Chapter 6: The Humanian King's Court.
At last! The day before the celebration arrived! Twilight, Spike, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash all arrived in Canterlot to be part of the procession that was to leave for Humania. When they got there, Twilight greeted her brother and sister-in-law and spent the few hours before the time to depart with them. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Spike, and Pinkie Pie all went off and amused themselves 'til it was time to leave, but Rarity had something to show Alex.
"Come with me, my dear. I have something I simply must show you!" she said, her voice betraying her excitement.
"What is it?" asked Alex as they entered a private chamber.
"This!" Rarity exclaimed as she drew out of her saddlebag a beautiful flowing cloak made of forest-green cotton, trimmed with silver and clasped at the throat with a silver broach in the shape of a beech leaf. "But wait! there's more!" Rarity then drew out a pair of loose cut pants made of rich black cotton and a short sleeve shirt made of fire-red silk over a white long-sleeve linen shirt. The ensemble was completed by a pair of rich black velvet knee-boots and a black cloth belt.
Alex was blown away by the generosity of the gifts and was stunned speechless by their regal yet rugged look. Rarity looked anxiously at her and began explaining at about a million miles an hour. "What do you think? Is it too regal? I know you said you never liked wearing royal clothes because you always felt like you were wearing a lie, but I just had to make you some proper clothes for this celebration and I tried to make them to fit your personality and taste as well as I could, but…"
"Enough! Take a few deep breaths and calm down, Rarity. I'm very touched by your gifts and as I said before with the first suit of clothes you made me, I have never owned a finer suit of clothes. And this I further add, I have never been more pleased by an outfit than I am by this one, all the more so by the spirit with which it was made and given. Thank you, Rarity." Alex smiled and disappeared behind the screen.
When she came out, Rarity was stunned by how well the outfit had turned out. Alex looked like a real princess, yet there was something in her air and style that made the most ordinary person or pony feel at ease in her presence. Rarity knew that Alex was very well pleased with her work and that made Rarity all the more pleased and happy. Alex smiled and held out her hand to the beaming pony.
"Come on, Rarity. It's almost time to leave." Alex laid her hand on Rarity's shoulder and the two walked out to the front of the castle where everypony was gathered to wait for the carriages that would convey them to Humania.
"See? I told you she'd like them." Twilight smiled when she saw Alex and Rarity.
"I'm just glad it all turned out," said Rarity.
"Wait 'til you see what it looks like with my crown." Alex grinned.
"Your crown? Oh goodness! I completely forgot about that! Is it gold or silver?" Rarity was nervous all over again.
"Don't worry. It will be perfect," Alex assured her, giving Rarity's shoulder a reassuring pat.
Soon they were arrived at the Humanian court. Alex went first, followed by Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor, then Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Spike. The guards bowed to them and opened the great oaken gates. They passed into a large hall of gray stone, hung with colorful banners that told the history of the kingdom. At the far side of the hall was a dais upon which were two thrones of ebony inlaid with gold and silver. On one of these thrones sat a tall, muscular man with light brown hair and a beard and mustache. He was clearly older than Alex or Ryan, but still in his prime, for his friendly crystalline blue eyes shone with health and youth. Upon his head was a golden crown set with rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and amethysts and on his left hand was a gold signet ring.
He stood and coming towards them with his arms outspread proclaimed, "Welcome back, Alex, my dear cousin." They embraced and Alex stood to one side as he turned his attention to his guests. "And welcome to you, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, rulers of Equestria. And, friends of Alex, welcome to you, who by the support of your friendship gave Alex the strength to destroy the darkness that had taken hold of my beloved cousin Prince Ryan. I have decreed that you shall have full license to move about the castle as you wish and may go anywhere you please in my realm. But be forewarned, not all my subjects are trustworthy and might seek to exploit you in some way, shape, or form, so be on your guard. Now, until the celebration starts, feel free to come and go as you will. Princesses Celestia and Luna, I believe we have much to discuss. Will you join me in the council chamber?" asked King Greg.
"Of course," said Celestia and Luna in unison.
"Come on, everypony! I want to show you around before the celebration starts," said Alex leading the way.
She led them through the streets of the city, everything had been scrubbed and cleaned 'til it shone and sparkled in the sunlight in honor of the celebration. There were ribbons and streamers and wreaths and all manner of festive decorations adorning every house, sign, and lamppost. Everyone they met was dressed in festive clothes of bright and varying colors and all the people smiled and laughed and talked as they went about their business before the celebration.
"Wow! This is amazing! I feel as though I were dreaming!" exclaimed Twilight as she gazed at the beauty of the city.
Rarity gave a squeal of delight and rushed over to a shop window. "Oh! I simply must have a look at these materials! Could we?" she asked looking at Alex.
"Sure." Alex opened the door.
Soon Rarity was shopping like the fashionista she was. After about an hour she finally managed to drag herself away with six bags full of stuff. "Thank you all for being so patient, but these new materials will be simply marvelous in my new fashions," she said as she levitated the bags behind her.
"Come on. There's someplace I want to show you before we have to return to the castle," said Alex leading the way up a set of stone steps, hewn into the side of the mountain just outside the city.
After about ten minutes of climbing, they reached the top which was a large, flat plateau. The view from up there was amazing! The whole city was spread out like a map and shone in the late afternoon sun like a diamond in a green velvet setting.
"My! It's simply breathtaking, darling! I can see why you wanted to show this to us so much," said Rarity.
"This is a really great way to view the city. Thank you for showing us," said Twilight.
"Yeah. I'm sorry I ever doubted you, Alex. I'm really glad there are no hard feelings," said Shining Armor.
"Of course, Shining Armor. Why would there be? Anyway, we'd better be heading back, the festivities will begin soon," said Alex as they made their way back down the mountain.