Silent stared at her, his brow and lips flat lines. "We do what?"
"Spend one night apart so that we don't see each other until the wedding," Crystal said, then nuzzled his cheek. "It's unicorn tradition. Please?"
"I guess if it's something important to you?" He shrugged.
Crystal nodded. "It is. I know it's silly, but traditionally we spend the night apart, me with my mare of honor and you with your best stall—best mare, so we don't forget the bonds of friendship we have as we enter the bonds of marriage."
Silent eyed her a moment, then cracked a grin. "Uh-huh. Did you make this up just so you could sleep with Velvet?"
"No!" She huffed and glared up at him. "It's a real tradition!"
He chuckled. "What about pegasus tradition? What if I'd rather do that?"
"Do you even know what your tradition is?" She laughed when he relented with a shake of his head. "Pegasi are supposed to separate for a week."
"Oh. Then let's do yours. I like yours better." He leaned down and kissed her softly. "Even if I'd rather just do neither."
With a small huff, she put a hoof on his chest. "Just think about how much happier you'll be to see me when I walk down that aisle."
He shrugged. "I think I'll be happy either way, but if this is what you want to do, then enjoy your special night with Velvet."
"Stop making it sound dirty! We're just going to watch filly flicks and probably cry." She turned and swatted him lightly with her tail. "Now, we have six nights to enjoy, and Velvet's got practice for another hour." She stopped in the doorway to her bedroom, looking over her shoulder at him. "If you're done fantasizing about me sleeping with Velvet, then—"
Silent trotted forward and lowered his head to nip at her flank. "I'm done."
Crystal giggled. "Good." She grabbed his hoof in her magic, though he hardly needed any further coaxing to follow her to the bed.
---
The door nearly slammed into the wall from the force of Velvet throwing it open with one hoof, the other clutching a tote bag. "I've got the popcorn and the wine!"
Crystal's ears wiggled from her spot on one of the pillows. "I've got the chocolate and the movie!"
Velvet kicked the door shut behind her before tossing the bag on the coffee table and plopping down beside Crystal. "Then let's get it started in here!"
Crystal's magic happily complied by flicking the lights off, then starting up the little projector they had borrowed from Velvet's parents. A large white sheet was draped over the bookshelves as a makeshift screen.
"So what's this one about?" Velvet asked, setting one of the bags of popcorn in her lap and tearing it open.
"A stallion who tries to change himself for a mare who ends up falling in love with who he was before." Crystal stared at the wine bottle as she carefully gripped the cork in her magic and eased it out, then poured two glasses.
Velvet grinned. "Oh, this one again?"
Crystal stuck out her tongue before taking a sip of the black cherry wine. "It's one of my favorites!"
"Okay, okay. But you know I still think the stallion would be better off with his friend." Velvet tossed a hooffull of popcorn in her mouth.
Crystal waved a hoof at her. "That's what got us into trouble, you know! Ponies can just be friends!"
Velvet laughed and shook her head. "Not in movies! They follow different rules. You see them?" She pointed at the screen.
"Them? Who? Him and his mentor?"
"Yeah." Velvet nodded. "They should totally go at it."
Crystal's ears shot up and she glared at Velvet, tossing a piece of popcorn at her. "No! Bad filly!"
Velvet retrieved the projectile popcorn to eat out of spite. "Have you read fanfiction of your stories? From what I can tell, if two characters existed in the same scene, ponies think they should do it."
"I've changed my mind! I'm making Horsey my mare of honor and I'm going to go spend the night with her." Crystal made an exaggerated show of standing up and collecting her things, huffing and levitating them past Velvet's face.
"Okay, okay!" Velvet clamped her hooves around the bottle of wine. "I'll behave. Let's just watch the movie."
Crystal snorted, but quickly put everything back in its place and settled down. "Thank you."
Velvet picked up her glass to take a sip, then paused when she caught Crystal staring at her. "What?"
With a flustered sputter, Crystal jerked her head back to the screen. "What what? Nothing!"
"Nothing? Seriously?" Velvet frowned. "What's up?"
Tentatively, Crystal asked, "What is it like... not being interested in romance?"
Velvet's frown tightened as she scrunched up her nose. "What is it like being interested in romance? Can you answer that question? No? Then I can't answer yours." She shifted on her pillow. "I just feel happier this way. I've read your stories and watched these movies and listened to you and my parents and Horsey and it's just, you know, it's just not for me."
Crystal dropped her gaze to the floor and asked in a quiet voice, "Have you tried?"
"What? I—Have you tried jumping off a cliff?" Velvet bristled. "Sometimes you just have to trust your gut when it says something is a bad idea!"
"Okay, okay, okay. I'm sorry. Honest." Crystal raised a hoof. "But one more question?"
Velvet narrowed her eyes. "What?"
Crystal lowered the hoof to tap it against the other. "Did you ever think you might be interested in dating, then realized you weren't?"
"What?" Velvet paused, then offered a meek shrug. "Uh, maybe? I kind of thought so for a while, years ago, when I wanted to be normal like you and Horsey."
With a flick of her head, Crystal brought over a quill and fresh notebook, scribbling down some notes. "I see."
