Slowly but surely · 3:19am Jan 4th, 2022
So December was not a good month for writing, for a variety of reasons that don't much matter.
But I did get some writing in, and chapter 3 of New Noses is almost done. So, to tide y'all over until I can get it finished, here's a peek for you to enjoy.
“Between you and me, do you think it will be difficult? I’ve never met a yak before.”
“All in all, I doubt there will be much resistance or difficulties,” Blueblood said confidently. “Forgive me of some pride, but my efforts in Yakyakistan have been most productive, and Prince Rutherford himself is eager to normalize relations between our nations again. He realizes that both yaks and ponies have much to gain from each other, but opening the border will benefit his yaks and his kingdom far more than it will benefit us.”
“Ah. How do they feel about the whole Sombra incident?”
Blueblood paused and gave Bean a surprised look. “You’re familiar with the fall of the Empire? I’m impressed.”
“I wouldn’t call myself an expert by any means,” Bean said with a scoff. “Most of what I know I picked up from helping Luna with Star Struck’s biography.”
“Tell me, what do you know of the incident?”
“Mostly just the highlights, probably. Sombra rose to power and took over the Crystal Empire in an effort to control all magic across Equestria. He enslaved the crystal ponies, then raised a mind controlled army and attacked any who would dare to oppose him, including Celly and the Yaks. Eventually my wife and Luna banished him to shadow and ice, until he returned and was dealt with permanently by Princess Twilight Sparkle, Princess Cadence, Prince Shining Armor, and Spike the Brave and Glorious.”
Blueblood nodded. “Sombra’s attack upon Yakyakistan destroyed all goodwill between us and them in an instant. The yaks were blindsided and deeply injured by the assault, and they did not see a difference between the enslaved ponies and Equestria’s regular military forces. To them, it was as if Celestia herself had inexplicably declared war upon them, and it was a war they knew they could not win. They did not question why the fighting suddenly ended, they simply took the opportunity to retreat and build up their defenses against us. The later Sasquachiary Wars—or what little news they received of it, at any rate—convinced them to remain isolated and on high alert, and thus it remained until Sombra’s final defeat. It was only then that Prince Rutherford was able to convince his ruling councils that overtures should be cautiously extended to Equestria once again.
“The answer to your question is straightforward enough: the Yaks still harbor some distrust and concern, but the majority are willing to open relations with us again. They realize that open borders would bring greater opportunities and fortunes for themselves, and they would like to make new friends, thanks to Pinkie Pie’s influence and efforts. The establishment of an Embassy will be a tremendous boost, and I am confident that they will have forgotten their concerns by this time next year.”
“I hope so. Just let me know what you need me to do.”
“I will. For now, just be yourself, Your Highness. My work will be simplified, amplified, and expedited if Ambassador Horwitz is met with friendly and understanding ponies, and his subsequent positive reports back to Yakyakistan will further our mutual goals.”
* * ✹ * *
“Is it bad that I’m a little nervous?” Bean glanced up to his wife with a slight frown. “I mean, I’m sure everything will be fine, but I still can’t help but worry about doing something wrong.”
Celestia glanced to Blueblood and Luna, then dipped her head to whisper in Bean’s ear. “To be honest, I’m a bit nervous too. There’s nothing wrong with that. The trick is to funnel that nervous energy into confidence, much like how you would turn anticipation into results at your long distance track competitions.”
Bean mulled this idea over for a moment, then smiled. “You know, you really need to show me how you do that.”
“Do what?” she replied with a matching smile of her own.
“Take my concerns and utterly destroy them with just a few comforting words of encouragement.”
Celestia scoffed. “As with a great many things, the answer is simply love. What I say matters very little when you feel my desire to comfort and assist you.”
“And believe me, that has made all the difference.”
“As it has for me.” Celestia kissed his cheek, and Bean felt a deep warmth spread from his ears to his tail.
“Thank you.”
“Anytime. You’ll do just fine, my Bean.”
A bit slow in December that's for sure. However don’t worry too much. Take your time my friend.
That's going to warm up some of this month's frostbite.
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Oh yes you’re the person who wrote Gems, hello!
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Hi! How are you?