154 - The Wedding Singers
Extended Holiday
Chapter 154: The Wedding Singers
Act 26
“So, quick question. Am I supposed to start singing or something? I mean, this is supposed to be my big wedding day, right? Don’t most Ponies have some sort of big musical number and/or get smacked in the face whenever they try to start one?” Vital asked as he fiddled with the clasp on his cape for the twentieth time. Silvery white pauldrons had been included over his shoulders, while the suit itself had been adapted to reflect the snow and ice that was his main element for magic. The translucent fabric of the cloak shimmered and shifted to put on a series of dazzling snowflake patterns. The doublet had been trimmed to a tight cut along his barrel. The blue fabric merged with the a creeping white to simulate the effects of a morning frost. As a final touch, Rarity included a glamour in the snowflake charm to spread a glittering artificial sleeve that would bend and shift with his body without actually tearing. His horseshoes were a polished blue-white that trailed a pure snow-white mist behind them.
Aria was busy trilling as she sidled up next to Renati with wide eyes. The phoenix regarded the young cryophoenix with curiosity, though no real sense of attachment. El Fluffy and Sylvio each sat next to one another as they watched the preparations and kept an eye on the door. If anyone wanted to disturb the five friends and their preparations without proper cause, the consequences would be … unpleasant.
“You want a heart song, have one after the ceremony,” Grif said as he checked the plates of his dress armor.
“You think I’ll jinx something and cause … well, I’m not going tempt fate or Murphy by saying what, but you get what I mean, right?” Vital asked yet again. He levitated a tall glass of water and drank lustily from it, then pulled at the collar on the cape. “Why do these things have to be so tight?”
“It’s in your mind.” Pensword answered. “Rarity made it. So, unless you’ve suddenly gained a few pounds in the last couple of minutes, you’ll be fine. Take a few breaths. Unless traditions have changed over the last few years, we don’t want the stallion passing out before the ceremony’s even begun.”
“At least the pranking stopped. Do you have any idea how many wards I had to set up before your fellow Pegasi finally got the hint?” Vital asked.
“Forty-three,” Grif noted.
“Plus binding and tripping jinxes,” Vital added. “I’d have tried luck magic, but Clover warned me my luck was bad enough as is. I’m inclined to agree with her, given my previous track record.”
“Everything will be fine.” Rook laughed as he straightened the clasp on Vital’s cloak again. “We have constant patrols going everywhere, and we are in the most secure place in Equestria. Just relax and look forward to what's to come.”
“Is this sort of thing just genetic in boys?” Vital asked as he ran a brush through his mane again. The hairs had grown long enough to show traces of gold beneath the silver, which proved a welcome surprise and distraction for the Unicorn as he dealt with the preparations. The hairs had been groomed into a messy faux braid. He groaned. “My parents are gonna kill me for this, too. I mean, they should understand, but still. They won’t even get an announcement.”
“My parents’ bloodline wasn’t even formed when I got married,” Pensword teased back. “Just bring lots of pictures and maybe announcement of grandfoals, and they should forgive you. Mine did.”
“I … need to sit down. Anybody got Rarity’s fainting couch handy?”
“You’ll be fine,” Hammer Strike commented with a chuckle. “Deep breaths.”
“I am. I feel like a freaking steam engine with the number of deep breaths I’m taking,” Vital grumbled. Then he sighed. “I guess I should at least thank my lucky stars that none of the nobles are going to be here, at least none that we don’t approve of.”
“You don’t sound like a steam engine,” Pensword teased. “And I would know. And yes, there is that consolation. And Zecora will be able to connect with some family from Zebrica as well, right?”
“True. I am looking forward to that. Though I guess it might be bittersweet, all things considered. I still miss the old tribe.” Vital frowned. “But I like to think that they’re happy with how things have turned out.”
“There are worse things that can happen.” Grif nodded. “At least they parted with you as friends.”
“Okay, so how much longer till the ceremony now?” Vital asked for what had to be the fourteenth time.
Everyone in the room facehoofed, taloned, or pawed respectively.
The wedding hall was decorated with simplicity and taste. A series of pale gold-cream flowers acted as buntings for the tulle that draped in curving swaths along the edges of the great hall. A small choir had been assembled to sing in honor of the couple’s wedding. Their music was light and playful with all the bubbly joy and subtle nerves that a wedding inspires in a couple. Friends and guests alike sat in chairs and smiled at the sight of the arrangements on the dais.
Red flowers ringed in black and white formed a pair of hearts, each with a picture of Vital and Trixie rendered in other flowers at each heart’s center. A small gable had been erected to shelter the bride and her groom as they took their vows together and prepared to step into the rest of their lives. Hammer Strike stood at the front with his usual blank expression as he waited for the big moment to arrive. Grif, Pensword, and Black Rook each stood to Vital’s side as they awaited the bride’s arrival.
It didn’t take long. The doors opened with a mighty slam as Merasmus stepped forward in a pristine black robe with brown and green accents. His tome hung silently at his side, for once not struggling to break free of its bonds. A new ram’s skull had been mounted on his head with long polished black plated horns and a baleful green fire that flickered from it like a mane to cast the magician in a mystic afterglow. His staff rested in his forehoof as he looked over the gathering and finally rested his gaze on the Unicorn that was to be his niece’s husband.
Trixie’s dress was a flowing white that had been cut in the front with various geometric shapes filled in with gemstones. The streamline nature of the fabric stretched down her curves and draped like a silvery waterfall down her sides. Her wings were tucked demurely as she approached with a freely flowing mane that had been carefully brushed and conditioned to shine in the light. Her sapphire eyes flickered between gold and black and back again as she looked about the crowd. Her dress’ train billowed behind her like the two princess’ manes. When she locked eyes with her fiancé, the color settled to a familiar warm blue. A silver tiara encrusted with emeralds and rubies crowned her head as the veil trailed down behind her to obscure her mane. A series of dark glittering patches hammed the back of the dress and rose like a cloud to simulate the contrast between light and shadow. Her hooves were bedecked in burnished and polished black horseshoes that shone like glass and tied the ensemble together with small glittering specks that shone like stars.
“Shall we, Little Moon?” her uncle asked.
“If you would be so kind, Uncle.” Trixie smiled.
The pair advanced without issue or objection. Many a Pony gaped at the beauty and majesty that Trixie now carried so naturally in her new form. As an extra precaution, both Soldiers had been bound and gagged to ensure they couldn't do anything to ruin the moment on Trixie’s special day. Celestia, Luna, Zecora, and the various delegates all nodded their respect and acknowledgement to the bride as she passed down the aisle. Epona waved with a gentle smile as Link and Zelda held onto tiny satchels, doubtless filled with rice or confetti. The CMC all beamed as they trailed behind Trixie, scattering flower petals.
At last, the pair took their place at the dais, and Merasmus stood off to the side to allow his niece to stand before her fiancé, while the four flower girls took their places in their reserved seats at the front.
“You look stunning,” Vital whispered.
“Thank you.” Trixie smiled. “And you look handsome.”
“Still the clutz you know and love, just a little more polish.” He smirked. “And now, with this newest addition to my hairstyle, no longer a Blueblood lookalike.”
“Good. Don’t go changing on me.”
Hammer Strike struck his hoof heavily against the floor to gather everyone’s attention. Then he took a deep breath and began to speak.
“Friends, family, guests, we are gathered here today to witness the joining of two souls in matrimony: Vital Spark and Trixie Lulamoon. Neither come from wealth or are of any substantial rank, but both have proven themselves to be capable, loyal, and trustworthy to each other and to those whom they have deemed fit to name friend. Now, as the head of state in New Unity, and as a friend, it is my duty to preside over this wedding and to officiate it. I do things straightforward and by the book, and this ceremony will be no different. He scanned the crowd. “As such, I am obligated to ask that if there is anyone who objects to this union, please speak up now or forever hold your peace.” He peered intently over the chamber. Nopony stirred.
