An Ancient Reunion

The air was calm and comforting. Luna and Messis were sitting on a balcony, overlooking the night skies of Canterlot. A small table rested between them, each reading a book as they enjoyed a cup of soothing tea. The mare was looking through a book on the stars and constellations, a frequent topic she enjoyed reading, often laughing at how incorrect many so-called astronomers were. Messis was focused more on the reading of the Equestrian history he and Solstitio missed. It was all so fascinating, and he found himself often stuck in his books, rarely looking up.

“It’s a peaceful night.” Luna commented aloud, glancing out into the darkness of the evening. The low glow of the city’s lights twinkled like the stars in the heavenly sky. “It’s also very rare that anyone wants to spend that time reading with me.”

“You’ve been doing this alone? All this time?” Messis asked, his eyes still in his book as he levitated the cup of tea to his lips. “That’s so hard to believe.”

“Well, it’s not like there are many who are comfortable staying awake all night.” Luna replied, chuckling a little as she was nearly finished with her drink. “Besides, I’ve grown quite used to the isolation, so it doesn’t bother me anymore.”

“I understand that not many ponies are nocturnal anymore.” Messis replied, his tone of voice shifting from factual to more suave. “I was speaking more that I find it so hard to believe no one was kind enough to make the effort to spend the time with you. You’re a charming mare, so it only confuses me.”

“Oh, well aren’t you a charmer.” Luna giggled, being thankful the book was hiding her blushing face. “Well, if you’d like, we can do something else.” Finishing her book, she closed it and placed it down on the table. “If I recall, you and Solstitio loved to play games.”

“We did, or well, we still do.” Messis replied, calmly smiling as he finished his tea, but remained focused on his book. “But Solstitio enjoyed more athletic and outdoor games. I preferred more tactical and problem solving games.”

“Perhaps a game of chess then?” Luna asked, giggling as she looked at the stallion. “I think the last time we played, we were betting on who could have the last cookie on the plate.”

“It has been a long time.” Messis said, chuckling a little as he closed his book. “But if I recall correctly, I believe it ended in a stalemate when Solstitio snuck off with it while we were engrossed in the game.”

“Well, no better time like the present for us to settle that stalemate.” Luna smiled, igniting her horn. In a dim flash of blue shaded magic a decorated, wooden box appears in her hooves. “I believe this set will do.”

Placing it on the table, she ignited her horn. The box opened itself, the many well crafted chess pieces levitated out, almost dancing as they took their places on the board. Messis’ eyes almost gleamed eagerly as he was already formulating every possible strategy he still remembered. Luna was right, it had been a very, very long time since the two played, and he vaguely recalled the two of them were very competitive in these games when they were younger.

“An impressive board. Far different from the simple wood and stone board we once played on.” Messis commented, adjusting how he sat in his chair as he hunched a little forward. “But it doesn’t matter what the board is, I don’t plan on losing.” Luna’s eager smile matched his, the two of them were ready to play.

Luna laid back in her seat, her eyes staring off into space as Messis looked at her with an almost smug smile. The board between them portrayed the result of their game. The stallion had won, even as the mare had to nearly win. She never would’ve expected Messis to achieve victory, even as he had sacrificed his queen, and both rooks to do so. Letting out a clear sigh of exasperation, she wanted to congratulate him for winning, but her somewhat stubborn side didn’t want to.

“Well, it seems you’ve waited all these centuries to lose.” Messis chuckled, poking a little fun at the mare. Luna only adorably pouted at the comment. “Well, since I don’t plan on leaving any time soon, we can play whenever you want.” Getting up from his seat, he stretched a little. “I believe the game has left me quite hungry. Perhaps we should have a meal?”

“Sure, I think a little food will put me in the right mood.” Luna replied, smiling a little as she got up from her seat. “If I’ve learned anything, it’s that food always helps.” Messis smiled, gesturing to let her lead the way.

