> Friends They Are Jewels: A Report Concerning My Enrollment at the School of Friendship
>  by Closer-To-The-Sun
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Friends They Are Jewels: A Report Concerning My Enrollment at the School of Friendship
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------




FRIENDS THEY ARE JEWELS: A REPORT CONCERNING MY ENROLLMENT AT THE SCHOOL OF FRIENDSHIP

Recalled and recorded by Ocellus


The following report is about my time at Princess Twilight Sparkle’s School of Friendship, located in the town of Ponyville, Equestria. I, the changeling Ocellus, have taken it upon myself to document and report my findings of my time at the School of Friendship for the changeling ruler, Thorax. This record will detail noteworthy incidents concerning my time at the school. It should also be noted that this record is currently a work in progress and will be edited and amended as needed.

This report is being written in a book that has the appearance of a typical diary or journal. This is to help dissuade others from looking through the data I have acquired. Inside, there are several attachments for aid which include (but not limited to) photos, diagrams, graphs, sketches, maps, and other items. On the front inside-cover of this diary is a full pull-out map of the School of Friendship for reference.

Since arriving at the School of Friendship, I have befriended five creatures from different cultures. Listed below are the profiles of each subject to aid the reader. In addition, for the rest of this report/document I will be referring to each subject by their given designation, as they are my friends.





Subject #1
Name: Gallus
Species: Griffon
Home: Griffonstone
Description: Cerulean blue coat with darker blue wings and a cream-colored underside. Eyes are a shade of azure blue. Two talons on front limbs along with a beak for a mouth colored with an amber-yellow. (Please refer to Attachment 1.1)
Personality: Sarcastic and abrasive. He is quite standoffish to any creature, however he has begun to warm up to our circle of friends. However, he still continues to ridicule and play pranks on each of us (particularly Smolder).
Notes: Claustrophobic. More studious than he lets on. Roommates with Sandbar.

Subject #2
Name: Sandbar
Species: Earth Pony
Home: Ponyville, Equestria
Description: Pale green coat with a cyan and opal colored mane and tail. Eyes are a shade of seafoam green. A cutie mark rests upon the flank like all ponies adolescent and older (three sea turtles). (Please refer to Attachment 1.2)
Personality: Laidback, sensible, and thoughtful. He is extremely caring of any and all creatures. 
Notes: Enjoys reading comic books. Knowledgeable about numerous beach matters and a talented surfer. Currently in a relationship with Yona. Roommates with Gallus.

Subject #3
Name: Silverstream
Species: Hippogriff
Home: Seaquestria (formerly Hippogriffia atop of Mount Aris)
Description: Light pink coat with a cornflower blue and gray mane and tail. Eyes are a violet color. Like all hippogriffs, they are able to change between a hippogriff and a seapony due to the magic in the necklace around her neck (bestowed by her maternal aunt, Queen Novo). Two talons on front limbs along with a beak for a mouth colored with a shade of orchid when a hippogriff. As a seapony, fins are colored orchid, however she lacks wings and a beak. (Please refer to Attachments 1.3 and 1.4)
Personality: Extremely bubbly and excitable (our group has stated she has more energy than the rest of us combined). Inquisitive about life on land, as she spent most of her life in Seaquestria. Enjoys expressing her feelings through art.
Notes: Thoroughly fascinated by stairs. Her maternal aunt is Queen Novo, ruler of the Hippogriffs. Able to play the saxophone. Roommates with Smolder.

Subject #4
Name: Smolder
Species: Dragon
Home: Dragonlands
Description: A strong orange-saffron scales and wings, along with a light gold underbelly, ear fronds, and wing membranes. Spines are a bold orchid shade. Eyes are a shade of sky blue. She has a pair of wings, like all dragons adolescent and older. Possess claws and has the ability to breathe fire like all dragons. Shortest member of our entire circle of friends. (Please refer to Attachment 1.5)
Personality: Tough, mischievous, and competitive to a fault. Possess a wit and tongue as sharp as her fangs. Extremely loyal to those she is close to.
Notes: Eats gems like other dragons (though does eat other sources of food). Secretly enjoys dressing up and partaking in tea parties (this has become a weekly occurrence between Smolder and myself). Seems to have a sisterly relationship with Princess Twilight Sparkle’s dragon assistant, Spike. Roommates with Silverstream.

Subject #5
Name: Yona
Species: Yak
Home: Yakyakistan
Description: Light brown undercoat with a slightly darker brown overcoat. A reddish-brown mane that is often in braid loops and adorn with pink bows (courtesy of Professor Rarity). Eyes are a shade of olive. Two grey horns rest upon her head. A traditional green Yakyakistan blanket often rests upon her back. (Please refer to Attachment 1.6)
Personality: Excitable and clumsy. Very proud of her heritage, often claiming that yaks are ‘best’ at any given task. Very honest. Takes her studies at the school seriously and is in the top five percentage of the student body.
Notes: Shares speech patterns that are similar to other yaks. Arachnophobic, but has worked to overcome it. Easily the strongest student in all of the school. Currently in a relationship with Sandbar. Roommate with myself.





