The Great Ball of the Full Moon (AnwirAria, OPEN)

[Blueblood]

While the nights of summer were the shortest of the year, they were no less beautiful than any of Princess Luna's craftwork.  If anything, their brevity better allowed a pony to stay up for the whole of it.  Hence, the idea that had floated around the royal court, that the anniversary of Princess' Luna's return could be celebrated a little time after the Summer Sun Celebration, a ball under the stars that would last all night!  

 

When Auntie Luna asked him to arrange matters, Prince Blueblood could not refuse.  Major event planning in Canterlot was one of the miscellaneous duties that was bound with his inherited royal status, and truth be told it was a job he rather enjoyed.  Arranging the catering with various cooling dishes and moon-shaped treats, marking out a short-clipped lawn of grass tough enough to withstand the wear of many dancing hooves, selecting just the right light summer outfits to make one of the periodic marks upon fashion that was expected of his station.

 

All was, in short, just as he liked his life to be.  But there was one extra request that his Auntie had asked of him...

 

"My night guard has been especially looking forward to this event, and for that I must thank you.  They get so little time to properly socialize in the high-class scene, given the shifts that we work.  However, this does also mean that some of my high officers are without escorts for the night.  There is one in particular that I should not wish to leave lonely in the midst of a crowd.  Would you be so kind, dear nephew, to serve as her escort in and pair for the night?  It need mean no more than a formality, you're not committed to courtship.  She has just been alone for so long... amidst hostile ponies too, growing up."

 

It wasn't a request that Blueblood could with honor refuse, even if he could not accept without some amount of trepidation.  No matter how chaste or platonic the arrangement was, rumors would still fly, of that he was certain.  Luna seemed convinced, however, that general Aria would better stand these than stand alone... not to mention, the exercise would no doubt do her nephew a bit of good as well.

 

So, there he was, in a light suit of white linen fabric and a midnight blue sash studded with stars, awaiting his appointed companion a little outside of the castle.  It was but a short walk from here to the appointed Ball Lawn, which would at least give them a little time to get acquainted before facing the whole of Canterlot Society...

[AnwirAria]

Anwir finally worked up the courage to leave the confines if her small home. She was wearing her best armor, (she had somehow convinced the princesses to let her. They tried getting her to wear a dress, but she mentioned her limp and how a dress may cause her to trip.) Princess Luna told her that she arrange an escort to the ball for her. It was the princesses' nephew. She remembered seeing him around the castle before, but never tried to talk to him.

 

As she got closer to the courtyard she became self conscious. She remembered her horn is different than the last time she went to a ball, and even then she was just a guard. 

 

She was going to refuse but Celestia requested her audience about a week ago. 

"General Aria, I'm glad to see you are finally getting back into your duties!," Princess Celestia had said cheerfully, "I've been informed you do not wish to go and celebrate my sister's return."

Anwir had suddenly tensed up, she hadn't meant to come off as rude, she just felt like she would be accused of... Well she's not sure, but of something. She knows she's not in her hometown, but still. 

Anwir bows, "Forgive me Princess! I didn't mean to come off as rude-"

"General, I understand your reasoning, but you are now Princess Luna's Head General. You must attend. I didn't want to say this, but I am making it an order for you to attend Luna has also agreed to it."

Anwir just bowed and agreed. 

 

With a slow limping pace, Anwir saw Prince Blueblood in the near distance. As she approached, she felt like eyes we're staring he down. She cooled her expression to keep the anxious look off her face. 

 

[Blueblood]

Luna had warned Blueblood ahead of time about the limp and the curved horn.  He had his own... issues with changelings, but given that she had spent longer in a cocoon of theirs than he had, the Prince had nothing but sympathy for her situation.  In fact, he was rather more charming than his usual cynical self when it actually came to attending the formal shindigs that he arranged.  Didn't hurt that he honestly preferred the company of guards to the debutante crowd.  "Ah, there you are, general!"  Turning towards her with a most winning smile, he extended a crooked hoof to her, the standard for a stallion accompanying a mare.  "I must say, you do splendid!  I always did love the sight of a mare in uniform."  He wasn't just being polite either, mare guards really did appeal to him for their looks, and Anwir carried the look well.