No sooner had they arrived at the dining hall, the many kitchen staff got straight to work. They had expected Luna to want a meal at some point, and so the food was quickly prepared for the two of them. It was quite the banquet of food, bigger than the dinner the stallion had dined on before with Celestia and Solstitio. As soon as Luna picked up her knife and fork, she practically devoured her meal like a ravenous animal. Messis’ eyes widened a little in surprise as the normally calm and collected mare was eating so cheerfully and yet so sloppily.

“Some things never change.” Messis sighed, chuckling a little as he looked at the mare. “Luna, you’re still terrible at hiding your feelings when you eat.”

“What? No, no, that’s not it. I’m not upset at losing.” Luna replied, her voice sounding a little muffled as she was stuffing her face with food. “I’m just…just really hungry.”

“Even when we were young, you always loved gorging on as much food as you could shove in your mouth whenever you’re upset.” Messis commented, almost smugly rubbing his chin. “If anything, I like it. It’s such a refreshing feeling. Like there was something I liked about you that hasn’t changed.”

Luna blushed, stopping for a moment as she heard his words. Was this it? Was she flirting with her? She had almost never shown anypony this way she ate, often being a little embarrassed by it. Celestia was well aware of this habit, and was able to at best convince Luna to eat in a more dignified and civilized manner; but only in public. Messis didn’t mind, if anything, it made the mare look all the more adorable. He was a calm stallion, and it wasn’t just Luna’s equally calm composure that he found so attractive, but how she wasn’t afraid of showing her more emotional side.

“Well, I better get to my own food, before you snatch it off my plate.” Messis chuckled, making Luna blush as he started eating with the same levels of savagery as the princess. “Maybe afterwards, we should make sure we still have all our fingers.” Luna giggled as she continued to eat.

Following their meal, the two of them were sitting at the table, dozens of licked clean plates, bowls, dishes, and trays lay in stacks. Rubbing his stomach, Messis had to hold in a small belch as he settled in the delicious food. It had been so long since he could just let himself go like that, and it felt so comforting to do so with Luna. The mare seemed to feel the same, wiping her mouth with the silken napkin, putting it down over the last plate she ate off of.

“Now that was a hearty meal.” Messis commented, leaning back as he patted his belly. “And I thought the dinner I had earlier was big.”

“Yeah, the magic I use takes far more energy than you would think. So I prefer to eat as much as I can.” Luna replied, only to blush a little. “And thank you…for sharing it with me.”

“Of course, I love spending time with you. Especially after so long apart.” Messis said, only to blush as well when he realized what he said. Clearing his throat, he composed himself. “A-a-anyway, what would you like to do now? The night is still pretty young.”

“Hmm, actually, I think I have something in mind.” Luna said, a plan formulating in her mind. “The sky is quite clear, so let’s take a flight.” Messis bowed his head, gesturing his hoof for her to follow.

Once they arrived back at the same balcony as before, the two alicorns spread their wings, taking flight into the cool night sky. The air above Canterlot was gorgeous, but once they were in the air, the view of all of Equestria was absolutely stunning. While one could see dozens of miles of the kingdom on such a clear night, alicorns had superior vision, and could see hundreds of miles. Messis could see the great farmlands, the dense forests, and just barely made out the faint glimmer of the Crystal Empire.

“It’s quite the sight, isn’t it?” Luna said, giggling at the look on Messis’ face. “But I think the view is even better up there.” Gesturing up with her hoof, she pointed out some wisps of clouds that hugged higher than the castle. “This way.”

Flying higher and higher, the two of them soared upwards until they were above these clouds. From there, the two sat, gazing out over the kingdom, and the view was even better than before. The frost covered mountains to the far north, the biting deserts of the far south, and the great seas that churned and flowed on both the east and eastern coasts of Equestria. The sight captivated the stallion, making his eyes shine like stars from the beauty.

“I told you the view was better.” Luna laughed, playfully patting the stallion on the back. “Normal pegasi can’t fly this high during the day, the winds are too strong. And at night, when it’s calmer, they’re asleep. So I’ve spent many years seeing this view, alone.”

“Well, you’re not alone anymore.” Messis said, his mouth moving before his thoughts. “I don’t think I could ever see anything like this again.” Nodding, he smiled. “Yes, the second best thing I’ve seen in centuries.”

