Spike scanned the checklist for the third time that hour. He had to stop and giggle when he caught himself nibbling on the edge of his quill just like Twilight did. If he kept this wedding planning up any longer, he might as well see if he could get her mane and cutie mark, too. But as he looked over Applejack’s latest creations, he reminded himself that this was all essential.
Besides, Spike knew that he’d be just as anxious—if not more so—on the day of his own wedding. Whenever that would be. Probably in the late spring if Rarity had her way.
“Okay!” Spike jumped up onto the stool beside the kitchen counter and counted off the trays of baked goods. “That’s six dozen apple fritters… two dozen pies… one industrial-size bowl of fruit salad...” With rapid streaks of his quill, he checked off each item while he spoke. “I think we’re in business, AJ.”
“Darn tootin’!” said the farm pony. With her hat tilted back, she slumped against the counter. “I just can’t believe it’s really happening, ya know? Ya think it’s gonna be months away and then, pow! Here y’all are, gettin’ married!”
Spike nodded while he scribbled in one last note on the food and drinks list. “I know! Seems like only yesterday we were planning the wedding for Cadance and Shining Armor. And then that whole changeling invasion got in the way—”
Applejack shoved her hoof into his mouth, cutting off whatever protest he’d been about to give with a stern look. “Now don’t you jinx it, Spike! For goodness’s sake, ya don’t just go spouting off bad ideas on a big day like this one!” When Spike nodded mutely, she withdrew her hoof and smiled. “I’m sorry. I guess I’m just a mite anxious, is all.”
“Don’t worry. You’re not the one getting married today.” Spike rolled up his checklist and stick his quill behind his ear for safekeeping. As he jumped off the stool, a thought occurred. He gave Applejack a quick look and a sly grin. “Speaking of which, when do you think and Rainbow Dash are going to tie the knot?”
For a pony who worked outdoors all day, Applejack had a thick and well-toned coat. When she blushed, it took a lot of effort to show up against her natural color—just like it did then. “Aww, shucks, Spike. Ain’t no big hurry, is there? I mean, me an’ Dashie got a good thing going. Like two peas in a pod.”
Spike watched Applejack turn away and go back to tending to her apples. He didn’t fail to notice the nervous way her tail swished while she worked.
Sure, he thought. You’d never consider such a drastic step, AJ. He snickered to himself and turned to leave the kitchen. As much as he enjoyed this little exercise, Spike had an actual wedding to manage.
He hoped Rarity was doing better with her end.
To an outsider, like the unwashed masses in Ponyville, there appeared to be no real difference between the fashion industry in Canterlot and the clotheshorses of Manehattan. But to an experienced pony like Rarity, there was an immense gap between the two. Manehattan fashion was modern, trendy, and chic. Canterlot fashion was traditional, elegant, and tied to the social season. While a Manehattan Avenue-style dress wasn’t an uncommon sight at one of the capital’s art galleries, the older styles were usually in vogue.
Naturally, this meant Rarity had to make use of the best resources she could find in Canterlot. And that meant going to the boutique of Fleur Dis Lee herself.
“Darling!” Fleur extended a gracious hoof to Rarity as she turned away from her mannequins. The older and more elegant mare looked past Rarity’s shoulder at the row of dresses. “You’ve really outdone yourself, do you know this? C’est magnifique!”
Rarity blushed as she lifted the glasses from her nose. “Merci beaucoup, but I don’t think I could ever compete with your taste. You’re much too effortless when it comes to style.”
Fleur accepted the compliment with a courteous bow of her head. Rarity turned back to the mannequins, where she’d been putting the finishing touches on the wedding gowns for Twilight and Fluttershy.
It had been a curious task, trying to make a pair of gowns as opposed to one. Rarity’s only experience as a wedding dressmaker had been her job for Princess Cadance. Oh, how she’d spent so many hours fretting over that ensemble! But that was nothing compared to the challenge of trying to capture the tastes of her two best friends on the most important day of their lives. Would this shade of blue suit Twilight’s mane? Did this ribbon bring out the color in Fluttershy’s cheeks? And how well would the dresses compliment each other? Variations of blue, green, white, and pink were simple enough to arrange in her head, but trying to realize the perfect combination in her fabrics was a never-ending contest.
Still, Rarity wouldn’t back down from a challenge. No matter the sweat that flushed through her coat or how unkempt her mane became, she’d achieve the best for her friends.
“You know,” said Fleur from over her shoulder, “I think I see where you might be having trouble with your designs...”
“Oh, dear.” Rarity slid her glasses back into place, wishing she could disappear behind them. “Is it that obvious?”