Velvet leaned forward to peer at her writing. "What are you doing?" Her ears pinned back. "You're not going to write about me finding somepony to try to show me how great and wonderful life would be, are you?"
"No, no, no, nothing of the sort! I'm just taking some notes, just in case. I always take notes." Crystal waved a hoof at her. "Just watch the movie, dear."
Velvet stared at her before her expression lightened and she started snickering. "It's just like when we were fillies."
Crystal glanced over. "What do you mean?"
"Whenever we watched movies, you were always taking notes." She paused for a bout of laughter and continued, "I-I just thought you were a studious brat, since you never let me look at what you were writing!"
Crystal giggled and nodded. "Yes, and I was so flustered when you asked, 'What, is there a test at the end?' I actually considered making one up just to cover my tracks."
Velvet wiped her eyes. "I probably would have said we could never watch movies again if you had done that, to be honest."
They laughed together, Velvet nearly dropping her bag of popcorn and Crystal having to lower the items in her magic so she didn't lose focus.
"Don't forget," Crystal managed between giggles and laughter. "You stole my notebooks, so I think you still owe me for that."
"What!" Velvet reached over and pushed Crystal's shoulder. "I think getting you your cutie mark more than makes up for thievery, thank you very much!"
Crystal grinned, wiggling her ears. "I'm sure I would have figured it out on my own soon enough, thank you very much."
Velvet paused. Her lips lowered into a soft smile and she shook her head. "I don't know. I don't know if I ever would have picked up a Prima Donna book to discover my love for ballet, and I don't know if you would have ever gotten the courage to share your writing."
A somber quiet fell on them, the movie continuing to prattle on without their attention. Crystal finally smiled and raised her wine glass toward Velvet. "To best friends who needed each other and always will."
Velvet picked up her own glass and tapped it to Crystal's. "To best friends, always and forever."
---
It was the day of the wedding, and the gaggle of Crystal and her bridesmares had made it all the way to the Platinum Salon & Spa before disaster struck. Horsey plopped down on the lobby floor and buried her face in her hooves to try to hide the tears falling down her cheeks.
"I'm fat and fat ponies can't enjoy massages," she whined, her shoulders trembling.
Crystal shook her head, along with the others. "You're not fat, you're pregnant. And I already checked when I booked the appointment, they do have prenatal massages!"
Horsey sniffled and hiccuped. "No, I won't even be able to fit on the table!"
Velvet tried to pry Horsey's hooves away from her face. "Horsey, look at us! Nopony here thinks you're fat. You're a mother-to-be. That is one of the most beautiful things in the world, second only to being a mother."
Painted's ear flicked, but she kept a reassuring smile on her face. "It's an emotional time for all of us. Just try to breathe, okay?"
"She's right. Just focus on breathing," Raven said as she returned with a small cup of cucumber water. "You don't want to stress the foal."
Horsey accepted the cup in her magic, but didn't remove her hooves. "Oh, this foal is destined for stress, I'm going to be a terrible mother and that's all I'll do is stress them!"
Raven winced. "That's not what I—"
"It's okay," Velvet coaxed, wrapping her forelegs around Horsey's shoulders. She stroked one hoof down the mare's back and rested her cheek against the chestnut mane. "You're fine. You're not fat and your foal is going to be the child of the sweetest, most caring parents in Equestria."
Horsey made a sound between a sniffle and a sob. "You think so?"
Crystal nodded. "We know so."
While Horsey was in the middle of calming down, a stallion's voice interrupted, "Are you harassing the customers?"
Crystal turned her head. "Oh! Hi, Rossby! I was hoping you'd be working here today." She glanced at Velvet, who nodded and shooed her with a wave of one hoof. Crystal nodded back and walked over to the pegasus. "I guess you're trying to get revenge?"
Rossby frowned. "What?"
"I've been trying to find you, but you haven't been at any of your normal places." She tilted her head. "Did you get a new job?"
"Oh. No. I was busy at... weather camp." His wings twitched and he looked over at Horsey. "Don't change the subject. Are you harassing that mare?"
Crystal stepped into his line of sight. "She's a friend of mine going through an emotional time. Are you busy this afternoon?"
Rossby paused, then nodded. "I am. More so now that you asked."
"Oh, that's a shame, I was going to invite you to—"
"Wait, you waited until the day of something to invite me?" Rossby's ears flattened to the sides. "That's stupid. Couldn't you have just sent me an invitation like a normal pony?"
Crystal puffed out her cheeks and she jabbed a hoof at him. "How could I do that! I don't know where you live!"
"Really? Wow, you're a terrible stalker."
Painted craned her neck to put herself physically into the conversation. "You're a stalker, Crystal?"
Crystal's face flushed with embarrassed—and slightly irritated—heat. "I-I am not! It's a misunderstanding! He's just a brat." She glared at him. "I'm glad you're busy! I'm officially uninviting you."
Rossby rolled his eyes. "You didn't technically invite me, so, whatever, sure."
Crystal snubbed her nose at him and started for the doors that led to the spa area. "Come along, ladies. It's time to be pampered."
Velvet helped Horsey to her hooves as they all followed after her. "Did you book the hot stones for me?"
"Yup!" Crystal smiled over her shoulder. "Hot stones for you, Raven, and me, shiatsu for Painted, and prenatal for Horsey."