Below are numbered incidents concerning my group of friends. It should be noted that these are far from every single event between us, as that would be a nigh impossible feat. Instead, the following are incidents that I believe are worth noting concerning my tenure at the School of Friendship.

Case #1
Date: 03/30/20██, 10:09 AM
Location: School of Friendship, Gym
Incident: Trust fall exercise
Transcript: For Professor Rarity’s civics class, each student was paired off to partake in the ‘team-building exercise’ of trust falls. The pairings were as follows: Silverstream with Yona, Smolder with Gallus, and Sandar with myself. The first to fall included Silverstream, Gallus, and Sandbar. Despite some instances of worry and alarm from the falling individuals, each creature was safely caught by their partner. Each group then swapped the falling partner. Before any other creature fell, Gallus told Smolder to fall, in which he moved out of the way, causing Smolder to fall flat on her back against the gymnasium floor.
End Results: Smolder was uninjured, but was told to visit the nurse for an assessment. I volunteered to accompany her to the infirmary. Gallus was reprimanded for his action and laughing at Smolder. Removing the activity from the class curriculum is currently under consideration by the faculty.
Notes: Smolder has since forgiven Gallus for the incident. However, it now seems that the two have a sort of rivalry with one another.

Case #2
Date: 04/06/20██, 11:43 PM
Location: School of Friendship, Dormitories
Incident: Scary stories
Transcript: Our group of friends gathered in the evening and the discussion turned to frightening stories. Gallus was the first to tell a story involving a griffon who had a metal hook for a talon. Yona was the second to share a story which involved a group of yaks lost in a blizzard. The third and final story was told by Sandbar, who recounted the events between Princess Twilight Sparkle and the Storm King.
End Results: Shortly before the conclusion of Sandbar’s story, Silverstream proceeded to cry out in distress and hurry out of the room. As a group, the rest of our group have agreed not to mention the Storm King around Silverstream.
Notes: Silverstream was found twenty minutes later, hiding under her bed. Smolder was able to convince her that Sandbar’s story, while accurate, ended with the defeat of the Storm King.

Case #3
Date: 04/14/20██, 9:58 AM
Location: School of Friendship, Professor Rainbow Dash’s Physics Class
Incident: Passing notes
Transcript: According to Sandbar, Yona, and Smolder, Professor Rainbow Dash spent the entirety of the class talking at length about a roller coaster called ‘Wild Blue Yonder’, located in Las Pegasus. While the professor was talking about the ride, Sandbar, Yona, and Smolder began to pass a note amongst themselves. The subject of note pertains mostly to mocking the Professor and her inability to focus on teaching the class.
End Results: The class ended with Professor Rainbow Dash not teaching the subject. The paper of the note is almost entirely filled with writing from the three creatures (see Attachment 2.1). Upon examination of the note, it appears that Smolder was the first to send the note towards Yona, before Sandbar joined in. 
Notes: Was not present for this incident, as I was in Professor Applejack’s poetry class along with Gallus and Silverstream.

……….

Case #8
Date: 05/02/20██, 12:11 PM
Location: School of Friendship, Mess Hall
Incident: “The Peanut Incident”
Transcript: While eating a bag of peanuts during lunch, Silverstream found a single peanut with three chambers to its shell. In excitement, Silverstream showed the peanut to the rest of our group despite the others not sharing her enthusiasm. Yona did ask to see the peanut in question. By accident, Yona crushed the peanut shell with her hooves. 
End Results: Silverstream was briefly in a crestfallen state until she saw that the peanut shell contained three cotyledons (also referred to as kernels). All three were promptly eaten.
Notes: As a group, we are continually looking for further instances of three-chambered peanuts.

……….

Case #12
Date: 05/25/20██, 2:11 PM
Location: School of Friendship, Professor Applejack’s Poetry Class
Incident: Temporary tattoo
Transcript: While waiting for class to begin, the conversation between Gallus, Sandbar, and Smolder turned towards tattoos. Smolder expressed that she had always wanted a tattoo, which in turn Gallus volunteered to assist. Yona, Sandbar, and myself all expressed our reservations of such actions. Smolder requested the tattoo be that of a head of a purple and golden-colored dragon by the name of [REDACTED]. On Smolder’s upper right limb is where Gallus began his work with an assortment of markers and a ballpoint pen.
End Results: Process was interrupted roughly ten minutes later as Professor Applejack arrived at the classroom late. Upon seeing Gallus and Smolder, they were instructed to stop immediately. Both were reprimanded. Smolder was instructed to go to the washroom to remove the unfinished tattoo.
Notes: At the time of this writing (05/27/20██), the tattoo is not fully gone (see Attachment 4.1). On a personal note, I believe this was a blessing in disguise as Gallus’ artwork had much to be desired. However, this could be due to him drawing upon dragon scales.
Addendum, 05/30/20██: The temporary tattoo has now disappeared.

