Chapter 5: The day has arrived
There she stood, the perfect example of having mixed emotions about something. The wedding only a few hours away. Correction: HER wedding only a few hours away.
Pleasant Dreams simply looked at herself in the mirror. A hoof made weddingdress, a Carousel original. An one of a kind piece made exclusively for her.
It was a sleek model, without many frills and additions. The deep lavender color reminded her of the mare she was soon going to wed. And this was just the early stage of it! The finishing touches and accompanying gems and jewelery.
The creator of that masterpiece, Rarity herself, had claimed that Dreams looked stunning even if the dress was unfinished yet. And Dreams agreed to that. It did look good on her. But it seemed off somehow, any mare would kill to have a dress like this.
The nobles paid more than a years worth for the common pony to have one of these dresses. And she had just gotten one. Just like that.
Even her grandparents had been gifted with something like this. Though not hoof made by the great Rarity, but it had been her designs.
But as lavish as her clothes where, even without the jewelry Pleasant Dreams simply could not recognise the mare in the mirror. She knew it to be herself, but instead of the simple maid she had been for so long she could only see a noble-mare with a sad smile on her face.
Yes sure Pleasant Dreams felt joy over leaving her old life behind. Her wife to be had shown herself to be a kind and caring mare. Well atleast for the few days she had known Twilight.
But still, it felt as if she was going to trade her old set of iron chains for a golden version.
And her current location must have been one of the greatest testimonies of that gilded cage, one which had even felled the mightiest of beings. The very dining room countless of contracts and intergovernmental deals have been drafted and signed.
The main dining hall of the castle, the one used only for the most important of important occasions.
“Don't worry Dreams. I've made sure they understand the situation. I`m sure it won't be to bad.”
Twilight's voice had pressed the very issue most on Dreams' mind. Two nights ago the two had met her own last living relatives.
Yet this afternoon, a mere six hours until that fateful moment, the two of them were to face a similar event. But to Pleasant Dreams this was worse than meeting her grandparents.
Her grandparents where cloud pushers, simple workfolk as the nobles called them. But Twilight's family on the other hoof.
Lets just say there is not a soul worth a half a bit in Canterlot who has not atleast heard of house Twilight. They were an ancient house, named after their founder and their naming tradition. Twilight Twinkle; a advisor of the court in the years of Equestria`s founding and it was she who started the tradition to name the first born filly of the main household Twilight.
Yet while it was but a minor house, amongst its members, besides Twilight herself, where two highly renowned researchers in astral resonance ( the study on how astral bodies influence magic) and the former captain of the royal guard and current prince-consort of the Crystal empire.
And those three where just her fiancé's direct relatives.
The Twilight`s as a clan and house while small in number compared to other noble houses were spread throughout the entire governmental system, scientific institutions and even high in the military-chain. Dreams had heard the older generations of the SyrupTongue house often speak about them, and how careful they needed to be in dealing with them.
Thus it came as a bit of surprise that anypony would even dream of doing something like the stunt the high nobles had pulled. Surely they had to know who they would be dealing with right? Twilight had been known as a prodigy of unknown heights, even amongst her own house.
And right now Pleasant Dreams was about to meet with a few more of this notorious house, to be more specific: Twilight's parents.
To say that she was feeling a bit nervous would be an understatement.
A light knock signalled the beginning of the end as the door opened. Only three ponies walked in. An older couple who she did not immediately recognized, but then again she did not know any of the older nobles because they simply did not attend the 'parties' Dreams had to tend to, and a pink alicorn of whom she was sure to be princess Cadance.
But only moments after entering Dreams was witness to a display so utterly different from what she had expected that it baffled her. But she had to admit, seeing two of the most powerful beings known to pony kind do a silly little dance, complete with song, more suited for a foal then the adults they were supposed to be was actually quite cute to see.
Twilight had the time of her life though, her parents had been so busy for the last few weeks. They had only just been back from their trip to Zebrica to exchange information with the Zebra`s.
But now with hugs and routine had been dealt with, there was only one question she had to ask. Something which had been burning on her tongue the moment the three older ponies stepped into the room
“Mom, dad? Cadance? Where is Shiny?”
The response came from Cadence, and to Twilight's credit it had been something she had expected. Especially if one were to realise the protective nature of her brother and the happenings of the last royal wedding.
