Dear Princess Twilight

Chapters

In
Life
The
Hardest
Lesson
Learned
Is
To
Forgive

In

Dear Princess Twilight,

I just wanted to add to my quick letter from last night. Thank you, thank you, thank you for believing in me and in friendship when I wouldn't and couldn't. I mean, it was scary at first. I hadn't returned to Ponyville in years, and it's so different from Canterlot.The ponies and other creatures in Canterlot were so stuck up! In Ponyville, it’s like everycreature is your friend already.

I mean, last night after I sent that letter to you, my new friends came by again to have a quick "Welcome to Ponyville" party with me, designed by Pinkie herself. Kaiser Roll and Bonfire were especially excited to see how I'd begun adjusting to living in the School of Friendship. And Midnight and Barnard? Well, they helped Pinkie bring in the punch and cupcakes while Kaiser and Bonfire asked to be shown around my dorm room. Well, it was more like exploring my room, as I still wasn’t sure where the bathroom was..

Honestly, I'm not sure why they were so excited. My room was (and is!) a mess. I appreciate all the work that you and Spike did in helping me move my things from Canterlot to here, but it was a lot of stuff. Right now, I see a stack of boxes teetering in the corner, and I'm afraid that if I write too hard, it will go tumbling onto the floor! What's worse is that I'm not sure what's in it: it could just be some old books or it might be my chemistry equipment. I don't think Mom would be very happy if my dorm room caught fire.

Speaking of Mom, she and Dad tried getting me to move back into your old castle while you and Spike were packing my things for me (thank you again). I love my parents. Really I do! It's just... well, it's just weird to be living with them again, even if I'm now in a dorm room.

Mom especially kept asking me to move back into my old room in the castle, but she saw reason with my decision to stay in the School of Friendship. I don't want to be seen as special just because I'm the daughter of the school's headmare and vice-headmare and also the protege of the ruler of Equestria! How would I be perceived if I lived there? Would creatures be genuinely interested in becoming my friend? Or would they treat me nice because they’d be afraid of me?

I can see it now: “Oh, Luster, sorry for bumping into you! Let me pick up your books! Don’t let Headmare Starlight know!” Or what about: “Luster, normally this paper would be a C at best, but given how hard you worked—and that your mom pays my salary—I’ll give you a B+ instead!”

Being the daughter of the headmare is cool and all, but I don’t want my “influence” to get in the way of learning about friendship!

Well, getting back to the party last night: I didn't realize how much a yak could drink! Barnard drained the punch bowl in half an hour and then demanded more. Thankfully Pinkie was "extra-prepared" and found another punch bowl filled with the stuff. Midnight kind of just stayed at the back of the party, but she did tell me before she left how she hopes I enjoy my time at the school.

Bonfire kept making these horrible fire-related jokes, but I guess since she's a kirin, it fits. Actually, it was really sweet. She used a bit of her nirik side to do some pyrotechnic tricks with the cupcakes, although Pinkie wasn't very happy about that.

Kaiser Roll is really nice. I guess he's the only local pony here, so I'm going to have to rely on him to help me get reacquainted with all the spots that ponies my age hang out. That won't be an issue, though. He's really cute He's really sweet, and he took extra time to make sure I was settled into the dorm room. He just lives a few rooms away, so I'll probably be seeing him the most out of all my new friends.

Oh! I almost forgot to mention that Aunt Trixie spent a bit of time at the party. She may have retired from the magic business years ago, but she wanted to show me some tricks she'd been practicing again. I mean, they weren't very good, but she had fun with them, and the antics made the rest of us laugh a bit.

From her eyes, I could tell that she didn't care if she was making a fool of herself. She was reliving her dream a bit, and with her adoptive niece. Before she left, I gave her a hug. I don't think she was expecting that, as she began crying a bit. We haven't seen each other in a decade, so I wanted to make sure I started off on the right hoof again.

I remember Mom talking about what Aunt Trixie was like when they first met, and it's hard to believe how much she's changed.

If I can be honest for a bit: I'm still scared. Life in Ponyville is so much different than Canterlot, beyond the stuffy attitude already mentioned. It's much more laid back, and ponies spend less time working on the next deadline than socializing and helping each other. I guess friendship really does have a special place here.

But what if I mess up? What if I do some horrible act that turns everycreature away from me? I know that you've trusted me with this. That means so much to me! But... I spent all my time reading and researching magic in that old tower in Canterlot, not bothering with friends.

I mean, basically the only times I saw another pony's face was the off-time Mom and Dad could step away from the school and set up a playdate with a couple of other ponies my age. Oh, and when I gave you in-person reports on my magical studies. I don't know the first big thing about friendship! How am I supposed to tell a happy laugh from a sad laugh? A wink of encouragement from a wink of romantic interest?

But I guess that's why I'm here to learn, right?

Well, okay. That's what I'll do! Friendship: watch out! Here comes Luster Dawn! She'll learn all about you and why you're as magical as you are! Heh, or something like that.

I will write again soon, hopefully with some more news about my friends. I'm going to spend all day with them. Hopefully I'll learn what makes them tick.

Your faithful student,

Luster Dawn

P.S. Are there any good self-help books you recommend for somepony wanting to learn friendship? I think I'll have enough time to get some light reading in.

P.P.S. Tell Spike I say hi and sorry for making him go through more of these spells.

Life

Dear Princess Twilight,

I realize that when I sent you that letter a few days ago, I just jumped in without explaining who my friends are. Well, now that I've spent the weekend and the first bit of the school week getting to know them better, I think I should probably fill you in:

Okay, so first. I should get the big one covered. Do you remember the grey and black griffon who followed me after visiting the school? That's Midnight. She has a... rocky history, to say the least.

The same day that I sent the letter to you, she invited me into her dorm room, which was a bit surprising because she had been so quiet at the party the night before. I thought that I might have scared her a bit too much, and that's saying something.

Her dorm room wasn't what I expected. All along the walls were massive religious objects. I know that Griffonstone is the holiest of sites for the Griffonian Empire since it’s the home of the Idol of Boreas, but this was a bit much. And these icons were—how do I put this—twisted? I mean, there was one statue that was a deer skull supported by contorted roots and vines. You can't get much spookier than that!

Well, after my shock—I must have frozen in the doorway, because she pulled me in—she sat down on her bed and started talking. First, she apologized for the look of her room, it's just that her mother may sometimes appear suddenly and she needs to keep up appearances.

Since the Griffonian Empire began restructuring and rebuilding, Griffonstone was one of the top projects by the Emperor's regent. Midnight told me that overnight Eros VII began repurposing the old industrial complexes to begin churning out steel for new skyscrapers.He basically turned the sprawling slums of a dead metropolis into a city rivaling Canterlot! Her family used to be like a lot of the others: homeless scavengers getting by with what they could scrounge up.

When the reconstruction and development began, her dad found work as a grunt worker. It worked for a bit, but then, as griffons sometimes do, they cut corners and someone got hurt. This someone was Midnight's dad, and he didn't make it.

Between sobs, Midnight told me that her dad's death broke her mom. She began praying day in and out to the Griffonian gods that her husband would come back. As days turned to months, her mom became more isolated and unstable. She started dabbling in the occult.

If you didn't know, there are four gods in the Griffonian pantheon. Arcturius, Eyre, and Boreas are worshipped and venerated. There is one more, Maar, whom the Griffons believe controls death and madness. Obviously, they don’t talk about him often.

When Midnight's mom's prayers to the first three went unanswered, she began searching for the underground Maarite cults, and she found them quick.

For years, Midnight watched her mother slowly sink further and further into the cult. At first, it was a few riots or protests. Then it became orgies and other acts. Midnight froze up for a minute after she told me that. Seeing a bunch of guys come in to have "fun" with your mom does wonders for a developing griffon. Eventually, after her mom climbed the ranks, they went further. Kidnapping and maiming innocent griffons, or even flaying their victims alive! They’d sneak into temples to the other gods at night and use the entrails to desecrate them.

Her mom got rich from the cult, and she spent it on everything. A mansion, servants, private carriages, even the new automobile! But Midnight didn’t get (or want) a penny. For years, she scraped up the gold she needed to leave for Equestria, where an aunt helped her apply for the School of Friendship.

I'm still not sure why she told me all this, but she said that she didn't want to hide it. All her life, she’s had to act like she’d follow in her mother’s footsteps. Between a few tears, Midnight added that she just needed somecreature she could tell the truth. She wants to be good and live her own life. Even now, her mom checks in on her to make sure what she’s learning can benefit Maar. That’s why she has to keep all these ornaments and stuff..

As she finished, she started hyperventilating and quickly shooed me out. I know that she has it tough, but Midnight is one of the strongest creatures I know, and I hope she'll be able to sort things out with her mom at some point. Maybe convince her to turn herself in and expose the other evil griffons.

Next up, there's Barnard. Like all yaks, he's big into honoring the family. He told me that he sees all "puny ponies and tiny bird-cats" as family. I still hurt a bit from that group hug.

He knows that something isn't right with Midnight. You can see it in how he treats her. Normally, he’ll stomp up to you and give “best friend big friend hug!” I’ve seen (and experienced) the hugs he gives. Bone-cracking would be a compliment. With Midnight, I don’t think I’ve seen him ever hug her. Maybe a pat on the back or gently wrapping an arm around her, but never a yak hug..

He’ll also do his best to walk past her dorm room quietly. He is a yak, though, so that’s still not very quiet.

