Lullaby for a Princess

Chapter Eight: Sight of Stars

Celestia and Luna sat together on the hill just outside the gate of Canterlot. Luna's sky had been up for around six hours now, and most of the creatures were long asleep. But the two sisters sat. Neither if them said a word for a long time. The crowns they wore were weighing on their minds as well as their heads. Luna was already planning tomorrow night's sky, and Celestia was wondering how many books on Equestrian law she would still have to read. Finally Luna smiled. "Tia, you really should have seen the looks on those creatures' faces! It was like they'd seen the sun itself come down and take pony form!" Celestia laughed. "That may be right, but it was you who the stallions were mooning over! Did I count three asking for your hoof in marriage, or four?" Now it was Luna who laughed. "Neither." Upon seeing the bewildered look in Celestia's face, Luna grinned. "There were five, Tia!" The sisters took off from the ground, their wings barely making any noise at all. Up and up they flew, until the stars Luna had chosen tonight looked close enough to touch. At last they landed, feeling no more tired than when they had begun their flight. The two walked to the hall which held both of their rooms. Celestia went to the left, Luna went to the right. But Celestia had only a few hours of sleep before she had to raise the sun. She stepped out of bed and decided to check in on Luna before heading out. Luna was lying in her bed, but she was wide awake. Luna turned her head towards Celestia. "Tia? Are you going out now?" Celestia nodded, and walked to stand by her sleepy sister. Luna turned over, closing her eyes as if to try to sleep. But it was no use. Celestia watched for a minute. Poor Luna. She worked so hard these past nights. If only I could help.... Celestia gently sat down next to Luna's bed. She knew something she could try. It might not work, but she could try:

May all your dreams be sweet tonight;
Safe upon your bed of glowing lights.
And know not of sadness, pain, or care,
And when I dream, I'll fly away and meet you there.
Sleep...

As the last notes echoed away, Luna relaxed. It did not take long for her to fall asleep. Celestia closed the door softly behind her. She was almost out the door of the palace when she heard hoofsteps against the marble behind her, making her spin around. A very tired Starswirl met her gaze with a look in his eyes that she had never seen in them before. "Starswirl! Why are you so troubled?" Starswirl did not reply at first, he only herded his head in the direction of his study, telling Celestia to follow him. Once they were there, he locked the door. "Starswirl! What in Equestria-" Celestia didn't finish. Starswirl interrupted. "Celestia, I have had a dream. I have not dreamed since the day the War began. Then, I dreamed of the Changelings, and of Equestria in ruins. It came to pass exactly as,I dreamed. Now I beg you, listen, for I have seen terror in my dream! Equestria will be destroyed, and only you can stop it!" Celestia's horn flared slightly. Anger at this unknown evil made her temperature rise. "Who is it!?! Tell me, and I shall destroy the threat before I raise the sun!" Where did that come from?!? Celestia, you're really that protective. Starswirl shook his head. "No! You must not destroy the threat! It could save Equestria also!" Now Celestia was confused and angry. "Starswirl, stop this game! Name the threat!" The old unicorn looked into Celestia's eyes with a mournful face and spoke three words:

"Your sister, Luna."

Celestia felt all air go out of her. Luna? No! She is loyal. Perhaps he mistook her face for another's? Or misunderstood the meaning of this dream? Or...is he finally going mad? Celestia spoke I'm a voice that might be used on a lost foal. "Starswirl, you are tired from the coronation today. Rest. It will soothe your mind." Starswirl looked at her for a long time. He never blinked, never moved his eyes. Celestia looked away. In a low voice, Starswirl spoke. "You think I am mad. If you will not listen to me, I can do nothing." He went to his bed and turned away from Celestia. The conversation was over. Celestia left, trying to chase his words from her mind. But even as the sun rose that morning, she could not completely shake the feeling that Starswirl was telling the truth. So Celestia simply ignored it. After she had raised the sun, she felt that it might be good to have a cup of tea before she flew over Canterlot. She found the castle in a commotion. Nopony would tell her anything. It seemed like she was invisible. At last she found Luna, looking at the rather panicky palace staff. Celestia called to her, but Luma could not hear. She tried to yell, but it didn't work either. Finally she summoned up a voice from a place she did not know: "Sister! Why art thou standing there! What gas transpired!?" What was that!?! Apparently Luna heard her. She came flying down and landed by Celestia. "Dearest Tia! Such grave news....

...Starswirl has passed away!"