Hold Still and Let Me Marry You

Chapters

II: Guests and Gifts
III: Wedding Dresses and Wedding Rings
IV: Maturity and Meltdowns
V: Rest and Recuperation
VI: Harmony and Love
Epilogue: Honeymooners
Prologue: Engagement
I: Visions and Dreams

II: Guests and Gifts

“Everything is going to be absolutely perfect!”

The fashionista’s excitement at the prospect of making wedding preparations at last could hardly be contained; bouncing about in a seat that could hardly contain her, mind flickering to a new task every second, and a beaming smile that refused to be dampened. Her long-held dream of a fairytale wedding was at last drawing near, and now she would be given the great and precious gift of working to see it come about. And the starring cast could hardly be better!

Celestia sat beside her, allowing her overjoyed fiancé to revel in the numerous daydreams that swirled about in her head. Perhaps it was a girlish silliness that plagued the young woman, but it was a mindset that she saw no reason to disrupt. Her Rarity was happy, taking steps to a deeply cherished childhood dream at long last- and one she would be a part of. Why should she try to keep her focused, when she herself could hardly bear the wait? It had been a lonely life for far too long; to spend it beside this gorgeous woman would be many years well spent.

Across from them, however, was one with perhaps less patience for wasted time. Twilight was grinning at the sight of her thrilled companion, just as happy for her as ever, even if her task-oriented mind demanded that work must begin. She was perfectly happy being Rarity and Celestia’s wedding planner, glad to be part of what would surely be a wondrous occasion for the both of them. But she wanted to work; today was for making plans, sorting through ideas and wishes so as to put to paper something tangible that they could work towards. As much as she was glad for her friends’ happiness, she half-wondered if she would have to be more consistent a voice of reason than she had anticipated.

Thankfully, the more emotionally wild woman she had first met had grown- at least somewhat. Rarity forced herself to take a slow breath and calm her eager spirit, reminding herself that there would be many a long day ahead before the big day finally arrived. “I’m sorry! I lost myself for a moment, darling, forgive me. I’ve come back to earth, I think… now, let’s- let’s really try to get started.”

“I’ll do my best to keep you focused,” Twilight said. “I know you’ve probably got a lot of ideas bouncing around in your head, so I’m here to help you get as close to your dream wedding as possible. It’ll be a lot of work, but… hey, think of what comes when it’s all over.”

“And I’m sure you’ll be splendid help, darling,” Rarity, unwaveringly faithful in her friend’s abilities. “After all, Cadance’s wedding was beautiful once- well, once it was actually her.”

A small laugh, tinged with a trace of nerves. “Yeah, but this is… it’s your wedding, Rarity. It’s Princess Celestia’s wedding, you’re like the power couple! And I know how much you’ve dreamed about this, and after all the both of you have done to help me with so much-”

“No self-doubting, Twilight,” Celestia remarked, her chiding a gentle sound that came from a place of love. “You are the perfect foil to Rarity and I; the voice of reason in the midst of a couple of silly romantics. I can’t think of anyone else who could possibly more suited for the task.”

Though both equals in the sight of the world, Twilight still prized the praise that came from her former mentor. Their relationship had been more akin to mother and child than student and teacher, Celestia’s calming presence of great help in denying her willingness to fret and worry. So just as before, Twilight’s fears dissipated in the warming words that came from her friend, dispelling clouds before they could linger. “Well, I figured we should start with some basics,” she said. “Like… well, what do you picture the actual ceremony to look like? Where do you want it to be, how do you want things to look? Do you want a particular theme for it at all?”

Rarity was swift to reply, or at least was willing to. Before she could let forth the stream of thoughts she held to so dearly, her mind instead turned to the resplendent woman who sat beside her. This was Celestia’s wedding as much as it were her own; that should count for something. And with the many times the loving princess had deferred to Rarity’s desires instead of her own, why not relent and let her have first pick for this occasion? The wedding was only an ends to a means, after all. It was who she would be joined with in the end that counted most.

“I have… I have a few thoughts,” Rarity admitted, gaining a few laughs from her companions at the understatement. “But- Cellie, darling, what do you think? I don’t think you’ve ever even told me before.”

Twilight regarded her friend with some measure of surprise. It hadn’t been the expected reaction at all, she assuming that the romantically driven fashionista would launch into a tangent. But now the focus was upon Celestia, who was now taken somewhat aback and seemingly unsure of herself.

“Well, I- umm…” Celestia struggled to put her words in order, almost shy to reveal her thoughts. “Is- are you sure?” When given a smile by her beloved, some strength seeped into her and roused her courage to speak. “I… I never really thought of it much until I knew I wanted to marry Rarity, and… and I always saw us there in the bright of the morning. I’d like it to be somewhere else but I know matters of state will need the venue to be the palace, and so… so I want it to be like the fullness of spring. Let the halls be full of flowers in bloom, the altar beneath an arbor of cherry blossoms… and the reception! We could have it in the royal gardens and have it aglow with color and lights, so that it would like something out of a dream! And- and, well…” Celestia turned bashful again, face flush as she fell silent out of fear of oversharing. “I’d like something like that.”

Rarity’s mind had been filled with elegance and grace; she was marrying the greatest Princess of Equestria, why not have the wedding be something fit for royalty? Her thoughts had turned to colors of violet and gold, of things made with finery and class in mind that would be beautiful to the eye. She had foreseen a wedding most sovereign, brimming with a fine grandeur that would befit the both of them. Yet now she knew what her royal beloved desired, and her own heart swelled at the revelation. So this gentle princess loved things that grow! To have a wedding day surrounded by the great vibrancy of the green things of the world, the colors of nature alight and there to celebrate alongside them. It was perhaps not so grand and glorious, but why did that really matter? Celestia’s dream wedding would be a celebration, a quieter, sweeter thing that spoke to the depths of their united love; if anything, it was more perfect a fit for them than anything she could have imagined. It was enough to spur tears to her eyes.

“Cellie,” Rarity breathed, turning to her beloved and leaning in close, “that sounds completely wonderful.” She could not resist kissing her, the feel of Celestia’s lips pressed gently against her own the only action that seemed sensible. “Of course we’ll do just that.”

“Are you sure, sweetheart? This is something you’ve looked forward to your whole life.”

“And you’re more than worth the wait, darling,” she whispered. “I love it. Let’s make your dream come true, shall we?”

Twilight rolled her eyes; Rarity and Celestia’s excess romanticism was sweet, even if it was often a bit much. However, they had their first tangible idea, now written down in ink: Garden wedding- a theme of flowers in bloom!

With their more volatile emotions expended early on, the rest of their meeting with Twilight was able to be more productive the longer it lasted. Hopeful ideas were discussed and sorted through, as well as the names of those who could be relied upon. It wasn’t of much surprise to hear Cadance’s name brought up as the officiator, especially when Twilight and Luna’s presence would be required for other roles elsewhere. To hear Pinkie’s name recommended as the brains behind the buffet was just as unsurprising.

“We’ll need to have more than one,” Celestia reminded them. “Yes, there will be the ‘official’ wedding cake, but we’ll want enough for all the guests to at least have a slice of something. Should we ask if Pinkie will want extra hands to help? Especially if she’ll be behind the rest of the meal…”

“Then let her focus on the desserts alone; I’d hate to see her craft be made shoddy by lack of care,” Rarity replied. “Someone in Canterlot, perhaps? There must be someone who’d be willing to cater the wedding.”

“There’s always someone,” Twilight said smoothly. “For now, let’s keep moving down the list and see what we come up with. Like guests! Obviously there’ll be Rarity’s family-”

“And the Canterlot nobility,” Celestia sighed, “Unavoidable. But then there’ll be Cadance and Shining-”

“The rest of the girls-”

“The Apple family, and there will be plenty of them-”

“Some of the Academy will have to come-”

“Some of the Griffon kingdom, even if only for political ties. Trade between them has been critical lately.”

Rarity looked over Twilight’s swift scratchwork, trying to conjure forth a name or face that was meant to be present. As her eyes scanned over the list of persons that would soon receive an RSVP, she found her mind going blank on what more she was meant to think of. “There’ll be quite a few people present,” she murmured.

“The rehearsal dinner will be smaller, if you want it to be,” Twilight offered. “And I’ll cover down on that one for you, too.”

“You’re already doing so much, Twilight…”

“It’s fine. Really, I don’t mind!” The young royal said bracingly. “There’s going to be plenty to do for everyone, I might as well do what I can.”

“Luna will certainly have her hands full,” Celestia remarked. “Maid of Honor duties, as well as her own duties as princess… I certainly pity her.”

“She’ll at least have a partner in that,” Twilight said. “Speaking of that, Rarity, who’s going to be Maid of Honor? I was guessing you were going to ask Fluttershy…”

“It was the thought,” the fashionista admitted. The soft-spoken beauty was her closest friend, her closest confidant and companion in many a daily ritual. More than once she had been a source of comfort during her more emotional moments, a quieter spirit that was less prone to fire in the realms of the romantic. That sort of mentality would be welcome in the midst of such a high-profile wedding, if Fluttershy was able to overcome her more reclusive habits.

As Rarity continued to ponder the thought, Twilight cracked a grin. “Wondering if she’ll get stage fright?” she guessed.

“I’d hate to overwhelm her. There will be so much to do. And so much in the public eye,” was the reply. “You don’t think it’d be too much to ask of her, do you?”

“It… well, it might be a little much,” Twilight admitted. “But I think that, for your sake, she’d be willing to push through it.”

“Wonderful! I’ll ask her as soon as we get back home,” Rarity declared. “As for the rest of the bridesmaids… just a small group overall, what do you think, Cellie?”

The golden princess nodded. “Just the girls, and that should be enough,” she said. “Between the nine of us, I think that should be enough to get things done.”

“Here’s to hoping,” Twilight said, shuffling her multitude of notes together and cracking a smile. “Well, it was a productive first start. Now we just keep focused until- holy cow, we forgot to set a wedding date!”

Rarity wanted to protest, but immediately realized that Twilight’s assessment was the correct one. So caught up in the details of preparing a dream wedding, she and her fiancé hadn’t bothered to actually give thought to the day of the actual event itself. “Goodness, you’re- how did we miss that?”

“So much for a productive first start,” Celestia murmured, shaking her head at her own carelessness. “Well, unless anyone objects… The summer solstice?”

Twilight was left aghast. “But that’s just three months from now!”

“Is that not enough?” the princess asked; the concern at Twilight’s reaction was a genuine thing. “You planned Cadance’s wedding with far less time, I assumed you’d be comfortable…”

“I…” Twilight still looked a little punch-drunk, but was doing her best to set her mind in order. “It’ll be a rush, but yes, we should be able to. And I really do mean a rush.”

“Then we’ll have to keep busy,” Rarity surmised. Busy it would certainly be, days jam-packed with tasks and effort that would see her crawling to bed in a heap of exhaustion; but when the prize at the end was to be married to the most beautiful woman in the world, coming to that day sooner rather than later was definitely preferable. “I agree, the summer solstice. Here’s to us!”

“And I’m gonna need a vacation when this is over,” Twilight muttered. “Yeah- here’s to us!”

It wasn’t a delight to either of them, but duty saw the happy couple part their separate ways for the evening; Celestia was still bound to the crown in Canterlot, and all the busywork and politics that came with it. Rarity, her own checklist requiring her elsewhere, would return home to the boutique and continue what she could there all on her lonesome.

“Just for a little while, my precious diamond,” Celestia murmured, cradling her beauteous beloved in her arms and keeping her close. “Remember that, every night until we need never part again.”

“A difficult thing to endure,” Rarity said wistfully. “I dread the days I don’t wake to you beside me. These last few will feel like an eternity.”

“And they’ll be over before you know it,” was Celestia’s reminder. “Have patience, dearest. We’ll be nose to the grindstones soon enough.” The gap between the two closed in a kiss, softly given and just as equally received. So many of their kisses were gentle things, quiet moments of peaceful romance that spoke to the depths of their feeling that came when they were together. Just a time to enjoy the warmth and gentle pressure that came from one another.

Yet sometimes, they weren’t quite enough. Rarity’s hand caressed the smooth face of her beloved, beginning to swoon in Celestia’s arms. The warmth of the sun princess was so comfortable, and the flavor of her lips delectable to her tastes; would it be so bad to indulge in it for a little longer? Especially when Celestia was perfectly glad to return the motion, pulling her closer and tightening their embrace-

“I’m still here!” Twilight’s call roused them from the sinking depths of their torrid romance, Celestia and Rarity surfacing and realizing that the brilliant princess was indeed still present, waiting for their kisses to come to an end with an exasperated grin on her face. “You two need a room. So badly.”

“I could always stay,” Rarity replied coyly.

“Oh no you don’t,” Twilight said, reaching out to pull Rarity along with her. “You have work to do at home, and I will make sure you do it. And you haven’t even started on the dresses yet!”

Celestia sighed, morose as she watched her beloved be dragged away from her presence. It wouldn’t be a long period of separation –only a few days at most- but so close to the finish line, it really was a terrible thing to endure. “I love you!” she cried out.

“I love you, too- don’t shove me, Twilight, that’s rude.”

A knock at the door roused the seamstress from her musings. Numerous sketches of graphite dresses sat before her dulled eyes, pleading to be transformed into works of beauty and elegance. It was certainly Rarity’s intent to see them made into tangible art, but a good half-hour of staring dully at a sheet of paper had yet to bring forth a welling from the fountains of creativity; perhaps even something as simple as a walk to her door would be enough to get her juices flowing.

“And maybe a cup of tea,” she groaned, halfway through a stretch. There was more drowsiness on her bones than she’d perhaps realized.

The package sat beneath a trio of letters on the step to her front door, an inconspicuous thing in a dull-grey box that bore no return address. When she picked it up and took it to the table next to the door, she also took note that her own address had been taped down, formed out of words from numerous newspaper clippings. “Odd,” Rarity murmured. “I wonder what for.” She ran a business, was used to receiving packages from all over; this one was a bit unusual.

The seamstress had only just taken to opening the first letter when something foul hit her nostrils and made her pull a face. Good heavens, something smelled! Quite horribly, like something absolutely wretched. Rarity’s first thought was to check Opal’s litter box, but the smell only grew distant when she crept closer. Maybe something on her shoes that she had unwittingly tracked in? But she’d barely taken a step outside, how could she have not noticed?

The answer came when she passed by the package heading to the front door, the reek becoming so pungent that the source was unmistakable. How had she not noticed when she’d first brought the thing in? What on earth had someone decided to send her? Her first thought was to rip open the box and discover the truth, but caution pleaded for her to take greater care; if the contents of the package smelled that wretched, then perhaps she should put on some measure of protection. Gloves, at the very least.

Rarity returned a minute later with hands kept safe from harm by a pair of rubber glove, a dulled and easily disposable knife tearing through tape and packaging with some difficulty- only increasing when the first putrid wave hit her senses and made her want to gag. Good heavens, it was terrible! “Why didn’t I go outside to do this?” she asked herself, choking on the fumes as she gingerly picked up the package and rushed through the door before the infectious stink could spread further. With one minute hole already present, it may as well just be done. One decent tear and Rarity was through, bringing the contents to light and-

“Eurgh!” The beautiful fashionista tossed the package in a fright and was left stunned as the heap of animal dung spilled out from stained cardboard and onto bright-green grass. It was a horrid stink, even when brought out into open air and given more room to float away; the age of the wretched mixture likely was doing her few favors, and Rarity could scarcely believe what she was seeing. Someone had sent her a package of animal droppings! What sort of cruel, mean-spirited, nasty person could have even thought up such a thing? Rainbow loved pranks, but this was something that went far beyond. She couldn’t think of even a reason why someone would in the first place.

As she tried to collect herself, her keen eye caught sight of something white in the midst of the mess; a piece of note paper, now horribly stained but most definitely bearing words. A sigh –and a strong hold of breath- she tip-toed through the spilt muck and pulled out the paper, holding it as far from her form as possible before taking a moment to read the filthy thing’s contents: Enjoy your self-portrait, gold digger!

It was disgusting no matter which way she looked at it. Rarity quickly disposed of the mess-ridden note before returning to her home and washing her hands for minutes on end, just to make absolutely sure not a trace of the filth could be found. Windows would need to be opened to let what smell had been loosed inside would now air out. “What a horrid thing to do!” She whispered furiously. “Gold-digger, indeed!” It was only a guess, but likely some rival of hers was not happy that she was marrying Princess Celestia; as if she needed the Princess to make money! It had never been about that from the very moment they’d been together, and no one could say different!

A small pause. Well, she had chased Blueblood for fame and glamour; the accusation had been true at one point. At least it was a falsehood now.

The unexpected act of malice had done some harm, Rarity finding herself a bit shaken with any hope of creativity now lost. Much as she would like to keep on trying, her mind was not keen on refocusing; maybe some simple cleaning about the place would be of help. Anything to make the smell disappear from her nostrils!

As the young beauty paraded about the house in a flurry of effort, another knock on the door eventually came to her ears and was soon followed by the sound of an opening door. “Hey, Rares!” Came a lively voice, one she soon recognized as Rainbow Dash. The vibrant girl walked through the threshold of the kitchen to find her elegant companion hard at work. “Just dropped in to see-” The prismatic woman’s eyes bugged out for a split-second, a heinous expression on her face. “Holy jeez! What happened, did something die in here? What on earth were you doing?”

“I got a package,” Rarity said succinctly, not even turning from her dishes to answer. The less said, the better.

“Someone sent you- do you want any help with it?” Rainbow inquired.

“It’s fine, Rainbow. I doubt it’ll happen again,” she replied. “But thank you for the offer.”

Rainbow pursed her lips, eyeing her friend uncertainly. “You sure?”

This time, Rarity made sure to turn around and face her. The cocky athlete was many things, and chief among them was fiercely loyal. If she asked, Rainbow would search until the ends of the earth to find out who was culpable. “You’re kind, but I won’t ask that of you,” she said. “I’m sorry, I was hoping it would have aired out by now.”

Rainbow shrugged. “It’s not your fault.”

“Is there something I can help you with, Rainbow?” Rarity inquired. “You’re not usually one to visit unannounced.”

“Hmm? Just wanted to say hello, I guess,” she said, a tinge of something unfamiliar present in her voice. “Twi said you three talked out stuff for the wedding the other day, is there anything I can do to help?”

“Not right now, no,” Rarity answered, taking a damp cloth to another plate. “But you’re sweet to offer. I’d be glad to take you up on that when the time comes, though!”

“Sure.” Rainbow fiddled with the cap on her water bottle for a moment. “You, uh… you chosen your bridesmaids yet?”

“No, not yet,” the seamstress said. “Cellie and I were thinking only a few in total. You know Luna will be her Maid of Honor, of course.”

“Oh, of course.”

“I was going to ask Fluttershy to be mine, truth be told,” Rarity added. “You don’t think she’d have trouble with that, do you? You know… stage fright?”

Rainbow’s expression clouded, something storming in her features as she mulled the thought over. “I… well, uh, maybe? She’d probably get scared and do it anyway.”

Rarity bit her lip. That was likely a potential scenario, if she paused to give it any thought. Would asking Fluttershy to undertake a task that she would abhor be something cruel to ask? The two girls had been so close for so long; she hated the thought of willfully making her dearest friend miserable for the sake of her own happiness, especially in such a public manner. “Hmm, you may be right.”

“I mean, ask her if you want to. You know she’ll say yes,” Rainbow said. “Just make sure she knows what she’s getting into, and… you know, let her have an out if she needs it.”

It was wise advice, and from the source that would certainly know best. Rainbow had known Fluttershy almost her whole life, playing the role of elder sibling for as long as the two had been friends. If anyone had the timid woman’s best interests in mind, Rainbow’s name would be high on the list. “I’ll make sure to keep that in mind,” Rarity said. “Will she be at Twilight’s tonight? I know I asked for the lot of you to drop in, but I’ve yet to hear back.”

“Think so, yeah.” Rainbow eyed her friend. “Guessing you’re gonna ask for some help with the wedding?”

“It was the hope,” Rarity admitted. “I’ll tell you more this evening when we’re all there, but right now I’ve still plenty of work to do.” And hopefully some sketchwork will finally come around!

“You’re good. I’ll see you tonight.” Feeling no need to overstay her welcome, the prismatic girl rose from her place and made for the door, yet stopping short of the door and looking over her shoulder. A torn expression came upon her face when she looked at her friend, as though something still lay on her mind; yet only for a short while did it linger, she turning back and heading to destinations unknown for the time being.

Rarity allowed Rainbow the dignity of truly being gone before turning to look towards the door and wondering at what her brash friend had truly intended. There was always a point to everything the athlete did, not the kind to waste time or make meaningless conversation. So she’d certainly come here to ask about something, even if she’d been unwilling to openly say what. “I wonder what it was,” she mused. “The poor dear seemed almost embarrassed about it.”

Despite her efforts to return to the drawing board, Rarity’s mind could offer little inspiration or motivation that would see pen put to paper, simply surrendering to the fact that cleaning the house would be her only tangible act of work for the day. To her credit, she at least left the place spotless; reams of cloth and fabrics that had been tossed lazily about throughout the week were now sorted and stowed, clothes put on racks and personal belongings tucked away. Even her bedroom, her epicenter of laziness, was left clean as a whistle. With little more she could do for the day, and now truly needing Celestia’s presence to take on more, the dissatisfied seamstress allowed herself a reprieve.

“You’ll have to do more tomorrow,” she counseled herself. “Cellie can’t be there for every bit of wedding planning, you’ll have to do plenty of it on your own. At least start making inquiries for music and decorations once you’re done talking to the girls.”

Her first opportunity came that evening, the sun falling beyond the horizon and leaving the six of them to dwell in the comfortable light of Twilight’s crystalline home, far from prying eyes that would mock their freer attitudes. Here, nestled in the depths of Twilight’s private study, there was no one to hold them to a standard, none that could come and condemn simple frivolousness that came about in the midst of friends. Alone, away from the politics and decorum that had overcome their lives in recent years, there was sanctuary.

The wine also did a marvelous job of helping the six of them settle in. A gift from Luna for her birthday, Twilight had brought the deeply aged bottle from her private stores and allowed her friends the honor of partaking in the fine libation. And thanks to its long lifespan, the wine had done wonders in loosening up what inhibitions had unwittingly been brought in through the front door, turning the work-wearied bunch into a giggling gathering of young women.

“OK, OK, stop. I mean it, stop!” Twilight cried out, trying to overcome her excessive mirth as Rainbow continued to egg her on. Ever the handsy pair, Rainbow’s more passionate side was barely restrained behind her growing inebriation and her tracing fingers crept more deeply beneath her girlfriend’s blouse. “We’ve got company, I’m ser- I’m serious! Stop, already!”

“But you like it!” Rainbow protested, appearing disappointed.

“When we’re alone, sillyhead. Not now!” Twilight insisted, pulling herself free of Rainbow’s grasp. “Seriously, you are… so impatient.”

“Not like Rainbow was ever shy,” Applejack remarked. Reclining near the fireplace and soaking in its warmth, the steady farmgirl used her drinking as an excuse to relax. So close to a source of heat and with a mind made heavy by alcohol, she found herself especially dozy. “Don’t you remember how you two ended up together?”

The memory burned bright, and the young princess’ embarrassment only continued to increase. “Oh gosh. Not now, have mercy.”

Pinkie Pie sat in their midst, nestled against the foot of the couch and somewhat struggling to keep up with the rather rapid-fire conversation. In her current moment, life was good; perhaps inexperienced in the realm of heavy alcohol, but she found herself contented nonetheless. “What? When was it?” she asked, the memory kept from her mind even though she had been present for the occasion. “Come on, tell me, tell me, tell meeee!”

“That cider drinking contest. You know, when…” The farmgirl paused, stifling a yawn. “When ‘Shy wanted to raise money for that animal charity- or something? And it came down to Twi and Rainbow, and the two of ‘em ended up tying before they started making out in front of everyone-”

“Oh gosh, there were so many people there,” Twilight groaned, aghast at the thought. “And they saw everything, it even made the tabloids!”

“I bought the originals,” Rainbow crowed.

The poor bookworm went pale. “You did not!”

Even Rarity, the most sober and most sensible of the group, couldn’t help but burst into laughter at the sight of the mortified neuroticist, Twilight struggling to comprehend the memory she abhorred was cherished by another. The contrast of their expressions, and the reactions that came with them, were enough to stagger the conversation for a good few minutes.

“We are never drinking this stuff- this stuff again,” Twilight declared after a time, eyeing the nearly-empty bottle with disdain. “Oh gosh, tonight has been awful.”

“Oh come on, it’s been great! We’re all just teasing ya,” Applejack protested. “Not like we need a picture to remember it, anyway.”

A softened hand lay gently across the gnarled fingers of the farmgirl, Applejack shushed into silence by the willful guidance of Fluttershy. A light drinker, the sweet spirit had done her best to stay collected and remain a voice of tranquility in the midst of their jovial madness; however, her mild inebriation had led her to a strong desire for physical affection, she staying close to the toughened blonde for most the night. “Maybe we should stop, though,” Fluttershy suggested. “I don’t think Twilight finds it very funny, so let’s not hurt her feelings.”

Applejack looked ready to protest, but another yawn put an end to her words before they began. “Whatever you say, sugar,” she acquiesced, leaning against her new companion gently. “You’re probably right, anyhow.”

“She most definitely is,” Twilight said, her voice sullen. “Thank you, Fluttershy.”

“You’re welcome, Twilight,” came the reply. “I’m sorry it’s not a happy memory for you. I’m sure it is for Rainbow Dash; she waited for you for a very long time.”

The proclamation put the princess in a flummox. “I don’t- I don’t hate the memory or anything- sorry, Dash?” Twilight stammered.

Rainbow shrugged it off, a gleam of mischief returning to her eyes. “I mean,” she drawled, “if you wanna make it up to me…”

“Goodness, if I’d known we’d get this silly, I would’ve asked for your help the moment we all arrived!” Rarity remarked, taking in her friends and watching them slip away into their own private worlds. With Rainbow and Twilight bouncing off one another, Pinkie nearly in a stupor, and Fluttershy vying for Applejack’s attentions, the idea that she could actually get them to focus was more difficult than herding cats. “My fault for waiting, I suppose.”

“You hypocrite! You and Celestia are always- wait, help with the wedding?” Twilight inquired, temporarily distracted from Rainbow’s affections by the prospect of more work. “Like –Rainbow, just a moment- what were you needing?”

“Well,” Rarity said, setting down her glass, “I was hoping that you’d all be part of the wedding, of course! I know I’ve already asked Twilight to coordinate everything, but I’d love to see you all as my bridesmaids. Would that be alright? I know it’ll be an ungodly hassle, especially when there’ll be so much to do…”

“Like we’d say no, silly!” Pinkie cried, suddenly alight with excitement and leaping to her feet. “Of course we’ll help! I’ll help the Cakes get everything ready and- and… wait, you asked us to do what?”

“Bridesmaids, Pinkie,” Applejack answered.

“Oh! Yeah, I’ll help with that, for sure! And I can talk to the Cakes about the- well, the cake!”

“Got catering yet?” Applejack asked.

Rarity knew her friend’s next words before they had yet to come, a small worm of guilt entering her brain at the prospect. “Oh, Applejack, it’ll be hard enough with everything to do. I’m sure Twilight and I can find someone who’d love to take the chance-”

A wave of her hand and the farmgirl fanned away any objection that could be made. “You’re our friend. Wherever you need us, we’ll be there.”

The seamstress could only smile, and was thankful when Fluttershy gave the drowsy blonde a squeeze about the waist. “That’s very kind of you to say, Applejack,” she said softly, turning to Rarity and adding, “We’d be glad to help however we can. You don’t have to do all of this hard work alone if you don’t want to.”

“Who’s gonna be your maid of honor, though?” Twilight asked, seeming as though she meant to say more but was silenced by a strange shiver from her girlfriend’s form.

Was it even really a question? Considering who she called her closest friend, the likelihood of an unexpected candidate wasn’t a strong one. However, when the thought of the surging crowds that would come, the paparazzi and press that would crush against them... “Well,” Rarity said, “I was hoping that, well, Fluttershy… Fluttershy, darling, would you like to be my maid of honor?”

Every eye turned to the quiet beauty, the spotlight thrust upon her and she finding it unpleasant. Every which way did Fluttershy look, avoiding the gaze of her friend as she took the time to make up her mind. More than once she glanced in Twilight’s direction, each one paired with a conflict of expression.

“I know it would be a lot to do. And you’d have to deal with so much of the public, especially for a wedding like this,” Rarity admitted; she didn’t want her friend to think that she wasn’t aware of the coming pressure. “I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t think you were more than capable of handling the duties. You know that, don’t you?”

Another glance in Twilight’s direction, then one to the sleepy-eyed blonde beside her. Fluttershy gave a sigh and said, “I know. And I really would like to…”

“That’s wonderful! I had a few ideas for dres-”

“But I can’t.”

Even Pinkie Pie, well-toasted and slipping away, was left stunned by the reply. Applejack was wide awake and staring, Twilight left glowing with admiration, and Rainbow had become strangely cold- if not rigid. Rarity wasn’t sure what she felt at the moment: disappointment seemed like an opportune candidate, but confusion was trying to have a say in the matter. Fluttershy’s decision was not what she’d expected, but for reasons she wasn’t really sure of.

“Are you sure, darling? I’m sure you’d do a marvelous job.”

“It’s not that,” Fluttershy said quickly, another glance away. “It’s- well… could you come with me for a moment, please?”

Not an explanation, but a path to one; Rarity nodded and rose to her feet, following the flowing girl towards the hallway door where they could perhaps talk privately. Just what was it that Fluttershy couldn’t say in front of the rest of them when it came to a matter that would be so public anyway?

“Don’t say-”

Fluttershy closed the door before Rarity could tell what had been said, or by whom. It was an unexpectedly forceful move, and one that kept the seamstress’ attentions upon her friend.

“Is something wrong?”

Fluttershy shook her head. “No, nothing’s wrong. I just can’t be your maid of honor.”

Was that it? “That’s perfectly alright, Fluttershy,” Rarity replied. “I’m terribly sorry if I put you on the spot in front of everyone, I wasn’t trying to make you uncomfortable.”

“You didn’t make me uncomfortable,” the sweet woman said. “And I could do it, if you really needed me to. But…”

Now they were getting to the root of the matter. “But what?”

