//------------------------------// // Chapter Twenty-Nine: The Ceremony // Story: Brushed Away 3: Hearts Entwined // by TheVClaw //------------------------------// On the day of Troy and Canvas’ wedding, the weather was absolutely perfect for the occasion. The sun was shining bright directly over the venue, but the temperature was cool enough for everyone in attendance to be comfortable in their formal attire. All of the guests were seated along the two sides of the aisle leading up to the altar where Mayor Mare was standing at the podium with a Marriage Certificate and an honored smile. Just to the left of the altar, Lyra was seated on a stool while holding her lyre with both hooves. After receiving the nod from the Mayor, Lyra’s horn lit up brightly with a mint-green hue. The aura of magic went straight to the unicorn’s hooves, growing what looked to be two claw-like appendages at the end of them. If Twilight Sparkle was there to see it, her eyes would’ve widened at immediately recognizing them to be hands. Nevertheless, Lyra closed her eyes with a smile and focused on her musical gift for the couple to be wedded. After a single strum against the strings to get everypony silent, her magic began plucking at her instrument as the ceremony began. Most of the ponies sat quietly and let the music reverberate through the open field they were in. However, a skinny brown-feathered gryphoness who was in a seat near the front leaned to her side to whisper to a white mare with a red mane sitting next to her. “Psst, hey Pepps! Why is she playing a song like that? Shouldn’t she be playing ‘Here Comes the Bride’ or something?” The mare, known around town as Peppermint,  raised a brow back at her and whispered back, “Really, Gretchen? Which one of the guys being married would be considered the ‘Bride,’ huh?” Gretchen opened her beak to retort, but paused momentarily before stopping herself. She then shrugged her shoulders and looked back ahead after muttering back to the mare, “Good point.” A white mare with a poofy purple mane who was seated next to the gryphoness’ other side quickly shushed her. Meanwhile, the first of the attendees to stand at the altar began to walk down the aisle in slow tempo with the music from Lyra’s lyre. The first ponies to walk to the altar were Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash, who were wearing the gowns that they previously wore as Bridesmaids at Princess Cadance’s wedding; of course, the biggest reason for their presence is to walk alongside the Saint Bernard between them. Tenor panted happily as he walked down the aisle with his tuxedo jacket on, his ears coming up whenever he heard somepony “Daww” at his presence. A large white box was tied around the dog’s neck, which contained Troy and Canvas’ rings. After Tenor and the two mares stood at the left side of the altar, the music continued as the next three attendees walked down the aisle. Troy’s older brothers, who were all donning matching black suits that fitted them perfectly, silently walked with smiles as the Groomsmen on Troy’s side of the altar. When the triplets stood to the right of the altar, Blade looked out at the crowd and gave a quick “call me” gesture towards Gilda and Greta near the back. The next two to walk down the aisle were the Best Man and one of the Best Mares. Lyle was wearing a tailored suit that matched his brothers’ while walking alongside the equally well-dressed Bon-Bon. Both of them carried enthusiastic smiles as they took their places on both sides closest to the altar. While Lyle stood beside his older brothers, Bon-Bon was right next to her wife who continued to play. Instead of walking down the aisle like the others, Princess Twilight Sparkle decided to take a more “theatrically pleasing route,” as her friend Rarity put it. With her Royal Regalia donned in its full shimmering glory, the Alicorn carefully flew in from the skies above to land directly in the middle of the altar. Mayor Mare stepped aside during the Princess’ slow descent, allowing her plenty of place to make a clear and dignified-looking landing. As soon as Twilight stood at the altar proudly, her glance back at the other end of the aisle made everypony stand up from their seats. With everyone watching, Troy took a deep breath as he walked down the aisle with both of his parents beside him. Even though Jonas’ decorated military garm and Angela’s gown both looked immaculate on their own, it was clear that Troy was the shining star as he walked in a paced and regal posture towards the Princess. Seeing how all of his friends and family were smiling back at him, the gryphon had a wide smile of his own by the time he reached the altar. Angela gave her son a kiss on the cheek before