Coltyn had taken Thunder Snow up on her offer and for the last month has been building a friendship with her and her friends. After getting to know Thunder Snow more he realized that it would take an immense amount of power to regrow Thunder Snow’s horn with ‘brotherly love’. Determined to find a solution, he was reading and had just come across a passage that gave him pause when his concentration was broken by the sound of hooves approaching. Looking to the door he wasn’t expecting to see a small squad of guards and Shining Armor enter the study.

“Is something wrong Captain Shining Armor?” Coltyn inquired.

“Yes. Princess Celestia would like to speak with you,” Shining Armor stated. “Please follow me.”

Coltyn looked at the nervous guards, slowly nodded and followed Shining Armor to Princess Celestia’s meeting hall. He was surprised to see Luna and Thunder Snow also in attendance. ‘This is bad,’ Coltyn thought as he bowed to the Princesses.

“Do you know why you are here?” Celestia asked.

Coltyn looked at the captains and princesses, all conveying an air of seriousness. “No, but I assume it’s something very bad.”

“You are correct,” Luna informed him. “One of my night guards has brought dire news.”

Coltyn turned his full attention on Shining Armor as the white stallion lifted a scroll and began reading. “The fall of the capitol will mark the beginning of a new age. The end is closer than you know.”

“This is serious. A direct threat to Canterlot will not be taken lightly,” Thunder Snow stated coldly.

“Do you know who would make such a threat?” Celestia asked.

Coltyn wasn’t about to reveal one of his greatest secrets. “No, I don’t. But why bring me in? Is this not a matter that is handled by the Royal Guard?”

“It is,” Shining Armor bit off, brusquely.

“However, I thought that given your talents of discovering information that you could aid in finding the pony who wrote this. Think of it as me testing you,” Celestia explained.

“I see. I would like the chance to redeem myself,” Coltyn said.

“However, until we discover the source of this threat we will be locking down the castle and library,” Luna said.

“Extra watches will be posted throughout Canterlot,” Shining Armor added.

“Aerial surveillance will be increased,” Thunder Snow continued.

“And I would ask you to not leave Canterlot,” Celestia finished. “I will be more at ease knowing where you are.”

Coltyn didn’t like the thought of not having access to the library but wasn’t about to argue. “I will comply,” Coltyn answered. “And maybe unravel this mystery.”

Celestia smiled slightly. “Very well. You may go, Coltyn.”

Coltyn bowed, then turned and made his way out of the castle. The last phrase he read echoed through his mind, ‘Destiny reveals itself when the time is right.’ “That isn’t helpful,” Coltyn muttered, annoyed. “I thought I was on the verge of the answer but now I’m stuck here with nothing.” He wandered back to his cart and began rereading books on rituals and circle magic. He made several diagrams but didn’t know how they would be useful. Annoyed he drew an herbal bath to help clear his mind and then went to sleep.

***

The next day, Coltyn found himself at loose ends and eventually just began to walk around Canterlot, listening for anything useful. He mostly overheard general gossip, including speculation about the sudden increase in guards and aerial patrols. When he passed by a jewelry shop and overheard the two clerks talking about Shining Armor buying an engagement ring two days ago, an idea occurred to him. He made his way to the café that the Guard Captain frequented with Thunder Snow and Cadence, hoping to find the other stallion. He was in luck, as Shining Armor was sitting at their usual table as Coltyn approached.

“May I join you?” Coltyn asked, walking up to Shining Armor.

“Sure, I’m waiting for Cadence and Thunder Snow,” Shining Armor told him.

“Then I will be quick. I think you should propose to Cadence, you two seem to be a great couple,” Coltyn said, plainly.

Shining Armor looked inquisitively at him. “I don’t think that now is the best time for such things.”

“Sometimes what might seem like a bad time is actually the best time. Keep the little ponies distracted so that others can focus on bigger issues without causing a mass panic,” Coltyn offered. Coltyn saw the conflict in Shining Armor. “Of course it’s your decision, I just think there is no time like the present,” Coltyn said, leaving the Captain to wait for his company to arrive.

