- Chapter 8: The Wedding -
This was it, the big day. The big day you and Twilight had been planning for months was finally here and despite all the preparation, you had a swarm of butterflies in your stomach. You barely managed to eat this morning which now threatened to come back up. You repeat the rehearsal in your head to try to calm yourself down as you check your suit in the mirror for the hundredth time. The hat was maybe a bit too much but Rarity had insisted on you wearing it and, seeing how she was the dresser, you complied.
A sharp knock on the door makes you jump before you see who it is. In steps a woman in her late forties, forty-eight to be exact, in a rose red business suit. You smile. She always seemed to be wearing something red, maybe because it matched her golden brown skin and ash grey hair. Most people would find this pegasus intimidating from her strong look and strict figure but to you she was open and welcoming.
"Hello Mom," you greet her. "I'm glad you could make it."
"What sort of a mother would I be if I didn't make it to my son's wedding?" She closed the door. "Oh, look at you, all grown up and about to start a new family." Her voice trembles a little.
"Mom, don't make it sound like I'm abandoning you." Even if she didn't mean it, she could give you a real guilt trip.
"You're right. I'm sorry, I just thought- I don't know what I thought, probably that you would stay the same little boy forever. I am truly happy for you, I want you to know that. Twilight is a sharp and pretty girl and I'm certain you will be happy together."
"Thank you," you say and put your arms around her. She seems surprised at first but hugs you back. "I know this is in bad taste but… do you think my father would be proud?"
"Of course he would," she says, tugging you closer. "He would have been damn proud of you. You know, seeing you in this suit really reminds me of him, so dapper and stylish." Your mother isn't much for sad emotions, or talking about your father, but you see her drying her eyes before changing the subject. "So, where did you get it anyway? Is it tailor made?"
"Yes actually, Twilight's friend Rarity helped out alot with both mine and-" A knocking sound, like a wooden ball in a box rings from your mother's purse.
You flinch at the sudden sound but she seems used to it as she opens her medium purse and pulls out a flat, polished mahogany box at the size of an envelope. You'd heard of this new express post-device, based on the magic in baby dragon's breath, they could send letters across the world in seconds. It was mostly used by higher business people who needed immediate contact with others in a safe way though this was only a two-way link, most likely a message from her office. She opens the box and takes the folded letter inside.
"Let's see... we have looked... a reasonable agreement," she mumbles as she skimmed the paper. "A big opportunity... a meeting today-TODAY!? If they want a meeting with me today, I have to leave now." To your surprise she tore the note in half. "Sorry but I won't let business come before my son, I'd rather risk the deal than miss his wedding."
"Mom, are you sure that's such a good idea? It sounded like a pretty important deal."
She looks you straight in the eyes. "I admit, I have not always been there for you but today work can take a long hike. Today is your day and I wouldn't let anything come between me and seeing my boy grow up."
"Thank you Mom, that means alot to me."
"Hey," Spike sticks his head in. "You ready? Ten minutes until- oh, am I interrupting something?"
"No, not at all," your mother says and puts on her business tone. "I was merely having a pep talk with my son."
"Oh, so you're his mother. I was just going to say it's ten minutes until we start. And remember," he points a warning finger at you. "If you get cold feet at the altar and try leaving Twilight alone up there, I'll chuck one of the smaller pillars after you. I'll have you know I've got a pretty good aim."
You chuckle, more of your mom's expression than the empty threat. "Spike, I give my personal permission to do so if I were to leg it." Spike laughs as he leaves while your mother just shakes her head.
[hr]
Eight minutes later you stand by the altar with your best man and Princess Celestia as you anxiously await your bride. The butterflies have now become angry bees which seem determined to make you throw up but you keep yourself together. Twilight's side of the aisle was pretty full with friends and family while your side had considerably more space. It was mainly friends and some family members from Equestria but also a few that had taken the trip with your mom from overseas. To your surprise, Rainbow Dash, AJ and Pinkie were all wearing dresses as you assumed they, or at least Dash, were too tomboy for it though she did look a bit uncomfortable with hers. You are tempted to go and check what's keeping her when the pipe organ plays up.