As far as I know, she hasn't told anycreature else, but Barnard can tell that she's having problems. These last few days I've seen him go out of his way to help Midnight with some basic stuff that she could have handled just fine. He said that the "tiny bird-cat might go snap" under the weight of the books she was carrying.

I don't know. There isn't much else to say about Barnard. Except, well, to put it bluntly, he isn't too smart. He told me that when he was taking basic math, he got a D. A D! Who gets a D in math that involves counting how many hooves you have? Also, he isn't the best with "fiddly" things, as he likes to call them.

He tried helping Bonfire the other day with some of her homework and managed to break not only the engineering example she was building, but also the table, the door, and the window. I’m glad I wasn’t in Barnard’s hooves at that moment: I could feel the heat of the nirik fire from my dorm room.

Speaking of Bonfire, she is the kirin who hung out with me when you showed me around Ponyville. She's... nice. That's a word for it.

Don't get me wrong, she's a riot. She and Pinkie got into a contest on who could eat the most cupcakes while rubbing their stomachs and patting their heads while reciting the alphabet backwards. Yeah, I know, kind of silly, but they had fun. Then Bonfire tripped and almost set the room on fire. It took a good three minutes to calm her down enough to stop smoldering.

I know I haven’t met many kirins before her, but, well, she fits the stereotype. You could say she has the tiniest bit of a temper problem.

When I was invited into her room, there was a massive wave of smoke that hit me. I guess she had been upset that her favorite music group stopped touring, or something.

Inside her room, she has a lot of different performing equipment. They’re literally stacked to the ceiling. The place would give you nightmares!

Guitars, a piano, costumes, you name it, she probably has it. She told me that back in the kirin lands, she and her aunt, Autumn Blaze, would do all kinds of plays, slam poetry recitals, or concerts for everyone else

Well, after one too many flubs, she may have accidentally set fire to the kirin's theater building. She said that her aunt recommended she come here because she could learn to control her emotions better.

I mean, yesterday she caused the sprinkler system of the school to go off because she got upset over her toast being a bit too crispy. I’ve heard that kirin can have some anger management issues, but I think a book can be written just on her.

I've seen the way Mom looks at her when they pass in the halls . Most of the time it’s one of her patented vein-bulgers. Occasionally if I’m at her place for dinner, I hear her muttering about the expenses caused just by Bonfire.

Apparently, Bonfire has already had to help repair the school a few times, but she doesn't mind, because she can then help entertain the repair ponies as they work.

So, lastly, there's Kaiser Roll. He isn't special. Honest. But he is the absolute cutest sweetest kindest pony you'll meet.

He's poor, Princess. Like, really, really, poor. Poorer than the poorest Griffonstone griffon poor.

Absolutely nothing in his dorm room, save his bed and a small table where he keeps his study books. But you know what? He's happy. When he has nothing to do, he just daydreams about ways to improve ponies' lives. He says his cutie mark is in hayburger flipping, but he was going to go to Canterlot's art school before he decided to go here.

He has almost no free time. Either he’s holed up in his dorm room studying, or he’s at work, at Hay Chewer's Hayburger Palace. It’s not a bad place, actually. The rest of us try to go there when we can to hang out with him.

His parents never had much, and they still scrape by on their paychecks, so he helps where he can between tuition payments. Also, he's a bit, well, odd. He sees things differently than most ponies, I think.

I mean, he complimented me on how my eyes bring out the best working environment for him to concentrate on studying. What? If that isn't odd, then tell me what is, because that is odd.

Anyway, aside from that weird comment, I've seen him notice things about other ponies that nocreature else does until after he points it out. While he doesn't have much, he has already multiple times volunteered to help me adjust to Ponyville again and even offered to help cover any unforeseen expenses from the trip (He does realize that my parents run the school, right? I don't need to worry about money at all). Despite everything that takes up his time and money, he's always willing to help others. I don't think I've met a more adorable generous pony.

So, I think that wraps up the talk of my friends, Princess. Hopefully my rambling didn't bore you: I'm just so excited to finally have some creatures who are genuinely interested in spending time with me! I never realized what I was missing!

Well, obviously you cared about me. And Mom and Dad, in their own way, I suppose. I guess you were right? Maybe staying stuck in Canterlot wasn’t the best for me.

I do have one other thing to write about.

It’s a bit awkward, because it's so minor. I'm sure that you and your friends never had to worry about this when you were in Ponyville. I don't know why I'm writing this, to be honest. I guess because this is a "Friendship Report," as you called it in your last letter?

Anyway, on the last day of the weekend, we were all hanging out in the courtyard of the school, trying to figure out what to do. It was just after lunch, for reference.

Kaiser suggested that we head back to his dorm room and play someSettlers of Ponan. For months he had been saving a bit or two from his paychecks to get it. I suppose the game is popular in Ponyville? I never really understood it.

Bonfire proposed that we see a play that had just come to town, as they were doing a performance in the square in an hour or so.

Barnard said that we should go for a walk outside of town to experience the "pretty flowers and cute, smashable animals." Midnight informed us that a new shipment of art from Manehattan had arrived at the art gallery, and that we should see what the great minds of our time had created.

And me? Oh, you know, Princess, nothing exciting. Everything was so new, so I didn't really care. I think I suggested a movie or something.

Well, it didn't take long for things to devolve. All of us said that we had the best idea and that the others' were worse. At the time, I had the biggest lump in my stomach you could imagine. I felt like I had already torn the five of us apart!

When Bonfire had exploded into her nirik form and was about to pummel Barnard, I realized something and, well, I started laughing. Everycreature stopped and looked at me as I ignored their fighting. Soon, the others began to see how silly we all were and joined in the laughter. Instead of doing any of the things we wanted, we just kept talking in the courtyard. We had already wasted more than an hour arguing, what was a little more talking going to do?

I guess that's something you find out, Princess. So long as you have shared memories with each other, it doesn't matter what you and your friends do. It's those memories that create the bond, not the activity.

Well, I think I've bored you long enough, Princess. I don't plan on writing this long again. I'll write again soon, I hope. If not, school is out for spring break in a couple of weeks, so I already let my parents and friends know that I'm planning to visit you then.

Your faithful student,

Luster Dawn

P.S. Do you know of any anti-kirin sprays? Bonfire constantly smells like smoke, and I swear that it's ingrained itself in my own coat.

P.P.S. Sorry again, Spike.

The

Dear Princess Twilight,

Well, I guess you could say that I massively screwed up this whole weekend.

I'll start from the beginning. For the last few days, my parents have been insufferable. I mean, like, sure, I guess they were just looking out for me a couple of times when I almost slipped and fell in a puddle last week, but after that they've been doting on me like I'm the Crown Princess of Saddle Arabia or something!

So, after that, it started being the little things. If I nodded off during one of their classes, they ignored it. When I got in a little... spat with a few students who were making fun on Midnight, they instantly took my side. You know, little stuff. A bit of favoritism here, a bit of nepotism there.

Well, it came to a bit of a head when my friends and I were playing an admittedly intense session of buckball yesterday. It wasn't anything serious! I mean, we only ended with a few bruises. And I think Barnard might have sprained something, but aside from that, it was good, clean fun.

Okay, there might have been a bit of damage in the courtyard.

Anyway, we were all in the middle of the match. Barnard was just having a friendly wrestle with Kaiser, and myself and Bonfire were doing our best to cheer them on, when Mom showed up and grabbed all of us in her magic. She wasn't happy, and I swear, her veins were ready to pop right off her neck and strangle us.

She sent my friends to detention and then started fussing over me. And this wasn't like, "Are you okay? Did you break anything? No? Good, now go to detention with your friends."

She doted on me like I was a foal, Princess! It was like I had no agency of my own to choose what my friends and I did.

"Is my little sunshine okay? Can Mommy fix anything?" That sort of pandering. I haven't seen my grandpa in ages, but I swear she gave him a run for his bits there.

So, when I didn't say anything back, she took me to her office. Dad was already there. The two of them must share a mind or something, I swear by Celestia's big, fat bu.

Please don't tell Princess Celestia I wrote that.

When Mom brought me in, Dad started checking on me. I guess I had a couple of scratches on my face or whatever, because he slapped a bandage on my cheek. That, or they just wanted to go back to when I was a filly.

After I sat down, Mom and Dad both stood behind her desk and began saying how concerned they were for me. I was like, are you serious? You've barely spent any time with me, but you're concerned for me? What?

Apparently they thought that I was getting in with some wrong creatures as they had recently heard about Midnight's past. I guess what Mom saw in the buckball game was the last straw or something.

Well, I had a few words to say, and I probably could have said them a lot more pleasantly. I probably chewed them out for at least a couple of minutesbefore I started to calm down a bit. Who were they to talk about friendship when they barely saw me the entire time I was in Canterlot?

Celestia above. Mom's face.

Dad looked like he was ready to call it in, too.

I was still too upset at the time, and when they didn't answer my, well, tirade, I left. I didn't see them at all for the rest of the day.

Later that night, maybe around ten, I heard a knock on my dorm's door. I was busy studying, so I just opened it and let in whoever was there. A few hoofsteps entered, and I didn't care to see who it was. Probably if I did, I would have slammed the door in her face instead. That might have been kinder.

Mom visited. Her mane was a bit frazzled, and I could see streaks of mascara on her face, but she came to me apologetically. We stared at each other for a minute, and then she finally broke the silence.

"First off," she said. I could see that she was doing her best to hold back some tears. "Your father and I want to apologize for treating you, well, like a little filly. So," she sighed and couldn't stop from crying a bit, "to make it up, how about we spend a bit of time camping in Balesh countryside?"

