No marriage is without its challenges, especially not that of Spike and Rarity. Despite the fairy tale-like circumstances surrounding their courtship (Beauty and the Beast is a popular reference made at dinner parties), their relationship is far from perfect: indeed, the combination of her overwhelmingly large dress orders and his frequent extended trips across Equestria as Celestia's personal envoy makes it seem as though neither one of them has any time for their significant other. Yet there is one key factor, one constant variable in their lives that will always be there to remind them of how much they love and care for one another, no matter what issues they face.

Thank Celestia they have Claire.

Featured 3-27-14!
—————
My third foray into the Kilalaverse. Don't know what I'm talking about? Click here to find out!
Pre-read by the Lady herself, Ms. Kilala.
Spike, Rarity, and MLP: FiM in general © Hasbro/Lauren Faust
Crystal Clarity © kilala97 of DA

At her coronation after-party, Twilight gets a little freaked out at the prospect of growing into her new life, especially one specific aspect of it. She knows better than anyone that talking her problems over with a friend can help tremendously, but she doesn't have many friends with whom she'd be comfortable talking about this particular problem, let alone ones who would really understand what she's going through.

...unless she broadens her definition of "friend."

Now with a reading, courtesy of PresentPerfect! Go check it out, if you're so inclined.
Ahora en español gracias al maravilloso trabajo de SPANIARD KIWI!
(Now in Spanish thanks to the brilliant work of SPANIARD KIWI!)

What would you do to defend all that you love? A group of friends, bonded by years of war, know what they have given up and also know what they would give up again if forced to. But when a battle goes awry, they find themselves in a place that does not know war as they do. They are confronted by how much they have been changed by violence and what they miss about peace. As they rediscover what they’ve fought to protect, a new force threatens to destroy it. These warriors now watch as this peaceful land prepares to make the very sacrifice they once made: Their innocence. As the darkness descends, promises are made and friends part ways. Can Equestria withstand the tides of war? Will these ponies still be the same kind-hearted creatures when this ends?

Rated a strong Teen for violence, gore and moderate language.