Golden Fish, Conch Shell, and a few other spa ponies Crystal wasn't familiar with stood beside their respective stations, each of them smiling.
"Welcome," Golden Fish said and bowed. "I understand that I'll have the honor of working with the bride. Please, everypony, lie down and relax."
While they all settled onto the massage tables, Crystal turned her head from one side to the other. She was situated in the very middle, with Painted and Horsey to her right and Velvet and Raven to her left. Slowly, she started to smile as warmth spread through her chest.
Painted Wave was the strong shoulder she could rely on to get her through the darkness, whether it be the lingering fears of a changeling attack or just looming work deadlines that seemed impossible. She never judged or disparaged Crystal's fears; she was a steadfast lighthouse on the shore.
Raven, of course, had once been the rocky outcroppings of that shore. Crystal never imagined that the guarded mare in the garden would become such a dear friend. She trusted Crystal with her weak moments and had grown stronger because of them, now a happily married mare where a miserable one once was. In return, she had supported Crystal through the good times and the bad, even going so far as to arrange a rose garden for her in the middle of winter. Now, those outcroppings served as protection of her little friendship bay.
Oh, the sensitive but sweet High Horse, who was at that moment doing her best not to cry when the spa pony had to help her onto the massage table. She was the waves that rolled in and out with a gentle caress. Asking for nothing and giving all that she could, there were few ponies as selfless. Motherhood would do wonders for her, and Crystal had no doubt that she would flourish in the new role.
And, finally, Velvet Step. She was the sunshine and the rain, the clear skies and the cloudy days; she was everything and more. Crystal could fill a whole trilogy of how much Velvet meant to her, but right then, she was overflowing with emotions and her eyes brimmed with tears. She needed to get out of her thoughts.
"I couldn't ask for better bridesmares," Crystal said, resting her head on the pillow while Golden Fish started to massage her hind legs. "You are all so important to me, so I want to thank you all. I wouldn't be who or where I am today without you girls."
Horsey sniffled and said with a small hitch in her voice, "D-don't get me started up again!"
Painted rolled her head to look at Crystal. "I hope you plan to still come to Canterlot to visit me when you need a new cover."
"What?" Crystal blinked. "Of course! I wouldn't dare replace you!"
Painted grinned. "Then the mushy feelings are mutual."
"Oh, you." Crystal giggled and looked over at Velvet. "I promise, I'll come to Canterlot as often as I can. I have absolutely no intention of losing touch with any of you."
Velvet just smiled back at her.
"I hope not." Horsey sighed, glancing over before her spa pony guided her back into the proper position. "I would be very sad if my foal didn't get to know their Aunty Crystal."
"Oh, so you're keeping whether it's a filly or a colt a surprise, then?" Raven asked, her eyes closed while her hind legs were worked on.
Horsey nodded. "Y-yes, we haven't told anypony. Only Savoir, the doctor, and I know. We reached out to the local craftspony, Axel, to make a foal carriage, and he offered to make it gender-neutral. That way we can reuse it for any other foals we have."
"That's a smart idea," Painted said, then moaned softly as hooves worked on a knot.
Crystal closed her eyes as the first hot stone was guided along her back by a skilled hoof. "Don't worry. I love Silent, and I support him and this new job opportunity, but I would never give up any of you. It will work out, I promise."
---
The bridal suite was prepared with their gowns ready and waiting, Crystal's kept hidden inside a garment bag. They all plopped down into the available chairs, Crystal letting out a low groan.
"I still can't believe they changed the recipe! How can you change the recipe for a kale, apple, and pear salad?" Crystal rubbed her forehead. "All I wanted was a simple meal that I knew would be easy on my stomach. Why did they have to add red vinegar and onions? Those don't even go with pears at all!"
Painted patted Crystal on the back. "It's okay. Look, let's just get our dresses on and then you'll feel pearfect."
Crystal stared at her. Velvet and Raven stared as well while Horsey giggled behind a hoof.
"Okay," Crystal relented with a smile. "Let's. Who wants to help me get my behemoth of tulle and silk?"
Painted's horn lit up with an iridescent glow as her excitement overflowed, but she cleared her throat and looked over at Velvet. "I think that's the mare of honor's honor."
The other bridesmares nodded in agreement as Velvet stepped forward, her shoulders squared and chest puffed out. "While I would most certainly agree, I think somepony with magic would be better suited."
Painted grinned. "Magic is more suited to helping suit up." Her grin widened. "I volunteer as tribute!"
Horsey glanced over at the pink dresses hanging on the rack and tears almost instantly pooled in her eyes. "Oh, you think your dress is a behemoth... w-well, look at mine!" Her ears drooped.
Velvet and Raven were instantly at her side, the former hugging her while the latter levitated the largest of the dresses over.
"No, see," Raven said as she turned the dress in the air, "you're mistaken. This isn't a behemoth of a dress at all. It's perfectly sized for a mare who is pregnant, not fat. See?" She pointed at the loop that went around the chest. "If you were fat, this would be proportional to the midsection."
Velvet nodded. "She's absolutely right."
Painted waved a hoof in front of Crystal's face. "Hello?"
Crystal blinked, tearing her gaze away from the other three to look at her. "Huh? I'm sorry. Were you talking to me?"
