Dear Princess Celestia,

It has been some time since I wrote you. I imagine you did not expect to ever hear from me again.

Much has changed since the last time we spoke. I have changed. I wonder—will you recognize me, next we meet? Will you recoil? Perhaps, yourself eternal, you are used to others changing around you.

You lied to me, Celestia. You called me your faithful student. You told me you would always be there for me. I’m not sure I can forgive you for that, but I understand why you did it. I know what you were trying to protect me from.

I’m rambling now. I suppose I owe you some explanation of where I have been all this time.

When I was a foal and asked you why you took me as a student, you told me that I was going to change the world, that I was destined to do great things.

You were right.

This story would never have been possible without the support of the brony community and, of course, the Elements of Harmony!

Pascoite, whose perceptive criticism and editing have helped me grow as a writer, represents the Element of Honesty!

Warmblood, whose cheerful editing and encouragement helped me get through my most frustrating writers block, represents the Element of Kindness!

Pav Feira, who support and friendship made writing fun again and inspired me through the worst of my self-doubt, represents the Element of Laughter!

PeasentB, who freely gave of his fantastic artwork to bring this story to life, represents the Element of Generosity!

A Dragon Dreaming, who figured out all my plot twists on day one but still kept editing for 300,000 words and counting, represents the Element of Loyalty!

And I'm Magic. Because you all are great, but let's be honest, I'm rocking these wings.