Twilight laid a hoof on her pendant, looking out at the pre-dawn town just beginning to stir from its slumber. Birds were chirping happily, a few farmers had already begun to make their way out to the fields, and the ovens at Sugarcube Corner were coating the town with a hearty promise of delicious morning confectioneries. She inhaled the scents of dirt and earth, muffins, flowers, and a gentle late-night rainfall that had stirred up the most relaxing of aromas.

Today was the day.

A gentle knock came from her door, preceding an inquisitive Rarity.

“Twilight, are you awake?”

“I am indeed, Rarity.” She turned away from the window to greet her friend, who entered the bedroom with a warm smile. They embraced, holding the hug for a few long seconds. “Did you sleep well?”

“Like a foal. What about you, darling? Did you sleep well?” Rarity returned, pulling back with a ghost of worry on her face. Given their antics yesterday, she guessed it was a due bit of concern.

“You know, I actually did.” Twilight chuckled faintly. “Considering how anxious I was, it’s a miracle, isn’t it?”

“That poor tree. I do hope Applejack doesn’t hold it against you. You were only trying to help, after all.”

“Well, that’s what she gets for asking a bride-to-be to help with the harvest.” Twilight blushed as she remembered uprooting a twenty-some-odd-year-old apple tree the previous day. “I told her I’d replace the tree… I hope she forgives me.”

“It was an honest mistake, darling.” Rarity soothed her with a gentle hoof through her mane. “Don’t fret about it. Instead, think ahead to the day! It’s your wedding!”

“I know!” Twilight allowed herself a feminine squeal of delight, the fluttering anticipation sending her stomach into flips. “Oh my gosh, I’m so excited! It’s going to be the best day ever!”

“That it is, Twilight. And the best day ever starts with the best breakfast ever! Cross Stitch has started, so I must go help him before he ruins our meal. Why don’t you go to Sugarcube Corner for some muffins?”

“That sounds like a wonderful idea. I’ll be back soon.” Twilight and Rarity left her room together, though at the bottom of the stairs leading into the library, they parted ways; Rarity to the kitchen to stop whatever culinary disaster Cross Stitch was inadvertently brewing, and Twilight to fetch them some delicious muffins.

The reason for her return visit to Ponyville had made itself known over the past couple of days, and the ponies of her old home were anxiously excited for what was going to happen later that afternoon. Many of them had expressed their desire to attend the ceremony, and while it pained Twilight to deny them, she had to explain that it was set to be a relatively small, intimate affair. There would only be the princesses, family, and a few of her closest colleagues and co-workers in actual attendance; not to mention her friends, but there simply wouldn’t be enough room at the ceremony for the whole town of Ponyville, let alone whatever Canterlot attendants there would be.

She had, however, promised them all a spot at the reception, and the town was busy preparing to leave that morning. She passed many ponies on the street with luggage or small bags of clothes to be changed into once they arrived. They were intent on the train station, to catch the first locomotive bound for Canterlot that morning. She was on the receiving end of many well-wishes and fawning compliments; despite not having even showered that morning. Her gratitude skyrocketed when the cute mare behind the counter gave her a double helping of muffins for free, to commemorate the wondrous occasion.

In truth, Twilight supposed it was a large happening. It wasn’t every day the Archmage got married to one of the Princesses. Feeling bubbly and giddy, she made her way back to the library, emerging into a cloud of heavenly, mouth-watering scents. “Oh my gosh, Rarity, is that a Hay Fry Omelet?”

“You remembered! The last time I cooked one of these was… Oh my gosh, almost four years ago!”

“You never make them for me.” Cross Stitch grumbled, setting out the silverware for their breakfast. He appeared to have been exiled from the kitchen while Rarity worked her magic - literally. Twilight had just set the box of muffins down when Rarity emerged with three steaming plates, heaped high with delicious-looking fluffy eggs, crispy hay fries, cilantro, peppers, onions, tomatoes, and all manner of other delights. Twilight wondered if she’d have room for all of it.

Her growling stomach quelled all fears as they dug in.

