//------------------------------//
// Chapter 8: Another Typical Gala 
// Story: Three Sisters 
// by Cryohawk 
//------------------------------//

Twilight looked over her dress in the mirror one last time as she scanned for any imperfections or problems with it. The dress she currently had on was the same one that she wore during her return celebration, she even managed to get her mane in the same style; not that it didn't try to resist.
The only differences from before were her new crown on top of her head and her magic amulet, which was the shrunk-down version of the Element of Magic.
Even though Twilight disagreed with her sister over the needless excessiveness of this dress she had to admit it was quite beautiful, and that she liked it.
Once she was sure that her dress was in perfect order she let out a sigh before she quickly made her way out of her room, before she left she scowled at a book that lay next to her mirror. Once she entered the halls of the castle she was nearly in a gallop, though she still kept in mind to not damage her dress.
As she hastily made her way to the gala she couldn't help but be frustrated at herself.
I can't believe how long that paperwork took! And then to make matters worse, there was that infernal book I just had to get sucked into! Ugh! Celestia isn't going to let this go…
By the time Twilight finished that thought she realized that she had left the Magic district and was in a much more active part of the castle. There were a few ponies, mostly servants, trying to make sure the gala was in perfect working order.
Twilight felt slightly more frustrated with herself for having lost track of where she was. Before any pony could notice her current situation she slowed down to a normal speed and put on her princess mask.
Luckily, for Twilight it only took a few more moments before she reached a pair of doors that led to the ballroom, the same room that her sister had used for her return celebration. When she entered the ballroom she noticed that it was mostly the same as before, besides a few more decorations and more… purple. Twilight was impressed that this was the first gala that Cadence had organized, just more evidence that you’ll make a perfect princess.
As she walked inside she noticed that there were, thankfully, only a few ponies there at the moment.
Twilight made her way through the gala, more specifically to where Tia told her to meet before the gala. As she made her way through the newly emerging crowd she could tell that, just like before her return, almost all of the ponies were nobles. She had naively hoped that the gala had become at least a little less socially restrictive, but it seemed some things never changed.
Twilight pushed aside her slight disappointment when she noticed the massive line that led to none other than her sister, Celestia.
Celestia also had on a dress, though it was new to Twilight, she also had on her crown and golden slippers. The pink gown she had on changed to different shades of pink with the bottom a dark pink and eventually the color changed to a light pink around the top. On her back rested a pink-red section of the dress that had bright recreations of her sun cutie mark sewn into the fabric. Pinned to her gown were two golden suns, which were also recreations of her cutie mark. Twilight rolled her eyes at that, Very creative, Tia.
Around her barrel was a silk orange belt with some white wavy line designs stitched into it. Finally, around her neck was a dull pink cloth with a golden star pin that kept it around her neck.
Twilight began her journey up the steps past the many ponies that came for the gala. Soon the ponies began to notice her and while a few paid their respects the vast majority seemed to be surprised that she was even there.
When Twilight nearly reached her sister, Celestia seemed to have noticed her as her fabricated smile became just a bit more sincere.
“Ah! Sister, it’s good to see you’ve arrived,” Celestia said as she shook her hoof.
“You too, Celestia. I’m sorry I was late. I had some important matters to attend to before the gala,” Twilight replied as she moved over next to her sister.
Celestia’s smile for a moment became a grin, “Of course,” before it quickly turned back to normal.
After a little while, everything returned to normal as the two sisters began to greet the guests, at least that was until Celestia established a telepathic link between the two of them.
“So what took you so long really. Hm… let me guess, a book?” Celestia smugly asked over the spell.
Twilight wished she was surprised by her sister’s behavior, unfortunately, this is just what she expected from Celestia.
A short silence persisted between them before Twilight reluctantly responded to her sister, “Partially.”
“Of course. Why am I not surprised you became obsessed with a book,” Celestia replied as she mentally rolled her eyes while at the same time greeted a little colt.
“I also had to do other things, you know! Ugh! Can we please stop talking about this?” Twilight, totally didn't plead as she wished to move on.
Celestia was silent for a moment before she responded, “Very well. You're lucky we’re in the middle of something. But, please try to be on time for the next gala,” her sister said as she lightly scolded her.
