Nightmare Night, a holiday devoted completely, if somewhat misguidedly, to Princess Luna. The subjects dressed up, and much merriment was had by all. But, except, of course, the Princess herself. Celestia sighed, seeing the state her sibling was in. But at this point comforting words only reinforced the poor mood.

Luna, I've told you again and again. Your powers came back slowly, but that didn't mean you had to lock yourself away from the subjects. I know it's hard, to be thrust into a time where all the old faces are gone. But we are Alicorns, and we must always bear the weight of knowing we will outlive ALL our subjects.

Celestia sat next to her brooding sister, who barely grunted at the presence. Down below in Canterlot, a massive festival was going on. Squinting, the Princesses could just make out the red and yellow metal costume their "nephew" had decided to wear that year.

"I see Blueblood had recovered well from being turned to stone."

Celestia nodded, heaving a rare disappointed sigh.

"Yes, it's amazing what a few generations of marrying outside the family does for the nobles. He's the first one not to be born with a medical issue in quite a while. The whole idea of maintaining the "Royal blood" thankfully died out before they ended up with something that wouldn't pass for a pony. I actually had to sign a document saying his great-great-grandfather wasn't a Alicorn. He was a pegasus with a very large forehead..."

Luna shivered at the mental image. Well, who knows. Maybe some of the Royal blood they were trying to concentrate finally took effect... The Princesses fell into silence, watching the festivities. After a moment, Celestia gave a casual glance in the direction of Ponyville.

"You know, Twilight sent me a very interesting letter the other day. She was so excited to be able to finish her costume in time. The name is something right out of the past. She had researched him in some dusty tome of nearly forgotten Unicorn history. Does the name Star Swirl the Bearded ring a bell, sister?"

Luna stared blankly as the mental images of a young unicorn in a shabby robe shot by.

"Bearded? He barely had enough fuzz to cover a peach, let alone be described as Bearded!"

The Princess nodded, similar memories floating in her mind.

"Yes, but he was still one of my favorite students, though he never earned the right to private tutorship. He became quite adapt at reinventing the way food was handled. Quite fortunate timing as well, as there was a bacteria going around that made water and food that wouldn't make you sick quite the rarity in the outer regions. I offered him a role as an adviser, but you remember him. So modest and withdrawn, hated the spotlight."

Luna smiled, remember the deep blush on the unicorn's un-bearded face at the praise the Princesses piled on his budding skills. Two vases he had crafted were still in her chambers, the glaze having preserved them for the ages.

"I think I'm beginning to see a pattern of talented, humble unicorns who gain your favor, Sister. I never got to say good bye to him though. I shall miss our old friend"

Celestia nudged her sister, then stood up suddenly. The shift knocked Luna on her sided, confusion preventing her from moving for a moment.

"This isn't right. Why should you be here thinking back on old friends, when you ought to be out gaining new ones? Remembrance has a time and a place, but that surely shouldn't be done on YOUR night. Luna, grab your cloak. I'm sending you to Ponyville to reacquaint yourself with the populace."

Luna scrambled upright, staring at her older sister in deeper confusion.

"Why Ponyville? Shouldn't I integrate with the subjects in Canterlot first?"

Celestia rummaged through her sister's wardrobe, which despite expectations was surprisingly full, though mainly of dresses worn once and tossed aside in favor of the stylish yet simple regalia of their station. Pulling out the brown cloak, she tossed it at her sibling.

"No, certainly not. While we should love and tolerate our little ponies, the ones of Canterlot are... well. The modern pony would call them "stuck up", but let's just go the politer route and say they're require a bit more patience than I think you're capable of tonight."

"IS THAT SOME SORT OF INSULT, SISTER?"

Luna gasped, Celestia rolling her eyes at the slip. Luna looked embarrassed, outright ashamed that she'd raised her voice to her sister.

"The Royal Canterlot voice... have you heard me use it at all lately? Since you've returned? At all? Please, pageantry will only get you so far. Although... yes... I have an idea."

Celestia's innocent smile sent a tingle down the other Princess' spine. Oh, however this ends, I feel I won't be very happy when all is said and done...

Roughly half an hour later. Luna stood beside a chariot, shaking her head furiously.

"Oh no. Nonono. I will not ride in this garish thing. I have wings of my own, and speaking of wings..."

The two guards Celestia had chosen for this task beamed at each other. With a smidgen of Alicorn magic, their hides and wings changed into fearsome forms unlike any seen by ponykind. The bat's wings were an especially nice touch to them, the illusion surprisingly detailed.

"Look, the skin ripples just like my feathers are! Your Highness, would it be alright if we could stick like this for a while? This will make for quite the costume when we go to the Guard's Get-Together later."

Celestia smiled softly, while intimidated the guard into silence by accident.

"You two honestly enjoy this illusion? Hmm... Luna will always need personal escorts anyway. How would you feel about being promoted to Royal Attendants for her? This includes the raise in pay, though the hours will shift a bit."

The guards looked over at the other Princess who looked as if she were praying for them not to.

"Did I mention your new uniform will be... the very costume you are in now?"

The two pegasi, young and excited barely needed a moment to confer on it.

"It would be an absolute honor to more personally serve Her Majesty Luna, Princess of the Night."

The two bowed, a low groan of embarrassment sounding from the younger Alicorn. Celestia let them hitch themselves to the chariot as she pulled Luna aside.

"Sister, tonight is Nightmare Night. There is a bit of...procedure in it all. Just trust my word, making your entrance like this will cement the moment in the minds of anypony there. Be confident, be outgoing. And do not let your temper get the better of you."

Luna rolled her eyes.

"Yes, Mother. May I go play now?"

Celestia watched them from the balcony as they faded into the distance. Ok, knowing how little sisters work, she'll ignore most of what I said, but I can't be blamed for trying to warn her. Of course, now that she's out of the castle...I think I'll crash the Guards' party as I normally do each year.

I wonder if any of the other guards are bold enough to "attend" to Royalty tonight? Oh, I'm terrible. Now, where did I put that Wonder Mare costume? It was quite popular the last time I wore it twenty years ago. Nopony should notice.

…

Did I use Tia, Molestia, or Trollestia in all this? I think all three, but not all at once. I've been meaning to start a more solid look at Luna and/or Celestia, so this seemed as good a place as any to start.

I hope you guys like this, this was funner to write than yesterday's was, that's for sure. Followers of Ask /THE/ Blueblood will enjoy the nod. Is it weird I write fan-fiction, yet gush more about other fan works than the actual show most days?

Kyle