//------------------------------//
// 36 - Wedding Bells 
// Story: Blueblooded Bluebell 
// by David Silver 
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Luna took a deep draw of a floating mug with the words 'Best Princess' engraved upon it, filling herself with that vital black brew. Coffee, black as Grogar's heart, steaming hot and made from her favorite blend to chase away her fatigue. "As I was saying." She was in the middle of something. Oh, yes, a wedding.

"Baroness Blue Belle, ruler of Sire's Hollow." She nodded at the ornamented mare. Blue was dressed as befit a royal mare, voluminous and billowing. "Do you accept Fancy Pants, of the Pants family as your stallion, legally and, more importantly, to yourself, accepting him as your plus one, to stand at your side for all time?"

Blue sniffed, just once. It was hard to fight the tears that wanted to flow. It was happening! Of all the mares in the entire city, she had not imagined, just a year prior, that it would be her to be the one that won Fancy's hoof. "I do."

Luna nodded as she turned her gaze on Fancy Pants. "Fancy Pants, son of Foxy Bouquet and Royal Purple, well regarded and respected noblepony, do you accept Baroness Blue Belle, to stand at her side for all time, through thick and thin?"

A scroll popped into being beside Fancy Pants. "I do, but I have my own oath." He showed no fear. Not that he did very often. Fortunately, that was one trait among many Blue admired in him.

"Please, do proceed." A chance for another drink of her life blood. Luna inched back a little to let the groom have a turn.

Fancy turned towards Blue fully, nodding once at the crowd of both their families and friends there. "I, Fancy Pants, do hereby commit to the full growth of our union. To fostering its development and nurturing it through its many stages. Some will fill us both with joy, and at other times, dread and worry. In all times, we will be tied. We will see through this unified path we now walk, together." Though he had a scroll, it was not opened. He knew the words.

He leaned forward, but did not touch. "To the betterment of Equestria as humble servants us both, to the understanding and comprehension of what makes us what we are, and how that fits in against the other; I look forward to it. I pray you challenge me. I am not perfect, and there is no other pony I can think more suited than my wife to shake me free of the stony pedestals I erect for myself. Dazzled and shaken on the floor, it will be your hoof I take, and I will rebuild. This is what learning and growth is."

"When we grow old and tired, I will rest against you, confident that I led a life full of wonder." A gentle smile worn there. "For good and bad, we will remain bound to the end."

Blue's cheeks had colored, not swiftly, but creeping up on her as Fancy spoke. "I-I... would like to amend my oath..." It was too much, with Fancy's words right there, making hers seem so feeble in comparison.

Luna looked up from her mug. "You don't have to."

"No... but I will." Blue smiled with some uncertainty. "If I may?"

"You may." Luna nodded, taking the opportunity to finish topping up.

Given leave, Blue extended a hoof. "When we first met, I had no idea this day would come. If you asked me, on that day, so long ago, I would have laughed. I would have been... appalled, truth told. I have come quite some distance since then. But, even then. Even on that first day, I knew you were a pony worth knowing. We fast became friends."

She chortled softly. "You had an almost magical power to liven up just about any function I found you attending. You always knew the rules. You knew the edges, not that you were prone to straying towards them often... But that is where I came in, did I not? Even then, those old days, I was testing the strength of those pillars you spoke of. For a laugh, sometimes... We both learned... and grew. But this was not a one way thing."

Blue turned the extended hoof towards herself. "When I was lost and confused, you were the one that held my sobbing mess close. You helped me back to my hooves, dizzy, confused... You encouraged me to get back to building." She took a slow breath. "Even now, walking forward with purpose, you stand ready to support me. I promise to return the favor, to show you love, admiration, and keep your hooves moving. In good times and in poor, we will walk forward, together."

Luna nodded gently at either of them. "Lovely lovely. Now, it is tradition that I offer this opportunity. If any has a reason why these two should not be wed, this is the time to speak it. Otherwise kindly stuff it someplace dark and get on with it."

A hoof extended up towards the back. Luna scowled at it. "If this has something to do with the gender, either present or past, of those involved. I will be very... disappointed." The hoof shrank back down. "Very good. To be clear, Equestria has no rules standing in the way of love between any two ponies. A mare and a stallion. A mare and a mare. Two stallions? The law abides them all equally. So long as the two come together in love."

She spread her wings. "Now, if you would like to exchange wings?" She shook her head. "Rings."

Blue chortled softly at that. She could only imagine that would be quite the display, if they exchanged wings.

