Bookends Part 2: Or Making Dreams Come True

Twilight didn’t know how much time had passed. All she knew was something bad had happened to her, something she didn’t know if she could ever come to terms with. A horrible, horrible ordeal because she protected the love of her life and her love’s mother.

A rampaging monster who beat, abused and violated her. She remembered wishing to whatever god, goddess or kindly spirit who might be out there to take her life so she’d be free of the pain and shame.

Twilight wasn’t sure if her request was fulfilled. Everything went black, then when she was able to open her eyes for the last time (so she thought), she was being held and caressed by Princess Celestia. Twilight smiled, as far as she was concerned, her prayers had been answered and she was now resting in the bosom of her goddess, where all her earthly pain and concerns would be soothed away.

Blackness came welcomed.

But then she realized she hadn’t died, she was in some kind of coma. She remembered reading how ponies in comas had reported remembering voices of those around them.

She found she couldn’t move, open her eyes, speak nor do any voluntary movements. She was sure she felt sensation from all parts of her body so she was pretty sure there wasn’t any significant spinal cord injury.

It freed her mind to wander. She thought of her childhood, her schooling, her coming to Ponyville and making wonderful friends. But the one event which made all the past pain worth it all was the rose colored Earth Pony mare with a cutie mark of three smiling flowers. A pony who’d made her realize love and loving wasn’t what she’d assumed in the past.

To love, be loved and make love to a mare wasn’t as preposterous as she’d once assumed. A pony who taught her more about life in six months than what she’d learned in the rest of her twenty-something years.

She was out for almost two months, but time meant nothing to Twilight. She was just glad she wasn’t dead. There was now a chance of being back with her beloved. That gave her more strength to ‘hold on’.

She’d read ponies who’d ‘given up’ often died when their injuries wouldn’t normally be fatal. And Ponies who ‘fought on’ survived injuries which would’ve taken a stronger pony.

There were other motivations which kept her going.

They were voices...

Voices in the dark.

She could also feel contact ponies would make with her. Some ponies would hold her hoof and say nothing. Some would stroke her mane and speak low and soothing. There were even kisses on the cheek and forehead. Yes, even some on the lips, she was sure most were from Cheerilee and her family but she could tell some were Princesses Celestia and Luna as well.

Later, she’d remember some of the conversations her visitors would have with her;

“Twi? It’s me, Rainbow Dash. I don’t know if you can hear me, but I just wanted you to know how much I miss my best friend. I’m so glad you and Cheerilee convinced Big Mac to ask me out. I now understand the love you spoke of when you first started going out with Cheerilee. I want to let you know Big Mac is as broken up over you as I am. But we have each other to support the other and give each other strength. We’ve tried to be there for Cheerilee, making her dinner and making sure she’s okay. Her mother is staying with her at the library. I think that’s helping her as well.

We were going to postpone the wedding next month, but Cheerilee said you wouldn’t want to be the reason for that. I really wanted you to be my Best Mare, but knowing you’ll be okay eventually will keep me going.

I know it flies against tradition, and when has that ever bothered me, I’m not going to have a Best Mare in honor of you.

I bet I never told you just how much you’ve meant to me. I want you to know the day you flew into Ponyville was the best day of my life. I got a friend who opened my closed mind to the wonders out there. Ones I hadn’t noticed because I had my head so far up my flanks, trying to be a pony that I wasn’t.

Thank you Twi. I really miss and love you.”

There was a kiss on the cheek and her hoof was held for some time thereafter.

Somepony had their hoof resting on her foreleg, a small hoof.

“Twilight? I want you to know Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and I miss you. Of all ponies who’ve talked to us, other than our sisters, ‘bout our silly chasin’ after cutie marks, you’ve always been the most carin’ and supportive. The only other pony even comes close is Miss Cheerilee. Maybe that’s why you’ve made her so happy. The two of you are so alike.

Ever since you were hurt, we’ve had a substitute teacher. Miss Cheerilee hasn’t wanted to be away from you. We can tell she loves you so much. Our substitute teacher says you’re here because you love Miss Cheerilee so much, you were willin’ to risk your life for her. I hope somepony will love me that much in the future.

Oh, you’re never guess who the sub is! It’s Princess Luna! It’s so cool. The first day she had us all make crowns and tiaras from cardboard and aluminum foil. Then she swore us all in as honorary princes and princesses. That way we could call her just Miss Luna. She can be so funny!