Case #13
Date: 06/07/20██, 10:43 PM
Location: Unnamed hill between Ponyville and the School of Friendship
Incident: Howling at the moon
Transcript: Silverstream had learned about ‘werewolves’ from her literature class. After convincing her that none of us werewolves (and insisting that I would not turn into one for her amusement), she suggested our group should howl at the moon like werewolves. That evening, our group began to mimic howling noises at the waxing gibbous moon.
End Results: After laughing at our own silliness, each of us became wistful and sad at the ending of the first semester at the School of Friendship. Each of us exchanged hugs and cried tears at the thought of a summer without one another.
Notes: This was the last evening activity that we did as a group before summer break. 

Case #14
Date: 08/19/20██, 6:27 PM
Location: School of Friendship, Common Room
Incident: Ice cream social
Transcript: At the welcoming ice cream social hosted by the School of Friendship, all six of us reunited together. Each of us held ourselves to a large helping of the provided ice cream. After a toast at the insistence of Silverstream, each of us took a large bite of our own ice cream.
End Results: Each of us (except for Yona) suffered from brainfreeze for roughly five minutes. During this time, Yona served herself seconds and implied that we all were unable to “hold” our ice cream and that “[y]aks best at eating ice cream”.
Notes: This was our first activity together upon returning to the School of Friendship. It was very apparent that we missed one another. It is worth noting that Smolder had never had strawberry ice cream before this incident. She took an entire tub of strawberry ice cream for herself.

……….

Case #18
Date: 08/27/20██, 10:41 AM
Location: School of Friendship, Professor Pinkie Pie’s Art Class
Incident: Gallus’ artwork
Transcript: While attending Professor Pinkie Pie’s art class, Gallus began sketching a drawing of Professor Rainbow Dash being swatted by an oversized flyswatter, with the caption “Rainbow Splat” (see Attachment 6.1). Gallus showed those of us within his vicinity (Yona, Smolder, and myself). While there was some amusement, I took it upon myself to state that drawing such an unflattering picture was not a wise idea. Professor Pinkie Pie found the picture humorous and proceeded to take it to show Professor Rainbow Dash immediately.
End Results: Gallus was reprimanded. Headmare Twilight Sparkle and Professor Rainbow Dash did not find the artwork humorous. Gallus has also made the claim that only Professor Pinkie Pie “understood” his artwork.
Notes: Gallus’ art has improved since Case #12. Also, I told him it wasn’t a good idea. It was funny and totally worth it. Humor and art are both subjective. Also, please keep out, Gallus.

Case #19
Date: 09/05/20██, 6:55 PM
Location: School of Friendship, Mess Hall
Incident: Discussion of cutie marks
Transcript: During dinner, the topic of Sandbar’s cutie mark came up as well as how he acquired said mark (see Attachment 1.2). After explaining such, the topic came up about what each non-pony’s cutie mark would be. The conversation lasted for over an hour until the mess hall closed and we were all asked to leave.
End Results: A general consensus amongst our group goes as follows:


Yona: a test tube, due to her having the highest grade in science (at the time of this entry)

Smolder: a flame, due to her ‘fiery personality’. Sandbar suggested a teacup, but was promptly punched by Smolder    

Gallus: a whoopie cushion. Smolder stated she wasn’t sure if Gallus would be allowed to have a swear word for a cutie mark. Gallus has stated his dislike for either of these options

Silverstream: a set of stairs, due to her fascination of stairs

Ocellus: an open book, due to my studious nature

Notes: I would like to go on record that while I understand the thinking behind of why an open book would be my cutie mark, I still believe it would be something different.

……….

Case #24
Date: 09/30/20██, 9:09 AM
Location: School of Friendship, Headmare Twilight Sparkle’s Algebra Class
Incident: Pencil injury
Transcript: During the lesson, Silverstream appeared to lose interest in Headmare Twilight Sparkle’s prepared algebra lesson, she began to play around with her pencil. This included balancing the pencil on her talon, putting it her mane, biting it with her beak, and ultimately, in one of her nostrils.
End Results: The class ended early due to a medical emergency. Silverstream had to be escorted to the infirmary for removal of the pencil from her nasal cavity. No damage according to the nurse, however testing is still ongoing.
Notes: A NEW RECORD! Apparently this was a new record. Also please keep out, Silverstream.

