We passed by the forests dotted around Ponyville, the plains, hills and occasional small mountains. As we followed the winding road along Ghastly Gorge, Ruby paused to slide up to the edge and peer down at the small trickle of water winding along down below. She looked back at me and smiled, she seemed really chipper and bubbly, and the mood was a little infectious. I couldn’t help but smile as well. We were going to the home of lamias, to find a chapel to get married in and a town to live… A set point, even if we travelled we’d always have there to go back to!

We kept going for several more days, far from any major cities, with Las Pegasus ahead, we occasionally passed small clumps of houses and got some supplies. Ruby waved cheerfully at the staring ponies, likely they didn’t know what she was but her friendly and care free demeanour gave them little to fear and the young kids seemed rather welcoming, enjoying climbing over her coils merrily like some sort of climbing frame. Finally, the grass beside the road began to wither and die, sand creeping up as the ground changed. On the first night in the desert we got a wonderful view of Luna’s star filled sky, endlessly rolling out all around us above.

“This is beautiful…” Ruby said softly as a fire crackled to our sides, the flames dancing over our bodies.

“Yeah.” I sighed softly closing my eyes, wings laying on the soft sand.

I heard Ruby gulp and looked over at her “So Bolt… What’s your… Erm…”

“Opinion of being a father?” I asked Ruby’s face flushed and she smirked as I, for once, hit the nail dead on.

“Nice time to suddenly become aware of my thoughts! Couldn’t have figured that out sooner?” She asked and I chuckled then she looked up at the sky “So…” She asked after a pause.

“When we’ve gotten married we can try for a kid.” I promised and I felt Ruby’s hoof on mine.

“It’ll be a girl obviously, lamia genes are dominant first time, for predatory reasons.” Ruby said “And she’ll be like me, a lamia… So… Start thinking up names!” Ruby ordered and I chuckled rolling over to stare at her.

“And while I do that you can focus on thinking of how you can make the act as sweet as possible.” I whispered.

“Yes… I can.” Ruby cooed.

I closed my eyes and turned over to sleep, feeling Ruby’s cool coils slide over my body like a blanket “I bet… She’ll be as sweet as her mum…” I mumbled holding onto them as I felt Ruby prop my head on a coil pillow.

Ruby was nestled up against my front, head underneath mine and her tongue was darting out as she breathed, tickling my neck. Her coils held my whole body, from hoof to head, with her pressed inside her own cocoon. My face was half wrapped with loose coils, the pillow having curled around in the night to grip my head. I felt them shift, playing with my wings, ruffling them slowly.

“Mmmm… S…Squeeze them a little…” I whispered and I heard Ruby coo as she put pressure on my wings, making my moan with bliss, I imagine my eyes would have been glazed had I bothered to open them.

“We should get up…” Ruby whispered and I nodded.

I felt her tail slide as if coiling me more, squeezing us closer.

When we finally got up I felt oddly tingly, the air brushing against my fur made me quiver as goose bumps rose up, the lingering sensation of Ruby’s coils over my body still clinging to my mind, yet it was hallow making me crave the authentic sensation.

We had recently found a road, well a trail more accurately. It may have once been made of cobblestone but the stone had aged and cracked, sand slowly creeping up between it, it was nearly invisible now, but it at least told us we were heading in the right direction. Ahead was a mountain, standing tall, the top disappearing within the few sparse clouds above us. Occasionally we could see the peak, the snow top mountain likely brought down water to the desert we trekked through. It was probably a common place for Las Pegasus to dump half empty clouds too.

“BOLT!” Ruby’s excited gasp made my head zip right down to ground level.

Ruby held her hooves over her mouth as she crossed between laughing and crying, Shady Grove. I gave Ruby a light push and she began to slide forward, hooves still firmly held to her mouth. It was broken down, most of the houses were either oak wood, stone or a mix. The stone houses or extensions had survived much longer, some still stood though I only saw two houses with roofs that would actually function to keep the rain out now. The wood had not fared as well. We could only tell a house had been there by the occasional corroded wooden beam, some had completely collapsed inward or outward and the debris was half buried in sand. If cleared, I could imagine it working as an actual town.

Ahead was the mountain and along the edges was a long ridge, several stone houses appeared to have been built out from caves, judging from the odd positions they all had, the ramps up to them had collapsed so only the lower ones were now accessible. Ruby and I made our way up to what must have been a town centre, I could see a few tarps from long abandoned stalls flapping in the soft breeze like torn flags, it was so quiet and sad. As if the town itself missed its inhabitants. I took a step forward and heard a clung, glancing down I saw a faded metal sign that had fallen over ‘Private Property, no entry.’ I picked the sign up and tossed it into a pile of rubble for clearing, wouldn’t need it now!

