"Play a song for me Apple Jack, Apple Jack. Play a song for me and I'll sing. Play a song for me Apple Jack, Apple Jack. Play a song, let your banjo ring. Jesus Christ, why is that song stuck in my head? I'd rather have that MandoPony song about Zecora stuck in my head. Walk a hundred miles, then walk a hundred more, away from the place you used to know. Ugh, nope. Still got Apple Jack stuck in my head."

I was standing in front of my full sized mirror, tying my tie once more. I had already eaten a light breakfast (I hadn't been too hungry, but I'd forced myself to eat something so I didn't collapse out of hunger) and could feel my nerves tensing up at the thought of actually going through with this wedding. I wasn't having second thoughts. Far from it. I was never more sure about anything in my life. I was just nervous about beginning a brand new chapter of my life.

Beside me, Spike was fiddling with his own suit. I'd asked him to be the ring and earring bearer for the wedding while the CMC would be the flower fillies and all six of the Elements of Harmony along with Scarlet would be the maids. I didn't really have any close friends of the male persuasion to be my best man, so I had also asked if Spike was willing to fill that role. Twilight and I had both simplified the job description for him. He'd been all for it but looked super stressed now. Smiling at the nervous drake's expression of frustration, I knelt down and began adjusting his tie. "Deep breaths, Spike Sparkle."

He looked at me. "I've never been to a wedding before. I've never been a ring bearer or best stallion before!" The poor guy looked frazzled, and in that moment I could see a family resemblance between him and Twilight despite not being blood related. Living with her certainly rubbed off on the young drake.

I chuckled. "I've never been married before," I replied. "Trust me, we've practiced the wedding ceremony already. You did very well then, and you'll do fine now." I finished adjusting the tie and nodded. Rarity had insisted on making brand new suits for the two of us, and I was honored to accept her help. The few times that I'd visited her to check on how she was doing personally, she had a few other mares and a couple stallions who she'd temporarily hired to help make clothes for the various guests who were coming. Pretty much the entire town was going to come. I even remember seeing an invitation for a donkey named Matilda.

"If you say so," Spike said. He looked at himself in the mirror. "Do I look good?"

I patted him on the head. "You look very handsome, Sir Spike of Aelyssia." Removing my hand, I turned and made a few final adjustments to my suit. "Yes, very handsome indeed."

"You think Rarity will like it?" Spike asked hopefully, looking into the mirror with a wide smile.

I almost began talking to him about why I personally thought him being in a relationship with Rarity wouldn't work, but I didn't want to ruin the day for me and for him. Instead, I smiled wider and squeezed his shoulder. "She made the suit, Spike. I'm positive she'll love it."

He swallowed and looked back up at me expectantly. "You think Zecora will like your suit?"

"Spike, she's been my marefriend for months," I smiled. "We love each other based on more than our looks. Sure, looks are important in certain areas of a relationship, but I love Zecora for who she is. My best friend. My confidant. My-oh, I'm reciting my personal vows again," I said sheepishly as I patted my coat pocket where I had written my prepared words for later. "My point is, we love each other on a deeper level than appearances. But yes, I think that she'll think I'm handsome. And I'm not saying that to be smug."

Spike nodded. "I think she will, too. And I think you'll love her wedding dress."

"Oh? Have you seen it?" Spike grinned and crossed his arms, and that was all the answer I needed. "You cheeky devil, you," I laughed. "But I agree. I've seen some of the Farasi wedding garb from her books. And I also know Rarity's skill and her eye for detail. She'll make Zecora look like a queen."

"Well when she marries you, she technically will be, my Emperor," Spike giggled.

I rolled my eyes. "Eh, she doesn't want that responsibility."

There was a knock at the door and Scarlet's voice called out, "Hey, you ladies done gabbing like a bunch of old hens? It's thirty minutes to showtime!"

"We'll be out in a few," I shouted back. "Shouldn't you be there already?"

