Cadance was happy. Truly happy.

She'd thought a lot about the last three years, about everything that happened.

Things would never be the same. She knew that.

Everypony had been hurt after the incident with Queen Chrysalis, but they were healing.

Cadance remembered every one of them.

Remembered the look on Celestia's face when she'd come to her chambers. How she'd broken down and sobbed, apologizing, begging forgiveness. It had hurt. Cadance couldn't understand how she could have been so blind, couldn't understand how Celestia could have been so easily fooled, but she was patient. She learned to understand. Understand how after watching herself decline for years, how Celestia was so willing to believe the lie. She knew in her heart that Celestia had never been truly convinced. Knew that if she'd just looked hard enough, she would have seen through the mask.

But she also knew Celestia as a pony. A pony who had experienced war, famine, suffering, pain, betrayal and the countless loss of loved ones. A pony who had been through so much tragedy that it was easy to believe the lie.

When her subjects had lost all hope, she would have done anything to stop them from giving up. Just like she'd done for herself.

She remembered Shining. How they'd faced each other with tears in their eyes. They'd sat together for a long time in silence in the gardens.

A place that had once felt warm to both of them, had become a painful reminder of Chrysalis's deeds. That was how it had gone for weeks. They'd bump into each other in the gardens and sit in silence. Knowing that one day, they'd talk again. Shining had been the first to break the silence.

“So? Do I have to give you the big bro talk now that you're dating my little sister?” He'd asked with a goofy smile. Cadance just teared up, bursting out in laughter. Real laughter. Something she'd not felt for a long time.

They talked, and talked. Shining apologised for not being able to see it, but she forgave him. Cadance apologized for years of mind control, but he didn't blame her. They apologized and talked and sat in the gardens. Waiting, as the friendship and hope returned.

She remembered Reeetro. rushing to the dungeon to release him. He'd cried, praising the stars that she was safe. She went back onto medication for a while. Making sure to go see him three times a week. They'd have tea and talk.

For the first few months she could sense his bitterness. His anger towards Celestia. She had apologised. To everypony, but Reeetro could still feel the sting. He'd told her, that he didn't believe it, that it didn't make sense. He'd apologised profusely for not doing more. For hiding in the shadows like a coward. She simply smiled at him. Telling him that he'd done more than enough. He'd thanked her, and they continued to heal.

She remembered Firecraft and Nebula, how Reeetro had told her that they'd galloped off on a rescue mission, at the moments notice. She smiled at the thought, knowing that even when she'd been trapped down that cave for two years, Chrysalis taking over her life. That there were still ponies that had fought for her without question.

She remembered Reaper. Remembered the long recovery he'd had to go through. The several months on the run, little food and no sleep had been harsh enough. The fourteen months spent in Chrysalis's love cocoon, a near death sentence, but wearing the inhibitor ring for two years had caused severe damage to his horn. The restricting metal had caused fractures which had made his spells ineffective and caused pain for him when he tried to cast them. He had to go for intense therapy for a year before he was back to full strength.

The saddest thing was that he'd almost excepted it. Saying that he deserved it for what he'd done to those foals. Cadance had convinced him that he was wrong. That his years of loyal service, protecting their kingdom, nearly dying to prove her innocence was payment enough. He'd relented. Even going as far as to study with Twilight how to cast basic spells again. He'd told her what he'd done. She'd been shocked at first but she forgave him, knowing that he'd done it too protect her.

She remembered Spark. Remembered her, Firecraft, Nebula and Reaper stumbling out of the catacombs, collapsing to the floor in exhaustion. Remembered watching her sleep for an entire week, worried she might never wake up.

She had been the most hurt. She'd nearly resigned. Nearly. Cadance had watched her scream at Celestia, tears pouring down her face, the look of pain and betrayal burned in her eyes. She'd been so angry. Angry that Celestia had branded her a traitor. Celestia had apologised, over and over, cried hugging Spark to her chest. Cadance watched as Spark feebly swung her hooves at Celestia, but Celestia held on.

She'd disappeared for month. Not physically, but mentally. She'd took to night shifts, wanting to bask the isolation as she sorted out her thoughts. She came back. Her and Celestia had spoken long and hard. She'd forgiven her, and the two rekindled their friendship.

Cadance thought about a lot of things, but mostly?

She thought about Twilight.

She'd remembered her the most. All the years of pain and guilt that she'd felt because of her. All the late nights of talking about years they'd spent apart. All the adventures that she'd gone on with her friends. All the painful memories that brought tears to bother their eyes. The painful loneliness as Twilight would return to Ponyville to live with her friends.

She'd remembered the struggles, but she remembered all the love as well.

