Not All That Sparkles Is Twilight

by Stellar Light Sparkle

11: Presentation

The day before the Presentation of Cobalt Star, the morning found Stellar waiting at Canterlot Central railway station. There were two platoons of Royal Guard troops behind her, securing the platform they were on. They were waiting for the Royal Crystal Express to arrive. The troops were relaxed and ready, but alert, Stellar noticed with an approving smile. She might only be a lieutenant, but being an alicorn meant the Guards-ponies treated her with respect normally rated for a Commander, or so it felt to Stellar. She didn't mind that at all, but also returned the compliment, treating things as if she had the responsibility of a Commander. She had wondered if it was perhaps a test, but she had decided that, if it was, then she would rise to the challenge and prove she was worthy of the rank.
Almost exactly on time, the Royal Crystal Express pulled into Canterlot Central station, to its own reserved platform. Crystal Guards-ponies exited from cars at the front and back of the small train, forming a cordon at the edge of the platform, then they moved out until they met the Royal Guards-ponies. As the three platoons faced, they saluted each other, then formated together, forming a single cordon covering the entire platform. Stellar stepped forward and met the officer in charge of the Crystal Guard unit, whom she recognised as Jade Pillar, now wearing Lieutenant's ranks on his armor. They saluted each other, then Stellar grinned at Jade Pillar. "Congratulations on your promotion, Lieutenant!" She said to him.
"And the same to you, Lieutenant." Jade Pillar replied as they shook hoofs. "Good to see you again." He then looked back as the doors to the royal carriage opened. "And here they come." He said, as he turned to face the train.
Shining Armor stepped out first, looking about and checking over the security, his Crystallium-blue-and-gold Crystal Guard armor glistening in the lights from the Station's roof and platform. Once he was sure of everything, he turned and nodded to Cadance, who came out with Flurry Heart on her back, who was looking about curiously.
Every Guards-pony on the platform, Stellar and Jade included, saluted the Royal Trio as they moved together. Shining Armor returned their salute, as Cadance gave a nod of her head and Flurry Heart waved with a wing from behind her mother. Once the Crystal Guard platoon had formed up around the Royal Couple, Stellar formed the Royal Guard around them and they all headed outside, where a carriage and a number of personnel wagons waited, armored Earth Pony Guards harnessed in place. Stellar and Jade helped the Royal Couple up into the central carriage, while the Crystal Guards climbed into the wagons and the Royal Guards formed a running cordon around the wagons. Stellar and Jade took positions up on the wide running boards of the central carriage, and the group moved out together.
Stellar smiled at Flurry Heart, whose eyes and grin widened and she held her fore-legs out for a snuggle, Cadance and Shining grinning as Stellar gave Flurry a nuzzle. "I'll give you a hug once we're at the Palace, Fluffers." Stellar told Flurry.
"Ah, poot." Flurry replied, which got looks of shock and outrage from Cadance and Shining.
"Just where did you hear that, young lady?" Cadance asked.
"Not. Telling." Flurry Heart replied in a decisive voice.
Stellar saw Jade Pillar turn away, trying to stop bursting out in laughter, as Shining gave Flurry Heart a Daddy's Glare, which had her hide behind Cadance. "Somepony's not getting Daddy-snuggles tonight, if she keeps using that language." Cadance said to Flurry as she cringed away.
"Sorry." Flurry Heart replied, giving Daddy the big-soft-sad-eyes-and-quivering-lips look.
Stellar could barely look at Flurry without bursting out in laughter at the look. "Aww... how can you stay mad at that face, B.B.B.F.F.?" Stellar asked Shining Armor.
Shining Armor gave Stellar a small glare. Jade Pillar was barely holding himself together as Stellar smiled sweetly back at her brother. "I must admit... it is hard to stay mad at such a sorrowful face." Shining Armor answered. "But..." He gave Flurry a one-eyed Stare, then smiled at her. "Nah, too much effort when it's easier to do this!" And he grabbed Flurry and tickled her with a grin of mischief.
Flurry squealed and writhed in her father's forehoofs. "No tickle! Daddy Stop! No Tickle!"
"What do you say?" Shining Armor asked Flurry.
"Please stop tickling me, Daddy?" Flurry Heart asked in very good Equish.
"Very good, Flurry." Shining Armor said to his daughter. "Remember, outside of the Tower, you have to speak properly, all right?" Shining Armor asked.
