My Dearest Champion Twilight Sparkle,
There are far more good memories about my mother than bad ones, so I'm more than happy remembering her. I just lose myself in guilt and remorse from time to time, and wish she was still here to hold me and tell me everything will be alright.
Thank you for bringing me back, it is the very start of the rest of my life. I only hope that I can make it worth your efforts, and those of your friends. It seems like such a small thing to light up the night for everypony, but it is the best I am able to do. Maybe given time I shall overcome my limitations, with friends to support me along the way I am certain of this.
I do not think Celly would ever think anything you wrote to be beneath her, but I can understand where you are coming from. It took me several years to get used to the title of 'princess' before my name, and in a way I wish to be remembered as Luna Starlight more than Princess Luna.
I suppose that like the title, those nightmares are something that I must either adapt to or overcome. And you should understand that I trust you to be my guardian and protector more than any of the guards that stand nightly vigils with me. You do not see me as only the 'princess' but as Luna, a scared and repentant little filly that made a massive mistake. At least you see the real me Twilight, you know what I really am.
I would talk to Celly about it, but whenever she's around they just seem so unimportant and distant to me. I just can't bring myself to break our time together by bringing the matter up. But it is nice to hear that you have faith in me, and with you and others backing me I feel that I will grow into the role properly this time.
Your suggestion of spending time in another pony's shoes does sound interesting, and I have heard Celly talking about wanting a day off. I wonder how we could do that? I mean it is not like we could hide our cutie marks, even with transfiguration magic. Celestia keeps talking about these new inventions called stickers, but I do not know if they would work. I believe that I would enjoy spending more time among the ponies I preside over, it would be an educational experience for me. As well as good for me to resume my studies of the modern era. Can you believe that ponies go gallivanting about with unshorn fetlocks these days?
I apologize, I appear to have dated the last time I followed fashion there, please ignore that comment. It is just that back before I fell into the darkness of Nightmare Moon, unshorn fetlocks meant that one was of loose morals. Please forgive my ancient sensibilities, I understand that I am out of touch with the times, and am trying to improve my grasp of the current times. Please be patient with me.
Speaking of patience, I suppose it might be best to explain why I neglected over a third of our population like that. Over a thousand years ago, there was no theory that all ponies contained magic. In a sense, anytime I think about changing my form into that of another pony, I believe that I need to have magic of my own to turn back to reverse the spell. In a way I still hold to the belief that becoming an Earth pony would be a permanent change. I'm sorry, but this Big Mac you mentioned, would he happen to be the rather large red Earth pony that your friend Applejack was constantly close to during the celebration of Nightmare Moon's defeat? He seemed rather protective of her, constantly checking over her while the party was going on.
The party is possibly the most key witness to your belief that nopony is beyond help. I realize that it was a celebration of being spared from suffering the blight of an eternal night, but I cannot help but feel it was a party to honor my freedom from the evil that had taken over me, and return from the moon. I have heard of this Great and Powerful Trixie, and have sent along a newsprint clipping of a recent article featuring her. It would seem that she is doing well since her incident in Ponyville. I have considered going to see the show she performs for the fillies myself, however I fear that I am a little too noticeable to slip in undetected. Perhaps if I perfect the transformation spell, I might be able to perform my surveillance, though I hear she does perform at the circus every few weeks.
I have not been to a circus before, but from my understanding they are an amazing sight to behold, if only it was not for those 'clowns' as you named them.
I had not heard of this Gilda aside from a minor side-note on one of my sister's reports. Apparently after leaving Ponyville she got caught in a rather nasty storm that had sprung up on the far side of the Everfree forest, towards the Griffon lands. I believe she is still recuperating, and could look into gaining a mailing address for Miss Dash to attempt to contact her.
Do not worry about rambling, I find it a rather endearing quality of yours, as it speaks to your state of mind and interest. I know that I tend to ramble as well, so I guess we are both guilty of that charge, no?
I am certain that you will be more than just a good advisor, in fact I know that you will be great at whatever role you end up taking. I do hope that you will understand that I feel your presence as my best friend is far more important than any possible advisory position.
No, I cannot say that I recall that particular song, but it does seem rather entertaining. I shall attempt to utilize this when next I have those nightmares. To be honest, the entirety of the events in the forest seemed like a dream that first night, and less than that the days that followed.
Now, I can barely remember what I did those last few hours, and when I read the reports it seems at though something that happened to another pony. Yet, I know somewhere in my heart that they are all about me and the darkness that took control.
