Torn Asunder

Chapter 1: Cerulean Spectacle

Sunny skies reigned throughout Equestria the next day, and after a brief stop in Ferrier Port and a very sincere thanks to their pony guard, Cadence and Shining Armor stood before a small ship. Inhaling a breath of salty ocean air, Cadene relaxed against Shining Armor’s shoulder and felt him nuzzle her mane softly.

“Isn’t it wonderful to be away from the madness of Canterlot, even if for a little while?” She said, turning her head to look into Shining Armor’s light blue eyes.

“Who says we’re going back?” Shining Armor smiled roguishly. “I think I could get used to the island life - sun, sand and you - what more could a pony ask for?”

“I think Celestia might have something to say about the captain of her guard never returning to Canterlot” Cadence chuckled as she imagined the look on Celestia’s face; it might be worth it just to see that, she thought. “Shine, I still can’t believe it - we’re really married”. Even though it was not the storybook wedding she had imagined as a filly, she had never been happier.

“Twilight really did get it right, ‘I can understand why Chrysalis would want to marry me, but what could i have done to deserve your love’?” Shining Armor immediately regretted what he said, and he he saw a shadow pass over Cadence’s face. “I’m sorry Cadence, I didn’t mean...I know it is still fresh in our minds, but she was defeated through our love. What I meant to say is, I’m the luckiest colt in the world to have you as my partner.” He saw her face soften as she gave him a quick peck and gazed out at the blue-green waters.

“I’m sorry Shine, you were only being kind. I just can’t forget how close I came to losing you. Down in those mines, I promised myself a thousand times over that if I made it back to you, I would never let you out of my sight again, and I don’t plan to. If Twilight hadn’t....” Cadence’s voice dropped as her eyes began to moisten. “No. There’s no point in thinking about what-ifs. We are together, and no force in equestria could pull us apart”.

~~~~~~~~~~

The small ship had boarded its small contingent of passengers, including the much stared-at royal couple and had cast off lines. The large mainsail unfurled, instantly buffeted by the strong breeze and the ship slowly accelerated to a fair clip, soon leaving the port town behind. The unicorn masthead cut a furrow in the tropical waters and threw a spray onto anypony curious enough to lean over the side of the bow. The sailors were in a jubilant mood; a stiff wind, fair weather, and the honor of transporting honored guests was more than enough to set them to singing as they worked:

The soil they work, with plow and seed

Strong backs, the sun and rain they need

Earth ponies feed us big and small

But us seaponies have it all!

Soaring high, with wings aloft

Bringing wind and clouds so soft

May good weather Pegasi always call

But us seaponies have it all!

Feats of strength, and untold power

With just the mind, they’ll build a tower

A Unicorn can tame a squall

But us seaponies have it all!

The Sun and Moon they raise for us

Without a toll and ne’er a fuss

Celestia and Luna our hearts enthrall

But us seaponies have it all!

The sailors finished the shanty with a cheer, ending on four or five different notes. Cadence and Shining Armor clapped along with the several other passengers on deck, and begged another song - which they were given without delay.

Despite being a motley mix of pegasus ponies, earth ponies, and unicorns the sailors love of the sea brought them together under their seapony moniker. Their cutie marks reflected their nautical bent: anchors, starfish, waves and even a spyglass adorned the flanks of the different ponies aboard.

Over the course of their voyage the royal couple laughed, sang, and told tales with the crew - eventually having to quell the myriad rumors that had made their way across equestria regarding the wedding. Shining Armor told most of the story, with Cadence filling in the parts that Shining Armor did not remember. Cadence gave the facts of the story but kept the memory of her heartbreak and much of her time spent underground with Twilight to herself. The couple was well-liked by all, and were never seen apart, day or night. When they reached the Gallop’agos islands on the evening of the third day, it was with high spirits and light hearts that Cadence and Shining Armor bid farewell to the crew of the Hippocampus and set foot on the sandy shores of paradise.