He nodded in satisfaction and turned to the Unicorn stallion. “Vital Spark, do you take Trixie Lulamoon to be your lawfully wedded companion, to share in her joys and her sorrows, to safeguard and cherish her as long as you both shall live?”
“I do,” Vital said as he fixed his gaze on his bride.
“And do you, Trixie Lulamoon, take Vital Spark to be your lawfully wedded companion, to share in his joys and sorrows, to safeguard and cherish him as long as you both shall live?”
“I do.” Trixie returned his gaze with equal passion.
“Then by the power vested in me as Lord of these lands, I hereby pronounce you mare and colt. You may kiss.”
The pair did so, and their horns sparked together as they touched.
“Just wait till we go over our vows later,” Vital whispered as they broke the connection, then winked.
“I look forward to it.” She winked back.
Some cheered. Others clopped their hooves politely or nodded their heads. The best creatures smiled at the union, while those who sat in the places reserved for family and guests of honor saluted in their own ways.
“So, do you want to announce the next part, or should I?” Vital asked his new wife.
“Go ahead.”
“Vital turned to their guests and smiled. “Well, everyone, now that the wedding part’s over, it’s time for the party to start. Since it was planned by only the very best and most skilled of our friends, I am certain it will prove to be a memorable experience, albeit perhaps not so grand as some of our other more recent weddings. Please, proceed to the great hall. There, you will find refreshments, games, and various forms of entertainment. That, and it’ll give us all a proper chance to mingle for a change.” He winked at them. “We’ll meet you down there.” And with that said, the two ponies disappeared in a flash of light with a loud poofing noise.
Chamber music played lazily through the air as the Ponyville Orchestra followed the program Octavia had drawn up as part of the evening’s festivities. True to tradition, Trixie made sure to shove a piece of cake in Vital’s face and he hers. Rarity nearly fainted out of shock at the sight of the icing and cake falling in fragments on her designs, but managed to recover with some assistance from Hammer Strike.
Then came the procession of guests greeting and congratulating the couple on their success. Mayor Mare offered her experience, and Berry’s … suggestions proved enough to leave both Ponies blushing furiously as she gave way to the next well-wishers.
A familiar gray mare with uneven eyes strode forward accompanied by a brown colt with an hourglass cutie mark. He pulled uncomfortably at his collar and bowtie. “I still don’t get why I have to wear this. I’m The Doctor!”
“And this isn’t your party,” Derpy countered. Her sequined dress flashed silver with occasional streaks of gold that passed through as she flared her wings. “Now be nice.” Then she raised her basket and smiled at the couple. “Hello, Vital, Trixie. Congratulations. Here! Have some muffins. I baked them fresh this morning.”
“Thanks, Derpy.” Vital accepted the basket gratefully and offered a muffin to his bride. “Peanut butter chip,” he sang. “Your favorite.”
Trixie grinned as she seized it in her magic and took a chomp. She chewed and swallowed in ecstacy, before she spoke. “Yes! Thank you so much.”
“All this standing is exceptionally tiring.” He smirked. “Have fun, you two. And try not to disrupt the proceedings with some titanic time-related threat, please.”
“And get even farther in Hammer Strike’s debt?” The Doctor balked. “No, thank you.” He sniffed and shook his head. “Come on, Derpy. Let’s give the old dance floor a whirl, eh?”
Derpy giggled as her husband seized her. “Oh, Doctor.”
Vital smiled. “They make such a cute couple, don’t they?”
“Speaking of couples,” Rarity said as she and Hammer Strike approached the pair, “You two looked absolutely perfect.” She smiled at Vital Spark, though the light in her eyes dimmed as she looked on Trixie.
“Hopefully everything’s running fine?” Hammer Strike asked.
“So far. Though Trixie may have to worry about my clumsy hooves, if we go too fast on that dance floor.” He chuckled and pecked her on the cheek. “Think you can avoid the worst of it?” he asked her.
“I think we’ll get along fine.” She returned the peck.
Next, Merasmus came. “I am glad to see you so happy, my dear,” he said in a surprisingly gentle voice. “I hope that happiness will remain.” His eyes began to glow as he turned his gaze on Vital Spark. “And if it doesn’t, because of anything you do...” he growled.
“Trixie will make me regret it before you can even touch me,” Vital countered quickly.
“I’d appreciate you not threatening my husband at my wedding, Uncle,” Trixie added.
“Merely catching up on lost time, Trixie. Normally, I should have been allowed to challenge him to a duel to prove his worth. And besides, I’m supposed to harass the coltfriends, remember? At least, I believe that’s what the book on parenting mentioned,” he said as he tapped his chin and pondered.
“Where’s my roomie, Maggot?” a gruff voice shouted over the crowd. Merasmus’ eyes widened.
“And with that, I’ll have to be going. Tata, you two,” he said and quickly disappeared in a gout of green flame.
“So he’s both upset with and afraid of the Soldiers?” Vital asked. “Curious.”
“So, Vital, how’s it feel to be a married man?” Grif chuckled as he noogied the groom.
Vital cried out in surprise, then laughed. “Rarity would kill you if she saw you mussing my mane and suit like this. But I suppose it could have been worse.” He looked at his wife. “I mean, I do get to have a kind, caring, and exceptionally protective Alicorn to love for the rest of my days. What’s not to like?”
“A good outlook to have, especially when she can slice you clean in two the moment you’re unfaithful to her,” Shrial teased.
“Oh, come now, Shrial, that’s not fair,” Avalon said as she approached with Snowy peching on her shoulder.
“Who,” Snowy agreed.
“You two aren’t gonna stop moving forward with your plans, just because you got hitched, are you?” Gilda asked.
“Nope. Speaking of which, how’re the cubs coming?”
Gilda shrugged. “Pretty quiet, most of the time. They’re real sleepers, I guess.”
“Wait a while longer. Pretty sure the they’ll be fighters, like their mom.”
Gilda blushed. “... Thanks,” she finally said.
“You guys ready for tonight’s entertainment?” Vital asked.
“Yeah.” Grif smiled. “Maybe I’ll finally get to see this mysterious Gryphon everyone's talking about.”
“That’ll be a thing to see,” Pensword quipped as he approached with his wives in tow.
“I’m looking forward to it. I wonder which song he’ll choose this time.”
“I dunno. I heard a rumor he might not be alone this time,” Grif said.
“Odd. I heard that rumor as well, from Fox Feather, actually.” Pensword smirked. “If we’re going to speculate, then I have a feeling it’s going to be the Mrs.”
“Who says it’ll only be one?” Vital countered mischievously. “It’s not unusual for a Gryphon to have a whole pride, if memory serves,” he added with a wink. “But that’s neither here nor there. Mind if I ask what you’ve got there, Pensword? You look like you’re nearly ready to burst over it.”
“Oh, these?” Pensword smirked. “Why not open and find out?”
“What do you think, Dear?” Vital asked, trying the word for one of the first times and smiling with satisfaction at the shudder that ran through Trixie. “Should I now or wait till we work with the rest of the gifts?”
“Go ahead. It can’t hurt,” she offered encouragingly.
Vital pecked her on the cheek. “I love you. Just hope you can wait for our special gift till after the festivities.” He winked at her, then tore off the wrappings to reveal the familiar glossy coating of book covers. The pages flickered like a riff of cards, exposing a series of musical notes that tied one to another. “Pensword, are these…?”
“What do you think?” He grinned. “I think they should be played, not just looked at.”
Vital embraced his friend. “Thank you.”
Lunar Fang presented a small box wrapped in black paper and silver ribbon.
“Whats this?” Trixie asked as she seized the box in her magic.
“It’s a gift from the clan, meant to show that we consider you a friend and an ally, and that we respect your ability to walk the fine line between the night and the day.” Lunar Fang smiled.
