The latest shipment of books had arrived from Canterlot and Twilight was hard at work unpacking them. She hadn’t been able to bring all her resources when she moved to the Ponyville library, but Princess Celestia was able to find time to send them to Twilight, also thoughtfully packing along new books to update the library’s stocks.
The Princess certainly had more important things to do, like reconnecting with her recently returned sister Luna, but Twilight was grateful. Perhaps it helped that Twilight and her new friends had been the ones to bring Luna back.
Spike came into the room, lugging a stack of books that reached taller than his head. “Where do you want these, Twilight?”
“Just put them down over there.” Twilight gestured vaguely to the shelves, her attention fixed on the titles of the books in front of her.
Spike shrugged and dumped his burden somewhat near the shelves. “When’s lunch? We’ve been doing this all morning.”
Twilight chuckled and turned away from the shelves. “I suppose time did get away from me a little bit. Okay, let’s get something to eat.”
She already knew there was nothing in the refrigerator. That was okay; Twilight had been meaning to explore more of the town anyway. Spike hopped on her back and the two of them left the library to go find a restaurant.
“What are you in the mood for, Spike?” Twilight asked. Ponyville offered plenty of options. The residents were out and about today, taking full advantage.
“How about the Hay Burger?” Spike said. “Something simple.”
Twilight glanced back at him. “Really?”
Spike grinned. “I said simple. I didn’t say boring, bland, or small portions.”
With a roll of her eyes, Twilight headed towards the restaurant Spike had suggested. It was a small place that nevertheless served as a minor social hub in Ponyville. A few flyers for bands and the upcoming Equestria Day parade decorated the windows beside the door. Inside, sitting there with a pile of empty wrappers and ketchup on her face was Rainbow Dash.
Rainbow wiped with a napkin and grinned as they came in. “Hey Twilight, Spike.”
“If I’d known you were having lunch, I’d have come earlier,” said Twilight, taking a seat beside her friend. Spike hopped up onto a third stool around the small table.
“Yeah, I’m almost finished,” said Rainbow. “I do everything fast.”
“Mmmhmm,” Twilight murmured, already looking at the menu. It was definitely not the first time she’d heard Rainbow say something like that, and Twilight had only been in town for a week.
“I guess I could hang around while you’re here,” said Rainbow. “Need any recommendations on the menu?”
“The place is called Hay Burger,” Twilight pointed out. “The menu just has different kinds of hay burgers on it.”
“And fries,” added Rainbow helpfully.
“And fries,” Twilight conceded. Realizing that Rainbow was probably hanging around to make conversation, Twilight asked, “Do you come here often?”
“Every once in a while,” Rainbow replied. “A lot of ponies hang out here.”
“Do you know them all?” Twilight glanced around at the other patrons.
“Most of them. Let’s see…” Rainbow directed Twilight’s attention around the room, indicating various ponies. “Frosty Malt is the waitress. I think she’s actually part owner of the place. Mr. Davenport over there runs Quills & Sofas. Flitter and Cloudchaser are sisters. I know them from the weather team. Longbow is there in the corner. She’s kind of creepy. Lyra’s the one who-”
“Wait,” interrupted Twilight. “What’s so creepy about Longbow?”
The pegasus mare in question had an olive coat and charcoal mane. Her eyes were ruby and framed with thick lashes. She sat with her back to the wall near the corner of the room. She was the only pony at her table.
Rainbow’s voice dropped a little in volume. “I don’t want to talk about her when she’s right there.”
“Any more than you already have?” Twilight questioned.
“Don’t worry about it.” Rainbow shook her head. “Now, Lyra’s the one who…”
Twilight continued listening to Rainbow speak, but her mind still went back to Longbow. She glanced back to the corner where Longbow sat. The mare was eating, but her eyes moved around the room instead of focusing on her food. After a moment, her gaze went to Twilight and locked eyes.
Twilight quickly looked elsewhere, catching up to Rainbow’s gestures at ponies around the room. She wasn’t sure what it was about Longbow’s stare that made her look away, but Rainbow was right: it was a little creepy.