……….

Case #30
Date: 10/20/20██, 3:23 PM
Location: School of Friendship, Library
Incident: Creating our own exam
Transcript: After finishing a round of exams from a number of our classes, a discussion concerning the difficulty of the exams came up. The suggestion of creating our own exam was raised by Yona and agreed upon by the entire group under the belief of “how hard could it really be to make [a test]?”. The next two hours were spent crafting our own test.
End Results: Each of us added three questions to the exam, for a total of 18 questions (see Attachment 9.1). However, we have discovered a number of our questions ranging between subjects and difficulty. One question, submitted by Silverstream, was deemed impossible to solve by the entire group (“If lemon is seven, what is chair over the square root of weasel?”). Additionally, Smolder’s suggestion that those participants who answered less than half the questions correctly should be terminated was quickly objected to by all. The idea of administering the exam to fellow students was swiftly rejected.
Notes: If this is how Smolder wishes to administer examinations for others then I have some reservations for her prospects of becoming an educator.

Case #31
Date: 10/23/20██, 8:37 PM
Location: School of Friendship, Dormitory of Gallus and Sandbar
Incident: Sandbar’s comics 
Transcript: Sandbar was rereading a few of his Power Ponies comics. Gallus entered their dorm and stated he wished to also read the comics. Against Sandbar’s wishes, Gallus reached for the comics that Sandbar was currently reading, resulting in a scuffle between the two and the two of them falling onto Sandbar’s shortbox of comics (see Attachment 10.1)
End Results: Two Power Ponies comics slightly damaged (#58 and #62, see Attachments 10.2 and 10.3) and four Stable Supreme comics slightly damaged (#5, #6, #8, and #11, see Attachments 10.4 through 10.7). Gallus offered to pay for new copies of damaged comics to make amends. Sandbar has accepted this and the two appear to be on good terms again.
Notes: Was not present for this incident, but was notified of this incident the next morning. I still don’t understand the appeal of collecting comics individually. It’s about the feeling of completing a collection and going through all those comics to find what you’re looking for! Apparently it’s something I just may never understand. Also please keep out, Sandbar.

……….

Case #35
Date: 11/18/20██, 7:49 AM
Location: School of Friendship, Mess Hall
Incident: Gallus’ dream journal
Transcript: Gallus woke up to find that in his ‘dream journal’ (in reality, a notepad next to his bed, see Attachment 11.1) had the words ‘hayburger earmuffs’. Confused, Gallus brought the topic up to the entire group, in which discussion ensued over breakfast.
End Results: Discussion inconclusive, as we were unable to exactly understand what he meant with his writing. Sandbar claimed he heard Gallus mumbled something in his sleep that night but is unable to recall exactly what it was.
Notes: Further investigation into the possible meaning of this dream has ceased. This may be one mystery that will remain unsolved.
Addendum 11/22/20██: Silverstream has made a pair of earmuffs with two knitted cushions to resemble hayburgers connected by a metal band (see Attachment 11.2). Gallus has worn them each time the temperature has gone below 10°C.

Case #36
Date: 11/23/20██, 5:12 PM
Location: Ponyville, Ponyville Theater
Incident: Chewing gum
Transcript: While waiting for a performance for A Pullcart Named Desire, Sandbar offered gum to those of us in attendance (Sandbar, Yona, Smolder, and myself). Both Smolder and myself took a piece each. The first bubble was blown by Smolder, as she bragged about the size of the bubble she blew (estimated 5 centimeters in diameter). In response, I blew a bubble myself (estimated 12 centimeters in diameter). This continued on for several minutes, with Sandbar and Yona both making the comment that it was becoming “mutually assured destruction”.
End Results: The final bubble blown for myself was estimated at 24 centimeters, while Smolder’s final bubble was estimated at 25 centimeters. The resulting pops of both caused the gum to recoil onto ourselves, the seats we were sitting upon, and our seated neighbors. We have been banned from the Ponyville Theater until further notice. Due to the inconclusive nature of who ‘won’, further testing is required.
Notes: I refuse to believe that Smolder’s last bubble was larger than mine.

……….

Case #42
Date: 12/19/20██, 11:12 AM
Location: Ponyville, Train Station
Incident: Farewells
Transcript: After packing to return home for our winter break from the School of Friendship, our entire group left for the Ponyville train station. On the platform, each waited for our trains. We passed the time by talking about our respective plans and how we would miss one another.
End Results: The first train to arrive was for Smolder to the Dragonlands, followed by Silverstream and Gallus for Basalt Beach (with a connection to Griffonstone). My train was the third to arrive, leaving Yona’s train to Yakyakistan as the final train. Sandbar planned to wait for each of us to board our respective trains. 
Notes: This was the last activity that we did as a group before winter break. It is painfully obvious that all six of us will be missing one another during our winter break.

