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// Chapter 5 
// Story: A Fractured Rainbow 
// by TheRainbowDashShow 
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Ribbons of white velvet draped elegantly, connecting to nearby growing saplings, forming small archways. The wind gently blowing, rustling the small leaves of the baby trees planted side by side. The morning dew captured on the tiny lime-tinted leaves produced a cleansing aroma; it was the smell of flowers in bloom, the scent of growing life. The sun gleamed powerfully, its golden glow piercing through the ribbons, casting silver shadows on the earth beneath it.

A choir of songbirds chirped, their sweet voices joining together, forming soft melodies as the tweets combined harmoniously. The peaceful symphony gently echoed through the orchard adding to the joyful serenity. The elements of the world seemed to be presenting themselves in a beautiful synchronization for this one occasion.

A single row of small chairs aligned next to one another, seating a group of close friends as they watched the event with their damp eyes. Three ponies gathered at a small marble pedestal, two facing one another, and the third monitoring both of them, as well as the spectators.

The pony on the right, an orange earthpony; she wore a tightly pressed black jacket, with small cuffs at the end of the front hoof sleeves. A small black bow-tie fastened securely on her clavicle. Her golden mane had been brushed down until it rested flat against her neck.

The pony on the left of the pedestal; a blue Pegasus wearing an intricately beaded white silk gown swaying lightly in the soft breeze that brushed past. Her usually semi-spiked rainbow colored mane woven together, partially hidden away from a white laced veil that covered her head.

The third pony who resided near the marble podium, Princess Celestia, finally broke silence, "We are gathered here today, to witness the exchanging of vows between these two mares, joining them together in the bonds of love's harmony." She cast her gaze at the orange pony, silently informing her to speak.

Applejack chuckled nervously, although she had practiced saying her vows repeatedly, now that the moment to recite had arrived, the words tried to run away from her mind, "I, Applejack, take you, Rainbow Dash, to be my wedded mare. I pledge to always care for you, and I promise to never stray my eternal devotion towards you." She fumbled the words and cut herself off early, she had so much more she had wanted to say, but now she couldn't seem to recall almost any of it.

Another brief silence, Princess Celestia nodded, then shifted her eyes towards the blue Pegasus, indicating it was now her turn.

Rainbow Dash did not experience a loss of words; instead she found her mouth dried up as it had the night of Heart's Warming eve. Her gown concealed her knees as they buckled with anxiety. "I, Rainbow Dash, take you, Applejack, to be my wedded mare. I vow to always protect you regardless of the cost. I promise to always stay by your side, no matter the circumstances. Finally, I pledge my undying love to you, every moment we share will be locked away inside my heart, being cherished forever." Even though she meant everything she was saying; her sentimentality still made her feel self-conscious and a little silly.

Princess Celestia spoke once again, "Applejack, do you take Rainbow Dash to be your wedded bride, in sickness and in health?"

Applejacks cheeks turned pink at the question, "Ah do."

The Princess once again shifted her glances towards the Pegasus, "And Rainbow Dash, do you take Applejack to be your wedded bride, in sickness and in health?"

Rainbow Dash's cheeks also met the same pigmentation, "I do!" she replied excitedly.

Applebloom trotted up quietly to the three, grinning wildly as she carried a small red pillow holding two silver anklets both of them bearing the engraving "Eternal love". Applejack picked up the anklet with a diamond cut in the shape of an apple, and Rainbow Dash followed suit with the anklet embedded with the small lightning bolt shaped gem.

Applejack raised the Pegasus's hoof, sliding on the piece of jewelry she had just retrieved from the cushion. Once finished, she allowed Rainbow Dash to do the same, their gaze never parting from one another as they did so.

The two finished the ritual, and Princess Celestia continued the ceremony, "As the ruler of Canterlot, by the power invested in me, I pronounce you both… joined together in the bonds of harmony. You may kiss the… bride." As she spoke, she had to make last second adjustments, as she was unsure how to properly rehearse the phrases, given the circumstances.
Applejack lifted the veil off of Rainbow Dash's face, still staring into her crystalline magenta eyes. "Ah love yah." She whispered.

Rainbow Dash peered back into the glistening peridot eyes across from her, the choir birds starting their symphony once again. "And I love you." She said firmly, gripping her and pulling her in close, pushing her warm lips against Applejack's. The two's eyelids closed as their faces met, dedicating their memory to the feeling of one another's touch, small glittering streams of joy slipping down from their eyes as they shared the moment together.