"Okay, Daddy." Flurry answered.
"That's my best filly." Shining Armor gave Flurry an award-winning 'Daddy-Smile of Approval', and nuzzled Flurry lovingly, Flurry hugging her big, strong daddy back.
"He really has risen to the challenge of having a daughter, hasn't he?" Stellar softly asked Cadance.
"Mmm... even more than I thought he might." Cadance admitted. "I had worried he might spoil her, like he did with Twilight, but he's become perfectly balanced as a loving father and a disciplinarian as well, just as he should be." She told Stellar.
Stellar chuckled. "If Flurry had been a colt, you might have had problems then with him spoiling the poor kid."
"Possibly." Cadance admitted. "But I don't think so."
"Maybe next time." Stellar said back.
Cadance chuckled. "Yes, a colt would be nice next time..." She said, thinking to herself.

Canterlot turned out again to watch the rulers of their closest neighbor country arrive in the city. Cadance felt the warmth of the welcome from the citizen ponies, and it warmed her inside as much as the same feelings from her own crystal ponies did. She had strong ties to Canterlot, and loved it when the ponies of the city welcomed her back again.
For her part, Flurry Heart looked around her with her big eyes opened wide. She had never seen such a sight as Canterlot in fully-festive mode. It was like the city needed to celebrate the newest Royal arrival with as much festivity and cheer as it could generate. Flurry Heart waved at the crowds with her mother, all the foals and younger ponies waving back to her as excitedly as they could, seeing her as somepony very special to them, since they were closer to the same age.
Shining Armor sat, as proud as any father could be, as he felt the welcome Canterlot was giving them. Twilight had written to them, saying the whole city was coming alive with festive cheer as word spread of the newest alicorn born in the City of Princesses, as some of the tabloids were now calling Canterlot. With three of the four born in the city, it seemed to be justified. The Palace had not released anything to silence it, so the name was starting to take root in the popular consciousness. Shining looked about, but could see nothing but a welcome that not even Celestia herself could be disappointed with, as they rode along towards the Palace complex.

Celestia was watching as the column that escorted Cadance and Shining Armor arrived outside the Palace complex and pulled in through the forecourt. The Guards escorting the wagons and the carriage spread out and merged with stationary Guards to isolate the forecourt. Ponies were at the gates, watching and cheering as the Royal Couple alighted, their Crystal Guards forming a secondary cordon as they stepped out. Celestia saw that most of the nobles were in the upper courtyards, watching as Cadance and Shining Armor formed up with their guards and headed towards the internal main gates. Once inside the Palace Complex, the nobles all lined up and bowed as the Crystal Guards and their charges moved past them. Stellar was walking alongside Jade Pillar, leading the Crystal Empire party through to the main castle. Guards saluted Stellar, Jade and Shining Armor as the group passed by them, all three officers saluting back as they walked along.
Celestia smiled as she saw the welcome Canterlot was giving to two of their most successful ponies. Cadance was a crowd favorite and every pony in Canterlot knew Shining Armor at least by reputation. Celestia was so pleased that Canterlot had not forgotten what Cadance and Shining Armor had done for them. She headed down to the Audience Hall to welcome her niece and nephew to Canterlot again.

Stellar and Jade Pillar led Cadance and Shining's party into the Audience Hall, the Crystal Guards spreading out to the sides, leaving Jade and Stellar to lead Cadance and Shining Armor up to the dais. Celestia had walked into the hall as Stellar reached the doors, and she was sitting, waiting for them all to arrive.
Stellar and Jade stopped at the end of the hall's public areas, and let Cadance and Shining move past them, as Celestia stood. Flurry Heart was looking around her mother's mane, and her face lit up brilliantly as she saw her great-aunt Celestia walking down the dais towards her and her parents.
"Aunty!" Flurry Heart yelled out, and launched herself from Cadance's back towards Celestia, who reared up and caught the little alicorn. Flurry proceeded to hug and nuzzle Celestia until Cadance and Shining Armor had reached her.
"Hello, my little pony." Celestia said, returning the hugs. "Lovely little Flurry Heart, could you please desist until after I have welcomed your parents?" Celestia asked Flurry Heart.