Fluttershy was having some sort of massive internal debate, struggling with the decision to speak or to remain silent. “Well, it’s… I was asked not to say anything. But she won’t say so herself. So if she really wants to be your-”

The room to the study suddenly burst open in a crash, wood slamming against crystal as Rainbow Dash cut through their conversation and cried, “She’s lying! Don’t listen to her, I didn’t really mean it, I was just thinking!” So intent on preventing Fluttershy from spilling her secret that the inebriated athlete didn’t immediately realize that her actions had outed herself; slowly sinking in, the fear on her face could only turn to horror.

“I’ll… I’ll let you two talk,” Fluttershy murmured, passing by the now-stony Rainbow Dash and a following Twilight before returning to the fireside, closing the door behind her.

Rarity’s first instinct was shock, followed swiftly be bemusement. So this was what had prompted Rainbow to come by her home unannounced? Out of all the people who want to carry the mantle of a title and task so effeminate, the very idea that such a person would be Rainbow Dash was not at all believable. But then again, she was standing there before her; unable to speak, head bowed in embarrassment, but most certainly present.

Twilight put her hand about Rainbow’s and placed a kiss on her cheek. “It’s nothing to be feel silly about,” she said, her voice soothing and gentle. “You’re still cool. It doesn’t change that about you at all.”

“It’s- but everyone would think I’ve gone soft!” Rainbow protested, positively shrinking into herself as she spoke. “I don’t want everyone to think I’m… weak, or something.”

“Hmph. You have gone soft,” Twilight teased, “Because I asked you to be soft with me. You’re still strong, and brave- whenever you need to be.”

“And I hardly doubt that anything would ever change that,” Rarity added for good measure. A small laugh came when Rainbow’s eyes fell upon her, only to flicker away just as quickly. “Rainbow, do you really want to be my maid of honor?”

The proud woman tightened her arms about herself, clearly discomforted, but did give a small nod. “I… I know it’s dumb,” she said, “especially cause it’s me.”

“It’s not dumb,” Twilight said, more in-the-know than Rarity. “Go on; it’s OK.”

“I just… you know. Twi’s helped me, well… loosen up a little. And I thought that maybe if… if I liked how it felt to be a little pretty like you then it wouldn’t be so bad. When it was our wedding. And then maybe Twilight would think I’m worth the effort.” A small laugh came from her lips, her proud face still flush. “Kind of a stupid reason, huh? Wear a dress just to impress your girlfriend?”

But Rainbow found herself in the presence of a classic romantic, Rarity’s heart melting at her friend’s words. Perhaps silly, but any great act of the heart was likely to be. To step so far out of your comfort zone for the sake of the one you loved was not something to sneer at, or an act to belittle. “I don’t think it’s stupid at all,” Rarity said, coming over to give her friend a hug. “Rainbow Dash, that is very brave of you. You don’t have to think of yourself like that!”

“And you don’t have to do it to impress me,” Twilight added. “I’ve told you that a thousand times, I’ve always thought you’re worth the effort. You don’t think I look down on you or anything, do you?”

Rainbow was still discomforted. “But we fight,” she said. “And- and I know I drive you crazy because of stupid stuff-”

“Yes, you do,” Twilight admitted. “You’re arrogant, annoying, and way to worried about looking cool. But you’re loyal, you make me feel safe, and I love you. I don’t know if there’s anything that could make me think otherwise.”

“Cellie and I have fought more times than I can count, darling,” Rarity told her. “Don’t let all those tabloid rags make you think otherwise, we’re far from a fairytale. But just like Twilight is with you, I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

“And just so you know, I definitely think you’re pretty,” Twilight added. “And I also think you’re the coolest person ever.”

Rainbow was left surprised. “You can do that?”

Twilight could only laugh. “I’m pretty sure the two can coexist just fine, Rainbow. Come on… let your guard down.”

Shamefaced yet smiling, Rainbow’s countenance was beginning to rise yet again, strengthened by words of both wisdom and comfort. It was as good a time as any, and Rarity wanted to hear confirmation before it was too late. “Rainbow, do you really want to be my maid of honor?”

“I mean, it’s- I guess I could- umm… well- only if you think it’s OK,” Rainbow said at last, struggling to find her voice. “I know it’s a lot of work and stuff, but I don’t mind- and I’ll do whatever you need me to do, too.”

“Oh, of course you can!” Rarity proclaimed, taking her friend into a back-breaking hug and almost lifting the bashful woman off her feet. “Why didn’t you simply say so in the first place? I’m flattered that you’d put yourself out there like that for me! I’ll have to make new dresses for everyone, but you’ll look wonderful! And they’ll be extra cool, too,” she added before Rainbow could voice her worries.

Twilight grinned. “You’re gonna get her into a dress. I’ve been dating her for ages now, do you realize how hard I’ve tried to get her to do that?” The bookish princess suddenly fell into fantasy as she imagined some blissful daydream ahead, filled with the thoughts of beautiful designs about her girlfriend’s figure. “Oh man, she is gonna look so freakin’ hot.”

“Wait, hot?” Rainbow echoed.

“Yes, you! Jeez, I’ve always thought so-”

“Well, I’ll leave you both to it,” Rarity said, seeing that her presence was likely to be an inhibition to more pleasant matters. “I’ll grab my purse and be off, is that alright?”

“Uh… oh, yeah! Sure, Rarity, I’ll see you in the morning.”

She’d only just pushed open the door when her more besotted companions heard the great beauty burst into a tirade of giggles. Turning from one another, Rainbow and Twilight found Rarity struggling to hold back further laughter as she peered through the study door, glancing in and finding each new sighting all the more humorous. A quick peek in was swift to reveal why, as Fluttershy and Applejack were now resting beside the fire and deeply entangled with one another, kissing each other in a passionate, albeit somewhat drunken, frenzy.

“Whoa,” Rainbow muttered. To see her shy friend partake of anything so hot and heavy wasn’t something she’d ever expected to see, especially when the two women could hardly seem to keep their hands off of one another. Their lips met, tongues flowed freely and lavished their love upon one another, bodies pressing against each other all the more wildly with each passing moment. Whether it was alcohol that had put love to form at last or a love long hidden she couldn’t tell.

“I wondered if she’d ever say something,” Rarity said happily, eyeing the newfound couple with delight. “Goodness, I didn’t think she had it that bad.”

“You knew?”

“Oh, bits and pieces, really,” Rarity said. “Spa visits, darling. We talk about everything.”

Rainbow shrugged- and her eyes nearly popped out of their sockets when they turned back to the fireplace. “Whoa now.”

Rarity chanced another glance. “Oh my-”

“Wait, not in my house!”

Author's Note

It's about damn time.

I thought I'd never be able to get this chapter off the ground. Holy hell, I finally figured this story out. It's about time I got back to it, maybe I'll be able to finish it before the sun goes out.

Keep reading, I guess. Enjoy.

III: Wedding Dresses and Wedding Rings

She had spent too much of her career in the presence of human form to not be able to discern Rainbow Dash’s current discomfort. In fairness, the active athlete was not used to such long periods of statuesque inertia. To simply stand still and do little more than breathe was not something one would really consider all that enjoyable- especially for one who possessed an unusual amount of physical prowess. Yet despite the long ordeal of static movement and assorted fabrics put about her form, not once had the prismatic woman complained, or even given an unhappy sigh. Determined to be the best maid of honor that her dear friend could ask for, Rainbow had willingly offered to be Rarity’s first model for the bridesmaids’ dresses, and a few hours of immobility was the price she had chosen to pay.

“I believe I am… almost done, Rainbow,” Rarity said, a pair of scissors running their way through cloth with slow, careful precision. The dress was lovely enough already, and perfectly suited for her friend’s streamlined body shape; the teal-colored A-line style flattered her form, with just enough exposure of the shoulders before covering with lace across the small of her back. The skirt slit had been a bit of a risk but she rather liked the results, considering Rainbow’s powerful legs and letting their smoothness shine. Now all it required was a single accessory to –quite literally- tie the thing off with a bow. “You’ve been ever so patient, I can’t thank you enough.”

To Rainbow’s credit, the normally-cantankerous woman gave a smile- a far cry from her usual behavior around dresswork! “It’s my job, right?” she asked. “I gotta help where I can.”

“And you certainly have been of help, darling,” Rarity affirmed. “All you need now is just a little something to help make you stand out… I think this should do it.”

“What should do it?”

“Don’t move, please,” Rarity instructed. As her model stiffened, she wove the ribbon band about her friend’s sleek waist and cinched it, tying it in a bow that sat just above the hip; the gold fabric worked wonders against the softer colors beneath it, adding just enough flair to the dress that it positively sparkled. “There! That looks perfect, now take a look at yourself in the mirror…”

“OK.” Rainbow’s expression was doubtful, a common sight to behold upon her whenever she was adorned in finer things. More comfortable in shorts and a sports top, a dress was something she wore rarely; yet now here she willingly stood, turning to the mirrors behind her and giving a start at the sight of herself in the reflection. “Oh.”

Rarity studied her friend’s reaction, watching as she sorted through the various emotions. Just what was Rainbow thinking of right now? She’d done her very best to have a good attitude for this long; would she falter now? The seamstress doubted that the sight was something that would overwhelm her. “Well, Rainbow?” she asked as the silence continued on. “What do you think?”

“Umm-” Rainbow shrank into herself somewhat, a bashful smile beginning to form on her features. “So it’s… I like it.”

“Do you really?’

“I look- pretty,” Rainbow said, promptly giving a laugh at her own remark. “Yeah! I look kinda pretty, I can’t believe I just said- thanks, Rarity. It looks really nice.”

The bride-to-be could only glow, coming forward to give her friend a hug. “I’m glad you feel pretty, Rainbow,” she said, “and thank you so much for being my model for today. You’ve been a wonder, truly. Would you please let the girls know to come by on Thursday? I'd like to get to work on their dresses as quickly as I can.”

“Sure, I can do that,” Rainbow replied. “Anything else you need from me right now, or..?”

“Not at the moment, no,” Rarity said, then pausing. “Well… the invitations, that’s right. Would you be able to see them addressed-?”

“Sure. Twi and I can go over them,” was the answer. Perhaps a little swiftly, but Rainbow extracted herself from Rarity’s seamwork and returned to her normal attire, garment bag in hand and headed for the door. “Glad I could help, Rares, let me know if-”

The door opened and the pair found themselves greeted by a heady aroma of displeasure, baked in the afternoon sun and magnifying the stench tenfold. Even back in the midst of her work, it was enough to garner the whole of Rarity’s attentions; up close and personal, it was all the worse for Rainbow who was nearly staggered by its unexpected appearance.

The prismatic woman’s eyes came upon the stinking box of refuse that sat at the doorstep and she retched, giving it a sharp kick and sending the horrid container as far away as she could see it fly. “Oh holy hell,” she coughed, eyes spluttering from the intensity of the hot reek. “What was that?”

Rarity gave a groan. “Not another one.”

It was not an expected answer, nor a welcome one, Rainbow pulling a face at the news. “Another- Rares, how many have you gotten now?” Rainbow demanded.

“Three,” came the sighing answer. “It had some silly newspaper-stitched note in it, if I were to guess. The first one did.”

A sound of disgust as the athletic woman checked her shoes for any trace remnants of the refuse. “This is stupid. Somebody’s doing it to you on purpose, just to be spiteful,” Rainbow grumbled. “Do you know who? Or even why?”

“A no to both,” the fashionista answered. “I don’t even think they’re being delivered by the mail, I think they’re just snuck in. I can’t imagine someone who would have time for such a nasty thing.”

“I’ll swing by the post office, alright?” Rainbow suggested. “Maybe they’ll know who and I can get them to knock it off.”

“If you must. But please don’t be rough, Rainbow, I doubt it’s our sweet town mailgirl doing such a thing.”

“I’m not gonna be nasty- I just wanna know,” Rainbow said with no small amount of snark. “Jeez, what sort of grudge would someone even have against you?”

“Likely some unhappy suitor of dear Cellie’s who thinks I got in the way,” Rarity answered, rolling her eyes at the thought. “Really is the silliest thing, too.”

“Well, I… jeez. Idiots,” Rainbow muttered. “I’ll grab Twilight and we’ll get the invitations ready, alright?”

“Thank you, dear, see you later!” Though she kept her tone cordial, the elegant fashionista had little extra time to spare for casual conversation. A wedding planner chock-full of tasks and ideas beckoned for her attentions, several which had a short deadline before they would have to be decided. Leaning over her desk with book in hand, Rarity pored over the numerous scribbles and thoughts that had already found their way within: the registry had to be created (did they even need to ask for anything, or was it just a formality?), the wedding party gifts needed to be purchased-

“And from whom, too,” Rarity mused. There would be all sorts of people present, from the elites to family and friends of all backgrounds. She would have to think of something that would be tasteful for any sort of lifestyle. “Anyway…”

Décor still had to be selected- and then actually brought in! The great hall would need to be cleared and prepared for guests, and the royal gardens made ready for the guests that would enjoy the reception. She hadn’t heard back from Cadance about officiating yet, nor had she and Celestia decided upon photographers or music. Applejack needed to be checked in on as well as the Cakes, the rehearsals needed to be finalized, seating charts, the license itself…

With so much scratchwork there before her eyes, the sheer breadth of it was enough to make the bride-to-be feel rather intimidated. The idea of the wedding had always appealed to her- with whom she’d share it with was heavenly! But with such a short time to go, and all the tasks and confirmations that still had to be handled, the amount of things to do possessed a certain aura of insurmountability. All of which, she thought ruefully, required the approval of her beloved Princess that just so happened to be one of the busiest women in the world.

“And we don’t have the rings made yet,” she murmured, the thought putting her skin to gooseflesh. “Or the dresses.” The ideas she possessed were easy enough to envision, but they too required external approval- not to mention the effort it would take to design them along with the rest of the gowns. “Goodness, I almost forgot Luna’s!” The remark came in a groan, a tidbit of info that was quickly jotted down before its presence could be forgotten. Not just her own bridesmaids, but Luna also needed a design. Five bridesmaid dresses still requiring conception, along with two wedding dresses that would require her finest efforts.

A small gulp and Rarity leaned back in her seat, away from the open planner as though it was something that could lash out and strike. Maybe she’d bitten off more than she could chew.

“Rarity? Are you home?” The clear voice of Celestia washed away her nerves like a cleansing spring rain, the seamstress renewed by this most welcome of people.

“Yes!” she cried, up and on her feet before even will could tell her to rise. “In the backrooms, darling!” The thrill she felt at hearing that melodious voice, anticipation brought about by joy that would soon know realization-!
The curtain to the backrooms was thrown aside and the resplendent form of Celestia revealed itself, those shining eyes smiling bright at the sight of her beloved there to meet her. “Rarity,” she said delightedly, “my sweet angel…”

“Cellie, hello!” Rarity said, gladly meeting those open arms and soon finding herself swept up in a much-needed, deeply desirous kiss. Oh, the feel of Celestia’s lips upon her own; the warm softness that was the feeling of her, the firmness that came with her passions! Whenever they embraced and came to love one another was when she felt alive, the depth of her love given life in this wondrous feeling. “Oh… oh my…”

Celestia was quite unwilling to relinquish her hold just yet, keeping the slender woman still within her arms. “Are we alone?” she inquired none too discreetly.

“Yes, we are- don’t try to distract me, I need you to be serious for a moment!” Rarity said with a laugh. Forgetting her desires for a moment longer, the elegant seamstress forced herself out of her beloved’s grasp and took a solitary position, heading back to the desk where her myriad scratchwork lie waiting. “I didn’t expect you for another hour or so, please- come on over!”

“As if you needed to tell me,” Celestia purred; a snap of her fingers and a chair materialized beside her fiancé, the princess settling upon it and allowing herself the opportunity to stretch out. “Ooh, so comfortable… as you were saying, my sweet?”

“Oh, do be serious, Cellie, this is for the wedding! We only have a short while to go!” The bout of delights that had come at the sight of her bride-to-be vanished like mist in the morning light, the professional seamstress coming to life and trying to force her way of things for a time. “Look at all of this, we have so much to still accomplish- Cadance hasn’t replied, we still need the vendors, and the dresses aren’t even close to being done! We can’t just sit about-”

“Rarity…” Celestia’s soothing voice broke through the monologue before it could truly find its rhythm, a finger placed upon moving lips and striking them dumb. Worried eyes found themselves trapped by calm laughter found in another’s, princess looking upon bride and shushing away the worries. “You can relax. I know you’ve been busy here, so I took the liberty of getting a few of the vendors to reply.”

“You have?”

“I have!” Celestia said sweetly. “Cadance sent me a letter yesterday and she would love to be our officiant, just so you know. The Canterlot Choir practically begged to play music for us as well- and more than a hundred different nurseries are willing to pay just so their décor can be used for the ceremony.”

“Oh- oh my…” A hundred seemed quite a few too many for any sort of decision to be easily made.

“So I asked for only a few to send me anything. I will be glad with any choice you end up making, my dear,” Celestia added. “Please, take a moment to breathe. I know you’re busy.”

“I… I haven’t been, really,” Rarity replied, feeling more than a little ashamed. Whether it be the worry or the weight didn’t seem to matter, she consumed by the anxiety that came about with all the planning she still had to endure- and Twilight would surely add more to the mix that she hadn’t thought of yet. “I met with Rainbow a bit ago to work on her dress and the most horrid package came while we were working-”

“What sort of package?” Celestia’s voice lost all of its warmth in an instant, a sharp seriousness taking its place as the role of princess overtook that of fiancé. “Were you- could you have been hurt or-”

“No, I am fine- look at me!” Rarity replied, showcasing her fair skin for Celestia to marvel upon. “No, truly. I’m fine. It was just some sort of disgusting prank, sending that animal dung.”

“Dung?”

“And reeking,” Rarity added drily. “I pay it no mind, mostly because I can’t imagine who would want to do such a thing beyond some silly fool.”

“Hmm…” Celestia was not quite satisfied with the explanation, her frown remaining as mind was brought to the matter and finding current explanations lacking. “I am… going to have a pair of guards here for the next few days-”

“Cellie! It’s only a prank, I am fine-”

“It is only a prank for now,” Celestia interjected. “But it may not stay that way forever. Please, for me. Let me make sure you’re safe.”

It was excessive by her eyes, but Rarity felt no need to argue when there were plenty of other matters left to be discussed before day’s end. “They won’t scare off other customers, will they?”

Celestia laughed. “I’ll send my kindest guards,” she offered. “Ream? And Yor? A newlywed couple, the kindest souls I’ve met in my care; they’ll do a marvelous job of looking after you. And they won’t say no to a cup of coffee if you were to offer it.”

“Then I’m sure I’ll be in good hands,” Rarity assented. “Now, darling, we’ve got important matters to discuss- did you bring any designs yourself?”

“For the dress? Not a one,” Celestia admitted nonchalantly, “I trust your judgment in that matter. But I did bring a few for the rings, if you were interested.”

Metalwork was a bit beyond her, the seamstress eagerly awaiting what work was put before her eyes for appraisal. Bringing herself closer to the desk, Rarity soon found herself greeted with various pamphlets stuffed with small papers and sketches, the numerous drawings and designs before her a rather overwhelming sight at first glance. Was this how her own customers sometimes felt when at her mercy? Goodness, I hope not, she mused, I’d best make sure of that. I’d hate to scare anyone away with too many choices-

“I rather liked this one,” Celestia said as she cut through her beloved’s inner monologue. “I thought it a nice example of your sort of elegance. Lovely, but not gaudy was what I was hoping for. What do you think?”

Rarity examined the mishmash of pencilscratch with her own eyes; it was a rather lovely design, actually. The simple bands possessed no great intricacy to their shape, possessing only simple engravings of sun and diamond upon them so as to match their standards. It did not take much for her to imagine their loveliness when gold would be smelted down and given shape.

“I think they look lovely, darling,” she remarked. “How soon would they be made?”

“If you approve, as soon as tomorrow,” Celestia replied. “Shall I send word?”

“Yes, please!” Though it was something simple –and had required virtually no effort on her end- there came a sense of pleasure at knowing at least one task was already decided upon. All that the rings would now require was waiting. “Thank you for seeing that done.”

“Of course! It is my wedding as well,” Celestia answered, her teasing tone eliciting a few quiet giggles from her fiancé. “I would hate to see you exhaust yourself by fretting; do not feel like you need to accomplish everything on your own, I can certainly set aside my duties for a time to help you prepare.”

“Won’t you be needed, though?”

“A few places. Here and there,” Celestia admitted. “But Luna is being gracious and helping where she can. Besides,” she added, “they won’t be able to get a word out of me during the honeymoon.”

“Well that,” Rarity reminded her, “is quite a long way away. And we have a lot to do…”

“Of course, of course,” the sunlit princess said. A shake of her beautiful head that set her beautiful locks to rippling, attempting to refocus. “Now, I know what you asked me to come down here for…”

Rarity knew the workload that still lay before them. Their wedding was only really in the planning stages even still, little more than ideas and approval rather than anything tangible; working on Rainbow’s dress had been the first real accomplishment she’d managed. There was still so much to do, yet none of it could keep the excited glow from her face that appeared alongside a smile at the thought of designing their wedding dresses at last.

“I hope you like what I’ve come up with!” she proclaimed, opening the desk drawer to extract a rather battered notebook from within. The veritable treasure trove of all her various designs and ideas inevitably found their way to the papers within its binding, a secret item in which her very best work -and, on occasion, her very worst- was designed before being brought to life. “I just knew you and I would have to be dressed in the most wondrous designs I could ever imagine. I spent all of my free time on drawing something up- oh, you can’t imagine how excited I was when I finally finished them, we’ll both look absolutely marvelous!” A quick skim through the pages before arriving at a leaf with a bent corner, notebook set before her princess and showcasing a set of sketches of her most recent designs. “Ta-da!”

It was, by her estimation, the loveliest thing she had ever managed to conceive. Though a simple design at its core, the classic princess design was beautiful to the eye and would look even lovelier when adorning such exquisite forms as their own. The straps fell just beyond the shoulder and allowed the V-neckline a little more room, pairing well with the small tinge of exposed back; perhaps a mild bit of skin, but still graceful all the same. Seeing as they both possessed a slimmer figure, she had added in a thin fabric belt just above the skirt before flaring out into an elegant ballgown skirt that draped down into a beautiful train held fast by a line of buttons. When the idea had struck her only a few nights ago, Rarity had positively salivated over the thought of she and Celestia joining hands in such wondrous gowns; all that remained now was their creation!

“Well? Aren’t they splendid?” Rarity said, glowing with pride at what was surely her greatest accomplishment yet. “I can hardly wait to begin working on them, we’ll be the talk of weddings for years to come! Can you just imagine walking down that aisle together and-”

She could have carried on; when brought to new heights of excitement, the elegant seamstress’ usual verve when it came to her most personal designs possessed few limits that could cease her joyous ramblings. But all it had taken was a moment for her eyes to catch sight of something amiss and silence her words, allowing her focus to zero in on Celestia’s expression and found it… lacking.

“Darling?” Rarity asked, hesitant of even inquiring at all. “Is something the matter?” The lovely princess didn’t immediately reply, a small nibble of lip as she pondered how to best respond. A small glance at her fiancé before quickly darting away; it was all that was needed to make the fashionista’s heart sink. “You don’t like it…”

“That is… not entirely true,” Celestia answered, speaking slowly as though carefully selecting every word. “It looks absolutely beautiful, sweetheart. Truly, it does! The thought of seeing you in such a dress as this makes me- ooh.” A small pause as a happy tremble coursed through her graceful form. “It is a perfect design for you. I cannot wait. But it is best meant for you, and you alone. I have worn… I’ve simply worn so many ballgowns, been adorned in so many things of the like that it… it just- I’ve done it enough!”

Rarity gave a solitary nod, trying not to let her face display her crushed emotions. In just a few words, her beloved had wiped away a daydream that had enchanted her romantic senses and seemed guilt-free for it. It wasn’t like she was doing anything wrong- Celestia had every right to want a dress she would enjoy wearing! It was a selfish thought to try and keep everything her way, even if it was disappointing that she hadn’t approved of the design. And it took me so long to create, too, Rarity thought. Heaven help me, I’ll have to design a replacement so quickly!

“Al- alright, then,” she said, a small wriggle that cast off her unhappy emotions, allowing the eager bride to become businesswoman for the one she loved most. “So tell me then, darling, what sort of dress were you wishing for? Just say the word!”

“Well… I was hoping for something a little off the beaten track,” Celestia said, a teasing smile on her sparkling lips. “Just as unforgettable as any dress you’ve ever made! And I do appreciate the design you’ve made, it just needs a little… a little something.” Her fingers traced along the outlines of the design, a slow movement across pencilstreaks as though feeling the shape and texture of the design that awaited its creation. But beneath the pressure of her skin came forth a small tinge of magic, smoothing away the dried lines and seeing them moved about to her satisfaction. The long train of the gown slowly disappeared at her behest, vanishing into ether and being soon followed by the skirt itself until bare legs were all that remained. Almost all the way up to the belt did fabric disappear until only the barest traces of propriety remained, leaving lush thighs exposed and made ready for adoration. Then just as quickly the neckline saw its modifications: lowering it until it at last came to an end just above the belt, exposing skin all the way down to the waist and letting plush cleavage be displayed on the interior.

“Now that,” Celestia remarked, “would be exciting, don’t you agree?”

In fairness, it possessed a strong similarity to the first design Rarity had ever made for her princess; the very design that had helped to see their love bloom, actually. But that had been a private affair, a steamy bout of kisses that had come about only in the company of two lovers, not before a crowd of the country’s fairest and finest. Rarity stared at the newly edited design, blinked, and then silently gazed at her fair partner. She cannot be serious.

“Darling?”

“Yes, my precious diamond?”

“Our wedding will be in public.” She decided to play the whole thing as a joke, just part of Celestia’s usual teasing.

Celestia gave a shrug. “I know. So?”

“So possibly, just possibly, that might not be appropriate for a wedding?”

“But it would be fun!”

“Oh for heaven’s sake,” Rarity groaned, left flabbergasted by the idea that Celestia was being sincere. “Darling, you can’t be serious! This would be wholly inappropriate, you know this! What sort of scandal would there be if Equestria’s most famous Princess wore this at her own wedding?”

“Let them talk!” Celestia countered, waving away her fiancé’s concerns with only a small wave. “The whole event is for us to enjoy ourselves, isn’t it? Why can’t I partake in my own way?”

“Cellie!” The seamstress was appalled. “You cannot do this, you know you cannot wear such a thing! This isn’t even a dress, this is only lingerie at best! It’d be wonderful for our wedding night, but not the wedding itself- not in front of people!”

The rare instance of a frown on Celestia’s face, displeased at receiving such negative feedback. Rarity, in turn, could hardly believe that this conversation was even happening and felt her frustration rising.

“Please, just for fun- for one day,” Celestia said.

“Absolutely not. I can’t even imagine-” It would be too easy to keep this back-and-forth going, too easy to give in to her emotions and become the very sort of bride she feared to be. With a quick inhale that was followed by a long, slow exhalation, Rarity forced herself back into a semblance of calm and re-engaged her beloved. “Cellie, darling, why ask for such a thing? I don’t understand. It is a wedding, surely you know that this sort of thing wouldn’t be acceptable.”

A sigh came along with a shake of her head, Celestia’s beautiful visage at last relenting in her attempts to bring about her more sensuous desires. “I know- I do, I promise,” she murmured. “But I love the idea of awaiting you like this. As something desirable, that you couldn’t even take your eyes off of. I’d just- be a gift. For you.”

So that was it? Rarity knew in an instant that Celestia had to have been teasing her, the realization bringing forth a small snort of laughter. “Perhaps, darling,” she began, “I can help you achieve something similar. A little more gracefully?”

The sly smile on those wondrous lips was enough to confirm all suspicions. “That sounds wonderful. What did you have in mind?”

“Unbelievable. You brat!” Rarity cried, giving a hearty shove that put Celestia to laughter, one that soon brought her own voice into the mix. “You could have just said that from the start, you scared me half to death!”

“I could not resist one last chance,” Celestia admitted. “Will you forgive me?”

“Only if I have to,” Rarity replied; a roll of her eyes and a turn of the page, a blank sheet of paper there before their eyes and made ready for her skills. “So… a more sensuous, alluring sort of wedding dress, darling?”

“That was the hope. Something sexy,” Celestia said. A small gleam came to life in her eyes as she leaned in and whispered, “So that the sight of me will drive you wild all day long.”

A small raise of her eyebrows in response, even if the smile came by instinct. “And what would your hopes be in achieving such a thing?” Rarity inquired.

“So you’ll be so much more fun when we’re alone.”

The mental image flashed only for a brief moment- and was enough to make her twitch. “I’ll set right to work.”

Celestia made for marvelous company while she worked, Rarity’s sketch coming along slowly as the day carried on. With her greatest inspiration by her side, the lovely seamstress’ mind was able to consider every facet of her physique and ponder at just what would be most suitable. She was extraordinarily beautiful; everything Rarity had aspired to emulate, possessing a natural feminine grace that made her irresistible. That slender, sun-kissed figure, those splendid curves and shapely breasts that were a delight to the eyes, smooth skin that bore those flecks of gold as though she truly had been carved from the sun itself. This was the woman for whom she was designing a dress- and she was going to marry her! The thought was wondrous, magnificent, so delightfully joyous that she could hardly contain herself.

And even a little arousing.

“Darling?”

Celestia, having just risen from her seat to head to the kitchen, paused. “What’s wrong?”

“Can you come here, please?”

“I can,” the princess replied, “I just got up, what is on your-” Her words were sealed away by the force of her fiancé’s affections, a passionate kiss bestowed on her jeweled lips by Rarity’s own. Held fast, Celestia could do nothing to escape the union- and why would she even try? The feel of this beautiful woman upon her, the flavor of her lips, and the love that bound it all together… ensnared by such a kiss, she could only melt.

Rarity released her, a miniscule filament severing as they broke away. “Thank you, darling,” she said, promptly turning back to her work and trying to stifle the giggles that soon followed such a sudden act of affection.

Her efforts continued on into the evening. Every new line was set down upon paper with care, minute details weaving their way across white background in small movements of the hand. Rarity gave the work her utmost determination, longing to see the image in her mind’s eye be brought to life for them both to enjoy. She could see it so clearly, the beautiful bride that was to be the woman at her side. If she ever found herself beginning to fall into torpor, then to Celestia would she call and find a kiss waiting to fall upon her lips. The longer she carried on the more kisses she needed, and the small touches and gestures that began to weave themselves into the mix; her inspiration was strong even if her weariness bade her to come rest, so all the more desperately did she need her princess’ love to spur her on towards completion. She needed Celestia desperately, closer to her and more loving, more gracious with every new union and more passionate so as to properly match her own desires lest she fall into exhaustion. Only those sweet, lavish, luscious lips could hope to save her-

“And… there!” Rarity proclaimed, setting aside her pen and immediately feeling a horrid cramp overtake her hand. “I believe that does it.”

