1,000 years later…
The Nightmare Moon memorial was erected on the edge of the Everfree Forest as an enduring reminder of the tribulations on that fateful night, so long ago.
Time, as it always must, has obscured the history of the events surrounding her banishment. Very few remain who remember the name of Captain Shadow Noctis. Those who do know only fragments of his story; that he was the last of Princess Luna’s Nocturnal Guard commanders stretch the extent of their knowledge.
There is one, however, who remembers the name as clearly as a bell ringing in the morning air.
She placed a letter in a small crevice in the memorial, enchanted to withstand the weathering of the seasons. The letter reads as follows:
“My dearest Luna,
Centuries will have passed by the time you read this, and I will be long gone, a name in the annals of the Canterlot Archives, should I be so lucky.
I cannot help but feel partly responsible for the events of your final night upon the earth. Perhaps there was something I could have done to rid you of the dark presence you carried within. Perhaps I should have warned your sister so that she may have been prepared. Such are the speculations of a wandering soul who will reflect upon his choices for eternity.
We miss you, Luna. Your sister and I have mourned for you, our grief permeating our every waking moment. The passing of the seasons have done little to dull the edge of our sorrow. For you see, you were loved, after all.
The Nocturnal Guard has been disbanded; those who wished to stay found service with your sister’s protectors. I did not wish to continue my duties. I politely declined, and bid my farewells. In my stead, Lieutenant Nova will command the forces of the night. He is a good colt, and I can think of no better replacement.
For now, I pass the days wandering the lands of Equestria, doing what good deeds I can. Occasionally, I will return home to my clan, where I will be welcomed with open arms and warm meals. And yet, I often catch myself gazing into the night sky, soaring through the moonlit clouds, wondering if you can still hear me.
I never did get a chance to tell you properly, as I should have that night in the gardens so long ago. Even though I will be dust upon the winds of time as you read this, if you ever chance upon it, know that I loved you, and that I will always love you. Goodnight, Princess Luna.
Yours forever,
Shadow”