Painted laughed and shook her head. "I was until I realized you were too busy fretting over your friend. She'll be fine. Let's get you into your dress without mussing up your hair."
Crystal nodded, standing still as she watched Painted open the garment bag to retrieve the dress. It was a soft champagne color, with a glittering bodice and a long skirt that trailed on for what seemed like forever. Painted's magic carefully undid the ribbon that laced up the front and slipped the dress over Crystal's form, then tied the bodice back together. Two loose lengths of tulle served as straps that draped down from her shoulders to wrap around her upper forelegs.
It fit her perfectly and, when she looked in the mirror, her heart skipped a beat. Her mane was done up in a bun that was neither too tight nor too messy, but was an elegant style somewhere in between. The sides of her face were framed by two curly coils, each with a strand of pink running down the middle of the blonde.
"Oh, Crystal," Painted breathed more than said, drawing the attention of the other mares who all reacted with varying squeals of delight.
"That dress is perfect!" Velvet cheered as she clapped her hooves.
"So beautiful," Horsey murmured, wiping a tear—joyful this time—from her eye.
Raven smiled. "You look like a princess."
"Almost," Upper Crust's voice cut in, and they all turned to see her standing in the doorway. "She's missing two things."
Crystal tried to keep an even expression and tone as she replied, "What's that, Mother?"
Upper Crust crossed the room and stood in front of her. Her magic set a box on the table that contained the bouquets. "Flowers, for one."
The bridesmares' bouquets were simple, containing only white roses. Velvet's bouquet was a step up from them with light red roses instead. Crystal's, however, was of a cascading style with the mix of white and differing reds, full and shapely like the gown she wore.
There was only one problem. For some reason, red tulips had been added to the top of the bouquet, sticking out at odd angles almost like the tentacles of a sea creature. Crystal glanced between the bouquets and Velvet, who caught the look and gave a knowing nod. While Upper Crust's attention was on Crystal, Velvet whispered to Horsey, whose magic gently tugged the tulips out of the arrangement.
Upper Crust gazed at Crystal for a moment before smiling. "Secondly, you're missing an accessory, darling. A gown like this is naked without the proper accessory." From the hidden pocket of her dress, she retrieved a blue teardrop-shaped pendant dangling on a silver chain.
Crystal blinked. Giving it a closer look, the pendant itself was composed of different shades of blue with a swirl of silver sparkles trailing along one side. "Oh, it's beautiful! Where did you get it?"
"I found it at the bottom of my jewelry box." Upper Crust's ear flicked. "I believe it was a gift from my mother, a long time ago. Since it seems you have invited... them, presumably because you enjoyed your Chicagoat visit, it only seems fitting that you take this little thing. It was hardly expensive, I'm sure." There was a pause as her gaze landed on the necklace and her expression softened. "Just a cheap trinket."
Crystal swallowed and quietly offered, "Do you want it back after the wedding?"
"What?" Upper Crust glanced between her and it. "What? No. I'm giving it to you, darling. What need would I have for it?" She undid the clasp and looped it around Crystal's neck. "There you are. Blue, like your stallion. His favorite color, I believe you mentioned."
A small smile curled Crystal's lips as she inclined her head to look down at the necklace. "Yes, blue is his favorite color." The smile widened. "Thank you. It's perfect."
Upper Crust waved a hoof. "Like I said, it's hardly worth a fuss over. But you're welcome nonetheless." She paused, then gently wrapped her foreleg around Crystal's shoulder to pull her in for a hug, placing a kiss on her forehead. "For you, I will not fight with my parents. But only for you, on your special day. My little princess deserves that much."
Crystal blinked a few times to try to clear the sudden tears from her eyes. "Th-thanks, Mom."
With a curt nod, Upper Crust pulled away and walked to the door. She offered a cordial nod to the bridesmares that stood in silence. "Ladies."
Once they were alone again, Horsey released the breath she had been holding. "Oh my goodness, That was... unexpected."
"Yeah..." Crystal stared at the door, then shook her head. "Yeah. Um, anyway." She looked over at them, smiling. "You all look gorgeous!"
The pink of the bridesmares' dresses was just a few shades different from that of Velvet's coat, but the darker accents kept the material discernible. It was simple in design, with a loop that went across the front of the chest to feature a rose—white for Velvet and light red for the others—that matched the one tucked in their manes. A stretchy fabric of the darker pink went around the middle, and a two-tiered, two-toned skirt cascaded over their hindquarters and to the floor.
"Don't we?" Velvet struck a pose, Painted and Raven following suit.
Horsey swallowed. "And you're sure I look—"
"Fine!" they all interrupted. "You look fine!"
Horsey gave a weak laugh. "Okay, all right. If you're sure."
"I'm sure." Crystal put a hoof on her shoulder. "You are as beautiful as you've always been." Before the mare could think into the phrasing, Crystal quickly corrected, "And you've always been beautiful."
Willowy pushed open the door and stuck her head in. "Ladies! Are you ready? It's almost time!"
Velvet gasped. "Really? Already? Oh my gosh!" She glanced in the mirror to take one more look at her mane, picked up her bouquet, and started out the door. "Okay, fillies, we only get one shot at this so let's get it right for Crystal!"
