//------------------------------// // VI: Harmony and Love // Story: Hold Still and Let Me Marry You // by KingdaKa //------------------------------// Rarity felt her hands tremble, the quiver within small fingers growing as the excitement coursed outwards across her whole body. This wasn’t a fantasy, not an imagined thing; the silken feeling of fabric upon her skin was reality, beautiful and wonderful in all its glory. What she was wearing for the very first time was not an ordinary garment. “Just a little more- there,” Rainbow said, cinching the last button upon the back and releasing her friend from her grasp. “That’s it. Zipped up and everything.” On unsteady feet did she walk towards the mirror, the reflection of the young woman within it still more dream than actuality. She could not be wearing this dress, not so close to the moment she had longed for all her life. Even when Rarity knew it to be true, her appearance was more wonderful than anything her mind had ever conceived of. This glorious, beautiful, absolutely magnificent wedding dress was her very own, completed at last and now adorning her form with all the purity of clearest snow and sunlight. Never, had she beheld something quite this beautiful, a moment that would only be eclipsed by the fullest wonder that would be the fateful day only a short while ahead, when “I do” would be reality for every day of her life. A small flicker in her mind, self-appraisal brought to an end when her thoughts turned to the room beside hers. Within was the most beautiful woman in the world, performing the very same action she herself had just undertaken. And when she remembered that someday soon she would see Celestia at the altar, wearing a wedding dress of her own and waiting to take her hand forever… The squee that escaped her lips was one of pure, unrivaled joy. “Oh, it’s perfect!” Rarity declared. “Yeah, that’s, umm- one way of putting it,” Rainbow agreed, surprisingly inclined to agree with her lovely friend’s self-assessment. “Jeez, Rares, you look- damn. I can’t imagine what Twi’ll look like- I mean, uh-” It hadn’t meant to be said aloud, but the words had escaped her lips before they could be held back. Momentarily distracted, the brilliant fashionista pounced on her maid of honor’s slip of the tongue. “Aha! I knew you were a big fat romantic! When are you two going to get engaged? Can I be your maid of honor when you get married?” Rainbow quailed under this unexpected delight, trying to dole out protests against her friend’s sudden attack. “Oh come on, it’s not a big deal! I just was wondering aloud, I didn’t mean anything-” “Oh yes you did, Rainbow, don’t lie! What’s your plan for asking her?” Rarity, already emotional from the sight of herself in her completed wedding dress at last, was perfectly eager to continue down her marital track of mind. “I don’t have a plan, jeez! Why are you so focused on me, look at yourself for two seconds or something-” The door to the spacious dressing room opened as Twilight poked her head through the crack to investigate the source of the suddenly raised voices. “What on earth are you two yelling about?” she asked in a laugh. “Jeez, I could hear you down the hall you’re being so loud.” “Rainbow wants-” “Don’t you dare.” The words were not a request, the vivid woman’s countenance afire as she held her friend to willful silence. So potent was her command that Twilight was left flummoxed, wondering if perhaps she had stumbled onto an actual argument rather than just friendly drama. Though she was loathe to let the moment slide, it was not her right or place to make the final decision on such a momentous matter, Rarity releasing a sigh and shaking her head. “Just a conversation, that’s all,” she said. “What can I do for you, Twilight?” Her wedding planner was not satisfied by the explanation but found herself distracted by the full view of her client’s appearance, longtime friend now on the cusp of a day Twilight knew she had dreamed of for countless years. “Wow,” the neurotic princess breathed, seemingly taken aback. “Just- goodness, look at you! You look amazing, it’s a beautiful dress- especially on you!” “I know, right?” Rainbow agreed. “And she doesn’t even wanna pay attention to it at all, she wants to focus on some stupid-” “Be nice, Rainbow.” A sigh of defeat and she accepted the chiding. “Yeah, fine.” “What does Cellie have to say about her fitting, Twilight?” Rarity asked. It had been a bit of a difficult task to accomplish, seeing her fiancé suitably adorned without being present to ensure it done properly. Minute alterations could be made, but without seeing it in person would be a special sort of challenge. “She- umm.” Twilight bit her lip, holding back a grin but uncertain of how to proceed. “She, uh- she wants to talk to you, actually. Like right now.” “Now?” When they were both supposed to be hidden from the other, concealed behind thick walls so as to not break the spell? To see each other, dressed in white and eternally beautiful, was a moment meant for far greater occasions than this. “I- well, I could, but- is something wrong with her dress, darling?” “No, definitely not,” Twilight giggled. “She just wants to talk to you.” “Well, I… guess we could try to,” Rarity mused, though not quite certain as to how. “If you’ll give me a second, I’ll come right over.” She turned back to the mirror and motioned for Rainbow to come to her side and provide aid- “She wants to come to you, if that’s alright,” Twilight interjected swiftly, bringing her friends’ actions to a pause. “I’ll just be right back. Can she just- we’ll keep the door as a