“Goodness, no!” Fleur held up her hoof, her brow creasing with the slightest hint of alarm. “It’s only... I wonder if perhaps you lack the right inspiration.” Her frown turned into a coy smile. One might even be tempted to call it seductive. “Perhaps, even, the right model for them...”
Rarity’s hooves pressed up against her cheeks. “You... you want to model them. For me?”
Fleur lifted her hoof into the air and struck a pose reminiscent of her colleague Photo Finish. “Very much so!”
The world seemed to swirl around Rarity, losing focus and color. Too much—the request was too much for her to handle. Only a last-minute catch by Fleur kept her from collapsing on the floor in a faint.
“Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you!” Rarity nuzzled the older mare, for once not caring about cultivating that air of detachment that other Canterlot ponies had turned into an art. “I’m sure that’s just the thing I need!”
Fleur giggled and returned the nuzzle. “Then we must hurry. The blessed event will soon be upon us!”
As both a young princess growing up in Canterlot and a ruler of the Crystal Empire, Cadance had endured many brunches as part of her royal status. She’d learned how to keep up a polite smile while listening to some crusty old diplomat ramble on about How Things Used To Be and How Everything Was So Much Better Back Then. She’d learned to exercise restraint and not gorge herself on the mouthwatering spread of cinnamon rolls, melon, crepes, and smoothies that often came with these events.
But for once, Cadance was attending a brunch that she enjoyed. She sat beside Shining Armor, sharing with him a plate of cheese Danishes while they sat at a large table on the palace lawns. The air was bright and clear while they dined with Twilight, Fluttershy, and all their friends.
Everypony was animated, including the parents and relatives of the happy couple, but Cadance didn’t need all her love magic to see that only two ponies outshone them all. She giggled behind a pastry when she saw Twilight whispering something into Fluttershy’s ear. The pegasus smiled and nuzzled her fiancée—soon to be her wife, if all went well today.
“We really should invite them over to the Crystal Palace after their honeymoon,” said Shining Armor. He took a bite from his slice of melon and added, “Mmph, they’d love it.”
“Yes, I can see it now.” Cadance lifted her hoof into the air, as if parting curtains on a stage. “A pair of royal married couples, out on a double date!”
She laughed with her husband and leaned into him. Another giggle caught her ear, prompting Cadance to glance down the other end of the table.
Most of Fluttershy’s family had come out for the wedding—a flock of pegasi and earth ponies, great and small, proud and skittish. But here at the brunch table were only four ponies: Fluttershy’s parents, her Aunt Nimble Thimble, and her cousin Phoenix Dawn.
It was Phoenix who giggled while her aunt shared stories with Applejack and Pinkie Pie from across the table. Cadance’s heart was melting with every second she laid eyes on the adorable filly. She reminded her so much of Starry Night, the sweet unicorn she’d foalsat for a few months, just before she got acquainted with the impossibly cute Twilight Sparkle. Starry had been much the same as Phoenix: playful, optimistic, and more inclined to go outdoors than sit inside with a book.
A pang of regret hit Cadance in the chest when she thought about Starry Night. She wished they’d kept in touch more often as they grew up. At it was, Starry’s daughter Moonlight Sonata was due for a birthday party in a month. It’d be the perfect opportunity for them to catch up.
Meanwhile, she could be happy for her friends on the happiest day of their lives. And Cadance would cherish the time she’d spent with Phoenix, watching her try to fly alongside Rainbow Dash while the older pegasus practiced her sonic rainboom technique. She knew the filly would love her time in Ponyville. And Cadance was looking forward to being an aunt and spoiling her new niece every chance she got.
“You know, if we’re going to invite them, we’ll need to keep Phoenix entertained, too,” said Cadance as she watched the filly. “She’ll need the biggest playroom imaginable! And lots of airspace to fly around!”
Shining Armor chuckled. “Well, we do have this giant arena sitting around. You know, since the Equestrian Games are over. I suppose we could let her have a field day in that…”
Cadance squeezed her husband’s hoof under the table. “Aww, you’re such a softie.”
“Says the Princess of Love.” He made a point of extending the o in love, adding a teasing grin.
“I know, I can’t help it.” Cadance sighed as she glanced back and forth between Phoenix, Twilight, and Fluttershy. “I just want to adopt all three of them and have them live with us in the palace. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?”
“You do realize that two of those fillies are full-grown ponies, right? And one’s a Princess?”
“Hush. Let me have my fantasies.”
Again, he chuckled and shook his head. “If you say so, dear.”
The banter was normal for them, but talking about Phoenix hit a nerve for Cadance. She rarely spoke about it, but she had a soft spot for any filly or colt who’d lost their parents. It was a pain she knew all too well, growing up in a small village, a lonely pegasus surrounded by earth ponies. She remembered the sheer joy when Celestia had offered to adopt her and the magical transformation that had turned her into an alicorn.
