Epilogue - Happily Ever After
Rarity beamed as she reclined into the carriage’s comfortable seat. The plush cushioning felt wonderful, but not nearly as much as the stallion she was currently leaning against.
“Oh, Blueblood! I still can’t believe I’m going to the gala for the second year in a row! I simply cannot thank you enough!”
Pressed against her side, the Prince gave her cheek a gentle nuzzle.
“I simply couldn’t have enjoyed it without you, and your friends have been so good to me, this was the very least I could do to pay them back.”
With a sigh of contentment, Rarity turned to face the Prince, planting a kiss on his cheek.
“I can’t believe it’s nearly been a year already....”
~~~
After their fateful dinner date, Rarity and Prince Blueblood enjoyed frequent romantic encounters over the span of a week. However, Blueblood eventually had to return home to Canterlot. The two wrote to each other constantly, until the perfect occasion came up for Rarity to visit Canterlot for a few days to do some shopping and enjoy some quality time with her very special somepony.
Of course, to their delight, the media was immediately all over their story. A combination of fashion, friends in high places, and a royal’s love helped launch Rarity’s reputation into the stratosphere. Conversely, being in the spotlight gave Prince Blueblood a golden opportunity to redeem himself to Canterlot’s high society. Until now, most had dismissed him as an airheaded, stuck-up brat, but that reputation soon faded thanks to his newfound chivalry.
The couple quickly became the news of the hour, making public appearances all over Canterlot. They were even asked by Princess Celestia to inaugurate the first of a line of flying yachts designed for travel all over the land. Much like it, the two of them sailed away on the winds of happiness as time flew by with nary a dark cloud in sight.
For Blueblood and Rarity, the next eleven months were a whirling waltz of high-society romance. They would visit each other frequently yet keep enough space for their personal lives, taking things slowly as etiquette suggested.
Soon after the first day of spring, Rarity received a letter from the Prince. Immediately, she ran to meet her friends, eager to tell them the fantastic news.
“Girls! Girls!”
Rarity could not hold still.
“Look what I have!”
Rarity waved a bundle of golden tickets, beaming with bliss.
Last year’s Gala had been a complete fiasco, but this year’s would be different. She and her significant other would be inviting their friends and family hosting to their own smaller reception in a private garden during the festivities. It was bound to be the most wonderful of nights.
~~~
“Oh my... Prince Blueblood! Look at the sky!”
The two unicorns gazed up through their carriage’s windows, speechless. The night was brighter than either of them had ever seen; an untold amounts of stars shone with every color of the rainbow. The Prince’s eyes widened in shock as he took in the sight.
“I had heard rumors that Princess Luna wanted to do something special for her first participation in the Grand Galloping Gala. She certainly did not disappoint, did she?”
Puzzled, Rarity raised an eyebrow.
“Her first? What about last year’s?”
Prince Blueblood shrugged, a somber frown tracing itself on his face.
“I believe she was still recovering from her long isolation.”
Still transfixed with the sky, Rarity slumped in her carriage seat. Her smile slowly faded.
“Oh... all too true. I can only imagine what such isolation must have been like.”
Blueblood gently leaned against her, offering a comforting nuzzle and a gentle smile.
“Tonight is no time to worry about such things. The Princess is now restored to her rightful place, and I feel she would want us to enjoy our evening rather than worry about the past.”
Returning the Prince’s gesture, Rarity perked up.
“Very wise words, darling. It’s pointless crying over spilt milk, and even more so once it’s been cleaned up.”
The Prince chuckled as he glanced outside again.
“I do believe we’re just about to-”
“Grand Galloping Gala, we’re here!”
“... Arrive.”
The couple disembarked from the carriage, thanking their chauffeur for his services. The earth pony nodded back.
“Ya know where ta find me once yer ready ta go back.”
Without further ado, the stallion trotted away.
The castle’s grounds were quiet and sparsely populated. Most of the guests preferred the busy interior of the palace and the inner gardens, leaving the outside mainly reserved for the arrival of carriages.
Blueblood and Rarity made their way towards the entrance, only to be surprised by the flapping of wings and the shouting of a mare.
“Bluey! Rarity! Glad you made it!”
Dropping out of the sky in a slinky red dress and a generous amount of jewelry, Amethyst grinned and alighted by the couple. Pushing up her sunglasses until they rested on her forehead, she pulled the unicorns into a hug.
“How have you two been? I haven’t seen either of you since that Pinkie Pie party three months ago for Bluey’s birthday! That filly sure knows how to have fun!”
The Prince smiled, extirpating himself from Amethyst’s crushing embrace.
“It’s good to see you as well, Amethyst. It has certainly been a long time.”
Rarity chuckled as the pegasus took the hint and released her as well.
“It’s always a pleasure, indeed.”
Amethyst’s smile collapsed as she recalled why she had been looking for the Prince.
“By the way, Blueblood, I hate to pester you with this so early in the evening, but I think there’s someone here you’d like to meet. That being said, I think you might want to go see him by yourself; things might get a little awkward.”
Catching Rarity’s curious stare, Amethyst slipped over to the her side and whispered a few words in her ear, prompting an understanding nod.
“I don’t mind at all. In the meantime, I’ll try to find my friends. I’m sure they’re around here somewhere... Oh! There’s Fluttershy. The poor girl looks terrified. What do you think, Blueblood? Shall we meet in our reserved area, say, in an hour?”
The Prince nodded, curious as to who was expecting his presence.
