I’ve waited so long.
Just a little longer and I can rest again.
The weight of a thousand years falls heavy upon my ancient limbs. I do not fear time, even though there are others that do. Such a trial for the young – to drift from season to season without these years of experience to protect them from the winds of change. What it must be like to have such a small understanding of the world around us.
Some say youth is wasted on the young. I say youth is never wasted. Every life has purpose. Every life has value. A creature’s life is never a waste - especially when given in the service of others. This is no different.
I wonder if they are ready. I wonder if they know what to do.
They must succeed.
The challenge has been given. It falls to them now.
For so many years, the elements had been protected - hidden away. Then, I gave them up in service to my fellow creatures. My sacrifice was not in vain. The prophecies were all true.
The two sisters – I remember them from when they were young. How different they have become with the passing of time – and also remained much the same. Down through the years, their wisdom has surely grown. Hopefully, they have taught the young ones well.
The others - so young, yet wise beyond their years. That young alicorn in particular. She has to be the one. I just know it. Everything fits.
In passing the elements back into my keeping, she has proven her worth. She is everything that was foretold. She is all she was meant to be. The markings of my trunk tell her tale. Her destiny is to save us all. She will rise triumphant in the end. I am sure of it. Only this one task remains. Only a little while longer now.
The bud is set to bloom. My gift is nearly given. It must go to those that need it. It cannot be wasted. There is little time left before the end. Evil approaches. I can feel its presence on the wind. My roots delve deep against the bitter chill.
Still, they must all prove themselves worthy. A gift such as this cannot be given freely. Only to those that have shown they fully embody the spirit of the Elements of Harmony can it be received. They must demonstrate their worthiness to others around them. It is not enough to be blessed with the gift or charged with a destiny. The elements must be shown to live in their hearts.
Their markings complete the puzzle. I understand this is a sign. Yet, it isn’t complete until they overcome the tasks set before them. Only this, and their destiny awaits.
I feel their presence now.
Can it be? Have they completed the trials? Is this the moment I have waited for all these years? Such a long wait – could it finally be over?
What is the matter? Why do they hesitate? Do they understand the consequence of failure? Was I wrong in thinking they would be successful? My leaves would tremble in anticipation - if only I had some.
Oh my! I felt that! This may be it – at last!
That’s one – keep going, keep going!
Please…
Ahhhhhhhhh – sap moves faster than this. Do they have the rest?
Must – remain – calm. I’ve waited a lifetime of lifetimes for this moment. I just need to be patient and take it all in.
There it is! Another, and another, and another - this is it!
That’s number five. Just one more to go…
Wait…
Just one more…
You can’t stop now – my gift…
The young alicorn princess – Is it her key that is lacking? How odd. I would have thought she would be the first. Maybe I was wrong – maybe she is not the one. I don’t know how it could be so. Where could I have gone wrong?
Perhaps I should not give up on her so easily. Her friends are still by her side. While they remain, there is still hope. Perhaps a little more time is needed. I must remain steadfast in my faith and hope for her eventual success.
Just one more task.
One more key.
One more fear.
I pray that she is not too late.
They are gone again. I can feel them no more. I hope they will return soon.
When the task of guarding the elements fell to me, I took it up gladly. I did not fear the future and the trials that would come. Others have shared them with me. I was never alone. I have been here from the beginning.
There must be a reason why this has all come to pass. There must be a way she can complete her task and release my gift into the world. My soul shall indeed be joined to them and together we will stand against all that seek to destroy and oppress!
Who am I kidding?
My gift will go with them. The elements will bear them up. I am but a guardian – a simple caretaker of the Elements of Harmony.
They are the warriors. They are the avatars.
These ponies have a special gift. It lives inside of them. It radiates to all those around them. It makes me proud of what they have managed to become. It gives me hope for the future. It gives us all hope for the future.
They are so close now. Only one key left. I know they can do it.
Back so soon?
Is something wrong? I cannot feel your magic. Where has it gone? Don’t tell me he has taken it from you. I tried to warn you about the consequences of failure. Have you doomed us all in the end?
But what is this? Is it what I think it is? Can it be?
It is! The final key! The set is complete – just turn the locks and you have it!
How ever did you manage?
Excellent work! Say hello to the Rainbow of Light!
You have another task set before you. This one will require a little help from my gift. It’s a little thing, but you might be surprised what it can do. The darkness of the deepest cave, the blackness of a moonless night – nothing can withstand the power of this light. I am certain you will use the powers of the Rainbow of Light with wisdom and compassion, young princess.
I knew you could do it. I knew you had it in you. This is the proudest moment of my entire life. It makes me want to cry even though I know I can’t. If my branches could bend, I would wrap them around you.
You are such a young creature to have come so far, so fast. The signs were there and you had your friends to guide you. The sisters did their part as well – bless them both. They set you on your path and let you travel down the road of life. It hasn’t always been easy – the path wasn’t always clear. With a little guidance and support from those who love you, however, you made it through.
Fly now – let the rainbow remind you of everything you have become. Let your colors join together as you and your friends become one. Trust in your friendship to give you the strength to overcome all obstacles in your way. Give of yourselves and show every creature the magic you create together.
Magic, the true magic of friendship, comes from within. It shines to those around you as you share your light and exemplify the traits of the Elements of Harmony. Let your light join together and create a glorious rainbow. Show the world what little ponies can do when they believe in themselves and stand up for what is right.
Evil doesn’t stand a chance.
The winds have changed. No longer do I feel the oppressive heat the ill winds bore.
Success at last!
Now, I may rest.
But wait - given some thought, I see you stand in need of another gift. A gift befitting a triumphant princess and her royal court. You must have a place to call home.
I call now upon the Elements of Harmony – grant this pony a castle of her own. Let it stand as a symbol of friendship to all those that seek refuge from the storm of loneliness. Let Love and Kindness reign. Honesty shall be its foundation and Loyalty what bids its walls to stand. May Laughter be heard within and without. Generosity shall flow freely from its gates and the Magic of Friendship shall stand guard both night and day forever more.
Although my roots do not allow me to travel, I hope you come and visit often. I am proud of you and all your friends. You have come a very long way and there are many roads left for you to travel. May every road lead you to your destination and may every rainbow remind you where you’ve been. May the magic of friendship always guide your hooves to those in need and help you find your way back home.
Thank you, Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship.
Thank you.
