One Year: Day 364- The Insomnia of Princess Celestia

>364 days to go...

 

>It was late, well after her sister had risen the moon and stars, and Celestia was having trouble finding that ever elusive foe: sleep. Looking to the clock on the near wall, she could see it was 2 in the morning. And she was due to raise the sun in 3 and a half hours. Sighing quietly, Celestia stood up and went to her favorite seat in her chambers. She'd spent much of the spare minutes she had in that chair, reading letters from he students over the many years. But the most recent she'd gotten from Twilight worried her.

>After she'd left with Luna earlier in the day..well, day before at this point, the Elements had taken to the tasks appointed to them. But not without some level of difficulty. The human, known simply as Anon, had woken up a few minutes into things, and quickly discovered that Twilight's books were not only good to read, but also make great ammunition for keeping away what he'd called "Talking easter egg horses". To which Twilight complained in the letter, slightly to Celestia's ammusement, "I am not a horse!"

>Poor Twilight. Anon was going to make her life miserable over the next year. In a way, Twilight did bring it upon herself.

>But it was a better alternative to what would have happened if the spell had worked as intended. She's warned Starswirl that the spell was too dangerous to attempt.

>Even using that spell ruined what it was supposed to attempt. Starswirl was taken away. Luna lost herself because of the same spell years later.

>And till now, there hadn't been any other ponies strong enough to cast it, other than herself.

>She could have sworn she'd had that book locked away, but given her student's nature...

 

>At least the Elements were finally able to calm Anon down with the promise of a good night's sleep, a decent meal, and questions answered when both were taken in.

>Though he apparently decided to take the clothes Rarity had made him, and pitch them into the fountain in Ponyville Square.

>In fact, the only ponies that seemed to make an impression on him were Pinkie Pie and Twilight. When Pinkie had offered a cupcake to her new friend, he thanked her kindly...

>Then pelted Twilight on the muzzle with it.

>Apparently, cupcakes also make good ammunition.

>It was then decided that Anon had had enough of what he called "Horse shenanigans" for one night, and had gone to bed.

>Other letters had arrived from various members of the community, worried not just about what they were being asked to do, but what this two legged monster was going to do in their town.

>And for once, she didn't have the answers her subjects needed. Responding with what felt like a form letter at the time to each of them, she'd given instruction not to 'bother' the human, and let him adjust slowly. It was going to take time for Anon to get used to life here.

>She knew, from another, that life was different than it was on his home world.

 

>Even now, she'd thought about viviting the human, and trying to offer what little consolence she could. But the truth was...

>The spell wasn't done yet. If she got involved, the spell could backfire, and make things worse than it already was.

>But maybe a letter...

>Sitting upright, Celestia's horn glowed lightly, taking up a quill, ink and scroll. Her eyes half open, she began.

"To Anon,

I am sorry about the events that have happened to you as of late. If possible, I wish to explain to you what I can.

First, please do not blame Twilight too harshly for the spell going wrong. It is a very complex spell form, that even my dear sister was unable to control. I am thankful no one was truely hurt.

Second, my little ponies and I will do our best to make your stay with us as comfortable as possible. So I would ask that you refrain from any further pastry and book based attacks.

Third...I wish I had more to be able to tell you than this. I wish I could, but circumstances do not allow me to do so. Please know that we have no wish for you to come to harm, and that you will be treated fairly, if you will do the same.

In good faith,

Princess Celestia"

>Sitting back for a monment, she dipped the quill in the inkwell one more time...

"P.S. If you get a moment, please write to me, telling me how you are doing, and ask questions. If I can, I will answer them."

 

>Sealing the scroll, and sending it off via dragon's fire, Celestia looked at the time, it now being an hour later. Walking toward the outlook from her chambers, she spotted Luna on the ajacent one, watching the skies. Quiet filled the air between them, till Luna spoke in a whisper.

>"Tia...do..do you ever think that Sweyn ever made it home, to his people? Do you think he can ever forgive me?"

>With a sigh, Celstia draped a wing over her younger sister in a small hug.

"I have to admit..I'd not given the human world much thought since that time. And from what we know, they only live around 50 years, if they are lucky. He gave us a lot of information about his people...the Norse, the Danes, the Saxons, all under his rule. But I am sure much has changed since his time."

>Looking down, Luna tried to contain the tears that were forming in her eyes.

>"I should have known he could never forget about Gunhild. I cannot believe what I asked of him..."

"You were young, little sister. Love makes us do very strange things. And yes, it doesn't always work out for the best. But I am hoping this time will be different. This...Anon, seems far more reckless. Quick to express himself, even if for the moment it is to express anger. Remember what Sweyn did his first day here?"

>Luna chuckled a little, wiping a tear from her cheek.

>"He threw a pegasus out a window. His heart almost stopped when the guard flew back in and told him it was rude to throw guardsponies out windows."

>Celestia smiled at the 'then horrifying' memory. She'd nearly exiled the Norseman on the spot, but it was Luna that stayed her hand, informing her of what had happened.

"Why don't you head to bed, Luna. I am sure the Elements will need both our guidance over the next few days, and if we are not rested, we won't be able to help them properly."

>Nodding to her sister, Luna stepped into her chambers, leaving Celestia alone with her thoughts.

"Well..I suppose I could get an early breakfast. Let's see if the cooks left anything decent in my fruit bowl."

>Looking to the small table in her chambers, she smiled.

"Oh, look, bananas! I love those!"