Normal Life

by Hiver


Chapter 40

I followed the Princesses towards the balcony. That coronation ceremony had sure been... something. Singing, cheering...

But then again, how often is there a new princess in Equestria? I was amazed at what they managed to put together in three days. Even with magic that was impressive as all hell.

Luna did look good in her new dress. Rarity did magic and it had nothing to do with being a unicorn.

Coming to a stop just inside, I finally sat down and relaxed some as now there was at least semi-privacy.

Standing there next to Luna before thousands of ponies...

I had to focus to keep breathing. Looking bothered by it all that I almost missed the ceremony itself. I hate public appearances.

“You okay?” Shining Armor asked as he gave his dress uniform collar a tug.

That just made it even worse. He ended up wearing a red dress uniform instead of the armor which we had been told. Cadance changed her mind.

Too late for me to change into a suit. Made me stand out even more in this silly getup.

“Yeah... just don't like public spectacles.”

“Relax. With the princesses around, especially today, nobody paid attention to you.”

Good point.

Would have been nice if I'd thought of that before the ceremony. Might have helped me relax some.

“I blame you, by the way.” I finally said. “If you didn't stand next to Cadance, I wouldn't have needed to be up there at all.”

He grinned. “Get used to it. It goes along with being involved with royalty.”

“...I suppose you have a point.”

“Yeah. It took a wh- my sister is starting her speech.” he quickly finished and then shut up.

Princess Twilight was flanked by all the others out on the balcony, addressing the masses far below.

“A little while ago, My teacher and Mentor Princess Celestia sent me to live in Ponyville. She sent me to study Friendship.”

I blinked at that. How do you study friendship?

“Which is something I didn't care much about.” she continued and glanced back at the other element bearers who were just inside the door, a meter or so away from me and Shining Armor. She waved her hood, beckoning them out to join her on the balcony.

“But now, on a day like today, I can honestly say that I wouldn't be standing here if it wasn't for the friendships I have made with all of you. Each one of you taught me something about friendship and for that I will always be grateful.”

Twilight smiled brightly and turned back to the crown, “Today, I consider myself the luckiest pony in Equestria! Thank you, friends. Thank you, everypony!”

Even from inside, I could hear the cheers erupt from outside and I flattened my ears against my head.

Good speech. But luckiest pony in Equestira?

I looked at Luna as they all turned and headed back inside. No, I don't think so. That's my job.

Moving to the side along with Shining Armor, I shot Luna a smile which she returned. On her way past, she gave me a quick nuzzle as Shining Armor moved up to talk to his sister.

“What do you think?” Luna asked me quietly as she moved up next to me.

“Good speech, nice ceremony.” I whispered back. “You look good.”

She smiled faintly. “Thank you. You look quite handsome as well.”

“I look silly.”

“You certainly do not.” she disagreed, risking another nuzzle before she whispered. “And tonight I'll show you exactly how much I like it.”

That perked me right up. I could get used to dressing like this. It wasn't so bad. The cloak would help against the wind in the winter.

Luna giggled softly. “But for now, duty calls. It is time for Princess Twilight's tour of the city.” she teased and continued on.

Oh you minx.

Smirking to myself, I followed along. Two can play that game and I knew where she was ticklish. And usefully enough, she provided her own feathers.

Shaking my head with a grin, I trotted along behind them. Oh well, at least the cloak was of a model that I would need to work to manage to trip over it.

Now that would have been embarrassing. I might actually be able to get through this without embarrassing myself.

Shining Armor was right, everyone would be looking at Twilight and if not her, then the other Princesses.

Me and him? We were part of the furniture right now. Part of the background. Like Skitter usually tried to...

I almost paused midstep, though, as I realized something and looked around. Something had been bothering me all day and I simply had not been able to put my hoof on it. I shook it off as just me being nervous and uncomfortable with this entire thing.

I had spotted some changelings in the crowd, likely harvesting all the emotions in the air. Quite a bunch of them, in fact, the wings were clear giveaways.

But where was Chrysalis? She was royalty as well and an ally of inhabitant of Equestira. She should have been invited.

I might not exactly like the big bug, but this kind of thing was important for integration.