Horsey bit her lip as she examined her reflection. A quick clearing of Velvet's throat tore her attention away. "M-mm." She smiled over at Crystal, then followed after Velvet.
"We'll see you out there," Raven said, embracing Crystal one last time before she trotted after the other mares.
Painted paused and lingered at the door. "How are you doing?"
Crystal waved a hoof at her. "My hooves are very warm. Don't worry about me!"
"No, I more meant, how are you doing?" Painted gestured at her with a wide circle. "Emotionally. Mentally. Physically. Spiritually. This is a big day for you."
After taking a quick moment to close her eyes and search her thoughts and emotions, she finally smiled and shook her head. "It doesn't feel real yet." She tilted her head. "When did it feel real for you?"
Painted chuckled and merely shrugged before galloping away to bring up the end of the line of bridesmares.
Crystal stuck her tongue out at the air. "That's not an answer!" She huffed and started to pace.
She was getting married. It was really happening!
All of a sudden, her stomach filled up with butterflies and her body felt hot with uncertainty. Where had all these nerves come from?
"Knock, knock," Jet Set said as he tapped a hoof on the door and pushed it open. "Is the princess ready?"
Crystal turned to look at him, smiling to cover up her anxiety. "Oh, hi, Father. Is it time?"
Jet Set just stared. His magic lit up and raised his glasses off his muzzle, paused, put them back in place, and he finally smiled. "You look absolutely beautiful, Crystal, dear."
She felt her cheeks warm and she ducked her head. "Th-thanks."
After another moment to take in the sight, he offered his foreleg out to her. "The bridesmares are on their way down the aisle as we speak. It's time to take our place behind them."
"All right." She crossed the room and slipped her foreleg around his, the bouquet floating in front of her chest. "I'm ready."
They left the suite and walked in relative silence down the halls to the door that led to the garden. Once they were just outside the rose vine-covered archway and waiting for their cue, Crystal took a moment to look around.
The tall rose bushes blocked sight into the ceremony area, a beautiful barrier of deep green leaves and dark red blooms. A few of the petals had left their homes behind to drift lazily on the warm breeze. She giggled to herself. Who would ever imagine a breeze being warm at that time of year?
Jet Set sighed and patted Crystal's hoof, looking down at her with a soft smile. "Your mother and I made mistakes. Looking back, I can see that now. But I won't apologize."
Crystal blinked. "What?"
"I can't apologize. We did what we thought was right, we wanted to prepare you for the world, and though you found a world different from the one we imagined for you, we did our best." He bobbed his head in a light nod. "A parent can only do so much with the limited knowledge they have."
Crystal did her best not to frown. "I don't quite follow, Father."
Jet Set shook his head. "I don't expect you to, not until you have a foal of your own that's grown up before your very eyes." He squeezed her hoof. "Whether we did right or wrong by you, you found your place, dear. You did that on your own in spite of the mistakes we made. And I'm proud of you for that."
"I..." Her lips lifted in a smile and she leaned up to place a kiss on his cheek. "Thank you, Dad."
When the music changed to give the signal, Jet Set smiled. "That's our cue. Let's get you married to that stallion of yours."
He started walking forward and she followed alongside him. Her heart started to race. He would be there, wouldn't he? Of course he would. There was no way he would get cold hooves. She took in a breath, shifted the bouquet in her magic, and tried not to hurry her steps just to find out.
Silent Knight, her knight, would always be there, forever by her side. That didn't stop her mind from latching onto new fears at random, of course. What if she tripped? What if a bug got in her eye? Did she look all right? Had her mane come undone? Was there anything in her teeth?
As they turned the corner and started to pass under the white arch, her eyes found Silent's and the world melted away.
*screeching* This has gotta be one of my favorite chapters. I love how for this first part of the wedding, it's mainly focused on Crystal and her friends, not just her and SK. I'm so excited!
Oh my goodness!
I teared up a few times during this chapter. The talk with Velvet, the talk and reflection with the bridesmaids, and the moment with her mother. Just... everything in this chapter made me a little emotional. I don't know how to feel, considering this story is almost over. I feel so connected with these characters and this story... it will be hard to not see updates every Tuesday and Thursday from this!
When Crystal was preparing to get ready to walk out, my heart starting beating as fast as hers.
Can't wait for next chapter!
Not likely.
Also, I wonder if Kevin will show up?
Velvet prefers a certain kind of friend.
Kinky.
Crystal is on a mission to save Velvet... by letter.
That is a pretty bad message for Crystal to send though, yeah you know before when I said it was cool, I was just saying that and intend to fix you. Actions do speak louder than words.
What is weather camp? Or is this Rossby deflecting?
It's a good thing that Crystal has evil on her side of the court or this sounds like wishful thinking.
Oh boy. And Anzel kept saying nothing bad was going to happen. Good sir, I say, that right there is foreshadowing of bad things on the horizon.
*edit*
Yes, yes, I know that Anzel stipulated that he was talking about Crystal's Wishes ending.
Okay, Silent is way too okay with and far too interested in his bride to be having a very steamy night with Velvet
Also, at least they didn't try to split the difference and go for earth pony tradition. IIRC that requires spending a month apart.