Ruby wandered off at a seemingly random path and stopped at a statue, as I drove the wagon up beside her I took in the statue. It was a lamia, naturally, and most likely a stallion, judging from the features and boxy snout. The lamia curled around the stone as if sat upon his own coils it seemed like he had once held two things, a sword, which was stuck cracked in the step leading up to the base of the stature when his left hoof had fallen off and whatever he held in his right had completely crumbled upon his upturned hoof, but it appeared to be some form of plant. Sat before him was a mare whom he held in his coils protectively, the mare resting against his chest as she held onto a small sun and moon globe, symbolising Equestria most likely, noticeably she was in slightly better condition, however part of her legs which stuck out between her comfy detailed seat had crumbled making her look like a cripple which I doubt had been originally intended.

I leaned closer but the writing had long since faded to the odd eligible letter “What is this?” I asked Ruby.

“The last lamia king, the one who led us to the Badlands to protect Equestria, never had a male lamia lead us since. Though I don’t know who the mare is…” Ruby smiled “Anyway that means this building is the chapel!” Ruby said pointing to a stone building ahead of the statue’s path.

The west wall had collapsed, the first noticeable thing I saw when taking in the building. Glancing in through the empty doorway I could see some rotten wooden seats for ponies on one side and more flattened wider seats for lamias. Standard church with the lamia extension added. There were only two stained glass windows left at the back. Once again it showed lamias, the left one, the one I looked too first. Showed a white and orange coloured lamia mare sliding towards the viewer, the light around her indicated she was friendly and looking at her as the light shifted you felt clam… Did lamias make hypnotic glass? I managed to tear my eyes to the second window still left.

This one had somepony already viewing it.

Luna looked back at us and smiled as she looked upon a picture of herself, apparently coiled by the lamia king as she held the banner of Equestria to show peace between races, several lamias were dotted in a circle around Luna.

“You know, this picture lies, I wasn’t coiled until AFTER the peace ceremony.” Luna said with a smile as she walked over to us.

“Did it feel nice?” Ruby asked with a grin.

“Wonderful, six lamias pampering you at once, the royal masseuse can never match it sadly.” Luna admitted and I could agree “But that is for… Another time,” Luna said with a small flush “I assume this is where the wedding will take place, correct?” Luna asked.

“How did you know?” I asked.

“Well it took you a while to get here, and believe me Pinkie Pie is very effective at parties, also my sister received a letter from her former student, Twilight Sparkle, about the wedding, and I had meant to meet you here anyway.” Luna beckoned for us to follow.

Leaving the church behind Luna led us down a couple streets, turning a corner brought us to a formerly grand looking building, it had clearly been built with integrity and strength in mind. A bank, two snakes curled around the door and appeared to be watching us approach like sentries. Luna casually pushed the creaky doors open and it was easy to tell that this was the most habitable building around Shady Grove. The entrance was quaint, empty though that was likely due to the lamias leaving long ago. There was a long rusted metal railing, the wooden desk they had been fitted above had broken down in places and would serve no purpose to keep out thieves currently, nor would the missing door for workers to enter on the left.

Luna led us through the back, down a set of stairs into a basement, lighting her horn on the way bathing the room in a soft night blue glow “Here we are.” Luna proclaimed stopped before a huge metal door.

The wheel on the front reminded me of a ships wheel but made of snakes, Luna turned to Ruby “Best if you open it.” She said.

“How?” Ruby asked.

“Well… How would lamias open a door like this?” Luna asked and Ruby looked towards the door.

Ruby moved closer her eyes waving over the massive door, her tail raised up and poked into the centre of the wheel, causing it to turn rapidly followed by four heavy thud like clicks from something metallic moving within. Ruby pulled her tail back and the door swung open slowly. Despite the grand opening the vault within was bare, save for layers of dust that had crept in. Luna looked at us and smiled.

“A rather bare town treasury no?” She asked as her horn glowed.

There was a warm wave of heat then the sound of clinking metal before several hundred golden bits flooded the large space. There was still a huge amount of spare room but… The many bags and spilt bits certainly filled it a fair amount!

“A gift from Canterlot for you to start up, as promised.” Luna said with a smile then leaned towards Ruby “I suggest you get a spa up first… It would help with further funding.” She said with a smile as Ruby giggled.

