//------------------------------//
// Epilogue 
// Story: Starfall 
// by Gonenowsorry 
//------------------------------//

	It had been weeks since the invasion of the astrals.  Things were far from back to normal, but Ponyville was getting back on its feet.  It was easy enough to fix up a house so a pony could return home.  The businesses, roads, and infrastructure would still take time, but for now there was progress.
Twilight was doing everything she could to assist in the reconstruction of Ponyville.  As much as the Princesses had insisted she had no reason to feel guilty, her own conscious would not let her off so easily.
“What are we going to do today, Twilight?” asked Spike over breakfast.
“I think I'll start at Sugarcube Corner.  I'm sure Mr. and Mrs. Cake have enough on their plates with the twins.  They shouldn't have to worry about fixing things up.”
“Sounds like a plan!” said Spike cheerfully.
“You don't have to come with me if you don't want to,” Twilight reminded him.
“Nonsense! You know tha-” The baby dragon stopped to let out a belch of green fire.
A letter floated down from the flames, which Spike caught.
“Hey, it's a letter from the Princess!”
“Well, go on, read it!” said Twilight expectantly.
“A-hem.  Dear Twilight Sparkle, I will be dropping in for a visit to your home shortly.”
“How shortly?"  asked Twilight.  There was a knocking at her door.
“I'm guessing that shortly,” said Spike as he walked over to answer it.
Sure enough, when Spike opened the library's front door, Princess Celestia was waiting right outside.  And she was not alone.
“Princess Celestia!” greeted Spike.  “And Princess Luna!  Welcome, come on in!”
“Thank you, Spike,” said Celestia.
“Well met, dragon,” said Luna.
Twilight quickly cleared the breakfast table with magic.
“What brings you here, Princesses?” asked Twilight.
“We've been in and out of Ponyville several times in the last few weeks,” said Celestia.  “We've been assisting ponies where ever we can.  But today, we came because we have very important news to share with you, Twilight.”
Twilight felt a twinge of panic.  “It's not the astrals is it?”
“No, Twilight Sparkle,” said Luna.  “Our enemy remains firmly sealed for the time being.”
“You were extremely brave, Twilight,” assured Celestia.  “I hope in time you'll stop seeing what happened as your failure.  If blame rests anywhere, it falls on me.  You have incredible strength in magic, Twilight.  I neglected your education, and because of that, the astrals were able to use you.”
“No,” argued Twilight.  “There's no way you could have known!  You are an amazing teacher!”
“And you are a wonderful student, Twilight.  But there are some things you must still learn, and I am not the one who can teach you.”
“But if not you, then...”
Princess Luna stepped forward.  “I will be your instructor, Twilight Sparkle.  The sky has long been the gateway to many great and terrible things.  The night sky is my dominion, and I have been entrusted with its countless secrets.”
“Oh!  That's... that's great!” said Twilight.
“What is the matter?”asked Luna.  “Do you not find the situation agreeable?”
“Yes... I mean, no,” said Twilight flustered.  “I mean this is such an amazing opportunity.  And I know my place is with you, as both of your faithful students.  It's just...I didn't think it would be time to leave Ponyville so soon.  There's still just so much everypony has left to do...”
“Your concern for your companions is most commendable,” said Luna softly.  “But I believe you misunderstand the situation.”
“We could never ask you to leave your friends.” Celestia assured her.  “Your studies on the magic of friendship have saved all of Equestria in the past.  You have grown wise, Twilight.  That is why you must continue your studies in Ponyville.”
“But I don't understand,” said Twilight confused.
“I will be establishing a temporary residence in Ponyville,” explained Luna.  “You are not the only one who is in need of instruction.  It is time for me to truly live amongst my subjects once more.  I will labor with them in rebuilding this village.  And as I will teach you the mysteries of the night, you and your companions will help me to better understand the ways of friendship.  Is that agreeable, Twilight Sparkle?”
“Of course!” said Twilight elated.  For most of her life, she had been the faithful student of Princess Celestia.  She had never imagined she would ever have something of her own to teach a Princess.
“Then there is much to do, and we must be off to make the preparations,” said Luna with a smile.
“Thank you, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna!” said Twilight graciously.
“Thank you, Twilight Sparkle,” returned Luna.  “I shall return at sunset, and we shall begin our first lesson.”
As the Princesses walked away from the library, Twilight couldn't help but reflect that, all things considered, she was a very fortunate pony.  The sounds of sawing and hammering could be heard from uptown.  Twilight summoned her bag to her back.
“Ready, Spike?”
“You bet, Twilight!”
Together they set off to help rebuild their beloved home.



Art Used:  http://browse.deviantart.com/?qh=&section=&q=Twilight+and+Luna#/d4hx1mn