Seperation

It was a quiet night, the light breeze being the only break to what would be silence. The moon rose high above the horizon, it's soft glow reflecting on the stream, creating a near perfect image of the world around it. The stream runs from the mountain through the park before forking into two,  and between the two halves lies an island largely uninhabited, save for a small handful of ponies wandering about. At the base of the mountain stands a castle overlooking the park providing a contrast of natural and architectural beauty matched by none.

 

Princess Luna was perched on the top of a rock, gazing at the stars in the night sky - a creation she was very proud of. It was very relaxing for her, to finally have the opportunity to rest. She had the night to herself, something she doesn't get often. Her mind was full of energy as she contemplated the events of the day.

 

--

 

While she was in Ponyville, she met a young filly who introduced herself as Stratus. Stratus had taken an immediate liking to the princess, and the pair of them engaged in a lengthy conversation with no specific subject. Soon the sun fell, and shortly gave way to the night. Noticing that it was getting late, Luna asked if her parents were worried about her, to which she didn't reply. With haste Stratus stood and immediately started running as fast as she could, no destination in mind. Luna started to worry about her - she was out in the town at night and could easily get lost, but brushed it off as quickly as it came, believing that she was running simply to get home.

 

--

 

Cirrus looked all through the night for Stratus, who hadn't returned home since he last saw her. His searching became increasingly frantic as more time passed until he found himself in the park. It was eerily quiet, yet calming. Among the trees he saw a familiar face.

 

"Princess Luna?" She turns around.

"Oh, hello, Cirrus. I didn't expect to see you here."

"I didn't expect to be out here. It's a nice night though."

"Indeed it is." There was a brief period of silence before Cirrus spoke again.

"Luna, have you seen my sister Stratus? I've been looking for her all night."

"Hmm, ah yes, we met in Ponyville this afternoon."

"What?"

"She came up to me and we started a conversation until sunset, after which she just ran off."

"Oh."

"Aren't your parents worried about you two?"

"...No."

"May I know why?"

"Uh... Do you remember the time a dragon attacked Cloudsdale?"

"I do."

"Well, my dad was working to keep the entire town under control so we didn't see much of him that day. Stratus and I were with my mother until we somehow got lost in the crowd. Eventually a guardspony found us and we were taken out of town to a refugee camp in Trottingham. We never saw our parents after that day. Eventually I managed to gather enough money to buy a home in Ponyville. It's a nice little town where nothing exceptionally dangerous happens.

 

Not too long ago we went back to Cloudsdale. I must have got distracted at some point and the next thing I know, Stratus isn't there. I spent the rest of the day searching until I found myself here."

 

"Stratus is a really nice filly." Cirrus turned around quickly, surprised at the voice from behind him. "We met today in Cloudsdale and had lots of fun!" The thought of Stratus having a good time with 'friends' made him smile slightly.

"That's very good to know."

"My name's Orange Cream, if you wanted to know."

"That's a nice name."

"Thank you." The conversation continued, both Cirrus and Orange sharing stories of their experiences with Stratus, with Luna occasionally giving her input.

"Maybe she can be independent."

"If she was alright today, maybe it's worth a try."

"After all, what could go wrong?"

 

The conversation soon dwindled after that. Cirrus and Orange left not long after to their own homes. Cirrus journeyed home in silence, save for the rumble of the train's wheels rolling on the metal rails. Luckily he didn't live too far from the station. In fact, he had one of the most convenient places in the entire town, equal distance to most points of interest.

 

Arriving at his door, Cirrus gave it a gentle nudge. It was unlocked. He trotted up the stairs and into Stratus' bedroom. Stratus was home, sleeping in her bed. Cirrus gave out a sigh of relief as he walked to his own bedroom and jumped onto his bed.