----------

Following breakfast was the preparatory period. Rarity stressed about it, as they’d have to move from the library to the train, then from the train onto a carriage and to the wedding venue; which was, coincidentally, the same chamber Shining Armor and Cadance’s wedding had taken place in. The memory of that fateful day almost ten years ago was but a ghost to Twilight now, and the dramatic changeling invasion had been forgotten behind a night of laughing, dancing, singing, and merry-making.

She took a long, hot shower with Rarity in attendance, scrubbing and paying attention to her mane and tail. She knew it was tradition that the bride be accompanied by her Best Mare, though she didn’t know it was customary to be fawned over to such a degree. Rarity had worked her hooves to the bone making the dress in time, and now she was busying herself with cleaning Twilight so thoroughly she doubted she’d ever be dirty again. Rarity showed no mercy, even scrubbing at Twilight’s crotch as thoroughly as anypony had.

She’d earned a fair bit of blushes and stammering, but Rarity assured Twilight up and down it was tradition. Twilight sincerely doubted that, but knew she’d thank the alabaster unicorn for it on her honeymoon. She remembered fondly how much Luna liked her to be clean down there. And thankfully enough, Rarity moved past that portion with haste, moving on to scrubbing Twilight’s back, legs, barrel, stomach, neck, and horn. When the two mares emerged from the shower to dry off, Twilight felt radiant.

Next came the makeup. It wasn’t a windy day in Ponyville (thanks largely in part to Rainbow Dash’s pull with the local weather team) so they’d handle her makeup now, and touch it up should they need to on the train. Rarity explained that eyeliner and mascara were difficult enough to apply without jostling and bumping around in a rattling train car. Twilight wouldn’t know, as she seldom wore makeup. But Rarity insisted on giving her the full treatment. The fretful unicorn spent almost an entire hour applying, harrumphing, and tsk-ing at Twilight’s face before they were finished. Right on time, it would seem, as Fluttershy came to check on them. A timid knock preceded the shy pegasus.

“Uum, I’m sorry, but everypony says it’s almost time to go- oh! Twilight!” Fluttershy abandoned the meek veneer as she dashed forward, standing mouth agape before her. “You look absolutely gorgeous! Oh, Rarity, you’ve done such an amazing job!”

“Why thank you, darling.” Rarity blew her bangs out of her eyes, the amethyst strands having come undone from Rarity’s conservative bun over the course of the makeup application. “I dare say it’s my best job yet;to say nothing of the dress.”

“Oh I can’t wait to see that…” Fluttershy fawned, walking a slow circle around Twilight. “But… Shouldn’t you have styled her mane as well?”

“Nonsense! Twilight’s mane and tail have always suited her perfectly well. Just like designing a dress, one should highlight rather than conceal the important details.” Rarity waved a hoof over Twilight’s mane, her eyes glimmering. “She’s the picture of conservation. A modest mane style suits her, and would appeal to Luna, the most.”

“You’re right.” Fluttershy beamed between them. “But anyways, we need to leave. Applejack said she can hold up the conductor for at least another fifteen minutes.”

“Oh, and he refuses to wait for the Archmage?!” Rarity flustered, throwing her makeup tools into the bag she had withdrawn them from. Cross Stitch had already taken their luggage to be loaded. “The nerve of some ponies. Come now, Twilight, let’s go!” The three mares departed the library, making sure to lock it and deposit the key in the box by the door before leaving. Twilight cast a glance over her haunches at the dwindling leaves of her former home. She knew there stood a good chance she’d return here someday, but in some small way, it felt like saying ‘goodbye’ for the last time.

They turned a corner, and the library left her sight. In front of her was the train, hissing and whistling its encouragement. Fluttershy flew ahead, and Twilight hurried as much as she dared to catch up with the bustling Rarity. Even with her moderate limp, the white unicorn could move when there was a deadline to keep. They arrived on the platform before long, earning a chagrined look from the conductor but otherwise boarding unmolested. They were a little breathy from walking quickly, but the two mares joined up with the rest of their friends, already bubbling and happy.

The joy of the past few days was not forgotten to Twilight. She remembered fondly the time they had spent conversing, eating, socializing, and even playing games in the park. It reminded Twilight of her life in the sleepy little town before being named Archmage. That seemed like so many years and an entire world ago. Before she had learned all these different schools of magic. Before she had shouldered so much responsibility. Before she became one of the most influential ponies in the history of Equestria.

