//------------------------------// // Chapter 11 // Story: Equestrians and...Humans? // by 12ofSeeds //------------------------------// Emma and Ilya had a conversation at breakfast with the rest of the 'family' - Emma decided to call everyone as a family because they were the closest family they had ever since they stuck here - about their wedding, they decided to have a wedding in Equestria and they already have a wedding planner and attire for it.  "All that happened while we were on the Canterlot tour?" Claudia asked as she munching on some waffles. Emma and Ilya nodded, “Wouldn’t happen if you haven’t shown us around the wonderful fashion districts. The wedding pony organizer is so nice and willing to try to do a human wedding,” “But we want to try the Equestrian way,” said Ilya while holding his beloved’s hand, “We did look at the previous albums and photos of the wedding they’ve done and all and it just clicked for the both of us,” he started to give Emma a nose-to-nose kiss to her.   Claudia and the others just awed while some just made disgusted noises, Kammy asked Emma if they also decided on their best man and Bridesmaid. Of course, they decided to have McMirth be the best man while Claudia, Kammy, Jenny, Niki, and Georgia as the Bridesmaids. “Me?” McMirth raised an eyebrow.  “Yes, please, McMirth?” he pleaded, “Just stay one more night?”   McMirth looked around, looking at the two couple’s eyes then to the rest of the members before cocked his head and groans, “Fine,” Emma and Ilya cheered happily and holding each others’ hands announcing, “THERE WILL BE A WEDDING!” Everyone clapped their hands happily and heard Twilight and Starswirl just arrived at the dining table.  “What did we miss?” Twilight asked. “We’re getting married tomorrow!” Emma sang as she raised her hand together with Ilya’s. “Congratulations!” Twilight gleamed, “Tomorrow? Have you two prepared a plan?” she added, as she took her seat. Emma and Ilya gave a little more detail about their plan, telling her about the time they explored Canterlot and managed to snatch a reservation for a wedding planner. They only need a venue to do it, they haven’t yet decided the place and the organizer needed an answer by the evening. “How about I gave you permission to do the wedding at the Castle’s garden?” Twilight suggested and clapped her hooves together, “I can finally be the ceremonial officiant, I always wanted to do that,” Twilight gleefully said. “You can do that?” Ilya said. Twilight nods.   Emma and Ilya were delighted to hear that the Princess of Equestria would permit them to have a wedding at the castle ground, let alone be their wedding officiant. Although they won't manage to invite a lot of ponies they've met so far, Claudia suggested that she will at least send an invitation for a few ponies that can come tomorrow as early.  Emma and Ilya agree with the suggestion and they finish up their meal first before excuse themselves to go and make their way to the wedding boutique. Claudia offers herself to help with decorations so Twilight doesn't have to, she knows that Twilight would still have her morning meetings to go to. "I'll try to make myself available as early tonight to help you with the decoration,” Twilight assured Claudia and continued enjoying her meal.    Starswirl began talking to Claudia about her amulet, he suggested meeting him in his library, which is actually the Canterlot Archives. After breakfast and before she begins helping the humans for the wedding, she keeps it in mind and will come as soon as she is done with her meal. Twilight and Claudia watch as Starswirl excuses themselves and leaves the dining room while levitating a cup of coffee out. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Claudia made her way to the hallway of the library and the archive, along the way she greeted Klutzy who was cleaning the floor. “I heard one of the human couples is getting married tomorrow?” she muffled as her mouth was biting a broomstick.  “Yes, it will be a small one too so it’s pretty much a quick wedding too?” Claudia answered.  “Well hope it goes well, too bad I still have work tomorrow, I need to clean Princess Luna’s part of the castle,” she grumbles. “The twin bats always get you in the castle?” Claudia grimaced.    Klutzy just nods and sighs, then she continues working as Claudia leaves. The archive is just around the corner and at least one guard guarding the entrance, the guard saluted and told Claudia that Starswirl is waiting inside. As she entered the door, there were books floating by and scrolls were hovering on the top of the shelves before folding themselves on the empty shelves.    Starswirl has been organizing his masterpieces ever since he actually been dropping by a lot in Canterlot Castle as Twilight said, since before she came to the world. Claudia shouted Starswirl’s name as the archive is pretty big and as large as the Canterlot Library outside the castle, there were sections of books and scrolls. For ancient legends like Starswirl of course one shelf would never be enough. Claudia heard a reply not far from where she was, she just followed the echo and saw a few more scrolls hovering through and leading to where Starswirl was. He was busy reading a part of a book while grooming his beard, murmuring.  “What are you reading there, Starswirl?” Claudia softly asked as she peeks next to Starswirl.  “I was looking through some of the pages about interdimensional travel and the spells I've used in centuries, I was still wondering about how these humans, and you, could’ve entered our world. At first, I thought it could be Discord’s doing but then again how can he be doing this for almost 4 years and 4 months without even making a subtle hint about what happened. I would cross that thought from my mind for a bit until we can ask him later on, then I looked back at the most histories of ponies holding artifacts and using an interdimensional gateway to hide some of the artifacts from the hands of evil,”  Starswirl brings in a large scroll in front of Claudia and shows her an illustration of a pony in a cloak jumping from portal to portal. “An artifact this pony hold could cause some magic to walk through each of the dimensions this pony crosses, there’s a possibility of the magic after few millennia on your Earth, the magic begin to grow and created its own portal,”  “But I think it does not make much evidence that, if magic really exists in your world, you would have known about it, correct?” Starswirl turns to Claudia. “Yeah, I mean there is some sort of magic happening around the world but it’s more spiritual than… physical?” Claudia thinks about most stories, legends that she can remember back on Earth. She remembers the story of aliens and also Old Gods roam the lands before time but that was either just a legend or a myth by some highly imaginative people.  Starswirl stroking his beard and puts away his scrolls as if pushing away the idea of Equestrian magic to be stranded in the other Earth. Starswirl begins to think longer, looking at Claudia’s amulet, “I was thinking if the Tree of Harmony, somehow the cause of all this to happen. You remember the story Twilight told you about how the Tree of Harmony just destroyed?”  “Yeah, that time by a pony named Sombra, right?”  “Yes, I had an idea that when it exploded, the magic from the tree could scatter across the land. Some of its essences might have got its way to a portal that we know no source of,” Starswirl suggested. “I… don’t get it,” Claudia replied.  “What I meant is that the amulet didn't choose somepony without a reason, and somehow the magic from the Elemental got its way to Earth in search of some other creature that is worthy to be a guardian. The amulet of Peace could be something from YOU,”  Claudia scratching her head, “What you’re saying is that this amulet might just have been created by me?”  “No, what I meant is, the Tree of Harmony only chooses the next pony or creature that possesses an element of harmony and Peace was part of it. You told me before when you were never at peace in your place, you only remembered that when you are in a bad situation like losing your job and losing the apartment. Next thing you know you are here,”  “So, you mean I might have been the one that opened a portal when there might be Equestrian magic around?” Claudia wondered, still unsure with her words.    “Somewhat like that, it’s an idea, a thought. But I would think that’s the cause of the portals opening for the others as well. You listened and learned about the life these humans had before they were sent here, what if the amulet didn’t just use to solve a peace problem, but also bring somebody from your world to join your peace here?” Starswirl looked at Claudia and Claudia stared at Starswirl, thinking. She takes a look at the amulet again, removing it from her neck and studying it more, “But all these time, it only brings me to the source of the pony or other creatures in their problems, not bring the source to me. Why didn’t it actually detect the humans when they arrived here?”    That question numbs Starswirl for a moment, he strokes his beard again, “That really is a great question. My, I’m getting old and I can’t figure this out as I used to,” Claudia gave a little cough before gesture her hands at Starswirl, “Well, you already OLD,” she grins before having a book knock on her head, “Okay, I’m sorry, Starswirl the Bearded,” she apologizes, rubbing her head. For a while, Starswirl laughed, then turned back to some books and put one of his hoofs on his chin.  “The only thing we both could agree on, Starswirl. Is that I am sure a tiny bit of that Equestrian magic might have stayed on Earth and brings me and the other humans here,” Claudia declared, “Because that could be the only explanation of the blue portal the humans has been telling me,”  “That’s true, I would continue studying back on interdimensional travel, You may excuse,” Starswirl murmured.   --------------------------------------------------------------------- Claudia was in the ballroom with Kammy, Georgia, and Emma. They made invitations for the wedding to the closest Ponies and other creatures that they met, the wedding organizer also came by to decorate early for the wedding. Claudia asked a little help from Spike to help send the invitation soon since it’s already night, they won’t even have time to pass the invitation to Ponyville.   “Why are you guys even sending this invitation, don’t think some ponies have time to come, with work and all,” Spike asked as he used his magic fire to send the invitations. “We know, but it’s not right not sending an invitation to those we already know,” Emma answered, finished writing and put the letter into an envelope, “I am excited about the wedding,” she continues and hugging herself, “I have never felt so happy,” Kammy, Georgia, Spike, and Claudia smiled then finish up the last letters before giving to spike to send them.  “Hope some can come for this wedding, I mean the schedule is on lunch and ends around after lunch too,” Georgia said, looking at the workers bringing some decorations into the garden, “I’ll go check the decorations now,” she stretched before walking away.  “Yeah I think we can go help them as well,” Kammy followed Georgia from behind.    Claudia suggested to Emma to go and sleep while they finish setting up for her wedding, Emma thanked Claudia before hugging her. She left Claudia with Spike, Claudia went on talking with Spike. Telling him about what Starswirl and she were talking about back at the library. Spike rubbed his chin. As they walked to the garden, they looked up at the night sky, the stars shimmered in the sky next to Luna’s moon, “Maybe the Universe has its plan that we can’t think of?” Spike murmurs, Claudia turns to him, “Maybe,” Claudia gives a little smile and follows Kammy and Georgia in checking the organization in the garden, “You can go to bed too, Spike, Tomorrow I’m sure you also have plans right?” Spike looked at Claudia and shrugged, “Yeah, the usual, waking up Twilight and reading all of her schedule,” he waved at Claudia before he turns to the other door to exit.    ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The wedding gown for Emma arrived in the morning, Emma looked at the dress and was amazed at how beautiful it is even though it’s in a very short while. The gown maker pony told Emma that it is one of his fastest works he ever did let alone for a human gown though he managed to get it done as she wanted.  “It’s really lovely,” Emma complimented, trying the dress behind the covering that was in her dressing room.   The gown maker helped zip up the dress on Emma and let her fix most of it, her dress is only a simple merpony dress. Emma took a look at the mirror and squealed, “It’s what I imagine, and you are so good, and you said you never did human dresses,” Emma sneered, “Stop you making me blush. I have to say thanks to Rarity and Claudia the human for giving human anatomy lessons and dressmaking tutorials. If it weren't for them we all wouldn't have knowledge about humans and look at us, finally getting to know each other,” the gown maker said as he fixed the dress bit adding a little more bling, there are two other ponies present, a makeup artist and hairdresser. “Come, we need to make a quick make-up sesh,” the gown maker led her to the makeup table.    There was a knock on the door and the door was opened, Claudia peeked out of the crack and entered, she got inside and looked at Emma from the mirror, Emma turned to her a bit while getting her makeup done.  “You look so beautiful, Emma”  “Thank you, Claudia,” she gives a bit of a smile, before sighing.  “What’s wrong?” Claudia asked, “Wedding jitters?”  “That, and,” she turns to Claudia a bit and holds her hand, “I know we just know each other, Claudia. But You sort of like my sister now. All I asked, is that. I wished my parents could see this and see how much I love Ilya. He’s a kind, gentle, man. I want to know If I also made the right decision,” she looked down.    Claudia’s eyes shift from left to right, she honestly is also not the kind of person to give this kind of advice, she just looked at the gown maker and the makeup artist who was looking at Claudia back with an eyebrow raised.  “Emma, I honestly am not the kind of person to say what your decision should be, I guess it’s you, If your heart says ‘Yes to the wedding and Ilya’ then you made the right choice. I’m sure if your parents were here, and see this they will have a change of mind,” Claudia responds, and holds her shoulder, “I am also honestly not great at giving great advice,” she snorted.    Emma smiled and giggled, then continue getting her facial done, “Thank you, Claudia,” she said, Claudia taps her shoulder, nodding at her, “Well I better wait for you outside, also Kammy will escort you to the garden, I’ll see you soon,” Claudia leaves the room and just wiped a tear out of her eye a bit, “She’s so beautiful,” Claudia mumbles, she starts to walk back to the garden.    