Dear Princess Celestia,
It was a long, rough journey for everypony involved, but I'm happy to report the whole affair ended happily. Princess Chrysalis and Chamberlain gathered the Aurelian ponies, and, with generous aid and an escort from Canterlot, as well as food stores supplied by Sweet Apple Acres, began the slow trek to the south to rebuild Aurelia. Firebane is headed in that direction as well, but only after she searches for an old friend in the wilds. After all, dragons live a very long time.
The farewells were heartfelt and tearful, not the least of which was Rainbow Dash and her once-double... though she'll never admit it. He returned the Element of Loyalty into her care without a question, and his excitement as she tried to distract from the tears by describing her newest flight routine is proof that his time with us has left an indelible mark.
Indeed, most of the Aurelian ponies remember very little of their time as changelings, so they had to become accustomed to the passage of time. Their amazement at the idea of a steam locomotive and their reactions to the changes in fashion and speech were entertaining to behold. Rarity has promised to open a speech training class for any unicorns wishing to convert to “modern parlance.”
But most of all, what I learned was that a real friendship, even a brief one, can endure any test of time, even ages, and and trials, even the harshest trials history has to offer.
“Twilight Sparkle,” Celestia admonished. “First of all, aren't you supposed to be resting, and second, why write me a letter when I'm right here?”
Twilight looked up past Spike, who was dutifully scripting her dictation as Celestia ascended the library stairs into Twilight's bedroom. “Oh, Princess, welcome! I'd gotten so used to writing those letters to you, I find it helps me organize my thoughts sometimes. Besides, this is very important history. We owe it to future generations of ponies to record the events as carefully as we can. Plus, ” she added, “I was unconscious for a week, and that was a month ago. I think I'm well rested enough. My mane has nearly grown enough that I can get the last singed parts trimmed out.”
“I suppose a walk would do you some good,” Celestia agreed. “Would you accompany me?”
Twilight stood quickly. “Yes!” she answered with an enthusiasm that made them both laugh. They left the library and walked out toward the edge of the Everfree.
“Princess, may I ask you a question?” Twilight finally asked.
“There are certain questions that as Princess, I cannot answer,” Celestia answered sagely. “But as Tia, I can surely make exceptions.” Her eyes glinted with mischief, reminding Twilight Sparkle of the young princess.
“Well then, Tia, Luna mentioned there were other reasons... her imprisonment was a benefit.”
Celestia sighed. “It will come up soon enough. Twilight, when the three kingdoms were formed, they were never supposed to remain as kingdoms. You see, that was the old way, with the unicorns ruling. Equestria – and the Crystal Empire and Aurelia, too – were founded after the different kinds of ponies united. The nobility was only supposed to rule long enough for something different to replace it. All ponykind ruling together.”
“I don't recall ever reading anything about that,” Twilight said, considering Celestia's words.
“No, after everything Equestria went through, and being the last and only kingdom of ponykind, we extended the rule out of emergency, until pretty much everypony forgot it wasn't supposed to be that way.” She stopped moving along the path and turned to face Twilight. “Even in the lie, I tried to rule in a way that would benefit all ponykind.” When Twilight nodded reassuringly, she continued. “Now, we have the other two kingdoms back, and for most of them, little time has passed. The promise to them is fresh and unforgotten.”
They sat there for a while, staring into the depths of the Everfree quietly for a while before turning back towards town. “Twily,” Celestia said softly. “alicorns live a long time, but not forever, and Equestria has a need for the nobility to continue, in a way they have become accustomed to, even should it be in my absence.” Seeing the concern in Twilight's eyes, she added hastily, “Don't worry! I'm fine right now. Maybe even better. Having no edicts from the past or future has been... liberating.”
“So, if Luna had aged alongside you... but instead she had 1,000 years without aging,” Twilight added. “Still, that's quite a price for both of you to pay.”
“On its own, it wouldn't have been worth it,” Celestia admitted, “but Starswirl was right not to warn me. Luna will need your help, too, if you're willing?”
“If I'm willing? Tia, you know I'd always be willing, for either of you. Both as a faithful subject, and as a friend.”
“I think it will be a hard road. Change often is.” Celestia smiled. “But I should get back before the new Captain of the Guard thinks he's misplaced me again. And you shouldn't push yourself too hard for a while.”
Twilight almost bowed out of habit, then chuckled lightly. “Change is difficult sometimes.” She placed her hoof against Celestia's and said, “See you soon, Tia.”
As she watched the princess fly away, she surveyed Ponyville around her. Yes, the town seemed busier all the time. Change is difficult, but it comes to us all, whether we like it or not. Her eyes caught a glipse of Lyra and Bon-Bon out for a walk, chatting with Minuette in front of Sugarcube corner. She furrowed her brow at the hourglass cutie mark, recalling Starswirl's last words. “The other...” She shrugged, then trotted towards the library, eager to research forms of government and write up some proposals as quickly as possible.
After all, time waits for nopony.