“Certainly. I’ll see you soon, then, my dear. Amethyst, please lead the way.”
Rarity stole a kiss from Blueblood as she trotted towards the shy pegasus.
“Fluttershy! Wait up!”
Blueblood turned his attention to Amethyst as she motioned for him to follow her.
“Someone wants to meet me, you say...?”
~~~
In a corner of the royal garden, by a pathway dotted with benches, the delightful scent of fruit and confectionery wafted from a popular stand.
The salespony, a peach-colored stallion, pushed aside a bang of his emerald mane as the last customer of a long sales rush walked away. A familiar voice called out to him.
“Hey! Fruit boy! I’m bringing you a guest!”
The salespony placed a “Back in a moment” sign onto his stand before trotting towards the speaker, looking up at the sky. Hovering some meters in the air, the pegasus mare who had called out to him motioned towards the ground with her hoof. Apricot blinked a few times in disbelief as he saw who else was approaching.
“Blueblood, huh? It’s been a long time.”
Blueblood sighed and lowered his head.
“Good evening to you, Apricot. I... do believe I owe you some apologies.”
Judging it best to let the two stallions air out their dirty laundry in peace, Amethyst took off into the sky, heading back towards the Wonderbolts’ area.
“Well then, I’ll catch you guys later. Try not to hit each other too hard, now.”
The two stallions remained silent for a moment, both unsure of what to say. Finally, taking a seat on one of the park benches, Apricot gave his old friend a hesitant look.
“Amethyst told me a lot about what you’ve been up to, Bluey. I know I’ve been pretty cold to you when you tried to contact me this past year, but Amethyst slapped some reason into me now, and I guess I should listen to what you have to say.”
Unmoving, Blueblood took a deep breath, relieved that the mare had at least gotten Apricot to listen. This was his only opportunity, and he didn’t want to blow it.
“I’m... not too sure how to say this, Apricot. I’ve acted in a truly unfair manner towards you. I lost myself in my role as a royal, and I let that lead me into the kind of conduct that is unbecoming of anypony.”
The Prince cringed.
“I’ve missed your complicity, you know. Just us colts being colts and running wild. I’ve been an idiot to throw our friendship away in some kind of misguided belief that it would help me get ahead in life.”
Blueblood paused, taking a deep breath. This was it: The big moment.
“I guess all I really want to ask is... would you be willing to give this noble idiot a second chance?”
Apricot remained silent for a few seconds. This was what what he’d been hoping for. Not a mention of Blueblood working hard. Not a supposed humility lesson from the Prince. Just an apology and a few words of recognition.
“You have no idea how long I’ve been waiting to hear these words, Bluey.”
The peach stallion thought for a moment.
“Say, you know how the Grand Galloping Gala started?”
Blueblood remained silent, reflecting on Apricot’s answer and his own question.
“... As a matter of fact, I don’t think I do.”
Apricot tapped a hoof on the bench next to him, beckoning for the Prince to sit down.
“A long time ago, in Equestria, the ponies didn’t have nearly the luxuries we have today. Even the highest classes of ponies, like rich merchants or royalty, had to work really hard to get by. The winter was especially hard on everypony. They had to have it every year, of course, but it’d always leave everyone pretty hungry until spring came.
“Come the first harvest of spring, when food was in abundance again, everypony would gather their resources together and throw a big celebration for Equestria’s returning prosperity.
“Throughout the years, that meaning got a little lost and the celebrations became tradition, but there you have it.”
Apricot relaxed his position, nonchalantly leaned against the bench’s back.
“It’s kind of like us, really. Bad weather happened, I lost you to your bad attitude, you lost me because of that bad attitude, and now you’re here offering some apologies, and it feels like a celebration to me.
”I’ve heard a lot about what you’ve been up to, Bluey. All that stuff about you getting off your pedestal and trying your hoof at not being so haughty anymore.”
Nervously, Apricot rubbed the back of his neck.
“I gave this a lot of thought these last few months, and... Well I guess what I mean to say is, if you’re hoping for a second chance now after you’ve worked so hard, I’d be kind of a jerk not to give you one, huh?”
Grinning, Apricot extended a hoof towards the unicorn, who returned the gesture with a sad smile.
“Thank you, Apricot. Thank you so much. Again, I’m so sorry I acted like I did.”
“I guess this would all be better as water under the bridge really. I could probably keep this grudge going for a while longer and people would still call me the reasonable one, but by this point, I don’t really care anymore. I missed you too, pal, just... try not to do it again, okay?”
“It’s a promise.”
Chuckling, Apricot threw his other foreleg over the Prince’s shoulders, pulling the unicorn into his grasp and playfully messing up the Prince’s mane despite his amused objections.
“C’mere, you!”
The Prince pulled back, laughing, and quickly rearranged his mane. Apricot’s gardening and orchard work had been generous to his physique, as the the once-small colt had overtaken him in both size and bulk.
“You’ve been owing me that one for a long time, Apricot.”
The two shared a chuckle.
“So, Blueblood, you worked on a farm, huh? I’d sure have loved to see that.”
Blueblood raised an eyebrow.
“... And here I was hoping Amethyst wouldn’t tell. I’ll never hear the end of it, will I?”
Apricot grinned mischievously.
“Nope. Never.”
As things got quiet, Blueblood finally got a good look at his friend, noticing the subtle changes that had affected the stallion. Apricot had put on a few pounds, and his elegant suit, as well as the state of his stand, made his status clear.
“I see the wealthy landowner has only gotten wealthier?”