"Dee-sist?" Flurry asked, but after Celestia gave her a kiss on the horn, she settled for hugging the elder alicorn from her back as Celestia moved to Cadance and Shining Armor.
"Welcome, my dear niece." Celestia said as she gave Cadance a big hug.
"Aunty Tia." Cadance replied, returning the hug. "Sorry about Flurry. She has been so looking forward to seeing you again."
"It's all right." Celestia replied, as Flurry giggled. "That was a welcome worth waiting for." She turned to look at Shining Armor, who bowed deeply to Celestia. "And welcome to you, Shining Armor." Celestia said to him. "Your new look suits you well."
"Er... thank you, Your Highness." Shining Armor answered. He was surprised when Celestia gave him a one-legged hug, but took it in stride and returned it. After all, he reasoned, they were family now... supposedly.
"Canterlot really seems to be in full-celebration mode this day." Cadance commented as Shining Armor stepped back to her side.
Celestia gave a nod. "If you think it's a party now, wait until the ceremony and after. Pinkie Pie is in Canterlot at the moment, and I swear she has covered every district, getting parties going and continuing wherever she can." She told Cadance and Shining.
Cadance giggled. "I can imagine that." She replied.
As the royals moved off, Stellar found herself beside Jade Pillar as they moved along together. "So, if I recall correctly, this is all for you and your Sister this visit." He said to Stellar.
"That, and our new-born son, Cobalt Star." Stellar corrected Jade Pillar.
"Oh, sorry." Jade replied. "I mustn't have gotten that part of the message." He apologised.
Stellar smiled. "No problem." She said back to him. "But you do look good in your proper armor now." She complimented Jade.
"And you in that... Night Guard armor?" Jade asked.
"Yes, it's Lunar Guard armor." Stellar confirmed. "I've been apprenticed to Princess Luna herself."
"Nice. Great assignment if you can get it." Jade said back, impressed. "So, what does it entail?" He asked.
"Luna's teaching me her ways of combat, both physical and magical." Stellar explained.
"Hmmm... I didn't know that Her Highness was a warrior." Jade replied.
"She used to be famous for it, before she became Nightmare Moon." Stellar said, whispering the last name to Jade, who nodded. "One of her titles is 'Princess of the Blade', although that's one she doesn't use any more. But she's still as quick with her swords as any other I've ever met. Maybe you will see us spar in the Arena while you're here in Canterlot." Stellar invited Jade.
"That would be a sight to see." Jade agreed. "I've seen Prince Armor practise in the yard in the Guard Compound with others before, and while he's not the quickest sword-wielder we have, when he combines his shield and sword skills together, he is very good." Jade told Stellar.
Stellar nodded. "Yes, Shiny is very good... as long as he's careful about how he uses his magic." Stellar agreed. "He's learned a lot since trying to take on Tirek about how fighting with magic alone isn't the best way to fight, sometimes."
"Mmm... it's not good to be a one-trick pony when it comes to facing creatures and beings with powers like Tirek and others." Jade agreed.
"Good advice." Stellar agreed. "I'm trying to diversify my attacks as well. Mistress Luna has been teaching me some of her methods of combat, including magical combat, something I'm inexperienced at utilising."
"Being an alicorn gives you a lot of options." Jade commented. "But if you don't learn all you're capable of, then you're only limiting yourself."
"Exactly." Stellar said back. Their attention was diverted as Celestia and the others turned and headed into one of the large parlors. They took up station outside the door, as was usual, and waited patiently.
Jade was amused as, about ten minutes later, a little figure slipped covertly out the door of the parlor and moved under Stellar. Jade grinned as Flurry Heart climbed up Stellar's foreleg, Stellar staying stock still as she did so, until Flurry Heart was on Stellar's back. Jade saw Stellar smiling, and she gestured to Flurry Heart on her back. He nodded surrepticiously. She grinned and flipped Flurry around into her foreleg with a wing, to a squeak from Flurry Heart. Stellar looked down at her niece and nuzzled her tendely, as Flurry beamed widely and hugged Stellar back. "Hello, Flurry." Stellar said. "I do owe you a hug, don't I?" Stellar asked.
"Uh-huh." Flurry replied as she snuggled with Stellar.
Stellar kept snuggling with Flurry for a few minutes, then said "You really should be going back inside, you know."
"I don't want to." Flurry stated clearly. "I want to talk to you."
