Applejack reached up with a fore hoof to touch the brim of her hat. It was habitual, almost unconscious. She could feel, nestled safely underneath the hat, her two most precious treasures--a single blue feather and a small snippet of purple mane.

They were precious, more precious than anything besides her family and her farm, because they were only pieces of them she'd ever have.

When Cadance comes to foalsit Twilight Sparkle, she finds the young filly playing a pretend game of cards with her stuffed animals. Curious, Cadance joins the game, only to find Twilight is far more serious about her betting than she lets on. Can she help Twilight learn what's really valuable?

Originally meant for the Writeoff Association's January contest, "All In" but quickly surpassed the word limit and was never entered. I really liked it though, and finished it anyway.

The Long Patrol is an extension of the crown. It brings the rule of law and the princess's banner to the far reaches of the kingdom, the places where harmony fades and the wild chaos of nature still reigns.

In times past, all the tribes took part in the patrol. Today, it is mostly pegasi and a few gryphons. The distances they travel are simply too vast for anyone without wings.

Like most gryphons who join, I wanted to get away from my kind. I dreamed of the adventures I would have and the friends I would make. I certainly got those.

I just wish the price weren't so high.

[My entry for the EqD Summer "Outsider Insight" contest.]

Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns is the center of magical research in Equestria. Since Apple Bloom developed a love of potion making and an interest in the theory behind magic, she recognizes what an honor it would be to study there. But that would also mean being the only non-unicorn student to ever attend, leaving her friends and family, and moving to a strange city... and that's if she can pass an entrance exam designed to select the most magically gifted unicorns.

Spike has never wanted more than to be Twilight's number one assistant. But when Twilight points out that there's a pony right in front of him who needs an experienced assistant even more than she does, it means considering a life where he's making the most of his talents... but one without Twilight by his side.

For both of them, facing hard decisions are just part of growing up.

Second place winner for the April Writeoff Association prompt "Great Expectations."

Everyone knows that two mares can't have a foal. . . unless their best friend is one of the greatest magical minds in Equestria.

Applejack and Rainbow Dash went to Twilight Sparkle with a simple question: Could she make a spell that would allow them to have a foal together? After a year of magical research, Twilight thinks that she's done just that. But the spell is not without potential side effects, and AJ and Dash have to decide if they're ready to be part of a magical experiment that could give them a foal of their own, or cost Applejack her life.

Thanks to DbzOrDie and Jackie for proofreading, and to KrazyTheFox for the cover image.

Rainbow Dash had hoped that when Applejack came home, it would be a warm and happy reunion between the two lovers after AJ returned from the latest Apple Family Reunion. However, Rainbow Dash learns that AJ and her immediate family are no longer Apples. They are now clanless and it's all because of her.

Yet sometimes, true family lies not in blood, but in love.

(An old fic I made a long time ago but never got around to posting it, this was made before Apple Family Reunion )

Rarity discovers an old tradition involving the exchange of felt dolls as a sign of affection. This sparks a brilliant plan to play matchmaker with her friends, and between herself and Twilight.

But brilliant plans never go as expected, do they?

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Cover art by Acceleron
Chapter art by Ratofdrawn, Sketchyjackie, Dunnstar and fatalerror328!

This story is a sequel to The Irony of Applejack

Warning: this story is a sequel. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you read the prequel first before continuing!

Over half a year has passed since the changeling attack on Ponyville, and Applejack would like to think things have finally settled down. Much has changed for the young changeling, and all of Equestria in kind. The new district in Ponyville proves that, along with the town's many new residents.
But there is much the young queen does not yet know about being a changeling. Some things, she will learn, can be chosen, while others will be chosen for her. With new allies and enemies emerging all around her, Applejack must discover what it truly means to rule before the choice is taken from her forever, and the history of the changelings repeats itself, once again...

Image provided by Heilos.

This story is a sequel to The Irony of Applejack

The secret's finally out. All of Equestria knows about Applejack's true identity, and the identities of her fellow changelings.
But even with all of the new responsibilities being laid upon the young changeling, surely asking for one day of normalcy – a single day of celebration and pageantry amongst her closest friends – couldn't be too much to ask for, right?
Right?

Written because my Muse is a fickle one, she is.
Set between the events of The Irony of Applejack and it's sequel, The Advent of Applejack.
Cover art provided by Somepony. No really; don't give me that look.

In celebration of 1000 members, the AppleDash group has put together an anthology. In here you'll find poems, short stories, comics, and other pieces all dedicated to AppleDash.

Updates every two days with two new submissions until all have been posted.

Current participants, in order of appearance:
bookplayer
RatofDrawn, Rated PonyStar
DbzOrDie
Killabyte
Jondor
Jacked Apples
HoofBitingActionOverload
Tchernobog
Rated PonyStar
TwilightUCrazy