[AnwirAria]

Anwir politely took the extended hood with her bad one. She awkwardly blushed. She thought he was just saying that because of her being the Head General. She figured in reality he probably was disgusted by her. 

 

"Thank you, Prince Blueblood. You look nice as well." She said politely in her "soldier voice". It's the voice she usually uses to hide her nervousness.

 

She's suddenly very aware of how long it's been since she's been to a formal event, let alone a ball. 

 

She looks up to the moon. That was something she would usually do for comfort. In the past she would see the outline of the princess on the moon and feel like she wasn't alone. But now... She was no longer up there, but down here. She looks back at her escort. Knowing she cannot be comforted by the moon no longer. She's been told before she's always had a deep sadness in her eyes even when she laughs at a joke. Supposedly it's more prominent after her townspeople attacked her. 

[Blueblood]

Quite used to the manners of guards and guarded ponies, the Prince didn't push the issue, knowing that it would only close Anwir further.  His grip on her hoof was gentle, and he matched a slow pace on her part.  Being fashionably late was standard for one of his rank, no need to rush.  Still, he wasn't quite sure how to proceed, after getting a read on the rather deep melancholy that he could feel hanging about her.  He walked in silence for a bit, following her gaze up to the moon.

 

"It's strange to think, there's colts and fillies growing up now that will never know what the moon used to look like."  He ventured to follow her thought.  "The world has changed in so many ways since we were foals.  One has to hope it is for the better."

[AnwirAria]

Anwir looked to the smaller unicorn. She appreciated the slow pace he set as the made their way. She is suddenly aware that he saw the way she was looking at the moon. 

 

"Yes, it is," she said as they approach stairs. "I cannot say whether it will be better or not. So many things has changed for me this past year and near few were good."

 

Anwir thinks back to how her town looked at her that day when she came back in the palace armor and a curved horn. They were still weary, but they were less tense when they saw her uniform. That was until Nightmare moon returned and all of the past came back and they turned on her. Their hatred-filled eyes are still burned into her memories. 

 

She looks at the stairs like they said something foul to her. She starts working up the courage to go up the stairs. 

[Blueblood]

Blueblood nodded, letting Anwir pause before the steps.  He wasn't sure what it was about them, or the thoughts running through her head, that was so weighing down her hooves like lead horseshoes.  He could only keep the conversation alive, like any diplomat in unfamiliar territory.  "Indeed, but what makes it especially hard to make the reckoning is how much of the good and bad is all bound together.  The return of the age of monsters and heroes is a rather terrifying thing if you're not part of either category, but it was inaugurated by the return of Auntie Luna.  I haven't much in the way of family, and it was... surprisingly wonderful to have it grow.  Now that I think about it, in fact, most of the best things in my life right now came out of some of my worst experiences.  Funny how life works, isn't it?"

[AnwirAria]

Anwir gives a small smile, it isn't near fake but definitely not a fully true one. She feels happy for the prince, he had been able to grow his family. She may of never had an experience like that, but she understood the joy the prince felt. 

 

She realized that she had come to a full stop after a moment. She has had a terrible time with stairs since she started limping, not to mention the chronic pain from her scars near her joints. 

 

"Life does work in odd ways. I was actually supposed to stay in my village and write back to Celestia on what things I found beautiful there for about a year. She didn't realize I had a terrible connection to it though. When they attacked and made me have no choice but flee, Celestia helped me find a place here in Canterlot and helped me get back on my feet. Princess Luna had actually just returned when I made it back to the castle, I believe I accidentally scared her." She looked to the stairs again and braced herself and went to walk up them. 

"I still see a look in her eyes when she asks for me, it's one that I cannot decipher."

 

Not that she can decipher most emotions from other ponies. It's something she has struggled with for a while, that's only seem to have grown worse after what happened. 