"Someone needs to make sure you make it to your own wedding!" Scarlet said with some snark. "You'd be late to wake up if it weren't for me and Zecora."

God, how horny was that mare? I thought. "Acknowledged," I replied in my best impression of Captain Picard.

"Just get to the bridge at once, Captain Bethridge," Scarlet laughed as she trotted off, humming the Star Trek: The Next Generation theme song. She had recently gotten into Star Trek and was devouring every bit of media she could find. She was even discussing going to Earth and trying to find a Star Trek convention at one point.

"That mare is a nightmare," I muttered as I walked over to the door and grabbed my walking shoes. Sitting down, I put them on, tying the laces securely, then stood and threw on my overcoat to protect my clothes just in case. I grabbed my dress shoes, which I would put on at City Hall, and looked back at Spike who was at the door waiting. "Alright, you ready?"

"Yes, Dad."

"Then let's go." I stepped out of my room and headed out, Spike in tow behind me. He wasn't wearing shoes, but he didn't need to. His feet were perfectly able to walk on most anything, unlike mine which were fleshy and vulnerable, much to Zecora's utter frustration. Especially when I learned that both her feet were very ticklish.

Near the front door, Scarlet stood waiting. She was wearing a light blue dress with dark blue stripes like those of a Zebra. There was a gold circlet on her forehead with red gems encrusted on them. These were replicas of traditional Farasi wedding ringlets that were worn by their version of bridesmaids. Ponyville's resident smith, Iron Forge, had worked long and hard to craft the best replicas he could. I'd paid him three times what he asked in gratitude. "Took you two long enough," she replied with a fake glare. "Come on, you lazy boys. Time's a wasting!"

"Yeah yeah, don't get your feathers in a twist," I retorted as I took a look at Phlogiston and Aurora. Both were in the living room along with the three Sirens. Adagio and Sonata were sitting on the floor, the latter babbling nonsense at the giggling baby dragon and the former watching with a stoic expression. Aria was sitting on one of the couches reading one of my Earth books. Perched on a bookshelf and keeping an eye on them was Hestia. Eve had already left and was at the ceremony venue. She wasn't the only one, however. Gemini and Mica had also gone ahead to Town Hall while I was dressing, mostly to act as security. I knew Chrysalis was in her room still, presumably watching something on the staticnet laptop I'd loaned to her. Ember was in another version of the library I'd given Twilight, reading over some of the "Phlogiston, I'm heading out now. Last chance to come. You're more than welcome."

Phlogiston shook her head. "I need to keep an eye on Aurora. Besides, mixing hatchlings with weddings is a bad idea."

"Well, then at least come to the reception," I replied. "I know the Ponies and other creatures would love to see you and Aurora. And that invitation is extended to everyone else here as well."

"Will there be tacos?" Sonata asked hopefully.

I snorted. "I can make some for you later, but tacos and ponies don't mix. Meat and all."

Sonata's wings lowered, but she nodded. "Right, sorry."

"If it makes you feel any better, I can get you the ingredients for tacos later," I replied, "but for now I need to go."

Before I did, however, Adagio looked up from where she'd been playing with Aurora. "Um…congratulations on your wedding," she said, much to my surprise.

"Thank you," I replied with a warm smile. Turning to the others, I added, "I'll see you all later. Remember, you're all invited to the reception."

"We'll be there," Sonata promised.

With that, I nodded, turned, opened the front door and stepped out into the brisk and sunny winter day. I stared up at the cobalt blue sky above my property. As promised, the clouds around my property had been cleared away by Rainbow Dash and her team. The rest of the town was still experiencing a winter snowfall. It always impressed me how organized the weather was in this world. I stepped out onto the porch, Spike and Scarlet close behind me. The door closed behind me and I walked down the porch stairs towards the now snow free lawn, which was covered with empty tables and chairs.