“Well to be honest he is currently talking to the guard. Saying something about that this time around a decent exterminator needed to be on call. But he should be here before lunch starts.”
But as the two were talking the elderly couple glanced at the other mare in the room. The fact that she like Twilight had been dressed in the early stages of a wedding dress.
It was the whitish mare who approached Dreams first. Her gaze examining, but surprisingly gentle.
Dreams did not know how much time passed as she felt this strange mare attempt to look straight through her very soul.
At first it was a somewhat angry glare, but the more this strange mare stared at Pleasant Dreams the more friendly it became. Until the point that the mare walked up to Dreams and extended her hoof.
“Pleasant Dreams I presume? Its nice to meet you, my name is Twilight Velvet.”
The pleasant tone in the voice and the sincere smile trew Dreams off a bit as she accepted the hoof.
“Yes, I am Pleasant Dreams. Its a pleasure to meet you miss Velvet.”
That last bit earned her a small push on the shoulder from Velvet.
“Ooh please, drop the act and be natural. No reason to be stiff around us. After all from what we've been told you are going to be family!”
And with that almost gleeful sounding comment Twilight Velvet turned deadly serious.
“But I want to know one thing. One very important thing.”
The menacing tone drew the attention of the others in the room towards the two mares. Velvet stared Dreams straight in the eye, the latter almost to afraid to even blink.
After a few seconds, but which seemed like hours Twilight Velvet spoke again.
“Can you cook?”
Dreams blinked a few times before nodding, she had expected a lot. But this was not amongst those things. Why would it be important that she could cook? Of course she could. While she was no chef she knew her way around the kitchen, it was part of her training after all.
The stern and cold face of Velvet was almost instantly replaced by the previous warm and gentle smile. “Good, atleast now I can sleep comfortably knowing that my little Twily will atleast be eating properly.”
Seeing the now completely confused stare of Dreams the older mare continued. “Ooh don't give me a stare like that. My Twily is a utter disaster in the kitchen, and while Spike is good with sweets he simply has the tendency to bake or cook every meal until its well-done.”
The following frown and subsequent wail in the form of “MOM!” came from Twilight.
Which of course was followed by a fit of laughter from the stallion and Cadance.
The laughter seemed to be a frequent visitor during the lunch, although luckily for Twilight it was not all at her expense.
But all in all both Twilight as Dreams where having a good time.
It had been exactly what Twilight had claimed, Dreams had no reason to fear her future in-laws. They had shown to be nice ponies, perhaps with a strange sense of humor but still nice to be around.
Though Pleasant Dreams had very mixed feelings about princess Cadance. Throughout the entire lunch she had said very little. She had only given the occasional glance. Not an angry glance, not even frowning. It was just more a look of confusion.
It was like Cadence was seeing something she did not fully understand, or was unable to wrap her mind around it.
But Dreams did not know her enough to ask about what was troubling her. Perhaps in the future she would learn.
Or she might forget it all from happening completely. Odds where about 50/50 on that. The internal grand jury of Pleasant Dreams were not quite out on the matter.
But there was one thing she was pretty sure about. She was absolutely positively sure that she would rather be almost anywhere else than where she was right now.
For Pleasant Dreams was currently standing in front of a set of large mirrors. Rarity was darting around her, poking needles in the dress, adding frills or puffing about with makeup. And most importantly, blabbing her muzzle off.
Dreams had all but tuned her out. She had other things on her mind.
On the side of the room stood her grandparents, the only relatives she still had. According to tradition they were there for her in the final moments of preparation.
But besides them there were two others in the room. With a bit of pushing from her grandmother Dreams had taken the courage to speak to Whisper, well Fluttershy as she calls herself these days.
Her question had been serious, although they had not seen each other for many years 'Fluttershy' had been the only true friend Dreams had ever had.
And being the kind mare she is, besides wanting to try and rekindle some of that old friendship, Fluttershy had accepted the request and became Dreams best mare.
The other pony present had been Rarity.
The fashionista had offered her services to Dreams, she would not take no for an answer, and had left Twilight in the capable hoofs of the cosmetic staff of the palace, under direction of Hoity Toity this time. She had said something about that Twilight could always redo it in a few centuries, but it would be the first and last time for Dreams. And that she would not have it that some miscreant would ruïn such an important day in a mares life because they were a little to heavy with the make-up.