Apricot chuckled, nudging his friend.
“Yep. My father taught me well, and it’s all working out great.”
The Prince offered a warm smile.
“Good to hear, good to hear.”
Apricot sighed, looking back to his stand.
“It’s been great seeing you again, Blueblood, but I’d really better get back to business. We should really grab some lunch soon and catch up some more. What do you say?”
Blueblood nodded enthusiastically.
“That’s a wonderful idea. How about next Monday at the Golden Barrel?”
The earth pony chuckled.
“The usual table?”
“Precisely. Also, before I go, I’d like to ask you to join me later tonight over by the area I’ve reserved....”
Blueblood leaned in, whispering a few words to his friend.
“Really?! Seriously?!”
Blueblood nodded to the affirmative, prompting an enthusiastic answer from his friend.
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
~~~
“Ah, here we are, Oak Gardens.”
Rarity’s jaw dropped as she approached the area the Prince had reserved for the evening. From the number of tickets he’d secured for her to invite ponies of her choosing, it had been an easy task to deduce that their reception would be a grand one, but the sheer beauty of it all left her completely baffled.
The small garden was softly lit by an array of colorful lights, offering a comfortable atmosphere and good visibility despite the growing darkness. Many ponies milled around: familiar faces from Ponyville, acquaintances and strangers from Canterlot, Blueblood’s own guests, and Gala wanderers.
“Good evening, Miss Rarity. Would you like something to eat?”
Startled by the familiar voice, Rarity noticed a tray of food to her left being balanced on a filly’s head. Having temporarily swapped her namesake for a less cumbersome circlet and an elegant velvet dress, Diamond Tiara was maneuvering from pony to pony with expert skill.
“Oh, good evening, Diamond Tiara. Are you helping out with the catering?”
The earth filly nodded, careful not to spill her tray.
“Absolutely. Prince Blueblood suggested that Silver Spoon and I give a helping hoof tonight. It’ll help us be nice and proper like him!”
Rarity offered the filly an encouraging smile as she magically lifted a delicious-looking kiwi and strawberry tart from the platter. In doing so, she noticed a small sign resting amongst the pastries.
Sugarcube Corner - Joint Catering Venture - La Rose Dorée
“That is a very noble endeavor, Diamond Tiara. I am certain it will do you much good to mingle with the populace of Canterlot.”
Beaming with pride, Diamond Tiara half-trotted, half-bounced towards another new arrival, a tuxedo-clad earth pony.
“Thank you, Miss Rarity!”
Rarity couldn’t help but chuckle in amusement at the filly’s enthusiasm continuing as she saw Silver Spoon heading back to the reception’s buffet table with an empty platter. There, Pinkie Pie exchanged it for a full one and sent the filly back on her way with a wink of approval. Crystal Château, busy preparing another batch of sweets, gave her a few words of advice. Rarity smiled as she approached them, thinking out loud.
“So, Blueblood has students of his own now, I see. How appropriate.”
~~~
Fluttershy gently strolled through the palace gardens, humming to herself as she watched a finch forage for seeds. Away from the hustle and bustle of the gala, she was taking the time to look around and watch the animals as they came and went. She had learnt the previous year, to her great disappointment, that Canterlot’s animals preferred to be left alone. Fluttershy was happy to comply with their wishes; she would have been a hypocrite to deny them that courtesy.
Sitting quietly by a small ornamental fountain, the pegasus watched as a marmot poked its head out of the ground, sniffing the air. Soon afterwards, the animal bounded over to the small pile of berries Fluttershy had left out for the creatures of the garden, filled its cheeks to the brim with the juicy morsels and dashed back to the privacy of its hole.
“Good evening to you, Fluttershy.”
With a squeak, the startled pegasus faced the approaching pony. She offered a modest smile as she saw who had called out to her.
“Oh! Good evening, Prince Blueblood. Are you also here to watch the animals?”
The Prince approached slowly, taking great care not to scare off the wildlife, and sat on his haunches by the pegasus, returning her joyful expression.
“While there certainly are some fascinating creatures in this garden, I must admit they are not the reason I came here. I was told you could most likely be found here, and there were some things I wanted to discuss with you.”
Intrigued and somewhat apprehensive, Fluttershy turned away slightly, her mane hiding part of her face.
“Oh? Um... sure... it’s no problem. What did you want to talk about?”
Noting the mare’s shy demeanor, Blueblood offered his most friendly smile.
“It has recently come to my attention that I haven’t yet had the chance to congratulate you and Macintosh for your wonderful wedding. I am very grateful that you two saw fit to invite me along with Miss Rarity, and I must say that it was an absolutely delightful event.”
Behind her long mane, Fluttershy blushed.
“You’re, um, welcome, Prince Blueblood. It meant a lot to me that you and Rarity came back from Canterlot just for the wedding.”
The Prince chuckled.
“Please! You sell yourself short. I owe you and Big Macintosh so much, and you know as well as I do just how important you are to Miss Rarity.”
Blueblood thought for a moment, rubbing the side of his chin with a forehoof.
“You know, that was a most spectacular dive she pulled off in order to catch the tossed bouquet.”
Fluttershy nodded, giggling.
“It was. It’s really too bad the cake happened to be in the way... Good thing Twilight had planned for a backup.”
The Prince cringed, recalling how awkward the incident had been, and how difficult it had been to coax Rarity back out of the Apple family’s cellar for the rest of the wedding.