Trixie opened the box slowly, revealing a knife resting in a sheath of tanned leather that was carefully etched with the image of two Alicorns, one lighter and the other in dark relief, dancing around each other. The handle was carved of dark wood and ivory and depicted two sets of wings interlocking together. A small guard shaped like two alicorns looking in either direction divided the handle from the sheath. The horns formed the greater portion of the metal to guide opposing blades to the Alicorns’ heads.
Trixie carefully lifted the gift from its pillow and unsheathed it to reveal a crucible steel blade with a single lethal smooth edge on one side and a serrated blade on the other. Despite its ornate nature, even the most amature of Ponies who saw it could tell it was made strong to handle the tasks it’s mistress would require. The Alicorns’ wings wrapped down the grip to the pommel to clutch a polished and rounded tigerseye with its artificial slitted pupil staringo ut from the black and orange flecks that formed the iris.
Trixie actually felt tears trickle down her muzzle as she replaced the knife in the box. “It’s beautiful. Thank you. I’ll cherish it.”
“Care for it, and it will care for you.” Lunar Fang nodded and smiled warmly.
The next to greet the couple were the two royal sisters. Celestia smiled in that motherly way as she looked to the younger Ponies, though a flicker of sadness shone in the back of her eyes. Luna nodded to the both of them with an air of calm.
“Congratulations to the both of you,” Celestia said.
“Thank you,” Vital returned. “I’m going to assume you told a little white lie to your court and said you were coming on a visit to see Twilight?”
Celestia smirked and winked playfully. “Got it in one.”
“How did you two manage to get the delegates here without raising a commotion? I thought that would’ve raised some white flags.”
“A little creative scheduling.” Luna grinned. “Most nobility think they aren't arriving until tomorrow afternoon.”
“Very sly,” Vital complimented. “I can practically hear the cries of anguish going off at the capital now.”
“My, I never thought you to have a vindictive streak, Vital Spark,” Celestia teased.
“Things change after you spend enough time here on Equis,” Vital said with a shrug. “That, and the nobles are usually pushy and annoying. There are a few I’ve come to like, though.”
Celestia chuckled. “Be careful who hears that, Vital. Otherwise, you may never hear the end of it.”
“Either that or Trixie and I can just threaten them for getting too much into our space.” Vital winked at his wife. “Sound like fun, Trixie?”
“Oh, yes.” Trixie grinned.
“Let us know when you want to go public, then, and I’ll make sure to send them your way,” Celestia said with a perfectly straight face and an angelic smile.
“And here we see the mighty Trollestia in her natural habitat, seeking to unnerve her subjects with sarcastic or teasing humor,” Vital said in his best impersonation of a posh Canterlot accent. “Isn’t she majestic?”
Pensword rolled his eyes in the distance and hid a smile behind his wing. It was inevitable that the solar monarch would troll at least once.
“Anyway, we hope you two enjoy the festivities, and we thank you for your gifts. I just wonder if Zecora will appreciate it as much as I do,” Vital said as he looked in the distance, where the representatives were interacting with Big Guns. The Zebras were fascinated by his more plant-like attributes, while the Minotaurs were more interested in his story and education in the ways of his new form. Iron Will exchanged greetings with his fellows from the Stampede Grounds and clapped Big Guns enthusiastically on the back.
Two pairs of solid insect eyes soon met the couple, and Vital Spark smiled as he rubbed necks with both friends in the equine equivalent of a hug. Me-Me and Mutatio both had experienced a new set of changes.
The queen had grown taller and, surprisingly enough, more regal in her appearance than Chrysalis. Her mane, while not ethereal, like Luna or Celestia’s, looked far healthier and fuller than the drab green locks that had framed the wicked queen’s face. Her body was less gnarled, and her chitin shone glossily in the light. A filmy blue dress with ruby accents served only to highlight her luminous wings and longer horn. Her crown had broadened from the cheaper mimicry of a party topper to a fully developed circlet, complete with hardened secretions designed to look like precious jewels seated in each of the ridges along her brow.
Mutatio looked uncomfortable in the suit jacket that now covered his broad chest. His chiton strained underneath the fabric, revealing just how much he had developed as a stallion since their last encounter. His pincers had grown, along with a form of unique collar not unlike Celestia’s Peytral. As with his mate, a series of faux gems adorned this biological addition and complemented his queen’s crown to prove his connection to her as head drone, consort, and mate. A polished set of red metal horseshoes bedecked his hooves.
“It’s so good to see the both of you again,” Vital said with a grin. “Loving the new royal garb, by the way.” He winked at the pair. “I’m guessing things have been busy around the hive?”
“As far as I was aware, you saw the recent product of my children's hard work.” Me-Me smiled proudly. “Joy may not be as filling as love, but that section of the hive seemed to have put a smile on the entire colony’s face.”
“I wonder if that’s why things went wrong with your mother’s hive in the first place,” Vital mused. “In most other species’ diets, there has to be a balance, especially if one is omnivorous. What if it’s the same for emotivores?”
“That’s a possibility.” Me-Me nodded. “Mother didn’t exactly leave any of us room to question it.”
“Well, I hope you’re able to channel plenty of the love we have here to the hive, then. I’m sure there’s going to be more than enough to around. Wouldn’t you say, Trixie?” Vital asked as he smirked at the mare.
“I’m sure there is plenty.” Trixie nodded. “Just don’t take too much. We’ll need a lot for tonight.”
“Would that be before or after I try to carry you across the threshold?”
“Perhaps I should carry you?” Trixie teased.
“Well, we could carry each other, I suppose,” Vital mused. “But that might look a little strange, having us both levitate into the bedroom under each other’s auras.”
“True.” She nodded.
Vital chuckled. “I love you, Trixie.” Then he turned to Mutatio. “So, are you just going to stay quiet the whole night, Mutatio? We haven’t heard a word from you yet.”
Mutatio smiled warmly. “I’ve come to enjoy listening to the conversation before making a statement. And as my mate’s drone, it is my duty to keep an eye out for any trouble that might bring her harm.”
“Always on top of things.” Me-Me nuzzled him. “We’re safe here.”
He smiled and nuzzled her back. “I know, but if I can’t keep an eye on the surroundings at small gatherings like this, I’ll get sloppy when it matters most. I’d never forgive myself if something happened to you.”
“It seems we’re not the only species capable of generating love, after all,” Vital said as he leaned close to his wife and nuzzled her gently. “They’re absolutely adorable, aren’t they?”
“That they are.” Trixie nodded. “Still, I think it’s nearly time for us to get to the head table.”
“I suppose the obligatories are finished, and it would be a shame to spoil all the effort everyone’s put into the party.” He leaned in and whispered in her ear. “That, and I’m getting really tired of standing. How about you?”
She nodded as the two turned toward the head table.
Fifteen minutes later, they were served a spread including fresh venison from a deer Grif had made a point of hunting the previous day. There was also fresh salad, mashed potatoes, glazed carrots and fresh bread. Several different drinks had been obtained for the reception. Trixie had a goblet of a fine white wine with her meal, while Vital Spark kept himself to grape juice and water.
“You know, one of these days, remind me to introduce you to sparkling cider,” he murmured to his wife. “Trust me, you’ll love it.”
“Maybe.” Trixie nodded.
“And if I make you a whole double batch of peanut butter cookies?”
“I suppose it couldn’t hurt.” She smiled.
“So, are you ready for the entertainment? I hear we’re going to be regaled by a multitude of musical numbers from a variety of groups.”
“I’m looking forward to it.” She smiled.
“Ladies and gentleponies! Oh, and various foreign guests, welcome to tonight’s entertainment! Can I get a round of applause for the new married couple?” Spike’s exuberant voice carried over the PA system. The obligatory round of applause came and went, and Spike grinned as he tipped his top hat forward. “Our first round of entertainment for the evening comes from a group of four exceptionally talented, and beautiful or handsome, Ponies from Ponyville. Sorry to say, though, folks, two of them are already taken. With the smooth voices and perfect pitch, it’s my distinct pleasure to introduce, for their debut performance, The Pony Tones!”
