//------------------------------// // Chapter 16 // Story: Finding Inspiration // by bahatumay //------------------------------// Morning Glory stared in the mirror at herself. It had been weird enough that Fluttershy had told her that she could reserve the castle in Ponyville for their private wedding, but then to find out another of her friends was a seamstress and was more than willing to make a dress for her based solely on her measurements was so much more than she'd expected. And then she’d actually gotten the dress and had been blown away. Huh. And all I'd wanted to do was invite her to be my Mare of Honor, she mused, spinning to get a better view of herself. She'd never looked this pretty. Rarity seemed to agree. “I'd say you're ready, darling,” she said, making one last tiny adjustment to her headpiece. She looked down at the low scoop, which revealed many of Morning Glory’s patches of scales, and pursed her lips. “I'll admit, it's not quite what I'd expected; but then again, had I known, I probably would have tried to fit your snakes with a little hat or some kind of decoration. Maybe a little lace sleeve for each one.” Morning Glory barked a laugh. “I don't think they'd appreciate that. I'm just glad you took me so well.” Rarity patted her back gently. “I've made it my policy to make sure no mare ever feels left out, regardless of how she looks.” She looked into the mirror with her and briefly pressed their cheeks together. “And darling, you look fabulous.” Morning Glory looked back into the mirror. Honestly, she'd never thought she'd have this opportunity. She'd somewhat assumed she'd be running and hiding alone for the rest of her life, growing her flowers with just her snakes for company (and having to destroy them every few years to cover her tracks whenever she was discovered and had to go on the run again). But now she had friends. Sure, her apology to Happy Trails and Green Hooves had been a bit awkward (as had their next few meetings), but they'd forgiven her. They were here, too, on Wind Shear’s side. Her side had Fluttershy, and she said she'd brought a few of her closest friends (which were most likely animals, knowing her. But that was just fine). As if she'd heard her name, Fluttershy came into the room. “Are you ready?” she asked. “I think so,” Morning Glory said. Rarity tittered and trotted back around. “I'll be in my seat. Don't keep us waiting!” Morning Glory stood in front of the door and took a deep breath. “Alright,” she murmured. She glanced up at the nearest snake. “You ready?” The snake flicked its tongue at her. “I'll take that as a yes.” With a quick glance at Fluttershy for reassurance, she nodded, and the pegasus pulled open the door. Then Morning Glory slammed the door shut. She pressed her back against it as if to hold it closed from what was on the other side. “Fluttershy!” she hissed. “Yes?” Fluttershy asked, confused. Morning Glory pointed over her shoulder. “Why is there a princess in there?” she asked hoarsely. Fluttershy scuffed a hoof. “Because you wanted a quiet ceremony, so I kept it within my… my circle of friends? A- and she's the only one of us who can actually perform a wedding, officially. Well, Pinkie might be able to,” she amended. “I think, but I'm not completely sure. There's a lot about Pinkie that-” “You're friends with a princess?!” “She's a very friendly pony,” Fluttershy offered weakly. Morning Glory shook her head. “This is a terrible idea.” Fluttershy looked flatly at her. “You're not going to do that freaky stare thing again, are you?” “No. Because you already know you're going in there, because you love Wind Shear more than you're afraid.” She reached up and gently stroked the head of the nearest snake. “Isn't that right?” she cooed. Morning Glory scowled as she readied herself again. “I hope you throw a shoe.” But no shoes were thrown, thankfully. And it really was a nice wedding, even if Twilight was looking at her with uncomfortably intense scientific curiosity the whole time. “Huh.” “What?” “N- nothing, it's just… I think this is the first time I've ever been supposed to look at a mare’s… uh, ‘you know’?” “I literally have no hair on my tail. None. You cannot tell me you've never seen me back there before.” “Well, yeah; but there's a difference between catching a glimpse and actually being invited to enjoy the view.” There was a pause. “You're making it weird,” Morning Glory said, shuffling uncomfortably. “Stop making it weird.” “Sorry. First time, remember?” “Lucky me,” Morning Glory mumbled. “It's a good view?” Wind Shear tried. “You're not supposed to just look!” Morning Glory complained. “You’re supposed to do something about it! Just… go on instinct or something!” “Alright, alright! Let me just—sorry—get up on you and-” “Not that one!” she shrieked. “Sorry! Sorry! I didn't- they're close, and-” “Ugh. I am regretting a lot of things in my life right now.” “Ouch,” he said, mildly offended. Morning Glory sighed. “Just… try again. I want this, too, you know.” “Ok, I'll… uh, ok, try- Whoa. Oh, wow.” Morning Glory’s smugness knew no bounds. “Mm-hm. That's it. Feels good, huh?” “Y- yeah. Really good. Uh, how are you?” “Not bad. Kinda boring, though. Try moving.” “Al- Oh, sweet Celestia…” “Hey! She's not here, I am! Shout- ngh- my name!” “Morning-! ahn-! Glory! Wow, I-” “No! Don't stop! Don't you dare!” Wind Shear lay on his back, his heart rate finally returning to normal. That had been amazing. Short, yes; but amazing. Part of him wanted to go back in time and slap himself for writing those erotic novels when he didn't know anything about romance or intimacy. He had known nothing. Literally nothing. Morning Glory had taught him so much, and his life would never be the same. Morning Glory was currently nestled on his chest, snoring softly. He'd taught her about a wing hug. He didn't think it felt nearly as good as what she'd just showed him, but she seemed to like it; she'd fallen asleep almost instantly, wrapped in his wing. Even her snakes were asleep. He thought, anyway. That one on the end may have stayed awake as a sentry. He thought he saw tiny flashes of pink from its tongue out of the corner of his eye. And yet, somehow this all made sense. You know, I have no idea how my life turned out this way. He squeezed her tighter. But I'm not disappointed.