Even over the impending ceremony that day, where she’d swear her loyalty and undying love to Luna in front of everypony, that responsibility loomed. In the back of her mind, the buzzing thought of the things she had to do, of all the responsibilities that waited for her to be married.

’At least I’ll have the honeymoon after all this… I hope Night Dancer and Warden forgive me for taking such a long time away from them.’

“Twilight,” Rarity’s soft voice broke her from her reverie. She shook her head, looking to the alabaster unicorn with an open expression.

“Yes?”

“You’re not focusing on what’s important.” Rarity’s tone chided her, making Twilight blanch a little.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean today is your wedding, dear. You look so focused on something else. Focus on the here and now, Twilight.”

“You’re right.” Twilight admonished herself, grinning at her gathered friends. “No sense in focusing on what’s to come. Let’s get changed.” They made their way to the caboose car; right in front of the luggage. They drew a few curious looks from ponies who had joined them, but that last car had been reserved for the bridal party, and all six mares made their way back in the company of one solemn Cross Stitch. Twilight idly wondered how well he’d handle being in a rattling train car with six dressing mares, but her fears were put to rest as they transitioned into the second-to-last car.

“What- hey!” A blindfold descended over her eyes, fully blocking out the sight of what was around her. Almost as if on reflex, her magic reached out, giving her a telluric picture of everything in the car. She was idly aware of two ponies moving towards the luggage car, while four other pairs of hooves rested on her back and chest, keeping her from moving.

“You know, I’ve enough decency to close my eyes if you wanted to surprise me.” She deadpanned as a faint bit of telekinesis disrupted the aura she had summoned, indicating it was Rarity at the back of the car, and she was lifting something out of the luggage.

“But where’s the fun in that?” Rainbow Dash scoffed, nudging her playfully. “Besides, Luna told us you’re kind of into blindf-MMF!”

“What Rainbow Dash is trying to say,” Fluttershy cut her off as Pinkie’s hoof reached out to collide with Dash’s mouth. The pegasi rubbed her lips with a hurt expression. It was honestly a little spooky how well Twilight could see with just her magic. “… is that we wanted to make extra sure this was as big of a surprise as could be.”

“Eeyup! We didn’t want you peeking to ruin it, even if on accident. Who knows what could happen to jostle you on the rails!” As if on cue, Pinkie’s premonition came true in the form of a faint jostle as the train began to round a bend, and their car caught up with the others in the motion. Twilight grimaced and relaxed back, relieving the pressure from four pairs of hooves.

"Well I can't blame you for taking extra steps to make it a surprise." She sighed, closing her eyes behind the blindfold. Her magic sought out the rear of the car, cutting through the hazy interference of Rarity's telekinesis to touch at the package. It was a boxed-up model pony, where she was sure the dress hung off of its artificial frame. Behind the wooden slats, though, she couldn't tell the specifics. The whole dress seemed fuzzy to her, indicating it had been enchanted. Whether those enchantments were to stop peeping eyes or cosmetic, she couldn't quite tell.

"Just another moment..." Applejack muttered as the wooden slats cracked and broke. Rarity was removing them one at a time. Why she went to the trouble of crating it in the first place was beyond her; though maybe it was to keep prying eyes from peeking at it on the way to the train. It was honestly a little overblown in Twilight's mind. She knew Rarity had a flair for the dramatic, but this was just too much. She heaved an impatient sigh as the other mares let loose a torrent of 'ooh's and 'aah's. Fluttershy squeaked at the sight of it, her hooves leaving Twilight's body. She was idly aware of the shy pegasus fluttering off to go sit down, the sound of her heavy breathing indicating a mild panic attack.

Whatever it was, it was gorgeous. Now if only Twilight could see the damned thing.

"Alright, sugarcube." Applejack finally stepped back, indicating it was fine for Twilight to look. Impatiently, she pulled the blindfold off and opened her eyes.

She understood why Fluttershy felt the need to go sit down.

Rich crimson fabric flowed like a waterfall down the model pony's haunches, the hem of the delicate skirt brushing the floor of the caboose ever so slightly. The deep color of the fabric gave it an almost burgundy coloration, but as the train turned and the mid-morning sun poured into the cab, it lit into a glorious, royal crimson color. Golden embroidery glimmered in the sunlight, lining the hem of the skirt all the way up to a stylish and moderate collar. The torso of the dress was framed in white satin, positively glowing with the lighting, and giving the red-white-and-gold dress a truly regal, mystifying appearance. The white veil draped across the face of the model, stopping just short of where the pendant of her necklace would rest.

