The Letter
Eyes are a gateway to the soul. A famous pony once spoke this phrase so many years ago. This saying has been something that has always been on the edge of my thoughts for the past one hundred years. No matter how much research I dedicated to the task, I've yet been able to quantify or identify exactly what a soul is. I can measure a pony's magic, calculate their age at a glance, and all sorts of other things I've found out in the pursuit of finding what exactly is a soul.
Although I still am unable to put a hoof on what a soul is, I know that looking at a pony's eyes will reveal their character, their emotions. This is something that Shiny actually taught me when I was young. He always was so overprotective of me, and wanted me to able to see what a pony's intentions were for when he wasn't around. I know everypony thought I had retreated into books and studying and was antisocial as a result, but the truth was much different.
The same skill that Shiny used to become your captain let me see everypony's intentions you see. It wasn't that bad before becoming your student, but afterwards... everypony who approached me held nothing but negatives within their eyes. Jealousy and anger were the most common; wanting to use me for what I meant and not to spend time with me, the pony. As a result, I simply let myself retreat into my books, my studies, all in the hopes that they would write me off and quit trying.
And then, something amazing happened. Ponyville. It sounds so silly now, but that was the first time where ponies wanted to get to know me out of genuine curiosity. They weren't looking to use me as a tool, but to spend time with the pony I was. I met five wonderful mares who I was so grateful to call my best friends, as well as a whole town filled to the brim with supportive ponies. Even before we ran off into the woods that day to confront Nightmare Moon, I could see who they were from their eyes.
Applejack, so filled with pride and honesty in her family's products, and a welcoming and open pony. Rarity, her inner caring and generosity an opposite to her air of Canterlot nobility she always put forth. Pinkie, whose eyes were always filled with such joy she could warm the cold north by herself. Rainbow Dash, so much pride and loyalty, and a caring pony underneath her hard exterior. And of course, Fluttershy. Always so shy and timid that one would think of writing her off, but her eyes showed an infinite ability to find kindness for everypony and everything.
These five ponies who I barely knew followed me into the forest that day, a place that was filled with dangers and peril, all out of the kindness of their hearts. When we confronted Nightmare Moon, even though I knew you weren't telling me everything when you sent me to organize the festival, I could tell at first glance what was going on. The eyes of Nightmare Moon, ones which ponies saw as filled with cruelty and coldness, were filled with so much conflict and pain instead. I knew that we needed to save her, and that the Elements of Harmony would do just that.
Those were the best years of my life, I'll openly admit. They were the best friends I ever had, and everything we went through brought us so close together, we saw each other as sisters. I recall some of the major conflicts we helped resolve as we went through those early years. Sombra, who's eyes were filled with hatred to the point that there was no chance at redemption. Chrysalis, who even with her egotistical front, I saw nothing but desperation in her eyes even as she stood over us all thinking the day was won for her.
Then there's you, Celestia. You've been a constant in my life, somepony who I've always looked up to. I had such a hard time reading your eyes when I was young, but looking back now it all seems so obvious. During those early years of being your student, I now know that it was pain and remorse that filled your eyes, even as you put forth your mask of the Princess of Equestria. When I would achieve something spectacular for my age, flashes of happiness would cross your eyes, a warmth that even now I still enjoy feeling. I think the day Luna was cleansed stands out the most to me, though. Your mask was dropped that day immediately following our use of the elements. You radiated happiness to the point that you would've lifted even the most depressed pony's mood just by being in your presence.
On my coronation day, you were filled with hope and pride. I'd achieved what some might consider the ultimate goal of life, immortality and power. Of course, you knew that the power wasn't important to me, not one bit. I don't know if that's why you let me spend most of my time in Ponyville, or if you had other reasons, but I was truly thankful for it. I was able to spend time with my friends and continue my research with much less hassle than if I'd moved to Canterlot. Mayor Mare was somewhat hardpressed to keep up with how quickly Ponyville began to grow once word spread of a princess calling it home, but it stayed the same, lovable town I knew.
But now, when you look at me, your eyes are filled with naught but pain and fear. Only a small amount of hope is visible to me. I just want to know one thing. Why? Is there something you think that I'd hate you for? I knew what I was signing up for when I accepted the Elements' offer to ascend to an alicorn. I was well aware of the fact that I would witness friends and family pass before my eyes, as I'd seen the pain and sorrow in your eyes anytime the discussions we had would drift towards a pony you once knew.
But, I don't hate you for that. Even as I watched the first of my friends pass, I wasn't sad. Looking at Pinkie lying there, her body wracked with pain as she took labored breaths, her eyes reminded me about all the good times we had. Her joy filled them until her last breath, as if saying everything would be just fine. I'm fairly certain some ponies thought I was going insane when I couldn't help but laugh as I sat there at her bedside. But how could I cry? Sure, I was sad, but everything with Pinkie was focused on keeping everypony happy, and what better personifies happiness than laughter?
