Applejack takes a train ride to see her parents.

You have been working for the Apple Family for months now, but you find yourself unable to tell anypony your true thoughts and feelings. Instead you hide behind a mask so convincing that even the Element of Honesty believes it.

This story takes place in the same universe as my first story, Rising Sun, so if you have some questions look there before asking them. Anyway, enjoy this, and the two sequels, I Would Give to You, and Faux Pas of the Heart. Links to those stories can be found in the final chapter.

As of 9/14/12 10:51 Eastern Time Approval rating is 96.125%

Fluttershy gets more than she asked for when she visits the Library and hears moaning from behind the door. Concerned that Twilight may have developed a problem, Rarity and Rainbow Dash go and investigate.

[2nd Person Perspective]

Working as a waiter at Canterlot's various social gatherings is a nice job. Especially since you began chatting with the cello player of the usual quartet, Octavia. You've gotten to know a lot about her, but one night there seems to be something on her mind. You offer her a drink to ease her nerves and you bring your glasses together in cheers.

Next thing you know, you wake up in a strange hotel room in a town you've never been to next to a certain gray mare.

Art by John Joseco

A bizarre vortex has taken shape over the Everfree and strange ponies are appearing throughout it's confines. In the eyes of the public the ponies seem completely normal, they walk, talk, and eat just like the rest of us. But something about their visions they claim to have had before awaking is...offsetting, not to mention the fact that they just seem to appear out of thin air.

More concerned with the sudden appearances than their friends, Twilight Sparkle, Spike, Fluttershy and Angel Bunny must find out why these mysterious ponies are appearing and where they're coming from, risking it all in a quest for the truth.

Unfortunately the truth isn't always meant to be uncovered, and the Everfree is determined to prevent it from surfacing.

Vinyl Scratch was always an odd one, seemingly hating classical music yet always willing to go with Lyra and Bonbon with a little convincing. One evening they see Octavia perform, and the songs are more than familiar to Vinyl. Realizing that Octavia is playing songs that Vinyl herself had composed when she was younger. Over time and through many trials with her new friends, Octavia discovers that there's a little more to Vinyl than she initially thought.

Proofreaders: Sour Grapes and BarbarianBrony (Thanks to both of you!)

In the dark,six voices dwindle. They drift, forgetting life and love and hope, eaten away by time and void.

And then, suddenly, there was colour.

Humans... humans are such a bizarre race. Capable of the greatest benevolence and the worst atrocities. And yet, they're so very predictable. For you see, while societies may die, and nations may crumble, one thing will remain constant: the desire to survive.

I should know. I was there when everything fell.

Celestia has had enough of half-arsed promises from her loyal subjects. It's time to wear a different hat.

Also on: DeviantArt

My name is Gilda. I used to be a Griffon warrior, until I got banished.

When you're banished, you've got nothing. No clan, no funding, no gold watch and friendly job reference. You're stuck wherever the Griffon clans aren't.

You do whatever work comes your way. You rely on anyone still talking to you. A speed-freak ex-marefriend. A megalomaniac illusionist working as a middlemare for the EIS.

Family too, if you're desperate.

Bottom line is, as long as you're banished, you're not going anywhere