Dear Princess Celestia,
I don't suppose I'll be writing you any more letters after this. Over the years I've said all there is to say about anything worth saying, and saying it again would be useless. Has it really been fifty years since you sent me to Ponyville? It seems like just yesterday I was meeting my friends for the first time, and we were battling with the Elements of Harmony to stop Nightmare Moon. Ah, those were the days. It's been years now since I've had the strength to go on those kinds of adventures. These days I need Spike to help me get up and down the stairs. I'm not as young as I once was.
I'm really writing this to make sure I haven't forgotten to say anything to you in my past letters. I'm very sorry I haven't been sending them as frequently, but I feel like I've already done all there is to do. I know there's always more to learn, but I can't always get out there and learn it. Most of the things I learn now come from books alone. Of course I still see my friends every day, but we don't have the energy we used to have when we were younger. Now we mostly tell stories to one another, remembering the adventures we had in the past.
They're all doing wonderfully. I thought I should also let you know what they're all up to these days. Where to begin... well, Rarity's business is as successful as ever. Even in her age she's still lightning fast on her sewing machine. Just yesterday she sent out six dozen dresses to one of her stores in Manehattan! I don't think there's a town in Equestria without one of her boutiques. I'm just grateful that she chose to stay in Ponyville with us, even though she could probably live anywhere she wants now, even Canterlot! I don't know what I'd do if she decided to move.
Sweet Apple Acres is just about to start Cider Season, so they're very busy with preparations. Applejack still insists on being a part of the harvest, even without her brother to offer any help this year. On the bright side, she not only has Applebloom, but she has her own kids and her nieces and nephews to lend a hand. One of these days she'll be like Granny Smith, too old to harvest but still determined to do all that she can. I promise, you'll never know a more determined and hard-working pony than that mare. If her apple-bucking skills aren't proof enough, you should've seen her just before that storm last week. I don't think I've ever seen her work that fast!
Pinkie Pie just perfected her latest cake recipe, and tomorrow she's off to Canterlot to enter it in the Confectionery Competition. She let us all have a taste, and let me tell you, there's no doubt that blue ribbon is hers. What was it called? The 'Triple-Fudge Caramel-filled Seven-layered Apple-Strawberry Delight.' Well, that's Pinkie for you! Not only is her bakery doing well, but she's still planning parties like there's no tomorrow. Last week it was Sweetie Belle's birthday, and Pinkie ordered a giant balloon that exploded fire works and pink confetti all over Ponyville! The clean-up may have taken all of the next day, but that party was worth it.
Rainbow Dash just got back from the Wonderbolts reunion in Cloudsdale, and she was so excited to tell us all about it. She said that there was a whole room dedicated to her and her tricks, including a recording of one of her Sonic Rainboom's. She looked a little sad when she mentioned that though. It's been years since she was able to pull one off, but even now she's still an amazing flier. Have you ever seen a pegasus her age achieve twenty wing power in under ten seconds? I sure have. The other day I saw her showing off to a couple of aspiring young pegasi on the Weather Patrol. I wish you could have seen the look on their faces when she told them she used to be on Weather Patrol too. It sure made them hopeful.
Fluttershy's animal hospital is doing great as well. I dropped in to visit her a few days ago, and she had such concentration while she stitched up that bird's wing. I don't know how she does it, what with all the sick animals she has to keep track of and care for. But it doesn't matter how many patients she has. If you give her a sick animal, she'll have it completely healed by the next day. You remember when she tried to treat your Phoenix? She shows that dedication for all of her patients. She's still as shy as when you last saw her, and she hasn't lost any of her kindness. Early last week a couple of mischievous little ponies thought it would be funny to sneak up on her. Even then she was so nice to them! She even offered them cookies later.
Spike's looking a little annoyed with me, so I'd better start talking about him now. Well, did I mention before that he finally got up the nerve to propose to Rarity? Well he did, and their wedding is going to be on the first day of summer. Of course you're invited as well. I'm sure it would mean a lot to Spike if you would overlook the ceremony as you did for my brother and Cadance. He's been very nervous about everything, though I don't see why. Rarity has turned down more colts than I can count over the years, just waiting for Spike to take a chance and ask her. I'm glad he finally did. They really are perfect for each other.
It's getting awfully late now, and I haven't said nearly as much as I meant to. I suppose the rest will have to wait until I see you in person. It's been so long since I last saw you. I really miss those days when we would spend hours in the library, studying and talking and laughing into all hours of the night. It sure got on Spike's nerves when we woke him up by accident all those times. It's those kind of days that made me realize something very important. You were more than just my teacher and my mentor. You were my very best friend. I could always talk to you when I was feeling down, and you always knew how to pick me back up. Even when I didn't make the greatest of decisions, you never once gave up on me or left me to fend for myself. All I can say now is, thank you, for everything.
Your Always Faithful Student,
Twilight Sparkle.
