Chapter Nine: Ups and Doughs
Luna navigated the dream realm with a thoughtful hum, occasionally prodding a nightmare towards a pleasant thought. Her sister had shared the findings concerning Nacreous and to say the Lunar Princess was surprised was an understatement.
The fact Celestia was in a good mood boded well for their next sisterly talk though. Apparently, she had asked the Doctor on a date.
Good for you, Celly. And he gave you a riddle to answer a question? He’s an interesting creature indeed, especially since that author is known for his sentimental pieces.
Despite her better mood Celestia’s nightmares had been continuing, but at least were not as often. However, they had gotten more severe. It was starting to be exponential increase in the power needed to banish the disturbing scene that kept reasserting itself. The image of her sister sobbing among a pile of bones over a destroyed city was enough to unsettle Luna each time…
I’ll need to find a better solution soon. A thousand years of fears are proving to take more energy than I can spare if I want to continue my regular duties.
“Luna!” A voice called out, prompting her ears to perk up.
Wait, is that-
“Luna? Luuuuuna? Dangit, wait, formal stuff, Princess Luna! You out there?”
Following the voice, Luna stared at a half-open door that led to a familiar realm, a Kirin’s head poking out of it.
“Gaudi?” she asked cautiously, the individual sighing in relief.
“Oh, thank goodness,” she remarked, waving her inside. “Soooo if we just ignore the ‘incident’ from before, we actually could use your help.”
Luna trotted into Nacreous’s dream realm; ears perked in interest as they walked down a simple stone hallway.
“I have no intention of ignoring it; I owe both you all and Nacreous an apology. So, to that end, I am sorry for intruding and ignoring you.”
The Kirin waved a hoof at the Princess, a pensive smile on her features.
“Apology accepted, just don’t do it again! Nacreous said to get you.”
The usual perkiness of Gaudi faded, the Kirin’s ears flattening as she opened another door in the long hallway.
“It’s a nightmare of sorts, and we can’t help him. Lucid dreaming makes it a lot trickier to break, but usually we can snap him out of stuff like this. It’s…” Gaudi’s voice trailed off, the Kirin appearing genuinely disturbed before plastering a hopeful smile on her face. “Please, just help him, if you are willing.”
“I most certainly am willing and able; I certainly owe him as much, and I’ll see what I can do,” Luna replied in determination, trotting through the door as Gaudi stepped aside.
To Luna’s surprise the scene resolved into a simple, grassy clearing. Two individuals stood in the center of the area; Nacreous, and a shadowy mimic of the hippogriff. Eyes glowing red, the creature chuckled, staring at Nacreous as the Paladin refused to meet its gaze.
“You told her that? Oh, how pathetic she must think you now!” the dark Hippogriff laughed, poking Nacreous with a claw.
“I’ve dealt with far worse dark manifestations. You’re not a real entity after all.”
“Oh, but I am,” the shadow chuckled, looking over and apparently seeing Luna. “I’m as real as the lovely night princess here. Perhaps she’ll get rid of me in here, but I’m you, something that can’t be destroyed. Doubts, fears, every dark thought you’ve ever had over a thousand years. You know this, Paladin. We’ve had talks like this before.”
Nacreous shook his head again, and Luna’s ears perked up as a sound grew near. The Alicorn’s heartbeat skyrocketed as screams began to echo through the clearing.
“Oh ho ho, we know this dream, don’t we?” the apparition teased, gesturing to the gathering black clouds above them. “This is where things get interesting…”
Nacreous began to shiver, his head shaking back and forth as the screaming began to grow louder- definitely gaining a feminine tone. The vague outline of a building began to shimmer into existence, flame licking from windows and doors.
Having heard enough, the Lunar Princess sent a white bolt of energy through the center of the shadowy hippogriff, horn sparking with magic-
And it chuckled.
“Oh, woe is me, about to be banished by the lovely Luna,” it growled, clasping a set of claws over its heart. “You lie to yourself, Paladin. You think yourself strong, sturdy, stalwart…but we know differently, don’t we? All you are is just a weak hippogriff who-”
At this, Nacreous surged forwards, clamping the shadow’s beak shut with a set of claws as he lashed out with another limb, knocking the creature flat. The screams from the building in the background were abruptly cut off as another blast from Luna fragmented the dream creature, shattering it into a thousand pieces with a hiss and leaving Nacreous sitting in the clearing alone.
Gaudi and Fori shimmered into existence at Luna’s side looking on curiously before leaving, apparently sent on their way by a simple, respectful wave of Nacreous’s claws. It was then just the Paladin and Luna, the former looking over at the Alicorn briefly.
