This story is a sequel to What Separates

“There's always going to be melancholy days now and again, that's just the way it is!”

Not much more than two weeks past his arrival into Equestria, the human guest has spent much of his time keeping to himself, facing down the painful and permanent separation from his old world and still unsure of his position in this new one. Twilight struggles to fulfill her official roles as both a watchful eye and a guide, to the detriment of her being a simple friend. In the midst of it all, Princess Celestia calls upon them. Beyond the cozy bounds of Ponyville, something has developed which diverts their attention and presses on their differences.

A story of faith and depression.

Like What Separates, the idea is for a story which at its core is driven by the characters' dialogues with each other. This time however, the story expands and there is a bit more drama thrown in; the characters travel away and find new faces to engage with. While the focus of the prior tale was about what immediate divisions exist between two apparently different peoples, this story is focused on depression and those who retreat from the world.

“What separates us is much more than just simple cultural differences and clothes ...”

A modern human soldier falls into Equestria. After some consideration, Princess Celestia determines that Twilight Sparkle is ready to serve as his guide into their world. And as for her insights into his world? Is he a lens, or a mirror?

A story of trust and differences.

Rather than being a story of good and evil, or dramatic conflicts, the tale revolves largely around the dialogue of the human character with the many ponies; an initial cultural exchange between two parties who have not prepared for it. The intention and exploration in it is earnest: what separates them? Or what doesn't?

What Separates was originally written over the course of a few months in 2012. It was published on another fan fiction website at the time. After FimFiction grew prominent, it has been moved here.

The graffiti did not bother her. The art of vandalism was, in some form or another, as old as civilization itself. The content, on the other hoof, was an entirely different issue. “Princest Is Wincest,” it said. Bad grammar and spelling were one thing, but this was an attack on the Equestrian language.

Luna frowned. She would have to ask Celestia about this at the first opportunity. Perhaps there were spare funds for a literacy program. If nothing else, Tia might be able to explain what exactly the phrase meant.

Thanks to Wade and Sereg for prereading. Thanks to Burraku_Pansa and especially Midnight Rambler for editing.

Dramatic reading, courtesy of CaptainBron3y.

Wallace and Gromit go to the moon for a picnic. They find a lonely pony, a lovestruck robot, and an incredibly cheesy life-lesson.

Rated E for Englishness.

Featured on Equestria Daily as of 22nd January 2014!

Saw some Wallace & Gromit pony art. Then this happened. Enjoy!
Thanks to Mr101 and Craine for pre-reading.

A simple afternoon spent modifying a dress at Carousel Boutique leads to two ponies accidentally discovering that they have more in common than was once believed.

Princess Luna faces a philosophical quandary that challenges the very concept of Equestria's cuboid storage devices.

Twilight Sparkle, Element of Magic and student of Princess Celestia, has braved many dangers and defeated powerful foes. But on a peaceful afternoon, she will face her greatest challenge: eating some lunch.

With thanks to GlueFactory for helping me edit, and Equestria Daily for featuring me!

When Rarity and Rainbow Dash discover that they disagree on a point close to their hearts, they decide to settle their differences the only way two mature mares can: by forcing each other to embarrass themselves.

With thanks to GlueFactory, WhatTheMoo and Icarus_Gizmo for editing, and Equestria Daily for featuring me! Cover art by OsakaOji.

To save her sister and her faithful student, Celestia herself must travel into the ancient tunnels beneath the ruined castle in the Everfree Forest. She, and the guards who accompany her, must face the dark, twisting corridors. Still, what was Luna and Twilight's purpose at the old castle? Why were they unable to return of their own accord?

And what watches Celestia from beyond the light's edge?

During a lull in the conversation at an upper class charity dinner, Rarity takes a moment to contemplate some commonly held assumptions made of Princess Celestia. Specifically, her table manners.