Celestia slid back into the seat beside her beloved, squeezing herself in close as she leaned in to inspect this new design. Though a far cry from her beloved’s future adornment, this new design still bore a classic form at its core thanks to a subtle corset-style look across the bodice. But then there was the sweetheart neckline, given additional exposure while still retaining a sense of regality. Across the unbroken gown of white was a thin layer of lace, a resplendent floral pattern that added grandeur- and then utter sensuality as fabric disappeared and allowed the skin to breathe beneath the flowers, highlighting every curve that she possessed. Even down to the train did the blooms continue, loose patterns helping to veil the figure that would stride beneath the form-fitting skirt. Made with her in both mind and eye, Celestia looked upon a gown that was designed solely for her, and only her beauty alone would it glorify.

“What do you think of this one, Cellie?” Rarity inquired after a fashion, having allowed the fresh design to sink in and be fully examined. “I know you wanted something sexy, but I kept finding myself thinking of something fit for a princess, so that theme of royalty kept creeping its way in. How did I fare?”

“Oh, Rarity.” Celestia’s words were husky, her eyes rippling with light as she tried to hold back the unexpected rush of emotion. “Rarity, my beautiful diamond, it is wonderful-!”

“I thought you’d like it!” Rarity said, triumphant after the long trial. “You’ll look simply marvelous, darling, absolutely breathtaking! I can just… I can just imagine you wearing it already…”

“And how does that make you feel, hmm?” Celestia inquired, happy tears still trying to tear at her voice. The two were all but atop one another, close and eager to be the totality of each other’s attentions in the comfort of the late hour.

“Like I can hardly pay attention to anything else, darling,” came the reply. Her hand began to slither its way down to the interior of Celestia’s thigh, settling there as it plied across fabric and massaged the smooth skin beneath. “How does that sound?”

“Like heaven.” The kiss that came was relief for them both, Celestia caressing her beloved as Rarity swooned at the touch. Their passions were at the boiling point, eager for further kisses and all the delights that were to follow after-

“Can we go somewhere, dear Cellie?” Rarity breathed, struggling to speak through the stream of kisses that fell upon her lips. “I think we need to be alone…”

“Mmm, but we are alone,” Celestia replied, pulling her fiancé into her lap and beginning to unravel the ties that held fabric together. The flesh across her beloved’s neck called for her attentions, beckoning for the tenderness of her kisses that would only escalate things further. “Why even wait?”

It had been her hopes to see them reach the bedroom, but the pulsating heat within her would offer no mercy upon her; relief was demanded in all immediacy, and Rarity was eager to comply. “Oh, darling-”

The ringing sound of the front door met their ears. “Rarity? I’m home!” Sweetie Belle cried. “Apple Bloom and me brought some takeout, you want any?”

But then again, life could be so desperately unfair.

Neither of them had seen the great hall so empty before. Every footstep that fell within the open space echoed on across stone and marble until at last able to flee through the open frames of the windows that allowed sunlight to spill through. For Twilight, who had spent more hours within the usually-bustling hall than she could recall, seeing the place so devoid of life was a rather eerie sensation.

For Rarity, the great room seemed to beckon forth images and dreams of events yet to come, perhaps inspired by the one day she had ever spent within its walls; the great crowd of people, the sight of flowers along carpeted paths, and a blissful union between spouses at last. “Soon it’ll be my turn,” she whispered.

“What was that?” Twilight asked. The feeble words were too softly spoken for her ears to hear them in such an open hall, nothing close enough to bounce them back where she could hear the echo.

“It’s nothing, Twilight,” Celestia answered, a grin on her lovely features as she walked in their midst. “Only daydreaming. I might even join her myself, if I get the chance.”

The three of them had come to survey the hall at Twilight’s insistence, the sprawling room made empty so as to allow imaginations their chance to run wild. This would be the place where the wedding would take place, and plotting minds needed opportunity to envision that fateful day. Who would be where, beneath what and amidst whom? Only the planning stages even still, but a wedding of this scale would not allow for anything to be done on a whim.

“So the dais will be where the ceremony itself take place,” Rarity said, walking up the miniature steps and allowing her eyes to conceive of her numerous ideas. “The arbor will be at the center… in the very back, against the window, with Cadance just before it.”

Celestia, noticing what had caught her beloved’s eye, nodded in assent. “We should have brought markers for certain things,” she remarked. “People’s placement onstage, the position of props. I don’t know why it didn’t occur to me.”

“It did to me,” Twilight piped up. A faint glow within her bag and out flowed several small tiles along with a pair of markers. “Nothing else is going to happen in here until the wedding, right?”

“No- thank you, Twilight, these will do wonderfully. So here will be Cadance,” Celestia said as she set down her first tile adorned with the name Cadance upon it. “And then Rarity and I upon either side, just a bit before her…”

“You’ll be on the right side, so that means Luna will be… just about here…” Rarity muttered-

“Rainbow will be- here… with Fluttershy and Pinkie just a bit to her right…”

“Twilight, you’ll be here- with Applejack to your side.” Rarity surveyed the assorted tiles that had been scattered across the dais, mulling over the numerous names and roles that needed to be fulfilled. “That leaves the ringbearer-”

“One of my guards will see the duty done,” Celestia said. “Once they’ve arrived, the rings will be sealed in the vaults until the day of the ceremony.”

“Perfect! That leaves the role of flower girl…”

“If you trust me, I can work up something that’ll make a nice substitute,” Twilight offered. “Sweetie and the others are all grown up, I don’t think they’d take kindly to the offer this time around.”

“So, a person or something-?”

“Something worthwhile,” Twilight answered, remaining cryptic as her smile suggested further secrets. “You’ll appreciate it, I promise.”

“Then Twilight has that covered,” Celestia remarked. “A team of guards will work as ushers, one of the pages will be given tasks… I can’t think of any other duty left unassigned.”

“Nor can I,” Rarity added. “Twilight?”

“I think that covers everything,” the brilliant princess replied. Turning about from the couple, she surveyed the open space of the hall floor and began to scrutinize. “Hmm… we’ll keep about a five foot gap or so between the guests and the dais, and then about the same all the way around. That should be enough for everyone to fit comfortably.”

“How many guests are supposed to come?”

Twilight bit her lip. “About two thousand.”

It had not been the answer she’d been expecting, Rarity taking a small gasp at the response. “Not even Cadance’s wedding had that many.”

“I tried to see it made even lower, but I could not convince the Houses to allow it,” Celestia sighed bitterly. “The significance of the High Princess of Equestria does not allow for a small wedding, unfortunately.”

“Pinkie and Applejack will have their work cut out for them, even with the help of the kitchens,” Rarity murmured.

“Welcome to a wedding,” Twilight said with a barking laugh, “Not one has ever been easy.”

The rest of the afternoon was spent in the great hall, poring over various tasks and designs that required their attentions. With so many details still left undecided, Twilight was desperate to see as much settled before the day could pass them by. When the sun began to hang low against the horizon, Rarity found her mind troubled by a strange sort of haze, and her body sagging. With only a small meal for lunch, the constant focus had demanded more from her than she’d expected.

“And then there’s the gardens- oh gosh, we haven’t even paid any attention to them yet,” Twilight muttered, shuffling through her clipboard and the numerous papers held against its frame. “Cake designs haven’t been sent in yet, the buffets need to get decided…”

“What needs to be done for theeee- oh excuse me- the gardens?” Rarity inquired. She’d meant to say more but found her words swallowed by the presence of a yawn.

Twilight looked up from her notes and found that her audience was definitely far from rapt, even Celestia’s nigh-endless energy showing its signs of fatigue. Rarity, trying her best to maintain a genial attitude, was slumping against the wall and looking as though she were in desperate need of some time off her feet.

“Another day,” she said, a snap of her fingers seeing the clipboard vanish from sight to some unknown space. “We’ve gotten a lot done today, even if it doesn’t really feel like it. Where’s Rainbow been, now that I think about it? She’s supposed to be helping out.”

“She is, darling. Down at the Boutique here in town,” Rarity replied. “I told her to bring the rest of the girls with her, they should be finishing up with their dresses right about now.”

“I thought you were making them.”

“I ran out of the proper fabric, so I reached out to dear Sassy with the designs. I wouldn’t be able to get a new shipment in until next week, I didn’t want to fall behind.”

“Let’s go drop in, then, I guess,” Twilight assessed.

“Twilight, the Boutique’s halfway across town,” Rarity reminded her, hoping that the tone to her words wasn’t a whiny one. But after the long day they’d spent within this one place, the thought of walking such a distance did not appeal to her in the slightest.

Twilight, however, only grinned. “It’s a good thing you’re with us, then,” she said. “See you there-” and in a quick flash of lavender, she disappeared.

Rarity blinked. “I forgot you can do that.” She wrapped herself about Celestia’s arm and braced herself for the jump, feeling that sudden rush of wind about her form and a loud Snap! as the moment came-

One world slid away and was promptly replaced by another, the empty space of the great hall supplanted by the polished and gleaming world of the Canterlot Boutique, Rarity’s second- well, third- home and currently closed to the outside world as its proprietor tended to the most significant custom orders of her life. “Ooh, it feels much nicer in here,” Rarity remarked as the cool breeze of the air conditioning fell upon her skin.

The couple made their way to the backrooms and found Twilight chatting away with Rainbow and Pinkie while Applejack was being attended to upon a small stage, the vibrant locks of Sassy flashing all about her fit form as the seamstress completed the final touches.

“Good evening, darlings,” Rarity called. “How’s everything gone today?”

Rainbow gave a wave of her hand in greeting, saying, “Fluttershy just went home, she’s good to go. Twi will have to swing by tomorrow and get hers done, we’re just out of time today.”

“We did have one problem, though,” Twilight cut in-

“Oh no.”

“Nothing major! Just a stitch broke on Pinkie’s dress after Sassy had finished, right where the skirt meets the bodice. It’s fixable, but she’ll have to come back tomorrow and get it re-sown and maybe even refitted. We can’t risk that happening later on.”

Pinkie, playing the role of both victim and perpetrator within the incident, tried to avoid facing the wearied brides and let her eyes flit freely across the room to avoid contact. “I- I might have gained a little since- you know, last time you made a dress for me,” she admitted. “I’m sorry, it’s all my fault.”

It was another setback, but the shamefaced look upon her dear friend’s face was intolerable. Though perhaps not the most graceful of beings in their happy band, Pinkie’s continuous lively warmth had been a blessing in their lives for far too long; heaven forbid that such a small thing as a little extra weight be what aroused her anger. “Darling, it is entirely fixable,” Rarity said, soothing the worries of the distressed baker. “It’s perfectly- well, it’s not wonderful, but it’s a solvable problem. You needn’t feel bad.”

“Are you sure? I know we’ve all still got a lot to do and you need me and the Cakes to get working on-”

“Pinkie, you’ve nothing to fret over,” Celestia interjected, her serene tone soothing the worries of the younger woman. “Your dress is perfectly mendable, you ruined nothing.”

The miniature crisis resolved, the group of exhausted women could do nothing but await the finishing touches to Applejack’s dress, a moment that came none too soon by any of their tastes; the day had been long for all parties, and the morning to come would surely bring another.

“I’ll see this lot back to bed,” Rainbow said as they departed the Boutique, Sassy locking the doors and saying her goodbyes. “Umm… food, right- I’ll talk to the Cakes and see what they’ve got, bring it up to you when I come by in the afternoon.”

“And I’ll start working on a couple of meals for y’all to check out, too,” Applejack added. “Let you decide what you want for the reception and we can send the recipe along to the cooks.”

“And I’ll talk to some of the designers, see what décor ideas they’ve got for me,” Twilight said. There were numerous other tasks and things to see done, but the effort of naming them was too much for any of the weary women to bother with, not when there would be enough come the morrow that they would have to see done. “Holy jeez, I’m tired.”

“Bed. Bed, all of you,” Celestia insisted of them all, a friendly but exhausted smile on her lips as she shooed them away. “Thank you so much for all your hard work today, get some rest.”

In a matter of seconds, the entire group had dispersed; Twilight saw the others off to Ponyville with a wave of her fingers while Rarity and Celestia disappeared into the bowels of the castle where a comfortable shower awaited them. Only a brief spattering of water upon their flesh did they desire, the call of the plush sheets enticing them like a siren’s song. So comfortable were the pillows upon which she crashed that Rarity could not even summon the strength to roll on her side when she felt the presence of her beloved beside her.

“How long until the wedding?” She muttered, knowing full well the answer.

“Two months, one week,” Celestia said in a sigh that was more likely a groan.

A short, yet very long, period of time. “We’ll see it done.” I hope.

Morning came far too swiftly for either of their liking, the call of royal duty dragging Celestia from the comfort of her bed rather than she being willing to answer. Walking to her balcony in little more than a shuffle, resplendent hair in numerous tangles and one eye feeling drier than the other, the princess peered out at the horizon to where the brilliant star awaited her summoning. Too early by her current tastes, and the sun itself too bright for her gaze to bear; a single wave of her finger was all she was willing to give the momentous morning ritual.

“Please let today go well,” Celestia murmured. Her own duties as princess would keep her occupied well into the afternoon, unable to attend to wedding preparations. The last thing she wished for was unnecessary politicking to prevent her hour of departure.

Rarity was hardly any swifter in rising from slumber; bathroom activities came at a staggered pace as the two women prepared themselves for the day, a little more makeup being found necessary to cover dark circles and baggy eyes. The thought of breakfast held little appeal to a still-sleeping stomach, but the need for coffee screamed within their heads- with maybe something a little extra held within as a sort of jumpstart.

“I’m going to head down to the gardens this morning before it gets too hot,” Rarity told her beloved. The two had requested a private morning in the royal apartments with only simple fare to help temp their palates, and the best coffee the palace had in its larder. Settled before a plate of baked goods with an assortment of spreadables, the pair of lovebirds found themselves slowly entering the awoken world in fullness.

“More planning?”

“And seeing what gardening needs to be done,” Rarity added, “checking the grounds for any holes or things that could see people get hurt. All those high heels, it wouldn’t take much for someone to tumble.”

“It’d make for something to laugh at, but yes that’s wise,” Celestia muttered. “Send word once you’re done, I’ll try to join you as soon as I can, I’ve a delegation from Baltim-”

The door to the apartment, locked and kept sealed by a potent ward of Celestia’s making, undid itself and were cast open to reveal the magnificent stride of Princess Luna, beautiful warrior of moonlight. Ever tall and proud, her eyes sought out her elder sister and the expression upon her face forewarned that whatever summoned her was of ill tidings. “You are not going to like what I have to tell you,” Luna announced, no preamble or morning greetings upon her sharp tongue.

Forced to pause in the act of buttering her bagel, Celestia tried not to scowl at the dreadful proclamation. “Really. That’s how you’re going to start my morning? No warning, at all.”

“This is the warn- do you remember King Rueben?”

Seemingly deciding that breakfast was a lost cause, the sunlit princess set aside her cutlery and focused all her attentions on her sister. “Distinctly,” she said drily. The cantankerous leader on the Crystal Empire’s border had been a thorn in her side for more years than most could count, a constant source of tension and eager to cause trouble with his larger neighbors to the south.

“He’s dead. Passed away two days ago.”

“Oh… ‘Kay. That-”

“His son Rutherford took the throne today. He wants to declare war.”

The silence was palpable; Rarity gawked at the declaration, her eyes flitting between the two women as realization began to set in. War? Like, an actual war? A bloodshed, fighting, death sort of thing?

Celestia, however, only blinked. “Any particular reason why, or just because it’s Tuesday?”

“Cute, you think he needed a reason,” Luna said.

“Oh for heaven’s sake,” Celestia complained, throwing up her hands and forfeiting all hopes for the day. “Just like his father, I swear. Then we’ll have to go talk him down, this’ll…”

“I know, I know. And he’s not anywhere near as angry as his old man.”

“Wonderful. Right now, of all times!” A difficult spirit to aggravate, the sight of Celestia so easily losing her cool was a shock to both sister and beloved. “Unbelievable- OK. OK, so… let’s get ready to go, I’ll alert Hearth Fire so he can prepare a contingent of guards-”

“Wait, you’re having to leave?” Rarity, still left reeling from the sudden rush of ill tidings, found herself struggling to come to terms with each new revelation. A country she’d all but forgotten about was suddenly at the forefront of modern politics and was trying to enact a war, which was going to see the departure of her future bride- and all of it had been announced in less than thirty seconds!

Celestia winced, knowing the weight of the blow was not to be solely against her alone. “Yes, I…. unfortunately yes, I have to be there in person,” she admitted, turning from her sister and back to her fiancé. “Rarity, I am so sorry, but this is of importance. Not just because of diplomacy, but out of respect, Rueben’s funeral will require our presence also. If it was just that then our absence would only be a day or two, but Rutherford…”

“You could be gone for quite a while,” Rarity guessed. The cold shock in her stomach was only growing with every second, bad news becoming worse the more time it was given to sink in. War and rumors of war, all in the midst of a wedding to the very one who would have to deal with it all. “Will you be safe, is there-”

“We’ll be fine,” Luna said, the eternal warrior guessing at what stoked the young woman’s fears. “Rutherford is young and brash, but he’s not a fool. We’ll be able to talk him down, it’ll just… take forever. They’re a particular bunch. I am really sorry, I know this is a horrible time.”

Rarity gave a shake of her head. “It’s fine. I know this is what you have to do.” She truly did understand, even if the implications were a horrid one. The wedding preparations would be all but hers alone, and that would be if diplomacy did not see the whole event delayed entirely.

“You are wonderful,” Celestia murmured, kissing her bride in thanks. “I’ll send word to Twilight as soon as I can, let her know what’s going on. She’ll be Princess-Regent until I return, and then-” A small groan, but a smile all the same. “We’ll see it done, and in good time. Don’t you fret, my love.”

Without another word the two sisters departed for parts unknown, leaving a beautiful young woman still rattled and most definitely feeling very small in the face of the numerous duties and preparations that would all but totally fall at her feet.

Author's Note

I hate that I've been to depressed to write much for this long. Especially on this story. I like it. It's sweet, happy, and kinda sexy- everything I enjoy writing.

Enjoy. Keep reading, I guess.

IV: Maturity and Meltdowns

My precious diamond,

I am safe and well. Luna and I have been given comfortable quarters within Prince Rutherford’s ‘mansion’ as he names it, and what diplomacy that has occurred has gone well. The initial threat of war that was born from his ascendency to the throne has dissipated, and the burial for the late king has come and gone. If there are fears of conflict that remain in the palace, or in your own heart, let them be stayed.

The opening of her fiancé’s letter was as good as anything could be. Straight to the point, Rarity’s worst fears were quelled, and she had been given the status as to Celestia’s welfare. Knowing that her future bride was safe and comfortable was her primary concern, but knowing that there would be no great battle to delay their wedding was just as pleasant.

“But it just can’t be all good, can it?” She muttered. There was, unfortunately, more to the letter.

However, this brokered peace has brought about a diplomatic formality that must be attended to first. The late Rueben’s treaty with Equestria does not pass from father to son- meaning that Rutherford has no directive to maintain peace with his father’s allies. Seeing that he does wish to continue that peace, however, means that a new treaty must be forged and signed. An easy feat if it were any other nation, but Rutherford’s desire for absolute perfection means that progress is slow. A single sentence can take an entire day to be put to ink, and such a formal contract is- well, as you might guess, quite long.

I am so sorry, my darling. I would give everything to be with you rather than in this wintry place, but duties of the crown demand my place be here for a little longer. Luna and I are trying as best we can to speed up the process so I can return. The very moment my work here is done, know I shall be there by your side.

I yearn for you in every moment. To not have you in my arms is a loneliness that I did not know I would have to endure. I feel your absence by day, and dream of you by night. I wake and wish for your lips upon mine. To hear your voice will be to hear the songs of angels. I long for the moment when I call you my bride once and forever- and how deeply do I wish it came soon!

Stay strong and hold your head high, my love. This absence will not last forever. Until the day I hold you once more, may you be well without me.

All my love, Celestia

It had been her first missive the stellar princess had sent since her departure over a week ago. Rarity, kept heavily occupied by wedding planning, had been delighted to have a reprieve from the constant chaos that now surrounded her. The letter had been a blessing to receive, even if it had borne news both good and bad.

After all, it really was the only good news she’d had in about two weeks. Having Twilight’s help would have given some level of ease in regards to the wedding, but her favorite planner had her own royal duties to attend to, and acting as Princess-Regent had seen the brilliant woman so deeply occupied with matters that she was hardly available for even a cup of tea. So that meant almost every facet of the wedding was now at her feet, even with Rainbow offering what support she could to keep things on track. But there was still so much to do, and she was only one young woman; the wedding dresses had yet to be designed, the rings had been delayed by two weeks, the wedding décor needed to be crafted, Rainbow hadn’t gotten back to her about the bridal shower yet, and half of the guest list had yet to reply. And somehow, those were only the items she could immediately recall. But it was fine. Everything was fine, really; she was an adult, she could definitely handle this and not lose her temper. Because if heaven help her and she lost her temper on people who were only trying to help…

The morning had come and Rarity found she had awoken abruptly yet again. One moment she was in a fitful dreamworld, and then the next she was wide awake as though her mind were on edge. Considering just how much tossing and turning she’d done before finally falling asleep sometime late in the night, she didn’t feel rested. Part of her wasn’t even sure she’d actually slept.

The tea in her hands was more potent than her usual fare, a spot of cream liquor within to help buoy her morning; heaven knew she needed it. She’d only have a short time for personal preparations before making the trip to Canterlot, see if she’d be able to speak with Twilight today and go through more of the checklist. Try as she might, getting the seating chart together was a task she’d found herself ill-suited to complete. And hopefully the vendors would be in so she could start putting together gifts for the wedding party.

“And I still haven’t started working on those blasted dresses,” Rarity muttered. With no time like the present, the graceful seamstress took one last munch from her biscuit and moved her realm of operations to the sowing room. She wouldn’t have time to get started, but at least she could set all the fabrics and tools she’d need aside. The silk was definitely in here somewhere, of that she was certain. As to where, well- it had been a while since the last bridal order, if she were honest.

So thorough was Rarity in her search that the task absorbed her concentration to the fullest capacity; a knock came against the wall to startle her senses and make her realize there was now company in the form of an armored guard in her abode. “Oh, I’m sorry! I didn’t even notice you’d come in,” she said. Her voice was strained, a small part of her mind wishing they had declared themselves when they’d first stepped inside. Easy now. They were assigned here for your safety.

Ream smiled and gave a bow, his genial demeanor not noticing or perhaps ignoring the young woman’s tone. “Apologies if I scared you, my lady,” he said. “But your carriage has arrived. Yor is outside awaiting us.”

She needed to stay a bit longer; there was one particular lace she wanted to use for the bodice, but it had yet to make an appearance before her eyes. If she could only put a hand on it then perhaps she’d be more comfortable with departure. But Ream and Yor had been extremely decent to her during their time as her guard, always patient and never intrusive into her daily life; they’d been lovely through and through, a model pair of newlyweds as well. It would be rude to keep them waiting for any longer, especially when they'd been so consistently been keeping watch for so long.

“Yes, of course,” Rarity said, relenting from her search with a sigh. Somewhere in here, I swear. “I hope there wasn’t any mess waiting for you this morning?”

Ream’s grin grew, followed by a quick snort. “I believe your mailgirl was a little confused as to why she was suddenly delivering you a few boxes worth of letters this morning,” he replied.

So she was indeed still getting hate mail; the animal dung hadn’t made an appearance since Celestia had deem that the seamstress be put under protection, but whoever despised her must have found new methods to enact their annoyance. “A few boxes’ worth?” Rarity echoed, unsure of whether or not to be irritated or impressed by the dedication. “Goodness, you were careful, weren’t you? There have might been something truly horrid inside.”

To her horror, Ream only continued to take things in stride. “I didn’t open it near your house just in case, ma’am,” he replied. “And once we deduced it was nothing but anonymous mail, we had it destroyed.”

Ream was a young man; in love, well-trained, and serving alongside his bride, he thought himself invincible. “Please do be careful,” Rarity sighed. “Just in case? One of the packages I received before you arrived burst of its own accord.”

“As you wish, ma’am,” Ream said. “Shall we depart?”

“Yes, I suppose we must,” the fashionista sighed. “To Rainbow’s house first, if you please. A few of the girls were going to be making the trip with me today.”

A few minutes and the small band of ladies were well on their way, nestled in the rear car of the train bound for the royal mountains and enjoying the one small reprieve they would have for the day. Rarity had discreetly requested a small tray for the four of them and had found herself answered by a pot of crème brûlée with a plate of biscuits. A lovely snack, and a treat for her wearied mood. Perhaps if this little spot of kindness was a sign, then maybe there was a good day ahead of them.

“So, I didn’t get to mention this yesterday,” Rainbow said after a time, “but I’ve got bad news about the rehearsal dinner.”

Rarity’s good spirits, temporarily brought to life by her favorite tea, found itself only to be a bubble fit for bursting. “Oh dear.”

“That Manehatten caterer you really liked? I got a call from him yesterday morning. He’s going out of business.”

The elegant woman gave a puzzled look. “What happened? His establishment was lovely when we stopped in our last time in town.”

“All he told me was that it’s a long story. He’s sending back the deposit, but that means the rehearsal dinner’s back to step one again,” the prismatic woman said. “Sorry. I’ll- I’ll start looking for a replacement soon as I can, I can think of some in Canterlot that should be similar.”

More frustration. It would be so easy to be huffy about the whole thing, let a bad attitude fester and turn the whole day to rot. But it hadn’t been Rainbow’s fault that the vendor had decided to suddenly fold; why be angry at her when no blame lay at her feet? “I’m sure you’ll find something lovely,” Rarity said after a fashion. “And thank you for taking care of the dinner itself, that’s really… I’m grateful.”

“You’ve got a lot on your plate,” Rainbow shrugged. “Not like I can just let you plan this whole thing yourself.”

There were times the fashionista certainly felt like she was, but that was more stress and adversity speaking than anything rational thought or witnessed behavior. And there could be a few bright spots today, perhaps. “Applejack,” she said, turning to the seat where Fluttershy was cozily nestled next to the besotted farmgirl. “How is the cider coming along? You said you’d possibly have a few barrels ready to be bottled by the end of the month.”

At first, Applejack seemed to not have noticed her name spoken aloud; more concerned with whispering sweet nothing into her girlfriend’s ear, the sudden spotlight didn’t immediately take notice. “Huh? Oh, sorry-” She shifted herself about, focusing upon the questioning bride-to-be. “What were you saying, Rares?”

Patience, Rarity. “The cider barrels you’d mentioned last week,” Rarity repeated. “How are they coming along? I was hoping we might even be able to have some pouring for the wedding itself, if that was something you could manage.”

The reaction to that query was instantaneous, the freckled blonde turning pale and looking at everything but her friend. “Hehe- uh, yeah. So, about that…”

Oh come on.

The farmgirl gave a long sigh and steadied herself so as to answer. “We’ve had… some bad luck in the orchard lately,” she said. “Me and ‘Shy found a couple of rotted trees when we went out to take a look the other day, and it looks like our freshest batch of apples is no good. Infestation got into the orchard, we had to pull some of them down before it could keep spreading. We’ve got nothing ready to be picked until maybe next month.”

There were plenty of reasons to be horrified; the hopes of having Sweet Apple Acres make a statement at the wedding was likely a lost cause, and being part of gifts for the wedding party seemed like a longshot. In her more selfish days, that would have been all that would have held her attentions. “Goodness, darling, that’s awful!” Rarity cried. “All that time and effort, it must have cost- how ever did it happen?”

“Not a clue,” Applejack sighed. “But I think we’ve got it isolated, so we’ll just… see how things go from here. And soon as the next round is ripe, we’ll get them ready for ya. I promise.”

It was a promise for a time far from now, but it was better than nothing. “Much appreciated, darling. I do hope that it’s only a small setback for you.”

Applejack gave a halfhearted smile and said nothing, perhaps deeming that concern best suited for another day. The day they were in now would have enough trouble on its own.

And it was hardly a surprise when trouble began from the very moment they tried to get to work. It had been Rarity’s hope to begin with preparations in the gardens. More than just the concept of things, it would be good to have assigned areas for food and seating, places made ready for music and dancing. Vendors that had already signed on for the event needed to be considered and given a space for work, as well as the kitchens being provided proper room for preparation and cleanup. The garden itself was more or less ready for guests, but the seating chart for the reception needed some work; perhaps it would come to her a little more clearly if she saw the whole thing before her.

That very garden she had stepped foot in only a few days before was now a muddied, torn mess of earth and grass, soaked in refuse and the odor of foul waters that had come up from the depths and decimated the pristine world aboveground.

“What on earth happened?” Rarity asked, aghast at the sight of this resplendent place now reeking and ravaged. She had shared her first kiss with Celestia here, been proposed to here- how could such a wonderful hideaway have become something so wretched?

“A pipeline blew this morning,” Twilight said, having already been on sight to assess the damage. “The system in the castle’s outdated, so it might have just been age- or something else entirely, we don’t know yet. But at least it’s not still spraying, we only stopped the flow about an hour ago.”

It was a horrific stench that permeated the area, fetid liquid and human rot smearing the place a mishmash of unpleasant colors as though a child’s furious paintstrokes over a great masterpiece. Even Rainbow, often the hardiest of their group, struggled to maintain composure in the face of the misery. “Holy jeez, that is- that is unreal,” she muttered. “Do we need to be out here at all? Like, I’m not sure how much more of this I can breathe in.”

Rarity, mentally eager to wallow in her horror, would have been perfectly fine remaining at the scene of the accident and letting it consume her emotions rather than following her friends back into the cool –and scentless- halls of the palace. Her heart had already sunk far below the pipeline, what was some human refuse to a woman whose dream wedding seemed to be enduring a series of punches to the face?

“We’ve had to shut the water off across the entire castle,” Twilight said as the group of young women recomposed themselves. “I’ve got water being shipped in so there’s something potable that can be used for food and cleaning, but that’s about all we can manage. We won’t be able to turn it back on until they get the burst pipe replaced.”

“How soon do you think that’ll be?” Rainbow asked of her royal squeeze.

“Sometime tonight, I hope. They’re working fast, but it’s in an odd spot. They’ll have to do some digging if they want to extract the whole thing and bring a new one down.”