On the other side of the hallway, within in a similar room sat Twilight. A flock of ponies swarming around her. Her dress had been finished while she and Dreams were having lunch with Twilight's parents. It had only taken a few minor adjustments to be properly fitted.
Her family was there, even Shining Armor had been present. He had been a bit disappointed on not meeting Pleasant Dreams himself during the lunch. But the security checks had been downright murderous to set up. And the new captain simply did not had enough time to fully learn the finer points of the job.
Even Spike was pitching in by assisting the beauticians with gathering what they needed. Although it was not much, Hoity had been given a set of very clear instructions.
And an even clearer explanation of what would happen should he fail to follow said instructions.
Twilight had to admit, Rarity could be very scary should she put her mind behind it. Very scary indeed. Twilight knew one thing, she was quite possibly going to have a few nightmares about what the fashionista had threatened with.
Twilight's other friends all had been busy with their tasks up until the last moment, but she was sure that about now they would also be starting to get dressed. The ceremony was only about half an hour away.
There had been much infighting between the four remaining friends as to who would become Twilight's best mare, but Twilight had foreseen that. And not wanting to hurt any of them, she had asked them to forgive her as she had chosen Cadence. Both as a symbolic gesture, for Twilight had been Cadance's best mare, and to make sure that there would be no anonymity between Twilight and her friends.
And that had been accepted as probably the best way.
With the complete make-up and dressing for both mares done they were collected by one of the stewards. Unsurprisingly both had been with a full guard squad.
But that had little to do with the odd chance of a changeling-attack, but it had everything to do with tradition.
Afterall one of the most important ponies in Equestria was about to marry, it did not matter that she had held the position for only a few months. Tradition demanded that in occasions like this they would be brought to the main ballroom with full honor guard.
And due the fact that Twilight had no honor guard of her own there had been a bit of discussion as to which branch would be chosen. It had been Twilight herself who came up with the answer.
She had studied almost her entire life under Celestia, therefor she would take an honor guard from the solarguard.
Dreams on the other hoof would receive hers from the Lunar Guard, who were almost all thestrals like herself.
With this neither of the two elite branches of the royal guard would be offended for being left out. The Lunar Guard had actually so many volunteers that they had been forced to hold a lottery. For them it was a matter more than honour. It was racial pride, for the first time since recorded history a thestral would become nobility. And not just any noble, she would become the second highest ranking noble seconded only by the four princesses.
Not even 'prince' Blueblood could claim to possess such a station. As the heir to the line of Platinum he was just below the princess-consort. And rumor had it that it irked him to no end.
The symbolism of it all was not lost on the royal sisters, even if it was not intended. It would be a true union between day and night.
The privileged student turned princess and the orphaned maid. Two mares with a background which could almost not be more different joining together in what was arguably the most sacred of bonds.
They had found it more than fitting to have the honor guard-arrangements to match this.
And it was in their company that both mares left towards the large room, in opposite directions. Their honor guard made sure that the short walk was uninterrupted.
Something both of them were secretly glad about. The amount of paparazzi flittering about the castle grounds. Just a few moments ago they had apprehended a few who had dressed themselves as servants.
Needless to say, they are currently being made very useful. The toilets in the barracks had been in a dire need of cleaning.
At exactly 6 pm the two had met each other again, at the beginning of the aisle leading towards the end of the ballroom. Each side of the massive room had been filled with all manner of ponies.
Of course the rich and snobby had procured seats in the front.
Their escort left for their normal stations, only for them to be replaced by two familiar stallions.
Skystream and Nightlight, both ready for their duty of the day.
But both stallions had not said it, but their eyes said enough.
They held no trouble with giving their (grand)daughter away to another mare, one cannot fight love right?
But what they both did not like one single bit was that they to give them away against the will of the two mares.
But here they were, side by side with the brides. A final moment passed as Dreams and Twilight saw each other in their full gear for the first time.
Twilight was wearing a dark grey dress, one truly fit for royalty. But also true to Twilight her personality many of the frills and glittery bits had been left out of the design. The only gem of in the entire ensemble had been a deep purple amethyst. There had also been no jewelry other than her crown.
Pleasant Dreams on the other hoof had been dressed in in purple dress with a radiant golden trim around the wing holes, drawing attention to the feature that placed her so apart from those in the room, small diamond chips had been applied all over it, giving it a sparkling appearance. A set of bracelets had a thin veil of silk attached to it, keeping it strapped over her back. She had not been given a crown or tiara, but a necklace containing a large piece of onyx was draped around her neck.