I stared at the mass of bits, I’d never seen so many gathered in one specific place at once, it would have taken me a few life times to get this much!

“Wow… But um… How do we hire builders…?” Ruby asked softly as I gawped and Luna chuckled pushing the door close with her magic.

“Follow.” She ordered.

Once again we were led through the town, this time we headed outward rather than further in. I noticed the bright tent covers ahead and smiled “We got a few more lamias through.” Luna said casually.

“A few…?” I asked.

Either I had miss judged the size of the lamia town or the village was here “There are still a lot of lamias back at the village do not be deceived by how they bunch up, just an illusion.” Luna said aware of their tricks.

Diamond and Sunny slid out of the group of lamias chattering at our arrival. Sunny smiled softly and winked at me and my wings fluttered, flustered.

“We saw the church.” Diamond said softly looking a little sadly at Ruby.

“We will take care of the repairs Miss Scales, don’t worry, we’ll have it ready for the wedding.” Luna said.

Sunny looked at my confused glance to Luna and she smiled “I hope it’s not a bother, Bolt, but Luna and I have agreed that the wedding ought to be made public… It would be a good show of faith and symbolism to see a pony and lamia wedding so easily brought about in the wake of our return to Equestria.” Sunny said.

“No it’s fine… Just make sure they keep their heads down.” Ruby said, the lamias giggling whilst Luna and I shared a glance only ponies could in such a situation.

“What’s going to happen to the lamia town?” I asked looking at Sunny “What will you do?” She smiled looking up.

“I’m not sure… It has been… So long since I had freedom of choice… I will likely help Luna and Celestia with guiding more lamias when I can, but, if you will have me, I would quite like to live here, in Shady Grove… It… It is perfect. Our kind of paradise.” Sunny said, looking at Ruby and I expectedly.

“You are all welcome here.” I said clearly to the crowd, and the cheering spooked me (Well loud hissing is more accurate but I’m fairly sure it was MEANT to be cheering).

Sunny bowed her head in thanks “We picked a house for you both.” She said.

“Don’t we get to choose?” Ruby asked and to this Diamond shook her head.

“Luna helped us identify the original king’s house, and we thought it fit for the current mayors and their future family to live there.” Diamond explained before she winked… Subtle “But for the time being, most of us will have to live within tents until some residential buildings are repaired or built.”

I looked over at Luna “So how does this work, obviously hiring the lamias would be best but I don’t know… Mayor stuff.” Luna chuckled softly.

“I will help ease you in, but for now I think you should go see your new home, I’ll organise the construction and wages for you in time. Sunny.” Sunny smiled at Luna’s cue and beckoned for Ruby and I to follow. I decided to kick off my wagon and leave it by the camp, to save my back a little.

Sunny led us through town towards the mountain homes, she stopped before a two-story building set into the mountain wall itself, the log walls disappearing into the stone. Along the top I could see a window cut out from the stone itself, as if the attic was in the mountain, the glass was long gone from the attic window and the front windows of the wooden building. A new door had arrived and been installed and the walls appeared to have been reconstructed, and there were a few stacks of building material under tarp nestled against the stone face.

“We started a few days ago, just got done with the outer walls, the inner walls were still solid as well so we cleaned them and gave them new paint, based off what Diamond said we chose something you’d like Ruby.” Sunny explained as she slid up to the door, she turned to us and held out a small keyring with one shiny untouched clean key on it “Take a look around.” Sunny offered.

Ruby took it and unlocked the door pushing it open with her tail. Ruby slid in and I ducked through the wide door after her swishing white tail, glancing around the entrance. The entryway led into a long wide hallway, along the front was wood which slowly curled into stone, the paint on the wood was bright green, making it look like grass above a bed of rocks as you walked deeper into the house. The rocks had been perfectly smoothed out and were a bright light grey, it was actually rather pretty for a single colour. The carpet for the hallway was a deep yellow like bright live dandelions, though half of it wasn’t finished yet. The hallway went along a fair distance before reaching a perfect stone stairway that curled around and up, reminding me slightly of a slide at an old park from Oakbark.

We checked the rooms on the first floor to begin with, there was what I assumed would be the kitchen and living room split together, the tiles were half down and the living room was bare, save for some glass for the windows, the kitchen was bare save for the standards, a couple counters and cupboards for food, crockery and glasses and a fridge freezer. The other room opposite the kitchen and living room seemed completely empty.

“What’s this for?” I asked looking at Ruby and she glanced at Sunny who chuckled at my naivety.

