The experienced priest checked his small ritual book for what must have been the tenth time, even though his hands had traveled the familiar rites countless times throughout his lengthy career; he probably had them memorized. Even so, the familiarity of the somewhat weathered pages awarded him a sense of peace and reassurance, as did his interior recollection with the Good God, in the otherwise unfamiliar and perhaps never to be familiar world called Equestria that he presently found himself standing in.
The mid-morning sun shone brilliantly above them in the blue sky, with every cloud having been 'moved' by the sky-dwelling residents of this dream-like plane of existence. He and the countless colorful guests were all gathered in the courtyard of the Castle of the Capital, the anxious equines milling about in eager anticipation as they awaited the arrival of the wedding party and so begin the ceremony.
The ponies had arranged everything in thoughtful detail with exactness to the cleric's requests. The two groups of patrons were divided by a center aisle created by an elaborate red carpet which led up to the steps of an elevated stage upon which was arranged a make-shift altar with all the proper adornments that he had brought along with him; a pair of kneelers, having been beautifully adorned with white linens and flowers, awaited the happy couple before the foot of the altar.
He was older, but not too old, though aged enough that his hair had lost all of its dark color and lines creased his kind face; however, his strong shoulders were still squared and his back remained unbowed, there was still some vitality left in him yet. But no matter how long he may yet live, he would never forget the day that the young couple, whose nuptial sacrament he would today bear witness to, first graced the foyer of his rectory, asking, as many had before them, for preparation for the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony.
The lessons had begun ordinarily enough, with the young man still needing further catechesis, of which he was a most willing student, before he could fully enter into the Church; the young woman at his side being one who had recently returned to the practice of her faith after many years away from the House of the Lord. It was then, after the young couple had gained good familiarity and trust with him, that they had confided to him their secret of unimaginable proportions, a secret that he promised to keep for them, a secret that once more proved to the veteran cleric that there were yet wonders in this vast universe known but to God alone, and to those whom He chose to reveal them.
What had begun from there was an incredible journey of revelation that was still ever unfolding before him, with greater wonder and beauty than he ever imagined he might experience in the later part of his life
"I take it that there is still much to take in, Monsignor?" Said the motherly voice of the seemingly heavenly creature beside him. Fr. Louis Gerard chuckled, casting a weary but humorous glance to the Princess of the Sun standing at his side,
"Even if I lived to be as old as you your highness, I do not think that I could begin to take all of this in." He replied.
Celestia: even though Gerard had only known of this world for but a brief two months, he had been blessed during that relatively short period to have struck up a marvelous acquaintance in the gracious ruler of this land, with whom he had enjoyed many delightful encounters and commonality with. Her appreciation of tea, conversation, and the finer points of gardening had helped to form a fast bond between them. Her gracious and gentle demeanor, so obviously honed by countless years of practiced virtue, was a source of great comfort and stability in the otherwise completely overwhelming experience of coming to knowledge of an entirely new world filled with beings, that until recently, had only existed as creatures of fiction in his mind.
Celestia smiled warmly at him, "Well, that makes two of us then," she said with a wink, earning a hearty chuckle from the man,
"Glad I'm not alone then," he whispered back before quickly turning to quiet himself, returning to his interior recollection in preparation for the Holy Rites and Sacred Mysteries which would soon commence.
Flash sighed, though not impatiently, as his mother looked him over for the countless time, checking his red officer's dress uniform and his hair for any flaws or defects. It was the same uniform he had worn to the Gala, though now adorned with the optional ceremonial officer's saber placed in a golden scabbard attached to his waist. Bright Skies for her part was wearing a simple light blue dress with a white collar, a silver chain holding the enchanted medallion of a silver waxing moon, a symbol of her recent apprenticeship as a dream warden under Princess Luna, hung about her neck.
"It's fine mom, nothing's changed in the last five minutes," he said.
Oh hush! A mother has a right to make sure her son looks his best on his wedding day! She replied with her mind. Flash blinked in surprise, realizing that she was so nervous that she hadn't even realized she had responded to such a casual statement with such an intimate form of contact.
