Contrary to popular belief, not every day in Canterlot was a dream come true.
From the evening sky obscured by dark cloudscapes, through lampposts battered by the howling wind, down to the streets resounding with thunder and pitter-patter of rain, the magnificent Jewel of Equestria along with its citizens endured the hardships planned for tonight. Those few misinformed ponies who got caught outdoors without raincoats or umbrellas had no choice but to shelter themselves at the expensive cafés where for a price of a coffee they were free to curse the dreadful conditions to their hearts’ content.
Fleur couldn’t really blame anyone. The city needed a downpour every now and then, and the unicorns of the Weather Corps—the team responsible for weather management in Canterlot—were just doing their job. By devoting their magic to ordering clouds into patterns and creating all kinds of atmospheric phenomena they had successfully replaced the pegasi Weather Patrols common in rural areas. Besides, it wasn’t like the rain came as a surprise. Anypony paying attention to the weekly newsletter of the Corps had a chance to take proper precautions, so if they had chosen not to then it served them right to get soaked.
That was perhaps too easy to say for someone comfortably seated in a dry and cozy consulting room of the Canterlot Health Clinic, but Fleur was used to a certain degree of luxury.
“You’ve mentioned that you have my test results, doctor?”
“Yes, indeed.” The pony wearing a neat white coat nodded and skimmed through a detailed report she had on her desk. “It says here you’re a healthy mare. Regular blood pressure, fine metabolism, the immune system working well—”
Fleur furrowed her brows, noticing the words FLEUR DIS LEE written at the top of the report. Where she came from, her name was spelled DE LIS, and although after so many years she had become accustomed to its Equestrian spelling she still couldn’t help but to consider it a mildly annoying inconvenience.
“—physically fit and in excellent shape.” Glancing over the pair of elliptic glasses, the doctor’s green eyes flickered with amusement. “Stallions must be lining up and down the Promenade for your attention, Miss Fleur!”
“Oh, it’s actually ‘Mrs.’ now, but that change didn’t stem the tide, if you know what I mean.” Fleur shrugged, giggling. “I suppose it goes with the job.”
“That would be a career in modeling, am I right? Recently retired?”
“Oui, I used to be a supermodel for Carousel Enterprises, Toity By Design, and a few other fashion houses, mostly Canterlot ones. I must say, it is a challenging but rewarding line of work. And actually a lot harder than most ponies assume! Between numerous diets and fashion shows, I had to postpone some of my plans, or even neglect some aspects of my life.”
“Mhm, I see. Is there anything in particular you’re going to take up now?”
Fleur chuckled. She had it all planned out already as her dreams reached beyond dresses, catwalks, and photo shoots. She even made a list of potential hobbies to try out on her retirement, like amateur painting or playing checkers. Most importantly, she wanted to grow old as a happily married mare with her husband and a bunch of cheerful foals by her side. While the part about being a wife had been already checked, the one about becoming a mother was the exact reason for visiting the clinic.
“To be honest, I’ve always wanted to raise a foal of my own,” she admitted. “It was quite an unreachable goal in the past considering my profession, but a few months ago my husband and I decided to work towards it. Only that, well, you know”—a slight blush reddened her cheeks—“no luck so far. I was wondering if you could prescribe some kind of a pill or a potion for that?”
The doctor stopped flipping through the report and sat up stiffly.
“I wish I could,” she said. “Mrs. Fleur, there’s no easy way of saying this, so please bear with me. There is no known medication that could help you with your ‘no luck’ issue.”
The words sank in. Slowly. Painfully.
“Do you understand what I’m trying to say?”
Something inside Fleur cringed and rendered her speechless. When she realized what the other mare was implying, she didn’t believe it at first. Then, she didn’t want to believe, as if denying the news could somehow change the reality. She felt as if one of those blazing, sky-splitting bolts had struck straight at her heart.
A flash of lightning appeared across the window and got complemented by a thundering crash soon after.
In the silence that followed, Fleur’s voice was barely audible. “I-I can’t have foals?” she whispered. “Why?”
“Your reproductive system is dysfunctional,” the doctor clarified, opening the report on one of its final pages. She pointed at various pieces of data which Fleur didn’t even try to decipher. “As you can see here, it came out through this recent examination. It’s a genetic trait, so it’s not your fault, but I’m afraid it cannot be cured with the current medical practice. I’m sorry.”
Fleur remained silent for a lingering moment filled with the rhythmic splattering of the rain. Unable to foal? The revelation shocked her to her core. To resign from such an opportunity to pursue a career was one thing, but having it so abruptly denied felt entirely different. After almost a year of trying to get pregnant she felt robbed of what defined her as a mare.
“I…” Fleur hesitated. She cleared her throat and raised her head. “I understand.”
