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One of Equestria's greatest traits is tolerance. Every pony, whether Unicorn, Pegasus, or Earth, is accepted for who they are, and have their own parts to play in keeping Equestria running.

But what if an Earth pony decided he didn't want to play his assigned part? What if he wanted to rise above everyone else and become an Alicorn? Such a thing is possible... but the path to fulfilling one's dreams is never simple. Risks must be taken. Sacrifices must be made. And the question is always asked: How far would you go to get what you wanted? And would you be willing to pay a terrible price to get it?

Zecora, the zebra shamaness has lived in the Everfree Forest for some time, but has never gone beyond except for the sake of finding roots and herbs for her potions that her woods cannot supply. But upon making friends with young Apple Bloom and later Twilight and her companions, she has taken it upon herself to travel beyond for a time. Stopping at Sweet Apple Acres for a minute to speak with Applejack, she catches the eye of Macintosh. The stallion falls for Zecora at first sight and then does something very poorly thought out to prove himself to her...

Frost Windchill is known to be a storyteller of sorts. Comfortable with telling the occasional sprite tale or legend, a child approaches him one day and asks for a real story.

And so Frost tells one- the story of his life. It's not a typical story, and there's more to it- just as there's more to the descendant of a Lunar Guard. It's a story not just of himself but the heroes he stood beside- big and small, legendary and obscure. But there's something amiss, buried lies between the lines.

After all, it's hard to kill memories when you remember everything.

(Cover done by the amazing Sw1tchbl4de. Check him out here! http://sw1tchbl4de.deviantart.com/

Larger version of cover art can be found here: http://sw1tchbl4de.deviantart.com/#/d4ovlt2)

For most of Applejack's life, she didn't know what she was. True, she understood who she was well enough.
But ponies don't change shapes, nor do they get strength from love.
Applejack never thought too hard on it... until the events of a certain wedding brought about some harsh realizations.
Now, with Equestria still reeling from the surprise attack, will Applejack manage to come to terms with what she is? Will she even be able to keep her secret safe?
For if the royal guards don't get her first, the conspirators in the shadows just might...

Image provided by Heilos -

A thousand of years of life experience would no doubt teach Princess Celestia much about romantic relationships, and that is exactly what Twilight wishes to learn from her beloved mentor. When Princess Luna catches wind of these lessons, however, she sees a chance to relight the fires of love within her sister again. But when a “one-time fling” turns into a life-long infatuation, Luna and a reluctant Cadance must race to reverse the effects of their meddling before Twilight finds herself in a most compromising position!

But can she truly resist the total affection of a goddess?

A flightless pegasus pony from stable 22 finds his way out into the Equestrian wasteland. Armed with only his wits, intelligence, and mechanical genius; he will have to fend for himself, and do his best to avoid drowning.

Caramel wasn't always a Changeling, but he's going to become one. And he's going to do it for the sake of his very special somepony.

"Princess Celestia cordially invites you to the divorce of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and Shining Armor!"

Twilight rushes to Canterlot to figure out the meaning behind this letter, only to find a den of lies and greed.

Even in the land of Equestria, with a powerful princess leading the nation, some citizens live their lives lost and neglected by the society around them. Unnoticed among the thousands of ponies working, playing, and laughing during the day, at night they may have an odd encounter.

Under the quiet blanket of night, a leader continues to watch over her little ponies.

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Image courtesy of AllisZero on DeviantArt. Check out that gallery!

"Strong" is definitely a word that describes the Apples, and their family bonds are one of their biggest strengths. But Applejack will need to show her vulnerable side to get the most out of this day.

With her friends' help and a few cracks in her armor, Applejack is going to make this Mother's Day the best one yet.

Featured on Equestria Daily!

Cover art by Conicer

Thanks to Cassius, Filler, Corejo, Uma, Dublio, and Compendium of Steve for reviews/feedback.

Reading by the incomparable obabscribbler.