But don’t get caught talkin’ durin’ a lecture or passin’ notes. She turns into Nightmare Moon and scares the horse-apples out of us. I think she has fun doin’ it. And nopony is really too scared of her. And everypony, includin’ her, laughs afterwards.

Well I got’a go, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and I will be comin’ back in here to see you. We’re goin’a to try to get our cutie marks in brain surgery.

No! Only kiddin’!

But I promise I’ll come back again and talk.”

“Twilight? Am I bothering you? I hope not, I’ll go if you say I am. But I just wanted to let you know how much Angel Bunny and I are thinking about you. I really think it’s hit him hard, he hardly ever acts up. I know he does act the way he does because he is so full of energy and mischief. But in a good way. Now we sit around the cottage worrying about you.

Even Harry the bear came by and brought flowers to give to you. They’re on the table in a vase.

Ever since you found me practicing with the birds for the Summer Sun Celebration, I’ve found the ability to be more open to new things. I’m ever so grateful for that.

Well, I won’t bother you anymore for now. Get better soon.

And I hope you won’t mind…”

There was a kiss on the forehead.

She felt her hoof being held on both sides.

“Darling? I hope you can hear me. Applejack and I wanted to come by and check on you. You and Cheerilee opened our hearts to how much we meant to each other. A love that helps and sustains. And now to see you like this, and to see how much Cheerilee is affected by this. Well, we only wish we could help more. Right Darling?”

“We’ve been so concerned, Sugar Cube. The whole of the Apple Family asks about you from Manehatten to Appleloosa. You don’t realize just how much you’ve touched pony’s lives.”

“We or the rest of the Apples are makin’ sure Cheerilee and her mother are fed and not left alone. We feel so responsible to you for our happiness, we wanted to make sure your happiness is taken care of also.”

There was a double hug, as gentle as possible from both sides. Along with a kiss on both cheeks.

“Hi Twilight, it’s Sweetie Belle. I remember how you were disappointed when you found out I wasn’t singing at the talent show. And thinking back, you were probably right, I should’ve.

Thank you for having faith in me and my friends. And thank you for being a good friend to my sister. I don’t know if she’s ever told you, but she’s so glad to have you as a friend. She talks about you all the time.

Well, I won’t talk your ear off, so if you don’t mind, I’ll sing a song. Just for you.”

There was a kiss on the cheek and a beautiful little voice sang a comforting lullaby.

“Twilight, it’s Pinkie Pie. How ya doing? I know you can hear me, my Pinkie Sense tells me you can. Don’t worry about us ponies out here. We’re all taking care of each other and watching after Cheerilee. I’ve had my friend Octavia, drop by the library to play for Cheerilee, I think Octavia enjoyed it as much. Cheerilee is such a big fan of her kind of music.

The Cakes have made sure Cheerilee is getting treats from time to time. We’ve had to make sure Spike leaves some cookies for her.

Ha!

Well I know I can be annoying. And don’t tell anypony I admitted to it, but most of the time, I do it just to have fun with ponies. So for now, I’m just going to sit here with you and hold your hoof. If you need anything just let me know.

Oh and Twi?

I love you.”

A clawed hand held her hoof.

“Twi, It’s Spike. You’ve got to pull through this. I miss you so bad.

You’re like my mother, big sister and best friend. I try not to let Cheerilee or Rain Shadow hear me, but most nights I cry myself to sleep.

You’ve been there all my life. Yours was the first face I ever saw. Your face is the last thing I see when I close my eyes at night.

I know dragons are suppose to live almost forever, but if something happens and you can’t come back to us, I don’t think I could live.”

There was heavy crying, she could hear sniffing as Spike tried to get control of himself.

“I’m sorry Twi, you’ve enough to worry with, without me coming and crying to you. Get well soon and come home. I love you so much.”

“My most beloved student, I’ve never cared for any pony like I’ve found that I do you. You’re so special, you’re like the daughter I wish I could’ve had...

But more.

Being immortal has advantages. But as the centuries go by, I find more and more disadvantages. Like finding a pony who’s in spirit an equal to Luna and myself. One who’d be a perfect companion and friend for the ages but one I’ll lose one day.

You can’t imagine the pain I went through when I discovered what that monster had done and was doing to you.

I almost killed it.

I’ve never talked to you about that. But it’s my choice to never take a life unless it can’t be helped. And yes, killing it would’ve come under that. But I didn’t want to kill to protect.