The lights faded out as Spike jumped off the stage and the spotlights flashed up from the edges of the stage. A soft hum of strings began to play gently in a slowly rising crescendo, followed by the sound of three voices singing in harmonic unison.
A piano came in to play a series of chords behind the words as three mares in flowing gowns strode out from the side of the stage and walked up the stairs to take their places. Rarity’s gown was a navy satin. Torch Song stood on stage right in muted red, and a familiar filly with curly purple hair stood prominently between the two in purple trimmed with silver accents and matching silver flowers in her hair.
Then came the rich sound of a bow drawn on the string as Fiddlesticks emerged in an emerald-green dress. The mare had cleaned up her usually unkempt mane, and her fur practically glowed as she smiled mysteriously at the audience and danced her way onto the stage. The trio continued to sing intermittently, until they reached the chorus, where a dashing Big Mac and Toe-Tapper both strode forward in tight black shirts cut to show off their svelt figures as they joined behind the mares. Two more stallions soon joined them to add to the chorus as each coordinated their movements in accordance with the mares’ singing.
Tears stood in Vital Spark’s eyes as Fiddle Sticks jumped into her interlude, and he leaned against Trixie in silent joy. Much to his surprise, he felt a trickling against his own fur as he looked up at his wife. “This really is our home now, isn’t it?” he whispered to her.
“So it would seem.” Trixie nodded.
The room exploded in a round of applause and cheers as the performers bowed. Then Rarity grinned as she winked at her fellow performers and they swept their gowns off to reveal a green sweater vest with white collars rimmed in gold trim and a set of bowties with green and gold stripes. Big Mac stepped forward and broke into a series of vocables with his deep bass soon to be followed by his fellow singers. And in a rare event, he sang through whole verses of music without so much as an eeyup or nope in between.
The Apple clan soon followed up with a round of country hoedown that left most of the audience breathless on the dance floor. A magic show followed after, courtesy of Spike and four mischievous young fillies. Fortunately, there was no tree sap involved this time, though the fillies did manage to get sloshed with punch as they tried to shove the slug-like creature they’d pulled out back into the hat again.
“You know, I don’t know whether that was part of the act or a mistake caused by whatever Dinky may have done to that hat to make the trick possible,” Vital noted.
Trixie laughed softly. “It’s not as easy as everyone makes it out to be.”
“Did you want to maybe help them, oh great and powerful Trixie? Perhaps they’ll take you on as their assistant,” Vital said as he wiggled his brow mischievously.
His new wife smiled. “This isn’t my performance. That would be in bad taste.”
Ping performed the nonmagical variant of her kagura dance for the audience, accompanied by the koto, which played magically behind her. The Snipers had a shootout with various other competitors to prove who had the best eye, and, for one night only, Camo and Espionage both performed a series of startlingly realistic impressions to both dramatic and comedic effect. The Scouts tried a standup routine, but were quickly knocked out with their own bats and dragged off the stage by the Heavies.
One of the lorekeepers from the Thestral clans narrated a story of the night and its many knowledgeable watchers, the owls. The combat mages performed a display of various spells and enchantments to please the audience with mock battle. Even Big Guns got in on the fun by juggling barrels and performing feats of strength.
“Now that’s what I call quite the … gun show,” Vital Spark said with a smirk.
Trixie patted his head patronizingly. “Nice try.”
“You’d best get used to those. I’m not about to let them go, you know,” he said as he kissed her on the cheek.
At that moment, the light dimmed all around as a single spotlight illuminated a lone figure on the stage. Her fur coat was sleek and glossy, running in a series of ripples and waves that swirled like clouds of silt in water. Her radiant blue feathers slicked back over her head to produce a halo further emphasized by the hints of gold that shone under her long sleek beek. The mixture of clouded leopard and king fisher gazed on the audience with shimmering silver eyes complemented by the bangles on her arms and legs and an ornate gold tail band that had been carved with a series of intricate runes in an unidentifiable language. Behind her, snowflakes drifted down gently from some unforeseen cloud as music slowly began to filter onto the scene and her beak opened to the first notes.
“I really can’t stay!” rang out vibrantly over the room and its occupants, accompanied by the slow jazz. Vital Spark performed a spit take, nearly choking on his punch.
The hoots and whistles of approval were soon hushed by the velvety tones of a familiar songbird
“But baby it’s cold outside.” Blue Eyes slid into the light. The two sang the song to the cheers of the audience while they danced around the stage. The female pretended to push him away or attempt to walk out, even as the male continued to express the danger of the cold beyond and the need to stay.
In a dramatic twirl, Blue Eyes seized a cup of punch from the nearest table and proffered it to the lady. As she partook, she looked suspiciously at him, then smirked playfully and asked about the drink. The pair drew together the more the protests sounded, until they sang together on the cold weather outside. They divided once more with the similar arguments, while Blue Eyes spun her across the stage in a flurry of smooth steps that made it look as though they were dancing on air. As the final chorus rang out, Blue Eyes swept his companion off her paws and used his fedora to shield them as he planted a passionate kiss on her. They quickly surfaced, and he replaced the fedora again as the two bowed to the audience’s eruption of praise.
“Good evening, everybody! Did you miss me?” Blue Eyes asked the crowd, receiving another roar. “Guys and gals, let me introduce the Mrs.Blue Eyes, the prettiest gal out there. Say hello, doll.” He offered her the mic.
“Good evening, everypony, and welcome to this wonderful event. First off, I’d like to apologize on behalf of my husband for any past corny jokes. I’m told some of you are still swabbing out the kernels from your ears. Hopefully, that song was enough to do the trick,” she said teasingly as she pecked her husband on the cheek. “It’s a pleasure to be here in New Unity, a place of many battles, hardships, and triumphs. However, the greatest triumph any person can achieve is to find someone they love and cherish more deeply than themselves who returns the gesture in kind. Once more, could everyone please give a round of applause for the bride and groom, Vital and Trixie Spark!”
“Can you feel that, hun?” Blue Eyes asked his wife as the applause died away.
“Well now, that depends, darling. But judging by the tipsy Changelings I can see in the audience, I think I know where you’re going with this.” She smirked. “Hit it, Maestro!”
The orchestra picked up with the gentle caress of strings, a muted french horn, and the steady strokes of a piano as a familiar mare with a purple mane played in perfect time. Blue Eyes picked up his mic and closed his eyes, then he and his wife began to sing.
As the pair joined their voices in harmony, the lights along the stage began to pulse in a series of gentle colors that swept over the surface, while two spotlights tracked the pair. When they finished the verse about thieves and vagabonds, they took to the air and flew through the room, circling over the married couple as they crescendoed into the talk of a star-crossed voyager’s heart beating in time. They settled and each offered a rose to the couple, then took wing again, leaning against one another and using their outer wings to fly together. A sparkling dust trailed behind them to fill the air with the magic of shifting colors as they skated along and finally settled back onto the stage to close out with the final verse.
“It’s enough to make kings and vagabonds leave their very best.”
Blue Eyes let the music die before looking out over the crowd, grinning. “You all enjoy that?” he asked, letting another roar rise as he looked to his wife. “You know, I think they enjoyed that.”
She rolled her eyes. “He thinks. You see what I have to put up with?”
The crowd chuckled.
“What about you, hun? You got a song we can give them?”
“Oh, definitely.” She smirked. “You’d best listen closely, darling. This one’s as much for you as for them.” She winked to the conductor and the orchestra cued up with a gentle jazz. She began to scat for a measure or two before opening up with her stand-alone number. There wasn’t a dry eye in the audience by the time she finished, and more than one couple had cozied up together under the swaying dulcet tones of her voice guiding them down a slow river of jazz and love.
“Doll, that was beautiful.” Blue Eyes smiled, wiping away a tear.
