Spitfire just stood there, frozen. Time seemed to stop as her brain processed just what she had been asked. A strange creature that had not been in her life for more than a few months had just asked her if she would be his wife. The question took Spitfire completely off guard, a rare occurrence for a pony such as herself. Feelings soon began building up inside of her, soon overwhelming her completely.
A few agonising seconds ticked by as Spitfire stood transfixed on the hoof ring, and 18 karat gold ring with a trio of encrusted diamonds lined up along the band. The diamonds glistened beautifully in the moonlight, perfectly matching the crystal clear night sky itself.
Realising she hadn't yet answered, her brain rebooted and she looked up to Connor and saw the fear of rejection in his eyes; and due to the stillness of the garden at night, she could hear this heart thumping furiously out of sheer nerves and fear.
"Yes."
"I'm sorry?" Connor trembled fearfully, "I couldn't hear you."
What Connor could only describe as the most beautiful smile formed on the most beautiful of mares.
"Yes. Yes I will marry you!"
All the fear and nerves that had been building in Connor evaporated in an instant. A smile, equalling that of Spitfire's, form on his face also. He took the band out of the box and placed it around Spitfire's left foreleg. Once Spitfire's hoof was back on the ground, the pair stared longingly at each other, getting lost in each others eyes and the spirit of the moment.
"I love you Spitfire."
"I love you too Connor."
The pair moved in close for a kiss.
A deeply passionate kiss that reflected the equally deep love they had for each other.
The kiss lasted for several seconds, neither of them in any rush to end it.
But alas, all good things end eventually and the pair soon let go of each other.
"So," Connor started, "Shall we go and tell the others of the good news?"
"I'd love to," Spitfire replied softly, giving Connor another hug.
The pair walked back to the castle, eager to tell the other; both of them elated over the turn of events. Spitfire was already going through her mind what sort of dress she wanted, what the cake would look like, who would attend, where it would be held and so on.
Connor was too happy to be thinking of those things, he'd already gotten what he wanted.
The pair entered the Ball Room and stood open mouthed at the chaos before them. Pillars had fallen down, confetti and food littered the floor, , Rarity was crying over her torn dress, Applejack was trying to force her apple related food down Noble ponies' throats....total carnage.
Looking around he saw Twilight and Celestia. The former looking terrified at what her mentor would say, and the latter leaning down and whispering something into Twilight's ear. Connor didn't have time to wonder what she could have said as Twilight whistled, attracting the attention of her friends. Looking up towards her, her friends all bolted towards her and the group of six quickly left the room.
Spitfire and Connor looked to each other and shrugged their shoulders, neither of them knowing what to make of what they just saw.
They weren't waiting long before Celestia totted up to them, looking surprisingly happy despite the bedlam in the Ball Room.
"Connor, Spitfire; how are you both?"
"Great," Connor replied, "I can't say the same for everyone in there though."
Celestia giggled, "No, so long as you're happy though."
Spitfire and Connor looked to one another once more. Without words spoken, Spitfire nodded her head, prompting Connor to tell Celestia the good news.
"There's something we'd like to tell you."
"What would that be, my little human?"
Connor pointed down to Spitfire, who had her foreleg stretched out, who had her engagement ring shining in all its glory.
Celestia went wide eyed and gasped in shock, "Is that...."
"An engagement ring?" finished Spitfire, "Yes. Just a few moments ago, Connor popped the question."
Celestia's wings flapped with excitement as a bright, cheery smile crossed her face, "Congratulations."
"Thanks," Connor replied, "Now we just have to plan it."
"Well, if you wish, the castle will be available to use."
"Really?"
Celestia nodded, "Of course. In fact, it is where you first met; is it not?"
"I remember," replied Connor, "Spitfire flew into me."
Spitfire spluttered indignantly, "It was an accident! I sprained my wing!"
"Which sent me flying backwards, hitting my head on the ground, knocking me out and leaving me to wake up in the hospital; where you were laid asleep at the foot of the bed, curled up into a ball."
Spitfire blushed slightly, "I remember too. I also remember you calling Princess Celestia 'really old'."
Panic immediately set in in Connor. He remembered vividly his faux pas in his comments regarding Celestia's age, not exactly a good start to meeting a head of state, and Royalty as well. Looking to Celestia, expecting a gentle scolding, he got the same reaction as before.
