(Prequel to Tears of a Fallen Star)
More than one thousand years ago, the world was a continuous string of wars. With nations at each other’s throats, leaders would place their trust in the assistance of mercenaries. But of all the mercenaries in the world, none were more feared than a special group known only as “The Cutters”. This group of three ponies, an earth pony and two pegasi were so feared that most nations would hesitate before hiring them. Mainly because their number one rule was to work for the highest bidder. Even if it meant killing their current contractor. With a past shrouded in mystery and a skill unmatched by any nation. these three mercenaries would kill without hesitation, without fear, and without mercy, a jewel for any nation’s military force. Yet there is more to them than what meets the eye.

This is an alternate timeline set in the same universe as The Ties that Bind -- a "what if?" scenario, or "sister story" if you will. Reading The Ties that Bind is not required, but it is recommended.

On a cold winter night, tragedy befalls Twilight's family and she barely manages to escape with her life. Now she's lost and alone in a place she doesn't recognize.

She's left to wander aimlessly with nothing but the dark memory of that night to keep her company, but that's about to change.

Something awoke in the lavender filly that night -- a new kind of magic she's never had a chance to study before, and she soon finds she's not the only filly with dark memories and something new to learn.

Thankfully they both come across a strange town with a pony that just might be able to cultivate their new talents.

Tragedy strikes the Sparkle estate one winter evening and Twilight finds herself cold, alone, and far from home.

Fortunately she stumbles across two fillies who may have more in common with her than she realizes. With no place else to go, nopony else to turn to, and no clear way back home, Twilight decides to stay with the fillies and their caretaker while she tries to piece together the mysteries of what happened to her family and why.

Bonds will be forged.

Secrets will be unraveled.

And a great journey will be undertaken.

Additional tags: Sad, Slice of Life (I don't care if it contradicts the Adventure tag, things are gonna get Slice-of-Life-y)

Years have passed since Princess Luna returned home, but the younger sister always believed her mistakes were not entirely in the past. There was one more wound in need of mending: her most loyal subjects, bat-winged ponies, who pledged themselves to Nightmare Moon's cause and were paying the price to this day. Celestia condemned the idea of inviting Nightmare Moon's followers to the homes of her subjects; but Luna had to try, she couldn't watch those who pledged their lives to her being forced to hide, being hated by everyone. Luna gathered a team and began to sway the public opinion, as always, there was an opposition; and then, an old friend offered her support. How could she say no, especially to someone she knew so well?

Editing in progress by Love And What Came After.

In the wonderful land of another Equestria, there was the night. Night eternal — but not because Nightmare won. Ponies live, love and create beautiful things and intricate spells under the appreciative light of Triangle of Moons.

Three Heralds of the Moons — ponies that have chosen for themselves to become living channellers of Moons' aspects — will hear out an offer of a Moon and form a group, hoping to fix one issue rooted in the ancient past.

Offers of this Moon are never without a complication; never as simple as they might sound.

This one is no exception.

Proofread by Koekelbag, thanks!

Cover art is made by pfeffaroo; cutie marks are made by Nuclear Tail

Additional tag: Dark. I do not feel it as Dark, and it is most definitely not Grimdark, but your mileage may vary, and themes mentioned more or less in passing include death and afterlife, for example.

You may also want to check Chapter 0 in case of being... out of touch with the text as it is. Plus some spoilers, and some clarity too.

Now has a TVTropes page. Feel free to add to it.

Luna, Princess of the Night, feels like she's under quarantine in Canterlot. Apart from Celestia and her personal aid, Scrivener Blooms, Luna is treated like Nightmare Moon by the residents of the castle. After a journey to Ponyville, however, Luna takes an interest in attempting to make friends and begins to yearn to see more of the world and to prove that she is back in control of herself and regaining her old strength.

A mix of romance, high fantasy, and magic, the story features the power of friendship, sarcastic wit, and adventure against darkness driven by Luna's brash, courageous spirit.

The first story of the Nátta Edda, and beginning of the Fimbulvetr Trilogy.

This is the first story of The Nightmareverse. Now featured on Canterlot's Finest.

In times past, ponies would keep their fillies from being bad by telling them that if they didn't behave, Nightmare Moon would come back and get them. Of course, Nightmare Moon hasn't been back since the Elements of Harmony defeated her in Celestia's presence.

Twilight has had dreams of Nightmare Moon's return since her defeat, but she never thought they would actually come true. Then one day, she receives a rather odd visitor... And the chain of events to follow threatens to tear asunder everything that she holds dear.

(Takes place after A Canterlot Wedding. Also disregards events in the MLP graphic novels.)

Edited/pre-read by TheCloudtop and Chaodiurn. Featured four times, most recently on 22 July 2015!