***

Coltyn had been working in his cart for a week, somewhat broken up by the occasional visit from Thunder Snow, after her shift, when the message box on his table began to glow. Opening it he retrieved the letter and read it.

‘Dear Coltyn;

I have been informed of my brother’s wedding. My friends and I are going to be helping with preparations and I was hoping that we might catch up. We will be on the first train out tomorrow. I need to talk to my brother first but I would like to get together afterwards. I’ll see you soon.

Your friend,

Twilight Sparkle’

“Who was that?” Thunder Snow asked.

“Twilight Sparkle. Shining Amor is marrying Princess Cadence,” Coltyn said, rolling the scroll back up.

“I know,” Thunder Snow smiled. “He proposed yesterday at lunch. I was wondering how much longer he was going to wait. They make a good couple.”

“That they do,” Coltyn said, waving goodbye to Thunder Snow. “I’ll talk to you later.”

Coltyn was excited to see Twilight again and have somepony else to talk to who was as knowledgeable about magic. He was also happy that Shining Armor went through with his proposal. Coltyn spent the rest of the night trying to figure out a way to use ‘brotherly love’ but nothing was coming together.

The next day he made his way to the train station, but was stopped by the guards. Not wanting to cause a problem, he waited for the passengers to depart. Twilight was the first out of the station but her determination blinded her and she walked past Coltyn without stopping. Coltyn wondered what had her so focused when the other five ponies and Spike exited the station.

“Hi, again!” Pinkie Pie shouted, pouncing on Coltyn, startling him with her hug.

“Hello,” Coltyn smiled, then pushed Pinkie back gently and nodded to the rest of the group, before asking, “What’s got Twilight so uptight?”

“She’s a little steamed that her brother didn’t tell her directly that he was gettin’ married,” Applejack explained, as they began to walk into the city.

“I see. That would explain why she didn’t seem to notice me when she walked by.”

“Yes, it would. She didn’t take the news at all well,” Rarity agreed.

“I’m sure she just wants to get more info. She doesn’t like not having the whole story,” Spike defended.

“I see,” Coltyn said.

“Well, it was nice seein’ ya, Coltyn, but we got to get to work if we want to get this weddin’ together on time,” Applejack said.

“Alright. I’ll let you all get to work; I’ve got my own business to attend to. I’ll see you all later,” Coltyn smiled, turning down a side street.

He made is way over to the Café knowing that Thunder Snow would be having a break soon. He waited for an hour but there was no sign of Thunder Snow. Pulling his bits on the table he saw Twilight walk by now less determined but more upset. “Hey, Twilight. How have you been?” Coltyn greeted.

“Oh, hi Coltyn. I’ve got to make sure that everything comes together for the wedding,” Twilight trailed off.

“I’m sure your friends can handle things for a while. You look like you need to get something off your chest,” Coltyn said, offering a seat. “Now what’s wrong?”

“My brother is marrying my foal-sitter and didn’t even come to tell me. I had to find out from the invitation.”

“Well he proposed only three days ago. He has been here doing his job which doesn’t really allow him to go to Ponyville to tell you.”

“Well it was ok till I met Cadence again. There’s something different about her. She is acting weird and she didn’t even remember the little dance we made,” Twilight said.

“Well, sometimes as we grow up we forget the fun from our childhood,” Coltyn offered.

“No, Cadence is the princess of love, she could never forget something that gave me so much joy,” Twilight retorted.

“Well preparing to get married and the increased security might be affecting her. She’s probably stressed, so try not to take it too hard.”

“I’ll try not to,” Twilight said, getting up. “I’ve got to get over to the kitchen and check up on Applejack.”

“That’s fine. It was nice to catch up,” Coltyn smiled as Twilight left still frustrated. ‘If anypony would have insight on changes in Cadence’s behavior it would be Thunder Snow,’ Coltyn thought, leaving the bits for his bill on the table.