“It’s a room designed for lamias to stretch their coils in and warm up, see the grates?” Ruby pointed down, there were metal grills along the floor and I nodded “Hot air come up, it’s a nice place to relax and just lounge about… Think of it as a… Hypno room.” Ruby said nudging my side as I blushed. Great, a room dedicated to mind melting. Just what Ruby needed.

Next we went to the staircase, if you can call it that as a slope, and headed upward to the second floor, the staircase continued upward the same way from the second to the attic, but we wanted to check the second floor first. The upstairs was divided into five rooms, that I could see, three on the left and two on the right. The first on the right opened into what looked like an indoor hot spring.

“A bathroom suitable for a lamia.” Sunny pitched in, sounding like she was advertising the house to us.

“Is it built into the mountain?” I asked noting the way the long cavern like room seemed to head further back behind the staircase.

“Indeed, it was the only way to get a suitable base for the water, but the lower levels were not suitable. Hence why it is on the second floor and backed up against the far wall, no risk of flooding downstairs.” Sunny said, glancing around at the massive pool length bath “Will you share?” She whispered to Ruby.

“Oh yes, I imagine many fun times will be had here.” Stay down wings, stay down!

The second room on the right of the hallway was a master bedroom, designed for Ruby and myself, at the front of the room was a circular window reminding me of one you might see on a ship, the room was rather bright in contrast to the rooms further back into the mountain. Currently the room only featured a rather large mattress.

“We’re still waiting for the furniture.” Sunny said a little sheepishly.

“No it’s alright we’ll manage.” I said holding a hoof up with a smile.

“The other rooms,” Sunny gestured to the three on the left side as we headed for the attic “Are bare, you may do as you please with them, though I imagine at least one will be another bedroom.” Sunny curled her tail in a figure of eight around Ruby’s neck and my own dragging us together as Ruby smirked. Cosy.

Following the staircase up we reached a door and through that the final room, the attic. The attic was a decent sized space, towards the front, the only source of light was the window we’d seen below. The room itself however was rather large, several meters high.

“Whoa… A lot of space for an attic…” I mumbled.

“An attic?” Sunny asked “I suppose it could be used for that, but this, for lamias, is actually designed to be a sort of room to simulate a fake forest, with many banisters to coil and hang from… A place to return to a more forest setting.” Sunny explained.

Ruby raised a hoof “I think we’ll just use it as an attic.” She said chuckling “There are woods close by now anyway, the desert is much smaller than it once was.”.

Sunny rolled her eyes and shook her head but smiled “Well… This is your new home. I hope you like it.” She said with a hopeful smile.

“We love it Sunny.” Ruby said.

“Thank you.” I added.

“I’m glad you’re happy, I’m going to head back to the camp, so you can familiarise yourselves if you like.” Sunny said as she slid out the room, we heard the front door close a few moments later.

Ruby and I wandered back down to the living room and stared out the empty glass windows at the town below “So this is it…” I mumbled and I felt Ruby’s tail flick against my right hoof and I placed it inside the hoop as if we were holding hooves “You’re all going to break me like a twig here.” I said and Ruby burst out laughing.

“Don’t worry… I’ll keep you ssssafe.” She hissed and I turned to her.

“You better, or what will the kids say?”

“Hmmm… Mum is Dad being fucked by Pollen’s mother again?” Ruby said in an imitation of a child.

“Hilarious.” I said with a chuckle as Ruby broke into a fit of giggles.

We returned to the camp not long after Sunny, but we’re denied the ability to help reconstruct the church or homes, instead we were ushered into selecting those we’d invite for the wedding. And so, Ruby snuggled up beside me at the table in my wagon, making a real effort to make me touch every coil.

I moaned for about the thousandth time as Ruby’s coils slid around my neck, we’d started on the wedding list, the names began with Ruby’s mother and followed with family first; ‘Diamond Scales, Metal Cast, Cotton Patterns, Digital Canvas, Sunny,’ the list had gained few names afterwards. It wasn’t from a lack of ponies; it was the fact I could hardly think straight with this wondrous massage.

“Ruby.” I grumbled, feeling like I was on a loop from how many times I’d scolded her.

“Sorry, maybe Twilight and her friends.” Ruby suggested.

“They’re already coming though…”

“Still makes the list longer.” Ruby said so I scribbled on Twilight and her five friends, before adding her little scaly dragon friend Spike “Oh and some of the Ponyville residents, and Note Pad too!”

“Like who?” I asked looking up and Ruby snatched the pen, writing about thirty names “That all of them?” I asked and Ruby nodded as the door swung open.

