It should have been simple to retire. Just put everything down, go on vacation, and watch the daisies grow. However, some people don't seem to take well to handing everything over. Not quite.

Part of Quills and Sofas's fifth flash fiction contest: We Tried, where it advanced one time before being eliminated.

(Friendfic)

Zephyr Breeze has never been a brave pony or a particularly able pony. He knows this. He lives this. And yet he's always tried to take the quick and easy way, hoping that the answer to his insecurities and loneliness could be found just over the next rainbow (or with it). Every time he just found more empty space, but it beat the alternative of accepting that he was a failure.

Eventually, though, he had to stop. After the worst day of his life, he finally started to settle himself, move forwards, and take responsibility. His life wasn't going to be a dream, but neither would it be a nightmare. And while he'd never own Rainbow Dash's heart, that didn't mean she wouldn't have a place for him in hers.

Long ago, Suri Polomare was a promising designer, a rising star in the Manehattan fashion industry. She was pleasant to be around and stood on her own four hooves. But she wore down, and eventually, she broke.

Now she's a pariah with barely enough money to eat and not quite enough to pay the rent. Before she is evicted, though, her former friend and student offers her a job. There's just one condition: she has to change. Suri knows that's not how things work. She also knows she has no other choice but to try.

Image created by NicoleTheBluePony

What do we know about Blueblood? He's the only stallion worthy of being called 'Prince'. He's one of the most eligible bachelors in Equestria. He considers himself the most important pony in the world. He was a complete and total git to the bearer of the Element of Generosity at the biggest party in Canterlot. Nothing else.

However, first appearances are rarely completely correct, and there is a lack of hard fact about him. Who is this strange stallion? Was he a bureaucrat who just wanted to get back to work? An independent prankster who didn't get Celestia's message about other pranksters? A fluff-brain who had no idea what he was supposed to do? Or is he just a stuffy jerk with good qualities that can be drudged up? Most importantly, who would he hit it off with?

Cover image provided by Niban-Destikim. While the Twilight Sparkle stories are in canon with The Early Life of Blueblood, the other stories will feature entirely different versions of Blueblood. Updated when I have an idea. Credit to The Great Derpsby for inspiring me to do this.

Of all the royal figures who lead Equestria, much is known of most of them. Celestia and Luna came from parts unknown and were offered the crown by the founders of the nation. Cadance was an orphan of distant noble descent who was raised by a humble village. Twilight was a lonely bookworm who eventually became one of the greatest heroes in history.

The prince, however, has very little in the way of backstory. How did he become a prince, since the title does not award itself? What is the meaning of his cutie mark? If he grew up with Celestia, as is sometimes speculated, then how did he get on with Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, or with Spike? While few are interested in providing answers for such an infuriating public figure, they nonetheless exist. This is one man's attempt to piece them together.

Cover art created by Chryseum.

Dr. Friendly Advice, formerly a psychiatrist of some renown, has recently taken an upset to his standing and his sanity. After collecting himself, he decides to make a fresh start in a new town, one that is just starting to get on the map: Ponyville. This brings him in constant contact with the denizens of Ponyville, as well as the doings of the bearers of the Elements of Harmony. He may be seeking a new beginning, but he may have gotten more than he bargained for.

Every year, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim ponies set out on a long trek all over Equestria to build comraderie between the different faiths of the book. By this point, there are no surprises: it's a long walk of friends chatting to each other and nothing really faith-shaking happening for nine days.

This year, however, things are different.

This year, the Fair Folk, sealed away by Princess Celestia, steal the pilgrims away, including all of the former bearers of the Elements of Harmony, suppress their powers, and put them to work as cheap labor. Their hopes for escape lie with one baby dragon, but even then, they can only pray for to be delivered.