Coltyn wandered the streets of Canterlot looking for Thunder Snow. He searched for a few hours and finally found one of the Pegasus Guards. “Excuse me,” Coltyn approached. “I was wondering where Captain Thunder Snow was.”

“She is on duty,” the guard replied, stiffly.

“I knew that. Where is she?” Coltyn asked.

“That isn’t your concern, citizen,” the guard simply stated, remaining at his post.

“Well thanks,” Coltyn said annoyed. Heading back to his cart he decided to scry for Thunder Snow.

Coltyn pulled out his crystal ball and setting it on a gold holder he looked deep into the ball. Focusing a clear image of Thunder Snow in his mind, he searched. After a few minutes he saw Thunder Snow, she seemed to be flying with four other guards. Not wanting to startle her while she was flying, Coltyn waited for her to land before calling out to her.

“Hello, Thunder Snow,” Coltyn whispered into the ball.

Thunder Snow looked around confused. “Who’s there?” She demanded, looking around confused.

“Are you alright, Captain?” one of her guards asked.

“It’s Coltyn. I’m using a spell to communicate with you,” Coltyn explained, quickly.

“I’m fine,” Thunder Snow addressed her guards. “I’m getting a message from Coltyn.”

“Where in Equestria are you?” Coltyn asked.

“I’m just about to cross Everfree. You’re supposed to be in Canterlot,” Thunder Snow said, realizing he was using magic.

“I’m in Canterlot. Twilight told me that Cadence was acting weird and I was wondering if you noticed anything to confirm her suspicions before you left.”

“Well this morning, Shining Armor told me to take a squad and do a distant sweep to see if we could find out more about this threat. It was top priority as he needed to stay and continue his protection spell so I left before seeing Cadence. Last time I saw her was when Shining Armor proposed and she wasn’t acting strange then.”

“Thanks for your help. Something might be going on so try not to wander to far from Canterlot – I might need your help.”

“I’ll try. Keep me informed of what’s happening at home.”

“Not a problem,” Coltyn said, ending the spell.

Coltyn pondered the events and something wasn’t sitting right. Thunder Snow is gone on a mission away from Canterlot, Twilight was upset about Cadence’s behavior and Shining Armor is continually reinforcing his spell. He couldn’t put his hoof on it but something was off and it all revolved around Shining Armor, his friends, and family. He needed to talk to Shining Armor and Cadence and hopefully find out what’s going on.

***

Coltyn spent the next day gathering reactions from Twilight’s friends who all insisted that Princess Mi Amore Cadenza was fine and that Twilight was just being protective of her brother. He didn’t share their enthusiasm but without any evidence he couldn’t approach Princess Celestia. He tried to talk with Princess Cadence, but she brushed him off, saying she had more preparations to check on.

The day before the final rehearsal Coltyn was lucky to find Shining Armor leaving his post for the day.

“Hello, Shining Armor,” Coltyn greeted.

“Hello,” Shining Armor replied. “What can I help you with?”

“Well I was hoping that you and I could talk over a drink,” Coltyn offered, slowing his pace.

“That’s nice but I need to get home. I’ve got a big day tomorrow.”

“That is actually something I wanted to talk about,” Coltyn said seriously.

“But you’re the one who said I should ask her in the first place.”

“I just want to know one thing. Has she changed?” Coltyn asked, looking him in the eye.

Shining Armor looked curiously at Coltyn. “No, she seems fine to me. A little more stressed but pulling together a wedding on such short notice will do that.”

“Fair enough,” Coltyn nodded, noticing a bar across the road. “Come on, I want to buy you a drink to congratulate you.”

Shining Armor shrugged, following Coltyn to the entrance.

“I thought you were coming straight home?” Princess Mi Amore Cadenza called out from the nearby crossroads, before Shining Armor and Coltyn could enter.

“Oh… Hi, sweetie. Coltyn just offered me a drink…”

“And you were going to skip out on all the work that needs to be done by tonight?” Princess Cadenza reprimanded.

“That’s alright, Shining Armor. I’ll take you for a drink another time,” Coltyn smiled. “Have a good evening,” Coltyn turned and walked into the bar.