[Blueblood]

Suddenly noticing that the limp his companion had would make stairs difficult to navigate, Blueblood shifted himself so that she could use him more for support.  One step at a time, that's how they had to take it.  That was about the only way to get through life and its hardships, really, though the Prince had to admit that Anwir had faced more than most.  "That's... awful.  I can't imagine what its like to be rejected by your hometown like that...."  Although, given how much the fear of shame and ostracism plagued the each noble in Canterlot with regards to their peers, he had a little more empathy than most.  "That said, I believe Auntie Luna does understand; that's more or less part of the reason the whole... Nightmare Moon thing happened.  I think you should see if she would be willing to talk to you about it, I've found her counsel to be quite helpful myself."

[AnwirAria]

Anwir was greatful for Blueblood helping her up the stairs. It was a slow but steady pace. 

She looked at him with thoughtful eyes. 

"I... you think she would?" She was quieter now her "soldier voice" dissipated and now her quiet, unsure voice shown through. 

Her expression was one of the smallest bit of hope of possibly having someone relate to her struggles. 

[Blueblood]

Blueblood nodded with utmost sincerity.  "I do."  He said simply, concentrating on helping them both up the stairs without making Anwir's disadvantage obvious to any onlookers.  Being a master of appearances, even fake ones, had its good uses it seems.  Auntie had asked him to put out all the stops for her general, and that alone was enough to tell the Prince how much she cared.

 

"Truth be told, there are others who've grown up with similar difficulties.  I can put you in touch with a few who have grown up under the scorn of their neighbors, and those who bear the scars of of rejection.  Some only through forms of letters, as I met them on my travels.  But it is important for you to remember, just as Princess Luna came to learn: you are not alone."

 

As if on cue, the pair rounded the corner of a trimmed hedge to arrive upon the immaculate lawn for the ball.  All around were ponies dressed to the nines in suits and gowns, around half of them thestrals with their leathery wings and tufted ears, chatting amicably with nobles from the other tribes.  It seemed that Anwir wasn't even alone in coming here in her dress uniform, as a few officers were wearing their parade gear, shining in gold, silver, and primary colors. 

 

The band hadn't finished warming up yet, but already some pairs were readying their place for the first waltz.  "You can follow my lead if you don't know the steps.  Most guests take the first dance, then switch partners or take breaks as they please."  Not having seen her at any formal gathering before, he wasn't sure if she knew how they worked.

[AnwirAria]

Anwir nods her thanks to Blueblood after they get up the stairs. She looks at him with genuine thanks. 

 

"I... I will try and talk to Princess Luna, I know that she and I have a meeting later on this evening before she lowers the moon. I will see if she's willing to talk at a later date." She says in her quiet voice, "I... Would be grateful if you could put me in touch with a few of them. I think it would help me knowing I could talk to other ponies about it."

 

As they approach the dance fooor, Anwir takes a deep breath. 

 

"I do know most of the waltzes, but due to my duties back then I hadn't been able to participate most of the time if they were at night. If they were during the day, I was resting. I also haven't tried to waltz since I've acquired my limp." Anwir admits as she tries to follow the Prince's lead. With her limp she hasn't been able to do as mush as she had before, even with mundane tasks. 

 

She had always tried to help the gardners where she could, she had helped them clean the taller statues due to her tall stature. One statue she had cleaned was a Draconiques, his face looked like he had been betrayed. It had tears and his mouth was open in what looked like a wail. Now she can barely do so, she has to rely on her magic. She usually doesn't use her magic often, she just forgets she has it seeing as she grew up in a town of just earth ponies. 

 

 

[Blueblood]

(Princess Luna's player will likely be joining us tomorrow!)

"She should be showing up here, actually."  Blueblood pointed out the setting sun and rising moon.  The Dance would be timed to begin as the moon rose, concluding with Princess Luna arriving from the balcony.  As the silver disk rose above the dark horizon, Blueblood took Anwir's hoof and led her to the Dance floor.  Not to the center, as that would put her a little too much on the spot, but in a space where she could find her hooves and rhythm.  Blue himself was a very graceful dancer, capable of much fancier steps than these, but he didn't push Anwir too much, as he would need time to figure out how to work around the limp.

 

She wouldn't see that statue here that she remembered, it seemed to have been taken away.  Or else de-stoned.  So many statues seemed to do that these days...

[AnwirAria]

 

(Oh! that's Great! : DI can't wait!) 