I wanted to kill out of vengeance...

Out of hate!

I’m so glad you didn’t see what I became. That part of my past self should never come out again.

Twi, I’m so ashamed to say but as Celestia Invictus, I’m still tempted to send your brother down into the dungeon to end the life of the wretch who tried to take you from me.

I know he’d do it without question.

And I’d watch with satisfaction and perhaps, pleasure.

That’s why I can’t let it happen.

I’m sure this sounds odd to you, and I know you can hear me. But if you didn’t have Cheeri for a lover, I’d want you now for mine. Together we’d explore forbidden magic and find a way for you to obtain immortality with me. But this is something that I should never ever give voice to again. You’re happy with Cheeri and I don’t think you could ever be as happy with me.

But the invitation for you and Cheeri to share love with Lu and me will always stand. And I think you don’t understand what it is I’m offering. But perhaps we’ll be able to talk about this.

Please know there are many ponies out here who love you my Darling, but very, very few as much as I do.”

There was a very passionate kiss which followed, no tongue but there could’ve been, there was also a hoof that stroked her abdomen, her nipples and almost to her marehood. The hoof stopped, but Twilight felt it was hard for her to stop. Twilight wasn’t sure if it would’ve disturbed her or if she was actually craving Celestia...

No, Tia, to continue.

A hoof took hers, she felt it lifted to a pony’s face and then kissed it.

“Twilight, It’s mommy and daddy. Shining and Cadence are here too.

When we heard what happened we came as quickly as we could.

It’s a good thing Princess Celestia gave an order barring Shining from seeing the fiend. Especially after he heard exactly what he did to you. I think Shining would’ve tore him apart with his bare hooves.

But it’s better he didn’t. We know you’d not have your brother sink to his level.”

“Twily, Cadence and I are beside ourselves. You’ve meant so much to each of us and to us together. Without you, there’d have been no us.

And despite what mom was saying, I wouldn’t have killed him. I’d have hurt him so he’d remember that no pony hurts a Sparkle and lives comfortably after.”

“Twilight, don’t listen to my husband. You know Aunt Celestia did the right thing by imprisoning him in the darkness for life.

We’ve visited with Cheerilee and she appears to be holding up all right, or at least she’s putting on a brave face.

Your mother and her mother talked for a long time. It was so good to hear the pony does care for her daughter and cares for you.”

“Twilight Sweetie, It’s daddy. We’re all pulling for you and we’re keeping faith we’ll be talking together real soon. As you know, Cadence, Shining and I have important jobs. So your mother is going to stay with Cheerilee and her mother for a while to help and just be near you. She can’t stay too long, but she does want to help.

We love you Sweetheart and we’ll be by a lot.”

There was two kisses on the lips and two on the cheek, then a hoof that held hers for several hours.

What no pony could’ve known; while Twilight Velvet held her daughter’s hoof, alone and in the deepest part of the night, there was a violet glow from Twilight Velvet’s horn which surrounded the two.

Twilight, in her mind’s eye saw her mother approaching. Nopony had ever been told of this deep connection between mother and daughter. Twilight saw herself as a little filly again and her mother in the prime of youth. Twilight ran crying to her mother.

“Mommy! Mommy! A bad pony hurt me,” said Twilight, “he hurt me bad!”

The mother embraced her daughter.

“Mommy! He hurt me in my tushie! You said no pony is to touch me there unless I want them too.”

“I know my precious girl,” said Velvet, “I know. But he’ll never hurt you or anypony else ever again. I promised I would always take care of you.”

“Did you talk to him?” asked Sparkle.

The mother smiled.

“The princess gave orders not to let Shining see him,” said Velvet, “there was no mention of me.”

The guards at the doors that led to the dungeon snapped to attention. All Palace Guards had been instructed that no matter the rank, anypony in the black uniform of the Special Unit were to be treated with the utmost respect. Especially one of this high of rank.

“Field Marshal Velvet!” acknowledged one guard, “I thought you were retired, ma’am.”

“I am,” answered the mare, “but this is important. Let me pass.”

“As you command,” said the other guard.

The purple/gray mare walked through the doors, but she stopped and addressed the guard.

“I’m sure I don’t have to remind either of you that I was never here,” said the mare.

“Of course Field Marshal Velvet,” replied the guard, then with a smile, “it’s so good to not have seen you again.”