As I walked towards the gate, there was a slight rustling sound from just beyond the gate. I paused, raising an eyebrow as I called out, "Hello? Anyone there?"

"What is it?" Spike asked, by my side in an instant and looking at the gate protectively.

I didn't answer right away. Instead, I opened the gate quickly and looked out in both directions. However, I only saw the street covered in the still falling snow and a good number of hoofprints. There was nobody there. "Huh…could have sworn I heard something," I muttered. Turning back to Scarlet and Spike, I smiled. "Probably just snow falling off of a tree."

"Don't jinx it," Scarlet smirked as she walked out of the gate first, then lifted up so as not to get her hooves all covered in snow.

"Yeah, good call," I chuckled as Spike exited my property as well. I closed my gate and we began walking down the street.

I was glad in that moment to have put on my snow boots because the snow that was falling around us now had made it hard to walk. Not wanting to ruin my clothes, I lifted Spike with my magic and spread my wings, lifting a few feet off of the ground and began flying down the street.

The journey to Town Hall was a quick one, especially since there were absolutely no Ponies on the streets. That was, until I reached Town Hall where I saw practically the entire town in the Town Square waiting. When I landed near the front of the Town Hall, I heard a familiar mare shout out, "There he is! There's the stallion of the hour!"

Turning, I saw the mint colored Unicorn staring and waving at me with the widest grin on her face. She was wearing a light blue dress and had adjusted her mane so that it was in a bun. Beside her, Bon Bon wore a dark purple dress and had put her mane back in a ponytail. As the crowd of Ponies turned to look at me, I raised my hand and smiled warmly at them. "I'm glad to see all of you here for our wedding," I said, "but what are you all doing out here?"

"We wanted to wait for you!" a random stallion shouted from the crowd.

I smiled wider as the crowd began moving closer. I heard various calls of congratulations and well wishes, along with even a few innuendoes which came from some of the teenage Ponies. Mostly stallion teens. I held up my hands to silence the crowd. When I felt like I could be heard, I elevated my voice and shouted, "You all honor me with your presence here today! I see that even those of you I've hardly spoken to are here! But let's go inside and out of the snow! It's cold out here!" That got a chorus of laughter as I headed inside, opening the purple and pink doors.

Inside, the scene before me took my breath away. Apparently, someone had been busy making some last minute adjustments because the assembly hall looked completely decked out. It reminded me a lot of the way it looked in the episode Slice of Life. There were large white chairs on either side of the red carpet with pink fringe that went from the door to the platform where Zecora and I would be standing during the ceremony. The balconies were decorated with banners that were varying colors, but which each bore the Zebra stripe patterns that seemed to be a large portion of Farasi clothing. Not only that, however, but the bows also bore the spiral pattern that was on Zecora's flanks and which now graced her buttocks.

The flowers that decorated the sconces weren't the type that exploded, however. Thanks to some help from Celestia, the Zebra ambassador had gotten access to various flowers that were in bloom on the equatorial Farasi, such as Farasi Violets, Carnations and Wild Hibiscus. It was also thanks to the ambassador that Spike and I both were able to wear real corsages made out of Carnations which were sitting on a table nearby waiting.

There was also a flower I had not expected to see in some of the sconces, my former state's state flower, the Oregon Grape. In Equestria, it was known as a Holly-Leaved Barberry, which was what it was also called on Earth. I had a feeling I had Roseluck to thank for managing to scrounge up the state flower of my original state and made a note to ask her later.

There was a wedding archway on the stand at the front of the room, a light cream colored one with dark gray stripes decorating it. Hanging from both sides were two distinct banners. One was light gray with a darker gray spiral while the other was a banner mimicking the flag of the United States of America. I was touched by the gesture as I headed to the table with the corsages.