She looked at me hopefully. Oh, Princess, that used to be my favorite place to go when I was a filly, but I was still so angry, the memories just curdled in my mind.

Trying to remember, I don't know what I said to her exactly, but the words weren't pretty. It was that face again, Princess. I don't know why it didn't get me then, but it does now.

Mom left pretty hurriedly after I said my piece, and well, I was so tired from yelling that I just went to bed. Isn't there a saying to never let the sun set on your anger, or something? Well, Luster Shimmer Shine (blech, still dislike that name) Dawn did exactly that.

When I woke up today, I heard some strong knocks on my door. It was sudden, so I yelled at whoever was on the other side to knock it off until I could get up.

It was Dad. He looked a lot more composed than Mom, but he was probably still hurting inside.

I could feel the glare I gave him, but I guess he ignored it and asked to come in. I don't know why I did, but I did, and he took a few glances around my dorm room. Strangely, he didn't mention how cluttered it was, that was one of the first things everypony said when they came in.

Dad got to the point. He said that he understood how upset I might have been yesterday, but he hopes that he and Mom could make up for it. Since the weekend was a long weekend, he suggested that I could come over to the castle and play a few games of Knowledge Quest.

For a minute, I did actually consider it, but that fire in my body was still smoldering from last night, so I said no.

Dad winced. But he didn't take it for an answer and suggested that he and I could spend some time researching some ancient Equestrian history or the like. We did that frequently when he had time; it's probably why I love books.

At that point, I remembered that I had planned a weekend to Galloping Gorge with my friends. Had marked it on my calendar and everything, yet I completely forgot until then!

So, it was then that I told him, rather curtly, I think, that I didn't want to do anything with them because I had plans with my friends. I think I might have added they were true friends, but I'm not sure.

Either way, Dad winced again and said that he hoped I had fun, then left.

And that brings us to now, Princess. My plans have gone kaput. Why? Because tomorrow is Parent's Day. There you go again, Luster. Burying yourself in schoolwork all week. Couldn’t have just looked at a calendar, or checked with your friends just once?! Oi!

It literally took Kaiser telling me at breakfast that everycreature thought I meant next weekend for me to figure it out. All of them are spending the extended weekend with their family. Which... which is something I should be doing, too.

When did I change, Princess? Right now, I'm looking at an old photo. I used to be so happy when my parents paid any attention to me, yet now I turn it away.

It's still not too late in the day, so I'm planning to go over to your castle Mom and Dad's and apologize. Now, I just realize they were wanting to spend time with me. Maybe they messed up at first, but I've been gone for so long, and we haven't seen enough of each other, they still see me as that seven-year-old filly who had the world ahead of her.

Right! It might be hard, but I swear not on Celestia's butt. Oh Luna! Why am I writing this?! that I'm going to spend more time with them. Maybe I'll still enjoy some of those things we used to do. Maybe we'll find something new.

My parents are still ponies like everypony else, and I realize now that they make mistakes, too. We all do. Hopefully they'll just be able to forgive mine.

Thank you for listening to my screw-ups, Princess.

Your faithful student,

Luster Dawn

P.S. Please let Princess Celestia know that I find her form very exquisite, and I am not at all trying to hit on her when I say she's voluptuous and still has it and she doesn't have a cake-eating problem and oh Celestia why am I still writing?

Hardest

Dear Princess Twilight,

Sorry for the lack of communication these last few months. I kept meaning to write, honest! My friends and I have been so busy with schoolwork, and then Mom, Dad, and I went on a camping trip last week, so I haven't written as much as I should.

Did you ever worry that you messed up by not talking much with Princess Celestia? Because I feel that way now. Hopefully you won't send me to the dungeon or anything, because I have been working hard on the tasks you've given me, I swear (and not on Celestia, this time).

Aside from school and family, I've been a bit... busy with Kaiser Roll. You remember him, right?

He's been living with me for the past month or so. Wow, I just realized how that could be interpreted the wrong way. No wonder my parents were a bit miffed at first.

Okay, so, he finished his classes at the school a couple of months ago, and since I still had all those remote classes at your school, I offered him to stay here in my dorm. The company's nice and not painful on the eyes. Oh, why do I keep saying stuff like that when I think about him?

So a week or so after the school year was out, my friends and I were grabbing something to eat at Hayburger Palace like we normally do on Fridays. Normally, Kaiser is at the till there, so he gets us our food (double hayburger for me, I need energy for studying, especially since I'm working on catching up on all my magical studies) and then gets a bit of time to talk with us. This time, he wasn't there, it was his manager instead. In fact, most of the employees weren't around.

It was confusing, to say the least, as his manager didn't say why so many ponies were missing. While we waited for food, Midnight took a look around, as she thought that he might have been assigned to another duty. She returned empty-clawed.

The entire evening we didn't see any trace of Kaiser. I We were getting worried since he always had a Friday shift. He said it was the highlight of his week.

When we got back to the school, we checked his dorm room, but it was empty. Emptier than normal, too. Usually, if Kaiser isn’t at work, he’s in his dorm room. It looked like he still lived there, since his stuff was still there and his bed was a mess, as it always was.

Barnard suggested we start a search party for him, and Midnight flew into the room and checked around. She searched through the piles of school papers and books on his desk. After a couple of minutes, she came back empty-clawed.

When she was unsuccessful, Barnard started bellowing about how he’d deal with whoever touched, “Small burger-flipper pony.” It took a bit of work, but we managed to calm him down enough to agree to head back to my room so we could figure out a plan.

None of us needed to wonder for long, though, because he was in the hallway when we left his room. He was a mess. There were huge dark circles under his eyes: I swear he probably hadn’t slept for at least three days. His mane was mussed up, and some of the fur on his face was matted from dried tears. It was a sorry sight, Princess.

Briefly, he explained that he didn't want to make everycreature worry, but he was terminated from Hayburger Palace because of the slowdown in the Equestrian economy. Since Tuesday, he’d been avoiding us. Whether it was pride or just a desire to not make us worry, I don’t know.

Either way, he said he couldn't live with his parents, because they barely were able to support themselves normally, and he didn't want to be a burden while he tried to find work.

He was so pitiful None of us really knew what to do. It was basically unheard of for a student at the school to have such problems. But I couldn't stand aside and let one of my friends suffer, so I offered to let him bunk in my room.

You should have seen his face, Princess. It was like I offered him to sleep in your bed. Not that I would ever do that! That's your bed, and it'd be rather, well, improper to suggest such a thing for anypony else to do and, oh Celestia, I should stop writing.

Mom, Dad, and Aunt Trixie, well, they know now but at the time, they didn't. Mom and Dad would have fits if they knew that a stallion was sleeping in the same room as me, but what they didn't know wouldn't hurt them, right?

Honestly, things went pretty well the first week. He found ways to keep himself entertained. The radio that I recently got from Canterlot provided hours for him to stay occupied, and it wasn't hard to tune out while I worked on some research projects.

I didn't realize how quiet he was when my group of friends were together. He said four sentences, Princess. Not for the first day, for the first week. Four sentences! I know I may ramble in letters, but I'm not nearly as talkative in person, and even I talk more than that.

It almost ended when Aunt Trixie came in to see how my magic studies were going. Thankfully Kaiser was in the bathroom, and Aunt Trixie only had a couple of minutes before one of her last counselling appointments.

I’m pretty sure it was a couple of minutes, anyway. It felt longer, as she kept going on and on about her plans for when she had finished her duties for the summer. While she was there, it felt like my heart was going to beat out of my chest.

Looking back, I don't know why I was nervous. Sure, when I finally told Mom and Dad, they were concerned and a bit peeved, but they were proud of me offering to help out.

Anyway, things went a bit sideways when I had to do a research trip to the Tenochtitlan Basin area to study how the ancient jungle ponies used magic. It was fun there, but boy was it hot and sticky! When I got home, I felt like a complete stranger in my room. While I was gone, Kaiser had reorganized everything.

I’ll admit it: I’m not much of a housekeeper. My room was messy, but it was organized chaos. I had everything exactly where I liked it! He tried showing me around, but, like, he touched my stuff! He may be cute He may have been sharing my dorm room for the time being, but it was my stuff!

Well, Mom's advice on deep breathing helped me from exploding at him, but I felt my face grow hot, and I probably gave her a run for her bits on scowling. I, admittedly rather sarcastically, thanked him for doing the reorganization. He didn't really notice my anger and just replied that he was happy to help.

And that's where things got a bit crazy. I should have just told him then and there that I appreciated the help, but he didn't need to do that. But, that's not what happened. Why would I be that smart?

The very next day, I woke up late (I got home late at night, and I spent two weeks in a hot jungle, give me a break). Normally, I'd grab breakfast at the cafeteria, but at the foot of my bed was a tray of food. Specifically, it was haybiscuits, sweet potatoes, and a few daisies.

Kaiser was lying on the couch and noticed me wake up and said that he thought I'd appreciate the food. Yeah, I would have, if I wasn't allergic to daisies. Between sneezing bouts, I managed to get it through to him that I couldn't eat anything there. I guess it was too polite, though, because later that day he tried helping me again.

So, about that research project that's due on Tuesday? Yeah, could I get an extension? By about three weeks? I don't think you need to guess why.

Kaiser helped. Or at least he tried to help. There's a reason why the school is for gifted unicorns, not earth ponies. I mean, in a way, it was rather impressive. The conduit that I was building seemed incredibly robust. Somehow, he managed to get iron to catch fire. I know, I know, it's technically possible, but not in just a dorm room condition.

Uh, I may have let loose on him a bit after that. Is it possible for a pony to deflate like a balloon?