“You too Night Stalker, give my love to Star Dancer,” said the Field Marshal smiling as she entered the dungeon. The guard smiled at the Field Marshal remembering his wife.

The mare walked down the multi flights of stairs to the very bottom. At the lowest levels, there were no lights, only the glow of lichens growing on the walls. But the violet glow from her horn was enough to allow her to see well enough.

Thunder Hammer saw a pony in a strange uniform at his cell door. She looked familiar.

He thought he’d try to intimidate this mare who was much smaller than himself. Perhaps he could distract, grab and try to use her as a hostage to make them release him.

Thunder Hammer charged the door and tried to reach through the bars to grab the mare. The aura that blocked him from even touching her was the most painful thing he had ever experienced.

“AHHHH!” screamed Thunder Hammer.

His entire right foreleg from hoof to withers was encased in a violet aura and now felt as if it were on fire. The aura as well as the pain was slowly fading. What made it impossible for Thunder Hammer to ignore this was the pain was actually all in his mind.

“Who are you and what do you want?” asked the prisoner, trying to sound intimidating.

It wasn’t working. And there was little chance to intimidate anypony with tears streaming down his face. Truth be told, something about the way this mare carried herself terrified him deeply. He was almost afraid that Twilight Sparkle had died and this was the pony that would now start the execution by slow torture.

“I’m the mother of the pony you hurt,” said the newcomer.

“You’ll have to be more specific,” he chuckled as he tried to brag of his evil deeds. Another attempt to intimidate. “You might say I’ve made a career of doing that.”

“The pony that put you here,” said Twilight Velvet. The fire in the mare’s eyes frightened him.

He realized that this mare in uniform looked like the pony that had kept him from his daughter and wife. The one whom called his daughter her marefriend and partner.

“What do you want,” he demanded.

“I want to make sure you never forget how very bad of an idea it was hurting my baby,” said Velvet.

The way she said this unnerved him. He wouldn’t admit that every time he tried to sleep, he relived the drama of being before that fearful image of Celestia.

“I believe the princess beat you to it.” Said Thunder Hammer, as the vision reappeared in his mind.

“Perhaps,” said Velvet, “but call this a parting shot from an overprotective mother.”

Twilight Velvet’s horn glowed violet, a bolt shot out and hit the fiend between the eyes.

What Thunder Hammer and most other ponies didn’t know was the Special Unit was composed of ponies who were trained to do memory retrieval and implanting.

Suddenly in Thunder Hammer’s mind, he was reliving the incident at the library. But he was seeing it from the perspective of Twilight Sparkle. He was reliving the shame, pain and horror she felt as she was attacked. It was more than just memories. He felt the pain of every blow, the mortification at the violation.

The fiend fell to the floor screaming as the mother walked away.

“Don’t worry,” she said, “it’ll pass. But it’ll resurface at any time. Goodbye, and enjoy the personal Tartarus you created.”

As the Field Marshal reached the stairs a second pony was there to meet her.

“Well done my faithful student. I think that gives him something to occupy his free time here.”

“Thank you, Princess Celestia.”

“Yes honey, I talked to him,” said the mother. “And I can tell you that he’s now very sorry for what he did.”

“Good,” said the daughter. “Can we go home now mommy?”

“No my sweet child,” said Velvet sadly, “you have to stay here.”

“But it’s no fun,” said Sparkle, “I can’t do anything.”

“You’re doing plenty,” replied the mother, embracing the daughter. There were tears in the older mare’s eyes. “You’re like this because your body needs all your energy to heal.”

The mare’s touch strengthened her daughter, Twilight could feel the power of her mother coursing throughout her body. She looked at her daughter and smiled.

“You’ll be back with us soon.”

“Promise?” asked the daughter.

“I promise, and I promise that Rain Shadow and I will be taking care of Cheerilee for you.”

At the mention of Cheerilee, Twilight transformed to an adult, her mother was older as well.

“Okay mom, if you say so,” said Sparkle, “I love you.”

“I love you too, my precious baby. And I’ll be here to watch over you, always.”

Twilight felt her mother kiss her lips. Then Twilight was alone in the dark once more. But her hoof was still being held and Twilight was sure it was still her mother.

There was no physical contact this time. She wasn’t sure if she was hearing the voice with her ears, or was it directly in her mind.

“Twilight Sparkle, this is Loki.