going towards her seat at the front, and Jonas followed Troy so he could stand just beside Mayor Mare. Troy’s heart was pounding, but he didn’t feel any hesitation either. After all the time spent getting everything ready for this moment, the gryphon couldn’t deny how right this really felt. Of course, when he saw his stallion at the other end of the aisle, Troy’s heart began thundering at an even faster rate. Canvas took a moment as he stood by himself at the beginning of the aisle in his suit. He gulped when everyone’s attention turned back towards him, but he quickly began to move as Lyra’s music continued for him. With his heart fluttering in his chest, the stallion blushed deeply when he saw Troy for the very first time that day. The gryphon looked absolutely beautiful at the altar beside his brothers and Twilight, and Canvas’ eyes couldn’t look anywhere else once he caught sight of him. As he made his final steps, the artist exhaled slowly in revelation and relief that this day was finally here. As soon as Canvas stood at the altar in front of Troy, everyone’s eyes were on the couple as they stared at each other with confidence and love. Since everypony was paying attention to the ceremony, no one seemed to notice the green stallion who was sitting on a hillside not too far from the field. Copper Fields couldn’t hear anything from his vantage point, but he couldn’t have cared less as he silently watched his son’s wedding from afar with a prideful smile and welling eyes. Lyra put her lyre down after Canvas took his spot, and both she and Bon-Bon kissed the stallion’s cheeks before standing behind him proudly. Everyone in attendance returned to their seats and kept silent as Twilight looked between the two of them. After taking a deep breath, the Princess looked out at the crowd as she began her very first officiating speech. “Fillies and Gentlecolts. Gryphons and Ponies alike. We are gathered here today in a celebration of love and devotion, as we witness two close friends come together in the sacred bond of marriage. “Troius Clawston and Canvas, two souls who met by a mere chance of fate, and at a time of utmost uncertainty, soon befriended one another after a single act of generosity and valor. And as time passed, their friendship became stronger with each passing day until it reached the highest pedestal: Love.” Troy and Canvas’ smiled widened as they looked at each other with silent, shared admiration. Twilight paused only briefly before continuing her speech: “In my travels and lessons, I have seen many different forms of friendship blossom and grow, both from others and from times involving myself. But when it comes to the strong, immovable bond that these two souls carry for each other, it’s clear to even myself that their friendship is something that should never be broken. So on this day, let us honor Troy and Canvas as they come together to be wedded as one. And let us cherish this moment as not only a testament to their love, but as a testament to their friendship as well.” Twilight had to keep herself from getting all giddy after finishing that speech, mostly due to the personal accomplishment of not flubbing any of her lines during her very first ceremony. Nevertheless, the Princess quickly looked towards the couple and continued. “Now, I’ve been told beforehoof that both of you have written your own vows for this occasion. Do either of you have a preference on who goes first?” Troy shrugged his shoulders with a more casual smile. Canvas motioned towards the gryphon and said softly, “Ummm… I kinda want Troy to go first, if that’s alright.” Twilight turned back to Troy, seeing that he was smiling at Canvas in acceptance of that request. After taking a deep breath, the gryphon picked up one of Canvas’ hooves with a claw while speaking with a sincere and emotional tone of voice. “Canvas, I… I can’t even begin to list all the reasons why I’m happy to be with you. Ever since the first day I got to talk to you, you became one of the first real friends I made here in Equestria. You were the first pony who actually made me feel normal around here, instead of just some outsider in a land that didn’t feel meant for me. When I first came here from the Gryphon Kingdom, it was because I wanted to find that kind of happiness that my grandparents felt when they came here, and… and I did. You were the one who helped to give me a real purpose around here, and you were the reason I wanted to stay and keep going. In the end, you… you made me feel complete.” Canvas’ eyes started welling as he smiled up at Troy lovingly. The gryphon returned a warm smile back to him, held onto his hoof even tighter after taking a breath and continuing. “Canvas, there is no one who I would