During "The Times They Are a Changeling", Spike was able to use the magic of song to prove that Thorax wasn't evil, convincing everyone in earshot, especially Shining Armor and Cadance to trust him and let him stay in the Crystal Empire.

... Except what if it hadn't been that easy? What would it take then to prove something like that, especially to a pony who had so bitterly said, "There's no such thing as a nice changeling" ?

Yep, an alternate take on the ending of The Times They Are a Changeling, the only part of the episode I felt was rushed.

Proofread by Doctor Candor and Malefactory

When Big McIntosh comes by Carousel Boutique acting strangely, Rarity doesn't understand why he's acting even shyer than usual. But when he asks her to fix an old, ragged doll for him, it becomes clear that there's more going on than Mac will admit. Even if he were more talkative than usual.

Big Mac has always been hard to read. But it'll be even worse when he puts effort into it and makes sure no one finds out about his little stuffed friend—or the real reasons why he feels the need to hide her.

Artwork by SpainFischer/SophieCabra on DeviantArt.

(Takes place immediately after "Luna Eclipsed", colab with yodajax10.) Another Nightmare Night has come and gone, and now Ponyville begins the process of cleaning up after it.

Spike offers to help out, but Twilight reassures him that they can handle things on their own. So, reluctantly, the baby dragon decides to spend a little time with Princess Luna, who has just come out of her shell.

But what can the two talk about? Quite a lot, actually. And both will come to realize, they have something in common.

(Featured on 9/09/2016)

An alternative to HiE stories. Midnight, a 14th century knight's steed and veteran of numerous battles during the hundred years war, faces her demise during one such engagement only to find that fate has other plans in store; including a chance to start anew in another world. But can a mare who knows nothing but conflict adapt to a land ruled by peaceful pastel-coloured ponies, or will it prove too much?

Warning: contains brief scenes of descriptive violence; especially in earlier chapters. Not enough to warrant an M rating, I think, but hopefully the mods will let me know if I'm wrong.

(Cross-posted from my Fanfiction.net account)

It's been a week since Zesty Gourmand's hold over Restaurant Row was broken. Delicious food of dozens of different varieties is being prepared, and business has never been better.

But Zesty Gourmand isn't done yet. She's recruited Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Prince Blueblood and intends on having their royal palates challenge Restaurant Row, starting with the Tasty Treat. The chefs of Canterlot face their biggest challenge yet as they prepare for a Royal Review...

Having waited all night to meet Starlight Glimmer and her new friend, Princess Celestia finally gets the opportunity to do just that when Twilight eventually returns with her pupil in tow. Within the halls of Twilight's castle, four ponies sit to share stories, worries, and declarations of friendship.

Spoilers for No Second Prances.

It started when they first met. A growing flame that began to burn in their hearts. It was unknown to them what this flame was, but it grew stronger as they got older and their feelings moved on from friendship to something else. Some fires grow slowly, but when given time they burn more passionate and brighter then any volcano.

***
Edited by CommanderX5 and roker12

Just a small series of chapters (no less then a thousand words) of a new ship I like a lot.

Now with a TV Tropes Page

Spike's got three whole days to himself while Twilight is away at the Crystal Empire. Three whole days to be independent and free to do whatever he wants.

Or he would have, if a female dragon hadn't mistaken him for an abandoned hatchling. Now he's been snatched up and taken to her home to be "properly cared for."

Stuck in a cave with an overly-protective dragon intent on mothering him...maybe he should have just gone with Twilight.

Thanks to QueenCold for letting me use this picture of theirs as cover art!

Something's wrong with Twilight's new student, the redeemed villain Starlight Glimmer

Even though Starlight been forgiven for everything she's done and been made a member of Twilight's distinguished circle of friends, something's obviously troubling her. Even a Pinkie Party thrown in her honor isn't enough to cheer her up.

Troubled, Twilight has a little mare-to-mare chat with her new friend/student, only to be bushwhacked by a simple question: "Why?"

Special thanks to Winston for proofreading and editing!

Spike waits for his mail to come and has a chat with the mail pony.

Art by Epulson

Prereading and Editing by Jack of a Few Trades and NorrisThePony

Check out the live reading!