Dear Luna,
I'm sorry I addressed that last letter to you so formally, I don't know why I did it, but I took it beyond the joke you had intended yours to be. I would agree with you about the short address being the preferred method, and will continue to use that from here on out.
I still don't feel right to receive such praise, since without them I would have ultimately failed, and in fact would have never made it to the castle in the first place. I'm afraid I don't fully understand what you mean by primal aspect? I know that I read about them in some books, but I can't recall the details. Something about being the basest of all pony instincts, like lust, hunger, self-preservation, fear, and other survival and procreation driven needs. However you speak of her fear as though it was a secondary feeling.
I know these questions might seem strange, and insensitive, but I really did wish to know more about her before that battle. Seeing as I was unable to do that, I hope to gain insight into what a pony might learn from something possessing them as you were in order to help them fight it.
To be perfectly honest, I don't see much of a leader in me. I have very little status or titles beyond that of being Celestia's chosen student. I know that occasionally the girls look to me for advice when we're having our adventures, but I'd be lost without them. They are almost like parts of my body in a strange way. I couldn't deal being without one of them, anymore than I could without my front legs or horn.
Rainbow Dash is always being so forward about what she wants and Applejack is always so sure of herself. Rarity runs a famous boutique, and Fluttershy cares for all those animals. Pinkie Pie: I know that nopony would be able to forget meeting her. However, I'm just Twilight, a librarian of Ponyville, and Celestia's faithful student. I don't see where I am the great heroine that one might read about in the old pony tales. I am not like brave Firefly, nor the great Twilight of yore, I am just a scholar and a student.
That is quite admirable and just what I would expect from your sister when somepony does not give anypony else the respect they deserve. She would not let anypony be bullied or be made to feel inferior in her own presence. Even I once had to be reminded of how truly special earth ponies are by her. For a whole day she made me work on the farm of an earth pony that I had been teasing with magic, never before had my hooves and back hurt so much. But it did show me a great lesson, and sometimes I enjoy helping out Applejack on her farm as 'refresher' courses, though Applejack lets me 'cheat' occasionally and use magic.
If it had been me, I doubt I would have been able to restrain myself to mere words. I lack Princess Celestia's patience, and for some reason, when I read those words I had wanted to pack up and rush to your defense in a heartbeat. It was only a promise I had made to another friend that paused me long enough to learn that the matter was taken care of. Even if you might think you do not deserve the title or position, such rudeness to you or your sister should not be tolerated. I believe that you in particular shouldn't, since you have lost so much because of a mistake you had made in a moment of weakness.
So, in a way I can't say whether that noble was me or not, I mean I know I hold the honorary title of Duchess, but that's just because I'm Princess Celestia's student. I think. Anyways, I'm glad that you finally got the chance to talk to her about what's been troubling you. And if you ever need any help adjusting to life as a common pony, don't even think of hesitating to ask, my door will always be open to you. I wonder who she could mean, there's not many distinguished ponies in Ponyville that I could think would draw her attention. In fact, only Big Macintosh would be close to what she might consider 'distinguished'. But I don't see understand why she wouldn't get to know him as herself. He's a very nice and laid back stallion.
I will forward the request to Rarity for her to make some time to talk, and I believe that she'll be more than willing to meet with you. She's a very generous and friendly pony. I'm willing to say that you would love having a heart to heart with you, especially if you're a fan of her work.
Your opinion on which of Marelin's transformations makes sense, but I don't know the Sixth as well as the Fifth, since Princess Celestia only had me learn up to number five in class, and I briefly looked over the remaining seven. I can look into the matter, but I do not know what to advise you. I'd suggest going somewhere near Canterlot and the castle, just in case you are needed, but not near enough that anypony could instantly recognize you should you slip up. A pony in the know might help, I'd suggest myself, but I'm terrible with keeping secrets.
That is an experience that I would not like to repeat again, I can't really retell it because that would tell the secrets. Even if they are known to the other pony, I don't think they would appreciate me telling it to others. Please forgive me.