The waitress came by and took Twilight’s order. The conversation with Rainbow kept Twilight occupied until her food arrived. Spike had ordered more than she did, and Twilight suspected that he might regret it later.
“So what are you doing today?” Rainbow asked as Twilight began to eat.
Chewing patiently until she was able to answer, Twilight replied, “Spike and I are arranging new books in the library. What about you?”
“Earlier I was practicing some new tricks,” Rainbow told her. “Once I have a nap this afternoon I’ll go back to it. You can come watch me, if you want. I’ll be in the meadow south of town.”
Twilight nodded. “I might do that.”
Rainbow grinned and got up. “All right! See you later!”
After she was gone, Twilight finished her meal in another few minutes. Spike was somehow already done, and his stomach seemed the worse for wear.
The waitress brought the check over. Twilight said, “Your name is Frosty Malt, right?”
“That’s right,” Frosty replied. “I suppose we haven’t been introduced.”
“Twilight Sparkle. I’m the new librarian. This is my assistant, Spike.”
Frosty smiled. “Well, it’s good to meet both of you.”
Twilight glanced at the bill and began counting out money. After paying Frosty, she started to get up from the table. Her eyes fell on the empty table at the corner of the room. Longbow was gone, and Twilight realized she hadn’t seen the mare depart. There was a small pile of bits on her table.
It wasn’t as if Twilight had been watching for her to leave. Still, Twilight’s curiosity got the better of her and she asked Frosty, “Earlier, there was a mare sitting over there. I think her name was Longbow. Do you know her?”
“It’s a small town; we all know each other,” said Frosty. “Longbow is somepony you remember.”
“Why’s that?” asked Twilight.
“Well,” said Frosty, lowering her voice, “I’ve heard that she used to be in the Army. She did some very dangerous missions overseas. She doesn’t talk about it, though.”
Twilight frowned. “Then how do you know that?”
“Rumor gets around.” Frosty shrugged. “Then again, you can never believe every rumor you hear.”
Frosty cleared the table and went about her business. Spike, groaning and holding his gut, needed assistance to climb on Twilight’s back. The two of them left the restaurant and headed back to the library.
Spike fell into his bed almost as soon as they returned. Twilight let him be and finished the book sorting herself. She was done in the early afternoon and looked proudly upon her work, the perfectly stocked and organized shelves a signature of her devotion to her job.
Checking the clock, Twilight remembered Rainbow’s invitation and decided that a little fresh air would be nice. Spike was still sleeping and she left him a note regarding her location. Exiting the library, she headed towards the south meadow.
The road out of town was built for carts and it smoothly curved around rougher terrain. Believing she could shortcut the meandering path, Twilight took a more direct route, venturing into the tall grass. Thinking about the wild creatures that might live there, she stepped carefully, trying not to disturb them.
Twilight climbed a hill in front of her. She thought that her destination was just on the other side. Near the top, she paused, staring at patch of flattened grass. If she hadn’t been paying attention to the ground, she probably would have missed it.
The depression in the grass seemed recent, and Twilight wondered what could have caused it. She glanced to the side and jerked in surprise at meeting a pair of eyes not one pony length from her.
It took a moment to realize there was a mare attached to the eyes. Her head was up, but most of her body was lying down in the grass and hidden. Twilight recognized the mare as Longbow.
“Hello,” said Twilight, “I didn’t see you there.”
“Sorry for startling you,” replied Longbow. “I was where you’re standing now, but I moved because I thought you might step on me.”
Twilight realized that if she hadn’t been paying attention, that could have happened. Longbow certainly seemed watchful. Her eyes hadn’t left Twilight’s face for even a second.
“Stepping on somepony I’ve never met before could have been embarrassing.” Twilight forced a laugh. “I’m Twilight Sparkle, by the way.”
“The librarian.” The pegasus nodded. “My name is Longbow.”
“I guess you know me,” Twilight said. “What do you do?”
“I’m currently looking for a job.” Longbow still hadn’t broken stares with Twilight.
“What are you talented at?” Twilight asked.