barrier, does that sound OK?” “Of course…” Given the assent she had been sent to retrieve, the brilliant royal stole away from the room in a flash, hurrying down the hall to where her onetime mentor awaited her return and leaving her friends mystified. “I mean… she’s not supposed to see you yet, right?” Rainbow asked aloud. “Like it’s bad luck, or something?” The beautiful lady nodded. “I wonder what’s so important that she can’t wait..?” A few minutess passed before the white door of the dressing room opened once more, Fluttershy slipping inside and motioning for the bride-to-be to hasten to her side. “If you’ll just take, umm- just right here, against the wall just in case the door leans a bit. Celestia? Rarity’s here now.” “Rarity? Can you hear me, sweetheart?” Celestia’s voice came through clearly, a swiftness of tone within so unlike her usual tranquil pace. “Loud and clear, darling,” was her reply, leaning against the wall as though hoping to feel the heartbeat of her beloved from the other side. She could only imagine what resplendent beauty lay just out of sight. How sun-kissed skin dazzled like gold against snow-white silk and lace, lush form flowing beneath exquisite pattern. She knew that body by heart, all its lines and curves and loveliness that somehow belonged to such a wonderful person- and now just on the other side, hardly out of sight, did she stand. It was a sore temptation to not try and sneak just a single glance. “Is… is everything alright?” “It is. I just… wanted to hear your voice, I guess,” was the solar royal’s reply. A strange sort of quiet overtook them, no discomfort to be found but rather a longing kept silent as each woman tended to their own thoughts for a time. Perhaps each imagined the other as they were now, wondering what vision of loveliness awaited their longing eyes in a moment that so easily encaptured all of their imaginings. “I- is everything alright with your dress, darling?” Rarity asked, words almost a tremor. “Do you- does it fit correctly, does it feel nice to wear?” “It’s the most perfect thing I’ve ever worn,” Celestia breathed, a thickened happiness in her voice. “My precious diamond, you have truly outdone yourself. Thank you- just so much. What of yours? Is everything as you’d hoped?” “I’ve never felt more beautiful in all my life,” Rarity replied, “I can’t wait for you to see it. I can’t wait to see you!” She hadn’t meant to be so swept up in the fervor yet tears began to fall all the same, staining her cheeks as she laughed through it all. It was such a cacophony of painful longing and unbearable joy that it was simply too much to take in. “I know,” Celestia agreed. “I just- it’s only a short time away, and yet every day feels like an eternity. And we’ve both been so busy that we’ve hardly been in the same place. It’s just…” A small intake of breath that was a shudder. “I never knew I could ever love someone so much. That even your… your absence is painful. I just keep finding myself hoping to see you just around the corner, or that I wake up in bed and you’re in my arms.” “I’m sure there’ll be times I leave you livid, darling,” Rarity giggled. “That we fight, and argue. And nights we want to go to bed still mad because… well, we have before, haven’t we? But I know- I know that I won’t ever regret being yours. And that I’ll always, always be glad that I love you.” “And you’re certain, my love?” “Without a doubt,” Rarity whispered. “So don’t you ever forget it.” “I promise it,” Celestia said. “Rarity?” “Mhm?” “May- can I kiss you? One last kiss, and then we wait until the wedding? I know you asked me to stop for a while, but I- I’ve never needed to kiss you as badly.” Face-to-face, both adorned by wedding gowns and unable to be seen by each other’s eyes. Yet she could feel the longing like a heat in the air, an aroma that beckoned to the senses that she must come and taste. Rarity could not resist this call, this absolute pleading that called to her. It was only a matter of how she was to achieve such a feat- A firmness came about her wrist and the seamstress gave a start; Rainbow smiled as she led her to the edge of the threshold with her friend in hand, the quiet listener now participant in this irresistible sweetness that two paramours could not bear to break. Slowly did she guide her friend onwards until only the very edge of the door lay between the two, Twilight now in view and acting as her pair on the other side. “Close your eyes,” the prismatic woman said. Her world fell to darkness and Rarity gave herself fully to Rainbow’s care. Her hand was guided along the tracing outline of the door and then into open air, alone and awaiting further command- until smooth fingers brushed gently across her palm, a swift caress that became a binding thing and saw lovers united in hand. A quiet creak of the door as it was pushed aside, darkened vision unnecessary as hands reached out to clasp at the form she knew so well, softly stroking across cheeks and through hair as she leaned upwards, finding her lips so tenderly met in this wondrous, hungering, desperate union. Only the smallest of things, no great fire to make it burn bright, merely warmth and exquisite love melting them together in a joyful firmness that could have lasted all the days of the lifetime of the earth. And then they departed, away from one another until time bid they find one another in the most long-awaited moment of their lives. There was an agitation within her mind that refused to fade, electricity in the heart that kept her nights longs and made the hours as though days. Rarity often found herself veering towards