An Ancient Reunion

The following morning, Celestia and Luna met not in the dining room, but in a smaller room they normally would use for small tea breaks between meetings. As soon as the elder sister saw the blushing look on her younger sister’s face, her lips curled into a playful smile. Sitting down with a little tea, as well as a small slice of cake, Celestia sat at the table. There was an awkward silence that seemed to go off into eternity. Eventually, the two alicorns had finished their tea, stared at each other, but Celestia was the first one to get the words out of her throat.

“So, how was your date?” Celestia asked, smiling at the adorable blush across Luna’s face. “Looks like you had fun.”

“Messis…is just as good at games as he was back then…” Luna blushed, whimpering a little as she couldn’t look her smiling sister in the eye. “A-a-a-anyway…I never had a chance to ask about your date. How’d that go?”

“Solstitio…he’s such a lovable goof…” Celestia blushed, giggling too as she thought back to her date with the alicorn. “And I don’t think he’s gone a day without trying to try out that pastry recipe he learned.”

“That would explain why the kitchen staff have been worried.” Luna replied, sighing a little. “Still, we both know how to pick them.”

“Yeah, we certainly do.” Celestia agreed, nodding a little. “You seem to really enjoy them stoic and calm.”

“Well, I like the peace that can come with it.” Luna commented, her lips curling into a playful smile at her sister. “And you really enjoy having as you put it, a lovable goof.” Celestria blushed harder and redder than her sister.

“Oh? Are we comparing?” Celestia giggled. “Well, I can’t say Solstitio is that much better than Messis. Those two have almost always been equal at everything.” She then smirked at Luna. “But, I can say that my Solstitio has the most adorable, precious smile.”

“So, you want to compare?” Luna smirked back, staring at her sister with a confident expression. “Well, since we’re going to be engaging in such childish behavior, Messis is calmer, so when he does smile, it has more value. You know you’ve earned it.”

“Are you implying my Solstitio’s smiles aren’t as good as Messis’?” Celestia asked, scoffing at the notion playfully. “I figured something as stoic as him didn’t know how to smile.”

“Oh he can, he absolutely can.” Luna smiled, almost purring a little at the memory of the alicorn’s precious, confident expression. It sent a small shiver throughout her body. “He’s smart, handsome, and the look on his face when you know how to play off his confidence is so fun.”

“You’re such a tease.” Celestia laughed. “Let me guess, you lost in a game, and so played a little teasing, flirting game to throw him off?” Luna’s blushing face gave her all the information she needed. “Oh Luna, you’re such a little tease.”

“And your date with Solstitio was any more flirtatious?” Luna returned the same stare at her older sister. “From what I can guess, you and he went to a cafe and feasted on every sweet you could shove down that royal cake hole of yours.” Celestia’s only adorable, blushing face told her what she wanted to know.

“W-well…it was still fun to spend time with them.” Celestia stammered, realizing Luna had turned the tables on her, making her blush even more than she was. “Can we agree on that?”

“I can agree to that.” Luna nodded, silently accepting her victory. “In any event, what should we do now?”

“What do you mean?” Celestia asked, raising a curious eyebrow towards her sister. “What are you talking about?”

“We’ve now been taken on dates. In your case, you’ve been seen publicly with Solstitio.” Luna explained. “No doubt any blood sniffing tabloid has been putting together all manner of articles about it. But more importantly, should we not consider the next step?”

“The next step, what do you-” Celestia’s eyes widened a little, her face becoming fully red as she realized what Luna could mean. “You mean marriage?!” Luna’s face equally blushed. “I mean…it’s not like I would…what I’m saying is…”

“Perhaps we should learn what they think of us first?” Luna suggested, getting up from the table. “I’m sure Solstitio and Messis are both discussing us as well. So maybe we can see if they would come to the same conclusion.”

“Isn’t it wrong to spy on them?” Celestia asked, but didn’t stop Luna as she walked out of the room. If anything, she began to follow her closely. “I mean, it’s not like I’m not a little curious, but it just feels a little…wrong.”

“It’s not the most honorable thing to do, but it’s our best way of finding out without making it feel like we’re pressuring them.” Luna quietly countered, not wanting any nearby guards or servants to overhear them. “But if we want to know the truth, this is the only way.” Celestia had no argument, following behind her sister.

While Celestia and Luna were discussing their dates with Solstitio and Messis, Messis and Solstitio were busy in a discussion about their dates with Luna and Celestia. Like the sisters, these brothers were in a private room, with one pacing back and forth almost impatiently, while the other was relaxing, reading a book while drinking some tea. Sostitio was so restless, his mind thinking back to the spectacular date he had with Celestia, as well as the strong desire to show her the recipes he had learned, but nervousness made him hesitate. Messis wasn’t outwardly as nervous, but was certainly inwardly worried. Since his date with Luna, he had been analyzing, and over analyzing everything about it; as if every little detail of it had some hidden meaning he just didn’t quite understand.

“Solstitio, you’re gonna put a rut in the floor if you keep pacing like that.” Messis commented, not even looking up from his book as he commented. “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you this nervous.”