He took off to the bathroom again. Doors aren't very good insulators, is all I have to say.

Oh, Princess, I'm not a very good daughter or friend, it seems.

Eventually, he came back out and got ready to leave. I had time to think, so I stopped him. After a few minutes of explaining and apologizing, I think we're back on the right hoof. First thing we did was tell Mom and Dad; they've been offering to help out Kaiser where possible, although he's refusing to take any money.

I always said he was a bit odd, but he's really been a help. Sure, there were those things that I mentioned, but he also has kept the room neater than ever, he's reminded me of due assignments, and he's gone above and beyond what a friend should for support during some stressful evenings of research. If he wasn't around, I probably would have starved by now because I'd be buried in a book!

He's a really adorable genuine stallion. I'm glad that he's my friend, even if he drives me nuts has a few quirks in how he expresses his gratitude.

Hopefully this time there won't be such a big gap between letters, and if there is, I should see you soon for my mid-term exam at the School for Gifted Unicorns.

Your faithful student,

Luster Dawn

P.S. Do you know any good relationship books? For research, I swear! I definitely am not interested in pursuing anything romantic with Kaiser.

P.P.S. I mean, he is pretty cute, and his muscle tone is off the charts and, oh Celestia, I'm rambling again and, oh Luna, I think I may be in love. Crap.

Lesson

Dear Twilight,

Greetings from Foal Shores!

Hopefully this finds you well and back in Canterlot. Has it been two weeks already? It feels only like yesterday Kaiser and I were exchanging vows.

I know that it was hard for you to come to our wedding, and I understand that you had to return to Griffenheim to continue negotiating with the regency council. I know that you'll be able to win them over and then everypony can breathe a bit easier again.

Did I tell you about how crazy it was getting ready for everything? If there's such a thing as a law for everything going wrong at the worst possible time, then that was our rehearsal! I mean, Silverstream's daughter became sick when she was bringing my ring and Kaiser's fetlock band down the aisle. Puke everywhere!

And then the organist came late and played the wrong music. He only had sheet music for those songs that they play before buckball games! "Take me out to the ball game," I think it was called, or something.

By Celestia, Kaiser was ready to tear somepony's head off! For months, we were planning this with our friends' help, and then it was just like somepony let Discord have his fun at the rehearsal. Actually, could you check to see if Discord actually did that? He never came with Fluttershy to the wedding, and now I'm suspicious.

Anyway, speaking of Celestia: Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh! She and Luna actually came! To my wedding! Oh, they were so regal! Not... not that I think you're not regal, Twilight, but oh wow! Like, how can you compare to Princesses Celestia and Luna? The two matriarchs of Equestria decided to come to my wedding! Did you have a hoof in this?

And Luna! Oh, it was hard talking to her at first, but she's just as kind and caring as Celestia. How does she not have a suitor, yet? She's so much more interesting than Celestia. Uh, not that Celestia isn't an interesting pony, and she deserves somepony special, too, and oh no I'm digging myself deeper the more I write this, aren't I?

Kaiser is smirking at me. I guess I may have been rambling a bit out loud. Woops.

Okay, so, I might have been a bit too excited around Celestia and Luna. But, come on! They're Princesses Celestia and Luna! You are my friend, Twilight, but it's Celestia and Luna! And they just acted like normal ponies! How could beings who've been around so long and seen so much just act like you or me?

Uh, I guess I've gone on long enough about Celestia and Luna. Needless to say, I appreciate that they were able to stay for the entire thing. It looks like they had a good time catching up with Mom, Dad, your friends, and Princess Cadance and Flurry Heart. Probably should preemptively apologize to them, too. Don't worry about what, just let them know I'm sorry.

Oh, and Princess Cadance! Your sister-in-law is so kind. The flower-filly for the ceremony had a panic attack at the last minute, and Cadance offered to find somepony else. Oh Celestia, Prince Shining Armor’s expression! If only you had made it to the start of the ceremony. I know, I know, it was important diplomatic negotiations. Still, that mix of confusion and… love? It looked like he was eying her flank as she passed him.

Anyway, when you talk with Cadance next, let her know that her help was far more than I had hoped. She deserves her title of the Princess of Love.

Oh, and Flurry Heart: she takes after you and Cadance so much. After you left, she and I spent at least an hour talking about Hayscartes' discoveries in geometry. I mean, he revolutionized the way we think about equations and graphs! Do you know how hard it is to find another pony who loves math? Harder than you'd think.

Your niece is so very kind, too. Cadance has to be proud. Flurry looked after all the foals who were at the reception when the hired nanny was relieved. You see, the nanny may have had a bit too much to drink. I think she kept cursing that the foals drove her to it or something. Surely they must not have been that bad, right? Either way, Flurry helped save the reception and dinner from complete disaster, and I hope she and I can keep in touch when Kaiser and I get home.

Speaking of home, it's unfortunate that our honeymoon is wrapping up at the end of the week. Foal Shores is such a great place! The beaches, the mild tropical air (far nicer than that disgusting jungle inland), and all the sights!

For the first day, Kaiser and I were... uh, well, um, busy. We were catching up on lost sleep, you see. Definitely that.

The rest of the week, we checked out the sights here in Foal Shores. We got a tour inland a bit (was fun enough, but the humidity ruined my mane) and saw some of the old jungle Ponish ruins. They were so different, yet so similar to the ones in the Tenochtitlan Basin region. How far Ponykind has come is astounding.

But Foal Shores proper is a modern marvel, Twilight. Their opera house has some of the most amazing performances. Kaiser and I were lucky enough to see a rendition of The Ghoul of the Opera performed by diamond dogs instead of ponies. Admittedly, it was a bit weird seeing the main love interest be a diamond dog playing as Rarity. Does she know she's in this rendition? I'd be a bit concerned if I were her.

And the food here is so good, too! There's nothing like having fresh bananas right off the tree, or mangos harvested the morning before you have breakfast. Kaiser was a bit unsure at first, as it was so different from what he ate in Ponyville, but after a few days he's begging to stay here permanently. He's such a dweeb some days.

In the last few days, we've been mostly spending time at the beach or at our resort. Kaiser is looking a bit tired, to be honest. All this time spent around ponies is wearing him out, and I'm starting to feel a bit burnt, too.

If we're not on the beach or in the water, we're usually in our resort hut watching ponies on the beach or playing a board game.

Oh, the wine here too is simply marvelous, it's like this area grows everything perfectly.

Twilight, I haven't asked this of my parents, but what will happen now? I mean, did things change? I... I suppose that's inevitable, right?

When Kaiser first proposed, I reacted instinctively with a yes. I mean, we'd been dating for three years at that point: we were practically married already and the proposal and marriage were more a formality than anything else. But now, now that it is official, my mind has been nagging at me a bit.

What if things change for the worse? You know me: I may be better at managing time, but I still bury myself in my work at the school a lot. It was hard at times making room for Kaiser when he was my coltfriend, let alone for the rest of my friends, you, and my parents. I know that I have to spend a lot more time with him now. Well, we are married, so it's to be expected, obviously.

But will I make time for my friends? My family? Will I havetime for them?

Kaiser is looking at me again. Oh buck it! I need a bit of a cry it seems.

Okay, I'm back. Where was I?

Right. Change. Life changes. But, am I ready for the change?

When Kaiser and I get back to Ponyville, I'll be right back into teaching at the School of Friendship, and he'll be back working on his design degree from Canterlot University. How will we adapt?

Was this a problem Mom and Dad faced when they got married? I know that they were practically inseparable already, if Aunt Trixie is being fully honest. But Mom especially still did lots of stuff with you when she and Dad were dating. Was it different after they married?

Aunt Trixie worked with them, so she stayed close, but what about Mom and you? Mom and the rest of your friends? Did you have a harder time staying in touch, especially as your responsibilities increased?

My friends are all back in their homelands, and we barely see each other anymore. We try our best, but we can only manage some letters here and there, and if we’re lucky, a weekend trip. Now that Kaiser and I are married, will that become impossible? Will letters be the only way to communicate?

And what about how I interact with Mom and Dad? They were so supportive of me at my wedding. I swear Dad cried more than Mom, but they were both wrecks by the end of the night. How will things change between us?

I don't want to lose touch with my friends and family. I've worked so hard to improve at friendship over these years, and I don't want to see it fall apart because I got hitched!

I should know better, but...

Damn it, I'm crying again. Well, here's hoping it doesn't splotch the ink.

And, Twilight, what if I have a foal? Do you think I'd make a good parent?

I mean, I feel I'm ready for one whenever Kaiser is. He's had to care for younger siblings, so he'd be able to help out. But how would I balance my work, my social life, and taking care of a child? I'm feeling overwhelmed already just thinking about the former, I can't even entertain the idea of my work-life balance when a foal is thrown in!

I never had the best parental role model. Mom and Dad loved me then, and they love me even more now, I think. But, you saw how bitter I got with them at some points in Canterlot. They rarely were able to visit, and many of my letters went unanswered.

What if I'm the same way? Like mother, like daughter. I don't want my kid growing up hating me because I chose work over their personal growth.

Maybe... that's a good sign? That I don't want to be like Mom and Dad in how they raised me. Maybe that's all the motivation I need. Motivation to do better, even if I can't be perfect.

Ah!

Okay, Kaiser is trying to pull me into bed! It is getting a bit late, I guess. Before he drags me in, I'll finish and say that I'm going to need to talk a lot more with Mom and Dad. Even if they weren't perfect, they could provide a lot of help when I have kids, especially since they've been talking of retiring (sorry if this is your first notification on that).

