Pulvis et umbra summus

The years have been good to me. At my side, a husband sleeps, and he was all I could ask for, love, but from his love came a foal, of impeccable beauty and kindness, who now sits at the side of Cadence, learning the ways of a royal. I live on my own farm and have had a life of virtue and quality, since I left Cadence upon the throne. And although I have done so much, in so little time, I remember every little detail, for the times were good, and now they draw to a close. Here I lie, in a warm bed, in a warm house, in the heartland of Equestria, and the world, but I feel cold. I know who is coming for me.

Soon, a figure will arrive, in a hooded cloak, carrying a gleaming scepter that takes life in his jaws. He comes for me, and me only. Evil death, dark death, sweet death? I wished for him for so long when I was eternal, and although i have only lived another 40 years on top of my 1000s of immortality, I now fear him. For he will take what is now mine. My love, I strove for love, and I found it, now he will take me from him and him from me, and me from her and her from me. My sister, my friends, my family and even my pets, will all lose me. And if my soul carries on, I will lose them. Death will take, my memories, and stories, then cast them to the wind. He will take what is me, and discard it, leaving only a shell of flesh and bone.

I have awoken to the sound of footsteps, but there is no one around me. My husband, still lies, his head in the pillow and his chest heaving. Around me blows dust, and the moon spreads beams onto my body. Without a sound, no creak from my frail bones, no moan as my body aches, I slip onto the floor, and walk with the posture of royalty, toward the foreboding door. I know who awaits me, I could feel him coming, and I was scared and cold. But now, I feel warmth. Not the warmth of my blood, but the warmth of happiness. He knows what is right for me. He knows my time is at an end. The door swings open, and he stands above me, smiling, caring, welcoming a friend he had waited to see for to long a time. He extends a hoof to me, and I except, with no fuss or questions. Although I am giving my soul to the unknown oblivion, tossing everything away. I feel content. And with a word of goodbye, and tear of joy, I am finished, and I am free.