Everybody turns as the double doors open to reveal the white bride standing arm in arm with her father. They waited a second before taking the first steps forward and walking down the aisle. Following them was Applebloom and Sweetie Belle, throwing petals. You had asked Scootaloo as well but she had refused on the account of "not wanting to look like a sissy, especially in front of Dash." Twilight was carrying a beautiful bouquet of white and pink flowers but they couldn't compare to how unspeakably radiant she was. Many started to wipe their eyes as Rarity was letting it all out, making Sweetie Belle a bit embarrassed for her.
They reached the short steps and she manages to walk them without tripping in the gown. You can make out her smiling face through the veil though she had a very nervous look, probably as nervous as you looked. You wait for the organ to finish before taking the veil and pulling it over her head. It feels like forever since you last saw her and you want to just kiss her right then and there but you contain yourself. She looked around a bit as if she was expecting something to jump out but she stops as you take her hands in yours. Celestia opens a book and starts reading out the vow.
"Dearly beloved, unicorns, pegasi, and people alike. We are here together on this tremendous day to celebrate the bonding of these two in everlasting harmony…"
"You look absolutely wonderful," Twilight whispers. "I really like that purple boutonnière." She points out the deep violet flower in your chest pocket.
"Thanks, it was reminding me of you but you, you are unspeakable gorgeous." Twilight got a clear blush in her cheeks.
"Stop it, I'm getting embarrassed."
"I'm serious, I can't possibly picture anyone else I would rather stand here with and yet, here I am with the girl of my dreams." You might have whispered a bit too loud as Celestia sends you a look but continues nonetheless.
"And so I ask you, please present your first rings."
You turn to your best man who was suppose to hold yours but he franticly pats his pockets. You give him a look of disbelief- his one task was to keep that safe and now he'd gone ahead and lost it somewhere? He suddenly seems to realize where it is and checks his chest pocket. He pulls out the ring with a bit too cheesy grin and hands it to you. You could almost swear he did it on purpose. He finally pulled it out of his chest pocket after a few seconds of patting with an embarrassed look, You just take the ring and hold Twilight's hand with your free one as you thread the golden circle on her ring finger as you say your vow.
"In good and bad, through days and nights, and under the watch of the eternal sisters, I take your hand in marriage. With this ring I declare myself to you in holy matrimony and to forever be by your side as your beloved husband." You can feel the blood pumping loudly in your ears and the collar suddenly feels very tight but you do your best to not let it show.
"In good and bad, through days and nights and under the watch of the eternal sisters, I take your hand in marriage. By this ring I declare myself to you in holy matrimony and to forever be by your side as your loving wife."
Twilight sounded more profound than you did as she puts the ring on your finger. You both turn to Celestia again as she performs the second part of the ceremony.
"And now," she announces. "As is tradition in unicorn wedding, I ask you both to present your second rings."
This time, your friend pulls out the ring at once. You suspect him of having delayed the first one on purpose but you don't let it bother you as you take the second ring with your magic and carefully place it on Twilight's horn.
"With this ring I begin the creation of magical bond between the two of us. I place this ring upon your horn to bind your magic to mine. I offer you my horn to bind my magic, gateway into my soul, freely to you. Accept this binding of our magic for now and ever after." You're amazed you didn't stutter saying the vows seeing how you barely managed to stand.
Twilight smiles, brings her ring on to your horn and says her part. "With this ring I accept. I place it upon your horn to and bind your magic to me, completing the chains that link us. All that you are is mine, and all that I am is yours. May our combined magic give us strength to endure any hardship that may come to us in our years together."
As Celestia speaks, you notice a slight shaking in her voice as she was about to cry herself. "Then, as the Goddess of the Sun, I hereby declare you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride."
You kinda wish you had planned on how the kiss would go since you now realized how many people would be staring at you. Luckily, Twilight seemed to take decision as she put her arms around your neck and pulled your face to hers. You put as much passion into the kiss as you possibly can, her embrace seemingly filling you with new confidence and a loving familiarity you hoped would never end. You hold her until the blood rushing through your head makes you dizzy, Twilight smiles to you before turning. You do the same and together you start walking down the aisle as family and friends stand up and watch as you pass.
