In the 19th century of Princess Celestia's rule, Equestria experienced an acceleration of its progress and prosperity as the first westward expansion began. Yet there were some ponies who took this call to progress as a warrant for ever more radical reform. In 1858, 148 ponies left Equestria to realize that radical dream. This is their story.

Written for a Writeoff Association contest (based off the prompt "Distant Shores"), but more broadly intended as an homage to Nathaniel Hawthorne, inspired by and deeply indebted to his great short story, Earth's Holocaust.

Zecora is known to lead a peaceful existence, alone in the Everfree Forest, lending a helping hoof or advice when asked. But her story began in a very different way, long ago and far away, amidst silk, incense, blood and treachery.

Image source: Giulia Beck

Thanks to Meridian Prime and The Fool for prereading and editing.

Thanks to Quill Scratch for a last check.

Got featured on EQD!

Murder has come to Canterlot.

When a body is discovered, mutilated beyond recognition, Princess Luna is tasked with finding the culprit and bringing them to justice.

As the Alicorn of Darkness, it is her duty to watch over the night, and protect the ponies of Equestria from that which lurks in shadow. But she won't be alone in this endeavor; a stallion from the Royal Investigative Service and the prince of chaos himself have been sent to aide her in this matter.

Together this strange trio will find that there is much more at play here than mere murder; a storm is gathering in the shadows of Canterlot, and even the powers of a god may not be enough overcome it.

Prereading credits go to the eminent Carabas.

[Cute]
A day in the life of a young Derpy. She wakes up, has breakfast, and ventures onward into the wonderful adventure of life. Who knows what mischief she'll get herself into?

Author's Note:
Last one's coming up. ^_^

Pre-read by MissingLink and sunnypack
Edited by Hopeless Appraisal

Some ponies come into your life and quickly go.

Some show up on your doorstep with a squadron of hungry soldiers and refuse to leave.

Much to Princess Platinum's chagrin, Commander Hurricane belongs to the latter category.

It's a shame she can't tell him off without summoning an eternal blizzard.

Spanish Translation from Spaniard Kiwi!

Three times the sun sets.

Three times Granny Smith makes a friend.

Three times a young filly fights a losing battle.

Spanish Translation from Spaniard Kiwi!

Cover art by Scyphi

Peristeronic: Of or pertaining to pigeons.

Little do we know, Pigeons have a secret military operating within every major city in Equestria. This is the story of one of the greatest and most important covert operations ever carried out by the pigeon military; to ruin Prince Blooblood's day.

An inane short story inspired by the xkcd comic "Adjectives"

Before she left, Twilight told Applejack not to open the door. But when leaving the door shut means compromising her values, how long can Applejack hold out?

Written for the December 2014 writeoff: "Behind Closed Doors"

Side note: I've done some general edits and (hopefully) improved the ending. [26/02/2015]

They say minotaurs live by the scars they bear. Bismuth's hide is a map of the world. His life was the blade, and the blade was his life, carried unto a hundred red fields, down a thousand roads, singing among elk, deer, and dragons. He stood at ramparts long since fallen, and was counted a hero in lands forgotten, when ponies had only begun to dream.

Maybe it's all true, but now he rocks in his chair, stirring at embers, while his deeds turn to rust in the shadows. What kind of scars call that living? And if you ask him, would he tell you?

--
Seek hope even in darkness.
Spanish translation by SPANIARD KIWI: https://www.deviantart.com/spaniard-kiwi/art/Los-debiles-968627541
Audio reading by CreepyPastaSalad: Clicket!
Inspired by Jetfire's "Dangerous Business" and "Besides the Will of Evil."

Five years ago, Dr. Natalie Sydney was contacted by an enigmatic extraterrestrial. Now, it's happening again.

This story was written for Equestria Daily's More Most Dangerous Game writing contest. It fulfills the My Little Dashie-inspired prompt. It was 11th-hour-proofread and edited by Nicknack.