“This time we have two special ponies coming,” Twilight announced as everypony got comfortable in their seats. “I just can’t wait for you to meet them.”
“I think we all know who it is,” Rainbow said.
“You girls may know, but they don’t!” Twilight smiled, looking at the New Generation.
“I hope we don’t,” Hitch said. “It’d be weird if we saw somepony we knew here. Maybe they followed us through the portal?”
“Stop being so paranoid Hitch,” Zipp chuckled. “Twilight was just stating the obvious.”
“Two guests today?! That’s awesome,” Izzy chirped.
“Basing it off of our last two guests, I’m going to say they’re princesses as well,” Pipp guessed.
“You’re right there,” Twilight said, her excitement still showing. “They’re awesome! Not to say that Celestia and Luna aren't, I’m just saying tha-”
“We know Twilight, you don’t have to explain yourself,” Applejack chuckled, cutting her off.
“There are only four other princesses, so I guess we know who it is,” Zipp said.
“So it's going to be…” Hitch started, but was interrupted by the door opening.
“Sorry we’re late,” a light pink alicorn apologized, trotting into the room. “Flurry Heart just wouldn’t stop flying around Ponyville.”
“Cadence!” Twilight rushed over to her sister-in-law. Cadence put Flurry on her back, and recited their greeting.
“Sunshine, sunshine ladybugs awake, clap your hooves and do a little shake!” The two sang while hopping around. They giggled like fillies when they finished, giving each other a hug.
“Everypony, this is Cadence,” Twilight introduced the alicorn. “She’s my sister-in-law, and this is Flurry Heart!” Twilight said, nuzzling her niece. “Isn’t she just the cutest?”
There were a couple of aww’s from the New Generation. After settling down a bit, they were all seated around the table.
“What’s that all about,” Zipp whispered to Rainbow Dash.
“To be honest, I still don’t really get it myself,” Dash whispered back. “They never really told us the story behind it.”
“What was that little chant?” Izzy grinned. “It was so cool and adorable!”
“It’s just a little greeting Twilight and I have,” Cadence chuckled. “We’ve been doing it ever since she was a filly.”
“So it's kind of like a secret hoofshake?” Sunny said. “Hitch and I have one.”
“Oooo,” Pinkie grinned. “Can you do it? Please, please, please!”
“Sure!” Sunny was happy to oblige. Looking over to Hitch. “Hitch?”
Hitch shrugged. “Sure, why not.”
The two of them got up, standing next to each other. Everypony looked at them as they stood there.
“Alright, let's do this!” Sunny said, lifting her hoof up.
“Up high, down low, hitch it to post, flip it sunny side up and on a piece of toast!” The two said together, hoof movements and all.
“Woah…” Pinkie said. “That. Was. AWESOME!”
Sunny rubbed the back of her neck. “Heh, it’s just something Hitch and I made up when we were foals.”
“It was adorable,” Pipp said, the rest of the crew nodding in agreement.
“So you two are childhood friends, huh?” Cadence aske, cradling Flurry Heart. Sunny and Hitch had already taken a seat next to each other.
“Yup,” Sunny nodded, pulling Hitch into a side hug. “We’ve been friends for basically our whole lives!”
“You two would make an adorable couple,” Cadence bluntly said, causing the two to groan.
“So does everypony think we’re a good couple?” Sunny frowned. “I mean I get it, we’re childhood friends and maybe a little more affectionate than others but does that really make a difference?”
“Yes it does,” Cadence nodded. “And plus, I’m the Princess of Love.”
“Wait, you are?” Hitch stared at Cadence.
“Why else would I have a giant crystal heart on my flank?” Cadence chuckled.
Hitch shrugged. “I guess that makes sense.”
“Now that you two were deemed an ‘adorable couple’ by the Princess of Love, there's no getting out of it,” Rarity smirked.
Sunny’s face deadpanned. “I don’t think we were going to get out of it anyway.”
“You’re right,” Rarity giggled with a wink.
“Anyways…” Sunny mumbled. “What exactly does the Princess of Love do? Do you help ponies with their relationships or something?”
“Kind of like a counselor?” Zipp added on.
“Although that would make sense, that isn’t really my job,” Cadence answered. “I do help ponies with relationship problems and things like that, but I mainly just rule the Crystal Empire with Shiny.”