“I know it’s difficult, but please, remember that this is not the end of the world. There are other ways for a mare to fulfill certain needs.” The doctor grabbed a ballpoint pen and scribbled something on a yellow sticky note. “Perhaps you and your husband will consider adopting a foal? I strongly advise on inquiring at the Canterlot Orphanarium. Many couples in similar circumstances often do.”
If she hadn’t been raised to be a polite filly, Fleur would straight shout out her objections. It just wasn’t the same! How could that mare even compare the miracle of birth and upbringing a cute little foal to incorporating a stranger from the streets into the family? No, adoption was definitely not the solution she needed. In fact, the very sound of that word was causing her to quiver.
Adoption.
She brought a forced smile to her face. “Thank you, doctor. We may consider this,” she uttered the most diplomatic response she could think of, one of which her husband would be proud. She glanced at the note with the apparent address of the Canterlot Orphanarium and the name of one Sunlit Hugs. Just what kind of name was that?
A sudden wave of dizziness flooded her senses the moment she straightened up. She could barely keep herself on all fours, but she managed to hide the pain under but a slight wince. The other mare stood up as well and walked her client to the door, partly as a professional courtesy, partly to make sure she wouldn’t collapse before leaving her office.
Fleur found herself in a clean and well-maintained corridor. The Canterlot Health Clinic was a private center which offered counseling and medical treatment to affluent citizens, but it would seem that even the best conditions, the best equipment, and the best experts money could buy were powerless in her case. She looked around and saw numerous ponies, both patients and various specialists walking by, all heading somewhere, all with the purpose. Unlike them, Fleur was clueless as to what to do next, where to go, or how to act. The stupid sticky note she had been left with was no help at all.
As she was standing there with a dignified expression, trying to maintain herself despite being on the verge of collapse, she was reminded that even in complete darkness there was a single light to which she could always turn.
Him.
“What did the doctor say, dear?”
Most ponies would describe Fancy Pants simply as a handsome, wealthy, and well-bred stallion. Such a portrayal was perfectly accurate but at the same time lacking and shallow as it didn’t say a word about some of his greatest qualities. While he was, indeed, the number one gentlecolt with unflappable manners on the outside, only Fleur knew that he was also a warm and caring husband within. Although there were still crowds of mares trying to gain his social appreciation or even seduce him to win his graces, he remained faithful to the one he truly cared for and to whom he vowed his love.
Her.
“I say, you look a bit abashed!” Gently, he lifted Fleur’s muzzle and looked at his wife with concern. “Is something wrong?”
Without a single word, Fleur shambled into the stallion’s embrace, trembling more with her every step. Without a single word, he held her, hugged her, and comforted her. He understood. She could no longer withhold her emotions which flowed through tears and choking sobs, and she couldn’t care less whether she moved or looked like a supermodel right now. Her dreams had been shattered, her plans turned into trash, and her hopes—snuffed out like a dying candle’s flame.
But at least she wasn’t alone. Not now, nor ever.
Fancy Pants was always there for her.
Hello and welcome to Of Lilies and Chestnuts!
I hope that you'll find reading it worthwhile - it's my first attempt in writing a [Slice of Life] story and I'd love to know if I'm doing it right. That said, criticism is encouraged, of course - don't hesitate to tell me what you think!
The reasons behind this project are twofold: it originated around EQD Batpony Writeoff (but I didn't make it on time to enter) and I really wanted to present Fleur as somepony more than just a plain trophy wife, with actual internal struggle and character. So whether you're tired of this trope as well, want to adopt a batpony with Fleur and Fancy Pants or just want to read something heartwarming and different - this story is for you. Enjoy!
Well this displays a lot of potential, now we just haveta hope that the writer digs deep. Could do with a liyttle more depth on fleurs objections, logical or not, right now she's a good base but needs a lotta character buildup to form a relationship.
3563186
I sense many feels inbound...
Nice story, though, probably due to my job, this line set off an alarm:
If it's genetic infertility, how could Fleur be born? Or anyone in her family? (I did some research, male infertility can actually be hereditary, but it'd be difficult with female infertility...)
Unless she has triple X syndrome - usually the only symptom is being taller than average, but infertility can also happen (along with various other symptoms).
I'm surprised to see someone taking on the character of Fleur. Its a new idea, and i must admit i am intrigued. She did strike me as a bit shallow during 'Sweet and Elite'. And I do like batponies... so, I am very interested in this story. keep up the good work!
...Hmmmm.
Alright, boyo. You caught my interest with this one.
Lets see what you got.
~Skeeter The Lurker
This is refreshing. I need a fancy pants that isn't a pedophiliac sex freak
When I first saw Fleur in Sweet and Elite, I thought she was somepony who threw herself onto Fancy Pants (literally) But I like this portrayal of her so far.
3573178
The condition could either be recessive (quite likely actually) so each of her parents had one copy of the defective gene and she happened to have picked up both of them by bad luck (1/4 chance) or one parent passed on the faulty gene and the copy from the unaffected parent was mutated in the sperm or egg resulting in two faulty copies being inherited.