 

 Anwir looks up towards the balcony, she can see the vague silouhette of both princesses. She knew that the statue would not be present, but her eyes still automatically searched for it. 

 

She mentally shook her head and tried to figure out how she was going to work around her limp. Luckily, this waltz was a fairly simple one. One that she actually knew when she was a filly. There was only three steps but one involved her injured hoof. She soon figured it out. A small, proud look appeared on her face. It was barely noticeable. 

 

She could feel eyes on her but she ignored them in order to focus on the dance. 

 

She quietly hummed the music to help her focus, her voice is as sweet as honey when she does so. She got her cutie mark from singing one day. She would rarely ever let herself do so even if it is quiet, ponies usually stop and stare most of the time like they're in a trance. This time though, the music was loud enough to drown it out. 

 

[Blueblood]

Only Blueblood would have been close enough to hear Anwir's humming, as she would know when he whispered in her ear.  "You have a pretty voice, you know."  He could tell she was a little shy about it, but it was a sweet enough sound to be worth encouraging.  Her dancing was pretty decent too, once she got in the rhythm.  Once she got her level of confidence up high enough, he was pretty certain that she would be able to handle pretty much anything that society had to throw at her.

 

But, for that, talking to Auntie Luna was going to do more for her than he could.  So, once the dance concluded, he stepped back in a bow, looking back up at the balcony to see if the Princess was coming down.  "She should be able to recognize us, I can run interference if you two need a bit of privacy."

 

 

[AnwirAria]

Anwir freezes at Blueblood's compliment for a moment and looks to see if he was like any of the other ponies that have heard her sing. She relaxes when she sees no sign of it. She smiles and nods. 

 

"Thank you, Prince Blueblood. If the need arises, I'll let you know." She says as she also takes a bow when the music ends, as one should when the first song ends. 

 

Anwir follows his gaze to see if the princess will be heading down. Normally the princess (Celestia at the time) would fly down, but sometimes if she feels the need to she'll take the long way. Most of the time from what Anwir had witnessed while guarding the orchestra knows ahead if time and will play a longer waltz in the beginning. 

 

Anwir can make out the figures of both princesses on the balcony. 

 

"I do doubt that she won't recognize us, seeing as I'm taller than most ponies and you're her nephew." Anwir says quietly in an attempt at a joke, she was never any good at them, but she likes to make fun of her height that's one of the things she's most comfortable with. Though, she's better at giving a kind word and just listening to what other ponies have to say to make them feel better. 

 

[Skycoaster]

As Luna approached the ballroom, she would smile. Blueblood had done an excellent job in organizing the Full Moon Ball into a grand event. His attention to detail was something to behold as she could honestly say it could rival her sister's Grand Galloping Gala....or at least what she would have envisioned the Gala to be if she had chosen to attend the event. Large crowds where something the retired night princess avoided, preferring more direct interaction with the subjects of Equestria.

 

Speaking of direct interaction, Blueblood seemed to have something special planned. With a deep breath and a glow of her horn, the large doors into the ballroom would open to reveal the alicorn. She was clad in a black evening dress, designed by Rarity of course, with sparkling stars embroidered into the shiny silk fabric with a deep purple sheer. Her main was done up as a much smaller tiara sat on her head. A shinny crescent moon would adorn the center of her dress.

 

As the alicorn began to make her way up the stairs, she would smile softly and nod to everypony in the room as a sign to continue as they where. Even retired now as it where, all in the room still respected and admired her. Turning to address the gathering, Luna would smile. "Greetings everypony. I am beyond joyful to see such a grand turnout for the first Ball of the Full Moon. It is a true honor to be host to so many loyal and hard working creatures. This night truly belongs to thee. Eat, drink...responsibly of course, dance, and make new lasting friendships, for we shall wish This Night Could Last Forever!"

 

After her address, Luna would levitate herself a glass of areion ale and begin her walk over to her nephew and their special guest. "Greetings Blueblood," she'd say with a smile. "You have done an amazing job with the implementation of this grand event. I am sure if my sister where here, she'd be quite jealous. I would have been here sooner, however I believe I caught Rarity by surprise with with my last minuet dress order. You don't think it is to much, do you?"