The black of the gem giving a pleasant counteract to the otherwise rather bright dress.
A deep breath and a nod to their grandfather and father they started their walk towards the end of the room.
There had been no flower fillies or any of that kind trailing behind them. Only a single wedding bouquet for the both of them. Through some unspoken agreement Twilight had been the one to carry it.
As they walked both mares could feel the eyes burning on them, almost everypony in the room had been staring at them. Some with jealousy, some even with hatred, but luckily most where simply curious or sympathetic.
Though the curious looks were amongst the most common.
With the rising of princess Celestia the hall fell silent.
“My little ponies, on behalf of the brides I bid you welcome. I would wish I could welcome you for a joyous event like I could but a few months ago.”
For a brief moment Celestia's everlasting smile falter for but a few seconds. But only those in at the very end, right in front of her, could see it.
“But let us not dwell on what has happened, but let us hope for a brighter future for those involved. Ringbearer, please bring forth the rings.”
On his que Spike walked from behind a pillar behind Twilight with a red velvet cushion. Two rings forged from some strange black metal had been placed on them, though unlike normal wedding rings these held no gemstones but instead it had decorated with intricate symbols. Twilight could swear that they resembled some ancient runes she had read about.
They had been a gift from Luna, she had said not much about it. But Celestia had been more indulging with information.
Apparently Luna was quite the crafts pony, she had made the set only a few years before her fall to the nightmare. Crafted especially for her closest friend, the captain of her night guard who had fallen for a unicorn maid.
The first ever true union that would forever make the thestrals be accepted as part of the pony race.
But it was not to be, the captain had been brutally murdered on the night before his wedding. A group of fanatics had done it. They had even been proud of it, proud about saving the true blood of the three tribes by eradicating the foul demonblood who was about to soil it.
Of course over the course of the millenium the view on thestrals had changed quite a bit. But they still where a rare sight to see, even within the nightguard there were only a hoof full.
And now, with the same type of event happening again. While not the first, it was still special to Luna.
For that reason she had remade the rings to fit her first friend since her return and her friends' bride to be. One wing clip, especially made to be worn around the joint without discomfort for a thestral, and one horn ring, both made with love.
It had been agreed that there would be no lengthy ceremony, no testimonies of love or declarations of eternal faithfulness.
Celestia's eyes went to Twilight, who was actually glad that her former mentor's gaze had soften again. Twilight would never admit it, but the coldness in Celestia's eyes just now had her more than a bit scared.
“Princess Twilight Sparkle, do you take Pleasant Dreams as your lawful wife and promise to guard her heart and mind against the corruption that power brings?”
The second bit confused Twilight for a moment, it had not been asked to Cadence on her marriage. But why was it asked to her then?
Then it hit Twilight, it had been in the direction where Celestia had been looking at. The question was not directed at her. It was aimed at the nobles in the front rows, just behind her family and Dreams grandparents. The very nobles who had tried to abuse their power to gain more power.
And in a very Celestia kinda way, they would never notice that they just had been warned.
Twilight's voice was trembling as she said it, she really did not want to do this. It felt wrong on every level to bind a pony to yourself like this. To effectively hijack her life. But she was without a choice.
“Yes, yes I do.”
Celestia then turned to Pleasant Dreams. Her expression one filled with sympathy. It almost literally screamed at the thestral: I'm sorry.
“Pleasant Dreams, do you take Twilight Sparkle as your lawful wife? Do you promise to assist her in her royal tasks and to keep her heart grounded and with those she swore to protect?”
Pleasant Dreams closed her eyes for a moment. She did not need to think long, almost anything would be better than her previous life.
And maybe, just maybe Twilight would remain the same after this day had ended. The same nerdy and friendly alicorn. Then it might not be so bad, she could see the princess becoming atleast somewhat akin to a friend.
But then again, that was when everything would remain the same as the past two days. And there was only one way to find out.
Well one way without the use of highly illegal and potentially deadly time-spells.
“Yes your highness, yes I do.”
Upon hearing those words Celestia raised to her full height with her wings in full glory.
“Then let me ask for the first and last time. Are there any objections to this union? Speak now or forever hold your silence.”
For a moment it seemed that everything would be in order, that everypony would remain silent.