Fluttershy glanced over at her still-horrified companion, biting her lip before asking, “And… what will happen to the garden?”

Twilight knew the weight in that question and hesitated to answer. “That… I just don’t know,” she admitted. “It’s- it’s a mess, I know. And some of the garden was definitely poisoned by the waste, so it’ll have to be dug up and replaced. The terrain is a mess, too, so the porch and paths out there- yeah. It could be a while.”

Each woman tended to their own thoughts for a moment before turning to the bride-to-be that stood silent in their midst, the most heavily affected by the events that had transpired. Rarity was not a harsh person by any means; perhaps vain, but always intent on exhibiting model behavior no matter the circumstances. However, when faced with real stress, she had been known to crumple. So now they looked to her, waiting to see if the bubble would finally burst after the constant ill tidings that had plagued her morning.

Rarity remained silent, though finding herself quivering. Just how much more was going to go wrong today? What else wasn’t going to go her way? Would the décor examples not be any good, if they showed up at all? Would any vendor agree to work the wedding? How many more guests would still be silent? Now with the garden a wreck, a backup location for the reception needed to be taken into account- they still didn’t have any idea for seating for it, too. And most infuriating of all, she still didn’t have those blasted wedding dresses made yet! Nothing had gone right today from the very moment she’d gotten up and she was sick to death of it! It would be absolutely, positively wonderful if she could just fill her lungs with air and begin a tirade.

Instead, the elegant woman forced herself to take a slow, intentional breath, her eyes bouncing about the room and settling on each of her friends in turn. None of this was their fault, not in the slightest. They’d all agreed to come help, all been willing to do what they could to alleviate her stress. Nothing that had gone wrong was on purpose; even with all the bad that had happened, there was still plenty of work that could be done. Rainbow had been hinting at what she wanted to do for the bachelorette party, so that was something to discuss. The day had been horribly frustrating, yes- but she would not lash out against her dearest companions.

“OK, then,” Rarity said slowly, a low voice holding back her baser instincts and allowing tranquility to take hold instead. “Let’s… Twilight, dear, is there a place that could be used as an alternate location for the reception, just in case?”

“I mean… there’s the throne room, but that’d be tight- and Day Court’s still running,” Twilight mused. “The dance hall maybe? It’ll be a tight squeeze, but you can see what you think.”

“You’re not coming with us?” Rainbow asked.

“Like I said, Day Court’s still going. I just had to halt proceedings for a bit so I could deal with that stupid busted pipe. Odds are I won’t be done until way late.” A wry smile came, the wearied princess clearly apologetic. “Sorry. It wasn’t on purpose.”

“I know it wasn’t, darling, no need to feel bad,” Rarity said. “We’ll just… see what we can do. There’s still plenty of day ahead.”

Her words rang true, the long hours of the miserable day slow to end their continued march. Stress mounted, hours ticked by, and closer did that awaited day come with seemingly every moment. There was still so much she needed to do.

Had she ever experienced a migraine before? Rarity found herself wondering, for the pulsing in her brain had begun almost the moment she’d awoken and had yet to relent, more painful than any mental throbbing she’d ever felt before in her life. Too tired to make the journey back home with her friends, Rarity had opted to spend the night in Celestia’s chambers, tired body sore and sticky from a day without a bath. Awaking and still feeling the prior day’s sweat was not something she’d ever enjoyed and the sensation had only added to the day’s frustrations. There would be no work on neither of the wedding dresses, Twilight was occupied with matters of court so she would be working alone, and now –out of all the confounded things- she was having to ask the royal beautician for a reason why she wouldn’t be able to work at the wedding.

I didn’t even know she could say no.

“I’m not going to force you to comply against your will,” Rarity said; her voice was professionally cool, deliberate measure to help combat the frustration. “But may I ask why you won’t be able to provide your services? Celestia speaks so highly of you.”

The beautician was a rather pudgy woman who clearly possessed impressive skills with makeup. Whatever flaws she possessed on her overweight form had been well concealed by a smartly applied layer, helping thin the lines that came from the extra cushioning. Was Rarity wrong to think there was some haughtiness in her expression, a coldness in her eyes that the unease could no wash away? She was at least being polite. “I must apologize, miss,” she said, “but I simply will not be able to provide my services for you.”

The royal beautician certainly didn’t appear comfortable; Rarity hadn’t realized she’d put the heavyset woman into something of a corner and provided some distance so perhaps she would relax. But then again, there was the rest of the staff present and they were definitely listening in. She hadn’t meant for this to become a confrontation, but the morning felt like it was already out of her control.

Rarity tried a different tack. “I hope you’re not feeling doubtful about your talents,” she said, smiling graciously. “I’m sure you’d do a wonderful job! I’ve seen your work upon dear Celestia’s visage more than once.”

“I simply cannot, miss. It is a personal matter as to why,” the pudgy woman replied, shutting down any hopes of cajoling with her flat tone. “I apologize for my abruptness, but my staff and I have other works we must attend to.”

So she was being dismissed. Not certain as to the exact reasons why she was being denied any help but still possessing suspicions, Rarity gave a small smile and nodded, bidding farewell to the young ladies about her and departing the spacious room. Another failure, another setback, and now she’d have to look elsewhere for someone to take care of hair and makeup. “I guess nothing goes right so long as Cellie’s not around,” the seamstress sighed.

She lay against the wall of the hallway, running fingers through her hair as the mounting workload of incomplete tasks filtered down before her eyes. There was so much to do that absolutely needed to be done; the wedding wasn’t far away anymore, a fact that would only add to the pressure. If these ill tidings didn’t cease soon, she wasn’t sure that she’d be able to make the deadline- and that was if Celestia was able to be back in time! Surely it couldn’t be like this all the time, right? At least she hadn’t lost her cool yet, so there was at least the moral victory still available to her. That had to count for something.

“Excuse me… Lady Rarity?” The refined voice rang familiar in her ears, anxious mind alerted to the presence of another that she might actually know. Opening her eyes and broken from her unhappy tirade, Rarity looked up to see the formal, though friendly, form of Fancypants standing there beside her with a look of disquiet on his face.

“Fancypants!” Though still in a miserable mood, Rarity’s tone was genial as she greeted her friend. Fancypants was an unusually down-to-earth member of high society, his title as one of the Common Nobles never too heavy to crush his good nature. Having been one of Rarity and Celestia’s biggest supporters from the early days of their announced relationship, he and his on-and-off-again girlfriend Fleur were delightful company. “I’m sorry, I must have lost track of time. It’s lovely to see you.”

The smile that came in return was a half-hearted one, the man’s considerate nature clashing with his current discomfort. “I wish I was here on better tidings,” he began slowly, “but I unfortunately must be the bearer of ill news.”

Rarity went rigid at the pronouncement, face stony as she regarded her companion. “And that means what, exactly?” she inquired. No ice or fire in her voice, not yet…

Fancypants took a long exhale, teeth gritted as he regarded the beautiful woman before him. “As you know, all announcements from Parliament are delivered by the highest-ranking member of the House of Commons,” he said. “Even if such pronouncements come from the House of Lords.”

The ancient houses, old bloodlines that had maintained connections to the royal families of both past and present, titles given by birthright rather than elected to the position. Not a group of people she’d seen much of, but they had occasionally been mentioned by Celestia before- and not altogether warmly. The only two Rarity had ever really known were Cadance and Blueblood, the contrast between them greater than the breadth of a canyon. “And you have… a message for me?”

“I do not bear this willingly,” Fancypants said. “I am truly sorry, Rarity. I am not sure what possessed them to take such a course of action…”

Pushing a gilded envelope into her hands, Rarity found her head pulsing as she extracted the contents. This wasn’t a coincidental thing; someone had waited until Celestia was out of town, not present and there to defend her. And just what was it that they had decided to say?

To all those whom it may concern, hear ye these tidings:

In accordance with Article XIV of the “Welfare of the Crown Act,” Signed into law the year MCCCLV, the House of Lords has deemed it necessary to intervene in the upcoming marriage of Celestia, High Princess of Equestria, Keeper of the Sun, and Head of the Stellar House. This action is due to potential conflict of interest regarding the suitor of Princess Celestia, Rarity of Ponyville, who has exhibited prior behavior of extreme interest in societal advancement through ulterior use of the Royal Family. On behalf of Equestria’s Princess, the House of Lords deems this current engagement between both parties to be suspended until further notice.

~ Lord Blueblood, Prince of the Verdant House, Chief Representative of the House of Lords

Rarity continued to stare at the artfully written words, waiting for the moment they would actually sink in. This wasn’t real, was it? It couldn’t be, not at all; this was a sick joke, some prank of some kind. But then there was the wax seal below, imprinted with the Lord’s Sigil. It might actually be real. Which would mean everything she’d been working towards for the past month was useless, as well as the years she and Celestia had spent together to bring about the culminating union in permanence. And all because of one overzealous popinjay who’d decided to sink to a new level of petty.

Engagement suspended. An entire house of Parliament had decided that her engagement to the most wonderful woman in the world was null and void. And somehow, for whatever reason she couldn’t even fathom, Blueblood had convinced them to deem her as the one who had spurred them to action. It was almost too much to take in. But then again…

“Well who the hell gave him the right?!” Rarity shrieked, her voice reaching an octave powerful enough to shatter glass. Forget decorum, this was her life that they’d decided to interfere in! She hadn’t been the one who’d initiated in the first place, much less been the one who’d proposed. How on earth had a bunch of crotchety bunch of rich politicians come to think that she was up to something? “What a bunch of needless, tasteless, useless pile of garbage I wouldn’t bother to wipe- to-” She couldn’t remember a time she’d ever been so angry in all her life. This was the willful, intentional shattering of her dreams. How could this happen?

Fancypants had taken a step back to avoid the initial blast but retained his decorum all the same. “The measure taken by the House of Lords was objected to by the Commons, but our word was overridden. The Lords have overriding vote in regards to matters of the state rather than matters of the people. I wish there was more I could do.”

Rarity tried to find something to do. Was screaming better, or would it be more appealing to just burst into tears? A mixture of both sounded wonderful at the moment. “Whe- who- are those… are they still present?” she asked in a voice positively dripping with venom. She could feel the heat within, flames in the back of her mind threatening to set the world afire.

“I do believe they are, as this missive was delivered to me only a few minutes ago by one of their Pages,” Fancypants replied. “I am sure a conversation with the one responsible for the measure would be most illuminating for you.”

“Oh, I am sure of it,” she breathed. She’d done her best to avoid that stuck-up blowhard for the past three years; every gala, every dance, every single event that had ever seen her at Celestia’s side- not once had she even wanted to look in his general direction. It wasn’t like he’d ever said anything to her in that entire time. But oh, that just hadn’t been good enough, had it? Now apparently was the time to make a statement. So if that slithering thing thought she’d simply wilt, he had another thing coming!

Rarely, if ever, had Rarity hiked up the hem of a dress. The most unladylike action was something she’d always seen as beneath her, but her pace was too quick to avoid such a thing now lest she catch the fabric beneath her shoes. Practically running towards the Parliament Wing, the enraged fashionista found herself quietly wondering just what it was she intended to do. It wasn’t like she could tell them to do much of anything, even Celestia had some limitations when it came to overriding their will. Just what did she plan on doing to make them change their mind? Oh, Cellie, I wish you were here- more than ever!

There was a glimmer of lavender and gold out of the corner of her eye and Rarity turned to see Twilight on her way from another hallway, quite literally racing down the hallway and bearing an expression so violent that it was difficult to tell which of them was the more furious. “Twilight! Do you know-”

“They only just told me about two minutes ago. Let it slip out like it wasn’t important!” Twilight snapped. “Rarity, I am so sorry, this is- they’re abusing a law for their own ends, that ruling they cited wasn’t meant for something like this. I can’t believe they’d even dare try!”

“I know full well why they would and so do you,” Rarity said. “Blueblood, that vile little-”

“We’ll deal with him. All of them,” Twilight assured her. “Just follow my lead and don’t let them goad you. They need some kind of proof against you to convince anyone that they’re right, but they won’t get it. You’re better than them, and don’t you forget that!”

Heart pounding and mind ablaze, Rarity followed her royal companion down the hall to a pair of burgundy doors gilded with gold, guarded by a trio of well-armed guards who appeared discomforted by this rushing movement from such a powerful princess.

“Princess Twilight!” The officer on duty sprang to a salute and his compatriots followed. “Apologies, Your Highness, I was not informed that you would be making an appearance today.”

“I doubt I was expected,” Twilight replied, voice cool yet more polite than her fiery demeanor suggested. “Lieutenant Whinny, am I right?”

“At your service, Your Highness!”

“Is the entire House still assembled?”

“None have yet left for afternoon recess, Your Highness,” Whinny reported.

“Good. I and Lady Rarity are to enter, no one is to be allowed entry once I am inside unless it is the gravest of emergencies. Is that understood?”

“Of course, Your Highness!”

“Thank you much. Rarity, shall we?” Pushing the golden doors open, the illustrious young royal strode through the threshold and into the proverbial lion’s den and promptly commanded all attentions; what voices that had rung through the air were cut silent by her appearance, the relaxed and almost confident atmosphere went cold. The sprawling room of a hundred nobles fell to attention and cried out in a quavering voice to herald her arrival, eyes upon the powerful woman that now stood in their midst. Celestia they knew, the regal diplomat of days gone by; patient and gentle even against opposition. But Twilight’s legend was borne of battle and conflict, made real by the unparalleled magic held within her sleek form. This woman was an unknown to them, and perhaps a wild card.

The woman behind her, however, they knew all too well. When the nobility had finished taking in their royal guest, eyes flitted over to the furious young woman who also stood in their midst. Rarity could feel their gaze burning against her more fiercely than the sun’s rays, the judgment held against her still firm. They had little love for one such as her, a hungry seeker of status and glory at the expense of others; they knew her kind and had seen it before more times than any of them could count. This one, they had decided, was not worthy of their attentions.

She kept her head held high and met each stare with her own fire. Oh, how wrong they are.

“Ladies and gentlemen of the House of Lords,” Twilight said, voice booming across the spacious hall and sending a shudder through the uneasy host, “it has been brought to my attention that an emergency measure has been brought into action on behalf of High Princess Celestia. As acting Princess-Regent, it is my desire to understand the meaning behind such a drastic measure.”

At first, the room remained silent. The throng of nobles seemed unwilling to rise to the occasion and meet the Princess’ words, preferring to look elsewhere rather than the eagerly awaiting royal. For Twilight, this sudden hesitancy did no favors to her already foul humor.

“I was delivered a missive bearing this House’s seal only a spare few minutes ago, one stating that you had invoked the ‘Welfare of the Crown Act’ on behalf of Princess Celestia. Am I to believe that this is not the case?” Twilight asked. “Or has your security been compromised for the sake of some malicious prank?”

Further silence, only to be interrupted by a scraping of wood across floorboard as one of their member took to his feet and began to make his way through the crowd to the floor below. Rarity’s eyes narrowed at the sight of Blueblood, despising every single thing about his appearance. Chiseled face, thick locks of hair perfectly combed, a stunning suit with a tie that matched his eyes, and a winning smile- a glorious sight that so eloquently contradicted the awfulness within. Just the sight of him made it so easy for her to believe that he’d convinced them to take action; someone who looked that good could easily persuade any fool of a politician.

“Prince Blueblood,” Twilight announced as the man took a place before her. “It was by your name that this measure was taken, was it not?”

“It is, Your Highness,” Blueblood said, his smile not faltering even in the face of Twilight’s nigh-concealed wrath.

“Then I would be delighted to know your reasoning behind such a thing,” Twilight replied. “Although Celestia cannot speak for herself on this matter due to emergency circumstances, I know her attitude regarding such things well enough to speak on her behalf- as well as Lady Rarity, who I have known as a friend for several years.”

It was her inclination to pipe up and say she could speak for herself well enough, thanks- but a small wave of Twilight’s hand caught her eye and Rarity took note of her suddenly taut expression. The unspoken advice was clear: Don’t take their bait. Twilight wanted her to maintain composure and remain silent lest she fall right into Blueblood’s hands.

“It is because of such friendships that I am compelled to take such desperate measures,” Blueblood said, giving a sigh as though burdened by the task. “Your Highness, you are an astute woman, a mind filled with the greatest learning the kingdom could possibly offer to anyone. A storied relationship with anyone can make a person blind to both fault and merit alike. You say you are this woman’s friend- that is wonderful! However, your affections have likely given you a stilted view of a person due to their kindness towards you. They have, by no fault of your own, deceived you.”

“I have been deceived,” Twilight repeated, her voice so intentionally even that it couldn’t have possibly been measured. “And I assume you are suggesting that Princess Celestia has fallen for the same sort of deception.”

“It is our concern, Your Highness,” Blueblood stated. “This woman maintains good standing with you, just as you have with Princess Celestia for many years. By default, she will trust your companions just as quickly as she would her own. Thus allowing this cosmopolitan to find a new potential entry into the world of the elite via the ranks of royal nobility.”

“You believe Rarity is using Celestia as well as myself for her own personal advancement, then,” Twilight surmised.

“It is a reasonable fear, Your Highness. Many have tried before, as history can testify- you yourself know more such anecdotes than I could hope to recall,” Blueblood replied, seemingly delighted to see how quickly Twilight was following his argument. “The ranks of this very House have been defiled by the actions of such lesser people-”

Lesser people?!

“- And once-noble houses were brought to disrepute. Though the character of some could be called into question, many of these Lords sought exactly what so many of us in this world do: love. They wished to be loved, but instead were used for fame and fortune and societal position, the actions of others bringing them to their downfall. But never –ever- before has one ever dared to reach so high as for the highest crown itself- until Rarity.”

“Until Rarity,” Twilight echoed, “A woman who has aided me in countless struggles both minute and magnificent. She requires the rank of others to advance her name.”

“Would it not benefit her to be tied to the crown? Her connections to you have brought about fame she would not have otherwise,” Blueblood explained. “She is famous because you are famous, not because of her own deeds. A deepened connection to the Princesses would only increase such fame and fortune.”

“And so that is why you invoke the ‘Welfare Act,’ I assume? On behalf of Princess Celestia to help prevent eventual scandal?”

“That is our decision,” Blueblood said with a nod.

“Then your basic understanding of the ‘Welfare Act’ is incorrect from the beginning,” Twilight replied. “The year of its signing saw an uprising in Manehattan that had been brought about by a powerful sorcerer who had controlled a large population of the city via magic. It was fears of someone mentally controlling the Stellar House that saw the law enacted. It was only to be invoked if the ruling princess was displaying aberrant behavior that was a potential threat to the country, not as a means of disrupting a wedding.”

The matter-of-fact manner in which Twilight spoke temporarily disarmed the boorish man, eyes held wide as he realized his blunder in thinking his knowledge of history would somehow outsmart Twilight’s. He gave himself a quick shiver, trying to regain composure. “Would you not agree that your ‘friend’ has been one who consistently seeks fame and status?” Blueblood countered. “I do believe you know well her earlier efforts to solidify her place within the royal houses.”

“You mean the Gala years back where your behavior resulted in Princess Celestia personally delivering an apology to Lady Rarity?” Twilight asked lightly. “If this is the incident to which you refer, I must wonder if you realize your actions spurred the initial meeting that would spark Princess Celestia and Lady Rarity’s romance to life.”

Blueblood blanched; this affair was backfiring on him with a horrid swiftness, and his small mind began to realize that he might have been baited into a trap. “I am not-”

“I hope this is not an act of jealousy that I am witnessing here, Blueblood,” Twilight remarked with a smile. “Many people have remarked upon Lady Rarity’s incredible beauty- and how it is outshone only by her gracious nature. Do you find yourself ashamed that you missed your shot?”

Blueblood’s expression could have curdled milk, the displeasure and rage only heightened by the sound of muffled laughter that now trickled through the crowd. Not only was he losing the argument, he was being made a fool of in front of his peers- and Twilight was hardly lifting a finger to make it happen!

“I am not the one who is being held on trial here!” He snapped, the boiling anger within beginning to spill over. “It is of the upmost importance that the integrity of the Royal Line be upheld, protected by undesirable attention-seekers that would besmirch its good name. Our duty is to preserve that good name, as you well know. And until Princess Celestia returns and provides an overwhelmingly convincing testimony on her behalf, this House cannot and will not overrule itself on this matter!”

Rarity had been enjoying the whole affair thoroughly; nervous and angry from the start, yes, but watching Blueblood squirm was the best entertainment she’d had in years. All that fun, however, came to a crashing halt with the force of a train wreck at this latest pronouncement. Her eyes darted to Twilight for confirmation and found a sour disposition upon her features; could she not overrule this herself, or was this really the procedure? Had all of this been for nothing?

Her gaze turned to Blueblood and saw the sneering satisfaction upon his foppish face and realized he’d actually won. Until Celestia returned, nothing about today could be reversed at all.

The illustrious royal took a breath. “How do you defend-”

Absolute, utter fury. “This isn’t fair!” She cried-

Twilight whipped about and tried to wave down her words, but it was already too late; Blueblood’s sneer only grew as he caught sight of Rarity marching towards him, leaving the safety of behind the podium and making her way onto the House floor.

“Ah, and here she is, breaking decorum and proceeding for her own sake yet again!” Blueblood declared. “Even though she has not been announced her privilege for speech still she comes marching to defend her prize. Tell me, Rarity, are you angry that you have been found out yet again?”

“Quiet! I am not talking to you for one moment longer, you utter cad! Listen to me all of you, please!” Rarity turned to the crowd before her, trying her best to ignore the vain beast alongside her and the strange prickling of her senses that spoke to something familiar. “I don’t care about title, or- or anything of the kind! I do not wish for any rank of any sort, I just wish to be Celestia’s bride- it’s all I’ve dreamed of for years now! Please, don’t take this from me because of someone’s petty vengeance!”

“Guards! Remove this woman! She is a disruption to proceedings!” Blueblood called.

“Stay where you are, she has right to represent herself in this matter that directly involves her welfare!” Twilight countered before adding in a more quiet voice, “Rarity, for heaven’s sake stop-”

“She’s given me everything I could ever dream of having, and not a drop of it is because of the crown she wears. She makes me happy!” Rarity pleaded. If even just one of them changed their minds, perhaps she could win this day after all. “Celestia makes me feel alive and loved, every time I see the sun rise and fall I see her there also!”

“When you failed to woo me, was this your means of revenge?” Blueblood taunted. “Or were you always going to work your way up the ladder? Was I just a stepping stone for you?”

Rarity’s instincts told her something was amiss, and it was about Blueblood. But still she tried to win over the crowd, crying out, “I never, ever knew I could love someone this deeply, these past weeks have been agony without her! If I have to give up every penny I have to be her bride, I’ll do it! She’s all I could ever want any longer! I am begging you, do not do this!”

“Was it always about the money, or was it more about making a name for yourself?” Blueblood asked. “Must be very easy to sell a whole lot of your fashion line when you’ve been the Princess’ concubine for three years.” There was a hushed gasp at the remark. Was Blueblood remarking about Celestia’s character at this point, or Rarity’s still? It was an unprecedented statement to their ears.

Rarity could ignore the boorish man’s chiding for no longer. “Oh be quiet! You were a brute to all of my friends the entire night, an absolute philistine who squealed like a child because you were beset by bunnies- and you used me as a shield! You unbelievable, absolute, little- little…” Her senses were screaming at her now, trying to get one moment of attention to reveal the minute detail that had gone unnoticed until she had been at his side yet again. A strange aroma in her nostrils of cologne; not an unpleasant one, but the scent made her skin crawl. After all, hadn’t she scented it alongside something else, now that she thought about it? It had paired so wonderfully with the reek of animal dung.

The beautiful woman knew she had gone pale. “You’ve been sending me all that hate mail,” she breathed.

Blueblood ignored her quiet words, focusing more heavily on her earlier statement. “And so she admits to it at last! Hoping to pair herself to my name for her advantage, having always desired to join the ranks of the elite through a false marriage to a noble!” He boomed. “How convincing is the evidence when it’s proclaimed by the perpetrator itself.”

“You! You complete and total trash heap of a human being, you’ve been sending me those boxes of crap, haven’t you?” Rarity shrieked. “And all that hate mail, every single stinking bit of it! Ream and Yor haven’t seen home in days thanks to you because they’ve been worried someone was trying to bomb my house! You complete and utter-”

“Prove it, then!” Blueblood roared, smile wide as he reveled in his triumph. “Please, provide the evidence! Make your words irrefutable for this House to consider- alongside your actions of your very first Gala, I would so love to see you prove me wrong. Because I think we both know the truth, don’t we? Just what was it you were hoping for when you threw yourself into my arms, wrapped yourself about my arm? Or are we to believe that I just so happened to be someone in the crowd that day?”

Despite her fury, despite all her incredible anger, Rarity knew she’d likely made the worst mistake she’d ever made in her life. Baited, hooked, and reeled in to be devoured by the fisherman, she had fallen into this idiot’s trap perfectly despite Twilight’s continued insistence she keep silent. It could have gone so smoothly, Blueblood continuing to incriminate himself and display his buffoonery without she having to even lift a finger. Instead, where was she now? The proverbial corner- and no one had put her there but herself.

“I believe we’re still waiting,” Blueblood remarked.

She could feel the stinging in her eyes, gaze beginning to cloud with tears even as her fury continued to writhe in her chest. With little else at her disposal, Rarity raised her hand and swung, delivering a staggering blow against Blueblood’s perfect little cheek with a beautifully sonorous Pow!

“Auugh! Sonuvabitch!” Blueblood cried, losing his footing and nearly sent sprawling by the beautiful woman’s unexpected strike. “You little slut-!”

“Oh shut up for once in your life, you jealous little cow!” Rarity snarled, turning her back on the stunned crowd before anyone could stop her. Through the doors and down the hall, ignoring the questioning guards that called behind her. Her vision was blurring all the more with each new step- she’d never screwed up something so badly in her life! She was going to lose her engagement to Celestia and it was all her fault. She needed to get away from this place right now- before she really lost her composure.

In her wake, the House of Lords had yet to recover from the stunning proceedings. Twilight found herself now alone in the midst of these pretentious people, wondering if zapping Blueblood into ash was a consolation prize for everything going wrong. Rarity, darn you, I HAD him! If you’d just waited two seconds-

“Well,” Blueblood said slowly, fair features now red and being crafted into a welt by the blow, “I guess we must now consider prosecution as our next measure. All in-”

“She’s a romantic, not an attention-seeker,” Twilight remarked suddenly. “Rarity loves fairytales; you know, happily ever after? She was hoping it’d be with you. It’s not her fault you’re the most horrid person in the country and nearly ruined romance for her forever.”

Blueblood’s marked face grew foul once more. “Excuse me?”

“Celestia basically rescued her dreams,” she said. “And you absolutely squealed like a little girl because of some rabbits and we all know it. We were all there, Blueblood. You being a trash heap isn’t news. How many times have you been caught at brothels, for heaven's sake?”

Perhaps he felt insulted. Maybe he was slighted, or feeling cocky. But Blueblood’s expression grew wrathful and he snarled, “Oh shuttup, you little nerd. Not like you’re even a real princess, why are you here? You can’t prove any of it.”

Above them came the rumble of thunder; frightened eyes looked skyward and saw the makings of a stormcloud just on the edge of the ceiling, the darkened fabric billowing with growing wrath. When the cold, clear sound of the lock snapping shut met their ears, Blueblood realized he had perhaps gone a little too far. All around him and throughout the crowd, dozens of newspapers suddenly found their form and fell to their feet, his face shining clearly amongst the dull black and white of ink and paper.

“Well, then,” Twilight said, standing at fullest height and looking out into the crowd. “It seems we are going to have a little light reading on the history of Prince Blueblood, the only man to ever cause Princess Celestia to apologize on his behalf. Shall we start with his teenage years?”

Author's Note

This was fun. Less steamy, but still fun. I like writing this.

Keep reading, I guess.

V: Rest and Recuperation

She had awoken and found herself aching from the absence. Every morning she’d known for far too long was spent in a miserable state of solitude that the people about her could not remedy. The realm in which she languished was not unpleasant, or brimming with wickedness; it simply was. But to say that she enjoyed being here would have been the greatest lie she’d ever told. Here in this frozen wasteland, this kingdom that was not hers was where Celestia so desperately wished not to be. There were better people, better places to spend her time- and oh, how deeply she desired to be there.

She had spent her time of adjournment in the quietest sort of silence she could manage. Outside of Rutherford’s expansive private quarters and sitting upon an uncomfortable wooden chair beside an aged dining table, she found herself listening to the muffled sounds of the great prince, soon to be king, roaring in fury at his advisors over something so incredibly miniscule. The mistake in the treaty had been a clerical one, of no real significance at all in the grand scheme of things; but my gods, how he had come alive at the sight of it! Rutherford was not one to suffer fools gladly, and he seemed eager to deem all of his advisors as such. They had come so close to seeing the treaty completed- a few sentences away, at best. And yet now here she sat, waiting for this latest tirade to come to an end so she could see her work finally finished.

She also wondered if selling her soul would be what it took to see this finally taken care of. There were far gentler, more pleasant things she could attend to right now. One of which was particularly soft to the senses, bearing an elegance unseen since time began. That fair skin, those glowing eyes like resplendent jewels, and that unassailable bearing that spoke to her true grace, so wonderfully coated in kindness. And then there was the magnificent, sumptuous, decadent body that she knew by touch, by heart, that she so deeply lusted for and needed with all her being. Just the thought that Rarity was so far away pained her, pushed her to desperations! If she didn’t have her sweet beloved in her arms soon, she just might-

“Oh my god, you are sad.” The condescending, playful voice of her sister roused Celestia from her morose state and make aware to her senses that she was no longer alone in this place. Luna had returned from her temporary quarters and found herself gazing at the sunlit woman with a mixture of humor and pity- the reason likely being the pair of miniature women shaped from the ice that had formed upon the table, a pair of regally dressed beauties in a gentle caress surrounded by iced flowers. The sight of them, elegant and lovely, was another stab at her heart, and one easily dispelled when Luna’s mocking expression captured her attention.

“Oh will you shut up,” Celestia muttered, a flick of her fingers sending the two brides away and into the ether of nonexistence. “He’s not done screaming yet, obviously.”

“For heaven’s sake, you are the world’s biggest grump,” Luna said, more than a little disgruntled at having to deal with her sister’s continuous unhappiness for so long. “I get it, you wanna be with your girlfriend, but it’s not like this sort of crap wasn’t gonna happen in the first place. Get over yourself!”