BTW, hormones must really be getting to Horsey at this point. I feel bad for her
Sweet. I love how at the same moment Crystal and Silent are experiencing the same thing.
Aww... this makes me remember my sister's wedding a while ago. :,)
Also, DAGNABBIT CRYSTAL, NOW THAT SONG IS STUCK IN MY HEAD! Grrr...
Can't wait for the next chapter!
Ah the time has come. It's actually funny, I've been to a few weddings before and I didn't think much of the way this was going to play out in this story. I was wrong to think that. Reading about this wedding from the way you wrote it has put it in a new and interesting perspective. I'm finding myself mentally cheering for Crystal and Silent Knight. This wedding will be great to read about next update.
Oh you little conniving sh**s did a simultaneous cliffhanger! AHHHHH!
Do you see this face Crystal? lol Looking forward to the next one. :P
Hahaha!
Even more Hahaha!
At this rate I am going to die of laughter before the wedding.
Oh Rossby. I am going to miss you during the break. But I shall remain ever vigilant for what ever it is you are up to!
Awwwwww. The scene with Crystal's bridesmaids was so sweet.
Something that really stuck out at me during it: I think this is the first time we've seen all of these ponies together at once(or at least when them being together was the spot light), and because of that its the first time I've really noticed how much more, .. mature, Painted comes across than the rest of Crystal's friends. I really like that.
Awwwwwww. Jet Set and Upper Crust where both sweet in their own way. Well, I suppose Jet Set was fairly conventionally sweet, and he continues to seem as being an alright guy in general.
Mhmm. And now, for my general thoughts on the fact that the wedding is finally here. As I have already said over on Silent Knight's side of things:
Oh dear. Crystal's taking notes about Velvet... This could end verrrry badly, depending on what she plans to do with those notes.
Oh, and there's a super well-written wedding scene. That's cool too.
I see what you did there...
Omg. Its finally happening. We're nearing the end! -sniffs- I promised myself I wouldnt cry. Anyway. I cant wait for the next chapter to see how the wedding goes. And Jet Set and Upper Crust.. Im surprised but they stepped up and did a good job today.. in their own way. Horesy Is adorable. and so was everyone else.
Well, it looks like I caught up with this at the perfect time. The story has been great, but this wedding is just too sweet on both sides.
Great work.
It's all so very, very wonderfu —
... darnit, Velvet Step! You're giving it away! What's the point of me keeping Phase 3 a secret if you're just going to give it away?
Oh good grief. you've gone and got me crying. I suppose I should say congratulations, Crystal. Getting this gal to cry is not an easy thing to do. Of course I have been a little bit up in the clouds as I'm writing a wedding for my own fic at the moment, so that could have something to do with it.
I don't comment often, but I do want you to know that I really do love this story and your other ones. You and Anzel are awesome writers and it's been a pleasure reading y'all's stories.
6688723 It was important to me to show Crystal's "friendship bay", as she calls it. Or as she now calls it. Either way, it's totally corny but I adore it for her. They've all had an impact on her life in a meaningful way and deserved some spotlight.
6688726 I teared up writing it, so you're not alone. These characters are so dear to me, but more than that I'm thrilled, honored, and flattered that folks could be just as attached to them as I am. That means I've done something right and I'm proud of that. So, thank you, and I'm glad we could tear up together!
6688750 A changeling? Not unless they're in disguise.
6688790 Ahhh, I really wondered how the scene with her mother would come across to people, and it looks like it was a success. I'm happy to bring you a different kind of emotional than the previous chapter!
6688848 Heehee, no one but Crystal knows what she was writing down. Until she tells, anyway. And she will in the sequel! I do like that the first assumption that Velvet, you, and another commentator have is bad news. And who knows with Rossby! That wing twitch was suspicious, though, eh? And... ahh, well, I wasn't necessarily trying to foreshadow something with the red tulips... They just seemed like something that could fit in with the bouquet, but weren't what Crystal wanted at all.
6688961 Men have a dirty fascination with woman-on-woman fascination! I think Silent just likes to see Crystal get flustered, but who knows for real... And hah! In my head, the traditions I came up with:
Unicorns: Spend the night before apart with their respective pony of honor/best pony to strengthen the bonds of friendship before entering the bonds of marriage.
Pegasi: Groom heads off with his groomsponies for a week while the bride does the same with her bridesmares, engaging in traditional pegasi activities (such as tornado tossing, storm surfing, and hail herding) Okay, I just made those up, but you know what, I'm attached to them now.
Earth ponies: The to-be-wed couple spends the night with the bride's family in a bundling bag, sewn by the bride's mother. They're encouraged to spend the night talking and truly getting to know one another, sharing any last-minute secrets or reservations, and then the bride's father will come the next morning to undo the bundling.
6688987 There is definitely an emotional parallel going on!
6688993 Happy to bring back some memories! And songs!
6689054 Glad you're enjoying it! We wanted to strike a balance between showing the wedding in detail without having it be boring. Hopefully we succeed with the Wednesday/Thursday updates!
6689056 But of course!! Is there any other way to have done it that would be more fun?!
6689084 Laughter and tears abound... exactly what I was going for! Yes, it was actually really fun to have all the bridesmares with the spotlight on them like that. They are different mares and sometimes I worry that doesn't come through too much. Painted is definitely the most mature of the bunch. And... eeeeeiiiiii!! I know!!