Flash smiled, and gently grabbed onto Bright Skies' hoof, "Mom, it's okay, everything's going to be fine, you'll see." The pink pegasus flinched, looking up at him with her bright violet eyes,
"Oh my little guy, why did you have to go and grow up so fast?" She whispered, appearing almost on the verge of tears. "I used to be able to tuck you under my wing, and now look at you!" Flash chuckled,
"Did you ever imagine you would ever see something like this? You know, when you chose to adopt an alien?"
Bright Skies stared at him for a second, shaking her head, "No, I never thought that far ahead. I just thought that...that you needed love, that I needed to love you."
Flash dropped down to one knee so that he could be eye-level with her, "Well, you did a great job at that, you know that mother?" He softly replied, cupping her cheek with his hand.
She pressed his hand against her face, rubbing her cheek against it so fiercely as if she thought he might otherwise disappear.
"I'm just so happy for you, my Flash, you've made me so, so happy, I just want you to know that..." Bright Skies trailed off, feeling as if her heart would burst for joy and break with sadness at the same time. Flash smiled,
"I'm happy too, mom. I wouldn't be the person I am today if it weren't for you, thank you for everything, I love you so much."
The pony jumped up, flinging her forelimbs around his neck in a fierce hug which he returned, "I love you too, my heart." She whispered in his ear.
They stayed that way for a few tender moments, before Bright Skies leaned back, wiping a tear from her eye while leaving her hooves on his shoulders. Her eyes narrowed as a sly, serious look suddenly appeared on her face,
"Just one thing though, my son,"
"Anything for you, mom." Flash said.
Gripping his shoulders, Bright Skies pushed her forehead against his, her velvety muzzle touching his nose while her dead-serious gaze looked straight into his eyes, "I want grandfoals," she practically commanded.
Flash blinked again as heat suddenly suffused his face, "Uh, yeah, sure mom! Coming right up..." He said with a nervous laugh.
Bright Skies held her serious gaze for another moment before she laughed as well, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek before dropping to her hooves so that he could stand. He offered his arm out to her, "Shall we?"
"Let's!" She exclaimed, placing her hoof on his arm as they took their place to walk down the aisle.
Ella paced nervously behind the divider at the back of the courtyard, trying to calm her nerves as she awaited Telson's arrival. She knew he was close, she could just sense it; no doubt scouting out the area first, caution was his most ingrained habit. She took a moment to check her wedding gown. It was a fairly simple white ensemble and veil, as she had asked Rarity to keep it so, no matter how much the mare begged her to enhance it.
"It seems that you have finally found the answers to those questions your heart asked when you first arrived," came a familiar voice from behind her. Ella spun around and was shocked to discover that Luna had appeared behind her without so much as a sound.
"Whoa! You startled me there, princess," Ella said, managing a curtsey as she bowed her head. Luna smiled,
"Please my dear, you do not need to be so formal with me, I just wanted to say 'thank you' before this happy occasion began."
"Thanks for what, princess?" Ella asked. The ageless alicorn took a step closer, lowering her voice,
"Thank you for making Flash happy, for being the answer to his prayers and dreams that I have for so long watched over, you don't know how grateful I am to see him so full of joy."
Ella smiled, "You're welcome, but believe me when I say that the pleasure is all mine."
Luna continued to smile, "I believe you my child, but please, do take care of him, he loves you so,"
Ella nodded, her eyes narrowing with determination, "You have my word," she replied with all the solemnness she could muster.
Luna dipped her head, "I will hold you to that my dear, but one other thing, at your reception, please accept my humble gift for you,"
Ella cocked her head, "Gift?"
"You came into our world with naught but the meager clothing on your back my dear, and that I could not stand. So I have taken the liberty to furnish you with a proper dowry for your future marriage, I do hope you will forgive my presumption."
Ella felt her eyes go wide, not knowing how to react at first to such an unexpected, and knowing Luna, exceedingly generous gift.