As you come out of the main doors, you're met with a crowd. The word that the student of the sun was getting married had called quite the attention when it was announced. A rain of white petals and rice showers over you as you make your way down the steps. Something that sounds like thunder echoes over you and as you look up, a wide rainbow ring spreads across the sky. You take a second to take it in before you kiss Twilight again and the crowd's cheering reaches a new peak. You continue down the red carpet laid from the entrance to the road where a white carriage with golden detailed edges with two elegant white horses in front. Fluttershy had somehow made her way out before you and seemed to have a pep talk with one of the horses and stoked its muzzle.
"Aren't they pretty?" Pinkie says, suddenly standing beside you. "I might have had you ride just the horses but I guess you want to sit comfortable for the ride."
"Okay, they promise to take it carefully to the wedding party on account that they get a slice of carrot cake each when they get there."
"No problem," you chuckle at the bizarre yet easy demand. "I will personally give it to them. Now then, my beloved wife." You open the small door to the wagon.
"Why thank you my dear husband." She takes your hand as you guide her into the wagon.
You step in and take the seat next to her. You both wave to all the people one last time before the horses started trotting away, an orchestra of loud clanking from some boxes tied to the back of the carriage following you but you don't mind it as you ride down the road.
"So we did it," Twilight sighed in relief. "We got married without any complication, at least none yet."
"That's what I said, just because you're important doesn't mean your wedding is bound to be disturbed. Where you kind of hoping sky pirates would come crashing in and kidnap you so that I would have to save you through some heroic quests?"
"If anyone would be kidnapped it would be you, the pirates in 'Captain Catherine' are mostly female."
"And you think I wouldn't be able to charm my way out?"
"No, with your charm they would have kept you forever," Twilight giggles.
"Well then you just had to be quick about rescuing me before I became the captain's new favorite."
"Oh I would take down the whole crew single handed if I had to." You both laugh until you put your hands on hers and look deeply into her eyes.
"Seriously though, even heroines like you deserves a trouble free wedding. Even if something would have happened, I would never let anything happen to you."
"Well I wouldn't let anything happen to you either." She returns your deep, loving look before locking lips with you.
[hr]
After arriving at the location for your reception you had made good on your promise about the carrot cake, it had taken little time for the others to meet up. You take some time to walk around and talk to everyone with Twilight. You end up outside and talking with Rainbow Dash about the sonic rainboom she did when AJ comes out as well.
"Hey y'all, what you're all doing out here?"
"I'm waiting for my boyfriend if you have to know," Dash says sharply.
"Hey Dashie, uhm, am sorry for what ah said when we were at the Crystal Empire. I get it if you're pissed at me for it but don't stay out here all alone."
Dash gave AJ a mad stare. "I didn't make him up I said, he's just running a bit late." You exchange a look with Twilight to maybe leave the two of them to their bickering.
"There's no shame in not having a boyfriend Dash, to be honest ah don't have-"
Applejack got interrupted by someone coming flying in high speed towards you. Even you could see the person came way too fast for a easy landing but he managed to tip up just in time to get a running landing, almost tripping at the uneven road. Dash ran up to meet him by throwing herself around his neck.
"Hey Dashie," the guy said, trying to catch his breath. "Really sorry I'm late, I forgot the directions you have me."
"Oh you numbskull, why can't you ever listen to me? Did you even see my sonic rainboom?"
"Of course I did, I just couldn't get to you because of the crowd." He seems to just notice you. "Hi, I'm Feather Racer, Dash's plus one."
"Who's the liar now AJ," Dash gloats in the farmer's face. "I fail to see that you have a plus one, is he maybe running a bit late?" AJ just responded with a burning look before stamping back in.
"Don't you think that was a bit mean Dash?" Feather asks.
She shrugs. "Maybe but she's been at me for making up a boyfriend, serves her right for me to get her back."
"Still, it seems a little insensitive to call her out on not having someone."
"Fine, I'll square with her," Dash sighs. "Now come on, let's have some fun already." She grabbed Feather's hand and pulls him in.