panic more days than she wanted to admit; surely it was too easy that they had so little left to accomplish. The gardens had been repaired and now awaited the numerous guests, the decorations had been settled and were now under guard until the wedding day. The rings had arrived and now lie safe in the vaults, waiting to be retrieved. Caterers and clients had all signed on for every possible necessity imaginable. Gifts for the wedding party had been assembled and sent out. Even the rehearsal dinner was finalized and awaiting them. Celestia had been wondrously efficient in speeding along the process, keeping Rarity’s desires in mind with every decision until the whole event had seemingly been wrapped in a bow and waiting to be unwrapped. What little she had been asked to aid with had been so easy to accomplish. It was all too good to be true. Surely there had to be something else that required her attention, some detail that had been overlooked; even the marriage certificate had finally been signed. But try as she might to rack her mind, the elegant seamstress could think of nothing until the day itself that required her to give fullest effort. Until the wedding day, she might really be able to relax, if her nerves allowed it. For somehow it was now bridal week! Only six days away until the most magnificent of days would be there before her very eyes, and each day now seemed to crawl at a snail’s pace. It was all so agonizingly slow. But as her friends continued to say, there was no need to hurry things. This week was supposed to be fun, so why not enjoy this time while she could? And seeing what ‘now’ currently involved… “I’ve never seen anything like it!” Pinkie declared, eyes wide and brimming with joy as she watched the firework reflection of the fading sun against the water below them, the salt spray of waves cutting against the bow adding its tincture foam to the sparkling display. “This is just amazing! Can you imagine seeing this every day?” The information on the bachelorette party had been kept from the brides-to-be throughout their planning process, Rainbow abnormally tight-lipped so as to keep secrets from spilling. Even amongst the others, few had known what would be coming; far as Rarity could tell, only Twilight had been fully in the know. But when the prismatic woman had requested they arrive at her girlfriend’s castle early that morning, they had willingly acquiesced. Now they watched the brilliant sun slowly fall from sight aboard a luxurious yacht that had happily ferried them across the bay at their every whim. This secret trip to this small seaside island had been wonderful from start to finish, whether it be the afternoon spent at a high-end seafood restaurant, their accommodations for the next two days, or the particularly excellent wine-tasting they now partook in. Rainbow had played her cards brilliantly, adding a trip that was sure to be a treasured memory for years to come in what would be the best week of her life. “It must be beautiful,” Twilight mused, standing in between bride and baker as they enjoyed the sight of nature in all its glory. “Just going to bed every night and you hear the waves on the shore. And then waking up to watch the seabirds flying along the beach, or picking at shells in the sand…” The royal bookworm gave a dreamy sigh as her vivid imagination carried her through a lifetime alongside the sea with all its sights and smells and joys to be found. “It’s so peaceful,” Rarity said, her voice hardly more than a murmur as she watched her beloved’s last works of the day fade off into the horizon. It was almost indecent for them to say a word and spoil the marvel, their time better spent in silence and letting the sound of water fill the void. Licking tendrils against the hull, the gentle breeze that carried across the waves to the shore, and the first few pinpricks of stars coming to life in the velvet-blue darkness that was befalling them. Yes, words had no meaning here; their only obligation was to enjoy the view. “Oh crap, hold on!” Crashing out from within the ship’s interior came the sprawling form of the vivacious princess of the wilds, muscular form struggling to make its way to the side and remain steady. Not one often upon the waters, and certainly more tipsy than the rest of them combined, Luna was in high spirits and low in motor control. “Sirry- sorry, I gotta dosomething!” Suddenly rigid, the powerful woman reached out with her hand to the edge of infinity, palm upward as though cradling form within; there, at the cusp where sea met sky, came the pale-yellow glow of moonlight in the first sliver of celestial stone. The moon had been set upon its course and would now follow the trail set before it. The night had truly begun. “Aha! Just as good as always!” Luna crowed, her whole body seemingly pulsing with this casual triumph. “Sorry, girls, I almost forgot to do my job! It kinda sucks, you know? This is the first vacation I get in centuries and I still gotta work! Like, what’s the deal, you know… What’cha doing out here?” “Just enjoying the view,” Twilight replied, sporting a grin that barely held her laughter in check. None of them had ever seen the solemn princess so lively, copious amounts of alcohol making her more genial than any, save perhaps her sister, had ever seen her. “It’s the first time I’ve ever seen anything so pretty!” Pinkie cried, eyes positively aglow as she took in the beams of light that poured from the lunar surface down onto the rippling surface of the sea. “I’ve never been to the ocean before and now I get to see this, isn’t that amazing?” “What?” Luna gasped