Chapter 92 Might Have Beens

By Trooper

“Perhaps there was another life, not so sad, that I missed somehow this time, and will have in another world.” ― Nick Harkaway, Gnomon

The next morning when I wake up, I talk with Sutures about needing to get a dress for the wedding. I see her smile at me when I say this and she asks me, “Mollygirl, where do you think you can find a dress to fit on such short notice?”

I sigh and then reply, “I don’t know. I wish I had time to have one of mine shipped here for me, but there just isn’t time.”

I see her think about it for a bit and then she asks me, “Have you thought about asking one of Milo’s wives if you can borrow one?”

To be honest, the thought had not crossed my mind. But then I point out to her, “Love, I am not even close to Cannel’s figure or Cedar’s for that matter. And I am sure I am too short for anything that Laura Lee has.”

She smirks at me and then asks, “Perhaps we should make a visit to Harness and see if they have any dresses there?”

I nod my head and tell her, “You know that is a good idea. Let me talk to Chain and Dull Beak. I will let them know we are heading that way.”

As I say this she smirks and reminds me, “Don’t forget to let Sergeant Cupcake know also. I am sure she would be very unhappy if you were to leave without her knowing.”

I nod my head, “Yeah, you're right, and I have made her job so much more difficult as of late, so I better. I will do that right after breakfast, ok?”

She nods her head and then we both begin to feed our fillies. After they finish, we all go to the mess hall for breakfast after which she walks Tater and Epona to the gate to see them off for school.

When I arrive at my HQ, I have Paper Work send for Sergeant Cupcake so that I can notify her of my intentions. I am just finishing my first cup of tea when she arrives.

I hear her knock on the door frame and I tell her, “Come on in and have a seat Sergeant. I want to discuss a quick trip over to Harness today.”

I see her take a deep breath and she says, “I appreciate it, ma’am, I hope you do realize I am still down a pony on your security detachment.”

This time I sigh as I tell her, “Yes Sergeant I am well aware of that. Perhaps I should return you and your other member of my detail back to the infantry squads you came from. I am sure they too would appreciate the replacements.”

I see her eyes go wide at this and she tells me, “No ma’am. I am sorry ma’am.”

I nod my head, “Do we have an understanding Sergeant?”

“Yes, we do Ma’am.” She replies nervously.

“Good, Sergeant Cupcake, I have appreciated your service, but you do need to remember, I am the commanding officer. You are on My security detail. I am sorry your trooper got injured, but we all did if you remember correctly. Hell, if I want to be nitpicky, I could point out my daughters caught and killed the two assassins who entered MY HQ while you were on duty during a battle. However, I do not mention that do I?”

I see her face first go pale, then red as she blushes with embarrassment and she tries to sputter out an apology. Finally, I tell her, “Now, I am going to Harness today to visit Lieutenant Colonel Milo and to do some shopping. I am expecting my security escort to accompany me. While I am visiting the Colonel, you may take some personal time. I also will ask you and your other trooper to accompany me while I shop. I would not even bother asking for an escort if I was not going as far as we will be. Do I make myself clear Sergeant?”

She slowly nods her head, “Yes Ma’am. I am very sorry if I have disappointed you, Colonel.”

“Sergeant, I am not disappointed, but I will not tolerate you forgetting your rank and mine, especially when I am not placing myself or you in a dangerous position. You were correct before we went to Fort Hope to suggest I take you and your people and you were instrumental in the successful outcome we had there. I do not forget that and to be honest, I have had a letter of commendation put in all three of your service records. It's not much, but hopefully, it will help you advance in your career.”

I see her release the breath she was holding as I say this and she tells me, “Thank you ma’am, that does mean a lot to me. I just do not want you to risk yourself unnecessarily Colonel.”

I nod my head and tell her, “Sergeant, I will not if I do not have to.”

“Thank you, Ma’am. Is there anything else I can help you with?” she asks.

“No, other than get ready to head out within the hour, Sergeant.”

She stands and salutes me, which I return and then I watch her head out the door. I hate to have to treat my subordinates like that, but I worked too hard to get where I am for them to not respect me.

I am feeling slightly grumpy about this when I see Paper Work stick his head in and he asks me, “Another cup of tea Ma’am?”

I simply smile and hold my empty cup up for him as he refills it as per our normal routine. This cup helps me to relax enough that when Sutures arrives a short time afterward, I am ready to go again.

Soon afterward My family and I are joined by my two remaining security unicorns for our trip to Harness. The walk from Hackamore base to Harness is not overly long and I get a kick out of watching the young ones exploring the world around us as we go.