Longbow stood up from the grass. She was taller than Twilight, skin taut over well defined muscles. Twilight would almost say that she was in better overall shape than Rainbow, who focused more on toning flight muscles than anything else.
Turning slightly, Longbow indicated her cutie mark, a drawn bow with an arrow nocked. Answering Twilight’s question, she said, “I got my cutie mark for winning an archery competition.”
“Hmm, it might be difficult to utilize those skills around here,” Twilight speculated. “But I’m sure you can find something to do. My special talent is magic, but I work in a library. Speaking of the library, we have a bulletin board that sometimes has help wanted flyers posted on it.”
“I’ve seen it,” said Longbow. Twilight decided that there probably wasn’t much she didn’t see. Her stare was beginning to feel like Twilight was looking at a cockatrice.
“Well, good luck.” Twilight looked away. “I should be going now. Have a nice day.”
“Goodbye,” said Longbow. Twilight glanced back, but it was if she had already disappeared, lying back down in the grass.
Twilight continued down the hill, reaching the meadow and meeting Rainbow. Her friend took a break from flying and met her on the ground.
“Pinkie said she would show up in a little while,” said Rainbow. “She said something about a cake break.”
However, as she was talking, Rarity and Fluttershy arrived with a blanket and a basket.
Twilight greeted them. “This is unexpected.”
“After our spa appointment today, Fluttershy and I decided that a picnic would be lovely,” said Rarity. “This meadow is the perfect place for it. I think we brought enough treats for you too, although it’s a shame we don’t have-”
“Cake!” announced Pinkie, bounding up with a cake box.
“Perfect timing,” Rarity thanked Pinkie, accepting the cake from her and placing it with the other food.
“Well, if the rest of us are here, I should go get Applejack,” said Rainbow. “Back in a sec.” She zoomed away towards the orchard at the other end of the meadow.
Twilight helped the others spread out the blanket and they had the places set by the time Rainbow and Applejack arrived. Happily chatting, the group served themselves the goodies.
“I didn’t expect to see you out here,” said Applejack to Twilight. “I thought you kept to town.”
“Rainbow invited me,” Twilight said. “I guess I do spend a lot of time indoors.”
“Ha, keep hanging out with me and maybe you’ll forget you were ever a bookworm,” Rainbow chuckled. “Maybe you’ll have some real adventures instead of ones printed in books.”
“Adventure novels are some of my favorites. And speaking of, I had an adventure on the way here,” Twilight defended. “I took a shortcut.”
Rainbow laughed harder. “What, did you take a few steps off the road?”
“I came over the hill.” Twilight pointed. “Actually, while I was at it, I met Longbow. She might still be up there.”
The group suddenly fell silent. Rarity murmured, “What’s she doing there?”
“Is she spying on us?” Rainbow indignantly glared towards the hill. Of course, Longbow could not be seen.
“Don’t jump to conclusions,” Twilight said. “She was there before any of us showed up. She couldn’t have been planning this.”
“I still don’t like it,” protested Applejack, keeping her voice low. “What if Longbow wanted to hurt us?”
“Why would she do that?” Twilight asked, her brows arching skeptically.
“She was in Army Recon,” said Applejack. “She’s killed ponies.”
Twilight frowned. “How do you know?”
“Recon is one of them special forces groups,” said Applejack. “She had to have.”
“What, is it a prerequisite for joining?” Twilight asked. “Just because she was a member doesn’t mean she’s actually killed before.”
Twilight didn’t know very much about the Army except that her brother, Shining Armor, was in it. Still, she knew that the vast majority of soldiers had never been forced to take a life.
“It’s still really creepy how she hangs around and watches ponies,” said Rainbow. “If she’s on the hill like you said, she’s probably watching us right now.”
“We could invite her to join the party,” offered Pinkie. “Being out in the open could negate some of her tactical whatchamacallit.”
“No way,” said Applejack. “Who knows what she’s up to? I don’t trust her. I told Apple Bloom to stay away from her.”
“I said the same to Sweetie Belle,” agreed Rarity. “I don’t want to expose my sister to any more danger than necessary.”
“Why do you think she’s dangerous?” Twilight asked.