Twilight and Spike are in the throne room, just finished their early business routine. Spike also helped Twilight for her first human wedding officiant. Twilight has been nervous since morning and Spike as usual being her best friend and little brother, helped Twilight practice.  “Twilight, don’t get yourself all worked up, it’s just a simple wedding and a very short speech before officially declare the couple as husband and wife,” Spike advised, “Now it’s easier to even just read this speech I wrote for you,”  “Spike, even if it’s just a simple wedding, it still needs to be perfect. How am I going to show the humans that I am a Princess and great leader?” she choked, breathing hard and looked at the speech, “Okay, We here...ready to..blablaa...I, Princess Twilight Sparkle and also the wedding officiant for the first human matrimony, declaring both….Emma, Ilya...Husband and wife,” she inhales then exhale rapidly and reread the speech, “You think we need to edit this speech a little bit?”  Spike sighed.  “Twilight, It’s all okay,” “Spike’s right, Princess Twilight Sparkle,” Claudia said, entering the throne room, “I heard your speech loudly outside. Also I suggest you just speak a little softly and not use your Canterlot voice,” she giggled and stood in front of Twilight and Spike looked at Twilight, raising an eyebrow. “Did I use my Canterlot voice?” Twilight fanning her hoof on her neck, snorted a bit, “Maybe I didn’t realize I used it. I have become Celestia,” she giggled.    Spike and Claudia shake their heads, Claudia reminds Twilight that it’s only a short wedding and even if she falters on certain words it’ll be perfect already. Though that doesn’t help much when Twilight begins to hyperventilate, Spike just facepalms and tries to comfort Twilight. Claudia giggled a bit and told them she will be checking the venue as fast as she can with the wedding planner and all.  The garden truly is a perfect place for a wedding, chairs set up accordingly enough to fit 50 residents. Some ponies that Claudia and the others sent did manage to come and all have been seated, Georgia, Terry, and Claudia were anointed as Emma’s bridesmaid. Rarity, who came five minutes earlier than managed to even grab a fabric just to match the theme a bit by giving small corsages for them to wear. Claudia manages to introduce the others properly to Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack who come to the wedding. Not long after, the groom, Ilya arrived on the stage, in a very handsome getup, looking nervous and McMirth was beside him, somehow helping Ilya correcting his bow tie.  “You look messy and no different to my second son, always messing up his tie too,” McMirth said and Claudia and the others heard it too, giving McMirth a smile from the other side, “What?”   Twilight arrives at the stage, already calmed down and looking like the Princess she is. The music has started, and the bride is ready to come out. As the door from the ballroom opens to reveal Emma and Kammy on her side entering the garden area, flowers are already thrown on the floor from the children from their sitting spots. As they reached the stage area, Kammy passed Emma to Ilya’s hand who has been squealing in his mouth after seeing Emma in her lovely dress, Twilight clear up her throat and her wings opens up, raising her head back, and started to give her speech with a, “We gather here today, for the first time to witness a matrimonial ceremony of the humans' name Emma and Ilya,” Twilight continues her speech smoothly throughout.  “I do,” replied Ilya after Twilight gives her usual question on his matrimonial relationship with Emma.  “I DO” Emma replied as soon as he said in a giddy way.  “Then, by the power of me, Princess Twilight Sparkle, Ruler of Equestria… I Pronounce you, husband and Wife, You may kiss the bride!”    Emma and Ilya gave each other a kiss before both of them giggling at each other before turning to the clapping visitors behind them, They both raised their hands together yelling ‘We’re married!’ at the audience.    As the wedding ended with Emma throwing the flowers, Twilight greeted the two newlyweds and congratulated them again. Claudia and Kammy were with McMirth having a drink a bit, Twilight joins them later on, discussing with Mirth about his leaves tomorrow.  “Actually, Princess. I actually decided to go TONIGHT, if it’s okay,” McMirth said with a heavy sigh.  “Oh? Don’t you want to at least stay another night?”  “After this one? It makes me miss my family back home,” McMirth admitted, twiddling with the cup of cider in his hand.  “Aww, Mirth, You leaving so soon?” Emma and Ilya join in after they hear the convo from the other side, after talking with Azalea and the other new ponies they haven’t met.  “Sadly yes,”  “Well Starswirl wouldn’t mind if you wanted to go home early,” Twilight said, and turned as she saw Starswirl come by.  “It will be no problem at all if that’s your choice,”     McMirth nodded, Kammy, Claudia, and the newlywed gave a little smile and began to hug McMirth altogether, “Can you guys please stop hugging me without asking me?” he muttered, but then just give all of them awkwardness pats on the back.