“Shiny? Who’s that?” Izzy tilted her head.
“That’s my husband's nickname,” Cadence giggled. “I’m sure Twilight told you about her brother, Shining Armor.”
“She did mention that before,” Hitch tapped his chin.
“I remember Twilight calling him Shiny at one point,” Zipp said.
“I got that nickname from Twilight,” Cadence smiled, looking at her sister-in-law. “Apparently she called him Shiny and he called her Twily. I thought it was so adorable so I kind of just started doing that too!”
“Twily?” Pipp smiled. “That is adorable!”
Twilight rubbed the back of her neck, blushing slightly. “Shiny’s been using that nickname for as long as I remember.”
“So what’s it like being married?” Sunny asked.
“Curious now, are we?” Cadence smirked. “Thinking of getting hitched yourself?” she asked, giggling slightly. The rest of the group (besides Sunny and Hitch) joined in laughing.
“That was a good one!” Rainbow wheezed. “Hitched? You get it? Cause his name’s hitch?” She said in between her laughs.
“It was good but not that good,” Hitch frowned.
“It was pretty good,” Pinkie said, her laughter dying down.
“Sorry you two,” Cadence winked at them. “It’s hard not to tease ponies like that when you’re the Princess of Love. I do it to Twilight all the time too, so don’t feel like I’m singling you out.”
“Hey!” Twilight pouted. “You weren’t supposed to bring that up.”
“It’s not like I’m the only person who teases you,” Cadence giggled. “I’m sure the girls do it all the time.”
Twilight sighed. “You’re not wrong. And to be honest, it’s only been getting worse since we started doing this.”
“It’s all in love, darling,” Rarity smiled. “Teasing is what friends do!”
“I don’t really mind it to be clear,” Twilight said.
“Good, cause there’s more to come,” Rarity said, winking.
“Anyway, to get back to your question,” Cadence turned her attention back to Sunny. “It’s wonderful being married.”
“I’m sure there’s a lot of factors on why it’s wonderful though,” Zipp said. “Not every marriage is perfect.”
“That’s true,” Cadence nodded. “But my marriage isn’t perfect. It’s only wonderful because Shiny and I both truly love each other. We step on each other’s hooves sometimes, but that’s to be expected.”
“What do you mean that it’s to be expected? I thought marriages were always lovey-dovey with no problems,” Izzy asked innocently.
“No marriage is without problems and no marriage is perfect,” Cadence explained. “For example, Shiny and I argue about chores around the castle all the time. Sometimes it gets heated, sometimes it doesn't.”
“What do you do if it gets heated?” Sunny asked.
“Well we go our own ways first, clearing our heads and cooling down a bit,” Cadence said. “Once our heads are clear, we sit down and just talk it out. Clear communication is key in any relationship.”
“You really sound like a counselor right now,” Rarity smirked.
“Well, I guess I do dabble in counseling every now and then,” Cadence giggled. “Being the Princess of Love has its perks.”
“I think being a princess in general has its perks,” Twilight said.
“That is very true,” Pipp said, Zipp nodding in agreement.
“Although, I try my best not to take advantage of it too much,” Zipp added.
Twilight nodded. “No pony likes a snobby princess after all.”
“I don’t think any of the princesses are snobby at all. In fact, they’re a lot more humble than most royalty.” Rarity huffed, obviously mentioning Blueblood.
“I don’t think Blueblood is a fair representation of royalty,” Applejack chuckled. “But he sure was a jerk.”
“Blueblood? Who’s that?” Hitch asked.
“He’s just the worst pony ever!” Rarity quickly answered. “He’s just so… bleh! I can’t even describe how horrible he is with words.” Rarity let out a ‘hmph’ and crossed her forehooves.
“Blueblood is a distant nephew of Princess Celestia. He’s also my cousin,” Cadence sighed. “I grew up with him so I know how much of a pain he could be.”
“He’s rude and pretentious. He most definitely thinks he’s all that when he isn’t,” Rainbow added. “At least that’s what Rarity said about him.”
“I think she called him a brute,” Fluttershy said.
“He wasn’t a gentlecolt at all,” Rarity frowned.
“He sounds awful,” Zipp said.
“And spoiled,” Pipp added.
