A Year In Manehatten

Dear Cutie Mark Crusaders

I am afraid my dear sister is unable to answer your letter for the time being, as she is on a nice getaway somewhere. That must be nice.

So your letter was sent to me, Princess Luna, Princess of the Night. I sincerely apologize, and I will do the best I can to help with your problem. I was never good at these ‘friendship,’ problems, but fear not! I am sure my sister’s ways have rubbed off on me.

For starters, I spent some time in Manehatten for some royal business some time ago. Indeed, their customs are frankly a bit odd for somepony such as myself. During my time there, a couple passing me by told me that I was quite plump, and kept walking as if they did not just insult a princess directly to her face.

But back to the issue at hoof. I never expected your Applejack would spend so much time away from Ponyville, with her orchard and such business, nor would I ever expect her to change every single detail about her, but it is likely the old Applejack was not enough for those ponies, and with time, she converted into one of them.

Perhaps she did it to fit in, or perhaps she genuinely likes this style of living, we will never know. Unfortunately, I am not at liberty to cast any mind-altering spells on her, nor am I able to cast any time-travel spells or any other magic you may suggest to fix this situation.

I am sure you have heard this already, but perhaps you simply need to give her time. One year is a long time, and time marches on every day. She will need to return to work, and perhaps soon she will have to start bucking apples again or make trips to Ponyville Square to sell her fruit. Once she discovers the joys of what she once loved, and learns that she can be herself without fear back in your little Ponyville, she will gradually revert back.

I do hope so, anyway. I do know it is not uncommon for ponies to permanently change their ways, either to fit in or because somepony else forced their hoof. If Applejack is unhappy with this, I do hope she sees right from wrong soon. However, my little ponies, if she is indeed happy with her ways, having taken after a true Manehattenet, then I am afraid there is next to nothing you can do, and no, I do recommend trying to force her back either.

I do hope I was able to help just a little bit. I will monitor your dreams for a few nights, watching for any unpleasant dreams. Perhaps a face-to-face chat would be more helpful than a letter.

Good luck, and keep in mind what I said

Keep going to bed on time

Princess Luna

P.S. - I will be returning the 162 bits since we do not require bribery or payment.

P.P.S. - While I found it quite humorous, please do not mark the parchment as: ‘For Sunbutt.’