Royal Edict: Pardon For Changelings
by Front Page
Citing the recent heroism and selflessness displayed during the recent crisis, Princess Celestia has issued a full pardon to the changeling hive.
Three days ago, Her Royal Highness, Princess Celestia reappeared to us to announce that her four day absence was caused by a dark curse placed on her my an evil spirit possessing her protégé, Lady Twilight Sparkle. She went on to explain that the curse was broken by a changeling queen, whom our Princess said was the younger sister of the changeling queen "Chrysalis" who invaded Canterlot late last month.
Today, Princess Celestia appeared to announce that this new queen had led a coup against Chrysalis, removing the evil queen from power and executing her, thus vanquishing the threat she posed to Equestria forever. Our Princess also announced that She and Her sister, Her Royal Highness, Princess Luna, were granting a full pardon to the changeling hive in thanks for its new queen’s actions this past week and allowing it to relocate to Equestria to recover from the damage of the coup and the failed invasion from several weeks ago.
The announcement was met with mixed reactions from the citizens of Canterlot. While many are understandably nervous about allowing a group of creatures who were attacking us less than a month ago to settle in Equestria, an even larger number said they were willing to give the changelings a chance.
"I'm not too keen on the idea of letting changelings roam free in Equestria," says Donut Joe, a baker from Upper Canterlot. "That being said, they did save our princesses, so I think they at least deserve the benefit of the doubt."
Unfortunately, our Princess' announcement was not entirely a happy one. In what was obviously a painful speech for her, she also announced that the juvenile dragon known as Spike was slain during the recent crisis. Many residents of Upper Canterlot will remember him as a good-natured soul could almost always be found at Twilight Sparkle's side. We've been notified that all citizens of Canterlot and Ponyville are invited to attend a public memorial ceremony — to be held this Tuesday — to commemorate our late friend. Spike's obituary, penned by Princess Celestia herself, can be found on Page 3 of today's paper.
In other news, it was announced today that Twilight Sparkle has made a full recovery from her ordeal, but was so traumatized that she has sworn off the use of magic and left for The Farlands to study dragons in their natural habitat.
"It’s... believable,” Twilight said skeptically as she reached the end of the article, “but anypony who knows me really well will probably be a bit suspicious.”
“Than it is lucky for us that most of those ponies already know,” Luna said with a teasing grin. “Is that all you gleaned from the article though? I thought you might be more excited at the prospect of lasting peace.”
“It’s true, I didn't expect any pony to react that positively," Twilight mused. “But why the cover-up?”
“To be honest, the truth is a bit too fantastical to seem true at all,” Luna giggled. “Besides, if it became general knowledge that a body-switching spell is actually possible, we’d have mass panic and every ambitious noble in Canterlot would try to discover it themselves. Now, about why we're here in the first place..."
"It's perfect, Luna. Not too far from either Canterlot or Ponyville, and just secluded enough to stay hidden," Twilight replied, casting her gaze over the wooded hill.
"It's what's under it that's special," Luna snickered excitedly. "We are standing atop a massive deposit of limestone bedrock — the largest known deposit in Equestria. Perfect for carving out a new home. We will even provide guards to ensure you can break ground in secret, and if you get lucky, there may even be caverns large enough to serve as chambers all their own.."
"That's impressive," Twilight chuckled. "Thank you. Thank you so much!"
Luna waved her off and smiled warmly. "What of the caravan? Did it arrive intact?"
"Yes it did. The whole hive gorged themselves; they were so stuffed that I had to give them the day off," Twilight giggled. "We still need to secure a supply of love, but we've got enough stored to last us a while."
"But, Twilight, you already have a source of love!" Luna snickered, pulling Twilight into a tight hug. "Us! Me, Celestia, Cadance, your friends and family! We all love you dearly and will provide as much as we can." Twilight sat silently, enjoying the energizing tingle of Luna's love. Until the alicorn pulled away and smiled.
"Thanks..." Twilight sighed, words incapable of expressing her gratitude.
"You are very welcome," Luna replied. "Now I must get back to Canterlot. And I am sure that you'd be best served by returning to your new family as well." She gave Twilight one last hug and took off, leaving the changeling queen alone on the grassy knoll.
Twilight smiled— to herself, to the world, and extended her wings to fly home.