Only twice does Sutures have to call out to Moon Lily to stay close to us. Once we arrive at the company town at the top of the valley entrance I have them call Milo for me. While we wait to be taken down into the town, we all grab something to eat and I even catch Sergeant Cupcake window shopping at the company store.

I begin to notice a few changes though from the first time I visited Harness while I am here. As we walk down the main street, I see that not only do they have the Harness Corporation flag flying in front of the security/ marshal’s office but that they have the NCR flag next to it and slightly higher.

I also notice that they have since set up a recruiting office for the NCR army, particularly the Harness Battalion. This gets me to raise an eyebrow and has my attention. I guess Milo really did learn a bit while in Manesville. With that, I decide to visit the office and see what they are up to.

As I enter, I notice that inside are two enlisted troopers in the Harness battalion's uniform. The first is a sergeant who also is a mule and has a cybernetic prosthesis replacing his right foreleg. The other is an earth pony mare who, by her rank is a corporal. As I easily read these, I realize that Harness has already started to use the NCR ranks symbols on their uniforms rather than their old security designations.

The sergeant begins to look up as I enter along with Sergeant Cupcake. When he notices my uniform and rank, he calls out “Attention” and he and the corporal automatically go to the position of attention.

I smile and tell them, “Carry on, this is just an informal visit Sergeant.”

I see them both visibly relax and the sergeant approaches me and asks, “Is there anything I can do for you ma’am?”

I smile at him as I tell him, “Actually, I was just curious to see your operation and to hear how it was going.”

He nods his head at me and tells me, “Well ma’am, it is kinda slow today. On the days we get a caravan through though we can get fairly busy. Colonel Milo thought we might be able to make good on our losses from the big battle by recruiting from the outside as well as from our own residents.”

I nod my head. It is an interesting idea and seems much along the lines of what we had in the Co-op at one time. Then I ask him, “So Sergeant, have you had much success lately with recruiting?”

I see him nod his head and he tells me, “Actually ma’am, yes. I tend to get at least two recruits a week, which might not seem like much but all things considered, it is better than what we expected. In fact, last week we had a group of friends from over in Founder come in to volunteer. They said that way they could serve in the real army and still stay close to home for now.”

I nod my head at this as it not only makes sense but is a good sign for the region. As I look around the office, I notice an old worn, stained, and torn poster on the wall behind him showing one of the Steel Rangers Standing tall in its power armor holding up an Equestrian national flag. Above the image are the words, I am doing my part, are You?

The sergeant notices my gaze and tells me, “Colonel that is an old pre-war recruiting poster. One of the traders that joined up told us he picked it up when he went through old Appleloosa a while back. He said it used to hang in the old recruiting station there. He gave it to us as a gift and a thank you for enlisting him.”

I cannot help but smile at that and I tell him, “While we don’t have the Steel Rangers anymore I do have to say it does seem to inspire one to join,” Then I look and notice a brand new poster next to it and I have to smile as I look up and see my three daughters and Tater looking back at me and Moon Lily’s horn lit up as they look like they are playing army. I read the words on it and smile even wider. Well, I had not expected to see the first of these posters so soon. Then Moon Lily and Epona peek their heads around the doorframe from outside and I hear Millie say “Mama, I hungry.”

I see both of the recruiting NCOs' jaws drop and then they smile when they look between them and the posters.

I tell her, “In a minute dear, mama is working.”

I see the surprise on their faces and then a grin comes over the recruiting sergeant's face as he asks me, “Colonel, your little ones were used for this poster?”

I nod my head and feel myself blush slightly and I tell him, “Yes, they were. The little buck in the photo is my Sergeant Major’s son also.”

He then tells me, “You know ma’am, I might just be able to use that as an angle to recruit with. I do wonder if they will become rangers though.”

I smile at him and I hear Sergeant Cupcake tell him, “Hey Sarge, the older two snuck in on our operation when we took Fort Hope. The young unicorn in the photo with the lit horn, well she and the older two both killed two infiltrators who tried to kill the Colonel during the battle of Harness. The little earth pony mare discovered them and pulled the one's zebra cloak off of them.”

I see the surprise on his face when he hears this and then I see him grimace as I hear the Corporal tell him, “Well Sarge, that is going to cost you some serious caps when we get back into the main site.”

I am slightly interested in why it cost him some caps and he answers me sheepishly, “Colonel, I made several bets with some of the others in the battalion that it was just a rumor to demoralize the enemy about the foals doing that.”

I laugh lightly and I tell him, “I understand Sergeant, but some things you just can not make up. Reality can be even stranger than fiction. Now I best get going and feed the youngsters, but thank you for your time and keep up the good work.”