"Well, that was something," Twilight remarks.
"Just some minor drama, Applejack and Rainbow Dash will probably settle it with some bet or something. Let's go back in, it's our reception after all."
"Hey there you are!" You barely step inside before Pinkie grabs hold of you. "I'll just need to borrow your man for a sec Twi, you'll get him back in at least one piece!"
"H-hey, fine Pinkie, be a bit careful with the jacket." She didn't seem to listen as she dragged you into another room which you realize is a bathroom. "Pinkie, did you just drag me into the girl's bathroom?"
"Don't be such a wuss, you've probably been in worse places before."
"No Pinkie, I haven't," you say slightly irritated. "What is so important you pull me into the bathroom for?"
She tilts her head at you. "Me? Wasn't it you who took me in here?" Your jaw drop at the new level of confusion. She burst out laughing. "Hahaha, oh Celestia, I got you so good, again! Now really, this is what I wanted to give you." She pulls out a tape.
"Oookay… what's on it?" You turn the black rectangle for a label but find none.
She waves a finger at you. "No no, I'm not gonna spoil it for ya, I will only say it's been something me and Dash has been working on for a while. Just promise that you'll wait until the honeymoon to view it, Pinkie promise me."
"Ehm, okay, cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye."
She gives you a thumb up. "Good good, now please step out, I need to go number two." She quickly pushes you out the door.
"I didn't need to know that!" You groan back to her. You take another look at the tape. "I hope this isn't just a joke like some cooking show they made." Nevertheless, you can't help but get curious about it so you just put it away for now.
You join up with your bride as you are asked to take seats for the feast. You had chosen a U-shaped table setup with your closest family by your side and the rest of your friends and further past family on the side. As you start eating and the chatting atmosphere gets going, Twilight's father stands up and calls everyone's attention for a wedding speech.
"Everyone, if I could get your attention! Hi, I am the bride's father, Night Light, and I would like to say a few words to my little baby girl." Twi's face went crimson with embarrassment. "Many years ago, when you only reached up to my knees, you had just started speaking and you said that you wanted to be a 'powewful unicown'. I remember you managed to find a spell book and almost setting fire to the house, at least you got some of your mother's horrible curtains so thanks for that." People chuckle as Twilight tries to hide her face.
"Now," Night continues. "As you grew older you became quite the reader. We would often find you sneak reading under the blankets at night, you would even make pillow forts so you could read in peace. I could go on about embarrassing stories from when you were little like trying on your mother's makeup and how you tried to paint your room with glitter but I won't." He waited until people had stopped laughing again before continuing.
"Today I will rather focus on the fact that you have devoted yourself to spend the rest of your life with another. I feel like I also should mention that you wanted to be sure he was the one for you, instead of having him take the Mother Test once, you made him do it three times. Seeing how he passed all of them there is no doubt he is as devoted to you as you are to him. I know as your father-in-law I am supposed to be very sceptical of you but today I can say I couldn't wish for a better son-in-law. So cheers, to both of you and for a lifetime of love!" Everyone raises their glasses in a collective cheer.
"By Luna, Dad, you embarrassed me. Did you really have to bring up that one with Mom's makeup?" Twilight said as Night sat back down.
"I'm your father, I'm suppose to do these things," he smiles. "There was also when you were seven and you-"
"Okay dad, go take something to drink before I waterboard you." Night grins as he does just that.
"Now I'm curious," you say. "What did you do when you were seven?"
Twilight only puts a hand on your shoulder. "One day honey, one day far into the future." You want to ask more but someone else knocks on their glass.
Turning around, you see it's your mom. "Hello everyone, I know we just had a speech from the bride's father but I felt we should get these over with as quick as possible. To be honest, mine is more a confession than a speech. I have not been a good mother to you, I have let my work consume me after your father left and basically left you on your own. I have very few embarrassing stories from your childhood and I wish I would have been there more for you when you needed me. Yet, somehow you always smiled the times we had together and that you manage to look past the fact of my absence in your life and still include me as you step into a new life is probably more than I ever deserve. So thank you son, from the bottom of my heart. To a long and prosperous life for you both!" She raises her glass and the others follow, some drying their eyes with the other hand.