As the others began filing in and taking their seats, the sound of a door opening nearby caught my attention. Turning, I saw two lovely Alicorn princesses walking out of a nearby room followed closely by Mayor Mare, who gave me a wave and a smile as she took her place at the very front. Celestia caught sight of me and walked quickly over, followed by Luna. Both were actually wearing some kind of robes, Celestia's being white with gold fringe and Luna's being dark blue with silver fringe and swirls sewn into the fabric. "My dear knight, it's so wonderful to see you here," Celestia said as she approached the table where I was standing, wrapping one wing around me and pulling me into a hug.

I smiled back and returned her hug. "It is my wedding, after all," I joked.

She slowly released me, only for Luna to approach and wrap her own wings around me. "It's a wonderful occasion, and my sister and I are honored you are involving us."

"Hey, you two are my friends," I replied as Luna slowly broke the hug, "I wouldn't leave you out of this. Not that you'd let me," I added with a wry grin.

The Princesses actually looked a bit embarrassed at that. "We haven't been officiates of a wedding in so many years," Celestia replied, "and we both missed being able to do that."

"And besides," Luna added with a friendly nudge, "you are a fellow monarch. It seems only fitting."

"I'm not complaining," I replied with a smile. "I'm very honored that you two are officiating. It makes this day extra special for the two of us. I am surprised that the Zebra ambassadors couldn't attend."

"With the events of the Council, they couldn't spare much more time," Celestia explained. "They wanted to get started on this intercountry roadway."

"An ambassador's work is never done," I grinned as I grabbed the corsages which had been specifically made for me and Spike. I knelt and began placing one on the young drake.

"Young Spike looks quite handsome in his clothes," Luna observed, causing Spike to blush. "As do you, Sir Jethro."

My smile only widened at that and I turned back briefly to Luna. Both she and Celestia were smiling at me with admiration in their eyes. "Thank you, that means a lot," I replied before turning back to Spike. Once I finished with his corsage, I stood and began placing mine on.

However, Celestia lifted her horn and adjusted it faster than I could blink. "There you are," she said, "your bride will be very happy with how you look."

I grinned, then took a deep breath, suddenly overwhelmed with nerves. Looking out to the crowd, I saw absolutely no empty seats now. The balconies above were starting to fill with latecomer Ponies. At one point, I thought I caught a glimpse of a familiar green haired Unicorn botanist mare, but when I looked again, she was gone. I let out a breath slowly to calm myself before turning back to the Princesses. "It still surprises me that even after learning about My Little Pony, the entire town would come out to support me."

Celestia and Luna's smiles fell a bit at that. "Do you not feel worthy?" Luna asked.

"Oh no, I'm just surprised at how accepting your Ponies are," I replied. "Much better than certain fanfictions."

"Ah, we did read a few of the shorter ones when you were unconscious, such as some of those stories referred to as the Endingverse," Luna whispered, ears drooping a bit. "Is that how humans see us? Xenophobic to the point of abuse?"

"I'll explain more later," I replied, "but for today, it's a happy day. Let's not ruin it for everyone."

"Of course," Luna said sheepishly before her smile returned. "We have a few minutes before the procession starts. Where are you planning on going for your honeymoon and when?"

"Actually, I was hoping to take her to Farasi," I replied. "It won't be an immediate honeymoon because I need to return to Aelyssia on the first of next year, but I'm hoping sometime after I return from the Citadel. I've heard some great things about the place and I was hoping to see where Zecora's from. She's pretty much seen my world, so it's only fair."

Celestia chuckled. "I was there once about three hundred years ago. It was a lovely nation, full of a rich culture. There are a lot of rituals there, but the Zebras I encountered were forgiving of any faux pas I accidentally committed."

"I hope they're the same," I replied, "especially since I'm now the Emperor of all Dragons. And Zebras do have a bad history with them."

"I'm sure you'll be fine," Celestia replied.

"I do wonder how they'll react when they see Zecora's new form," I muttered.

"What they think will not matter to Zecora," Luna replied. "Trust me, I have spoken to her a few times in her dreams. What matters to her is you. She loves you."