“How can I not be!” Solstitio snapped, only to compose himself, at least as best as he could. “Sorry, sorry. I’m just so…I don’t know, I can't describe it.”

“Well, obviously you’re in love.” Messis replied, smirking subtly at the expense of his brother. “I mean, come on, Solstitio. If it was any more obvious, you and Celestia would be joined at the hip.”

Solstitio wanted to say something in response, but the words were caught in his throat. Like some lump, or an overabundance of food shoved down his gullet, he just couldn’t swallow down this nervousness. Messis was correct, he was in love with Celestia, so much so, he had slaved away in the kitchen for days to try and bake her the perfect treat. But no matter how good it came out, or how much the kitchen staff and other servants said it was a culinary masterpiece, something about it just felt off. Regardless, he just couldn’t bring himself to give this to Celestia. How could he possibly give her anything but the best?

“W-well…what about you?” Solstitio responded, trying to take some attention off his nervousness. “You and Luna have gotten pretty close, right? Didn’t you tell me she beat you in a game of chess?” Messis’ face blushed for a brief moment before putting it back in his book.

“That’s not the same. She outwitted me, sure. But I wouldn’t say she fully beat me.” Messis responded, having only a faint crack in his normally calm tone. “I defeated her in one game, and she bested me in the next. So it’s a tie.” Solstitio’s lips curled into a playful smirk at his brother.

Messis couldn’t deny that he too had fallen in love. There was just something about Luna, the way she was calm, composed, collected in her thoughts, and yet there was something deeper than that. She was so kind, understanding, compassionate, and equally capable of being playful. Luna was a mare who could attend the highest degree of noble galas, and yet equally go to the most rustic and mundane parties, and still have so much fun. And above all, she was clever. More than clever, she was highly intelligent, something Messis greatly valued, and respected about her. It was obvious he was into her, and yet he felt a hesitation to confess his feelings for her. While Solstitio could be the more emotional of the two, it was a little embarrassing that Messis couldn’t commit to confessing.

“Well, there’s nothing we can really do about it.” Messis commented, trying to take attention away from his faint, embarrassed blushing. “It’s not like we can just confess to them right then and there.”

“Well…no…I mean yeah, we coud…” Solstitio groaned, pacing even harder as he was wrestling with all manner of thoughts. “Like, it’s not like we can just walk right up to them and just tell them…right?”

“Well…” Messis said, but then as he looked up from his book, he happened to look over to the doorway. His lips curled a little. “Well, let’s pretend you actually could confess your feelings to Celestia. What would you say to her?”

“I…I would tell her how much she means to me.” Solstitio commented, pausing as he really tried to put in words how he felt. “Celestia…she just is my everything. I don’t know if it’s from when we were young, but I just want to be with her. I…I love her…” The way he looked at his brother, the honesty and emotion of his words, brought out a low, smiling sigh from Messis.

“Well, since we’re on the topic…” Messis replied, looking over to the room doorway. “I feel the same towards Luna. She is just someone I want to be with. She is a mare who I have always respected, and dare I say, I love her too.” He sighed, putting down his book. “But, why don’t we ask them?”

Igniting his horn, he opened the doorway, revealing not just Celestia and Luna, but they both held such tears of joy in their eyes. Solstitio’s face erupted in a massive, red blush. He had no idea the two were there, and it seemed Messis had noticed for a while now. Was that his plan? To get his shy brother to confess, and help him with Celestia? He certainly had no hesitation when it came to confessing his feelings about Luna. So maybe this was just some part of a plan? Still, the way the mares looked at these stallions, they slowly made their way into the room. Celestia embraced Solstitio, and Luna all but lunged at Messis.

“Is that how you truly feel?” Celestia asked, sniffling as she looked at Solstitio. Still in shock the alicorn could only nod. “Yes, yes! I do too, I do too.”

“Then I guess it’s decided.” Messis chuckled, kissing Luna on the cheek as he held her close. “We should begin preparations.” He smirked at the mares. “I feel a royal wedding of this size would be quite the spectacle.”

The streets of Canterlot were crowded by the massive gathering. So much so, every guard, even those in the reserves were called in to coordinate and keep the streets organized. Every member of the Wonderbolts were in the skies, not only patrolling, but filling the air with all manner of showmanship and wonder. The cloud patrols were tasked with crafting not only the clouds, but even to give the sky a beautiful series of rainbows to display the big day. Unicorn magicians fired off explosions of light and magic, the mountain seemed to shake in joy with the constantly moving beats of countless hooves. Delegates, leaders, and monarchs of all the surrounding kingdoms have come for the big day; the marriage of Princesses Celestia and Luna, with Princes Solstitio and Messis.

