After the defeat of Tirek, Equestria is safe once more, but Luna can sense that her sister is troubled. When Celestia retreats to the starry realm of ascension in order to look upon the past, Luna joins her to discover what is bothering her.

There is now a Spanish translation of this story, courtesy of Spaniard Kiwi

When Celestia comes to Ponyville for a visit on some royal business, she bumps into an excited and adorable little unicorn looking for a Princess to be at her tea party. Celestia, always working all the time, decides to relax and play along, letting old memories from her past be reborn.

Artwork

Special thanks to CogWing and Dont Look At My Name Bro for editing it.

Now with more chapters!

Princess Celestia always knew that Twilight Sparkle was destined for great things, but she never revealed the source of that knowledge, not even to those closest to her. When the day of Twilight's true destiny finally arrives, can Celestia fulfill an ancient promise to save Equestia's past, present, and future, even it means saying goodbye to Twilight forever? How can Celestia refuse her mother's last wish?

Art by the inimitable Harwick

Celestia has spent a thousand years moving her ponies like pawns on the board.

Sometimes she forgets that lies can hurt more than the truth, until she is called out in one last letter.

Written after a discussion in the comments of An Age Long Since Passed. Thanks to Zealous Shift and The Great Derpsby for inspiring it!

A lonely alicorn wanders her castle prison, searching for any signs of life besides her own.

Inspired by the song "Hallowed Waltz" by Makkon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHApVIdbEyo
I encourage you to listen to the song as you read.
Cover art also by Makkon

It took many long years and far more defeats than he'd care to admit, but at last—at long last—victory was finally within the great Ahuizotl's reach. Absolutely nothing, not even that meddlesome Daring Do, would be able to stand in his way any longer. Yet even with his arch nemesis facing her inevitable demise and the ultimate power literally in his grasp, he can't shake the feeling that he's forgotten about something.

One tiny, crucial detail. Something very important. As in, 'could easily ruin his plans if not attended to' important.

...

Eh, maybe he just left the oven on again.

One thousand years ago, Celestia performed an act that has haunted her every single day and night since. Many attempts were made to correct it, but all of them have failed. Tonight might be her last chance of ever being at peace again, but will it work? There are just too many variables.