“One does one’s best. I have to keep my eye on you every minute. It’s about time we got it the other way round,” she said with a smirk. “Honestly folks, I can’t even begin to tell you the number of times I had to drag this Gryphon’s sorry hide out of some club when we first started dating. You might even say our relationship was tempestuous.” She winked at Blue Eyes. “How about we show them a little reenactment, darling?”
“I say let's get some music!” Blue Eyes shouted.
The stage parted to create a barrier between the two of them and two backdrops portraying two apartments. A strange black device with a series of numbers in its center stood atop a table on both sides. Then Grif picked up the receiver and a bell rang with rapid repetition. After a few rings, Blue Eyes’ mate picked up the other line and spoke, “Hello.”
A guitar began to strum in the background as Blue Eyes began to sing. Then the songstress joined in with an angry rejoinder followed by the promises from Blue Eyes as she melted with a gentle smile. The backdrops lowered and the two approached to sing in a united chorus and looked lovingly into each other's eyes to sing the rejoinder of hello, then ending with a final trio of goodbyes from Blue Eyes and a single confused one from his wife, before she closed off with a sulky, “Goodbye,” followed by the loud boom of all the lights going out at once. The crowd cheered together, but when the lights turned on again, the pair was nowhere to be seen. All that remained was the singer’s trademark fedora falling from above into the crowd. Needless to say, there was more fervor over the fedora than the bride’s bouquet.
“My, my. They certainly are eager, aren’t they?” Shrial asked from her chair as Avalon and Gilda both looked on.
“Can you blame them? Blue Eyes is a handsome phantom with a voice that could melt any female’s heart,” Avalon noted. “And given the rare nature of his performances, of course he’s going to be a hit. Oh. Speaking of which, Grif, we got a few potential contracts the other day asking for us to shadow him and track him down for some record companies. Apparently, word has spread since his performance in Canterlot.”
“I’ll take a look.” Grif chuckled as he took a slice of cake. “The guy’s pretty elusive, though.”
“I’d say,” Pensword replied from the shadows. “He slipped by ten of my best warriors and two of yours that I hired tonight for that exact purpose.” Pensword shook his head. “This Blue Eyes infuriates me with how he comes and goes, and yet he is good for morale. I feel like the law facing off against Michael Knight, or The A-Team. They’re doing it sneaky, but the results are good.” He sighed. “Why’d I think of those two shows after so many years in Equestria?”
“Maybe it’s the Earth music?” Grif suggested.
Pensword chuckled as he moved to his table again. “Whatever you say. But you might want to find a way to fill your seats or they might try to connect dots that really don’t connect.”
“Gilda had morning sickness. We were helping her,” Grif stated matter-of-factly. Gilda nodded sheepishly over his shoulder.
Pensword stopped and looked back. “If you say so. I like being Commissioner Gordon,” he replied in Draconic.
“Whatever.” Grif chuckled as he continued to eat. “Wonder what's next on the roster.”
The steady ring of crystal reverberated through the air and all attention turned toward a familiar black stallion wearing a white collar and a navy suit coat with two tails that trailed along his back and reached down to his rump to part neatly over the tail.
“If I could have the microphone?” Rook requested. Spike was quick to oblige. Then Rook cleared his throat and began to speak in earnest. “As almost everypony here knows, I’m Black Rook. I’m a soldier by trade, which makes me straightforward and to the point. When I get a mission, I carry it out to the best of my ability. However, I have to admit that my training in the Rohirrim didn’t prepare me for a sudden promotion to Best Colt.”
A few warm chuckles rose up from the audience.
“I first met Vital Spark when he wound up on our doorstep shortly after an incident that occurred here in the castle. The events of that day are classified, but those who were there to witness it know of the day I speak. He was adopted into the Rohirrim by Grif, and we put the colt through his paces and then some. I admit I took some pleasure in pushing him beyond his usual limits and bossing him around. But I suppose fate or karma must have been on his side, because after I got injured in a later battle, he was given the authority to bully me back into bed rest.” He grinned. “And by Faust, he actually managed to do it. I was mad at him at the time, but those of you who know Vital Spark well know he’s not the type to assert himself much. I couldn’t help but feel proud of him, after I’d had the chance to cool off.
“Now it’s been nearly a year, and he’s become the personal apprentice to Clover The Clever, gained the friendship and ears of our leaders and fellow troops alike, and played an active role in defending our shared home together. Then, to top it all off, he went and snatched the heart of a mare who turned into one of the most powerful Unicorns of her generation, then went and one-upped herself by ascending to Alicornhood. Clearly, nice colts don’t always finish last.”
By this point, Vital Spark and Trixie both were blushing.
“Vital is one of those unique souls who always looks for the good in people, before he looks for the bad. He defends what he holds dear, and strives for peace whenever possible. And despite the threats, curses, and spells that have been hurled at him, he continues to smile for others and lend a listening ear. I can’t think of a nicer colt for this to happen to, and I’m sure his wife would have some words with me, if I tried.”
Once more, the laughter echoed.
“In all seriousness, though, I hope the two of them will have an incredible marriage. There will be arguments, there will be trials, and your faults will show more sharply between the two of you than to anyone else in the world, because from this day on, you two will be bound together as a family. Your mission is to treat each other well, to compromise where appropriate, to be humble enough to recognize when the other is in the right, and loving enough to be patient as you work past any problems that rise. You’re in this for the long haul, so do us proud.” He smirked. “And maybe get us a few foals to fawn over. Moon River is lonely, and we need some peers for her that might actually have a chance of reining her in.” He smirked as he raised his glass. “To Vital and Trixie Spark. May they both live long and happy lives together as they move forward as mare and colt.”
The toast was unanimous and the applause polite as the room toasted to the happiness of the couple. Rook returned to his seat as a magical aura latched onto the mic, and it levitated over to Vital Spark. The groom rose from his chair and gave his bride a smooch on the cheek, before he strode onto the stage and smiled at the crowd.
“I know it’s not normal for the groom to offer words at his own wedding, but I had to say a few things before the next portion of the evening’s proceedings take place. First of all, thank you. Friends, family, and distant relatives have travelled from near and far to participate in these events, one of whom thought he was performing a rescue.” Vital nodded to Merasmus. “And I am forever grateful to know that Trixie has someone who cared for her so deeply before we met. It’s been a long road to reach this point.” He glanced at Zecora. “For some of us, it’s been longer than most.
“We all carry our scars and our marks, but we continue to live, despite them. I like to think that it’s because of a certain spark, a certain magic that we all seem to share to a greater or lesser degree. Trixie and I were lucky to find a greater portion of that magic together, and I couldn’t be happier with the result.” He paused a moment. “Well, maybe I could. I might get happier later, for all I know, and then I’d be lying. I’d hate to do that to the people I care for so much.” His smile widened and he winked at the audience. “What I’m trying to say is that I love all of you, and I’m so grateful to have received love and respect from you in return.
“As that wonderful song that the Ponytones sang reminds us, we make our homeland where our hearts reside. For me, that homeland is here with my new wife. I will never forget where I came from, but I am confident that this is the right choice. I guess, in a way, you could say that I was called here. And that call has led me on an incredible adventure. Now it draws me into a new one with a mare I have come to cherish. It’s a little complex for me to put into words, so I think I’ll try to let music do the talking for me. It sure seems to work for everypony else.”
The room broke out into a titter of goodnatured chuckles, though more than half the guests were holding their collective breaths or chewing their lips as Vital Spark levitated his violin from backstage and a slow thrum of strings began to rumble from the floor and rise into the air. Not a single Pony in the orchestra had reached for their instruments. A few seconds later, Vital Spark raised his head and the bow began to trace along the violin’s strings, singing with a sweet lilt that carried through the building music, filling the room with a sense of trepidation.
The familiar beat of tribal drums echoed and thumped in time with the strings, after Vital played a final aching high note. Then the drums died off gently with a fading gong. Vital Spark lowered his instrument, took a deep breath, and began to sing.