I know you know who I really am. The only ponies who know this are just you and Fluttershy. Thank you for not interfering, I also want to thank you for what you’ve done for Fluttershy. She speaks of how when you first came to Ponyville, you helped her on a path to be more outgoing and thus open to relationships.

I know when Celestia had you and the other ponies release me, you didn’t trust me. Don’t feel bad, you were right not to trust me. I’d no intention of ‘being reformed’.

But something happened nopony expected. Fluttershy opened her heart to me in friendship. It’s been eons since anyone trusted me that much, not since I really did go by the name of Loki. Even then I really didn’t have any friends.

The friendship awakened lost and hidden feelings. The longing for companionship, so long buried, came to the surface. Soon there was desire, not the type of desire for shallow and meaningless self-gratification. No, desire to be truly loved, and I think as I started to be open to Fluttershy’s wants and needs, the same feelings woke up in her.

I want to swear to you now my feelings for her are genuine, so much so in taking this form, I’m bound to it until the body dies. Most of my powers are suppressed until then. If they weren’t, I would’ve healed you and sent that despicable worm to the fires of Tartarus.

That aside, I’m now Loki for decades to come, and I’m also Fluttershy’s protector, mate, and yes, lover.

And I hope, your friend as well.

Get better soon Twilight.”

Then the presence was gone.

A small hoof took hers;

“Twilight? It’s Scootaloo. I know we’ve not talked a lot in the past. But you’ve been such a friend to Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom’s sisters and I guess to them too I feel like we’re friends because of them. I’ve seen how you’ve taken care of your friends and have been there for everypony. I didn’t realize how much until this happened. I want you to know I’m proud of the pony you are and I know I wish I could be the same when I grow up.

I told Rainbow Dash I’d like it if she was my big sister, but I’d be just as proud if I had you as a big sister.

Get better Twilight.”

There was a kiss on her hoof and Twilight could swear there were tears landing on her hoof as well.

This time the kiss came first, a respectable kiss.

“Twilight Sparkle, this is Lu, don’t get up.”

There was a short snickering.

“Don’t tell Tia I used that joke, she doesn’t get my humor. Truthfully, sometimes I think my sister is so straight because she has a stick up her flanks.

But knowing Tia, she’d probably enjoy it!”

More snickering;

“I wanted to let you know just how much we need you to come back to us. How much I need you to come back to me. You freed me from my self-made Tartarus of Nightmare Moon. You showed me that there’s more to being a princess than being a hard-flanks. You taught me humor, humility and whether you realize it, by your example, love.

My sister and I’ve talked and if you were free, there’d be a fight over you now. Especially now with the two of us almost loosing you and causing both of us to examine our feelings.

The last time we felt anything even close to this was a little over a thousand years ago, It was over a sharp and quite good looking stallion. I think you may have heard of him. His name was Star Swirl the Bearded. And he was one heck of a lover. I bet the history books don’t tell how he was able to keep two princesses going ALL NIGHT! I still get wet thinking about him.

But all that aside, you taught me the same thing you were sent to Ponyville to learn. I’m happy to have you, your partner and your friends to be my friends.”

Then came a more subdued kiss.

“I love you Twi.”

There were other visits from the ponies of the community. Mayor Mare, Bon-Bon, Muffins, Lyra Heartstrings, the Cakes and others.

However there was one visit which meant the most.

“Twi My Love? it’s me. Honey, I have to believe you can hear me. I need you to come back to me. Everypony; our friends, the princesses, the Apples, your family and my mother all are doing all they can to help me. But Sweetheart, there’s nothing they can do to ease the pain I feel when I see you like this. You freed me to be me, you’ve showed me love without reserve, judgment or condition. You’ve taken me into your home, your family and your heart. Not that you intended, but you freed my mother and me from the threat of that pony whom I’ll never name again.

You were willing to sacrifice yourself to be abused, violated and even face death to save my mother and me, and at a horrible price. A price, if you were able to talk to me right now, I’m sure you’d tell me you’d do it all over again for me.

My Darling, I know you can hear me. I need you to come home to me.

They make me go home to rest, but every time I do, I fear you’ll not be here when I return. They tell me you’re getting stronger, but I’m still afraid.

When at home, I sleep in that bed, OUR bed and no matter how many blankets I put on, it’s still cold without you there. I’m lonelier now than I ever was before you.

I know sex isn’t the cornerstone of our relationship, but it’s so special. I told you at first I didn’t have any experience with sex.