"Oh, really? I'm honoured." Stellar replied. "So, what have you been up to?" Stellar asked.
Stellar moved Flurry to her back again, as the little alicorn started giving a recital of everything she did in a normal day, the goings-on in the Crystal Tower, what she saw in the streets from the windows and when she was out with Cadance... and some rather insightful information on her parents' love-life. Jade could barely keep from chuckling, as he confirmed certain details to Stellar by nodding at certain points, while Stellar was also trying very hard to keep a straight face.
"What's your foal like?" Flurry then asked.
"Would you like to see him?" Stellar asked Flurry, who brightened up significantly.
"Yeah! Please?" She asked nicely.
Stellar flagged down a passing sergeant and had him take her place. With a "See you later" to Jade, she walked down the hallways and corridors of the Palace until they went up into Twilight's Tower, and there, in a beautiful wooden crib, was little Cobalt Star, fast asleep. Flurry Heart looked at her cousin with great curiosity.
"Is he an alicorn too?" She asked with a very soft voice, as Stellar stood beside the crib.
"Yes, he is. He has a horn and wings, like you and I." Stellar confirmed. She gently moved Cobalt's blanket down off his side, to show Flurry Cobalt's wings.
"He's... pretty." Flurry commented. "But...isn't 'pretty' a word for fillies?" Flurry asked.
Stellar smiled. "At this age, it doesn't really matter that much." Stellar answered Flurry. "And yes, he is very cute." Then she sniffed and wrinkled her nose. "Right now, though, he doesn't smell that pretty." She gently picked Cobalt up out of his crib, and she took him into the bathroom. Flurry watched with interest as Stellar changed Cobalt.
"Oooh! He does smell!" Flurry said, holding her nose.
Stellar had the face-guard on her helmet closed as she cleaned Cobalt and binned his nappy. "Yes, but you also did this when you were his age. Or can't you remember?"
"Nuh-uh." Flurry replied, hoofing Stellar certain items as Stellar changed Cobalt, who was yawning widely and looking at Flurry Heart with his big, green eyes. "He's got nice eyes."
"Yes, he does." Stellar agreed as she finished changing him. Once he was right to go, Cobalt managed to get to his hoofs and unsteadily walked across the table to Flurry Heart and sniffed her. She grinned and sniffed him back, then nuzzled him, hugging him gently, to which Cobalt gave a nicker and snuggled back. "Well, well... Flurry, you are honored. That's the first time I have seen Cobalt on his hoofs. And you were the one he did it to come and see."
"Really?" Flurry asked as she looked at Cobalt, who was burbling softly to her as she held him in her lap. "You did that just for me?" She said to Cobalt, who giggled and rubbed his head against hers. Cobalt seemed to nod back, then he turned to look at Stellar and whimpered. "He's hungry." Flurry Heart told Stellar.
"Oh? You understand him, do you?" Stellar asked as she picked up Cobalt, her armor retracting from around her.
"Uh-huh." Flurry said as she opened her wings and fluttered to the floor. The three alicorns walked back out into the main room area, and Stellar put Cobalt on the bed as she concentrated on a spell. She moaned as she felt her teats fill with milk, then she stretched out on the bed and let Cobalt suckle from her, as Flurry Heart landed on the bed beside Stellar's head. "Did I do that with Mama when I was his age?" She asked slowly, choosing her words carefully.
"Indeed you did. I remember the first time I saw you, you were nursing on your mother." Stellar replied, knowing that Cadance liked to give Flurry long answers, because she would keep on asking questions if you gave her short ones. Then Stellar remembered that what she'd told Flurry wasn't true... or was it? She had the memory of watching Flurry suckle on Cadance; it was as clear as day to her. But she couldn't have, because Flurry was already weaned when she had manifested inside Twilight. Stellar sighed softly. Another mystery of her past to solve another time.
Flurry watched with great interest as Cobalt fed from Stellar. "You're not his birth mama, are you?" She asked.
"No, I'm not. I'm Cobalt's second mother." Stellar confirmed.
"So... you... used a spell to give him milk?" She asked.
"That's correct." Stellar affirmed. "That way Twilight isn't stuck feeding him all the time. Unlike you, Cobalt has two mares to mother him when he needs us."
Flurry took that in. "Daddy... I think... he changed me.. occah...occasi... occasionally."
