Sorry this took so long, lovelies. I couldn't seem to get this scene right. Well, better late than never.
I also want to thank everypony who has favorited and followed this story. I have enjoyed reading every single review. Please feel free to read some of my other stories. Under the Shadow of the Eclipse is going to be another long story.
"You don't need to be so anxious darling. You look perfect!" Rarity tucked a stray ribbon back into place.
"It's true, sugar cube," Applejack added, glancing up from her newborn in her bassinet. Little Fire Bud had been born a week ago, and was rarely out of Spike's or Applejack's sight.
Fluttershy was shaking uncontrollably with nerves. "What if I trip and fall and embarrass myself? What if I drop the ring and lose it? What if I get up there and he decides that I am not what he wants? What he thinks he is making the biggest mistake of his life? What if I get up there and realized that I made the wrong choice? Oh girls, I can't go through with this!" Fluttershy curled up into a ball on the ground, hiding in her dress skirts.
Twilight placed a hoof on her friends shoulder. "You can and you will. You have waited ten years for this day."
"You love him, Flutters. There is no way that you would say yes to marrying him twice if you didn't love him." Rainbow pulled at the waist-line on her dress. "This foal is determined to make me look like I eat cake five times a day."
"Speak for yourself," Pinkie said, sticking another bonbon in her mouth. "I am an elephant compared to you."
"That is due to the fact that you are due in two weeks and already ate cake five times a day, and now are eating more than ever, not to mention all those cotton candy animals and chocolate milk," Twilight said. This made all of the mares laugh.
A knock on the door stopped the laughter. "Girls? Everything is ready," Spike announced through the door. Fluttershy gave an audible gulp. No turning back now.
"Where is she?" Discord asked nervously. His claw picked at the buttons on his waistcoat, and his tail was twitching. Princess Celestia smiled sympathetically at the draconequus's nerves.
"The ceremony does not start for another two minutes. Relax, Discord. She will be here soon."
Just as she said the words, the bird choir started singing the bridal march. The doors at the end of the hall opened and the bridal party started its procession down the aisle. After Rainbow walked, Tina came bounding down flinging petals left and right. The grin on her face filled the room with a brightness that Discord couldn't explain.
Then a collective gasp filled the room. Discord's gaze was brought back to the doors at the end of the hall, and he let out his own gasp.
Fluttershy was stunning beyond words. Rarity had outdone herself. The softness of Fluttershy's personality and her grace was captured perfectly in the lines and design of her dress. Blue forget-me-knots were twined into the braids in her hair, bringing out the beautiful teal of Fluttershy's luminous eyes.
Discord's and Fluttershy's eyes met, and any thought of doubt or worry was washed from both of their minds. The passion and affection that filled their eyes was the same in intensity as the day that they came forth with their feelings.
Fluttershy puffed out her chest and raised her chin as she walked confidently down the aisle to the love of her life. Never had she felt so strong and invincible.
Discord watched his bride walk towards him, and fell in love with her all over again. This was the mare whom he had fought for, and the same mare who, against all odds, had chosen him after being parted for ten years. This was the mother of his daughter and would, hopefully, be the mother of many more.
Fluttershy carefully climbed the few steps to the alter, and turned to meet the gaze of Discord, the only creature who would forever hold her heart. If she ever believed in fate and the idea of soul-mates, it was in this moment. She had lost him for ten years, and despite having moved on, fell in love with him all over again. She couldn't picture any other creature to grow old with.
Celestia smiled. "Mares and gentlecolts, we are gathered here today to witness the marriage between two creatures whose love withstood the test of time, and became even stronger. Never before have I seen a couple dedicated in each other. I hope and pray that their love will last for many more years to come."
The princess turned to Discord. "Do you Discord, Lord of Chaos, take this mare to be your lawfully wedded wife? To cherish, to love and to hold, in sickness and in health, for better or for worse until the ends of time?"
"I do." Fluttershy blushed at the tone in his voice.
"Do you Fluttershy, take this draconequus to be your lawfully wedded husband? To cherish, to love and to hold, in sickness and in health, for better or for worse until death do you part?"
Fluttershy smiled, despite what change in the wording inferred. "I do."
"Do you have the rings?" Shockwave and Hailstorm trotted up with the ring pillows. The princess lifted the ring with her magic and handed one to each of the couple.
"Discord, repeat after me. With this ring . . ."
"With this ring . . ."
". . . I pledge my undying love and fidelity."
". . . I pledge my undying love and fidelity."
With those final words, Discord placed the wedding band and chain around Fluttershy's neck.
"Fluttershy, repeat after me. With this ring . . ."
"With this ring . . ."
". . . I pledge my undying love and fidelity."
". . . I pledge my undying love and fidelity."
Fluttershy placed the gold band onto Discord's middle claw.
Celestia turned back to the gathering. "Then by the the power invested in me. I know pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Discord smiled and leaned down, placing his lips softly to Fluttershy's.
"EWWWW!" Hailstorm and Shockwave said in unison, making the entire room burst out laughing.
The reception was beautifully decorated, complements of Pinkie and Cheese Sandwich. The wedding cake was made by the Apple family, with the help of Tina. The cake itself was made from a secret Apple family recipe, and had white frosting with multi-colored polka-dots and ribbons (Tina's doing). At the top were miniature Fluttershy and Discord, spinning and dancing (Tina's latest magical achievement).
The beautiful cake was cut and passed out, and everyone laughed and had a good time. Sweetie Belle introduced her fiancée, Smooth Jazz, to everypony. They met through their singing coaches, and would be recording together in the next year. Rarity was very proud of her little sister, and also told her own news.
"Fancypants and I are expecting." This got a squeal of delight from Sweetie, who then asked question after question.
The Princesses stood near their thrones and talked amongst themselves. Twilight was smiling due to the news that she was going to be an aunt, but she also was worried with her brother and sister-in-law because Cadance had lost a foal a few years back. That loss had taken so much out of her, but Shining Armor had loved her through it and said that they would try again.
Over in a corner sat Applejack and Rainbow with their husbands discussing baby showers, nursery designs, and parenting tips. Painted Winter chased the Dash twins around the hall, do his best to keep them out of trouble, while Apple Bloom sat holding their son watching them, laughing.
Pinkie, after her third piece of cake, headed for the DJ's stand. She pulled out a mic.
"Alright everypony! It is that time. Time for the couples' first dance. I chose this song because it fits their love perfectly."
Pinkie started the song. Discord pulled Fluttershy out to the floor. Fluttershy leaned in to lay her head on her husband's chest.
BANG!
The music stopped and everypony turned to the intruder, who stood crazy-eyed, panting in the doorway.
Fluttershy gasped. "Jack?"
Perfect wedding crash. The next chapter will probably be coming a lot faster . . . and it is the second to last chapter.