They landed, or at least came in as close as they intended. A broad plank was set down by the workers of the ship for them to actually reach the ground, and Canterlot.

The ramp struck the stone with a solid thump. There was a general feeling of release around the ship as guards formed a perimeter, ensuring nothing dire would happen with the ramp exposed. After a few moments of anxious silence, a small team of guards preceded the royal party down to the pavement.

At the bottom, a delegation of Equestrians stood with serious expressions. As Prince Sand and Princess Blue Belle started down, they bowed their head respectfully. They watched as the royalty moved from plank to stone.

Sand looked over the welcoming committee with an open smirk, eyes half-lidded as he took in their number and general demeanor. "My Little Bell tells me that the grandness of our reception does not indicate lack of joy, but rather custom. What of it, hm?"

One of the attendants blinked in surprise. "We meant no offense. Welcome!" They waved at Canterlot as a whole. "We hope you have a lovely time here for this joyous day. It is not often we get foreign dignitaries for a wedding, but it is most welcome." The stallion rose and gestured towards the gates, starting to walk them inside.

"That is good." Sand nudged Blue. "Lead me in, my love."

She inclined her head regally, falling into step as Sand's hoof bumped her forward. "Well, I know this city like the back of my hoof." She joyfully began calling out almost every building they passed and its function, pausing but once. "Oh, hm. It is a city. I suppose some things do change."

Prince Sand squeezed his large frame down the streets and passageways of the town, led by Blue Belle. A guard cleared a route for them towards a structure fit for royalty. Servants opened double doors and stood aside for the visiting Prince. They had arrived at Canterlot Castle, home of Princess Celestia, and shining with the resplendence she had earned and demanded. "I had only heard stories of Equestria's palace."

Blue grinned as she pulled him inside. "I used to call this place home. Oh, not here, of course. This place belongs to Celestia, but I visited it quite often enough." She turned to a passing maid. "Pardon." The maid jumped, seeing Blue, eyes widening as she realized who she was talking to, and their odd appearance. "Where is Auntie hiding herself?"

"Oh, uh." She stared a moment longer then remembered to look respectful and proper. "Her Royal Highness is busy preparing for the wedding festivities, Miss Blueblood—ma'am. She asked me to tell you she was unable to attend to you until after."

"I see." Blue sighed deeply. "Very well. Please, show us to our quarters for this visit." She gestured back at Sand and their guards. "We would put our things down before I begin my tour of the city."

The mare looked at the Prince. "Of course." She inclined her head as well as she dared and departed briskly.

Prince Sand was amused by all the activity. "So many servants. I can see that Equestria is thriving."

"You needn't worry yourself over the prosperity of this place." She slipped closer as they followed. "Equestria is powerful in its own right, but not at threat to your lands. We can be sure of this." Blue followed as the maid led, ears up and a genuine smile on her face. "Your people are considered beloved friends and allies. May the sun never set on the friendship between us."

Sand grunted at that phrase, looking over the decorated interior of the hallways, and the portraits hung there. "Yes, well said." He followed behind the others towards an assigned room. A servant hurriedly opened the door.

As one, they all headed inside and began setting down all they had brought with them.

Blue gestured around the first room. "This is where the guards should be, and their rooms are there, and there." She pointed as she went, nodding. "And past those doors would be our portion of the suite, with all the amenities one would expect." She smiled up at him. "I do recommend the bathing facilities."

He chortled. "Perhaps later. I should make sure that everything has made the journey safely." He waved at servants. "You may put those in there, and these in there," Sand instructed the guards. He did keep an eye on the process as each piece was put somewhere proper.

Soon though, everything was in its place, and Blue clapped lightly. "Now, the proper way to end a journey it with a meal, dear prince. Are you in the mood for something light, or does your belly rumble for a more substantial offering?" She stepped over to a display of fine fruits and breads, with drinks in chilled bottles.

"I confess I am more thirsty than hungry." Sand poured himself something red and sweet to sip. "Fruit juice. But not of a sort I am familiar." e took a sip, small for him, massive for an Equestrian. "Mmm. Each nation, fruits all their own. I approve." He thrust the same glass towards Blue.

Blue drank from it with a bright smile, draining the glass of its remaining contents before letting it drop. "I suppose I'm dry too after all that excitement. Did you see how many Equestrians were pointing and gawking as we walked through Canterlot? Ponies of your stature are very rare around here. Unicorns, Earth ponies, Pegasi, none of them tend to stand half-again taller than a standard pony. I suspect many of those younger citizens have never laid eyes on a Saddle Arabian before."

Sand huffed gently at that. "Then we offer them a chance to see something new in return for what we are seeing. It seems fair." He leaned down to bump his snout to Blue's own. "Now, I am no longer parched, and in this enchanted land. You were thinking of a tour?"