I watched the rest of my friends pass on, as well as my brother and family. I was there for Cadance for a long time after Shiny passed on, she took it the hardest of anypony I knew. Even then, he had taught her many of the same things he taught me, and we spent days sharing all of our good memories of him rather than lamenting his passing. Sure, we shed tears, but they were of joy and happiness, not of sadness and pain.
Even though my first friends have since passed on, they are still with me. Even if their Elements hadn't turned into my regalia so that I could carry a part of them with me wherever I went, memories of them remain with me, lending their own form of immortality. And even as I lost friends, I've made more. Their children all know me as 'Aunt Twilight,' and even though I know one day I will see their passing, I refuse to let it control me. Knowing somepony and being able to call them a friend is an honor, even if you know time will claim them.
So, do you fear I will hate you? If anything, it's the opposite. I love you for the chance you gave me. For some time, you were a second mother to me, guiding me through life and teaching me so many things. You were a mentor, one who even now I still defer to for help when I need advice. And, most importantly, you are simply another pony and one of three ponies I know will never leave me alone. How could I hate you, with all that you've given me?
Celestia, I love you. Whether you view it as the love of a surrogate daughter you had a direct hoof in raising, a student whose life you brought knowledge and joy to, or simply the love of another pony, it doesn't matter to me. You've given me the greatest gift of my life, and no matter what you'll always hold a dear piece of my heart because of that. I could never bring myself to hate you.
I hope that when I see you next, the fear and pain will be replaced with happiness once more.
Love,
Twilight
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Damn. You need to take showers more often.
This was impressive. DAMN impressive.
~Skeeter The Lurker
Damn it, I need a mop. I swear every time I read something like this I wind up leaking liquid pride... Not for me of course, but pride in the fact that I'm a part of this wonderful fandom. Keep up the marvelous work or I swear I shall come down on you with great vengeance and furious anger!... And lots and lots of cupcakes!
And yet again, not a crap was given about Spike.
2912374
for you now.
I'd thought about throwing a line in there for him, but... he's Spike. So, here's a
I normally don't bother to read one shots, but that one was definitely worth the time. Upvote shall be given. I like the saying you used even though it sounds more badass in French or German (Les yeux sont une fenêtre dans l'âme/Die Augen sind ein Fenster zur Seele).
2912384
Most sayings when put in a language other than English seems a lot better. Is the translation the same for French?
2912395
Not directly. It says "The eyes are a window into the soul." Frankly, there are many versions of that one, so yours if accurate, but that's the one that struck with me mostly 'cause it's closest to the German version "Die Augen sind ein Fenster zur Seele."
2912412
And I've learned something new for the day! That's pretty nifty to know.
2912422
I don't quite follow?
2912430
Wasn't aware of it's origin. It's a very common phrase, and it's always interesting to learn where such things originate from.
2912438
Aww, did I hint that it originates from either french or german? If so excusez moi, but the origin of that phrase is unknown. Some say Shakespeare used it first, some say Leonardo DaVinci. The phrase you used, as well as its "sisterphrases" exist in almost every language.
The eyes of our souls only then begin to see, when our bodily eyes are closing.
Die Augen unserer Seelen beginnen erst dann zu sehen, wenn usere körperlichen Augen sich schließen.
Thou sun, of this great world both eye and soul. -Milton.
Du Sonne, dieser Welt Aug' und Seele.
Tu soleil, de cet monde oeil et âme.
To name a few of the spinoffs.
Well, that's somewhat useless but still. Have a nice day.
I want this to be featured. It deserves it.
Not bad. I enjoyed this.
Bout Bloody Time.
Awesome.
2912374
Who's that?
2912905
Yes, burn the haters!
Finally, I've been waiting for a fic like this for an age.
Bravo!
...
Liked and Fav'ed.
You used "care" or "caring" pretty close to one another when describing Rainbow and Flutters. You could easily change the second instance using "kind" pretty easily.
Though I know this was not meant to be sad, I cannot help but feel a little morose. Yes, Twilight is able to overcome the loss of her friends and is able to look forward to meeting many others. However, she cannot make new memories with her old friends. That is think is always the kicker, even though her friends are with her in memory, they are just that. There is no surprise to look forward to, no sense of wonder. Memories hold no bewilderment. So even though Twilight may be happy, there is still some linger sadness in the fact that all she really has of her friends are memories, and will those even start to fade after a time?
Wow. This is great! Short, but very well done. Made in an hour, but with the effort of several day's hard work.
2913072
Thanks Four. Adjusted it, I was supposed to use kind with Shy, I just derped then never caught it. Was supposed to allude to their elements and whatnot.
