Coltyn retired to his cart, exhausted. As the effects of the medicinal tea wore off, his head began to throb with pain. He gathered the ingredients for his best pain relief potion and set to making a large amount for the days to come.

Twilight set in and he heard the sound of rain hitting the roof. The sad notes they played as they hit the roof seemed appropriate given the events of the last couple of days. Coltyn worked on his brew into the night and began to measure it into separate containers. He put the last of his brew away as a knock came on his door. Thunder Snow was standing there with a dark blue cloak covering her entire body. Coltyn quickly welcomed her in from the weather.

“To what do I owe the pleasure?” Coltyn asked, curiously.

“I just need to get away for a while,” Thunder Snow stated, annoyed.

“Would you like to talk about it?” Coltyn asked, warming a kettle of tea.

The silence hung thick in the air, only broken by the whistle of the kettle. Coltyn poured two cups of tea and brought them to the small table where Thunder Snow was sitting. Thunder Snow picked up the tea, gently blowing on it before taking a sip. She set the cup down then, and stared dully into it.

“I’m sure you didn’t come out here in this weather to have tea,” Coltyn said, taking a sip from his cup. “What troubles you?”

Thunder Snow sighed, “Everypony has been acting differently. My guards seem confused as to how to address me,” she explained, irritation evident in her voice. “Now my best friend, who I just discovered is my sister, wants me to be her bridesmaid! It’s just too much.”

Coltyn looked into Thunder Snow’s eyes, a lump formed in his throat. “I’m… sorry.”

“Look, I know why you did it but I just wish somepony would have told me something before changing my entire life,” Thunder Snow stated. “Not to mention, I feel like everypony thinks that I should be able to use magic when I have never used it.”

“I could aid you learning how to use magic,” Coltyn sighed, pulling a book from the shelf. “Make up for dumping this whole, ‘you’re an alicorn,’ thing on your head. But you will need to start at square one,” Coltyn stated, pushing the book toward Thunder Snow.

“I was afraid of that. It’s just so hard to swallow the fact that everything about my existence – up until two days ago – was a lie,” Thunder Snow snorted, taking another sip of tea.

“Not everything was a lie,” Coltyn replied, gently. “You are the Captain of the Pegasus Guard, an excellent soldier, and a great friend.” He smiled. “I think it would help ease your mind if you talked to Princess Celestia. I’m sure she would be willing to do almost anything to have you by her side, the same could be said for your sister as well.”

“I’ll have to think about it. Thank you for listening and for the book,” Thunder Snow said, pulling on her cloak, the book tucked under her wing.

“You’re welcome. My door is always open for you,” Coltyn said, waving good-bye.

Coltyn smiled as he closed the door. He knew that even though there was much work ahead of him, his past was finally being forgiven. Turning back inside to clean up from his potion making, he blinked when a scroll with the royal seal materialized and landed on his table. Opening the letter, he read:

‘Coltyn Pendragon;

Your presence is requested. Please come to the castle as soon as you get this.

Princess Celestia of Equestria’

Coltyn looked at the note and noticed that even with the elegant brush work the note was written in a hurry. Coltyn took another dose of his headache potion and put a dose into the pocket of his cloak to take with him. “This is going to be a long night,” Coltyn sighed, walking out the door.

The walk to the castle was uneventful, until he arrived at the gate where two guards quickly escorted him to Princess Celestia’s private meeting chamber. The smaller room was lightly decorated with a small set of pillows on the floor and a raised platform with a golden representation of Celestia’s cutie mark inlaid. The princess was sitting rigidly on the platform, lost in her thoughts, staring out into the weeping sky before Coltyn announced himself.

“You summoned me, Princess?” Coltyn asked, bowing.

Celestia turned her head to see Coltyn before letting her head drift to the right. “I’m losing her.” Celestia’s voice was tight with distress.

“Thunder Snow?” Coltyn asked, quizzically. “She may not warm up to the whole princess thing…”

“No, Twilight,” Celestia interrupted. “She locked herself in her room and hasn’t come out since she finished getting everypony set on tasks. I was hoping that you would go and talk to her on my behalf. I have a letter from her that I think can set you on the path to reasoning with her.”

“I can’t guarantee anything but I will see what I can do,” Coltyn said, accepting the proffered scroll. He bowed and headed to Twilight’s room.

Coltyn wasn’t surprised to see Spike sitting outside Twilight’s room, a worried expression on his face.

“Coltyn!” Spike exclaimed. “Boy, am I glad to see you. You’ve got to help, Twilight is…”

“I know,” Coltyn interrupted. “Princess Celestia asked me to help.”

Spike sighed with relief as Coltyn turned to the door and knocked.