It is more than a 'nice sentiment' your highness, it's the truth. You are very cute, and any foal with eyes to see and a brain to think would know that to be the truth. As for my personal grooming, I admit that sometimes I'm lapsed in my judgements, and that more than once a pony has pointed out that slight oversight on my part, but to be fair, it was a fascination explanation of the magical conversion of energy into matter by Marelin's half-sister Mareganna le Bray.
It's such a shame for two brilliant mares to believe that they're alone in the world, simply because their father refused to admit to the siring with a second mare. Then again, I suppose that it was during the strange period of monogamy shortly before your own ascension to power, so it could be understandable. And the terrible battles they fought, instead of being sisters like they longed for in their private diaries. I know I couldn't help but agree with Marelin's thoughts on the matter, '... that which I long for hath been denied to me dearest journal, to sup from the table of sisterly care with one equal to my talents. Ah, though that it were possible that the brilliant le Bray could be such onto me, even across the field of battle we could still be so much more than rivals most bitter.'
I read those words after my history lessons concerning that time period and couldn't help but feel tears well up. Two sisters so cruelly denied that what they wanted most because of the silence of one stallion. It struck a chord with me, as I never knew my family, and always longed for a sister, as I have told you. We could have done so much together, but I suppose that the time for such has past, and there can never be another chance to have that.
Sorry about that, I was just reading this new novel Rarity recommended to me about Marelin and Mareganna and couldn't help but stir up those old memories. Speaking of old memories: 'The Trickster Goddess'? I haven't heard any mention of that save for some of the oldest guard reports that Princess Celestia asked me to review in preparation should I ever enter into the political realm. If I ever give you cause to be upset with me, please let me know so I can put my affairs in order.
'Abby Custard'? Did they really call it that? I would have thought they'd be far more creative, since they talked me out of naming my stuffed bee 'Drone' then again, I suppose 'Mrs. Buzzy' isn't much better. In my defense I was barely seven years old, and it was my first stuffed animal aside from the stuffed blue pegasus.
Might I suggest holding a moonlit dance with it? Or maybe throwing it a birthday party? These are things that I could imagine Pinkie doing, and I think you'd enjoy them as well, especially if you get that younger staff-member to join in on the fun. Maybe have her 'accidentally' catch the two of you with one of the other staff members.
Don't apologized Luna, it's a fun idea and I think that you should get to have your fun as well as do your duties. Besides, it made me smile reading about such a delightful prank in the making, normally I'm left out of such here in Ponyville, since the others think that I'd not enjoy it. Do you think it would surprise Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash that it was me that flipped their rooms without using magic?
It'd probably surprise you that I learned that from some private lessons of Princess Celestia. She wanted me to take more notice of my surroundings, and so while I was at lesson with another teacher, she proceeded to glue my entire bedroom to the ceiling without using her own magic. I begged and pleaded with her for a week afterwards to get her to teach me, since then she always took one day a month to show me why some of the bolder nobles whispered the name Trollestia behind her back.
You know, with Pinkie's name and circus being in the same vicinity, I can't help but imagine her in clown make-up popping up out of a toy cart the size of a novel. She'd probably have you seated front and center with all the little goodies she could carry, I believe that you might need the seat to either side of you to hold it all, and then she'd make sure you have a great time, clowns and all.
I think letting the two of them settle this privately would be best, especially with how prideful Dash can be at times. I'd suggest just having somepony slip it into the mail with no return address or identifying marks. Just "Gilda the Griffon the location" on a plain piece of paper. It might take her a while to agree to go, but she'd want to from the very start. At the very least they can give each other closure.
I guess that we both know how bad random bouts of accidental magic can be, or in my case barely controlled magic. How many books do you think we could fill with just the tales that the two of us could tell? Might be one of the best and most useful comedy series we could create.
I think that spending several days getting to know each other would be a wonderful time, and hope that you wouldn't mind spending the time with me. I fear that I don't have your confidence in my story telling ability, but I'd give it my best shot.
In hindsight, I realize now that turning Spike into a pony, even if only for a short time, would be more disastrous than good. I just wish there was some way I could help him see the feelings of the girls before it's too late.