“He’s your stereotypical spoiled prince,” Cadence giggled. “He always got what he wanted no matter what. He also treats mares quite badly if I recall correctly.”
“That he does!” Rarity growled. “First he didn’t hold the door for me, made me use my jacket for a puddle, then had the audacity to use me as a shield from incoming food!”
“Wow, he really does just sound like an awful pony now,” Sunny frowned. “I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt but I can’t even do that now.”
“I’m sure he’s not all bad, he just doesn’t show his good side,” Fluttershy tried to defend him. “I like to give everypony a chance.”
“Well I for one won’t give him a chance ever again,” Rarity huffed, crossing her forehooves.
“Anyways…” Twilight said. “How about we go back to Cadence? How about you tell them about how you met Shiny?”
“We’ve never heard this story before!” Rarity clapped her hooves together. “Please, do tell.”
“Really? I haven’t told you girls how I met Shiny?” Cadence tilted her head. “That’s a bit surprising.”
“I don’t recall you ever telling them,” Twilight said. “You only really talked about it when we went out for drinks.”
“Oh yeah, with Celestia and Luna?” Cadence recalled that.
“Wait, you had a princess night out?” Rarity gasped. “How did I not hear about that?!”
Cadence waved her hoof around. “We put on disguises with magic so ponies wouldn't recognize us. We wouldn’t have gotten anything done if we were constantly swarmed by ponies.”
“You have to tell us about that,” Rainbow said. “That sounds awesome!”
“So do you want to hear about how I met Shiny or that?” Cadence asked.
“I want to know how you met Shining Armor!” Izzy said.
“Me too!” Pipp nodded.
“I guess we could start with that,” rarity said. “But we have to know what you four did that night as well.”
“Alright alright,” Cadence chuckled. “I guess we’ll start with Shiny.”
“Shining and I didn't meet until the last year of magic school,” Cadence started. “I remember it clearly, him nervously walking up to me, wanting to ask me to the annual dance.”
“Wait, so you two didn’t know each other till then?” Rarity tilted her head. “I was sure you had met him when you were foalsitting Twilight.”
“He wasn’t there most of the time when I foalsat Twilight,” Cadence said. “I think the Royal Guard training took up a lot of his time. I heard that he would spend most of his nights at the barracks.”
“Interesting…” Rarity simply said.
“So going back to magic school,” Cadence said. “It was the day before the annual dance when he approached me in the hall. I’m pretty sure I was getting some books for my next class when he awkwardly shuffled up to me. I found it adorable and wanted to hug him on the spot, but I kept a calm demeanor and smiled at him.”
“Wait, so did you like him before he even approached you?” Pipp asked.
Cadence shrugged. “I thought he was cute and I knew he was Twilight’s brother so I assumed he would be just as awesome as her.”
“So he got extra brownie points for being Twilight’s brother, huh,” Rainbow chuckled. “What a lucky guy.”
“I mean I did kind of watch him too sometimes,” Cadence added. “Not in a weird way, but I noticed some of the things he did for other ponies.”
“What did he do for other ponies?” Sunny asked.
“Well I remember seeing him take care of Twilight a couple times,” Cadence smiled. “They flew kites together and he even split his apple with her.”
“Wait, you saw those?” Twilight tilted her head.
“Yup!” Cadence nodded. “He’s so caring.”
“That sounds like something a good brother would do,” Rarity said. “Anything else?”
“Well at school he would often carry books for students. I also heard rumors that he tutored some students who were struggling,” Cadence continued.
“Those rumors were true,” Twilight confirmed. “I remember him telling me all about that. If I recall correctly, he said it was fulfilling helping other ponies when they needed it.”
“Sounds like him,” Rainbow added.
“He was humble and very kind,” Cadence nodded. “He also tried his best to stop bullying when he saw it. Sometimes it ended poorly for him, often being on the receiving end of beatings, but he didn't care.”
“Wait, he took the beating? I thought he would give them a flank-whooping,” Rainbow frowned.
“He would now, but back then he wasn’t the strongest,” Cadence giggled.
“I remember he would come home with bruises and cuts sometimes,” Twilight frowned. “Mom and dad always scolded him for it, thinking he got into fights and stuff.”
“He never told them where they came from?” Cadence asked, confused. “I thought for sure he would.”