I relaxed at that. "I know. I'm just a worrier."

"I'm sure she appreciates it," Celestia said, "but don't go too far. I did, and it might have stunted Twilight's emotional growth somewhat."

"I understand," I replied.

Celestia and Luna both smiled, then Celestia looked up at the clock above the door. "Time is almost here," she said as she turned back to me and Spike. "It's time for us to get ready."

Nodding, I followed the two Princesses down the outer hall and into a side door which led to a waiting room. There, I caught my first glimpse of each of the bridesmaids aside from Scarlet. They were all wearing identical dresses to what Scarlet was wearing. They also each wore a golden circlet on their heads as well. I also saw some of the groomsmen sitting around. Carrot Cake was there as was Big Mac, the latter of whom looked exceptionally nervous.

When I walked in, I was immediately assaulted by a pink blur. Moving my wings I caught an incredibly excited Pinkie Pie and held her in my arms as she beamed down at me with the biggest smile on her face. Her mane had been permed somehow and was tied up neatly. "Jethy! How's the handsomest groom in the room!"

I chuckled and leaned in, touching her nose with my own before giving her an Eskimo kiss. One which she returned with a giggle before I placed her down. "I'm doing alright." I turned to the others, who were all looking at me expectantly. "How are you all doing?"

"Um, we're alright," Fluttershy replied softly. The butter colored pegasus had her mane tied up halfway down and it hung over her left side.

"What about you, sugarcube? Still nervous?" Applajack asked. Her mane had been curled up slightly and hung loosely on either side of her face.

"I won't be not nervous until probably after the day is over," I chuckled,

"Just take deep breaths, darling," Rarity, who had her mane curled slightly more than it normally was, said with a reassuring smile as she walked up and put her hoof on my side.

"I know how stressful a change can be," Twilight said. Her mane actually matched the way it had looked during the episode Castle Sweet Castle. I had no idea why Spike hadn't seemed to like that style, to be honest. I'd loved it. "I might have been happy when Princess Celestia decreed that I live down here, but I still had time adjusting. Change is…scary for me."

"Eh, change is pretty cool once you realize that it makes your life twenty percent cooler," Rainbow Dash observed. Her mane had been combed considerably and looked nearly identical to how it had appeared at the Gala.

"Oh definitely," I agreed.

"Eeyup," Big Mac said in agreement.

Mr. Cake walked over to me and put a hoof on my shoulder. He smiled as he said, "I remember when Cup and I got married. I was a nervous wreck. I love her so much and felt the same back then, but going from a bachelor to a married man was scary. My father sat me down the night before the wedding and told me, 'Son, this is the biggest decision of your life. There's no going back from this. Now I know you're scared, but I guarantee you that Chiffon's just as scared. Maybe more. I can't promise that it'll be a cake walk, but what I can say is if you put the work in, living life as a married stallion is one of the most rewarding experiences in your life. You've been a good son, now go be a good husband and future father.'"

"Yeah, I know it'll be a lot of work," I replied, "but I know what a good marriage looks like. I've seen how my parents used to work through their own difficulties, and I saw how a couple at my last job on Earth acted. And I've seen you and Cup." I smiled down at Carrot. "You two are the goal of any couple. Sure, you might argue, but the argument is always resolved with communication."

"Did you see that in your show?" Carrot asked curiously.

"No, I learned about it from Pinkie," I said.

Pinkie waved at Carrot nervously. "I, um…needed somepony to talk to when you two were arguing last week…"

Carrot looked apologetically at the younger mare. "I'm sorry you had to hear that, Pinkie," he said as he walked up to her. He hugged her close. "We were discussing something important and it got heated. We'll try and keep it down from now on."

Pinkie hugged her employer back. "It's alright," she said softly.

