//------------------------------// // ACT SIX: Getting Ready // Story: Don’t Sit Under The Apple Tree, With Anypony Else But Me // by Stormbringer //------------------------------// A week later…   Twilight had her friends and AJ’s family over for a meal while her parents and the princesses were still there.  It wasn’t as large or formal as the dinner the previous week.  Everypony had a great time and not a lot of formality was permitted.  And to see Applejack and Twilight so happy warmed everypony’s heart. After scrumptious pies by the Apples and cakes by Pinkie were consumed, Twilight had wine brought out and everypony was poured a generous portion. Twilight stood and addressed the ponies gathered.   “Your Highnesses, family both Sparkles and Apples, and my dearest friends.  I want everypony to know that I’ve never been happier in my entire life.    Life has been good to me so far.  Being selected for Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns and the princess’ protégé, finding the greatest friends ever, being chosen as the spirit of magic and being elevated to the Princess of Friendship.    Any one of these achievements would be the pinnacle of any life.    But something has happened to me that eclipses all that.  I’ve found love with a pony I’ve been drawn to for years.  And my heart sang when I found her feelings were the same. And so, to show my feelings are as genuine as hers, I need to ask her something and I want you ponies to witness it. My Love?” Applejack stood and looked into Twilight’s eyes.  “I know that we’ve established this already, but you’re a mare as much as I am, so we shouldn’t treat the other as anything but.” Said Twilight, taking Applejack’s left hoof, “Applejack, love of my life, would you look past my faults and shortcomings and honor me by being Applejack Sparkle, will you marry me?” A diamond encrusted Earth Pony ring floated in front of AJ. “Twilight Sugar,” said Applejack, tears in her eyes, “Ah couldn’t do anythin’ else.” There was a flash, the ring appeared on Applejack’s left fore hoof.  The two kissed deeply while friends and family applauded and cheered.     Six long and painfully chaste moons later…   “Hold still, Applejack,” said Rarity, “I have to finish fitting the gown.  With the length of the train, you’ll need more support without it making you look like a cow.” “Ah would hold still,” answered Applejack, “but it’d be nice if’n ya’d quit stickin’ me with that needle!  Ah’m gonna have red polka dots on my white dress if’n ya keep it up.” Rarity’s face softened.  There was a slight sadness to her look. “I’m sorry Darling,” said Rarity, “I’m just distracted.  It was always my dream to be a princess.  This dress is what I designed for myself when I’d fantasized about meeting Prince Blueblood and he’d fall in love and marry me.  Thankfully that didn’t happen, but still.  When you and Twilight became affianced and I realized you’d be a princess, I sulked for a week.  In private of course.” Rarity’s smile returned. “Then I remembered how dear a friend you are to me and how much I love you.  I knew that I needed to be happy for you.  Not about the princess thing, but getting to marry the pony of your dreams.” Applejack hugged Rarity. “Sugar Cube, ya’ve always been there to back me up an’ help me fit in the society that ya felt was ’portant.  An’ yeah, Ah’m just a rough farmer underneath all these beads an’ lace an’ frills an’ yards an’ yards an’ yards of fabric.  (Rarity actually snickered.) Ah actually think there’s more cloth in this here dress than all the clothing Ah’ve ever worn. But what Ah’m gettin’ at is this.  Ah know the weddin’ is tomorrow an’ this is short notice.  But would ya be my best mare?” Rarity smiled, but before she could reply, AJ continued;  “An’ what was it Twilight called it…    Ah yes, my Lady in Waitin’(1)?”   “But Applejack,” said Rarity confused, “Lady in Waiting isn’t just a maid of honor, it’s an actual occupation.  A companion to the noblemare.  Somepony to be a friend and helper.  A pony to be a confidant.  A paid job as well” “Yeah… Ah know.” “But that’d mean I’d have to move into the castle…”  Rarity paused, her face brightened, AJ smiled.  Then she looked concerned.    “But my shop.”   “Sugar Cube,” said Applejack, “Ah may have to be some type of high falutin’ princess.  But Ah ain’t gonna be no different.  After the honeymoon, Ah’m gonna be buckin’ apples at Sweet Apple Acres.  Ah don’t know why ya couldn’t keep yer shop. Sugar Cube, yer my best friend, next to Twilight that is…  Ah’d love to have ya ’round me to keep me straight.  With all the stuff Ah’m gonna have to do as a princess and Twilight’s wife.” Rarity’s face showed surprise.  She bowed almost to the floor.  This wasn’t as good as being a princess, but it was a recognized nobility, perhaps as close as she might ever come. “It would be the honor of my life…  My Lady.”   Rarity and Applejack hugged again.   “That’s nice an’ all,” said Apple Bloom nearby. “But why in tarnation do Ah got to dress so fancy?” Rarity turned and smiled. “Because when your mother, and I still have trouble saying that, becomes the Princess Consort, then as the daughter of a princess, two in fact, you’ll be a princess.” “Ah know all that,” said Apple Bloom, “but are all the fancy duds really necessary.” “Sugar Cube, look at what Ah’m wearin’.  If’n Ah have to get so gussied up, then my daughter has to as well.  Don’t ya wanna make a nice impression on your new mother?” “Ah guess,” said Apple Bloom sheepishly, “Twilight has been so lovin’ since ya two got together, not that she wasn’t a’fore.  Ah was surprised when ya told me that yer my mama.  But at that time, Ah really didn’t think that Ah’d have two moms. Ah guess fer Twilight an’ fer my mom, Ah can wear the dress,” There was a group hug. “Okay Apple Bloom,” said Rarity, “Take that off, neatly.  Hang it up and see if any of your friends need anything with theirs.” “Sure thing, Rarity.” Apple Bloom complied and left the two mares alone. “Are ya gonna need any help getting all the stuff to the train station?” “No Darling, Twilight arranged to have one of the princess’ carts to come by and take it all to Canterlot this afternoon.  That way it’ll be there before the rehearsal this evening and I can get them ready after the rehearsal dinner. Speaking of that, what are you and Twilight doing about tonight?  The two of you have tried to be so proper and traditional, even if you are sleeping together, and I do believe that there hasn’t been any sex. Are you going to be spending the night separately and not seeing each other until the ceremony?” “Yes,” answered Applejack, “after the rehearsal dinner, I’ve been invited to stay at the castle.  Whilst Twilight is gonna spend the night with her parents.” “What about a honeymoon?” “We’re goin’ to spend a week at Twilight’s tower.” “You’re not going to do anything special?”   Applejack gave Rarity a sly look. “Rare, Ah hope there’re windows there, ‘cause otherwise, Ah ain’t gonna be seein’ the sun fer at least four days, if’n not more!” “Sounds like fun to me,” said Rarity chuckling, “just don’t rip the dress off.  I put a lot of work into it and I might borrow it if I ever get as lucky as you.” “Ah’ll do the best Ah can’t make no promises.  Speakin’ ’bout dresses, what about yer dress?  Bein’ best mare ain’t gonna be a bother fer what yer wearin’?” “Applejack Darling,” said Rarity, “The Lady in Waiting was a surprise.  But Best Mare, I was waiting for you to ask.” Rarity’s horn glowed and a beautiful dress floated into view.  It was like the other two bride’s maids dresses but slightly more elegant. “Ah should’a known,” said Applejack laughing, Rarity joined her as well. “By the way,” said AJ, “Twi told me to give you this if’n ya accepted being my Lady in Waitin’.” AJ picked up a box and gave it to Rarity.  Rarity opened it with her magic and gasped.  There was a modest diamond tiara. “Twi Sugar said somethin’ ’bout designatin’ yer status as a noble companion to the Princess Consort.” “It’s beautiful,” said Rarity, “I’ll wear it with honor, My Lady. And speaking of wearing things, has Twilight said anything about what she’s wearing?” “Not a word,” said AJ, “an’ if’n she pulls a fast ’n’, an’ not dress up, Ah’m gonna slap her silly!    After the honeymoon of course.”   “I’ll join you in that,” said Rarity, “the slap, not the honeymoon, although that might be fun…” “Rarity!” laughed AJ. “You can’t blame me for trying.” The two laughed, hugged and started the process to remove the gown.     “There, Princess Twilight,” said the Royal Quartermaster, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen one fit so beautifully.” “Thank you sir,” said Twilight.  “When I was told that I merited this because of being an Equestrian Princess, I felt uncomfortable.  But knowing Rarity and what she’d be doing with my bride’s dress, I figured I should do something special.” “It was an honor to serve, my princess,” said the Quartermaster with a bow. Twilight collected the garments and left the castle to go to her parents’ home.     The wedding rehearsal was short.  Princess Celestia wanted to save the grandeur for the actual thing.  Applejack was still very curious as to why Twilight asked Rainbow Dash to be the only one of their friends to be her attendant.  But all she would say was that Rainbow was the only one of their friends that matched how her side would be dressed.  She wouldn’t say any more about it. But both Twilight and Applejack were so nervous as they stood before Princess Celestia, Luna and Cadence. At the front stood Twilight and Applejack.  Twilight’s attendants were, surprisingly, her mother as best mare, then her brother followed by Rainbow Dash. On Applejack’s side stood Rarity as best mare, then Pinkie Pie followed by Fluttershy.  Apple Bloom stood to one side at the front.  The flower fillies were Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo.  