I carve these words now well fed and hearty. It is the exact opposite state that dearest mother said I would be by this time. She is a fool; she has no tact, no skill when it comes to extracting love from these ponies. Now with the rest of my hive blasted to the far winds I am left with a simple message for passers by. There is always something that follows us in the darkest depths, but we all have the choice of who and what that follower is.

Written for the Feature Box Crusaders' Monthly Writing Prompt Competition. All are welcome to join!

With being outcast from Ponyville and only feeling ill staying in Cloudsdale, Gilda has lived in the Everfree forest for over a year ever since she lost her friend Rainbow Dash. More than half her nest lays littered with crumpled and pierced letters she never sent, and the creatures of the forest have given up on comforting her. Gilda has never felt more alone in her life.

When the wandering Fluttershy happens upon her home, Gilda finds forgiveness in the last place she would ever expect. But will the rest of Ponyville forgive her?

And will that include a specific rainbow pegasus?

Two changelings wander out of a hive ruled by mayhem after the failed attack on Canterlot... and wonder what to make of the strange new memories they now possess.
Are they the long-lost Apple parents, or are they just a pale image?