Cosmos and Galaxia: The Birth of a Kingdom (MLP AU)

Chapter 67: Luna's Playful Night

                         As Luna's bond with the night deepened, so did her connection with the citizens of Canterlot and the surrounding provinces. Having more free time compared to Celestia, she began spending her nights wandering through the kingdom, mingling with her subjects, and sometimes getting up to mischief in the most endearing of ways. Luna had quickly become beloved by the night dwellers of Canterlot—the ponies who thrived in the quiet hours after the sun had set.

On one such night, Luna decided to visit the bustling Moonlight Market, a lively marketplace that only opened after dusk. It was a place where artisans, bakers, and performers set up stalls and entertained visitors late into the night. Luna adored this place, where the energy of the night came alive, and the ponies were relaxed and joyful.

As Luna strolled through the market, her sharp eyes spotted a delicious-looking pastry stand run by a kind, elderly baker named Sugar Crust. The stand was adorned with all manner of sweets, from glistening moon cakes to sugar-dusted rolls. One particular cake, a towering confection covered in midnight-blue frosting with silver stars, caught her attention.

"Oh, Princess Luna!" Sugar Crust greeted with a bow. "It's always a pleasure to see you. I made this cake in honor of the night—would you like to try a piece?"

Luna's eyes lit up. "It looks absolutely delightful! I simply must have a slice."

With her magic, Luna carefully levitated a slice of the cake towards her. But just as she was about to take a bite, a group of foals darted past her, chasing a bouncing ball. In the commotion, Luna's magic faltered, and the slice of cake launched into the air, sailing in slow motion toward a rather unprepared stall owner.

"By the stars!" Luna cried out, her voice both amused and shocked.

The cake landed squarely on the head of a stern-looking unicorn who was in the middle of pricing his wares. His eyes widened as the frosting slid down his face, covering his mane in streaks of blue and silver.

For a brief moment, the market fell silent, everyone watching with bated breath.

Then, the stall owner burst into laughter. "I suppose I can say I've been blessed by the night!" he joked, wiping the frosting from his face.

Luna, unable to contain her own laughter, joined in, her hearty giggles echoing across the market. Soon, the entire crowd was laughing along with her. She floated over to the unicorn, offering him a napkin with a grin.

"My sincerest apologies, good sir. Let me make it up to you with another cake, on me."

"No need, Your Highness," the stall owner chuckled, still wiping frosting from his coat. "This was the most excitement I've had all week!"

Later that night, Luna found herself at a tavern where ponies gathered to enjoy music, dance, and share stories. As she listened to the lively tunes of a local band, an idea for a harmless prank began to form in her mind. With a sly smile, Luna's horn glowed softly, and she began shifting the stars above into a new pattern.

Moments later, the tavern-goers began to notice. One pony, looking up at the night sky through the tavern windows, gasped.

"Look! The stars... they're spelling something!"

Luna could barely contain her amusement as the patrons ran outside to see the sky. Written in twinkling starlight were the words:

"Free drinks for all under the stars!"

The crowd erupted into cheers, thinking it was a sign from the heavens.

"Bless Princess Luna! She always looks out for us!" someone shouted joyfully.

Luna, perched on the tavern's rooftop, laughed to herself. She watched the scene unfold, knowing full well that the tavern owner, Starry Pint, would be scratching his head at the sudden rush of drink orders.

But when Starry Pint saw the message, he didn't seem upset at all. Instead, he grinned and raised a mug of cider to the sky.

"To Princess Luna! Our protector of the night and our bringer of joy!"

Feeling pleased with her little joke, Luna descended from the rooftop and joined the crowd, her presence met with cheers and warm greetings. She shared a drink with Starry Pint, her heart swelling with the love and affection her people had for her.

As the night deepened, the market slowed, and Luna found herself in a quiet clearing just outside the bustling square. There, a small group of ponies had gathered for a traditional moonlight dance, a graceful and ancient performance that honored the beauty of the night.

Luna watched from the shadows at first, enchanted by the flowing movements of the dancers. But as the music swelled, one of the dancers spotted her and gestured for her to join them.

"Oh no, I couldn't possibly—"

"Please, Your Highness!" they insisted. "It would be an honor!"

With a playful grin, Luna stepped into the circle of dancers. At first, she followed their movements, her large wings gracefully sweeping through the air as she twirled among them. But soon, her natural exuberance took over, and she added her own flourish to the dance, leaping into the air with majestic spins and gliding effortlessly above the ground.

The crowd watched in awe as Luna brought the dance to life with her ethereal grace, her mane shimmering like the night sky itself. When the music ended, the dancers bowed to her, but Luna, with her ever-playful spirit, returned the bow deeply, earning laughter and applause from everyone present.

By the time Luna returned to the palace, the first light of dawn was just beginning to break over the horizon. She entered her chambers with a contented smile, her heart light and joyful. The night had been filled with laughter, fun, and a sense of deep connection with her people.

As she lay down to rest, Luna thought of how much she loved her role as the protector of the night, not just in guarding the dream realm but also in bringing happiness and light to those who cherished the darkness.

Her final thought before drifting off to sleep was simple and sincere:

"The night is truly my realm, and I wouldn't trade it for anything."