Speaking of too late, do you mind if I share a sad dream I had last night? I was in the library with Spike laying on my back, when he began to grow, and I aged alongside him. Eventually, he go to be a full-grown dragon, and we had to say good-bye. Now, I know that in some part of my mind I always knew that he'd have to go off and live as a dragon, but that dream drove home just how much I would miss him. This morning I pulled him into my bed and just held him for a while as tears rolled down my cheeks. After a few minutes, I kissed his forehead and left to go prepare for the day.
Yes that's my stand, with my hoofprints on the sing. I can't believe how sloppy my writing was back then! Oh, I hope the meeting goes well, and if you get the chance tell her I say 'hi'. Perhaps an audience wouldn't be the right term, but I cannot think of a better one. Meeting sounds far too formal, while social visit would be too inaccurate. So maybe once things get going she'll learn to relax, and accept that you are just wanting to help out the troop. As for showing her my approval, feel free to show her my letters. I wonder if it's the same troop leader as when I was a little filly scout.
I'm sure that Princess Celestia just has your best interests at heart, and she just doesn't want you to get hurt. I remember that there was a time where she was constantly hovering over me all day just in case I got hurt or decided to leave her as a student. It was a rough year because of a lot of things going on outside of being her student, but it worked out in the end. Beyond that, it made me feel special that she cared enough to watch over me.
If such a breathtaking display could be considered a simple meteor shower, I cannot imagine what an elaborate one might entail. The busts were wonderful, and I cannot imagine anything more beautiful than seeing those streaks of light flitting across the sky in a shower of fire and light. I couldn't agree more that the crusaders found three great role models to look up to, and I hope they will always have them to lean on when times are tough. I'm glad that you liked my thoughts on the matter, and hope that I can learn that projection spell so that I might be able to share them properly with you.
It's a shame that they missed the opportunity to enjoy the work of a master returning to her craft with all the love and care that she added to the show, for something as silly as showing off who has the biggest ego. Princess Celestia enjoyed it, and forgive me for asking; but she was the most important mare in all Canterlot to see it, wasn't she? Forget about the nobles and their cronies, they cannot understand the beauty and art that was provided in a medium that no money could buy. They were fools to have missed it, but I hope that you understand that there will always be ponies that enjoy your work, even if it is just a quiet little librarian in a small town with her telescope pointed to the heavens.
That sounds wonderful Luna! Oh! I can just imagine how that would be, just you and your sister, with a few of your closest friends to share in something you've put your heart and soul into. I was going to invite you to Ponyville if you didn't have other plans made. I guess it would have been silly, having you come all the way here to just have to leave right away after it's done, but we would have made sure it would have been a memorable night, and that you knew we enjoyed the show.
I suppose that it's true that I haven't really studied that aspect of friendship yet, but from what I've learned of it in a quick perusal of "Friendship for Silly Ponies" by Applejack's great grandmother Applejack, yes I gave her an odd look too when I found out, it's not something that can be taught, but must be learned by experiencing it. I hope that I can learn that lesson when the time comes, for I think that it would be a wonderful key to helping me understand my friends more.
Oh, I know that there's a lot that can happen during a meal, for example there are several topics of conversation to cover, eating the meal, learning more about the other pony, finding out what makes them the pony that she is, and staring deeply into each other's eyes in silence so perfect that breaking it is almost a crime. In those moments a special type of magic washes away the world, until all that is left is the two of you, just sharing a meal together, that could turn into a life together.
Sorry about that, I guess I got a little lost into my own world there.
An ESPer as explained in the story is basically the theory, played out with an earth pony. And that is why it is considered a special feat, as it is not a unicorn, all the ESPers are earth ponies with amazing abilities. And no, you wouldn't be what they classify as an alien, since you're not a data entity or construct there of.
As for the party being held in the days following the Gala, I guess that makes a lot more sense than trying to find some time off outside of that. The girls have all agreed to the idea of the party, and with them already having taken the time off their duties, there wouldn't be a better time for it. I should see if I can't find that book again, and get more ideas for all sorts of fun things to do on my Pajama Party Fun Time checklist. I'll just add that to my list of things to get done today. Pinkie's already agreed to get me a supplies list to pick up for the party before I send this letter and it will be attached.