"Wow, uh, wow," Ella said with an incredulous laugh, "I, uh, wow, thank you princess, I really don't know what to say!"
Luna shook her head, "There's nothing more to say, Ella. Please accept this gift as a small token of my friendship to you, and a sign of all the blessings I wish upon you and Flash." She said.
Ella gave a bow of her head, feeling truly touched by the princess's kind and thoughtful gesture, "Thank you princess, I'm really grateful to have you as a friend."
As they spoke, a familiar white dove suddenly flew from a nearby tree and landed beside them; a swirl of golden flame revealing Telson in all of his imposing splendor.
His chitin appeared especially dark and polished, as if he had groomed himself for the occasion; and for the first time, now that they were standing together, Ella noticed that he was just as tall as Princess Luna.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, small one. I didn't want to interrupt," he said before turning to Luna who was slowly looking him over with a scrutinizing gaze. He for his part, returned her gaze without flinching, which seemed to impress her. At the same time, Ella could tell that there was a gleam of excitement and wonder in his eyes, as if he were meeting a legend come to life. After a few tense moments, Telson surprised them both with a respectful bow of his head,
"Mistress of the Night, it is an honor to finally meet you," he kindly remarked.
Ella bit her lower lip to keep from smiling too broadly at the surprise and delight, along with bit of flattered curiosity, that instantly colored Luna's spirit, despite the princess's stoic outer demeanor.
"Well met Telson, son of Chrysalis," Luna coolly replied, "I thank you for the aid rendered to Ella, and for being here for her today."
Telson gave another inclination of his head, "It is my honor, your highness."
After a few more pleasant exchanges, the Lunar Princess kindly excused herself in order to join her sister at the front of the gathering. Telson looked fondly at Ella before transforming into his human disguise, clothed in a fine tuxedo.
"Ready, Ella?" He asked, offering her his arm. Ella frowned,
"What do you think you're doing Telson? I said that I wanted you to walk me down the aisle, not a disguise."
Telson's eyes widened in surprise, "You want me to..."
Ella looked at him pleadingly, "I want the real you, Telson. I'm not ashamed to be seen with a changeling."
Words could not describe how touched Telson felt by her request, and it took a great deal of effort for him to maintain his composure.
"As you wish, small one," he whispered before reverting to his natural form. Ella smiled, resting her hand on his offered forelimb. They stepped out from behind the divider, and as the entrance antiphon began, accompanied by a group of songbirds at Fluttershy's signal, the happy pair began to walk together towards the front of the sanctuary to the admiration off all gathered.
Waiting for them at the front, stood Celestia, Luna, and the six Bearers of the Elements as well as Sunset Shimmer who all made up the bridal party, with Rarity herself standing in as her mare of honor. Flash gazed on Ella with a look of such love and gratitude, his own party made up of Burnt Oak, Spike, Big Mac, several members of the guard, and even Discord who appeared clothed in an outrageously gaudy tuxedo, matched only by the obvious glee in his mismatched eyes; Slipstream stood in as best stallion.
Telson turned and lifted Ella's veil with his magic as they reached the front. Ella for her part embraced him, tenderly kissing his cheek before taking Flash's offered hand as together, they both knelt before the altar. The priest raised his hand in benediction over them as he began the sacred rite.
Two souls were united that day under the witnesses of two different worlds, but all united in the common and undeniable reality of love.
One week later.
It had started off as any other day at the hive, the weather had been beautiful, springtime in Equestria, with beautiful fauna blooming in all of it's unmatched glory while abundant songbirds sang sweetly in the many trees. It was a setting still so wonderfully new to the reformed changelings, after countless generations of knowing only a barren wasteland. Everything was well, until all at once, when it wasn't.
It had approached from the wilderness, a presence so baleful that the birds fell silent, and so sorrowful that the very sun's warm glow seemed to grow dimmer; the temperature suddenly felt more frigid as creatures hid themselves from the sight of whatever it was that came.