“Thank you, Princess Luna,” he whispered, prompting a curious look from the alicorn as the Doctor’s sides heaved, a cold sweat plastered across his dream-figure.
“You are most welcome, Nacreous, and just Luna, please. What exactly was that?” she asked.
The hippogriff waved a claw; the scenery changing to a seaside cliff, the salty air misting up towards the pair as he struggled to gain control of his breathing.
“I do not know if the Commander has a similar issue with his dreams,” Nacreous remarked, “But when you’re as old as I am, sometimes thoughts can solidify themselves into your dream, a manifestation of inner conflicts or such. They can be troublesome to overcome.”
Luna held her tongue- but a slightly knowing glance from the hippogriff was enough to make her blush slightly in embarrassment.
“You obviously are curious?”
“Of course, but it is not my place.”
A soft huff was Nacreous’s response, the doctor nodding slowly.
“No, it is not. Perhaps in time you’ll know, since sisters do gossip, I imagine. But quite frankly I’d hope this matter never will concern you.”
“Then I will take my leave, Nacreous. I’m just glad I can actually be of help, instead of my previous failure when conversing with you like this.” Luna replied, bowing her head to the hippogriff before vanishing back to her dream realm.
What in the world is going on in the head of that hippogriff?
After Luna left, Nacreous took a deep breath of the salty air, looking down at the base of the cliff in thought.
“The worst part of all, is that those words weren’t lies,” he whispered.
‘A weak hippogriff who….’
I know what the next part of that sentence would be. And I know who those screams belonged to- if only by designation.
How can I fear losing something I’ve never had?
The hippogriff shook his head, eyes closed as he focused on the ocean air and the cool mist that wafted up from the waves.
Celestia grumbled, staring at the offending parchment in front of her. When Luna was heading to bed, she had seemed pensive, as though something was on her mind. Seeing the book in front of her sister Luna’s eyes had abruptly widened, but Celestia’s wish to not give her any hints on the riddle’s contents held her words. She did recognize the author, so it would seem…
Thankfully, the disease spread was starting to ebb, the infected numbers beginning to drop off rather rapidly. Commander Shifting was obviously worried, the diligent stallion keeping his eyes and ears open for another hot spot or change of the disease.
Until then however, the nation seemed to be recovering and Celestia was able to dedicate a solid hour or two towards solving Nacreous’s riddle. So far, ‘hope’ was the best option to solving the riddle.
The second half that Nacreous had given her made the alicorn pause, however.
‘The rich and the poor need it, the desperate and the satisfied want it, the coward and the hero crave it. In fact, everyone desires it, yet the only person who can sense it is the one who has it. What is it?’
So far, ‘Hope’ did indeed fit…but something didn’t feel right. Perhaps ‘Success?’
I want to figure this out before I have lunch with him, that’s for sure!
Celestia rubbed her eyes, a slight frown on her features. Luna had been diligently helping with her nightmares but they were getting worse, leaving the alabaster alicorn tired and more than a bit preoccupied, especially since her ‘savior’ was starting to look a bit more familiar.
That thought always brought a blush to her cheeks, Celestia wringing her hooves slightly. She’d be lying to herself it there wasn’t an immense appeal to such a gesture. Having strong, feathery arms hold her close, feeling safe….
That was probably why she had woken up in the morning hugging a pillow more often than not.
Focus, girl. First things first.
It only took another ten minutes before Celestia smacked her head onto the dining room table, letting out a grumble. She had resisted this far- but the small note scrawled at the base of the parchment was finally taken.
‘If you’re totally stumped, turn over for final hint.’
Unfolding part of the paper, Celestia’s eyes scanned the hint, the nervous butterflies giving way to a much warmer feeling. Her heart began to beat a bit faster, the alicorn’s smile trembling ever so slightly. ‘Hope’ wasn’t the correct answer, not even close.
‘What can one person not own but two can share? What am I?’
The answer made Celestia’s hooves tremble ever so slightly, closing the book as she took a few deep breaths. The simple word ignited a millennium of forcibly ignored pain and longing; and it all returned full force as Celestia realized what this strange hippogriff hoped for, what his first answer to the question had been.
It was a single word Celestia had long since abandoned in her own life, only now it resurfaced with such a hopeful impact that made the ruler’s hooves quiver.
Love.
Nacreous felt his stomach twist in knots, the tired Paladin massaging his temples as he sat in a secluded section of the gardens. Even after Luna’s assistance, sleep had been fleeting, leaving him more than a bit tired.
I wonder if she has figured out the riddle?
What will she even think? How else could I have stated it without sounding trite, childish, or…?