“Why are you always like this? Why are you always mocking?” Celestia demanded. “Of course I want to be with her, I’m supposed to be getting married in little more than a month and yet I’m still here! Why shouldn’t that bother me?”

Luna gave a sigh, trying to extract every ounce of her patience and put it into this moment. She was the one more prone to emotions, but they often spent less time in their lingering. Celestia, however, struggled to see them set aside, more likely to bury them until they would resurrect and enact their horror. And, in fairness, she’d never really been in love with just one woman; she found herself more content to frolic wherever she roamed. To be longing for just one soul alone that could satisfy her body- well, no one had ever dared to say Celestia was actually perfect.

“Have you considered that politics and decorum might keep you from her more often than you think?” Luna asked, leaning back against the frostbitten wall. “You won’t always have her with you. Is that something you’ll be able to deal with?”

“Eventually- maybe,” Celestia answered. “But- Luna, heaven’s sake, she’s planning it all alone. Rarity doesn’t deserve that kind of stress. I need to be there to help, heaven knows how she’s dealing with everything.”

“I’m sure she’s fine. Rarity’s a smart girl and more than capable. Doubt you’d want to marry her otherwise,” Luna remarked. “So relax and stop stressing yourself out. You’ll be back in your pretty girltoy’s arms before too long and then you can start fu-”

The knock on the door came with an abruptness, a swift rapping against icy wood that seemed to shiver with each new frequency. The only one upright, and definitely closest to the door, Luna turned from her sibling and wrenched open the frozen joints that separated recipient and messenger to demand, “Who is it?”

“Message for Princess Celestia, Your Highness,” said the voice, a solitary hand slipping through with a well-wrapped missive in hand. “Marked Urgent by Princess Twilight, as to be known.”

“Urgent, you say?” Luna took the message and unfurled its contents, perusing through with a swiftness-

It had been meant for her, after all. “Luna, does privacy mean nothing to-”

“It’ll probably be important for me, too. Besides, this crap up here’s almost done and then you get to go home. Calm down.” The lunar princess’ eyes flickered back to the source of primacy, going down through each line slowly as to ensure her fullest understanding. And, by her sister’s estimation, whatever was written upon the scroll was working marvels at making her darkened eyes wide as saucer plates.

“What’s wrong?” Celestia inquired.

Luna let her filled hand fall to the side, seemingly stupefied by the content that had passed before her eyes for a moment of time. “Um.”

“That’s not good.”

Luna winced, gaze in a back-and-forth rhythm between Princess and paper as she pondered the consequences of actually delivering the message to its intended host. “I… I think you might need to read this one,” she muttered at last.

The crisp parchment fell into Celestia’s hands and her eyes instantly recognized the scroll to be filled with Twilight’s handwriting. Considering recent years, there was reason to be concerned; what monsters had decided to arise from the depths, what necromantic beast had returned to life? Deep in the depths of her heart, spearing through flesh and spirit alike, she dared to wonder if something dreadful had happened to Rarity. If her beloved was wounded while she’d been absent-!

She read the contents. And then read them again to make absolutely sure she wasn’t insane. “Oh you’ve got to be kidding me.”

The blinds hadn’t been enough to block out the light that continued to seep in, thick coverings put across the window and turning her bedroom into a darkened place. The house had been locked up tight, the Boutique’s ‘Closed’ sign left dead-center of the door and a note on her bedroom door that she was not to be disturbed. It was not pride that kept her from the sight of others, but shame; deep, loathsome, colossally heavy shame that made her feel lower than the cockroaches that scurried beneath the floorboards. She was a fool, she was clueless, she was vain, egotistical and just plain stupid.

Rarity had sealed herself in her room two days ago and had yet to make another appearance before the face of anyone. What water she needed came from the bathroom sink; food hadn’t even been considered. Combined with the fact that she’d been utterly unable to sleep, it was of no surprise that she found herself feeling nauseated and weak.

Good. It was what she deserved. How could she have been so foolish as to fall for Blueblood’s obvious bait? He’d goaded her perfectly, primed her to make a buffoon of herself before the entire House, and not once had she thought that it might be a trick. It had been his realm into which she had entered, like a child swimming alongside sharks. The lack of caution she’d shown was appallingly stupid to everyone who’d had a lick of sense, and just as much to her in retrospect. Rarity could only rewind the incident in her head over and over again, the spine-tingling, soul-crushing embarrassment streaming through her blood like venom; there wasn’t a mistake of its like that she could even recall.

Fame-seeker. Gold-digger. Desperate for status. She’d all but confirmed it before the eyes of so many, their denial of her wedding now seeming like it had indeed been the proper response. Whatever Twilight had said after she’d left was irrelevant. Her own actions had been proof enough. Convincing enough, even, to make her wonder if perhaps she’d tricked herself into ignoring the truth. The thought was blood-chilling and she wondered how Celestia would react to it. If she even wants to see me at all.

From the outside world of her dreary realm came a knock upon her bedroom door, a trio of gentle raps of a familiar strength. She knew who knew stood outside, on the cusp of her misery; for the first time in what felt like an eternity, a new emotion was allowed to find life within her heart. Unfortunately, it just so happened to be fear, and not yet powerful enough to give her the strength to rise from her place upon the covers.

Silence came. Then a new set of knocks, followed by a serene voice that called, “Rarity? May I come in?”

The despairing seamstress found herself caught between a rock and a hard place. Say nothing and she confirmed all of Blueblood’s condemnation; speak, and she might just be delaying the inevitable- or inviting new judgment into her very presence. There was also the fact that her voice struggled to even find its power at all…

“Rarity, darling? I know you’re in there,” Celestia said. “Sweetie Belle says you haven’t left since… Twilight told me what happened. Please let me know you’re alright.”

Fear was bubbling, frothing into panic. How could she escape what was about to befall her? Celestia was going to come in and demand the truth and she’d have to speak it, and then the whole engagement would fall apart and it really would be that she’d never have actually-

“I am sorry if I intrude, but… I am coming in all the same,” Celestia declared. A small flicker of light through the keyhole illuminated her darkened world for just a heartbeat, soon followed by the creaking sound of her bedroom door being opened, allowing the soft light of the hallway to spill through and expose the downcast place to prying eyes. In strode a tall figure that seemed to glow even in the faint brightness, her fair form bringing into the disordered bedroom an aura of tranquility that worked against the dreary spell that had overcome the place.

She was so tired that Rarity couldn’t even manage to bring herself upright so as to meet her judge and jury, merely glancing upwards with bleary eyes as Celestia came to her bedside and knelt down, a hand coming to gently stroke across her face so as to push stray strands of hair aside. Body tensed; now came the moment-

“Don’t scare me like that again,” came the whispered command, those soft, pink eyes gazing down at Rarity with such love brimming within that all the fears her young beloved had held deep only moments ago were now lost to time. How could she have ever doubted the truthfulness of her own feelings and that they were not shared? Were there not multitudes of memories that spoke otherwise, so plainly that they could not be denied? Rarity had not come to love a title or a name but a person. She had not loved riches nor fame, but the tender warmth that gave life to her spirit. Not anywhere else in the whole wide world could she feel safer, more secure, than in Celestia’s care.

“There we go,” Celestia breathed, a smile coming at the sight of her wearied fiancé displaying a small grin of her own. “See? It’ll be alright. Everything will be alright. Don’t you fret.”

Rarity couldn’t see how just yet; the road before her was still darkened, no light given for even the next footstep. But Celestia was Sunlight, and to her would she would cling, trusting that this wonderful woman would find a way to see them both to the end.

“Now, when was the last time you ate?” Celestia inquired. Her own worries soothed by the sight of Rarity’s spirit buoyed, to more practical needs did she now turn. “Do you need anything?”

The truthful answer was probably yes, but the majority of her nausea came from two days without slumber. The weight of her bedcovers suddenly felt so heavy, the darkened corners of her bedroom beckoning for her eyelids to fall and see her mind drift from the sadness that had tried to claim her.

“No? Then do you just want to sleep?” her sunlit bride asked, receiving a slow nod in reply that was well met by a smile. “I hoped you’d say that. Do you mind if I join you? I haven’t slept since yesterday morning.”

The nod she gave this time was more vigorous, even if weariness was beginning to sink its teeth in deep. Rarity watched as Celestia turned to the window and pulled away the thick blanket that had covered the blinds, the darkened world now turned a dark grey by the dim glow that entered from beyond. No longer did her black quarters seem so inhospitable, the dull light bringing a sense of calm to the bedroom.

The door was closed shut, the brilliant princess slipping out of her pale-white robe and allowing the garment to simply fall to the floor in a heap, her sun-kissed form now only covered with simple white undergarments. Around to the other side of the bed did she walk before slipping beneath the bedsheets, inching across the snug space until she found Rarity within her arms, the two nestling close as the young fashionista took her usual place in Celestia’s grasp.

“Don’t ever doubt that I love you, my precious diamond,” Celestia whispered, kissing the lank locks of her beloved’s hair.

Rarity felt the warmth that now lay about her, gentle and soothing to her heart as the sight and strength of candleflame. Oh, how deeply she had ached in its absence, more desperate for Celestia’s presence than even her conscious self had realized. Yes, there would be words to be shared, more troubles still ahead- but all in due time, not in this secret, treasured moment that was theirs alone. Here they lay, alone together and the rest of the world incapable of ever finding them.

Too content to be worried any longer and too tired to resist, the beautiful young woman closed her eyes and almost instantly fell away into a peaceful rest.

Their nap was likely only a few hours, but enough to work wonders on her well-being. Her eyes opened slowly and within her did she feel rejuvenated, her once-hollowed mind calm and at ease like the world about her. As Rarity took in the dimmed surroundings that had come about with the early evening, she rose upright and gazed at the slumbering woman still beside her. Celestia’s face held lines upon it even when dreaming, the heaviness of her sleep more weighty than even that of her betrothed.

The drowsy woman’s heart went out to the sleeping princess, fingers gently tracing along the contours of her face as she took in the peaceful sight. Just how fatigued had she been since their absence, burdened down by royal duty and diplomacy? Rarity could only imagine what sort of pressure Celestia was constantly under: to perform, to lead, to judge and rule- to be perfect. All her own striving seemed positively meager in comparison to what her beloved surely must endure. And why had she returned, leaving behind her duty as leader of a nation? To look after one fool of a girl who’d not been able to keep herself out of trouble. What sort of poor man’s consolation prize-

She came because she loves you, silly. The growing pity party, emotion left raw by sleep, was cut through as though with a blade and made lifeless. Of course Celestia had returned when the news had reached her ears; would she not have done the exact same? Goodness, it had been agony enough to be separate for this long, the absence a gaping wound that had grown with each passing day. If Rarity had been in the same circumstance, she knew without a doubt not any force on earth or heaven could have prevented her departure. And if this good, wonderful, beautiful, absolutely magnificent woman loved her, then that should be enough to quell her fears.

Now, enough of that silliness. Today will have enough trouble on its own.

Perhaps sensing a mind concluded, the serene form of Celestia began to stir, eyelids flickering until opening in full and slowly taking in her surroundings. A small spate of confusion before recognition took hold; no, she was not in a wintry land any longer, but in the quiet seclusion of her fiancé’s chambers. Safe, far from prying eyes, and allowed to be herself. Jeweled eyes looked over and took in her companion, face crinkling into a dreamy smile. “Hello,” she whispered.

“Hello, darling,” Rarity replied, reaching out to find her hand in Celestia’s. “Feel better?”

“Marvelous. And you?”

“The very same.” The fashionista glanced over at the clock beside her bed. “It’s soon to be evening.”

“Ooh, so at least a few hours,” Celestia grunted, pushing herself into an upright position. “That’s the most I’ve gotten in days.”

There was more than a story there, but not the one that had summoned Celestia back to this quiet corner of her kingdom. Rarity had no desire to rob her beloved of this moment, out of time and away from the rest of the world. “I think… fancy a cup of tea?”

“Most certainly,” Celestia replied, pushing herself out from beneath the covers and adorning herself in clothing once more.

They took to their tasks slowly, the gentle rhythm quietly bringing them back to full sentience as each step was completed. No pace or pressure to be kept, simply to see it done. Hot water put on the boil, and a small plate stacked with honey muffins that had easily tempted their palate as they waited for the kettle to sing. The two had begun their work separate, but each waking moment brought them closer and closer together. Brushings of skin became small touches, glances of the eyes turned to smiles; quiet gestures all they could offer until at last they could not resist the call and fell into each other’s arms in an embrace, clutching to one another tightly as though afraid the other might vanish from their grasp.

“I missed you, darling,” Rarity breathed. Oh, just how deeply had she missed her! The sweet scent of Celestia that spoke of spring flowers, the warmth within her chest like a beam of sunlight, all so gentle and soothing to her spirit. The comfort of her presence had been an ache, one that she could not have imagined ran so deep.

“And I you. Every day, my love,” Celestia replied. To an extent even her sister’s mockery could not have described, the stellar princess had hungered for the feel of her bride in her arms. The passion with which she reached out for her, as though the whole of her heart could not be held back from expressing her love. Oh goodness, just how wonderfully did Rarity love her!

“I’m sorry about all this. I know it’s all my fault.” Rarity couldn’t help but let it slip; she hadn’t meant to. But Celestia was here in her arms, there to listen to her worries and help allay her fears- to whom else was she supposed to run? “And you said it was all so important that you just had to stay and now I’ve made you come here-”

“Shush, shush… it’s alright, darling,” Celestia cut through, soft words quieting the turmoil that had tried to brew. “Twilight sent me a message and told me what happened.”

“But they-”

“It’s not the end of the world,” Celestia said, this time speaking with firmness. “You did nothing wrong that can’t be made right, don’t you worry.”

How could she be so sure? So many times she was like this, confident and hopeful even in the face of the impossible. How many times had she seen greatness and goodness in others when no one else could even conceive of the thought? Rarity had seen her vulnerable before, yes, but who she truly believed Celestia to be was who she was now. It would be foolish not to give in and trust her.

The two returned to Rarity’s bedchambers and closed the door, lamplight filling their surroundings with a comforting glow. “There, now,” Celestia said. “We’ll both feel better with a little something in us, don’t you think?”

“Seeing as I haven’t eaten since- well…”

Celestia bit her lip as her expression clouded. “Have a muffin, sweetheart. And take all the time you need.”

Rarity gave a bitter laugh, wanting nothing more than to bury her face in her hands. “I hardly need any time. Oh, I’m just the biggest fool that ever lived.” Try as she might to waylay her journey down the path to misery, she could not avoid this inevitable first step. Celestia had every right to know just what kind of stupidity she had concocted while on her own. If she were to indeed marry a fool, she should at least know it.

Celestia, however, was hardly keen on giving credence to such self-deprecation, and more than capable of quelling her beloved’s propensity to the dramatic. A hand reached out and caressed Rarity’s face, the soothing touch giving a little more strength to face the moment. “I hardly doubt that. Why not tell me how you saw everything?”

Her beloved wanted to hear the tale from her perspective, and she had no answer available but to do as she was asked. Perhaps slowly, and certainly painfully, Rarity retold the tale of her most wretched day with as much detail as she could offer; from the moment she had arisen she recalled what had transpired before her eyes and the reactions she had felt to it. Not once did Celestia interrupt but instead allowed her fiancé’s stream of consciousness to flow without ceasing, not one word or thought ever given the slightest objection. Never in her life had she ever had so excellent a listener, more rapt an audience; no one in all of Rarity’s life could match this sort of attention that she was given by this sweet princess, as though her words were more important than anything that had ever been spoken.

“… And then- and I just- well, clocked him,” Rarity said, a twinge of guilt as she confessed to this last sin; Blueblood was, after all, Celestia’s kindred. “And then I just ran and left, and then I came here and then I just- oh, I messed everything up. I’m so sorry, dearest, I didn’t mean to make such a mess of things. I honestly wanted you to come back home and find the whole wedding ready and just waiting for you! And now look at what I’ve done!”

“You did the best you could. Goodness, Rainbow and Twilight have spoken wonders about you,” Celestia countered. “They’ve both came to me before I found myself at your door, did I tell you that? They wanted me to know you’ve been the loveliest bride, absolutely exquisite to work with. Always gentle, always kind to everyone around you. One moment of weakness against a boy who was desperate to incite you does not make you a failure.”

“But look at what happened! I somehow got this entire engagement suspended and I wasn’t even trying!” Rarity protested. So desperately did she want to feel miserable and blame someone, anyone, for the consequences that had come about. “And you had so much important work to do, but… but look at all this.”

“Luna is finalizing whatever else needs to be done. She is more than suited for the task of keeping Rutherford sated while I deal with matters of state. Anyone who protests can –frankly- bite me,” Celestia said, soothing what concerns still tried to arise. “Rarity, my diamond, you worry far too much. It is alright! You don’t think such things are final, do you?”

There had been a small part of her that had conceded. “Well…”

Celestia laughed. “I am going to say something that you will certainly not believe, but I ask that you humor me and listen anyway. Can you promise me that?”

“I’ll- try.”

The stellar being took a deep breath to steady herself and said, “As surprising as this will sound, I do not actually believe Blueblood believe he was being malicious.”

The utter gall to even suggest it! “That cad! How could you think-”

“Please, let me explain,” Celestia interjected, “As insane as it sounds. You know him only so well. I was there in his life from the moment he was a little boy. His parents doted on him, spoiled him endlessly. But very rarely were they there to let him be a child. But to me? I… I cherished my time with him. Blueblood was the closest I ever believed I would get to having a child of my own.”

The idea of a youthful Blueblood was impossible for her to reconcile with reality; a boyish, sandy-haired child with tussled clothes and hair seemed impossible when compared to the regal brute she knew now. How had he become something so awful if Celestia recalled him with such tenderness?

“I will admit, I spoiled him just as much as they did,” Celestia continued, “but he remained ever so kind to me. Not once a cross word in my presence, always gentle. He even came to me and spoke of how he wished his parents would actually get to know him… I tried my best to guide him. But I guess the works of his kin bore more fruit than my labors. He became the son they deserved- and the grown child you have come to know. Even still, though, he does look to me as someone he cherishes. And his experiences with you likely made him assume…”

So that was the secret as to why. “He thought he- he wanted to protect you. From- from me,” Rarity surmised.

“I believe that is what he intended,” Celestia replied. “But he never knew you, not like I do. He never knew the generous spirit, the purity of love you give me. He only ever knew the snapshot of your life that you allowed him to be part of. And from then on he judged you to be the same- because how could other people change if he has remained the very same person since the day he left boyhood behind?”

She had never thought of it that way. Truthfully Rarity wasn’t quite sure how much of it she believed, resentment against Blueblood’s continued torment not allowing her to feel any mercy just yet. But it did allow his actions to make sense, even if the consequences were still horrid to deal with. “And now look where that’s got us,” she muttered. “What are we to do?”

“Firstly,” Celestia said, “we are to rest. A comfortable evening together is just what I want- need, really! And then a good night’s rest before we return to Canterlot in the morning. I have informed the House of Lords you and I are to meet with them tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow! But what for?”

“So they may know you. Know us,” Celestia answered. “They acted as Blueblood told them to, but how much do they really know of you? After all, your name is tied to Twilight’s, is it not? A little enlightenment on things and they will gain proper perspective.”

“And you’re sure?” Rarity inquired. She was so determined to see the worst in all of this, for what reasons she herself couldn’t fathom. Heaven knew why she wanted her romance to have so much drama when the lack of it had made Celestia so loveable.

“Positively,” her solar bride replied sweetly, there to meet her cheek with a kiss as the two settled in each other’s arms. “Now, no more despair. As if the words of any could hope to keep me from you!”

The tension in her form, kept buried within throughout their conversation, at last began to fade. Hunched shoulders kept tight fell and became relaxed, pressure within fading as her breath was released in a gentle stream. Somehow, even if she couldn’t quite see the end of the road, Celestia had determined a way for them to come to a joyous end. There would still be wedding, still be matrimony spent in happiness and love even if she knew not yet how. Yet again, the wondrous princess of the sun had found a way to be her rescuer from her dreary world.

And just like last time, the thought found a way to give life to a burning heat inside.

“I’ll take these dishes back to the kitchen,” Celestia said, reaching for the dishware as she rose to her feet. “How do some games sound? I found myself wishing I could try your hand at-”

“Those can wait- can’t they?” Rarity replied, quick to reach out and find Celestia’s hand in hers. “I mean, we- we have plenty of time to clean up. There’s no rush.”

A small gleam in her magenta eyes suggested that Celestia could easily deduce to where this was leading; no fool in mind and no stranger to love, the slight smirk on her face was proof enough she might be capable of swaying. “I think it has been a long day for both of us, my love.”

“But the night has hardly even begun!” Rarity protested, this time more forcefully pulling her resplendent beloved back down to the bedsheets where further touch could reach her. “Don’t you want to spend time with me, darling? I’m ever so glad you’re back…”

“If you feel like persuasion-!” Celestia’s words never finished before Rarity leapt up to meet her in a kiss, those plump lips stifling all speech and rendering it unnecessary. Now was not time for talk when so much more pleasurable things were available. Happy to relent to this assault of affection, the sunlit royal threw her arms about Rarity’s form and returned the kiss with all the fervor and delight she held within.

Their absence had turned their yearning into a desperate hunger; it took little time for the lovesick pair to descend into the realms of deepest passion, their kisses quickly becoming ravenous. What was propriety or haste when there was love at their fingertips? Rarity loved the feeling of her body so totally helpless in Celestia’s grasp, unable to shrink away from the ferocity and warmth of her lips. So safe, so secure, and so utterly eager to be ravished! Hands streamed across form as she caressed every facet of her beloved, desperate to feel and touch wherever she could.

Throwing her back against the comforting strength of the pillows, Celestia poured herself into the tending of her bride; for too long had she been kept away from this wondrous woman, desperate for the slightest peck of her lips. Rarity was the greatest, most wondrous of lovers; ever eager to tend and to nurture. How could she resist the urge to do the same when now was given to them the chance to ravish? Stroking through hair and across form, her lips pressed all the more deeply until the two were totally intertwined, unable to be distinguished from the other-

Lips opened wide, allowing far slicker, more pleasurable things to come forth and frolic. In a delicate dance did their tongues begin, Rarity’s swirling morsel coming forth to pluck and lather at the pink sweetness of Celestia, the two becoming more and more entangled until a thousand strands of slick saliva held them together. So sweet was this tasting, this ferocity of feeling, but still not enough to sate them! More and more did they joust and dance and twirl about, desperate to feel one another ever so deeply. Even as Celestia latched down with her iced lips and began to suckle, enough to make her regal fiancé openly sigh with delight- still not enough to soothe the fires within! Gentle sucks, rhythmic and slow across spittled flesh as the two drank deep of one another, needing to be filled with that decadent flavor!

Hands, held fast about as their saliva mingled and became one, soon came alive once more and sought out their most needed wellsprings. Beneath the fabric of robe and underthings did prying fingers reach, hunting for that sweetness of pleasure that could only be brought about by the one who loved them. A small twitch here, a pinch there- and oh how much more called for them to fall deeper into this outpouring.

“I missed you, darling,” Rarity said, her words falling muffled and broken in between their flurry of sloppy kisses. “Can I make it all up to you? Pretty please?”

One last plunging union of mouths and Celestia retreated with a heaping helping of dribble on her lips, clearly eager to descend back down and find all the sweet flavor she could. “Will it be alright if I return the favor?” She inquired most cheekily. A giggle came in response, and the two could resist the lovely temptation to fall no longer.

The evening had only just begun, and they had all the time in the world available. Tomorrow’s troubles had no place in the face of the comforting now that tended to their lonesome spirits when so much good could still transpire before the dawn’s risings.

To be back at the sight of one of her most humiliating failures was not something she had intended. Rarity’s stride down the parliamentary halls to the House chamber was a slower thing, full of movements and glances as anxiety tried to prevent the inevitable. No good would come of being here, her fears tried to claim. Bad things happened in this place.

More reasonable voices, however, had already said their peace and helped her to continue onwards. “Convincing the Lords will not be as difficult as you expect it to be,” Celestia had counseled her earlier. “And emotions will not be running quite so high this time around as well. Do not let yourself fret.”

“And what about Blueblood? He- he has a point about my initial behavior with him,” Rarity had objected.

“Blueblood is mine to deal with,” Celestia had answered, a gleam in her eye as she spoke. “And his argument will not last long in my presence. I do not think today is something he will enjoy.”

As she made the turn down the hallway, there at the door stood the pair of royalty that defended her, Twilight and Celestia chatting as though no matter of great importance awaited them. Their casual, relaxed manner helped to bolster the young fashionista’s spirits; if they were this confident, then surely there was no reason to worry.

“Good morning,” Celestia hailed, gladly taking Rarity’s outstretched hand to kiss. “How are we this morning?”

“Is it alright if I’m nervous?” Was her reply.

“You needn’t be for long, my love,” Celestia said. “Simply follow my lead and answer what questions may come your way. Do I have your trust?”

“Of course!” The very suggestion that Rarity did not trust her beloved completely was almost insulting.

The sunlit princess gave a smile. “Wonderful! Now, shall we?”

This second foray into the sprawling chamber held less trepidation and turmoil than the first time Rarity had walked through the heavy doors, her morale bolstered by the presence of Celestia at her side just as much as this visit being of action and not reaction. Her presence came as an announcement to the crowd by the young officer at the doors, name called after the two royals that preceded her entrance. Immediately she felt dozens of eyes fall upon her, their criticisms of her still potent; their weight would not burden this time and the beautiful woman kept her head held high. Out into the crowd did she gaze and saw a familiar head of blonde hair; Blueblood was a tall man, impossible to miss- yet she saw him shrink with fear at the sight of his regal aunt, the eve of his punishment now at hand. Remembering the words spoken to her only the day before, an image of a straw-haired boy was envisioned behind her eyes, tiny figure caked in dirt and grime as he sought to escape the scolding of an angry parent; the only thing that had changed in the sight was size.

Try as she might, Rarity couldn’t fully deafen the twinge of pity.

Twilight was the first to take the podium, the neurotic princess holding the crown scepter in hand as she spoke aloud to say, “Princess-Regent Twilight Sparkle announces the High Princess Celestia! To her hand do I return the rule of the throne, and in her hand may it forever remain.” Coming to her side was the sunlight princess, Twilight bequeathing the golden rod into Celestia’s hands before disembarking from her place at the podium and taking a seat at Rarity’s side. A small puff of air escaped her lips and she whispered, “And good riddance, too. Never, ever again…”

“You did wonderfully while she was gone, darling,” Rarity muttered. To absolutely no surprise, her longtime friend had found herself averse to the politics involved with royal duty.

A wry grin came at the remark. “I’ll settle for being a schoolmaster and your wedding planner, thanks.”

A few glances came to the two women sitting at the rear of the room, but the majority of the nobles assembled became fixated on Celestia as she settled into her place at the podium. This illustrious princess they knew, many of them well enough to be fearful of what they had been called here to witness. Though most often as warm and gentle as the springtime sun, great and terrible could be her wrath, more painful to endure than even the churning rage of the star she held within her grasp. Though many suspected –and perhaps a few of the more cruel hoped- that Blueblood would receive the brunt of her anger, all knew they would be held culpable for their actions against Celestia’s fiancé. The tongue-lashing Princess Twilight had laid upon their head would be child’s play compared to what was coming; Hell was about to be paid.

The beautiful Princess of the Sun looked about at her anxiously shifting audience, soaking them in for a moment before giving a small smile. “Good morning,” she said, gentle voice perfectly audible to all present. “It is good to see you once more. It dawns on me that it has been many a year since I have been before you in this manner; I hope you will forgive this absence.”

The unexpected calm geniality left the crowd disarmed. They had expected a rebuke, flashes of anger and heady pronouncements. Instead Celestia spoke to them as though a friend at the fireside, no more important than small words said over a cup of tea.

“It is my understanding of recent events that you possess little familiarity with the young woman known as Lady Rarity,” the lovely woman continued, “And that what knowledge you possess would be best described as seeing through a lens darkly. She is a friend of Princess Twilight, and was her friend even before her ascension to the crown. She is the Bearer of the Element of Generosity. She is also my fiancé. Such details are easily found in news clippings.” A small breath before adding, “It is my hope that you will know this dear lady all the better before this day is done.”

The crowd of nobility was no more certain of their ruler’s intentions than they had been before she had spoken. They had heard speeches and formality before; just what was she up to?

“Some of the tales I am to speak to you today,” Celestia said, “I am sure Lady Rarity would rather I not divulge to you. It is my hope that she will forgive me for this unexpected disclosure, as it her intention for many matters to remain private. “

A raised eyebrow in response, and a feeling of trepidation. Leaning over ever so slightly in her seat, Rarity whispered into Twilight’s ear and asked, “Darling, do you know what she’s up to?”

“I was hoping you knew.”

“My first true meeting with Rarity was three years ago, an informal visit to her Boutique. I had come to apologize for events that had transpired at the Gala the very night before,” Celestia said. “And in our conversation I found myself distracted by a singular thought I could not make myself ignore: Good heavens, she is so hot.”

The unexpected pronouncement made the crowd ripple with surprise- and in their midst came the sound of muffled, barely audible laughter. Stuck to her place and unable to escape, Rarity found herself biting her lip to avoid splitting into an embarrassed grin. How she loved to hear Celestia praise her, but this was a very formal place…

“I fashioned myself an excuse to be able to see her again. I asked her to join me for tea. And at our teatime, I requested her to make me a dress so that I would have reason to continue seeing her. Every new meeting with Rarity made me desire to spend further time in her presence. I had become, by no intent or will, completely smitten. And so I asked Rarity for her hand, unable to resist the desire for a real relationship. It is during the years that followed that I truly came to know the woman who had so thoroughly charmed me.”

Oh no. Rarity’s bashful smile was impossible to snuff out, the elegant fashionista trying to keep her self-composure when all she wanted to do was hide. She had a fairly good idea of where her beloved was heading. If only she could make her stop before the true embarrassment really began!

“When faced with meeting the needs of her friends,” Celestia continued on, “Rarity will give nothing but her all, and do so without complaint. Upon knowing that she would attend her first Gala, she gladly spent countless hours crafting gowns for each of her friends and refused any sort of payment in return. This generosity is shared just as gladly with even passersby; from the aristocracy to the ordinary, her willingness to give without thought cannot be matched by any other I have ever known. And in the three years that I have had the pleasure to call her mine, she has only allowed such good graces to pour out all the more.”