“Fine, I’m sorry about being late again. *sigh* This is going to be a long tedious night isn't it,” Twilight remarked as she greeted another noble.
“You have no idea. But this is the responsibility of the crown… though I do wish it didn't have to be so dull,” Celestia said absentmindedly.
With no response from Twilight, Celestia cut the spell and the two sisters began to focus, at least a bit more, on the guests.
At least that was the plan, but Twilight couldn't help but think about her sister’s last remark. It was at that moment that she had an epiphany and at the same time a genuine smile grew on her muzzle as she thought of something that would definitely make the gala much more “exciting” for her dear sister.


-{<()>}-  


Cadence walked through the crowds of the gala all the while she gave them her best princess mask. As she made her way through the crowds her new golden slippers clicked on the marble floor, her Auntie Celestia had given her a pair to wear so it would complete her look. And it did fit surprisingly well with her favorite pink dress, a dress she personally liked to wear whenever she had to go to some official festival.
She had on a pink gown where the bottom of it faded into a light purple. Around her barrel was a purple belt with golden string stitched into it with multiple different designs, many of which had hearts in them. On the front of her dress were two lines of purple that started from her shoulders and ended at the center of her chest. At the center of her chest was a blue heart-shaped crystal with gold trimmings surrounding it.
While her mane style was done in the same way she normally liked it, instead of her normal bowties she replaced them with silk ones, which was a gift Auntie Twilight got her before the gala. She loved them. Finally, she had on a pair of blue crystal dot earrings.
She then looked next to her to check on a little pony that she was looking after during the gala, Centa. Centa was also in an adorable dress, though not nearly as… complicated as her dress. She was in a simple dark purple dress with a cute purple bow tie around her barrel. Finally, she had a pin in her hair that was a replica of her cutie mark.
Auntie Celestia had asked her to look after Centa during the gala. Which she was perfectly happy to do, as she hoped that Centa could help fight the boredom of the gala… also it was an excuse she could use to avoid the nobles.
Cadence soon got lost in thought as her body went on autopilot and she looked away from Centa. Even though she helped plan this gala, though to be honest Raven did most of the hard work, she always hated this gala. Ever since she learned the truth about the gala from her, the first gala she had hated this event.
All that the gala was ever for was for nobles to have an exclusive private party to brag about and to discuss their plans with veiled words. She couldn't fathom why normal ponies, outside of Canterlot, thought this was the best celebration in all of Equestria! The nobles probably spread rumors that this was some amazing party just to make the common pony jealous, Cadence cynically thought.
Cadence realized that she was having an internal rant so she stopped and calmed herself down, the gala had tended to do this to her. Cadence also remembered that Centa was with her and she began to worry that her internal anger may have shown and scared her. But when she looked over at Centa to make sure she hadn't scared her she noticed something terrified her. Centa wasn't next to her!
Understandably, Cadence began to freak out. Where did Centa go?! OH no! She must have wandered off when I was distracted! She could be lost or HURT! I have to find her NOW! Before she had completely panicked she forced herself to remain calm. WAIT! Calm down, Cadence. I’m sure she’s perfectly fine. We're still in the castle. She's probably just… playing somewhere around here. Yeah, she’s fine. Once Cadence sorted out her near panic she began her search for her little bundle of joy.
“Centa, please come back here,” Cadence as calmly as she could ask as she combed through the crowd.
Unfortunately, no matter where she looked she couldn't find any hide nor hair of her no matter how hard she searched. After a while Cadence considered if she should get her aunties to help search for her. Before she could enact that plan she suddenly bumped into somepony, which caused both of them to fall.
When Cadence got her bearings she looked over at the pony that she accidentally hit. He was a slightly larger than average-sized unicorn stallion for his age, at least as far as she could tell. He had pure white fur, like her auntie, and a multi-shaded blue mane and tail. He also had blue eyes and a dark blue shield cutie mark with three lighter blue stars above it. Finally, she noticed that he had a surprisingly developed horn, she also noticed that she was quite… handsome.