“Second best? After such a reaction, is this second best?” Luna asked, raising a curious eyebrow to the stallion. “And what, pray tell, is the best thing you’ve seen in centuries?” Messis slowly turned his head, and looked at her, compassion and devotion shone in his eyes. The mare’s face erupted into another major blush as she realized what he meant. “Oh…oh…oh my…I…I…” Struggling for a moment, she tried to compose herself. “H-h-how about another game?”

“Sure, anything you want.” Messis replied, smiling warmly at her as she was still very flustered. “What do you have in mind?”

“Hmm, let’s see…” Luna said, standing up. Smirking, she looked back to the stallion. “King’s pawn to E Four.” Spreading her wings, she took off into the sky.

“You’re kidding me, we don’t even have a board.” Messis replied, leaping off the cloud after her. “What brought this on?”

“You said it didn’t matter what the board was, so let’s try a mental one.” Luna giggled, playfully teasing the stallion. “I repeat…King’s Pawn to E Four.”

“Fine, I’ll play along.” Messis smirked back at the mare. “Pawn to E Five.

“Pawn to F Four.” Luna quickly replied. “King’s Gambit.”

“Accepted. Pawn takes Pawn.” Messis said, maintaining his smirk at her. “Just give me a minute to get the pieces set, then we’ll see if you can redeem yourself.”

The two continued to fly through the clouds, Luna leading Messis onwards as they played their game. The cool breeze of the night air kissed against their bodies while they enjoyed themselves. Messis couldn’t help but chuckle. No doubt Luna was trying to play chess against him on slightly less than favorable terms. But just because she could play a game mentally, didn’t mean she could beat him mentally. With the pieces set, he caught up to her.

“All set, sorry for the delay.” Messis said, feeling especially confident as he smiled gracefully at her. “In any event, it’s your turn.”

“Thank you.” Luna nodded, smiling as she too felt just as confident. “Bishop to C Four.”

“Hmm, aggressive. Hoping to end this quickly?” Messis chuckled. “Queen to H Four. Check.”

“You’re one to talk.” Luna giggled. “King to F One.”

“A little aggression does help, but skill also matters.” Messis replied. “Pawn to B Five.”

“Oh? Let’s see here…” Luna pondered aloud. “Bishop takes the Pawn.”

“Knight to F Six.” Messis said, his eyes darting about a little. “Yes, that should do.”

“You’re right, skill does matter.” Luna smirked. “Knight to F Three.”

“Queen to H Six.” Messis said. “Really, did you think this would trick me?”

“Maybe, maybe not.” Luna giggled in response. “Pawn to D Three.”

“Knight to H Five!” Messis exclaimed, his voice echoing out with excitement. He then composed himself with a small blush. “Please…take your time.”

“Oh don’t worry, I have.” Luna smiled. “Knight to H Four.”

“Queen to G Five.” Messis smirked, getting more and more sure of himself. “So, which will you give up? The Bishop at B Five or the Knight at H Four?”

“Neither.” Luna replied with the same air of confidence. “Knight to F Five.”

“And that leaves your Bishop unguarded.” Messis nodded. “Pawn to C Six.”

“You did the same with your Knight.” Luna smiled back. “Pawn to G Four.”

“Knight to G One.” Messis quickly answered. “Skill takes time, and plans can have deeper plans.”

“I agree.” Luna said. “Rook to G One.”

“Really? Cause Pawn takes your Bishop.” Messis chuckled. “I know you thought you could catch me off guard, but I said, no matter the board, I’ll win.”

The way they flew grew faster and faster. Luna and Messis weren’t just playing chess, but seemingly racing through the night sky. Keeping it to the air around Canterlot, they were soaring past buildings, just about the many homes and mansion, as well as the rocky mountain side the citadel rested upon. Whenever one believed they’ve taken the lead in the mental game, they would fly ahead of the other, only to be overtaken by the other one when they did their move.

“Alright, I believe this will do.” Luna said, flying ahead of Messis. “Pawn to H Four.”