They both salute me and he tells me, “Thank you, Ma’am. Have a good day Colonel.” After which I leave to find a place to feed my daughters.

__________

Once we are down in Harness proper, I am surprised at how busy things are. We are first taken to Milo’s office at the Corporate Site headquarters building. As we arrive, I see Laura Lee coming out. I watch as both of the young fillies’ yell “Awnt Worra Wee!” as they run over to her for hugs.

I see the joy on her face as she sees them running toward her and she gets down on the ground so they can both hug her at the same time easier. “Hey my little darlings, how are you two doing today?” she asks them.

I hear Moon Lily answer first, “Good, have fun.”

Next to her, Millie says, “Ploring today.”

Laura Lee then says, “So you two are having fun exploring today. Glad to hear it. Welcome to my home.”

Then I hear Millie ask, “You wive here?”

“Yes Mills, I live here. And I am glad you got to come see it.” She says as the little ones break the hug and she stands back up. Then she looks at me, and asks, “Did Milo know you were coming?”

“No, I need a dress for Scrap Pile's wedding and I thought I could see if there was one for sale here. Besides I wanted to visit everyone.” I tell her.

I see her smile, “Well, wait here and I will give a call to Cannel and Cedar as well as let Milo know you are here.” She tells me as she turns and goes back inside the building.

We are only there for a couple of minutes when Milo comes trotting out with a big smile on his face and he tells us, “Well this is a really pleasant surprise.”

Both Sutures and I smile as he says this and both fillies run over to him and hug him also. “Unca Mywhoa, Unca Mywhao!” they both call as they bounce on their hind legs for a hug from him.

I cannot help but smile as he puts a hoof around each of them and kisses them on their forelocks in turn and tells them, “It is so good to see you two little ones too.”

Seeing them with him makes me realize how close they have come to the members of Milo’s family and reinforces my decision about us helping them have foals of their own.

After he is done, he then looks up at me and asks, “Ok Mollygirl, what can I do for you today?”

Smiling I tell him, “I was just checking to see if there was anything I could do for you and, to be honest, I need a new dress for Scrap Pile's and Beach Shack's wedding so I was hoping I could find one here.”

I see him smile back at me and he tells me, “Well come on into my office and we can discuss my battalion and all.” Then he stops and looks a Laura Lee and tells her, “Captain if you would be so kind take Sutures and the foals to meet with Cannel and Cedar.”

I see Sutures smile and she tells him, “Thank you Milo, come on fillies we need to go with aunt Laura Lee for now.”

As they follow Laura Lee away, I see Sergeant Cupcake and her partner quietly waiting for orders. I take a look at them and tell her, “Sergeant, I should be safe for now, why don’t you go take a bit of time for yourself and relax, you both deserve a bit of a break.”

I see her hesitate at first then she looks at Milo and myself and I hear her sigh as she says, “Ok Colonel, please let me know when you want us back.”

I nod my head and I tell her, “Will do Sergeant. I still need to look for that dress later so I will not be too long on this.” Once I tell her this I turn and follow Milo to his office.

As we go into his office area, I notice how much the area just outside of it is set up like my HQ bunker. Once in his office, I notice he has a copy of the recruiting poster with the youngsters on it framed and on the wall. He sees me looking at it and smiles. Then he tells me, “Well they are family and I really have become attached to them.”

I smile back at him and tell him, “I understand Milo, I really do. Tater is like a nephew to me too.”

He grins at me then and adds, “It's just too bad I met you when I did, now if it had been before Sumac and Badger…” as he lifts his eyebrows up and down a few times.

This gets me to laugh and I have to tell him, “Very true Milo, but then again would we be this close of friends?”

He smiles at me and replies, “While I hope we would, who knows. But honestly Mollygirl, I really do appreciate your friendship more than you would ever know.”

I reach over to him and place a hoof on his shoulder as I tell him, “Same here Milo, same here. Besides I really have gotten close to your entire family.”

He nods his head, “Same here. I really am looking forward to getting to know Archer better too. He seems like an interesting type; besides I really want him to help us get a section of mortars and artillery organized if he can.”

This gets my attention and I ask him, “Do you have some artillery pieces and mortars already?”

He shakes his head no and tells me, “No, not yet, but we are looking at trying to trade coal with some settlements that either have them or trying to send an expedition down to the old No Mare’s Land to see if we can find anything recoverable.”

I nod my head at this and tell him, “Yeah, that is how we got our start in Manesville. We found Celestia and Nightmare Moon still in their shipping crates.”

I see an expression of surprise on his face when I say this, then he asks, “So where did you get the other guns from?”