Celestia giggling.
"I remember. I also recall you calling me 'young and vibrant' and looking like a 'living embodiment of the sun'."
Connor blushed and sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck, "Yeah....not the best of introductions."
"On the contrary my little human, it was far more enjoyable than most first meetings I've had. For starters there was no bowing or kissing my hooves."
"That must get boring after I while I presume."
"You've no idea, anyway; I believe you will want to tell Twilight and the others?"
"Yes, any idea where they went?"
"I think I know where, follow me and I will show you."
"What about the gala?"
"Luna will deal with everything. Now, let's not waste time," Celestia said, lowering herself to the ground, "Climb on my back Connor."
Connor did so and made himself as comfortable as he could.
"Ready?" asked Celestia.
"Ready, what about you Milkshake?"
"Ready as ever."
Celestia took to the air with Spitfire flying alongside, the cool night air blowing coolly by as pandemonium erupted in the Ball Room below.
"Will they be alright in there?" asked Connor.
"They'll be fine. Luna will feel like Hearth's Warming Eve has come early."
"Does she like this sort of thing?"
"More like she relishes in seeing the nobles run around in panic."
"Who doesn't," Connor replied, "Honestly Celestia, why are the majority of your nobles stuck up little pricks?"
"I honestly wished I had an answer for you Connor."
"Can't you just strip them of their lands and titles?"
"I could, but the repercussions would be....dire."
"What would they do? Whine and complain even more than they do?"
"For starters."
Connor took the opportunity to look down at Canterlot below, illuminated in all its glory, maybe not quite as impressive as the sprawling metropolises on Earth that he saw illuminated from aeroplanes, but still good nonetheless.
The flight was very short though, barely two minutes, no thanks to Celestia knowing the location of where she assumed Twilight and the others would be.
Celestia touched down on the ground outside Pony Joe's, a doughnut fast food shop a bit like Krispy Kreme, but nowhere near as expensive.
"Smells good," Connor stated.
"Pony Joe is the best doughnut maker in Equestria," Celestia replied, "I have frequented this establishment many times, as did Twilight when she lived at the castle."
Approaching the entrance, Celestia, Spitfire and Connor could all hear the girls opinions on how the night went; all of them believing the night was a disaster, but with their own personal take on why.
"That sounds like the worst night ever," Spike said.
"It was!" the girls chorused in reply, bursting into laughter.
"I just hope Princess Celestia isn't upset with us for ruining the Gala."
"That was the best night ever!" Celestia exclaimed going in, surprising everyone including Connor and Spitfire.
The group gasped in shock and turned to Celestia, surprised to see her, " Princess Celestia!"
"Pardon me, Princess," Twilight replied, confused, "But tonight was just awful."
"Oh, Twilight. The Grand Galloping Gala is always awful."
"It is?"
Celestia nodded, "That is why I was thrilled you were all attending. I was hoping you could liven things up a bit. And while the evening may not have gone as you planned, I'm sure you'll agree that in the end it didn't turn out so bad for this group of friends."
"You're right, Princess. Friends have a way of making even the worst of times into something pretty great."
"Yeah! Hanging out with friends!" Rainbow yelled excitedly.
"Talking," added Fluttershy.
"Laughing!" Pinkie added.
"You mean doing exactly what I wanted to do the whole time?" asked Spike.
"Yes, Spike. You were right," replied Twilight.
"As horrible as our night was..." Applejack started.
" ...being together here has made it all better," finished Rarity.
"In fact, it's made it..." Pinkie started, inviting her friends to join in.
"The best night ever!" they all said unison, except for Celestia, Spitfire and Connor.
After a few seconds of hugging and cheering, the girls eventually returned to their seats, and Connor and Spitfire went to join their friends.
"Mind if we join you?" asked Connor.
"Not at all" Twilight replied, "You don't have to ask to join us, we are your friends after all."
"Great, do you lot want anything? I'm starving."
"Imagine my shock," Spitfire playfully chided.
"Why not get the Deluxe Box?" Twilight suggested, "It has several varieties of doughnuts, there's bound to be something we all like."
"Sure thing."
Connor got up and went to the counter, the girls and Spike still oblivious to the large ring on Spitfire's hoof; despite her deliberately putting it in show for all to see. The girls were too bust chatting amongst themselves while Celestia was reading one of the newspapers.