Luna’s eyes rose in surprise at the bundle of coils at the table before locating Ruby and me and she chuckled at the sight “The wedding will be public so, that is the priority list, we’ll bolster the rest of the seats with officials.” Luna said taking a seat and pulling the list from me.

Ruby glanced down at me and covered my mouth before I could tell her no. Ruby placed a coil as thick as Luna’s head right beside her and the Princess of the night turned over to face it. She turned back to look at the list as her horn glowed, the coil floating up, wobbling as she struggled to grip it, before resting it around her neck, Ruby curling it so it crossed like a scarf. I’m pretty sure Luna purred.

“As wonderful now as it was then.” Luna said softly turning her attention back to the list “Note Pad, that’s the stallion you met in Oakbark correct?” We nodded “Well I suppose he drew a good straw, provided we can retrieve him from the lamia village.”

“He’s gone back there?” I asked.

“Most days he isn’t in a state of mind to realise there is anywhere else but his Mistress’ coils. And I think he may have some lingering suggestions to go back to them, yes.” Luna said looking up, yeah ‘lingering’ wasn’t how I’d describe it.

“Who did he hitch up with?” Ruby asked.

“Sunny.” Luna answered “Most days.” She added.

Ruby whistled “Note became a luxury.” She said giggling “Where is he now?”

“Well if he’s not in Sunny’s tent he will likely be back at the lamia village, either getting coiled by Sunny’s personal guards or trying to catch up on his story the best he can.” Luna said with a grin, that seemed like a task that would take a long time “I will ensure he is here and in a… Conscious state. Boring as it is.” Luna said grinning at me alongside Ruby.

“What is wrong with you lot?” I asked.

“Luna,” Ruby said suddenly and she looked over as Ruby’s tail flexed nervously “I was wondering if you would be willing to do the Priest work… You know, formerly join us?” Ruby asked.

I had personally been thinking of using a regular priest but, being married by a Princess? That would be impressive!

“I would love too, it takes away the concern of being turned down by other officials,” Oh yeah “And it gives me a reason to be here.” And get coiled… Wow… The Princess of the night has a thing for coiling…

Guess I do to, but still…! ……You know what I can’t think of a legitimate excuse or reason that makes it more viable for me… Crap…

“Is that the whole list?” We both nodded and Luna picked up the scroll “Pinkie will be waiting eagerly for this most likely so I shall send it to Twilight’s dragon friend for her.” I imagined Pinkie sat at a letter box opening it every couple of seconds as if the mail magicked inside.

With a whoosh of blue flames, the list burnt into ash and flew out the door on its way to Ponyville “Now there are a few other matters, we have the rings ready for you both, we will need to decide on bride’s maids and the best stallion.” Luna said.

“My brother will be doing that role.” I said and Luna nodded in understanding looking at Ruby who looked a little sheepish.

Luna took pity on her “I know three young fillies who have experience and I am sure they would love to attend.” Ruby squeezed her tail in thanks.

Luna, with a look bordering on misery, stood up “I will see to the rest of the construction and leave the smaller details for you to handle.” Luna said nodding goodbye.

And so, we spent the next four days finishing the last details, the lamias meanwhile spent their time split between the reconstruction of the church, our new home and the main street homes, which had been renamed Daybreak lane, from the idea it was the beginning of something new. On the fourth day at Shady Grove, naturally before the sun had even risen, we had what sounded like a siege weapon attack our front door.

Pinkie promptly let herself in jumping up and down on our bed proclaiming “We’re here, we’re here for your wedding, we’re here!”

“Yes… I can see that…” I muttered as I tried to shove Pinkie off, all this accomplished was, instead of creaking springs, there was now a regular thump, thump as Pinkie jumped up and down on the wooden floor.

“Ugh, PLEASE can I brainwash her!” Ruby moaned sitting up.

“I put my vote down for the brainwashing.” A baggy eyed Rainbow Dash grumbled.

“Oh come on sleepy heads, you can sleep later we have a wedding to plan!” She cheered.

I groaned “Pinkie why don’t you get on with the guest list…?” I suggested sleepily.

“I did that, I got their replies, they’ll be here within the next coming days!” Pinkie said cheerfully.

“Um… The church…?” I asked.

“Oh the lamias refuse to let me on sight until they finish, they’re just fitting the glass back into the windows.” Ruby and I slowly sat up.

“When are you hosting the wedding?” I asked, having waited for the planner to set the day.

“Five days today!” Pinkie said cheerfully “Which is LOADS of time, normally I get an afternoon of warning to prepare for new ponies so this is a synch!” Pinkie said bouncing again.

