It's been a long time since I've written to you. I've been strong about so many things recently, but getting the courage to write to you after so long,and what happened, hasn't been one of them. I'm sure you've heard about my exploits in the Changeling war, and now the Dragon war (I was going to talk to you at the ceremony, but quickly got cold hooves) , but I just wanted you to know I haven't forgotten the one thing you tried to teach me the most.
Let's start with the Legion of Discord. Discord used his mind control powers on many to force them into the armed forces. The rest chose to join to avoid that, or face death. And of course for a few, including me, it was fully voluntary.
Those of us who didn't get brainwashed were still able to find friends in each other, and not just with other ponies. Gryphons, dogs, cats, changelings, all developing friendships. Admittedly us ponies did get more flak than the others since we were the ones they were fighting against in the Equestria war (which is why Discord didn't hire many ponies), but those non ponies that became our friends stuck up for us. I'm sure you know who Nightshade is. she was a close friend in the LoD, and often caught a lot of flak, but she either fought back, or her wingmates stuck up for her. It was the same case for the wing I commanded.
After Discord was defeated, those of us who survived suddenly found ourselves without a job, and we weren't sure if we had a home. For The griffons, changelings , and others it was easy as their countries welcomed them back. With us ponies it was a little different. Many viewed us as traitors, especially with the Crystal Empire. For some it took an extraordinary event to get accepted again. And once again look at Nightshade. Many didn't return because they couldn't face their families. Some didn't feel safe returning, so they either changed their identity, or moved somewhere else.
And for those of us who have combat in our blood, it meant becoming a mercenary. The majority of mercs' out there were with the LoD, and we still have a bond with each other. I have a couple of former squadron mates in my group, and a few others I knew also. The Dragon war allowed us to reconnect with others we hadn't seen in ages. And once again we took to the skies to fight for our employer.
But this time we weren't being oppressors. We were fighting oppressors (well except for one mercenary group). And our actions helped a country regain control of land that had been taken from them. It changed the dragon's view on both mercenaries and ponies, and appears to have changed public opinion about mercs'. It really solidified us as one giant family.
So as you can see, the lesson of friendship hasn't been lost on me. In fact I think I understand it now more than back then. I can't make excuses for what happened, and how it made us part ways, or for joining the LoD. All I can say after all these years is, I'm sorry.Maybe someday I'll get the courage to come back for a visit.
Well that's it for now. Maretonia has hired us to take care of a problem. We're leaving tomorrow to assist their air force.
Your former student
Sunset Shimmer.
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Canterlot Palace
Equestria
Oct. 9th, 2024
09:05 hours.
A unicorn walked into Celestia's chamber with a box.
"Mail time your majesty."
"Thank you Kibitz," replied Celestia. And he left. The mail was routine with letters from citizens (both fans and the disgruntled), and other communications.
She then picked up an envelope that was postmarked the Griffon Kingdom, bu thad no return address. She opened it and scanned the letter for a name. When she found it at the bottom her eyes started getting glassy. She started reading it, and after she was done a few tears escaped her eyes. She summoned Kibitz again.
"Yes your majesty?"
"I need you to find the address of someone in the Griffon Kingdom."