Spitfire just decided to just sit quietly and see how long it would take for them to notice.
A minute later, Connor returned and sat down next to his fiancée.
"Joe's going to bring everything over in a couple of minutes. I also got us all some milkshakes."
"Banana?" queried Spitfire.
"What other flavour would I get you? Strawberry?"
Spitfire grimaced, "Connor if you ever get me a strawberry milkshake I will wake you up at 6am every morning by blowing my whistle for the next ten years."
"Harsh," Connor replied, handing over her drink, "Here, drink up....Milkshake."
"What's wrong with strawberry milkshake?" asked Pinkie.
"They just taste gross," replied Spitfire.
Connor handed a strawberry milkshake over to Pinkie, "Here you go."
"Thanks Connor! You really are a bestest bestie!"
Connor handed milkshakes to the others as well. A blueberry for Rainbow, vanilla for Fluttershy and Rarity, chocolate for Applejack and chocolate fudge brownie for Celestia and Twilight.
"How did you know what milkshake I like?" asked Celestia.
Connor tapped the side of his nose.
"Oh I see, it's like that is it?" Celestia replied mirthfully, "Well no matter. I know of a few things you like, so it makes us even."
"What do you know I like?"
Celestia leaned in to Connor's ear and began whispering.
Connor's eyes bulged in shock and horror, "How do you know that?"
Celestia tapped the side of her muzzle with her hoof.
"Oh I see," Connor replied, "It's going to be like that is it?"
Celestia nodded, "Yes, my little human. Now, I do believe Joe is bringing over our beverages."
Joe walked over, with the drinks and doughnuts on a trolley, and began placing them on the table.
"Ten milkshakes and one deluxe box, plus a few more doughnuts. I'll be closing soon and they'd only get thrown out."
"Thanks Pony Joe," Twilight replied happily.
"Anything for one of my most loyal customers.........wait a minute....is that...." Joe said, squinting in the direction of Spitfire's hoof. In a second, his eyes widened and his face lit up with glee, "It is! It most certainly is!"
"What is?" queried Twilight.
Joe pointed at Spitfire's hoof. The groups eyes followed to where Joe was pointing.
Their eyes slowly widened and their jaws slowly dropped.
"I-is that...." Rarity started.
"....an engagement ring?" asked Twilight.
Spitfire nodded and smiled happily, "Yes. Connor proposed earlier tonight. And I said yes."
Connor wrapped his arm around Spitfire and the pair gave each other a kiss, much to the delight of everyone watching. The group was understandably excited for the news and were quick to offer their congratulations.
"That's awesome! Way to go!"
"Congratulations darlings."
"Well done, I'm pleased fer yer both."
"So, when is the big day going to be?" asked Twilight.
"We haven't decided yet," replied Connor.
"But we're considering having it at the castle, as that's where we first met," added Spitfire.
"So romantic," Rarity said, day-dreaming of a fairytale wedding akin to what she'd read many times in romance novels.
"There's still a way to go though," Connor added, "A lot of planning to do."
"Speaking of which," Spitfire said, "Rarity, do you think you could make my dress?"
Rarity gasped in shock. In all her years as a seamstress, she had never been asked to make a wedding dress. This would be her biggest challenge to date and pressure would be immense, not to mention who she would be making the dress for. Not just the marefriend of her friend, but also the commanding officer of the Wonderbolts.
"I'd....I'd love to. Oh it will be fantastic! You must come to my boutique so we can begin preparations."
"You bet," replied Spitfire, "What about you Connor, do you want to come along and be measured for a suit?"
"Nah, I'll just wear a pair of jeans and a t-shirt."
Rarity gasped in horror, "You most certainly will not!"
"Why not make him a bridal gown as well?" Rainbow suggested, snickering behind her hooves.
Connor went wide eyed, mortified at the thought, "On second thought a suit will do nicely."
"Are you sure?" queried Rarity with a wry smile, "Would you not prefer a lovely bridal gown instead for your big day?"
"No thanks, a suit will be ideal for a MAN like me."
Rarity sighed reluctantly in defeat, "Very well. A suit it is."
"Thanks Rarity."