6689111 Gosh, no faith for Crystal! Poor pony, and she does have good intentions for what she plans to do... eventually... Ahh, and thank you for the compliment!
6689257 Mwuahah! I couldn't resist. Don't cry, we'll need someone around here with dry eyes to get tissues for the rest of us.
6689369 I would agree! This week is probably the best week for people who read both stories and are caught up on both of them. And thanks!
6689378 You know that's how Velvet rolls. You knew what you were getting into!
6689408 Well, I take it as a high and mighty compliment to be able to bring someone to physical emotions like crying, so thank you for all the kind words. Each one is greatly appreciated!! It's been a joy to share this story with you all, and I look forward to many more.
6689644 Yes... letting me read it all. lol
6689654 Nooo... That doesn't sound like any fun at all!
6689682 Well, I guess I can forgive you. I cliffhangered people two months ago and haven't given the answer yet, so I'm even more terrible.
6689644
:1stpony: I need to use the bathroom.
:2ndpony: :eeup:
The mystery is definitely gone after that night.
For some reason, Nothing in particular has completely convinced me that Rossby is a changeling.
I don't know why, but something about him just screams changeling to me.
I do love of changelings
One more chapter til it's over...
I can't believe it. *Tears fall* Crystal's almost married. After, like, 100 chapters and 1000s of words...
It. Is. TIME.
I say, you and that chap anzel provide me with plenty more strong feelings with pastel ponies getting hitched than perhaps every person's wedding I've ever been to.
Again I use
Assuming that's what I used, too lazy to look at my own comment.
6689644 Yes, I'm probably the exception, not the rule (I'm far more interested in the romantic aspects of lesbian relationships than the sexual, unlike most men). And either way, who wouldn't want to get Crystal flustered? She's adorably hilarious when she gets like that and doesn't have a throw pillow at her disposal as Silent can attest
I can do it! nothing makes me cry.
Seriously? nobody but 6689257 caught the Hunger Games quote?
There is no other place in my life I've heard that phrase.
6689111
Velvet may be the topic of her next book or serial?
cliffhangers are REAL!
6689912
I thought it was a typo of 'tribune', which would still be a strange a term for the Crystal side of the story to use, until Crystal clued me in since I couldn't figure out why Painted was saying she was reducing herself to a piece of property to be gifted to Crystal.
6689912 Heheh, that's what I'm afraid of... If Crystal tries to put Velvet in a romance novel right after she confessed that she's not interested in romance, it might really hurt Velvet's feelings, since it would seem that Crystal wasn't respecting her orientation.
6690009
I don't think Crystal is capable of respecting it as it is so alien to her thought process she simply won't accept it as anything but a problem to fix. The distance and communication lag between them post move will likely help it from becoming an issue, but you never know.
Dammit Crystal you have lied to me for the (first and) last time! you said it was gonna be a happy ending!!!
sniff... you aren't supposed to cry at happy endings...
Hey, Crystal, will you be writing a sequel once this is done? Or is the last chapter the last we get from Crystal's point of view?
6690360 She's said she plans to write a sequel when she's caught up with Velvet's and Horsey's stories, and gotten Lovey's next story out there IIRC. I thimk that was in the last chapter's comments, or the one before
Edit: and in one of the spoilers in her above comment, she mentions the sequel
This chapter is great on so many levels. First we have Silent fantasizing about Crystal and Velvet. Fun. Then we have this talk between these two mares about their cutie marks which rezonates nicely with the recent season finale. And then the beggining of a beautiful wedding
Well, since it seems that this volume is about to come to an end. Have you thought about how far ahead the followup will be?
With that said, the scene with Upper Crust was touching. I'm also looking forward to the interactions with some of the guests. As for now, I can only guess at how Upper Crust and Jet Set will react to Runic when they officially meet him during the event after the wedding.
6689693 Aww, you're not terrible. Just busy! I understand how that is.
6689703 That is true! Maybe the bundling is enough to only fit the one pony in each bundling slot (in case of multiple ponies), but with juuust enough room for emergency wiggle-outs. Or they get the very embarrassing task of having to holler for help from the parents.
Groom-to-be: M-Mr. Inlaw?
Mr. Inlaw: *wanders in after an exaggerated moment* Hmmm?
Groom-to-be: I, uh, I gotta use the little colt's room.
Mr. Inlaw: Ohh, is that so? Well, we don't want you ruining the sheets, now do we?
Groom-to-be: No, sir!
Mr. Inlaw: That would put a pretty bad stain on things with my daughter, wouldn't it?
Groom-to-be: I-I... It would, sir?
Mr. Inlaw: We wouldn't want to soil your relationship!
Groom-to-be: ;_; C-can I just go now?
Mr. Inlaw:
The to-be-wed couple are strongly advised to have an early dinner and stop drinking several hours before bed, otherwise the in-laws get to have fun teasing them.
Of course, the in-laws are also the ones that would be making dinner, and shucks, by golly, would you look at that, the potatoes just aren't ready yet. Guess we'll have to wait until they're done before eating...
6689752 That is certainly a theory!
6689771 I know... Over a year of writing this story, and tomorrow I put the Completed tag on there. I almost can't believe it myself.