“Well, what do you think she’s doing?” Applejack said. “If she’s hiding in the tall grass, why? Those are probably skills she got from the Army.”
“I think it's possible that she just likes nature,” said Fluttershy, her quiet voice a change from the rest of the conversation. All eyes turned to her. Fluttershy hesitated, but added, “The times I’ve seen her, she’s always close to the ground which is unusual for most pegasi. She stays away from paths and close to brush and trees. She’s so quiet that she doesn’t disturb the animals.”
Rainbow turned back to the basket and picked up a biscuit. “Yeah, well, I still don’t trust her.”
“What do you think, Pinkie?” Twilight asked. “You throw parties for every new pony that comes to town. You had to have gotten a read on her.”
Pinkie opened her mouth, but then paused, a troubled look on her face. “You know, now that I think about it, I don’t remember throwing her a party.” Her eyes widened. “I bet she’s so sneaky that she came to Ponyville and I didn’t notice her! That’s really sneaky!”
Twilight decided to shift the topic of conversation. She could see that no progress was going to be made on the subject of Longbow. She was also a little bit paranoid that perhaps Longbow could in fact hear them.
Fortunately, it didn’t take much to convince the others to talk about something else. They chatted for a while, just making small talk. Twilight was not much for gossip, but she was eager to learn about her new town any way she could.
Later, when the food was gone, everypony came to the mutual decision that the picnic had been entertaining. Twilight checked the sun and realized how long she must have been away from the library. Spike might have slept off his food coma. After helping the others pack up, she walked with her friends along the path back towards town.
As the rest left for their own homes, Rarity was the last one still traveling with Twilight into town. Humming a little to herself, Rarity took out a notebook and jotted a quick line. She saw Twilight’s interested glance and explained, “Just a few ideas. I’m working on decorations for the Equestria Day parade.”
Twilight nodded. “This weekend, that’s right. I saw a schedule of events and the groups that will be in the parade.”
They passed by Rarity’s shop and she said goodbye. Twilight continued to the library.
Walking past the sign out front, she was reminded of an idea she had been contemplating about extending the hours that the library was open. It would mean more accessibility to more ponies, but it would severely cut into her social time; something Princess Celestia was very adamant that Twilight maintain.
Then again, as long as she was there… Twilight flipped the placard on the door to “open” and felt a strange sense of novelty. Going inside the library, she checked on Spike, finding that he was still sleeping.
It was almost dinnertime, but after snacks in the meadow Twilight decided to wait. Spike probably didn’t need to eat soon, either.
Twilight paused in front of the bookshelves and reviewed them carefully. It looked like the organizing effort earlier in the day was completely successful: not a book out of place or a shelf with wasted space.
Thinking she would do a little bit of light reading until she was hungry for dinner, Twilight scanned the titles in front of her. Books didn’t get much lighter than cheap romance paperbacks. Of course, she had already read them all, so none of the titles on the shelf stood out as priorities. With that kind of book, it wasn’t so easy to pick a favorite, either. Twilight closed her eyes and picked one at random.
She heard the door open. A voice said, “I hope you don’t mind. I saw the open sign.”
“Oh!” exclaimed Twilight, opening her eyes and looking towards the door. “Hello Longbow, I wasn’t expecting to see you. The library is still open this evening because I’m trying out an idea for extended hours.” She put the book she was holding down on her reading table and turned towards her guest.
“Hello Twilight.” Longbow wore a pair of black saddlebags with subdued Equestrian flags sewn to the sides. She opened the bags to reveal a collection of paperbacks. “I came to exchange these for more books.”
“May I see your library card?” Twilight asked. She accepted the card from Longbow and opened the book status binder, finding the entries that Longbow had checked out two weeks previously from the old librarian. Checking in the books from Longbow’s bag, she marked them returned.
Longbow, meanwhile, had gone over to the shelves to look for new books to check out. Gathering up the books she had returned, Twilight carried them back to refile them. She ended up standing next to Longbow, looking at the same bookshelf. It was the trashy romance section.