Case #43
Date: 01/14/20██, 2:39 PM
Location: Ponyville, Train Station
Incident: Reunion
Transcript: Sandbar waited for each of our trains to arrive back for the new semester at the School of Friendship. The first to arrive was Smolder, followed by myself, Yona, and finally Silverstream and Gallus on the same train.
End Results: All six of us tearfully reunited and caught up with one another over a light meal at Café Hay. Sandbar, Yona, and myself appeared to enjoy the food the cafe had. Smolder has expressed her distaste of hay when “not in burger-form”.
Notes: This was our first activity together upon returning to the School of Friendship. It is extremely obvious that all six of us missed one another during our winter break.

……….

Case #46
Date: 01/26/20██, 7:05 PM 
Location: School of Friendship, Common Room
Incident: Ogres & Oubliettes
Transcript: For a Hearth’s Warming Eve gift, Sandbar had gotten a new set of books for Ogres & Oubliettes and wished for all of us to play a campaign. Our group agreed despite some initial hesitation from Smolder and Gallus. With Sandbar’s help, we all created our characters for our first game. They are as follows:


Gallus: a griffon paladin named Gideon who wields a longsword

Smolder: a dragon rogue named Cinder who uses throwing knives

Yona: a yak barbarian named Thwak who uses a warhammer (it is worth noting that there is no yak race in Ogres & Oubliettes and Sandbar crafted a race for Yona)

Silverstream: a hippogriff bard named Ayre who plays a lute (she was told her character was not allowed to play a vuvuzela)

Ocellus: a unicorn warlock named Vesta (it is worth noting that there is no changeling race in Ogres & Oubliettes and Sandbar had made a changeling race for me, however I selected a unicorn race for my character)

As the Dungeon Master, Sandbar explained the basics of both our characters and the game itself. Additionally, he added a few other rules to aid us in our first game, including that specific and detailed descriptions  are encouraged during turns, there would be no “player vs. player”, and that “the Dungeon Master’s word is law”.
End Results: The first campaign resulted in a success of raiding a dungeon and acquiring what Sandbar described as an ancient relic that would put our characters at the center of a large adventure filled with mystery, danger, history, and great treasure. Cinder (Smolder’s character) accidentally killed a bystander while throwing a knife at an enemy in the tavern during the beginning of the campaign. Ayre (Silverstream’s character) played a major role in the final encounter with her “extreme lute playing skills”. The entire incident lasted over four hours. 
Notes: Each Saturday evening is now reserved for Ogres & Oubliettes.

Case #47
Date: 02/02/20██, 3:21 PM
Location: Ponyville, Town Square
Incident: Conversation with Silverstream
Transcript: While on a shopping trip to Ponyville with Smolder, we came across our friend Silverstream sitting by herself in the Town Square of Ponyville. We asked her what she was happening to be doing at that moment, to which she answered with “thinking about the immortality of the crab”.
End Results: Silverstream still continued to sit on the bench and appeared to, according to Smolder, “stare out into nothingness”. We bid farewell to Silverstream and continued our shopping trip. Despite our best efforts, neither of us could make sense of her answer.
Notes: While Silverstream is my friend and I love my friends, I sometimes wonder what goes on in that head of hers. I still think she was actually thinking about crabs. Maybe she knows something we don’t and crabs really can live forever. While certain crustaceans are able to have long lifespans, such as the hermit crab with up to 70 years with the proper factors, I highly doubt that was what she was talking about. Also, please stay out, Smolder.

……….

Case #56
Date:  03/06/20██, 12:36 PM
Location: School of Friendship, Mess Hall
Incident: Discussion of hypothetical weapons
Transcript: Smolder and Silverstream arrived at the mess hall in the middle of a conversation pertaining to ‘hypothetical weapons’ (they referred to their conversation as “trying to come up with the coolest weapon ever”). Discussion amongst our group continued with a number of different weapons, including ones that were solely imagined as well as hybrids of existing weapons.
End Results: Discussion was inconclusive and dissipated as each of our group left to go to our respective afternoon classes. A few of the weapons mentioned include:


a double-bladed sword (Gallus)

a chainsaw sword (Smolder)

a “sword that’s also a shield” (Sandbar)

a suit of armor that “fights for you” (Silverstream)

a warhammer with a chain attached to it (Yona, who also wishes to suggest such a weapon for her Ogres & Oubliettes character. Currently under consideration by Sandbar)

a “flail with a retractable chain” (Ocellus)

[REDACTED FOR SAFETY, DUE TO POSSIBILITY OF CREATION] (Gallus and Silverstream)

a pair of “nunchucks with spikes” (Sandbar)

a “chainsaw cannon” (Smolder)

Notes: At the time of recording this incident, this has to be the dumbest discussion I have ever had with any creature. That being said, I am looking forward to more conversations like this. Additionally, I still fail to see how a “chainsaw cannon” could be done, much less the practicality of such a weapon. It’s a cool idea! You’re just too dumb to see it! Smolder, please keep out. Also, does every creature have access to this record? Yona think so. Evidently, the answer is yes.

