private A New Life: Manehattan Story

[Fender 1,283]

 

 

"Excited about tomorrow?"

 

 

He laughed nervously, "I'm so excited it's making me nauseous and lightheaded." He gave a sort of panicky grin, and went and sat the food he was carrying in the kitchen. "Would you mind looking and making sure I've gotten everything please?"

 

He returned to the living room, where he and Cypher were now alone. He simply stood across from the uninterested stallion; the signs of age were now coming about him. Fender sank down and sat on the floor, in a sort of a relaxed manner. 

 

"Y'know...Cypher, tomorrow, I think I'll be able to call you 'dad' for the first time." Fender felt a sort of sadness for Cypher, of all the things going on around him, he couldn't seem to find anything to appreciate. Not even the little things. Fender knew why too...Morning Mist's sickness had brought about this mess for Cypher. Fender looked down, a frown on his face, then slowly looked back up at the stallion. "You know it'll be the first time in about...22 or so years, that I'll get to call someone 'dad?' Hm, it might even be the first time, for all I know." he gulped, but held on to his words, "Winterglade, Morning Mist, Autumn Glow, Hot Wing, and you. You're all going to be the first family I've had since I was still barely old enough to talk." he paused briefly, and kept going, "I've needed a father for my whole life. I see it in you. You may not, but I do. You're not as careless as you'd like us to think. That's exactly why you're always so solemn." He put on a nervous half-smile, "My entire family, everypony I ever knew of it, all died when I was young. I moved on. I discovered good can come from all of the bad in life. It's darkest just before the dawn- kind of thing." His tone became more firm, but still calm. "Winterglade needs a father. Not just tomorrow, but for any other time in her life when I'm not around. She needs you. I need you." He looked down again, then back up. "Morning Mist? I know it's bad. I do. I also know that she married you for more reason than your being quiet." He gulped, in slight fear. "She needs you too. She needs to see a loving husband...before it's too late. You're not a bad guy. You just need to see it." Fender stood up, and began to walk to the kitchen, stopping halfway, and turning. "Think about it." His tone was now calm, hoping the words would mean something to the stallion who seemed to be made of stone. He continued walking, and once in the kitchen, turned to Morning Mist. "So, did I get everything?"

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"Think about it."

 

Fender spoke. Cypher listened. Memories of the past swirled inside him, nearly blinding his senses. The day when he sung to propose Morning Mist, the day when they married, the day when he cradled his first foal, the day he played tag with his youngest daughter, the day when he was forced to abandon his family by personal request of the princesses, and the day when he had heard about the looming darkness over his wife, his jewel, his beloved one. He was particularly thankful when Fender excused himself. With a sigh Cypher closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead. Fender was right about most of the things he said. It had been months since the last time he could bring himself to smile in this household. But tomorrow... Tomorrow was different.

 

Cypher opened his eyes and stared at his forehoof. It was the same hoof that brought an end to countless poachers and feral beasts. He liked to think himself as the most capable among his peers, but now here he was, hiding in his own secluded portion of mind. Silently he folded his magazine and trotted to the enclosure of his private room. He would have to think everything through.

 

 

 

He continued walking, and once in the kitchen, turned to Morning Mist. "So, did I get everything?"

 

"Oh, yes! Everything I need is here. Now I can't wait to cook my special family recipe." Morning Mist giggled as if she was a mare half her age. She had been very excited about tomorrow. She wanted to give everypony in the house the most special feast possible. The catering service would handle the guests, while she would cook for her family alone. Merrily she trotted back and forth around the kitchen cutting and mixing various ingredients. Her son had stolen an apple and disappeared from sight, not that he could do anything to help her. "Say, Fender, how many of your friends did you invite to the marriage?"

 

***

 

On the other side of the town...

 

"Can I go home...?"

 

"Not before we can measure this saddle on you~♪"

 

 

 

You're crazy.... Crazy awesome XD

 

Anyway, feel free to list any of your OCs or Fender's friends you would like to bring along here. The more the merrier :3

 

 

[Fender 1,283]

 

 

"Say, Fender, how many of your friends did you invite to the marriage?"

 

 

"Well, none, really. Everypony in Ponyville is a bit...caught up, right now. Any freinds from when I was in Canterlot are now long gone from either my memory, or have forgotten me themselves. Looks like you guys are about all I have." He smiled, "I figure Hot Wing could be my best stallion." He chuckled, "I suppose he and Autumn have been my best freinds out here in Manehattan."

