Luna paced back and forth through the hallway, doubt and anxiety riding her mind. Months it had been. Luna thought maybe she could get through to her wife eventually. It would only take time. After all, she had been just as affected about the loss of their child as Rarity, but she wholeheartedly knew that the mare had a right to be upset. She just wanted Rarity back. She wanted to hold her and look in the eyes and say that it would be alright. They were both going through a difficult time and it would be so much better for both of them to get through it by each other’s sides. But Luna had made the choice. Luna chose the life of Rarity over their child. And as horrible as it sounds…Luna wouldn’t hesitate to make that choice again. It wasn’t all for selfish reasons, or at least she tried to tell herself that. It wasn’t that after years of feeling alone and lost and uncertain that Rarity with her various tea sessions and dresses and compliments that she felt better about herself. It wasn’t that Rarity’s fur, as white as snow, and eyes, shining bright as diamonds and as dark as the deep ocean that made her fur pink. It wasn’t that the beauty in her soul and the heartwarming feeling Luna got when she saw her wife. It wasn’t that. Rarity was an Element of Harmony. And as awful and unfair as it was..the Elements of Harmony had a duty to protect Equestria when all else failed. Equestria couldn’t afford to lose one of the elements. Not even Rarity. Especially not Rarity. She heard hoofsteps echo in the hallway as her brain tinkered for answers on how to handle the situation before her. She turned to face the approacher, giving a soft smile. It was hard to smile these days.
 
“Hello, Princess Twilight Sparkle.” Luna greeted. Her grin lasted only momentarily before it broke and she gazed at the ground, seemingly in sadness. Twilight looked tired, Luna noticed. Very tired. Come to think of it, Luna couldn’t remember when she’d seen a dream from the purple alicorn.
 
“Hi, Luna. How is she?” Twilight asked bluntly. Never one to bounce around a subject, Twilight was. Luna unconsciously flinched at the mention of her wife.
 
“I..to be honest Twilight Sparkle, I haven’t the faintest idea. She hasn’t spoken to me in quite some time. Which, I fear, is quite understandable.” Luna sighed, remorse heavy in her tone. Twilight nodded.
 
“I’m aware. Everything you told me in the letter seemed very…intense. Is that why you called me here? To talk to Rarity?” Twilight questioned, calm concern in her face. Luna wondered if Twilight actually cared, or if she was just here out of courtesy. The night princess quickly shoved away that thought- as that was nothing like the princess of friendship.
 
“Indeed Twilight Sparkle. I…I fear Rarity has only gotten worse. She doesn’t eat or drink…I’m not even sure if she sleeps. I don’t check on her dreams out of respect for her privacy. But I fear any dreams she may be having, are nightmares. She hasn’t talked to me in so long…I was hoping you could get through to her. Would you check on her for me, friend? Please?” Luna asked, the plead and break in her voice not unheard by Twilight. The purple mare looked down in consideration. She felt hesitant. Rarity could not be in the best state of mind at the moment. And neither was she. Twilight’s hadn’t gotten proper sleep in days, too focused on finding a cure for Wysteria’s apparent immortality. Perhaps it would be better for Twilight to refuse, explain how she wasn’t very well either. That she couldn’t get through to Rarity right now even if she wanted due to the overwhelming stress she constantly felt. To simply suggest a therapist and move on with it. She gazed back up at Luna one final time, the tired and heartbroken expression on Luna’s face breaking Twilight’s thoughts. She was the princess of friendship. Celestia forbid her to refuse being a friend due to her own problems.
 
“Okay.”
 
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Previous: One Less  
Next: The World Isn’t Generous  
**The point of this quick story, and the next one: Your mental health is just as important as your friends’. Please make sure you’re taking care of yourself before you help anyone else. Because if you’re not in the right state of mind yourself- you could possibly due more damage to the other person than good. It’s amazing to want to help people. But know when you can and when you can’t. There’s nothing wrong with admitting you’re not okay and suggesting a professional to whomever you wish to help.
 
 
Collab with Outrecuidance(You did such an amazing job I’m so so sorry this took me so long to post. Thank you for helping. <3)