Hearth's Warming Eve is nearly upon Canterlot once again. The city is abustle with holiday shoppers and busy little ponies, but they all have the same thing on their mind: The Hearth's Warming Play!

Ponies from all across Equestria come to audition for the distinguished honor of being in that year's playbill. Whether it's as a stagehand, a contributor, or the coveted actor, it was just an honor to be listed. This year however, an even greater honor was on offer: to share the stage with Princess Celestia herself!

Well, it wasn't yet decided what role she'd be playing, but she was auditioning! Of course she was going to get a role! Why wouldn't she? It was a shoo-in. Especially with her sister Luna waiting in the wings to support her.

Featured 12/1/2023. Much thanks!

Art done by the fantastic minekoo2.

Developing romantic feelings for a friend is awkward.

It's extra awkward when you're a ruler, they're an ambassador of another nation, and oh, bonus, they were raised immersed in that nation's culture and so you have no idea if the signals you're trying to give are even being picked up on.

On a visit to Ponyville to catch up with Spike, Ember has just noticed how handsome her first and best friend has gotten, and has no idea what to do with herself about it. She needs to figure that out asap, and so needs some advice, badly. Thankfully, ponies are good with mushy-feely things, so she just needs to track down the local romance expert and shake them down.

And hopefully not burn the town down in the process.

Written on commission, for Spamotron. If you'd like to commission me yourself, my rules are right here.
Also check out author Patreon and Ko-Fi.

If you ever met Sunstone when he was but a young colt, you would’ve seen a large grin, two purple eyes full of determination, and an earth pony who could take on the world.

But something happened over the years. As Sunstone grew older, more and more did his cheerful smile morph into an ugly scowl. His enthusiastic attitude gradually capsized, leaving in its stead a disgruntled husk of his former self.

Shining Armor and Twilight Sparkle: Two gifted unicorns that would quickly undermine everything Sunstone has been hoping to achieve, unintentionally turning him into the underdog he never wished to be. Resentment overtaking his better judgement, feeling doomed to be living forever in the shadow of his immensely successful brother and sister, Sunstone has had a lifetime of feeling thoroughly unremarkable.

Unable to bear his inability to stand out amongst his younger siblings, Sunstone vowed to never see his family again. It’s been five years since he departed on a journey to finally understand his true place in Equestria.

Not once has he looked back at the life he left behind.

This story takes place during the time skip in the final chapter of Run Without Debugging, but knowledge of that story is not necessary to enjoy this one.

Weddings are beautiful things. For many ponies, a wedding is the best day of their lives. Years ago, Chrysalis, the ex-queen of the changelings, adored weddings as well. Her intentions, however, were less than noble.

Today, she has put her past behind her. She has been (somewhat) forgiven. She has a place in society. She has someone who loves her. The real her.

It's finally time for her own wedding.

She didn't show up.

The Fire of Friendship has all but faded. One thousand years ago, Equestria fractured... those who disagreed with Celestia's rule left under the leadership of Princess Luna to found their own nation, their own way of life. Seventy years later, Celestia and Luna both disappeared during the first war, leaving the battered nations leaderless in their absence.

Over the last nine hundred years wars have frequently waged between Equestria and Lunaria, each seeking to unite ponykind under their own ideals. Equestria's mastery of magic often gave it the edge in battle, but never enough for a decisive victory. Peace reigns for now, but recent developments in Lunaria signal a shift in the balance between the two divided nations...

An unexpected illness took the life of Night Light, husband of Twilight Velvet and father of Twilight Sparkle, Shining Armor, and Spike. It was the day of his funeral.

And Spike would not cry.

After attempting to impress the judges during her entrance exam for Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns, something transpires that alters Twilight's life irrevocably, as well as the destiny of all Equestria. In a very literal manner, Twilight metamorphoses into the embodiment of magic, much akin to how Discord embodies chaos. How will this unprecedented transformation shape forthcoming events? And how will Twilight grapple with mastering the newfound god-like abilities that have been unexpectedly thrust upon her?

Anon and Applejack started dating some time ago. Due to a multitude of reasons, they attempted to keep their new relationship low-key and private. Now, they're ready to start taking it a bit more seriously, and that means revealing their feelings for each other to the rest of the Apple family.

However, Applejack has been reluctant to do so, and it's time Anon found out why. According to Apple family tradition, if Anon is to be accepted by the Apples, he must first pass the Apple Screening.

...Good luck, Anon.

Gleaming Shield and Anon have been friends for a few years now, ever since the portal opened between worlds and humans have started immigrating to Equestria. Exchange programs and military co-ed training brought them together, and a friendship quickly blossomed between them.

Their relationship has always been more platonic than anything else, but they've also never been too physical with each other either. When Anon brings this up... Gleaming decides to rectify it on the spot.

Contains: R63 Shining Armor, a flustered Anon, snuggles, ear scritches, nuzzling, and an impish mare who knows exactly how much she's flustering her friend

This was the Patreon one-shot for the month. Hope you guys like it :)

If you want to support me, please consider joining the Patreon: https://patreon.com/user?u=4398966

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Not sure who the artist is so if anyone can tell me, I will credit the artist for the coverart used on this story. Just know that it's not mine.

Twilight takes Celestia to McDonald's to get a special toy, they gave her the wrong toy.

art by: alumx, and jargon scott, and threetwotwo32232