Still struggling to get all the information you were given under control, you ask the next question that bothered you. When? Celestia looked confused. Is Discord free? Heck, why didn't he help?

Celestia heaved a heavy noise. "He is, and perhaps he could. I fear he is relishing in the trouble I've caused while he was imprisoned. He refuses to speak to me, or anypony about it. Perhaps he cannot, but we should assume he simply is not available."

Right. Twilight was an alicorn? I mean, if she wasn't, the song wouldn't--

"She is." Celestia nodded. "In fact, I suspect she may be one of the youngest fertile mares. Her line is strong, her magic stronger. We haven't... Becoming a mother is not..." She frowned a bit. "We will not speak of her further. She has not been told, nor will we, unless this grows far darker than it already has."

Not told? Wasn't everyone told?

"Well, yes," conceded Celestia. "But she is quietly forbidden from the mare list, and if she has an idea, it will be listened to, but we are not seeking her out. Her destiny is to protect us from other dangers, not... me."

Back to the timeline. Did Tirek break free? What about Starlight?

"You truly are an oracle." Celestia shook her head. "We have faced both of these dangers." She raised a hoof. "Starlight is actually on the list, though she has requested she meet her potential stud and judge them herself." She rolled her eyes. "It's kept her from being chosen so far, but you've surprised me in countless ways before now."

Right, but what about--

"Be calm." She pressed a hoof to your lips. "Our time draws to an end for today, just as the sun grows heavy in the sky. I must tend my duties. And you, yours. Please, select your next mare. Keep thinking. Perhaps from your alien mind will spring our salvation." She rose up to her hooves and nodded. "Travel in peace."

With her farewell spoken, her horn glowed softly and the great list of mares appeared. She waited silently for you to select one.

Author's Note

Finally, time for a real poll! The questions, they are done, for now.

1) Derpy's still on that list.
2) Nopony else has claimed the unicorn more powerful than some alicorns. Dare you sample Starlight?
3) Fluttershy is on here, but has a big asterisk next to her name like Starlight, hmm.
4) Spoiled Rich wants another foal?!
5) Cheerilee wants to be a mother on top of a school teacher
6) Sassy Saddles is willing to walk a maternal path to fashion.
7) Lyra is listed with a few exclamation points, odd.
8) Forget the list! Answer more questions dammit!