[Starshine 16,334]

 

 

"I figure Hot Wing could be my best stallion." He chuckled, "I suppose he and Autumn have been my best freinds out here in Manehattan."

 

Morning Mist smiled. It was rather unfortunate that Fender couldn't invite any of his acquaintances. "Hot Wing and Autumn would be honored when they hear about it. Since your arrival in this house, they have been more cheerful than before." She then tilted her head to the open window and half shouted. "If only my little pumpkin could be a dear and help his mom cooking for his sister, that would be nice!" There was a racket from the roof, as if something big had fallen off and hit the windowsills. Morning Mist giggled. "You should rest well tonight. Tomorrow is a big day, don't let Hot Wing tempt you with his collection of weird food. I can handle the food by myself."

 

Outside the window, away from the two ponies inside the kitchen, a roughed stallion cursed under his breath. He hated that nickname.

[Fender 1,283]

 

 

"If only my little pumpkin could be a dear and help his mom cooking for his sister, that would be nice!" There was a racket from the roof, as if something big had fallen off and hit the windowsills. Morning Mist giggled.

 

Fender chuckled along. 

 

 

 

"You should rest well tonight. Tomorrow is a big day, don't let Hot Wing tempt you with his collection of weird food. I can handle the food by myself."

 

 

"If you say so, soon-to-be-mom." He grinned, "I'd like to see my soon-to-be-wife, before I sleep though." He chuckled again as he walked out to the other room.

 

"Where has Cypher gone?"

 

He checked the other rooms until he found Cypher, by himself. Cypher hadn't noticed him, and it looked like he was busy...thinking. Fender really hoped he had gotten to him.

 

He walked back into the kitchen. "When do you think Winterglade will be home?" He asked, somewhat anxiously. 

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Just when Fender trotted back into the kitchen, Hot Wing was already busying himself with cutting the tomatoes, albeit grudgingly. Morning Mist pulled her head out of the ice box.

 

 

 

He walked back into the kitchen. "When do you think Winterglade will be home?" He asked, somewhat anxiously.

 

"Ah, about that..." Morning Mist seemed uncertain. She was about to answer when the front door opened, Autumn Glow trotted in while carrying a large bulk of dried flowers under her back. "Speaking of the devil... Autumn, where is your sister? Her husband here is searching for her."

 

Autumn Glow only giggled a mischievously. "Eh, don't worry about her. You can see her tomorrow on the altar. She needs her time to rest for today. You, too, Fender. Get some sleep. Everything is under control!" Morning Mist looked worried, but didn't push the issue any further and resumed preparing the meal. Autumn Glow hummed a merry tune to herself and sat on the sofa. She began picking at the dried flowers for any imperfection.

Edited August 1, 2013 by Starshine

[Fender 1,283]

 

 

"Eh, don't worry about her. You can see her tomorrow on the altar. She needs her time to rest for today. You, too, Fender. Get some sleep. Everything is under control!" Morning Mist looked worried, but didn't push the issue any further and resumed preparing the meal. Autumn Glow hummed a merry tune to herself and sat on the sofa. She began picking at the dried flowers for any imperfection.

 

 

For the first time...Fender really didn't like Autumn. This mysterious behavior the day before Winterglade's big day...it didn't seem right. 

 

"Shouldn't she be here for dinner? I'm not going to sleep until I have at least some idea of what's going on...and where Winterglade is." Slight worry lingered in Fender's voice.

[Starshine 16,334]

 

 

"Shouldn't she be here for dinner? I'm not going to sleep until I have at least some idea of what's going on...and where Winterglade is." Slight worry lingered in Fender's voice.

 

Autumn rolled her eyes in exasperation. It was supposed to be Hot Wing's mission to get Fender occupied. Fender was right to be worried about Winter's whereabouts, but then again telling where she was would foil the plan. Autumn hopped off the sofa and gave Fender a side hug. There was an uncharacteristic calmness in her voice when she spoke. "Look, I know you're worried about her, but believe when I say that she's perfectly okay. Right now she's at the southern side of the town, in the company of the best manedresser on this side of Equestria. I've personally made sure that she would be treated like a queen she is." Autumn giggled. "I had something planned for both of you in the wedding, and I promise you won't be disappointed." She gave gave Fender a playful wink before returning back to her sofa.

 

"Rest yourself! And pray for a good weather for tomorrow. The food, the tent, the decorations, and the everything had been taken care of. In the guest room there will be your tux, I already refitted it according to your measurement from few days ago. I have also prepared some shoes and hats for you to wear, but those are optional."