“Twilight?” Coltyn called, only to hear silence. “Twilight, I know you’re in there. Your magic is emanating like a beacon on a dark night.”

The silence continued. Coltyn pulled out the scroll he was given and began to read it aloud.

“Dear Princess Celestia,

My friends and I all learned an important lesson this week, never judge a book by its cover. Someone may look unusual or funny or scary, but you have to look past that and learn who they are inside. Real friends don’t care what your cover is; it’s the contents of a pony that count and a good friend like a good book is something that will last forever.

Your faithful student,

Twilight Sparkle”

Coltyn’s ears perked up hearing hoof-steps behind the door, Twilight had begun pacing.

“Princess Celestia, just like everypony in the world, has to make mistakes. I know it’s hard to consider the idea that the mare you admired could have such a dark past. After the whole love potion fiasco which loosed Discord and the conflict with the dragons and griffons, anypony would feel scared. She was doing what she thought was right, but her mistake was not listening to the advice of her sister. Miscommunication and lack of trust led to the civil war, and ever since Luna’s banishment, Celestia has worked to improve communication. Lots of problems sprung up over the last thousand years but she quelled each by listening to all sides, pondering the evidence, and drawing reasonable conclusions.”

Twilight’s magic had begun to quiet, her mind turning over Coltyn’s words.

“If nothing else, know that she trusts you.”

“But how can I trust her?” Twilight asked, harshly.

“Why can’t you? You did what was asked of you because you trusted her judgment. She wanted you to know the truth, which is painful. That was another life and she has forged herself into the ruler we ponies need. Please let me in and we can discuss this like ponies.”

There was a long pause before the door clicked and slowly opened. Twilight looked an utter mess; her mane was in disarray and the bags under her eyes showed that she was tired. Spike followed behind Coltyn as the door was closed again.

“How can history be both true and false? I don’t understand,” Twilight sighed, pacing.

“That depends on who you ask. After the Griffon War, ponies saw us – warriors I mean – as heroes, but griffons saw us as vermin who just got lucky.”

“So which is it?” Twilight asked.

“It’s both. One side sees the good while the other sees the bad. Then history writers get their hooves on information about given events and blow it out of proportion. It’s all perspective; I’m sure you’ve had moments you regretted. The trick is to learn from the past so as to avoid making the same mistakes in the future.”

Twilight looked down, sighing. “Yes, I think I understand now.”

“Good.” Coltyn smiled warmly at her. “Now you have a lot to do to reorganize the wedding.”

“I should get started then. Spike, prepare to make a checklist,” Twilight smiled at her assistant.

Spike quickly produced a quill and parchment and furiously began writing as Twilight listed the things that needed to be done. Coltyn, having snapped Twilight out of her depression, left the two to their work.

***

The recovery of the castle and Canterlot proceeded quickly. Twilight organized the necessary repairs on the Grand Hall and the garden where the reception was going to be held before getting down to the task of redecorating and setting the other preparations in motion. Coltyn was asked to watch over repairs while Twilight continued her rounds. He was not much help to the workers; his horn was healing but his magic was still unpredictable. He stayed out of the way as the construction workers finished the last of the repairs to the hall.

With repairs complete, Coltyn left to check on the progress of the garden but was met by Princess Celestia outside the hall.

“Hello, Princess Celestia,” Coltyn greeted.

“Ah, Coltyn, I have been looking for you. Where are you heading?”

“I was on my way out to the gardens to check on the repairs.”

“Do you mind if I accompany you? I have something I would like to discuss,” Celestia stated, walking in the direction of the garden.

“It would be a pleasure,” Coltyn smiled, joining the princess.

“First, I wish to thank you for restoring Thunder Snow’s horn.”

“It was the least I could do. It was my fault that she lost it in the first place.”

Celestia looked at him. “You seem to blame yourself for the acts of others. Were you not the one who sealed her magic, saved her life, and returned her to me?”

“Well… yes,” Coltyn muttered.

“And did you not thereafter devote all of your time to finding a way to undo what had been done and of course, eventually succeed?”

Coltyn nodded.

“Then I forgive you,” Celestia stated. “I talked with Luna and she agrees that your wealth of knowledge and skills are rare and valuable. We would like to offer you a position as an advisor to us.”

Coltyn stopped. “You want me to be an advisor?”

“Yes,” Celestia plainly stated. “You have on numerous occasions shown your loyalty to Equestria and the ponies. You defended me and even healed the damage I received.”

“I do what needs to be done,” Coltyn respectfully said.

“That is why I am asking this of you. I know it’s a big decision, so I will give you until the wedding to give me your answer.”

