It's a well known fact that the bulk of a dragon's diet is gemstones.

To the far north of the land lies the Crystal Empire, where basically everything is made of crystal and gemstones. Included in this is a massively powerful ancient artifact.

Garble has a stupid plan and a bottle of hot sauce.

Written for Horseword Extravaganza 2.

Featured 2/25/2020 - 2/27/2020!

Featured in Equestria Daily's 35 Fanfics to Read for Dragon Day! on 7/28/2020!

Link wakes up in the middle of a field outside of Ponyville. He has no idea of how he got there--last he remembers he was in Hyrule.
But with barely an explanation, he's plunged into a crazy adventure with his newfound friends--an adventure that will save Equestria.

Proofread by Well Geboren

EDIT: Featured October 12th. Forgot to add that till now. XD
Featured AGAIN on November 30th! Woo!

At long last, Equestria has returned to a state of peace. Celestia can focus on the simple task of ruling her little ponies and bringing about Harmony.

Or she would, if she didn't feel that something was wrong. Wrong with her? Wrong with Equestria? She can't tell, and that only makes it worse. Perhaps her friends are right. Perhaps she's become so used to conflict she doesn't know how to relax.

That's what the voice tells her, anyway.

Preread/edited by Pascoite and OnionPie. Thanks for putting up with me, guys!

Cover art by blueSpaceling.

She knew. Deep down, Twilight had known for years. It was obvious, really: how long had Celestia and Luna been alive? Thousands of years and they were alicorns. Yet, how long did the average pony live? Up to a hundred if they were lucky. 
Twilight had known for a while, that much was true, but she still thought...maybe...just maybe, if she didn’t think about it, it wouldn’t be true.

(Edit: Featured on 1-3-20 and 1-4-20!!!!! Thank you for all of the support!!!)

Moxie gazed over the stallion in front of her, as the crowd stared at them in turn. Fellow nobles, dignitaries, and her parents had all gathered here, in the balmy mansion of her birth, to witness this occasion. The final words had been said, and they were now officially husband and wife. But she was not happy; this was not her wish.

She ran her hoof down the lock of blue hair entwined in her mane. Her whole life had been decided for her, everything coordinated to the tiniest detail. What she had learnt, how she spent her leisure, who she knew, whose company she enjoyed, whom she had pledged herself to, everything... except the one trip she had taken to Canterlot without the permission of her parents, that is. The glimmering blue strands linger as a testament to her last free action...

Featured on EqD: 13-11-2013

A surprise visit from Twilight prompts a conversation about Celestia's unusually long life, and the implications for the young Alicorn.

But immortality comes at a cost, and no immortal would wish it upon another.

6/15/2019: Oh my goodness. Featured. Thanks all!

This story is a sequel to Trixie's Flares

As an introverted person who thinks talking naturally is unnatural, you're starting to think that maybe the land of friendship you appeared in isn't a place for you to make friends.

Vinyl Scratch might just be the pony to change that, however. While relaxing in the park one day with your headphones in and your sunglasses on, far away from anypony else, she comes up, and, incredibly, so do your emotions. She may have just scratched the surface on your reclusiveness.

For a long time, you have had troubles with yourself. From all areas and all sides, you have caught yourself metaphorically beating yourself up over anything and everything. Twilight Sparkle, your hostess, friend, and Princess, has a few words with you about it while you slumber.

EDIT 12/08/2019: Now with an audio reading by StraightToThePointStudio! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjhzfty9YUA&t=1s

As an elderly stallion reflects back on his life, he receives a visit from the most powerful being in all Equus and all the universe. Before going off to paradise, he is brought to a beach where he sees two sets of hoofprints in the sand, representing his walk through life. What he discovers there will change his outlook forevermore.

Princess Celestia writes a letter of encouragement to you, her faithful student, as you go forward in this life.

The cover artist is Verulance.

EDIT: Featured in the popular box the same day as posting! Thanks so much!