[Fender 1,283]

@@Starshine, 

 

Fender didn't sleep well that night, but he did sleep. He awoke in a sweat, and quickly washed off. He dreamt horrible things, and he didn't know why, or what they were. Maybe it was because of Winterglade's absence. 

 

He went in the guest room with Hot Wing, got the suit ready, and got everything he needed to do, done. He was as nervous as ever, especially after not sleeping next to his soon-to-be-wife.

 

The family made their way to the place where the ceremony would take place, Fender was anxious to see Winterglade now. Everything was ready.

[Starshine 16,334]

When Fender trotted out of the guest room, Hot Wing was standing by at the side, wearing his own black suit. He grinned. "Damn, you look positively gorgeous there. If I swing the other way around I wouldn't mind going with you." He momentarily burst into laughter at his own joke before calming down. "On a serious note, you look good. It seems the old suit matches you well. Ready to fly down to the ceremony site, our honored groom?" He trotted to the side of the cloudhouse and waited until Fender was ready to leave.

 

***

 

On the ceremony ground itself, Autumn Glow busied herself with preparing the final touch to the dais. A dried flower here, two dried flowers there, a bundle of dried flowers on the back. She just couldn't stand looking at the deep obsidian color of the dais, but now at least the thing looked much more cheerful than it should be, much to the priest of the sun's dismay. "It's perfect!" she exclaimed. She looked around to admire everypony's fruit of labor.

 

The ceremony site was right in the middle of the Lush Summer park, circled by neck-height wooden fence and nearly completely covered by the delicate snowfall. It surprisingly took little to no convincing on the weather team part to soften the weather just for the day. A couple of fillies in green dress were playing tag to alleviate the boredom around the altar. The altar itself was glorious in its own right, elevated about two feet from the ground and nearly fifteen feet in width, its massive bulk was covered in pretty much all decorations imaginable, but still leaving enough room not to look gaudy. The dais and the bridal altar where the bride and the groom would stand were painted in black, and where the singers and the pianist would stand were left pristine white. A grand piano for the pianist, a small table for her parents, five larger tables surrounded by five chairs each for the guests, a gift table and a buffet area, cake table and the cake, waitresses standing by with the catering food, and the organizer-

 

"Wait..." Autumn Glow blinked. "Where is the organizer?"

 

***

 

"Are you sure he wouldn't mind?" Winterglade asked, doubt was clear in her voice. She closed her eyes just in time to avoid the incoming eyelash pencil. "I hadn't had any chance to inform him about me being unable to go home yesterday."

 

The unicorn in front of her sighed dramatically, her telekinesis played the thick pencil skillfully on her client. "It's the groom's duty to wait, girl. Calm down, take it easy! Now, stay still until I'm done with your dress."

 

Somehow that didn't calmed her down one single bit. A couple of terrible thoughts clouded Winterglade's mind. She had been standing in the tent for three hours, not even once she could convince herself that Fender wouldn't at least feel upset about her absence. She whimpered, but soon straighten up her pose when the unicorn pricked her hoof. Soon, she told herself, soon Fender would be here, and I can be with him. She repeated the mantra over and over again. Despite what Autumn said last night, she still couldn't wait to remove... whatever it was that was strapped around her under the dress. Oh, and the dress too.

 

An errant thought came to her. Where was father?

 

***

 

Up above, over the ceremony site. A group of uniformed pegasi circled an older, red pegasus. The leader of the uniformed pegasi didn't seem to be very happy about the current circumstances.

 

"What do you mean we can't add the snowfall around here? This area is already behind the schedule! Who do you think you are!"

 

The lone red pegasus only stared at the younger pegasus in front of him. While the uniform certainly looked nice, it was no use when the wearer was nothing but green-nosed rascal. "There is a wedding held in the park. Any snowfall heavier than this would ruin everything below. That, and I've made sure with the major that this sector would be excused from weather changes for today. Go home, your presence are not needed around here."

 

The captain of the weather team fumed. "And what do you know, old prick!? I'm the third cousin of the previous Herald of Canterlot. If I say we have a snowstorm, then we have a snowstorm! Who cares about silly wedding!"