“Thank you,” Coltyn smiled, approaching the doorway to the garden. “On a somewhat related note, you may want to do something about Thunder Snow’s training, Princess. Thunder Snow may have her horn but she is no more than a newborn filly in her knowledge of using it.”

“So you are offering to be her tutor?” Celestia asked quizzically.

“I’ve built a friendship with her and would be more effective at guiding her in the ways of magic than putting her through the training that young unicorns receive might, owing to her age.” Coltyn let his head fall to the right. “I gave her a book on the mechanics of unicorn magic when she came over last night.”

Celestia thought about the prospect, he was the most learned mage in her kingdom, and he could well be the best possible choice of teacher for her daughter. “It seems we both have important changes to consider. I will consult with Thunder Snow and let you know what we’ve decided before the wedding.”

Coltyn nodded. “That will do. Princess Celestia, I feel I should mention a concern Thunder Snow brought to my attention.”

She cocked her head. “Go on.”

He took a deep breath, and explained, “She came to see me last night with a personal concern.” He hesitated, and then sighed. “She was most discomfited by her pegasus guards not knowing how to address her, whether to call her captain or princess. She took great pride in the position she earned for herself amongst Canterlot society, and feels… cheated, or perhaps insulted? At least, she seemed somewhat offended that they were treating her differently simply because she’d suddenly grown a horn. I believe that if you make too much of her status as your daughter, and fail to make her see that you have not forgotten her own real accomplishments, you may drive her away.”

Celestia frowned. “I see. I hadn’t realized that she might be upset by being treated as the princess she was born to be. I will have to think carefully about that. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.”

Coltyn smiled. “I do what I can, Princess.”

She smiled. “I’m beginning to understand just how true that is, Coltyn Pendragon. Until later.”

Coltyn bowed formally, and waited as the princess took her leave before returning his attention to the repairs with a lighter heart.

***

The day before the wedding Coltyn’s horn had almost fully reformed from the trauma but his magic was still weak. He was grooming himself when a summons appeared. Reading it over, he quickly gathered himself and headed for the castle. Coltyn was brought to one of the small chambers where Luna and Celestia were waiting.

“You summoned me, Princess,” Coltyn said, bowing.

“Yes,” Luna began. “Have you considered our offer of becoming our advisor?”

“I have,” Coltyn stated, rising. “It would be an honor to serve you both once again.”

“Very well, we will take care of the formalities later,” Celestia said. “We have a matter of Princess Wintra’s coronation to deal with and I would like you to stay as a witness.”

Coltyn nodded and on queue the doors opened and Thunder Snow walked in. She trotted up and bowed, “You wish to see me, your highness?”

“Yes,” Celestia began. “With your horn restored it is only right that you are given back your birthright and name, Princess Belle de Wintra.”

“I appreciate the offer but I don’t want a new name. I had to work hard for what I have and I prefer not to take handouts,” Thunder Snow replied respectfully.

“It’s because of your hard work that we give you your birthright back,” Luna stated plainly.

“I will not give up everything I earned to become somepony else,” Thunder Snow argued stubbornly.

“Thunder Snow,” Celestia snapped. “This is neither about your pride and accomplishments nor about my failures. This is who you were born to be. It is your duty to Equestria to take up your responsibilities and stand beside me as my daughter and heir.”

Thunder Snow recoiled, startled by her mother’s sharp tone. “I’m no princess, I’m a soldier,” she said sheepishly. “I don’t know anything about being a princess.”

“That is why we ask for help,” Celestia replied, understandingly. “You will remain at your station as Captain until Shining Armor returns from his honeymoon. Then you will receive any training you need to perform your new duties.”

Thunder Snow bowed, “As you wish, your Majesty. If you don’t mind, however, might I make one request? I would like to be called Wintra Thunder Snow.”

Celestia nodded. “It does sound nice. I will have Princess Cadance announce you at her wedding and we’ll have your official coronation after Shining Armor’s return.”

“Of course,” Thunder Snow bowed, turned, and left the hall.

“That went better than expected,” Luna smiled at her sister.

“But she does have a point,” Celestia frowned. “She doesn’t know the duties and responsibilities of being a princess.”

“Actually, she might be surprised to realize how much she does already know, simply from being associated with the royal household for most of her life. But if it helps, I will assist her in adjusting to the best of my ability,” Coltyn offered.

“I’m sure that Princess Cadance will be willing to aid in her acclimation to her new role, as well. And of course, she will have us for guidance at any time she should require it,” Luna added.

“Thank you both,” Celestia said, rising from her seat.

Celestia left the room leaving Coltyn and Luna alone.

“It amazes me how strong she is,” Luna stated.