As Twilight hesitantly stepped forwards, the dress was enveloped in a blue aura, and seemed to come alive before her eyes. The enchantments she had sensed earlier were indeed cosmetic, and the fabric around the legs began to ripple like the surface of a pond after a single pebble had been dropped into it. The skirt flowed like a river of blood, the folds coming back to cast black shadows on the rich fabric, and the white torso glimmered like roiling clouds on a bright, sunny day. The veil was attached to a delicate golden-wire crown stylized to hold both her and Luna's cutie marks in intricate patterns.

In short, it looked like nothing Twilight had ever seen. The design was modest enough to suit her perfectly, but crafted with such care and excellence, and such exquisite materials, that Twilight felt guilty wearing it down the aisle. It must have cost a veritable fortune. She was just about to reach a tenuous hoof out to touch it when Rarity's horn glowed brighter, fetching five smaller bags from the back of the cart. As Twilight watched, Rarity extracted the bridesmaids dresses from them, all of them a similar fashion of red, gold, and white. The skirts were shorter and not enchanted, but the chestpiece was similarly fashioned. On the flank of each dress was emblazoned the owner's cutie mark, done in golden filigree and hoof-stitched embroidery. They were even enchanted so that Pinkie's balloons bobbed faintly, Fluttershy's butterflies flapped lazily, and even Rainbow Dash's thunderbolt struck out of the white-lace cloud.

"Rarity, I-"

"I made the others' before yours," Rarity admitted guiltily. "... it was a struggle making them all on time, but you know me. I work best under pressure." She strode around the piece de resistance with pride in her eyes, looking up and down at the delicate work she had wrought. "But this one... It's one of my proudest accomplishments to-date." Her eyes turned back to Twilight, glimmering with tears of joy. "I owe many things to you, Twilight. My life included. This is my small way of making amends to you, for all of the effort you've put into not just our friendships, but saving Equestria and serving it as a whole."

"It's got a little somethin' from all of us, too, Twi." Applejack intoned solemnly. "Tell 'er, Rarity."

"That's right! I had nearly forgotten. Your dress has gifts from all of us in it. From Applejack, the red satin."

"Granny Smith had been savin' it fer somethin' special. She made Applebloom's Cutecinera dress outta that, but had plenty leftover. It's somethin' special to the whole family."

"And the veil..."

"Was mine." Fluttershy peeped up, having finally joined the others with her breathing under control. "B-big Macintosh and I had a... a small ceremony. The veil was my mother's, and mine, and now it's yours."

"The crown of the veil-"

"Used to be the Best Young Fliers competition crown." Rainbow Dash stepped in, her tone markedly more solemn than Twilight had attributed to the brash pegasus. "You were all there when I won it, and it's just been gatherin' dust on the shelf of my home. I figured, 'why not put it to use?' It means a lot to me, even if it's just been sitting there these last few years. Rarity melted it down and re-forged it for you and Luna."

"The lace-"

"Was miiiiine!" Pinkie Pie burst out. Twilight hadn't noticed it, but the poor pony was jiggling with excitement. She had probably been holding it in for as long as they had been on the train. "It's been cleaned and saved ever since the very first party I threw for you, way back when you first moved to Ponyville! They were on the doilies where you drank that hot sauce right before bolting out! I didn't want them to go to waste, and after our fight with Nightmare Moon, I knew you were a special pony. And special ponies deserve special doilies!"

"Oh my gosh..." Twilight breathed, her mind reeling with all of the implications. Her best friends had put up some of their most prized possessions, giving her pieces of their lives that meant the absolute most to them. Her haunches hit the floor, and she felt tears welling in her eyes. "Girls, I... I don't know what to say."

"You don' have to say a thing, sugarcube."

"After all,"

"You've still got your vows to say." Rarity stepped forwards, laying a tender hoof on Twilight's cheek. "Now let's get dressed. Remember, this is supposed to be the best day ever."

