I love you, Princess Luna. I don’t care that you’ll never know. Maybe my actions have said what I never could. It was my duty, but I hope with every fiber of my being that you realize it meant so much more to me. I love your benevolent heart. I love your fiery independence. It’s funny that if you’d had your way, I wouldn’t be here right now. I love how irritated you were when your sister insisted you take four of her own guards with you for your visit to Ponyville. You are a free spirit, and that is beautiful. I volunteered because I know they’re out there…the ignorant, the malcontented, those who still fear you. I love your sister as well, but only in the sense that she is a kind and wise ruler. You are kind and wise too, yet as different from Celestia as night is from day. I had to stifle my laughter when the two of you argued. In the end you decided not to let pride get the better of you, and that is wise. I’m such an ordinary pony, and the fact that you gave one such as I the opportunity to serve you is kind.

     I wish I could tell you about myself, because your eyes seem to want to know me now. I was a carpenter before I joined the royal guard. My armor covers my cutie mark, but it is a hammer and nail, simple as that. Maybe you’ll see when they take my mantle off. I built houses, gazebos, tables…I built a credenza once, I think, but I’m not sure because I don’t really know what a credenza is. I wish I’d looked that up. I always thought I'd have time for those little things. My life was simple and unremarkable, and so I was honored to be deemed worthy of serving the royal family.

     At first I was infatuated with Celestia’s brilliance and poise, but they told me every guard goes through that phase. Then I began to notice you…so strong, yet so sad. I could see the guilt in your eyes. I can see it now as you smile down at me. Such a sad smile. Please do not shed a tear for me, my princess; you’ve shed so many already. I’ve heard your muted sobs in the dead of night. I’ve seen your tears fall as you carefully craft a sky that so few will take note of. You are so cold and yet so lovely. Many a time I wished with all my soul that I could go to you, that I could comfort you, but duty binds us to guard your mortal shell, not your heart. I hope that one day you find somepony who will save you. I hope one day you feel the happiness you deserve to feel. In time they will all see you for who you are, and they will all love you. We all make mistakes, some greater than others, but we all make them and we all deserve forgiveness, and none more so than you, my princess.

     Do not cry for me, Princess Luna, for today is the greatest day of my humble life. It began as any other day. I awoke in the guard’s quarters and ate a Spartan breakfast. If I’d known it was my last meal I might have indulged a bit more, but then again I might not have. I did my best to comb my mane and rub away the bags under my eyes. I did my best to look strong, to be silent, and to bear the façade of sameness that is the duty of the guard.

     When I had the chance to accompany you on your royal business, I had to check myself. I have trouble taking my eyes off of you, and today I needed to be vigilant. I needed to protect you. Like I said, they are out there…those that will not forgive. They are fools and cowards for the most part. I never counted on seeing a brave one. I never counted on an action so brazen. I never counted on it, but prepared for it nonetheless, and I’m so glad I did.

     All but one bowed before you, and I knew something was wrong. He stood defiant, his eyes those of a zealot about to do something foolish. Time slowed down as I dove. It was surreal and yet I’ve never felt so alive, so filled with purpose. I’d never felt so much pain as when that crackling bolt hit me, that evil spell that was meant for you. My whole world went white hot and everything was shattered. I think I cried out. I didn’t want to. I wanted to maintain my stoicism even in that moment. I wanted to be strong for you, but I cried out like an injured foal. It is one of my few regrets that you will allow the thought of my pain to burden you. I know you will because you are kind, yet I know you will not let it get the better of you because you are wise. I know even now as my brothers in arms restrain the fool who did this that you will be merciful, because that is your way.

     I believe in destiny now. I was born to die. Every day of my life was leading up to this one glorious moment in which I was given the privilege of saving you. Maybe they will give me a hero’s funeral, but aside from this one thing I have done there will be little to say. I did not live an extraordinary life, but I do not regret that. As I said, I have few regrets. I do not regret that I never told you how I feel; your life is complicated enough and it would have been a disservice to you. I do not regret my death, for I died for the greatest of causes: honor and love. Maybe in the next life and the next world we can be together, and I can care for you in all the ways I have wished I could. No, my single greatest regret is that I can only die for you once.

     I love you, Princess Luna. Goodbye.