Shining Armor once went to war. His body is back, but he is not.

In the minutes just before the dawn of the day he must go to war, a royal Equestrian soldier ponders his lot. Just because the day is not yet begun does not mean that all is at rest. Just because something is promised does not mean that it is easy. Just because something is chosen does not mean it is desired. Just because something is obvious does not mean it is simple.

There is a secret about her building Rarity never shared with anypony: there is a hidden room inside the Carousel Boutique.

She's kept it from everypony for a reason though.

Every mare deserves to have her secrets, after all.

Edited by Nahmala

Thanks to DWK for being my "Rarity Consultant" for this story.

Prompt for story acquired from here.

Written for Memorial Day 2014. Farn Baumrinde returns from the recent war in the Crystal Empire on a very special day, one which holds very special significance to him. Partially inspired by "A Cup of Joe" by The Descendant.

I did not want to die; I wanted to live, but cruel fate ruined that when the bullet found me. These are my final thoughts as the life spills from my veins.

From the beginning, it could only end one way. Nopony lives forever. All good things must come to an end, no matter how much we must wish that this not be true. Death is inevitable. Twilight Sparkle is dying. She has lived a long, full life, having outlived all of her friends, but it is now coming to an end. She knows that there is no escape, after meeting a young filly at Canterlot Castle during a visit with her mentor. The end is nigh, but she will not face it alone.