at the remark as though it were the most horrid thing she’d ever heard. “You’ve nev- never seen the ocean? Oh my gosh, that sucks!” “But I got to see it like this for the very first time! And it’s soo pretty! Especially because of you raising the moon, it looks like a big road of light on the water!” Pinkie declared, never deterred by any personal sorrow if she could help it. “Because of me? Oh, that’s hot. You’re hot,” Luna said, suddenly leaning hard against the much-shorter baker with a mischievous gleam in her eyes. “Gosh, you’ve got like, a great ass. Can I squeeze it?” The two spectators turned to one another and struggled to hold themselves together; Luna being so openly promiscuous, or that their oft-shameless friend was now blushing a fierce red were sights unseen. Pinkie had remained happily single all her life and seemed content to remain as such, her ideology of loving others unconditionally now face-to-face with Luna’s more sensual take on the same matter. “You what?” “Can I squeeze your ass? Like, it’s so juicy, I just gotta pinch it!” Luna said. “Not like- hard where it’ll hurt or anything. But oh man, I really need it so bad.” “Umm, I- OK? If you need to, or something. I guess,” Pinkie stammered. Her face was still flush, but her own partakings of alcohol gave her the willingness to allow such actions. Given free reign, Luna’s full-hand grasping of the frizzy-haired girl’s cake broke the two more sobered women, Twilight and Rarity bursting into laughter as the stellar royal was left ecstatic by the results- and their humor only magnified by Pinkie’s wide-eyed, most definitely aroused, response to it. “Ohmygod that is amazing,” Luna groaned. Before another word could be said, she took hold of Pinkie’s small form and raised her high, the joyful confectionist giving a squeak as she was suddenly cradled, arms put about the mighty woman’s neck by instinct. “You are mine tonight. You wanna, like, hangout for a while?” She hadn’t expected the strength within the princess to be so potent, or something she would enjoy so deeply. “Uh-huh,” Pinkie said with a spirited nod. “Awesome.” Luna seemed intent on keeping her focus on Pinkie for the rest of the night, the two primed to disappear into their own world for as long as their vigor would allow them- only to suddenly be serious-faced once more and turning to her audience. “Ohyeah, almost forgot! Cellie was asking where you were, Rares. My sister wants her babydoll, like, really bad!” Perfectly willing to comply and curious as to what sort of nonsense her two suddenly-entangled friends were primed to get up to, the fair lady followed the great princess back inside to the lounge, Celestia and Rainbow chattering away together as they slowly indulged themselves on another fresh glass of rosé, perhaps musing on Blueblood’s sudden enlistment into the kingdom’s military, or how Applejack and Fluttershy were faring with their secret errands back onshore. Eyes attracted to motion caught sight of her fiancé returning to her presence and the wondrous beauty smiled. And was soon distracted by the sight of her sister carrying one of her friends in her arms, Pinkie and Luna crashing onto the couch together and giggling as they came together all the closer. “And what have you been up to? You were gone for two minutes!” “Oh my gosh, how did I go so long without checking her out? Look at that ass!” Luna bellowed, Pinkie’s fierce blush making Rainbow boom with laughter. “She is like my favorite person ever right now, like I just gotta have her! She’s so freakin’ hot, girl, just look-” “How many bottles have you had?” Celestia asked. Perhaps less surprised at her sister’s skills for inebriation, an expression of delighted incredulity came to light on her sun-kissed features. “I dunno, like four- or something?” Luna replied. “But jeez, just look at this piece of ass, I just gotta spank it!” And thus she did, a mild strike eliciting a yelp from the pink-loving woman who now stared at her sudden paramour as though she were experiencing an unforeseen awakening. Her spectators had imbibed enough wine to find the whole situation hilarious, Luna’s insistent physicality eliciting more than a few odd responses from their suddenly gunshy companion. Pinkie had often been their most physically affectionate amongst their number, always willing to give a hug or gentle touch- all of that now lay at the wayside when put against this warrior’s desperate desire for sensuality, unable to stand strong when gentle comfort found itself more than matched by hunger. More than willing to egg on her fellow inebriated companion, the two had suddenly become a wondrous mismatch. There were plenty of hours ahead before her glorious day would see itself realized, Rarity knew that full well. But why worry and spend her anxieties on the morrow that had yet to come when there was so much good to still be found in the meantime? Life was meant to be enjoyed, no matter the time or occasion. She could better spend herself enjoying the uproarious moment beside her beloved until the day finally came; in fact, it was almost impossible to resist. Rarity awoke to an empty room, greyed and cold with the colors of the early dawn. Alone upon her plush bedcovers, she had arrived here early last night in good countenance and eager to sleep through the darkness so as to more swiftly find the day. The rehearsal dinner had been lovely, another wondrous selection by Rainbow for catering that had made the evening splendid. So unexpectedly she’d been the best maid of honor anyone could ask for, especially for a wedding of this importance; even Celestia