Hoofsteps that Nacreous was quickly beginning to recognize made his ears twitch, the hippogriff glancing over to Celestia briefly. While a smile was on her face, the alicorn’s eyes swam with emotion-
Is she about to cry?
“Celestia? Are you alright?” he asked, the words making her nod, lip trembling ever so slightly.
“I’m well enough, but I realized I haven’t asked you the same, haven’t been asking. How are you, Nacreous?”
Despite the butterflies in his stomach, Nacreous shrugged, trying to at least appear somewhat relaxed.
“Could have slept better, but well enough.”
His answer didn’t seem to satisfy Celestia, the Alicorn sitting next to him.
“But that’s not the whole truth, is it?”
He didn’t reply, not trusting his own words for a time.
What can I say?
“I’ve been selfish, Nacreous.” Celestia whispered, holding up a hoof to forestall any remarks. “Please, just let me continue.”
Nacreous nodded, ears perked up in curiosity as Celestia toyed with the grass under her hooves.
“This is the same blind self-absorption that led Luna down her dark path a thousand years ago. It wasn’t intentional, but I simply forgot to include others in my life, and a thousand years of ruling a nation alone only reinforced those destructive patterns. I solved your riddle, Nacreous, and I became swept up in how much I’ve tried to ignore my own challenges and pain with such a topic. And that’s just it,” Celestia angrily stomped a hoof at the ground, wings ruffling in agitation.
“Me. My problem. My issues. Only after that had passed did I realize that someone else close to me may be facing the same challenges, or perhaps greater ones. I’m ashamed that I have not changed more for the better in a thousand years, looking to the needs of others. I can look after my subjects well enough, but those who matter most to me? I am clearly still learning how to let them into my life. Be that with making sure Luna felt appreciated…” her gaze now flickered over to the Paladin. “Or asking a genuine friend how they are doing, when all he’s done is help and support me and my subjects.”
“I’m doing alright, Celestia.”
No, you’re not. Your ears are slightly flat, and you won’t look at me fully. I’ve been an ignorant fool.
She blew out a breath in slight frustration, Celestia shaking her head briefly.
“I want the whole truth, Nacreous. You say that like I do when being asked by an acquaintance. They don’t want to know really how you’re doing- they want a specific answer to reinforce their view that all is right with the world. I’m not asking how Doctor Borealis is doing, or how the Paladin of the North is faring.” she paused, reaching over with a hoof to gently prod the hippogriff’s fluffy chest.
“I want to know how Nacreous is doing. No titles, just the caring creature that has been kind to me for these past weeks and the one who seemed to need that hug the other day just as much as I did…” her smile now wavered into a more tender expression, voice dropping to barely above a whisper. “Or perhaps still needs it more.”
Nacreous didn’t say anything for a few moments, his beak quivering ever so slightly which matched the shaking of his claws.
“I didn’t sleep well, and have been worried of how you’d view my answer,” he finally whispered.
Better.
“Why?” was the immediate and genuinely surprised reply.
“Because it could seem childish. Simple, silly…”
“Since when is wanting to be loved any of those things?” Celestia asked, a bit of fire entering her gaze and voice. “Why would that ever not be a worthwhile pursuit? I would think that after a thousand years, anyone still wanting such a tender thing and not having given up would be an incredible soul indeed.”
The barest hint of a smile edged onto Nacreous’s beak, the hippogriff’s blue eyes glancing over to Celestia for a moment.
“Did you give up?”
The alicorn let out a tired breath, nodding once.
“For most of a thousand years, yes. I still loved the idea of romance, but it changed into something that I could appreciate from afar, seeing others fall in love that is. And then Luna met Shifting; that made me realize that things could change. And then you…” Celestia turned away briefly, but Nacreous saw a few tears brimming in her eyes. “You gave me hope. You made me realize it’s not a far-off thing. It’s still there, as close a chance as it ever was. I was the one who pushed the idea far away.”
She scooted a bit closer, hesitating for a moment before laying her head on the hippogriff’s feathery shoulder.
“For the first time in a thousand years, I’m letting myself start to care about someone,” Celestia whispered, “and in being wrapped up in my own challenges, worrying about how to proceed, I completely missed that the one individual I want to explore that path with might be having their own doubts and fears.”
Shifting, Celestia scooted over to look at the hippogriff, his blue eyes shimmering with tender emotion and unshed tears. “And I didn’t even realize that all they might want is someone to care, and I’ve been doing a lousy job of showing that. Even though…I…” she promptly leaned forwards to wrap Nacreous up in a tight hug, resting her head on his shoulder.