That wasn’t quiet true.

Not long after I told my parents I liked mares, my father came home drunk. My mother was out for some reason. He started in on a tirade about mare-lovers, and he’d half a mind to teach me what stallions were for.

It turned out he only had half a mind.

After chasing me through the house, he cornered me at the end of a hall. I was just a young teen, I had no chance. He kept talking like he was going to do me a favor. He had me pinned, his penis at my marehood ready to penetrate me, but luckily my mother came home in time and he stopped before he could rape me. But he threatened to kill me if I said anything to anypony.

I thought it was the worst thing that could ever happen. But seeing him rape you, in the condition you were in, makes me ashamed to even feel bad about what he tried to do to me.

I know most stallions out there aren’t like that. I’ve seen what a good father is in your dad. What a loving partner a stallion can be with your brother and Cadence or Big Mac and Rainbow Dash.

Don’t give up on ponies. You’re so special, and I believe that you’d sacrifice yourself for ponies even it they weren’t your lover. A pony that special needs to be in the world.

Equestria needs more ponies like you.

I need you.”

Twilight felt Cheerilee’s face on her chest, she was crying harder than she’d ever heard a pony cry.

“Please come back Twilight! Come back! I don’t want to live without you!”

The sobs continued, then Cheerilee thought she felt somepony stroking her mane. She figured another of Twilight’s family or friends had come in the room and were attempting to comfort her.

Then she heard;

“Don’t cry Cheeri My Love, I haven’t gone anywhere.” It was Twilight’s voice, low and harsh.

“TWILIGHT!?!?” shouted Cheerilee.

She looked and saw that it was Twilight stroking her mane, her eyes were half open, and she appeared to be trying to smile.

“Twilight!” said Cheerilee again. She was kissing all over Twilight’s face.

“Darling, I love you, but it still hurts some,” said Twilight with a gleam in her eyes.

Cheerilee was laughing and crying at the same time. She pulled the nurse call rope. Then ran to the door. She saw a passing nurse.

“Go get Princesses Celestia and Luna from the waiting area, NOW! Tell them Twilight is awake!”

Cheerilee went back to Twilight and held her hoof and just looked into her eyes.

“I love you Cheeri,” said Twilight, a little hoarse (no pun intended).

A doctor came into the room but was quickly trampled by the two ruling princesses.

There was so much excitement it was hard for them to leave Twilight alone enough to let the doctor check her over.

The word got out and soon the waiting room was full to capacity and lines out the doors of ponies waiting to see Twilight. But for now, only Cheerilee, the two mothers and the princesses were allowed in.

Normally it was only four visitors at a time in the ICU, but just try to tell one of the princesses to leave.

Unless you like extended camping trips in the Everfree Forest.

Twilight was moved to a private room later that day, but there were so many that wanted to visit that it was put out by Princess Celestia that anypony that wanted to visit should be at the hospital the next day at one o’clock. Right after lunch and she’d make sure everypony would get to visit with Twilight at once.

The princesses convinced the hospital staff to allow them to use the dining room to gather the family friends and visitors from the community. Convinced as in all but making it a Royal Command. They moved the tables and kept the cushions and chairs in place. They had ponies sit or stand wherever they could.

Twilight’s family was contacted, so were they were all there as well. Everypony made room for the family and five friends of Twilight to sit at the front.

Twilight’s bed was wheeled in. She was elevated where she was almost in a sitting position. Cheerilee stuck to Twilight’s side, holding her hoof. There was a smile on her face and tears of joy in her eyes.

As they came in the room, all the ponies stomped and cheered. Twilight was taken aback.

She was wheeled to the front of the gathering, the two princesses stood behind them and Celestia held up a hoof and addressed the crowd;

“My faithful subjects. I want to let you know how touched I am at the outpouring of concern and affection for our friend Twilight Sparkle and for her partner Cheerilee.”

Applauds and cheers;

“I doubt that there’s a pony here who doesn’t know the sacrifice Twilight made and was willing to make to save ponies she loved. It’s just one more action by a pony close to all of us, who’s heroics would’ve made the heroes of old blush.

And I knew quite a few of them!”

Chuckling;

“I don’t think there’s a pony in Ponyville, nay, in Equestria who isn’t proud of the pony before us.”

Applauds and cheers;

“That’s why it makes me so sad to know in light of recent events, despite all she’s done and for all the ponies she’s helped, there’re no ponies who can legally take care of Twilight.”