Coltyn took his drink and sat out on the patio, lost in thought. ‘Cadence is acting more aggressive, but that could easily be explained because pulling a wedding together this quickly is stressful. It’s strange though, that she didn’t seem to have the same grace she normally exhibited. Something is off about her, but she doesn’t seem to be under any spells that could have changed her.’ Coltyn continued to ponder how or what could have changed her. The moon was high in the sky when he noticed Twilight walk by. Coltyn called her over and invited her to join him for a while.

“I’m starting to think you’re right about Cadence,” Coltyn started.

“Of course I was!” Twilight exclaimed. “She was horrible to my friends and they just call it nerves and think I’m being over protective. It’s like she’s brainwashing them.”

“Unfortunately feelings without proof aren’t enough to convince Princess Celestia. There just doesn’t seem to be any hard evidence so nothing can be done,” Coltyn admitted.

“I was just on my way to see my brother because this has me really worried not to mention that he and my friends don’t seem to notice her bad behavior.”

“Well then, I’ll let you go. Try to stay calm and don’t jump to any rash conclusions and do something you’ll regret.”

“I won’t,” Twilight said with a small smile.

Coltyn paid his bill and began wandering the streets, the strange events of the past week replaying in his mind. Something about Cadence’s behavior wasn’t sitting right and it might have something to do with the threat to Canterlot, ‘But how?’ That question had been plaguing him since Princess Celestia asked him to look into the matter.

“Howdy!”

The sudden greeting snapped Coltyn from his pondering, turning to see Applejack. “Hey there, Applejack. What’s happening?”

“Well, I’d hate to impose,” Applejack said, poking the ground with her hoof. “But I’ve got to be at the rehearsal tomorrow and my sister and her friends are going to need to get their dresses. I love my brother but he has as much love of fashion as I do. So I was hoping that you might lend a hoof to make sure Rarity doesn’t go crazy about this and that not matching.”

Coltyn smiled. “I’ll see what I can do. Besides I would like to catch up with my little apprentice.”

“Thank you kindly, Coltyn,” she smiled, tipping her hat. “Their train arrives at nine in the morning.”

“I’ll be there,” Coltyn nodded as she departed. He smiled at the thought of seeing Applebloom again. Walking into his cart a thought crossed his mind and he pulled out his crystal ball. The mist in the ball cleared as Thunder Snow came into view.

“Hello, Thunder Snow,” Coltyn called.

“Oh, hey Coltyn. What’s up?” Thunder Snow asked.

“I was wondering when you would be getting back to Canterlot.”

“I won’t be back until the night before the wedding. We’re over Dodge Junction now and as long as we don’t run into any signs of trouble, I’ll be back for the wedding,” Thunder Snow said, relieved to soon be done with the reconnaissance mission.

“I was wondering if you would join us. I’ve been asked to take the flower girls in to get their dresses,” Coltyn said. “I’ll see you at the wedding.”

“If I make it back in time, I’ll come along, but I can’t promise. If I don’t make it before the wedding, I’ll see you then,” Thunder Snow replied, continuing her reconnaissance.

***

Coltyn stood on the platform, waiting for the train carrying Applebloom and her friends. The clock in the station began chiming nine as the train whistle sounded announcing its arrival. The train slowed down coming to a stop with a loud release of steam setting the brakes and with another push of air, the doors opened. Coltyn didn’t have to wait long as the yellow filly pounced at him in a hug.

“I missed you too, Applebloom,” Coltyn said, pulling the filly from his neck.

Her friends came galloping and with Applebloom began bouncing around him unable to contain their excitement. Coltyn noticed Big Macintosh step off the train loaded down with all three fillies’ baggage.

“Hello, Big Macintosh,” Coltyn greeted. Big Macintosh nodded as the fillies finally calmed a bit. “Why don’t you head to the castle and unload the girls’ things. You can meet us at the Boutique afterwards.” Another nod and Coltyn and Big Macintosh went their separate ways.