To this question I answer honestly, “I am not really sure, they had found some more guns while we were gone on the Expedition. As for mortars, we had some we found on a train that was buried in a tunnel. I am sure they found more either at an abandoned armory or traded for some from Hoofington. That is where we got a lot of our small arms at one time.”

I see him think about this and he then asks me, “Do you think we should see about doing that too?”

I think briefly and then I tell him, “I would contact the NCR headquarters and ask them. But how much have you salvaged from the blasting fields? I know you probably had quite a few buried there with the zebra troops that had them. Maybe take in some earth pony salvagers and let them have at it. I bet you could get almost a company’s worth of weapons there alone.”

I see him think about it and then he asks, “How do you think we can repay the scavengers?”

I smile at his question and I suggest, “Well there always is coal, but you could also consider giving them a percentage of what they recover too. Besides, it would allow for a more proper burial of any remains we find too.”

I see him nod his head at this and then he tells me, “Thanks, I was thinking along those lines, but I am still new enough at this I was not completely sure if it would have been acceptable to the NCR to do it that way.”

“Glad to answer the questions for you. Seriously Milo, if you have any, please ask me.”

We then discuss some of his training programs for recruits, which I tell him reminds me of the way the CDF used to operate. He begins to smile at that and then asks, “So you think we should have a ceremony for their induction also?”

“Perhaps Milo, but you have to remember Opening Day was always a big thing for the Co-op. It does not seem so much here. However, maybe a celebration day for the battle of Harness when your Security Troops became combat vets with the NCR army. No offense Milo, but that day changed Harness forever.”

He nods his head and I see him shake slightly at the memories of that day, “Yeah, we sure did. All of us changed that day Mollygirl.” He tells me.

I move around his desk and put a hoof on his shoulder to reassure him. As I do this he stands up and wraps a hoof around my shoulders and I hear a bit of a tear in his voice as he says, “I thought I was going to lose both Laura Lee and you that day Mollygirl. It was bad enough I lost so many I knew, but dammit, I almost lost those I care about.”

I bring him in close and hug him back and I tell him, “I understand Milo, I was in your horseshoes before, several times actually so I completely understand.”

We stand this way for a while with him just holding me, I know he needs this, I have been there myself. Even when we are safe, sometimes those memories haunt us. When he is ready, he begins to break the hug and I am surprised as my friend kisses me ever so gently on my scarred cheek and he tells me, “Mollygirl, thank you so much for everything, especially with helping me understand Cedar and how to heal my relationship with her.”

I kiss him on his cheek and then put a hoof on his chest as I tell him, “Your welcome, my friend. Just know whenever you need me, I will be here for you as quickly as possible.”

I see him smile and wipe a tear and he tells me “Thanks I really appreciate it. Now let’s go get you that dress.”

“You mean you are willing to go dress shopping with me?” I ask.

He smiles and tells me, “Of course, besides I will have Cedar and the others join us,” then I see him laugh lightly and he grins as he tells me, “You know I used to think about what I would do if I ever got you alone in this office, rest assured it did not end with a kiss on the cheek.”

I laugh lightly at him for this and I tell him, “I do understand Milo, but it is for the best, but just so you know at one-point Dull Beak and Chain Lightning threatened to throw water on me to cool my jets about you. But we best get going and catch up with our wives.”

When I say it that way he laughs and tells me, “Well when you put it that way…”

After we leave his office, we catch up with the others in the set of shops that have been dug inside the side of the valley. When we catch up Sutures gives me a kiss on my cheek and I see her raise an eyebrow as she smells Milo’s scent on me. She looks at him quickly as he is kissing Cedar Chest. Then I see her smile and I whisper to her, “Nothing happened, he needed a shoulder to cry on and I gave it to him.”

She looks at me funny and I again whisper, “Memories, you know, from the fight.”

I see her features relax in understanding as she whispers back, “Is he ok?”

I then tell her, “Yes, as much as the rest of us.”

Soon after I receive a hug from the mares in Milo’s family as well and Cannel stands back with a hoof under her chin as she tells me, “I think Sutures and I may have found the right dress for you, but it is down the way, I hope you don’t mind?”

She leads out and we all follow her. As we walk past the shops, I notice a variety of merchandise available in them and am surprised so I ask, ‘So where did you get so many different things, a lot of it does not even look like scrap?”

Cannel slows just a bit and turns her head to me and tells me, “Mollygirl, what do you think we do with all the stuff brought in by the caravans? Most have no idea how much coal we have, so we dole it out by the bucket to them in trade, and to be honest, coal is very valuable so we slowly brought it in over time. Plus, we have some tradesmen who would make things such as ironware, armor, and weapons. The coal has really helped us produce a better grade of products, so it is funny but in other regions, that is what the company town was known for.”

