I know this is probably not the best time to talk about fics, with what happened yesterday and all… but I thought I would.

You can grumble at me, I'll accept that, but I'll talk anyway. Why? Because sometimes it's stories like these that keep us going. I can only imagine why Lyra made the site. She's said it's because of her love of MC, but I think it's also something more—her love of others.

We all know this site has had its fair share of drama—from serious real world issues to silly shipping wars—but it has always been a nice place. My experience might be different from a lot of you. I didn't make my account here, Lyra did, but I joined and this has become more than my aethernet home. This is the place I had my heart ripped apart, then found love. It's been the same for many of you, and not only “the regulars” but also you who've been here for a few weeks. Ponies have problems, they share them (at times), and they receive help or at least a means to relax, calm down and look at things from a new perspective.

Lately a lot of close friends have been going through the same: PaintDrop’s health issues, LightSparkle’s love life, my sister’s anxiety attacks (who's is why she hasn't been posting lately), DarkSparkle’s attack… Yes, the same attack that got thousands of us organized to help with finding the problem, just as you all did during the Crystal Empire storm. I wasn't part of the site back then, but I still lurked from my sister’s account.

You helped, all of you, in more ways that you thought possible. Sometimes even a small “thank you” or a friendly comment are nought to brighten somepony’s day. So what’s the point of my post? Just that we mustn't stop. Bad things happen, I’ve seen that first hoof, and that is precisely the reason why we shouldn't flood the threads with dark thoughts.

Yes, I know I probably sound naive, but trying to give advice and write stories is the only way I know how to give help. I'm sorry I can't do more, I wish I could, but… so… I wrote something last night. I don't know if it would be taken seriously, I'm not even sure if will help, but if this a chance it might at least make someone smile for a moment…

Often I wish I was a Princess so that I can wave my horn and make all of Equestria better. But as we've seen Princesses are ponies too. Even they can't make everything better, and sometimes they too need help.

That's all I have to say. I hope everypony gets better, and I'm sorry I can't to more…

Short&Hoofy

@Short&Hoofy: You idiot! You made me cry in class! :~)

I love you, Short. You are and always will be my Princess. And you do help. You've helped me, Paint, YouKnowWho, SweetStuff… you've literally been taking care of your sister for years, so don't you say you're just “trying to give advice and write stories”.

@all: You better listen to her! Short knows what she's talking about! And if anyone tries to troll her you'll have Tartarus to pay!

And read Heart of a Pony! I know I say this a lot, but this time it's different. Especially with what's been happening lately!

RRBB

@Short&Hoofy: You're the sweetest on the site, you know that right? :)

Hi, all. I'm sorry for the scare. Yes, I'm writing this from hospital (they only gave me 5 minutes. Magic is still weak.) Initially I wanted to thank you all for being so great and supportive (the “anomaly chart” you did is great and will help a lot of ponies!) but then I read Short&Hoofy’s post and… I’m actually crying right now (and probably freaking out the nurses).

Short, that's the sweetest thing anypony could say. And you are absolutely right. We have been using the site for drama quite a bit (I expect it's only natural) but we must also continue discussing and writing stories, because not only did they bring us here, but they makes us smile when we most need.

I haven't read your story yet (only glimpsed at the first page) but I can feel it (like your post) is so you: gentle, caring, and stronger than anypony might imagine. Thank you for always being here for us, Short. Thank you, everyone else who has in any way contributed to the site, be it through a story or a clever comment. You make this place worthwhile.

DarkSparkle

@Short&Hoofy: yes, this is so typical you. Max has locked herself in the kitchen so I can't show her this, but I'm sure she’ll enjoy it. Never expected a mare would be more nervous than me. :/

Exams are a week away and the marriage is shortly after that. I'll be moving to Ponyville in a month (right after the con here).

@DarkSparkle: I’m glad you are alright. Brush told me your friends are hunting this down. I hope that catch her/him/it. I know I shout a lot about how I'm being treated, but you actually live in danger every day. You and Spike are the reason I'm even here. So thank you, and get better soon.

Jade

Oh my dear! Apparently a lot of things are happening here. I am so relieved that DarkSparkle is better, and hope that PaintDrop is as well (and all the rest do you, of course). I just wanted to send a line saying that LightSparkle is much better and sleeping comfortably in the next room. Getting dumped while sick isn't…ideal way to start a week, but I will take care of it! First we’ll get her better and then we’ll see what we could do about the other thing :)

Toodles.

-LightSparkle’s friend.

LightSparkle

This is one feely thread. And the feels are real.

Initially I thought of locking the thread right after Short&Hoofy’s post. Why? I'm ashamed to say I was afraid that it would get trolled or that she would receive a lot of negative replies. It was stupid, I know, and I should have known you all better.

No Nightling would have the heart to say anything bad about that thread. You've all proved it time and time again! We might squabble about theories and OTPs but when there’s need we stick together.

Last night @Luna told me that the chart had helped tremendously and yeh site has both the Guard’s and the Wonderbolts’ thanks. @Sgt Pepper, also sent me a PM telling me how much time that simple effort on our part has saved. He couldn't go into details, of course, but he did mention that other accidents have been prevented.

But that's not only what we do. You've read what the others have said before me, so I won't repeat their words. (I've already said it lots of times before anyway.) Your stories matter! Even those who are sent back to be reworked are full of passion, your passion! As Short&Hoofy said, sometimes it’s a dark place out there, so we can at least do our very best to brighten it with our stories and posts and comments.

@Short&Hoofy: making your account was one of the best things that happened to this site, and not only. You've changed so much since that train ride, you've changed others around you (I remember when RRBB used to break sinks, bite wingfeathers, and feel so miserable I was genuinely scared for her life.) Thank you for being you :)

And now I'm locking the thread. There's at least one classroom with crying foals in Equestria, and their teacher PMed me that she isn't sure how much she could keep herself from tearing up :)

Thank you for being here, Nightlings! Let's do this together!

LyraHands

Author's Notes:

And here's a list of all active members with ID or speculation :)
Member List

Courtesy of NeonGreenTiger