Letters - II

I had withdrawn in forest, and my song 
Was swallowed up in leaves that blew alway; 
And to the forest edge you came one day 
(This was my dream) and looked and pondered long, 
But did not enter, though the wish was strong: 
You shook your pensive head as who should say, 
‘I dare not—too far in his footsteps stray— 
He must seek me would he undo the wrong. 

Not far, but near, I stood and saw it all 
Behind low boughs the trees let down outside; 
And the sweet pang it cost me not to call 
And tell you that I saw does still abide. 
But ’tis not true that thus I dwelt aloof, 
For the wood wakes, and you are here for proof.

by Robert Frost

Dear Starlight Glimmer,

I am humbled thou wouldst think of me as a candidate for thy latest lesson in friendship. Please pardon the tardiness of this response-- a spot of trouble arose in my Night Court that involved the rising tides, some crabs, and an errant pair of lovers. My sister may deal with many a serious matter, but seldom, methinks, of a nature I have contended with!

Dost my style put thee off? I have strived to emulate the modern tongue, but I find it a falsehood in writing to perpetuate the effort. I would write to thee as one unadorned by pretense. Occasionally, even in pony, I cannot help but fall to the old ways of speaking. Oh Starlight... the looks this princess receives when a rebellious "thou" or "thine" escapes these lips! Luna affrights grown stallions with just a dusty breath. Pah! As if I were so weak willed as to let my lesser nature take hold again with just the stirring of an archaic tongue...

Thou must know that the specter of the past is a lingering thing. Ponies may forgive, but they do not forget. I do not share this with a mind to discourage thee-- nay, just the opposite! What I hope to impart to thee is the understanding that redemption is variable and fluid. It is anchored as much in deed as it is state of mind. More specifically, thy state of mind.

Has dearest Twilight Sparkle shared the trouble I stirred last year with the Tanatabus? If not, allow me to summarize: in my torment over my past, I had created an entity which forced upon me nightmares of my dark self. This vile thing escaped, plaguing first Twilight and her friends, then all of Ponyville. It nearly went on to spread to all of Equestria... Until thy teacher in friendship and the good villagers showed me that it was my guilt that was powering the Tanatabus. It was only after I had forgiven myself that I was able to control the entity, free the villagers, and find solace in my sleep. So thou sees... Ponies forgive, but they do not forget. In my case, I had skipped a crucial step in my own redemption, and it very nearly had serious consequences.

Starlight Glimmer, even in thine letter to me, I could sense a lingering regret. Cast off this burden! Thou have already done much in the way of serving thy fellow ponies. Thou art a hero, bold and true, and all the greater for the adversity thou have overcome.

I implore thee. Do forgive. Do remember! But always live.

Wishing all the best,
Princess Luna

Comments

[Troublesome Beast]

You know, I hadn't thought of that, but Luna does sort of have the experience set to make some serious business empathy moments with Starlight. I love these two so far and am looking forward to more!