Cadence blushed lightly before she quickly averted her gaze to the suit he wore. He had on a very well-made black tux that went down his barrel, underneath his tux he wore a simple white shirt. Finally, he had a, somewhat cute, dark blue tie that matched the color of his cutie mark.
From the outfit alone Cadence could tell that he had to be some kind of noble. Common ponies normally couldn't afford a tux like that and normal ponies were practically non-existent at the gala.
Before Cadence could say anything to the white stallion he groaned, “Ow! Watch where your goi-” his frustration was cut off when he saw her.
The two of them stared at each other in tense silence until the stallion's eyes moved to her back and then to her forehead. Soon after his eyes slowly began to grow until they were practically the size of dinner plates. He then attempted to get onto his hooves, which resulted in much stumbling, but he eventually succeeded.
“I-I'm so sorry, princess! I mean! Uh… I mean, uh. My lady? *cough* I didn't see you there, my lady. Are… you alright?” the stallion nervously asked as he brought out a hoof to help her up.
Cadence looked at the stallion for a moment before she took his hoof, “It’s fine and to be honest it was really my fault. *sigh* I should have looked where I was going. Also if you’d like you can call me, Cadence,” she said as she got up onto her hooves.
Now that Cadence got a better look at the stallion she was surprised, she didn't recognize him. Which was odd because she knew every young stallion noble in Canterlot and some outside. Especially, considering practically every one of them had flirted with her or asked her out on a date
*sigh* No doubt he’ll try at some point too. But even after that cynical thought, she was still oddly curious about the stallion.
“I’m sorry again… Cadence,” Cadence was surprised when he actually used her name, even if he was a little reluctant.
“It’s fine, really. I should have seen you standing there. Now as much as I would like to continue this conversation, I need to go. I’m sorry I have to cut this short,” Cadence said as she forced herself to end her conversation with the surprisingly… different noble.
“Oh! I understand Prin- um… I mean, Cadence,” Shining said as he began to apprehensively walk away.
With their conversation effectively done they both began to walk away. But as Cadence left she couldn't help but want to know more about that noble. He was so different from any other noble she met.
Her aunties always said that you could tell who a pony was just by the way they talked, acted, moved, and… the “aura” around them, at least that was how her aunties put it. Even though she was nowhere nearly as skilled as her aunties she could tell that he was different, more genuine. And that made her want to get to know more about him.
Right before she was about to leave she gave in to her curiosity for a moment and looked over her shoulder and asked the stallion a question.
“Before I go” - the stallion stopped with a surprised face, and possibly a tinge of worry before he turned around - “what's your name?” Cadence asked as she also turned around.
The stallion looked blankly at her for a moment, “Oh,” before he proceeded to slap himself. “I can’t believe I forgot to tell her my name. *cough* I’m sorry, again. My name's Shining Armor. You probably haven’t heard about me before. My family is barely lesser nobles,” the newly named Shining said as he gave a little embarrassed laugh and a cu- *cough* gentle smile.
“Well. Then it’s good to meet you, Shining Armor. I would introduce myself as well, but I think we already went over that,” A smile grew on her muzzle as she thought of something.
“Ha! With a name like that you almost sound like your part of the guard” - Cadence realized that what she said could be considered rude - “Oh! I’m sorry, I didn't mean to imply that about your name,” Cadence knew some nobles hated to be compared to guards, some of them believed they were barbaric and subservient to other ponies. It was a completely ridiculous thought process in her opinion.
But Cadence’s worries were unfounded as Shining laughed and waved to hoof, “Don’t worry about it, In fact, I hope I can join the guard soon,” Cadence's eyes widened as she was shocked by his answer.
“Wait! What?! You want to be part of the guard,” Cadence said, completely dumbfounded.
A noble wants to be part of the guard! But… no noble has ever wanted to join the guard! Cadence continued to be surprised by Shining Armor, at every moment he showed that he was so different from any other noble. From the way, he talked to her, to how he treated her, and now he wanted to join the guard. Cadence began to doubt he was actually a noble.
“Yeah, I want to be a guard. I’ve wanted to join so I can help any pony in need. I’ve wanted to ever since I got my cutie mark -” He showed her his cutie mark before he backed at her with a sigh “-Unfortunately, I can’t join until after I graduate from high school,” Cadence’s heart warmed at Shining’s selflessness.