Ruby and I glanced at each other as Rarity walked in “Don’t worry I am fully capable of fulfilling rush orders as well.” She said, her mane already set into a perfect bun, she hardly looked tired at all “And with most of the work done it is simply a matter of colours and material now”.

Ruby climbed out of bed, following Pinkie as they chattered happily “So how is it going to start…?” I groaned pushing out of bed and standing up as Rarity squeaked.

“Bolt have you no shame!? Put some clothes on!” She ordered “Your wife left for barely a minute!”

“When do we normally wear clothes?” I asked and Rainbow shared my chuckle.

“Well on your wedding you will need to wear a suit! So I will find someplace to set up here,” Rarity looked sideways “Hopefully it will be clean.” She muttered “And then I will come and find you or Ruby and start work on your wedding clothing! You must look PERFECT!” Rarity shouted as she trotted briskly away.

“Wow… She’s um… Intense with dress making.” I noted as Rainbow Dash promptly fell on my bed

“You said it.” She mumbled “I’m take a rest, thanks. If you want Twilight she’s dorking it up at the library ruins or that statue in the centre.” Rainbow said before falling asleep. Lovely.

I quickly brushed the nest that was my mane down a little and headed outside, since my bed was now occupied! The sun had only just begun it’s assent into the sky, but despite this there were still a fair number of lamias out and about. I followed them, soon catching up with the pink ball of sugar and Ruby.

“Hay, Bolt, they’re about to open the church.” Ruby said and I noticed she was holding a massive pair of scissors “We’re technically the ones in charge here… Would you cut the rope with me?” Ruby asked.

I looked towards the church doors, a ribbon was tied along the front of the metal railing above a low stone wall “Sure.” I said with a nod and Ruby and I stepped up.

The lamias gathered around excitedly and I noticed Ruby looking at me expectedly. Oh right “Fillies and gentlecolts, with these scissors, my fiancé and I will open the first official reconstructed building in Shady Grove.” A cheer ran up in the crowd and I smiled, turning to Ruby who held out the scissors between us, we pulled them up and snipped the ribbon, followed by another cheer from the crowd.

“Heh never imagined a church of all places would get this much hype.” I mumbled.

“Well think of it from our point of view, it’s the first official statement we now live here, and we can choose what is going to happen here and be built here… It’s a vast improvement.” I nodded in agreement with Ruby statement, it was an improvement for them all.

We helped untie the cut ribbon from the railing then stepped inside with the vast public, though most had seen it during reconstruction, which was easy since one wall hadn’t been there, it was now once again whole. Noticeably only the two stained glass windows remained whilst the others were simple plain see through or white, stories of the lamias had yet to be told. Ruby however skipped passed he nice décor, sliding up along the red carpeted floor to the podium at the front. She stood to one side and I walked up beside her.

“What do you see?” I asked her quietly.

“A home… A new start…” She looked at me “And a husband I love to hug.” Ruby said with a giggle “And you?”

“Family.” I said simply.

Yeah speaking of family, mine was due to turn up. Digi was the first to arrive, looking a little worse for wear. He needed a shave, though that was normal for him. He gave a tired smile as he tried to shake six different lamias that were trailing him like rainbow coloured shadows.

“You’re popular.” I noted.

“He’s single, a rare commodity with lamias. And his mind is relatively untouched… Currently.” Ruby noted.

“Yeah, currently, your people are like vultures! Bolt, can’t your control them?” Digi asked I held my hooves up.

“Hay you try, more than welcome.” I said as I glanced around.

Whilst the numbers were small, a few of the wedding guests had already arrived, the majority were from Ponyville, as expected since the Canterlot ponies Luna would bring would likely arrive on the day aboard carriages. They wandered around gawking at every little thing as if they hadn’t seen ruined homes, to be fair the statue WAS something of notable interest, how often did you see a lamia depicted in stone?

Several of the ponies stopped gawking, and taking pictures, to congratulate us on the wedding. We smiled and greeted them all, it was very formal. Very awkward for me. As the crowd died and dispersed Twilight pushed out, her mane frazzled at the fringe.

“I hate camera flashes… Oh, Ruby, Bolt.” She said looking between us and smiling “Hi I was just… Taking notes of your cultural history.” Ruby and I looked at each other and Twilight smiled sheepishly.

“It’s okay, nerd away Twilight.” Ruby said with a giggle and Twilight actually jumped before zipping off.

“When will she find time to organise the wedding with Pinkie?” I asked.