“I don’t want to make the same mistake again, I can’t let someone I care about think I’m indifferent to their own pain,” she paused, taking a deep breath of the strange salty pine scent that seemed to associate itself with the hippogriff. “And I do care about you a lot more than I’m willing to admit to myself.”
I hope to let you know how much that is- once I figure it out myself.
I have a pretty good idea thus far.
Two familiar feathery arms wrapped around Celestia’s torso, the Alicorn’s ears perking up as Nacreous took a shuddering breath, melting into her own embrace. She tightened her own hug, taking a risk and resting her head against the hippogriff’s chest. The gesture made Nacreous shiver, and a few tears dripped onto Celestia’s fur as he hugged her back.
Oh Nacreous, I’ve been such a fool. Luna was right; you have your own demons to fight…and all I had to do was be the one to give you a hug.
The hippogriff’s hold tightened slightly, and the alicorn felt the usually stalwart Doctor shiver. He leaned into her hug the affectionate weight pushing home how important such a simple gesture could be.
For both him and me. I’ve just blissfully pushed the idea of your troubles to the side.
No more.
“I want to help, Nacreous,” Celestia whispered. “Whatever it may be, I want to help. You’ve been there for me, and I’m finished not being there for those who are close to me. I’m sorry for taking this long to get my head out of the mud. To think I was the only one who held a burden after a thousand years…I’ve been a fool.”
The hippogriff chuckled at Celestia’s words, trying to force a few words past the lump in his throat.
“I…”
Words failed him, Nacreous shaking his head and simply leaning against Celestia as her forelimbs hugged him close. The simple closeness provided by someone his same size, as old as he was; it radiated a comfort that the Paladin had long thought out of his reach. The fact Celestia seemed to press slightly against him made warmth flood the hippogriff’s frame, the Alicorn’s chest rising and falling against his.
“Apology accepted,” he managed to whisper, the alicorn shifting in his arms.
“I didn’t realize how much this gesture could mean until you hugged me that first time. I’m sorry it’s taken so long to return the favor, Nacreous.”
The hippogriff couldn’t help but smile, Celestia’s forelimbs hugging him a bit tighter. The gesture alone was enough to bring him to tears, and coupled with her affectionate tone…it made any words melt on his tongue. For a few moments, Nacreous simply enjoyed the close affection. The fact someone actually-
Celestia shifted, clearly not only enjoying the affection but pressing against him ever so slightly once again.
To have someone want to be this close to me? To care enough? How long have I wanted, hoped for…
“I’d say time is one consideration we don’t have to worry about in the same way,” he finally replied. “I can’t say this is how I envisioned a relationship beginning, but no complaints.”
“Well I’ll join that club. I didn’t even imagine how I’d start to fall for someone,” Celestia quipped with a smile. “I knew it couldn’t be a pony, or at least the likelihood was low. Never imagined it’d be a handsome hippogriff to sweep me off my hooves.”
“I did what?”
Celestia giggled, the sound making Nacreous’s heart flutter.
“I’ve done a poor job of expressing it, but yes. You just being you has completely swept me off my hooves, even if it’s the beginnings of such. I can safely say it’s not some doctor-patient infatuation.”
“Erm…”
Nacreous couldn’t get any more words past his beak, the hippogriff once again leaning into Celestia’s embrace. He wasn’t sure how long his arms had been around her and vice versa, but the Paladin couldn’t care less. The last time he was able to hug someone fully was a distant memory, and times he was the recipient even more scarce.
Just being myself? That was enough? When did I start wondering if that ever would be enough?
“Don’t tell me you really didn’t think a hippogriff such as yourself wouldn’t catch the eye of somecreature?”
Pulling back slightly, Nacreous shrugged, noticing how Celestia’s eyes widened in surprise at the nonchalant gesture as he avoided her gaze.
“After a thousand years of creature forgetting you, you start to wonder. Even if it’s flawed logic due to the curse, it eats at you.”
A quavering smile slid onto Celestia’s features, the Princess nodding in agreement.
“I can understand that. I can’t say I’ve thought differently at times. But now I guess…”
Nacreous calmly reached over and tapped a claw to Celestia’s nose, making her muzzle twitch.
“I’d say we both have no such use for those thoughts anymore. Wherever things may go with us, it’s comforting that there can be a beginning.”
Celestia’s violet eyes swam with tears, Nacreous’s words apparently touching some hidden, sensitive area.
“S-speaking of which, how about we keep it simple for a first date?” she suggested. “Perhaps dinner and, well, making dinner?”
“Hmm?”