Right. Bedtime. Goodnight, Twilight, I'll write again soon.

Your friend,

Luster Dawn

P.S. This is tomorrow morning. I should probably specify what I'm apologizing to Celestia for, and I guess I should throw Luna in, too. Uh, well, I may have tried feeling their manes when they weren't looking, especially Luna's. They're just so pretty!

I still wonder how your mane and their manes work, but I shouldn't have done that without asking. Although Luna's face was priceless when my hoof ran through her mane.

Uh, yeah, so uh, just say that I'm sorry.

Learned

Dear Twilight,

Thank you for the words of encouragement. The letter you sent was much appreciated.

I understand that you had an emergency meeting with Prince Rutherford and his advisors. Nothing is acknowledged, but I have heard that we're close to war, and I pray that things will improve. With your wisdom, I'm sure the yaks will see reason.

I hope for that even more now, because there's a new mouth to feed in the Dawn household.

Yes, that's right. Starry Dusk is here. He's out, finally. Oh, I'm tired, but I wanted to write this now before I forget anything. Kaiser is here, too, but he's sleeping like, well, a newborn foal. I'm not sure who was more tired by the end of things, to be honest.

It's funny. Such a small thing can change so much. When I first found out I was pregnant, I thought it was too soon. Kaiser and I were not even three years married, and we were going to be raising a foal in another year? Hah, the old me would have probably broken down right there and then.

Do you remember when I said that I never wanted children? Oh, how times have changed.

Yeah, times have changed.

What hasn't changed, however, are my friends. When I was in labor, all of them waited for him outside the hospital room. Kaiser had to run out a few times, probably to check with them that he didn't forget anything or something. That, or maybe he was getting squeamish, I'm not sure.

It was a bit rough, Twilight. Starry was pretty comfortable in there, I think. Eventually though, he started coming, and the doctors were able to safely deliver him. Thankfully Kaiser was there to see him delivered.

It's only been a few years, but it seems like he's aged so much. After I told him I was pregnant, he dropped his classes and took on another job with a construction company. On top of that, he helped me look for a place of our own and then renovate the home that we found near the school. He's been running ragged for months now, and I hope that since Starry's here, he'll slow down.

He keeps telling me that he's all right, though. But he has wrinkles where there used to be none, and his mane is already beginning to gray a bit. Of course, I'm not quite as young as I used to be, too. I think I found a gray hair of my own last week.

When Starry was born, oh, it was like falling in love with Kaiser all over again. If he smiled any harder, it would have left his face and begun dancing all over the room. While the doctors were checking on Starry’s health, he was jittering so much he could have bounced and hit the ceiling.

“Is he okay?” “How much longer?” “They better not mix up my son with somepony else’s kid.” For minutes, he kept muttering to himself. I was just too tired to care at that point.

After the doctors brought Starry back into the room, Kaiser was practically on his knees begging to hold his son. It was adorable, honestly. He got to hold Starry after I had my chance.

Before I knew what was happening, my friends were in the room, too. I guess I might have blacked out for a few minutes, because it felt like I was being watched by doctors before my friends were suddenly in their place.

Bonfire was the first to say anything. She took Starry from Kaiser and cooed a bit at him. During my pregnancy, she took many trips to Ponyville, usually bringing one of her three daughters with her. She kept going on and on about what Inferno did that week, or how Smokey was improving at her school, or what trouble Pirelight was causing.

Honestly, it gave me hope that things would turn out right when the time came.

Without a doubt, Bonfire’s help during the summer was invaluable. Not that Kaiser wasn’t busy preparing a room for Starry, but Bonfire went about everything like a well-oiled machine. Blankets and little comfort items for the foal? Bought before I even thought of it. One of those new foal-monitoring devices (the ones that run on magic crystals instead of spell matrices)? Purchased on sale in Fillydelphia while on her trip up. I swear, she thought of everything.

For the last month, I was sweating like a pig. Carrying a foal adds a lot of extra body heat, and this summer would have been scorching even if I didn’t feel like a beached whale. By the way, could you talk to your weather teams about the heat? I think quite a few ponies would appreciate fairer summer weather.

It’d be great if we didn’t have a few summers in a row where the cobblestones in town felt like they were on fire. If I didn’t know better, I’d believe my hooves were melting into them. Just a thought.

Anyway, it's hard to believe that she was such an airhead when we were younger. She's matured into a wonderful friend, even if, from time to time, she does let out a few bad jokes. But those jokes are still funny, if only because we've spent so long together.

Bonfire gave me a hug after she passed Starry to Barnard. I think I may need to dig out the anti-kirin spray, because her mane stunk of smoke and I think it got on me. But that's okay, friends are friends, after all.

Barnard wasn't having a good time with Starry. As soon as he touched the "super-puny pony," Starry began bawling his eyes out. I'm not sure if I saw a yak move so fast and with such panic.

Later, Barnard said to me how he didn't get the interest in foals and that "yak calves better suited for survival." I just don't think he gets children. Ironic, isn't it? He loves everyone as family but doesn't get having his own family.

Anyway, when Barnard passed Starry to Midnight (I realize now how cheesy that sounds), my son instantly stopped balling. It was amazing, really. Midnight must be some secret foal-whisperer or something. He tried looking into Midnight's eyes. I'd never seen Midnight that awestruck outside of when she helped her mom escape Maar's influence. I didn’t know a griffon’s eyes could go so wide. As she watched Starry, I saw her pupils dilate to the point where you’d swear they swallowed her irises! It was like she was taking in every little detail of Starry.

Briefly I think I saw a few tears shimmer in her eyes, but she turned away to look at my friends before I could tell for certain. When she did turn back to me, she had the biggest smile on her face. She got to experience something that she’ll never get herself: holding her newborn—or freshly hatched, in her case—child.

She never said anything, but I don't think she needed to. After holding Starry a bit longer, she passed him to me, and I could finally take a look at him without being blinded by birthing pain.

You know, when I was young, Mom would pester me about growing up, getting married, and having foals. Back then, I thought that foals (and especially colts) were “icky.” But, she’d just laugh and say that she used to think that, too. Then she reunited with Dad and had me.

Well, Mom was right. Starry is just so adorable. And, it's incredible realizing that you created a new life. I'm not sure if there are any words that can really describe the feeling.

But he's just so cute! His little cheeks squish right now as he's sucking on the tip of my other hoof. His fur feels finer than silk, and his tiny, wispy mane is just fun to rub. I really hope you can visit soon, Twilight. I'd love for you to see him like this.

Unfortunately, Mom and Dad haven't been able to see him yet. They were planning to, but the ponies they've been training to replace them have been, well, less than stellar when it comes to performance. Heh, even when they're trying to slow down, they can't stop being busy.

Well, thankfully Aunt Trixie has been here to help. She retired last year, and although she's never had a kid herself (not that she didn’t have ample opportunity to have one, according to her), she's spent a lot of time helping me and Kaiser with things around the house as we were getting ready for Starry.

She actually just left. I've never seen her get very emotional, but today was like a river of tears. When she came in, she ran to give me a hug and then started fawning over Starry. Instantly, she began calling him her "little sparkle." Honestly, I think she would have made a good parent, but maybe that's just the tiredness setting in again.

Oh, someone's knocking on the door. I'll finish writing this later.

Mom and Dad just spent some time here.

Oh Celestia, Mom was a wreck again. But not like when I first returned to Ponyville. No insults were thrown today. It was never said, but I think she never expected to be a grandmother.

Mom's crying woke up Kaiser, who decided to give us three (four, I guess) some time alone.

I think the entire time Mom was here she was holding Starry. For a few seconds, Dad did hold him, then Mom yanked him, carefully, to herself and started playing with him. Deep down, I think she's trying to make up for all the time she and Dad didn't spend with me. Hopefully when they're retired they can visit frequently, it'd be a nice change of pace.

While Mom was busy with Starry, Dad placed a hoof on my shoulder and said, "We're so proud, proud of you, you know." I remember when his beard was flowing and full of color, but now it's dry and peppered with gray. Both of them look old, now that I think of it, Twilight.

How old are they now? I think in their mid to late fifties, right?

Dad always looked younger than Mom, but even he has visible wrinkles behind his spectacles. And I think, somehow, those spectacles have gotten bigger over time. I don't quite know how that's possible, they look like they’re two giant hunks of glass at this point. Dad probably has the strongest nose in all of Equestria!

Now that I think of it, Mom is looking a lot grayer too. Her mane's highlights are beginning to turn silver, and she's getting a lot of wrinkles on her muzzle and around her eyes. Have you visited them recently? I would hope so, but you're all so busy, so maybe you haven't.

Anyway, Dad went on to say that I've learned so much since I left for Canterlot. I mean, after I was sent to Canterlot, I just stayed buried in my books. I didn’t want anything to do with other creatures. Of course, you know that. Now, I teach about friendship, and I’m married to one of my best friends. Oh, and I now have a foal with him? Who would have guessed?

I suppose you did, all those years ago. Thanks, Twilight. You believed in me when nopony else did.

It looks like Starry is going back to sleep. He has Kaiser's eyes, you know. And he has Mom's hair, and Dad's coat. I don't exactly know where I fit in. Maybe I was just the incubator!

Foals are so strange, really. They're blank slates. They can be whatever they want to be, it all depends on how they're nurtured. I hope that Starry reflects peace.

There's a whole world right now that's on the brink of chaos, Twilight, but I know that you can do it. You're not just my mentor, but you're my friend, and I'm proud to call you one. As a friend to a friend, I know that things may be crazy with the yaks, and the Griffonian Empire might be on a resurgence, but when all is said and done, harmony will prevail, and my son will know a world of peace.