I nod my head as I listen. The funny thing is I never heard of Harness until we found it. I guess if they kept the amount of coal they let out down to a reasonable amount it would seem like a typical mine in the wastelands. “I had not thought of that Cannel. Maybe I should look for a few gifts for my family after I get a dress,” I tell her.

She smiles widely at me and tells me, “Sounds good, I don’t get to go shopping often. Oh, maybe you and Sutures can help us find a gift for Archer, we will want to get him something special for what he is going to do for us.”

From my other side, I hear Milo snicker a bit and then he asks Cedar, “Is that how you look at it with Archer?”

I see her ears slip back some and she tells him, “Dear, I love you and I would never touch him if it was not for wanting a foal for our family. However, he is doing us something special and I feel he will be binding our two families together.”

I decide to change the subject about then and I ask “So Sutures, did you get a chance to talk to the town's midwife about the lactation spell so Laura Lee could help?”

Behind me, I hear Laura Lee ask, “Yeah, what did she say?”

I can hear the smile in Sutures's voice as she says, “Yes I did Laura Lee. When we were together, I even taught her how to cast it. She thinks it will work on Jennys as well as mares just like it does on our cows.”

I then hear Milo ask in wonder, “You really mean that? Laura Lee will be able to help feed the foals too?”

Sutures tells him, “Yes Milo, just like Mollygirl has been able to help feed Millie and Moon Lilly.”

After she hears this, I see Laura Lee begin to have a bounce in her trot and she has her tail lifted a bit higher than normal as she continues on. I can tell she cannot wait to hear the click clacks of little hoofs and to be one of the mamas.

Finally, we arrive at one of the stores that has several ponicans in the display window at the front of it. As we enter, I see several beautiful dresses. But one catches my eyes more than the others. It has a light green skirt and a matching gingham check blouse to go with it. Then to top it off, I notice they have a matching neckerchief.

As I look at it and am considering trying it on, Sutures looks at me and asks me, “Don’t you have one similar to this back home?”

As I nod my head and answer her, I tell her, “Yes, but it is my favorite one. The one back home was Ivy's; this would be all mine.”

I see a surprised expression on Cedar's and Cannel's faces when I say this. Then I hear Milo tell them, “Please don’t ask, I will explain about her later,” him saying this alone tells me how good a friend he is.

I look over at him and quietly mouth the words “thank you,” to him. I see him close his eyes and smile slightly as he nods his head.

Once I try the dress on, I am floored at the reaction of Milo and his family as well as my daughters to me in a dress.

I can see I certainly have Milo’s attention. His eyes are open wide and his ears forward. All three of his wives look stunned, and both of my daughters look unsure of who I really am and stand closer to Sutures. Finally, Millie nervously asks, “Mama?”

I smile at her and gently tell her, “Yes dear, it is me.”

Sutures behind her just smiles at me and tells me, “It looks very nice on your dear. A few adjustments and it should fit you about perfect.”

I nod my head and I ask her, “Dear, do you think you could make them?”

From behind, I hear the shop clerk tell me, “Excuse me Ma’am, but I can make some minor adjustments for you, before the end of the day even.”

I look at the others and then her and I tell her, “I am sorry, but I have to head back to Hackamore by this evening. My older daughter will be getting out of school in a couple of hours and I will need to meet her.

I see the sales pony get flustered but I tell her, “Don’t worry, I will take it. Let me remove it and put my uniform back on and we should be ready.”

The shop clerk acknowledges this and I see her get some old newspaper and string out so she can wrap it for me. I step in the back and change. When I come out, I place it on the counter and I watch as Millie stands on her hind legs to reach onto the counter and she tries to grab the neckerchief. I smile at her and tell her, “Not yet little one, someday it will be yours.”

I see Sutures look at me funny and I tell her, “It was an old tradition in my family that the family matriarch would wear a kerchief around their neck or on their heads. I lost my mothers during the Valley, I lost track of it during the fighting, but I had bigger worries on my mind,” I tell her as I choke up slightly.

I see the realization of what I am saying come over Sutures face and she puts a hoof around me and hugs me. The whole time the clerk looks on with indifference as she waits to complete the sale. I eventually break the hug and get the clerk her caps and I tell her, “Sorry, just some old memories came back hard on me.”

She smiles slightly and tells me, “Ma’am, I understand, you are not the first, nor I presume the last who will have that happen. But I hope you are happy with your purchase and are able to enjoy it.”

I smile weakly and tell her, “Thank you, I appreciate your understanding,” then I put my purchase in my saddlebags and I lead the others back out of the shop. I turn to Sutures and I tell her, “Dear, would you mind not shopping more until we can come back with Archer? I really don’t feel up to it today.”