“Oh don’t worry we had most of it planned on the way here! In fact, Twilight insisted because she wanted as much time as POSSIBLE to see all there was about this place! Though I could’ve sworn it wasn’t that hard to find dust and rubble around Ponyville after a crisis, but Twilight, again, insisted that she wanted to investigate the town!” Pinkie said cheerfully as she popped up between us before falling flat on her face as Ruby tipped her tail up, dumping the pink fluff ball on the ground.

“Sorry, I’ll get back to the party!” And she was up bouncing like a tennis ball down the street.

“I remember when my life was normal.” I said.

“Sounds boring.” Ruby said “I mean, no hypnosis, no coiling, no endless bliss, no me… I mean come on I’m the best thing that happened right?” Ruby said with a smirk.

“You suddenly got an ego. Also, all those things you listed are just a lamia’s natural abilities.” Ruby tilted her head smiling “…Fair enough.” I said with a wave of my hoof.

Four days before the wedding Rarity broke down the door to our wagon in the morning… No I mean literally she… She broke it off the hinges, I was pretty mad. After Rarity reattached the door she started dragging a sleepy Ruby by the hoof.

“I have a most wonderful tent set up by Luna, oh she brought all the best supplies with her, all sorts of fabrics I just dreamed of using as a filly! All for you two! Come on, come on! COME ON RUBY!” Ruby suddenly picked up the pace as Rarity’s intensity picked up. Note to self; follow Rarity immediately when dress making is involved… She scary!

I spent my free time washing up and making pancakes for when Ruby returned. She slid in through the door with Rarity chattering about fabrics she could use.

“Rarity it looked perfect as it was.” Ruby insisted “But whatever you see fit to change you can do, you’re the dress designer here, not me.” Rarity almost looked like a white and purple Pinkie when Ruby declared that, jittering as she squealed on the spot rambling to fast and incoherently for me to understand, Ruby looked over at me for some relief “Something smells good!” She complimented.

“Pancakes, there’s syrup and sugar so we can dig in!” I said eagerly as I plated a pair for us both. I got half way through a syrup drenched pancake when magic gripped my body.

I flew up into the air my pancake slipping out my hoof, still on the fork and I watched the stack draw away as Rarity dragged me out “Come on Bolt your turn.” I felt tears well up.

Who drags a pony away from pancakes!?

Rarity’s tent, if you consider it a tent, was set up within the ruined foundation of a house, it seemed to be the flattest area Rarity could have located, and she’d cleared the rubble to make a perfect floor under her tent. Inside it was difficult to consider it a tent… Or… On the outside… It looked like a castle and the inside looked like a traveling clothes salespony’s shop! Though I doubt most come with a pedestal to try on the clothes.

Rarity had me stand on the pedestal, thankfully she already had my measurements and was levitating up a selection of clothing in various colours.

“I thought it was traditional for the groom to wear black…” I said softly, scared my opinion would be met with daggers.

“Normally yes, but I thought we could try and get away with it here! At Shining Armour’s wedding he wore his uniform, bright red with gold rims and white buttons! The colours were so much more complimentary!” Rarity cried out, oh god what had I done “And Ruby! Would you imagine her in plain white?” The way she said ‘plain’ made it sound like a criminal act “Would you even be able to see it? No of course not, she should have a sea of colours complimenting her, and so should you!” Rarity said grabbing me with a strand of fabric around my neck “I am the fashionista here after all!” She said in a low voice.

“Well… You better not waste time arguing with me…” I managed, can I turn blue?

“You’re right… Too work!” Oh boy.

The following hour, as my stomach growled and grumbled irritably under me, was followed by Rarity taking up selection after selection of fabrics, with different weaves, different colours and different patterns. What looked bad to me often got a ‘hmmm’ and what looked nice got an ‘ugh’ or some other form of disgust. Finally, Rarity settled on a deep blue. Clearing her table Rarity tossed and checked each fabric until she found a pattern that suited her. It looked like it was made up of overlapping feathers and as Rarity held it out it felt just as soft too.

“I think we’ll add a bright white trim to the collar, to symbolise your wife, Ruby and maybe some red, maybe the buttons. But I think it’s perfect, Ruby has her scale armour and you will have your feathers!” Rarity said with a smile as she grabbed a long roll of the fabric “Now shoo! Not until the wedding day! Out, out, OUT!” Every ‘out’ was followed by a swift smack from the roll of fabric until I jumped out.

“Thank you.” I called in and ducked under the swinging fabric.

“OUT! I have wonders to create!” Bloody hell, what is with this pony?