"That was... very touching," Twilight says and wipes her eyes.
"Well it's the truth," your mom replies. "I'm a classic example of a career-taken woman who has the heart to put her only family second. I don't know what I else to do but come clean and apologize and try my best to turn around before I lose my son for good."
"Mom, stop blaming yourself," you say to her. "If anything it has helped me to stand on my own feet. Sure, I did wish you would have stayed longer than the holidays and such but that is behind us now. Even if you were mostly away, you were, and still are, a loving mother to me."
"Oh, now you're making me cry." She takes out a handkerchief. "Fine, I'll try to stop living in the past. Thank you son, it's been tough for me but hearing you say it is a big relief for me. I just want the best for you and I truly believe you and Twilight will be happy together."
You put your hand on your mother's. "Thanks Mom."
[hr]
After the dinner, the party moves out into a big tent with tiny lights going along the poles, small tables with seats for four, a dessert table and a live band. Pinkie had been very eager to hire a DJ but you had insisted you wanted something a bit more classy so Pinkie had gotten the DJ and her friend, a cellist. They made an odd couple, one with wild neon blue hair and hoodie while the other had long black hair and a more professional outfit but they did pull off a good performance. Princess Celestia took hold of Twilight for something she called "apprentice business" so you look around your party when you notice Applejack sitting by one of the tables alone with a good amount of cider bottles.
You walk over to her as she starts on a new bottle. "Is... something wrong Applejack? Where's Big Mac?"
"Nah, everythin' is fucking great, ah dunno where Big Mac went off to," she muttered. "All mah friends probably have boyfriends, ah mean, when Dash has one you can bet the others have one too... except me. Ah need to ask you somethin', do you think Ah'm pretty?"
"Well yeah, I'd say you're attractive from a married standpoint. You are a perfectly honest and hard-working woman who can take care of a whole farm on her own."
AJ just twirled the half empty bottle and watched the contents spin. "Fat load of good that does me when ah can't get a date. It feels like most men just turn when they even get close to me, even mah own brother seems to want as little to with me as possible. Unthankful bastard, after all the times ah got him off and no payback." She took the rest of the drink in one swig and placed it with the others.
You are reminded of the rule which allowed sexual pleasing within the family. You thought it had to be an agreement for both parties to do it but still, the thought never went well in your head. Of course, as much as you as think about the idea, you start getting pictures of Applejack "helping" her brother out. You shudder slightly and try to drive it out of your head but AJ must have noticed it. Her depression went over to a partly drunk fit.
"Are you being judgemental about me and mah brother's relationship? I'll have you know there's none of that freaky incest thingies going on!" A few people looks at you.
You throw your hands up in defense. "I'm not saying that, it's just- you know me, I'm just not used to these things."
"Yeah well it's a completely acceptable thing so just watch yourself," she snorts.
"AJ, ah think you had enough now," Big Mac says coming back. "Remember, you're in a weddin' so don't start anythin'."
She gives her brother a sour look. "Don't start anythin'? I'm not the one w-w-who took a seat and started questionin' the relationship ah have with my family." Applejack paused a moment to let out a belch before continuing. "What kind of people make it a crime to hug a family member? Could you imagine growin' up without a hug? Some miserable childhood that must 'ave been."
"AJ." Big Mac took a stern tone to his sister, but Applejack didn't seem to notice as she began to laugh to herself.
"Unless of course, he can't hug 'cus he's minds always in the rotten apple patch. Betcha he's completely defensive about it because he's shamefully into incest."
Big Mac grab his sister by the arm and lifted her out of her chair."That's it, you've said enough."
Applejack cursed and struggled against Big Mac as he dragged her away from you. When he thought he was far enough away, he turned to talk with his sister. Even with all the music and chattering going on, you could still make out the conversation. "What's gotten into you?"
"What's gotten into me? Nothing! Nothing has gotten into me! And nothing will get into me! That's the problem." Big Mac stared at his swaying sister in bewilderment as she continued her small rant. "Ah am the head of the family, brother, ah make sure everythin' is running smooth. That means Ah have to look out for the family future, and seein' how things are looking there won't be a future! You ain't shooting straight, I ain't lurin' anyone, and now all the pressure is on poor Applebloom. Oh I've failed Ma and Pa."