She smiles sadly at me and tells me, “Not a problem dear, Besides, I already showed the others a few ideas while you and Milo were talking earlier.”

I smile shyly at her and tell her, “Thank you so much for doing that already dear,” then I turn to Milo’s family and I tell all of them, “sorry, but we need to get going before it is too late.”

As we head out the main doorway for the market area, Sergeant Cupcake and her partner catch up with us and we all begin the trip back to Hackamore. As we reach the main site’s main exit, they all say goodbye to us and watch us as we begin our trip back to Hackamore.

We make quick work of the trip and meet Epona and Tater as they are approaching the gate. Epona then ask me, “So where did ya’all go today?”

I correct her on her Equestrian and then I tell her, “We visited Milo and his family over in Hackamore so I could check up on his battalion as well as buy a dress for the wedding.”

I see Epona grin when I say this and she asks, “Can I see it Ma? I really want to see you in a dress.”

I can’t help but grin and I tell her, “Sure dear, but how about after you are done with your homework and dinner.”

I see her make a slight face and then she says, “Oh, ok I guess,” then she turns to Tater and tells him, I will let you know how she looks in it ok?”

I am laughing lightly when I hear Sutures suggest, “Tater, why don’t you talk to your father and see if you can visit for a bit. Then you can see the Colonel in a dress.”

I see him nod his head and then he laughs as he says, “I bet pa has never seen the Colonel in a dress yet either.”

I look at Epona and I tell her, “Don’t take that bet. I can’t remember if he has or not.” Then he trots on over to his quarters while we head to ours.

__________

The next morning, I practice my braiding on Epona by braiding her mane. Unlike mine that is usually one long braid, I divide hers and braid it to both sides. As I am doing this, I notice I am being watched by both Millie and Moon Lily.

As I finish Epona’s mane, Millie cautiously approaches me and says, “I want like Pona.”

I am surprised, to say the least, but I take the time and begin her braids too. Finally, I hear Moon Lily say, “Mama, I wants,” and she is pointing at Millie and Epona. I see the look of surprise and a bit of exasperation come over her face but she relents and begins to try and braid her daughter’s mane.

A little later, just before Epona goes to school and the little ones will take a nap I ask her, “Ok, so why were you so hesitant to braid her mane?”

I see her blush slightly as she looks down and she tells me, “Because I never have done a braid by hoof like you do. I always cheated and used my horn.”

This catches me off guard and out of curiosity I ask her, “So why did you not just use your horn then?”

She lets out a sigh and tells me, “Because your way seems so much more personal. I want that bond too. Mollygirl you have to understand in my home growing up we were discouraged from doing anything by hoof or mouth if we could do it by horn.”

This takes me aback and I tell her, “Dear, I had no idea. But I can relate, I guess. If it were not for Sumac and Ivy, I would never have had anyone do my mane or tail. Bullet was a decent father, but he did not really know how to be a mom too, but he did try.”

I see her smirk at me as she thinks about this and then she asks me, “Is that why you always seem to be so much more interested in doing the things most colts would?”

I simply shrug my shoulders and tell her, “Dear, I don’t know, I am just the way I am I guess.”

I hear Epona giggling off to the side and she says to us, “Mama Sutures, her other self was this way too and her mother raised her till she died of a heart attack out in her mushroom garden.”

I smile when I hear this but now that I think about it, my mother did like to raise mushrooms as well as some other hard to find plants such as mint and hazelnuts. This makes me have to ask, “So you got to know my mom on the other side? Dear, what was she like?”

She smiles as I brush out another part of Millie’s mane and begin to separate it for more braids. I can see Epona reminiscing. Then she tells me, “She was always coming over to our home for the holidays, and at least once a week we would all have supper together if you or mom were not out in the field. But I remember mostly her wearing this scarf on her head all the time. Well, that and a pistol. She said it was your pa’s and that she only used it a couple of times including the one time your homestead was hit by raiders. Your stepdad and her fought them off. They even helped our sides Sergeant Bullet after what happened to his family.”

I am taken aback when she mentions a stepfather. My mother never even dated after my pa died. I would have remembered that. When I ask her about him, she tells me, “Oh Dark Soil was a good buck. His family were survivors from Stable 4. They were pretty close to Buttermilk’s family too.”

Then I ask something that I suddenly think of, “Did he die first or my ma?”

I see her sniffle a bit as she sadly tells me, “He did, during a fight with raiders in Hereford. You were there too, but he was with the Belles,” she takes a deep breath and fights back a sob as she says, “Ma I miss gramps so much, and I think it broke your ma’s heart losing him.”

