//------------------------------//
// Epilogue: A Story Ends, a Story Begins 
// Story: One Changeling, in a World of Foes 
// by Orkus 
//------------------------------//


Epilogue



Moredread laid on the ground of the house, his eyes closed, and his expression stiff, as if in meditation, or deep rest. By his side, curled up in a comfortable position, was the small, fragile form of the baby changeling, fast asleep.

Thoraxis was gone, out working late at the pet store, and in his real form, as the ponies from several nights before recommended. The first time he tried so, which was three days ago, was met with some scorn and fear, but with the backing of Twilight Sparkle and her friends, he was already on his way to being fully accepted in the community.

A week had passed since that fateful day the princesses had allowed him to stay, and the egg had hatched. Just thinking about the moment he heard the words signifying the fact caused Moredread to open his eyes, turn his head to the little creature sleeping next to him, and smile.

They had named her "Skia." The idea for the name was brought up by none other than Moredread himself, and Thoraxis, unable to think of anything creative, took a liking to the name, and agreed to it. "Skia" was an old name, one from a time far before this one, but one that once also carried a moderate gesture of mystery and awe in its wake.

"Goodnight, Skia. My little Skia," Moredread began, his voice soft, gentle, and soothing, as rubbed his spectral nose against her in the same manner. "Goodnight, my sweet, little shadow. Dream of pleasant things. Dream of beautiful things. Dream of good things to come, and more..."

A warm feeling mounted in his chest as he felt her chitinous body unconsciously snuggle up to him, a tiny, innocent smile on her resting face. It was a feeling he had not felt for an excruciatingly long time. A feeling he welcomed with open hooves. With the same, light voice, he spoke again to her, one last time.

"Goodnight, my precious, irreplaceable, little..."

Moredread's gaze went up to the roof, still littered with old holes from ages past, exposing some of the night sky, and allowing the moon's blue rays to seep through, illuminating the umbrum and his charge in its pale light. He looked back to Skia with semi-closed eyes, before lowering his head, wrapping it around her fragile form, as he, too, began to fall asleep.

"...Changeling."



THE END