6689790 I think weddings are more fun when it's yours as opposed to just being in attendance... So we get the benefit of reading it through Crystal and Silent's eyes, thus getting the fun perspective of weddings. And yes, it was those two emoticons combined!
6689837 I'll keep your preferences in mind! I don't have anything on the near horizon that would tickle that interest pickle but that's not to say there's not something in my idea hat.
6689912 I've actually not watched Hunger Games all the way through... It's not my kind of movie... but by golly I do like that phrase.
6689982 SO REAL!
6690258 It's okay! They're good tears! Good tears! (And stop doing what?)
6690360 Yup, 6690379 is correct. I'll be doing a blog post shortly that sums up my plans for the near future.
6690450 Haha! Resonating with the finale wasn't intended, but I don't mind the parallels! It was a really delightful chapter to write.
6690500
6690668 Yep, more or less everything is already planned out, at least in a rough, vague outline.
6690774
I can't wait for the finale!
6689912 Yeah im actually proud of myself for catching it
6689644 Oh yeah I wanted to also thank you for that small shout out to my OC there in the midst of the bride's big day!
6690774
6690379
Oh good. I don't want it to end yet. Crystal's life is far more interesting than mine.
Ha, great. Silent's heart is skipping beats, now Crystal's perception of reality begins to shift... They are really made for one another, are they not?
Wait, what? Did she faint? Did she die?! What happened?!?! Why have you not posted more so I can knooooooow!
Okay, so I don't know where I was (I know exactly where and it wasn't here) when this story came out, but I do believe that I missed out on it during my hiatus. But when I say I missed out, I really mean that I missed out, by a lot. This story is probably my new favorite of all time because of how real it feels. I've been binge reading this for the past month as I tried to settle my own writing in between. Now that I am finally caught up to this story, I'm already sad I have to wait for more.
No nothing about the description making the story come to life, though they did indeed help as I read through this, but it wasn't just that. Your characters were what drew me to your story. The crazy, hilariously, well-made characters made this all the more enjoyable for me when I read this. It's been a while since I've essentially read a story where the characters felt real enough to be your neighbors. Heck even your best friends. I saw my own friends through your characters. I can safely say that this is the first time I've had a story hitting so close to home as this one has. I can hardly put to words how well I can relate to Crystal in her daily struggles with herself.
But enough about this and that. I still can't believe that I never piked this up until a month ago and I sure am glad I picked it up after seeing it in the feature box times and times again. Now that I've read this, now that I've had time to take in this wonderful world you created around your characters and their lives, I can say, without a doubt, that this story is an inspiration to me, not just because of how well it drew me in, but also because it really made me think about my own person. I guess it might be kind of rare to say that a story, a fanfiction no less, managed to send me into a whirl of retrospection and self-examination.
This story, for all it is, and you, its author, are now some of my biggest inspiration on weaving a tale so focused around characters instead of a set plot. I had been meaning to go into the Slice of Life category with my own story, and it wasn't until I read your story that I built up the inspiration and imagination to do it.
Keep up the good work, and you have my complete and full attention, and support from now on.
6691980 Wow! It's comments like this that I want to print out and put on my fridge so I can feel warm fuzzies like this every day. It means so much to me that you would enjoy reading my story. Then to take the time to comment? That is just the icing on the cake!
Thank you so much. I appreciate and cherish every word. I can only hope that my other stories and the sequel to this one (the last chapter is tomorrow! ) will appeal to as much, but at the last, I'm glad that you liked this one so much as to flatter, honor, and humble me with words like "inspiration". That means a lot to me that you'd find inspiration in my writing!
I wish you the absolute best of luck in your own writing, and hope I see you around!
6690774 I know...
and I meant that thing where you hint at everything going, horribly, horribly wrong just after this story ends, it's not very good for my emotional health :(
Gah! Cliffhanger? Curses!
I suppose it's not too bad considering the cliffhanger between Wishes and Hopes. Write on!
After the holidays, of course.
6693441 Oh, gosh, it won't go horribly wrong. I don't know if I could write things going horribly wrong. The sequel will just have a different tone than this story, is all!
6693469 Pffbbt! Always cliffhangers! ALWAYS!
Makes me wonder what the earth pony tradition is. 30 days. Naw, they're more sensible than that. 30 minutes?
There's fanfiction of Crystal's stories? I love it.
Sorry, Velvet, you just made it into a potential future book. I'm sure it'll be fine, though, the same thing happened to Silent and that turned out pretty good.
Poor Horsey, that's got to be rough.
Now that's a slightly suspicious pause.
Hah!
I don't really know anything about wedding dresses, but Crystal's does sound lovely.
Wild guess, that's something from the homeland, and isn't actually cheap in the slightest.
Shesh, even when Upper is trying not to be terrible, she still manages to be kind of terrible. Maybe try not fighting with them the rest of the time, either?
That talk with Jet Set, on the other hand, I liked.
Oh no! Whatever is happening, it's widespread enough to catch Crystal as well as Silent!
6688750 I like to think that one or two changelings at a wedding is seen as a sign that the marriage will be happy and full of love. They're only really a problem when they swarm, kind of like grasshoppers.
We're here.
We're really here.
Goodness gracious.