“There is something else I wished to discuss with you, Fluttershy. I would like to ask a small favor of you....”
~~~
Following the Princess’ suggestion that she go and enjoy the gala with her friends, Twilight Sparkle weaved through the crowd assembled in the Oak Gardens, where Blueblood and Rarity’s private reception was taking place. She greeted familliar faces from Ponyville and ponies she remembered from school.
The reception was going full force, with ponies talking, eating, dancing, and overall enjoying the celebrations. She couldn’t help but chuckle as she noticed Pinkie launching into a wild song and dance number in a secluded corner of the party area. Apparently, Blueblood and Rarity had seen fit to account for the rowdier partygoers of Ponyville. Her eyes shot open as she recognized another familliar figure, a middle-aged grey unicorn stallion with a shiny mustache, who was giving the pink mare a run for her bits in a heated dancing contest. She grinned as she walked by the two.
“Good evening, Pinkie, good evening, Professor Solaris!”
The unlikely rivals greeted her back without breaking from their competition, soliciting a giggle from the unicorn. Twilight walked along towards the buffet, until a voice called out for her attention.
“How nice of you to drop by, Twilight.”
Rarity approached her friend, clearly looking worried.
“There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you these last few days, and it kept slipping my mind.”
Twilight turned to face the other unicorn, raising an eyebrow in curiosity.
“Oh? What is it, Rarity?”
Rarity took a step closer to Twilight and whispered her question, judging it best to keep things private.
“I think by now, little Spikey Wikey’s crush on me is hardly a secret to anypony, and It dawned on me that my relationship with the Prince may be causing him some undue chagrin. I was wondering, how is he taking things?”
Twilight chuckled and nodded over to a small arrangement of bushes. Confused, Rarity looked it over for a moment, until she caught on to what Twilight was referring to.
Believing themselves to be hidden, Spike and Sweetie Belle looked at each other, each of them blushing deeply. After ensuring nopony was in their immediate proximity, they shared a quick nuzzle.
Twilight cracked a smile as she saw her friend’s frown of worry perk up in an instant.
“I... think he’ll pull through.”
Rarity chuckled.
“Oh my, how did that slip under my nose for so long? Those two certainly do make a cute couple. I couldn’t dream of a better little suitor for my dear little Sweetie Belle.”
Joining Rarity in her laughter, Twilight winked at her friend.
“And I couldn’t think of a better date for Spike, either.”
Turning away from the young lovebirds, Twilight helped herself to a glass of punch.
“So, Rarity, how has your latest trip to Canterlot been? I heard you’ve been to the Museum of Equestrian History. Did you like it?”
Rarity nodded enthusiastically.
“Oh, very much so. I dare say those historical dresses are some of the most fascinating....”
~~~
“You were right, big brother. Them fancy little apple cakes are selling faster n’ fresh cider at the peak a’ the season!”
Applejack adjusted her hat, a green felt replica of the original which Rarity had insisted would go perfectly with her gala ensemble.
Big Macintosh chuckled.
“Eeyup. After the Prince raved about them back at the farm, there was no way they could fail here.”
The farmpony siblings chuckled amongst themselves as Big Macintosh rifled through the coin box, counting their newly acquired bits.
“If this keeps up, we’ll have enough bits for Granny’s new hip, that plow we’ve been thinkin’ of, the barn’s roof, and maybe even that record player Apple Bloom’s been talking about in her sleep.”
Applejack reared up in excitement.
“Yeehaw! Now that’s what I call runnin’ the market!”
The two were startled when a third voice called out to them, chuckling.
“There’s far more to come, Ms. Apple. I have a few friends who would be rather interested in sampling your products.”
The farmers looked on as Prince Blueblood approached with a broad smile. With a complicitous wink, he tossed a small bag of bits onto the counter.
“Four samples each of your three best products, if you please.”
Applejack’s eyes widened at the sight as she plated up the order.
“Comin’ right up!”
The Prince nodded politely as his horn lit up, carefully levitating the four platters. He disappeared into the crowd of formally-clad ponies.
“Thank you very much. I’ll be back in a moment.”
Big Macintosh piled the bits in the stand’s safebox, nodding to the prince before nudging his sister.
“Hey, AJ, you ever seen this many bits?”
Applejack eyed the golden coins curiously; her jaw dropped in amazement.
“Nope. I don’t reckon I have. I don’t think the farm usually makes that much in a whole week, now that you mention it.”
The sound of several sets of hooves quickly captured the siblings’ attention. Big Macintosh greeted them as his head emerged from behind the counter, only to interrupt himself when he realized who their customers were.
“Good evenin’ and welcome to the Sweet Apple Stan- Whoa.”
Prince Blueblood wasn’t much of a surprise to him anymore, but the same could not be said of the unicorn’s companions.
“Thank you very much for the kind greeting, Mr. Macintosh. If you’d allow us, my partners in business are quite interested in meeting you and your sister.”
Stunned, Big Macintosh could only nod politely, stopping himself from blurting out a family expression of complete bafflement.
Well, stick me in a dress n’ call me Red Gala.
To the Prince’s right stood a proud-looking fellow: A dromedary clad in bejeweled robes and a fine silk turban. He offered each of the farmponies a hoofshake.
“Good evening to you, Mr. Macintosh and Ms. Applejack. my name is Humpfrey, and I must say your business looks like it has much potential.”
To Blueblood’s right, a short and heavy-set elk clad in a white tuxedo grinned almost as wide as his massive antlers.
“Good evenin’ eh? W. A. Petey at your service.”
