The Canterlot Exchange, ten thousand humans and ponies pass through its doors every day, on their way to destinations all across Earth and throughout Equestria. Some are wide eyed migrants, others are only passing through, or on their way to find the most exotic holiday of their lives. They are mavericks, heroes or just everyday travellers, but every one has a story to tell. These are just a few of the tales I've gathered from the Canterlot Exchange.

With thanks to Luna-tic Scientist, Lord of Dorkness and docontra for their help pre-reading.

Winner of the Transformation group 3000 Member Celebration Contest!

Every week, Equestria's princesses take a break from ruling their kingdom and discuss life. Usually over coffee.

Here are their assorted conversations.

Cover art by Grennadder. The story is marked complete because it's not a writing priority of mine, more a palette cleanser I come back to between harder projects

Big Macintosh was a simple apple farmer pony. He has a family who cares about him, a respected name in the Ponyville community, and enjoys his work tilling and caring for his beloved apple trees.

But when he's thrown into jail under false charges, he begins to think about the freedom he'd taken for granted. Suddenly, a strange package appears within his cell, containing tools for his escape and a strangely cryptic note that forces him to reevaluate his lot in life.

After; he comes across a strange and foreign stallion who teaches him the ways of freedom and liberty in a way that changes the young pony's life forever.

Freedom, Choice, Independence, and Liberty.

To some, these words are taken for granted, believing themselves entitled to the ideas simply because they draw breath. But what happens when you stop and think about them? What course of action does your mind take when your mind dwells upon these words?

And more importantly, what are you willing to sacrifice to preserve them?

(Special thanks to codejunkie for assisting in the editing of earlier chapters.)

Twilight Sparkle never seemed to notice Lyra Heartstrings. She didn't even remember Lyra's name.

They were friends back in Canterlot and even went to school together. Yet Twilight didn't notice that Lyra just happened to move to Ponyville the same day she did. She didn't even notice when Lyra appeared at her welcoming party. Nor did she ever seem to spot her old classmate passing by in the background on any other day during her stay in Ponyville. Some days she could look right at Lyra and never realize that they knew each other.

Lyra isn't a very noticeable pony. She has put a lot of effort into that.

Set in late season 5, after Amending Fences.
Note: Lots of spoilers in the comments.

Following his tumultuous defeat, King Sombra is flung across space and time to exit out a human's malfunctioning toaster. For weeks, Sombra monologues his revenge to destroy those that hurt him. But seven months later, when a route back to Equestria is found, does he not seem all that interested in returning.

Edited by spigo.

Prequel: The Roommate From Tartarus
Side Sequel: (Not My) Home Sweet Home

Update: labelled as complete. The last three chapters will remain as bonus chapters.