“She had to endure a thousand years by herself. She didn’t even consider having foals until Cadance and Thunder Snow,” Coltyn informed.

“I would inquire… what of you? Are you still drawn to the darkness that once consumed me?” Luna asked – her tone colored with concern.

“No, Princess. I laid that to rest when you allowed me the opportunity to say good-bye,” Coltyn frowned. “Nightmare Moon was my first love and there will always be a place in my heart for my memories of her. She is part of my past and I will remember her, but I can’t live in the past. I must look to the future,” he smiled.

“Wise words from a wise pony,” Luna smiled. “You have gained much wisdom over the course of your many years, and that is why I asked for you to join us as our advisor.”

“I’m honored by your praise. I never thought of myself as wise because of the many mistakes I’ve made,” Coltyn demurred.

“True wisdom springs not from being perfect, but from accepting one’s imperfections and learning from mistakes. Trust me, I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t believe you could handle the task. Now I must go and get some rest before the day is over.”

“Of course, Princess Luna,” Coltyn bowed, turning and leaving the hall to prepare for tomorrow.

***

The day of the wedding finally dawned, the entire castle was buzzing with activity. Food was being taken down to the gardens, pegasi were clearing some clouds that had moved in overnight, and hundreds of little details were being taken care of by the staff. Coltyn made his way to the dressing room which also was alive with activity. He could hear the idle chatting of Twilight and her friends along with the three young fillies hoping to get their flower tossing cutie marks. Coltyn smiled; the entire atmosphere was filled with joy and excitement.

“Coltyn?” Shining Armor’s voice called from the other side of the curtain.

Coltyn slide the curtain aside, Shining Armor was already dressed. “Yes?”

“I was asked to inform you that you will be standing up as one of my groomsponies,” Shining Armor said seriously.

“I’m flattered but I don’t see it as my place in such an occasion,” Coltyn politely deferred.

“It’s a personal request from Princess Wintra Thunder Snow, but if you’re sure I will inform her of your declination of her request.”

Coltyn’s face flushed slightly. “Well I wouldn’t want to disappoint the princess,” he hurriedly said, his voice cracking slightly. “It would be an honor to participate in such a momentous occasion.”

Shining Armor smiled. “You’ll need to be at the entrance to the hall in thirty minutes.”

“I’ll be there,” Coltyn promised, and watched thoughtfully as Shining Armor left the room.

‘What was that?’ Coltyn thought, placing a hoof on his chest. ‘My heart felt so tight at the thought of disappointing Thunder Snow.’ Coltyn shook his head. ‘My heart may be falling but I must stay strong and let her make the first move.’ Steeling himself once more, he made his way down to the hall entrance.

Everypony in the wedding group was gathered and talking amongst themselves. The only ponies missing were Thunder Snow and Cadance. Coltyn arrived as the doors opened to let the groom enter with Twilight, Big Macintosh, Spike, and Coltyn. They took their places, Twilight quickly adjusting Shining Armor’s chest piece. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna walked into the hall from a side door and took their places in the center. With a slight nod from Princess Celestia Fluttershy’s songbird choir sang the wedding march, the doors opened, and Twilight’s five friends approached the dais and took their places. Thunder Snow preceded the three fillies, who danced down the aisle, skipping and strewing flower petals before the bride. Thunder Snow and the fillies went off to the side as Cadance stood next to her groom.

“Mares and gentlecolts,” Princess Celestia began. “We are gathered here today to witness the union of the real Princess Cadance and Shining Armor. Their commitment is clear and the power of their love is undeniable.” She turned to Shining Armor. “Do you Shining Armor take Princess Cadance to be your wedded wife, to have and to hold, through good times and bad, for as long as you live?”

“I do,” Shining Armor replied without hesitation.

Princess Celestia nodded and turned to Princess Cadance. “Do you Princess Cadance take Shining Armor as your wedded husband, to have and to hold, for richer or poorer, for as long as you live?”

“I do,” Princess Cadance replied, a tear of joy in her eye.

Princess Celestia smiled turning to Spike. “May we have the rings please?” Spike presented the two rings upon the pillow. She slid the rings on the newlywed’s horns announcing, “I now pronounce you Stallion and Mare.”

Applause rung through the hall, bells chimed, the newlyweds proceeded to the balcony and before the crowd of ponies outside shared their first kiss as husband and wife. Rainbow Dash sprung from the balcony and above the city performed her Sonic Rainboom. The crowd hushed as Princess Cadance looked out over the gathered ponies.