I pause in braiding Millie’s mane and just hug my daughter from another world and the one from my own body as I tell Epona, “I can understand dear, I really can. But at least you got to know him. I wish I could have too.”

As I comfort her, I look up and see Sutures has paused in braiding Moon Lily’s mane and is just staring at us. Then she says something that makes me laugh. She shakes her head and says, “Our family has some of the most surreal conversations that I could ever imagine.” She pauses and laughs lightly then says, “And you know what, I would not have it any other way.”

__________

Later that day Sutures and I go into town with the youngsters. As we enter Scrap Pile’s store, I see her look up and I see her notice the braided manes on Millie and Moon Lily. I see her smile as we approach the counter. Then she asks me, “So you really will braid my mane like theirs?”

I smile as I tell her, “Of course Scrap, I can not tell you how much I am looking forward to doing it for you as well as your wedding.”

I see her smile as she tells me, “Thank you Ma. I am so glad I waited, but believe it or not, at one time I came close to marrying another buck, but now I know for sure he was not the right one, but as a young impressionable mare, well you know how it is.”

I smile and tell her, “Yes I do, so often it is those little twists in fate that make all the difference.”

She nods her head and with a serious expression, she tells me, “You are so right. Ma.”

Sutures from my side ask her, “So what happened to him?”

I see her take a deep breath and let it out as she tells me, “I left before it happened, but I heard a rumor a couple years ago that he had decided to challenge our gang leader. Him and the mare he was cheating on me with both got wasted. Sad thing is he was smart but not smart enough to get out.”

Sutures smiles at her and tells her, “You know I am really glad that you were smart enough to get out of there then.” I watch as she pauses and tries to pick her words, then she continues, “It is as Epona was saying to us recently, small events can have big consequences.”

I see Scrap smile at this and nod her head, then I see her eyes go wide as she looks at something behind us. And I hear a giggle and a yelp from two different fillies.

Suddenly Sutures turns her head and I hear her yell out, “Young Mare, put your sister down now.” As the young unicorn sets her sister down with her TK. Then I hear Sutures say, “Young mare, what have I told you about using your magic without permission?”

I see Moon Lilly look down and I almost laugh as I watch her twist her left hind leg just like Epona does when she is in trouble. Then she answers, “Is no. BUT BORED MAMA.”

Sutures then tells her, “I do not care if you are bored, you know the rules,” as she shakes her head. Then she tells Scrap Pile, “I am sorry about that. She can be a bit of a hoof full.”

I see Scrap smile as she tells her, “That she can be, but she does keep things lively. Oh, by the way, I was wondering if I could have them be involved in the wedding too. I want them to carry the ring of grass for our heads. I know it sounds funny for a couple of ex-raiders, but I really want to do this traditional part of the old earth pony ceremonies. Sort of like the Unicorns and their horn rings.”

I see surprise on Sutures face when she hears this and she happily tells her, “I would be more than happy to have them do so for you dear, but I did not even know about this tradition.”

I see Scrap smile as she nods her head and she says, “Wait here a minute I will show you.” She then goes into the back room and comes out with an old book that while in rough condition shows what she is talking about. Then I notice the title of the book is Equestrian Society through the Ages. While I had never heard nor seen it before I am really interested in it.

Scrap Pile opens it to a book-marked section and she points it out to us. It has mouth drawn illustrations as well as writing in it. She excitedly shows us the drawings of a traditional earth pony wedding ceremony. I notice that it is noted that this was from before the unification of the three tribes. I had wondered why I never heard of it, but I really like the idea of it and kind of wish we could have had such a thing for our weddings.

Once we are done there we continue on our normal routine in town before heading home for the night. That night as we lay there with the youngsters, Epona reads a chapter then I do so also, I realize how fortunate I really am and while I miss my Ivy, I am so glad I have my Sutures and our family now too.

__________

The next couple of days go fast until the wedding. The morning of the wedding I get up early so I can make sure that I have time to do Scrap Pile's mane and tail properly. Sutures and I take our family and meet Scrap Pile at her shop, and we begin to help her get ready.

As I gently brush and braid them, I hear her sniffle a bit, now and again. Several times she thanks me for being so willing to do this for her.

Each time I simply smile and give her a brief hug and tell her, “Dear, I am more than happy to be here, doing this for you.”

After I finish, I look at her and am stunned by how much of a difference it makes for her. I would not have believed it was the same young mare, who only a few months ago was terrified anyone would find out her past.

