//------------------------------// // Wedding Bells // Story: Love and Deception // by veronicatoon7 //------------------------------// Chapter 3: Wedding Bells The throne room had been repaired and redecorated since the last event. New decorations, courtesy of Pinkie Pie, had been put up and the whole room looked spectacular. Everything was arranged just perfectly, thanks to Twilight Sparkle, and the whole event could go on again. The guests had been re-invited and thankfully most of them came, even after what happened the last time. While Fluttershy stood some parts away from the other ponies to conduct the birds when the bride came, the other four stood right on the left of the altar as the bridesmaid. Their dresses had been cleaned and fixed after last time and each of them stood patiently on the stairs. Twilight Sparkle stood much closer to her big brother. Most of the bandages had been removed and she could stand up straight. All but two bandages still remained. One was wrapped around her horn over the healing crack that had broken when the burst of magic had exploded in the fight. The other was around her midsection where her ribs were still healing after being dropped onto Luna's back. Of course, Rarity had redesigned the dress and did her makeup and hair in a style that covered up her injuries. Her hair was done in curls like before, one going a bit higher to conceal the white cloth. Her headband was still flowers, yet they had been exchanged for a light pink one with magenta and gold flowers with small accents of teal. A pair of magenta, star earring were clasped onto her ears. Her dress had been changed too, now sporting a more airy look with a lovely magenta cloak that swept out from behind her and covered in a sparkly, lighter pink veil with shiny gold swirls. A gold sash was tied lightly around her torso, ending in a small bow on her back. The front had the same design as before, but it was more elaborate with a pink strip replacing the aqua one and the star had been made to look like the main star on her cutie mark with smaller, white fabric stars extending around it. Shining Armor's eyes watched the door, but occasionally went to watch his mare of honor. She suddenly frowned at a detail and he watched as he straightened his pendent with her hoof, since her magic wasn't strong enough to cast spells just yet. He gave a grateful smile at her before focusing back to the entrance. The drum started beating and Fluttershy's chorus of birds then began singing. All eyes went to the door as the royal guards opened it with their magic. The CMC flower girls hopped along the carpet, swishing their baskets back and forth to let the petal drop as the bride walked forth. Her dress had been redesigned as well, now with gold accented ruffles, a gold peytral with a gold rose on it, with gold and white roses creating the veil piece. A bright pink bow with a little pearl on it was in the back before the train. The train itself was lifted up by birds, another act by Fluttershy. As the bride grew close to the altar, Twilight quickly nudged and whispered to her brother, "Seriously, though. I get why the queen of the changelings wanted to be with you, but how did you get someone as amazing as Cadance to marry you?" He smiled widely at her and replied, "I told her she wouldn't just be gaining a husband. She'd be getting a pretty great sister, too." Twilight gave a grateful, happy expression towards him before turning back to her not-to-far-future sister-in-law. Cadance came up to the top of the steps and smiled at him. They then both turned to the top where Celestia was there, ready to join them in matrimony. Luna and several of the royal guards stood nearby, to give the couple their blessing and also be on extra guard, just in case. "Mares and gentlecolts," Celestia proudly announced, "we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of the real Princess Mi Amore Cadenza–" "Princess Cadance is fine," she quickly interrupted. Celestia nodded and continued. "The union of Princess Cadance and Shining Armor. The strength of their commitment is clear. The power of their love, undeniable. The bonds of loyalty between then and their families," she winked at Twilight, "unbreakable." She then turned over to Spike, the ringbearer. "May we have the rings, please?" Spike proudly lifted up the tasseled, royal purple cushion with the two gold rings laying daintily on top. They glowed as a yellow, magic aura surrounded them and lifted up into the air. The rings finally set on each of the two's horns, signifying their marriage. "Princess Cadance and Shining Armor. I now pronounce you mare and colt!" The newlyweds then walked out to the balcony, greeted with a shower of confetti as the crowd of hundreds of ponies cried out and cheered for them in the castle gardens below. They waved to all the ponies as the light shone down from the heavens and graced the two with the blessing of a long, happy marriage. Inside, as the ponies watched, Celestia came over and gently tapped Twilight on her shoulder, making the unicorn look up at her. "This is your day as much as theirs. You were victorious in saving Equestria. Though I wish that we in the past didn't treat you as horribly as it did, we're eternally grateful for you persisting in the face of doubt, and that your actions led to your being able to bring the real Princess Cadance back to us. Learning to trust your instincts is a valuable lesson to learn," she then leaned in and whispered, "And so is learning to be concern for your friend's worries," he added with a blush. Twilight nodded and giggled before continuing to watch her brother and sister-in-law on the balcony. As they came in for a kiss, Celestia leaned in close to rainbow-haired pegasus. "Rainbow Dash. That's your cue," she quickly reminded. The pegasus quickly shed her formal attire and streamed out the window. She rushed up in the atmosphere, diving swiftly down and the jetting straight up over the castle till a sonic boom blasted from behind her, shedding out rainbow colored ray as it did. A rainbow trailed across the sky and glittered in the sunlight, shedding its beauty for all the world and symbolically wishing the newlyweds a loving marriage. When the reception happened, it was already starting to get dark. All the bride and groom's closest friends and family had attended and were now celebrating in the garden. Luna's starry sky had come out and, to present her gift she had two new stars put up side by side, one with a light pink aura and the other light blue. As the couple had its first dance, the party began, lead on by Pinkie Pie and DJ-PON3. Luna came on down and began chatting on with her sister and a few of the guests. Many other ponies were talking, dancing or taking in part of the food and festivities. Twilight stood alone from the groups, allowing herself to take the time of being isolated for a while from the action. Her eyes fell upon the entirety of the wedding reception. A smile graced her lips as she watched the ponies enjoy themselves in the joyous atmosphere. She let out a content sigh as a light breeze ruffled her fur. Her heart felt at peace and she was very happy. Her brother had finally married and she had gained an amazing, wonderful sister-in-law. Her friends no longer felt any more guilt for their actions. She had made amends with her mentor and there was no longer a threat in Equestria at the moment. She had healed up for the most part and she would tomorrow return back home and partake in her normal routine. She heard a small shriek behind her and she closed her eyes, shaking her head softly. The splat and loud chewing from behind her indicated that Pinkie Pie was indulging herself in the wedding cake. She turned around and made her way over to the buffet table. She was hungry and she knew if she didn't hurry their would be no cake, or even food, left. Fireworks and sparklers came off in the background, illuminating the night sky even more. The sparks twinkled against the stars as they fell and faded, signifying the day's end and putting to end the wedding as the newlyweds climbed intro their honeymoon carriage. Equestria was a land filled with mystery and revelation, pain and kindness, trust and deception, magic and negativity. But what kept the land and the ponies united would continue all throughout the night and far into the future. Love. Love, friendship and forgiveness.