"You're welcome darling. BUT, if I hear any more talk of you turning up in jeans and t-shirt......well, I think you can guess what the outcome will be. Can't you?"
Connor nervously nodded. Never again did he intend to go down that path.
"So what kind of wedding theme were you thinking of having?" asked Rainbow.
"We're not sure, but we'll be discussing it in detail soon," Spitfire replied.
The group ate their doughnuts and chatted a little more about the gala, Twilight however, was becoming increasingly excited and fidgeting around in her seat; straining to prevent a gleeful smile from crossing her face. Her odd behaviour caught the attention of everyone else.
"Are you OK Twilight?" asked Connor.
"Can I-"
"Help organise the wedding?"
Twilight nodded excitedly, her grin never leaving her face.
Connor and Spitfire looked to one another and then back to Twilight, "Sure."
Twilight's adorkable grin somehow got wider and before anyone knew it she was bouncing around the cafe, truly ecstatic.
"Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes!"
Connor and the others watched on, bemused.
"I think she's pleased," Connor stated.
An hour or so had past and the motley group were leaving Pony Joe's and heading back to the castle where they would be stopping for the night. Except Celestia, who had headed back earlier to see how Luna was doing in wrapping up the gala.
Spitfire, rather than flying, decided to piggy-back on Connor's back, not that he minded.
"Comfortable Milkshake."
"Yep. Your wings make a good cushion."
"So does your belly."
"I heard that!" Spitfire replied.
"So little Milkshake," Connor said grinning, eliciting a pouty frown from Spitfire, "How about we go to bed, and tomorrow we can tell your parents the good news?"
"Sure thing. Let's not blurt it out straight away, and we'll take them out for lunch first."
"Sure. Anywhere you had in mind?"
"The same place we went to with Vulcan and Cara."
"Sure. What time do you want to go?"
"After breakfast if you like."
"Suits me."
A few minutes later, they were all back at the castle. Spitfire and Connor immediately making their way to their bedroom, and the girls to theirs. Entering the bedroom, with Spitfire still piggybacking on Connor, he switched on the lights and locked the door, before walking over to the bed and turning around.
"Come on Milkshake, off you get."
"Awwww," Spitfire pouted, "I wanna piggyback more."
"You can piggyback another time."
Spitfire let go and landed on the bed, "You wanna get a bath together before going to bed?"
"In the morning, I'm a little sleepy right now. Want any help getting the dress off?"
"Please."
Connor assisted in removing Spitfire's dress, placing it on the ponyequin as carefully as he could, which was soon followed by her orange sapphire shoes and her tiara.
"Time to remove your clothes Stiff Wings," Spitfire said, unbuttoning Connor's shirt.
Within a minute his clothes were on the floor, the lights were off, and the newly engaged couple were climbing into bed; quickly snuggling up close together.
MEANWHILE, IN THE WHITE TAIL FOREST
Ponies stood around gawking at the strange object before them, it's huge size and fearsome look sending a shiver of fear down their spines. One of the ponies was Arch Mage, the lead investigator sent by Celestia to try to find more information on Star Lights's disappearance and Connor's appearance. Spells set up before hand indicated that the object appeared a few days ago, but due to the size of the forest and lack of a precise location, it took longer than Arch Mage hoped to find.
Writing down his summarised report, he sealed it with wax and stamped it with an official seal.
"Send this to Princess Celestia at once," he said, levitating it over to one of the pegasus guards.
The guard nodded, put the letter in his saddle bag and took to the air towards Canterlot.
Arch Mage turned back to the object and sighed deeply, "Why do I get the feeling this isn't going to be the last thing to appear here."
MEANWHILE, ON EARTH
"Is he still out there?" asked Star Light.
Elizabeth looked out of the window, "Yeah, he still going through the motions."
Since his Land Rover disappeared, Alexander had been reconstructing his actions leading up to the disappearance, and was currently miming getting out of his Land Rover, locking it and going to the house; his face one of utter bafflement.
"Mum?" Angela, Connor's 2nd youngest sister, said, "Is Dad OK?"
"He's OK sweetie."
"Maybe the car went to Equestria," Bellatrix, Connor's oldest sister, suggested, "And if it did, maybe we will too."
Star Light looked out of the window, green hills reminiscent of Equestria in the distance bringing back old memories, "Perhaps."