After Pinkie and Carrot broke the hug, there was a bit of silence. A silence that was broken about ten seconds later by Rarity. "Jethro! I almost forgot! Here!" She rushed over to a nearby saddlebag that was on the couch and rummaged through it. She pulled out a thin piece of fabric and floated it over to me. "Here, I managed to finish it late last night," she said.

I plucked it out of the air and held it up. It was a simple ceremonial headband, dark green with light Zebra stripes along it. On one end was sewn a golden coin shaped medallion with a large tree engraved on it. In older Farasi cultures, they believed in something similar to Yggdrasil, the World Tree. Even though the myth of an actual tree was dispelled years ago, they believed currently in a number of different worlds both above and below the one they lived on.

I walked over to a nearby mirror and slowly put the band around my head, adjusting my hair so it didn't get too messed up. It looked a bit odd in comparison to my human wedding tuxedo, but I didn't care. I just couldn't wait to see the surprise on Zecora's face when she saw it. Turning to Rarity, I walked over, knelt and hugged the stunned Unicorn before she could react. "Thank you so much for this," I whispered in her ear.

I felt the warm return of a Pony hug moments later. "I will admit, Iron Forge made the medallion, but I was honored to make a traditional wedding headband for you."

"I certainly believe that your future wife will love it," Celestia said.

Just then, the belltower nearby began to ring the time. It was ten o'clock in the morning. I straightened and looked around at the gathered Ponies and Dragon around me. "It's showtime…everypony."

Everyone seemed shocked by my choice of words, but then their eyes sparkled and their smiles widened. "Does this mean you're gonna use words like somepony and anypony now?" Twilight asked.

I chuckled. "No, but I felt like the situation called for it. Now, why don't we get ready, huh?" I walked over to the side door that led outside. Opening it, I looked back. "After you all."

The procession went as well as could be expected. Celestia and Luna walked down the aisle first to stand at the archway. I followed the two and stood on the right side of the platform. The wedding party went next, with Scarlet appearing as the maid of honor. Spike took his spot right next to me, with Big Mac and Carrot Cake standing beside him.

Next, the Cutie Mark Crusaders walked down the aisle. All three were wearing the cutest little dresses as they spread roses along the path.

Then the music ceased. The crowd all stood and looked at the doorway expectantly. I put my hands in front of me, clasping them so as to not let it show that they were trembling. Beside me, I saw Spike put his claw worriedly in his pocket and pulled out a small box. Looking relieved, he put it back. The gathered crowd began quieting as nearby, a cello began to play The Wedding March, followed by the sound of an accompanying organ. Looking around, I spotted Octavia Melody playing her cello while Lyra Heartstrings sat at a large organ, playing said instrument with incredible skill.

The door opened, letting light stream in. A figure stood in the doorway, their shadow falling over the rose petal covered carpet. As the figure strolled down the walkway, my breath was taken away. There, wearing a replica of a traditional Farasi wedding dress made specifically for her, was my future wife. Zecora Mtunga Dawa.

The dress itself wasn't white, but it was made of the finest silk. Purple flowers were sewn in patterns around yellow honeycombs. Wrapped around her waist was a black sash. There was a white veil over her head and I saw the glint of something on her head. A glint of gold. A matching wedding headband. Her wings were spread wide behind her, and she held in her hands a bouquet of traditional Farasi flowers. Her hands were covered with white wedding gloves.

As she walked closer, I found myself falling in love with her all over again. Her movements were all I could watch. They were graceful, stunning, and quite alluring. She walked down alone, and I could see her radiant smile even beneath the white veil. As she walked up, she stood on the left side of the platform, We both looked at each other as the traditional Wedding March finally came to a close and only silence remained.