Craning her long neck over the prince to look down at the stand, a female giraffe, clad in a ruffly blue dress and several dozen diamond necklaces attentively eyed the produce and confections. Raising an eyebrow, but remaining stone-faced otherwise, she introduced herself.
“Monecka’s the name, and I think there’s probably some profit to be made here.”
Applejack stepped around the stand, returning Humpfrey’s hoofshake and offering a similar one to the other two. Meanwhile, Big Macintosh received the same gesture from the dromedary.
The Prince smiled, glad to see his initiative paying off. He departed slowly, somewhat regretful that he wouldn’t be around for the business dealings; he had something far more important to prepare for.
“Well then, since the introductions are done with, I’m afraid I must be elsewhere. If you’d all be so kind as to join me by the Oak Gardens at nine-thirty, I’ve got a little announcement I’d like to make.”
~~~
Tired of the hustle and bustle of the Wonderbolts’ zone, a trio of the professional fliers had retreated to the roof of the castle, known for being a quieter spot during the Gala.
The first, Spitfire, sat comfortably upon the upraised edge of the roof, adopting a relaxed slouch her PR manager would never have forgiven her for. A glass of cider sat by her, nearly empty.
Next to her, Soarin’ was enjoying a plate of hors-d’oeuvres eagerly gathered from the buffet on their way to the roof.
Completing the trio was the Wonderbolt known as Cloud Nine, a light gray stallion with a white mane and mid-length fetlock fur he was in the process of growing out. He leaned against the rampart, intently looking around the sky.
“Aha! There!”
Excitedly leaping onto the wall, Cloud Nine brought a hoof to his mouth and whistled forth a resounding cat call. Two mares in the distance turned towards him, curious. The stallion’s eyes focused on one of the two as he called out to her.
“Hey there, babe, looking for a good time?”
The mare burst into laughter as she sped towards the Wonderbolts. The second mare’s jaw dropped, speechless, until she realised who the stallion was, at which point she hurried to catch up with her friend.
“Oh, Cloud, you big goof!”
The first of the two mares, Lady Amethyst, alighted by her husband, nuzzling him amorously.
Rainbow Dash, the second mare, slowed her approach, finding herself hesitant until the flame-maned mare beckoned her over.
“Well, well, look who Amethyst brought in! C’mon, Rainbow Dash, you should join us!”
Before any of them could say anything, Rainbow Dash rocketed over and stood by them, a look of pure excitement on her face. Spitfire shot her a smile, beckoning for Dash to take a seat next to her and Soarin’. Swallowing a mouthful of hors-d’oeuvres, the stallion offered Rainbow Dash an encouraging nod.
“You know, Dash, that was a pretty sweet job you Ponyvillians did with that tornado. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of such a small crew pulling it off before.”
Puffing her chest out, Rainbow Dash struggled not to immediately faint in excitement. Trying to maintain her composure, she grinned proudly.
“Oh, please, that was nothing. We did what we had to do, that’s all.”
Amethyst chuckled, nudging Rainbow Dash playfully.
“Well, somepony’s humble. That’ll do you good in the profession.”
Cutting the discussion short, Cloud Nine hopped onto the wall and turned to face the rest of the group, looking at Soarin’ specifically.
“I’m feeling a bit restless, what do you ladies say we go for a flight?”
The other male pegasus rolled his eyes.
“Ha. Very funny. Lead the way, Cloudette!”
With a broad flap of her wings, Spitfire hopped out of her seat, hovering by the roof.
“Sounds good to me! Hey, Rainbow Dash, are you familliar with flight routine Omega-6?”
Rainbow Dash grinned, preparing to dive off the castle’s edge. She’d have recognized that name anywhere. Omega-6 was the routine the Wonderbolts used to test out rookies.
“Well, duh! I could do Omega-6 in my sleep!”
Amethyst joined the others, ready to take off as well.
“I take it I’m filling in for position four again?”
The three Wonderbolts nodded, and on Spitfire’s signal, the group took off, flying through the air. Rainbow Dash traced the path through her mind, making sure to avoid any possible mistakes. This was one of her best chances to impress her idols, and she didn’t want to blow it.
“Wow, Amethyst! I didn’t know you were such an awesome flier!”
Amethyst laughed, tilting into a barrel roll just as expertly as her four formation partners.
“Comes with the husband; he’s been teaching me a lot.”
Flying right above the two of them, Soarin’ winked to Rainbow Dash, swooping down to her height.
“You’re making a pretty good showing yourself, Rainbow. It’s rare that rookies manage to keep up half as well as you did, even when they’ve been cramming, but you’re following us like it’s nothing.”
Rainbow Dash’s heart fluttered. Such a compliment, and from her favorite Wonderbolt, at that!
Further above, Spitfire, Cloud Nine, and the newly ascended Amethyst were whispering to one another, chuckling as they watched Rainbow Dash blush brightly. Spitfire broke formation, calling out to the two of them.
“Hey! Soarin’ Rainbow! Why don’t you two take the next part by yourselves?”
Soarin’ grinned, moving closer to Rainbow and extending a foreleg towards her, putting on a ridiculous imitation of a noblecolt’s tone.
“Miss Rainbow, may I have this freestyle duo?”
With a voiceless squeal, Rainbow Dash accepted his offer, hooking her foreleg with his. The two sped up into the sky, engaging in an airborne dance of astounding agility.
Spitfire grinned as she watched the pair go.
“That ought to be as good a tryout as any.”
