Enchantè

                                                            Reaching Out

Dear Mom and Dad,

Ponyville is nothing like I expected! From the time I first stepped off the train until now, I have had almost every preconception shattered. Sure, it is a very small town, and yes, there seems to be a representative from every pony race living here, but Dad? They’re all *happy. Ponyville seems to have discovered something I have not seen before in such abundance: harmony.*

That’s not to say everypony walks around with big, goofy smiles on their faces...that would be creepy. Nor are they all friendly all the time. Just the other day I accidently bumped into an old donkey that was wearing a really bad toupeè, and he gave me an earful before I could apologize. Once I was finally able to say ‘sorry’, he immediately softened up and asked me if I was new here. When I said yes, his next words were, “So you’ve met Pinkie.” A statement, not a question. Then we both laughed.

To fully describe Pinkie D. Pie would be a volume in itself, but for now I’ll just say she wants everypony around her to be happy. It was a bit overwhelming at first, but her enthusiasm is quite catching, and so I find myself being friendly to strangers just for the sake of being friendly. Seems I’m losing my “big city” attitude.

You both probably knew this, but a Princess lives here. She fits right in with Ponyville, for she too is nothing like I expected. She has no guards, no palace, and she wants to be called Twilight! She lives in a *library, for Celestia’s sake! She is one of the most humble ponies I have ever met, but to me she also seems a bit sad. If I had to pin it down, as crazy as it sounds, I don’t think she likes being a Princess.*

As I understand it, being a Princess wasn’t her choice. I don’t know all the details, but I do know her five friends were part of it. Even so, the sense of magic around her is very powerful, almost as strong as what I felt the one time I was in Princess Celestia’s presence.

I think Princess Sparkle, or Twilight as she prefers to be called, isn’t done with her purpose. I don’t know her at all, but judging from the way my notions have all been shattered it wouldn’t surprise me if an even greater role awaits her. If that happens, you can be sure it will effect Equestria Herself.

My studies and research are going well. My guide and associate is a zebra (yes, Dad, a zebra) named Zecora. She hails from The Equine Republic of Kenya, and judging from Zecora herself, it’s an exotic place. Hers must be a passionate people, for though she speaks Equestrian quite well, she speaks it in rhyme! She told me our language sometimes lacks the emotion she wants to convey, so she usually speaks as if she’s reciting a poem. I have to admit it took some getting used to.

Our first foray into the Everfree Forest was an interesting one! Not an hour after entering the Forest, we ran into some Timberwolves! Don’t worry, Mom, don’t worry, I wasn’t hurt at all. Zecora actually has her home right in the Forest, so she knew how to handle them, but I was able to use my Talent and divert two of them away. I’ve *never tried that on a wild animal before, and I’m not sure I could do it again right now, but it was great to be able to increase my abilities on such short notice. I feel I’ve only scratched the surface.*

I’m enclosing some pictures I took while walking around town. Those photographs of the apple orchard are of a ranch owned and operated by a country pony named Applejack and her family. That’s her with the blonde mane, and that big guy is her brother, the appropriately named Big Mac. I think they have a little sister and some other family members, but I haven’t met them yet.

Just like most of the Ponyville residents, Applejack is altogether nice, for she gave me a basket of the sweetest, most juicy apples I have ever tasted! I’m starting to drool just thinking about them, and I would have sent you both some…but I ate them all! They were that good! The Apple Family makes a special cider only once a year, and if I’m still here when that happens I’ll try to send you a few bottles.

My room at the Inn quickly became too small, with all the notes and maps and research papers I’ve been writing, so I rented a small house right on the Market Square. My monthly stipend from the Academy covers it all, but some more bits would be a good idea (cough hint cough).

The only thing I miss besides you two and my friends from school are those outstanding soft pretzels our city is known for. If you can send me the recipe, Mom, maybe I can get Mrs. Cake, one of the owners of the Sugarcube Corner bakery, to make me some. Who knows? They may catch on here, because I don’t think Ponyville ever had a big soft pretzel. Or a Filly Cheese Haysteak, for that matter.

Signing off for now. I’ll write you again as soon as I can. I love you both!

Your Son,

Pawise

P.S. I think I’ve fallen in love with a mare named Fluttershy. I really don’t know how to approach her, so I haven’t even spoken to her yet, but she fills my every waking moment. Please help me!

P.S.S. She’s a pegasus. Don’t flip out Dad.