rather spend my life with, and there’s nothing that I wouldn’t do to make you happy. And as I stand here here right now I vow that no matter what happens, I will always be by your side as a loving, caring, and dependable husband. I will always try to help you when you’re feeling down, and I will never leave your side when you need me. I will always be there for you, not just as my husband, but as my best friend. Because as long as I’m with you I want you to be just as happy with me... as I am with you.” By the time he finished, Troy’s eyes were watering just as much as Canvas’ were. Of course, it seemed that a good portion of the audience were reacting the same way. Lyra and Bon-Bon looked especially touched, and their sniffles were noticeable enough to make Tenor look up at them worriedly. Fortunately, Twilight Sparkle’s resolve was strong enough to only need a brief exhale before looking over at Canvas. “A-Alright. Ummm… Canvas? It’s your turn.” Canvas nodded back at the Alicorn, and quickly set his sights on Troy before taking a deep breath. “I… I honestly don’t know what I could say first. I mean, after all the hours I spent thinking my vows over, it’s kinda hard to keep it all organized in my head.” A couple small giggles could be heard from the attendees, but Canvas and Troy paid no heed to them. Instead Canvas wiped his eyes with a hoof before gaining some traction with his words. “But, I… I couldn’t agree more with what you said, Troy. When you said that I was the first friend you made here in Equestria, it just… it made me think about how many friends I’ve made since you saved my life. If it wasn’t for you, then… then I never would’ve known how great my life could be. I never would’ve been able to reach my dreams, or know that I wasn’t alone. Because of you, I… I got my chance to actually live, and make real friends to help me out. Starting with you...” Tears began to come down Canvas’ face near the end of that statement, but his caring smile remained on his muzzle. Troy was starting to cry as well, but he still held onto the stallion’s hoof while listening to his words. “Troy, you… you didn’t just save my life that night. You gave me a life that was worth living. And ever since you became a part of it, all I’ve wanted to do was make myself into a better stallion. To do things I never would’ve imagined was possible. And in the end, I don’t think I could ever fully describe how much that means to me…” Canvas used his free hoof to reach for something in the inside pocket of his jacket, but he still kept his welling eyes pointed up at Troy and said confidently: “Troy, as long as we’re together, I vow to be nothing but the best partner you could possibly ask for. I will always keep you in my heart, because I don’t think I can ever find a friend as amazing or sweet as you. I will always be grateful for the life you’ve given me, and I vow that I’ll do everything it takes to make that life as great as possible for the both of us. You will always have my support, my gratitude, and my eternal love…” Canvas pulled the silver necklace from his jacket as he came to end of his vows. When Troy took notice of it, he silently lowered his head without hesitation. Canvas’ crying became more evident as he carefully placed the necklace around the gryphon’s neck. His voice was nearly inaudible due to how squeaky it became. “B-Because you’re not just m-my husband, Troy. Or my best friend. You’re my hero. You’re my savior. You’re the reason for everything that’s happened in my life. B-But most of all…” Canvas got the latch fastened around the back of the gryphon’s neck, and the necklace fitted him perfectly. By the time Troy finally pulled his head back up, wearing the emblem of Blowing Winds’ legacy proudly, Canvas’ teary smile was unchangeable as he said in an overly emotional voice, “Y-You’re… you’re my angel.” Troy, who was crying just as much as his soon-to-be-husband, quickly pulled him in tightly against his chest. Canvas continued to sob in overwhelmed joy, but he didn’t try to pull away while Troy hugged him dearly. Of course, it was fortunate that were were barely any dry eyes in the house after the stallion’s speech. The mood was finally broken when a small murmur from behind Troy caused Blaze to shout out in a choked-up voice, “I’m not crying! YOU’RE crying!” That caused most of the ceremony to start cracking up involuntarily, including Canvas who was able to pull back while wiping his cheeks dry. Even Twilight had to use a tissue before taking a deep breath to resume the proceedings. “Okay, okay, let’s settle down…” By the time most of the laughter died down, the Princess was good to keep going as she turned her attention towards the audience. “Now… If there’s anybody