//------------------------------//
// Chapter 1 
// Story: notes for Cranky D. Donkey 
// by Uncle Knot 
//------------------------------//

Letter # 1 – 11,567 (1 is your reference number, 11,567 is my reference number)
To: Cranky D. Donkey
From: Sumponeigh Knot Yew
Copies: PC, Z, FdL, BR, FP, AD, PdF, CotG

I am happy to welcome you to our loose organization of ‘searchers’.  I concede that it was difficult for you to see reason and accept the idea that one pony when searching for one special something has a tendency to find something that some other pony (or in your case – donkey) is looking for.  How ironic  when we first met, you were standing on a bridge, on that precipice starring into oblivion.  It pleased me that your mind was not so far gone as to be unable to make a reasonable choice to continue your search for your special some pony (or in your case – donkey) with my assistance and those like me.  

Be assured that any embarrassment is typical, for the Grand Galloping Gala does always seem to produce its share of disasters.  Our first task of retracing your steps proved fruitless.  Alas too much time had passed since your Matilda had quit her residence.  The place had been thoroughly cleaned out and the trash had been emptied.  As a new searcher, be advised that sometimes one can find a ticket stub or old address in the trash that may act as a clue to a future destination.  You need to improve this skill as we have need of your eyes and ears to do some searching for us.  

Your description of Matilda is also lacking, but do not lose hope, for some of us have found things that do not want to be found with even less information.  We must presume that your Matilda has similar feelings toward you and wants to be found.  To issue a warrant would only cause confusion and possibly cause your dear one to hide herself away.  Let me be clear, she is a donkey, not a mule.  She also was last seen wearing a light colored neckerchief (either blue or green) at the Gala.  The fact that she quit her residence so quickly after the Gala suggests she is not a resident of Canterlot and the neckerchief suggests she may be from out west or some farm community.  Please note that while knowing where some pony is from is useful, it does not always indicate where some pony is going.

I do not doubt your sincerity of affection for her, only my ability to find some donkey with so little information.  There are too many like you who find that special some pony without doing a thorough investigation of the target of their affection.  Yet they always seem to have an inner knowledge that they were meant to be.  Thank you for affirming this.  

The captain of the royal guard concedes that there were not any unusual occurrences after the Gala and I certainly found no evidence of foul play.  I feel confident that eventually Matilda will be found, but we must be patient.  During this lull, we have need to keep track of certain artifacts.  This coincides with your need to search for Matilda as you will be traveling from community to community with eyes wide open and ears always listening.  For this reason we are clandestinely called the E&E (eyes and ears of Equestria).  Your first assignment is to go to Manehatten and find and observe a musical instrument that was last seen at the Gala.  This brass tuba may have unusual powers circumventing the rules of unicorn magic.  Please report your progress as soon as possible.  Sincerely, Uncle Knot.