Rarity noticed that Luna's dresses often don't compliment her coat, so she offers to design one for the next formal event. Luna is appreciative but self-conscious because she's still not used to how her coat is darker. Rarity reassures her that she's still herself no matter what color her coat ends up.

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"It's gorgeous," Rarity said, considering the contrast between the dress and a jewel.



"Yes, the dress is lovely," Princess Luna stated, shifting uncomfortably on the platform.



"Oh yes, I think it may be one of my finest... But I wasn't talking about the dress darling," Rarity replied, returning the aquamarine to the drawer and pondering a set of black pearls.



"Um, oh," Luna replied nervously, "Really?"



"Of course," Rarity responded in a puzzled tone. She replaced the pearls and turned to regard the princess with a considering look. Luna seemed more moved by the compliment than Rarity had expected, "Has no one complimented you before?" she asked, jokingly.



"Um," Luna stammered, "Mayhap, but they were all empty compliments from courtiers, and long ago before... well... but truly you think that a pony with... my coat color is lovely?"



Rarity was perplexed, did Luna think that ponies cared about her coat color? "Darling, what's wrong your coat?"



"No, it's just... I've been self-conscious of late. When Tia and I were small, before we ascended, our coats were almost the same color. But mine just keeps getting darker and darker, I worry that one day it will be be the same color as... as... the Nightmare."



"Darling," Rarity responded almost angrily, "If there is any pony who would judge you just by that fact that your coat is black, then they are not ponies that matter. We all know that you aren't the Nightmare any more, no one could possibly mistake you for her, no matter what you look like. So even if your coat is one day that lovely ebony, your friends won't mind, I'm sure you're sister wouldn't either, and who else really matters? Courtiers with their empty compliments? No, if they hold it against you, so be it, but what they think will not change the fact that you're beautiful darling. And a princess!"



Rarity finished decisively, and turned back to consider her accessories. She selected another cyan ribbon, perhaps another accent was needed to tie the garment together. Luna remained quiet while Rarity finished the garment, somewhat uncomfortable with the direction the conversation had taken.



Right before she left, Luna turned to Rarity and said, "Thank you Rarity. For the dress, and your kind words," Luna said with a small smile.



"You're welcome darling, feel free to come by any time. After all, that's what friends are for," Rarity said with a smile. Her head was filled with ideas for dressed for dark-colored coats, full of all the jewel tones and rich colors she didn't get to use.



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I was inspired to do this piece after re-reading the Nightmare Rarity run in the comics, where Luna gets her darker coat and special mane. I feel like Celestia and Luna started with both pale pastel colors, but Celestia's kept getting lighter while Luna's gets darker as the both get more powerful.