And yet, she felt something snugly hug over her back, being slid into position. She turned to see a set of large, fake, fluffy wings being set into place, glowing with Fancy's magic. She turned back to him just in time for a ring to slide down along her horn. She'd been played, completely and without a hitch. "You..." But she was smiling.

Fancy nodded with propriety. "You are my princess. Title or not, it is you who will reign gently over my kingdom." He dipped his head. "I accept your ring as a sign of my fealty sworn."

Blue's cheeks began to burn furiously. Luna hadn't made a mistake at all. The whole thing was planned! "I... accept and mark this occasion." A ring came floating in, set upon Fancy's horn carefully. "Rise, my loyal prince consort."

"With pleasure."

Luna smiled gently. "I now pronounce these two married, bound with all here as witness. They may now kiss." She snorted softly. "Not that they needed my permission."

And yet, permission had been given. They stepped towards one another. While her eyes closed, his remained open, meeting in what seemed gentle, for the first instant, but he pressed, his magic drawing her in close. It was the sort of kiss she had read in her romance books so long ago. She had thought them fanciful lies. The very idea of a kiss that could electrify a pony with its strength seemed like nothing but the most incredible leaps of fiction.

And yet, there she was, experiencing it. She could distantly hear clopping and stomping. The crowd was clearly approving of the display Fancy was giving them. One whooping cry rose above the others. Fire Paradox was egging Fancy on with all the abandon of, well, a demon. Lust classic, was it?

It was over. Blue staggered back a step, blinking open her eyes. Flower petals were raining down around them and gentle music was playing. Fancy touched his nose to hers, his familiar breath returning. "Come, let's proceed to the reception."

And so it was that Fancy led the party onwards to where the festivities would continue.

Fire threw a leg over the withers of her married boss. "Congratulations! So, you two gonna get with the little ponies now?"

Blue scowled at that. "You have made a solemn consideration sound both tawdry and unwholesome." She pushed Fire back with a thump of her hooves. "Stop that."

"You can't fool me." Fire danced on her hooves, almost giddy. "I saw you in that kiss. You were so ready. Go on. He's ready. He's so ready."

Blue crashed her forehead against Fire's narrowly missing her servant with her horn. "That is between us and not a creature else. Thank you. Now, be good." She waved broadly. "We have an entire party here. Good food, performances, everything one could want."

"Almost everything," Fire grumbled with a bit of a pout.

"No... I dare say everything." Blue inclined her head at something behind Fire.

"What are you pointing at? I already tried the chocolate fou--" She finished turning to see Doctor Horse approaching. She gasped and broke into a gallop without even a pause between the two actions.

"No brakes," gently sang Blue with a little smile, happy for Fire's joy. "Perhaps yours will be the next wedding I attend, hm?" The two crashed into one another. Hugs were given and received, then kissing. Whatever words they had were lost in the noise of the crowd, but perhaps there weren't any to begin with. Theirs was a relationship of shared passion.

Her thoughts were interrupted with a gentle touch of a hoof to her left foreleg. She turned to see Fancy closing with her, flank to flank. "The party is a success," he reported with a nod. "Lemon did her job well."

"Quite well." Blue leaned in against her new husband. "As uncouth as she may be, she did raise a point."

"Hm? Your servant?" His eyes were on Fire, still enjoying her reunion.

"The same." She sways her tail to the right, swatting Fancy lightly. "Are foals in our future? Is that... something you want?"

Things went quiet between them, only the noises of the wedding reception around them.

"If we were to have a child," he said, breaking that silence. "I would love them, but perhaps only second in my heart. I doubt they could shake you loose of your throne therein."

Blue burst into a little fit of giggles. "You're too much. Too much by half... But that doesn't answer the question, now does it?" She leaned in with her head, resting it against Fancy's. "Is it something you want?"

"It would be in the best interest of both our families." He raised an ear at Blue. "My parents were already quite clear. If you consult with yours, I feel you will receive a similar reply. We are only foals, none other can take the role...."

"True... But that is a matter of duty. Obligation at best." Blue rolled a hoof in the air. "Important, surely, not to be ignored. But it does not answer my question." She thumped against him. "Which you are avoiding! I must insist. Answer."

"To have a pony that is the... living proof of our union would bring me great joy," he admitted, smile slowly warming. "But, even as I say that, I value your autonomy. If you do not wish a foal, then we are not to have one."

"I will shake you loose of your comfortable places." She turned, touching her nose to his snout. "I expect you to do the same."

