Lyra: Hey Bon-Bon.

[Pause]

Lyra: Hu… How’s it-?
Bon-Bon: You haven’t heard.

Lyra: Heard wha-?
Bon-Bon: Princess Celestia- No… Princess Twilight’s friendship school is putting on a play. It- Oh, in Ponyville. It’s going to be about how Princess Celestia first rose the sun. And THE REAL DANGED PRINCESS CELESTIA IS GOING TO PLAY HERSELF!

[Pause]

Bon-Bon: If you manage to pick your jaw up off the floor in the next hour, I could use some things from the market before it closes.

[Long Pause]

“Lyra, please talk to me. This isn’t like you.“
Despite the princess’s plea, Lyra’s eyes remained fixed on the floor.
“Are you afraid? I promise, we can protect you. You can stay here!“
When Princess Celestia lifted her hoof to raise Lyra’s head, Lyra jerked away.
“Are they holding something over you? Are you protecting somepony? Please talk to me, Lyra.“
___

“Lyra, please. Silence is not the answer. Aren’t pony’s lives at stake? This can’t get any better if you don’t say something.“
___

“Lyra, I know you’ve been angry with me. But if you can just put that aside…“
___

“Lyra, please say something! Anything!“
___

“Lyra! Lyra!“
___

Lyra could feel the princess’s tears on her shoulder and she clutched at her bedsheet. Though her mouth moved, she couldn’t speak a reply to the nightmares. In the morning, she would find the tears had been her own.

“Lyra, I know you’re being forced into this.” Princess Celestia walked toward Lyra and placed a wing around her, “Tell me who. Tell me how they’re getting to you. Are there others? I promise we will find a way to put a stop to this once and for-.“
Lyra took a step back and pushed the alicorn’s wing away, “Just send me away again. Like you did last time.“
“W-what?“ Princess Celestia, stunned, looked between the guards, searching for an answer, “Lyra, that was over a year ago. Sunset Shimmer… I had apologized for-… I’m sorry, Lyra. Please forgive me. But you must-“
Lyra shook her head, “I have nothing to say…“ She never even looked up.

“Lyra, what have you done?“ There was a hint of anger in the princess’s tone as she spoke, back turned.
“What difference does it make?” Lyra pushed herself up and wiped some dirt off her coat, “All those selfish ponies do is waste it anyway. You know that money could actually mean something to-“
In a flash, Lyra’s gaze was met with bright, glowing eyes and a thunderous shout, “TO WHOM DO YOU SPEAK?!“ Lyra crumpled to the floor in a low bow and shivered. But before she could reply, Princess Celestia turned her back to the filly, “Take her. I haven’t the time or the patience.“
Lyra jumped to her feet as fast as she could, but was already held by two soldiers, “No! Please your highness!” She struggled against their grip, but was slowly dragged away. “I’m sorry! Please! Just let me explain! Please!“

“Lyra…“ Princess Celestia stood at a distance in profile from Lyra. Her eyes were closed and her head was lowered. Her shoulders sagged in disappointment, “There were many witnesses… They… they said you stole food. Why? Have you not been provided with enough to eat?“
Lyra stood up and fought back tears, “There were others your highness! Living on the streets! I was trying to help them! But I only took a little! Nopony would miss it!“
The princess grit her teeth, “We are responsible for our own actions.“ Lyra’s head fell and she too closed her eyes. “If there are ponies going hungry, then we will do what we can. But the law is the law. You must not…“

“A-gh! Let go of me! Let gooo!“

Lyra flailed against the armored ponies dragging her down the massive hallway, but to no avail. If she had the strength to fight back before, it had long since waned. Two doors, easily ten times Lyra’s size, parted before them and the light inside blinded her. She felt herself finally released onto the carpet beneath her. And as her vision returned, a towering figure came into view.

“Lyra? Are you alright?“ The pearl-white princess of the sun knelt down to level herself with Lyra. “Please tell me what happened. I know that what I heard cannot be true.“
Lyra’s forced herself to her haunches and her eyes darted around the throne room. She struggled against exhaustion to explain herself, “It… it wasn’t me! I saw him steal it! I tried to stop him!“
“You tried?“ Princess Celestia drew back to give the filly space.
Lyra’s eyes widen, “I-I did! I did stop him! I got the pouch back! I was going to return it! But then they started yelling at me! I got scared and I ran! They were yelling at me!“
The alicorn princess wrapped her long arm around Lyra and drew her in close, “Shh… It’s alright, child. If you can tell us what he looked like…“

Lyra Lyra Lyra! You weren’t about to keep the best picture all to yourself, now were you? Not to worry. “A true, true friend helps a friend in need!” as they say!

I’m sure you’ll be pleasantly surprised when you return home. As surprised as that poor mare you shoved before beating a very brave retreat.

I must say this photo really captures your-er… Yellow side.