 

Cypher sighed. On his face was the unmistakable look of boredom. He had wished that he wouldn't have to use the last card. He pulled a single envelope from his pouch, which was boasting a single enchanted insignia on it's cover. Nearly everypony in the weather team but the leader shied away from the insignia, some even hurriedly gave salute. Cypher cleared his throat. "My name is Cypher Longspear, the third captain of the Nightwatch, veteran of the Diamond War of the east. By the honor bestowed upon me by the moon throne, this area will be excused from any weather changes until next month."

 

Without so much of a word of protest, everypony in the Manehattan weather team bolted away from the scene. Cypher rubbed his forehead. That little circus had taken him his precious time preparing his own suit. He jumped and flew to his home, hoping that Morning Mist wouldn't mind his delay.

Edited August 2, 2013 by Starshine

[Fender 1,283]

 

 

When Fender trotted out of the guest room, Hot Wing was standing by at the side, wearing his own black suit. He grinned. "Damn, you look positively gorgeous there. If I swing the other way around I wouldn't mind going with you." He momentarily burst into laughter at his own joke before calming down. "On a serious note, you look good. It seems the old suit matches you well. Ready to fly down to the ceremony site, our honored groom?" He trotted to the side of the cloudhouse and waited until Fender was ready to leave.

 

 

Fender gave a nervous laugh at the joke, but was still pretty nervous. He had to admit though, his confidence was slowly building as the moment would approach. "Let's go." He said, confidence in his voice for the first time in the last few hours.

 

They flew down to the site. Everything looked in order...but there was Autumn. Her behavior the previous night, even if it was nothing, still bothered Fender. "You're just paranoid, Fender. Snap out of it." 

 

He turned to Hot Wing, confidence still growing inside of him. "I am ready to call Winterglade my wife. Let's get this show on the road."

[Starshine 16,334]

He turned to Hot Wing, confidence still growing inside of him. "I am ready to call Winterglade my wife. Let's get this show on the road."

 

"Now that's the spirit!" Hot Wing cheered in agreement. "Let's get ready on the altar. I'm sure everypony feel the same way." Hot Wing then made his way to his designated position next to the groom's side on the altar. Everything looked great, one by one the guests arrived, each carrying one of their own gifts to Fender and Winterglade. Hot Wing nearly broke into laughter when he saw Autumn Glow was nearly overwhelmed by one of the guests, which he recognized as his mother's old friend from years before.

 

The pianist on the left side of the altar started playing an upbeat tune. The two fillies from before quickly calmed down and cantered to their positions near the gate when Morning Mist arrived. The elder mare smiled at the fillies, who both grinned in excitement. She trotted to Fender and gave the groom a quick hug. "You look wonderful, dear." She sniffed. There was a hint of tear in her eyes. "I'm sure your parents in the heaven are very proud of you right now."

 

***

 

"Yes, yes. Of course, yes. She's doing fine, I believe. My mother? Of course she's still up and galloping! Why do you ask? Oh no, no that's not true. Where did you hear that from? You shouldn't believe baseless rumors like that! Ah, you heard it from the volleyball group? Those pricks... No, I mean I should confront them about this, heheh... Oh yes, please take a seat! The ceremony is starting real soon!"

 

Autumn Glow wheezed. She tugged her dress to scratch the unreachable itch under it. By Celestia that one mare was tough, she mused inwardly. From 21 guests who already seated, more than a half were either her mother's old friends from her days in choir group, or veterans from the Royal Guard who somehow personally knew her father. She had no idea her father had a lot of friends from the Royal Guards, one even showed up with his ceremonial armor, gold trimmed blue helmet and everything. Another guest arrived. Autumn quickly snapped from her stupor and welcomed them in.

 

***

 

Back at the altar... The priest of the sun approached Fender. The priest was a middle-aged unicorn, his sparsely decorated white robe covered nearly all but his hooves. A rather bizarre looking circlet nested upon his horn, he was particularly feeling fancy that day. He smiled broadly. "Ah, the lucky groom of the day. I assume you and the wedding band are ready?" Hot Wing pulled up a gold hoofband from inside his suit. The priest nodded. "No need to be nervous about the ceremony. Just repeat everything I would say, then put the wedding band onto the bride, then it's all good."

 

With that said, the priest walked to his post on the dais. The chatter between guests died down, except when one of the younger mares snapped a photograph of the altar. Hot Wing grew more and more anxious for each passing second. He mumbled something unintelligible. The pianist stopped playing the upbeat tune and switched into a more solemn, Here Comes the Bride.

