//------------------------------// // 6. Union // Story: Twilight's Sun, Celestia's Stars // by JKinsley //------------------------------// “Nervous, darling?” Rarity asked. “No... Yes. It’s a big deal, you know?” Twilight sighed. “If it were up to Celestia and I, we might’ve just eloped. But the wedding’s as much for the kingdom as it is for us.” She shook her head. “All of these decisions up to this point, though. Months of planning. Do we have Princess Luna or Princess Cadance perform the ceremony? Who’s going to be on my side, who will be on Celestia’s?” She took a few deep breaths, and Rarity continued making the last adjustments to Twilight’s flowing white gown. “I know today is going to be special. And I’m happy beyond words.” Twilight beamed. “I love Celestia. More than any of my books could have ever lead me to believe, I well and truly love her.” “Luna, am I doing the right thing?” Celestia asked. “Marrying Twilight? I mean, yes, she’s an adult. But you and I, we’ve been around for so long.” “Celly, you love her, no?” “Of course. I’ve...” Celestia chuckled. “Wow, I’ve never been happier.” “Then there is your answer, sister dearest.” Luna pressed her hoof to Celestia’s shoulder. “You have ponies all around who love you both, and you both love each other. I can’t see how any of that is wrong.” Celestia leaned her head against Luna’s hoof and smiled slowly. “I’m glad you could be here, Luna. I love you.” “I love you too, Tia. Now come on, let’s get dressed. You have your gown to get in and I need to figure out this strange contraption Rarity came up with.” Luna stood at the top of the raised platform in the ceremony room. Across from her were Rarity, Spike, Shining Armor, and Applejack. Next to her were Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Flutershy, and Discord. Trumpets sounded and the doors opened. Celestia blushed ever so slightly as everypony turned to face her. She walked down the aisle and she nodded and smiled at the gathered ponies. Friends and family of Twilight mingled with guards, students and teachers from Celestia’s school, and foreign dignitaries. Celestia ascended the steps and took her place on the right, next to Luna. She beamed at her sister and nodded to her niece. Cadance stood at the center of the altar in simple black and white robes. “You ready for this, Auntie?” she asked. Celestia nodded and took several deep breaths. “I am.” “Good, because here she comes!” Cadance giggled. Trumpets once again sounded, this time admitting Twilight Sparkle, resplendent in her white gown and escorted by her father walked the very same aisle. She gave her father a quick kiss to his cheek and a brief hug before taking her place atop the platform as well. Twilight blushed heavily and smiled and Celestia did the same. Cadance then stepped forward. “Fillies and gentlecolts! We are gathered here today to witness the union of Princess Celestia of Equestria and Princess Twilight Sparkle, two ponies who are unabashedly in love and prepared to commit themselves to each other for life. If anypony has any objections to this union, speak now.” Nopony spoke up, so Cadance continued. “Princess Twilight Sparkle, do you take Princess Celestia of Equestria to be your wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both live?” “I do.” Twilight said. “And do you, Princess Celestia of Equestria, take Princess Twilight Sparkle to be your wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both live?” “I do.” Celestia said. Cadance summoned a pair of identical horn rings from behind her, each gold band inlaid with alternating stones of citrine and amethyst. She lowered each onto Twilight and Celestia’s horns before speaking loudly enough for all to hear, “Then I now pronounce you mare and mare! You may kiss the bride.” Twilight leaned forward first, and was quickly met with both a hoof cupped to her cheek and then Celestia’s lips on hers. The kiss lasted for but a few moments, and once it broke, Twilight and Celestia stood side by side, smiling and waving to the gathered ponies. Celestia leaned down to Twilight’s ear and whispered, “Reception?” A quick nod. “Reception.”