This story is a sequel to When the Man Comes Around

The eighth story in The Journey of Graves

The Grand Galloping Gala, so far gone yet still shining bright in memory as if it were just yesterday. That night marked the turning point for Graves, the night he found something beyond the sight of his rifle, beyond the endless call to arms. It's a new beginning, a new life to spend with the friends he cares for and the one he loves. For once, the grey eyed marshal finds that he too, has a chance to live happily ever after.

This story is a sequel to When the Man Comes Around

The thirteenth in The Journey of Graves

It started out as a glamorous evening for two of Equestria's finest and their lovely lady friends. It ended up a sordid mess of screaming civilians, chaotic upheaval, and explosions. Lots of explosions.

Twilight is almost used to being an alicorn now. She's accepted that unexpected change, and is even happy about it, most of the time. Her magical abilities have grown by leaps and bounds, and she's starting to enjoy the freedom offered by flight. While she can't imagine ever being as good as Rainbow Dash, anypony with reasonable standards would by now consider her quite competent in the air.

But despite her growing enthusiasm and confidence, there's something that she has neglected to deal with. Something that's bothered her at times ever since the transformation, but kept getting shuffled down her list of priorities. Fortunately, she knows just the pony to talk to for help, and she won't let nervousness and self-reliant rationalization hold her back anymore. The latest of Pinkie Pie's parties provides a perfect pretext for a conversation she should've had months ago.

If you're confused by the date listed on the chapter, that's just when I originally uploaded it for pre-reader viewing. Life got in the way and I didn't get around to hitting Submit until Feb. 7, 2016.

Something's wrong with Twilight's new student, the redeemed villain Starlight Glimmer

Even though Starlight been forgiven for everything she's done and been made a member of Twilight's distinguished circle of friends, something's obviously troubling her. Even a Pinkie Party thrown in her honor isn't enough to cheer her up.

Troubled, Twilight has a little mare-to-mare chat with her new friend/student, only to be bushwhacked by a simple question: "Why?"

Special thanks to Winston for proofreading and editing!

Short Fuse, the most short-tempered, impatient pony in Ponyville, goes to the local Equestrian Department of Licensing to have his cart license renewed. As you can imagine, it doesn't go well.

Special thanks to KingMoriarty, ShrinkLaureate and Comrade_Pony for proofreading and editing!

After an argument with Applejack leaves Applebloom in tears, Big Macintosh goes outside to blow off some steam in the best way he knows: by blowing bubbles with Smarty Pants. As he does, he starts to ponder the meaning of life...and his own self-worth.

Special thanks to Shrink Laureate, ARTL, and SudokuBrony for proofreading and editing!

A drama couch is important business. Much like a wedding dress for a princess, It must be tailored specifically to the pony that will use it. Rarity finally faces that dreaded day when she must find a suitable replacement to one of her most treasured possessions.

Cover Art by FairDahlia

Twilight Sparkle is an expert in unicorn magic, but earth pony magic remains a mystery to her. The books in her library have very little information about the earth tribe's abilities, other than their famous strength. Twilight is determined to uncover their secrets.

What she learns will change her life.

And it just might change Applejack's life as well.

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