The conversation faded between them a moment. "This is... not exactly the--"

Blue set a hoof on his cheek, enough to silence him. "Daft stallion, honey. This is me giving you permission to shake that pole, even if I make quite a bit of noise. Even if I am sent flying as a result. It won't be so bad... I know there's a pony that will catch me when I reach the ground." She flicked her tongue, licking him right in the center of his nose. "We will make it forward, together."

"Together," he agreed breathlessly. "Of course... How daft indeed of me." He adjusted his tie in a fidget. "But that is a shaking I will save for another day. It is quite impolite to shake that pole during a wedding reception."

"Ma petite sœur, comme tu es belle aujourd'hui!" Fleur had arrived, pressing her nose against Blue's without hesitation. "Et regardez-moi, je peux parler français correctement maintenant."

Blue blinked softly. She had no idea what Fleur had just said, but that she had heard little sister in there somewhere. "It's nice to see you, sister-in-law."

"Oh! Yes. That is true." Fleur raised a hoof to her chin. "It is official now. You really are my little sister. Imagine that. Expect to be spoiled." She sat to raise her hooves to Blue's cheeks. "You thought I was already a big sister? Non! It will get so much better, or worse, depending on how it is you look at it."

Fancy chuckled softly at his sister. "Fleur here told me that she can speak Prench properly now."

"Oui!" sang out Fleur with a huge grin. "C'est grâce à votre serviteur. Elle m'a bien appris." She paused a moment, neither of the other ponies getting it. "Your servant." She pointed towards where Fire had flopped over with Doctor Horse, the two locked in smooches. "Oh my... She is... enjoying the festivities..." Clearing her throat she turned back to the newlyweds. "She instructed me, taught me how to speak properly. I will have to practice, of course, but I am so much better than once I was."

"Pardon." Another pony joined the group. There was Firelight, Starlight's father. "If I'm not intruding."

"I will not monopolize the newlyweds." And off Fleur trotted to allow the new pony in.

Firelight nodded. "Nice to see you again, Baroness. Your dress." He waved at it. "A classic. I checked. Your--"

"Grandmother," cut in Blue with a smile.

"The same." Firelight nodded with a mmhmm. "It was a traditional garb of your family for weddings, only passing out of favor with her. I see you've brought it back." He gave an appreciative noise. "And cut properly at that. I had to come over and compliment it. Not many get age pieces so perfect."

Starlight threw a leg over Firelight. "Stop bothering them, Dad. They got married. They're not here to learn history facts."

Blue inclined her head at the two. "Fancy, this is Starlight, and her father, Firelight. Both are children of my domain."

Starlight nodded at Fancy. "And you are the consort of our baron. A pleasure and an honor." He dipped his head at the stallion. "We're lucky to have such a kind and thoughtful ruler."

"Stop brown-nosing, my turn." Another pony had approached. Stellar Flare chased off Firelight easily, but Starlight would not be shooed. "Do you have a problem?"

"Yeah." Starlight turned to Blue. "Hey, nice wedding, but I also wanted to offer a hoof." Out came the hoof. "I heard what you set up here, in Canterlot. That's big of you. I mean, I'm happy as a mare, thanks." She laughed at that. "But for those who don't feel right in their bodies, it's nice they have a place to go, you know? Good on you."

And was only with that said that Stellar succeeded at securing her turn. "You'll be pleased to know that the new old-fashioned bread is a complete success!" She grinned with victory. "Ponies come from all around to taste this bread. It has a taste that future cultivated bread just... lacks. Can't set a hoof on it, but they love it, and they pay for it."

She inclined her head where Firelight had run off to. "I put him in charge of making sure the old wheat stays old. He loves the job." Her eyes rolled. "Keeping old things old, that's him. But it works for this, so good. By the way, the music, a little dated, isn't it?" She raised a brow. "You should have reached out. I know some avant garde musicians that could really add a dash of spice to things."

"You will do no such thing!" Ah, there was Competing Clause, standing next to her husband, Sub Clause. "Now begone. I will speak to my daughter." And so it was that Stellar was chased away. "Bluey, you cut quite the regal figure there." Her eyes darted to Fancy. "And you, proper. Very proper."

Fancy could detect a compliment given. "Thank you, Ma'am. Would you prefer I change the title I address you by?"

Sub Clause suddenly came around, throwing a leg right over Fancy. "You can call me Dad, sure! By the way, mmm, those little dogs are just what I was hoping for. You got everything perfect."

Competing glanced at her husband and back at Fancy. "You are our son now. Mother is an acceptable term to use. You may, and should in proper situations, continue to refer to me by name." She extended a hoof, which he kissed without a word of prompting. "Very good. Your actions reflect on both our families now. I have heard little scandal tied to you... save where it involved our child, but therein lies the issue, does it not? You two are very... tied now. See that you don't let it lead you to mischief, hm?"