“Queen to G Six.” Messis said, flapping his wings to catch up with the mare. “Don’t think I didn’t notice what you did.”

“Careful now.” Luna giggled. “Pawn to H Five.”

“I don’t know. You’re the one who lost your Bishop.” Messis smirked back. “Queen to G Five.”

“Queen to F Three.” Luna commented. “I think it’s time I get a little more serious.”

“As if you weren’t already?” Messis chuckled. “Then again, you almost trapped my Queen. Hmm…Knight to G Eight.”

“Bishop takes the Pawn.” Luna said, her face beaming with pride. “The Bishop threatens the Queen.”

“Hmm…damn…okay, that was impressive.” Messis shrugged, smiling a little. “Queen to F Six.”

“Knight to C Three.” Luna quickly replied. “Hmm, looks like you’ve done nothing but develop the Queen in this game.”

“Now don’t get too cocky, you’re still short a Bishop.” Messis said, sweat starting to form on his brow. “Bishop to C Five.”

“Hmm…what to do…what to do…” Luna playfully hummed. “Knight to D Five.”

“And my Queen takes the Pawn at B Two.” Messis stated. “Come on, what could you be planning?”

“What indeed…” Luna giggled, smiling coyly. “Bishop to D Six.”

“Queen takes Rook.” Messis chuckled, feeling more and more confident on his coming victory. “What are you going to do now?”

“I’m still in the game…” Luna replied. “King to E Two.”

“Bishop takes Rook.” Messis laughed, flying now besides the mare. “That was your last Rook by the way.”

“I’m aware.” Luna said, maintaining her confident expression. “Pawn to E Five.”

“Really? I have my pieces coming down on you, and you move a Pawn?” Messis asked, fully stopping. “I’m sorry, are you even trying anymore?”

“No, I’m still serious.” Luna replied, stopping to return to the alicorn. “And please, it’s your turn.” Taking off, she had him follow after her.

“Alright, if that’s how you wanna do it.” Messis smiled, feeling so close to his victory. “Knight to A Six.”

“Knight takes Pawn at G Seven.” Luna replied, smirking almost smugly at the stallion. “Check.”

“Hmm…uh huh…” Messis pondered aloud. “Knight to D Eight.”

“Queen to F Six.” Luna said, her smile only growing. “Check.”

“And now my Knight takes your Queen.” Messis sighed, shaking his head a little. “Honestly, what were you thinking? You have no Rooks, no Queen, and are down to your last Bishop. Really, it’s too bad you wasted your time moving your Pawn to…” Then, his mind realized where this piece was on the mental board. “...oh, you clever mare.”

“Bishop to E Seven.” Luna smirked, stopping her flight to turn and look at the stallion. “Checkmate.”

“Nice game, you beat me.” Messis laughed, catching up to her. “Let it never be known that I can't accept my defeat gracefully.” Luna giggled back with a blush on her face.

“Good game, I’m glad we were able to do this.” Luna commented, trying to compose herself, but struggled to stop the blushing. “Looks like the night is still young. What would you like to do now?”

“Hmm, I think I know what I’d like to do.” Messis said, his eyes gleaming with an intense thought as he looked at the mare. “But it’s back at the Castle.”

Flying back to the castle, the two alicorns continued to laugh at the fun game they had. The two of them felt such an array of emotions. Normally calm and stoic, it was so exhilarating that they could express themselves, to be filled with the joy and revelry of just pure bliss. By the time they returned to the castle, rather than the same balcony as before, Luna then took charge, flying towards the one that connected to her room. Curious, Messis followed after.

Opening the balcony door, Luna walked into the dark room, making sure to playfully swish her tail towards Messis as he caught up to her. Following onwards, the stallion found the room to be very dark, so dark, even his alicorn vision struggled to see through it. His body trembled a little, feeling almost faint tingling along his spine as he was piecing together what Luna was planning. He got his answer, the mare leapt at him from the shadows, pushing him against her bed so hard, it nearly flipped over as the two gave into their withheld, tensed up passions.