~~~
Prince Blueblood cleared his throat as he stepped onto the stage of the Oak Gardens. He fiddled with the microphone stand for a few seconds, extending it to the appropriate height.
“Esteemed guests and gala-goers, if you’d kindly allow this stallion a few minutes of your time, I have a little speech I would like to give.”
The crowd fell silent, gathering before the stage. This was the moment many had been anticipating.
“It is a great honor for me to see all of you assembled tonight for my little announcement. If you’ll allow me, I’d like to tell all of you a little story.”
Prince Blueblood paced around the stage, seeming nervous. The audience was silent, enthralled.
“I used to be what one would call, amongst polite company, a pompous, self-important brat. A year ago, day for day, I met a most wonderful mare here at the gala, but in my idiocy, I failed to truly realise her value.”
Sitting with the rest of the Elements of Harmony, Rarity blushed intensely, eliciting a giggle from Twilight Sparkle and a mischievous nudge from Rainbow Dash.
“Eventually, still full of myself, I learned of her whereabouts and sought her out for a second chance, which she rightfully denied me. This turned out to be the best thing that could ever have happened to me, for that one door slam may have done more to make me realise my foolishness than entire years of my life. For that, Miss Rarity, I am eternally grateful.”
Rarity beamed proudly, basking in the crowd’s attention as polite claps came from all around, particularly from her friends and acquaintances from Ponyville.
“Soon, I found myself lost in my feelings, unsure of where to go or what to do, until somepony who could, by all rights, have been justified in leaving me there, chose to extend a helping hoof. She presented me to her older brother, who was so kind in helping this foolish stallion learn some humility and manners. For this, Ms. Applejack, Mr. Macintosh, I am eternally thankful.”
The two elder Apple Siblings stood up and waved politely to the applauding crowd.
“Of course, such a progression would not have been possible without the help of the other great inhabitants of Ponyville. I spent a single week in that welcoming little town, and yet I found myself meeting so many amazing ponies. I believe quite a number of you are amongst us tonight, and I would like to extend thanks to each and every one of you.”
The Prince took a deep breath to remain calm as he continued.
“To Lady Twilight, Mrs. Fluttershy, Ms. Pie and Ms. Dash, who welcomed me so generously, despite my previous misdemeanors: Thank you.”
Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie cheered loudly, calling for even louder stomping from the cloud, while Fluttershy seemed to collapse on herself, uncomfortable with so much attention. Twilight Sparkle rolled her eyes at her friends’ rowdy behavior, but stood up to smile thankfully to the crowd.
“To Ms. Doo and little Dinky, without whom I may never truly have discovered the value of generosity. Once more, thank you.”
The wall-eyed mare and her young filly were met with reasonable applause from the Canterlot folk, but a veritable thunder of hooves by the assembled Ponyvillians, most of whom were more than familiar with the single mother’s situation.
“To the three fillies communally known as the Cutie Mark Crusaders, for making me recall my past and what I had lost, thank you.”
Respectively lifted up by their older siblings and idol Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo shared a giggle as the crowd saluted them with a round of applause. Sweetie Belle couldn’t help but grin when she saw Spike applauding particularly hard for her.
“To two more young fillies, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, who reminded me of my own past and motivated me to change, thank you, and congratulations on making excellent progress on your own redemption. You two are becoming shining examples of proper young ladies.”
The two distinguished fillies blushed a deep red color as the applause and the attention turned to them.
“We love you, Prince Blueblood!”
The crowd chuckled lightheartedly at the outburst, but the fillies felt no shame.
“Last but not least, I wish to thank two of my old friends who found it in their heart to forgive me despite how terribly I had treated them in the past. Amethyst and Apricot, thank you.”
Amethyst and Apricot rose to yet another round of applause, bowing to the crowd respectully.
“Now then, this brings me to the announcement I wanted to make. Miss Rarity, if you would be so kind as to join me on stage?”
Rarity’s eyes shot open in surprise as Applejack and Rainbow Dash all but pushed her onto the stage. She soon joined the Prince’s side, as intrigued by the rest of the crowd.
The Prince breathed deeply once more. This was the big moment. It was now or never.
“Now then, this brings me to my announcement. My dear Rarity, thanks to you, this last year has been the happiest of my life. You have changed me for the best, driven away the boor I once was and brought out the noble stallion that I could truly be. You have given me so much, and as much as it makes me feel greedy, I wish to ask for one final thing from the Element of Generosity herself.”
Recognizing Blueblood’s signal, Fluttershy turned to Philomena, standing on her gilded perch. With a burst of her powerful wings, the phoenix cut through the air, dropping a sparkling object out of her claws as she soared over the stage.
The Prince lunged energetically and speared the falling object on his horn, revealing it to be a golden ring inset with the largest diamond most of the audience had ever seen. Awed, Rarity looked on with glittering eyes and an amazed smile as the Prince kneeled before her, beaming.
“Miss Rarity, will you marry me?”
~~~
Fin
~~~
Autumn Wind’s closing comments:
Boy, it’s been quite a ride.
I started this fic several months ago, not too long after first joining the fandom, and it’s been following me since, through highs and lows. I think it’s been a pretty good learning experience, and if I am to judge by my prereaders and critiques, I’ve grown a lot as a writer through it all.
Now that I think about it, clocking at nearly 60,000 words of text, this fan fiction is by far the longest body of work I’ve ever produced.
I couldn’t have done it without all of you readers. Your feedback, critique, and just seeing the reader numbers piling up have all been great motivation for me to keep up.