Their new friends (who were thrilled to death to be asked) were ring/cornet bearers, Diamond Tiara for Twilight and Silver Spoon for Applejack.  It was impressed on the flower fillies that they would have to attend the bride’s train once they were up front.  Spike was to stand up front to be with Apple Bloom as she waited on her mother to call her forward.   The rehearsal dinner was provided by the castle kitchen and was held in the grand ballroom.  There was a lot of wine, laughter and fun.  It was a thrill for Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon’s parents to be invited to dine with four princesses.  In all their social climbing, they never imagined that once their daughters became friends with ponies they thought of as lowlifes prior, it would rocket them to this level.  Especially Spoiled Rich when Twilight and Celestia presented her a plaque to display in her shop.  It had the Royal Seal of Equestria and declared that her shop was the: Royal Jeweler: By Appointment to Her Highness, The Princess of Friendship.   Spoiled actually cried with joy as she received a hug from Twilight and Celestia.     There was a knock at the door that awakened Applejack.  She was so excited, she had only fallen asleep about two hours ago. “Yeah?” The door opened and Apple Bloom looked in. “Time to get up, mama,” said Apple Bloom, she was trying to hide it but she was so excited for the day.  “Rarity will be getting’ all of us together to get ready, right after breakfast.” “Ah wouldn’t be surprised if’n she is already dressed an’ made up.  Ah’ll be right there.” Applejack took a shower and went down to the dining room.  AJ was met there by Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Apple Bloom and all the flower fillies.  They talked and laughed and had a happy time.  The adults were teasing AJ about the upcoming night.  The fillies were old enough to know what the older ponies were laughing about and tried not to giggle to loudly.  But when they did, the adults would cast knowing smiles their way and tease them asking what they knew about what they were talking about. When finished, they all walked the halls of the castle to a large room near the Throne Room.  There Rarity had all the gowns and dresses laid out, she was also wearing the sparkling tiara Applejack had given her.  To tell the truth, it made her giddy.  From that day forward, Rarity was hardly seen without it.  Rainbow Dash came by to wish everypony good luck and deliver a message from Twilight to AJ that she couldn’t wait to see her bride. Rarity and AJ were a little concerned because Rainbow wasn’t wearing any dress or outfit. “Give Twilight this message,” said AJ, “if’n she’s made me wear all this an’ she ain’t dressed up, Rarity an’ Ah are gonna to smack the horse-apples out of her.” Everypony laughed as Rainbow left.    But then Rarity turned serious, she looked around then asked in a stern voice:   “Applejack Darling… Where is your hat?”   Applejack laughed. “Twilight took it yesterday evenin’ when she went to her parent’s home.  She said that she didn’t wanna take the chance of ya killing me a’fore we got married.” “A wise precaution,” chuckled Rarity.  Every pony laughed.   In another room Twilight’s party were finishing getting dressed, Rainbow had just come from delivering Twilight’s message.  And gave Twilight the warning from AJ. “I don’t think I have anything to be concerned with,” said Twilight. “No you don’t,” said Twilight Velvet, adjusting her daughter’s outfit.  “I never ever expected to see you like this.  But you know, it looks appropriate.” “Thank you, mom.  I never gave thought to it either.  But when Princess Celestia brought it up, I thought it would give my love a thrill.” “Well, it’s giving all of a thrill as well, ma’am,” said Rainbow as Twilight Velvet’s magic helped Rainbow with her outfit as well. “We’re so proud of you, Twilie,”  said Shining Armor. There was a knock at the door and a guard bowed and announced that it was time.   “Thank you everypony,” said Twilight, “I’m so glad you could stand with me on this special day. Let’s get going.” “One more thing,” said Twilight Velvet as she levitated Twilight’s tiara to her daughter’s head.  “We’re ready now, princess…    By your leave.” Everypony bowed to Twilight, and as uncomfortable as she was with this treatment, especially from her family and close friend.  She knew it was appropriate at this time.  Twilight nodded her head in acknowledgement.  They all joined in a group hug and left the room.   There was soft music playing in the Throne Room.  The guests were all seated.  At an open side door, Twilight waited as her attendants went to escort the brides maids.  She saw in the front row of seating, her father.  Night Light had a tear on his cheek, but he smiled and winked at Twilight.  Twilight blew him a kiss. Princess Celestia saw Twilight and signaled for the proceedings to start.