A few seconds passed, and then Celestia and Luna stepped forward. Celestia spoke. "Dearly beloved…we are all gathered here in the spirit of harmony and love to join this man, Sir Jethro Edward Bethridge, and this mare, Zecora Mtunga Dawa, in the bonds of eternal and loving matrimony." She stood straighter and looked out at the gathered crowd. "As I stand here with my sister to officiate this wedding, I am reminded of the many other couples my sister and I have officiated for over the years. Their ceremonies were ones of great pomp and circumstance, but I believe I can safely say that this is already, by far, my favorite wedding. The love that this town has poured out for this loving couple has been beyond anything I or my sister could have ever hoped would happen for the creatures before me. Both outsiders to your community and our nation, but both welcomed as one of our own and included in your day to day lives. Truly, Ponyville is the friendship capital of Equestria."

Luna took over as Celestia stepped back. She looked at the crowd as she continued, "A marriage is a sanctimonious bond, one that is one of the greatest blessings of life. To have two or more individuals joined together metaphorically as one should not be thought of lightly. These two have a powerful love that connects them and has continued to connect them for the past few months. Even a thousand years ago, marriage was what Ponies today would refer to as 'a big deal, bro'." This caused the crowd to laugh. Luna smirked, then continued. "Marriage is what brings us together, today. It is a blessed arrangement and a dream within a dream." She then looked at the two of us, and with an innocent look, said directly to me and Zecora. "I charge the two of you to treasure your love. It is more valuable than all that you both own."

I bit my lips in order not to laugh. Scarlet didn't have as much success and she made rather horselike snort. I briefly glanced at Luna, who winked at me briefly. Celestia looked like she, too, was holding back laughter. She stepped forward and continued the introductory remarks. "When Jethro first came to our world, he was scared and alone. He feared greatly for his life so much that he kept his property shielded from outsiders. Zecora was the first creature he met and the two became close because of their similar situations. They were both aliens in this land, and in Jethro's case this world. The bonds of friendship, one of Equestria's founding principles, worked its magic on them and the two became the closest of friends. Those bonds became deeper until the bonds of love were added. Not replaced, but added. The best couples are also those who start out as the best of friends. And these two are certainly best friends."

"Friends who have spent their time together and among their other friends, many of whom are standing here with us on this platform," Luna added, gesturing to the Elements of Harmony, Spike and even Big Mac and Carrot, the latter of whom had begun to join the guys night out. "Each of these two have written their own vows and promises."

I gestured to Zecora to go first, who produced a slip of paper from the inside of one of her gloves and held it up. She opened it, and spoke. "My dearest Jethro, my love, my savior, my friend, I promise to be with you until the finish." She paused and under that veil, I saw her give me a cheeky grin. "I bet you thought I was going to say end and rhyme, didn't you?" I heard the crowd laugh at this, and I smiled wide, a lot of the tension going out of me then. She giggled softly, and then continued when the laughter died down. "In all seriousness, however, I want you to know that I mean it. You are my strength and my mpenzi. Nothing will ever keep us apart, not even if we were as far from each other as the east is from the west. I love you more than Punda Mila loved Tai. I have never felt this way about any other creature alive. I will be there to bring you up in your darkest times and be with there to celebrate in your brightest. I will uphold the virtues of harmony around you. I will never fail to be honest, loyal, generous, and kind. I will fill the house with laughter and be your friend and lover. This I swear by all I hold dear."

As she slipped the paper back into her glove, it took me a few minutes to react. It felt like my heart was going to burst. I resisted the urge to take her in my arms and kiss her right there. Slowly, I brought out my piece of paper. Opening it, I looked briefly at it before looking back at an expectant Zecora. "My beloved Zecora…practically from day one since I arrived on Equestrian soil, and even if I denied it for the longest time, we have been closer than I have been to anyone in a long time. You have become my best friend, my confidant and my lover. Before I came here, I had almost given up on the thought of ever finding someone to love, but you have proven me quite wrong. And I couldn't be happier to be wrong. Being with you for the time I've been on this world has been nothing short of a blessing. My coming to this world might have been an accident-" I saw Twilight blush out of the corner of my eyes, "-but that accident led me to you. I will not take that blessing for granted. I will never take you for granted. I will be there for you and be your support in any endeavor you decide to take. I will uphold the virtues of harmony around you. I will never fail to be honest, loyal, generous, and kind. I will fill the house with laughter and be your friend and lover. I will love and cherish you forever. This I swear by all I hold dear."