Mumbles and ponies looking at each other;

“Twilight has a loving family. A mother, father, brother and even my niece, her sister-in-law. But Twilight is an adult so they no longer have any type of guardianship over her unless she’s committed as a helpless cripple. Which she isn’t.

She has friends the kind most ponies wished they had. Ponies who’ve stuck together in the darkest of times and brightest. Whose actions have saved this town, country and it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say, the world.

They can support, care and watch after her. But none can be responsible if hard decisions needed to be made.”

More mumbles;

“Twilight’s been my student and friend since she was a filly. She’s served the House of Celestia with distinction. She’s saved my sister and myself in the past.

And yes, I’m the ruler of all of the ponies of Equestria, but it isn’t my place to make decisions and judgements for the care of one pony, even one such as Twilight Sparkle.”

More mumbles;

“Twilight has the most wonderful of ponies as a lover and life-partner. One who’s devotion to her marefriend is so great, I had to threaten her with having my guard escort her to get sleep or to eat.

But even this dedicated pony can’t do the things for Twilight which might need to be done.

This is because by the laws of Equestria, only a spouse can make the hard decisions and things required when Twilight can’t.

Is there a pony among you who believes Cheerilee doesn’t love Twilight as much as a stallion would?”

No’s from the gathered;

“Has anypony seen evidence Twilight loves Cheerilee any less than a stallion would love her?”

More no’s;

“To my shame, there’s been talk in the Court at Canterlot about amending current laws which were written centuries ago, when the mindset of ponies was different. I haven’t given much thought to these laws, thinking I could do it later.

Now one of the greatest ponies to have ever lived; and I don’t exaggerate, has to suffer what is paramount to bigotry because of how ponies thought in the past.

Can we let that happen?”

“NO!” was the thunderous reply.

The princess smiled;

“Night Light, Rain Shadow, please come up here and stand by your daughters.”

There was questioning looks from those who were trying to figure out what the princess was hinting.

“Think carefully about what you say next, you’re about to make policy and perhaps history.”

The two parents came up and took their daughters by the hoof.

“As representatives of your families, do you consent...

To give these two in marriage?”

Night Light and Rain Shadow smiled and gave their daughters hoof a little shake saying they were very happy hearing what they’d just heard. Twilight and Cheerilee’s faces lit up. It hurt to smile so hard for Twilight, but she didn’t care.

Night Light and Rain Shadow looked at each other and nodded.

“We do, Your Highness,” was the reply in unison.

“You may be seated,” said the princess with a smile, “thank you."

The parents kissed their daughters and went back to sit.

"Twilight Sparkle and Cheerilee have by their actions proven the limitless depth of their love. Even the narrowest of minds couldn’t deny this.

Twilight for her willingness to sacrifice herself for the pony she loves. Cheerilee by her devotion to the one she loves.

And so I just have a few questions for you two.”

Looking at Cheerilee;

“Cheerilee, do you take Twilight Sparkle to be your wedded wife? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?”

“I do, your majesty,” said Cheerilee, a tear streaming down her cheek.

Then turning to Twilight;

“Twilight Sparkle, my beloved student, do you take Cheerilee to be your wedded wife? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?”

“I do, Your Highness, more than anything,” said Twilight.

“Then if none object,” said Celestia.

Not a sound from the gathered.

“Hearing none, in the name of the Crown and Our Regal Self. I declare you to be the first wedded mare couple in Equestria.

What We join together,

Let no pony sunder.

You may kiss your Bride.”

Cheerilee kissed Twilight as deeply as she dared considering her injuries.

“May I be the first to introduce Mrs. Twilight and Mrs. Cheerilee Sparkle.” Said the princess with a smile.

The entire crowd jumped to their hooves, cheering and stomping. The noise woke every foal in the nursery, but it could be forgiven considering the medical staff cheered as loudly.

The princess asked that everypony allow Twilight and Cheerilee to return to Twilight’s room to ‘come to terms’ with what just happened.

Most ponies filed by in a quick receiving line to congratulate the couple and then filed out.

Twilight and Cheerilee’s family and friends along with the princesses took Twilight and Cheerilee back to Twilight’s room.

Later, it was agreed everypony should give Twilight and Cheerilee some privacy for the night. Cheerilee let the medical staff know if there were any problems, she’d let them know. But they should skip Twilight’s room when rounds were made that night.