Dear Mom and Dad,
I am sorry for not sending a letter for so long. Unfortunately, we are very much tied up dealing with a few things here of which I cannot divulge any details, and I have only now been able to find some time to write about how I have been.
Speaking of how I have been, I am happy to say that, for the first time in a while, this young mare is doing fine. Splendid, even. I am fed enough every day, and my mates keep me company on and off duty. I also feel close to being granted furlough after months of serving on the front. I cannot wait to finally get off this dreadful place for at least some time. I sorely miss home.
Now, you have all most likely heard the news over there by now. Yes, Canterlot is saved, not a single changeling even got close to the golden city, and you've got us to thank for it! I do not know how much I actually contributed to the victory (though I ought to say I am relieved that I was not part of the brutal fighting in the southern sectors), but it does not matter. We have got the changelings this time, and it feels like things are actually starting to turn out for us. However, I must tell you about something strange that happened the other day.
We were attacking an enemy position and flushing out stray pockets of resistance after a couple days fighting. Luckily, my unit was only sent to reinforce some of our friends who have already secured an entire section of changeling defenses. It was chilly that day, but at least the ground was solid, and it was then while we were marching along that I saw her highness Princess Celestia!
No, mother. I know what you are going to say. This is not your little girl making up stories. As much as I would love to hear your voice teasing me again about my active imagination as a child, I am not lying. I truly did see Princess Celestia.
The princess looked a little different though. Her highness' mane was made of fire, and her figure emanated a majestic aura. We all could not help but stare and then bow low when she turned to look at us. Our commander rushed to greet her highness, and he was as bewildered as we all were, but the princess simply dismissed us with a few words and continued staring off into the distance. Suffice to say, we went on our way having been graced with her highness' presence, and we were all talking about it as we went along. Some even told stories they have heard from people who had fought during the battle west of Canterlot.
And oh were they some wild stories. Some said that Princess Celestia fought with them, blasting insects and whatnot, and some also said that the princess' new look was a sign that she had become some kind of tyrant! Can you believe these people? Well, I can't because frankly, meeting the princess and seeing her that other day felt invigorating.
If some of the stories are true, then it is a welcome surprise to see a princess of Equestria being so involved in our struggle. We are beating the bugs back, and our Princess Celestia is right here with us. Even Princess Luna was never really this acquainted with us in the front! So who cares about those insidious rumors about Princess Celestia being a "tyrant" now? We are finally winning, and after all the horrible things I have witnessed here, that is all that matters anymore.
Anyway, I must cut this letter short as the oil in my lamp is just about to run out. Again, I promise to send more letters in the future, and remember, do not be afraid to ask our neighbors for help. These are dark times we are living in, but it does not have to be so dark. Perhaps, soon, a new dawn will rise over Equestria to cast away the darkness, and we shall all be living normal lives together with the war firmly behind us. A mare can dream, I suppose.
Your loving daughter, Juniper