The letter to Ruby Ruse's parents (Crimson Coverts and Clever Ruse) written by Emerald Hues:
Dear Crimson Coverts and Clever Ruse, There is no easy way to say what I must, and for that I apologize, but there is something you deserve to be told and so I will simply state it plainly. It is with the deepest regret that I write this letter to inform you that on the morning of 29 Gourds 3336, your daughter, Ruby Ruse, died in an explosion in Irongate. I know this must come as a terrible shock, and I'm sorry. For whatever little solace it may be worth, I think you should know that she did not suffer; her death was instant and painless. The circumstances surrounding this turn of events are complex and emotionally difficult for me to explain as thoroughly as you deserve. What happened to Ruby is an accident I wish more than anything could have been avoided or that I could somehow take back, but ultimately it's something I must take responsibility for. It was a conflict between Ruby and my group of friends that led events to transpire as they did, and my actions were the direct cause of the explosion. This was wholly unintentional, but regardless, the fact that my mistakes have terrible consequences is something that will forever haunt me. Ruby and I crossed paths several times. I didn't know her well, other than the fact that she was obviously intelligent, ambitious, and a highly talented unicorn. We had our differences and I cannot approve of some of the methods I saw her employ in the pursuit of her goals, but I still believe that there was a good pony in her. I wish that under better circumstances perhaps she and I could have resolved our conflicts peacefully and grown past them to become friends. I'm very sad that this will never happen now. I was given your contact information by one of her former employers in order to write this letter. I took this upon myself knowing it would be difficult for you to hear such painful news from a stranger, but there was no one else, and I feel that informing you rather than leaving Ruby's fate forever a mystery is the right thing to do, as well as something I owe to Ruby and to you. I'm so sorry for your loss. -- Emerald Hues