//------------------------------//
// Dream Not of Doom, Apple Bloom 
// Story: Letters from an Irritated Princess 
// by Tired Old Man 
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Dearest Cutie Mark Crusaders,

A cutie mark is a big thing--it’s a sign of finding your special talent, and generally speaking, it affirms your best talent no matter how you slice it. It doesn’t change who you are, as all of you learned tonight, but there is something critical that I believe you three should understand, if not in these words, then in life.

It is important to know that nothing in this world will change who you are. There will be those that try to force beliefs or actions upon you, or otherwise change you into their ideal image. Still more may ask for change from you in a nicer manner, be they bosses or coworkers, perhaps even your family and friends. 

But the only person that can truly change yourself and your personality... is you. You are in control of your image, and there will be times, especially in working environments, where your image may be different than how the rest of the world normally sees you. Rare are the ponies that don't have to make such a change, and those are usually the ones that are happy with the job they work in, and their personality causes minimal conflict as well.

I do not know what the future has in store for you, but if this sort of change does not come to you, that is all the better for your life and well-being. However, if you are not as fortunate, you'll need to make a choice on how to make the right changes to keep things amicable. Things like holding a disingenuous smile, or appearing bubbly and cheerful when you're not, even when you secretly despise ponies like the maids snooping around your room looking for reserve stashes of your moon dust. I only gave them ONE cookie, and now they're all chomping at the bit wanting more, more! It's lunacy!

Ahem. Just be prepared, my dear Crusaders, for such compromises that may come in your future. The best friends are those who accept who you are as you normally are, but if that cannot be the case, be prepared to learn a new word you'll be using often:

Acquaintance.

Also, while you're here, I'll lay down a few ground rules for taking care of Flint and Spark while Celestia and I are away for the next few days.

First, we should have fireproofed just about everything in the castle, but if they still manage to light something on fire, particularly in the kitchen or out in the gardens, call for help from one of the unicorn servants. Tia spent a good deal of time teaching them a fire-extinguishing spell, so try to rely on them if possible.

If, however, said ponies are actually on fire, use the nearest garden hose or water buckets we've had placed at most of the inside corners of the castle. You can't miss them, especially if you trip over them like Tia did last night. She's a bit miffed at me, but otherwise perfectly fine.

Second, make sure they're fed at least three times a day--two scoops, no more, no less. They also get antsy if they miss a feeding, so this should actually have been the first and most important thing, but I digress. However, do not overfeed them, or else they'll belch up molten crystal slag that will absolutely burn a hole in the floor, despite fireproofing.

Third, make sure they do not touch either of the pillows we've set up in court to fool the nobles. The last thing I want is for the nobles to believe they have free reign over the castle while dragons are roaming about inside. Flint and Spark really enjoy toasting noble manes.

Oh, Tia wants to add if that does happen, extinguish them at your discretion. Otherwise, redirect them to the fountains in the garden.

I think that's everything really important I needed to mention, but I may send some notes your way in case I forget something. Good luck, dear Crusaders.

You will need all that you can get.

Sincerely, 

Princess Luna