It's Twilight and Spike's first night in their new castle, and after yet another near-apocolypse, they just want to get a good night's sleep. Unfortunately, it seems that no good deed goes unpunished, as sleep proves very elusive in these unfamiliar surroundings.

It takes place after Twilight forgives Trixie for what she did in the episode "Magic Duel", and Spike doesn't buy it. He runs off in hurt and Applejack and the others tell Twilight that Spike really missed Twilight and how he really sees Twilight as his family. Now Twilight has to fix this problem between her and Spike.

Original cover art by ~secrettklstories

I'm honestly quite surprised no one did this kind of story yet. But I guess 'll take my shot at it.

When Twilight becomes a princess, Spike starts to worry about the future and feels his relationship with Twilight will drift away.

When Twilight visits Celestia's private hall of stained-glass windows, each bearing the image of a long-gone friend, one in particular catches her eye.

Who was this pony?

Why was she so important to Celestia?

And why does she look so familiar?

There is now a Spanish translation of this story, courtesy of Spaniard Kiwi

Rainbow Dash has almost always habored feelings for her lavender friend, but she also is hesitant to tell her. After finding out that Twilight is sick she makes it her goal to see her get better, and maybe even tell her the truth.

During a reading session with Twilight, Rainbow Dash says something she probably shouldn't have. The night takes an unexpected turn.

TwiDash! :3

Fluttershy fell in love at first sight and has kept it to herself. Now that her crush has gained a pair of wings, she decides that it is impossible to be with her now. Walking around, she remembers some of her happy memories.

Love me... I mean, if you're ok with me.

"Learning to trust your instincts is a valuable lesson to learn."

Mere months after the events of "A Canterlot Wedding," the memories of cold shoulders and dismissals remain fresh in Twilight Sparkle's mind, which causes her to question her ability to face the next task that Princess Celestia bestows upon her.

Alone, she must find a way to protect an entire empire. She's afraid and unprepared, but when a mysterious stallion lends a hoof to her success, she soon discovers a friendship that threatens to blossom into something much greater.

(6/9/2016): Made it to the "Featured" page again! You're so awesome, guys!

(( "Of Magic and Masquerades" is the first story in the Crucibles of Harmony series. It is an alternate take on "The Crystal Empire," with some alternate events from Season 3 and minor Twilight/Sombra shipping. ))

No important political meetings to attend? Check! No letters to answer? Check! A magical and child-safe gift for Flurry Heart that she's sure to love? Check!

Her schedule was clear. Shining and Cadence were off on vacation. She'd prepared all her materials. Twilight Sparkle was more than ready to spend a fun-filled weekend babysitting her favorite niece.

But she wasn't prepared for King Sombra's return. Nopony could prepare to be trapped with him inside a storybook of fairy tales.

And nopony's ever ready for an unhappy ending...

Proofread by: Alicornpriest

Winner of November 2017 NaPoWriMo: Goal of 50k smashed!

Now Featured on Equestria Daily - First hit the Featured Box on April 28th!

This story is a Prequel to When Darkness Falls

King Sombra has been defeated. His rebellion has been crushed, his allies scattered and now for his punishment, Princesses Celestia and Luna have used the Elements of Harmony to strip him of his mortal form, trapping him as a living shadow and imprisoning him deep underground the depths of the Frozen North. For a thousand years, he suffered a fate worse than death. Now learn what he went through as he waited for his nightmare to end.

Cover art by DragonwolfRooke