"Right." Twilight blinked away her tears, grinning widely at the other ponies. "Let's do this."

----------

The train ride to Canterlot wasn't a very long one, and after the reveal of the dress, they were hard-pressed to change in time. Twilight ran through the plans they had been arranging via letters back-and-forth the past week. Shining Armor was to meet them at the train platform and ride with Twilight in her carriage to the castle. Once there, she would be pulled aside to give the other girls enough time to get into place before walking the aisle with her brother. Following the ceremony, the reception would be held on the castle grounds, with Rainbow Dash and the Wonderbolts providing an aerial show, followed by music and dancing through the night.

Everything was going according to plan as they pulled into station. Shining Armor looked absolutely stunning in his regalia, but all eyes were on Twilight as she stepped off of the train. The ponies who had come with them were sequestered to their portion of the platform by a wall of guards, but their curious eyes couldn't be helped as they peeked around burly pegasi and unicorns. Twilight blushed furiously as the whispers of shock and awe radiated outwards, further compounded by Shining's open mouth.

"Twilight." He managed to close his jaw respectfully, though his eyes still stood wide in his head. "By Starswirl's beard, you look amazing..."

"It's all the dress, I assure you..." Twilight blushed, feeling a little self-conscious as her brother and all of the other ponies ogled her. She wasn't drawing half as many looks as the other ponies, even if she did think Rarity looked more beautiful than her. Cross Stitch wasn't half-bad in his stylish suit, either. He wouldn't stand with her on the podium, so he slipped off to catch a different carriage to the castle, and help assure that everything was going according to plan. The rattling wheels of his departure shook Shining Armor out of his stupor, and he offered a hoof to her. Twilight graciously took it, the seven of them making their way towards a line of carriages drawn by strong-looking colts of the guard, each of them standing stone-still.

Anticipation and anxiety began to grow in Twilight's gut as they boarded. Shining sat beside her, his back straight and tall, yet she knew he could hardly outshine her, no matter how low she slumped or well-hidden she tried to be. The dress wouldn't allow it. Her skirts flowed like water, and the radiant fabric made her shine like her own sun. As the carriages made their way down the main drag of Canterlot, ponies lined the roads on either side. A roaring cheer swelled up, urging her along towards the castle on a wave of sound.

"Smile and wave." Shining urged, nudging her faintly as he lifted his hoof. "This is your day, and they're all so happy for you."

"True." Twilight bolstered her strength, waving a hoof out at the cheering crowd, held back by a line of guards. She hadn't wanted to enlist their help, but Shining Armor and Bastion both insisted. This was her day, after all. She had relented, and was glad for that much. It wasn't just Canterlot ponies in attendance today, but there were dignitaries from all over Equestria here to witness the joyous occasion. She saw dress from Trottingham and Stalliongrad, stylish ponies from Manehattan and Baltimare, and the rustic touches of old-fashioned attire from Ponyville, Dodge Junction, and Appleoosa. This was a national event, and it showed with the sheer number of ponies lining the road.

"What about security?"

"We've got the entire Canterlot guard contingent on-duty, both undercover and in-uniform." Shining spoke quietly, though he still smiled and waved at the crowd. "I got a report just before your train arrived, our sleuthing spells have detected nothing wrong. We've checked everything, even changeling magic. Trust me, sis, nothing will go wrong."

"Alright." Twilight smiled, some minor fears that had been bugging at the back of her mind having been put to rest. She felt the anxiousness abate a little, the undertone of national security no longer highlighting the larger fear of 'Oh bucking stars, I'm getting MARRIED today!' The carriages continued on towards the castle, with everypony in attendance shouting wild encouragement to her. Roses and coins rained in from the crowd, to be picked up by attendants. Per tradition, ponies often tossed gifts and well-wishing cards into the path of the bride on her way to the venue. A rain of bits and letters, roses, lilies, and other gifts fell to the cobblestone street, picking up hastily by several unicorns guards leading the procession. Twilight caught one particularly bright-looking rose, lifting it to her nose and waving at the foreign stallion who had thrown it. Another ripple of cheers followed the act, and she tucked the rose protectively behind her ear. It matched the golden crown perfectly well.