When the first verse had finished, Vital Spark raised his violin again and played a light interlude, motioning to his wife with a smile and raising a hoof to becon her forward.
“Sometimes it is in desire,” she began uncertainty as she rose from her chair and strode forward, then gradually gained more confidence, “Or in the love we fear.”
Vital smiled and nodded his approval. “When the call is calling us, till the fear will disappear.” He extended a hoof to pull her onstage as the two joined their voices together in harmony, while the violin played on with the unseen orchestra and Ponies touched by the song’s message opened their mouths to add their voices to the chorus. When they finally reached the end of the song, Vital Spark pulled Trixie in, whirled her around, and kissed her full on the lips while he held her in his forehooves.
The room erupted in cheers and whistles as Vital released his bride, and the pair of them took their bows together.
“Thanks for sharing my first heartsong with me, Trixie,” he said into her ear. “You’re a part of my heart now, so it only seemed right.”
“Our heart,” she corrected. “Forever.”
Vital Spark yawned as he slowly came awake and nuzzled Trixie’s mane affectionately. “Mmm…. Good morning, beautiful,” he whispered.
“Good morning, handsome,” Trixie responded in a half yawn.
The shimmering blue cloth that draped the walls in Trixie’s room left the two feeling drowzy and content after a night of merriment, gifts, family contacts, and a very romantic interaction when they retreated to the aforementioned room in the first place.
“You know, that actually felt pretty good,” Vital said as he nuzzled Trixie again. “Though getting a wing to the face might’ve marred the moment a little,” he teased.
“We’ll have to work on it,” she laughed.
“Well, we’ll have plenty of time on the honeymoon. Grif’s insisting on escorting us.”
“I hope he’s right about this island of his,” Trixie said as she begrudgingly moved to get up.
“Considering it’s run by my people, I think it’s safe to say we’ll be well taken care of.”
“Then you should be able to keep me from making a fool of myself.” Trixie smiled as her horn lit and she sorted through her luggage, making last minute adjustments to her packing.
“I still have some mixed feelings about leaving Aria behind. I mean, I know she’s independent enough now, but she’s not even a full year old yet. Do you think she’ll mind my not being here for a while?”
“Well, wouldn’t it be worse to take her to such a hot environment?”
“That’s the funny part. Turns out a cryophoenix isn’t necessarily effected that way by any but the most extreme of hot temperatures, like at a volcano for instance. Most places, whether tropical or tundral, are free game.” He shrugged. “Still, this is supposed to be about time to ourselves. And I hear there are some amazing tourist attractions that have developed there.”
“You know I won’t hold it against you if you bring your pet, right?” Trixie asked.
“She’s not just a pet,” Vital objected. “She’s a familiar.” He sighed. “And I’m being an overprotective father figure before I’m even a father.” He chuckled and shook his head. “What are you going to do with me, Trixie?”
“If I told you that, it might ruin the honeymoon.” She winked before going back to packing.
“A fair point. Knowing Grif, he’s probably already gone and taken anything extra I might’ve thought of bringing onto the Gantrithor. Seriously, that guy accounts for every eventuality, including my tendency to forget to pack at least one item that’s important in the long run. Have you ever had that problem, dear?” he asked as he levitated a familiar cape and hat over to observe and reminisce.
“When you spend your days on the road, you tend to learn to be careful when packing.” Trixie shrugged.
“And thus the Great and Powerful Trixie proves her superiority yet again,” Vital teased as he pecked her on the cheek. “I’d just find it hilarious if they turned out to be like a certain stereotypical movie I saw when I was younger” He broke off with a mischievous smirk. “So, Trixie, have you ever tried swimming before?”
“It was a common pastime back in Neigh Orleans.” Trixie nodded.
“Good. That means we get to have some fun. I wonder if this world has dolphins and sea turtles.” He smirked. “Oh, the stories I could tell you about sea turtles.”
“Why wouldn’t we have dolphins and sea turtles?” Trixie asked. “That's like saying ‘I wonder if your world has bunyips.’”
“Uh, bun-what now?”
“A bunyip?” Trixie looked back at him, confused.
“Would you believe I’ve never heard of it in my life?” He chuckled as he rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly.
“Well, hopefully we’ll meet one out there, then. I think you’ll like the experience.”
“If they’re friendly, I’m guessing so. Of course, with you around, I’m pretty sure we’ll both be safe, ironic though that is for me to say, of all people.” He chuckled. “I always thought it was the stallion that made things safer for the mare.”
“With the gender ratio being what it is, why would you expect that?” Trixie asked.
Vital paused for a moment. “You know, with all the times I’ve seen stallions standing up for their mares, I just realized that most of the time it’s the mares who actually do the more important tasks. … I suddenly feel vastly humiliated. In the good sense of the word, mind you, but still.”
“Well, mares generally try to keep the stallion safe for obvious reasons.” Trixie chuckled.
“We’re a rare commodity?” Vital asked as he arched his brows humorously.
“You never wondered why the Rohirrim has so many mares?” Trixie asked.
“Not really. Females serving in the military was a normal thing back home. If you were qualified, you were accepted, plain and simple.”
“That makes sense.” Trixie nodded. “You have everything?”
“I think so. I do have the most important thing right here in front of me, after all.” He winked at her.
“Good you know your priorities,” she teased as she picked up her bags.
“I already got my books and other odds and ends transferred the other night. Pensword insisted. I think I see why now, though I plan to scan for any traps, just in case. He is part Pegasus, after all.”
The Unicorn smiled as he nuzzled his mare and held open the door for her. “Madam, your coach awaits.”
“Then let us go.” She smiled as she left the room.
“Comme tu veux, mon amour.”
The Canterlot Herald photographer just stared as she watched the training. “That … can’t be safe. That is foal endangerment,” she sputtered as the former commander ran past with his old unit.
The members each carried heavy rucksacks on their backs. A familiar blue filly giggled atop one of these rucksacks and cheered her father on as she waved her toy crossbow to fire at various passers by that got too close to her father. Three more young voices cheered the group on from the ramparts as they flapped their bat wings.
“I know Thestrals are militaristic, but isn’t this a little much?” At her side another mare was busy jotting down notes in a notepad as she whipped her head up and down to ensure she took in every detail.
“Lady, if you think this is much, then you know nothing about what goes on here,” one Thestral responded.
The photographer looked aghast as she jostled her coiffed mane and turned to look at the Thestral. “This is nothing? But she’s a foal, and she’s allowed to play with such dangerous toys!”
The journalist looked up and rolled her eyes as her horn glowed to levitate the pad and pen. “Quick Shot, I warned you to keep your muzzle shut. Do you realize the hoops we had to get through to cover anything here? Do not jeopardize this for me.”
Quick Shot grimaced, but kept taking photos. “And allow this recklessness to continue? Where is the schooling?”
“Ponyville school was unprepared for the sudden influx of students from various cultures and … hartier species,” the Thestral informed her. “Students are being homeschooled or schooled in small classes until a new facility can be built. Anyway, Ma’am, that one is too young to be in the school system anyway.”
“Too young? She looks old enough to me.” Quick Shot shot back. “And even then, how could the parent let her ride along like that? What if she falls? Surely the Commander doesn’t want her parents to come down on him? He’s already on thin ice in Canterlot with trying to skirt the mandatory age retirement.”
“Shut up, Quick Shot,” the journalist rebuked.
“Don’t tell me you don’t back Sharp Tack’s article back home, Type Set.”
“I take in the facts before I make my opinion, Quick Shot. Which is why I was sent here in the first place. Remember, you’re here only because Focus Shot got food poisoning.”
The Thestral cleared her throat. “Ma’am, that’s the Commander's daughter. And even if she falls, she’ll get right back up, laugh it off, and try again. Our foals are made of stronger stuff then you’re giving them credit for. They’re not made of glass, and we’re not throwing them off clouds to get them to fly either.”