Into the hive, stalked a changeling stag, tall and dark, his size and strength easily matching that of their King, Thorax; perhaps even surpassing him. He greeted noling, though few offered welcome, choosing instead to remain silent, struck dumb by the cold rage and grief so strong, so utterly vast and incomprehensible, that it seemed to extinguish every emotion but it's own. Nymphs ran to their parents, huddling in fear behind their legs while stealing curious glances at their mysterious guest who was one of them, and yet was not.
Changelings generally kept the habit of not broadcasting their spirit to others, as auras were a most intimate side to reveal, and made a changeling unnecessarily vulnerable to all but the most trusted companions; but this one seemed to hold nothing back, allowing his spirit to announce his displeasure for all to feel its abrasive touch, smell its stinging ire, and taste its mournful bitterness.
Once he reached the center spire of the hive, where stood Chrysalis' former, broken throne, the changeling known as Telson stood like a statue in stoic silence, patiently waiting for all the hive to approach him until a large multitude of his brethren clamored about, whispering amongst themselves, but daring not to address the stranger.
Word had reached them several months ago that a pair of changelings, one long lost to one of Chrysalis' many schemes, had found their way back to Equestria. There was little detail beyond that, but from what little information they had heard, told them that these changelings were of an older, stronger blood, one that had known the dark days of the great hunger which had eventually driven Chrysalis to assail Equestria itself.
Thorax for his own part, could not be certain of what their intentions were, but the knowledge that one of the pair had already undergone the metamorphosis had bolstered his hope that these lost changelings would eventually join them in the reformed hive, one that no longer knew hunger, but only the blessings of full hearts and friendship.
The young king rose from his throne, apprehensive, but confident, confident in the power of love and friendship that had carried him to the heights of leadership; his confidence was all the more bolstered by the presence of his fierce brother Pharynx who joined him in approaching the stranger whose ominous air was like that of the calm before some great and terrible storm.
Thorax eyed his lost hivemate up and down, and saw that he was truly a most impressive specimen. His chitin was of the deepest black, like oiled ebony. His blazing eyes were the brighter than polished gold, his wings and tail a flaming, burnt orange, and his shell like the deepest blue of the sea; a single, double-pronged curved horn, long and sharp, fading into a violent red as bright as fresh blood, adorned the crown of his head.
It was so long ago, a year before his brother had even hatched; Pharynx had been but a year-old nymph, but even now, he remembered the revered awe he had held for the Queen's Sword: Telson, the strongest warrior of the entire swarm. He was everything that Pharynx ever wanted to be, and now that he was back, felt a nostalgic respect that caused him a bit of unease, torn as he was between his loyalty to his brother and his respect for this living legend who was obviously not here on a mission of good-will.
"Welcome friend," Thorax said, finding his voice, "I'm told that your name is Telson, and let me just be the first to-"
"Quiet, seat warmer," Telson growled, though low enough so that only the pair of changelings before him would hear.
"Hey!" Pharynx bristled, "No one talks to my brother like-" Pharynx felt his voice catch in his throat as he nearly choked on the suffocating wave of emotion that suddenly erupted off of Telson with the sudden violence of water bursting through an exploding dam. Apparently, the powerful vibes they had all felt up to this point, as intense as they were, were but the preamble to the true immeasurable tempest contained within this creature's powerful soul whose unleashed fury delivered a harsh message more clearly than a hundred speeches ever could.
The message was one of grief and anguish, a bitterness of soul that told of the tale of the heartrending loss of every soldier who had ever failed his country, every son who had lost their mother, and every devout acolyte forced to witness the desecration of all that they held sacred. And within this tempest, more powerful than all the other powers of the soul combined, was a burning love and devotion of such ferocity and depth, that the very sea in a raging storm appeared tame and placid by comparison. And from deep within all of this tumultuous pain, came a cry, a simple, piercing question, one that simply asked with all the grief of a parent holding the body of their deceased child, 'Why? Why would you let this happen?'
