A thousand years later . . .

Up in the night sky, far above Equestria, four silver stars started to flash brightly. They moved closer to the full moon, which was scarred by the dark Mare in the Moon. A legend that would soon prove itself to be true. The legend of a Nightmare, a real one this time.

When the stars were in their proper positions, the silvery-white moon itself began to glow. A flare of cold light spread across the sky, and the stars glittered more brightly, as if sending a warning to the ponies below. An unheeded, unnoticed warning.

Then, the Mare in the Moon vanished from the surface of her moon.

In Ponyville, everypony was merrily trotting around town, busily preparing for the Summer Sun Celebration. Banners were hung up, lanterns were strung in the trees, and everypony flocked to the town hall gazebo for the expected sunrise.

Nopony took notice of this strange disappearance. Well, nopony except one. A lavender-coated mare with a pink, purple, and indigo mane. A young unicorn mare, the magical protégé of Princess Celestia herself, by the name of Twilight Sparkle.

She sat in the window of the Golden Oaks Library and frowned up at the sky, deep in thought.

Something is amiss here . . .

In Canterlot, Princess Celestia stood on her balcony, staring up at the sky with a smile on her face. Finally I will get to see Luna . . . Has she changed in all these years? Grown wiser, perhaps? A chuckle escaped her lips. No, she will be the same. Just the same sweet, innocent Lulu I knew and loved.

At least, that is what I hope for.

Today, my sister will be free.

For a few moments, Celestia let the cool breeze ripple through her mane. Then she abruptly turned and walked inside.

She had an important ceremony to get to.

And in the star-filled, moon-filled sky, a Nightmare and a Princess broke free . . .

The longest day and the longest night of the thousandth year had come. Princess Luna and her Nightmare were returning to Equestria.

Remember. Forgive.

Love.

Author's Note

I think you can still call it an epilogue when it's really, really short.