“So are we going to see my sister?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“No, we are going to the Best of the Best Boutique. Rarity is busy at the rehearsal, but Hoity Toity has the best seamstresses at his disposal,” Coltyn explained, exiting the train station.

“We’re going to have to stand around while they poke and prod us aren’t we?” Scootaloo asked unenthused.

“Most likely, having dresses made is a time consuming and invasive process,” Coltyn chuckled as Scootaloo stuck her tongue out, making a gagging noise. “So how’s school been for you all?”

“Oh, where to start,” Applebloom began. “I had this brilliant idea for us to get our cutie marks as journalists. But our Editor in Chief, Diamond Tiara, turned us into her gossip columnists.”

“Things just got way out of hoof faster than we realized,” Scootaloo added.

“Yeah, before we knew it, we didn’t have any friends and were shunned by everypony,” Sweetie Belle continued.

“Luckily we were able to repair most of the damage we did. But Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon have increased their teasing since Miss Cheerilee demoted Diamond Tiara,” Applebloom said.

“Yeah, but seeing her slip and get covered in ink was worth it,” Scootaloo grinned. “It took her almost a week to get it all out of her coat.”

Coltyn chuckled with the three fillies for a moment before his face took on a more serious expression, and he commented, “I still don’t understand how foals can pick on those who have blank flanks when they were once blank themselves.” Coltyn looked up noticing they arrived. “Well, here we are.”

The four passed through the extravagant glass doors, a tinkling bell announcing their arrival. Sweetie Belle noticed some familiar designs from Rarity’s shop, while Applebloom and Scootaloo were mesmerized by the extravagant and elaborate dresses on display.

“Ah, there are the three little flower fillies,” Hoity Toity exclaimed, coming from the back. “Rarity sent the designs for your dresses with preliminary measurements. Now each of you will be with one of my seamstresses – Needle, Spool, Thread,” Hoity Toity called. In an instant three unicorn mares stood at attention. “Take these young fillies for their final fitting.” Each of the three took one of the fillies into a different room to begin the fitting. “Now I was expecting a large red stallion to be with you all but I suppose he’ll be along shortly. I’ll take care of getting you fitted, first.”

Coltyn was taken off guard by his comment but before he could react he was pushed into another room. He was quickly measured and soon found himself in a black tuxedo with a red collar, a golden silk band across the middle, red cuffs with golden cufflinks, and a light blue belt with a golden latch.

“No, this is a total faux pas,” Hoity Toity exclaimed. “The bold colors don’t fit at all with your natural coloring.” Hoity Toity pondered for a minute before clapping his hooves together. In a flash, a male unicorn with a sewing machine cutie mark was standing next to Coltyn. “Fetch me the azure, purple, and silver fabrics, both silk and cotton.” He paused for an instant, and added, “I’ll need the indigo velvet as well. I think that will be just the thing for this stately looking stallion.” With a quick nod the pony was gone. “I do apologize, but it would be terribly remiss of me to send you to a wedding in something that doesn’t fit.”

Coltyn raised an eyebrow, annoyed. “But this jacket fits fine.”

“For your frame yes but not you. The clothes and the wearer must be as one otherwise it looks terrible,” Hoity Toity explained. “And I will not have any customer leave my shop in anything less than the finest haute couture.”

Coltyn shrugged agreeably. The world of fashion had always confused him and the ponies that followed the fashion path always seemed to speak a different language. Soon Coltyn was being covered by the different fabrics as Hoity Toity prattled on about color, cut, and style. Eventually, the fashion pony seemed satisfied with his fussing, and before Coltyn’s eyes, the tailor made a magnificent coat of indigo velvet trimmed with violet silk and silver buttons. Looking in the mirror, Coltyn saw the high class stallion he could have been had he made different choices in the past.

Coltyn walked out of the dressing room to find the three fillies waiting for him. Their dresses were light pink with purple flower accents. Sweetie Belle’s had more layers to extend her figure and leave room for her more bushy tail. Applebloom’s was a straight dress that pulled in tight at the flank with a few ruffles on the bottom with the purple accents. Scootaloo’s flowed from her back to the floor in a gentle curve extending her body and had the end ruffled with purple flower accents. He was amazed at how pretty they looked… right up until Applebloom tried to walk, catching her hoof on the edge of her dress, and face-planting into the floor.