I could hear some sniffling sounds from the audience, including one captain of the Royal Guards. I saw some of the bridesmaids also tearing up. Luna was the next to speak. "These two have exchanged their personal vows, and now it is time for us to ask the traditional questions."

Turning to me, Celestia asked, "Do you, Jethro Edward Bethridge, take this mare to be your lawfully wedded wife, to live together in harmonious matrimony, to have and to hold, to love her, to honor her, to comfort her, and to keep her in sickness and in health for as long as you both shall live?"

"I do," I replied without hesitation.

Luna then turned to Zecora. "And do you, Zecora Mtunga Dawa, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to live together in harmonious matrimony, to have and to hold, to love him, to honor him, to comfort him, and to keep him in sickness and in health for as long as you both shall live?"

"I do," came Zecora's reply.

Celestia smiled. "Do you have the rings and earrings?"

"Right here!" an excited Spike said, bringing out the black box and handing it to me. I took it and opened the box. Inside were two wedding rings and two cuff earrings with chains. Both of the rings were gold bands with our birthstones engraved at seven equidistant points apart. Mine was a garnet while Zecora's was an emerald. The cuff earrings were more elaborate. Zecora's was larger than my own as it had to accommodate her Zebra ears. The chain was made of sterling silver and the decorations that hung from them, a pair of Alicorn shaped wings, were made of diamond. Mine were identical to hers, only shrunken to fit my ears.

"The bride and groom have decided to engage in two rituals from both their cultures," Celestia explained. "In the human culture, exchanging a ring is a symbol of eternal love and commitment. In Zebra culture, the earring is the same symbol, only it is more permanent as it involves the piercing of an ear. Jethro, if you would take the ring first?" I did so and took Zecora's waiting hand, which was now bare as she had removed the white glove. "Now repeat after me: The fitting of this ring with its unending circle, symbolizes my everlasting love for you. The placing of this ring on your finger is the fulfillment of my dreams to have you as my friend, my love, my wife, to live as one forever."

I repeated it as I placed the ring on her ring finger. Luna then took over. "Zecora, would you pick up the other ring and repeat after me? The fitting of this ring with its unending circle, symbolizes my everlasting love for you. The placing of this ring on your finger is the fulfillment of my dreams to have you as my friend, my love, my husband, to live as one forever."

The moment she repeated those words, I knew that even if I wanted to, there was no going back. Celestia stood taller as she nodded towards the earrings. "The bride and groom will exchange traditional Farasi vows on the exchange and piercing of their earrings. Luna and I will provide a translation."

And so began the traditional exchange of and the piercing of our earrings. Unlike the ring exchange, the piercing was done simultaneously. I lifted her veil slightly so that only her ear was visible, and she reached up to take my ear as well. As we had practiced before, we both said, with Celestia and Luna both translating, "This marring of our bodies with its permanence is a symbol of how your love has permanently changed me. It is also a promise and a pledge to never remove you from my life lest I leave a gaping hole that will never truly be filled again. It shall be a symbol to others and to each other that I am yours and you are mine, now and forever."

There was a prick, a small bit of blood, but as I attached the earring and kept it there while Celestia and Luna both cast a rapid healing spell on the new holes, I felt the new weight on my right ear and welcomed its embrace. As we stepped back, Celestia and Luna said as one, "By the power vested in us, we now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride."

I looked down at my wife and lifted the veil, revealing for the first time the beaming and crying face of my new wife. I leaned forward and she put her arms around my neck. I placed my hands on her hips and pulled her closer.

Our lips locked, and as the thunderous applause of the crowd echoed in my ears, I deepened the kiss. I was now married. Married to my beloved Zecora.