“Oh, my mother got that practice banned years ago. Even though all the Pegasi that she targeted claimed they didn’t do it. I’m guessing your practices are something more along the lines of throwing them out caves off a cliffside.”
Type Set groaned and rolled her eyes as she started to pack up her equipment.
“Ma’am, let me be blunt. I don’t appreciate your tribalism. Please rein it in or we will be forced to escort you off of Lord Hammer Strike’s land. He has laws against tribalism here.”
Quick Shot seemed surprised. “I’m only looking out for the safety of the foals,” she said hautilly, then turned to the journalist. “Come on. You’re going to write that in, right?”
Type Set glared at Quick Shot. “I’m here to get the story on how the Military training is progressing and what it’s doing for those in the course, Quick Shot. Nothing. Else.”
“To be fair, Ma’am, we thought we’d take the opportunity to showcase not only the strict military training that goes on in New Unity, but also the cultural differences that are slowly being mixed together. What you see here is primarily traditional, but we’ve added exercises and ideas from our neighbors. The physical exercises are borrowed from the regimen of former Captain Armor himself.”
“Oh…” Quick Shot replied, not noticing Type Step slowly inching away. “Happy to hear you’re taking the best teacher’s lessons.”
The thestral looked at her for a moment before she started laughing, hard, ridiculously hard. Several other troops started laughing, then more. Crystal ponies took up the sound and the laughter became a chorus, then a rumble, then a roar that rippled out through the air as each heard what the ignorant photographer had said.
What kept it going was her confused, befuddled, but happy grin.
Meanwhile Type Set breathed a sigh of relief as she pulled out her notepad and quill once more. She hid her smirk behind her notebook.
It was at that moment that Quick Shot found herself looking crosseyed at the powdered colored suction cup that had attached itself to her nose. “She … she shot me!” She screamed, then gaped at the Pegasus as he trotted over with the final release from the run. “You let your daughter shoot me? She could’ve hit my eye! I could have gone blind!”
The Commander flicked an ear. “I think she wants to prove how good of a shot she is. Also, it’s a toy. The worst it could have done is irritate your eye, not blind it” He moved a wing to pull out a blade, while still Trotting circles around the Mare. “This is a weapon. Its name is Lexington, and currently, my oldest is being trained on how to handle it and other tools like it.” He chuckled, “And that isn’t counting the Thestral training.”
Quick Shot blinked as she stared at the blade in question.
Meanwhile, Type Set showed her notepad to another Thestral, who giggled at what had been written. The Commander just smiled sweetly. He could guess what the journalist had just written. “Ma’am, we are in the middle of the Everfree Forest. And while we Thestrals are, indeed, hunters, this is more for self-preservation. We are surrounded by a list of magical creatures, constructs, and even artifacts that could harm us. Even paring that down to just the creatures, It’d be faster to read you the list of things that couldn’t.”
Quick Shot snorted. “As if.” She rolled her eyes. “Fine, what is the list of animals that won’t harm you?”
“Soma the chickens,” Moon River spoke rather seriously in a Roostralian accent.
“She’s joking?” Quick Shot muttered.
“Nope,” the same Thestral from before replied. “It’s so short that even the foals can memorize it. Most of the creatures in the Everfree are designed to capture or kill.”
Quick Shot took a series of gasping breaths as she struggled to get herself under control. “I walked through a … a death forest?”
“A death forest that knows not to mess with Hammer Strike trails. You’re safe, so long as you don’t step off the roads we’ve constructed,” Fox Feather said as she glided onto the scene, even as Quick Shot followed a guard with a new photographer provided courtesy of Hammer Strike’s own troops.
Quick Shot tilted her head and her eye began to twitch.
Commander Pensword smirked and shook his head, prompting Moon River to jump and flutter off his back. He leaned down and nuzzled her neck in a fatherly manner. He whispered into her ear before she giggled and started to trot away.
“Where is she going?” Quick Shot asked.
“Oh, she’s going to see her godfather, who most likely is going to spoil her and tease her with some of his weapon training.”
Quick Shot’s body shook as her head blurred back and forth. “Where did she go?” she yelped.
“Oh, she does that. She’ll pop up again when she wants to,” Pensword responded casually.
“When she … don’t you keep a firm grip on her?”
“Oh, I do. So does her mother. And so do the chiefs. Even the High Chieftess. She still does what she wants when she can get away with it. That’s how all foals her age are.”
“Wha—?” Quick Shot practically squeaked. Her pupils had shrunk down to the tiniest pinpoints, a clear sign of the mental strain her mind was facing as the Ponies systematically destroyed her preconceptions one by one.
“You should visit the Gryphons,” Fox Feather chuckled. “You’ll have a field day.”
“I ... I…. “ Quick Shot stuttered, then finally groaned. “I think I need a drink.”
Hammer Strike hummed to himself as he stared at a blank canvas. While he could think of things to draw, it was leaning mostly toward schematics, blueprints, designs, those sorts of things; nothing that was truly a work of passion or freely made. His mind wandered to and fro as he pondered different topics and grasped for potential subjects or past experiences in an attempt to garner some form of inspiration.
Countless canvases laid around him, each depicting objects, landscapes, Ponies, Gryphons, etc. All had been painted carefully in a multitude of styles. Each one shifted the tone of the image as he cycled through his potential styles of art, while the less favorable ones were, as he would put it, dealt with. He reached to the canvas and took it off the easel in exchange for a wider landscape size.
“Perhaps something recent,” he murmured as he spread the paints over the palette and prepared his colors. “Something for the newlyweds when they return.” He smiled softly as he took hold of his brush.
He began by preparing the background, a solid layer of white to work itself into the farthest back of the image. He used his mind’s eye to break the canvas up into two planes. One side would be dedicated to Trixie, the other to Vital. Left and right, the two would face each other as their own colors pooled into the center. For Trixie’s side, a midnight-blue backdrop would appear, stars glittering about in a similar fashion to her cape and hat to bleed white light that blended with dark spots gathering around the edges to mingle and fade into a serene middleground.
Vital’s side would shine bright as day, as a layer of soft blue caressed the white edges, creating a layer of frost and ice to form a frame of sorts. Flecks of gold would scatter about the backdrop from the main bust as they faded into obscurity. The central plane that formed the divider would mix the two sides in a gentle white and blue that whirled with the darker tones from the other to create a harmonious balance.
Each Pony’s portrait would sit across from the other, staring back with a faint smile of affection. Their eyes gleamed with faint colors from the opposite side to simulate the mirror-like effects of those luminous orbs.
Hammer Strike was lost in his own world as he mixed colors, shifting their hues to give each side attention with broad and narrow strokes to grant that sense of realism brought about by multiple layers and textures. Sometimes he would shift suddenly and begin altering something on the other side to match the current. Back and forth, he would sway, like a pendulum as he worked to maintain the balance of the two Ponies’ development.
“Enjoying yourself?” a voice broke through the quiet quite suddenly as Clover appeared in the room.
Hammer Strike sighed as he finally took notice of someone else. “To a point, yes. It’s been interesting, to say the least.”
“You certainly have a talent for art,” Clover noted as she appraised his work.
“I appreciate that,” he replied as he turned to face the mare. “It’s been years since I just spent the time to paint, or draw, anything. I can barely remember I used to pass time by putting random things on pieces of lumber when my shop was empty.”
“It’s always good to have an outlet that’s not creating weapons of war, or improvements for existing weapons,” Clover noted. “Everyone needs some way to get out of their own head.”
“I did other things, too,” Hammer Strike defended. “Though it was mostly thaumic training or translations,” he muttered. “Ex Divinia Etiam. I really did need a hobby.”
Clover laughed. “Acceptance is the first step.”
“I thought that was the last step?”
“I dunno. You honestly think I’ve ever admitted I have a problem?”
