//------------------------------//
// Epilogue 
// Story:   
// by Super Trampoline 
//------------------------------//

	The first hints of dawn are appearing on the horizon when I gently shut and lock the front door, several fresh scratches and bruises upon my body. I trot to my bedroom, where a sleepy voice inquires "Honey?"

"I'm back," I say softly, and she springs up out of bed to greet me.

"Oh, thank the sisters, I was getting worried!" She casts a small glow spell with her horn. "So, did you find what was making those bumping... is that blood on you, Moonshine?"

I chuckle nervously, wincing when she touches a sore with her hoof. "Yes, and yes. You know how something's been snatching the chickens from their coop?" I ask. 

"Yes," she says, apprehensive.

Confidently, I continue, "Well, that Timberwolf won't be bothering us no more."

A smile lights up her face in the faint glow of her spell. "Oh Moonie, I'm so proud of you!" She leans in for a surprisingly passionate kiss, and I soak up her warmth, leaving her breathless.

She grins. "I'm glad I married such a studly earth pony. I love you Moonshine."
"I know," I say, "I can tell."

Suddenly, a hall lamp flickers to life, and three small figures leap toward me. "Daddy, you're back!" they squeal.

I sit down on my haunches, embracing my son and daughters, flinching slightly at the contact. "Yes kids, daddy fought a Timberwolf. But now I'm back."

"Tell us about it, daddy!" they plea, but Sandy shoos them away.

"Alright, back to bed you little monsters. Your father is probably worn out. He can tell us all about it in the morning."

"Awwww," they whine collectively as they trot back to bed. I smile, cheered by their enthusiasm.

After they're gone, I plant another kiss on my wife's horn. " 'Kay Sandy, I'm going to rinse off, then hopefully I can catch a few more hours of sleep." I turn toward the restroom.

Ten minutes later, I slip under the covers, wrapping my legs around the warmth of my companion.

"Thanks for protecting us, Hon," she whispers. Then she adds, almost a habitual afterthought, "I love you."

"I love you too," I whisper back, and the funny thing is, she believes me.