I suppose if you wish I could skip asking her that, in favor of hearing and seeing it directly from you. I am more than willing to trade embarrassing tales and images of Celestia and me when we were younger. I remember there was this one time we found a mud slide that led directly into a giant lake. She went down and came out of the water covered in thick mud and a giant lily-pad on her head, with her horn peeking out. To think we went from little fillies that would spent an entire afternoon sliding into a lake to the two ruling princesses of all Equestria. It is a bit humbling to remember ones origins I suppose.
Actually, Celly hasn't really told me too many stories about you, as I have been rather busy catching up on history. It would seem more interesting to hear them from you sometime, and so I shall let the memory pass.
He has a crush on your friend? Not that I disapprove, but it is rather strange for a dragon to have such feelings towards a pony of any sort. Then again, i suppose that it might be more natural this way as he was raised by you and Celly for all his life. He sees things from a pony's perspective, and would be understandably drawn to fillies. But to have three pursuing him even as he pursues one that if I remember correctly was the elder sister of a member of the trio is rather impressive, even if he was a pony. To do so as another species is rather incredulous to say the least. I do hope he is gentle with their feelings. You know, I do believe that there is a spell or potion that could turn a younger dragon into a pony for a full day, think on it for an Foal's Day prank.
I trust that the reason I suddenly got a rather intricate schematics diagram drawn on pink parchment for converting the entire throne room into a giant bounce castle is thanks to Miss Pie? I do believe that this would be a terrific joke to play on those stuffy bureaucrats that always tell us how to act and behave. It may be time to commission a pony to liven up the dreary castle life. Could you ask that next time she not use so many balloons? I'm almost afraid to ask how she fit three-hundred and seventy-four balloons into the envelope I received. Then I remembered your letters about her "unique talents" and decided it would be best to not ask.
The scariest part of the schematic is she had to have written and posted the letter prior to us discussing the idea of Celly in a bounce castle. She even included a picture of you and your friends bouncing along, with what I can only assume was me. Though I do not know why she had me holding your hoof like that.
On another matter, that old stand of yours seems to have something of a landmark status, as the tour guide pointed it out during one of their rounds. It may have been the off-duty guard cleaning it, but I believe that they know something the are not telling. I talked with the head of the tourist relations, and it seems that the local Filly Scouts are paying a visit to take a tour of the castle in a little over two months. If you wish, I could discuss the matter with them.
I do hope that they enjoy the display that I will put on tomorrow night, I have put a little extra special effort into it. I do not know if it will be well received or not, but I put my heart into it. My sister let it slip that I was planning something to some papers here in Canterlot and they are setting up a grand showing. I cannot help but feel a little intimidated, but I shall persevere and show Equestria what I can do.
I do not believe that you could hurt a pony so long as your heart remains pure and honest to the pony you are courting, or that are courting you as the case seems to be. A sign that sicze would certainly be a bold step for the pony to take to simply get your attention, but I believe that they may agree that it would be worth it to have such a wonderful filly as their significant other.
While it does lack the elements of mystery and excitement of my scenario, yours is rather romantic in a classical sense. A simple meaningful gesture after a long and tiring day can mean more than any flashy displays. I hope that someday what research you have put into learning more about romance will serve you well.
It would certainly seem that your friend Pinkie is rather energetic about all types of parties. Along with the plans for the throne room bounce castle, she also posted a catalogue of your friend Rarity's designs, with bookmarks to the pajama's page. Are you sure she's not guiding the suggestion of a pajama party? This all seems like a little too much of a coincidence to be accidental.
I suppose calling you my heroine is improper, and besides My Dearest Champion sounds so much more fitting for all that you have done for me, both in rescuing me from Nightmare Moon, and befriending me. The other Elements of Harmony are certainly dear to me, and are champions in my heart, however you are the one to go beyond what they had. And for that I would grant you any title you desire, however Celly mentioned that you do not like gaining political power or position. I suppose that makes sense, so instead allow me to grant you one wish. Anything within my powers to grant, I shall give to you.
It would be so wonderful to believe that half the fantasy that they believe to be true were so, but I suppose that the need to believe the best of ones ancestors is a valid wish to every pony. The wish of all is that the next generation would build off the accomplishments and mistakes of the current. But most of all, they just do not wish to see others to fall into their own failures.
You mention seeing Miss Pie in these future visions, and I cannot help but wonder if it is not possible that she is a reality bender. You may wish to look into them, as when dealing with one it is best to come in with all the information possible. Even if she is not one, reading about the reality benders makes for an enjoyable read, if you like outrageous comedy. Just try to ignore the breaking of any laws of physics, gravity, or such. It will not end well if you attempt to do so.
Personally, some of their adventures could show these fantasy writers a thing or two about how to stretch the imagination. The classics are wonderful, and I can see why they were proclaimed as such, however I feel that some of these more 'modern day classics' are falling short.