Case #57
Date: 03/09/20██, 5:23 PM
Location: Ponyville, Sugarcube Corner
Incident: Cupcake eating contest
Transcript: According to Silverstream, there was a cupcake eating contest scheduled at Sugarcube Corner. When informed of this, our group went immediately to the bakery. Gallus, Yona, and Smolder immediately began participating in what we believed was the cupcake eating contest. There appeared to be no clear winner at the time they were each stopped.
End Results: There was no cupcake eating contest. Due to Gallus, Yona, and Smolder’s actions, we all currently owe Sugarcube Corner 328 bits for the food eaten and 47 bits for the damage to the furniture. Silverstream informed us afterwards that she wished that there was a cupcake eating contest, which caused the confusion.
Notes: I still have no idea how we are going to pay back for the food and the damage.

……….

Case #62
Date: 03/31/20██, 4:23 PM
Location: School of Friendship, Common Room
Incident: Mad Libs
Transcript: [REDACTED]
End Results: When Headmare Twilight Sparkle discovered what we did with our Mad Libs, she immediately confiscated the book of Mad Libs and ordered us stop any and all discussion of it. The confiscated Mad Libs are rather….disparaging and humorously mocking of Headmare Twilight Sparkle and the other Professors.
Notes: I’m not sure what part she might have an issue with, but I have a few ideas. That being said, I’m sort of proud of what we all came up with.

……….

Case #65
Date: 04/15/20██, 10:23 AM
Location: School of Friendship, Courtyard
Incident: Music discussion
Transcript: During a break between our classes, our group gathered around in conversation. The topic turned to music and favorite musical acts. Before the topic turned heated, the following was noted as favorites for each creature:


Gallus: Alicorn in Reigns, Stone Temple Ponies, and similar bands of the “grunge genre”

Sandbar: The Mighty Mighty Bucktones, Balk-182, The Stringhalt Machines, and other what I have discovered are considered “ska and punk musical acts”

Smolder: The Trotaways, De La Foal, Draft Punk

Ocellus: Sapphire Shores

Yona: N/A (See below)

Silverstream: N/A (See below)

End Results: Upon hearing the different music acts of different genres, Gallus began to argue with Smolder. The argument began to grow as it involved Sandbar attempting to act as a mediator. Despite my best attempts to change the subject back by naming a musical act I enjoyed, the debate became more heated. The situation almost came to an attempt of physical violence until Silverstream began to play her saxophone loudly (and poorly) to the point we had to pull it away from her. Silverstream has claimed that she wished to show she knew about music as well. Gallus has since apologized for his comments to Smolder, to which she accepted.
Notes: I didn’t think us talking about music would get so heated, and I would never have thought that Silverstream’s saxophone playing would literally stop a fight.
Addendum 04/29/20██: Silverstream has since improved significantly in her musical talent with the saxophone and is currently first chair in the School of Friendship orchestra. We are incredibly proud of her.

……….

Case #71
Date: 05/18/20██, 4:49 PM
Location: Ponyville
Incident: Spying on friends’ date
Transcript: After Sandbar and Yona began dating the week before, they both scheduled a date together. According to Yona, I learned that the two were planning on spending time together around Ponyville. To observe both Sandbar and Yona, I took it upon myself to follow them and go undercover to observe both of them camouflaged as a small boulder along with a mustache to help with my disguise (See attachment 15.1).
End Results: Sandbar and Yona both enjoyed one another’s company throughout the day in a number of various activities, including dining, shopping, and trotting around the town. I also discovered afterwards that no one was fooled by my disguise, which explains why others kept looking toward my location (I have been informed it was my eyes on the boulder that gave me away). They also encountered our other friends, including Silverstream who took my fake mustache for her own amusement.
Notes: Evidently, I still have a lot to learn about relationships. Additionally, I’m pretty sure I can say goodbye to that fake mustache.

……….