Everyling involuntarily flinched and shrank back, with some covering their muzzles with their hooves while others huddled to the ground, holding their hooves over their head in terror and shame, while nymphs everywhere whimpered in baffled confusion, cowering pitifully behind their parents for protection.
Telson glared, his baleful eyes slowly traversing his cowering brethren. When he finally spoke, his voice was calm, yet as unyielding as a mountain made of solid iron,
"Chrysalis, is your queen. And once she reforms, she will be your queen once again. If anyling has a problem with that, they can take it up with me."
Turning to walk away, he paused, noticing Pharynx, who alone held his gaze; and though trembling slightly under the power of Telson's aura, the proud changeling refused to look away. Anger, guilt, and a glimmer of wondrous admiration shone through his strong, amethyst eyes.
Telson favored him with a slight smile, "Young Pharynx," he said, "I am pleased to see the strong stag you have grown to become. Please, continue to keep our family safe with your strength, especially your brother, he will need it."
Then, without waiting for any kind of response, Telson turned and walked back towards the forest as his brethren parted before him. He waited until he was more than a mile away from the hive before he permitted the first of his tears to fall.
Ella slowly descended the polished wooden stairs that led from the second level of her and Flash's home to the first floor, covering her mouth to stifle a yawn while tying the belt around her nightgown. It was still early, but as groggy as she felt, she wanted to get an early start on the day.
Even though it had already been a few months since the wedding, Ella still had a hard time accepting that everything around her was hers. For it was at their wedding reception, that Ella realized how in a single day, she went from being a poor girl with nothing to her name, to a woman who, by earth's standards at least, was quite well off, wealthy even, especially once she beheld Princess' Luna's incredible gift to her.
The Princess of the Night had indeed been exceedingly generous, bestowing on her a large chest of gold, a full wardrobe, and enough household goods to furnish a small castle as a dowry. It was well that she did, as Flash had already obtained for them on a new plot of land, a beautiful large house on the edge of Ponyville, close to Fluttershy's cottage.
It was newly constructed, with two stories, five bedrooms, and a large yard both front and back. The dwelling was far beyond what Flash could normally afford, even by a Captain's salary, but he had gotten it practically for a song; Ella suspected Gold Fleece's hoof somewhere in the matter.
Ella was surprised at first that Flash didn't choose his hometown of Cloudsdale, explaining to her that he wanted whatever future family Providence might grant them a certain closeness to the friends he had known growing up.
Walking into the spacious kitchen, Ella set the coffeemaker to work before taking a moment to look at some of the many photographs posted on the front of their fridge. There were pictures of their wedding, and several others of them caught on various get-togethers with their many friends. The one that drew a particular smile to Ella's lips however, was the one Spike had managed to catch of Flash as Ella handed him small, black and white photo image. His eyes were as wide as saucers and his mouth formed an adorable, small 'o'. Rainbow Dash was hovering at his side, nudging him in the ribs with an elbow, a smug smile on her fuzzy face; Bright Skies hugged him from the other side.
Ella smiled, taking a deep breath as she felt Flash's strong arms suddenly wrap around her waist from behind and gently pull her in for a hug as he kissed her neck. She reached a hand back to hold the side of his face,
"Good morning," she whispered.
"Good morning back, did they wake you again?" Flash asked, dropping his hands to rest on her growing belly.
"Like little roosters," Ella said with a small chuckle. They stayed quiet for a few tender moments, simply enjoying the calmness of the morning.
"Do you have to go to Canterlot today?" She finally asked.
"Yeah, Celestia wants me to listen in on her audience with some business pony's urgent request, something about a danger to his merchant fleet or something, no biggie. What about you?"
"I have another checkup with Redheart today, she wants to check their growth, pretty standard. Will I see you again tonight?" She asked, turning around to face him.
Flash brushed her face lovingly with the back of his fingers, "Yeah, I'll make sure of it."
Ella smiled and embraced her young husband, grateful in her heart for the many blessings to be found in the beginning of another ordinary day, one filled with the promise of an extraordinary future in a truly, extraordinary world.