“I probably read too many of these,” said Longbow with a sheepish, awkward grin.
“Oh, so does everypony,” Twilight assured her. “In the library in Canterlot, I did a study and kept records. Of course, that meant I had to read them all myself.”
Amused, Longbow asked, “So what do you recommend?”
“Well, it depends on what you like,” Twilight explained. “A few notable titles from various genres include Hearth’s Warming Miracles, The Diamond Dog of Appleloosa, His Mule the Doctor, Not a Nice Mare, Having Nightmares, and if you don’t mind reading one that started out as Daring Do fanfiction, there’s Rumble in the Jungle.”
“I think Candy Hearts wrote a couple of those,” replied Longbow.
“You’re right.” Twilight nodded. “She has a whole shelf of her own.”
“It looks like I have some catching up to do.” Longbow began to take books from the shelf Twilight had indicated. She paused when she got to a gap. “It looks like this one is checked out. Every book Candy Hearts has written but that one is here.”
“I can notify you when it comes back,” Twilight said.
Nodding, but frowning in disappointment, Longbow brought the books to the service counter and and Twilight marked them checked out. The transaction completed, Longbow packed up.
“Goodbye, Twilight.” Longbow nodded and left the library. Outside, she glanced left and right and then departed down the street.
Twilight heard something from from upstairs in the library and went to check on Spike. He had rolled over in his sleep and was snoring louder than before. Twilight rearranged his blanket and took a moment to make sure he was comfortable before going back downstairs.
She returned to her reading table, remembering the book she’d left there. Turning it over, the cover revealed that it was by Candy Hearts, and in fact it was the missing book Longbow had been looking for.
A pang of anxiety washed through Twilight. A loyal library customer had left disappointed. She might even think that Twilight was intentionally hiding a book from her. Worse, she used to be in special forces and would probably-
Twilight shook her head. When they had talked earlier, Longbow had been very polite and certainly not threatening. Twilight hadn’t seen a single indicator of dangerous tendencies.
Making up her mind, Twilight grabbed the book and brought it over to the checkout counter. It took just a moment to look up Longbow’s address on file. Armed with this, Twilight exited the library. After flipping the sign to closed, she walked away into the night.
Longbow lived in an unremarkable house away from the town center. The lock was new, Twilight noticed as she went up to the front door, but the shiny brass was the only thing that caught her attention. Twilight hesitated just a moment before knocking.
The door opened two inches. Through the gap, Twilight saw Longbow standing to the side of the door. Twilight greeted her. “Hello, I was looking around after you left and I found the book you wanted.” She grinned awkwardly. “Just in case you were wondering why I was knocking on your door so late.”
“Oh, thank you,” said Longbow with a smile, swinging the door wider.. “I saw you come up and was, in fact, wondering why.” She paused, and said, “I have to admit some oversight on my part, too. I forgot to bring one of the books I meant to return.”
“I can take it back for you,” Twilight offered.
“That’s so kind.” Longbow moved back from the door but paused. “Would you like to come in while I get it?”
“Sure,” said Twilight. It was only after responding reflexively that she realized what she had agreed to - entering the home of one who was rumored to have killed ponies.
Longbow, however, turned her back to Twilight and left the room. Twilight stepped past the front door and into the foyer. The walls held some small decorations. Twilight recognized a few pieces of art from sources outside Equestria, and a few others more exotic that she wasn’t familiar with. It made sense that somepony who had been around the world would have a few things to remember it by.
Walking forward, Twilight discovered the living room. It was furnished and looked functional. On the sofa end table was a picture frame. It was oriented away from the front door, facing the couch. Twilight took a few steps into the room to see it. The photo was of a small group of ponies, Longbow among them. All were covered in equal parts camouflage and dirt, but they were smiling for the camera, hooves around each others’ shoulders.
Standing in the room, Twilight looked towards the door where Longbow had gone. It was open, and hanging from a hook on the inside was a bow. The wood had a dark grain and the string was tied expertly. A quiver made of camouflage fabric hung next to it, the neatly arranged arrows appearing to be feathered from Longbow’s own wings.
