Books and Branches Library

The Great Hall of Canterlot Castle has been the site of a variety of significant events and celebrations. It was where Shining Armor and Princess Cadance were married. It's the site of the annual Grand Galloping Gala. Twilight Sparkle even managed to pull some strings and celebrate her nineteenth birthday here a couple of years ago.

But today she, her friends, her family, a host of well-wishers, and the three crowned Princesses of Equestria are here for a very different reason.

"We are gathered here today in celebration of a momentous occasion," Princess Celestia begins. "My most faithful student, Twilight Sparkle, has done many extraordinary things since she's lived in Ponyville. She even helped reunite me with my sister, Princess Luna." She gives Luna a fond smile before she continues. "But today, Twilight Sparkle did something extraordinary. She created new magic, proving without a doubt that she is ready to be crowned Equestria's newest princess. Fillies and gentlecolts, may I present for the very first time, Princess Twilight Sparkle!"


"Say something, Princess," murmurs Celestia, giving Twilight a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

"Oh. Um..." Twilight clears her throat, steps forward so she can better see the throngs of ponies in the plaza below, and begins. "A little while ago, my teacher and mentor, Princess Celestia, sent me to live in Ponyville. She sent me to study friendship, which is something I didn't really care much about. But now..."

She looks back over her shoulder toward the five ponies watching from the doorway.

"...on a day like today, I can honestly say I wouldn't be standing here if it weren't for the friendships I've made with all of you." She beckons them out onto the balcony with her. "Each one of you taught me something about friendship, and for that, I will always be grateful. Today, I consider myself the luckiest pony in Equestria. Thank you, friends. Thank you, everypony!"

The crowd erupts into cheers once again.

"Twilight!" Shining Armor breaks free of the crowd in the Great Hall and gallops up to his little sister. "I'm so proud of you!"

Twilight reaches out to hug him, but hesitates when she sees the expression on his face. "...are you crying??" she says, suppressing a giggle.

"Of course not," says Shining Armor, hastily dabbing at his eyes. "It's--it's liquid pride. Totally different thing." Then they both burst into giggles as they give each other a proper hug.

"Way to go, Princess!" cheers Apple Jack.

"Best coronation day ever!" whoops Pinkie Pie.

"We love you, Twilight," says Fluttershy, before she and the rest of the Ponyville ponies grab Twilight up in the biggest group hug they can manage.

Now Twilight's the one blinking back tears--sorry, 'liquid pride.' "I love you too, girls."

Fluttershy's cottage is one of the few homes in Ponyville that isn't decked out for Nightmare Night. Twilight hopes that's an encouraging sign for Princess Luna, an indicator that her would-be helper doesn't buy into all this 'Nightmare Moon' nonsense.

"Don't worry, Princess," she says as she leads Luna up the path. "Fluttershy can give you some great pointers. She's delicate and demure, with the sweetest little voice."

Twilight steps up to the door and knocks three times with her forehoof.