“That’s wonderful! I’m sure you’ll make it into the guard no problem. You also said you were in high school? Which one do you go to?” Cadence asked as she sat next to Shining.
Shining blushed at how close she was but after a moment he continued, “Oh! Uh, you’ve probably haven’t heard of it. It’s just some small high school in lower Canterlot, nothing fancy,” Shining avoided the question.
Cadence meanwhile wasn't going to let go and nudged him, “Come on, tell me. I don’t care if it’s not some fancy school,” Cadence said as she rolled her eyes.
“Uh, Fine. It’s a small school called Willow High. It’s actually more like a guard transfer school, to be honest. It helps ponies get used to working in the guard and makes it easier to transfer to the guard afterward. It’s nowhere near as big or fancy as some of the upper Canterlot high schools though,” Shining said as he adjusted his bow, suddenly a bit more nervous.
“Really? Well, I for one think that’s a wonderful school” - Shining looked at her surprised - “Yes, I know about your school. My auntie took me there once. I think she wanted to teach me how to deal with the guard when I became a princess. Anyways, from what I can tell it’s a very good school. Besides all those other fancy schools are… let’s just say most of them are more focused on “teaching” ponies about useless skills.”
Shining meanwhile was still in shock, “Honestly, I’m still shocked that you even knew about my school,” for some reason Shining’s comment caused Cadence to laugh, and initially Shining looked more confused before he joined her.
After Shining’s impromptu joke Cadence looked back over at Shining with a smile, “Oh, that's the most I’ve laughed today! Thank you, Shining.”
“Uh, sure. No problem,” Shining murmured as he blushed again.
Cadence then had a wonderful idea, “So, Shining. Want to hear a story about my aunts,” Cadence asked as a playful smile formed on her muzzle.


-{<()>}-  


*sigh* Why does this always have to take so long? Celestia thought as she once again greeted another guest from the seemingly endless line of ponies. Why didn't I push harder to remove this stupid holiday? Yes, it would lower some of my political power, but at least I wouldn't have to suffer through this every year!
She knew she was overexpressing, a little. But, it did help that she had her sister here with her this time, even though she still had to endure the torture. She helped make it slightly more bearable as now the both of them could suffe- erm... enjoy this gala together.
I hope after we're done greeting ponies, if that ever ends, we can have some time to talk to each other, without a telepathic link. Celestia hoped as she noticed another pony approach them.
Celestia reentered reality as she prepared to welcome another guest. Unknown to her was when she held out her hoof to hoofshake the guest, the sole of her hoof glowed a faint but familiar hue of purple.
“Hello, my little pony. Welcome to the Grand Galloping Gala,” Celestia said in her motherly tone as she shook the guest’s hoof.
But when she tried to let go of her guest’s hoof she realized something, she couldn't let go. Celestia was confused before she looked over at the guest.
“You… can let go now,” but when she said this she noticed that the guest looked like they were also struggling to let go.
“I’m sorry, your majesty. But I can’t seem to let go,” Celestia grew even more confused before she looked back down at their hooves.
By now other ponies began to notice their extended hoofshake and some even began to mutter between each other.
Celestia didn't focus on that though as she began to try and release their hooves. She first tried to tap into some of her alicorn strength to pull them apart forcefully but all that accomplished was pulling her guest closer. Celestia then tried to use her magic to pull their hooves apart and, unlike before, there was some progress! Slowly Celestia was able to pull their hooves apart and for a moment she was able to see some kind of purple magic in between their hooves, it looked quite familiar.
But, before she could get a closer look there was suddenly a wave of purple magic that washed over both of them and shocked their bodies. Thankfully, Celestia could tell that the shock was nowhere lethal, it simply startled them.
Celestia first looked over her guest for any injuries, but she instead noticed that their mane was puffed out, as well as their fur. Before she could ask if her guest was alright their eyes widened and they gasped, as well as every nearby pony.
“Yo-Your Majesty. Your mane!” Celestia blinked in confusion before she teleported a mirror from her room and looked at herself.