had been eager to marvel over the multicolored beauty’s capability in ensuring a pleasant party. The one who so few –to include even herself- had assumed would be keen on partaking in wedding preparations had somehow come away with the whole affair as nothing more than a wonderful hand in obligations. All the seamstress could hope was that she would be able to return the favor in kind. But now she lay atop the mattress and wondered what would come of today. For today was the day of days, the very one she’d waited for all of her life: her wedding day was actually here, and in so short a time she would see herself off from this solitary place and into the bustle of palace activity, there to meet the ones who would help her see the day’s fruition be made reality. The myriad number of beauticians, her friends, and Celestia- sweet, wonderful beautiful Celestia, who would be there at her side for the rest of her life. It was all something she’d dreamed of for so much of her life, faces and places and scenery changing over and over until she at last knew what reality would resemble; but now it was almost here- really here. There for her to partake in, waiting for her to take the next steps. It was just so much to take in. So much wonder and fear, these last final steps suddenly so weighty. Despite all the daydreams and effort, the planning and pain that had seen this day come to life… It almost didn’t seem real. But now it beckoned. And Rarity, the finest, most elegant and wonderful lady of a kingdom, wondered if it was too good to be true. So she rose from her place and took to making herself a quiet cup of tea, watching her fiancé’s handiwork out the window begin to make its impressions upon the land. She had yet to take a bath; the local spa beauticians she had hired had requested she be at their beck and call for every inch of skin to be tended to; whatever Celestia’s own hired name had found against her had never been revealed, even unto the day of her sacking. But no matter now; not when such a day was at hand. There came footsteps down the hallway and the tussled hair of her youthful sister came into view, Sweetie Belle giving a yawn and taking note of her already-awake sibling. “Isn’t it early?” She asked. “Not to me,” Rarity murmured. Maybe instinct had bidden her awaken, to watch the sun rise. Its call came at her beloved’s beckoning, after all. “I guess. Yeah.” Surprisingly, her sibling settled down at the table in the chair beside her, the two doing nothing but sitting amidst the quiet and enjoying the early seconds of the day. There was nothing to say, not when so much was about to change. This final moment alone was all that could be asked for. “You’re not going to live her anymore once this is over, are you?” Sweetie asked. Rarity had wondered if the question would ever come. It had been on her mind long before the day of Celestia’s proposal, seen needing an answer before she could begin its pondering. “I… no, I won’t,” she answered after a time. “Wherever Cellie goes, I’ve- even if it might be dangerous, at times. I want to be there with her.” “So you’re really gonna leave,” Sweetie Belle said, and in her voice was the thickness of tears. The early awakening still held their emotions raw, easily wounded and made to weep. “I’m never going to see you again.” “Now that is simply not true,” Rarity protested, cradling her sister in her arms so as to shush the tears away. “I will be here- not every day, darling, but as much as I can. I’ll still work, this will still be my business. I’ll be back as much as I can!” “But it won’t be the same!” Even as an elder teenager Sweetie’s emotions had remained much the same, so fresh and strong as though never having been felt before. There was a lightness to be found in speaking with someone so heartfelt. “No, it will not,” was her sister’s reply. “But it will still be good. And no matter what, you will always be my little sister- so don’t you forget it!” “You promise?” “Absolutely, darling! Wherever I go, no matter how serious or important it is, you can always seek me out. For anything!” Rarity insisted. “Just say the word and I’ll make sure of it.” In each other’s arms, held tightly and seeking comfort in one another, the two could only feel each other’s heartbeat. And then- “Know any hot noble girls?” The two sisters could only laugh together, waking their parents as the small family shared the dawn all in the same place under the same name for the very last time. Before too long Rarity was bidden to depart by the hastenings of her schedule, her family to remain behind until their own beck and call had been made. There would be plenty for them to do in the time being, and much for them to celebrate. But now, so much of what came next was their daughter’s day. When the alabaster carriage came to a halt outside her doorstep, bidden there by the sight of horses so familiar to her eyes, she knew the time was indeed coming. “This is it,” Rarity said. Her eyes turned from the vehicle that beckoned and back to her family, soaking them in as she reveled in this beginning moment. This was real, this was happening. “I- thank you so much. For everything.” Her parents said nothing, not yet; her father knew his role in this, the day he had both dreamed of and dreaded since he held his firstborn in his arms. The time was coming all too soon, even if it seemingly taken so much time to get here. It was just still too much, even now. “Still sisters?” Sweetie Belle asked. “Ever and always,” Rarity affirmed, stepping outside the realm that had been her home for so many years and into the final steps of this