 

***

 

Winterglade was almost a wreck. Her hooves felt like somepony had turned them into jell-o. Did she looked good? Wouldn't this hairdo made her look different? Would that be a bad thing? Did she picked the right color with the dress? Or- Her wandering eyes caught her dad's. The ruby eyes spoke of certain calmness inside them, the assurance that everything would be fine. Winterglade slowly calmed down. "I-I'm sorry you have to do this."

 

Cypher, in his rare moments, smiled. "It's the right thing to do. Come, your groom is waiting." Winterglade nodded, and the two walked out of the tent and slowly made their way to the gate.

 

Everypony held their breath. Cypher walked along with the bride, holding her hoof in his. Winterglade nearly gasped, she could feel all eyes turned to look at her. Her snowy white fur nearly shone under the winter sunlight, her white dress flowed behind her, ultramarine trims adorned it's edges. Her mane, usually held rigid by its own tensile strength, now flowed unnaturally behind her, almost sparkling in its own right. Winterglade's lips trembled. Her face was covered by a thin veil, it did little to cover her misty eyes. She had been dreaming about this very moment for a couple of times now, her face doubly blushed in excitement. As she slowly reached the altar, she couldn't help but to admire Fender's own attire. She looked at his green eyes, she smiled.

 

Soon, the bride reached the altar, and Cypher excused himself and handed over his daughter to Fender's care. Winterglade herself quickly grabbed Fender's right forehoof. The priest of the sun cleared his throat, his horn started to glow an otherworldly yellow light.

 

"Here, we all gathered together in the face of this company, join this stallion and this mare in this holy union under the sun. Absent lawful objection, this union will be recognized and authorized by the law of Equestria, and by the blessings of the princess of the sun, and the princess of the moon."

 

"Fender, repeat after me."

 

"I, Fender, hereby take this mare, whose hoof now I hold, to be my lawful wedded wife. I solemnly promise to honor, to love and to cherish her in sickness and health. I promise to take for her for better or worse, for richer and for poorer, and forsaking all others, I promise to hold onto her until death do us apart."

 

 

 

How do you escort the bride if everypony walks on four limbs @_@

 

Sorry it took me so long. I just can't get any of the details wrong DX

 

 

Edited August 2, 2013 by Starshine

[Fender 1,283]

@@Starshine, 

 

Fender returned Morning Mist's hug. "Thank you."

 

Everything was in order. Once he saw Winterglade walking up the aisle, he couldn't help but grow a smile wider than one he had ever worn before. She was decorated in a lot of stuff...makeup, the dress. A part of him wished it could just be her in her natural beauty, but he couldn't complain, he was marrying the mare of his dreams.

 

"I, Fender, hereby take this mare, whose hoof now I hold, to be my lawful wedded wife. I solemnly promise to honor, to love and to cherish her in sickness and health. I promise to take for her for better or worse, for richer and for poorer, and forsaking all others, I promise to hold onto her until death do us apart." His heart was thumping almost audibly...at least to him. He was staring Winterglade in the eyes with this dopey look. He quickly refocused for whatever he would have to say next.

[Starshine 16,334]

 

 

"I, Fender, hereby take this mare, whose hoof now I hold...

 

A bright light enveloped Fender, twinkled once and then dissipated before anypony could comprehend what had happened. Inside Fender there was this warm feeling. The priest turned to Winterglade and recited the same mantra. Countless thoughts swirled inside the mare's head.

 

This is it! This is what we are talking about! Yes, the final strand! Do it, do it, do it! We are so close-!

 

The priest cleared his throat. Winterglade blinked twice, almost lost in her own thoughts. She grinned nervously and spoke, "I, Winterglade, hereby take this stallion, whose hoof now I hold, to be my lawful wedded husband. I solemnly promise to give myself, to love and to cherish him in sickness and health. I promise to take for him for better or worse, for richer and for poorer, and forsaking all others, I promise to hold onto her until death do us apart." Her voice nearly wavered. She silently added, "until the end of time," under her breath.

 

Winterglade felt a strange surge overwhelmed her from within, for a fraction-second she felt weightless. The sensation disappeared as quick as it had appeared. Hot Wing took out the pair of golden hoofbands, each for the groom and the bride, and gave it to Fender. Now there was only one step left in the ceremony, and that was to seal the deal between the two lover.

[Fender 1,283]

@@Starshine, 

 

Fender took the hoofbands, place one on Winterglade's hoof, and one on his own.

 

The priest then said the last thing he needed to say, "You may now kiss the bride."

 

At this, Fender jumped up to give his permanent seal of approval, and probably the most meaningful kiss they had ever shared. 