Case #76
Date: 06/02/20██, 5:21 PM
Location: Ponyville, Professor Fluttershy’s Cottage
Incident: Pet selecting for Silverstream
Transcript: At her request, Sandbar and I accompanied Silverstream to Professor Fluttershy’s cottage in hopes of finding her the perfect pet. While it appeared that Silverstream did have experience with marine and amphibious creatures, she expressed interest in acquiring a pet that was ‘land-based’. Creatures that Silverstream expressed interest in included cardinals, goats, Professor Fluttershy’s pet rabbit Angel, chipmunks, and skunks. As Professor Fluttershy asked questions about why she wanted a pet, Silverstream responded by saying [REDACTED BY PROFESSOR FLUTTERSHY’S REQUEST].
End Results: It was the conclusion of all present that Silverstream is not ready for taking care of any sort of creature. Sandbar expressed concern of how Silverstream takes care of herself. Professor Fluttershy’s pet rabbit, Angel, seemed to be unamused by Silverstream’s presence.
Notes: Smolder, Sandbar, and I are currently in discussions about giving Silverstream a pet rock to see how it goes. We all have rejected the thought of giving Silverstream a pet rock, agreeing that even that could end poorly.

……….

Case #82
Date: 08/24/20██, 7:42 PM
Location: Ponyville, Family Entertainment Center
Incident: Laser tag
Transcript: At the suggestion of Sandbar and Smolder, our entire group decided to engage in a game known as laser tag. In a point-based game, we split into two teams (Smolder, Sandbar, and Silverstraem against Gallus, Yona, and myself). Five matches occurred, each lasting ten minutes.
End Results: The night ended with four match wins from the team consisting of Smolder, Sandbar, and Silverstream. The cumulative point scores are as follows:


Yona: 146

Smolder: 135

Sandbar: 103

Ocellus: 102

Silverstream: 85

Gallus: 29

Yona seemed to have a talent for the sport of laser tag. She wishes to return.
Notes: Upon review of the printed out results, it appears that Gallus managed to zap himself at least five times. Further investigation is needed to uncover how this is possible. 

……….

Case #86
Date: 09/30/20██, 8:27 PM
Location: School of Friendship, the Dormitory of Silverstream and Smolder
Incident: “The Toothpaste Incident”
Transcript: [REDACTED BY REQUEST OF STARLIGHT GLIMMER]
End Results: [REDACTED] and any other non-tooth related uses of toothpaste has been added to “The List Of Things Silverstream Is Not Allowed To Do” (see Attachment 18.1). 
Notes: Headmare Starlight Glimmer has learned of this record and has requested that I omit certain data and even some cases entirely. You forgot to mention that I’m not allowed to borrow toothpaste from others now! Mending this document has also been added to “The List Of Things Silverstream Is Not Allowed To Do”. And again, please keep out.

Case #87
Date: 10/05/20██, 5:27 PM
Location: School of Friendship, Mess Hall
Incident: Discussion concerning spontaneous singing
Transcript: The subject was brought up by Silverstream, stating she found it odd about the spontaneous singing (and sometimes dancing) between the various citizens of Equestria. Our entire group seemed to be confused about this phenomena, except Sandbar who has stated this was normal and to “not think too hard about it”. Both Smolder and Gallus insisted that they would never be caught doing such, but they were corrected by myself when I mentioned that they have done so before. The source of the accompanying music was also questioned.
End Results: Discussion was inconclusive. Yona and I have hypothesized that our musical classes with Professor Rarity and Professor Pinkie Pie have aided in our spontaneous singing ability. Nevertheless, it appears that each of us wish to improve our musical talent for any future spontaneous signing event. Gallus still does not believe every creature can easily ad-lib for a musical number. Further testing is needed for a decisive conclusion.
Notes: It is worth noting that it seems that Smolder is working on a musical based on [REDACTED]. I told you never to mention that! I think it’s great you are creating a musical like that, and it is quite good. Also, again, please keep out.

……….

Case #91
Date: 10/25/20██, 5:27 PM
Location: Ponyville, Hay Burger
Incident: Trivia Trot
Transcript: At the suggestion of Professor Pinkie Pie, a few of our group took part in the Trivia Trot event at Hay Burger. Teams included Sandbar with Silverstream and Yona with myself (Smolder and Gallus declined to participate). Silverstream insisted that Sandbar write the answer for the first six questions as ‘crème brûlée’ despite it not being the correct answer to any of the questions. A minor argument between the two occurred, to which part Sandbar appeared to give up and allowed Silverstream to write the answers to be submitted. These answers included ‘calico’, ‘trumpet’, ‘six’, and ‘large pineapple pizza’, all of which were incorrect.
End Results: Sandar and Silverstream’s team did not answer any questions correctly, and it appeared Sandbar left briefly and returned with a slushie from a nearby convenience store. The winner of the Trivia Trot event was Princess Twilight Sparkle with Professor Pinkie Pie, with Yona and my team behind by a single point. Upon talking with Sandbar afterwards, he implied that he was just happy that Silverstream was enjoying herself.
Notes: I almost feel sorry for Sandbar, but Yona and I play to win.