"Absolutely, darling." She pushed his shoulder playfully. "Come on then, let's see what we might find today. So much adventure and sightseeing awaits us both. I insist." She drew him towards the front door as servants fled out of their way. "I am positive you shall be absolutely amazed by what there is to experience in Equestria." She pushed open the door easily and led him out into the halls, two guards trailing behind.

"So I said—" Upper Crust paused in her speech to another pony as she noticed Blue Belle. "My word." She shook her head quickly, looking past Blue to Sand and the others. "Have I missed some holiday?"

"No." Blue blushed as she shook her head. "We're here for the royal wedding, of course. And we'll have to catch up after that."

Upper Crust stared openly at Blue Belle's changed body and demeanor, blinking. "I see." She leaned in closer. "Who is that tall slice following you?" She looked up and up and up at Sand.

"Oh!" Blue pulled Sand close. "Upper Crust, Duchess of Canterlot, I'd like you to meet Sand, Crown Prince of Saddle Arabia, heir to the throne of Saddle Arabia, and my fiance."

Upper Crust's eyes grew wider than she had thought previously possible at the avalanche of new information. "I see! I see I see I see." She put a hoof to her chin. "Pardon me, but where are you going in such a hurry then?"

"He's new in town, and needs a proper tour." Blue Belle grinned over at Sand. "Just seeing Canterlot, nowhere dangerous. There shouldn't even be traffic this time of day. Don't worry about it, seriously." She led Sand on past Upper Crust, headed towards the exit of the castle.

Upper Crust shook her head slowly. "Can you even?" She turned to her previous conversation partner, that chat forgotten. "That was Blueblood! He... She? They looked awfully female from here. And with a husband-to-be! Whatever shall this world throw at us next?"

Blue was joyfully unaware of that converstion, leading Sand out onto the streets of Canterlot. "I do hope this place is still there. It was one of my favorite places to spend an afternoon, with lovely sights and treats to avail oneself of."

"Here, my little bell." Sand squeezed Blue Belle tight to his side. "Lead on, wherever you wish to go. This place is your playground. Mine too, if I will follow."

She laughed at that, smooching Sand on his lowered cheek. "I do love the way you phrased that. Come, let us enjoy this little pony playround, hm?" She led the way with a jump in her steps to a cafe and a particular seat out on the patio. "Now, they have lovely seats here, but none that could house your impressive size, so let us all settle aside the table."

Blue sank to her haunches at the table, roughing it, if one asked her. She used her magic to pull up a menu and offer one to Sand. "Consider this entirely my treat."

Sand picked up the menu delicately. He had some experience handling objects smaller than him. "Please. You are too kind. What would you suggest, my blue bell flower?"

"Well..." She giggled. "I would certainly go for any of these delights." She turned her menu, her magic highlighting the words she means. "It dances lightly on the tongue, but doesn't occupy much in the belly for later delicacies. A perfect thing for a lazy afternoon, I dare say."

"Mmm, that does sound tempting." Sand stroked his muzzle lightly as he eyed the listed price. He chuckled gently. "I do believe this is far below market price. Such bargains are unseen at home."

"Equestria is full of wonders, for sure, but perhaps the best thing is the kindness that shines out from within." She put a hoof to her chest. "That, and this is unconfirmed, but I hear this place receives a healthy stipend from Auntie to stay where it is, with the menu unchanged. It is a place she visits, when she can."

Prince Sand gave Blue Belle a playful squeeze of affection, smiling over at her. "Whatever the reasons, I do appreciate your knowledge of this wonderful place. Your insight, as ever, is appreciated."

"You have no idea!" Blue waved a waiter closer. "It's delightful to be in a place where, for once, I can teach you a thing or two, dear prince. Saddle Arabia is new to me, but Canterlot? There is little I am not aware of."

Once the waiter was in range, Blue ordered for them both, then sat back with a contented sigh. "What a joy it is to see old sights once again."

"You must share it, to feel complete, of course." Sand gestured the waiter closer. "Get the same for my guards." He inclined at them. "They deserve a little treat."

The server's expression brightened and she hustled away to fetch them their order. For her, two well to-do patrons was almost as good as the royal sisters paying a visit.

Sand sipped at his drink with relish. "It is, perhaps, not surprising that Equestria, land of water, knows how to make its water especially delectable in so many ways."

"Another mark of a proud and prosperous people." Blue finished her cup and set it aside. "A testament to what Equestrians can accomplish." She looked off over the rooftops of nearby buildings to gaze out over the city in general. "Ah, I missed it." She glanced aside at Sand. "Not that I regret the path I am now trotting, Beloved. I will faithfully discharge my duties, with pleasure."

"A pleasure I am pleased to return." Sand reached down to stroke her mane gently. "I did not mean to cause doubt within you."

"You have not," she assured him softly. "You merely draw words from me." She inclined her head faintly. "Perhaps, just my own doubts playing with me. I want you to enjoy this trip at least half as much as I am."

Author's Note

And we all know nothing bad happens at Cadance's wedding, so this will be a lovely trip! Off to a good start at least.

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