here who feels that these two should not be wedded, please speak now, or forever hold yo--” CRASH!!! The thunderous sound of smashing glass threw everyone in attendance off guard. After most them jolted hard enough to risk heart problems, all eyes were pinned to the back of the ceremony where the champagne display was supposed to be. Of course, now it was just a giant pile of broken glasses over a puddle of champagne next to the bare table. Derpy, who was standing next to the display with an unbroken glass in her hoof, stared back at everyone with horror in her off-center eyes. Her head slowly looked between the stunned crowd and the display, and the only thing she could think to say was a very feeble and shaky, “I… I just wanted to get a glass…” The mare’s daughter Dinky was still in her seat, and face-hoofed from embarrassment. While Rainbow Dash flew out to escort Derpy back to her seat, Twilight tried to get everypony’s attention back to the altar. “It’s okay everypony. It’s just a small hiccup, nothing major.” She then decided to add with a small smirk while rolling her eyes, “Let’s be honest, that’s not the worst interruption to happen during a wedding.” That little joke was good enough to get ponies laughing again, even though the context itself would’ve been slightly inappropriate if it was told by someone other than a Princess. Nevertheless, after Dash returned to her spot, Twilight sighed before saying, “Well, if there isn’t any real objection from anyone here, I’ll just continue from where I left off…” She then turned her attention towards Canvas, who was standing proudly as he heard her say, “Canvas, do you take Troius Clawston to be your lawfully wedded husband; through richer or poorer; through sickness and health; till death do you part?” Canvas nodded confidently as he looked up at Troy with a prideful smile. “I do.” “And Troius Clawston,” continued Twilight as she turned towards the gryphon, “do you take Canvas to be your lawfully wedded husband; through richer or poorer; through sickness and health; till death do you part?” Troy stared back at the stallion in front of him and said in a sincere and loving tone, “I do.” Twilight smiled happily at their answers, and then looked towards Tenor as she asked, “May I have the rings, please?” Bon-Bon gave the Saint Bernard a little nudge, letting the dog walk up to the Princess while the box stayed around his neck. Lyle stepped forward to get the ribbon around the box untied, and quickly got it off the dog before opening it up. He presented the Princess with both of the golden rings, which were much smaller than the ones ponies usually wear around their hooves. “Here you go, Twilight,” he said before standing back in his spot with Tenor next to him. As Twilight held the two rings with her magic, many of the ponies in attendance became confused when they saw the size of them. However, as soon as Jonas stepped forward towards Twilight, a surprised gasp came from the brown gryphoness in the crowd. “What?” whispered Peppermint with worry as she looked towards a shocked-looking Gretchen. The gryphoness’ eyes were wide open, and stayed like that when she saw that Jonas was holding a large bowl. “I think I know what they’re gonna do.” The mare at Gretchen’s other side shushed her again. Meanwhile, Twilight tried to get everyone’s attention. “Now, in accordance with Gryphon Kingdom tradition,” she stated while Jonas began dipping his right claw in the bowl, “Troy and Canvas have agreed to partake in a sacred ritual that will be conducted by General Jonas Clawston.” Troy and Canvas both looked slightly worried, but still had hopeful smiles when they looked back at each other. Meanwhile. Troy’s brothers all looked concerned as they tried not to cringe at what was going to happen. Twilight decided to add in a more cautious tone, “If anypony here is uncomfortable with the sight of blood, please exit the area until further notice.” Fluttershy was one of the only ponies to take up Twilight’s offer, and flied off a respectable distance. Jonas was finished dousing his claws in the disinfectant, and kept it off the ground as he walked up to his son first. “Troius,” he began in a professional voice, “I want you to repeat the following oath as I say it.” Troy nodded his head, and then lowered it towards Jonas with his ear tufts raised. Jonas used his left claw to hold up Troy’s right ear, and began to speak while bringing his right talon towards it. “Blood may spill, and skin may break, but my bond I won’t forsake.” Troy took a deep breath, and winced when he felt his father’s talon right against a free piece of skin on his tuft. “B-Blood may spill, and skin may break, but my bond I won’t forsake.” With that, Jonas pierced his