Mis-communication has started many a war, but in this case maybe calling it a war was too generous.

The "war" is over, Twilight has successfully orchestrated a bloodless end to the Griffons' aggression, but only now does she realize that there is more to winning than she had first assumed, especially against a nation that holds war as a central part of their culture...

Now Twilight must deal with the aftermath while facing a challenge she never anticipated: being seen as a conqueror.

This can be read alone, but I recommend reading the letter that started it all for a chuckle and a little exposition. This series of expositional one-shots can also give some additional world-building.

A Diamond Dog king, feeling bold after gathering an army of 100,000 dogs, decides the best way to flex his new muscles would be to invade Equestria for past perceived slights. As such, he sends a letter to Princess Celestia with a declaration of war.

It goes about as well as you'd expect.

A good Queen's job is never easy; if the world doesn't challenge them, they'll challenge themselves. Luckily, they have others that they can rely on to aid them.

But that can be hard to do, especially in times like these. The Cultural Exchange Treaty has thrown Changeling Hive Chrysalis into a radical state of change, and no one is sure how things will turn out.

But I am sure of this: I care, and I'll do whatever it takes to help her.

(This story is part of a larger continuity; for a full explanation of how it fits into the larger narrative, click here.)

Petty Officer Second Class Slater is stationed aboard the EUPN ship Enduring Spirit, traveling through the vast reaches of the Milky Way Galaxy to discover new wormhole routes for the colonies of Earth. But when what was supposed to be a "simple" wormhole jump goes horribly wrong, PO2 Slater's life almost ends... and changes forever.

Pre-read by Edukas

Now with an amazing YouTube reading by the equally amazing AShadowOfCygnus!

During its two year search for Shepard, the lone Geth traveled across the galaxy, exploring worlds both known and unknown. After a blind FTL jump to escape from an Alliance patrol, it found itself in a previously undiscovered system, a system without a mass relay and completely cut off from the rest of the galaxy. It touched down on one of the worlds, a garden-like planet, with the intention of gathering data on any flora and fauna that may have been present.

Instead, it made a remarkable discovery.

Edit at 8:10 AM on 8/17/2014: Scanning...Featured Box Achieved! This unit humbly thanks all organics and fellow synthetics for their support!

A big thanks to my bloody brilliant proofreader AShadowOfCygnus. Don't stop being classy, buddy.
NOTE: This story takes place years before the Return, back when Twilight was just a filly.
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic belongs to Hasbro.
Mass Effect belongs to BioWare and Electronic Arts.

Ever since losing her best friend, Gilda has wanted nothing more to do with ponies, instead opting to bury herself with work with the goal of earning enough bits to return to her homeland on her own terms. But while living in Equestria, forces much bigger than one measly messenger are at work, slowly pulling two superpowers apart.

Whether she wants it or not, Gilda's life is still filled with ponies; from the one in her dreams to the new turquoise pegasus following her around, to Celestia herself. With a little sleight of hoof from Equestrian royalty, the griffon is offered the opportunity to either stand up and better her life and the lives of others or continue to be a hapless bystander and wallow in melancholy.

For Gilda, it comes down to a much simpler choice.

Stay, or go.

Re-written story

Edited and beta'd by Nightwalker

Takes place after Wonderbolts Academy and before Magical Mystery Cure

Now with Spanish translation. Thanks to SPANIARD KIWI for that.

The Long Patrol is an extension of the crown. It brings the rule of law and the princess's banner to the far reaches of the kingdom, the places where harmony fades and the wild chaos of nature still reigns.

In times past, all the tribes took part in the patrol. Today, it is mostly pegasi and a few gryphons. The distances they travel are simply too vast for anyone without wings.

Like most gryphons who join, I wanted to get away from my kind. I dreamed of the adventures I would have and the friends I would make. I certainly got those.

I just wish the price weren't so high.

[My entry for the EqD Summer "Outsider Insight" contest.]

At long last, the princess of Equestria have managed to secure peace with the queen of the changelings. The two races have come together for the betterment of each. There may still be some tension on an individual level but as a whole each now accepts the other. As the new era begins ambassadors are being sent to each side.

For the changeling ambassadors, Princess Twilight Sparkle has volunteered to house the ponies in Ponyville and to make it her priority that everything goes smoothly. She believes that it will definitely be a learning experience for both races.

For one of the changelings though she couldn't be more right.

Written for the: The Equestria Daily Outside Insight Summer Fanfic Contest
Thanks to my editors/prereaders: Flintlock Spark, Bladeofthemad and NightmareKnight
I thank these guys for putting up with my i'll timed writing explosions...like this one!

Ponies? Yeah, you hear a lot about them growing up in the minotaur homelands, and it isn't all positive. Actually, almost none of it is positive. They're different. They've got those weird pictures on their flanks and those little prayers they mumble to their princesses. Ponies are gentle, passive. They're not like us.

See, a minotaur is supposed to act a certain way. You bulk up. You get aggressive. You don't let anyone else push you around, and you don't associate with ponies. I've heard the same thing my whole life, ever since I was young.

Featured on Equestria Daily!
Honorable Mention in the Equestria Daily Outside Insight Contest!
Art by BGN

Having grown up in Griffonia for most of his life, Lenny Redtail has a very low opinion of ponies. But a quick foray into Ponyville just might teach him a lesson or two about friendship and what it means to be equine.

[Intended entry for the Equestria Daily Outside Insight Summer Fanfic Contest.]