[video; backdated to Ponyville opening]

[raisethemoon]

[Why is there a gigantic flash of lightning and crash of thunder at the beginning of this message? Because Luna is involved! She seems to have triggered this one from the ground, where she stands alongside her sister on the steps of Ponyville’s Town Hall, and when the light is cleared she flings a hoof out in the direction Celestia isn’t, looking delighted and triumphant.]

[Opposite her, Celestia mirrors her sister, smiling radiantly. The fanfare and glory are clearly Luna’s idea, but the elder sister’s happy to go along.]

BEHOLD! As Princesses, we welcome thee to our beloved kingdom of Equestria! [She folds her wings, which had been spread in display, at her sides again. Celestia’s half-fold at the same moment, then completely furl a second later when she sees her sister’s have.] ‘Tis true that the dream limits it somewhat, but Ponyville is a lovely village, home to many of our finest and most valiant of citizens!

[Celestia, more calmly of course, picks up next.] That you become ponies when you enter this world is simply more proof that past the outer shells and the physical differences, we are all the same on the inside. To aid you in acclimatizing to them, I will gladly provide aid to any of you who transform into unicorns, and might need help learning to utilize magic pony-style.

And for those of you with wings, I shall be offering lessons in flight and weather management! [Another, smaller crack of lightning. That is the most dramatic way anyone has ever said that phrase.]

[Celestia bows her head gracefully.] And we shall both offer aid to any of you needing aid or guidance in adapting to a pony form.

[THE MOST GRACEFUL OF THUNDERCLAPS, AS A FIERCE WIND BLOWS THEIR MANES BACK MAJESTICALLY even though they don’t actually need wind for that.]

NOW GO FORTH! AND PROSPER IN THY NEW HOOFED FORMS!

Comments

[letteropener]

Then you are an earth pony. The special gifts of an earth pony are strength, endurance, and a rapport with the land and its creatures. These cannot be taught; you must find how they best manifest for you.

[skysmirror]

Oh, so it's not something that can be taught?

[Not that Xion didn't have experience picking up new skills on the fly, but at least a little direction would have been good.]

[letteropener]

Unicorn magic relies on spells, which can be studied, codified, and passed down. Pegasus weather control relies on physics and the understanding of the properties of clouds, winds, and so forth; that too can be taught. But earth pony abilities are broader in scope. How it manifests for you cannot be taught, only determined for yourself. But once you learn where your instincts lie, knowledge related to that path can be transmitted as well. For example, if you have a knack for gardening, you would need crop growth and general plant knowledge.

[skysmirror]

Ohhhhh, I see.

[That made sense.]

So if I find out what I'm best at, I'll know what I need to learn? And someone can teach me that?

[letteropener]

We will certainly teach you what we can. I cannot promise I will know exactly what you need to know, but I will help you to the best of my abilities.

[skysmirror]

[Xion smiles. Nobody can know everything, but it's nice of Celestia to help as best she can.]

Thank you.