A steadier smile now on her features, Celestia backed up slightly, gesturing at the herself and hippogriff with a hoof
“We could try making dinner, experimenting with recipes, seeing what works, just trying to make something new and somewhat edible,” she explained, seeming strangely nervous.
Huh. Weird.
“That actually sounds like a lot of fun.”
At his words, the nerves quickly vanished from Celestia’s demeanor, the alicorn clopping her hooves together in excitement.
“Excellent! Maybe as soon as I finish the last session of the Day Court?”
Nacreous nodded, all smiles as he took an exaggerated bow.
“I look forward to meeting you in the kitchens then, Celestia.”
The giggle that was quickly becoming one of Nacreous’s favorite sounds filled his ears again, the pair trotting back off towards the castle as each of their bracelets and magical ‘to-do’ charms sounded off almost at the same time.
“…..”
“…..”
“….what is it?” Nacreous whispered, head barely peeking over the large kitchen counter at the tan, doughy monstrosity that ballooned out of a massive metal bowl set in front of them. The royal kitchen itself was coated in flour; what once had been an assembly of neat and orderly ingredients now pushed aside as the pair had dove for cover.
“I mean, it hasn’t talked to us yet, so that’s a good sign,” Celestia replied, crouched down at Nacreous’s side and poking her own head barely above the countertop, a large wooden spatula levitated at her side as though a drawn sword. The hippogriff was likewise grasping a large rolling pin as his weapon, blue eyes narrowing as the doughy bubble continued to…well, bubble.
“We followed the instructions, right?” he asked, promoting a wince from Celestia.
“To a point? After we added in all the basic stuff, we kind of….”
“But it was so bland! How could we not add stuff to just that? Dough? Vegetables? A dash of salt? How boring!” Nacreous interjected, Celestia trying to suppress a laugh, as though any loud sound would spell doom for the pair.
“I know! It was begging to be livened up! But…we may have gone a tad overboard? Or perhaps not far enough?”
Hearing Nacreous snort only further solidified the grin on Celestia’s face. The past hour or two of making a pot-pie…thing had been a blur, the pair quickly having deviated from the prescribed recipe. The nervousness that perhaps Nacreous hadn’t been as adventurous or fun-loving had been shattered within minutes of entering the kitchen. Even before they had begun baking, the cheeky Paladin had snagged two clearly stalks and pushed them on either side of his beak before then speaking in a rather nose-in-the-air Canterlot accent that had Celestia in stitches of laughter.
Even now as they deliberated how to get the monstrous concoction into the oven, the hippogriff casually snagged a large ring of onion and held it up to his eye.
“I do believe we have reached an impasse, my dear lady,” he quipped in a familiar snooty accent.
He’s a goof. Oh, stars above he’s adorable.
I always hoped I’d find someone to make me laugh.
Even such a silly, cheesy and innocent joke made Celestia’s heart thud in her chest. To know that he could be older than she, and still find such innocent and lighthearted fun in life?
Hope. It gives me hope for myself, that maybe I…
Celestia paused, her magical grip stayed by nervous hesitation. It was silly, and childish, and…
Just, fun. Being silly without consequence or judgement.
Snagging two onion rings and a piece of celery, Celestia held them up as though looking through a pair of spectacles.
“I do concur, my good ‘griff. It must be baked and vanquished forthwith.”
How I’ve missed this.
Nacreous tried to stifle a chuckle, utterly failing as Celestia sloooooowly stuck out her tongue at him.
“We seriously do need to get it baked. Will it fit in the oven?”
“Maybe?”
Carefully poking the mound of dough that still let out a few hisses, the pair cautiously pushed it towards the open oven. With a heave, they slid the monstrosity onto the metal cooking grate, closing the door with a sigh.
“Erm, Celestia?” Nacreous asked, gesturing towards one of their ingredients. “Isn’t that spice made from…?”
“….a plant that is used in smaller amounts to replace yeast and flavor things? Surely that-ooooh. That might have done it. And the ground-up spices from the Crystal Empire may have been a decent catalyst.”
The hippogriff couldn’t help but laugh as they cleaned up the disaster zone, wanting to make as little work as possible for the usual cleaning staff that would inevitably arrive.
“I just hope it tastes good,” Celestia mused.
“I mean, at least it will…taste?”
“That, I think it will,” the princess agreed, ears perking up as another familiar voice echoed through the kitchen.
“It’s a good thing you shoved that thing into the oven. Another few minutes and it might have gained consciousness,” Discord drawled, popping into existence in front of them and casually snacked on the jar of cookies.
The actual jar, that is.
His arrival made Nacreous’s ears perk up as well, the hippogriff seeming to grab a few ingredients casually as he watched the Draconequus out of the corner of his eye.
