1st year, 342 day;

The arrival of the holiday season has brought snow to the ground once more, and put nearly every pony in a festive mood. I say nearly every pony, for I am trying as hard as I can to stay out of everything this season, and concentrate on my work. Breezy and Big Mac stop by often, trying to lure me out of the Library, but so far they have had little luck. The only thing I must allow myself to concentrate on is my work. I need to get everything else... including that cross-eyed grey Pegasus... out of my mind.

As I've researched father forward in the Penna's history, I have discovered how the ponies came to be in Equestria; the Penna invited our earliest ancestors to settle in these lands, to give them a refuge from the more dangerous races of this world. The ponies lived here for generations, content under the bird folk's protection and rule, until a Penna alchemist-mage accidentally created the Hodge-podge creature known as Discord in his laboratory. Discord, armed with the magical might of the element of Chaos itself, drove the Penna from Equestria, and enslaved the three types of pony that had been under their protection.

I've been trying to find out more, but I am continually interrupted by a soft knocking on the door, and a soft voice pleading with me to come and enjoy the wonderful winter weather. The knocking and pleading will continue for hours, before I finally hear a soft sigh, and the sound of hoof steps trotting away from my door. Even as I work, I see the image of a pair of crossed golden eyes tearing up, burned into my mind... tormenting me.

After a lengthy period of self-torture, I finally dash out of my door, and run to Sugarcube Corners to pick up a box of muffins. One quick trip to Ditzy Doo's house and an apology later, and I found myself out Ice skating with the prettiest Pegasus in all of Equestria. Sigh, I am an embarrassment to the academic community, letting personal relationships get in the way of my career. Still, I believe Breezy is correct in one thing... It's high time I admit that I am dating this crazy mail-mare.

And I couldn't be happier about it.

2nd year, 45th day

Excellent News! I've received a letter from the review board at the University! They want me to gather my findings on the Penna, and present them before the board at the next archeological seminar! This might be my chance to get back in the board's good graces...even if I no longer desire to leave Ponyville. I am in love with Ditzy Doo, I'm no longer even trying to deny that. Big Mac and Breezy have been pushing and pushing me to pop the question, despite my uncertainty over the fact I may be returning to Canterlot soon.

As far as my research goes, I've discovered what the 'Flashtone' the texts speak of was the artifact that supplied Squirk with his power. The Texts state that the stone drew it's power from the primordial energies of destruction... what the philosopher ponies would call evil. This primal force is even greater than the chaos Discord drew his power from. I believe this was the same dark magic that corrupted Princess Luna into nightmare moon, and if ponykind could find a way to harness this destructive power, without being corrupted...

Ah, but I am getting far ahead of myself.

One day over dinner, Ditzy finally introduced me to two of her closeset friends, named Bon Bon and Heartstrings, who just got back into town after being away for a year. At first I was worried about the two mares taking an unwanted interest in me. But I soon discovered, much to my relief, that they had absolutely no romantic inclinations towards this Stallion. The two of them did look me over with much scrutiny though, and kept asking Ditzy if I had popped the question yet. With a deep blush, she kept insisting the two of us weren't ready for that sort of thing yet. I'm not so sure that's the case anymore... and I intend to do something about it.

2nd year, 95th day

The Summer Sun celebration... the day every pony gathers at all-night parties to watch Princess Celestia raise the sun. Ditzy and I attended one such party, and watched Berry Shine get herself a little too festive with the punch, much to everypony's amusement. It was upon this day, as the sun rose, that I finally presented Ditzy Doo with a diamond engagement hooflet (Rings can only be given to unicorn mares, after all). She stared at me blankly for a moment, a shocked look on her face, before she threw her hooves around me in one of the tightest hugs I've ever had the pleasure of being in. I could hear her crying as she squeaked out a barley audible 'yes'. And for once in my life, I was excited about the prospect of something beyond academics.

Almost forgotten about was my meeting with the board... which went very well, I might add. They approved my research, and requested that I stay in Ponyville to keep up with my examination of the ruins. This suits my current plans fine, as I have no intent on going anywhere else in the near future. I have discovered, however, that the denizens of Ponyville now consider me very... odd, as I travel a great deal to the everfree forest, a place they avoid like the plague. But ditzy holds no odd opinion of me, no matter what I say or do. Once again, I am truly grateful fate sent me a blessing like her.

Big Mac asked Breezy and I to help him out on the farm, preparing for the coming harvest, something we both quickly agreed to. I'm going to need all of the Bits I can lay my hooves on, if I am going to give Ditzy a honeymoon worthy of a Mare such as her. An Academy Stipend will hardly pay for something like that, so it is up to me to go that extra distance. I'm going to make sure everything is perfect, for my perfect little mare.