You know, when I wrote to you from my honeymoon, I said I was afraid of change. And yeah, buck it, I still am. It's going to be a challenge to raise Starry right. Between my work and Kaiser's job and resuming studies, there's barely going to be enough time for Starry. But we'll find a way. We always have.

With my friends and family around me, I know that I won't fail my responsibilities! And if worse comes to worse, I even have you to fall back on if everypony else fails me.

Good luck, Twilight. I hope to hear from you soon,

Your friend,

Luster Dawn

P.S. You wouldn't happen to know if the Canterlot library has a series of books on how to raise a unicorn foal, would you?

P.P.S. I haven't had to say this in years, but sorry, Spike. I know that sending pictures is even more painful for you than letters, but Twilight needs to see Starry.

Is

Dear Twilight,

Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh! Is this for real? I'm not dreaming, right? This isn't an elaborate prank like how Flurry told me Celestia and Luna liked to play?

Me? An alicorn? I don't know what to say! Uh, thank you, I guess. No, that doesn't sound right. How do I ever express what this means to me?

When you took me into that, I don't know what to call it, that ethereal plane, I thought I had died! It'd be nice if a pony got a bit of warning first before they were blessed with becoming an alicorn. Does that make me a princess now? I bet it does!

So, what would I be? Cadance is still the Princess of Love, and Flurry said herself she wasn't ready for her mother's responsibility. Are... are you stepping down from being the Princess of Friendship? Oh my Celestia, you can’t be serious?

I swear on Luna's svelte mane oh I shouldn't write that. Uh, this is a lot to take in. Twilight, thank you again! I promise that I’ll be the best Princess of Friendship, or any title you give me, ever!

Who would have thought dealing with some issue with your kid would be the catalyst, huh? I wish it was something fancy like what you did, Twilight, but I guess we can't all be the one to fix one of Star Swirl's spells.

I'm going to have to write to all my friends! They need to see this. Should I keep it a secret, or should I share it in my letters? I know you'd say to share it, but I want to see their reactions when they see me, and I don't want to spoil the surprise.

Well, I guess I could share it. I got two reactions already.

After you took me through that list of my memories and returned me home, Kaiser was frantic because I had been gone for hours. He froze when he saw me, like he had seen a ghost. I guess I was in a way.

At first, I didn't feel any different. But I guess that my body wanted to try out the new wings and they expanded on their own. I didn't really need the one lamp anyway. Or the antique vase. The flowers were dead already.

Kaiser's eyes went even wider than they already were when my wings stretched. His hug hurt. Okay, it hurt a lot. However, it's not like either of us knew that one shouldn't compress new wings suddenly. I think I might be feeling that for a few weeks.

Twilight, you don't know how good it felt to be held by him again. It might have been only a few minutes for us, but with all the changes, it felt like it was a lifetime. Maybe it's heightened alicorn senses? Do we have those?

Anyway, Kaiser held me for a bit longer. I didn't hear everything he mumbled to me, but I did catch that he was happy for me. When he finally pulled back, I saw some wet streaks on his face. Why would he be crying, Twilight? Tears of joy? But he didn't look joyous. His muzzle was pulled into a tight grin, but... it wasn't his normal self. I guess the change is just something he needs to get used to.

Starry has been practically bouncing off the walls. When he saw me he ssss___

Ach!Sorry, I'm writing this basically after everything happened. Starry just startled me. The little prankster was poking one of my wings with his horn. Colts, I swear.

Speaking of Starry, do you know what he said? The first thing after he saw me was, "Does that make me a princess now?" I guess he hasn't heard of Prince Shining Armor.

The energy of colts, though! I may feel more alive than ever, but he just jumped right into other questions: "Are we gonna move to Canterlot?" "Where will you sleep?" "Will get them (the wings)?" "Are you gonna rule over everycreature?"

He just kept going! Although, eventually, he tired out when I couldn't keep up with the questions. I don't know what his cutie mark will be, but it'll probably be something in running his mouth.

In any case, when I tucked him into bed, he wanted me to explain what being an alicorn would mean for me. To be honest, I didn't know, and I still don't know. However, a parent has to put on a brave face, so I told him that nothing will change right now, but I will probably be a bit busier.

Not much will change, right, Twilight? Well, one thing that won't change is Starry's bedtime, which is right now. I'll be right back. Why do I need to tell you? I don't know, but it just feels proper.

Okay, I'm back. Before I left he said that he can't wait to brag to his friends about his mom being a princess. Heh, colts. He's three years old now. Hard to believe, since it just felt like yesterday I was writing from the hospital to you.

It's actually pretty late now. Because of everything, Starry stayed up well past his bedtime, and Kaiser has gone to bed, too.

It's quiet here. Peaceful. But I'm not tired. Did you feel this energized when you ascended?

Well, time to turn on a light and get back to things, I was just using the glow of my horn to write the last few paragraphs, hopefully things aren't too messy. It feels a bit weird, Twilight. Everything feels a bit... smaller, but I can sense things I never used to.

Like, running between the lamp (the working one) to the wall is a small magical plug to power the matrices in the lamp. I knew that magic flowed from crystals imbued with unicorn spells at a plant outside of Ponyville, but now I can feel the flow. It tingles. When I put my hoof closer to the lamp, it gets stronger.

And then I hear things that I've never heard before. There's a faint breeze outside, but none of the windows are open. I'd never be able to tell that before tonight.

In the kitchen, it smells like burnt toast. Kaiser burnt that this morning when he was rushing to get Starry fed before I headed off to teach at the School of Friendship for Mom and Dad... right. They retired two months ago. Woops. Need to get that through my head.

So, what is expected of somepony who just ascended? Is it normal to sense all these new things? Do alicorns have heightened senses permanently, or is this just a temporary byproduct of the magic used to give me wings? And was this different for Cadance? She was a pegasus before she became an alicorn, right?

How does being an alicorn work? Physiologically, anyway. Princess Celestia was known for her cake eating, but she never really put on much, if any weight. And, admittedly, I am feeling a bit hungry right now, but I suppose that could be nerves.

Do alicorns have faster metabolisms? Will I need to eat a lot more? I don't think I ever noticed you eating more, but we never really had lunch much. If I need to eat more, will I eventually grow to your or Celestia's height? I already feel a bit taller; I just hope it's not going to happen fast.

And how did you learn to fly? These things feel like deadweights on my sides. At best, I can ruffle them a bit, but I don't know the first thing about flying. How do I preen them? What's the best flapping speed to keep from getting exhausted?

Is Rainbow Dash retired from the Wonderbolts yet? Maybe you could have her teach me.

And what about my magic? Is it stronger? I guess if I'm feeling the weak magic flowing through the house, the answer is yes.

What kind of possibilities are there for research now? If I'm stronger in my magic, what kind of spells can I create? Could it be possible to revolutionize healthcare with new healing spells? Like, regeneration! If a pony loses a limb, slap a patch on it, and it will grow back as the magic is absorbed into their body. Or maybe more efficient magic cells. Imagine magical batteries powered by alicorn magic! Our industry would reach new heights!

But that'd only be if I don't have new responsibilities, wouldn't it?

Twilight, I'm scared. I was scared when I married Kaiser, and I was a bit scared when I first knew I was pregnant with Starry, but I haven't felt this fear in forever. I mean, I don't think I've felt this scared since you brought me to Ponyville. My stomach is growling, and I swear I could eat an entire bakery. But, simultaneously, I want to run to the bathroom and throw up. There’s a giant lump in my throat, and it feels like it wants to escape at any minute..

When will I begin my new duties? I'm a teacher of friendship now, but what will I do as the Princess of Friendship? I don't think teaching someone about friendship is the same as being the undisputed "ruler" of friendship. Will I have to take a student like you did?

Those are questions for tomorrow, though. Writing this all down has started to make me feel tired. You're a great friend, even when you're not here in front of me. I suppose tomorrow I'll have a letter waiting from you explaining all my new duties and how to start getting accustomed to them.

Please make sure it's a list, otherwise I'll have to ask Dad to make one for you instead. Oh my Celestia! Mom and Dad! What are they going to think of this?

Welllll______________________

Wow, I can't remember what I was going to say. I nodded off for a minute there. Sorry for the messy letter, Twilight.

Before I pass out, I want to say thank you again for your confidence in me. I knew you supported me before, but I never thought I'd get this far. Sure, things ahead may be scary, but my friends are still there, and I have you and the other princesses for help if I need it.

Right! I'll end things here. I can't wait to see my parents' and friends' reactions when they see me!

Your friend (and fellow princess!),

Luster Dawn

P.S. Do you have any advice for, well, getting the wings down? They just decided to flop open again, and I can't really figure out how to put them away.

To

HOW DARE YOU?!

This is the third time I'm trying to get an answer from you, Twilight, don't ignore me! Do you think this is funny, setting up an anti-teleportation spell wherever the hell you are and then ignoring my letters? Didn't you say you wanted to communicate better than Celestia? Answer me!

Fine, maybe my first two were a bit too angrily worded, so I'll start from the top. Again.

Did you think I was stupid? Maybe I've been dense at moments in the past, but it doesn't take a genius to recognize when everypony else is getting older and you stay the exact same. Today is Starry's twelfth birthday, and I just realized something. I look exactly the same as when I married Kaiser. I think I’ve aged in reverse!

And Kaiser? He's fully grey now. That's what happens when you have to deal with the stress of a PhD career and also a kid. And me? Princess of Friendship? What do I have? Nothing, that's what. No grey hairs, no wrinkles, nothing! This is unnatural, Twilight!