The sheer number of honored guests and world leaders made it clear that there wouldn’t be enough room for everyone in Canterlot, let alone Equestria to fully attend. This couldn’t be allowed. Both Princesses wanted this glorious day to be spread across the land. So, for the first time in centuries, the Sun and the Moon were brought together. The formed eclipse was further adjusted, creating a dazzling light across the sky that rather than blind any who looked, would instead give all who gazed upon it a perfect view of the grand event. The marriage was the talk of Equestria for weeks, and the preparation was said to be worthy of a holiday in splendor, and the rumors of the Princesses’ wedding gowns were said to be the envy of all Equestria, crafted by the famous Rarity.

While both alicorn pairs held airs of confidence and composure, behind closed doors, the four of them were in a panic. Celestia, dressed in a gown that seemed to radiate with the brilliance of the sun, as if it was creating its own light, was pacing nervously back and forth. Luna, dressed in a gown that held dimmer colors, but sparkled as if she was a walking piece of the night sky, joined her in the nervous pacing. They were nervous, almost ready to fall over in a panic. Never did they believe they would ever marry, and now, now was the big day, and they were unable to contain themselves. And with so many eyes upon them, the fear of making some mistake was palpable. Thankfully, Princesses Twilight and Cadance were there for them.

“Come on, Aunties. It’s not that bad.” Cadance commented, trying to reassure the two alicorns. “I know my marriage was a little scary, but hey, at least you don’t have to worry about a changeling invasion.”

“Part of me wishes there was one.” Celestia panted, her eyes darting back and forth. “What if we mess up our vows? Maybe they won’t like the gown? What if…I don’t know…something, anything goes wrong?”

“Agreed.” Luna chimed in. “Today is a day that will result in fame, or infamy. Who knows what could happen, and it would be foolish not to consider every…possible…outcome…”

“It’s scary, sure. But don’t worry, Princesses.” Twilight said, helping Cadance in trying to calm them down. “Besides, I’m sure they’re just as nervous as you are.”

“And don’t worry about that, either.” Cadance said before Celestia or Luna could respond. “I left Shining Armor with them, so I’m sure they’ll be needing help too.”

“Yes, and Shining Armor is good at getting to the point and cutting to the direct talk.” Luna commented, thinking aloud as she stood besides Celestia. “Soon enough, we’ll be walking through those doors, we’ll be before every eye in Equestria, and we will be the happiest mares there are.”

“Luna…I love you, but you are really, really bad at taking the pressure off.” Celestia nervously giggled, almost curling up on the nearby lounge sofa as the weight of just how visible this all was was taking a toll on her. “There’s going to be so many ponies, non ponies, and who knows who else watching. Something that has never been done before, and now we have to get it perfect.” Twilight and Cadance playfully rolled their eyes as they joined in trying to help her.

As the two mares continued to try and comfort the Princesses, Shining Armor was dealing with Solstitio and Messis. The two stallions were in a similar state to Celestia and Luna, though there was somewhat of a more dynamic difference. Rather than being the one to pace back and forth, Solstitio was sitting somewhat calmly, but it was clear his mind was racing. Messis, however, was the one who was doing all the pacing. Solstitio’s suit was a well crafted one of spring and summer themes of greens and browns, all with leaf motifs stitched into it. Messis’ suit was a fall and winter theme of blues and whites, with snowflake motifs stitched into it. Both suits were also done personally by Rarity, and she poured her heart and soul into these with the same passion she did for Celestia and Luna’s.

“I’ll admit, when I heard of you two, I imagined Messis being the calm one in this case.” Shining Armor commented aloud, deciding to speak casually to his soon to be uncles-in-law. “But there’s nothing to worry about. You two are about to marry two of the most beautiful and wonderful mares in Equestria. You should only feel happy about it.”

“Well yes, that much is obvious.” Messis commented, speaking in a huff as he was embarrassed showing this much worry and emotion. “But I just can’t stop thinking about all the many ways things could go bad.” His was, though somewhat focused, was clearly overthinking more than he should. “With so many important figures, there’s no telling what sort of enemy, monster, or anything could attack us.”

“If it means anything, that actually happened at my wedding.” Shining Armor commented, hoping that could somehow calm the alicorn. It didn’t, but he continued. “Look, no matter what, there’s gonna be some changes and adjustments. But what matters is that when these challenges come, you aren’t alone. You both have your new partners to help see them through. Love and compassion are powerful things, you know.”

“He’s right, he’s right.” Solstitio commented, swallowing a heavy gulp of his nervousness. “It’s gonna be hard, awkward, and there are gonna be more eyes on us than we can see or count. But you know what, they’re going through the same thing. And I think we should set a good example.” Messis nodded, taking a few deep breaths to try and compose himself again.

“Looks like you two are ready.” Shining Armor nodded, just as his ears perked as Twilight and Cadance sent him a magical message. “And I just got word from the others that Celestia and Luna are just as ready. So we better get you two at the altar before they arrive.”

“Alright, this is it. No going back.” Solstitio commented, walking besides Messis. “Are you ready, brother?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be.” Messis nodded, chuckling nervously. “Time to make the biggest, and happiest choice of our lives.” Solstitio burst into laughter, the two seemed just about ready for it. Shining Armor sent a magical reply to Twilight and Cadance, letting them know the grooms were ready.