Being an alicorn is wonderful... except when it isn't. There are plenty of things that put a damper on limitless vistas of possibility afforded by such a long life: Court, mortal needs and expectations, the occasional decade of ennui.

And the dreams, of course. Agelessness comes with its own special kind of dreaming. Celestia finds that her own "Inner Court" is a bit too literal, and it--and she--are troubled at the prospect of a near-immortal Twilight Sparkle.

If only she could articulate exactly why that was.

art by spectralunicorn

Part of the Monophysite Quartet, which also includes Celestia Isn't Real, Have You Considered My Servant, Twilight?, and The Esoteric Rites of Darkness. All four stories have a common origin point in an old story idea I called "Monophysite" and touch on who or what Celestia really is in some way. They are otherwise unrelated.

Sweetie Belle burst into the Carousel Boutique in tears because one of her best friends is moving to a foster home in Baltimare. Surely there has to be a pony in Ponyville who can be her foster parent, right?

I'm lucky to have two of my favorite, (and also way underrated authors) on this site pre-reading for me, HMXTaylorLee and DemonBrightSpirit. Their work is seriously excellent and unappreciated so go check them out.

My super awesome cover art was done by hugsforpenguin and commissioned by the aforementioned HMXTaylorLee, so another thanks to him.

This story takes place in an Alternate Universe where Quills and Sofas sells more than two things.

One of Fluttershy's worst fears has been realized: Gilda's back in town, and once again the little yellow Pegasus is the target of her ire. Due to past events, it seems logical that Fluttershy would be scared to death this time around. But Fluttershy's a different pony, and Gilda's about to find out how different.

Just as Fluttershy is about to find out, after quite a bit of roaring and screaming, just how different Gilda is deep down inside.

It turns out that Sunset Shimmer's final letters to Princess Celestia before her exile were not filled with resentment or remorse.

There might have been a lot more frantic running away involved.

But whatever the case, it was definitely not Sunset's fault.

At all.

Cover Art designed by Novel-Idea from my original cruddy screencap!

Rated Teen and Sex for mentions of egregious sexual irresponsibility. No actual sex.

Contains minor Sunlight shipping. Much apologies.

This story is a sequel to Bad Decisions Make Better Stories

Sunset Shimmer's class at Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns is having a reunion, and naturally she is a tad surprised to find out just exactly what they've been up to since the last time she saw them. Especially after what happened during their *ahem* last class gathering.

And this time at least, everything is definitely not her fault.

Oh, dear.

Rated Teen and Sex for mentions of egregious sexual irresponsibility, very mild pony bad language, and Princess Cadance. No actual sex. Also has minor Sunlight shipping. I'm terribly sorry, I can't help it.

Contains spoilers for the the Season 6 finale and the prequel story, but can be enjoyed without having seen either. Though little bits here and here may not make sense.

PrincessColumbia has written an unofficial sequel to this story!

Octavia Melody isn't what you'd call a particularly adventurous pony, but even she can't resist the temptation to investigate a good mystery – especially when that mystery involves one of her greatest musical influences.

The identity of the great composer 'Cecily Cambirvir' has gone unknown for more than a decade, but Octavia heard a rumor that suggested more information could be found in the Changeling Hive Chrysalis. Against her better judgement, she signs up for the changeling cultural exchange program, and rides the train to the hive with her best friend, Vinyl Scratch.

(( This fic can work as a standalone, but it is an epilogue for The Queen and I Book 3. Consequently, it has massive spoilers for that story. You can check out the entire series by clicking here. ))

Celestia is tired of ruling Equestria. So she decides to take a day off... using any means possible.
In this case it involves pretending to be sick and tricking her sister into ruling in her stead for the day.
Well, her clever plan succeeds, and Celestia is left to herself all day long. As she is enjoying her time off, she discovers a stack of letters in her bedroom; letters that she hasn't thought about in a very long time.
Letters from Rainbow Dash.
Celestia begins to read these letters from so many years ago. They are full of Rainbow's passions, her hopes, her dreams, and her love - her love for one of her best friends: Applejack. They follow Rainbow's relationship with Applejack, blossoming from friendship into something more, resulting in cuddles and kisses and eventually in Rainbow Dash learning some of the most important lessons that anypony can ever learn.
The last letter from Rainbow had been an invitation to a wedding. And it had been sent a year ago.
So why had Rainbow Dash stopped writing?

Late one night, Sunset Shimmer discovers a lonely old man sat on a park bench. He's worn, and grey. Muttering on about other worlds and places she's never heard of. She doesn't know what to make of him. All she knows is that he seems very focused on the old blue box sat across the path.

A short tribute to the fantastic Sir John Hurt. And a goodbye to the War Doctor.

Discord was never one to notice small things, at least if it didn't involve him (or if it was something he couldn't use to tease somepony else about), but when it came to Fluttershy, he noticed even the slightest details.

So, one night, he takes an unusual interest in the contents of Fluttershy's fridge; or rather, the lack of a specific content. It seems like nothing, but when Fluttershy stutters upon answering, he feels like he's discovered something good, and he won't give in until he finds out.

Featured 1/27/17 - 1/31/17

For a long time, Twilight could feel it; a sense of emptiness she couldn't explain. Now that she's a princess, that feeling is stronger than ever. She finally decides to bring the matter up with Celestia. In response, Celestia gives her an old book.

The contents of that book will change her perspective of the world... and her beloved mentor. Just accepting the truth is a challenge. And after that?

She has to make a decision.

If you’re not watching PaulAsaran, let this convince you to. —PresentPerfect

An immeasurably well crafted, highly intense read. —Ghost Mike

First place winner of Rage Reviews! seventh F*** THIS PROMPT contest! So awesome.

Pre-read by JawJoe.

Cover art by Famosity.