The Riddle

Dear Twilight,

that is a truly terrible name. Tell Spike I am gravely disappointed.

On a more serious note – no, I don’t believe phoenixes are ill-willed any more than you or I. However, remember that good intentions, even on both sides, are no guarantee for a positive outcome, as mere difference can be enough to cause harm. This is true for difference in behavior, but it is even more true for difference in magical composition.

If there is another civilization out there, far beyond the known land, and if you were to meet a creature from that civilization, the difference between you two alone could be enough to cause any possible outcome. With bad luck, either or both of you could die immediately.

Of all the species in Equestria (and beyond), phoenixes are the one which comes the closest to that foreign creature. The difference between a phoenix and an alicorn, in terms of magical composition, is larger than that of an alicorn and a fly. I will therefore repeat again, even after you already promised it: be careful. Be careful in interacting with them, but be even more careful if you manage to get close to their defining magic.

And know that I write this because I worry about you, and that I am every bit as worried as I am proud.

Princess Celestia

PS: What I meant by not neglecting him is rather straightforward. Offer him food and a place to sleep. Nuts and fruits are a safe call, otherwise anything that ponies eat should be to his liking.