It had been four centuries since the banishment of Nightmare Moon, and Princess Celestia had become the wheel on which Equestria turned. The wild parties of the past had been tamed, and now served as extensions of her court, a way for her ponies to approach her in a less formal setting. They had become another string she could pluck to ease tensions, to ensure Equestria continued to blossom beneath her guidance.

Now, though, she was looking forward to an evening with one of her few friends, a former assistant who had retired, yet whose company Celestia valued. They had bonded over the long years together, as Bright Quill had helped Celestia keep the gears of government smooth.

Her body may no longer have been up to the breakneck pace sometimes demanded, yet her mind was sharp as ever, her quick wit and sharp tongue always knowing just how to make Celestia laugh. Those rare nights they could bond over shared memories and a game of Kablarra - a foreign game few ponies besides Celestia even knew the rules for - were a happy break in the tedium of government.

When the time arrived, Celestia ushered Bright Quill in, sat her down, and already had the board up and awaiting the first move. There were small cakes, and a sweet cider Bright Quill was fond of, and as the pieces clicked about, Celestia let herself relax, let the mask of Princess slip for the first time in weeks.

At least, till the knock came. Almost apologetic, a guard poked his head in the door and said, “Princess? I apologize, yet I have been asked to request you come with me. The gryphons have sent a delegation to demand we yield control of the border pass near Hoofington, claiming that it is within their territory, and Minister Weathered Scroll is at a loss on how to proceed. She’s doing all she can just to keep General Flanking Charge from having the guard toss them all into the dungeons, as he’s yelling about how ‘no puffed-up feathery catbird will be taking a single inch of Equestrian land!’.”

Celestia sighed, and for a moment, she allowed a sorrowful scowl to cover her face. “I’m sorry, Bright Quill.”

“I know, Princess. You always are. And I forgive you. I know what you feel you must do. Perhaps some other night, soon.” And yet, Celestia knew, those ‘other nights’ almost never came, and her friend was not getting any younger.

Yet, she smoothed her features into that of the calm Princess, and rose from her cushion. “Please have somepony show Miss Quill home, and another to clean up.” It was never easy, what she was required to do, to give of herself time and again when all she craved was a night’s peace. But she loved her ponies, she loved Equestria, and though it might hurt in the moment, she would always find time to give when she was needed.