//------------------------------//
// Epilogue: Waking Up 
// Story: The Seasons of Equestria 
// by Lucaro 
//------------------------------//

	Snowhoof lay cold on the floor, clinging to his last shred of life. Luna urged her to consummate the marriage and end the winter. They were taken to the bedroom, and an hour later, the storm had finally cleared. They all filed intoto the bedroom and saw them in bed together. There was blood everywhere, and Snowhoof’s breaths were raggedy, but he was smiling. Luna kissed her son’s fevered brow. “Safe travels, my dear. Know that everyone here loves you and will waiting for you when you return next winter.”
Snowhoof took his last breath, and the rise and fall of his chest ceased. They all looked at each other. Lilyheart began to cry, hugging Snowhoof’s corpse. “Oh, how could I have ever doubted you? My sweet stallion.”
They all looked down, and Luna and Lilyheart requested that they be alone with him so they could prepare his body for burial.

***

A few days later, Luna and Celestia walked ahead of them on the steel walkway of Frostcrown, talking animatedly. Cadence and Shining Armor were kissing, and the soldiers were cheering, and the dragons roaring in triumph. The ponies in the chambers below had been thawed and were walking alongside them. Starlight rolled his eyes. “How are we supposed to get all these people out of here?”
Vaelan rumbled with laughter. “Don’t worry, we’ve got lots of time. Spring is here, and I’m going to find me a lovely dragoness the moment I get back home.”
Starlight grinned, thinking of his own lover. He and Amberleaf would be reunited next fall, Luna had promised him that.
Starlight looked behind him and saw Callista carrying the wounded Maelstrom. King Lightheart was with his own gryphons, also being showered with praise. They were all being hailed as heroes, for slaying the evil Snowhoof. They all smiled at each other, knowing the truth. 
The storm had ceased, and the sun was brightly shining. Starlight looked up at the sky, smiling. Things were going to get better from here on.

No one would ever forget their deeds on the fabled Battle of Frostcrown, nor the bonds forged that day. We will be remembered, and even though we might fade, the friendships made here today will last forever.


THE END