But just as Celestia took a breath to ask for the rings to seal the marriage a noble stallion from somewhere in the middle spoke up.
“I object to this farce! A commoner has no right to be with nobility. It is affront to everything the sacred tradition of the consort stands for.”
What the stallion wanted to say would never be heart. A pony came to defence of Pleasant Dreams, a pony none had ever expected.
Prince Blueblood.
“Ooh would you please stop it Radiant Bit? I do believe that almost everypony and their dog knows just how much you would like to be standing there with that little pool colt of yours. And isn't he also just a commoner?”
That comment seemed to rouse a whole lot more. Whispers mostly, soft chatter and disbelief. Well atleast until Celestia asked for silence.
A few short words where all it took for the silence to regain again.
Normally the rings would be slipped on during their vows, but they had made no vows. They had only accepted their fate.
And now it rested on Celestia to seal their fate. Like some cruel joke Celestia had to do the very thing she had swore to safeguard Twilight from.
She had to do what she despised the most about what had been implemented to allow her rule. And she had to do it to the one closest to being a daughter she ever had.
With a tear forming in her eyes Celestia took both rings in her magic, and while she clipped the wing ring around the right wing of Pleasant Dreams and placed the horn ring over Twilight's horn as she spoke.
“Then take these rings as a symbol of your union. And with the power granted to me by my position as regent of the sun and day I pronounce you wife and wife.”
A small sigh escaped her as she looked at the two mares in front of her. Their saddened looks, it spoke all about their innermost emotions.
Twilight softly mouthing 'just say it'.
Pleasant Dreams simply staring at the ground, fully placid and acceptance of her new shackles.
And it broke her heart, but she had to do this. If the marriage was not completed then she would be granting many powers within the government to the higher nobles. Something that must be
“You may kiss your bride.”
The two mares looked at eachother for a moment, there was no veil to lift gently, there was no pause for a romantic moment or a look of passion.
Both closed their eyes and placed their lips upon those of the other for a mere second. It was hardly anything one could call a proper kiss.
When they split apart the loud cheers erupted, but there were more than a few who did not join in the cheers and celebrations.
Some out of fear, others out of respect. But all knew exactly what was really going on.
Most of the masses had been left out the loop that their newest princess did not had a hidden lover for all that time like the official story went.
If the truth would be found out, it would be chaos and quite possibly a rebellion towards the nobles. It was decided that it would better to keep the whole forced aspect a bit under wraps for now. IT wasn't a lie perse.
As the cheers died down Twilight looked over the crowd. She hoped this would work out properly. “Thank you all for coming, but now with the ceremony at an end it is time for the true festivities of this beautiful day. So without further adieu, we leave you in the capable hooves of our reception planner. Miss Pie if you please do the honor?”
The noise of the party-alarm screaming through the ballroom scared more than a few of those present. Servants streamed from all over, clearing benches and chairs and replacing them with all manner of things one would see in a fancy ball. From small tables for seating and a dance-floor to an large row of tables filled with all manner of foods and a raised plateau for a small band.
Pinkie had gone all out this time, though it was rather tame for a Pinkie party.
Twilight and Dreams had been escorted to the only large seating table in the room, it was placed so that they could oversee the entire event. But the shade of the lights fell in such a way that the seats where a bit hidden from sight, giving the newlyweds a bit more privacy.
But before they could retreat in the comfort of those shadows, they had to face a long line of ponies wanting to present their congratulations.
Much to the discomfort of both.
The first in the long line had been princess Celestia. She gave a short congratulations, it seemed heartfelt. But Twilight had known the princess for a long time and she could see through the smiling mask. The mask that hid the anger well.
Celestia had no gift for them, no tangible one atleast. Besides the apprehension of the slavers they had but to ask. And if it was within her power to grant it would be theirs.
Luna had only given her congratulations for she had already given them their presents.
Twilight's parents thought were different, although they had been aware of the truth it seemed that it didn't fully register in their minds. Atleast not until they stood in front of them. Tears had been shed, hugs freely given and promises were made.
Dreams grandparents were similar, but where Twilight's parents had just given them a small donation the older couple had given only a heartfelt hoof shake and a sad smile. They simply did not have the bits for some sort of gift.
Though that might soon change. A certain pink princess had dropped a few hints with several nobles who owned a weather factory what their old positions where.
