For almost a thousand years, the immortal Nightmare Moon has reigned over Equestria as Empress. To the average pony, Nightmare Moon is an overarching enigma whose rule is absolute and whose wrath is terrible. But to Twilight Sparkle, who as an orphan has never known her parents, the Empress is something else entirely. When the young unicorn is brought under the royal wing as an apprentice, she learns a great deal more about the supposed tyrant than she ever knew. But as Twilight is introduced to life with her new mentor, she is thrust into a world of political intrigue, conspiracies and secrets. Secrets that were never meant to be revealed. As allies and enemies plot against the very peace of the nation, will Twilight fall prey to the perils of her new position? Or will she prosper and find in Nightmare Moon the mother she never had?

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My eternal gratitude to my editor, LordOfTheWrongs, without whom Night's Favoured Child would not be the story it is today.

Now with added TVtropes!

Was it a magical spell gone awry? An angry god laying waste upon a world that had forgotten him? A long and bloody war? An incurable disease?

Fluttershy couldn't remember what it was that had turned the world to this. All she knew was that she had to survive.

Doctor Whooves is a mysterious stallion, nopony knew where he came from, or understands half of what he says.
Whilst trying to repair the TARDIS to take him back home, he might just discover a reason to stay.

It's time to stop running.

Story inspired by Deadpony

On one of her regular hunts for gemstones, Rarity discovers a treasure trove beyond her wildest dreams... and the lavender-scaled dragon who collected it. Despite a rocky first meeting, Rarity and Greenfire soon find themselves drawn to each other more and more. But the question remains: How did a young dragon end up in the Everfree Forest all alone?

An alternate universe story that puts our favorite purple dragon and his beloved fashionista into a slightly different situation. Art used with permission from the wonderful ArtisteFish!

Now with a TV Tropes page! Thanks go out to Poptard and whoever else might feel like editing it.

Fan Works
Climbing the Cliff by Pia-chan (from chapter 5)
Such a Pleasant Chat by Fukaï
Some Form of Tea by Pia-chan (from chapter 4)
Promo Animation by CMagic (mild chapter 6 spoilers)

Twilight's been almost alone for a thousand years, and in a desperate attempt to bring her friends back, intentionally unseals Discord, Spirit of Chaos, from his stone slumber.

He's in for some nasty surprises, since she's changed quite a bit over the years...

As the years drew on, Spike's childish heart grew into that of a true adult, longing for the finer things in life; the finest things. He pursues his relationship with Rarity, but all does not go as planned.

Filled with anger and sorrow, Spike and Rarity fall away from one another. In his grief, Spike pursues new interests, and their friendship is in danger of never recovering.

But perhaps the truest words in life are these: you do not know what you had until you have lost it. Jealous and alone, finding no comfort in stallions she once loved, can Rarity reclaim her one chance at true love, before it is too late?

I'd heard it all, the arguments for and against Conversion. I finally made up my mind and decided to go through with it, and heard the same stories of the Dream. What I didn't expect was for mine to take a left turn into the unknown.

After Chrysalis failed to conquer Equestria, she was shamefully stripped of her title of "Queen of the Changelings".

Their people now leaderless, the Changeling race now finds itself in a unique situation. In the struggle for power, one Changeling seizes the attention of his people. Can he overcome his nature, and the nature of his people, to lead them into a better future?

Three divine sisters, The Sun, Moon, and Stars, have reigned over the heavens and earth since time immemorial. This is a tale of their greatest hardships and triumphs as challenges unforeseen seek to ruin the world they have created for their beloved ponies.

Featured on Equestria Daily!

Cover art provided by the talented NoOneBahtim.

After repeatedly being excluded and left behind from the Mane 6's adventures, only to do his chores at the library, Spike begins to feel bitter about his role as Twilight's assistant.

But upon seeing a shooting star one fateful night, he makes a wish that turns his life upside down.

The results of this wish will force Spike to discover the true meaning of purposes in life, friendship and most importantly, being wary of what you wish for.

Cover art made by SStwins! http://sstwins.deviantart.com/

Look at this fan art done by X9ss! http://x9ss.deviantart.com/#/d52r1xi