Stellar gave Flurry a nuzzle. "Well! That was a big word you got right." She encouraged Flurry.
Flurry beamed proudly. "Mama said I can do big words, if I work at them."
"That's very good, my little niece." Stellar said, encouraging Flurry Heart.
Flurry Heart grinned widely and watched until Stellar picked up Cobalt and burped him. The colt's low, rumbling burp hardly made an echo in the room, and Flurry giggled. "He's so quiet!"
Stellar grinned. "Yes, he is very restrained." She agreed. "Part of his charm." She put Cobalt in a carrier and they headed out of Twilight's quarters in the palace, heading back to where Cadance and Shining Armor were quartered. Flurry walked along for a while, until she jumped lightly onto Stellar's back and sat there for the ride. Stellar nodded to the four Guards-ponies that were standing near the base of the stairs, and they nodded back before they took up positions around Stellar, Flurry and Cobalt, walking with them but hanging back just to be inconspicuous. Two were regular Royal Guards, the other pair Crystal Guards.
Jade Pillar watched as Stellar approached the quarters. He could see Flurry still on her back, and a foal-carrier with the cutest little colt sitting in it floating in her magic. Cobalt wasn't just lying back and enjoying the ride the way Flurry had as a baby. He was sitting up and actively looking about, sniffing everypony that passed by him. The Sargeant gave them all a salute with a smile, and Jade Pillar took time to look Cobalt over, as the little colt sniffed him and gave Jade a grin. "So this is the new prince." Jade said softly. "He's a fine figure of a colt."
Flurry Heart giggled from Stellar's back, as Stellar replied "Thank you, Jade." She motioned the four guards to take up their post at the doors, letting the sargeant return to his duties, and she and Jade walked in with the youngsters.
Twilight, Cadance, Shining, Velvet and Night Light got to their hoofs as Stellar and Jade entered. Three of the five just smiled, but Cadance squeed when she saw Cobalt in his carrier, and Shining grinned proudly. "Fillies and Gentlecolts, may I present Cobalt Star, our foal." Stellar said as Cobalt sat up proudly.
"Oh, he is so CUTE!!" Cadance declared as she approached Stellar and Cobalt, giving the little colt a big smile. Cobalt decided he liked the look of this new mare, and gave her a big grin. Then his face dropped to awe, as he saw Shining Armor look at him as well.
"Hello, Nephew." Shining said in a gentle tone to Cobalt, who lifted himself up on his haunches and held out his front legs for a cuddle. Cadance lifted him out of the carrier and gave Cobalt his snuggle, as Cobalt burbled and hugged back.
"He's very affectionate, isn't he?" Shining asked Twilight as Cobalt rubbed his head under Cadance's chin.
"And even more active than Flurry Heart was, B.B.B.F.F." Twilight told them as she watched, Stellar putting the carrier to one side.
"He took his first steps just before, too." Stellar revealed to them all.
Twilight looked surprised, then pouted. "And I wasn't there to see it?" She asked, sounding very disappointed.
Stellar chuckled. "He walked across his change table to where Flurry Heart was sitting, watching him."
Twilight gave Stellar a look of astonished shock. "You didn't let him walk up there, did you?" She asked, aghast.
"Easy, Twilight." Stellar said. "Cobalt was in no danger. You know how wide that table is. Besides, he did quite well on his hoofs for a first time." Stellar stated proudly.
Twilight gave Stellar a frown that could melt paint, but she nodded. "As long as you were supervising." She finally said.
"Always." Stellar returned, looking at her sister seriously. "Cadance, can I...?" Stellar held her hoofs out for Cobalt. Cadance smiled as she handed Stellar the little colt. Stellar grinned as she rolled Cobalt over in her hoofs, until she had one foreleg under him, his four legs dangling in her grasp towards the ground. "Watch this." And as everypony gathered to watch, Stellar rubbed her other forehoof along Cobalt's back in a circular motion, and his little legs seemed to wiggle as she put him on the ground. To everypony's delight, Little Cobalt started walking, a little shakily at first, but gaining confidence as he headed straight for Twilight, who settled down on the rugs and encouraged him on. Everypony there cheered as Cobalt walked right into Twilight's forelegs and nuzzled his mother lovingly.
Shining looked at Stellar, chuckling. "Quite a trick." He said.
