Dear Bent,

The Fatal Horns, huh? It took me hours of perusing historical maps detailing the outskirts of the Sun of Chance, but one topographical map has given you away. The Charmedsmile river passes through the Fatal Horns mountain range within the Honoring Mire. Following the river trail, I can see where there is a small cup in the mountain range with hoofhills to the south and eastern sides, and peaks to the north and west. I now know exactly where you are.

What will I do with this knowledge? Probably nothing, since you are adamant about refusing to see me. I feel as though I might have wasted my time digging through those maps. Are you sure that I cannot visit? Will it really be too dangerous or distracting for me to be there? I am just really disappointed now, mostly because I was happy before, thinking that maybe I'd get to see you face-to-face once again. It's been so long, Ben. Almost six years now. I'm ashamed to say it, but I have trouble remembering your face or what you look like. All I can remember for some reason is your voice, and that's why I want to see you. I don't want to forget. I just fear that you may not come back for some reason, perhaps that you'll find Canterlot to be preferable or that you'll just stay in Songring. All of these silly fears, it's just me being foolish and sentimental is all.

I also want you to know that I do trust you, and I'm sorry if it seemed like I didn't. I feel like there's just no way I can help you from here, and that gets to me sometimes.

Your description of Songring still makes it sound quite nice, mostly because of the interesting folks there. I imagine the living arrangements are quaint, and I bet that the group is close enough that everypony knows each other, right? If nothing else, it is comforting to know that you have so many great ponies out there to help take care of you. We're still your favorites though, right? Little Dawnstar hasn't replaced me as your academic, has she?

I'm joking of course. Just to clarify.

I've not thought of a question I wanted to ask about you or your home. I guess I was just more wrapped up in other concerns this time around, such as attending the Grand Galloping Gala this year. While I was there, I did get to shake hooves with somepony who claimed to know you. Sir Jack Bullion is his name. Do you know him too, or was he just that desperate for conversation that he fabricated your connection?

Hopefully Yours,
Twilight Sparkle

Dear Twilight,

I'm rather surprised you took the time to hunt down where I am now located. I'm genuinely impressed too. You are correct, we are in fact located at the base of the Fatal Horns. I suppose now there's no way I can actually deny you your chance to visit then, hm? So be it.

It has indeed been a long time. I'm just happy that throughout the whole endeavor you've still bothered to take the time to write to me and let me know that life still goes on while we toil away in the dirt and elements out here. It gives me some hope, knowing that there's something on the other side for me to look forward to. Not that I have not found enjoyment in some of the little things out here in Songring, but I still yearn to go back to the simpler life that I lived there in Ponyville. Maybe I just miss clean clothes and warm baths, huh? No, I really still do long to see you all again. Do not worry about forgetting my face, I never thought it was anything special anyways. At least you'll be able to recognize my handwriting.

Do not worry that you'll never see me again either. I have a promise I've made to go back to Ponyville, and I don't intend to break it. Even if it may be another six years before I can fulfill it.

The folks here in Songring are really the only thing that makes it bearable. Without them, it'd be just a wretched little cave in a mountain surrounded by jungle. They bother me sometimes. Honestly, a lot of the time. I would still find myself all the poorer, however, had I never had the chance to meet most of them. I just recently found myself appreciating them again, thanks to the wisdom of a certain farmerpony that I think knows much more than he ever lets on. Being trapped in a brewery for twelve hours is a story for another time though.

I do want you to know that Dawnstar has not replaced you. If anything, I am the one who has to teach her, not the other way around. I will not let you be replaced.

I do indeed know Bullion. He is the owner of the caravan that shows up each autumn or winter (depending on the weather, the conditions, the alignment of the stars, and the will of the fates). We've had a bit of a turbulent history since I first met him, but I would call him a friend as well. It's always nice to see his bubbly smile and that cheery purple hat. It's kind of nice to know that it's possible to have money and still remain an enjoyable individual. I find myself able to respect him, even if he can be a little careless or ritualistic sometimes. Did he have anything nice to say about me?

By the way, if you really wish to come out to Songring, you're welcome to. I might suggest holding out through the winter though. The weather is not very impressive this time of year, and I don't believe we've had a "good" winter yet. Something bad is bound to happen. How about the spring or summer?

Just let me know how many rooms to have ready for you and whoever you're bringing, and I'll be ready to accommodate you.

Still Yours,
Benjamen Prodder

Author's Notes:

Due to a number of positive responses stating that the letters do add helpful depth or reprieve during the story, I have decided to leave them a part of the story. Here's one more.