"Alright. Showtime." Shining Armor beamed at her, opening the door and disembarking first to offer her a hoof down. She took it gratefully, still blushing from the onlookers and the anxiety. Her heart galloped in her chest, making her feel not unlike she was floating on a cloud. She clutched Shining's hoof close, leaning on him for support as her friends gathered around for a brief moment.

"We'll see you up there, Twi." Rainbow Dash beamed.

"Do try to relax, Twilight. Take deep breaths, and remember, you love Luna. I promise, that will help you through this day." Rarity fretted over her mane, tucking small wayward strands behind the rose.

"I'm so nervous. And excited." Fluttershy dashed forth for a quick hug, earning a reproachful look from Rarity as she ruffled the white chest piece.

"Y'all are gonna be fine, Twilight. B'fore you know it, you'll be back on the train to Diamond Bay. with Luna at yer side."

"But not before the PARTY!" Pinkie bubbled, bouncing backwards up the steps. "Come on! Come on, come on, come on! Let's go!"

"Thank you, girls. Let's not keep Luna waiting any longer." Twilight smiled at her friends confidently, finding the strength in her legs once again. She still felt nervous, but underneath the roiling sea of last-minute doubts and anxiety, there was a calmness in her. A sort of resolve that she hadn't felt in a long while. With one last parting smile, her friends turned and made their way into the castle. Shining Armor waited until they were inside before leading Twilight up the steps.

"Nervous?" He broke the tenuous silence with a soft word.

"Weren't you?"

"Of course. But you gotta remember, you love that pony in there. Just like I loved Cadance. Like Rarity said, that one fact is going to help you through this day more than anything else. In here." He turned off of the main hallway and into what looked like a miniature study. The far door was closed, but beyond it Twilight could hear soft music and conversation. She knew it led into the hallway just outside of the ceremony chamber, with the wide double doors. Ponies were filing in at the last minute, ushered on by a boisterous Pinkie Pie. Luna was likely in the chamber already, waiting for her, right out that door, down the carpet, up the steps...

"Oh man." Twilight sighed, pacing now.

"Hey, relax." Shining smiled, nuzzling her once more. "I'll be just outside, making sure only the ponies who are supposed to come and visit. You'll get to talk to a few of them before you take the walk, alright? Don't come out until you're absolutely ready."

"Right." She offered him a brave smile and a return nuzzle as he slipped out of the door. It shut behind him, but opened again almost immediately. Into the small study emerged one pony Twilight was so glad to see again, it almost hurt as they rushed together.

"Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake! Clap your hooves and do a little shake!"

Princess Cadance laughed as she threw her hooves around Twilight, and into that embrace, Twilight felt all of her fears and doubts escape. It was such a lovely feeling, singing their little song and just being with her close friend once again.

"So this is it, huh?" Cadance bubbled, smoothing the ruffles she had put into the dress. "You look incredible, by the way... Oh, I wish I'd have had some say in my own dress. The red suits you very well."

"Rarity certainly did a wonderful job with it." Twilight beamed, turning a circle for Cadance. "I'm so thankful I have such good friends... And a good sister."

"We're going to be even closer, now. You're marrying one-half of our diarchy, after all. This gives you a better claim to the throne than even Bluebood has."

"Come on, Cadance." Twilight scoffed. "I'm the Archmage. I serve the crowns, not covet them. Mine is a life term, and I'll be Luna's Archmage first, and her wife second."

"I'm glad to hear that." A third voice preceded another of the Princesses, this time in the form of Celestia. She looked positively regal that day, her accoutrements glimmering as if in some unseen sunlight, and she wore a flowing dress of white silk that made her look even more ephemeral than usual.

"I have to go; I'm presiding, after all. Be strong, Twilight. I'll see you in a moment." Cadance gave Twilight a parting nuzzle, smiling at Celestia as she passed. The taller princess returned the smile with a warm touch to Cadance's side before turning her gaze onto Twilight.

"You truly do look radiant today, Twilight." Celestia moved forward to embrace her gently. "Luna is going to be so happy when she sees you."

"Thank you, Celestia. You look amazing today as well."

"I get the feeling that just this once," Celestia chuckled, pulling away and smiling down at her. "... I'm not going to be the brightest pony in the room."

"Just once." Twilight gave a nervous titter. "I don't think I'd be able to handle it after today."