This afternoon was the last straw. I was ignoring it until now. Maybe, I thought, that it was still just a byproduct of ascending to alicorn status. But it's been a decade now, and nothing has changed, aside from literally everycreature around me.

It felt as if all of Ponyville was at Starry’s party. My friends were there along with their kids, as well as Mom, Dad, and Grandma. If Grandpa was still alive, he'd be there, too. It wasn't until Bonfire remarked on how good I looked despite having to deal with a colt like Starry that things finally clicked: I wasn't aging.

When I was able, I grabbed Mom and Dad. I guess the look on my face already told them what to expect, because by the time I sat them down in the living room to talk, they both looked on the verge of tears. So I asked them, "Mom, Dad, what's going on? I look around and see all of you getting older, but here I am, and I don't feel any different than I did ten years ago."

Mom's face. Oh, I haven't seen that face in years. Have you seen an elder pony cry, Twilight? Well, I have now, and it isn't pretty. When is crying ever pretty, Twilight? There must be a lot around you some days.

Mom and Dad were quiet for a bit, and I could tell that whatever they were wanting to say was tearing them apart inside. Between sobs, Mom managed to say to me that, like all alicorns, I was immortal. I would never age, never get sick, and non-fatal injuries would heal within hours.

You want to know how that felt? Do you really, really want to know how that felt? You're lucky, because I can't fully describe it. Instead, I'll just tell you that after it finally sunk in, Dad had two ponies crying on his shoulders.

I don't know how long I spent with them. Mom was crying her eyes out, and I guess I was too. Dad even began to weep a bit from the collective hurt. Why didn't you tell me, Twilight? This was something you should have told me before I ascended.

Eventually, I guess I teleported here, to my bedroom. I don't remember doing it, but I do remember sobbing more into my pillow. It's been a few hours now, and I think the party has wrapped up. Hopefully everycreature else had a better time than I have.

The quiet has given me time to think and write, as you well know by now. Maybe I didn't think enough, because this is the first letter that probably isn't just lines upon lines of rage.

So, you thought it was befitting to make me watch as all my friends, all my family, everycreature I ever knew, know, and will know, age and eventually die around me? What kind of compassion, what kind of reward, is that? The only creatures that will be with me are yourself, Cadance, and Flurry Heart. I don't know what happened to Celestia and Luna, but they're rarely seen, so they wouldn't be reliable friends. Oh, and Discord, but, really, do you expect him to stay on the straight and narrow once Fluttershy is dead? If you honestly do, you might need to reevaluate things.

Mom and Dad aren't getting any younger, and sure, I knew they were going to die before me, but I wasn't supposed to look like the same young mare they knew growing up! My friends are getting older, too. Midnight got in an accident last year and lost a wing. Though it’s not like she was able to fly for the last few years anyway, as she had early-onset arthritis in them.

Bonfire has had to step back from performing as much, between her responsibilities as a parent and her aging body. Even her fire has begun to falter and cool.

Barnard, well, Barnard is the same. Just bigger and louder. Heh, maybe he'd live forever like myself.

And Kaiser, I already talked about him. He's so caring, Twilight. How is it fair to him, knowing that he's going to fade away while I stay as physically strong as ever? Maybe I would have lived longer than him anyway, but we would have grown old together, surrounded by friends, family, and extended family. We could have looked out on our legacy and died satisfied and happy. Now I know why he appeared so saddened a couple of years ago: either somepony told him, or he figured out that I wasn’t aging.

I don’t know why he didn’t tell me then. Maybe he thought I already knew? Or perhaps he didn’t want to burden me? But then it’d be harder when I would find out as he continued to get older. Agh! This is making my brain hurt.

Whatever the case, dense ol' Luster Dawn thought that she wouldn't have to experience immortality. Okay, yes, I knew that Celestia and Luna would live forever, since, well they're tied to the bucking sun and moon! Same with you, now, come to think of it.

Cadance and Flurry I had assumed were tied to the Crystal Heart, which would explain Cadance's long life and probably Flurry's as well.

But not me. I mean, I'm only the Princess of Friendship. Like you say yourself, friendship is magic. Friendship doesn't need an immortal, all-knowing alicorn to represent it, does it? Can't somepony else fill its shoes every few decades? Or maybe it's because you're too lazy to actually bother to train a protege every so often!

I know that you haven't found somepony to replace me despite my years now as one of your peers. You claim to spread friendship, to instruct others, but I guess now it's solely my responsibility, while you go controlling the sun and moon and look pretty for all the newspapers when you solve some political crisis, right?

Well, you won't be like that for much longer! You'll have to work for things again!

I'm done with being ignored, Twilight. What you've given me isn't natural, and it certainly wasn't your right to do without informing me of the consequences first.

Turn me back into a unicorn now! I know you can do it, you are the most powerful alicorn in existence. If anycreature can reverse what you did, it will be you. And don't give me excuses, there must be a way! ...Right?

I don't want to be alone, Twilight. Please, don't let me live alone.

Alicorn memory isn't perfect. I've seen it myself. When I interrupted you years ago for some help with a magic lesson, I saw you looking at photo albums of your friends. You were crying, and I heard you mumble something that had, until now, escaped my memory. "I don't remember this," you said.

A couple hundred years from now, I don't want to be wherever I'll be without memories of my friends, my parents, my son. What happens when I do forget them? Will I forget my grandchildren, great-grandchildren, etc? What happens when one day great-great-great Grandma forgets her offspring? A pony's mind, even an alicorn’s, can only hold so much, Twilight.

How can you live with yourself? You are going to outlive your friends a hundred times over, and you just carry on, like nothing is happening. Do they know? They must know. And they're okay with this? I've seen Applejack come into town every so often. She's old, Twilight, it takes her minutes to just get from the bridge to the square to the town hall. She has a decade left, at most twelve years. If she makes it longer, then I'll be surprised.

What will you do when she's dead? Try to forget, right?

Wouldn't you have preferred to grow old with them? I mean, see them mature, become more fulfilled with the fruits of their labor and yours. Mourn them when they pass, but know that you'll be with them soon enough? Alicorns aren't truly natural, Twilight. I see this now. It's natural for ponies to live for a short while, experience life, and then rest forever with friends and family.

Ponies should be like flowers in a field, not some great tree that's stood against storms for ages.

I need to process this more, Twilight. What you've done, the way that you so carelessly gave me this position without explaining everything, I'm not sure how this can be moved past. I want a response, but don't expect anything more than acknowledgement from me. I need to think.

You've taken everything away from me! Maybe not this instant, but my hard work cultivating these friendships, my marriage, my son, and fixing my relationship with my parents. All this you're taking away! How dare you?! Who gave you the right?!

I'm surprised I was able to write this much of a coherent set of thoughts on paper.

There are hoofsteps coming upstairs.

Kaiser is here. Well, he's outside. He's knocking. I think he knows what I'm doing, locked away in the bedroom. Our bedroom. For now, it's our bedroom, anyway.

Oh, and there's Starry, asking what's wrong with his mother.

Should I open the door and explain things to him? Let him know that so long as Aunt Twilight lets Mommy be an alicorn, she'll watch him grow into a fine stallion before he dies in her arms of old age while she hasn't changed a bit? How do you think that will go for a foal, Twilight?

I should open the door, but I don't want Starry to have to worry about it yet. Because I at least think of the consequences of important actions before I do them.

Maybe I'll just teleport Kaiser in here. Hold him, like I used to on the beach of Foal Shores. We haven't gone there in years. Should probably do that before he gets too old, and I have to care for him like I'm his daughter rather than his spouse.

No, I should open the door and let Starry see that I'm alive, if not all right. He's old enough to understand that I'm not perfect, and I think seeing me like this would do some good, but, he doesn't need to know why I'm upset.

Yes, I think that will work.

Thank you for reading this, Twilight. You've been such a big help. Can't wait to have to deal with this.

Luster

Forgive

Twilight,

Mom is dead. We buried her yesterday. She's now forever resting next to Aunt Trixie. Oh, Trixie's been dead for a few years now, too. Guess you haven't kept up with us much, have you?

I'm okay, if you care. Mom passed away last week surrounded by her family, mostly. At the end, she could barely see anything. It did mean a lot to her that you were able to visit and that Spike was able to, too. Even with her bad eyesight, she could see the caring eye of him looking through the window. I think he made her feel protected, more than ever before.

I suppose, though, death was inevitable. When Aunt Trixie died, Mom and Dad took it really hard. Mom especially. What do you do when one of your best friends dies suddenly? One day Trixie was her normal, if old and rickety self, and then you discover she died in her sleep.

When you visited, that was the first time you've seen my parents in, what? Fifteen years? I remember when they came to me talking about the great time they had with you in Bales looking through the recently opened ancient library. I don't know if they kept up with you after that.

I was there when Mom died. She let me know how proud she was of me. I suppose she knew her time was up, and she wanted me to not get caught up in all the pain. Well, I'm afraid I disappointed her on that end.

Dad's devastated. Sixty-one years. That's how long they were married. Do you know what it's like to lose a pony whom you've been with for so long? Do you know what it's like to lose your literal other half? Well, I don't know either, but I can guess from how Dad has taken things.

Despite being almost ninety, the doctors had to get five staff members to combine their strength to get Dad away from Mom. Tears were everywhere, Twilight. He doesn't have much of a beard left, but it was soaked by the time the hospital staff pried him off.

