Many ponies nowadays do not question Starswirl the Bearded's destiny as the one of the most influential figures in pre-classical-era magic, but in the year before his death he began a project to change it, to live beyond where those twisting paths led.

This is the true story of his "disappearance". The story of the pony who taught me all I know.

Written as a last-minute entry for SPark's One Year Older contest, and so is a (rather liberal) interpretation of that theme.

Cover art by Espeonna.

The Everfree Forest is not the nicest place in Equestria, but it's nothing those that live under its canopy aren't used to – fillies coming to visit are another story. They are also a lot more forgiving, and pony friendship can affect even the most wooden of hunters.

Inspired by a PMV by Loveless Nova (unfortunately no longer available in the US, but it was based on this version, with more ponies) and, more generally, the story of Little Red Riding Hood.

Cover by CentPL

For the Apple family, life at the orchard fosters several qualities: self-sufficiency, a love of nature, willingness to work. But above all, a love and appreciation for family, even if "family" extends beyond siblings, cousins, daughters, or other simple descriptions. It also provides plenty of chances for a young filly to live up to her aunt's legacy as a Crusader.

Inspired by the fourth AppleDash contest before the story decided to make its own path and wound up only mentioning the relationship in passing.