You'd think that a genetic trait that prevented you from having kids would die out. Maybe it only affects females, so it would still be possible for the males to pass on the doom trait. Or maybe, more likely, it is just a story and doesn't matter.
3597955
Not necessarily - some people have that kind of genetic issue and yet their bloodlines still continue. Why? Because it continues through siblings. If Fleur has siblings, chances are they might not have the same issues.
I really like where this story is going so far. Flour Floor Fleur has good characterization, and I think the story is paced well.
However I do think the opening scene in the doctor’s office is rather weak. Its never really explained what Fleur was doing there in the first place, and the way the doctor phrases the question of whether she was planning on having kids seemed like an intended sucker punch.
Doctor: so were you planning on having kids?
Fluwer: I sure am! I can’t wait to raise my own family and live out my dream of being a mother!
Doctor: well don’t hope too much, because I just got these test results in this here folder and I was waiting for you to tell me your greatest hopes so I could shatter them in the worst way possible!
I think the scene would have worked better if it started from Fancy Pants perspective of him in the waiting room and seeing Flowr walk out of the doctor’s office, head hung low.
Can’t wait to read more.
It is a cruel irony that someone named "flower of life" is barren.
Still, this is very well written, if a bit conservative as to spectacle. Not by any means a criticism, just an assessment. I do look forward to the rest of what is currently written.
I like how the end of her meeting him has no words. She just cries against him and he understands and supports her.
that's real communication between a couple.
Interesting...
community.us.playstation.com/t5/image/serverpage/image-id/161297i9EEC8F37178C952D/image-size/original?v=mpbl-1&px=-1
~Leonzilla
Please sir, May I have some more?
I loved every second of this entire story. I had initially sworn off reading anything new, much less favoriting anything new in the name of getting through my read later and favorites. That year-long trend ended with this story. I find Chestnut absolutely adorable, and see some of my own personality in her, Please keep up the great work on this story, I'll be looking forward to more.
That was kind of a dickish way for the doctor to broach the subject.
"Ever considered having foals? Well, you can't."
3600240
3597955
There's all kinds of ways genetic defects can actually surface. It could've been recessive in both parents, or inherited from the father.
It's even possible one or both of Fleur's parents just had a dormant ancestral gene God only knows how many generations old that decided to time bomb on her. This is called atavism, and it's a thing that happens every once in a while for everything from ancestral defects to evolutionarily obsolete features -- you'll sometimes see it happen even as far as humans with vestigial tails, whales with hind legs, chickens with teeth, or horses with toes.
Biology is freakin' weird, man.
Poor Fleur. Having the inability to bear children is a horrible thing to have happen to anyone. What is worse is that I do not think Equestrian science has reached artificial insemination yet.
3665447 It is sad indeed
fc00.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2012/247/0/4/i_understand_by_ghost_peacock-d5difuj.jpg
Aw, that is really sad.
You did a good job making Fancy and Fleur into likeable characters. Gave their problem an extra bit of "umph" to my heart.
Looking forward to reading the rest!
4081362
I agree whole heartedly.
Also, I have to say that your profile pic matches your comment really well.
Nice way of getting around the spelling controversy.
Glad to see a fellow author also using Fancy and Fleur as a baren couple. They really are perfect for it.
The picture reminds me of another batpony called Batsy Fluffentuft. I wonder if they're related?
Very nice intro, good work.
I'm looking forward to see what is added to the story
I thoroughly enjoyed the original, and am looking forward to this version. From reading the opening alone I can tell that your skills as a writer have improved. Bravo.
I look forward to reading about Lady Bucket Head again.
This looks interesting, I'll read it!
Fancy pants and fleur are best nobles.
I'm sorry but I'm laughing. At the end I was sad. And then she said "Fancy Pants"
7972225
That's a wide range of emotions for just the prologue. Onwards, and enjoy!
8806166
And the best part is that it was a total coincidence. For realsies!
is that correctly written or a mistake? the way I tralate it foal seems weird in that place.
HHhhmmm it is nice so far.
"chocking" is a typo for "choking".
"You're fit as a fiddle. Oh, and you can't ever have kids.'
Can you see the contradiction in these two terms?
9968211
Fiddles can't have foals either?
Poor Fleur...
Yeah this is relatable. Being a mother and being able to have kids can be such a big part of being a woman. That's just how society is like as of now.
This could have been worded in a less harsh and blunt way. I would suggest doing some research into how doctors in real life tell people that they are infertile.
Those all seem like very common responses to when people are told they have to adopt.
Good fic so far. I like it.
10529137
It's an unfortunate reality I hope no woman has to face.
Unfortunately, in that split second biological females understand one of the many problems trans women face.
Wait can’t This be cured in our world?
11404485
What being able to not have kids?
11508138
It sadly cannot