Soon, I'll have to go to another funeral, I think. If Dad makes it to the end of the year, I'll count myself lucky. Already, he isn't responsive to much, he just sits around their apartment and looks through photo albums. Occasionally, he might say something to myself, Kaiser, or Starry (one of us is always around to make sure he's okay) about the memory triggered by a picture, but it takes a lot just to get him to eat, let alone engage with us.

I know that this would have happened eventually. I was prepared for it. After all, it is natural for a daughter to outlive her parents. I'd hate to think what Mom and Dad would have been like if I had died in some freak accident or when I was off saving Equestria a few times.

However, what isn't natural is a mother outliving her children. Starry is a full-grown stallion now. Been married for a few years, too. It wasn't nearly as fancy an affair as Kaiser and mine's. Out of the princesses, only Flurry Heart was invited and attended.

There's so much of me and Kaiser in him. On the outside, he may look more like Mom and Dad, but he's grown into my hoofsteps so much. On the odd day, I look back at him, his wife, and my new granddaughter with pride. Then I remember.

I remember that I'll be stuck here, watching Starry grow old, his newborn foal, Glimmer Burst (he was such a suckup to Mom and Dad), grow old, her foals grow old, their foals grow old, ad nauseum. What kind of existence is that for a family matriarch? I should be allowed to pass on the torch at some point, should I not?

While I'm writing this, Kaiser is working with Dad on a game of Knowledge Quest. They're having to take frequent breaks, as many questions make Dad break down. I guess that game has special meaning to him.

Kaiser is getting old, too, Twilight. He's been fully grey for a couple of decades at this point. I swear the wrinkles are going to cause his eyes to sink into his skull. But he perseveres. Although he had a rough time growing up, and that definitely has affected him physically now, he's still the same generous pony I married all those years ago.

It's not just him, though.

Bonfire has had an empty nest for years. Her husband died about five years back, and, well, she hasn't taken it the best. For years, I haven't seen her crack a smile or try to tell a corny joke. She may occasionally try playing one of her instruments, but from what I can see, she never plays one for more than a few minutes before putting it away.

Barnard has it probably the worst out of all of us. He's alone up there in Yakyakistan. His brothers died in the Northern Wars, and his parents passed forever ago. Without a wife and kids of his own, he has to wait for the day his family legacy burns out. On top of that, he's having a harder and harder time remembering who we are.

Yakyakistan hasn't fully recovered yet from its wars, and its medical prowess is one of the casualties. I don't think he'll be around for more than a couple of years. Even if he is, I don't believe it will really be him, just a body responding to base stimuli.

Finally, Midnight. Midnight is doing okay, actually. Her husband is still alive, and they have a few foster kids that have grown up and left their roost. Now she tries to make time every month or so to travel from Aquilea to here. She always brings something from there, even if it's just a bit of food that we eat within the first day.

Age hasn't slowed her wit at all, Twilight. Maybe she's hunched over from the pain her body causes. Maybe her one wing has atrophied to almost nothing but bone and a few loose feathers. Maybe she's half-blind and one eye is permanently shut from shrapnel during the Griffonian Empire's unification wars, but her mind is still there.

When she was younger, Midnight was never much of a talker. Now, talking is the one thing she can do easily. Kaiser and I can spend hours talking with her about old times, developments of the world, the hope of newer generations, whatever, and it never feels tiresome. Some days, I'm amazed that we still have so much we can talk about.

And then there's me, Twilight. Not-so-little, not-so-old me. Probably I now rival Cadance in terms of height. Maybe I'm a bit shorter. I've been feeling so empty lately, like I can always eat more and like there's this gaping hole in my being.

Physically, I suppose outside of growing somewhat, I've remained unchanged. Buck it, I've probably aged in reverse! Despite my increased appetite, I have more energy than ever now. It feels awful to just lay in bed next to Kaiser, unable to sleep because I'm not tired at all. Sometimes I go for weeks between naps let alone a full night's rest.

Mentally, well, I feel old. I mean, I feel like I've lived enough for five ponies' lifetimes, instead of just one. All this knowledge, all this responsibility, being seen as better than everypony else because I have wings and a horn, it's not for me. I've had to deal with so many friendship issues that could have been resolved if creatures just talked with each other. I don't know how I could have kept going if not for my friends and family.

Frequently, I find myself thinking back to when you brought me back to Ponyville. Meeting my friends for the first time, meeting Kaiser, learning about friendship. They're good memories.

I can't go on like this, Twilight. Aunt Trixie and Mom were the first to go, but I can't keep going on while my family and friends slowly disappear around me. Dad will go next, I'm positive, but then who? Will it be Barnard? It seems most likely, but it could be any one of my friends; it could even be Kaiser!

And what would be expected of me?

"Move on, Luster." "It happens, Luster." "We're sorry for your loss, Princess Luster."

I'd be expected to just take the punches and roll with them. Well, I won't! I will cry, I will mourn, I will show all the emotions an alicorn never should! Ponies think that us alicorns are the pinnacle of stoicism. Well, they’ll be in for a rude awakening. Their Princesses are not unfeeling, immovable stones: we’re ponies, too. We act like everything is fine just so the common ponies believe they’re safe.

Because that's what all alicorns are good at, aren't they? Pretending the world is fine, ignoring the warnings, and letting creatures get too complacent.

I'm sorry, that was cruel of me.

I know that when Fluttershy and Rarity passed that you had national days of mourning for them. Of all the ponies to last, I never thought Applejack would be among them. At one hundred years old, I still see her strolling around Ponyville occasionally!

Was it hard, Twilight? Did you finally get a wake-up call? The other old Elements are dying, you must see that. How much longer will you expect them to be alive?

Knowing all that you do, would give up your status and return to being a unicorn? Are there days you wish for that? What would you do? Growing old with your friends and seeing them age with you, that's been my desire for decades now, and you've ignored it.

Please! We were friends once! I ask you to release me from this curse. If not for my sake, for my mom's sake, for your friend Starlight's sake. Ponies aren't meant to live forever, Twilight. It takes a special soul to be able to bear the burden of immortality, and, well, I'm not it.

Looking back at that day in Canterlot when you summoned me: I was so scared. I tried hiding it by being brash about my beliefs on friendship, but I was honestly afraid. Afraid that I failed you, that you were upset that I wasn't interested in friendship. I thought that if I was straightforward, you'd forgive me and respect my decisions.

Honestly, I'm glad that you didn't.

If I could travel back in time to when you summoned me and talk to my younger self, would I warn myself of the consequences? No, I don't think I would. I'd instead tell myself about all the wonders I was going to experience. Friendship. Love. Adventure. Family.

Because of you, I have mended things with my parents. Because of you, I met the love of my life. Because of you, I made lifelong friendships that showcase the best in ponies and every creature on Equus.

If it weren't for you, I never would have had a handsome son who's become such an influential pony. If it weren't for you, I never would have gotten this far in life.

Thank you, Twilight, truly, for everything you've done for me. You believed in me when I didn't, when I wanted to hide away from the world and dedicate myself solely to magic. But then I learned that friendship is magic. It's more magical than any spell that has been created by ponykind.

I'm rambling again, but you know what, too bad. Let's ramble a bit longer.

I'm not the right pony for this, Twilight. Maybe you made a mistake, or maybe I thought I was ready when I wasn't, but I can't keep going on as an alicorn. Maybe I never learned the true spirit of friendship, but my friendships are true now, and I don't want to lose them. I want to grow old and watch them flame out naturally: as we all take our final breaths and go to Celestia knows where, I know one thing. I know that my friends and I will be together.

Surely, there must be a way to reverse the spell? I urge you to reconsider what you told me almost twenty years ago when I found out about my immortality! There has to be a way to return me to being a unicorn!

Maybe, all of us alicorns need to work together to use the spell? Between you, Celestia, Luna, Cadance, and Flurry, there must be enough magic to return me to my previous state? And if there isn't, we can spend time finding a way! Anything is possible when enough minds are put to a task!

I, Luster Shimmer Shine Dawn, Principis de Amicitia, am requesting that you, Twilight Sparkle, Ruler of Equestria, Princeps Dei Solis et Lunae, release me from alicornhood.

If not... then this is my final letter. When the time is right: my friends are gone, my husband passed, my son and his family firmly established, then I will take matters into my own hooves.

Please, Twilight, listen to my plea. For old friendship's sake: the embers are still smoldering, don't let them die out by ignoring this. I beg you, let me go.

With a heavy heart,

Her Royal Highness, Princess Luster Shimmer Shine Dawn

Author's Note

Whew, so that was a ride or what? This was written last year in June, shortly after I got back into writing things. Couldn't tell what emotions I was about G4 ending at all, right? :rainbowlaugh:

Once again, the editing has been done by EverfreePony, who has been a great aid to my writing since I've returned to making stories. The cover was done by the wonderful Julunis14 and I'm incredibly sorry that it took this long to publish this story after I commissioned her. Also, there may eventually be a sidequel for this, detailing Twilight's responses to all of Luster's letters. This is assuming I have the time to do it, though.

When I wrote this, I had literally zero knowledge that Luster's group of friends in the finale were already named. I'm not surprised, given this fandom, but by the time I found out, there were already two stories that I wrote with these names, and I kinda stuck with them.

For reference, here are the characters and their fandom names:
Kaiser Roll: Gallop J. Fry
Midnight: Georgia
Bonfire: River Song
Barnard: Yelena (don't ask me how I mistook a female yak for a male yak. I just did.)

Some of the lore expanding the world was inspired by Equestria at War, however, it was effectively only names and nations, plus one or two minor events. They have too good a world to not get inspired from!

T4E