All My Tears

Morning dawned on Equestria with a bright cheery glow. It was a morning like any other. The birds were singing, ponies were making breakfast, and everything was all well and good. Everypony was content and happy that summer morning. All except one…

Celestia paced her study for the thousandth time. She had received a letter from Finn Greenbolt, her sister’s husband. Finn was a caring pegasus stallion who loved both his wife and their daughter deeply. He had been a royal guard before Luna married him. Celestia broke from her thoughts as the two ponies she had been waiting for rushed in.

“I’m sorry we were so late Princess Celestia. It’s hard to teleport from one country to another.”

The stallion that spoke was none other than Shining Armor, Captain of the guard and prince. His wife, an alicorn by the name of Cadence, followed quietly behind him.

She hesitated than spoke, “Aunt Celestia, what is this about? It’s seven in the morning!”

Celestia looked down at her hooves and let out a sigh before saying plainly, “Luna i-is …dead.”

She tried to hold back tears as the two others gasped and tried to comfort her.

Shining looked puzzled all the same. “But how?! Isn’t she immortal?”

Celestia took a deep breath before answering. “When she married Finn, she knew she would outlive him by an eternity. She knew I had the power to do her job and that she would be miserable without him. After much argument and contemplation, she decided to give up her immortality. It is ten years to this day that they have been married.” Celestia caught the puzzled look on now both of their faces. “You must remember that Luna and I are millennias old. The time just came crashing down on her.”

The three sat there in silent sorrow for a while longer before there was a knock at the door. Celestia magically opened the door without saying anything. They were surprised to find Finn Greenbolt and his daughter standing there. “I am so sorry to have to spring this upon and at this time. But since I am not in a fit mood to look after her today, could you let Nova stay here in the palace? Again I’m really sorry…”

The little alicorn filly looked downtrodden as well, though she was not crying.

Celestia stared at this beautiful filly. She had a deep, sky blue mane and tail with faint traces of sparkle. It highly resembled Luna’s at that age, but just a tad longer. Her coat was black as the darkest night. Her wings were of a bat-like shape that curved up at the end when folded. Already her snout was starting to shape to the regal form of the alicorns. And her eyes- Celestia stared long at them. A bright green with slits for pupils, much alike to the dragons.

Cadence answered for her, “Of course, Sir Finn. She wouldn’t cause too much damage, would she? Besides, I've taken care of many a foal in my day!”

Finn bowed saying, “I thank you more than you know. If there is any way I can pay you back just let me know.” With one last look at Celestia he hurried away.

                                                                                     *

The day was spent mainly grieving and keeping an eye on Nova. She was a strange child. Always quiet, never bothering anything. She was eight years old. Most fillies of this age would be bouncing off the walls or talking constantly. Here Nova sat reading a book of Equestrian legend. Cadence watched as she levitated the book to the floor got up and stretched her legs.

“Nova, Would you like to visit the bakery? It’s about time for dinner.”

The filly stood silent for a moment before saying, “Dinner would be nice, Princess Cadenza.”

Cadence chuckled to herself and said, “I’m your cousin. You don’t have to address me as ‘princess’.”

Nova looked befuddled. “But Mother and Father told me to respect my elders…”

Cadence shushed her and said, “You may call me Cadenza if you must, but I’ll not tolerate too much formality.”

The two enjoyed a hearty dinner of crescent rolls filled with ham and cheese, a glass of orange juice, and Nova’s favorite; jello. They went to the park where they drew with chalk and swung on the swing-set. After the park they flew back to the palace. As the two landed in the banquet hall, one of Luna’s night guards ran up to them.

He bowed low before saying, “Princess Celestia has requested that you meet her in the throne room. It’s urgent.”

Cadence looked anxiously towards the throne room double-doors. She thanked the guard before he hurried off. “Nova, go to the first door on the left. It’s the guest bedroom. Your father will pick you up later.”

Nova waited until Cadence had left before heading towards the bedroom. She heard the voices of her two cousins and aunt. They were talking loudly about something. She heard her father’s name said again and again, along with her own. Finally, she couldn't stand it any longer. She ran to the door to listen.

Shining Armor’s voice came to her ears. “He just left the little filly here, hopped on a boat, and sunk it! What kind of stallion is he?”

More continued like this before Celestia said sternly, “Hold your tongue! Finn Greenbolt was one of the most valiant ponies I know. Yet grief can drive the strongest pony mad. He is no exception! He left us his daughter and as is duty, I must raise her as if she were my own. Now, if you will be so kind as to leave a troubled mare in peace, it would be greatly appreciated!” She struggled to hold back tears. The couple gave their apologies and with a flash they were gone. Nova’s heart pounded in her throat. She was going to live in the palace for who-knows how long, but most importantly, her mother and father were dead.