Blue smiled gently at her mother, the true one. "I will do my best to bring honor to our name, mother."

"You already have." Competing leaned in, almost touching noses, almost. "You already have. Come." And off she walked, Sub Clause trailing behind.

"A joyous day." Ah, Princess Celestia. A trick of being a newlywed, ponies really did want to talk to you at your reception. "Thank you for inviting me to it."

Fancy dipped down to a knee, only to find Celestia's wing in the way, barring the motion from completing. "No newlywed will spend time bowing to me on the special day. I wasn't even the one presiding. Rise, groom."

He did just that a little awkwardly. "Your grace, always a pleasure to see you."

"And to you as well, Fancy Pants." She glanced between them. "Are you changing names? Blue Pants? Fancy Belle?"

Blue colored faintly. "We are quite proud of the names we have." She rubbed gently against Fancy Pants. "We stand in celebration of our families, with neither being subsumed by the other."

"Rightly said." Fancy nodded in placid agreement. "We draw pride from both sides, and we won't show favor to either by picking one name or the other. Besides, Blue Belle changed her name only recently. To do so again?"

Blue sagged at the idea. "I just got my stationary in order. Aunty, dear, don't make me do it again!"

"I wouldn't dream." Celestia smiled gently at the two. "Blue... I had my doubts, but you have made measured strides forward despite my fears and hesitations. You have taken your life in your hooves and your glow reflects well on the ponies of my kingdom." She leaned in, that long neck of hers allowing her to reach Blue without actually angling her body at all. "Niece." It as if she were tasting the word. "A pleasure to meet you, niece."

Blue wasn't sure why, but she couldn't see properly. Oh... tears... Celestia had accepted her. Celestia had accepted her, not only in her choice, but as her niece. It was... She shuddered, trying to fight the little sniffles that struggled in her. "P-princ..."

"Say nothing. This is a day for joy." She bumped her nose against Blue's. "And new starts. If you will forgive my past deeds, I will do the same. Let us begin again."

"What did she say?" Luna came up as Celestia walked away all dignified. "She isn't raining on your special day, I hope?"

"No!" blurted Blue a bit too loudly.

Fancy patted his wife gently. "She said exactly the right thing, and it overwhelmed Blue Belle." He leaned back against her, offering support. "She will be fine. It is good... It just required a moment to 'digest', as they say."

"Ah?" Luna glanced from one to the other. "Now... I am exhausted. I just wanted to get over here to wish you both the best I can--" She paused to yawn thunderously. "The... The best I could. You treat her right." She pointed at Fancy accusingly. "I'll be watching."

"With all proper care." Fancy dipped his head as Luna strode away on unsure legs. "I do hope she makes it back to her room."

A pony streaked in with a rainbow trail. "This place is great, but there you are." Rainbow landed before the newlyweds with a grin. "I heard what you got up to. Nice. Like, seriously, super nice. I heard from a few ponies that stopped by." Her eyes suddenly swirled. "You did tell her I'd still shoot her down, right?"

Blue burst into laughter. "Zephyr was quite certain of their desire despite that."

"Had a feeling." Rainbow snorted, but her smile returned. "That aside, she's doing alright. Not sure if this is the 'one thing' that'll put it all together, but they're happy with it. Happy with themselves, you know? I won't ever complain about a pony coming out of their closet, so... Thanks." She offered a hoof and soon clopped it against Blue's. "I did have one little question though."

"Hm?"

"Well..." Rainbow leaned in. "I heard from Twilight that it doesn't have to be a forever thing... Applejack wants a foal the old-fashioned way... See where I'm going? She'll adopt if she has to, she really wants to be a mom... But if I can take one for the team, I'll set her up."

Blue set a hoof on Rainbow's shoulder. "You are a very kind and loving partner, to set aside your body autonomy, even for a moment, to make her dreams come true."

"Hey, don't be like that." Rainbow blushed faintly as she waved it off. "Not like I won't get a kid out of it. My second." Her brows waggled. "If you count Scootaloo, which I practically do. Sister or daughter, whatever! Just mincing words at that point." She waved suddenly. "Enjoy your party, let's talk later!" And off she went in a streak.

Fancy nudged against Blue. "Shall we retire for a moment? You look fatigued."

"Perish the thought." Blue instead drew away to approach the others in the crowd. "I'm tired of hiding."

"Not that you have much left to hide." Fancy followed with a bright smile.

They had a world to show exactly what they were made of, together.