 

It was like every positive emotion Fender had ever felt returned to him the moment their lips made contact. Every moment of happiness, and joy, all built up and exploded inside. He finished the kiss, and hugged Winterglade where they stood at the altar. "Oh, I love you." He said blissfully.

[Starshine 16,334]

. "Oh, I love you." He said blissfully.

 

Winterglade was literally crying right now. Not of sadness, but that of unbridled happiness. What they both had started near two months ago outside Fluttershy's cottage, was now closed and immortalized between them. She tightened her hug on Fender. "I love you too, Plainsong Skyjumper, or Fender, I love you so much."

 

The guests clapped their hooves as one, some cheered and took a photograph. Autumn Glow was bawling dramatically on Hot Wing's fur, both were proud on their little sister. On the other side of the altar, Morning Mist rested her head on Cypher's shoulder, who was now still smiling widely. A simple thought passed in his head, his youngest daughter had earned herself a fine stallion. The priest of the sun chuckled, he finished his spell and showered the newly wed pair with a glimmer of sunlight, seemingly shone from his horn. All was good in the world.

 

...

 

"Toast! For Fender and Winterglade!" Hot Wing and Cypher raised their glasses high, everypony followed suit. Winterglade and Fender had settled on their seat on the bridal table, surrounded by her father and siblings. Morning Mist had took this chance to practice what she had learned in her choir group and dominated the stage with her friends. Even after two old-timey songs, they simply couldn't stop singing. Cypher excused himself as one of his friends called to him.

 

Autumn Glow grabbed Winterglade in an almost choking hug, tears still fresh in her eyes. "I'm so happy for both of you." She sniffed. "Fender, I'm sorry for what I've done yesterday. I'm just... Oh little snow you looked so beautiful."

 

Winterglade could only laugh timidly. "It's okay, sis. Everything's in a good spirit after all." Her face was still hot from the kiss they shared on the dais. The sensation inside her seemed wouldn't go away for a while. While Autumn and Hot Wing busied themselves with the guests, Winterglade pressed her body close to Fender, feeling the warmth of his skin. She nuzzled him. "Tonight, you..." she breathed, her cheeks were practically glowing.

 

"Toss the bouquet!" a guest screamed

 

Winterglade almost yelped when somepony screamed her to throw the bouquet. Awkwardly she tossed the bouquet to the crowd of eager mares. The ensuing small riot brought a smile to her face. "So... Dance?" she asked Fender. Her dress made of a particularly tough material, Autumn had ensured her that nothing would tear it off her, even if she tried to.

Edited August 3, 2013 by Starshine

[Fender 1,283]

 

 

"So... Dance?"

 

 

Fender calmly, and confidently answered, "Oh-yes." As if it was one word.

 

The two danced for about an hour, Fender was cherishing every moment. Near the end of their dancing, some mares pulled Winterglade away to talk and congratulate her personally. Fender only laughed, he would have the rest of his life to spend with that wonderful mare now. From behind her, he said "I'll be back in a moment, you seem busy." with a chuckle.

 

Fender went off in the area to find Cypher, and found him sitting, now alone, near the altar. It wasn't exactly a new sight. Fender approached Cypher's side. "Thanks, dad." He gave Cypher an innocent smile, and a pat on the shoulder. Fender turned to walk away, but waited, to give Cypher a chance to respond, if he wanted to.

[Starshine 16,334]

During the dance, Winterglade almost slipped on her dress about four times. She even forgot how to do the circle-move-thingy that everypony seemed to love doing. Nevertheless, she was having the moment of her lifetime. Her joyous laughter ushered everypony to have fun on their own. She yelped when her friends suddenly pulled her away from her husband.

 

***

 

 

 

"Thanks, dad." He gave Cypher an innocent smile, and a pat on the shoulder.

 

Cypher paused in his conversation with a pale blue mare and an armored stallion. He smiled curtly at Fender. "No, Fender, it is I who should say thank you." He gave Fender a strong slap on his back, "You did good, soldier. Welcome to the family, now stay with your wife before somepony took her away," he laughed and ushered the groom to rejoin his wife.

 

When Fender was far enough, the armored stallion commented. "By Celestia that's a fine son-in-law if I know one." The pale mare raised an eyebrow, the armored stallion laughed. "No hard feelings, Your Highness."

