In the closing days of the Pre-Classical Era, at the dawn of the rule of the Royal Pony Sisters, the devastation of Discord’s cruelty hits hard and leaves an open wound. As the young and inexperienced Princesses Celestia and Luna struggle to keep the peace, powerful figures in all three Pony tribes bridle at the upstart Alicorns who so quickly and easily claimed power...

Fic reading with soundtrack can be found here!

This story is a sequel to Stallions of Harmony - Longest Night

"What happened back there?"

"Nothing, and if you ever ask me that again, consider yourself FIRED forever. Understand?"

That was what he said the day of the Summer Sun Celebration inspection, but a pony can't help wondering. Shining Armor has followed that particular order to the best of his ability since then, but some other ponies aren't so inclined to let the past lie.

Sometimes ponies just have a bad day. They spill their cereal, trip in the mud, have their checks bounce, and get attacked by an extradimensional geometrical entity. Villain Cube knows what that's like. He understands what they're going through. He's there for them, to listen as they bare their troubled hearts, and also to set them on fire.

Note: This story crosses over with Equestria Girls, but is set in the pony world.

Once upon a time, ponies did not know how to count very far. Clover the Clever tells her two young fillies the story of how her mentor, Starswirl the Bearded, learned the secret of counting from the dragons.

While hunting for a spider hiding in her chaise lounge, Rarity suddenly realizes she has the ability to forgive sins. Enlightened with this understanding, Rarity goes out into Ponyville to give ponies her grace, and perhaps even to draft her friends in her mission.

That was the plan, but Applejack is being awfully stubborn.

Seeking shelter from a storm, a pony chances upon a small cave, but finds it already occupied by a gryphon. Despite fear and mistrust, the two of them must share it until morning.

Many, many thanks to Solstice Shimmer for ideas, commentary and feedback. Edited by PoisonClaw, sevenofeleven and Pascoite.

“There are times when a fic so perfectly encompases the meaning of Friendship is Magic that it becomes easy to believe that the writer is a nom de plume of one of the show's writers.”

— Seattle's Angels

“A calm, deliberate story of friendship laser-focused on two really strong characters. It's world-building by way of character-building, a tale of common understanding growing where none existed that never even thinks about being preachy.

Highly Recommended”

— PresentPerfect

Spoiled Rotten knows her best years are behind her. The time of flowers, whirlwind romances, and the luxury of rejecting suitors has passed. Now is the time for husbands and cradles, and she still has neither. With the clock ticking and a string of failed relationships trailing behind her, she fears it will stay that way.

So when one of the rare earth pony elite appears at a Canterlot party, despondent, alone, and (possibly) single, it’s an opportunity too good to pass up. And it’s been so long since Spoiled’s met a stallion she genuinely likes.

History says it won’t last. Common sense warns it won’t work. It’s a one-in-a-million chance, and luck’s never been on her side before. But Spoiled has to try. She can’t afford not to.

(In continuity with The Silver Standard, though reading is not required.)

Reviews:
Titanium Dragon
Seattle's Angels
The Royal Guard
PresentPerfect

‘A horse walks into a bar...’

One evening a despondent Applejack walked into Ponyville’s tavern. The next morning she was gone without a trace.

In the days following her disappearance the inn’s landlord recounts events in Ponyville as the town searches for its lost friend, struggling to understand why she left, and where she went.

Fluttershy lives a happy life. Every day is special. All of her friends are lovely ponies.
Today is a day just like any other; she wakes in the morning, does her chores, sees her friends, takes a nap and sees more of her friends before an evening of relaxation.
Just an ordinary, wonderful day.

My submission for the Everfree Northwest 2016 Scribblefest writing contest.

Edited by Shrink Laureate and others who chose to remain anonymous.

Lily brings happiness to other ponies, one flower at a time. But when that happiness dies the next day, what was it really worth?

Revised 2/28/16

Featured on Equestria Daily 3/2/16