“Thank you for coming,” Cadance smiled. “It’s an honor to see so many gathered for this celebration. I have joyous news to share with all of you. The tragic events of the recent past have brought to us an unexpected reward. I, after all these years, have been reunited with my lost twin sister. Many of you may know her as the Captain of the Canterlot Pegasus Guard, my sister and best friend, Princess Wintra Thunder Snow.”

Thunder Snow was gently nudged forward to stand beside Cadance. The roar of approval and stamping of hooves made her a bit more at ease as she waved scanning the crowd. She noticed that the high class ponies weren’t as excited as the majority of the others. Her eyes then fell upon two ponies, one she knew from having to be present at high class affairs, Jet Set, and the tormenter of her foalhood, Upper Crust. The pair gaped at her in horror. Thunder Snow took in the look of appalled dismay from Upper Crust and felt all her long-standing, pent up frustrations swelling inside her.

Coltyn noticed the buildup of magic in Thunder Snow but Princess Celestia acted before he could, drawing away the wild power her daughter was generating. The sudden pull caused Thunder Snow to rub her head. She gave one last wave to the gathered ponies before retreating back into the castle. Coltyn exchanged a look with Princess Celestia, and they turned and followed the distressed mare.
“That was close,” Princess Celestia said gently. After a moment, she asked, “Would you mind telling me what set you off?”

“I’m sorry, Princess. I noticed my former tormentor from school in the crowd,” Thunder Snow replied. “I thought I’d gotten past letting her make me angry years ago. I guess I just lost focus.”

“I see. Well, we’ll have to work on keeping that from happening again. I’m going to task Coltyn with guiding you in the ways of magic and learning to control it,” Celestia informed the two.

“It would be an honor,” Coltyn smiled, turning to Thunder Snow. “That is, if you wish.”

Thunder Snow blushed slightly at Coltyn’s charming response. “If I’m to learn quickly, it should be from the best, shouldn’t it?”

Now Coltyn was the one blushing. Celestia smiled, “Good. You can begin tomorrow.”

“Yeah, because tonight we’re going to party ‘til we can’t stand,” Pinkie Pie exclaimed from the doorway of the anteroom the three had withdrawn into.

The rest of the wedding party had gathered nearby, and there was an amused air to the group as they followed the pink party pony out to the reception. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna pardoned themselves briefly, as they needed to set the sun and raise the moon. Lovely music filled the gardens with a soft, emotional atmosphere as Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor walked into the center. The two looked deep into each other’s eyes before wrapping their heads around each other and gently swaying to the music.

Celestia and Luna descended, watching the new couple dancing with not a care in the world. Coltyn stood next to Thunder Snow. “It’s a rare sight to see two ponies so drawn to each other.”

“Maybe it was just meant to be, and no force in Equestria could stop their union,” Thunder Snow said, with a note of envy in her voice.

Coltyn looked at how the couple moved as one. “Yes, I do think that it was destiny.”

The slow music faded as an anxious Pinkie Pie dove over the DJ station and pulled from behind it the famous DJ – Pon3, known to her friends and family as Vinyl Scratch. She slid a record onto the turntable as Pinkie Pie tossed a microphone to Twilight, who began singing. The energetic music set everypony to dancing. With a little nudging, Coltyn even got Thunder Snow to join him on the dance floor. Coltyn and Thunder Snow danced, ate, and drank throughout the night. Cadance and Shining Armor boarded their carriage and, just before it took off, Cadance leaned out and with a heave threw her bouquet. Thunder Snow wasn’t expecting it, but when the bouquet came flying at her, she reached up and caught it, simply to keep it from hitting her in the face.

“Congratulations on catching the bouquet,” Coltyn said, smiling.

“If I didn’t it would have hit me,” Thunder Snow chided. “I still don’t get why mares get so worked up over catching these.”

“Supposedly it’s a sign that you’ll meet your true love and get married,” Coltyn chuckled. “Silly but that is the way with traditions sometimes.”

“Mm-hmm. Well, it’s getting late and I have to be up early,” Thunder Snow yawned.

“May I escort you home?” Coltyn offered.

“I would be glad of the company,” Thunder Snow smiled, walking toward her home.

The two walked in silence, enjoying the quiet night that had differed from the bright festivities from before. They approached her home and Thunder Snow opened the door with her hoof, stopped and thought for a second. “It’s quite a walk back to your cart from here. You could rest on the couch tonight if you like,” Thunder Snow offered.

“I would gladly accept,” Coltyn said, smiling. The day had been long and he wanted to rest.

Coltyn wiped his hooves and proceeded to the soft inviting couch. Thunder Snow made her way to the stair case that led to her room.

“Good night,” Thunder Snow said, before entering her room.

“Good night,” Coltyn replied, drifting to sleep.