Speaking of classics, I managed to look at that portrait by Brave Lion, and must admit that it is difficult to tell if the mare depicted is smiling or not. Also, I have noticed that more than once the eyes of these paintings seem to follow you as you walk. It is rather impressive, if unnerving at times. Which, I suppose is how some have described the night's sky more than once. It is sometimes hard to remember that others enjoy my works, as they are not public about it. However my sister pointed out that even before my fall to Nightmare Moon, she would hear faint pleas for another few minutes of night, begging that they would not have to leave the embrace of their loves, or foals pleading that they didn't have to get up for school just yet. I wonder if I had been told that, would I still have fallen into the darkness? I would like to think not, but I suppose that even the smallest of weaknesses could open the way for Nightmare Moon to take control. She will exploit any opening she may find. Perhaps I ought to warn others about the way she invades a pony's soul, and corrupts them from the inside.
Would you think a book would be a beneficial project to warn future generations against her seditious and seductive lies? Or maybe a shorter proclamation would be more effective, Celestia has told me that they did away with the scrolls and criers of old, and instead have a broadcast method through the horns of Unicorns. It sounds like it would be much faster than the old fashion methods. I will look into the matter either way.
I have consulted the castle caretaker and they suggested much the same recommendations, thank you for your advice.
Maybe the Filly scouts could help channel their energy into constructive means, not that I believe that they are destructive otherwise, but from the way you describe them they are filled with as much boundless energy as they are have boundless potential. Besides, would it not be better to have somepony else to watch over them for a few hours?
I might point out what happened to Nightmare Moon concerning the imprisonment after banishing, but I understand your concern and meaning. However, she would not do thus to her favorite student and somepony that had only been trying to help. But sometimes one must take time out and plan the reality of a situation, even when others might be in the midst of a panic.
I am certain that it would be fine, as the Gala has apparently become rather different than it was when I last attended. It has become a rather dull, formal affair. However my sister hopes that we will be able to return it to the grand celebration that it had been. Oh, there is a festival in the city proper surrounding the castle, but the castle celebration is rather boring. According to Celestia, she almost fell asleep last year!
Oh if I had heard that before my banishment, I would have thought she had been laughing for weeks. The fireworks alone would have kept her awake throughout the night, and the glorious fare that came from all over Equestria. Everything from the simplest commoner treats to lavish and exotic dishes.
I would like to apologize for that, I was always a little bit of a glutton during those Galas. It is simply amazing that I did not gain enough girth to put most dragons to shame. However with the dishes they have planned for this year, I fear that I shall not enjoy it as much as I had. In a sense, I feel that you and your friends would be more appropriate for the Gala than our nephew Blueblood. If any of your friends are looking to catch his attention, I would suggest against those actions. He is rather self-absorbed and lacks the courtesy that we and his parents have attempted to train into him.
At the main table will be myself and my sister, as well as the captains of the Wonderbolts, Firefly and Redd Mareon, a few members of the gentry including Prince Blueblood. Also there is our advisers, who have in my opinion lost touch with the common pony, especially those that grow the food we eat. Finally I believe that the tenders of our gardens and the animals that resides there, Flora and her sister Fauna, will be joining us. Please assure the others that though it is a formal affair, we are not expecting overly much as far as manners go. We enjoy a fairly informal table when we can convince others to do so.
Perhaps your friend Applejack won't have so much trouble remembering the order of the meal with others around. Yes, Celestia noticed her difficulty during the brunch, as well as Miss Rarity's concern over stains. It was rather humorous in the hearing, but I suppose it would be rather annoying to visit ones long term student on a casual visit, and being unable to get anypony to relax into being casual about her. Especially said student, but she understood that it was just how you are.
The gardens are going to be lovely, I hope that Miss Fluttershy will enjoy the gardens, perhaps Flora and Fauna would be willing to give her a brief tour.
It would seem that the day after the Grand Galloping Gala is your birthday, so I do think that a private affair would be most acceptable, as you would need to recover from the Gala. Even if it is a bore, it does go late into the night, and sometimes into the early hours of the morning. If you do inform Miss Pie of your birthday, do have ask her to remember the location you six will be at the time, and that Celestia and I would love to be invited.
I do hope that you and your friends will stay for a few days so that we might tour the castle and grounds together. Perhaps even some of the local businesses you enjoyed while you stayed in Canterlot. I did ask Celestia about letting me take you to the moon, and she agreed that it would be a favorable experience for the both of us. Let us make our plans after the celebrations are done, if that is agreeable with you that is.
Thank you always,
Luna Starlight
AN: I am currently considering breaking the letter style for the finale, and I would like to know if that is acceptable to the readers. Please leave a review or send me a personal message with the word 'Letters' in subject. Thank you for your time.