I will hold you to that someday Luna, but for right now I think I'll let you reveal your mysteries and enigmas to me. Let you weave the tale of Luna Starlight's rise to being a Princess of Equestria. There is little that I could not accept of the wonderful friend that I have started building such a wonderful and special friendship with. There is something about you Luna that causes me to feel more relaxed in sharing myself around than even with my friends here in Ponyville. I just hope that you will enjoy the story of Twilight Sparkle as much as I know I will enjoy yours.
If it's alright with you, I'll take a look at it after the Gala, since I fear that with it so close, I'm a bit preoccupied with it. About making it into a book, I guess that would be fine, since you're including the others, but I have to admit I'm somewhat embarrassed to get a dedication. It's your book, so I'll trust you to dedicate it how you see fit, I just ask that you send me a copy for myself, and one for the library.
As far as I can tell, they are a relatively new innovation, having come into their own about fifty or sixty years ago. If you go to the Blue Mare, I highly recommend the Hummingbird Special, I don't remember what's all in it, but I felt wide awake and ready to study after having just two or three. I'm sure that you'll find somepony able to take the assignment and give you a full and proper report, in fact I'd bet that more than a couple of them have spent time at one of those locations before.
You'll have to ask their sisters about that, since to hear the leader tell it, one minute the girls were sweet little angels with halos over their heads. She turns her back, and the next three demons in filly skins were stringing her up from the ceiling. I have to admit I was afraid to ask for more information at that point.
If the Gala is as you describe it, perhaps it's a good thing that Princess Celestia has never invited me to attend. I did find time to talk with Rarity about the princes of your family, and when she woke from the dead faint she had swooned into, I fear that she might have said something that I did not fully understand. 'It doesn't have to be a prince, just princely.' I wonder what that means, but I didn't feel right pressing for information.
Applejack's more than pleased to set up business relations with the castle caterers, but admitted that Big Mac is in charge of the finances and business contracts at the farm, and sent along his contact information. She also suggested that Big Mac might convince her to step out from the stand and let him run things for a while so she could enjoy the Gala. After having sampled more than a bit of their cooking, I can understand the desire for cooks to get their hooves on it. Now I almost feel guilty for having eaten so much of it for free previously.
I suppose that makes sense, however being so close to the Everfree forest, there is no doubt in my mind that there is more than just a few reasons why Ponyville retains its small town feel. At first I didn't really fit in, but over time I found that I felt more accepted and welcomed here than I ever did in Canterlot, and one of my fellow students is in town with me too. I think her name is Lyra, and she was a student over in the Magical Music division. I never really talked to her, but she was something of an idol at the school. Makes me wonder why she would come all the wya to Ponyville? Though I suppose her roommate Bon Bon is the one that needs to worry about it.
Back to the routes avoiding Ponyville, I once again suspect that might just be us again. Considering all the danger that has happened in Ponyville since my arrival, I cannot imagine that anypony wouldn't believe that it is dangerous to conduct business here. Yes, I have noticed a few larger markets setting up in the town square, however at the time I was busy with experiments and couldn't visit. I did send Spike down when Applebloom asked if he could escort her with a few dozen bits. And now the look of betrayal on his face makes so much more sense.
I trust Fluttershy to understand their uneasiness, and hope that she can open up to the caretakers as she has with her friends. Maybe meeting them as a group would be better in the long run, but I don't think we can manage that before the Gala proper begins. I suppose we'll just have to see how things go as far as that is concerned.
But it is like I could stay glued to your side at all times while Applejack or Rainbow Dash keeps Pinkie in check. But that's what you're expecting, so instead I'll just let you get away with it, and press for details with the others later. Besides, while you're doing that, I might just press some of the staff for embarrassing stories of you adapting to modern life. Wouldn't that be a wonderful trade-off?
I used to visit one of the doctors that take care of the castle dragons, so if you ask around they might have Spike's medical records available. Now to convince him to come with me long enough to prevent him from escaping... maybe I can have Rarity help me for a little bit.
Spike waved it off, saying that it was no problem at all, but asks that you pass on the attached scroll to one of his dragon buddies in the rookery... A young gold named Au, apparently they've been pen-pals since we came to Ponyville, and his versions of the stories of my friends and I are very popular with the hatchlings.
I just hope he's not embellishing too much, I would hate to think what that could do to young and impressionable minds.
Your Friend,
Twilight Sparkle