Luna's wild gallop took her through the town center, where ponies had already begun to go about their business after the grand entrance. Those who were still present stopped and stared as the alicorn flew past, and even the guards who had accompanied her were caught flat-footed. Murmurs grew and rose, and soon ponies who had already left were coming back to see what all the fuss was about. As had always been true in small towns, word spread fast.<br/><br/>When she reached the hilltop, she stopped and looked to the sky for several moments. The sun was already lowering to the west. She bathed in it's light as it went, closing her eyes. For a time she almost seemed to be in communion with something or someone. The wind slowly picked up around her, carrying the scents of wildflowers. Her purplish mane flowed like a banner.  She took several deep breaths, then lifted her face to the sky. Red, orange, and pink light streaked over the village and the watching ponies as the sun seemed to rapidly disappear past the horizon, faster than normal.<br/><br/>Luna remained an impassive statue for a moment in the sudden gloaming of dusk. Then she opened her eyes and<em>looked</em>at the twilight sky. The veil of purple and blue rippled, flowing through shades of light and dark. The clouds above parted slowly, allowing the world to see the first gleam of starlight far above. Then came another, and another. As the minutes pass, the sky cleared to reveal a glimmering field of stars blazing against the blackness.<br/><br/>Everything fell silent then. For a moment it seemed as if all was done. Then the crescent moon cutie mark at her throat and flanks began to glow with silver light. Her wings spread wide and her horn raised high as she took to the skies. She stood in silhouette, outlined by starlight. Then her horn began to glow with silver light. Behind her, slowly, majestically, the full moon arose in a white-and-silver blaze over the night sky. Full darkness settled in as it rose, and with it came the sounds and cries of nocturnal animals and birds as the night truly began. Luna let out an exhilarated, passionate cry that echoed over the hills and the town.<br/><br/>The citizens of Maneflow were left agog with wonder and excitement down at the bottom of the hill. All save one tiny filly, who looked at the night sky with tears in her eyes before trotting away sadly.