“He eventually explained where he got them, but the first couple of times he just kept silent for some reason,” Twilight explained.
“What a doofus,” Cadence giggled, Twilight nodding in agreement.
“I can see why you fell for him,” Sunny said.
“Not only was his personality great, he’s quite handsome,” Cadence smirked. “You girls have seen him, right?”
“Just in pictures,” Pipp confirmed.
“So, what did you think?” Cadence urged her on.
“Is it right for me to even say?” Pipp flushed a bit. “I mean, you are married to him.”
“Pfft, don’t worry about that,” Cadence chuckled. “Just because a pony’s married doesn’t mean you can’t compliment them!”
“I guess so…” Pipp said, still hesitant.
“C’mon, I promise that I won’t do anything,” Cadence winked. “Twilight even called him handsome at one point!”
“I meant it in a sisterly way! It was at his wedding,” Twilight frowned.
“Just teasing!” Cadence sang. “I don’t mind when a mare compliments him at all. Instead, I feel lucky that I’m married to such a great stallion!”
“I guess he was quite the handsome stallion,” Pipp mumbled.
Cadence smiled. “See? It wasn’t that hard!”
“Is she going to make all of us say it,” Rainbow whispered to Applejack.
“I hope not,” Applejack whispered back.
“How about you Rainbow? What do you think of Shining Armor?” Cadence said with a knowing smile.
“I think she heard us,” Rainbow mumbled, causing Applejack to nod her head.
“What was that Rainbow?” Cadence asked, still wearing the same smile.
“Nothing,” Rainbow quickly said. “What was the question again?”
“What do you think of Shining Armor?”
“I mean yeah, he’s pretty handsome,” Rainbow shrugged. “Not really my type though to be honest.”
“Respectable,” Cadence nodded.
“Cadence, I think you’re going a little crazy again,” Twilight awkwardly chuckled.
“Don’t worry Twilight, I was just picking on her,” Cadence winked.
“Uh huh…” Twilight nodded slowly. “Anyways, what were we talking about again?”
“How she met Shining Armor,” Izzy answered.
“There’s not much else for me to talk about,” Cadence shrugged. “After going to the dance with him, we started to date. Simple as that!”
“Seriously? That’s it?” Rarity frowned. “No grand gesture, no romantic rivalry? Just a simple date and you two were hitched?”
“Not everything is like a romance novel, Rarity,” Cadence giggled. “I mean do they ever have children in those novels?” Cadence asked, holding up Flurry Heart.
“I guess not,” Rarity shrugged. “Just expected something grand because you’re a princess.”
“That’s why I love Shiny,” Cadence grinned goofily. “He loves me for being, well, me! Not because I’m a princess or give him the status of prince. He doesn’t love me because I have money or power. No, he genuinely loves me, which is why I love him.”
“How sweet!” Izzyt cooed. “I’d love to find a pony who loves me for me.”
Twilight sighed. “Don’t we all.”
“I’m sure you’ll find your special somepony soon,” Cadence winked.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Twilight looked suspiciously at her sister-in-all.
“Nothing,” Cadence simply said. “Nothing at all.”
“You tease me way too much,” Twilight frowned.
Cadence embraced Twilight, nuzzling her. “It’s because I love you too much.”
“Aww…” Pipp grinned. “Adorable! We should be like that Zipp.”
“Eh, I’m good with how we are now,” Zipp shrugged.
“We don’t have much time left,” Cadence peered at the clock. “We got time for one more good discussion, so make it count!”
“Why do you have to leave so soon?” Twilight pouted.
“You know just as much as I do how busy you get ruling a kingdom,” Cadence weakly smiled. “I’m glad to get any vacation time. I don’t know how you got all these days off.”
“I’ll let you in on a secret later,” Twilight winked.
“Please do,” Cadence winked back.
“I have a question!” Izzy raised her hoof.
Sunny giggled. “Always the curious one.”
“What is it, Izzy?” Cadence asked.
“Can I hold Flurry Heart?”
“That’s not really a discussion question,” Cadence chuckled. “But sure.”
“We haven’t really talked about her much, huh,” Twilight realized.
“Now that you mention it, we haven’t,” Applejack tapped her chin. “Guess we got too caught up in the other things.”
“So what do you all want to know about Flurry Heart?” Cadence asked as she handed her over to Izzy.