solitary life. Rarity found herself watching the view go by the door window, familiar sights and places suddenly turned into something precious. She’d seen so much of this town for so long, all its people and things as comfortable and routine to her as anything could be. But watching it go by and be left behind as she was hurried away to her most awaited day was now something bittersweet. Had she never truly appreciated the quiet world that was her home before? Was it something she would miss? In so many yes the answer was yes and no. This place would always be her childhood home, even if so much was going to change. No matter the numerous places and things that awaited her, a small part of her heart could always be found within it; never would she wish it any other way. “Lady Rarity! Wonderful, you’re here a little early!” Ream and Yor, her former bodyguards, were the two who awaited her arrival at the palace entrance. Familiar faces beamed bright as they embraced as friends, the young couple hastening their charge to the quarters deep within. “How is Celestia this morning?” The young seamstress asked. “Have either of you seen her today?” “Practically bouncing off the walls, my lady,” Yor answered, grinning at the memory. “I’m surprised you didn’t hear her all the way from your bedroom she was being so loud. Can’t stop screaming about how excited she is.” “I’m sure I can relate,” Rarity remarked. “If the bride’s not excited then something’s wrong,” the young woman replied. “I was about to leap out of my skin when I was going to marry this moron.” The wily, grinning man at her side laughed. “Isn’t she so nice to me? Always has a kind word to say.” “Then start deserving them, you kicked a cardboard box that might have held a bomb!” “Cause it was your idea. How can I do your own idea wrong?” The friendly banter between the two was as though looking into the future, a young couple so close and comfortable with one another that the numerous shades of intimacy had allowed teasing and play to find its comfort in their presence. It was difficult to imagine she and Celestia acting towards one another in such a manner- but things changed so much when you truly lived together. Rarity could hardly imagine what the future held. “We’ll be right outside if you need anything, my lady,” Ream said as they came to the luxurious apartment that awaited her. “Until it’s time to go…” “Thank you so much, you two,” Rarity said. “You’ve been such a comfort, I can’t say how much it all means to me.” The young newlyweds could only laugh and smile. “May you have the best day of your life, my lady.” The apartment was already a flurry of activity from the moment she opened the door, Aloe and Lotus speaking with Twilight in rapid-fire pace that came to a halt at her appearance. “Hey, you’re here early!” Twilight said, rushing over to give her friend a hug. “How are you? Feeling alright?” “Nervous- and excited?” Rarity answered. “Is this- this is really happening, isn’t it? I’m actually getting married!” “Yes, you really are! And –oh my gosh, I am so happy for you!” Twilight said. Unable to resist the infectious joy that enveloped them all, she gave her dear friend one more embrace as the two allowed themselves a few laughing squeals of delight. “OK- OK, so I’m going to be moving around between you and Celestia for a bit until the ceremony starts, so don’t worry too much if I’m gone for a little while. Everything’s looking good right now, so it should go off without a hitch!” “Wonderful! I couldn’t have done this without your help, dear, you’ve truly been an absolute marvel.” “Anything for my friends,” Twilight said. “Now, I think Aloe and Lotus need to have their say about you for a little while…” The work the two serene twins doted upon her was the finest physical luxury Rarity had ever received at their care. A consistent client at their business, they knew the lovely seamstress by heart; just what she needed to look her best for her wedding day was knowledge they alone possessed. First tended to with a scented bath, Rarity was at their every whim- and perfectly at ease with such a thing. Her fair skin had never glowed so brightly, never felt so smooth; her hair glistened with the colors of the late evening before stars came to rise in the shadows. It was a purity that seemed to radiate from her very spirit, through flesh and out into the world. “Lady Rarity, your dress awaits!” Aloe declared, removing the coveted garment from its protected bag and placing it on the rack. “If you would come here, please, so we may assist…” She felt her body tremble; this was it. One step closer, the moment actually beginning to sink in. This was her wedding day- her wedding day! She was going to wear this dress not for fun or a daydream, but for the very thing she’d wanted all her life. And look at whom she was to spend her life with! It could not be better even if it had come from her dearest imaginings. The gentle fabric across her skin as she adorned herself in white, led over to the awaited seat where the twins gently brushed at her with what makeup she required. So little was necessary, meant only to accentuate rather than enhance; always was their goal for Rarity to be the best version of herself rather than someone else. “All done, miss,” Lotus said. “If you’ll please turn around and take a look at yourself in the mirror?” Obeying her order, the exquisite lady turned to find her reflection and was left gasping at the sight of herself: never, ever, in all her life had she ever looked so beautiful. It were as though she had walked out from the pages of a fairytale, straight into