She was quickly able to see what they meant. Like her guest, her mane and fur were puffed out, though her mane looked a bit silly as it still had an ethereal nature to it. Celestia probably would have laughed at how her mane kinda looked like rainbow cotton candy if she weren't in the middle of the gala, surrounded by her ponies.
At that moment she realized who caused their little scene and when she quickly looked over at Twilight she saw for a brief moment a smirk as well as the faint glow of her horn before it also disappeared.
Celestia knew her sister was involved in this and she glared at her lightly before she returned her attention to her disheveled guest with her signature smile.
“Thank you, for telling me. But it seems we were both affected by this… event. Here, let me fix that,” Celestia said before she powered up her horn and cast a spell that fixed their manes and fur.
After a few moments the mess was fixed and they both looked as good as new, “They're all finished. I’m sorry, that happened. It seems there was simply some magical interference. Likely, some magic that managed to slip out of my core. Again, I’m sorry that this happened,” Celestia sweetly said as she made up a lie on the spot.
The guest seemed to be flustered, likely a mixture of surprise from her spell and her apology, but the pony eventually got some of their nerves back.
“Um. O-Of course, your majesty. It was simply an accident. It happens to the best of us,” the guest waved off as they began to make their way to the gala.
The rest of the guests seemed to have accepted her answer as everything returned to normal.
Once she was sure everything was under control, Celestia started a telepathic link between her and Twilight.
“Sister, what by the gods was that?” Celestia demanded as she welcomed the next guest, normally this time.
“Pray tell, whatever do you mean, Tia?” Twilight innocently asked, but Celestia could hear the lingering pride in her sister.
“Don’t, Tia me. Twilight. I know full well that you caused that to happen,” the smile on Twilight’s muzzle widened a bit when she finished.
“And what exactly just happened right now, sister?” Celestia’s eye twitched a bit after her sister’s response.
“Do you really expect me to believe that? You cast a spell on my hoof before I shook hooves with the guest,” Celestia told her conniving sister.
“Ah, that. I thought you said that was caused by… how did you put it? Some kind of magical interference with the magic that slipped managed to slip out of your core. *gasp* Did you lie to your own subject! I can’t believe you, sister! I thought you were supposed to be a role model to ponies!” Celestia faintly frowned as her sister continued but before she could get a metaphorical word in her sister continued.
“As much as we need to have a conversion about lying to our subject and accusing sisters of things they clearly didn't do. We should focus on our little ponies. It is the responsibility of the crown,” Twilight echoed her words before she forcefully cut the telepathic link.
Celestia now glared at her sister before she knew exactly how to get revenge. I see what you’re up to, Twilight. Know that you have just started a war of the likes you’ve never experienced before. You’re going down. With her declaration, she began to think up hundreds of different pranks she could spring on her sister. As a servant walked past them with a tray of drinks a mischievous smile spread across her muzzle.
As she powered her horn she began one of the many pranks that she planned for her foolish sister.


-{<()>}-  


For the next couple hours, the sisters began their Great Prank War and while at first, it was only at each other, they even made a game out of it as they tried to prank each other without any other pony noticing. But, soon other ponies started to become casualties as the sisters grew more ambitious in their quickly growing game. Eventually, everypony became a target for their war.
Meanwhile, Cadence and her new friend, Shining Armor, continued their conversation. For the last few hours, they talked about a lot of different subjects, from possible state secrets to the princess's private lives. They also talked about more mundane subjects such as Shining's time at his school and other personal interests. Unfortunately, for Cadence, she will have to face one of her most terrible misdeeds…


-{<()>}-  


“Wait, the princess did what!?” Shining asked flabbergasted.
Cadence couldn't help but laugh at Shining’s reaction, “They pranked my cousin, Blueblood. In the middle of the castle, in front of a whole crowd of ponies,” Cadence said again as a pleased smile was plastered across her muzzle.
“I can’t believe the princesses prank ponies. Including their own nephew. That’s… wow,” Shining said, still astounded.
“Oh, please! He had it coming to him. He needed it… and probably some more,” Cadence muttered under her breath.