But even that joy didn’t compare to the affection she saw in Shining Armor’s eyes when they were married. If Twilight’s joy was even half as strong, then she’d do just fine.
As she slid her hat into place, Rarity allowed herself a moment to marvel at her reflection in the mirror. Her ensemble didn’t compare with what she wore at Cadance’s wedding, but she didn’t mind. A simple dress of taupe, adorned with the finest blue lace and a spring-season hat, would be tasteful, but not so extravagant as to outshine the bride’s dress. To do so would be a mark of shame for a mare of honor and Rarity took her duties as such very seriously.
“Um, Rarity?” Fluttershy’s tiny voice crept out like a mouse from behind the folding screen in her bedroom. “I think I’m finished.”
“Let me see,” Rarity answered. She did a slight pirouette away from the mirror, listening to the rustling from behind the screen.
Fluttershy emerged, garbed in the finest, whitest taffeta that Canterlot had to offer. With the help of her new friend Fleur, Rarity had added the right touches of green and pink to match the bride’s mane and contrast nicely with her coat. The sole accessories were a white veil along her mane, secured by two blue flowers, and a pair of golden slippers. It had looked good on Fleur, but on the demure Fluttershy, it was a radiant vision.
Rarity bounced over to her friend’s side, grabbing both her cheeks with her hooves. “Oh, dearest!” She buried her face into Fluttershy’s neck, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill and ruin her dress. “You don’t know how long I’ve waited for this day!”
A soft hoof patted the back of Rarity’s mane. “Oh, but I do! I’m grateful for all the effort you and Spike put into making today happen!” When she stepped back, Fluttershy smiled down at her friend and raised a hoof to readjust her hat. “If it hadn’t been for you and Spike helping us along, I don’t think Twilight and I would have ever gotten this far.”
Rarity sniffed and floated over a fresh handkerchief to dab at her eyes. “Don’t say that. I’m sure you two would’ve been just fine on your own.”
“Maybe, but it would have taken us a lot longer.” Fluttershy’s eyes slid halfway shut as she glanced away. “I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but we can be a little… nervous around each other.”
Rarity laughed and hugged her again. “Yes, you are! That’s why you’re perfect for each other! I’ve always said so!”
Her laugh was cut short when she hear the distant ring of a bell. Rarity glanced out the window at the eastern tower. Three soft chimes echoed across the palace grounds, just as a flock of doves was passing overhead.
“Oh, no!” Rarity leapt away from Fluttershy, quickly examining every inch of her dress and mane. “Oh, no, no, no! We only have fifteen minutes until the ceremony begins! And I had so much more that I wanted to do to your hair!”
“Goodness!” Fluttershy floated off the ground and glided straight toward the doors. Her wings flapped as fast as a hummingbird. “We’d be hurry! Twilight would be so upset if we were late!”
“Go on ahead!” Rarity used her magic to open the door and galloped after her friend. “I’ll be right behind you!”
As they raced down the corridor, it occurred to Rarity that this wasn’t exactly part of the plan. She and Spike had agreed on it the night before. Once Twilight was settled and dressed for the event, Spike was supposed to rush over and warn Rarity. It would have given them just enough time to finish and make their entrance at the Hall of Ceremonies ahead of Twilight.
For such a gentle-drake, it wasn’t like Spike to be late. What in the wide world of Equestria could’ve possibly kept him?
Spike stared at the lavender mess curled up on the white-tiled floor of the guest room. He straightened his bow tie and glanced at the clock on the wall. Only fourteen minutes left and Twilight still hadn’t finished her scheduled breakdown!
Why did he have to get stuck with the most neurotic pony on her wedding day? What had Spike ever done to deserve such a fate?
“Come on, Twilight!” Spike stamped his foot and pointed at the clock. “It’ll only be a disaster if we’re late!”
“But, Spike!” Twilight’s horn glowed as a thousand different pieces of paper floated around her, forming a small cloud through which he could barely see. “I just can’t decide! None of these poems sound right, and I haven’t even begun a comparative analysis!”
Spike shrugged. “Doesn’t matter! Pick one and be done with it!”
“Easy for you to say!” Twilight glared at him through the haze of crumpled papers. “You’re not the one who has to make a wedding vow today!”
At the moment, Spike was having trouble deciding if Twilight had only gotten better or worse since she became a princess. Some days, it was hard to tell. She’d be perfectly fine one day, giving a lecture to the Cutie Mark Crusaders, and then the next she’d be an eye-twitching mess on the floor, flipping through a dozen encyclopedias and etiquette journals to learn how to be a better princess for Ponyville. It was like watching his big sister being acted out in a poorly-written storybook. He’d read about comic book heroes with better consistency than her.
