The Day My Life Began

The Wedding to End All Invasions

Once Lilac and I got off the one-hour train ride to Canterlot, I looked around the giant pink sphere covered the city. I was barely able to see the clouds or the blue sky.

Lilac was on my back, still reading a book. It was strangely similar to those Berenstain Bears books, but some bears could fly or use magic. Kinda funny. She had spent the past three days packing her bags for today. I managed to convince her that she didn't really need to bring her entire painter's tools, paint, easels, and smock to Canterlot.

She was asked to be a Flower Filly. Actually, all of the Crusaders were. I had told Mia about them months ago, and she instantly loved the idea of the four fillies helping out. Those four had a ton of fun deciding what cutiemarks they might get for helping at a wedding.

I had been spending the past few months getting the details finalized for today. Most of the pieces are in place, but there are still a few details I need to skim over. It was just the last thing, the biggie. The rest would be easier than building a rocket!

Walking towards the castle, I thought about how I would basically be lying to Shining Armor. He was my friend now, I am happy to say. I had bonded with him over, well, being the elder sibling. I had a ton of good blackmail stories on Twilight. Shining was a cool dude, and a bit of a nerd (Twilight's brother, what was I expecting?) with some knowledge of comic books.

Mia's my friend too. Right now, she could be unconscious underneath Canterlot. She might be undergoing psychological torture, similar to Twilight's. I hated the thought. On my last visit, I made sure to give her something that would help her get home. I just hoped she would follow the instruction I gave her.

Lilac nearly squealed. "Mom, is the wedding gonna be boring?"

"Princess, I have gone to hundreds of weddings in my life." I said. "Of them, only three were boring. This one is gonna be a blast."

Lilac sighed, lying against my back. "When do the others get here?"

"Three days." I said, waiting for the guards to let me pass.

"Miss Stardust." The guard acknowledged.

I gave him a once over. "Iron Defense, right?"

The guard shook his head, looking impressed. "How can you tell us apart?"

"It's a gift." I shrugged. They lifted their spears, and I walked through.

"Three days is a long time!" Lilac groaned.

"You have your paints." I explained. "Once we get up to the room, then you can paint Canterlot. Maybe Copper Spear can take you there."

"Why do you know all the guards names?" Lilac asked.

I smiled at my daughter. "Names are important, Lilac. One missed name could mean one lost friendship."

Lilac nodded. "Oh!" She scratched her head with her claw. "So, you're their friend?"

"Acquaintance."

"A-whatice?"

"Almost friend." I clarified. "I learned to tell them apart, that's the first step. Figuring out who they really are, is the next."

"Wow. Friendship sounds complicated." Lilac said.

"No, you've got it figured out." I said. "Three amazing friends. That's more than I had at your age."

Lilac seemed even more confused. "You were my age?"

"Raspberry!" Shining cheered. "Hi!"

I smiled, both at Lilac's childlike attitude and Shining's greeting. "There's the happy groom. You excited for your wedding?"