She could feel more eyes upon her and how desperately did she wish they would depart. No wonder Celestia had apologized beforehand, nothing of what she was about to say had she ever revealed to anybody. Even Twilight was gazing at her curiously, wondering what sort of things her friend had been up to, apparently on the sly.

“When flooding struck Dodge City,” Celestia said, “Multitudes of families were left without homes and belongings washed away. When I spoke to Rarity of the aftermath I had witnessed, her immediate thoughts were to the young children who had been affected. Care packages were assembled at her behest, each containing a stuffed animal that had been crafted by her own hand.”

“I remember that, there must have been over a hundred of those sent out,” Twilight muttered, staring at her friend with an impressed expression. “I didn’t know you did that-”

“Please stop, darling,” Rarity begged. Oh, this was just the beginning and she knew Celestia’s penchant for superlatives. This was going to be awful.

“Two years ago, Baltimare was unexpectedly struck by severe weather, a tornado making landfall within the city,” Celestia reminded her crowd, pausing to let the power of memory sink in. Some of these nobles called that wounded city home, its past troubles dear to them even in their high place. “Lady Rarity insisted that she travel with me as I went to survey the damage so as to give aid to relief efforts. For days this selfless seamstress took on the role of nurse to the wounded and fearful, attending to the young and old with care-”

Cellie darling, please don’t say it next-

“-Upon her return home, the next two months of her profits were quietly donated to relief efforts within the city. The value of these contracts reached a number of almost one million.”

Twilight gave a stared and positively gawked at her friend, the unexpected revelation flooring her. How such a thing had escaped her notice was beyond her.

Rarity, too busy with praying to sink through the floor, ignored every head that turned her way. For far too long did Celestia continue, revealing numerous clandestine actions she had taken over the course of their relationship. From the large-scale to the small, from peaceful moments to the tribulations she had known at Twilight’s side in the midst of danger- Celestia was intent on revealing everything for these nobles to bear witness and she wanted absolutely no part of it whatsoever. She’d never wanted any sort of praise or thank-you for any of it!

“Her actions have even been felt here in this very House,” Celestia continued, the pronouncement rousing Rarity from her mortified stature and making her confused. “I need not regall you the stories of the late Lord Darager, for his name is known all too well by each one of you.”

There was an intake of breath across the hall, hushed and hallowed. And out in the crowd did one young man begin to rise to his feet; shaky and suddenly stricken, Blueblood had singled himself out as he took in the sight of his aunt as though seeing her clearly for the very first time.

“Lord Darager of Blue had long been known as my friend, and a willing advisor in political decorum. For many years. When news came of his passing…” Celestia’s voice caught and became tight, a sudden struggle against emotion overtaking the serene princess. “I- it was at first my wish to be alone in my grief. But Lady Rarity insisted she remain and mourn with me. And in an act of kindness to one she had never met, Lady Rarity attended to the late Lady Roam with food and kindness in the days before and after the funeral, giving comfort to a widow even to her last days. An act of kindness unknown to her children… and her only grandson.”

It was the first time in what felt like ages that she could look about at anyone, even as countless eyes were fixated on her. The face of Blueblood stood out from the crowd, handsome features now quivering and threatening to break. It had never occurred to her that there was a connection, not even the slightest. Darager had been Celestia’s friend and that had been reason enough. Not once had she thought that his legacy might be one she’d already met…

“Lady Rarity seeks no titles. Nor was she born with any to her name,” Celestia said softly, the quaver in her voice still faintly present. “Every title she bears now is one she has earned, has been given: Element Bearer. Friend. Sister. Confidant. Fiancé. Lady… and love of my life. For so long I have hoped to grant her the title of ‘bride.’ Now all that prevents it is time. Time, and your acquiescence.” The regal woman looked about at her rapt audience, the emotion within her beginning to surge in strength and overtake her. “Would you rob me of her simply because of the actions of others? For a fear unfounded? You know her tale now, and all the credit to her name. Many of you once deemed her common- but where could I ever find anyone like Rarity ever again? Never before, and never again has there been someone who will so happily be so selfless, so graceful, or so lovely. Of course I wish to marry her.”

The room was left silent as the great ruler’s words came to a close. A pair of tears came unbidden and fell in streaks across her fair face, the potency of her feeling unable to be truly held in check. Drawn by love for the one who shed them, Rarity left her seat and came to her beloved’s side, taking hands in her own in the hopes of granting comfort to help stem the flow. Had she broken decorum again? Probably. But it was just as likely that she didn’t care.

The silence was broken by the sound of footfalls upon hardwood, shaky steps taken as Blueblood tottered out from his place amidst the nobility and down to the House floor. His clear eyes, wet and turned weak, could not bear to look at the two women before him, face turned away as though fearful of both judgment and grace alike. The handsome bearing had become boyish, younger and strained against the tide; not quite able, or perhaps not yet willing, to cede to the deepest matters just yet.

“It is the will of this House that all objections to the marriage of Princess Celestia and Lady Rarity be rescinded,” he said, voice kept tight. “The Chief Representative will now excuse himself to await Princess Celestia’s appearance.” And without another word Blueblood departed from their midst, heading out the aged doors to more private quarters.

She could hardly recall what happened after; the world moved by in a blur as their time in the House came to a close, Rarity only knowing that she departed with Twilight and Celestia before being whisked away to her fiancé’s chambers where the two lay together in an exhausted heap of emotions and spent forms. She wished she could feel relief or delight of any kind; all she could really sense was Celestia’s current turmoil that made her own heart twist. For a time, all they were was a mess of tears and dampened laughter as the whole ordeal crashed on top of them.

“Can you forgive me for saying so much?” Celestia asked, seemingly stricken with guilt by her actions. “I know you never meant for anyone to know, I just didn’t know of another way to make them really see you-”

“Yes, of course you’re forgiven!” Rarity cried. Unwilling to let go of her beloved lest the spell be broken and none of her change in fortunes would remain. “Don’t you ever do it again, but you are absolutely forgiven. Oh, Cellie~!”

She couldn’t resist kissing her, their lips stained by salt but still eager to unite all the same as the two women melted together, unable to do anything but reach out and find comfort in one another. Their embrace needed more and yet no fire was needed, frolic and serenity pleading for them both all at once. Only capable of wet kisses and gentle presses, Celestia and Rarity collapsed onto the bed and breathed each other in, letting the strongest of their emotions fade away and be replaced by exhaustion.

“I don’t want to do anything else all day,” Celestia murmured. “Just- absolutely nothing. Just remain in here and we rest. Take a bath, read a book, no worry or any of the like.”

“There is the wedding,” Rarity replied; it was only so far away now, feeling more like a moment awaiting them on the horizon. “Should we try to- maybe later, when we’re feeling up to it…”

“Would you trust me and Twilight to handle the rest of matters?” Celestia asked. “You’ve done enough on your own, sweetheart. I can return the favor- only one task requires your hand, if you wish it.”

Indeed it did, that wondrous, dreamy, difficult task of crafting scratchwork into beautiful reality still awaited her. She could picture them in her mind’s eye, feel the longing in her heart to see those adornments be brought to life. With Celestia so trustworthy in matters and more than willing to carry the workload, she just might have the chance to see them be woven into being at last. The thought was potent, enough to make her smile.

“I’ll take that as a yes,” Celestia remarked, her own smile glowing as she caressed her beloved’s face. “Now, no more thought of any sort of work. Come here, sweetheart~!”

The day seemed to last so long, filled to the brim with all the rest and nothing they could accomplish, yet still somehow only just enough to fill a single breath of air.

Author's Note

I like writing stuff like this. It honestly feels nice.

Just a little more to go. And I think you'll like the next chapter best.

Keep reading, I guess.

VI: Harmony and Love

Rarity felt her hands tremble, the quiver within small fingers growing as the excitement coursed outwards across her whole body. This wasn’t a fantasy, not an imagined thing; the silken feeling of fabric upon her skin was reality, beautiful and wonderful in all its glory. What she was wearing for the very first time was not an ordinary garment.

“Just a little more- there,” Rainbow said, cinching the last button upon the back and releasing her friend from her grasp. “That’s it. Zipped up and everything.”

On unsteady feet did she walk towards the mirror, the reflection of the young woman within it still more dream than actuality. She could not be wearing this dress, not so close to the moment she had longed for all her life. Even when Rarity knew it to be true, her appearance was more wonderful than anything her mind had ever conceived of. This glorious, beautiful, absolutely magnificent wedding dress was her very own, completed at last and now adorning her form with all the purity of clearest snow and sunlight. Never, had she beheld something quite this beautiful, a moment that would only be eclipsed by the fullest wonder that would be the fateful day only a short while ahead, when “I do” would be reality for every day of her life.

A small flicker in her mind, self-appraisal brought to an end when her thoughts turned to the room beside hers. Within was the most beautiful woman in the world, performing the very same action she herself had just undertaken. And when she remembered that someday soon she would see Celestia at the altar, wearing a wedding dress of her own and waiting to take her hand forever…

The squee that escaped her lips was one of pure, unrivaled joy. “Oh, it’s perfect!” Rarity declared.

“Yeah, that’s, umm- one way of putting it,” Rainbow agreed, surprisingly inclined to agree with her lovely friend’s self-assessment. “Jeez, Rares, you look- damn. I can’t imagine what Twi’ll look like- I mean, uh-”

It hadn’t meant to be said aloud, but the words had escaped her lips before they could be held back. Momentarily distracted, the brilliant fashionista pounced on her maid of honor’s slip of the tongue. “Aha! I knew you were a big fat romantic! When are you two going to get engaged? Can I be your maid of honor when you get married?”

Rainbow quailed under this unexpected delight, trying to dole out protests against her friend’s sudden attack. “Oh come on, it’s not a big deal! I just was wondering aloud, I didn’t mean anything-”

“Oh yes you did, Rainbow, don’t lie! What’s your plan for asking her?” Rarity, already emotional from the sight of herself in her completed wedding dress at last, was perfectly eager to continue down her marital track of mind.

“I don’t have a plan, jeez! Why are you so focused on me, look at yourself for two seconds or something-”

The door to the spacious dressing room opened as Twilight poked her head through the crack to investigate the source of the suddenly raised voices. “What on earth are you two yelling about?” she asked in a laugh. “Jeez, I could hear you down the hall you’re being so loud.”

“Rainbow wants-”

“Don’t you dare.” The words were not a request, the vivid woman’s countenance afire as she held her friend to willful silence. So potent was her command that Twilight was left flummoxed, wondering if perhaps she had stumbled onto an actual argument rather than just friendly drama.

Though she was loathe to let the moment slide, it was not her right or place to make the final decision on such a momentous matter, Rarity releasing a sigh and shaking her head. “Just a conversation, that’s all,” she said. “What can I do for you, Twilight?”

Her wedding planner was not satisfied by the explanation but found herself distracted by the full view of her client’s appearance, longtime friend now on the cusp of a day Twilight knew she had dreamed of for countless years. “Wow,” the neurotic princess breathed, seemingly taken aback. “Just- goodness, look at you! You look amazing, it’s a beautiful dress- especially on you!”

“I know, right?” Rainbow agreed. “And she doesn’t even wanna pay attention to it at all, she wants to focus on some stupid-”

“Be nice, Rainbow.”

A sigh of defeat and she accepted the chiding. “Yeah, fine.”

“What does Cellie have to say about her fitting, Twilight?” Rarity asked. It had been a bit of a difficult task to accomplish, seeing her fiancé suitably adorned without being present to ensure it done properly. Minute alterations could be made, but without seeing it in person would be a special sort of challenge.

“She- umm.” Twilight bit her lip, holding back a grin but uncertain of how to proceed. “She, uh- she wants to talk to you, actually. Like right now.”

“Now?” When they were both supposed to be hidden from the other, concealed behind thick walls so as to not break the spell? To see each other, dressed in white and eternally beautiful, was a moment meant for far greater occasions than this. “I- well, I could, but- is something wrong with her dress, darling?”

“No, definitely not,” Twilight giggled. “She just wants to talk to you.”

“Well, I… guess we could try to,” Rarity mused, though not quite certain as to how. “If you’ll give me a second, I’ll come right over.” She turned back to the mirror and motioned for Rainbow to come to her side and provide aid-

“She wants to come to you, if that’s alright,” Twilight interjected swiftly, bringing her friends’ actions to a pause. “I’ll just be right back. Can she just- we’ll keep the door as a barrier, does that sound OK?”

“Of course…” Given the assent she had been sent to retrieve, the brilliant royal stole away from the room in a flash, hurrying down the hall to where her onetime mentor awaited her return and leaving her friends mystified.

“I mean… she’s not supposed to see you yet, right?” Rainbow asked aloud. “Like it’s bad luck, or something?”

The beautiful lady nodded. “I wonder what’s so important that she can’t wait..?”

A few minutess passed before the white door of the dressing room opened once more, Fluttershy slipping inside and motioning for the bride-to-be to hasten to her side. “If you’ll just take, umm- just right here, against the wall just in case the door leans a bit. Celestia? Rarity’s here now.”

“Rarity? Can you hear me, sweetheart?” Celestia’s voice came through clearly, a swiftness of tone within so unlike her usual tranquil pace.

“Loud and clear, darling,” was her reply, leaning against the wall as though hoping to feel the heartbeat of her beloved from the other side. She could only imagine what resplendent beauty lay just out of sight. How sun-kissed skin dazzled like gold against snow-white silk and lace, lush form flowing beneath exquisite pattern. She knew that body by heart, all its lines and curves and loveliness that somehow belonged to such a wonderful person- and now just on the other side, hardly out of sight, did she stand. It was a sore temptation to not try and sneak just a single glance. “Is… is everything alright?”

“It is. I just… wanted to hear your voice, I guess,” was the solar royal’s reply. A strange sort of quiet overtook them, no discomfort to be found but rather a longing kept silent as each woman tended to their own thoughts for a time. Perhaps each imagined the other as they were now, wondering what vision of loveliness awaited their longing eyes in a moment that so easily encaptured all of their imaginings.

“I- is everything alright with your dress, darling?” Rarity asked, words almost a tremor. “Do you- does it fit correctly, does it feel nice to wear?”

“It’s the most perfect thing I’ve ever worn,” Celestia breathed, a thickened happiness in her voice. “My precious diamond, you have truly outdone yourself. Thank you- just so much. What of yours? Is everything as you’d hoped?”

“I’ve never felt more beautiful in all my life,” Rarity replied, “I can’t wait for you to see it. I can’t wait to see you!” She hadn’t meant to be so swept up in the fervor yet tears began to fall all the same, staining her cheeks as she laughed through it all. It was such a cacophony of painful longing and unbearable joy that it was simply too much to take in.

“I know,” Celestia agreed. “I just- it’s only a short time away, and yet every day feels like an eternity. And we’ve both been so busy that we’ve hardly been in the same place. It’s just…” A small intake of breath that was a shudder. “I never knew I could ever love someone so much. That even your… your absence is painful. I just keep finding myself hoping to see you just around the corner, or that I wake up in bed and you’re in my arms.”

“I’m sure there’ll be times I leave you livid, darling,” Rarity giggled. “That we fight, and argue. And nights we want to go to bed still mad because… well, we have before, haven’t we? But I know- I know that I won’t ever regret being yours. And that I’ll always, always be glad that I love you.”

“And you’re certain, my love?”

“Without a doubt,” Rarity whispered. “So don’t you ever forget it.”

“I promise it,” Celestia said. “Rarity?”

“Mhm?”

“May- can I kiss you? One last kiss, and then we wait until the wedding? I know you asked me to stop for a while, but I- I’ve never needed to kiss you as badly.”

Face-to-face, both adorned by wedding gowns and unable to be seen by each other’s eyes. Yet she could feel the longing like a heat in the air, an aroma that beckoned to the senses that she must come and taste. Rarity could not resist this call, this absolute pleading that called to her. It was only a matter of how she was to achieve such a feat-

A firmness came about her wrist and the seamstress gave a start; Rainbow smiled as she led her to the edge of the threshold with her friend in hand, the quiet listener now participant in this irresistible sweetness that two paramours could not bear to break. Slowly did she guide her friend onwards until only the very edge of the door lay between the two, Twilight now in view and acting as her pair on the other side. “Close your eyes,” the prismatic woman said.

Her world fell to darkness and Rarity gave herself fully to Rainbow’s care. Her hand was guided along the tracing outline of the door and then into open air, alone and awaiting further command- until smooth fingers brushed gently across her palm, a swift caress that became a binding thing and saw lovers united in hand. A quiet creak of the door as it was pushed aside, darkened vision unnecessary as hands reached out to clasp at the form she knew so well, softly stroking across cheeks and through hair as she leaned upwards, finding her lips so tenderly met in this wondrous, hungering, desperate union. Only the smallest of things, no great fire to make it burn bright, merely warmth and exquisite love melting them together in a joyful firmness that could have lasted all the days of the lifetime of the earth.

And then they departed, away from one another until time bid they find one another in the most long-awaited moment of their lives.

There was an agitation within her mind that refused to fade, electricity in the heart that kept her nights longs and made the hours as though days. Rarity often found herself veering towards panic more days than she wanted to admit; surely it was too easy that they had so little left to accomplish. The gardens had been repaired and now awaited the numerous guests, the decorations had been settled and were now under guard until the wedding day. The rings had arrived and now lie safe in the vaults, waiting to be retrieved. Caterers and clients had all signed on for every possible necessity imaginable. Gifts for the wedding party had been assembled and sent out. Even the rehearsal dinner was finalized and awaiting them. Celestia had been wondrously efficient in speeding along the process, keeping Rarity’s desires in mind with every decision until the whole event had seemingly been wrapped in a bow and waiting to be unwrapped. What little she had been asked to aid with had been so easy to accomplish.

It was all too good to be true. Surely there had to be something else that required her attention, some detail that had been overlooked; even the marriage certificate had finally been signed. But try as she might to rack her mind, the elegant seamstress could think of nothing until the day itself that required her to give fullest effort. Until the wedding day, she might really be able to relax, if her nerves allowed it. For somehow it was now bridal week! Only six days away until the most magnificent of days would be there before her very eyes, and each day now seemed to crawl at a snail’s pace. It was all so agonizingly slow.

But as her friends continued to say, there was no need to hurry things. This week was supposed to be fun, so why not enjoy this time while she could? And seeing what ‘now’ currently involved…

“I’ve never seen anything like it!” Pinkie declared, eyes wide and brimming with joy as she watched the firework reflection of the fading sun against the water below them, the salt spray of waves cutting against the bow adding its tincture foam to the sparkling display. “This is just amazing! Can you imagine seeing this every day?”

The information on the bachelorette party had been kept from the brides-to-be throughout their planning process, Rainbow abnormally tight-lipped so as to keep secrets from spilling. Even amongst the others, few had known what would be coming; far as Rarity could tell, only Twilight had been fully in the know. But when the prismatic woman had requested they arrive at her girlfriend’s castle early that morning, they had willingly acquiesced. Now they watched the brilliant sun slowly fall from sight aboard a luxurious yacht that had happily ferried them across the bay at their every whim. This secret trip to this small seaside island had been wonderful from start to finish, whether it be the afternoon spent at a high-end seafood restaurant, their accommodations for the next two days, or the particularly excellent wine-tasting they now partook in. Rainbow had played her cards brilliantly, adding a trip that was sure to be a treasured memory for years to come in what would be the best week of her life.

“It must be beautiful,” Twilight mused, standing in between bride and baker as they enjoyed the sight of nature in all its glory. “Just going to bed every night and you hear the waves on the shore. And then waking up to watch the seabirds flying along the beach, or picking at shells in the sand…” The royal bookworm gave a dreamy sigh as her vivid imagination carried her through a lifetime alongside the sea with all its sights and smells and joys to be found.

“It’s so peaceful,” Rarity said, her voice hardly more than a murmur as she watched her beloved’s last works of the day fade off into the horizon. It was almost indecent for them to say a word and spoil the marvel, their time better spent in silence and letting the sound of water fill the void. Licking tendrils against the hull, the gentle breeze that carried across the waves to the shore, and the first few pinpricks of stars coming to life in the velvet-blue darkness that was befalling them. Yes, words had no meaning here; their only obligation was to enjoy the view.

“Oh crap, hold on!” Crashing out from within the ship’s interior came the sprawling form of the vivacious princess of the wilds, muscular form struggling to make its way to the side and remain steady. Not one often upon the waters, and certainly more tipsy than the rest of them combined, Luna was in high spirits and low in motor control. “Sirry- sorry, I gotta dosomething!” Suddenly rigid, the powerful woman reached out with her hand to the edge of infinity, palm upward as though cradling form within; there, at the cusp where sea met sky, came the pale-yellow glow of moonlight in the first sliver of celestial stone. The moon had been set upon its course and would now follow the trail set before it. The night had truly begun.

“Aha! Just as good as always!” Luna crowed, her whole body seemingly pulsing with this casual triumph. “Sorry, girls, I almost forgot to do my job! It kinda sucks, you know? This is the first vacation I get in centuries and I still gotta work! Like, what’s the deal, you know… What’cha doing out here?”

“Just enjoying the view,” Twilight replied, sporting a grin that barely held her laughter in check. None of them had ever seen the solemn princess so lively, copious amounts of alcohol making her more genial than any, save perhaps her sister, had ever seen her.

“It’s the first time I’ve ever seen anything so pretty!” Pinkie cried, eyes positively aglow as she took in the beams of light that poured from the lunar surface down onto the rippling surface of the sea. “I’ve never been to the ocean before and now I get to see this, isn’t that amazing?”

“What?” Luna gasped at the remark as though it were the most horrid thing she’d ever heard. “You’ve nev- never seen the ocean? Oh my gosh, that sucks!”

“But I got to see it like this for the very first time! And it’s soo pretty! Especially because of you raising the moon, it looks like a big road of light on the water!” Pinkie declared, never deterred by any personal sorrow if she could help it.

“Because of me? Oh, that’s hot. You’re hot,” Luna said, suddenly leaning hard against the much-shorter baker with a mischievous gleam in her eyes. “Gosh, you’ve got like, a great ass. Can I squeeze it?”

The two spectators turned to one another and struggled to hold themselves together; Luna being so openly promiscuous, or that their oft-shameless friend was now blushing a fierce red were sights unseen. Pinkie had remained happily single all her life and seemed content to remain as such, her ideology of loving others unconditionally now face-to-face with Luna’s more sensual take on the same matter.

“You what?”

“Can I squeeze your ass? Like, it’s so juicy, I just gotta pinch it!” Luna said. “Not like- hard where it’ll hurt or anything. But oh man, I really need it so bad.”

“Umm, I- OK? If you need to, or something. I guess,” Pinkie stammered. Her face was still flush, but her own partakings of alcohol gave her the willingness to allow such actions.

Given free reign, Luna’s full-hand grasping of the frizzy-haired girl’s cake broke the two more sobered women, Twilight and Rarity bursting into laughter as the stellar royal was left ecstatic by the results- and their humor only magnified by Pinkie’s wide-eyed, most definitely aroused, response to it.

“Ohmygod that is amazing,” Luna groaned. Before another word could be said, she took hold of Pinkie’s small form and raised her high, the joyful confectionist giving a squeak as she was suddenly cradled, arms put about the mighty woman’s neck by instinct. “You are mine tonight. You wanna, like, hangout for a while?”

She hadn’t expected the strength within the princess to be so potent, or something she would enjoy so deeply. “Uh-huh,” Pinkie said with a spirited nod.

“Awesome.” Luna seemed intent on keeping her focus on Pinkie for the rest of the night, the two primed to disappear into their own world for as long as their vigor would allow them- only to suddenly be serious-faced once more and turning to her audience. “Ohyeah, almost forgot! Cellie was asking where you were, Rares. My sister wants her babydoll, like, really bad!”

Perfectly willing to comply and curious as to what sort of nonsense her two suddenly-entangled friends were primed to get up to, the fair lady followed the great princess back inside to the lounge, Celestia and Rainbow chattering away together as they slowly indulged themselves on another fresh glass of rosé, perhaps musing on Blueblood’s sudden enlistment into the kingdom’s military, or how Applejack and Fluttershy were faring with their secret errands back onshore.

Eyes attracted to motion caught sight of her fiancé returning to her presence and the wondrous beauty smiled. And was soon distracted by the sight of her sister carrying one of her friends in her arms, Pinkie and Luna crashing onto the couch together and giggling as they came together all the closer. “And what have you been up to? You were gone for two minutes!”

“Oh my gosh, how did I go so long without checking her out? Look at that ass!” Luna bellowed, Pinkie’s fierce blush making Rainbow boom with laughter. “She is like my favorite person ever right now, like I just gotta have her! She’s so freakin’ hot, girl, just look-”

“How many bottles have you had?” Celestia asked. Perhaps less surprised at her sister’s skills for inebriation, an expression of delighted incredulity came to light on her sun-kissed features.

“I dunno, like four- or something?” Luna replied. “But jeez, just look at this piece of ass, I just gotta spank it!” And thus she did, a mild strike eliciting a yelp from the pink-loving woman who now stared at her sudden paramour as though she were experiencing an unforeseen awakening.

Her spectators had imbibed enough wine to find the whole situation hilarious, Luna’s insistent physicality eliciting more than a few odd responses from their suddenly gunshy companion. Pinkie had often been their most physically affectionate amongst their number, always willing to give a hug or gentle touch- all of that now lay at the wayside when put against this warrior’s desperate desire for sensuality, unable to stand strong when gentle comfort found itself more than matched by hunger. More than willing to egg on her fellow inebriated companion, the two had suddenly become a wondrous mismatch.

There were plenty of hours ahead before her glorious day would see itself realized, Rarity knew that full well. But why worry and spend her anxieties on the morrow that had yet to come when there was so much good to still be found in the meantime? Life was meant to be enjoyed, no matter the time or occasion. She could better spend herself enjoying the uproarious moment beside her beloved until the day finally came; in fact, it was almost impossible to resist.

Rarity awoke to an empty room, greyed and cold with the colors of the early dawn. Alone upon her plush bedcovers, she had arrived here early last night in good countenance and eager to sleep through the darkness so as to more swiftly find the day. The rehearsal dinner had been lovely, another wondrous selection by Rainbow for catering that had made the evening splendid. So unexpectedly she’d been the best maid of honor anyone could ask for, especially for a wedding of this importance; even Celestia had been eager to marvel over the multicolored beauty’s capability in ensuring a pleasant party. The one who so few –to include even herself- had assumed would be keen on partaking in wedding preparations had somehow come away with the whole affair as nothing more than a wonderful hand in obligations. All the seamstress could hope was that she would be able to return the favor in kind.

But now she lay atop the mattress and wondered what would come of today. For today was the day of days, the very one she’d waited for all of her life: her wedding day was actually here, and in so short a time she would see herself off from this solitary place and into the bustle of palace activity, there to meet the ones who would help her see the day’s fruition be made reality. The myriad number of beauticians, her friends, and Celestia- sweet, wonderful beautiful Celestia, who would be there at her side for the rest of her life. It was all something she’d dreamed of for so much of her life, faces and places and scenery changing over and over until she at last knew what reality would resemble; but now it was almost here- really here. There for her to partake in, waiting for her to take the next steps. It was just so much to take in. So much wonder and fear, these last final steps suddenly so weighty. Despite all the daydreams and effort, the planning and pain that had seen this day come to life…

It almost didn’t seem real. But now it beckoned. And Rarity, the finest, most elegant and wonderful lady of a kingdom, wondered if it was too good to be true.

So she rose from her place and took to making herself a quiet cup of tea, watching her fiancé’s handiwork out the window begin to make its impressions upon the land. She had yet to take a bath; the local spa beauticians she had hired had requested she be at their beck and call for every inch of skin to be tended to; whatever Celestia’s own hired name had found against her had never been revealed, even unto the day of her sacking. But no matter now; not when such a day was at hand.

There came footsteps down the hallway and the tussled hair of her youthful sister came into view, Sweetie Belle giving a yawn and taking note of her already-awake sibling. “Isn’t it early?” She asked.

“Not to me,” Rarity murmured. Maybe instinct had bidden her awaken, to watch the sun rise. Its call came at her beloved’s beckoning, after all.

“I guess. Yeah.” Surprisingly, her sibling settled down at the table in the chair beside her, the two doing nothing but sitting amidst the quiet and enjoying the early seconds of the day. There was nothing to say, not when so much was about to change. This final moment alone was all that could be asked for.

“You’re not going to live her anymore once this is over, are you?” Sweetie asked.

Rarity had wondered if the question would ever come. It had been on her mind long before the day of Celestia’s proposal, seen needing an answer before she could begin its pondering. “I… no, I won’t,” she answered after a time. “Wherever Cellie goes, I’ve- even if it might be dangerous, at times. I want to be there with her.”

“So you’re really gonna leave,” Sweetie Belle said, and in her voice was the thickness of tears. The early awakening still held their emotions raw, easily wounded and made to weep. “I’m never going to see you again.”

“Now that is simply not true,” Rarity protested, cradling her sister in her arms so as to shush the tears away. “I will be here- not every day, darling, but as much as I can. I’ll still work, this will still be my business. I’ll be back as much as I can!”

“But it won’t be the same!” Even as an elder teenager Sweetie’s emotions had remained much the same, so fresh and strong as though never having been felt before. There was a lightness to be found in speaking with someone so heartfelt.

“No, it will not,” was her sister’s reply. “But it will still be good. And no matter what, you will always be my little sister- so don’t you forget it!”

“You promise?”

“Absolutely, darling! Wherever I go, no matter how serious or important it is, you can always seek me out. For anything!” Rarity insisted. “Just say the word and I’ll make sure of it.”

In each other’s arms, held tightly and seeking comfort in one another, the two could only feel each other’s heartbeat. And then- “Know any hot noble girls?”

The two sisters could only laugh together, waking their parents as the small family shared the dawn all in the same place under the same name for the very last time.

Before too long Rarity was bidden to depart by the hastenings of her schedule, her family to remain behind until their own beck and call had been made. There would be plenty for them to do in the time being, and much for them to celebrate. But now, so much of what came next was their daughter’s day. When the alabaster carriage came to a halt outside her doorstep, bidden there by the sight of horses so familiar to her eyes, she knew the time was indeed coming.

“This is it,” Rarity said. Her eyes turned from the vehicle that beckoned and back to her family, soaking them in as she reveled in this beginning moment. This was real, this was happening. “I- thank you so much. For everything.”

Her parents said nothing, not yet; her father knew his role in this, the day he had both dreamed of and dreaded since he held his firstborn in his arms. The time was coming all too soon, even if it seemingly taken so much time to get here. It was just still too much, even now.

“Still sisters?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Ever and always,” Rarity affirmed, stepping outside the realm that had been her home for so many years and into the final steps of this solitary life.