Case #92
Date: 11/03/20██, 12:38 PM
Location: School of Friendship, Buckball Field
Incident: “The Baseball Bat Incident”
Transcript: Letting ourselves into the physical education equipment, each of our group began trying on the helmets for various sports. At Gallus’ suggestion, Silverstream took one of the baseball bats and struck his head. Unphased, Gallus suggested the others take part in the same activity to one another. I suggested the activity to the cease due as each of us would get into trouble, to which I was called a ‘buzzkill’.
End Results: Immediately after seeing what was occurring, I went to inform Headmare Starlight Glimmer of the event. Upon her arrival, the entire activity was properly shut down. Each of us were treated for minor injuries and given detention for the remainder of the month (including myself). Testing is ongoing to gauge any lasting damage.
Notes: This had to be the absolute stupidest thing I have ever witnessed. I should note that my friends claim that I gloat when I am right. I only gloat when I am right and every creature is safe from harm. But yes, I do enjoy being proven right. Additionally, to my friends who may or may not be reading this, a full minute of stunned silence means 'why are you taking part of this idiotic activity', not 'please continue with my blessing'. 

……….

Case #99
Date: 12/13/20██, 11:53 AM
Location: School of Friendship, Mess Hall
Incident: Limb wrestling
Transcript: Gallus began bragging about his strength after going undefeated with martial arts during Professor Rainbow Dash’s physical education class. His boasting grew up to the point of Gallus challenging Yona to a limb wrestling contest. Against both Sandbar and my own wishes, Yona agreed.
End Results: Gallus currently has his right front talon in a cast and is scheduled to have it removed in three weeks. Yona feels guilty about slamming Gallus into the table and the Mess Hall floor, fracturing his limb, breaking the table, and caused minor damage to the tile floor. Headmare Starlight Glimmer has expressed her anger about the damages to the Mess Hall, which totals to 86 bits. Sandbar appeared to have trouble breathing immediately after the incident because he was laughing hard enough to the point that “[he] couldn’t get the air in fast enough”.
Notes: I have to admit, it was a bit humorous. IT WAS NOT FUNNY! Please stay out, Gallus. Damage to school property and your friend’s injuries are not funny, Ocellus! I would expect better from you! Apparently even Headmare Starlight Glimmer has been reading this record without my knowledge.

Case #100
Date: 12/18/20██, 12:38 PM
Location: School of Friendship
Incident: Argument between Yona and Gallus
Transcript: According to Gallus and Yona, there was an argument between the two. Beginning with a discussion with light joking, Gallus made a comment towards Yona that she claimed to take offense with. There was a small argument between the two, leading to Yona leaving the conversation, hurt and irritated by Gallus’ comment. This frustration with Gallus continued until the next day (12/18/20██).
End Results: According to Yona, Gallus sought her out to deliver a homemade apology card (see Attachment 21.1) and to seek amends. Yona accepted and the two are back on good terms.
Notes: Was not present for this incident. This entire incident was recalled by both Yona and Gallus to myself at the above date. It’s moments like this that remind me why I love this school and love my friends.
Addendum 12/20/20██: I have learned that the comment that Gallus had made was “[REDACTED FOR THE PRIVACY OF MY FRIENDS]”.





After recording one hundred incidents amongst my group of friends at the School of Friendship, I have decided to cease and submit this record. There are many hypotheses I wish to put forward and test during my time at this school. However, I have come to the conclusion that it will be highly unlikely that I will be able to test them all. That being stated, one thing that I have learned during my tenure at the School of Friendship is that friendship is something strange, bewildering, confusing, and the greatest thing I could have ever imagined. It’s something that is not easily put into words. 

Friends, as I have discovered, are like a family. What we lack in the way of blood, we more than make up for in esteem and love for one another. Sure, we may not always see eye-to-eye on every issue, bicker over seemingly pointless things, and even get under one another’s skin, but our bonds of trust and respect are ironclad. They may be rude, crass, loud, and….a bit dim at times, but for each single one of those creatures I would travel across the land for without a second thought. While I hope it never comes to it, I would happily stand up to fight and shed blood for my friends. After all, it has already happened once before. And because of this, I have discovered that no matter how bad things ever seem, we are never truly alone.

Sometimes I feel like I’m the only one who has a fully-functioning mind to them, but perhaps that’s the beauty of friendship, as we all bring something to the table and together we are equipped for anything that may cross our paths. After all, that is just one of the many aspects of friendship, being able to combine all of our talents together to overcome any obstacle. The road of friendship we travel is long, filled with twists and turns. We may not know the destination, but we’ll all get there together.

Maybe that’s what existence is all about? Connection with others. The bonds between friends can be stronger than steel and infinitely more durable. The power and value of such is immeasurable. One could argue that it may not be needed for survival, but friendship certainly gives meaning to survival.

Further testing is requested.





Request granted -Thorax