"Well, allow me to be the first to say I'm glad this arrangement isn't muddling your priorities." Celestia's voice turned marginally more serious as she stepped back, resting on her haunches as she leveled with Twilight. "I know we've spoken about this extensively in the weeks before your trip to Ponyville, but I wanted to cement it before the ceremony: You are the Archmage first, and Luna's bride second. Your duty is to Equestria and her citiziens, myself, Luna, Cadance, and all of the other constituents you're familiar with."

"I know, Celestia-"

"-and," Celestia cut her off with a raised hoof. "I want you to know that for the next few days, those duties are to be switched."

"... What?" Twilight blinked up at her. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, it's not every day I get to see my sister married. Seeing Cadance wed was enough of a blessing, but seeing her fall in love with someone so close to the both of us..." Celestia's eyes watered for a moment, and she took a deep, shaky breath. "It means the world to me, Twilight. So, for the next few days, I want you to be Luna's bride. I have already made arrangements with Warden, Night Dancer, Bastion, and the rest of the council to allow... Well..." She blushed a little, scuffing the carpet with a hoof. "To allow me to take your place as Archmage."

"I... Celestia. I-" Twilight's head spun, and she spread her hooves to keep from toppling over. "You mean..."

"I mean you're freed from your duties until you return from your honeymoon." Celestia nodded warmly, smiling down at her. "No raising the sun and moon with us, no tending to the shields, no attending council meetings... Equestria will govern itself for the next week or so - however long it takes until your return - without either the Archmage or Princess Luna." Celestia did something Twilight had never expected the princess to do.

"Cross my heart, hope to die, stick a cupcake in my eye." She finished the customary series of gestures by laying her hoof over her eye, a devious smile on her face. "Pinkie Pie taught me that one."

"It, uuh... It's supposed to be 'hope to fly.'" Twilight blushed, still in shock at seeing such a display. Celestia scrunched her nose.

"That seems a touch silly to me. 'Hope to die' carries more weight, don't you think? Besides, that's what she taught me it ought to be. Neither of us are fillies anymore, and we know the promises we make to others carry more than just the weight of words." Celestia reached out to smooth the fabric of Twilight's dress fretfully. "We know our promises mean the world. So, on pain of whatever punishments the heavens deem fit, I will hold myself to your duties until you return." She sat back, smiling warmly at Twilight once more.

"Enjoy yourself, Twilight. Today is your day, and Luna's as well. Be married, have fun at the reception, make love to her on your honeymoon, and return to Canterlot a happy, fulfilled mare." She stood then, making for the door leading into the hallway. Before opening it, she cast a look over her haunches at Twilight. "Then, and only then, will I let you be the Archmage again."

She was gone, and in her wake, Twilight felt stunned. For the next few days, she wasn't the Archmage.

'No, scratch that. I AM the Archmage. If not in name, then in spirit. Celestia cannot take that from me or relieve my solemn duty. I might not be serving the crown, but I am still the Archmage, and should Equestria or the crowns need me, I will answer the call.' A grimace crossed her face. 'Even if it's in the middle of a shower with Luna.'

"Twilight, are you ready?" Shining had poked his head into the room. Twilight shook her head, clearing the stupor from her mind. A thought crossed the consciousness, and she gave pause.

"One more minute. I have another visitor."

"Do you? There isn't anypony out he- oh." He balked, as Twilight felt a familiar presence appear behind her. Shining Armor paled, but gave a slight nod. Twilight took a deep breath as he closed the door behind himself, and turned to face Eternity.

"Today is a monumental day." The Night spoke quietly, though her voice reverberated in Twilight's chest and mind.

"It is indeed. I do hope this development is to your liking?"

"Of course it is, child. I wish nothing more than to see Luna happy. Our relationship has been a source of pain for her in the past, but she still draws fulfillment from my presence. And, much like she and I, the two of you have a history as well." The Night's endless eyes pierced into Twilight, but in them she felt a warmth; a comforting sensation of acceptance and happiness that resonated with her on a level much deeper than any she could have imagined. It was the same feeling she felt when kissing Luna, or finding herself awake in the princess' embrace.

