“But despite the gestures of his former friend, Maestro and his immediate family were still very angry,” Twilight read aloud to the young fillies and colts. They stared up at her with wide eyes. Some were possibly a little too young to understand the story and were much more interested in staring at those big wings. Still, some would and nothing delighted Twilight more than sharing stories with others.

“It was after all, a very terrible crime that Francois Tourte had done to Maestro in the final act of their family feud. His sabotage of Maestro’s instruments had cost him the highest award in music. Francois Tourte tried to make amends for many years until he realized that it was to no avail. Maestro would never be appeased because he would never let go of the past. So, it was with a heavy heart that Francois Tourte walked away and the two sides of the family would forever be split-“

The creak of a door startled Twilight and she looked up. Spike came walking in with one of Mayor Mare’s assistants walking behind him. “I’m sorry to interrupt Princess,” He said with a bow, “But the Flim Flam brothers are back selling a scam again. After being ordered to leave they started demanding… or really begging to see you.”

Twilight groaned. “Not those two again. “Spike can you read the last of the book to the foals,” She asked before winging out the door.

Spike sighed and headed over to the book. It was already near the end so he just decided to read the last two sentences.

“Despite their amazing music talent Maestro and his family were never the same again. The weight of a grudge was too heavy for them and everything, including their music showed it.”

* * *

Lily was not the only pony who as cringing in embarrassment for Mayor Mare. A large part of the crowd was doing so; the rest were rolling their eyes or calling for them to escorted out of town. Everything quieted down a few notices when Twilight landed beside Mayor Mare. The Flim Flam brothers reacted instantly. They threw themselves at Twilight’s feet and wailed all the louder.

“Oh dear Princess of Friendships, I know that we have made out bad choices in the past, but let us move past that.” Flam wailed as Twilight cringed and stepped back.

“We are deeply remorseful of our past mistakes,” Flim added as he put on the pitiful face. “Let us now live among the citizens of Ponyville, teach us your ways so that we may learn to be honest and respectful ponies. I promise that we will work hard and the among the finest members of your lovely community.”

“Please, O’ beautiful Princess of Friendship! Surely you can find it in your heart to give us a second chance!”

“After all the Princess of Friendship, such an amazing title to achieve that only an extraordinary pony would ever obtain, would know how to forgive and forget.”

Twilight groaned and faced hoofed, (not for the first time during their pleas) before replying. “Yes, a major part of friendship is forgiveness,” she said. “But, this is not just a matter between me and you. I have all of Ponyville to think about. Your track record here, as well as in other towns, is swindling ponies in one scheme after another. It is not about forgiveness. It’s about using wisdom in the matter.”

“But should we not have a chance to redeem ourselves? Have you not given others who have done much worse a second chance? I have heard on the grapevine that you welcomed into your home a mare who recently enslaved an entire village and not only stole their cutie marks but took yours by force. Is that not true?”

Lily and everypony cringed at the low blow. Twilight’s mouth hung open as she was lost for an answer.

“The Princess of Friendship would not be unfair, would she?” Flam intoned. “After all, our actions do not compare with what your new student has done.”

Twilight’s eyes narrowed as she glared angrily at the two. “You want a chance to work among us and learn to be honest? Fine!” She stated in a flat and stern tone. “I’ll give you that chance and I know just the pony who you can ask. Come with me.”

As the princess lead the two stallions away the crowd began to grumble over the issue and Lily slipped away through the crowd lest she be asked to step up and give her opinion again. After being Little Mare Do Well for a short time and finally fulfilling her dream of becoming a mysterious hero she realized what she really wanted to be. Just a kid with Little Mare Do Well just being a game. One who could take off and play leaving the grown-ups to take care of things. After all, with the whole town now heroes in their own right what need did they have of a filly, even one with super strength?

* * *

When Lily reached the edge of town she was wearing her Mare Do Well costume except for the mask and Prickles was sitting atop her mane. Up ahead she could see that some of her school friends were already gathered.

“Do you think that the Flim Flam brothers really want to straighten up?” Twist asked aloud.

“I doubt it,” another filly replied and received nods of agreement. “Though forget that. I really don’t feel like playing Mare Do Well games again. It’s getting kinda’ boring. Anypony want to... Oh, hi Lily. I… uh…”

Lily just smiled and shrugged, “That’s fine,” She said simply. “Besides, I’m not Mare Do Well.” Lily suddenly swept her cape around so that it covered most of her face. She peered overtop the fabric and spoke in the most mysterious voice that she could muster. “I am the start of every end, the end of space and time, and the beginning of eternity. What am I?”

Author's Note

Can you answer the riddle?
Sorry if the opening seems a little long. Don't worry, everything is happening for a reason.
As for the story that Twilight was reading I have actually seen that happen to a family. A feud broke out and they split down bloodlines. After a few years one side tried to make amends but the other wasn't having it. They couldn't let go of the past. Now there is one side who is doing fine and the other is bitter and they are not the same anymore. It's hard to describe but their just less.

It may be cliché to say that hatred and bitterness will consume someone but, trust me, it is true. I have seen people dragging it like a huge weight and it shows itself in every corner of one's life.