Twilight stepped around the low table in front of the couch, moving towards the door, her curiosity getting the better of her. However, closer to the door she was distracted, realizing she was looking into Longbow’s bedroom as the mare searched for the missing book. Twilight’s attention was drawn to an open closet door and the military uniform hanging inside.
The fabric was finely spun and pressed wool, olive green and free of lint or fuzz. The brass buttons gleamed even in the dim light of the closet and the ironed creases were easy to distinguish. Compared to Twilight’s brother’s dress uniform, Longbow had more ribbons and badges - a lot more.
Longbow turned from her nightstand, spotting Twilight standing in the doorway. “Here’s the book.”
“Oh, thank you,” said Twilight. She took the book as Longbow walked over, but her eyes strayed back to the uniform. Longbow paused beside her, following Twilight’s gaze.
Twilight chanced a question. “What are all the awards for?”
“I don’t remember all of them,” said Longbow.
Twilight felt the curtness in her tone and stepped out of the bedroom. Searching for something to redirect the conversation, she said, “My brother is in the Army; the Royal Guard.”
Longbow nodded. “It’s a good unit, and Canterlot is a good place to be stationed.”
Twilight had now retreated to the living room. “What did you do?”
Longbow nodded towards the framed picture. “Recon.”
“I’m sorry, I don’t know what that involves.”
“I suppose most ponies don’t.”
Twilight had hoped that Longbow would answer her implied question, but decided not to press. She instead looked at the picture. “Are these your friends?”
“That’s right.” Longbow smiled briefly. “We get together when we can. That’s not very often, though. None of them live nearby. I miss having somepony to talk to.”
“Well, I’m free right now. I can make us some tea and we can talk,” Twilight offered. She closed her eyes and concentrated on a new spell she had been learning. With a flash of magic, a simple tea set appeared on the table.
They both sat and took cups. The tea tasted of chamomile, telling Twilight she had made it correctly. Longbow smiled and said, “That’s a useful talent.”
“Well, it’s an application of my skills,” Twilight explained. “My talent is magic, but that involves a fair bit of study. I found the spell in one of my books. I spend so much time in the library that I might as well be a librarian for a living.”
“That’s one way to get a job,” Longbow noted. “I was at an archery competition in high school when an Army recruiter came up to me. He said he knew how I could use my talent.”
“That almost sounds like he was taking advantage of you,” Twilight noted. “As if somehow distorting the purpose of your skills.”
“That’s the thing; it turned out that I was really good at being a soldier,” Longbow admitted. “Those aren’t just my words, either. I have a few letters of commendation that say I was literally one of the best, even in a unit like Recon.”
“But if you were so good at it,” asked Twilight, “then why did you leave?”
“It just wasn’t what I wanted to do.” Longbow wrestled with her words for a moment before continuing. “I didn’t like what I was. I didn’t like being dangerous, being lethal.”
“But surely you’re not,” said Twilight. She forced a laugh that almost didn’t sound nervous. “I mean, we’re sitting here having tea and I feel safe.”
Longbow moved her shoulders in a deliberate shrug. “Getting out of the Army takes the edge off, but you don’t forget the things they teach you. Or what happened. It’s hard to turn it off.”
“That sounds terrible,” Twilight noted. “I can’t imagine going through that.”
“I don’t blame the Army.” Longbow shook her head. “I was the one who volunteered, after all. I just wish it was easier to come back and get to know ponies again.”
“Well, there are lots of ponies around here who know you,” Twilight commented.
“Know of me, maybe,” said Longbow.
“Well, that’s true,” Twilight conceded. “Ponies know you’ve served in the Army, so I’d think they understand.”
Longbow’s eyebrows lifted. “Unless they were there beside me during the war, I doubt that.”
“Oh my gosh,” Twilight stammered, “I didn’t mean to imply-”
“Yeah, I know.” Longbow closed her eyes for a moment. “I’ve heard what ponies say about me. I don’t want to defend myself because it might make them feel justified in saying those things.”
Twilight was quiet, letting a moment of silence fill the air. It was enough time to make up her mind. “You shouldn’t need to. Ponies shouldn’t talk about you. They should talk to you.”
