Pixelbright is a young unicorn driven by a question about the nature of the world. Her friend, Peppermint Tea, is integral to her quest. But the journey of discovery is not always an easy one, and the first steps are often the most difficult.

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Applejack has always had a secret dream, one that some ponies would find strange for the tomboyish farmer. She's always wanted somepony to treat her to a special romantic night, while being treated like a real lady. Turns out all she had to do was have a certain rainbow-maned pegasus catch her in a dress.  Such an awkward moment will lead them to a night neither will ever forget.

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Twilight Sparkle's friends have lived long and happy lives. Now their time is coming to an end, but Rainbow Dash, at least, will not go gently. Twilight has the power to save her friend's life. Is it worth violating the natural order?

"The things that pull at your heart—the memorial in the prologue, the wedding in Chapter 1, the births and deaths and relationships to come—are not the point of the story: they are the stakes, and the story is at its heart about a decision that must be made."

—horizon

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Joining the Wonderbolts means a lot of things. It means fame, glory, honor. Sometimes, it means simply... flying home alone.

Reader, in ancient days, the old lords of the world numbered in thousands. Then hundreds. Then even less.

Now, they are found only in tapestries and fanciful ballads.

The creatures are all vanished. All but one.

Rumors say there are more of him, somewhere far away. A young and supposedly gifted mage called Star Swirl, and Heartstrings, a gentle spinster have joined him on a journey to find the rest.

The history of Equestria spans dozens of centuries, and many terrible foes have risen up from the past to threaten the future once more, only to be defeated.

When a vicious and powerful enemy older than any Twilight, her friends, or even the Princesses have faced before returns, they will have to reach out to an ally just as ancient for help... but is she still the heroine she once was?

This story takes place after the end of Season 3.

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On an unassuming carnival midway in central Equestria sits the key to your dreams: A machine that lets you, for a short time, live a life in which your greatest regret never occurred.

These are the stories of what happens after those fantasies are over.

Each chapter is a complete and self-contained vignette (though their order of presentation is deliberate).  

It's set in the same continuity as my previous story No Regrets.  Reading that first will enhance your enjoyment of both stories, but is not required.  Each stands alone.

After you're done with TLE, here are the author's notes (contain mild spoilers).

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Rarity is a pony of many talents. Her greatest goal, though, is not the praise of critics... it is the approval of friends. Can she make the grade in a talent that does not involve a sewing machine? There is only one way to find out, because the proof of the baking is in the eating.

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What starts out as an ordinary afternoon for Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash quickly turns serious, as half-forgotten plots come to fruition. Rainbow Dash will learn the true purpose of the Wonderbolts, what it means to be a hero, and what it costs.

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This is a story of how the grand spirits of Tyranny and Pride fought in ages long past, battling over the future of the world 'neath stars newly born on a nameless field in the distant north.  It is a story of blank skies, of strange endeavors, and of things prehistoric.  At least, that's how it starts.

The Crystal Empire makes Equestria look young, and Twilight Sparkle is about to find out just how old Celestia really is.