"You have not forgotten or forsaken your duty to Equestria, either. I find that noble, and admirable. You step into this union with my blessing, Twilight Sparkle. And know too that my brother smiles on this day with as much happiness as I. Seeing her sister prosper is at the heart of Princess Celestia's desires, and as such, the Day's. Your namesake is surprisingly fitting, that you be the one to bridge the gap between the Night and Day, by making Equestria and its regents happy. Now if you'll excuse me," The mysterious mare reared back, fading away into the dark ceiling of the study. The last whisper of her voice drifted past Twilight's ear.

"I have a wedding to attend."

----------

The double doors opened smoothly, and the music swelled to silence even the heartiest of murmurs from the small audience of ponies. Twilight and Shining Armor stood at the threshold of the ceremony room, all heads turned towards them. Twilight spared the quickest of glances around at the gathered ponies before her eyes were drawn to the top of the steps. All five of her friends stood in a line, and in front of them was Princess Cadance, smiling warmly.

But past them, Twilight saw one thing and one thing only:

"Luna."

The princess was stunning that day. She didn't know who had designed that dress, but she sensed Rarity's ever-present hoof in the matter. A couple to Twilight's, the silken skirt of Luna's dress was a glimmering white, with a crimson bodice of warm satin. She looked the opposite of Twilight, even if her dark, dusky coat stood in stark contrast to the rich colors of the dress she wore. Her own veil, fashioned of the same material as Twilight's, did little to diminish the glimmering of her cyan irises, the joy dancing in them at the sight of Twilight.

Shining Armor gave her a gentle push, sending them on an easy walk down the aisle. Twilight walked as if on a cloud (something she was rather familiar with) down the carpeted aisle, completely unaware of the looks she was getting, the music playing in time with their muffled hoof falls, or even Princess Celestia standing just behind Luna.

The only thing occupying Twilight's mind at that moment was the beautiful Princess Luna, her confidant and lover, her solid foundation, her tower, her stronghold against the terrors of her own dreams and the long, sleepless nights they brought along with them.

Her wife.

The stairs glided under their hooves until Twilight stood before Luna, still in awe of her mysterious and entrancing beauty. She didn't even hear Shining Armor proclaim that he was handing her over, or Luna swear she would defend Twilight's honor. Only when her brother had left to join the audience and Cadance's hoof gingerly lifted her own did she finally hear anything else.

"Friends and family, colleagues, acquaintances, and loved ones... We've come together today to witness an event so rare in occurrence; so transcendent in beauty that even we Princesses have been blessed by it only a hoof-full of times in our lives." Cadance brought her hoof forward, joining it with Luna's.

"True love." Cadance's voice seemed to drop in volume, so that only Twilight and Luna could hear her. She leaned in, finally breaking Twilight's attention long enough that she could glance at the youngest princess. "Do you have your own vows?"

"I- I do." Twilight stuttered, the blush returning in force.

'Focus, girlie. You've practiced these words a hundred times over. It's not any different than a speech. You've stood up to the Greater Canterlot Council, and even the Night itself for pony's sake! You can do this!'

The lump in her throat vanished as Twilight spoke calmly and loudly.

"Luna, you've been my teacher, my friend, and even my guardian for a long, long time. You and I have shared many things together, be it a mutual love for our mysterious Night or a passion for literature. When we discovered our love for one another, I was still a foal in many aspects, and living through the most tumultuous time I've ever known.

"It was thanks to you that I emerged from such a trying period of my life, not just as the Archmage, but as a mare fully grown. You held me close and guarded my secrets, you comforted me and stood by my side through the worst of it. Your love and passion has seen me through the worst nightmares of my life, and helped me emerge from the other side a stronger, more beautiful, more confident pony than I could ever have hoped to be on my own.

"I owe my life to you, Luna. And in light of our friends, our family, and those we spend the most of our time around, I swear the very same life to you. From now until the day I die, until I am no longer able to draw breath..." She choked for half a moment, tears welling in her eyes. Two leaked out, falling to the tile at their hooves.

"Until I am no longer the Archmage... I will love and cherish you. I will share my every secret and shame with you. I will share in my triumphs and my failures, and share yours as well. This I swear before you, and before all of Equestria. Princess Luna, I am yours."

Luna grinned.

"That should do."

A blinding flash of green light filled Twilight's mind, and the last thing she remembered was the scintillating sound of magic roaring to life.