 

The pale mare rolled her eyes. "To continue where we were, you will be tasked to keep an eye for any boarding party from the east. There are signs of activities from the packs that we thought were annihilated. Should any of them make themselves known, you know how to contact us." Cypher solemnly nodded. A small part of him was glad that he was stationed so close to his home. "Also, I take it something bad happened that you took out my insignia?"

 

Cypher shook his head. "It was a band of rascal youngsters. I apologize for misusing your gift."

 

The mare chuckled. "Be at ease, it was for that exact purpose I gave them to you. Let me know if somepony gives you a hard time. With this taken care of, you are all dismissed."

 

Cypher and the armored stallion gave a quick salute and returned to mingle with their families. The mare faded into nothingness. Cypher sighed, he felt like a great burden had lifted from his shoulder. He was given the chance to reconcile with his families, and he wouldn't misuse it. With great confidence he trotted to Morning Mist and grabbed the elder mare to a dance.

 

***

 

"Winty, that was gorgeous!" Shimmer Flow squeed.

 

"Yeah, the entire thing is so cute," Ocean Crust sighed dreamily. "I hope my coltfriend could be as awesome as yours."

 

"Anyway, congratulations! Now you're no longer the only virgin in the club!" Golden Patch exclaimed, earning herself a jab from Shimmer Flow. The mares laughed.

 

Winterglade chuckled. Among her old friends like this she felt comfortable, even under the layers of fabric of her dress. "Thank you for being here, girls. I'm sorry I couldn't join you back in the weather team. How was Cloudsdale?"

 

"Same old same stuff! Everything is either blue and white, and the new major can't even puff a cloud," Ocean Crust waved it aside. "You shouldn't feel bad about not joining the weather team. The pay still sucks. You're lucky you found yourself a stallion from outside Cloudsdale."

 

The conversation continued without any semblance of direction or topic, only to stop momentarily when the mares took a group photo. Golden Patch brushed against something under Winter's dress. "Wha...? Why are you wearing the-"

 

"Stop! Stop, don't say that. It's not my idea!" Winterglade hurriedly interjected. Her face now even redder than before. Before she could do anything Golden Patch laughed heartily and gave the stuttering bride a wink. Winterglade merely locked in place in embarrassment as her friends moved away to give room to Fender. One even gave the stallion a playful wink before galloping to the buffet area. Winterglade facehoofed. "Autumn... I'll get you next time."

[Fender 1,283]

 

 

"No, Fender, it is I who should say thank you." He gave Fender a strong slap on his back, "You did good, soldier. Welcome to the family, now stay with your wife before somepony took her away,"

 

 

Fender simply smiled as he walked away.
 

 

 

One even gave the stallion a playful wink before galloping to the buffet area. Winterglade facehoofed. "Autumn... I'll get you next time."

 

 

Fender chuckled. "Something I missed?" He grew a cheeky grin, "I mean, other than you." He chuckled once more at his dorkishness. "There is nopony in the universe more amazing than you." He said in a more calmed down tone. "And I'm so glad I have you." He leaned in and kissed her.

[Starshine 16,334]

 

 

Fender chuckled. "Something I missed?" He grew a cheeky grin, "I mean, other than you."

 

Winterglade punched the stallion playfully. Not that she didn't like the teasing, but the timing just didn't add up.

 

 

 

. "There is nopony in the universe more amazing than you." He said in a more calmed down tone. "And I'm so glad I have you." He leaned in and kissed her.

 

"Oh you, flatterer..." Winterglade closed her eyes and returned the kiss dreamily. She put in an unusually a lot of effort into reaching inside Fender. It took a grunt from Morning Mist to drag her back into reality. Her blush returned with vengeance. "Uhm... Sorry."

 

Morning Mist chuckled. She leaned closer and whispered, "There is time for everything, dear. I know you're excited, but you should safe that for later. Oh, and you hasn't cut the cake yet." She pointed to a massive cake on one of the tables. The two flower fillies were standing nearby, already salivating over the towering sugary goodness.

 

"Cake!" Winterglade exclaimed. She hadn't felt it before, but she was almost starving by now. She grabbed Fender as best as her dress allowed her to, and made her way to the cake. She grabbed an ornate knife and waited. "Fender, can you cut it with me?"

[Fender 1,283]

 

 

"Cake!" Winterglade exclaimed. She hadn't felt it before, but she was almost starving by now. She grabbed Fender as best as her dress allowed her to, and made her way to the cake. She grabbed an ornate knife and waited. "Fender, can you cut it with me?"

 

"Sure." He smiled, and helped his wife cut the cake.

