We are reflected in an uprooted, shattered tree.

---Season 9--Episode 3---
I can't be the only one who realizes that these kids are suppose to be the fandom, right?

Silverstream is the artists all over Deviantart and the Equestria Daily Drawfriends. Smoulder is in that same vein, but is less concerned with expressing herself, and more with leaving an impression on people. In our community, she would have chased Horse Fame, and would be perturbed as to why Pony videos don't get so many views as they use to.

Gallus has the mindset of a reviewer and analyst who wants to sort everything out and detail for everyone to understand. His tendency to critique and adjust the story of the tree also reminds me of people here on FimFiction, trying to keep everything fitting in a consistent tone and continuity ("Yeah, but mine makes more sense.") Since he is the closest thing the Student Six have to a leader, it's fitting he would be given the role of some of our community figureheads.

While Gallus has taken the "egghead" route this episode, the scholarly Ocellus takes a philosophical perspective, venerating the moral lessons that the show Tree sincerely communicates. That's not to say that she's been displaced from her preferred role though; living through the Changeling Renaissance has imparted on her the importance of mental health principled leadership. She reminds me of the really bright spots in our fandom, like Sprocket Doggingsworth and her series "Help! My Heart is Full of Pony!” available on FimFiction and Tumblr. Or some of the panels I’ve attended at conventions like “Joining the Herd,” or “the Psychology of Ponies” by Fiaura the Tank Girl.

Sandbar growing a replacement immediately equates to the people watching who will themselves grow into their own show runners, just like Lauren Faust 35-odd years ago. He can also represent other long-term, high-effort media projects like documentaries, Fallout Equestria, Lullaby For a Princess, or Fighting is Magic.

Rounded out by Yona, a fan who is a mostly passive audience member with little online presence. Who only makes a profile on FimFiction or DeviantArt for the sake of leaving affirmative comments (and to view mature content). Conventions act as a high point of socializing because of limited ability to form bonds online. They’re just baffled at how such drama can occur in a community of ostensibly like-minded fans.

I was only able to watch about a third of this episode before the Livestreams I tried started crapping out, and I just gave up. I caught it on Dailymotion a few hours later, but I had heard that this was just a retread of Castle Sweet Castle. Instead it was young minds debating the virtues of mediums, and the intent behind communication of history and ideals. Since this is a website OF fan creations, I think we should able to read a TON into these characters based on their approaches. I’m surprise more people here aren't remarking on this.