Luna dashed out of Canterlot, then spread her wings and flew into the early evening sky. After so long trapped in the moon, it had taken her a while to learn how to fly again, but when she had finally succeeded, it had felt good. She flew as often as possible, using the night to cloak her presence from the sleeping villages beneath her. She was truly free in the air, able to see for miles around, to appreciate the kingdom that she and her sister had worked so hard to create.

She felt a twinge of sadness as she looked upon the land below her. It reminded her how important it was for everypony that balance and harmony was kept, and she wondered what the world would be like in eternal darkness. Immediately, she repelled the thought. It would not be beautiful, the sky a permanent shade of black. No sunset, no dawn and no beautiful blue-purple twilight.

Twilight.

What was it about the name? Of course! Twilight Sparkle. The Element of Magic. Luna had not had much of a chance to talk to Twilight, but she seemed intelligent and kind. She had been the first to realise the consequences of Nightmare Moon's escape, but she had been forgiving too. She respected Luna as a princess. She would help her.

It was then she realised she did not know where Ponyville was.

Looking down, she saw a tiny village containing only a few houses. Perhaps she could ask for directions there. Landing gently, she surveyed the wooden cottages that were dotted around a central hall that was little more than a barn. Nothing stirred. It seemed as though everything had closed for the night.

Princess Luna read the signs above the small number of shops present. Clover's Cafe. Jackhammer's Carpentry. Honey Flower Confectioners.

Finally, at the end of the street there was a guestroom. The sign on the door read 'SHIRE VILLAGE BED AND BREAKFAST'.

Luna knocked, and waited...

***

The door creaked open. Luna was greeted by a warm smile, illuminated by the orange-yellow flickering of a lamp.

"Hi there! If you're looking for a room to stay in, you're at the right place. Please, come in, come in!"

Nervously, the princess stepped into the light. The other pony gasped.

"You...you're a...oh my goodness darling, you might have warned me! Gave me quite a fright for a minute there!"

The pony hung her lantern on a hook by the doorway, illuminating the room fully. Luna had never seen anything quite like it. Shelves lined all the walls, holding just about everything possible that was pretty in the world. Gemstones and glittering rocks, seashells, diaries in all colours, vases and jars made from finest glass, and carvings of wood and stone.

A narrow staircase led up to the floor above, and in the corner was a chestnut-wood desk inlaid with ivory and silver birch. On it sat a brass bell with intricate designs, a reading lamp, and a large book.

The pony trotted over to the desk. Luna looked carefully at her, not wanting to stare. A unicorn. She had a lavender coat and plum-coloured hair piled up into a bun, with the exception of one neat ringlet. Silver half-moon reading glasses were perched on her nose, and she wore a gold necklace. Her cutie mark displayed a scroll and a writing quill.

"How do you do my dear? I'm Dawn Star, but just call me Dawn. Now, who might you be?"

"My name is Luna"

Using her magic, which was pinkish-orange, Dawn Star opened the large book and wrote inside.

"Guest book. Now, how long will you be staying for?"

"Oh," said Luna, slightly startled by the question, "I hadn't really thought about it...just tonight, I suppose."

"Right. I'll get your bedroom all set up. Breakfast is at--"

Just at that moment, Dawn was interrupted by a young filly who came dashing down the stairs.

"Muuuuum...who's at the door?!

She stopped as she saw the alicorn standing there

"Mum! She's a...a princess!

***

Both ponies stared at Luna.

"Well..." started Dawn Star, "I see you've now met my daughter. Evening Primrose, this is Luna. She's staying here for the night."

Evening Primrose stood, mouth agape, staring at Luna.

"Now now, Primrose, it's not nice to stare," continued Dawn. "Even if our guest is rather...unexpected." She then looked at the guest in question.

"Well...are you a princess?" She tried not to make the question sound accusing, but failed.

Luna looked at the ground. She decided not to lie to the friendly unicorn and her daughter.

"Yes. I...I am Princess Celestia's sister, Princess Luna, guardian of the Moon and bringer of night. Please, though...don't be scared of me. I do not have any magic. I have yet to take my place back."

It was then Primrose who spoke.

"I'm not scared of you...you're a princess! With a tiara and a horn and wings! Right here!

The tension in the room was alleviated by the small pony's amazement. Dawn chuckled.

"Well, you shall have our best room. Just call if you want breakfast, I'll send it up to you. And, seeing as you're only staying a night, you can stay for free!"

Luna was surprised by the unicorn's generosity.

"Oh, no, please. You have a living to earn!" She pulled a bag out of her cloak and laid five gold bits down on the table. "Keep them. I insist. For...not running away from me."

Dawn Star smiled warmly again.

"I thank you most kindly, good princess. Your room is the first on the right."

Luna walked up the stairs and opened the door of her room. It was big, circular shaped, and reminded her strangely of her room back at home. She smiled.

The bed was soft and warm, smelling slightly of roses. Laying her head on the pillow, Luna let all her worries go and drifted into a peaceful sleep.

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