It had been a few hours since she first met Shining Armor. And to be honest, it was the most fun she’s ever had at a gala. Unlike every other pony, Shining treated her like a normal pony. Even though for the first hour he was timid around her, he got over that fear quickly once she showed who she was. It was truly a refreshing experience to have a normal conversation with just some pony for a change. No hidden motive or veiled words, just a good time between two friends.
“Still, it’s hard for me to see the princesses do… well something like that,” Cadence realized that her mind had drifted off, so she rejoined their conversation.
“My aunties like to keep a certain… appearance in public,” Cadence tried to say tactfully.
“I suppose that makes sense,” Shining replied.
Before they could continue their conversation. Suddenly, something black and purple jumped in between them. Soon after, Cadence heard a very familiar voice.
“Oh! Cadence, there you are! I was looking everywhere for you! Don’t worry, I wasn't scared! I'm a big mare!” the now revealed Centa said as she began to jump in place.
Cadence didn't respond as she was in shock at how she FORGOT about Centa! She was also stunned at the state she was in, she looked like she played in a pig pen!
Her hooves were covered in mud and… what she believed was chocolate? She hoped. Her dress was also a mess with tons of stains and tears all over it, she didn't even want to know how much that dress cost. Her fur was also matted and her mane was completely disheveled. Thankfully, her pin was still in place, if only a little dirty.
It was only after her shock passed that she realized that Centa had talked the whole time.
“...And then I found this HUGE chocolate fountain and I just had to have some. Oh! And then-” Cadence stopped Centa when she regained her senses.
“Centa, what happened to you? Where did you run off to? Ugh, you're a mess. How am I going to clean you up?” Cadence asked herself as other guests around them began to notice Centa’s commotion.
Even with her tone, Cadence felt incredibly guilty that she actually forgot about Centa. She mentally berated herself and silently swore to never let this happen again.
Cadence looked apologetically to Shining while she attempted to conceal Centa from the newly forming crowd, “I’m sorry, Shining. I completely forgot about Centa. I just started talking with you and I just completely forgot what I was doing. Now I need to go and clean her up,” Cadence sighed as she began to think of ways to clean Centa up.
Shining surprised her once again when he didn't look concerned, “No problem, Cadence. And to be honest I also kinda caused this. How about I help you? We can go clean her up at that table,” Shining suggested as he pointed to a secluded table near the back of the gala.
Cadence reluctantly decided to accept his help and so the three of them made their way to the table, while both Shining and Cadence conceded a slightly confused Centa.
But, as they made their way to the table Cadence realized something as she smashed herself in the face, “I’m an idiot,” she said under her breath.
Shining looked at her confused and slightly concerned, “Um… Cadence are you alright?” he asked.
Cadence looked over a Shining and for a moment she thought about not telling him until she decided to let him in on her mistake, “I… forgot that I had a magic orb from Auntie Celestia that showed me where Centa was. It was literally made to prevent this!” Shining actually had the audacity to chuckle at her, Cadence very much disapproved of this action.
Eventually, they made it to the secluded table where Shining gathered some towels while Cadence got a couple of glasses of water and prepared a few cleaning spells for the harder-to-clean areas. Centa meanwhile nabbed a few treats off of the table and began to eat them while they were gone. When they gathered everything they needed they began to clean Centa.
While they cleaned up the little filly Shining asked a question, “So… if you don’t mind? Who exactly is Centa?” Cadence realized she hadn't even told Shining who Centa was, Cadence was able to resist the urge to smack herself again.
“Ugh! Why am I so scatterbrained today? Sorry… again, this is Centa Void, Princess Celestia’s student. I was supposed to look after her during the gala, but well… I suppose you can see how that went,” Cadence muttered dejectedly as she cleaned one of Centa’s hooves.
Before Shining could say anything that could cheer her up, Centa gave her a surprise boop on her nose. The only evidence of this heinous crime was a little bit of chocolate on the tip of her nose.
“Don’t be sad, Cadence. You're the best foalsitter ever!” A short silence followed until a smile wormed its way on her muzzle before she snickered at Centa’s random act of kindness.
“Ha… Thank you, Centa. I needed that” - she said before a mischievous smile spread across her muzzle - “But, you should know the crime of such an action!” Cadence wickedly said before she launched her own attack, a tickle attack!