You're glad to get out of AJ's line of fire but you did feel bad for Big Mac who just looked confused. "Not swingin' straight, what the hay are you talkin' about?"
"Maybe... Maybe I just need to find some sort of donor. Oh, but to raise a child up without a father? What kind of horrible mother would that make me?"
"AJ, would ya please stop trying to work yerself up and talk to me?"
"I can see it now. Applejack: the apple that lost the family farm because she couldn't find a boyfriend. Doomed her brother to chase men and pressured her sister that lead her to run away from the farm. Most disappointed child of her parents."
"Ah am not gay AJ."
"Oh sure you are, Big Mac. That's why you never ask me to helped you out relieve stress."
"You lost me again."
"Relieve stress? Ya know? I get stress sometimes and you did that thing with your-"
"Ya think I'm gay because of that? Why would you-"
"No! I thought you were gay because you never ask me to relieve stress from you!"
"W-w-well I couldn't sis. It would be... awkward."
"Oh for the love of-stress relief, Big Mac! I ain't askin' ta fuck you! I'm not into that."
"No, I know that sis. But I never ask you because it would be awkward."
"Awkward how?"
There was a long pause before Big Mac gave his answer. "Because it would be awkward to have mah sister given me some 'stress release' while I would be thinkin' of her."
"'Her'? Ya mean you do have a girlfriend?"
"W-w-well not quite. Ah am tryin' to work up the courage to ask her but ah am... ya know."
AJ put her hands on her hips in a very strict order. "You're what, too shy? Don't tell me mah big brother is afraid to get a no from a girl now." He didn't meet her look which was answer enough. "Sweet Celestia, here Ah've worried so much and then you're scared to ask girls. Come now, who is she?"
You start to feel like this is some sort of wrap-up episode to a TV show, solutions to problems seemed to just hit you left and right. First Dash with her now not-so-imaginative boyfriend, your mother and your resolved relationship and now AJ with her fear of being the only one to further their family. The only thing now would be for your father to walk in and Pinkie revealing she was a mother.
"Hey there son," Night Light smiles and takes the seat AJ left. "I hope you're not planning on getting drunk on your wedding night." He hinted at the bottles.
"Oh no, these aren't mine, someone else left them here."
"Well, I hope there's more than one who's been drinking these or they will have a major headache tomorrow. Anyway, I came to give you a wedding gift." He reach into his jacket and searched the pockets.
"That's not necessary Night Light. Besides, we've already gotten one from you."
Night went on to check his other pockets. "Well there is tradition for the ones involved with the Mother Test to give an extra little thing at the wedding day. Aha, here it is." He pulls out a small blue flatong.
You pick it up and look at it. "What is it?"
"Vigor," Night says with a smile. "Remember I mentioned I did a bit of experimental magic? Well this is one of those, a magic boost and a slight stamina boost. It had a... little side effect but I'm pretty sure I worked it out."
"What kind of side effect?" you ask sceptical.
"Well... it would make your sperm production go into overdrive on account of using your mana. When I used it, I could only levitate things for two days."
"Two days of weakened magic for a boost like that... I dunno, might be worth it. Thank you Night." Together With Cadance's spell, you could give Twilight a night to remember.
"No problem. Hello Twilight," Night greets his daughter as she come back from her talk with Celestia.
"Hi Dad, what are you two talking about?"
"Oh, you know," you say unaffected as you stick the bottle in a pocket. "Just some... stuff."
"Well you two have certainly been at it on the cider at least." She looks at the bottles. "I hope this won't affect your performance later, honey."
"They aren't ours, someone else-"
"It's okay sweetie, it's our wedding so you're allowed to enjoy yourself. Just remember I will need you to be somewhat clear later."
You get a slight blush on behalf of her. "For what I may ask?"
"For the wedding dance silly, we're suppose to have the first dance in half an hour."
You check you watch. "Really? I thought we said to have it... now actually."