Ponies without a connection to the workfloor paid a lot for 'inside' information. And they had decades of information and idea's for improvement to sell.
Twilight's closest friends had all come together. Apparently finding a bit of comfort in numbers. Ever since the first royal wedding the veil of ignorance had been lifted a bit from the eyes of most ponies. They had finally gotten a fair share of the fame they deserved. Whether that fame was positive or negative. They had their fair share of both.
Pinkie had brought forth a strange blender-like device. Which Dreams instantly recognized as a smoothy-maker. And one of the highest quality even.
The explanation however was pretty much lost on them. But all who heard it were sure about one thing: It had something to do with Twilight's complete lack in kitchen appliances.
Rainbow Dash had been playing a bit of a joke on Twilight's studious side, which elicited a small giggle from Pleasant Dreams out of all ponies. But unlike the joker Dreams had the decency to blush a little.
But one had to admit the reaction of Twilight from getting a small block of solidified Rainbow-essence had been a funny one.
It was a cross between very excited and strangely fascinated while being deep in thought about its potential uses. To which Rainbow had smirked. “Its a solid rainbow. Besides making a rainbow fountain or looking pretty it has no uses!”
But apparently Twilight was of a different opinion, there had to be some sort of use for it even if it was to find out how it was solidified.
Applejack had been brief, just a card. Because she was not going to trust her gift anyplace where Rainbow or any of the nobles might be able to get to it. It was still safe and sound in the special hidden cellar in the homestead. A full 50L barrel of aged zapp-apple cider.
Something they only make two of each time the magical apples grow, and only break out on very rare occasions.
Rarity had two small boxes with her, within lay two small silver brooches. One in the shape of a starburst with amethyst, the other was a pillow with a piece of onyx . The pillow for Twilight and the starburst for Dreams, the hopeless romantic had thought it would be a nice touch to have the cutiemark of the other.
The fact that the marriage had been forced on them did not matter to the fashionista.
But what did matter was the explanation. Both had been enchanted with a renewable cleaning spell. Not a strong one though, the gems where simply too small to hold a powerful one. It would clean any dry dirt from the mane or coat. Because it would be a crime for a princess and her consort to be seen with even a speck of filth on their coat when making an appearance.
And then came Fluttershy, her gift came out of her mane with a little bit of coaxing. It was a small ball of deep blue winged fluff with two enormous pink eyes. A bit of fluff everypony recognized almost immediately.
A Parasprite.
But before anything could be done to the poor critter Fluttershy had started to explain. It was different from normal Parasprites, it was smaller and legless. But also it ate not more than perhaps one or two apple slices a day.
Waldorf Peregrin the second (Wally to his friends), thats what his name was. He was the second because Fluttershy had the original still back in her cottage. He was the first offspring that the legless Parasprite had produced in the three years that she had the critter. Having found him at her home after the infestation, unaffected by Pinkie's music and utterly terrified.
Twilight was the first to speak up, while Wally had flown over to nestle itself on Dreams back.
“So, its some kind of mutation? Or a whole different species?”
“I'm sorry I just don't know, there are some differences between him and normal Parasprites. But everything points out that he should be a normal one. He just isn't. ”
Twilight could see that Fluttershy had been wanting to say more about the subject. But behind the element bearers a rather impatient line of nobles had been forming steadily. And they had begun to voice this displeasure of being held up for too long.
With a small squeak Fluttershy pushed a small scroll in the hoofs of Dreams before hurrying out of the line to the safety of the sitting tables. The scroll itself had been written in a flowing script, containing nothing more than a few words of advice concerning Wally's needs and how to take care of him.
It surprised Twilight to no end that Fluttershy had written down that the small Parasprite would only eat about a quarter of an apple a day, or something of similar size and weight. But she pushed any other questions aside, knowing full well that the gentle mare would be visiting on regular base to check up on her former charge.
Fluttershy always did so when ponies bought a pet from her.
Twilight looked at Pleasant Dreams, who currently was looking at the strange critter hopping back and forth from her lower back to right between her wings. The easy part of this whole charade was over now. Twilight wished she could somehow protect the other from the tediousness and arrogance of the nobles they had to face now.
But something deep inside her whispered that Dreams was more than adequate in toning them out.
As a few nobles had went by with congratulations and a few simple tokens in terms of gifts, mostly it had been bits and the occasional pieces of jewelry, a familiar face stood before Twilight and Dreams.