Stellar just grinned. "I have no idea where I know that from, but I am glad it worked." She told Shining, as Cobalt flipped his wings out and tried to climb into Twilight's grasp.
Twilight lifted him up and brought Cobalt's head around to where the little colt could meet his Uncle Shining. The two males gently nuzzled one another, Cobalt burbling happily as he shared a moment with Shining. "So, Cobalt Star, eh, Sis?" Shining asked Stellar.
"With the star around the base of his horn, it seemed very fitting." Stellar answered. "And it does hearken back to our grandfathers as well."
Shining nodded, as did Cadance. "It's a very lovely name, and suits him well." Cadance stated.
"And that makes it unanimous." Stellar said with a grin.
Shining chuckled. "Then, if that's the case, it truly is his name." He stated.
Stellar grinned back and moved to sit by Twilight, as Cobalt sat between Twilight's front hoofs and looked at Flurry Heart, who was trying her best to talk with him. He seemed to listen to her, because when she told him a joke, he giggled and padded the floor with his forehoofs. "He likes my jokes!" Flurry Heart declared.
"Probably because it's the first time he's heard them." Shining told Stellar.
"Not like us." Cadance agreed.
Everypony either giggled or chuckled at that, even Flurry Heart and Cobalt, who ended up rolling on his back and playing with Flurry Heart.

Twilight gently laid Cobalt Star in his crib that night, watched by Stellar, Velvet, and Cadance. All the mares made soft faces at the sleepy foal as he yawned widely, then curled up to sleep. The four of them made their way back to where Shining and Night Light were talking. "He's so sweet." Cadance said to Twilight and Stellar as they walked along. "And so attentive, too. I swear he understands everything you say to him... or at least he tries to look like he does."
"I know." Twilight replied. "I can hardly believe his range of sounds, too. I'm not sure if he's trying to talk, but he definitely tries to respond... and sometimes he even initiates things. Remember how Cobalt reacted to Rarity."
"Indeed! Baa!" Velvet responded, and the three that had been there laughed.
"What was this?" Cadance asked.
Stellar told Cadance of how Cobalt had sat up and actually addressed Rarity before she'd said anything to him. "He actually did that?" Cadance asked, amazed.
"Yes!" Twilight answered.
"And it amazed everypony there." Stellar added. "I don't think even Celestia had seen anything like that before."
"And the way he reacted to Celestia herself!" Twilight added as well. "It's like he knew who she was, instinctively."
"Aww... now you're making me wish we'd been there." Cadance said, as the mares all giggled. "But, seriously, Cobalt sounds like he's going to be a very interesting little colt as he grows... much like his mother." She smiled at Twilight.
"Oh yes!" Velvet agreed. "I think he is going to out-do Twilight as the most precocious foal ever from this family."
Twilight smiled proudly as they reached the parlor where Father and Son sat, waiting for the rest of the Family to arrive.

It was a morning more brilliant than most, the morning of Cobalt Star's Presentation. The skies were clear, the weather perfect, and the mood almost had the city ready to jump out of its figurative skin with excitement. Even more than the Summer Sun Celebration, or Grand Galloping Gala night, Canterlot was determined to show all of Equestria that it knew how to welcome a new prince.
Everypony who was anypony flocked to the Palace complex that morning. A Royal Presentation was more than just a once-in-a-lifetime event. This was, technically, the first ever in the history of Canterlot. Only Flurry Heart's Crystalling could be compared to this, and she didn't have as many ponies to watch her. Flurry Heart had had hundreds to her Crystalling, Cobalt Star would have thousands to his Presentation. The history of the ceremony had started up a millenium ago and was, in many respects, a copy of the Crystalling Ceremony of the Crystal Empire, meant to keep alive memories of the ancient kingdom. But in Canterlot, as things do, it had taken on life and meaning of its own.
As Twilight watched from the window of her Palace tower that she and Stellar were staying in that morning, she wondered if it was worth all the fuss. Twilight never did like pomp and ceremony, but in her heart she knew how important this was for Cobalt, who at that very moment was trying his best to smear a rusk all over Stellar's mane as he sat on her shoulders and tried to climb up her neck. The sight made Twilight break out in giggles, then open laughter, as Stellar sat there with a soft smile on her face and took it without complaint. "I think he wants to impale it on my horn." Stellar told her sister, as Twilight stopped herself from rolling on her back and spoiling the beautiful white dress she was wearing.
