Garden by palaikai

Is it that time already?

Luna pulled herself unwillingly out of bed, allowing the light from her sister's sun to warm her sapphire coat; a yawn escaped her muzzle, and her protesting joints demanded that she stretch them or suffer their wrath. One short session of prolongation complete, she looked out of the window to see a perfect azure sky. A sight that she hadn't been able to gaze upon for the best part of a thousand years. It really was the little things: a comfortable bed, the sky, the companionship of other ponies … her sister's love.

Igniting her horn, Luna drew a brush to her hoof and began to sort out the unruly tangle that was her mane. Some childish part of her wanted to look her best, even though it was unlikely Celestia would care about her appearance one way or the other. Her sister always looked so naturally graceful and at-ease, and it was something that Luna envied.

No.

Jealousy had cost her once. Never again.

“Are you up yet?” Her sister's lilting voice carried even through the heavy oak doors. Maybe it was some quirk of the acoustics? Maybe she was projecting it magically? It hardly mattered. It was the sweetest sound in existence, as far as the Moon Princess was concerned and she would gladly listen to it any time of the day or night.

With one last look in the mirror, Luna decided that she was as ready as she ever could be. Day one. “I'm coming.”

It had been something of a whirlwind; one minute, Nightmare Moon had been cackling something about eternal night. The next, Princess Luna, her mind purged of its ill intent, had been sobbing on the ground, begging for forgiveness. She'd kept to herself from then on; spending much of her time in study, catching-up on a thousand years of Equestrian history and advancement. Celestia had given her space, and Luna appreciated that. Their bond had been stretched, but it had not broken.

Suppressing an irritated sigh at how perfect the Sun Princess couldn't help but look, Luna followed her out into the cloisters adjacent to the royal gardens. Spring was in full-bloom, and a plethora of flowers sprouted from their beds. Some, the Moon Princess was able to recognise; others were new to her, either imported from lands that had been discovered during her absence or new hybrids created by clever horticulturists.

Yet another thing to learn about.

“Lovely day, isn't it?”

“Yes, it is,” Luna agreed. She fluttered her wings and affected a look of disdain. “Not as beautiful as my night, of course, but charming enough in its own way.”

Celestia looked at her sharply, but a grin broke out on her face when she saw the mirth behind her younger sister's eyes. “Ever the joker.”

“Old habits.”

The Sun Princess looked at her seriously. Having her sister back after so long was a joy she could barely contain, and yet, there was a twinge of melancholy lacing her happiness. She'd had a thousand years to regret and bemoan what she did; she'd had a thousand years to think, but never once had she considered just how she could ever make it up to Luna. All those lost years …

“What troubles you?” asked Luna, her voice low, concerned.

“I missed you,” Celestia said with naked candour, her eyes moistening.

“I missed you.” A thousand years spent hating the very name Celestia melted away so easily when one looked into those violet orbs.

The sisters talked and explored the gardens until it was time for dinner. Nopony dared approach them, understanding that they needed time to reacquaint. Afterwards, they headed up to the tallest tower in the castle.

“Let's see if I remember how to do this.” Luna's horn blazed with light and she reached out to the heavens, seeking out that distant sphere which had been her home for so long. Its touch was familiar, like an old friend, and she felt more attuned to it than ever as she raised it to its place of prominence in the sky above while her sister correspondingly lowered the sun.

“Every bit as beautiful,” Celestia said, a note of pride creeping into her voice.

“But nowhere near as beautiful as my lovely Celestia.” A thousand years on the moon gave one time to think, gave one time to reflect on their true feelings.

The Sun Princess looked away. Embarrassed? Offended? Finally, she locked eyes with her sister and said, “You're mistaken.” She approached Luna and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. “Nowhere near as beautiful as my lovely Luna.” Finding her confidence, Celestia added, “I love you.”

“I love you, too,” Luna replied, pulling her sister into an embrace and fighting back a flood of tears.