To my prereaders, editors and friends, thanks to all of you, too. You guys are awesome!
It’s been a real adventure for me, and while I feel a little strange calling it done, I’m quite happy at the same time. It’s been a great ride for me, and I hope you guys enjoyed it too.
This is Autumn Wind signing out, and if you’re hungry for more, keep an eye for my writings, because there’s more where this came from.
~~~
P.S. I know some readers really hate open endings, so I’ll point out the obvious for them: Rarity says yes and they have a big happy wedding. Duh.
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Please tell me you're planning a possible sequel. Pleasepleaseplease.
OHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHONMYGOSH
daaaaaaaaaaaaaaw. oh and HUMPfrey. lawl.
all my d'awwww
Excellent ending to a great story.
And we have a good feeling of conclusion here. Well done.
What a epic way to end an amazing story, you've truly out done yourself!!
Beautifully done, I started reading this when it was half finished on EqD, and now that its over I'm kind of sad, even if the ending was as happy and awesome as I could have asked for. May any future endeavors in writing be fruitful for you.
Excellent conclusion to a good story. I got a good chuckle when I realized the meaning behind the elk's name. "W. A. Petey", indeed...
*Loud applause*
You sir, rock the fiction. This was a great story.
It made me like Blueblood.
I wouldn't mind a sequel if it was possible. No pressure. This ending was more than satisfying.
XD HUZZAH! An excellent ending to an excellent fic! (And congrats to predicting the somewhat-canon SpikeBelle! xD)
Although... I DO have to ask...
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485826
485585
I can't make any promises about a sequel. My inspiration is a very sporadic thing, and I may or may not do one. Only time will tell. All I'm saying is "Don't wait for it in any timely manner."
I'm bound to write other things with similar moods, that being said.
RE:P.S. : OF COURSE!
this is a very fitting end to this fic. congratulations on how it turned out
edit: 485687 O.o how'd I miss that?
Sadly what really happened is upon being asked by Blueblood for her hoof in marriage Rarity exploded
Exploded with love
Then they fucked
Very well done.
Oh god why is it over.
Unfaving.
....So I can re-fave.
Nicely done. The story was well-paced with very nice dialogue and excellent characterizations. I quite enjoyed it, and you brought it all to a very pleasing conclusion.
Little, tiny bit disappointed that a lot of the courtship ended up being sort of glossed over in a summary paragraph... but, eh, I can imagine that would have sucked up quite a lot of words that were probably better spent elsewhere. And, thankfully, you did indeed spend those words wisely here. Thought for a moment that having a Gala do-over of sorts might read a bit... scattered, but that actually worked to mimic somewhat the flow of an actual party in my opinion (dozen little vignettes going on all at once, just like the ep). Shoot... you've pretty much got a condensed fic going on in the epilogue with all the threads you're contending with. Really glad that you got to tying up the break with Apricot.
There are probably some nitpicky problems I could get into... but, when I'm onto those, it means the overall has been done very well.
And I'll just leave it at that.
Great fic, Autumn.
~Lammy
It ended. Dang.
Thank you so much for writing this~
Good work.
Nice to see it all wrap up nicely. Been loving this story every step and can't wait to see what you do next.
*GASP* Yay.
So...It's over.
It's been a ride, and I'm just glad I was able to come along.
Cheers mate.
-Delta-
PS: Strait Dash is favorite Dash.
485687 I dun't geddit, but it's 3 AM, so issokay.
and they got married and they bought them a house and two beautiful children, Nathaniel and Superfly. And they were so very very happy, aw yeah.
Cool story bro, tell it again
I don't know what to say... I kind of guessed he was going to propose... but... ... ... Really good story!
... but... Its over now... 
A great story with an excellent end. I look forward to future works written by you.
Very well done. A brilliant piece.
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I have some trouble believing the timeline you've traced in this chapter, honestly.
I mean, I find it hard that Blueblood managed to find Rarity and get to Ponyville the day after the Gala (else, it doesn't make sense)
Likewise, the whole fic couldn't have taken more than a week (else, there wouldn't be any time for them to write to each other)
And let's not talk about the fact that apparently "Sweet And Elite" (or a similiar rendition of those events) must've happened less than a month after the whole ordeal in this fic (else, the "eleven months" comment in the fic makes absolutely no sense)
Anyway, other than that it's a splendid ending to a splendid fic.
488166
I'm somewhat confused about your comments. Here's the timeline as to how I envisioned it:
The Gala we saw in the show -> 1 month later -> The fic (over the course of a week) -> (the rest of that month + 10 more, rounded to "eleven months" for simplicity of writing, where courtship happened, including writing back and forth, visiting each other, and sweet and elite somewhere in there.)
The fic did take a week. It was explicitly shown that way.
I'm not too sure what makes it seem like he found her the very next day, considering the fic states he found her a month later. I'm not sure either what makes you think Sweet and Elite happened less than a month afterwards, given that there's an eleven month window for it to happen. Why would the "eleven months" comment make no sense if it hadn't?
Thanks for voicing your concerns. I think I may have miswritten something...
488224
I may have involuntarily presumed a couple of things, but I feel it's not clear enough.
Since the epilogue covers the rest of the year until the next Gala, I presumed that anything you mentioned in it wouldn't be included in the timeskip to the Gala.
For example, the succession of events is more or less this, right?