"Come here, my little mischief-maker." Twilight said as she reached for Cobalt Star and took him in her forehoofs. Cobalt giggled to himself, then gazed up at his mother with his huge, soft eyes, and Twilight's heart melted again at the love she saw in them for her. She snuggled Cobalt into her and the little colt hugged his mother back as best he could, nuzzling Twilight lovingly.
Stellar's magic flared and she cleaned herself using several cantrips to get the remains of the rusk out of her dress and her mane and set it again. "Ah well, I could think of a dozen worse things he might have tried with that rusk than to use it to comb my mane." Stellar said as she crossed to the pair and joined in the snuggle.
Twilight barely managed to keep herself from giggling again at that, as Cobalt nuzzled both his parents. "I think he is going to be a very creative sort, and we are going to find his imagination a great challenge." Twilight predicted.
"Then a good dose of discipline will make sure he keeps it where it belongs... once he gets old enough, that is." Stellar replied.
Twilight nuzzled Cobalt tenderly. "I never thought I'd be so lucky..." She said softly, as Stellar nuzzled her as well.
"If anypony deserved to have such a wonderful colt as her first foal, it's you, Sis." Stellar stated to Twilight.
Twilight still looked sad. "You know I would have rather Cobalt had been born to his true mother..."
"Not our decision to make, Twi'." Stellar reminded Twilight. "Whomever she was, she was doomed the second that cross-bow bolt hit her in the shoulder. But you saved Cobalt, and this is the consequence of your incredible act of mercy and love: you have a son." Stellar nuzzled Twilight lovingly.
"WE have a son." Twilight replied strongly. "I don't know if I would be strong enough to raise him if you weren't here as well."
Stellar chuckled. "You would be, Twi'. You're a lot stronger than you know. You just don't show it the way I do." Stellar told her.
The door to their room opened then, and Marigold Leaf looked in. "It's time, Princesses."
"We'll be right there." Twilight replied, as Stellar hoof-faced.
"I keep telling her I am NOT a princess!" Stellar said to Twilight.
Twilight chuckled. "I guess you'll just have to put up with that, unless you take a title for yourself." Twilight said back. She put Cobalt back in the small carrier, making sure he was snug in it and ready to be carried. Cobalt lay there, smiling up at his mothers. Twilight and Stellar took him in their joint magic fields and carried him out between them, as they headed out of their rooms and down through the Palace to the Chapel.

Twilight was amazed at what she saw as she and Stellar reached the chapel. Somehow, the walls of the small chapel had been removed, rendering it open to the large courtyard in which it stood. Earth ponies, crystal ponies, thestrals and unicorns filled the courtyard floor, while pegasi and nightwing thestrals were sitting anywhere they could, including on stands set up just for them. The Royal Guards were in their finest armor, standing so they didn't block the view, but where they could still be effective.
All the ponies outside bowed to Twilight and Stellar as they carried Cobalt Star between them. The nobles filled the front half of the Chapel... save for the reserved section, which was taken up with Team Harmony, Velvet and Night Light, Cadance, Shining Armor and Flurry Heart, Starlight Glimmer and Spike, who stood there at the very corner, looking as proud as any dragon could be. On racks at the ceiling level, more pegasi and nightwings sat, looking down. Celestia and Luna were standing at the corners of the Altar dais, dressed not in Coronation regalia, but flowing white dresses and wearing regalia of a totally-different kind. They weren't even wearing their crowns, showing their subservience to the All-Mother. Two priestesses, one a unicorn, the other a pegasus, flanked the High Priest, an Earth Pony stallion. As Twilight and Stellar reached the dais, they bowed to the trio, who nodded back, and everypony fell silent as the High Priest started to speak:
"The All-Mother welcomes all of her ponies here today, to bless the birth of a Prince." The priest said. "She has watched over us all, in the good and the bad, her representatives on Equis leading us and protecting us." He smiled at the two Princesses, then at the Sparkle sisters who stood before him. "And now, she has blessed these sisters with another of those Blessed to be part of all of us: this foal being a colt this time. How this young colt came to be given to us is not an issue: He is one of the Blessed, and deserves to be recognised as being both above all others, and the servant of every pony as well. For in leadership, those who are all-at-once serve all those below them, as the All-Mother leads, loves and serves us all."
