Twilight couldn’t sleep. The stresses of her duties start to catch up to her and slowly the composure she has crafted ever since she ascended to her princess title starts cracking. But when confronted by a familiar friend she realizes she can stay afloat awhile longer.

Why do ponies dream? Why do we all seem to dream the same dreams?

What if we started to dream new things?

Discord said he wanted to make our dreams more interesting. Add some spice to our boring nocturnal lives. Nothing dangerous – just a bit of excitement to talk about in the mornings.

"Stop worrying so much, Twilight Sparkle," he said. "After all, dreams never hurt anypony."

How I wish he’d been right.

Gold Medalist in the Under the Sun Writeoff Event.

Now with Russian translation, courtesy of Cloud Ring! https://darkpony.space/the-archetypist-1/

Luna has always seen Celestia’s caring nature towards their subjects but to Twilight it was different. 

When you're stressed or overwhelmed, it only takes one little thing to set you off. Twilight has a moment that breaks her open. Lucky for her, Spike is there to listen.

Two things Twilight learned the days before the Grand Galloping Gala. One: don’t cast spells to force you to stay awake. Two: who knew Discord would make such a brilliant dance partner?

When Twilight royally messes up before the grand galloping gala she sits in agony at the thought of having to see the very nobles at the gala who saw her collapse. However, in this self-deprecation she least expected Discord to be a source of comfort.

Now with a reading!

In the aftermath of her battle against Tirek, Twilight Sparkle is unwell. She wants more. She needs more. And she is afraid of what others might think of her.

But even in the midst of her growing despair that she has betrayed everything she stood for, she learns something about friendship and what it means to be an alicorn.

Love doesn't always last forever. And sometimes it can crumble so spectacularly that you never want to see or speak to the other person again.

Celestia was perfectly content with that. But when Twilight Sparkle suddenly appears at the palace in Canterlot, after a century of silence, she has no choice but to talk to her.

Politely, of course. Always politely.

*Credit and many thanks go to littlerobotbird for the concept and editing of the cover art. As near as I can tell, the original picture is Jykinturah's work, but the source post seems to be gone.*

Twilight composes a letter to the Princess about a terrible Hearth's Warming gift.

Featured on Equestria Daily, 23 June 2012.

Twilight Sparkle stops by Carousel Boutique for a perfectly ordinary teatime with Rarity.

Rarity knows it's anything but.

An entry to the Depth in Innocence Contest.

The original draft of this story was an entry for the Quills and Sofas Speedwriting Joy of Youth Contest. The prompt was "The Sound of Distant Thunder". This version has received significant expansion, editing, and refinement during the month of May.

Thanks to Undome Tinwe and Seer for editing.

Cover art by MalineTourmaline.

Celestia has finally found her eternal partner in love. Twilight Sparkle, Element of Magic, savior of Equestria, and co-ruler of the nation. Celestia feels nothing but pride and love for her student, friend, and lover. However, a secret remains hidden in her heart, hidden from herself. Why did she choose Twilight, of all ponies, to be her student?

Unfortunately for her, Discord knows the answer all too well.

Got the art from the greatly talented StePandy. Go check them out for even more awesome art!

Thanks to my prereaders/editors Skeeter the Lurker, HellRyden, Vexine, Ghostwriter95, Cozmosus, Flint Sparks, Merc the Jerk and SpaceCommie!