The old lord Syruptongue, on both his sides where guards. But they were not the typical kind one would see accompanying a high lord under house-arrest. Their gear betrayed that they where actually guarding him from outside influences. But what surprised both Twilight and Pleasant Dreams the most was the fact that a nurse was standing behind him.
With a strained motion he made a bow before the newlyweds.
“M'ladies. Before anything is said the investigation is getting our full coöperation. My great grandson has been detained and so has every member of the staff he and his father have hired. But let us not speak of these unpleasantries. I am here to present my gift after all.”
The left guard took out a piece of parchment and presented it towards the couple. Syruptongue looked a bit saddened, by it but it did not stop him from speaking further.
“I am sorry Princess Sparkle, but my gift is more geared towards Lady Dreams then to you. This parchment holds my will. You will find that after my passing 50% of which I own personally will go to Lady Dreams instead off my household. Which accounts for roughly 20% of the house's property and bits. The other half will be made into the Pleasant Dreams fund, a fund which primary goal is to give financial aid to all victims of this despicable slavering.”
The confession left both mares speechless.
“I know I can never make amends for what my kin has done to you, and I know I can never ask for your forgiveness for my blindness. But I hope that I can atleast make sure that your life, and that of your fellow victims, will be better from now on. And know that for the few years I have left I will do everything in my power to help the investigation.”
Pleasant Dreams looked at the small parasprite on the table to her left. Its kin were ravenous monsters who devoured everything edible in sight. But Wally was claimed to be different, and it was given a chance to prove it.
Lord Syruptongue too had monstrous relatives, but he had proven himself to have a heart as well. A cunning and shrewd heart. But atleast he had made an attempt to do the right thing, even if it was a blatant attempt to save his own reputation with the princesses.
Yet all Dreams could see was an old stallion at the end of his life, an old stallion who had learned some terrible secrets of his children.
But still she could not find it in her to hate this stallion, no matter what his kin had done. He had also been the one who gave her a second chance in life. He had taken her from his great grandson's chambers and gave her hoof in marriage to a real life princess.
Thanks to him she had gained an ounce of true freedom, something she had always dreamed off.
And with that thought Dreams stepped forward, the two guards tensed for a brief moment until she had placed her forelegs around the neck of lord Sugartongue in a gentle hug.
“Don't blame yourself, you were not the one who turned me into what I am today. You were not the one who bought me and used me like a toy.”
A tear formed in her eye as Dreams whispered a last few words in private to the stallion.
“You are forgiven for what you think you have done wrong to me. Thank you for my second chance, but now leave this matter to the guards and go enjoy the time you have left of your own second chance.”
After the elderly lord Syruptongue had left them a new set of nobles had already been pushing themselves onto the couple.
Dreams noticed that the more these nobles seemed to speak, the more frequent that slight twitch in Twilight's eye became. And Dreams had to be honest herself, she did not like all of this flank kissing at all.
She had seen quite a few stallions who had tried to buy or rent her from her former master, and to her incredible disbelief they were now actually speaking to her as if nothing had ever happened. Some even tried to butter up to her, like she was just some dumb mare who'd forget everything that they had done simply because she now had a status or because they were flaunting about with bits and favors.
*Twitch*
A slight sigh of frustration escaped Dreams, it appeared that Twilight's little eye twitch was contagious.
Though she could speak of luck that on random occasions Twilight's friends or servants brought food or drinks otherwise they would have starved half way through.
But luckily after nearly three hours of hoof shaking and having to put up with groveling slimeballs it finally came to an end. The last of the ponies had arrived. But one look at Twilight's face told Dreams enough.
Twilight knew this stallion as well, and like Dreams herself she was not happy to see him. Dreams herself had only seen him in passing or heard other servants speak about him. They usually were not all too positive about him.
Like with many of the more notoriously arrogant or foolhardy nobles Twilight had taken the lead in speaking. It was obvious that the years of training under Celestia had taught her well on how to handle herself.
A rogue thought occurred in Dreams mind, she was now expected to atleast show up during certain events. Maybe Twilight was willing to teach her a thing or two about dealing with the more pesky ones.
“Well Blueblood it appears owe you my thanks.” For a moment Twilight had a gentle smile, but it hardened almost instantly afterwards.
“But if you think for a single moment that you will ever be forgiven for this you are sorely mistaken.”
