Alivda

Raven thought as she stared at the paper. While not the response she had wished for, the ideas Princess Cadance had given were not to be dismissed. She wasn't sure wrestling was for her, however the other advice could work... Maybe she could try running a training camp or something similar. Smiling at that thought, she got out her stationary set and wrote. Dear Cady, I wish to thank you for the advice you responded with. While I do not believe that I will be spending time in the ring, it is an interesting solution. I actually am inspired to attempt to open up a self-defense camp. By the way, I've enclosed a small donation. While I intend it to help those that might need a hoof in the Crystal Kingdom, I'm afraid I'm just going to have to trust your judgment there. Raven doodled a small winking face in the letter here, making it clear it was a joke. With greatest respect, Last Heir Raven signed the letter, enclosed a hoof-full of bits, and sent it on its way. She didn't expect a response to this one, but still enjoyed the act of writing it.

Raven frowned as she looked at the newspaper. While she was not one to normally read one, finding most of it to be boring reports, with only the occasional story on those less fortunate, some of the nobles at the last gathering had mentioned of both the scandalous and yet extremely fun idea of writing directly to the co-ruler of the Crystal Empire, Princess Cadence herself. It was an idea the young mare had found merit in, for she often struggled with self-doubt since her parents disappearance. Getting out a piece of parchment, as well as her family's official seal, no sense in not being respectful, she started to write. "Dear Cady, I suffer from a problem of being unable to commit to a decision at times, but that is not the problem, or in this case, problems I wish your advice on. The first problem is that I happen to be in a position that not only allows me to help with societal problems, but also enjoy doing so. I routinely help at the orphanages nearby, donating and spending time with the foals there. Yet, I cannot help but feel that it's not enough. See, I feel that my talents lay in the area of protecting others, and while helping those that can't help themselves does feel right, it doesn't fill me with the joy I expected it to. Am I wrong in thinking that I'm meant to do more, to help at a greater level? The second problem ties into the first a little. My parents were quite well-known in the R.E.A., my mother a captain of her own squad and all, and we would often take trips to visit outer laying towns. They had retired from the R.E.A. to raise me, and it took me awhile before I realized that the reasons for the trips were not to just have a vacation, but so my parents could apply there militant training solving problems for the townsfolk. It was on such a trip that I acquired my cutie mark, which I got protecting my parents from an ambush. I found that day a talent for combat, and seem to instinctively know how to fight hoof-to-hoof, as it were. Yet, I loathe fighting. The thought that I could so casually hurt another is... well, sickening to me. Yet I also can't deny an attraction to fights when they happen, it literally seeming like my blood is singing in joy when I find myself having to defend myself from ruffians. Is it wrong to enjoy something so thoroughly that is so harmful to others? Also, just as a fyi, my third problem makes it difficult to follow in my family's hoofsteps by joining the R.E.A. The last problem that I need advice on is thus: I suffered an accident as a young foal that left me slightly disadvantaged in the spell casting department. The injury to my horn is nothing that I wish to hide, or shy away from, used to it as I am now, but I find myself envious of those who suffer no trouble casting. Recently, I heard about spell foci, artifacts of a sort that made casting easier and was wondering if you might know if it was worth pursuing them, or looking to make one for myself... Even if you find yourself unable to help me, I thank you for taking the time to help ponykind as well as myself... With deep respect, Last Heir of House Dupone. P.S. if you could strike the part about House Dupone out, some of the circles I travel in in Canterlot enjoy your column a little too much..." Raven sighed as she finished, a little surprised that she had poured herself out like that to a stranger, let alone one of the princesses. She took the sealed letter in her magic, the glow hesitant yet never wavering and mailed it. Nothing to do now but wait...