The crowd swelled in solemn voice as they repeated "The All-Mother leads, loves and serves us all."
The priest nodded. "Who is to sponsor this foal and show him the path he should walk?"
Celestia and Luna stood up on the first step of the Altar dais. "I will sponsor him, and show him the path to follow." Celestia replied.
Luna nodded, then added "I will sponsor him, and show him the path to follow."
The priest bowed to them both. "Who is it who bears this foal, and will nuture him and protect him?"
Both Twilight and Stellar stepped forward. "I bore this foal, and I will love and nuture him for his long life." Twilight stated in reply.
Stellar then added. "I am his other parent, and I shall protect him until he is able to protect himself... no matter how long it takes."
The priest smiled and nodded back. "Then let his sponsors bring him before the All-Mother."
Celestia and Luna picked up Cobalt in their magic and walked with him up to the altar. Stellar put the carrier to one side and waited. The priest took Cobalt in his hoofs and said "This young one is special. He is a colt with two loving mothers, who are princesses in their own right. But this does not mean he will be loved any more or less than any other foal. He is still a pony, and all ponies know..."

Every pony in the chapel grounds repeated the well-known saying. The priest nodded. "We all serve each other every day, as we love one another, and share Joy around between us all. Harmony is found when we all share, serve and love together. Let us remember the six tenets of Living."
All the ponies, even the alicorns, bowed their heads and said:

As they said this, from every pony there was a silent response. Unicorns' and Sabrehorns' horns lit up; Pegasi's and Nightwings' wings lit up, and the hoofs of Earth Ponies and Nightwalkers glowed with light. With the Alicorns, all three parts of them lit up brilliantly, and the light spread across Canterlot, making the city glow with light. Cobalt Star was glowing as well, but from all over him, as he levitated into the air over the altar.
The priest then said "With these tenets and the Virtues in our hearts and minds, in our days and our lives, Harmony will always be with us, no matter what we may face! Together, we are One! Together, we are Harmony!"
Then one pony started to sing. Others joined them, and it spread quickly across the audience and out into the streets. All the ponies' eyes were lit up with the light of their magic as they sang. No words needed to fill the Song; the voices alone filled the hearts and souls of all there.
Outside Canterlot, the Song of Harmony spread. All ponies around Equestria, watching the ceremony, joined in the Song. Even the Crystal Ponies in the Empire joined in the Song as it went on...

The power of the Song of Harmony even went as far as Unicornia, but there it was met with silence. No pony in Unicornia dared to sing, even though in many of the lower-class ponies the song stirred their hearts and souls to sing along. The Sorcerors were watching, aware of what they could feel, and they worked to cancel out the Song wherever they could feel it. But very few were the hearts and souls that the Song had not touched before they could actually repulse it effectively.
Armus frowned as he recognised the Music of Harmony. But this song was far more powerful than any he had ever heard before. For it to have such strength, even with Equestria so far away, something incredible was uniting all the ponies there. He growled to himself as it wafted over the city. He shouted a powerful incantation and the Song was repulsed from Ballistar, the Darkness of his magic more powerful here. He turned and headed inside. Whatever was making the Harmony of Equestria this powerful concerned him. Damn the Sparkle Sisters for making him leave and take all his agents with him! He would have to wait for the traders to come now to get any information...

As the Song slowly softened and ceased, the Priest said "Let us remember:

"We are Harmony when we are One." All the ponies replied, and they all bowed their heads.
The priest reached up and caught little Cobalt Star as he slowly lowered towards the altar, his horn, eyes, wings and hoofs still glowing, but fading. "You are welcomed, little colt. All of Equestria welcomes their new prince to their hearts and to their families with their song." He smiled at Cobalt, who was still in awe of what he'd felt. Then, just as the priest was wondering, a little scrap of paper fluttered before him with a name. "Ah." He said in a whisper, then "We present to Equestria: Prince Cobalt Star Sparkle!" He said loudly, and held up Cobalt as all of those in Canterlot and wherever they were watching cheered in celebration.
Cobalt gave out a loud squeal of delight and wriggled in the priest's hoofs, waving his fore-hoofs and wings at everypony he could see. This nearly made his mothers break out into giggles, as well as his aunties. "Already, he's hogging the limelight." Stellar commented to Twilight.
"Oh, shush." Twilight replied, trying to hold back her giggles.