“Discord, what do you want?” Celestia grumbled, the Chaotic God frowning at her no-argument expression.
“Why so serious, Celestia? Can’t I just say hello?”
“It’s my first date in over a millennium. I’m allowed to be a bit grumpy with intruders.”
To both Celestia and Nacreous’s surprise, Discord actually appeared genuinely apologetic, wincing at her words.
“Oh. Erm, sorry about that…” he muttered, then waving a clawed hand. “But while I’m here, I just thought I’d finally meet this interesting Doctor so many creatures are talking about!”
Nacreous trotted forward, but Celestia saw a strange glint in his eye.
What are you planning…?
“Nice to meet you officially, Discord,” Nacreous stated smoothly. As the Draconequus reached down to shake his outstretched claws, the hippogriff lunged forwards. Smacking a large ball of berries into Discord’s face, Nacreous then stuck out his tongue and blew, making a rather rude noise at the chaotic being.
Discord’s cheerful demeanor vanished, a set of claws wiping the material from his face with a growl.
“I try to be nice and YOU JUST-” he then paused, tasting the red ingredients. “Wait. Raspberry. You just gave me the raspberry literally and figuratively,” his eyes widened, and a genuinely pleased smile spread across Discord’s face as he chortled. “So, it was you under that armor? You remember? Oh, that just tickles me inside and out!”
Nacreous chuckled, holding out a set of claws and actually shaking Discord’s paw this time.
“Indeed. I think you deserved that though.”
“Oh of course I did, and it was worth it! I haven’t been that surprised in ages!” Discord chuckled, gesturing to Celestia. “You may want to explain to her…”
Nacreous calmly reached over to snag a free raspberry, poking it into Celestia’s mouth as she glared at him good-naturedly and with a slight blush.
“Back when he was free and in that chaotic-stint of his, Discord dropped me into a lake filled with raspberries instead of water. I was swimming in it for hours until he got frozen. Apparently the Paw's magic is nullified by Chaos; at least that's what Discord said after examining my curse,” Nacreous explained, then gesturing to the kitchen. “Funny enough, it kind of kick-started my interest in cooking, at least in part. To pass the time I tried to come up with different raspberry-infused dishes. So…” he then turned to Discord. “Thank you for that. That experience certainly yielded a bit more fruit than I thought.”
Discord groaned, swiping a paw down his face as Celestia grinned, the poor pun making the Chaotic creature appear in actual pain.
“That was horrible, you feathery monster,” Discord grumbled, then waved to the pair. “Well, I won’t intrude any more. Have fun you two!”
After her vanished, Celestia stared at the empty space, ears flicking curiously.
“He was surprisingly cooperative…”
Nacreous shrugged, casually reaching over to drape some left-over dough across Celestia’s face with a grin.
“No complaints though. Even he wants to be respected; pranks and all. No point in being angry at him for something that happened ages ago.”
Chewing a hole in the dough, Celestia nodded in agreement, then fanning her mouth with a hoof with wide and surprised eyes.
“HOT! SPIC-”
Nacreous promptly grabbed a large bucket of water and heaved, utterly drenching the Princess as a playful fire ignited behind her eyes. As bags of flour levitated in her grasp, Nacreous snatched some over-ripe fruit and ducked behind the counter.
“You said it was spicy!”
As a bag of flour doused him in white powder, Nacreous chucked a rather wet fruit, hearing a satisfying *splat* as it connected to the side of Celestia.
“Oh, you dare?!”
“You were on fire! I saw the flames!”
“That was my flank!”
“My point still stands! You needed to be extinguished!”
The pair dissolved into giggles and chuckles as various ingredients launched their way around the kitchen, the few cooks daring to poke their heads in quickly retreating with genuine smiles.
“I mean, it smells great.” Nacreous mused, he and Celestia sitting at the large dining table, both regarding the large pile of doughy goodness set in front of them. They had taken a break to shower after their…incident in the kitchen which had left them in stitches of laughter for a good few long minutes.
“It smells pot-pie ish?” Celestia agreed, taking a slice as Nacreous did the same. Each tentatively took a bite, smiles immediately dawning on their features.
“Best. Mistake. Ever,” Nacreous proclaimed with a happy chirp, Celestia mumbling her agreement around stuffed cheeks.
As they ate, Celestia noted how Nacreous seemed to examine the set of silverware in front of them, angling the salad fork to the upper-right of the setting.
Well, everyone has their preferred ways of eating. After a thousand years I certainly have my own habits. She mused.