“W-wait a minute!” Twilight’s voice rang out as papers rained down all over the floor. Spike ducked as a large wad barely missed knocking his top hat off.
“Yes!” Twilight lifted her hoof in triumph, floating a small sheet of paper over to the dragon. “Read this! Hurry!”
Spike glanced over at the sheet and scratched his head. “It’s a poem.”
“Yes!” Twilight blushed. “One of the first poems Fluttershy and I read together. It’s perfect, don’t you see?”
A short “Nope!” was on the tip of Spike’s tongue, but when he saw the manic look in Twilight’s eyes, he knew she needed the right encouragement to get going. So he smiled and said, “Yeah, I do.”
Twilight breathed a sigh of relief and got up from the floor. She was wearing a fine blue dress with red accents—because Rarity had insisted that red was a most royal color. Her mane had been done up into a slight bun, loosely imitating the elaborate hairstyle that Cadance wore at special occasions in the Crystal Empire. And because Rarity wasn’t the type to let things go quietly, she added a line of diamonds around the neck, just so Twilight would have that extra sparkle on her day.
Spike didn’t see the diamonds as anything but tasty morsels, but he trusted Rarity’s judgment on fashion. With the crown to finish it off, Twilight looked pretty amazing.
“Okay, then.” Twilight paused and took a deep breath. Spike found himself doing the same as she lifted her hoof, closed her eyes, and let it out. The smile that spread across her face was more precious than any of the sparkly fabric she was wearing.
“Okay,” said Twilight. “Now we can go.”
When she bolted out the guest room door, Twilight felt grateful to be friends with somepony like Rarity. Who else would be so thoughtful to make her wedding dress aerodynamic, even if flying around freely wasn’t on the schedule? The fabric pulled against her body, but her wings spread out to form a glider, letting her sail through a light current down the rest of the hallway.
However, something was going wrong. For one thing, the door at the other end of the hall seemed to retreat as she flew forward. Twilight frowned at the sight, but it wasn’t an optical illusion. She could hear the entire corridor stretching—or at least somepony’s voice was making the right stretching sounds.
“Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me.” Twilight landed in the middle of the hall, watching as the door suddenly turned on a corner that hadn’t been there before and vanished from her sight.
“Huh?” Spike bumped into her flank, nearly ruining her dress. He fumbled for his top hat and looked around the contorting hall. “What’s going on?”
“More like who’s going on?” Twilight stood perfectly still, staring straight ahead. “Come on. I’m not as nice as Fluttershy, remember? And you picked the worst day to play games with me.”
A light chuckle bounced off the walls closest to her ears. “Oh, really?”
In a white flash, Discord emerged as his usual motley self. No shades of blue or green, no bizarre costumes, and no animated object minions accompanying him. Just the ultimate trickster in the flesh.
And the sad thing was that Twilight couldn’t bring herself to actually hate him. Annoyed with him? Constantly. Surprised? Definitely. Scared? At times, yes. But she saw a twisted mind that didn’t know what friendship was until Fluttershy showed him. And even when he tried to be friends, he understood the concept, being only too set in his ways to be a good friend to others.
“Ahh, Princess Twilight Sparkle, as I live and… kkak!” He folded one paw into a fist and coughed into it, bending over until he almost reached the floor. “Ahem… and breathe. And where are you off to in such a hurry?”
Twilight didn’t raise her voice. She tried to remember the way Cadance had handled him during their last encounter. You had to be firm but understanding, like foalsitting a spoiled brat. “I don’t know if you’ve heard, but I’m supposed to be getting married today. And if I don’t make it to the chapel in the next…” She glanced at Spike, who was thoughtful enough to show her his pocket watch. “…Ten minutes, I’ll be late for the biggest day of my entire life!”
Stroking the tuft of fur that grew out from his chin, Discord shrugged. “So what?”
“What do you mean, so what?”
“Well, as I understand it, you’ll only be late. You’ll break everypony’s expectations—including your own.” Discord giggled and rolled into a backflip, forming a perfect circle. The more he spun, the more his body morphed into a unicycle—which he himself was then riding around Twilight. All while juggling three blue balls, giggling like a circus clown. “That’s rather exciting, isn’t it? Rather fun? I certainly think so!”
Pressing a hoof to her eye—to stop it from twitching—Twilight had to consider his point of view. Or she would if she had any time to think. But there wasn’t. She could only fly her way straight to the Hall of Ceremonies if she had any hope of making it in time.
