Cayenne woke up early one spring morning, having heard a noise in the greatroom. She was surprised to find Luna waiting, smiling - nay, beaming - with excitement.
“I found it,” she said. “Just yesterday.”
“Found what?” She rubbed her eyes blearily.
Luna levitated a tiny, black acorn from behind her crown, and set it at Cayenne’s hooves. Moments later, a pale green leaf joined it.
“I found where he went.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Tell your husband you’ll be right back. I need to show you, quickly, before I have to lower the moon.”
“I’ll do it... just a moment.” She disappeared into the bedroom, and returned seconds later, a very surprised stallion in tow.
“Drifter, this is Princess Luna.”
He made to bow, but stumbled in shock.
“She needs to take me somewhere, for just a moment. I’ll be back by sunrise, I promise.”
“I... okay. I’ll be here.”
She kissed him lightly on the cheek.
“Start a fire for us, hm?”
And so he did.
The Princess was a powerful flier, swift and sure, and Cayenne worked to keep up. Twenty minutes later, perhaps thirty, she stopped and hovered in midair, and gestured downwards as Cayenne reached her.
“It’s down there. Just... go see. They’re waiting.”
“I...”
“Go on. I have to fly. And, Cayenne? Thank you. The banners are beautiful.”
With that she was gone.
Cayenne spiraled downwards, not knowing what she’d find, and then she saw it.
The oak was still small. After all, they grew slowly. She knew how old it was. Its branches and trunk were a dusky grey, its roots raven black. It lifted, proudly - happily? - a bough of the palest green, tiny leaves. It was him, she was sure. And her, she guessed. The love of his life. She lit upon the ground, eyed the oak warily for a moment, then laid at its trunk. She leaned against it, and felt him there.
She rested a short while, and then stood, and rubbed her muzzle against the grey bark.
“Thank you,” she murmured. “For everything.”
With that, she turned away, took a few steps, and leapt into the sky. Soaring, laughing, looping, she flew towards the east. The sky was brightening already, and she had promises to keep.