 

"And General Anwir I presume?" Luna would say with a wink. "I am glad that you where able to attend tonight. Like many ponies of the night, we often miss out on the grand events Canterlot has to offer. I trust you will make yourself comfortable for it is the one night we can truly relax. Twilight and her guards will be handling our duties tonight and well into early morning." Taking a small drink she would look to both Blue and Anwir. "I believe it is customary for on of the guest of honor to offer the princess a first dance if I am not mistaken?" Luna would chuckle

[AnwirAria]

Anwir bows to the princess and stands back up. This is their first true meeting, they have seen each other in meetings and around the castle of course, but this past week was Anwir's official first week back from recovery leave. 

 

She looked to Luna surprised, she was not told she was the special guest. Anwir had a quiet panic and looked to Blueblood. Princess Celestia ordered her to attend not be the special guest! Princess Celestia must've forgotten, but knowing her she probably thought Anwir wouldn't attend if she was told she's the special guest... 

 

.... A dance, Anwir heard the song beginning to play. She can't just say no to the princess,this ball is to celebrate her one year anniversary of her return. She knows this one, but she doesn't know how she will fare with her limp. She looks to Blueblood again since he is the only pony so far outside of the guard to be kind and friendly to her. 

 

"Of course, Princess Luna." Anwir says quietly and bows. Following the princess to the middle of the room. Anwir panics a little more, everypony will see if she falls or messes up the steps to the dance. 

[Blueblood]

Blueblood bowed at his Aunt's compliment.  "I could do no less.  An event going well reflects upon its host, after all!"  He wasn't about to embarrass both Luna and himself by a poor job, after all!  And after the... incident at the Gala, Celestia had told him in no uncertain terms to shape up in how he dealt with mares.  "And I think the dress is wonderful."  His voice had a... touch less enthusiasm, but that was just because personal relations with the dressmaker were less than ideal at present.

 

He stood aside as Luna came to address Anwir.  It was indeed her turn to dance with her general, though he himself wasn't sure if she was quite ready to be the center of attention.  With a bit of a nervous look, he whispered, "Make her look good, alright?  Mind the legs."  That was about all he could do now.  Not fully in control over how every aspect of the event went, he could only divert his attention towards any other guests that might show up.  There were, after all, more than two attendees...

[AnwirAria]

As Anwir followed the princess, she put her soldier face on, she could feel ponies staring at her and see them whispering. She glanced at one pony, he was looking at her with a scowl, he was eyeing her horn. She was a hair taller than Luna if you counted it. 

 

The pony looked to be a duke from a neighboring city. She went to turn away when she heard a harsh whisper in the pony's direction. 

"...changeling scum."

 

Anwir's eyes widened a fraction but did not change her expression, her ears went down a bit. 

 

Anwir tried to tune it out and get ready to dance, but she heard a few shocked whispers from the crowd. No doubt about what the Duke said. 

[Skycoaster]

Luna would nod to Blueblood as she escorted Anwir to the dance floor. She would hear the comment and attempt to hide a frown. Once they reached the center of the dance floor, she'd look over to the organist and give her a nod. "Do not worry, Anwir, I will lead."

 

As the music began to play, Luna's horn would glow ever so softly as she levitated the general just a few millimeters off the ground, but enough that her limp would not be a problem. After a few notes, it was clear just what song Luna had picked for this occasion. Grinning to her dancing partner, she whispered. "I wonder what my nephew thinks of my choice of music," as a shortened arrangement of Fugue in A Minor would play. 

 

As the music played, the alicorn would take the time to comfort the General. "Do not let their comments get to thee. For many of moons since my return, I too felt the disdain in the looks of a few subjects of Equestria. Being known as ones alter ego instead of who one truly is can take a toll on one's mental heath. The only pony whom you need to please is yourself. Do not let their feeling cause you guilt for who you are."

 

(Link to Song: https://youtu.be/mnqzzPZ36c8?si=Zzk2bD5VR9O_KKgw&t=160)

 

[Blueblood]

Tilting his head to listen to the music, Blueblood chuffed in amusement.  "Never one to let go of the organ fuge, eh Auntie?"  He muttered to himself.  Not exactly his taste in music, but it could be worse.  She could have become a metalhead upon her return; Blueblood still nursed a worry that at any point she might.