But then, while she watched the door flash in and out of existence at the other end of the hall, and glanced back at Discord’s nonsensical laughter, an idea occurred to her. A manipulative, underhanded idea that might just work.
Twilight sat down in the middle of the floor and looked over at Spike. When the little dragon spread his arms in a helpless shrug, she looked back at Discord.
Then, with a little magic to help it along, she started to cry. Not as dignified weeping or a tiny sob, but full-on wailing.
Discord fell off his unicycle, with all three balls bouncing off the top of his head. As his props dissolved in a puff of smoke, he stared down at the tiny princess on the floor. “Oh, what’s the matter now? Honestly, I’ve heard brides get rather emotional, but this is ridiculous!”
“B-but you’d don’t understand!” Twilight sobbed. She collapsed onto the floor, pounding at the scarlet carpets with all four hooves. “I-if I don’t get there on time…” She paused to sniffle, letting the tears run down her face. “I-I’ll… I’ll make F-Fluttershy c-cry…”
Whatever witty retort had been on Discord’s tongue died before he could utter a word. His jaw worked silently as he scrutinized Twilight. “Oh, well, I’m sure she’ll understand if you’re late. She is very sweet like that—”
“A-and then she’ll hate me!” Twilight continued. Through blurry tears, she saw Spike gaping at her melodramatic performance. Hopefully, he’d understand the joke soon enough. “A-and then s-she’ll cry, too!”
“I…” Discord blinked, about as motionless and spite-free as Twilight had ever seen him. “I was only kidding…”
Twilight’s only reply was to continue blubbering. She hated herself for thinking it, but she had to channel every memory she had of Rarity’s more depressed and dramatic moments. That was the trick about fake crying. It had to be louder and less elegant than actual heartbreak, even if some ponies’ hearts—like Rarity’s—really did break that easily.
“T-Twilight,” Spike whispered. He crouched beside her, tugging at her dress. “Hey, come on. It’ll be all right. I’m sure Fluttershy won’t be that mad…”
He didn’t know it yet, but Twilight knew that Spike had said the magic words.
She blinked away her tears and rubbed at her nose when she heard complete silence in the hall. The contortion sound effects had vanished and the corridor appeared to be back to its perfect dimensions once again.
Up ahead, the door was back. And open.
Discord stood beside the door, now wearing a black tuxedo and top hat, matching Spike’s outfit. With one white-gloved paw, he held the door open and waved at Twilight.
“A thousand apologies… Princess.” He bowed as Twilight got back onto her hooves. “Right this way.”
Twilight and Spike walked past him. As she fixed her mane again, Twilight gave a smile and a wink to Spike. The little dragon’s dumbfounded expression was worth it, though not as priceless as getting Discord to show genuine concern.
“Oh, and take the third door on your right!” the draconequus called out. “I took the liberty of giving you a shortcut!”
“Shortcut, huh?” Spike shook his head at he reached for the doorknob. “I don’t think I’d ever trust any shortcut from—”
His mouth trailed off into a squeak as he pulled the door open.
On the other side, hundreds of eyes stared back at him.
Twilight smiled and smoothed out the front of her dress. “Come along, Spike.”
And with that, she took a step into the Hall of Ceremonies, surrounded by the finest nobles in all of Canterlot. Her parents. Fluttershy’s family. All their friends from Ponyville. Cadance and Shining Armor. Phoenix Dawn was dropping flowers across the aisle, clutching the basket in her mouth with the most adorable face. And there on the dais was Princess Celestia, with Luna standing just behind her. The Princesses watched Twilight with the warmest smiles imaginable.
And there. There, in the midst of their friends, was Fluttershy. Her Fluttershy, wearing white and huddled against Rarity, who dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief.
Twilight Sparkle had to bite the inside of her cheek. If she wasn’t careful, she was going to start crying again. For real, this time.
She let out her breath and began to walk down the aisle while a distant choir of birds sang.
She wasn’t usually an emotional sort of pony, but Fluttershy felt like shouting and jumping for joy by the time Twilight reached the main platform. She couldn’t tear her eyes away from the beautiful mare now standing before her.
As Spike took his spot beside Twilight, Fluttershy turned and smiled down at the small white rabbit hopping his way down the aisle. Angel gave a few sidelong glares at the elite ponies who laughed at the sight, but he was such a brave little bunny. In his paws were a pair of golden rings, which he delivered to Fluttershy and Twilight with the most serious expression.
Twilight floated one ring onto her horn and then grabbed the other with her hoof. Fluttershy had to keep still as her bride secured the ring to the golden chain that Rarity had so thoughtfully put around her neck. She allowed herself a moment to smile down at the ring and then look up at Twilight’s own.
