Over the past few centuries, one of the only constants in Princess Twilight Sparkle's life is her friendship with Discord. There is absolutely no way their relationship will ever change.

This story was written as a Hearth's Warming gift for Snow Quill.

Thanks to Posh for prereading/feedback and Red for editing.

Cover art by Slushshe.

Now with a sequel!

Summary

When the Goddess spoke to her, Celestia learned she was going to die. It was not the only knowledge she gained with the Goddess’s gift.

She learned that she was not the original Celestia, who had died more than a thousand years ago, right after concluding her bargain with the Goddess. The greatest achievement of her life.

She learned her true date of birth. Eleven years ago, seconds after a young filly named Rainbow Dash completed her first Sonic Rainboom.

She did not learn her true purpose. Yes, the Goddess had whispered it to her along with the other parts of Her gift, but Celestia had already known it. She always had.

Author's Note

Why does Celestia's personality change so much between seasons, going from a distant immortal goddess to an exhausted retiree aunt?

Why do Celestia's abilities go from omniscience and raising the sun to being helpless in a fight against an old has-been, a weird bug, and a racist child?

Why can't Celestia act to save her life?

Why is Equestria always being saved just in the nick of time?

Why exile Nightmare Moon for a thousand years?

What's up with Daybreaker?

Anyway, this is my headcanon for all that, and more. Enjoy!

Thanks to Reese and Fillyfoolish for feedback on the first draft.

Blog Post

Its been centuries since Twilight's friends passed and since then the alicorn has taken many students. The latest one of which is about to get to the bottom of a two hundred-year-old lie.

This was a request for a patron and was viewable earlier for said patrons. Head over here if you want a story like this for 5$ or to see stories early for just 3$!

This is also the first of my 12 days of requests where you will see a new story requested by a patron every day until Christmas day so make sure to stop by every day for new stuff!

Now with a reading!

Everyone is dead. She doesn't know who is responsible, just that somepony activated the ultimate weapon. Only four ponies survived and now try to find meaning in the great wasteland. Celestia will just be happy if she can find a way to heal Twilight.

When the sun is treated as the center of everything, she is bound to burn out the fastest.

Recommended by PresentPerfect in this spoiler-filled review! Edited and pre-read by Gay for Gadot. The edit of the cover art was made by me. Set shortly after season four. Contribute to the TVTropes page!

Princess Twilight Sparkle has overseen peace and prosperity throughout Equestria for as long as ponies can remember. During a quiet evening, Twilight tells the tale of her many adventures to her latest student and how she remembers her friends long passed.

But she can't tarry too long, for she has a long-overdue meeting to attend.

*Takes place a couple of centuries after the end FIM*

Edited by the absolutely fantastic Helping Hoof who helped tremendously in getting this story together.

Art is owned and created by kurogewapony All credit for it is belongs to them.

Somewhere, there is a place of legend, a place that should not exist. It is said that within the grounds of this ancient estate, there lies a great power. One that could restore what is lost.

It is known by few, and even fewer truly believe it is real at all.

They are fools. They have to be.

She must not fail.

Not again.

It’s been 500 years since an immortal Princess Twilight Sparkle buried her last friend. Nopony who remembers them is still alive, other than the princesses. Her friends are remembered as the Elements of Harmony and former teachers at the School of Friendship. Their lives are told the way they were written in storybooks.

Twilight is ready to become a legend with them.


Contains triggers such as self-harm and suicide. Viewer discretion heavily advised.

The cover art does not belong to me.

It has been a twelve hundred years since my best friends died and one year since my royal adivisor died. One morning, I started to hear a voice similar to mine. This voice is the same as mine, but more malign, tyrannical. And the voice asks me to let my anger take control of me. And after what I'm feeling, I don't see why I shouldn't accept it. Because after all, I already lost those I loved...

In the distant future, Princess Twilight Sparkle and Spike enjoy Hearth's Warming with an old friend.

For Regidar. Happy Hearth's Warming.

(2020-09-20) Featured on Equestria Daily!