>Below you the Canterlot traffic begins to wind down; ponies retiring to their homes, and warm yellow lights flashing on in windows.
>You can see a lot from up here - sat, somewhat precariously on the ledge that juts out from the side of Canterlot castle.
>Even the breeze has died to a cool whisper, carried along by wispy plumes of cloud and brushing against your face.
>”Anon. I didn’t realize you were out here.”
>Celestia stands beside you, taking a silent moment to gaze down over her kingdom - well, what is her kingdom for now.
>”I can tell something is troubling you. I don’t suppose you’d like to talk about it?”
>You sigh. It’s not like she’d understand. Not really.
“Just a little down, Princess.”
>”Oh dear. What’s brought this on?”
“Things are... coming to an end.”
>She tilts her head, unsure.
>”They are? Do you know something I don’t?”
>A smile plays across her lips as you feel a wing wrap around your back.
“It feels weird even telling you this, but... I’ve seen your future.”
>”Oh? Well don’t spoil the surprise for me, anon, but I hope I’ve aged gracefully.”
>She lets out a short, amused giggle.
“Everything feels different. It’s like you’re going away, and I’m never going to see you again.”
>”Anon - when you spend your time mulling over what might be, or even what will be, you often end up missing the most important things.”
>Her tone is hushed; reassuring.
>”I’m here now, am I not?”
“In a way, I guess.”
>”...and I always will be, Anon; even if it’s not quite in the ways you’re used to.”
“It’s just not... the same.”
>Her smile seems to drop.
>”I care about you, and I sense you still care about me. Is that not the most important thing?”
>The wing which encompasses you seems to pull you in closer; into a warm cocoon.
>”Change is a funny thing, anon. It happens when you least expect it to, and often when you feel like all you need is stability. Look at Twilight. Look how far she’s come. It feels like only yesterday she was that smart, but lonely little filly acing all of my classes. Look at her now.”
>Celestia perches herself up on the ledge next to you, pulling you closer and encouraging you towards her soft, comforting torso; a wall of stable softness.
>”Change can be hard to accept. I sense things for you are changing in a way you cannot directly control, but with all the change I have endured over these many years, there is one thing I’ve always found to be true.”
>You lift your head partially.
“What’s that?”
>”If you love and care for something, or someone - that can never change. As long as that love exists in your heart, it exists.”
>Her head lowers to plant a soft kiss on your head, and she sends a warm breath down the back of your throat.
>”Remove your worries from your mind, anon. Let us sit and be. This moment right now is what matters, and these feelings we share matter also.”