 

"I'm only having one slice though, even a little bit of cake can make me sick." He sighed, "Sadly...anyway, let's enjoy this." A grin coming up. "Besides, I don't need cake. I'm married!" He chuckled, "And proud of it," He said in an almost whisper-like fashion.

[Starshine 16,334]

As the first cut on the cake was made, the nearby waitress made a quick job on the cake, carefully slicing it into many same-sized pieces. The younger mares were practically delighted on the promise of cake.

 

 

 

"Besides, I don't need cake. I'm married!" He chuckled, "And proud of it," He said in an almost whisper-like fashion.

 

"But I like cake," Winterglade stick out her tongue. She helped herself with the portion that came with extra cherries. The two fillies were quick to grab for themselves the portion with the most cream. "Huh, I never know you don't like cake. Come, let us get seated." The two then walked to the reserved seat near the buffet table. Autumn Glow and Hot Wing were already there, greedily eating Morning Mist's special recipe of apple pie. "Sis... You will ruin your dress if you eat like that," Winterglade said, holding back a chuckle. Autumn Glow only shrugged and continued eating. Winterglade could swear that Autumn was gaining weight, even under that loose-fitting dress of her.

 

Winterglade ushered Fender to take at least a dessert from the buffet table. "Come on, I'm sure at least one of them would suit your taste!"

 

 

 

Just pick whatever you want from the table, be it a dessert or something else

 

 

[Fender 1,283]

 

 

"Come on, I'm sure at least one of them would suit your taste!"

 

 

"Alright, alright." He said, taking a piece of pie. It didn't take him long to finish it, but he didn't exactly want more. When he was done, he turned to Winterglade again, "So, what exactly are we doing for the honeymoon?" He chuckled, "I hope you have an idea, because I can barely come up with anything."

[Starshine 16,334]

Winterglade pouted. She had been planning to feed Fender the pie, but the stallion went and ate the entire thing before she could so much uttered an offer. It sounded like a good idea at the time. Welp, she could try another time "Honeymoon? Well..."

 

Hot Wing chimed in. "Haven't you received the ticket? I've bought you two tickets to the Vanhoover winter resort." Winterglade only stared at her brother blankly. Hot Wing facehoofed. "Autumn?"

 

The mare in question widened her eyes. Not until two seconds of awkward silence did she spoke. "By gods I forgot...! So that's what was missing from the list." She quickly rummaged through her pocket and retrieved a rather thick envelope, emblazoned with a wax seal. "Inside this should be two train tickets and a proof of reservation for the resort, courtesy of papa and mama's close friend and me winning the lottery few weeks ago, among many other things. Two weeks of having the entire villa for yourselves! Should be enough to explore your options." Autumn smiled mischievously. Morning Mist who had just arrived giggled, Cypher only smiled meaningfully. They had not a little part in the whole thing.

 

Winterglade hesitantly reached for the envelope. It was small, but inside it was something worth of a winning lottery ticket. If her memory served her right, the smallest lottery in Manehattan was still millions. She had never seen such amount of bits, holding even a portion of them seemed unbearable. "Are you sure, sis? This is a lot of-"

 

"Hold it," Autumn quickly cut in. She walked off her seat and hugged Winterglade from the side. She whispered to her ears. "Just think it as a thank you gift for everything. For today's shower of love and being a nice sister you are." Without a warning she licked Winterglade's ears. "Inside, there is also another special prize for both of you after the honeymoon. You will never have to worry about bits anymore." Winterglade shivered a mighty one. Autumn Glow bounced away to the buffet table, laughing all the way.

 

Winterglade sat in silence. Today had been a perfect day so far. She had married with the perfect stallion, her mother was genuinely having fun again after so long being alone in her sadness, and she could see her father smiling again after so long only ever seeing the soul-crushing scowl she had grown identifying him with. Just two months ago, she had been alone, unable to even coax herself to send a letter home. But now everypony was together. After three years, her family was now finally complete. She couldn't hold it back. Tears quickly overran her eyes. "Th-Thank you. Thank you so much..."

[Fender 1,283]

 

 

Tears quickly overran her eyes. "Th-Thank you. Thank you so much..."

 

 

This caught Fender completely off guard. He quickly dropped anything he was doing and leaned over to hug Winterglade. He rocked her back and forth for a moment, shushing her softly. "It's okay, it's okay. It's a good day, you don't have to cry." He kept hugging her until her tears dried. "It's okay...now you just finish enjoying your big day."