A different take on Octavia that I thought of.

Octavia is a member of the Royal Guard as a musician for the various balls and formal events they hold. A position that is sought after for the frequency it is requested by the Princesses. Octavia has just been promoted to Commanding Officer of the ensemble and is going out to celebrate. At a nightclub in Canterlot she will meet an old rival and friend. Things will quickly spin out of her control as feelings arise, subordinates laugh, and alcohol flows. All underneath the neon lights and thumping bass.

Cover image used with permission from http://forcemation.deviantart.com/ Thank you again!

When a land dispute invites the Goblin Kingdoms to enact an old international policy to serve as mediators both the Royal Princesses and the Griffon King will find themselves repeatedly surprised and shocked as old prejudices and ideas get put to the test and fail. Good thing Twilight is there to help out!

The reason why Princess Luna turned into Nightmare Moon has been alluded to, theorized, and dramatized. But all of the reasons why have been grandiose and very often external in nature. But all that is really needed to turn someone from a being of good to a being of darkness is but a simple whisper and time. A whisper given by a force of hatred and fear.

Picture is used with permission and is by Warepwn3 on deviantart. Found here

Also if you want a more epic and animated view of basically what I would have loved this story to be go here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vL4q7BBzanI