talon through the lobe in one quick motion. Troy groaned loudly from the pain, but was strong enough not to scream from it. Of course, even if he did, it probably wouldn’t have been heard from the gasps from almost everypony in the crowd. Even Lyra and Bon-Bon looked unnerved by that piercing, even though they were some the first to learn of this being a thing. “Everypony, please calm down,” said the Princess in an authoritative tone as Jonas pulled his talon free from Troy’s ear. As soon as the General pulled his claw away to re-dip in the bowl of disinfectant, Twilight used her magic to quickly cover Troy’s ear to keep it from bleeding too badly. “This is all part of the ritual, and it’ll be over shortly.” By the time Jonas pulled his claw back out of the bowl and went towards Canvas, many more ponies quickly left their seats to avoid seeing the second piercing. Canvas stood his ground and took a deep breath, closing his eyes as he felt Jonas take a hold of his right ear. “Repeat after me,” said Jonas in the same tone he had with Troy’s piercing, “Blood may spill, and skin may break, but my bond I won’t forsake.” Canvas exhaled in a shaky whimper, but he still obeyed as the talon came up to a proper spot on his ear. “Bl-Blood… Blood may spill, and skin may break, but my bond I won’t forsake.” Unlike Troy, Canvas let out a small yelp of pain when he felt Jonas’ talon puncture his ear. Even though most of the attendees were cringing at the sight, Twilight was quick to apply an aura of her magic to the stallion’s ear as soon as Jonas pulled his talon free. The General then stepped back beside Mayor Mare with his bowl, not seeming to notice how much she was squirming in discomfort. “Everypony!” shouted Twilight as she looked out to where any of the attendees may have ran off to. “The piercing is over! You can come back now!" Fortunately, only a short amount of time passed for everypony who left to get back to their seats. Canvas eventually settled as he let the disinfectant and numbing spell of Twilight’s magic ease the pain, and he looked up at Troy with a strained smile on his face. Troy smiled back happily, and kept his focus on the stallion as the magic from Twilight’s horn brightened. Both of the wedding rings floated up high above the couple, the gold in both of them becoming brighter until looking like two small halos of light. Soon, both of the rings started to break apart at one end, like the Princess heated the metal to a point where she could open them easily. But as they floated back down towards the couple, and each one was inserted into one of their pierced ears, neither the stallion or the gryphon felt any heat from them. As the rings began to close, Twilight’s magic remained lit as she spoke proudly: “By the power invested in me, Princess Twilight Sparkle, and the great land of Equestria…” With the last of her spell, Twilight closed both rings in place, melding them back together like they were never broken. “I hereby pronounce Canvas and Troius Clawston to be lawfully wedded as Stallion and Gryphon!” The entire ceremony roared in thunderous applause (including Tenor who howled up in the air), with ponies either stomping or loudly cheering the newly wedded couple. But despite all the elated shouting and celebration that both of them heard, neither Troy or Canvas seemed to care as they set their sights solely on each other. The very first thing that the two did was pull each other in for a strong hug, both of them keeping their eyes shut to conceal their tears of joy. Twilight then said to the couple with an elated voice, “You may now kiss.” Troy and Canvas pulled back slowly, both of them feeling like time was somehow going slower as soon as the Princess said those four words. Even though the two quickly responded by doing as she said, the moment felt like it lasted much longer as Canvas’ lips intertwined with Troy’s warm, open beak. It was the very first kiss for the two as a married couple, and it was clear that would be the first of many to come. As they held each other in loving embrace, their hearts racing in sweet release that this moment has finally arrived, nothing else mattered around them. The only thing that the two cared about were each other, sharing this moment as they came together in the purest moment of love and devotion for one another. None of the roaring applause came to either of their ears, as if time was standing perfectly still for the two of them. The only things that mattered were the tight grip of Troy’s claws around the stallion’s back, the feel of Canvas’ hooves caressing the gryphon’s neck, and the intimate kiss that the two shared as they finally came together as one. Not just as friends. Not just as lovers. But as husbands.