 

In any case, he went off to get some refreshments, only pausing to artfully 'stumble' near the stallion who had given the hateful glance and remark, 'accidentally' spilling a glass of red wine all over the insinuator's shirt front.  "Oh dear, my most sincerest apologies!"  He said, in a convincing act of fluster, making futile attempts to blot the mess with a handkerchief in a way that only spread the stain.  Sometimes a less than stellar reputation could come in handy to cover petty acts of vengeful justice...

[AnwirAria]

Anwir jumps a little when she levitates just slightly. She allows the princess to take the lead. This song was one of Anwir's favorites. 

 

"It is a beautiful piece Princess Luna." Anwir says kindly. She was greatful for Luna to take into account of her limp.

 

"It is not that I feel guilt from their words, it is that my response to harsh words is to be ready to flee as most often times for me violence follows." Answer says quietly, almost afraid to admit it. 

 

Hearing a small commotion, Answer looks over to see Blueblood spilling wine on the Duke's suit. She sends him a small greatful look. She hides her smile as she looks back to Luna. 

 

"It has been engrained into me to expect from past experiences. Also, I was not made aware I was the honored guest. Princess Celestia never mentioned it."

[Skycoaster]

Luna would sigh listing to the mare speak, but continue dancing. "Tolerance has come a long way in a short period of time in Equestria Anwir," as she gave her a twirl carefully. "Not every pony however is such a fast learner however. Thine own subjects ran from their princess, believing that I was still Nightmare Moon. I felt that pain every day till Celestia encouraged me to attend Nightmare Night in Ponyville with Twilight Sparkle. Though that event did not begin favorably, thine subjects and I began to heal and earn a respect for each other." 

 

Dipping Anwir, she would continue. "Is it not possible that this event is meant to serve as something similar? As for the guest of honor," Luna would look to Blueblood and wink, "I may have come up with the idea just before I entered the ballroom tonight..." As the song began to near it's end, Luna would smile to Anwir. "I will end with a lesson I learned upon that first visit to Ponyville. It is not the number of friends one surrounds themself with, but the quality of said friend. I'm sure you will make many lasting friendships tonight."

 

As the song ended, Luna would end her spell, setting Anwir back down gently. She would take a bow and then motion for Anwir to take one as well. After a few moments she would begin making her way over to her nephew and the 'Duke' "I must apologize for any inconvenience that tonight may have caused you...however if tonight is not to your standards, may I suggest the door? There are many ponies who have come here tonight to celebrate the night and honor all those in service to Equestrian." Luna would then put her wing over the young Duke. Something that would normaly be seen as an honor would send a chill down that stallion's back as she would speak just loud enough for Anwir and Blueblood to here. "You are here because of a formality of title...one that I may add has been handed down over generations, not earned. I knew thy ancestors and they would be ashamed. Apologize or make your way to the door."

[AnwirAria]

"I am still trying to learn, but my mind still goes into a panic. It's a long due process." Anwir says, "Thank you with bestowing me the title of Guest of Honor. I am beyond grateful for it." She smiles as the princess mentions her small visit to Ponyville and nods in agreement. She thinks about how Luna said Anwir will make friendships tonight, she couldn't help but agree. She looks to the pony who has been nothing but kind and thoughtful to her this entire night besides Luna. Blueblood was still talking to the Duke near the refreshments. She hoped to become good friends with him. 

 

Anwir adjusts herself to standing again and with Luna's subtle help. She follows Luna over to Blueblood and the Duke. Other ponies are watching even as the next waltz starts up. They soon turn back to their conversations as Luna puts a wing around the stallion. 

 

Anwir doesn't say anything, but she feels awkward, she wasn't expecting Luna to bring attention to it. While at one point she would have said no pony would, after Celestia found out about what her hometown did, she sent guards there to escort her assailants to the castle cells. 

 

The Duke's ears went back when his ancestors were mentioned. His face became red in frustration. He looked to The general with scorn in his gaze. 

"I am sorry for calling you for what you became and what you are." His words were said with so much menace, Anwir almost took a step back. But she held her ground.