Luna shifted slightly on her father's back, snuggling in closer to him as they flew back home, completely exhausted from a long day of being a princess. Aurora wished she could share in Luna's relaxation, like she did when she was a filly. But her parents insisted that she fly herself since she was much older than Luna. She flapped her wings, gaining altitude. She broke through the layer of clouds that were going to be gone by morning. She sat on the soft cloud, staring at the thousands of stars dancing far away.

A rustle of wings alerted that somepony had joined her. Alcyone sat next to her daughter, gazing at the stars. For a while, they were silent, enjoying each other's presence. Finally, Alcyone spoke. "Something on your mind, sunshine?"

"It's just…am I going to be the sole ruler of Equestria? I don't know if I'm ready to rule over everypony," Aurora admitted reluctantly. "I'd rather rule with Luna. She…she understands me best."

"I'm glad you have such a bond with your sister. It means your father and I are raising you well. But your father and I will rule before you will, dear."

"You will?"

"In the future, when your grandparents pass away, we will take over the throne. And then, when we pass away, you and Luna will rule."

"When will that be?"

Alcyone laughed. "Not for a long while, sunshine."

"Will Starswirl still be around?" Aurora's question slipped out before she could stop herself.

Alcyone took a long look at the stars. "I don't know. I don't know how he's lived this long, either. He was already fairly old when the ponies came here." A smile spread across her face. "He was old when I was born."

Aurora laughed, but only slightly. "I hope he's around when I become the ruler of Equestria, at least. He'll know how to lead."

"But your grandparents will teach you. So will we."

Atlas burst through the clouds, Luna still asleep on his back. He trotted over to his family. "Beautiful night, isn't it?"

Snuggling into her father, Aurora nodded.

"Luna…" Atlas gently nudged his daughter.

"Mmm…whatizit?" Luna mumbled sleepily.

"Look at the stars…"

Luna sat up a little, and stared at the heavens. She slid of Atlas's back and went next to Aurora, and promptly fell back asleep.

"We should get going," Alcyone said, rising and trotting away. "They have their magic lessons from Starswirl tomorrow, and I don't want them late."

"Alright," Atlas said with a chuckle, "but you're going to have to help me."

Confused, Alcyone turned back. Luna and Aurora were fast asleep, each snuggled into each other. Atlas took Aurora while Alcyone positioned Aurora so that she wouldn't fall off during their flight home. Atlas did the same for Alcyone as she placed Luna on her back.

Aurora was only vaguely aware of the wind blowing through her mane. She felt that she was flying, but her wings weren't moving. It was a lovely feeling. If this was a dream, she would stay here forever: with her father, mother and sister, soaring through the night sky.

He had to be close. Despite the thousands of other ponies clogging his senses, he knew the alicorn smell from miles away. He had tracked them here, through the endless years, through the frozen wasteland that once was his home. No…their home. He didn't know what a home was, only that it was a place that he was excluded from. He snaked his way through the trees, the scent getting stronger.

The air whooshed overhead, and for the first time in ages, he caught a full whiff of alicorn. It took what little self-control he had to not rush out and confront them. He would watch. He would wait. Yes, waiting would be much better. Nothing like knowing the whole story…

It was a family of four alicorns. The father was dark green with a brown mane and tail. He had a white alicorn, pink mane obscuring her face, fast asleep on his back. The mother was a sky blue with a yellow and white striped mane. On her back was a smaller alicorn, a light indigo with a periwinkle mane.

As they trotted deeper into the woods, he smiled. "Sleep well, ponies. This peace and quiet is about to end."