This was it. Their dream was finally coming true. A new life together…
“Mares and gentlecolts,” said Princess Celestia, lifting her voice for all to hear. “We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Princess Twilight Sparkle and Fluttershy. For many years now, it has been my privilege to watch these two fine ponies grow, risking terrible danger for the sake of friendship and for the love they share. Nopony can deny the strength of their character or the power of their love.”
Celestia paused and bent down to examine the two brides. “Have you prepared any vows you’d like to deliver?”
“Yes, we have,” Twilight answered and pulled out a sheet of paper. Fluttershy blushed—and not simply because she’d forgotten to write down her own vows. But that was her fiancée: always prepared, always studious.
“Fluttershy,” said Twilight, looking up from her paper, “It gives me great pleasure to say that, today, I know more about the magic of love than anypony before me knew, and that everything I know, I learned from you.” She smiled and pressed her hoof to her chest. “With your help, I’ll continue to learn from you and grow with you, through whatever comes our way.”
The last few words were almost drowned out; Fluttershy could barely hear them over the rapid beat of her own heart. But she took a deep breath and let it out slowly.
She needed to focus and get every word right.
“T-Twilight Sparkle,” she said, wincing at the slight stutter. Seeing her love’s encouraging smile helped her to continue. “I may not be as brave or as smart or as fast as other ponies… but I know that, if you believe in me like you’ve done before…” She blushed and looked away, only for a second. “Then I’ll always be there for you, no matter what.”
“Aww!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed. Fortunately, a swift hoof over her lips from Rainbow Dash muffled the worst of it. Fluttershy heard Phoenix Dawn giggle behind her and fought the urge to do so herself.
Meanwhile, Celestia gave her former student an approving nod. She lifted her head to the assembled crowd. Fluttershy tracked her gaze, looking back at all the ponies now watching her. For a moment, she felt the old fear of being the center of attention. But she saw more familiar faces smiling back at her. Her mother and father. Nimble Thimble. Twilight Velvet and Night Light. Even Discord, hanging around the back, who lifted both his thumbs in approval.
“Mares and gentlecolts,” she declared, “it is my honor and my privilege to now say these words.”
She glanced down at Twilight and Fluttershy, wearing the biggest smile. “I now pronounce you mare and mare. Congratulations.”
Fluttershy’s hooves shot up to her cheeks, unable to believe it. They’d done it! They’d really done it!
Then, Twilight’s lips met hers and the Hall of Ceremonies erupted in a magnificent cheer.
A Canterlot wedding reception was by most standards a light and dignified affair, with usually a string quartet playing classical music while finely-dressed guests danced the waltz into the late hours of the evening. That was how proper ponies had done it for centuries.
Princess Celestia, however, did not care for this standard, though she always made a good show of it whenever she was invited. That was why she relished the reaction of those same nobles whenever Twilight and her friends from Ponyville organized a wedding reception.
She kept her joy hidden behind a demure smile as she watched the likes of Jet Set and Upper Crust get swept away by the massive crowd on the dance floor. Pinkie Pie was spraying confetti and streamers with six different party cannons, while Rainbow Dash led the Wonderbolts on a merry chase through the air over the other guests’ heads. The air was thick with the smell of apples as Applejack ran from table to table with her sister, ensuring every plate was full of the finest baked goods. Blue and orange lights near the stage flickered on and off, while DJ Pon-3 kept the party going strong with a playlist of Ponytone-inspired remixes.
“Excellent,” cried Luna, bobbing her head up and down. “This new music is most excellent! Why did we not have this millennia ago?”
Celestia watched her sister with a fond smile. “Because the unicorns hadn’t invented the right equipment yet. You’d be surprised at how much the Guild of Musicians fought them on it.”
This was often how it ended up for a Princess like Luna or Celestia. They were simply too large for such events, even though they wanted nothing more than to participate in the fun like everypony else. Luna had learned it the hard way when she visited Ponyville on her first Nightmare Night. It was better to match their subjects’ expectations and stay aloof than to try to mingle on their level.
But even so, Celestia took vicarious pleasure in watching Twilight dance with Fluttershy. Nopony would ever call that Princess and her new wife intimidating. Their smiles were so sincere as they held each other, twirling around and flapping their wings to occasionally float up into the air.
Celestia had heard stories about how skittish Fluttershy was in public, but she was more interested in Twilight’s reaction. To see her protégé this happy, this content, was nothing short of miraculous.
“Quite the charming couple, don’t you think?” Celestia turned to see one of the decorative vines near her table slither up and sprout a pair of yellow eyes. “It’s like watching some filly play with a pair of her favorite dolls.” Discord’s face sprouted out of the vine and turned to somepony out of view. His paw materialized holding a plushie in familiar colors. “Yes, kids! Only $29.99 for this limited-edition Princess Twilight Sparkle, now with Married Fluttershy! Order now while supplies last!”
