☼ [ visual]

[solequus]

[Sometime after the ponies wake up, scrolls and quills suddenly start raining from the sky. Don't worry, its not the ponypocalypse, its just a squadron of flying white ponies dropping them from above.

Once everyone receives one, the scrolls suddenly glow and come to life, its surface revealing the visage of a large white alicorn with rainbow hair and a golden crown, sitting on a large, velvet-upholstered throne. She has a calm, reassuring, regal smile on her face as she speaks, though those who know her better can see the light of worry and concern in her eyes.]

Good afternoon, newponies! I am Princess Celestia.

I've heard of your arrival in Ponyville and of some of the more interesting stories that have come from it. We're...not certain how this phenomenon has occurred, but we here at the royal castle will put our efforts into solving this mystery, and I hope you will help us out as we wish to help you out!

Rest assured, no harm will come to you. Nor, as some of you have worried, are we holding you against your will. On the contrary, you're free to move about Equestria as you please, be it through Ponyville, Los Pegasus or anywhere in between. I only request that you use the scrolls we have provided you to check in from time to time, so that we know where you might be when we figure out the solution to this current situation.

If you have any questions, you are free to ask them of me. If I am not available - and, I will admit, there are times when I can be quite busy - there are many other ponies willing to help you, including the other princesses of Equestria. We are all in this together, after all.

[And then she smiles a little more. Its a much more relaxed smile. The concern is still there, of course.]

But, in the meantime, I'd also like to get to know all of you! I always like to meet new people, after all. I hear we even have a dragon?

Comments

[Action]

[magicalrealist]

(Going back...That's what worried her most. She knew sometimes people could briefly return home to catch up on events and go right back to where they were, but as far as Twilight knew, people didn't remember their time away from home.

And others remembering where she was certainly helped rule out that theory. It was a possibility, but one Twilight didn't want to think about. Not now.)

That's exactly right, Princess. I'll have plenty of stories to tell them if I go back. Even if I don't, I'll hold them as close to my heart as all of my other friends.

...Princess? I'd like to submit my report now. While it's still fresh in my mind.

[Action]

[solequus]

[She nods.]

Of course. Please do so, my faithful student.

[Action]

[magicalrealist]

(Twilight clears her throat. It's...been a long time since she last did this and she wants to make sure she does it right.)

Dear Princess Celestia,

Over the course of my time in Mayfield, I've learned several important lessons not only about friendship, but lessons about looking at life as a whole.

Mayfield took in not only ponies, but gods, robots, otherworldly creatures, worldly creatures and humans. Despite the obvious differences in biology, I learned that we all share many wonderful things, whether it's language, technological advancements or a sense of community and togetherness. Whether circumstances work with or against us, species differences will never keep individuals from coming together because beneath their exteriors lie spirits that shine as brightly as any of ours.

Even when you're facing the end of the world, it's of the utmost importance to stay true to yourself and who you know yourself to be. Your true identity is one of your most important possessions because everyday, we ask ourselves what to do and though it may be subconscious, we carry the truth within ourselves: even if it can't be put into words, we know it's there. Searching for the truths in life means sharing your truths with others and helping each other towards what lies ahead. By letting our true selves shine, we can light the way for others...and ourselves.

(Thinking back to so many of her friends and loved ones, whether they were still in Mayfield, had been permanently droned or were even back home, filled Twilight with a slight sense of resolution. Being able to look back on everything she accomplished to then discuss what she learned and how she coped almost put the jumbled bunch of emotions in line, as if their coming together meant things would finally be alright. Just as they formed together, tears began to roll down Twilight's cheeks as she forced up the composure to continue her report.)

Before casting judgment on anyone, it's important to understand why they act or do things in certain ways. An open mind and open understanding are important tools to discovering the truth as much as a map and a compass are for navigation. Sometimes we have to do things for the greater good that will come back to hurt us, sometimes you hurt your friends while trying to save them...and sometimes good intentions can lead down bad paths if you don't watch where you're going. Everyone has reasons for their actions that make sense to them and even if they don't make sense to you, it's better to know someone's full story before drawing any conclusions.

And finally, I've learned that the problems you overcome will always be real to you, whether they're virtual or not. Computer programs may be able to divide reality and fantasy, but they can never prevent anything from feeling real to you. Just as...just as the words in a book can make you laugh or cry, any encounter you endure can help you see the world...help you see life, in ways you never thought you could...because the things that are real to us are the things that matter most.

Your faithful student,

Twilight Sparkle