A Question for Valiant readers

So, I'm (finally) working on the next chapter of Valiant, and a question occurred to me that I'm hoping one of the readers would be kind enough to answer: out of these two choices, which one do you think better conveys the extent to which Equestria has fallen since Twilight's day, becoming harsh and militaristic while Celestia wasn't looking.

Either a) Twilight's library (which wasn't destroyed, because the fic diverges into AU before the S4 finale) has been converted into a military storehouse, or b) they've levelled the apple orchards to make space for a parade ground? I know that neither of them are exactly heinous, but what better way to show things are different than to wreck some canon locations. And which one do you think Celestia would get more upset over?

Also, I'm thinking of getting a cover art for the fic, but I can't decide what it should look like. Any early thoughts?

Comments

[The Grand Observer]

The one most likely to upset Celestia is option A. Turning the living tree library, a natural place of wonder and learning, into a cold storage facility filled with tools of war does seem to be the best. It really helps drive home how much has changed and how much everything will likely never be the same again.

Now granted, leveling a symbol of the towns birth and livelihood of one of Twilight's dearest friends and turning it to something that is used only for hallow celebrations and possibly inspiring some delusions of grandeur is itself very drastic. Honestly I'd still go with option a, but really you may wanna just cut out the middleman and do both.

My two cents.

[Starlight Nova]

What The Grand Observer said.

And which one do you think Celestia would get more upset over?

Ask one of the mods at the Protect Celestia group.