Rarity found herself watching the view go by the door window, familiar sights and places suddenly turned into something precious. She’d seen so much of this town for so long, all its people and things as comfortable and routine to her as anything could be. But watching it go by and be left behind as she was hurried away to her most awaited day was now something bittersweet. Had she never truly appreciated the quiet world that was her home before? Was it something she would miss? In so many yes the answer was yes and no. This place would always be her childhood home, even if so much was going to change. No matter the numerous places and things that awaited her, a small part of her heart could always be found within it; never would she wish it any other way.

“Lady Rarity! Wonderful, you’re here a little early!” Ream and Yor, her former bodyguards, were the two who awaited her arrival at the palace entrance. Familiar faces beamed bright as they embraced as friends, the young couple hastening their charge to the quarters deep within.

“How is Celestia this morning?” The young seamstress asked. “Have either of you seen her today?”

“Practically bouncing off the walls, my lady,” Yor answered, grinning at the memory. “I’m surprised you didn’t hear her all the way from your bedroom she was being so loud. Can’t stop screaming about how excited she is.”

“I’m sure I can relate,” Rarity remarked.

“If the bride’s not excited then something’s wrong,” the young woman replied. “I was about to leap out of my skin when I was going to marry this moron.”

The wily, grinning man at her side laughed. “Isn’t she so nice to me? Always has a kind word to say.”

“Then start deserving them, you kicked a cardboard box that might have held a bomb!”

“Cause it was your idea. How can I do your own idea wrong?”

The friendly banter between the two was as though looking into the future, a young couple so close and comfortable with one another that the numerous shades of intimacy had allowed teasing and play to find its comfort in their presence. It was difficult to imagine she and Celestia acting towards one another in such a manner- but things changed so much when you truly lived together. Rarity could hardly imagine what the future held.

“We’ll be right outside if you need anything, my lady,” Ream said as they came to the luxurious apartment that awaited her. “Until it’s time to go…”

“Thank you so much, you two,” Rarity said. “You’ve been such a comfort, I can’t say how much it all means to me.”

The young newlyweds could only laugh and smile. “May you have the best day of your life, my lady.”

The apartment was already a flurry of activity from the moment she opened the door, Aloe and Lotus speaking with Twilight in rapid-fire pace that came to a halt at her appearance. “Hey, you’re here early!” Twilight said, rushing over to give her friend a hug. “How are you? Feeling alright?”

“Nervous- and excited?” Rarity answered. “Is this- this is really happening, isn’t it? I’m actually getting married!”

“Yes, you really are! And –oh my gosh, I am so happy for you!” Twilight said. Unable to resist the infectious joy that enveloped them all, she gave her dear friend one more embrace as the two allowed themselves a few laughing squeals of delight. “OK- OK, so I’m going to be moving around between you and Celestia for a bit until the ceremony starts, so don’t worry too much if I’m gone for a little while. Everything’s looking good right now, so it should go off without a hitch!”

“Wonderful! I couldn’t have done this without your help, dear, you’ve truly been an absolute marvel.”

“Anything for my friends,” Twilight said. “Now, I think Aloe and Lotus need to have their say about you for a little while…”

The work the two serene twins doted upon her was the finest physical luxury Rarity had ever received at their care. A consistent client at their business, they knew the lovely seamstress by heart; just what she needed to look her best for her wedding day was knowledge they alone possessed. First tended to with a scented bath, Rarity was at their every whim- and perfectly at ease with such a thing. Her fair skin had never glowed so brightly, never felt so smooth; her hair glistened with the colors of the late evening before stars came to rise in the shadows. It was a purity that seemed to radiate from her very spirit, through flesh and out into the world.

“Lady Rarity, your dress awaits!” Aloe declared, removing the coveted garment from its protected bag and placing it on the rack. “If you would come here, please, so we may assist…”

She felt her body tremble; this was it. One step closer, the moment actually beginning to sink in. This was her wedding day- her wedding day! She was going to wear this dress not for fun or a daydream, but for the very thing she’d wanted all her life. And look at whom she was to spend her life with! It could not be better even if it had come from her dearest imaginings. The gentle fabric across her skin as she adorned herself in white, led over to the awaited seat where the twins gently brushed at her with what makeup she required. So little was necessary, meant only to accentuate rather than enhance; always was their goal for Rarity to be the best version of herself rather than someone else.

“All done, miss,” Lotus said. “If you’ll please turn around and take a look at yourself in the mirror?”

Obeying her order, the exquisite lady turned to find her reflection and was left gasping at the sight of herself: never, ever, in all her life had she ever looked so beautiful. It were as though she had walked out from the pages of a fairytale, straight into the waking world still possessing a magical luster. It was more than perfect, more than magnificent-

A stinging came and Rarity forced herself to hold back the tears for now. This was not the time or place, and the best was yet to come.

Time passed before she saw anyone else in the outside world, Twilight striding in and delighting in the look of her friend so wonderfully adorned. “OK, so- so the ceremony’s about to start. Celestia should be making her way to the great hall right now, I’m about to go join her, and… your dad should be along in just a bit. You ready?”

Words failed her at the moment, forcing the young woman to settle for a nod. Heart beating a million miles per hour, her excitement just barely kept in check; it was all Rarity could do to keep herself in one place.

Twilight seemed to understand, the oft-neurotic woman giving her friend a quick squeeze of the shoulder. “I am… so happy for you,” she murmured, one last hug between them before departing.

Now she waited. Time seemed to move so slow, each moment spent in silence the length of a lifetime. It was all so close now, just out of reach and waiting for her to grasp it. Rarity could hardly believe it was real even after so much time had passed; this was happening. Her dream was actually going to come true.

The next knock at the door came in a hearty rap, the tone familiar to her ears as she recognized its beat. The sight of her father walking through the threshold was unsurprising to her- but the tears that sprung to life in his eyes as he beheld his daughter was something entirely new to the both of them.

“Dad-”

“I’m alright,” her father said, waving a hand in her direction so as to give himself space in which to settle. “You just- you look amazing, sweetheart. My little girl is- well.” A few moments more before Hondo could truly see himself composed and able to attend to his duties, the two embracing as father and daughter of one banner for the very last time.

The sight of Ream and Yor gesturing to the hallway outside the door was the sign she had waited for. “I think they’re ready for us, Dad,” Rarity said quietly.

“Yeah, they- yeah.” Hondo gave one last bittersweet smile and took his treasured child by the arm, dreading and cherishing this awaited moment. “You ready?”

“Ready.”

A long walk down the hallway to where the sound of music and people could be heard, a thick pair of wooden doors all that separated them. Just on the other side, there awaiting her, would be the word and deed that would see her world changed forever. It was all so much, so wonderfully real. Forcing herself to take a steady breath, Rarity allowed herself one last reprieve; when the doors opened before her and the music swelled to grant her entry, she knew the time had finally come.

So many pairs of eyes fell upon her, a hushed wonder emanating across the crowd like waves across water; never before had she felt such a thing, to be the center of attention to so many all at once. They marveled at her, adored her, and eagerly awaited the moment they would cheer for her. Despite the numerous setbacks and dissent she had seen over the years, there were still so many that were glad to celebrate her happiest day. It was more than anything gratitude could put into words.

Her eyes glossed over them all, even the sight of her friends there agog and beaming on her behalf. She sought out nothing else save for the one to whom she walked; Celestia stood there at the dais, more wonderful and beautiful than anything the generous beauty had ever seen in all her days. How the white satin gleamed against her sun-kissed skin, the golden glow now alight and giving her the very radiance of the sun. She could see the curves, the beautiful body within, all set afire with physical color and the joy inside that could not be contained. When the two found each other’s eyes, they could only find themselves met with a smile; they had seen the peak of beauty and each deemed it to be the other.

There at the steps did she feel the strength of her father’s arm leave her side, one last hushed goodbye said between them before Rarity took her last moments alone. Only for a short while would she be this way, bereft and unclaimed. But as she climbed those last few steps and came before her beloved, she knew this was where she would never want to leave. A small smile shared between them once more- then a turn to the one who would see them made one.

Cadance seemed to be brimming with a wondrous happiness, just as excited to officiate a bond of matrimony as she had been to partake in it herself. There with book in hand, she looked down at friend and family with a brimming smile. The Princess of Love had been summoned to fulfill her calling, and for these two she was more than happy to oblige. “You look amazing,” she whispered. “Ready?”

“Absolutely,” Rarity breathed.

“Desperately,” Celestia whispered.

Cadance beamed. “Then here we go,” she replied quietly before turning to the crowd and speaking out in a booming voice, “To all here present, I bid you welcome! Today we all share in the delight and the privilege to bear witness to the union of two souls, admired and cherished by us all: The wedding of Lady Rarity and Ruler of Equestria, High Princess Celestia!”

The cheer that came at the remark shook the world about them all, heartier than even a clap of thunder. The call was powerful, infectious; Rarity couldn’t hold back a smile any longer.

“And a privilege it is,” the lovely royal continued, “For what transpires before us is a new beginning. A union which we have been called to celebrate, to share in the joy of these two souls. For they choose to display their love, their commitment, and their loyalty to one another before us. It is our sacred honor to stand together as witnesses today that we may see such happiness be made before our eyes.”

Turning from the crowd and to her most important charges, Cadance said, “This new beginning awaits you; the call of a new adventure, grand and glorious that shall change your very world to its deepest core. No longer shall you be individuals, two souls walking along the road over and under hill. You shall be one- one spirit, one flesh, one beating heart whose lifeblood shall evermore be dependent upon you both. What strengthens the other shall strengthen you also. What wounds one will wound two. Take this mantle with pride and bear it together, for only the strength of two united shall ever see it upheld.

Love one another. Bear one another with patience, eager to forgive; be swift to nurture and restore, to seek out one other’s happiness with the whole of your heart. Tend to one another with grace and you shall always be rewarded. Strengthen your love, and like a garden you shall bloom, beautiful and verdant for the whole world to see.”

Cadance closed her admonitions and smiled down on her companions. “Reach out to one another and hold fast.” Her words were swiftly obeyed, Celestia and Rarity joined by the hand and held strong, their grasp upon one another folded over and unbreakable.

To Celestia, headstrong and leader of their union, did the gentlehearted princess first turn. “Celestia,” she began, “Do you take Rarity to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do you part?”

The beautiful bride could hardly contain herself to find the capability of even answering, forcing her smile to lessen so she could proudly declare, “I do!”

“And do you, Rarity,” Cadance added, “Do you take Celestia to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do you part?”

She was now free. Free to speak at last, to declare her intent and deepest desire before all the world so that it could never be doubted or mistaken ever again. “I do,” she answered, voice bright and clear as the spring rain.

Cadance positively beamed at this declaration, just as filled with excitement as the two brides that stood united before her. “Bring forth the wedding rings!” She called.

From the steps of the dais did the armed guard come, in his hand a velvet pillow with two brilliant gold rings upon their center. Rarity turned to look upon them and found herself awestruck by their loveliness; the sketches Celestia had brought for her to see had not done them justice, their simplistically beautiful designs somehow so ornate and lovely. She was to wear this upon her finger, every day for the rest of her life? It seemed too good to be true.

Taking the rings in her hand for only a moment, Cadance gently placed one of the golden bands in Celestia’s awaiting palm, the two brides separated for only a time as the resplendent princess of the sun took her bride’s hand in her grasp.

“I, Celestia, give you Rarity this ring as an eternal symbol of my love and commitment to you,” she declared, face shining with joy more bright than the sun itself. “With this ring, I thee wed.”

As the smooth metal slipped about her finger, Rarity found herself breathless. It fit so perfectly, so naturally as though it had always had a place upon her form. Part of her wished she could take the time to marvel at its forever home, to revel in this joy forever. But she could not keep such happiness to herself; it deserved to be shared.

Into her hand did she take its mate, a golden band engraved with the emblem of a blazing sun there upon it. With trembling grasp did she take her beloved and slide the metal onto her finger, saying, “I, Rarity, give you Celestia this ring as an eternal symbol of my love and commitment to you. With this ring, I thee wed.”

One more bond, one more vow and link to the chain that saw them made whole. They had eyes only for one other, unable to look anywhere but upon each other’s shining faces. It was all so close now, almost final at last! All it took was one last simple statement from their officiator and they would finally be-

Cadance could contain herself no more, unable to bear waiting any further. “Then by the power vested in me by right of the crown,” she cried, “I now pronounce you wife and wife! You may kiss your bride!”

She couldn’t have noticed the cheers even if she’d tried. All around her was the sound of thunder and noise and unmatchable joy, all for the two that had become one. This final, long awaited moment had indeed come at last- and all Rarity could do was rush into her beloved’s arms for the most wonderful, passionate, unrivaled kiss she would ever experience. They ignored the eyes of thousands that fell upon them as they embraced, lips fiercely pressed against each other as Celestia held her beloved bride tight; no crowd could withstand their joy, infectious and spreading like wildfire. Even as she felt a slickened pressing against her lips, Rarity could only swoon, meeting her lover’s tongue in a joyous wetness as they kissed, succulent morsels united as lips met again and again. For all she knew was that she was married to the most wonderful woman on earth, married at last, and that all her mind could do was scream out, Finally!

The cheering came to a standstill as they departed from one another, flush-faced and still hungering for one another as the newfound couple still held each other close. But to the rest of the world did they turn, proud and happy as Cadance cried out, “Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the Royal Couple!”

Author's Note

Oh yes, I definitely loved writing this. I've teased weddings so often, it was about time I finally delivered.

Enjoy, I guess.

Epilogue: Honeymooners

Her world was somehow so serene and yet so chaotic. The sound of gulls crying out overhead was perfectly combined with the gentle crashing of waves upon the shore, turning this private place into a land of tranquility brimming with the gentle roar of natural sound. She could feel the warmth of the sun’s rays bearing down upon her fair face, the rising temperature offset by the cool breeze that came from offshore. Eyes closed so as to block out the whole of the world, Rarity’s contented spirit kept mind empty and simply allowed her to be; enjoyment of the moment was the only goal that she had, and how brilliantly was it being fulfilled.

This beautiful place had been another secret kept from her throughout, a serene hideaway in the tropics on an island of which she’d never heard. Celestia had never mentioned the locale of their honeymoon despite her badgering insistence to know their mysterious destination. Reflecting upon the decision, the beautiful seamstress had decided that this trip had been far more exciting due to this leap into the unknown; a fantasy conjured by the mind would have dimmed the beauty of this place. And this choice resort, secluded and so far away from the rest of the world, was glorious.

A hand upon her thigh and Rarity’s quiet calm found itself interrupted by the presence of another, eyes cracking open beneath darkened shades to gaze upon the succulent form of her bride leaning down from above, her welcome sight enhanced by the presence of an icy cocktail in her hands. “So that’s where you’ve been,” she remarked.

“I fancied myself a drink. I hope you don’t mind me picking one for you,” the lustrous beauty said, placing a coconut margarita in her spouse’s grasp before taking a seat in the recliner beside her. “Enjoying yourself?”

“Ooh, I could stay here forever, darling,” Rarity sighed, the creamy sweetness of her first sip well-met by the tequila’s bite. She had become so used to happiness that its presence almost seemed commonplace; this trip, her wife, even her very life, was just too good to be true. “You’ve just outdone yourself again and again.”

Celestia’s smile was as bright as the sun. “You’ve been lying here a while, my precious diamond. What say you and I stretch our legs for a little bit?”

She had been so content to simply remain and be stationary beneath the light. But the suggestion of a stroll, given form by her beloved’s words, suddenly had an appeal she could not resist. Empty hand rose and was taken hold of by Celestia, the beautiful lady brought to her feet and held at the side of the sun-kissed beauty. Oh, how she loved this feeling, wrapped about by her bride’s grasp and kept by her hip; perhaps this was what she could not resist, to be so entwined with the one she loved.

The lapping waves of the sea tickled their feet as the newlyweds strolled along the beach, scant meetings with fellow holidaymakers dotted with smiles and quiet greetings as they allowed words to be kept at bay by the peaceful sounds of nature. There was no need for speech here, more often than not. Time called for them to simply enjoy the presence of one another, to do nothing but rest and be happy; this quiet life was a dream long held now finally realized. Words would never be enough to describe it.

“How long has it been since I kissed you last?” Celestia inquired, eyeing her beautiful bride and brimming with that playful light she so often possessed.

Always eager to be met by her spouse’s romantic teasing, Rarity held a finger to her lips in thought. “Oh, it must be- what, fifteen minutes now?” She mused aloud. “Such a drought, darling, I don’t know how you could leave me so.”

“Mmm, allow me to remedy that,” Celestia purred, leaning down to meet those luscious lips in a soft kiss, familiar flavor of the other now tinged with the remnants of their drink and only spurring them on to deepen their union. Why not enjoy each other a little longer, allow free hands to slide across smooth skin and relish every caress? They were beautiful, happy, and in love; nothing in the world had any right to stop them.

“Ooh, darling,” Rarity murmured, slow to leave her wondrous lover’s sapphic touch. “Must you tempt me so? Even after last night…”

“As if I could ever get enough of you,” Celestia replied, free hand sliding down to Rarity’s bottom and giving it a slow, delicate squeeze. “We are all alone out here.”

“The nerve!” Rarity said in an exaggerated gasp. “Such a scandal is unbecoming of a lady! Why, I almost expect an apology.”

“And you expect me to resist you?” Celestia countered. “All dressed like that? Sweetheart, you make me so very weak.”

In fairness, it had not been the first time her newfound bride had remarked on her outfit, this particular violet bikini one of Rarity’s favorites. Elegant yet sexy, well-strapped while still allowing her an alluring air that Celestia seemed to find irresistible. And she could only say so much when she found herself unable to look away from the lush body held at her side. With only a white slingshot bikini to hide the full beauty of her wondrous figure, Celestia looked positively delicious. And the longer Rarity looked, the more she found herself able to look upon anything else; how her sunkissed skin gleamed like gold beneath light, the wondrous curves she possessed as thighs transitioned to waistline and on to the shapely bust adorning her chest. It had fascinated her from the very first time she had ever had the pleasure of witnessing such beauty, and even to this day it still so easily transfixed her…

Her growing desires were unmistakable even to the undiscerning, and happily met by the romantic fervor that had already ensnared her bride. With a gusty huff, Celestia said, “Goodness, this sun of mine! It’s almost too hot, don’t you think?”

A true statement, even if it was only meant to lead elsewhere. “Any thought for relief, darling?” Rarity asked lightly.

“I just might go for a dip, I believe,” Celestia answered. “Care to join me?”

Drinks were settled gently in the sand before the two ran into the surf, salt water streaming across brilliant forms as the two took to the waters and found relief- only for a moment before bride met bride in a flurry of kisses, Rarity wrapped about her wife as lips melted together and held firm by the grasp that squeezed tight into her flesh. New unions of lips so soft and fiery, brimming with warmth and love as the newlyweds drank deep of one another. Touches became caresses, slithering tongues entangled themselves in a soaked dance. So overwhelming, so satisfying, and still they needed more; after all their time together, after every kiss and quiet moment and confession of love, even still did they yearn for each other.

As she became lost in her happiness, Rarity wondered how she had ever been so lucky; to hold Celestia in her arms and she be held in return, lost in a bliss that had almost slipped her grasp forever. But here she was, a dream finally fulfilled, and more wonderful than any daydream could have ever hoped to match. There was still so much to know, to learn, and to do with this beautiful woman.

How lucky was she that she’d been given a lifetime to experience it all.

Author's Note

I am quite glad I never gave up on this story. I really did love writing it, even if it's not anything special. I like writing sweet happy stories every now and then.

Enjoy, I guess.

Prologue: Engagement

It is a truth that is known to the sensible and wise of loving couples that the only surprise an engagement should bring along with it is how it is bestowed. A love that wishes to be bound and sealed with promise before a crowd of willing witnesses will –or should- know the strength and ability to endure such a test before one would dare to begin to suggest a weighty bond. Couples that are unified in heart and mind will know when the time has come, or when to break apart and see their paths uncross, for it is better to be in agreement on either solidarity or separation than for one soul to be imbalanced in their feelings regarding the other.

Their first discussion, or the ‘Big Talk’ as it was often called by many, was decisively awkward. Maybe that shouldn’t have been a surprise, all things considered. Rarity’s craftsmanship often had her rubbing shoulders with the elite, but such things hardly mattered when one was the significant other of a Princess- something that seemed to rub quite a few the wrong way. Yes, she had good friends who were perfectly fine with the matter, but more than a few of the royal world –and even some former acquaintances of high society- had grumbled at Celestia’s decision to take part in a romance with a ‘common’ girl. She’d quite badly wanted to take that as an insult. She might well have if it hadn’t been that it was far more an insult to her dear Princess than it was to her.

Maybe that had been why they’d had a bit of a rough spot during those first few months. Yes, they had agreed to go public with their relationship, but the sudden scrutiny hadn’t been the most pleasant to deal with. They had even fought a few times, something that made Rarity wince; there was more than one unkind word she had wanted to take back. When the two of them had finally decided to act like mature adults and let the dust settle, each had found the other more than a little shamefaced. It was almost the worst conversation the poor woman had ever endured, fearful that after all the horrid things she had called the exquisite Princess that she- well…

“Rarity,” Celestia had asked quietly, “do you not wish to be with me any longer?”

Elation took over where fear had once been. A kiss on those wonderful lips swiftly dispelled any thought of separation, letting forgiveness blossom between them. “I would not wish to be with anyone else, darling,” she had said in return.

Strange to think that such a conversation had been quite a while ago. Had they really been together for three years now? The elegant fashionista found herself struggling to recall a life in which she did not love Celestia- which, as far as she was concerned, not a bad thing in the slightest. Perhaps their romance no longer held the same polish, nor was it as elegant or glamorous, but it was loving and peaceful for them both. Rarity found that it had given her greater poise, better control over once-volatile emotions; words given form by a hot temper and turned against the one she loved would not again come easily.

And it had made each moment together all the sweeter. She had never known a more wonderful suitor than dear Celestia, one so tender and romantic; it was a delight to be wooed, and the brilliant Princess wooed her in a fashion that the besotted woman had only dreamed of. Perhaps the things that made Rarity swoon in her sunlit lover’s arms were more commonly found among romantic clichés, but she adored the gestures nonetheless. To be treated so kindly, to be so deeply loved was among the greatest delights her life had ever known. The only thing that could be quite as joyful was to return it all in equal measure; where Rarity delighted in gifts and acts of kindness, she had discovered that Celestia deeply treasured affection and words spoken from love. From the tabloid rags to members of state, the darling woman was constantly under scrutiny and pressure; it was a pleasure to be there for her Princess when she was wearied by the ways of the world. To be the hands that wiped worries away, to have the lips that so freely gave her affection of both kinds- Rarity treasured those moments more than anything Celestia could give her in return.

The realization had been a wondrous one: she was in love with Princess Celestia, and would like nothing better than to be with her forevermore. They had talked about it, of course. From time to time, the topic would arise between them and be discussed lightly, only for a little while, and then drift away. It was exciting, arousing to the soul- but neither would cross that line and see it done. The hesitancy in broaching the topic made Rarity wonder; surely Celestia didn’t think she would say no when the time came? It was hardly ladylike, but the lovesick seamstress was beginning to reach the point when she might just pop the question herself. A dropped hint here or there just in case, but she was coming a boiling point.

Looking back, she should have seen the moment coming from a mile away. The spring solstice often saw a smaller-time gala thrown to celebrate the season, but this one seemed to be of particular loveliness. The entire palace had been beautifully decorated from head to toe, the gardens spruced and turned into something out of a fairy-tale; lights seemed to glow in every nook and cranny, woven through bush and branch until it seemed as though fairies indeed had come to dwell among them. Even the dresses Celestia had commissioned for them both were particularly special; Rarity had been happy to make them, even if she couldn’t help but laugh at the teasing touch of sensuality that her darling love had desired for each.

As she stood there alongside her beloved, watching as guests streamed through the palace entrance, Rarity felt herself enduring a bit of a flush. She considered herself lovely, yes, but to have this many pairs of eyes upon her…

“Cellie, darling,” she leaned over to whisper, “I adored adding your signature touch to our dresses, I truly did…”

Celestia’s eyes sparkled. “Finding yourself the center of attention, are you?”

In fairness, it was probably both of them. Rarity was garbed in a royal-violet mermaid gown, that flaunted her natural curves with ease, and Celestia positively radiated in a trumpet dress the color of gold and possessing a rather revealing neckline. If her Princess had meant for them to be the stars of the show, it wouldn’t be a difficult feat.

“I only wonder if perhaps it was a bit too much. For such a refined occasion, I mean,” she explained.

“Ah. All the more reason, then,” Celestia replied, her arm suddenly wrapping about her beloved’s waist and bringing her close beside her. “I want them to see you, my precious diamond. I want them to know that I love you.”

A kiss between them brought an end to both word and thought for the elegant seamstress, that tender fervor of Celestia’s lips against hers working its magic and melting her heart. She at first wondered if she should be embarrassed at such a thing; they were in plain view of everyone, she a part of a kiss made to be showcased. But as she felt the warmth behind the gesture, it was all she could do but swoon in her darling’s arms, the two becoming a perfect likeness of a timeless, elegant romance. So people were staring as she locked lips with the love of her life- goodness, why did she care?

“Might I request you join me tonight?” Celestia said as they broke apart, releasing Rarity from her embrace and offering a gloved hand. “I would be delighted to have your company for the evening.”

“Oh my,” Rarity giggled, feigning shock at the gesture. “Does the Princess deign to dance with a common maiden? Think of what they’ll say, dearest.”

“They will say,” Celestia said as she took Rarity’s hand, “that I danced with the most beautiful woman of the evening.” Without another word she whisked her lady fair away, seeking out their first moment of joy for the night.

It had been like that since the beginning- not that Rarity had ever minded, relishing the teasing and attention she so often received. She loved being carried away wherever Celestia would take her, knowing it would be a memory she would come to treasure. For one who had walked the ways of the earth for so long, Celestia possessed such a vibrancy of life that left the beautiful seamstress speechless; it was such a feeling, to be carried swept up in that fervor. The Princess was so often held back by decorum and status that when she became herself, it was almost an immaturity that would come out to play. Rarity didn’t mind any longer, her time beside the brilliant royal easing her once-stringent desire for dignity. No matter how silly she looked or became, it would be time well spent when it was beside Celestia.

Tonight seemed tailor-made for her, even if she hadn’t realized it yet. The music that played through the halls were graceful and lovely to the ear, calling for those who heard it to sway and lose themselves in a regal rhythm; the food was delicious, each table brimming with so many of her favorites that it was difficult to keep track of them all. Everywhere she looked Rarity could see priceless works of art that beckoned for eyes to gaze and enjoy the skill that made them. At the entrance of the inner courtyard, she couldn’t help but give a start at the sight of a new portrait that hung on the wall- one of her in her old gala dress, looking more beautiful than she ever thought she had looked in real life.

“Cellie! You shouldn’t have,” she cried, truly flushed at the sight of such an extravagant gift. “Why, it’s simply too much, I- I don’t-”

“Don’t what?” Celestia asked as they paused in their journey to appraise the new painting, the Princess bearing a delighted smile that suggested she had planned this reveal for quite some time. “I spoke to the artist from memory. I hope he was able to portray your likeness properly.”

“But…” Rarity couldn’t help but stare at the portrait, never having seen herself look so lovely even in a daydream. The colors popped and seemed to shine in the lamplight, her painted face above gleaming with the faint touch of golden dust amidst the fairness. It was like a princess from a story- or perhaps more like the Princess who now stood beside her. “Darling, it’s- it’s too lovely. I’m not that beautiful…”

“Then you must have forgotten your reflection,” Celestia remarked, a hand coming to caress her beloved’s shining face. “I will tell you a secret, if you’d like to know it: your friends say you glow, Rarity. You shine, like jewels under light. And here I thought you knew!”

Rarity was desperate to stop blushing, but the words weren’t helping matters. Did she really glow? It must be all the time with Celestia that was rubbing off on her. “Being silly,” she muttered, and tugged at her Princess’ arm to hurry along. The band that awaited them in the courtyard had just begun a slow waltz and it was calling her name.

For many years, Rarity had considered herself a rather skilled dancer, having spent much of her youth learning the ways of a ballroom. It was not until she found a partner in Celestia did she come to truly enjoy it, at last paired with one who possessed the footwork that she did. It was a wonder to sweep across the floor with one skilled in the art- but with a woman as beautiful as Celestia, it was heavenly. She had always enjoyed the arts, but there was a feeling that came when she danced that no word or song or brush could come close to capturing. Here in the leading arms of her beloved, Rarity felt as though she were a work of art herself.

The clapping that came at the end of the tune was formal and polite, but much of it was directed at the happy pair right in the center of the once-moving crowd. Rarity smiled at the gracious praise, wondering how tonight could be any more wonderful. Lovely food and music, splendid company, and an elegant waltz- what could be better?

“Please excuse me, my dear,” Celestia whispered as she relinquished Rarity’s hand from her grasp. “I must give a speech for the crowd before we carry on. I promise to be brief.”

Rarity’s gaze followed her sweet Princess as she parted the crowd and strode to the nearby dais and call for the crowd’s attention. To see that flowing hair the color of pure sky in all its wonder, to watch as the lights made her flawless skin gleam. She marveled at the beauty of this woman, felt her breath leave her when she saw that strong light of love within those perfect eyes. She treasured Celestia, adored Celestia at the very core of her being. Her Princess had been nothing more than the most splendid suitor that one could ever have wished for. And to think, she wondered, I spent all that time hoping for a prince. A Princess has been much better. Oh Cellie, my darling, if only you’d ask to marry me!

The sound of applause roused her from her daydream and Rarity hurried to join in, realizing that her lover’s speech had been shorter than she’d expected. In no time at all the lovely Princess of the Sun was there beside her once again, arm held fast about her own. “Shall we enjoy the gardens?” Celestia asked. “My sister’s moonlight would be better enjoyed in a quieter place.”

Rarity was perfectly happy to go along and enjoy the night so long as it was alongside her Princess. The sounds of chatter and merriment began to disappear as they whisked themselves away into the lush greenery and soft lights that seemed beyond the realms of magical. It was something of a dream.

“It’s… beautiful,” Rarity sighed happily as she let her eyes wonder here and there amongst the gardens, the symphony of colors illuminated by pinpricks of white. “Cellie, you’ve truly outdone yourself this time. It has been a magnificent night.”

Celestia smiled. “I hoped you would think so. It was all crafted with you in mind.”

