious, for her being the younger of the two.

"Indeed, this is Lux Aeternus, or Light Eternal in Ponish," Celestia replied, surprising me by contorting her mouth to say my true name untranslated.

"We bid thee welcome to our world, and extend our hospitality to you," she said, extending a hoof before me. On human instinct, I took her silver-shod hoof and bowed, giving a gentle kiss. An ancient form of showing respect, one not even I had received in recent memory. She appeared shocked as I dropped her hoof and stood back up.

"Thy hearty welcome and offer of succor warms mine soul, Princess of the Night," I said, using her dialect in an attempt to make her feel more comfortable. That and it was fun use old vocabulary. Mainly the latter. Luna continued to stare, before shaking her head.

"It appears that the old ways hath not yet truly passed from our world. Thou art more respectful than those whomst claim to be gentlecolts in this age, despite thou not growing up within our princessdom," she finally said, before breaking eye contact.

"Respect is a universal constant," I replied, this time in my usual modern dialect. I paused and took a step back, looking at both of them in turn before saying, "Now then, I am curious as to how the setting of the sun and raising of the moon is done."

"Tis our special talent, human. To do so is part of our very nature, and to explain it nearly impossible. But thou shalt learn much by simply watching, we think," Luna replied. Celestia merely nodded in agreement at her sister's statement, before both of them turned back around to face outwards towards the setting sun. I stepped forward, and leaned on the railing. I watched as a golden light enshrouded Celestia's horn, and I carefully observed with my psionic senses. Luna's horn also glowed, but hers was a dark blue. I saw as their magic surged, making an apparent... connection with the celestial bodies. Much like how one would establish a telepathic bond. I then saw the sun slide down the horizon and set as Celestia lowered her horn. Afterwards, Luna raised her moon. Night took the world, and I had my theory concerning the nature of this planet all but confirmed. Best to keep such things to myself, however.

As the stars twinkled into view, the two sisters and I left the balcony. I followed them as we began to make our way to the dining room.

"Pray tell, human, how old art thou? Mine sister never mentioned such when she talked of thou," Luna asked suddenly.

"Nearly eight hundred. And you?"

"I suppose tis only fair as I inquired first. A couple years younger than my sister, though for a span of over a millenium I was... indisposed. Perhaps more correctly, mine mind is merely nine hundred," she said, with a hint of hesitation regarding what I presumed to be some form of stasis. I wondered what prompted her being in such a state, most placed themselves in stasis to prolong their lives back in the Imperium. Perhaps it held an additional use here.

Finally, we arrived to the dining room. A long table stood before me, with candles for light. Three places were set, one at the head and two in the middle. Celestia sat at the head, while Luna and I sat across from one another. A servant walked over and placed a menu before me. To my surprise, several dishes contained meat. Seeing my expression, Celestia turned towards me and spoke.

"Twilight told me of your diet, so I had the staff purchase some meat from the Kingdom of the Griffons. I hope it will be to your liking."

"Your consideration of my needs knows no bounds, it appears."

"Nonsense, such is what I would do for any who are guests within these halls."

"Regardless, you have my thanks," I turned to one of the serving ponies before asking, "May I please have the smoked salmon with asparagus and rice? Oh, and a glass of soda if you have any. Otherwise I'll just have water. Thank you kindly," I said, handing him my menu before turning back to the table. Celestia and Luna also placed their orders, some strange sounding dishes with daffodils and other usually inedible flowers in them. A logical diet for equines, I supposed. With that settled, we began to get down to business.

"Lux, I do believe that Twilight will be capable of replicating her teleportation circle. However, it may take several months for her to do so and ensure that it is safe. Until then, we do not mind caring for you, on two conditions," Celestia said, before gesturing to her sister.

"We ask of thee for assistance regarding our own advancements in technology. Some of that which your kind hath discovered could save many lives indeed," Luna continued.

"And the second is that you follow Equestrian law while you stay here, which should not be hard," Celestia finished.

I considered for a moment, before giving my answer.

"I have but one condition on my own: I refuse to give the knowledge of modern human weapons. As much as I think you two would be excellent stewards of such knowledge, some things are simply better left unknown in a world of peace. Additionally, I myself only know so much of the science behind our technology. But I have a... library of sorts which I can sift through. Still though, it may take me a few days to actually give any workable blueprints of even the most relatively simple of devices." After my statement the two alicorns looked at eachother, before turning back to me and nodding.

