A pony approaches with an unusual request.

Written for the Dialogue Only contest. I’m taking the “no narration” challenge to heart and want the dialogue to do the scene-setting. For those of you who’d like slightly more info to go on:

Princess Twilight Sparkle, Equestria’s sole lawmaker, is holding court. Lyra Heartstrings approaches to ask her to change a very specific edict.

Greetings, noble truth-seeker! If you've picked up this book and/or found it in a trash can, it means you've grown bored of the sugar-coated lies gleefully swallowed by the brainwashed masses. This guide contains almost everything you need to know about Equestria, from the truth about Princess Celestia's mane to the names and motives of groups operating in the shadows. It's all here, gathered and meticulously documented by a team of skilled authors. Read on if you must, but be aware of the risks. If it's discovered that you have gotten your hooves on this guide, who knows what will happen to you!

--Lyra

"Equestria is a calm, friendly place, full of joy and friendship. Or, at least, that's what They want you to think."
"A lot of ponies are afraid of the truth. I am not one of them. I will find out what happens when our eyes are closed or our back turned. And I will find proof of it, or my name isn't Lyra Heartstrings."

The chapters will describe events in a chrono-illogical order: I get an idea when I get an idea.