As far as the sadness, it's hard to hit on what I included and have it not have some sadness. But, the glass is half full in this instance.
2913089
Thanks a lot. : )
2913114 No problem!
2913042>>2912513>>2912626>>2912780
Glad y'all enjoyed it!
2912705
I'd been trying to think of something to counter the Twilight sadfics out there, but it took a long time for me to find something I was happy with. This is short, to the point, and does a decent job I believe.
2913029>>2912905>>2912992
Whoops, missed some. thanks for reading, glad y'all enjoyed it.
i.imgur.com/7hee0.gif
I wish there were more fics like this and less "Immortality is a curse blah blah".
2913147
Thanks you much, glad you enjoyed it.
2912438>>2912472
The Polish version of that saying translates directly as:
The eyes are the reflection of a soul.
I wonder how many different versions there could be...
And this is a story that has earned its rightful place in the feature box! I am going to pitch in to make sure it's high up there!
Seriously, for a sudden idea and an hour of work, this is masterwork, really. All of highest quality!
Keep up the good work!
2913131 No, thank you for writing this!
It's always nice to see that I'm not completely in the minority on the immortality issue... There is a slowly creeping number of these sort of stories, which I am very glad to see!
Nice work. Short, but to the point.
2913185
And we cross paths once more! That's very interesting. So many variations on the simple saying.
Thanks for the kind words, this was a concept I'd been trying to find a way to convey for some time, it just took me months to get it down.
2913186
No problem at all.
2913296
Indeed. Downsides and upsides to it, gotta look at the upsides more often. And yeah, it is short, but that was indeed the point this time around. First one shot I've successfully completed in the last seven months. Most either balloon into their own stories or sit forgotten once I get 500-1000 words in.
Wow.. Words cannot describe the feels that I am feeling right now... Or did that describe them? Did this sentence contradict itself? Eh... Whatever, Good one-shot. I mean REALLY Good!
2913336
I'm glad that you enjoyed it. : )
2913351 I would have to be a ROCK not to, but am I a rock?
The world with never know.
2913114
So you're saying the glass it half empty? No wait, I'm an engineer, I don't even know what I am supposed to think!
th07.deviantart.net/fs71/PRE/f/2012/111/5/b/my_little_pony_point_of_view_by_loljailbait-d4x3qoh.png
I don't know why, must still be drowsy.
2912374
Or Spike's still alive. Remember, the show talked about a dragon having a 100 year nap. A NAP. Chances are dragons probably live for, thousands of years there if they can afford to take 100 just to sleep.
Ponies obviously have much shorter lives in comparison.
So it's not that no one cars about him, it's just that he's probably still alive and thus not important to the story since she'd talking about the loss of her friends.
2913517
2913518
Truthfully, I had indeed thought about Spike, and giving him a line in the one shot. Whether he would be napping, off in the dragon lands, I pictured him as being out of Equestria or not reachable at the time. Or something like that. I went to write two or three lines, but ended up deleting them all. Few other things got nixed, poor Spike is just one of those things that's so easy to forget.
This pretty much matches my own view on the "curse of immortality" thing - sure, you'll outlive your friends, but with a friend the same age as you there's a 50/50 chance you'll wind up bidding them farewell the same way anyway. Immortality means your memory of those friends will live on forever, and that you'll have all the time in the world to make new friends as well.
Not to mention that based on my interpretation of the details of Twilight's ascension, alicorns aren't so much immortal as they are able to freely come and go from the realm beyond death. So maybe Twilight will be able to visit with her friends after they're dead too.
Yay, found a story where someone explores the happy side to immortality. This was good to read.
This ending of Pinkie Pie is used ALOT, but every time... *Sniff* I tear up at it...
That was nice.
A great story, to be sure, but I could have sworn that Faust has already said that Twilight would not outlive her friends.
2913566>>2913736>>2913793
Yup. Enjoyed finally writing a 'look at the upside'
2913791
Pinkie is just awesome. Even in death.
2914105
Fanfiction my friend, fanfiction. Was a counter to all the 'woe is me, I'm an alicorn and immortal' stories folks did.
This reminds me of quote by dr seuss: Dont cry because it's over, smile because it happened.
I think that this story enscapulates that quote perfectly. I really wish there were more stories like this, it seems like fimfiction is an ocean of sad tags some days.
2914444
Mother fuckin Dr. Seuss. Gods, yes. All my yes.
A quickie based on immortality? Does that make TQP the long version? xD
2914507
quickie. lol. Dirty thoughts!
You know, I like this because it isn't saccharine or purposefully tug-at-your-heartstrings bittersweet. It feels heartfelt and like you wrote these words from a sincere place. You don't see that very often.
2914539
Thanks, and glad you enjoyed it