Overseeing Your Actions
I sat upon Stargaze Seat, the highest point in the Royal Gardens. For any other pony, the view would be classed as ‘spectacular’ or ‘beautiful’ in this dimming light. The sun was setting over the horizon, meaning my shift had begun. Focusing on the radiant beauty of the moon and the glittering magic of the stars, my horn lit with up with a brilliant power. Darkness washed over the land and the stars suddenly twinkled into existence. The moon then rose out of the shadowed land and hung in the sky like a lantern.
The rising of the moon was more than a duty or a job to me: it is who I am, who I’ve always been. I am the moon and the moon is I. Somehow my sister does not see things this way; but she didn’t live on her Sun for a thousand years. The Moon became my home, my inner and outer peace. Yes, I still hold a grudge against Celestia, how could I not? The creatures across Equestria adore her, but they have never, ever felt this way for me.
I let out a sigh and stood. My temper should be easier to control. Bitterness and frustration forever will have their claws in my skin, but maybe one day I will find something that will subdue the beast within. One thing I could promise: Nightmare Moon will not find her way out again.
Since my return, I have mostly been left alone. Celestia only requires me to rise and lower the moon and stars, and to make the very rare public appearance. It was only by chance that I attended my niece’s wedding, for pony’s sake. My arrival had seemed timed, and everypony was pleased to see me; except for my dear sister. She even threatened to destroy my stars because of my “intrusion”. But don’t worry; she wouldn’t do something that drastic. Or at least I hoped.
Some of the villagers were friendly towards their youngest ruler, like a youngling named Pip. He had labelled me “his favourite princess” which always made me smile whenever the memory entered my mind. I didn’t see him often though, being confined to the castle and it’s grounds had made socialising an issue.
Twilight Sparkle was another who cared for my opinion. She I saw more than others. The intelligent mare could occasionally be naïve, but many who were faithful to their work, their homes and friends often were. Sometimes I wondered if Celestia was attempting to train her as a replacement of myself.
I walked along the trail, careful to let my mind wander. I had nothing planned this wonderful evening. I had nothing planned at all, for the rest of time. I wondered past those my sister had had turned to stone over the time I had been away. Enemies, she called them. Pfft. What a load of hooey.
Discord the “spirit of chaos”, was never an enemy of the ponies. He was my friend, a brother, almost. Playful and just, protective of us all, especially Celestia and I. He had merely asked some ponies if they would help him weed his garden of mystical plants. One fell and broke his leg, dropping a large pot on another’s head when his magic failed. These accidents my sister blamed him for, an act of madness she committed that day. So he ran. I cannot support him when it comes to his more recent actions; being trapped inside rock must do something to one’s mind.
I closed my eyes and sent a wisp of night-magic to him, with whispers of well wishes and warmth. I never received any response from my old friend. It filled me with such a sadness.
“Excuse me!”
I spun around eyes aglow. Walking up towards me, was one of my sister’s people. A white Pegasus Royal Guard.
“Name yourself, stallion. And do not think you can give orders to a princess,” I frowned at him as he gathered his words.
He continued forward, back straight, and put himself between Discord and I.
“Princess Luna, I’m afraid I shall have to issue you with a warning. This particular statue is not ordinary rock. The Royal Princess Celestia of Equestria and the Isles of Vanhooverly Mount, has instructed me with overseeing your actions. I would have found you sooner, but there is hardly enough light out here for me to see,” he frowned.
Egh, ponies nowadays. Diurnal, day beings they had become. No wonder I turned evil.
“Overseeing my actions?” I stared hard into his eyes. “What actions have I proceeded with that are not up to my sister’s standards? Walking? Visiting a more-or-less dead friend? Or, is it the fact that I’m doing my job and watching over the night?”
The stallion appeared speechless. “My Princess. I have forgotten to introduce myself. Noctal, Guard of the Princess Beloved of the Sun.” Of course my sister had managed to fit ‘beloved’ into her own Royal title.
I closed my eyes for a second and took in a deep breath. Opening and exhaling, I examined the Guard. A simple white coat, his mane hidden beneath his armour along with his cutie mark. His tail was a pretty blue grey, with streaks of sapphire.
It was only as my gaze reached his eyes did I realize he was watching me too..
I cleared my throat and he stood to attention.
Averting his gaze, he began to speak once more. “So, my orders are specifically to oversee all of your day-to-day activities. There will be no changes to this order, until further notice. If you do anything out of turn, I will report it to Her Highness, Celestia. Understood?”
So young he seemed. To think he can order about a princess was absurd, even if he was technically under the orders of The Sun Princess.
I raised a single eyebrow, gave a small smile, and carried along the path. I sent a last look upon my old friend Discord, and bowed my head. He could no longer help me, and now I had a new (rather unwanted) form of company. Who, had to catch up to me, as my departure from the Gardens had been swifter than he had expected.
Author's Note
Any critisism is welcome:-) I'm new and enjoy!^-^