It's been a little over a year since Princess Flurry Heart founded the settlement of Winter's Hearth deep in the unclaimed territory of the Frozen North, and in that time she and her subjects have faced many dangers. But whether through grit or sheer equine spirit, they've survived every one of them.

So when the yaks of the Northwestern Tribes decide to declare war on them, it feels like just another Tuesday.

The yaks feel differently.

This story was originally conceived as an entry to Imposing Sovereigns IV, but I didn't end up writing it until several months after the contest closed. You can read the actual entrants to that contest here! The intended prompt was Flurry Heart/Strength.

Need deniable arson? Anger a kirin!

Preread by Samey90. Discussions and BSing with the usual crowds, thanks!

Rarity has always been known to act on impulse at times, especially when her career is concerned, but can the consequences of her impulses always be forgiven?

Narration by VoiceGuy

Sweetie Bot installs Urban Dictionary.

With thanks to people on Discord for discussions.

Art: Maren.

Princess Twilight Sparkle took the Equestrian throne several years ago. Anon, her human friend, works at the castle as an advisor for her. However, lately he has been disappearing right after work, and Twilight is curious as to why. On top of that, he isn't the only one acting strangely, as her mom has been acting very dodgy around her too. Twilight has some suspicions as to why this is.

The Fire of Friendship has all but faded. One thousand years ago, Equestria fractured... those who disagreed with Celestia's rule left under the leadership of Princess Luna to found their own nation, their own way of life. Seventy years later, Celestia and Luna both disappeared during the first war, leaving the battered nations leaderless in their absence.

Over the last nine hundred years wars have frequently waged between Equestria and Lunaria, each seeking to unite ponykind under their own ideals. Equestria's mastery of magic often gave it the edge in battle, but never enough for a decisive victory. Peace reigns for now, but recent developments in Lunaria signal a shift in the balance between the two divided nations...

You ended up in Equestria about two years ago, and in that time, you've become quite close with a number of ponies. Of them, Rarity in particular has left a major impression on you. She seems to enjoy having you around, and you appreciate the company.

That said, there is one major roadblock getting in the way of your relationship. More than anypony you know, Rarity is extremely concerned with keeping up appearances. As a fashion designer and all-around fabulous mare, she frequently wants your opinion on how she looks.

Unfortunately for you, you're a human with no way of telling what makes a pony "beautiful."

Jason's life has grown dull. While some may have thought that the weekly monster attacks might have kept him on his toes, he had grown to learn that as the norm around town. Now, after months of living in Ponyville, he can't shake the feeling that there is a void in his life. He follows his usual routine every day: breakfast, a quick shower, followed by a quick walk to the park to read the newspaper. One morning, he finds two parents playing with their filly in the playground. As he watches, an idea sparks within his mind: why not adopt a pony of his own?

Featured on Equestria Daily

After undergoing a life-saving surgery at the Ponyville Hospital, you end up in Fluttershy's care as you take the time to recover and regain your strength.

Cover art by hioshiru!

EDIT: Featured on 5/10/2023!

This story is a sequel to The Wicker Mare

For years and years, the old mare has been sitting beside the river in quiet contemplation. One fateful day, a filly asks her why.

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Written to mark the 50th Anniversary of Robin Hardy and Anthony Shaffer's 'the Wicker Man.'

Cover art borrowed from aidapone.