Blueblood had the gall to look angry. But the tone of his voice was clear and level headed.
“Princess, I would have you know that I was against this idea from the beginning. But they simply do not listen when some hairbrained idea has formed in their heads. I told them it would not work, I told them it would end badly. But majority vote rules.”
The prince shook his head with a wry smile.
“And it has all blown up in their faces. Should have send daughters instead of sons.”
Twilight was about to speak up, claiming she did not believe it for a single little bit. But Blueblood shushed her by raising his hoof.
“Anyway, I respect that you might not believe me but I do hope we can put this besides ourselves during future dealings? But I digress. Congratulations and all. I shall leave you now to enjoy what little of the celebrations remain.”
With a small bow towards the mares Blueblood departed, but not before leaving a scroll and two tickets with the mares.
He had given them a week long all expense paid cruise on the newest luxury air yacht of Blue airways to serve as their honeymoon. Of course complete with its own crew and servants to make the trip memorable while they cruise the skies from landmark to landmark.
Perhaps an hour or two later the festivities were finally dying down. Pleasant Dreams was away to escort her grandparents to their chambers and talk a bit with them in private.
But to Twilight and her friends another surprise was to be revealed. As just about all guests where either gone or leaving Fluttershy had asked them to get together before heading to bed saying that she had something to tell them.
All but Twilight had been surprised to see nurse Redheart standing besides Fluttershy. But the signals they gave off where obvious to even the blindest amongst them. Their tails intertwined and Fluttershy draping a wing over the back of Redheart.
Bolstered by the proximity of her marefriend Fluttershy spoke up.
“You might be wondering why I called you here. Red Heart and I have a confession to make. We have been dating for about four years now and decided that it was time to make it officially known and move in together.”
The reactions were all warm and congratulatory. Well all except for Rarity, who had been profoundly making apologies for having tried to set up Fluttershy with various stallions in the past.
But all in all it was a kind and tender moment, Redheart was relieved to see her mare friend's friends accept Fluttershy's choice in partners.
And Twilight was relieved that nopony asked why she was not as surprised as they were. That would be a tale for after numerous alcoholic beverages.
But as Pleasant Dreams walked back into the room it had been time to say their goodbyes. Their air yacht was waiting for them. Waiting to take them for a trip around the country. To celebrate a marriage that never should have been.
Promises of souvenirs and swift return had been made, a final grouphug for old time sakes before Twilight and Dreams where off to sail the great open sky.
Night was falling quickly as the two mares were overlooking Canterlot from the deck of the ship.
A flash of light and a loud misthoorn seized their attention to behind them.
Floating a few inches above the deck was Discord. But it was not the jolly jester like Discord Twilight had seen hanging out with Fluttershy. Nor was it the Discord she had met in combat two years ago.
No this Discord frightened Twilight more than she would ever be willing to admit. The expression he bore was something she would never expect from him. There was no smile or grin and the twinkle in his eyes were gone completely. And it set off all manner of alarms in Twilight's mind.
This was Discord's serious face. That could only mean trouble. A snap of his eagle claw and a small vial fell in front of Twilight, laying completely still even though the ship was rocking.
“My gift upon you and your mare princess Twilight. A small vial of raw chaos energy. Do not ask what it does, you will not like the answer. But I will leave this message for you and miss Dreams.”
Discords voice turned even colder. For some reason he seemed more menacing and draconian that ever before. Even counting his short rule before his rehabilitation.
“Do not wonder why, do not think me to be cold. In a years time, it will have be used to set right the wrongs of old.”
A single snap later and Discord was gone, leaving a terrified couple behind. The sight of the chaos spirit and his words etched in their minds.
They both knew that he had not told a lie, that they would unleash the full brunt of his powers on somepony else.
On the largest spire of Canterlot Castle Discord was looking at the departing ship. “I am sorry for this Twilight. But I cannot interfere personally.”
A few tears found their way from his eyes to the ground below after looking at the picture he had summoned seconds before.
“This is for you and all those like you my dear friend.”
Winking away the tears Discord threw away the picture. It portrayed a young yellow and pink pegasus filly and a dark grey and blue thestral. Upon the backside one could barely make out the golden script.
To my good friend Sugartongue, heir of the Syruptongue house.
Summer Sale: Day and Night now: 500.000 bits
With love,
Gentle Breeze