“Probably once, and decided you didn’t like it,” Hammer replied with a faint smirk.
“Only to one person.” She chuckled. “You know, it’s okay to admit weakness every once in a while. Even the great lord Hammer Strike’s not infallible.”
“Of course. I’m just very stubborn,” he replied simply. “I’ve played up the legend to this point,” he finished with a shrug.
“Even legends need downtime.”
“Certainly. Oh, but what brings you here today?”
‘I thought I would see how you were holding up, seeing as both my personal students are away and I have some spare time.”
“Quite fair.” He nodded. “So far, I appear to not be falling apart physically or mentally, so I would say I’m holding up well at the surface level, at the least.” He chuckled faintly to himself.
“Glad to see that. Maybe you should take a few days off? Go visit your wife in Ponyville?”
“If I didn’t know you well enough, I’d guess you were attempting to get rid of me,” Hammer Strike replied. “I do have the free time for it, especially since we brought in Oracle and Silent Collector. With them managing my paperwork, it’s been drastically easier to clear it out.”
“I think a holiday could do you well.”
“I would agree, but most of my holidays out from work tend to be either involuntary and lengthy or bloody. One or the other.” He paused and furrowed his brow. “You know what? Yeah, it might be a good idea. I haven’t been able to just stay in Ponyville with Rarity or have her stay here, due to work on both ends.”
“Enjoy yourself,” Clover encouraged.
“I’ll head out tomorrow, earlier in the day. For now, I should probably clean up,” he noted as he looked to the assortment of canvases and his primary painting of the moment. “Though I now need to figure out a spot to put paintings….”
Grif landed on the ground outside his home casually after placing the Gantrithor in its usual parking orbit at the airship dock. He gave a growl and leonine stretch before opening the door. “Girls? I’m back!” he called out.
Two wet balls of fur immediately pummeled their father with a heavy smack that sent water flying over the floor and Grif’s feathers.
“Girls!” Shrial glared angrily at her progeny. “You know the rules. First towel down, then race through the house.” She sighed and shook her head. “And just look at what you did to your father’s armor.”
“It’s had worse.” Grif chuckled as he picked up the soaking twins and gave them both a hug. Then he summoned up warm air currents around them to dry the three of them off. The twins giggled as the wind tickled their fur and feathers.
“And here I was, hoping to have a nice relaxed home ready for you when you got back.”
“You really should know better by now,” Avalon noted as she descended followed by a lanky young cub with curious blue eyes and black speckles over his white feathers.
“Who’s not relaxed?” Grif smiled. “Everything's beautiful.” He walked up to Shrial and kissed her gently. “I appreciate the effort.”
“Are you going to say hello to your son, or do I have to sic him on you?” Avalon teased as the two approached.
Grif smiled as he turned to Tazeer. Stalking up to him playfully, he let out a growl.
Tazeer blinked, then cocked his head in confusion as he looked at his father. The question was clearly evident in his gaze, despite his lack of speech.
“Still nothing.” Grif sighed as he picked the cub up. “You have to be the most silent cub I have ever heard of,” he said teasingly as he tickled his son’s belly.
Tazeer giggled as he squirmed in his father’s grip. His two sisters looked on in delight as Grif continued to tease the cub.
“Well, look who’s finally back. Did you bring us anything?” Gilda asked with a playful smirk.
“You mean aside from my good looks?” Grif winked as he gestured to his scarred visage.
“Are you asking me to add a few more?” She tensed her talons as her tail flicked playfully behind her.
“Play nice, you two. The children are present,” Avalon chided.
“Besides, I thought tonight was Avalon’s night,” he purred.
“For sparring or something else?” she teased as she brushed her talon under his beak.
“Who says we can’t do both?” He grinned back at her. “That’s usually how I get Shrial riled up for it.”
“And I get to test my magic on you. You’re one of the only ones I can, you know. It’s so boring only studying the theory sometimes.”
“Have you thought about asking some of the Unicorns?” Grif asked.
“Considered it, but these are types of magic unique to Gryphonkind. I’d rather keep it that way for now. I plan to eventually give it to Unicorns to study as well, but I’d rather we start our school up first.”
“Fair enough. Have you begun screening for any among the Bladefeathers with the gift?” Grif asked.
“We’ve been making some inquiries. The Black Tips have been more than helpful in the background checks, but I’ll require a test of their character before I’m willing to take any in for training. Pride and arrogance were what led to the organization’s corruption in the first place. I’m not about to allow the same mistakes in my lifetime.”
“That's why I know you’ll make it something to be proud of.” Grif smiled and kissed her.
“That, and if I don’t, then I’ll be in a great deal of trouble with the Winds and their children,” Avalon returned as she kissed him back.
“I’d never let them touch you. No matter what happens, you all are where I draw the line.”
“And he thought he’d make a bad husband,” Shrial teased.
“How about we talk about this over dinner? I made my old family recipe for scones.”
“Should I be worried?” Grif asked.
Gilda shrugged. “How should I know? They sold well enough in Griffinstone.”
Grif looked to Avalon. “Alors oui je devrais être inquiet,” he commented.
“Uh … what?” Gilda asked as she cocked her head.
Grif chuckled. “Nothing, my love. Just a joke from the lower kingdoms.”
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Ok so I remember most of the pets, but whos sylvio?
Also FIRST~~
and amazing chapter as always.
A wedding that went off without a hitch? I hope the security crews got their own celebration the next day after teh shift change.
Given it was the extra crew having fun and Ole Blue Eyes around, I was half expecting Equestrian Wedding traditions be upheld by someone dropping into do a bit of Reboot Rave.
I mean, the immortal line.
Ive Always Wanted To Do That.
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sylvio lupis was the timberwolf pup grif found.
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relatively soon, we have a few things we need to get through but story wise there about a month away from it starting.
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I'm so forgetful sometimes
Got a surprise when i noticed the update, i missed the previous update. Good story guys, cant wait to see vitals return home.
Its hard to believe its been over 5 years since this story began, its brought a lot of happy moments to people's lives, thankyou for writing all that you have.
9676740
Well, I agree that The Last Battle wasn’t the strongest in the series, but I’m going to have to wholly disagree with you about the ending. I love the ending. I mean, they spend the whole last chapter running off into Heaven (because what else would it be representing) and marveling at the sights, then the book literally ends by saying that all seven books, the hundreds of thousands of words that you’ve just read, were equivalent to only the front cover and the title page of the book of their whole story; a story in which every chapter of the book is better than the last. How awesome is that? Not only did they get a happy ending, but it’s arguable that they got the happiest ending possible. The happiest ending ever. And I love to see the characters get that payoff. It’s a bittersweet goodbye, but I don’t think it could have ended any other way.
Of course, that’s all my own opinion, but if you want to keep talking about Narnia or any other C.S. Lewis books feel free to PM me. I’d be happy to discuss with you.
You guys have such great taste in music!
ive havent read this yet, but jesus christ, 2.2 million words and still kicking?
Your either super dedicated, a super no-life, or both!
I applaud you.
Edit: and your editors. (hehe)
Second Edit: aw jeez, i somehow read about your editors, but skimmed the part about there being three other writers. THIS MESSAGE APPLIES TO ALL OF YOU!
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I will not answer for the other writers, but I feel it is highly dedicated. The first chapter was published in 2014, it is now 2019. We have been writing over 5 years counting the planning phase. So yes super dedicated, because we have a life outside of writing, it is because we are consistent and write almost every day a little, we just keep writing and talking as a group.
We still have a lot planned out to write. So we hope you enjoy reading the chapters, I feel each one gets better then the last.
Fantastic scene here with Blue Eyes' concert. Though was that little slip at the start of the second sentence intentional?
I love the hobby hammer strike picked up, it'll be nice and relaxing for him. Now here's a question, can he do something poorly if he tried? With a luck of 42, I find it pretty hard to see sometuing he wouldn't be good at.