“Perhaps for a second date we can make dessert? Day after tomorrow perhaps? I know you have meetings tomorrow, and I’ve got to update the medical staff on a possible new development in Manehatten,” Nacreous suggested, a rather adorable tinge of pink on his cheeks making Celestia’s rather sensitive heart flutter.
“I’d like that very much, Nacreous,” she managed to reply.
“…Perhaps without the battle in the kitchens though? I’m glad we avoided a sweeter fight; chocolate syrup and feathers don’t mix. It takes hours to get it out.”
Celestia blinked, staring at the grumbling hippogriff as a smile slowly spread across her face.
“Oh, that sounds like quite a story.”
He waggled a fork at her before taking another bite of their semi-spicy pot pie creation.
“I’ll be sure to tell it while we bake next time.”
Two simple words made the Alicorn’s heart melt, the simple cheery demeanor of Nacreous breaking down the dam that had for a thousand years, held back her hopes, dreams, and sensitive feelings for anyone this way. The thought of the long hug but a few hours ago warmed the Alicorn like no blanket ever could, and the two words that flowed through her mind gave her more hope than any simple reassurance could have ever provided.
Next time.
There’s a next time.
A few of you called the answer to Nacreous's riddle! Poor lovable guy...it seems he's got quite a soft spot.
But at least Celestia is starting to learn her own mannerisms after a thousand years, progress!
Their date was a quite fun bit to write, I have to say. I mean...at least their creation didn't explode? 
I'm still aiming to explore the mental impact of being alone for a thousand years (in different ways,) could have on somecreature, as well as Celestia's own internal struggles. As always, feedback is appreciated!
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Now that was precious by every definition of the word. A job well done indeed.
Well done man, I am quite invested In this story.
Just a question. Is nacreous naturally tall or is it a side effect of his Uber long life, something like hippogriffs keep growing slowly as they get older or the satyr’s paw did something?
Oh gods, they're killing me. It's just too cute!
9892871
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
9892771
9892846
I'm quite happy I've at least sucked a few readers in! For Nacreous, he's just a big hippogriff- their species is naturally much taller than ponies (Queen Novo being the same size as Celestia.) However, the Paw did make sure he was always in tip-top shape, so that could affect his physique to an extent. (Not an extreme one though.)
I was kinda hoping the pie would explode, that'd be funny. Still, it's good to see someone finally got sunbutt to let her guard down.
9893699
And Celestia is learning, bit by bit!
Well, there's plenty more pies to bake!
I didn't have the time to read this when I first saw it cuz I was heading to work, but this chapter was really well done and I'm looking forward to seeing how the story plays out around the development that nacreous has at least one alter ego that manifests in his head.
9893824
I wouldn't say it's an alter ego....but more of a personification of his negative thoughts.
....a thousand years of them.
9893826
Though it was proven in the very show that negative thoughts can manifest themselves in an alternate entity within a creature, see: Nightmare Moon. And while being an alicorn allowed Luna's negativity to manifest faster you pointed it out yourself nacreous has been around for over a thousand years, so it's not too far-fetched for his negativity to develop into an alternate personality the same way.
9893836
That.....is a very good point I honestly hadn't considered. (Although isn't Nightmare Moon Technically a third-party entity that hijacked Luna's jealousy?)
Hmmmmmmm.
9893838
Technically a third entity hijacking Luna is more of a fan theory, the closest the show came to a third party hijacking Luna and becoming Nightmare Moon is the episode where the tantabus caused the change in her dreams. But either way having a dark half in Nacreous' mind would make for a good twist that could be worked with where Luna brings Celestia into his dream when that side of him gets too powerful for her to banish herself. Having Celestia stand at Nacreous' side and help him drive it off would make for a good confession as to what is bothering him. (What the dark half was bullying him about.)
9893851
That appears correct; huh, I must have mis-read the wiki. Looks like its unclear.
"It is unclear if "Nightmare Moon" is an entity which possessed Luna or not; the show seems to lean that Nightmare Moon is Luna's alternate personality but the comics state that Luna was corrupted during her time on the moon. "
Learn something every day!
Well, I do have a few plans for more 'mental' challenges in the next arc, actually
Soooooooo don't think this fic is going to be smooth sailing! Luna has already stated that Celestia's nightmares are getting worse 
9893856
If a story went smoothly it wouldn't be much of a story.
9893862
True that!
*reading Nightmare Moon Wiki* Huh. Looks like L. Faust was for the idea that it was a separate entity. Ugh, I wish she had been allowed to flesh out this universe more!
..........this conversation however, has given me an idea.
9893867
Can't wait to see how it goes.