The first clue I was hinted at that Ruby was in trouble was the fact she was reading a book ‘Harry Trotter’. The second clue… Was the beard of syrup she was trying to lick away behind the paper, glancing at me often.

I walked up to my side of the table staring at the single half eaten pancake I’d dropped… The stack under it mysteriously gone. And it was stone cold. I sighed “Why did you get all the pancakes?” I grumbled munching slowly before pushing the artic pancake away. Not so tasty cold.

“What’s up?” Ruby asked and I looked at her “I know this isn’t just about the pancakes, you’d be shouting if it was.” Ruby smiled and I tapped my fork against my plate.

“What are my parents going to think?” I asked.

“About you marrying a snake pony monster? Hmmmm… Something along the lines of.” Ruby cleared her throat then took on a strong masculine voice “What were you thinking you twit, Bolt! Marrying her! How dare you make your own decisions without consulting me!?” I cracked a smile at that “It’s not like you’re capable of thinking! That’s what I am for!” I gave a small laugh that grew as Ruby puffed out her chest nose in the air “Damn those Canterlot ponies, thinking they’re all that!” The irony of her stance made me hold my head as I laughed and Ruby sat down, dropping the impression.

“Better?” She asked.

“Yeah… Yeah I am, thanks.”

“Good.” Ruby said.

“I’m still mad about the pancakes though.” Ruby blushed shrugging.

Two days before the wedding and the town had gone from rubble, to camp, to something that could actually work! More guests had arrived, tents and wagons were being used to sleep in and I also noticed the presence of the Royal Guard a bit more patrolling the area. I was with Pinkie in the church and Ruby was off… Doing whatever she does with her lamia kin… Probably plotting, that would be my guess. Pinkie and I were preparing the decorations to Rarity’s instructions, banners of white with deep red rims hanging between the columns up to the podium where Ruby and I would stand. A red carpet wound through the benches, there were a lot more in the large church with wider spacing and they were slightly longer than the normal standard, designed for the citizens who would live here.

“Bolt!” My name echoed through the church and the dozen or so ponies alongside us glanced over as Ruby slid into the church. Behind her looking in at awe stood Cotton and a stoic looking Metal. Mum and Dad…

I flew over to the trio, leaving Pinkie to finish on her own. I’d hardly landed before I was hugging them. My mum looked like she was fit to cry and my dad had a mixture of expressions; happiness, confusion and… Disgust. I guess I couldn’t blame him really.

“Thanks for coming.” I said though it was easy to tell who it was more labelled towards.

“If I have to give… Ruby my blessing for you then I will.” Metal said with a slight grunt.

“His blessing?” Ruby asked.

“Basically his permission for you to marry me… It’s some old tradition thing.” I said Ruby nodded in understanding.

“Though I doubt that would hold the wedding up.” Ruby commented.

My dad grunted “No… It wouldn’t have, sadly.” He then sighed and spoke in monotone as if he’d practised losing all emotion “I, Metal Cast, grant you, Ruby Scales, permission to marry my son.” Ruby smiled and my mum clapped her hooves laughing eagerly.

“I’m… Going to go check my suit…” Metal muttered.

I took a step forward then turned to Ruby who pushed me with her tail “Go on, talk to him.” She said with a smile.

I galloped after my dad and quickly found him at the main wagon site, it was an odd spiral of wagons with a clear circle where benches and fires had been used at night, it had gotten quite loud the previous night and Luna herself had come out shouting for everypony to ‘put a cork in it’. Apparently the Princess of the night needs to sleep at night too. I see irony dripping down the walls.

I opened the door, my dad snapping his head around with a scowl, his eyes widened, likely expecting mum, Cotton “Oh… Bolt…” Still using my name, good sign.

Metal gave a long sigh “I don’t like her.” He muttered.

“Really? Wow I hardly noticed, good thing you told me or I might have sent the two of you on a picnic together.” I said and he managed a scoff.

“You’re my son… I love you, you know that, and I am willing to let you go if it makes you happy… But… Are you…” Metal rolled his hoof asking for help.

“Really happy with marrying a half hybrid pony snake thing? Yeah… I’m pretty happy with it.” I said blandly “Trust me dad… I want this.”

Metal held his temples “You better look good in your suit.” I nodded, taking that as my cue to leave “And Bolt…” I looked back halfway out the door “You can still visit, but Ruby never can.” Cold… Really cold, but I gave a small nod either way.

Author's Notes:

And this is the second to last chapter, the final chapter will be the last of the wedding planning and then the wedding itself, enjoy. :)