"What!?" She turns your wrist to check you watch as well. "Dammit you're right, come on." She pulls you up and you make your way to the dance floor.
You pass AJ and Big Mac as she starts to question him on whom he has a good eye to."Now, who is it? Is it Berry Punch?"
"Nope," he shakes his head
"Is it Aloe?"
"Nope."
"Her sister Lotus Blossom?"
"Nope."
"Daisy?"
"Nope."
"Are you just goin' to tell me Big Mac or do ah keep guessin' all day? How can Ah help you out if Ah don't know who this woman is?"
"It would be pretty awkward to help out, seein' as your two are close friends."
"Close friends? Big Macintosh, it ain't Twilight is it?"
"What? No!"
"Good, then there's nothin' awkward to worry about. So tell me!"
"Okay everyone," Vinyl the DJ announces. "It's time to dance but first the newly spliced shall open the floor with a special song. I don't usually do this in public, as in ever, but on request I'll play duo with Tia here, or Octavia as it were, on violin." She pulls out a elegant violin from behind the DJ panel.
You had to say she was surprisingly good at the violin despite her normal techno music. You concentrate on dancing. Being somewhat feeble gave you an advantage but it didn't count for much as you only had quick dancing lessons from a recording. Twilight seemed to master it perfectly and soon you found the same rhythm as her and managed to keep up. You want to mumble the rhythm and look at your feet to check that they kept up but you know you'll only look like a fool so you instead keep eye contact with your partner.
With one hand in hers and the other on her waist, you swing around to the elegant music and you feel like you could get lost in this moment forever. The people around you seem to disappear into a mellow blur of colors as only you, Twilight, and the music remained. Her swaying motion as you danced made you feel dazed as you only want to continue dancing like this but sadly, the music stopped all too soon and you are called back to reality. The people around you applaud, you both bow and then kiss, it felt like the best way to thank Twi for helping you and she seemed to understand.
"Alrighty then," Vinyl says as she puts her instrument away. "Now that the sentimental part is over, let's turn up the volume on this party!" She flicks a switch on her panel and a song starts playing up.
Octavia played along-side the song which match the semi-heavy dubstep music, a weird yet surprisingly great mix of tunes. The guests enter the dance floor and soon the floor is almost full. Some merely watched, you see Applebloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle sitting on the sideline, Sweetie Belle aww'ing every couple while Scootaloo was almost laying on the table. To your surprise you see Rarity sitting alone by a table off to the side in one of her usual stunning dresses. She had an array of champagne glasses on her table, not enough to match how much AJ had gotten but still maybe a bit too much.
"What, Rarity doesn't have a date?" Twilight notices her friend too. "I thought that would be as easy as sewing on a button for her."
"Well she has been rather busy with helping out with your dress for the wedding, maybe she didn't have time to ask anyone. If it helps, my best man didn't have anyone to go with either and he had plenty of time," you quickly add as Twilight gets a guilty look. "He's probably raiding the liquor table now that everyone is dancing." You try to spot him on the other end of the room.
"I think you judge your friend a bit wrong there," she smiles and turns you back to where Rarity was sitting.
Your friend was standing beside Rarity and held out his hand to her as if he was asking her to dance. You see the elegant designer take his hand with a smile and together they joined the others on the floor. Sweetie Belle must have seen it as well as you hear her yell 'aw, come on' from their table.
"Well that certainly was a surprise," you remark as you return to the dancing as a new song starts up. "I never thought of him as the type to dare speak to anyone as high-class looking as Rarity."
"Seems it's not only you who's change lately," Twilight giggles. "Next thing you know Fluttershy will be danc-" She stops mid-sentence and you follow her stare.
A bit off to the side you see Fluttershy dancing with Big Macintosh, who was very nervous-looking. Fluttershy seemed even more frail than usual with the big man but she seem more secure than him about it and even seemed to lead him. It was like seeing a bear dancing with a ballerina. AJ was on the side, she looked way happier than before following her brother attempt to follow Fluttershy's movements.
"Wow, Big Mac dancing was the last thing I expected, and with Fluttershy at our wedding. I think I need a little to drink."