“It’s harder than it looks isn’t it?” Coltyn chuckled, walking into the main foyer.

“Yeah, I don’t know how Rarity does it,” Sweetie Belle insisted.

“Well I guess…” Coltyn began, interrupted by the door bell ringing as Big Macintosh walked in.

“Excellent,” Hoity Toity exclaimed. “Come with me, we have so much work to do.” Big Macintosh was escorted back to one of the fitting rooms by the same pony that helped Coltyn.

“Well, that was interesting,” Coltyn said, looking toward the fitting room. “I’ll show you how to walk in those dresses,” Coltyn said, turning back to the girls.

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle looked confused but Applebloom was really worried. “I don’t think this is going to end well,” Applebloom stated warily.

“I’m sure it will be fine,” Coltyn encouraged. “Now you will need to hold yourselves in perfect posture,” Coltyn explained, demonstrating by holding his head high with his neck parallel to the floor. “Your front hooves must not stray farther apart than your shoulders and your hind hooves have to be next to one another. Now to move is more like dancing than walking, no hoof moves with another and you shouldn’t need any more space than a tile.” Coltyn demonstrated, gracefully walking a line of tiles without looking down. “Now why don’t you all give it a try?”

The girls lined up to try walking again when an aggravated Hoity Toity came from the fitting room. “That stallion is stubborn as mule and without a lick of fashion sense,” Hoity Toity exclaimed.

Coltyn quickly stuck his hoof in Applebloom’s mouth. “What’s wrong?” he asked, not wanting to cause a scene.

“He simply refuses to take that eye sore of a fashion disaster yoke off his neck. I will not have anypony wearing such a monstrosity to this wedding,” Hoity Toity explained.

Coltyn grabbed Applebloom with his magic and levitated her off the ground so she couldn’t attack the fashion designer. “I’ll have a talk with him,” Coltyn said, looking at Applebloom. “So just stay here and work on walking in those dresses.”

Applebloom snorted in disgust but slowly walked back to her friends who tried to cheer her up. Coltyn on the other hoof had to get Big Macintosh to cooperate. He walked into the fitting room where Big Macintosh sat stoically silent.

“I understand that you don’t want to remove your yoke,” Coltyn began.

“Eeyep.”

“Would you care to tell me why?”

“Nope.”

Coltyn studied Big Macintosh’s usual responses with diligence. “I’m sorry. I know something that holds so much meaning is hard to set aside for anypony. But if for nopony else, do it for Twilight.”

Big Macintosh turned, raising an eyebrow at Coltyn. Coltyn smiled gently; Big Macintosh turned to a mirror, letting out a sigh and slowly began to lift the yoke from his neck. The fur where the yoke sat was matted and worn showing that he only took it off to bathe and sleep.

“I’ll have Applebloom hold onto this until your done getting fitted.” Big Macintosh nodded. Coltyn levitated the yoke out to the main foyer and laid it down next to Applebloom. “Hold on to this for your brother.” Applebloom nodded. “Hoity Toity, I think he will be more cooperative. Just don’t push it too far and don’t mention the yoke.” Hoity Toity was skeptical but took his tailor back into the fitting room.

Coltyn watched the girls get to the point of not tripping on their dresses every step but were far from perfect. After forty minutes Big Macintosh walked out of the fitting area. He was dressed in a form fitted black jacket with golden collar and bordered with red lattes and buttons to accent. Big Macintosh was uncomfortable but he looked amazing.

“Another tres chic design. I knew he had the stature of greatness; he just needed the right couture,” Hoity Toity said proudly. “Now everything is in order. The wedding will start at three o’clock tomorrow; be ready no later than one.”

Coltyn nodded as he and Big Macintosh took the girls back to the castle. “I’ll see you all tomorrow,” Coltyn said, leaving them at the gate and heading back to his cart.