Cadence began to tickle Centa crazily. Unfortunately, for poor Centa she never had a chance and was soon laughing hysterically on the floor. During her assault, she heard a noise come from her side and when she investigated it she saw Shining laugh at them. A slight blush enveloped her cheeks.
“You two act like your sisters,” the blush on Cadence’s face grew a bit brighter as she stopped her assault on Centa.
“Oh! Uh… really that’s… certainly interesting,” Cadence awkwardly said as she thought, Not that I’m entirely opposed to that idea.
After Shining’s question, a peaceful silence followed as the two continued to clean Centa. But as they worked a thought crossed her mind.
“Shining?” the aforementioned Shining looked over at her. “I… was wondering. Do you have any siblings?” For the first time since she’s met Shining he frowned as he slumped forward and looked a bit crestfallen, Cadence began to regret her question.
“No, unfortunately. I’ve always wanted a little sibling though. Not that my parents didn't try but well… they were unlucky you could say,” Cadence felt bad for Shining.
“I’m sorry,” was the only thing Cadence could think to say as she attempted to give him a reassuring smile.
“It’s fine. I got over it a long time ago,” Shining waved away her concern as he finished picking out the last twig in Centa’s mane.
Before Cadence could say anything to try and help him she heard a faint voice call out Shining’s name, “Shining, it’s time to leave, come on!”
When Cadence looked to where the voice had come from she noticed that everypony had begun to leave, the gala was over.
Shining looked over at where the voice came from and got up, “Oh, that’s my parent’s. Sorry, I have to go. It was wonderful to meet you, Cadence. I hope we can see each other again. Hehe, maybe you can tell me more stories about the princesses,” Shining said as he gave a short bow before he ran off into the crowd to find his parents.
Cadence yelled out, “Yeah we’ll find a way to meet again!” as he ran away Cadence once again noticed how he… looked as the blush from before returned in full.
Next to her a mostly clean Centa also yelled goodbye, “Bye nice stallion!” Centa said as she waved one of her hooves before she noticed there was chocolate on it and began to lick it off.
As Shining disappeared into the crowd Cadence waved goodbye to him while her mind began to think. I really hope we can find a way to see each other again. Maybe we can hang out tomorrow… wait. He didn't tell me where he lived. *sigh* I’m going to have to find out where he lives don’t I? She thought before she began to think of ways to gather that specific information.


-{<()>}-  


Celestia layed next to Twilight as they laughed hysterically at the state of their latest poor victim.
She and her sister had pranked each other and any pony they could find for the last couple of hours in the gala. At first, it was while they greeted ponies but once they were free from that prison they began to slowly spread out their pranks to other ponies. Until, finally, they decided to do away with the charade and created advanced illusions of themselves that could “deal” with the guests. While they were in a secluded area above the gala where they were in a dome of silence and invisible playing pranks on any pony they wished.
Sometimes, it was fun to be a millennia-old alicorn that can move celestial bodies.
“Thank you, sister. I missed this. Being able to do things with you like in the past. This is by far the best gala I’ve had in… well forever,” Celestia said as she moved closer to Twilight and brought a wing around her.
“My pleasure, Tia. Besides, if I didn't do something to fight the boredom. I think I would have lost my mind, “ Twilight said as she laid on her, or at least that was until Twilight saw another target.
“But the gala isn't over yet and until the gala truly ends it is our duty to keep going,” Twilight said as she got up and prepared another spell.
Celestia meanwhile levitated a nearby bottle of wine to her and poured herself another glass. She then got comfortable and watched her sister’s next victim with keen interest, at least that was until something caught her eyes.
She saw her niece and her student, which she was happy to see as she hadn't seen either of them since before the gala. But what caught her attention was her barely visible blush and her waving to somepony. Celestia was confused until she noticed who Cadence was looking at.
A, quite handsome, stallion walked away from her and it took little time for her to figure out what her niece had done during the gala.

A happy and slightly proud grin spread across her muzzle. So it seems little Cadence has finally grown up and found somepony. Haha, I wonder where this will go? Celestia thought before she turned back to her sister’s victim while she took a sip of her wine with a gratified smile.