//------------------------------//
// Epilogue 
// Story: The Balance of Harmony 
// by The Rising Tide of Night 
//------------------------------//

	Twilight stirred from where she had been writing, and Spike looked up in anticipation.  He watched as she put down her quill and massaged her wrist before gathering up her many pages.  He quickly stood and started over to her, but she grabbed her staff and pushed herself to her feet before he could get there.  She looked over at him with a grateful smile as he approached and wrapped him up in a one-armed hug.

“Ummm, Twilight?” he asked.  “Is everything alright?”

She nodded, still holding onto him, smile on her face.  “Yes, Spike.  Everything’s fine.”  She released him, tears glistening in her eye.  “It’s done,” she said simply.

“That’s great!” replied Spike.  “When can I read it?”

“As soon as I make sure that everything’s in order,” she replied, “and get it bound up.”  She laughed at his disappointed face.  “Don’t worry, Spike.  It won’t take long.”

“Alright, alright,” he replied.  “Hey, can I go tell Candlewick?  He’s been looking forward to it.”

She nodded.  “That’s fine.  You can tell whoever you want.”

“Thanks, Twilight!” he replied as he dashed out the door.

Twilight watched him go, a smile on her face.  After a time, she limped over to her bed, staff glowing with magic.  A long chest slid out from under the bed, levitated into the air, and landed on the bed itself.  She eased herself down next to the chest, and opened it.  Inside were Applejack’s rifle, Fluttershy’s guns, Pinkie Pie’s dagger, Rarity’s crystal, and the six elements of Harmony.  She carefully picked up the elements one by one, gently placing them on the bed next to her.  Looking down at the crystals in each one, she felt sadness and longing deep in her heart, intermingled with joy.  

“We did it,” she whispered, speaking to the spirits of her friends.  “We stopped Discord and brought peace to this world.  I just wish…”  She trailed off, wiping away a tear.  “I’ll never forget you,” she finished simply.  

As she gazed down at the elements glittering in the sunlight, she felt it.  For a moment – maybe the briefest of moments, maybe more – she felt the presence of her friends.  Their arms were around her, holding her tight, and she could feel their love.

“Thank you,” she whispered, tears of joy flowing freely.  “Thank you.”