- Rarity and Blueblood have a couple of dates in the week after Chapter the Last, then start writing each other
- Sweet And Elite happens, at an unprecised amount of time
- Timeskip
- Second Gala
The mention of eleven months where it is (or really, ten months and half) (and the mention is after the abridgement of Sweet And Elite) makes it look like it's outside the "eleven months" mentioned- especially since you explicitly said "For Blueblood and Rarity, the next eleven months were a whirling waltz of high-society romance."
That's what threw me for a loop, mainly.
For a second there I thought you were going for the changeling thing but you didn't and for that I thank you because I believe it would have just ruined the story.
Overall great story it was one of the first that I ever read since I joined the fandom. (back in November 2011)
Please take all my internetz and mustaches.
+9001 internetz
100/5
488332
Ah! Fair enough. I probably could have worded that better. Live and learn, I guess. Thanks for your comment!
488354 no prob
I like commenting and being annoying about little stuff.
Except when I get preachy about it, though... I can get pretty sarcastic (caustic, even) when I see fics that fit a very peculiar niche of "bad" in my opinion.
This is obviously not the case :D it was fun reading it all the way. Also, I don't know why, but I keep using this as "headcanon" for "This Platinum Crown" instead of, you know, "The Best Night Ever" as it should be xD I'm weird like that.
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This is doubtlessly one of the best fics I've ever read. You certainly did a fantastic job at tying off all the loose ends. That was a great way to send off such an awesome story. My heart has been thoroughly warmed.
Speaking of things to come... Any chance at some sort of adorable young-love ship-fic the covers Spike and Sweetie Belle's relationship? I'd love to see that!
488852
Sadly, as stated earlier, I don't really have any plans for a sequel, right now, and I don't think I could write something involving actual romance as the focus. There's a reason I timeskipped the courting away. :P
I'm sorry to say, but it's unlikely that I'll detail that. Other authors have most likely done it well, however.
Great story, I wish you would have at least given Rarity's reaction. We all know what it would be, but sometimes authors can put a nice spin on it; and it wraps up a story pretty well IMO.
Even with that, great story!
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, WHY DOES IT HAVE TO END? PLEAS FOR THE LOVE OF CELESTIA TELL ME THERES GOING TO BE A SEQUAL!
First of all, I just want to say that this is one of my two favorite Blueblood redemption stories in existence. Seriously, the only other story devoted to blueblood's redemption that I could use to compare would be The Colour You Bleed by Kegisak.
I beg of thee to... if not write a sequel, then perhaps a related story? Imagine stories about Sweetie/Spike, or Soarin'/Rainbow Dash... in your style. You have a way with romances... a way that I cannot refuse. This is the kind of love story I fall for... call me an old-fashioned sucker if you want, but I have no shame. Manly tears wear shed.
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487612
Ditto to that. Having a hairdo composed of all the colors of the rainbow doesn't make you gay. Rainbow's a tomboy, but MLP never hinted at any homosexuality even once, and as such I'd think that much should hold true to a character. Plus Rainbow'd never go for a pony she couldn't respect and/or that could keep up with her.
485891 Poem for you.
-------------------------------------------------
I wish I could say for certain I know... but I would not bear to lie.
I could say that books end because they can't outlive the writer's mortal soul.
I could say that books end as all things end, because time is inescapable.
I could say that they close because they are meant to be repeated, lived again and again.
I could speak of books ending because they must, only then to ask "Why must they?"
I could recite the definition of the word, and use that to explain, or
I could sing a lament to it, to touch thee with my words.
But all of these would lack, in the inevitable end. The truth to your question is beyond my grasp,
because we simply cannot comprehend.
To be blunt I think it's different for each heart touched by the text. You have to find for yourself
why the story comes to an end.
As for me, I think I have my reason, while all the things above are true. No one can grasp the reason,
truly, so I speak my heart to you.
The reason books, and stories, end. The reason we must part. The reason we must finally stop,
is simply that all good things must come to an end.
-------------------------------------------------
488021
Seconded with a smile!
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487684
Not sure if sarcastic or posting that genuinely...
496893 Actually, I just love being able to use that pic! xD The real answer to the question 'why do/must books end?', you ask? Quite simple, sadly... All stories, even the ones we love, must come to an end, so that the next story can begin. We may love a story with all our hearts, but if it never ends, then the next story can never begin, and that's what makes life life. Stories ending and beginning. That's why they're both so wondrous and meaningful. Nothing has more impact to us as human beings than someone being born or dying, and it's the same way with stories. This story must end, so that other stories may begin...
Make sense, or am I just speaking... WORDS of some sort?
Oh, this brought tears of joy to my eyes.
A wonderful story of redemption and hard work for old Blueblood, there.
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I'd love a sequel, but we can pretty much see it'd be a wedding, lovely with comedic hijinks. Bravo, good author, bravo!
EDIT: And genuine clapping from me.
497589 Of course you're making sense. That is what my homemade spontaneous poem declared.
496893
I think it's important for me to clear something up here:
I can't write romance. I can cheat my way around the romantic parts like I did here, timeskipping over the courting and weddings, and using the romance as a carrot to drag a character through the plot, but were I to attempt an actual, full-on romance story, it would come out an awkward mess, I can assure you.
497961 IDK but this seems to classify as romance to me...
497967
I'm not saying it doesn't. What I mean is that I couldn't write a story "focused" on the romance. Here the focus is on Blueblood's redemption.
498070 Ahhh.... that still leaves a LOT of options though. I would love to read more like this... really. IF only I could WRITE like it...