"Agreed," you say, even a slow dance did take a good amount of energy.
As you step off the floor and you take a glass, Celestia comes over to you. She was wearing a white dress with an opening on her left leg. The dress was shimmering with light pink, pale green and sky blue just like her hair. You couldn't help but notice how the dress showed off her cleavage in a almost shameful way.
"I just wanted to congratulate you both properly on a most wonderful wedding, I'm sure it will be talked about in the year to come if not longer."
"Thank you dear Princess," Twi bows slightly and you do the same. "We're very grateful that you could make it aside all your royal duties."
"Please Twilight," Celestia smiles. "Today, you are the ruler together with your newly married king. In that light, I have brought you an offering." She hands you a convolute with her golden sun seal on it. "It's my second gift, for the participation in the Mother Test."
"Thank you Celestia." Twilight gives you a sharp look. "I-I mean, thank you so much dear Princess of the Sun."
The Princess giggles. "No worry dear, and Princess Celestia is enough. I hope I see you soon. Also, remember what I told you Twilight." She tapped herself on the nose as to remind her before walking off.
"What was that all about?" You open the sealed paper. "Does it have anything to do with what you talked about earlier tonight?"
"Yeah well, she doesn't want people to know that, you know," she looked around before whispering. "You passed the Mother Test with her as one of the three. Pleasing the Princess is no small feet and she worries that it might give some unwanted attention. Really, I think people should just accept it as every other Mother Test but the fact that you're not Equestrian would say something."
"Hmm, I could see that." You pull out the paper and unfold it. At the top of the paper is a half sun and half moon on a shield. "Ehm, Twilight? Why does that symbol look familiar?"
She snaps the note from your hands and examine it. She tries squinting but gives up and takes out her red glasses. "Sweet Celest- This is an official invite for a stay at the Royal Sisters Hotel! It's one of the most privileged hotels in all of Equestria and it's almost impossible to get a room without a year's wait. Wait, it's for- By Starbeard's horn, it's for the wedding suite, Celestia gave us a reservation for the wedding suite! I-I need to sit down." You pull out a chair with your magic for her to sit.
"Wait, haven't we already reserved a place for our first night?" you ask.
Twi shakes her head. "Celestia told me to wait to order, that she wanted to help out with it but I didn't hear from her about it before now. This- this is fantastic, we get to spend our night at the most luxurious and exclusive hotels ever. I-I am at a loss of words, not even Celestia could have gotten this on so short notice."
"I'm not sure but it made for one Hell of a surprise it seems," you smile as she nods and wipes away her joyful tears.
[hr]
The party went on into the late hours but after a while, people started leaving and soon it was mostly close friends and family who were left as it ends. A stylish black wagon, not much unlike the one you rode for your Bachelor party, rolls up to take you to the hotel and you say a last goodbye to the ones left. You climb aboard and as you leave, you wave to them standing there before you turn the corner and they disappear out of sight.
Twilight slumps back as she sighs tired. "Oh, my, gosh! We did it, we got married and nothing ruined it, I was so worried a swarm of changelings would come in any minute."
"Aww, you poor thing, I told you not to worry so much." You put your arms around her.
"I know but I couldn't help it. I feel like I could just fall asleep right here in this cart."
"Well there's quite a while until we'll be in Canterlot so you can get some rest. Here, you can rest on this." You take off your wedding jacket, fold it and place it on your lap.
"Thank you sweetie," she smiles, tired before kissing you and putting her head in your lap.
You stroke her long purple hair as she starts slipping into an easy sleep, the road jumping ever so slightly now and then but not enough to disturb your beloved as she rests. You sit and admire the beauty of the woman in your lap who is now your wife, her smooth cheeks, her nose and mouth. A gentle caress of her neck makes her moan slightly and she nuzzles a bit closer to you, a sleepy smile playing on her lips. A look out the window reveals a star-covered deep blue night sky and you realize some of the stars has formed into a heart shape with yours and Twilight's initials in it. You make a note to yourself to thank Luna for the special night sky as you drive towards Canterlot where your wedding suite awaits you.
End of Chapter 8