the waking world still possessing a magical luster. It was more than perfect, more than magnificent- A stinging came and Rarity forced herself to hold back the tears for now. This was not the time or place, and the best was yet to come. Time passed before she saw anyone else in the outside world, Twilight striding in and delighting in the look of her friend so wonderfully adorned. “OK, so- so the ceremony’s about to start. Celestia should be making her way to the great hall right now, I’m about to go join her, and… your dad should be along in just a bit. You ready?” Words failed her at the moment, forcing the young woman to settle for a nod. Heart beating a million miles per hour, her excitement just barely kept in check; it was all Rarity could do to keep herself in one place. Twilight seemed to understand, the oft-neurotic woman giving her friend a quick squeeze of the shoulder. “I am… so happy for you,” she murmured, one last hug between them before departing. Now she waited. Time seemed to move so slow, each moment spent in silence the length of a lifetime. It was all so close now, just out of reach and waiting for her to grasp it. Rarity could hardly believe it was real even after so much time had passed; this was happening. Her dream was actually going to come true. The next knock at the door came in a hearty rap, the tone familiar to her ears as she recognized its beat. The sight of her father walking through the threshold was unsurprising to her- but the tears that sprung to life in his eyes as he beheld his daughter was something entirely new to the both of them. “Dad-” “I’m alright,” her father said, waving a hand in her direction so as to give himself space in which to settle. “You just- you look amazing, sweetheart. My little girl is- well.” A few moments more before Hondo could truly see himself composed and able to attend to his duties, the two embracing as father and daughter of one banner for the very last time. The sight of Ream and Yor gesturing to the hallway outside the door was the sign she had waited for. “I think they’re ready for us, Dad,” Rarity said quietly. “Yeah, they- yeah.” Hondo gave one last bittersweet smile and took his treasured child by the arm, dreading and cherishing this awaited moment. “You ready?” “Ready.” A long walk down the hallway to where the sound of music and people could be heard, a thick pair of wooden doors all that separated them. Just on the other side, there awaiting her, would be the word and deed that would see her world changed forever. It was all so much, so wonderfully real. Forcing herself to take a steady breath, Rarity allowed herself one last reprieve; when the doors opened before her and the music swelled to grant her entry, she knew the time had finally come. So many pairs of eyes fell upon her, a hushed wonder emanating across the crowd like waves across water; never before had she felt such a thing, to be the center of attention to so many all at once. They marveled at her, adored her, and eagerly awaited the moment they would cheer for her. Despite the numerous setbacks and dissent she had seen over the years, there were still so many that were glad to celebrate her happiest day. It was more than anything gratitude could put into words. Her eyes glossed over them all, even the sight of her friends there agog and beaming on her behalf. She sought out nothing else save for the one to whom she walked; Celestia stood there at the dais, more wonderful and beautiful than anything the generous beauty had ever seen in all her days. How the white satin gleamed against her sun-kissed skin, the golden glow now alight and giving her the very radiance of the sun. She could see the curves, the beautiful body within, all set afire with physical color and the joy inside that could not be contained. When the two found each other’s eyes, they could only find themselves met with a smile; they had seen the peak of beauty and each deemed it to be the other. There at the steps did she feel the strength of her father’s arm leave her side, one last hushed goodbye said between them before Rarity took her last moments alone. Only for a short while would she be this way, bereft and unclaimed. But as she climbed those last few steps and came before her beloved, she knew this was where she would never want to leave. A small smile shared between them once more- then a turn to the one who would see them made one. Cadance seemed to be brimming with a wondrous happiness, just as excited to officiate a bond of matrimony as she had been to partake in it herself. There with book in hand, she looked down at friend and family with a brimming smile. The Princess of Love had been summoned to fulfill her calling, and for these two she was more than happy to oblige. “You look amazing,” she whispered. “Ready?” “Absolutely,” Rarity breathed. “Desperately,” Celestia whispered. Cadance beamed. “Then here we go,” she replied quietly before turning to the crowd and speaking out in a booming voice, “To all here present, I bid you welcome! Today we all share in the delight and the privilege to bear witness to the union of two souls, admired and cherished by us all: The wedding of Lady Rarity and Ruler of Equestria, High Princess Celestia!” The cheer that came at the remark shook the world about them all, heartier than even a clap of thunder. The call was powerful, infectious; Rarity couldn’t hold back a smile any longer. “And a privilege it is,” the lovely royal continued, “For what transpires before us is a new beginning. A union which we have been called to celebrate, to share in the joy of these two souls. For they