“There’s not really much to talk about a baby,” Pipp said, trying to find a question.
“How was giving birth?” Pipp suddenly asked, causing some gasps from some ponies. “What? We’re all grown ponies here.”
“It was just a little sudden,” Rarity weakly laughed.
“Y-Yeah…” Fluttershy squeaked.
“I’m a little curious now too,” Twilight said. “I’ve read a lot about giving birth, whether it be scientific books or stories. Both of them made it sound like a truly awful experience.”
“I’m not going to lie and say it was alright,” Cadence giggled. “But I will say it was one of the best moments in my whole entire life.”
“Seriously?” Zipp tilted her head, looking at Pipp. “Our mom said she hated every moment of it.”
“Even after you popped out of her?” Cadence questioned.
Zipp pondered for a bit, thinking of what her mother said exactly. Then it came to her. “I guess she did say it was all worth it after seeing us.”
“Exactly,” Cadence winked. “That’s the thing. Those long, awful months of pregnancy and those hours of labor are totally worth seeing the beautiful baby you and your special somepony made.”
“I never really thought about it like that,” Twilight said. “It makes sense though.”
“So you’re saying that the reward is far greater than the pain and suffering you go through?” Sunny summarized.
“Essentially!” Cadence nodded. Looking over the Izzy and Flurry Heart, she smiled. Izzy was bouncing Flurry Heart on her knee, the baby laughing and cooing. “It’s so worth it.” Cadence said under her breath.
“She’s so cute!” Izzy chirped.
“I know right!” Pipp agreed.
The New Generation gathered around the foal, playing with her. Her giant eyes seemed to just suck them in.
“I remember when you girls did this,” Cadence chuckled, looking at the Mane Six.
“No pony could resist such an adorable foal,'' Rarity giggled. “I was like this when Sweetie Belle was first born as well.”
“You’re telling me,” Applejack said. “I didn't want to leave Applebloms side when she was first born. She was so darn cute.”
“Foals just draw you in,” Cadence sighed. “They’re just too cute, it hurts.”
“I guess foals are cute,” Rainbow Dash said.. “But you didn’t hear me say that!”
“C’mon Rainbow, we’re all friends here,” Fluttershy smiled. “We’re not going to judge you for liking something cute.”
“I know that,” Rainbow mumbled.
“I just want to squish her cheeks all day!” Sunny said, playing with Flurry Heart’s face.
“Unfortunately we don’t have all day,” Cadence giggled. “On that note, I probably should get going.”
“Aww, do you have to leave?” Izzy pouted, hugging Flurry Heart.
“Unfortunately,” Cadence sighed. “I had a wonderful time chatting with you all though. However, there are some things I have to attend to.”
“We understand,” Sunny nodded.
“I mean, you are the ruler of the crystal empire,” Hitch added. “It’s to be expected.”
“It was a pleasure meeting you all,” Cadence smiled as Izzy gave Flurry Heart back to her. Flurry Heart babbled a bit, sucking on her hoof.
“I don’t ever want her to leave,” Izzy said. “She’s too cute.”
“You should visit the Crystal Empire one day,” Cadence suggested.
“We were planning to take them there eventually,” Twilight said. “Just have to make a schedule and all that.”
“Classic Twilight,” Cadence grinned, everypony laughing at the remark.
“Guess I’ll get going now,” Cadence said. “Don’t want to miss the train!”
Everypony said their goodbyes, waving and such. With that, Cadence exited the room, the door closing behind her.
“Another wonderful talk,” Rarity smiled. “So, what now?”
“Guess we’ll just go our separate ways again,” Sunny suggested.
“There’s still some light out so I’m gonna go stretch my wings!” Rainbow said, dashing out the door.
“I’m gonna join her,” Zipp said, following the pegasus.
“Well that’s that,” Twilight chuckled. “Feel free to go about your days everypony. I’ll be here if you all need anything.”
And with that, everypony went their own ways to do their own things. Hitch and Sunny went with Fluttershy to her cottage while Rarity took Pipp to her boutique. Zipp and Rainbow were flying about, zipping around town while Pinkie Pie, Izzy, and Applejack strolled around town, talking about who knows what. Twilight stayed in her castle, sitting in her favorite seat reading one of her favorite books.
Everypony’s day was fulfilling and fun.