One day I’ll learn who he’s talking to when he does that, Celestia reflected, but she kept up her pleasant smile in his presence. Which was difficult, considering her memories of the terrible days when he alone ruled Equestria.
“So…” Discord grinned while the vine morphed into the rest of his usual form, complete with his oddly somber tuxedo and white gloves. He lounged on the table where Celestia and Luna sat, paying no attention to the shocked expressions of the nearby guests. “Were you surprised, my dear Celestia?”
“Surprised?” Celestia shook her head and took a sip from her tall glass of cider. “Not at all. Everything went off without a hitch—and for a wedding that involves a Princess, that’s quite an accomplishment.”
Discord chuckled and snapped his fingers. A glass of cider appeared in his own paw. He took a long drink, draining the glass itself while leaving the cider as a frozen solid. As he tossed the solid cider onto the floor, the god of chaos shot Celestia a sly smile.
“Of course it went well,” he replied. “I ensured it.”
Celestia stared. “May I ask how?”
“Oh, please, Celly.” Discord pressed both paws to his chest, wearing a look of faux innocence. “Did you forget? There’s no one—and I mean no one—who can spread the chaos around like moi. And if anything else dared to try it on the wedding of my best friend Fluttershy…” His voice trailed off into a growl, which set Celestia back. She had never seen him quite this worked up before. Disappointed, but never truly angry.
“That’s my present to her,” he continued, calming down after a moment. “The gift of a boring, perfectly arranged, no fuss, no muss wedding day. No sinister shapeshifters or evil storms. Just the boring married life from here on out.”
Bravo, Fluttershy. Celestia was impressed at how she could tame any creature, great or small. Even a creature as unusual as Discord.
“Well,” she said, “some might consider a married life to be an adventure all by itself.”
“Which reminds me...” Discord leapt up from the table, landing in a chair that appeared next to Celestia, squeezing him in between her and Luna. “When are we ever going to tie the knot, Celly? I’m sure I could get you to unleash a truly spectacular solar flare on our honeymoon.” He raised his eyebrows suggestively. “Or do I need to spell it out for you?”
Luna stamped her hoof onto the table. “Hold your tongue! That is my sister to whom you speak!”
“Why, Princess Luna, I didn’t even see you there!” Discord spun his head around a few times, ending on a smug grin that faced her. “Don’t you have a moon made of cheese to raise or something?”
“It’s only a rumor that the moon is made of cheese—!”
Before she could finish, Discord snapped his fingers and said, “Better check again.”
“Discord, please.” Celestia nodded at the crowd of ponies on the dance floor. “Let’s not do this now. It’s such a pleasant evening and you deserve credit for helping to keep it pleasant.”
“Yes, I do, don’t I?” Discord slithered back from Luna. “It’s so nice to be appreciated for my talents, it really is.” He laughed and stood up from the chair, bowing as he backed away from the table. “Well, have fun, you two. I’ll go and see if I can’t scare that old goat working in the Royal Gardens.”
As he vanished in a burst of light, Celestia shook her head with a chuckle. She winked at Luna and turned back to watch the festivities.
Yes, she decided, this truly was an excellent wedding. One of the better ones that she could recall.
She settled into her chair and continued to watch Twilight and Fluttershy as they took a break and enjoyed some cake off to the side. Fluttershy giggled as Twilight forced a piece into her mouth, and then everypony around them was laughing…
Fluttershy couldn’t remember the last time she’d enjoyed herself so much. Exhausted and elated, she slumped against Twilight’s shoulder at the main dinner table, still tasting the sweet frosting of wedding cake and the rich flavor of Applejack’s finest cider. Her wedding dress was a bit rumpled from all the dancing, but Rarity had assured her that’d be all right. After all, the wedding dress was to be worn only once and then preserved as the finest memento—or so she’d heard anyway.
As the guests began to leave and the cleaning staff came to clear away the tables, Fluttershy spotted a small top hat dashing through the crowd of ponies. She wasn’t surprised when she saw Spike appear, though she did wonder when he’d gotten a large cider stain on the front of his cute tuxedo.
“I hope you guys have had enough fun for one night,” said the baby dragon, holding up a clipboard and a quill. “Your carriage has just arrived. It’ll take you to the train station and from there you’ll be able to rest until you reach Ponyville.” As he spoke, he ticked off a list of items on his clipboard. “Lyra and Bon Bon said they’d help you get packed, so by the time you get home, you’ll be able to go right into your honeymoon. With any luck, you should be in Las Pegasus by this time tomorrow…”
Twilight chuckled as she waved at her little brother. “I’m getting tired just thinking about it. Why don’t you spare me the details and I’ll deal with things as they come along, okay?”