"Excellent. Now that we've settled that, let us eat!" Celestia exclaimed with a clap of her hooves. Our food and drinks were brought to us on silver platters. I smiled at the sight of something resembling cola. I politely stuff my napkin into my collar, and muttered my prayer with closed eyes before eating. Once again, I was surprised by the difference in flavor due to the freshness and quality of the food. Perhaps some section of the Lunar Memorial Gardens could be converted to agriculture, so I could eat such fresh food every day. I finished quickly, though not so quickly as to be rude, before looking at Luna. She was demolishing a salad that was before her, it seemed she was quite hungry indeed.

"So Luna, pardon my asking but why is it that you speak in a more antiquated dialect?" I asked. She paused her happy munching and frowned. I was about to drop it and apologize, when she spoke.

"We told thee of mine time in exile. T'was an unpleasant experience, and it ended only but a few months ago," Luna said. She never mentioned it was an exile before. Now I was quite curious, but knew better than to push further on such a touchy subject.

"It must be hard adapting to a completely new time period. At least you still have your sister though."

"Indeed, we are lucky to have such a wonderful mare for a sister." Celestia squealed with delight at her little sister's compliment.

Without a word, Celestia ceased her eating and tackled a surprised Luna in a hug. I smiled brightly at the scene, I always loved seeing the joy of others. It's why I tried my best to ensure nobody was left wanting in my empire. My smile waned slightly as I thought of my near constant failure in that regard. Soon Celestia released Luna and returned back to her own chair.

"Lux, do you have a sibling or family?" Celestia asked. My slight smile quickly turned into a frown as I thought. I used to, long ago. But they refused my offers of life extension technology, and while I ensured my extended family lived comfortably, most of them hardly knew me outside of the monthly stipend. I never had the time to spend on them. Once again my mind betrayed me, and the names of my mother, father, and siblings eluded me.

"No, I do not. I haven't for quite some time," I finally replied. My worsened mood put a damper on the conversation. They looked at me with a sort of pity. I hated pity. Finally, they finished eating the main course, and dessert was brought out. I selected a cup of coffee and a lovely looking slice of cake. Luna also drank coffee along with a donut, while Celestia...

Celestia had a glass of port, and quite literally had buried her head in an entire cake. I nearly spilled coffee on myself at the sight of her sheer gluttony. I turned to her sister in concern.

"Tia loves her cake," Luna stated with a sigh and shake of her head. She smiled up upon seeing my coffee. "Pray tell human, doth thou also stay up during the night?" she asked me, her eyes almost seemed aglow with excitement.

"I do, until around three in the morning or so. Always preferred the night," I reply.

"If it wouldn't be much of a bother, would thou join us for Night Court? Hardly any of our subjects ask us for an audience, and we get quite bored..." she inquired, with a hopeful glint in her eye.

"Of course, though eventually I wish to go stargazing," I answered. I watched in amazement as she replicated Twilight's earlier prancing movement. Seems it was a common expression of extreme excitement.

"Huzzah! We shall have much fun this night!" she cleared her throat before taking on her usual frown, "And help the citizens of Equestria as well."

She was absolutely, positively, fucking adorable. And I do not curse lightly. My attention was once again drawn to Celestia however, as she stood up from... a completely empty cake stand. I wonder how she handled the stomach aches.

"I apologize, but I must bid you a good night Lux. I have a busy day tomorrow. As always..." Celestia announced, though she mumbled that last part. She yawned as she walked over to her sister and nuzzled her. "Good night Lulu."

"Good night Tia, sleep well."

And with that, the Princess of the Sun sleepily stumbled towards bed, leaving me and the Princess of the Night alone.

Author's Note

Well, this has been another chapter. Hopefully the writing continues to be passable, I haven't stretched my vocabulary muscles in a long time.

Also yes, saving the rest of the Mane Six for later is intentional. It always struck me as odd when stories didn't have Celestia intervening ASAP. That and as a lazy writer I didn't feel like putting in the effort to properly write them yet. Regardless, I think Lux and the six will have some... interesting reactions when next Twilight and her friends visit, to say the least.

Before then though, we have many interactions with Lux's hosts and their staff, as well as some peeks into our main character's past and motivations.