Dear Twilight,
I cannot express how pleasant it is to have somepony aside from my sister to talk to, even if it is only through letters at this time. Part of the problem I guess is that I am awake and working almost exclusively at night when most ponies are sleeping. I would also like to take the opportunity to thank you for being patient with me.
We do indeed enjoy getting fanmail, my sister in particular since she gets more of it. I know for a fact that my sister loves getting drawings from young ponies, and that she has an entire suite dedicated to displaying their artwork. I guess I am somewhat jealous of that, but I understand that she has had thousands of years to build up her collection. Has she shown you them?
As for the night you were writing of: yes I did actually put more effort into it. While I do not understand why, it felt as though I should be giving a little be more to my work. Maybe even adding in a personal touch? Perhaps this is what that magic of friendship Sister talks about does, it does make one want to improve the quality of their work, even if it is only for single pony to admire and appreciate.
I have seen a few of these sleepovers as I tended to my rounds, and have always been curious about them. However, while they do seem to be delightfully entertaining from what I can see of them, I know that I cannot simply abandon my duties to participate in one. So while I could only be there in spirit, I feel that the enjoyment of your friends about the field of stars I presented last night is a source of the happiness that's bubbling in my chest.
While we're on the subject of that vista of stars that I presented last night: I believe it was remembering your lesson on sharing your gifts with others that inspired me to improve my work. In the spirit of that lesson, I would suggest setting up a good vantage point for two weeks from now. I have the promise of clear skies and warm weather, so I hope that other ponies might linger about to see the special show I am planning.
Mayhaps I will be able to perform the magical act of silencing Pinkie Pie once again. I remember she was rather lou... energetic at the victory celebration. But I suppose that is one of the 'gifts' that come from being the bearer of the Element of Laughter.
To be honest with you Twilight, yes a lot has changed from my perspective, while at the same time many things have remained the same as always. The advances in the realms of science and magic alone have me stunned and baffled when I read about them. On a more personal note, I do wish they had chosen a better time in my life for when they drew my likeness in those history books. Do you know how embarrassing it is to have your baby portraits plastered all over Equestria for over a thousand years? I have to admit that the first few times I saw them I was mortified.
Tending to the night is it? I suppose that is one way of putting it, however it is more art than work to me. Sometimes I feel that it is perfect, only to want to shift some minor detail. My sister considered the night best when there was a full moon to give the creatures some light to see by, however I know that the moon is but a single piece in the grand design. A tiny sliver of a crescent for example can inspire a poet to write a masterpiece to their mare.
"The darkness of night has surrounded me, enveloping me in its ethereal shroud. But still my hoof does not quell, nor does my pen quiet. For beyond the darkness I see great beauty. Stars dancing in this darkest night. The moon's sliver naught but a reminder of the smile on your face..."
That was written by William Shakeshorn to his dear mare, Anne Hoofaway, perhaps you know of better examples, but I believe that one sums up my feelings the best. I do so love Shakeshorn's works, there was just a simple beauty to them that I hope has carried through to the modern age.
My sister has done so much to make me feel welcomed to this strange new world and forgiven of my past transgressions, that I cannot express how much I appreciate it. In fact, it feels like she has gotten closer to me than she had been before Nightmare Moon overtook me. I guess the Twilight we share broke down that solid barrier that had formed between us without our notice. I will not mention your sneaking out after bedtime to her, however I believe that it may be beyond the time limit on being punished for that.
Your friends sound wonderful, and I must admit that I do remember them all from after I was freed of that darkness that stole my life from me and caused me to turn from what I once wanted.
Do you dislike snakes Twilight? I couldn't help but notice your writing seemed to falter when you mentioned them. There is nothing wrong with that, after all I do have a fear of my own. And yes, I know it is silly to have one after over a thousand years of life, but I cannot help it. I'm terrified of mimes, and have been since Sister had one over for her birthday party one year. Those ponies are unnatural and terrifying.
You mentioned these Cutie Mark Crusaders, what is their purpose? They sound like an interesting group of ponies. As for your friend's power of the Stare, I have heard of it before, and know that it is among the most powerful of all abilities one can be born with. I trust that she is very responsible with it.
Your friend Pinkie sounds wonderful, if a bit random at time. I am not familiar with that ability being among the Earth ponies, but it is possible that it might just be something she is capable of. Perhaps somepony should study this more, it sounds ever so useful.
Even though a party for such an occasion sounds simply marvelous, your secret is safe with me. However, would it be alright if I give her other reasons to throw parties? For example, the longest night in the middle of winter would be a delightful time for slumber parties, all night dance parties, or any number of other activities. Just a thought to be considered if possible, not that it is a major concern.
Would Rainbow Dash happen to be the Pegasus pony that performed the Sonic Rainboom? I heard Celestia talking about it with one of the Wonderbolts that evening, as I was sleeping during the show itself. I wish I could have seen it, for it sounded simply amazing. Beyond that, I hear she saved not only her friend, but a trio of the Wonderbolts themselves. The captain, Redd Maron is hoping she reserves a prance for her at the Grand Galloping Gala, but she does not wish for anyone to know that yet, so please do not tell Ms. Dash.
You are friends with the Rarity? The designer that did the latest dress line by Hoity Toity, and the filly that created that dazzling wardrobe for Sapphire Shores. I was reading about her in a couple magazines that Celestia had left around the palace. In fact, I have attached a picture that I clipped out of a spare magazine I bought. The pony in the star covered dress looks very familiar to me, how about you? Should have told me you were in a magazine, you look simply stellar.
I do intend to be at the Gala, and have been working hard to ensure that night is perfect to continue dancing under a star filled sky, where hopefully romance can blossom. Maybe I shall leave just a hint of the moon dangling in the sky, giving the ponies under it a bit more light. I shall even save a prance for you if you wish. That shall make it much easier for us to talk after all, no?
Thank you for your offer to help save me from a possible return to being Nightmare Moon, and if I even feel the slightest hint of her return, you will be the first pony I ask for help. I still cannot express how much your offer means to me.
Hobbies is it? I dabble in art and drawing, but I really love to prance. It is a fun and beautiful expression of ones emotions, put into a fluid and dazzling display. As a matter of fact, I did once prance upon the moon surrounded by stars. However, it is lonely without another pony up there joining me. Perhaps one day I can get permission to take you up there and fulfill that dream of yours? I would have to ask Celestia, since you are her student after all, but I am sure she would not negate such a simple request.
I am so very glad that you chose to write to me, and pray every time I lay down that you will not grow tired of me and leave. I cannot wait until we meet again, for I feel that you are a part of me that I had not known to be missing until now.
Thank you always,
Luna Starlight