The excitement she would feel knowing that Twilight would be coming to spend the week with her. The peacefulness she felt when they would sit on the balcony and talk for hours on end. The amusement when she'd tried teaching Twilight how to sow, and blushes she received when she'd kiss her hoof after she'd pricked it. The joy when Twilight found a new book and they'd spend the night reading it together before falling asleep in each others hooves.

And the pure love and devotion in her eyes when she'd asked her to marry her. The overwhelming happiness when she'd said yes.

Cadance thought about her life. How much struggle and pain it had been filled with, but she knew. That with Twilight by he side, she could be strong.

Cadance stares into the mirrors, admiring the wedding dress that had been so delicately made. She smiles softly at the sight. A knock breaks her out of her thoughts.

“Come in.” She calls, as she begins fidgeting with the flower braid on her head.

“Cadance?” The soft voice of Celestia is heard as she steps into the room. “Are you ready?” She asks with a warm smile.

Cadance takes a deep breath before turning her attention away from the mirror towards Celestia giving her a faint nod and nervous smile.

…...........................................................................................................................

Cadance shuffled around nervously standing at the alter. Her eyes locked worriedly on the large doors at the end of the room. She began hyperventilating, taking quick, panicked breaths.

“Don't worry Cadance.” Cadance turns her attention towards her Auntie. “She'll be here.” Celestia gives her an encouraging smile. Cadance just nods, but it does little to squash the bubbling fear. Cadance's eyes glance back around, turning her attention to her left. She gives a sigh of relief and a warm smile at the sight of Reeetro, Spark, Firecraft, Shining and Reaper, all smiling at her with joy.

Her ears stand on end and her head shoots up at the sound of music beginning to play. She watches with hopeful eyes as the doors swing open and he breath hitches at the sight.

Twilight was wearing a white drape with red trimmings, her mane pulled up into a tight bun and circlet of red and white roses place on top of her head.

She was the most beautiful thing Cadance had ever seen.

She felt her heart swell with excitement as she watched Twilight walk down aisle with a bashful look on her face, hiding her smile with her bouquet. Cadance looked on in amazement as Celestia smiled proudly.

Firecraft leans down towards spark. “So?” He whispers. “When are you an me gonna tie the knot then?” He winks, watching as she turns her head towards him, giving him a playful glare.

“Never.” She says flatly, with a smirk on her lips. Firecraft just grins, lowering his head down towards her stomach, giving the obvious bump a nuzzle.

“An what does little one think?” He straightens up giving her a wink. She just rolls her eyes, shushing him. As Twilight reaches the alter.

“Fillies and Gentlecolts.” Celestia's voice begins. The room going quiet, before she continues. “We are gather here today, to join these two beautiful mares in matrimony.” She smiles looking towards Cadance.

“Cadance, do you take this mare to be your wife, to live together in matrimony, to love her, honour her, cherish her, in sickness and in health till death do you part?” She smiles.

“I do.” Cadance smiles warmly. Celestia turns to Twilight.

“Twilight, do you take this mare to be your wife, to live together in matrimony, to love her, honour her, cherish her, in sickness and in health till death do you part?” She watches as her student beams.

“I do.” Twilight says furiously nodding her head.

“Then by the power in vested in me, it is my great honour to pronounce you, wife and wife.” She beams proudly. “You may now kiss the bride.” The sounds of applause ripple through the room as both Twilight and Cadance lean in for a kiss.

“Go on lass!” Firecraft jeers causing Spark to kick him in the hind leg, making him wince. Celestia simply laughs, amused by the stallions antics.

The crowd keeps cheering, long into the night, as good drinks, food, music and company fill the warm spring evening.

Twilight and Cadance bask in the afterglow, opting to spend a few moments peace of together in the gardens before rushing away on their honeymoon.

They looked up towards the sky alive with stars and the faint glow of the moon. They gazed for a long time, feeling a sense of comfort wash over them.

They turned to look at each other, watching the love and happiness flicker like diamonds in there eyes.

Twilight gives Cadance a deep kiss before whispering.

“Think we have time?” She raises an eyebrow seductively towards her new wife who just smirks, nodding in return.

“Race you.” Cadance states before bolting up and running off in the direction of her chambers.

Celestia watches with a peaceful expression from her balcony, as the two newly wed mares bolt across the garden giggling and trying to out do one another.

Celestia hears the faint sound of her door opening and closing.

“Everything all right dear sister?” The soft voice of Luna could be heard.

“Yes Luna.” Celestia answers honestly. “All is well.” She smiles, staring off towards the night sky.

All was well.

Author's Note

Well here it is, the end Fillies and Gentlecolts. I wanted to thank you all so much once again for sticking with the story to the end. I hope you've enjoyed it and I hope to see you soon.

Humble Regards.

OnTheTrot