Oooooooooooooh, I love giving people ideas!
9893873
There's just so much to still happen; it's going to be an interesting balance of pacing!
9893875
I'm confident that you are up to the challenge. Now to get back to work. Later
9893876
Take care!
9893913
About an hour after I got back to work I realized that Discord remembered Nacreous. Is that a hint that discord might have had a hoof in making the paw? Second break by the way.
9894218
Nah, that's not my intention. He just remembered Nacreous from his chaotic stint. We're still not sure where the Paw came from.
9894698
I think you made a slight mistake somewhere in your storytelling then, I'm about to go to work so I can't double check this, but I think somewhere earlier in the story you mentioned that nacreous is actually older than the princesses he made the wish before they became alicorns and Discord wasn't around until after they became alicorns. So wouldn't that mean that the paw was in effect when he met Discord?
9895403
It's Discord, I wouldn't doubt he would just disregard the "rules" of the Paw wish.
9895752
Using the excuse "it's discord" for this fic would be dishonoring the effort put into the world building for this story. He has the skill to spin a reason that Discord remembered better than that.
989610
True, I have no doubt about that.
9895403
9896109
That is correct. He's about 5-10 (ish) older than Celestia; the Paw had done its damage by the time the incident with Discord cropped up (After Celestia/Luna coronation). Nacreous was minding his own business when Discord decided to take an interest in him (which he now remembers) during the 1st chaotic rampage before being sealed away by C/L. Did I state something differently?
9896125
Probably a misconception on our part.
9896125
No that's how I remember it. I thought that everyone who met Nacreous forgot about him after a while as part of the curse so I'm wondering how Discord remembered him if the curse was supposed to make him forget the meeting.
9896135
We're going to ignore the fact I completely overlooked that. Quite frankly, it's not a stretch to have chaotic magic being immune to the spell, so we're going with that. 
(Added a blurb about that)
...................................................................................................................................................
9896132
Nope! I goofed!
9896144
Ah well, situation has been cleared. No problems on my end.
9896145
I'm just glad it was caught! It's small things that like I love elaborating on, but can definitely miss!
9896147
No worries.
9896144
That's not fair! 
But.........the world building.
9896150
9896151
Sorry to disappoint. I never intended to have Discord play a role other than recognizing him. The Paw has connections to our lovely Ice Mare, not the Lord of Chaos. There's plenty of world building to be had, trust me!
Although an off-hand remark about him losing his Paw in a bet could be amusing.
9896165
Why not? Him making a bet with someone and losing would be a funny moment to get him to admit. Have him grumble about it and throw a tantrum like a child seems right up his alley, that and the paw has a chaotic way of granting wishes so it could work.
Lunch is over. Can talk in a few more hours during second break.
9896176
9896178
It honestly was just was never in the plan/doesn't fit the current narrative. The Paw isn't chaotic- it's evil, plain and simple. Discord doesn't play a big roll in it.
9896191
Fair enough, you could reference the fact that he is a "spirit" of chaos therefore he has that immunity like the other spirits that Nacreous befriended who were able to remember him........... Nevermind, saw the change you made. It's not exactly what I was hoping for but it's better than "it's Discord" while that is an ok explanation it feels like a writing shortcut.
9896449
It is a semi-shortcut simply because I didn't even dwell on the fact the Paw could have affected Discord. I'll reference that oddity (Disord being immune) in later chapters as well.
See?
'Tis a most amusing scene.
However, modern problems require modern solutions. Obviously there solution this time is to use Celestia's solar magic to
incineratebake this monstrous dough.P.S. Never heard of a cooking date, but it seems to be a lot of fun nonetheless.
9898780
Yup, you called it!
And I'd say it turned out rather well! Tasty and didn't gain consciousness!
Many tasks done together can be a date; that's what they figure at least!
D'aawe. I love florf.
9928831
Is it bad that I half-hoped that culinary creation would suddenly come to life? The thought of such occurring had me in stitches when reading about their cooking date. Still, it was an endearing scene and it was nice to see both Celestia and Nacreous have a light-hearted moment. I was also going to ask about how Discord could have remembered Nacreous in that moment, but after looking through the comments, I can see it's already been addressed.
10325434
And yup- I think that was already a question someone asked!
10347640
SHE'S TRYING!
I have to say, i see parallels with cooking dates between toxic and the 'griff here, which is very awesome! I love how dates explore culinary goodness with a dash of adventure! I kinda hope this Easter egg shows up again in a later writing. It was fun seeing how knife edge started in accidental betrayal before going on to work on the island. You have some really good world building skills sir!
11514268
Why thank you! Glad you're enjoying it!