Sutures assist her in getting her dress on and adding the finishing touches while I braid my own mane and tail hurriedly with help from Epona, and I put my new dress and scarf on. Once I am done, I step out from the side room and am as stunned to see Scrap Pile in her finery as she is to see me in a dress. I watch her jaw drop and she asks in a questioning tone, “Ma?”

“Yes dear, and Scrap, you look beautiful today. Beach is such a lucky buck to have so lovely of a bride.”

I see her smile brightly as she asks, “Do you really mean it ma?”

I nod my head and then tell her, “Scrap if you have a mirror here, you should really look at yourself in it.”

I see her think and she has Sutures pick up an old pot lid that is still reflective and I see her expression change from one of joy to that of awe as she asks, “Is that really me?”

Sutures nods to her and Epona tells her, “Yeah Scrap, you really look beautiful.”

She grins widely, then one by one she hugs us all. Then she notices the time and tells us, “Oh, we better get to the chapel.”

It is only a few blocks away and as we walk with her towards it, I notice how many ponies stop and stare at her. Then I see Cinnamon and her foals also heading toward the chapel. Cinnamon looks stunned as she asks, “Miss Scrap, is that really you?”

Scrap giggles slightly and tells her, “Yes, it is Cinnamon, and thank you for coming.”

Once we arrive, I see several ponies and even a couple of mules and cattle are already inside. It is not a huge audience, but enough to make for a nice ceremony. Up at the front of the church stands Beach Shake and his best stallion Tumbleweed. They are both dressed in their best outfits. I can see Beach is slightly nervous, but once he sees Scrap, he smiles widely.

Soon I escort Scrap down the aisle. Millie and Moon Lily follow us. Each with a basket in their muzzles that carries a single large woven grass ring. When we get to Beach. I step aside and quietly tell my fillies to just wait there as the ceremony begins.

It goes smoothly and even my little mares behave properly, except for when the bride and groom are to take the hay rings from the baskets, Moon Lily lifts each ring to them, making it an even smoother flowing ceremony. Once they have the rings, they each place them on each other’s head like a crown. The preacher finishes the ceremony and then proclaims, “Congratulations, I now pronounce you Stallion and Mare,” He turns to Beach and tells him, “You may now kiss your bride.”

Their kiss is a long but tender one that they share with not only each other physically, but with the rest of us by how much love, caring, and gentleness is shown in it. When they break the kiss they then turn toward us and trot down the aisleway to the front of the church where they greet everyone as they exit the church and begin to head outside for a celebratory luncheon.

Once outside the foals begin to laugh and play as we adults talk and laugh. Off to the side, I notice a few ponies pull out fiddles and a mule takes out a banjo. A few others have their own instruments and the music begins to fill the churchyard.

When the couple has their first dance together, I see the love and joy on their faces and am glad I could share in their special day. To the side I see Chain lightning smiling along with Tater and I hear him say, “You know son, I would love to have a ceremony like that with papa Tail, what do you think?”

Tater looks at him smiling and tells him, “I would love it Pa. So, does this mean you are going to make it official?”

I see him pause to answer and finally, he says, “Well, if he wants to. But I will be asking him to. That is if you think I should.”

In answer, Tater gives his pa a hug and tells him, “Yeah, yeah I do think you should.”

As the festivities begin to wind down, I notice the bride and groom saying goodbye to those guests who are departing. Many of us are helping to begin cleaning up. They then come over to us and tell us, “Thank you all so much for coming and helping so much.”

I smile at them both and only can tell them, “Congratulations again, you two.”

Then from beside me, I hear Epona ask, “So Scrap, how long till you have your foals?”

My mouth drops open and I see Scrap Pile begin to laugh as she tells her, “Not for a while yet, but eventually sis,” then she turns to her husband and tells him, “See, I told you she would ask, now you owe me two caps.”

He laughs out loud and kisses her then he tells her, “Ok, I will pay you up later love.” Soon after, once we are finished, I see them sneak away and head towards Scrap's store. I have to smile to myself and quietly say “Good luck my friends and I hope this happiness always stays with you.” Then I take my wife’s tail in mine as we slowly make our way back towards the base to spend the remainder of the evening with our family making new memories and enjoying the time we have together.

__________

Dear DJ Pon3,

Today I attended the wedding of two friends. It was a time of joy, but it was also bittersweet as it brought back memories of those I have lost or are no longer in our lives. It reminded me of one particular pony who I still mourn the loss of, but it also made me realize how much I have since gained. With such thoughts in mind could you please play for me What Might Have Been?

Thank you so much.

Sincerely

Chain Lightning, currently in Hackamore but looking towards home.

Author's Note

For those who would like to listen to this chapter's dedication song, the YouTube link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MfxJpcf-Uc