Beg pardon? Rarity felt her heart quicken at the revelation, yet remaining silent as she was guided to a nearby bench of stone, the two women taking a seat. “You held this ball for me?” she at last breathed.

“All for you, my precious diamond,” Celestia answered. “Tonight is your night, as I so dearly wished it would be.”

Rarity could have been lost in those eyes, such a sweet, happy smile that made them dance and shine. It was the face of the woman she loved, and she would have it no other way. Those hands were for her to hold, those lips for her to kiss- and everything beneath that dress, for her to ravish. It was better than any silly plan she had ever made for herself.

“Do you love me, Rarity?” Celestia asked. Her smile was softer now, a seriousness taking root in its depths. “Do you love me, truly?”

“Why, of course I do!” Rarity answered, shocked that her Princess would need to ask such a thing. “Such a silly question, you know I love you!”

“I wanted to make sure,” said the Princess. Her breaths were coming in more rapidly, a strange aura about her face. “Before I gave you this, and…”

Rarity felt her stomach flip. Oh my goodness-

An ornate, jeweled ring appeared in Celestia’s palm as though from nowhere, the diamond beautiful but not gaudy in size, allowing the intricacies of the band itself to take precedence. Across its golden lines were miniature suns, each blazing star carrying a solitary emblem of a jewel within its core. It was spectacularly intricate and almost put Rarity in a daze.

“Please marry me, Rarity,” Celestia said, all trace of her smile gone as she spoke the words, her voice soft and weighted by the emotion that spurred them. “I have waited too long to ask you already. I do not wish to tarry any longer.”

Rarity was starstruck. As the brilliant ring was slid onto her finger, she felt tears spring in her eyes at the sight of it. Finally, finally, after so much time spent awaiting this fateful day, it had actually arrived. “Cellie-!” Tears threatened to take her voice away and she brushed them aside instantly, leaping upon her would-be bride and bringing their lips together in a fierce, wild kiss. “Of course, yes!”

It had been a long night- miserable, really. Any shipment of books was destined to wreak havoc on her library, but the days of Golden Oaks and its rows of shelves now seemed quaint in comparison to the halls upon halls of literature that now decked her home. Twilight had been determined almost from the start: her castle would be a place of knowledge for the entire kingdom, one that she would see become unparalleled across the world. She just hadn’t expected its upkeep to be so difficult.

So it’s nice to have willing help, Twilight thought to herself as she carried the last stack in her arms, setting them on the top-most shelf as she began to set in them in place. She’d been hard at work since early in the morning, and even now in the late hours of the night she had only just come to a close. She didn’t want to imagine how long it would have taken if she had undergone the task alone, a job now completed thanks to-

“Waagh!” A sudden wobble of the ladder beneath her feet and she fell back and away from any grip she could have managed to grab hold of. Cold, hard floor awaited with eagerness to deal pain-

“Whoa, there!” Strong, toned arms braced her fall and Twilight’s rapid descent came to a screeching halt. Gently pushed back to the ladder, Twilight gave herself a shake and put the last of the books in place before stepping away and turning to the grinning face of Rainbow Dash. “Jeez, Twi, you’ve been at this for too long! Get yourself some shut-eye before you really get hurt!”

“It’s alright, that’s the last of them,” she sighed, exhausted but pleased at the sight of their day’s work. The library had never been so full of knowledge, of stories and histories of so many sights and places. “Thanks, Rainbow Dash.”

The prismatic girl smiled. “Like I was gonna just let you fall.”

“Well, that too,” Twilight admitted. “But also for helping out today. I know it’s been miserable, but I couldn’t have got it done so quickly without you.”

“I know,” Rainbow said brusquely, suddenly pinning her companion to the bookshelf between two strong, sturdy arms. “You might say that you owe me for that.”

Twilight knew exactly what she meant, but wanted to hear the woman say it. “Oh? And what’s your plan for making me pay up?”

Rainbow shrugged. “I dunno. Might take you to your bedroom, start taking your clothes off. You know, have some fun.”

“Hmph! I might need some convincing, Rainbow Dash,” Twilight countered, though her own cheeky grin spoke to her receptiveness. “Come on. Persuade your girlfriend to-”

There was the sound of an incredibly thunderous Slam! that was accompanied by the sudden, piercing sound of a woman screaming. Footsteps that spoke to fast-moving heels began to come closer-

“What in the-”

“Rainbow, your hand’s up my shirt, get it out-”

“Oh jeez-!”

The two untangled themselves just in time as Rarity burst through the door in absolute hysterics, screaming to shatter stone and looking as though she were drunk with ecstasy. “SHEASKEDMESHEASKEDMESHEASKEDMESHEASKEDME!”

“Rarity, it’s almost midnight!”

Twilight’s protests were squeezed out of her by the almighty hug given to her by the raving fashionista, only able to regain her breath as she watched the same punishing act of affection be doted on a terrified Rainbow Dash. “I’M GETTING MARRIED TO PRINCESS CELESTIA! FINALLY!” The delirious girl proclaimed- and then promptly ran out of the room just as swiftly as she had come in, cheering and laughing all the while.

When the two had finally recovered, Twilight regarded her girlfriend and found the poor athlete at a loss of words. Both felt like they’d been hit by a sledgehammer, and could hardly make out the reason why. Twilight, more swift to her reasoning, managed to mentally decipher their frantic friend’s raving. “Holy cow, she’s actually getting married.”

Rainbow gave a start. “Wow, she- she…”

“Handled it rather well?”

“Yeah, actually.”

Twilight smiled, then gave a huff of a sigh. “We are going to die,” she concluded.

Her girlfriend gave a confused look at the oddball remark. “It’s a wedding, not a funeral. What could happen?”

Twilight shook her head. “Rainbow, it’s Rarity. You realize we’re going to have to help plan her wedding, right?”

One second, then another; eyes bulged, tanned skin turned pale. “Oh, hell.”

Author's Note

I know nobody was really asking for a sequel, but I really wanted to do it. I almost never do anything light and sweet.

I'm gonna have so much fun writing this. To hell with the downvotes, I get to have fun!

I: Visions and Dreams

Rarity had once been a person of appearances. Even the look and presentation of the romance she desired had to be picture-perfect, a picturesque scenario straight out of a torrid novel- the kind she most assuredly did not own, of course. Besides, the cover would have been enough explanation. She’d wanted everything to look and sound perfect, and had somehow let herself be conned into a piece of filtered, curated make-believe that anyone sensible would realize was little better than dime-store trash. There was reason enough to be silly and relax in normal life; love, she had discovered, would absolutely demand it. One could not love and hold to their dignity like an old woman clutches pearls, terrified to be seen without them. If one was to love deeply, there would be a little change along the way.

Rarity awoke to the sun in her eyes, perhaps not the most appealing way to awaken. The bright sunbeams would not let her rise from her slumber casually, promptly earning a grunt of discomfort through their rays. A series of rapid blinks, trying to cast aside the blackened spheres that dotted her early morning vision. “Heavens, Cellie,” she muttered, “Next time, close the blinds.”

Their celebration during the night had been rambunctious, to say the least. Celestia had called upon Luna privately so as to break the news, and the over-exuberant Princess of the Night had promptly spread word across the entire kingdom- with the first being the nobility and social elite that had been present for the ball. The calls for numerous toasts to them both came nigh-endlessly throughout the night, whether it be to their engagement, their upcoming marriage, or simply to their health. It had come to the point that they simply had to decline a drink, lest the happy couple be knocked into insensibility by liquor. They’d been glad to celebrate, really, but the night had at last worn them out.

Rarity had managed to escape the madness sooner than her beloved, a memory of her excitedly telling her friends flashing in her still-drowsy mind. When she had returned home, that beautiful woman she knew as her fiancé had been waiting for her, clearly exhausted and looking for solace. Wearied by their own excitement and the presence of others, it had been a relief to simply fall into each other’s arms and go to bed. If anyone thought it was a risqué thing, they would simply have to deal with it. Besides, sharing the same bed was hardly the raciest thing they’d done together.

The room about her grew brighter and the drowsy woman gave a huff. She would have to actually get up and face reality, despite the protests of her soft pillow and warm bedsheets. With a yawn that somehow became a groan, Rarity forced herself free of her covers and made to the door, knowing that the first thing she needed was some tea to help awaken the senses. The crème brulee, I think. Something pleasant to begin matters.

The slight tinge of a pleasant aroma was already wafting up to meet her from somewhere below the moment she entered the hall. A walk down the stairs and into the kitchen revealed more, the nearby coffee pot having already been put to use and adding a sweet smell of vanilla. Clutching a bright-pink mug of brew and dressed in a fluffy bathrobe was Celestia, looking slightly more awake than her fiancé and contentedly sipping away. Eyes turned to catch sight of her and shone in recognition, matching the smile that formed soon after. “You look lovely,” Celestia greeted.

Rarity laughed. “Please. Do you recall all those fairytale princesses? Those pictures of them waking up to birdsong and already looking perfect?”

“I do.”

The sleepy seamstress yanked out her chair and slumped into it, able to release a sigh. “Those are a bunch of lies.”

Celestia laughed, earning a small glower in return. “Oh my, I did something to upset you.”

“You left the blinds open.” Bitter, and straight to the point.

“I’m sorry, I was raising the sun and I must have forgotten to lower it,” Celestia said, at least looking somewhat abashed. “Can you forgive me?”

“Hmph. Make me some tea, first, and then I’ll consider it,” Rarity muttered.

“The crème brulee, I’m guessing?” Celestia asked, setting her mug aside and promptly tending to the request. “Just a moment, if you please.”

Rarity waited until her back was turned before beginning to stare, watching as the Princess set the kettle to boiling with a single wave of her hand. It was the strangest thing to see the royal performing kitchen necessities, but there was something rather nice about it all the same. Celestia had mentioned several times before how she disliked being disconnected from normal life; these simple things that so many (to include Rarity herself) considered to be daily toil were a treasure to her. When she had spent so many years being served by others, it was nice to do the same for someone in return. If she was sorting laundry, cooking a meal, or perhaps just reclining with a good book, the sunlit Princess would have such a look of contentment that Rarity delighted in seeing it.

“Give it just a few minutes for it to infuse,” Celestia instructed, setting a piping hot cup before her bride-to-be and letting her be graced by the thick, creamy scent of hot tea. “Am I forgiven?”

It was now Rarity’s turn to laugh, if only a small one; truth be told, she hadn’t really been angry. “A good morning kiss would be nice.”

“As you wish,” Celestia whispered, leaning down to see her lips meet those of her love for a gentle kiss, their world momentarily coming to a halt and letting them enjoy that simple happiness that was one another. They had never tired of such things, to know and to feel one another with touches and caresses and kisses that always felt so new and lovely. Not one embrace had ever been like the other, right from the start. “Good morning, Rarity.”

“Good morning, Cellie,” Rarity replied, returning to place an additional kiss on her Princess’ cheek for good measure. “I hope you slept well.”

“Like a dream,” Celestia answered. “One would almost believe that Luna graced us with a little magic of her own.”

“Could she have?”

“I’d hardly expect anything else, after last night.”

A giggle and at last a small sip of tea, the heat and pleasing flavor rushing through her and calling for her senses to awaken and meet the day, Rarity giving a small shiver of delight at the sensation. “Ooh, that’s nice.”

“Anything to eat? I was considering making some crepes,” Celestia offered.

The idea of dining on Celestia’s strawberry crepes was an appealing offer, but Rarity forced herself to shake her head. “Thank you, but I can’t ask you to do everything. You deserve a break!”

“It would be my pleasure,” Celestia insisted, already turning to the pantry and fishing out her needed ingredients. “I wish for us to celebrate today.”

“Are you not planning on returning to Canterlot today?” Rarity inquired.

“I have considered the options,” the Princess began, “and decided that I shall spend the day with my beautiful fiancé. Our day will be spent with whomever we wish, and doing whatever we please.”

“Can you get away with that, darling?”

Celestia grinned. “Who could possibly stop me?” she asked, sounding more than a little mischievous.

“Well, I certainly won’t say no,” Rarity replied, her spirits soaring at the thought of an entire day alongside her beloved. “And here I was afraid that you’d simply dine and dash.”

“As of last night, I am engaged to the most wonderful woman in the world,” Celestia said happily, beginning to mix her ingredients and set to work. “There is nothing in the world that could possibly see me away from you today.”

Rarity simply smiled and let the sound of the early morning life meet her ears. The sounds of songbirds filtering through the nearby window alongside the breeze that rustled the trees; Celestia humming to herself, small clinks of metal coming from the bowl in which she mixed. All about her were the things Rarity cherished, scent and song and sound combining together all in the presence of the one she loved. It was though the universe was in celebration for her, bringing her whole world into that small, cramped kitchen and making it feel so perfectly at peace.

Fairytales can eat their heart out.

“Rarity! Celestia! Oh my goodness, I was just planning on dropping by, hello!” Twilight’s delighted smile came immediately to greet them as the happy pair made their way through the threshold and inside, guided away to more suitable furnishings. “I’m sorry, I wasn’t really expecting company. Would you like anything drink? Tea, wine, coffee?”

“Nothing for me, Twilight. But I appreciate the offer,” Celestia said warmly. “I hope we’re not intruding…”

“No, of course not! Rainbow and I were just lounging around today, we were up pretty late last night getting the libraries reorganized. I think we sort of needed a rest,” Twilight said as she led the way to her private lounge further inside the crystalline palace. “Rarity, I was about to put on some of that Vanhoover coffee you brought me, would you like a cup as well?”

“Hmm… I think I will, thank you.” Rarity hesitated. “Oh, and some of those almond cookies if you have any left. I hate to be a bother-“

“Of course you’re not! Please, go on ahead, I’ll be back with a tray in just a minute,” the young princess insisted, waving her longtime friend’s concerns away with a brush of her hand. “Make yourself at home, alright? You remember where the lounge is, I’ll be right behind you.”

As the doors to the kitchen swung back and closed themselves, the fresh-faced couple continued on through the homey castle and took their time strolling onwards. It had been on a whim that they had stopped by, their morning of solitude coming to an end with a sudden, marked desire to be among friendly faces. Celestia of all people had initially found her first true extended period amongst Twilight and the other Bearers awkward; it could be difficult to have friends when one’s role in the world was often as a sovereign first and a companion second. It had taken time, Twilight’s insistence that she had a place in their company, and more than a little admonishment from Rarity to convince her to relax and accept a role as just one of the girls. Now, a weekend could hardly go by without the once-lonesome Princess in good company; her darling’s dear friends had become friends of her own as well.

“About time! And here I- oh jeez!” Rarity had scarcely stepped into the lounge before the rough tones of Rainbow’s voice boomed through the peaceful air and set it to shattering; there was a blur of human movement and then the bedroom door swung open- and shut just as quickly, leaving the two unsuspecting guests dumbstruck by the swiftness of the events.

“Did- we… interrupt something?” Celestia asked, hesitant to enter into the lounge further and perhaps cause more disruption.

“Not yet, at any rate,” Rarity answered, shaking her head as her mind came to conclusions about what had transpired. “Rainbow Dash, you are as subtle as a brick to the head.”

“Was Rainbow, erm… topless?”

“I doubt she was expecting guests, either,” the fashionista surmised.

Taking to the open loveseat together, their breath turned slow and came to match the calm of the room about them; Twilight’s castle was therapeutic in its own, strange little way, perhaps an effect that came about to soothe the limitless mind of its mistress. Both had been here numerous times before, whether it be as a visiting pair or a solitary soul in need of comfort and wisdom; Twilight’s analytical, logical mind had come to their relationship’s aid more than once, a helpful antithesis to the two vibrant, more emotionally guided women. After the wild delirium that had come from last night’s celebrations, perhaps it was inevitable that they would find themselves here. In Twilight’s presence, they could rejuvenate and prepare for the first step in what would be a very long road to the most awaited destination.

The bedroom door opened once more and Rainbow Dash made her first formal appearance, adorned in sport shorts and a loose-fitted shirt, its bright blue colors a heady contrast to the rather red face of the normally shameless athlete. “So- about that.”

“You were expecting someone else, I’m guessing?” Rarity inquired.

“Kinda. Yeah, umm, sorry, Rarity, Princess-”

Rainbow’s stumbling words were brought to a halt by a single raised finger of protest by Celestia. “Rainbow, please,” the sunlight royal said, “You’ve no need to call me ‘Princess Celestia’ any longer. I thought you saw me as your friend!”

“We are friends!” the prismatic woman replied.

“And I’m most very glad of it,” Celestia said with a smile. “Apologies for our intrusion, I hope we didn’t give you a fright.”

Rainbow gave a snort born of humor. “When am I ever afraid?”

“Well, you certainly have to be dragged with chains to get a manicure,” Rarity suggested.

The mouth of the strong-willed athlete opened to deliver protest, then just as promptly fell shut as she came to the conclusion that there would be no sort of proper response. “No fair,” she grumbled, though a grin came in response to the friendly jab. “I gotta admit, I didn’t think I’d see either of you two today.”

“Oh? And why’s that?”

“Well, after last night and everything,” Rainbow said, “I sorta guessed you’d have to be elsewhere. You know- wedding planning, politics, all that royal ‘crowny’ sort of stuff. I mean, isn’t this sort of your big dream and everything, Rares?”

“We are… taking a reprieve,” Rarity replied, sinking deeper into her beloved’s lap and letting her body relax further. “After all, we’ve no set date for the ceremony. All the difficult parts can wait a little longer.”

“And I was sorely in need of a day off,” Celestia added. “Thankfully, I am not wanting for lovely company.”

The lounge door swung open of their own accord, a faint aura about the handles as Twilight strode through the open threshold, a silver tray in hand that bore the weight of steaming coffee and powdered cookies. “And here we are,” she declared, setting the refreshments on the nearby coffee table. “I brought a few more mugs, just in case anyone besides me and Rarity wanted some. Help yourself!”

“Thank you very much, Twilight,” Rarity said, swiftly taking a cookie and relishing the first, succulent bite as the chorus of flavors rang in her mouth; cinnamon, almond, and a light dusting of sugar that wrapped it all together. “Goodness, they’re wonderful as always.”

“I got the recipe from Pinkie, of course,” Twilight said, pouring her guest’s coffee before helping herself to a mug. “But I’ve come to rather like making them. It’s fun to make a little mess in the kitchen every now and then.”

“She got a new cookbook last month,” Rainbow explained. “I swear, the way she’s been going in there, she’s gonna out-bake the Cakes before too long.”

Twilight rolled her eyes but her smile remained, she taking a seat in her favorite recliner and pausing in her hosting to take a long, slow sip of coffee, exhaling and letting the heat escape across her lips. “So,” she began slowly. “You came by for a quick visit last night, Rarity.”

The memory was dim, a small pinprick in a night of rather raucous emotion. The seamstress felt herself begin to flush. “Oh goodness, I did, didn’t I?”

“For about the span of ten seconds,” Twilight reported, her smile beginning to grow wide in excitement. “Nevertheless, you mentioned something interesting. And now that it’s taken time to sink in… how does it feel?”

Rarity regarded the shining band about her finger, marveling at the splendor of it and just how brilliantly it shone against her fair skin. Lovely as her engagement ring was, it still was absolutely incomparable to the one who had placed it there, a mere reflection of beauty rather than the true sight of it that was her fiancé. It was good to be engaged- wondrous, spectacular, really. But to be engaged to Celestia, that charming and tender lover that had so magnificently courted her, swept her off her feet and set her heart afire was more than words could describe. “I…” She stopped before she could even begin, merely giving a little squirm of happiness and a giggle before turning herself so as to find those delectable lips of Celestia and ensnare them in a kiss. “What more could I possibly ask for?” she breathed.

Celestia said nothing for a time, her eyes sparkling as she beheld the love of the woman who was happily wrapped in her arms. Their relationship had begun almost accidentally, born from misfortune that had brought them together. But she had fallen for this exquisite diamond so easily, so willingly- and how fiercely she had wanted to woo her! So many people heard the title of Princess and assumed that she would demand to be given to, and give nothing in return. But she had yearned to love someone, to cherish them and make them her own. Rarity had delighted in the role, eager to be loved by her, their romance together taking Celestia’s passions and setting them to smoldering; she had never known she could so deeply, passionately love someone as she loved Rarity. “She is my priceless treasure,” Celestia said at last. “More beautiful and wonderful than any star that adorns the skies.”

“Ick.” Rainbow pulled a face, pretending to gag. “Girls.”

Twilight became indignant. “Excuse me, and just what am I, exactly?” she demanded. “I’ve been sitting here thinking that I’m your girlfriend- apparently not.”

“Yeah, but we’re not mushy. There’s a difference.”

“We were cuddling in bed just last night!”

Rainbow shrugged away the complaint. “But I’m the big spoon. That’s allowed if you’re cool.”

The brilliant princess gave a groan and decided to let the matter slide for a time. “Rainbow says congratulations, by the way,” she said, turning back to her guests. “And I do, too. Really, I’m so happy for the both of you. I know you’ve been wanting this for forever.”

“It’ll only get better from here,” Celestia said, her hand weaving its way through her beloved’s hair, gentle strokes that smoothed their way through Rarity’s ever-pristine coiffure. “Having a fiancé is nice, but a bride… ooh, I like that better.”

Rarity giggled, trying to wave away the flush that came to her cheeks. They were in the presence of others and she valued discretion, but to the thought of being Celestia’s bride was intoxicating. Of course she leaned in and met her love for another kiss, the sweetness of those lips upon her own begging that she continue and deepen the moment, present company be forgotten. Calm yourself, now. You are still a lady, after all.

“We’re still here.” Rainbow’s words cut through and helped put an end to the besotted woman’s growing desire, bringing the conversation back from its private place and into the open. “You know, if you came here just to show off, I might just have to make a few moves myself.”

“Sorry. I promise, we really did come by to socialize,” Rarity said, trying to contain her flustered attitude, although Celestia’s hand massaging her thigh wasn’t truly helping matters.

Rainbow’s teasing could only last so long, however, her smile changing from playful to something more friendly. “I mean, I’m not really surprised. You’re- what? A little excited? Been dreaming of this your whole life?”

“Well,” Rarity began, her face bearing a bashful grin, “the circumstances may have changed… but yes. If only I’d known I’d fall in love with a princess instead.”

“And I am very glad you did,” Celestia added, looking more joyful than any soul present had ever seen her. “Twilight, have you ever given thought to marrying Rainbow? I’m sure she wouldn’t mind.”

Twilight smiled and considered the thought, but soon found herself distracted by the strange turn of events that was occurring on the striking features of her girlfriend. To the surprise of those about her, Rainbow Dash had begun to flush a bright red and was struggling to hold back a smile that spoke to a mixture of emotions, clearly torn between avoiding everyone’s gaze while also trying to catch the eye of her significant other.

“Rainbow, are you alright?” Rarity’s feminine senses, always on alert, had zeroed in on her tomboyish friend with suspicious intent; it wasn’t at all difficult to guess what she might be thinking.

“I mean…” Rainbow’s cheeks were now a shade darker than the color crimson as she tried to hold back her emotions. “It’s- nothing. I promise!”

“Do you expect anyone here to actually believe that?” Rarity pressed, now certain of what was going through her friend’s mind. “You’re safe here… why don’t you fill us in?”

“Umm- well.” Rainbow stammered for a time before giving herself a shake and speaking again in a much smaller voice. “I mean, it’s- I wouldn’t mind. Marriage, I mean- if we were both ready for it.”

“Aww… Rainbow, I’m flattered!” Twilight said, positively glowing as she came over to her girlfriend’s side and took her in an embrace, a single kiss on the cheek for emphasis. “That means a lot to me. We definitely can talk it over whenever you feel like it.”

“Aah, come on,” Rainbow replied, half-heartedly trying to shrug away her princess’ affections. “Let Rares have this one for a bit, she’s been dreaming of this since she was a kid. Besides, you know she’s gonna need your help.”

It wasn’t something they’d wanted to ask right from the start, but both Rarity and Celestia had agreed that Twilight would be the perfect wedding planner. Such an analytical mind, perfectly logical and organized, would be unparalleled in planning what was so often a difficult ceremony to create.

“Hmm… good point,” Twilight remarked, turning back to her guests. “I’m guessing that’s something of a reason for why you came by?”

“Well… it did cross my mind to ask,” Celestia admitted, “but it can wait. You don’t have to answer right away, we really did want to say hello-”

“Nonsense, I’d be glad to!” Twilight’s face turned bright with anticipation, that maniacal excitement she held for planning and lists and structure coming to life and giving the young royal her familiar aura of neuroticism. “I kinda figured you’d ask me sooner rather than later, and honestly I was going to offer even if you didn’t- I mean, you’re one of my best friends, of course I want to help you have a dream wedding, and Celestia is my old teacher-”

“Twilight! Thank you, really,” Rarity said, cutting through her friend’s wildly growing monologue and bringing the growing sense of eagerness back down to earth. “But there is something important I’d like to ask of you regarding all of this.”

“Sure, ask away!”

Rarity felt the strange mixture of heat and cold crawling its away across her skin, a weight of shame burdening her mind as unpleasant memories were brought to the surface. “We… we all know that I can be- well, dramatic. And often a diva,” she said weakly, shuffling herself where she sat. “I know that I’ve dreamed of this for- for years, darling, but, well… I don’t want to be that sort of bride. Demanding and harsh and needing everything to be just so. I know I could be like that very easily, so please help me not to be. I know weddings can be difficult, but I don’t want to be myself.”

“Rarity…” Twilight’s smile was warm, brimming with empathy for her friend’s founded fears. “You don’t need to worry, I’ll be glad to help. Besides, who could be a more perfect bride than you?”

“You have grown so much since then,” Celestia added, her hands taking Rarity’s in their grasp. “You are more a woman, and more a lady, than you ever were before. I know you will be nothing less than a shining example.”

The rest of the afternoon went by peacefully, talk of the upcoming wedding coming and going in between topics of daily life and recent events. With so much ahead of them, and plenty of time to start preparations, neither bride-to-be felt the need to be hasty, despite Twilight’s eager insistence. Patience, Rarity had decided, would be the key to being a good example. And so they laughed together, told stories, and shared a pleasant meal until time became lost in the tracks and daylight flitted away and was left behind.

“You make me wish I did not have to return to Canterlot,” Celestia remarked to her companions. “The bureaucratic side of this wedding will be such a bore. Politics and paperwork everywhere, I’ve hardly the stomach for it.”

“And you’re sure there’s nothing I can do to help?” Twilight asked.

“Unfortunately, this will have to be by my hand,” came the wearied answer. “But I promise, I will be as present as possible for whatever preparations need me.”

“And if anything arises, I’ll be happy to pick up the slack,” Rarity reminded her. “Good night, Twilight, Rainbow! It was lovely to see you!”

As the door to the crystalline palace was pushed shut behind them, Rarity took a moment to let a whispering breath escape and flitter away into the night air. Above them shone Luna’s moon, its pale whiteness out-dazzling the starlight about it and setting the darkness of the sky to a shade of soft blue. The world about them was peaceful, hardly a soul to be seen as the village lights continued to glow brightly through windows or were beginning to be snuffed out, the denizens forsaking the later hours in favor of a contended slumber.

“Well, I’m glad we came by,” Rarity remarked to her fiancé, “I had a lovely time, I hope you-”

Words were no longer deemed necessary and Rarity found her lips occupied by much more pleasant, desirous forces; Celestia, her last vestiges of patience now burned away, ensnared her lover’s lips in a ferocious kiss that set her fair lady to staggering, the two falling back against the castle walls as neither wanted to be separate from the other. Just like the first kiss that had sealed their fates, this one saw a moment passion spilling over and overwhelming their senses; Celestia tended to Rarity’s lips delightedly, longing for further feeling and delight sending her hands across skin so as to hold and caress. She felt her love, fingers dancing along fabric and flesh as she kissed her again and again, each one adding a further potency that had not been present before. It was a longing, a deeply burning hunger that incensed her now.

Rarity exulted in these moments. To feel so wanted was intoxicating, she more than happy to be swept up by the occasion and be lost in her dear Celestia’s cravings. Becoming lost in the moment, she threw her arms about her princess’ neck while her legs interlocked around her waist and held on tight, her body held fast between the soft, sultry figure of her fiancé and against crystalline stone. She kissed back with equal fervor, breaths coming in hot and heavy as the smoothness of those lips ate away at her conscious mind. Rarity loved those lips, adored the mouth that met her own, and she wanted to see them satisfied. It was by yearning instinct that she opened wide and let their tongues become intertwined, a new dance being born between them as the two lovers feel deeper and deeper into their passions. She wanted to feel each caress, each joyous lather and be stripped away of all bondage-

Celestia’s hand, slowly inching its way up Rarity’s thigh, took to pinching away at her bottom, trying to do away with the fabric that held the barrier between them. A small portion of Rarity’s sensible mind reignited and gave recognition to her surroundings, an unwanted soaking of her flaming desire. This was not her home, nor was it her princess’ bedchambers, but instead outside in the midst of town. Even at night, this was not a sensible decision to make. If they were to go there, no matter how much she wished to do so…

“Darling,” she whispered through muffled kisses, “we’re still in public.”

“Mmm… but I want you,” Celestia breathed, taking to Rarity’s neck and gracing it with kisses, desperate to re-entice her future bride. “Does it have to matter?”

Not really, was Rarity’s instinctual response, but her rational thoughts could not be ignored now. “Perhaps we should not start our engagement with a scandal?”

Celestia didn’t want to hear it, nor did she wish to listen, but she could feel Rarity continue to disengage, trying to ground them both into more reasonable territory. With a sigh, she ended their bout of love and set her fiancé gently back to her feet, disappointment evident across her face. “If you insist. But a whole night without you…”

“Only for a few nights more, Cellie darling,” Rarity assured her, trying to ignore her own disappointment regarding the matter. They both had responsibilities and duties to attend to, and there would be plenty more time that could be spent in intimate company- and in a much more suitable locale. “And then every night after, I’ll be right in your arms.”

“What a terrible wait it will be,” Celestia remarked, pulling in her treasured love for one last, lingering kiss. “Oh, how I love you.”

“And how I love you, darling,” Rarity said, an outstretched arm granted for her princess’ taking. “Would you be so kind as to walk me home?”
And so they turned away from their once-fiery moment and strode off into the darkness, both silently, eagerly, waiting for their next embrace.

Author's Note

Well, that took forever. This shouldn't have been so hard to write, but at least it came out alright. I think.

More to come. Hopefully life stops feeling like bland mashed potatoes before too long and makes this happen a whole lot more easily.

Always glad to hear from you.