“Huh.” Spike looked up from his clipboard with a snide little grin. “Never thought I’d hear those words from you, Twilight.”
“Well, call it a personal experiment.” She reached over and wrapped her foreleg around Fluttershy’s shoulders, giving her a light, loving squeeze. “I’m trying to be more open-minded now that I’m somepony’s wife.”
Fluttershy turned to her with a teasing smile. “Just somepony?”
“I meant, somepony special.” Another squeeze around the shoulders. “Perhaps the most special somepony in the whole wide world.”
“Besides Rarity,” Spike muttered, but Fluttershy could tell by his smile that he wasn’t upset. She added a smile of her own as she patted him on the head.
But the pleasantries had to come to an end. Twilight nudged Fluttershy off her shoulder as they got up from the table. Fluttershy knew that her hooves would be sore the next day from all that dancing, but she didn’t mind. She had all the momentum of joy running through her veins. She felt as light and free as a Breezie, ready for anything.
So many wonderful memories crossed her mind as she and Twilight headed for the other end of the pavilion. She’d never seen her father smile at her quite like that, nor did she remember Rainbow Dash ever being that tender when she hugged her at the reception. Fluttershy hoped to see more of that tenderness from her friends and family when Spike and Rarity got their wedding plans in order—and she was sure it wouldn’t be long if she knew Rarity.
Minutes later, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Spike stood around the newlyweds while their sterling silver carriage waited. Hugs and nuzzles were exchanged, along with many tears—mostly from Rarity and Pinkie.
“Have the best time, darlings!” said Rarity, squeezing Twilight so hard that her eyes bulged. “I really mean it!”
“I’m… sure you do!” Twilight gasped and extricated herself from the unicorn’s embrace. “Whew!” She turned and smiled at Spike. “Um, about those papers I gave you…”
“Already stamped and mailed.”
Twilight’s face lit up. “No problems with the notary?”
“Nope!” He jumped up and gave her a hug around the neck. “It’s all taken care of!”
Twilight grinned and hugged him back. “Thank you! You’re the best assistant ever!”
Fluttershy watched them for a moment, trying to work out what they meant. She didn’t recall seeing Twilight with any paperwork while they were preparing for the wedding. But she didn’t have long to think before Applejack came up and nuzzled her.
“Now, don’t you fret, Fluttershy,” said the farm pony, having changed out of her dress and back into her familiar hat. “I’ll make sure me an’ Apple Bloom take good care of all your critters while you’re away.”
“That means so much to me, Applejack.” Fluttershy hugged her again. “And tell Angel not to worry. I’ll bring him back something nice from our trip.”
Applejack laughed. Fluttershy sighed as she turned to Twilight, who watched her with a happy, patient smile. “I think I’m ready.”
“Me, too,” said Twilight. She turned and waved at her friends as she mounted the steps to the carriage. “Goodbye, everypony! We’ll see you in a week!”
“Bye!” came the chorus of replies, followed by a sea of waving hooves.
Then along came a bouncing mane as Pinkie Pie leapt over Rainbow Dash’s head. Her eyes widened as she screamed, “And don’t forget us!”
“We won’t!” Fluttershy called back, right before stepping into the carriage with Twilight. She waved even after the guard pony standing next to the crowd shut the door and whistled to the driver.
The carriage rolled forward, drawn by three volunteers from the Royal Guard. Twilight settled back on the velvet cushions with a sigh and removed her crown.
“Shy,” said Twilight, groaning as she slumped against her wife, “promise me I won’t have to wear this for at least another month. It made my mane itch all throughout the reception!”
Fluttershy nodded and kissed the top of her head. “I promise.”
“Mm, thanks.” Twilight tried to look up at her, but her eyes were drooping shut.
“It’s okay if you want to take a short nap.” Fluttershy patted her head and pulled her close to her chest. “I’ll wake you when we get to the station.”
“If I do fall asleep, I don’t think I’ll wake up for a long time.”
“Then I’ll carry you onto the train myself!” Fluttershy’s chest swelled with pride, imagining herself as the star relay flier at the Equestrian Games. Even as tired as she was, she felt like she could achieve anything. “Anything for my Princess!”
“Please don’t call me your Princess,” Twilight groaned. She blinked and snuggled deeper into Fluttershy’s forelegs. “I’d rather be your Twily.”
“You’ll always be my Twily.” Fluttershy rested her head atop Twilight’s and closed her eyes. A nap did sound inviting, and she was positive the guards would wake them up once they arrived…