Twilight Sparkle has a lot of difficulty getting a good night's sleep. She has to keep it a secret from the ponies who care about her, because they might disown her. Worse, they might try to help...

WARNING: The first five or so chapters are, on reflection, properly grimdark. If this makes you run away like a puppy that just laid a brown egg on the new carpet, that's your prerogative entirely. Please don't tell me that I'm objectionable for having written it, though, because that's not very nice. Or accurate. At all.

The shiny new art is a commission by this lovely person, so do feel free to check her out for all your creepy-pony needs.

While walking through the streets of Ponyville, Twilight bumps into Big Macintosh. She starts to develop feelings for him, but does he feel the same?

It's been five years since she first met them, and most of Twilight Sparkle's friends have found love, leaving her feeling left out and unwanted. The Winter's Eve Ball promises a magical night of mystique and romantic wonder, but will Twilight's romantic notions get the best of her? Based on the song by the Fireman.

Originally published on Equestria Daily November 29, 2011.

Be sure to check out the song by Baron Thyrai!

After receiving a request from Braeburn, Big Macintosh makes his way to Appleloosa to help his cousin in his time of need. The visit is shadowed, however, by Big Mac's lingering resentment over an issue Braeburn doesn't see quite the same way. Underneath the blazing desert heat, they air their differences, and discover what the idea of 'family' really means.