Twilight Sparkle is a gifted student and scholar. When she attempts to harness her creative side by writing a science-themed sensual romance novel, however, things rapidly get out of hoof. Can her friends stage an intervention before she humiliates herself (and them) at a prestigious literature recital?

No. No, they cannot.

One by one, Twilight and her friends must come to terms with the consequences of being the Elements of Harmony.

These stories take place in the intervening time between Season One and Season Two,
with the exception of Ditzy Doo: Muffins, which takes place early in Season One.

The series continues in the sequel, Secrets and Lies.

Pony Psychology has a TV Tropes Page.

She is as beautiful and graceful as the moon, and just as hard to reach. He is a young artist with much to learn about the world. When he accepts her challenge to create an artistic masterpiece, will he win her heart, or learn a terrible lesson in the nature of beauty and love?

For one who does not count their lives in years or decades, regret can become an almost unbearable burden.

Featured on EQD February 27, 2012

You think you know me so well, don’t you? I’m a spirit of chaos, and nothing else. You don’t even know the half of it! Sit back and indulge me for a little; I’ll make you understand what it truly means to be chaos itself.

(Featured on Equestria Daily: July 16, 2012.)

Mort, also known as the Pale Pony (of Death), has been tasked to take time off from his rigorous duties of reaping souls. Seeking guidance, he is directed towards the town of Ponyville, to learn about the magic of friendship from Twilight Sparkle and her friends. All he needs to do is keep his true nature a secret. That shouldn't be too difficult...right?

Special thanks to Specter-Von-Baren and Pyrite Foolsgold for their help in proofreading and editing this story, as I really needed it. Additional thanks to Pilate, Chuckle5, Unimpressive Vagaries and Admiral Biscuit as well! Couldn't have done it without all their help!

Credit for the title card goes to Siansaar, AKA Carnifex.

For another excellent take on Mort, check out Sip's version!

This is a lipogrammatic story. That is, a story in which I did not lay hands on that most common symbol, “E”. You shall not find a solitary copy of that symbol at any point in this story, including in this summary (barring that singular anomaly, naturally). I did this odd thing as a trial to my ability as an author—it's a workout, if you will.

When Twilight has trouble sleeping, she looks for help from an old friend who lives in the Everfree Forest.

But there's something going on in there...

Something strange. Something mysterious. Something...

*Warning - may get Dark in later chapters. Keep an eye on the Story Tags*