"Learning to trust your instincts is a valuable lesson to learn."
Mere months after the events of "A Canterlot Wedding," the memories of cold shoulders and dismissals remain fresh in Twilight Sparkle's mind, which causes her to question her ability to face the next task that Princess Celestia bestows upon her.
Alone, she must find a way to protect an entire empire. She's afraid and unprepared, but when a mysterious stallion lends a hoof to her success, she soon discovers a friendship that threatens to blossom into something much greater.
(6/9/2016): Made it to the "Featured" page again! You're so awesome, guys!
(( "Of Magic and Masquerades" is the first story in the Crucibles of Harmony series. It is an alternate take on "The Crystal Empire," with some alternate events from Season 3 and minor Twilight/Sombra shipping. ))
This looks interesting.
Intriguing...
I'm giving this one a fave to see where it leads. I'm particularly interested to see the link between the events of the wedding (or at least, how Twilight feels about how everything transpired) and the eventual meeting with Sombra. There are a few grammatical errors, but not enough to really ruin the reading experience. It's pretty well told, at least, and in my mind has some potential. Alternate Universe stories that branch from particular canon events are very much my cup of tea, so I look forward to seeing what's in store with this one. 
4805776
Yes, I apologize for grammatical errors. As hard as I try (and without any sort of editor), there's bound to be some here and there.
I'm glad you like it so far, though. Means a lot to me.
I am just wondering. I remember a while back i came across another story that was said to be a part of the CoH series, But it was removed. The title was " The Silence Of The Elements." Would that of happened to be a story of yours?
4806154
Yes, it was, but I was incredibly unhappy with the storyline that I was struggling to put together. So, ultimately, I decided to trash it and start over.
I'm much, much happier with how this one will go.
4806168 Ok. Thank you for clearing this up. Guess i should remove the old link from my bookmarks. ( lol, Can't tell you how nervous i was writing that little comment. The first comment i ever posted on the site. My hand was shaking more than the hand Jim shoots with.)
4806193
Aww, don't be nervous! Comments are good, especially when they are helpful or merely curious questions.
No need to fear. I don't bite.
It's really interesting to see how this chapter differs from the show's episode. I hope the next chapter comes soon.
Interesting Story. I can't wait for the next chapter. Good luck. I like how you have some of the aftermath of season 2 influence Twilight in this story.
Haven't read chapter 2 yet cause I'm at school but I do want to ask. How many chapters will there be and how long do you think it will take to get them all out?
4807572
I honestly don't know how long this is going to be, but I'm thinking that there will be at least ten or so chapters. I'll work on them as often as possible, given that I don't have anything really going on in the real world right now. At the LATEST, I'll have a chapter out once a week. I'll try to have two. Hopefully, writer's block won't keep me from that goal.
4807588 Awesome, will be reading chapter 2 as soon as I'm out of History class.
4807634
Cool. I hope you will enjoy it!
Okay! That Stallion in the cloak is obviously Sombra.
4808155
No, of course not! What would make you assume such a thing?
4808198
Well... This is a story that has Sombra obviously in it and it was never shown of him attacking the main six and Shining, before they reached the empire. Plus, there is a mysterious stallion in a cloak. A CLOAK!!! So, in my theory, Sombra had no way of attacking them, because he was already in the empire to begin with trying to stay hidden, with the cloak, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
But that is just my theory. This is your story, so anything could happen.
Have a like and a favorite.
Okay, that was unexpected. Didn't see that one coming.
Interesting. Look forward to more.
That was unexpected and great. Good job. I can't wait for the next chapter. I wonder if Twilight will see any more of Sombra. Good luck with the next chapter.
This chapter was intriguing.
can't wait to see the next chapter is going be like and sombra being some kinda softy i like that alot
Wow! I may have expected that the stallion in the cloak was Sombra, but I did not expect him to just give the Crystal Heart to Twilight, just like that.
Have you ever considered submitting this story to Equestria Daily? You can find out how to do so here.
So when's the next chapter coming out?
4841771
I'm halfway through the chapter, so either (MUCH) later tonight or tomorrow night. Hopefully.
I'm waiting for the moment when things start to go bad. It cant be too far away now.
4863919 Indeed. Gir prancing around in my head singing the Doom song.
This chapter was great.
Nice chapter. I loved this stories ending of the test. Good luck with the next chapters. I guess next we will be learning a bit about Sombra.
Yeah! I love their crystal designs too and wished they kept them that way longer! I liked Twilight's design best, though.
I just got around to reading the last few chapters. I feel that this fic could go any number of different ways and I can't wait to see what happens next, especially Sombra's role. I'm also guessing that Twilight and Celestia will clash at some point... Just keep writing, okay? This is good stuff.
4875140
Hey, thanks a whole bunch for the encouragement. I definitely plan to keep on working on this story.
(Next chapter will take a while because I'm editing the plot outline I have right now.)
Nice chapter.
Despite this chapter being short, it was still good. I hope you have the next one soon, though.
Nice idea for the next part of this story. I wonder will Twilight tell her friends about Sombra or not? Great job. I can't wait to read the next chapter. I think I know who the robber is.
Yeah, that's right, Flash Sentry. Twilight is gonna be Sombra's girl, not yours.
My anticipation is building! 
I love it when this story updates.
Nice chapter. I wonder what the next chapter will be like. I guess nice chapter we will see if Twilight finds Sombra.
Well, I see that Sombra haven't completely lost his mind in this AU. But giving away the Crystal Heart so willingly... I wonder what his motives are
4922881
3 Ideas Spring to mind,
1: His greater sanity has allowed him to think ahead to an even more elaborate plan that won't be undone by Tia and Luna just nuking him again,
2: He went sane from the imprisonment realizing his failings and now really does want to make amends,
3: He has been in prison for 1000 years and noticed a smart pretty girl who he could theoretically hook up with.
I favor 2 since he can apparently move through the barriers,
After reading the summary, it seems like Twilight is not quite as haunted by the Wedding as I thought she'd be. She's only displayed a little bit of worry. I thought she'd be a lot worse. Still I am enjoying the story and I can't wait for the next chapter!
4956734
Give it time...
This chapter was great. I enjoy Twilight's frustraciĆ³n when chasing Sombra and I hope to see how she'll talk with him in e next chapter. I hope it comes soon.
Nice chapter. I loved how Twi failed to capture Sombra. I can't wait to read what happens in the next chapters. Are there going to be multiple books in this series?
Heh, Twilight bribing the late evil slave king with the scraps and leftovers from the royal table...
I want to see that
flash is to chummy with twilight. can he get trapped in crystal?
This was a nice little distraction on a other wise crappy day, thank you.
4962116
Yes, there are. I don't know how many books there will be in total, though, but I'm in this for the long haul.