Longbow gave her half a smile. “I think this is the first time anypony has really talked to me since I moved in.”
Twilight blushed slightly at the compliment, but forged ahead in her train of thought. “You should have friends who you can talk to - ponies that grasp what you went through. I know! What about the Veterans’ League?”
“Those old guys who sit around and drink beer in a smoky bar and sometimes hold events where they sell fried food?” asked Longbow. “Seriously?”
“Can you think of any other group that would fit you?” Twilight asked. “They may not have a lot in common with you, but they do where it counts.”
Longbow’s ears laid back. “I don’t know if I could.”
“Why don’t you meet them?” said Twilight. “I remember from reading the parade schedule that the Veterans’ League will be there. It’s this weekend. Come on, you’ve fought in a war and the thing you’re afraid of is making friends? ”
Longbow chuckled. “Okay, fine, I guess you have me there.”
Twilight left Longbow’s house later that evening feeling as if she’d accomplished something. She hadn’t done much except talk to somepony, but that still felt worthwhile.
Back at the library, Twilight checked in the book she had carried back and sat down to write a letter. Princess Celestia had asked for Twilight’s findings in the study of friendship, and this certainly seemed to qualify.
Exactly what had been discovered however, was not so clear. Twilight stared at the paper for a moment, trying to decide how to put into words what she’d learned.
She didn’t make much progress that evening, electing to go to bed and think about the subject again later.
In fact, it wasn’t until a few days later - when Twilight saw Longbow again - that she finally realized what she was feeling.
Dear Princess Celestia,
The parade was due to pass right in front of the library. Twilight and Spike had already outfitted the upstairs balcony that faced the street with comfortable cushions and snacks. The group of Twilight’s friends arrived, tromping noisily up the stairs, all of them having accepted her invitation to come over to the library to watch the parade.
I’m writing to you to describe something I learned recently. I apologize that it isn’t as directly related to friendship as you were probably expecting, but more related to effects of friendship and how friends can help overcome challenges.
Everypony crowded the balcony, making small talk and waiting in anticipation. From down the street, a marching band struck up a tune and the first groups began to advance. Looking out from the balcony, Twilight saw a row of ponies in uniform. The Veterans’ League was leading the parade.
Recently, I learned about a mare by the name of Longbow, who served in Army Recon. When I first saw her, I heard numerous unpleasant rumors about her, and I allowed myself to begin to feel the influence of what other ponies said.
The group marching towards the library at the head of the parade wore a mix of military regalia from various services and eras. Longbow was at the left front corner of the formation, in a beret and dress uniform. Her head was up, and her hooves stepped precisely to the march.
But after having met Longbow, and having talked to her, I came to realize that all the rumors about her, which so many choose to believe, are misleading and hurtful. While there may be some basis in truth, like the things she may have done in the military, I didn’t actually know Longbow herself until I met her. From the rumors, ponies see her as dangerous. However, at the parade today, wearing her uniform, she seemed like a completely different pony. It’s honestly a little strange how putting on the military uniform actually makes her seem less dangerous. I think it may be because we respect and honor soldiers, but we don’t consider that it’s still the same pony when the uniform comes off.
The parade drew even with the library. Twilight looked down over the balcony rail. It didn’t surprise her that Longbow’s eyes, which seemed to see everything, glanced up at her. Longbow smiled.
The things military members go through are impossible for civilians to fully comprehend. Even with my research, I know that I’m still no closer to understanding. Soldiers go through training, struggle, and combat that I can’t even imagine - and all because they volunteered. But we have to remember: they’re still citizens just like us. We may not understand ‘what’ they are, but the ‘who’ is more important. They deserve the same love and tolerance as anypony.
“Who’s that in front?” Rainbow asked, looking down at the parade. “Hey, is that Longbow?”
There were a few murmurs of wonder from the rest. Twilight smiled.
Truth is the only thing that can defeat rumors. Friends help us be true to ourselves. We all deserve steadfast friends - the kind that will fight for us. With their support, rumors don’t seem so dangerous.
