"My sister and I would like to thank you all for coming today, although it is with heavy hearts that we stand here before you. I am sure many of you have heard of the rumours that have come out of Ponyville yesterday, and it is with no reluctance that I can confirm that that those rumours are true. Yesterday morning, an attack was made on Equestrian soil on both its ponies and a princess no less, resulting in the abduction of three ponies and a young dragon. Those ponies were none other than Applejack, Fluttershy, and Rarity, who may be better known to you as three of the bearers of the Elements of Harmony. The dragon was called Spike, and is a close personal friend to all of the bearers of Harmony."