choose to display their love, their commitment, and their loyalty to one another before us. It is our sacred honor to stand together as witnesses today that we may see such happiness be made before our eyes.” Turning from the crowd and to her most important charges, Cadance said, “This new beginning awaits you; the call of a new adventure, grand and glorious that shall change your very world to its deepest core. No longer shall you be individuals, two souls walking along the road over and under hill. You shall be one- one spirit, one flesh, one beating heart whose lifeblood shall evermore be dependent upon you both. What strengthens the other shall strengthen you also. What wounds one will wound two. Take this mantle with pride and bear it together, for only the strength of two united shall ever see it upheld. Love one another. Bear one another with patience, eager to forgive; be swift to nurture and restore, to seek out one other’s happiness with the whole of your heart. Tend to one another with grace and you shall always be rewarded. Strengthen your love, and like a garden you shall bloom, beautiful and verdant for the whole world to see.” Cadance closed her admonitions and smiled down on her companions. “Reach out to one another and hold fast.” Her words were swiftly obeyed, Celestia and Rarity joined by the hand and held strong, their grasp upon one another folded over and unbreakable. To Celestia, headstrong and leader of their union, did the gentlehearted princess first turn. “Celestia,” she began, “Do you take Rarity to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do you part?” The beautiful bride could hardly contain herself to find the capability of even answering, forcing her smile to lessen so she could proudly declare, “I do!” “And do you, Rarity,” Cadance added, “Do you take Celestia to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do you part?” She was now free. Free to speak at last, to declare her intent and deepest desire before all the world so that it could never be doubted or mistaken ever again. “I do,” she answered, voice bright and clear as the spring rain. Cadance positively beamed at this declaration, just as filled with excitement as the two brides that stood united before her. “Bring forth the wedding rings!” She called. From the steps of the dais did the armed guard come, in his hand a velvet pillow with two brilliant gold rings upon their center. Rarity turned to look upon them and found herself awestruck by their loveliness; the sketches Celestia had brought for her to see had not done them justice, their simplistically beautiful designs somehow so ornate and lovely. She was to wear this upon her finger, every day for the rest of her life? It seemed too good to be true. Taking the rings in her hand for only a moment, Cadance gently placed one of the golden bands in Celestia’s awaiting palm, the two brides separated for only a time as the resplendent princess of the sun took her bride’s hand in her grasp. “I, Celestia, give you Rarity this ring as an eternal symbol of my love and commitment to you,” she declared, face shining with joy more bright than the sun itself. “With this ring, I thee wed.” As the smooth metal slipped about her finger, Rarity found herself breathless. It fit so perfectly, so naturally as though it had always had a place upon her form. Part of her wished she could take the time to marvel at its forever home, to revel in this joy forever. But she could not keep such happiness to herself; it deserved to be shared. Into her hand did she take its mate, a golden band engraved with the emblem of a blazing sun there upon it. With trembling grasp did she take her beloved and slide the metal onto her finger, saying, “I, Rarity, give you Celestia this ring as an eternal symbol of my love and commitment to you. With this ring, I thee wed.” One more bond, one more vow and link to the chain that saw them made whole. They had eyes only for one other, unable to look anywhere but upon each other’s shining faces. It was all so close now, almost final at last! All it took was one last simple statement from their officiator and they would finally be- Cadance could contain herself no more, unable to bear waiting any further. “Then by the power vested in me by right of the crown,” she cried, “I now pronounce you wife and wife! You may kiss your bride!” She couldn’t have noticed the cheers even if she’d tried. All around her was the sound of thunder and noise and unmatchable joy, all for the two that had become one. This final, long awaited moment had indeed come at last- and all Rarity could do was rush into her beloved’s arms for the most wonderful, passionate, unrivaled kiss she would ever experience. They ignored the eyes of thousands that fell upon them as they embraced, lips fiercely pressed against each other as Celestia held her beloved bride tight; no crowd could withstand their joy, infectious and spreading like wildfire. Even as she felt a slickened pressing against her lips, Rarity could only swoon, meeting her lover’s tongue in a joyous wetness as they kissed, succulent morsels united as lips met again and again. For all she knew was that she was married to the most wonderful woman on earth, married at last, and that all her mind could do was scream out, Finally! The cheering came to a standstill as they departed from one another, flush-faced and still hungering for one another as the newfound couple still held each other close. But to the rest of the world did they turn, proud and happy as Cadance cried out, “Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the Royal Couple!”