Living in the Crystal Empire

The light of a brand new day shined through the windows of the crystal castle signifying a brand new day. Celestia’s sunrise’s shined against the empire’s buildings creating a prismatic rainbow glow that almost seemed to celebrate the downfall of King Sombra not too long ago. The Crystal Empire had just recently been saved from the dark curse of King Sombra and despite the cheery mood of the empire; their new Latino resident was met by most with suspicion. With the rainbow shimmering on his eyes, Emerald’s rising followed a loud grunt as his sore muscles from the day before reminded him that he still lived. Emerald knew about the return and final fall of Sombra not long ago and understood the lack of trust some of the crystal ponies had. Among the mistrust and skepticism were the few that trusted him like his boss and that was enough for him to know that he could turn all that around through hard work and empathy.

It was suddenly that the memory of the dream the night before came back to him and Luna’s words ran through his mind repeatedly. Still awakening, the earth pony gave out a loud yawn along with a contorting stretch that sounded with subtle bone cracking and grunts to shake off the sleep. Its was soon that Emerald sat on the bed in silent contemplation after remembering that he was given that day off to rest.

Emerald knew that Luna wanted him to try out bakery but the Latino pony knew that he had never been an actual baker. The only baking work Emerald had ever done in technicality was mixing tamale dough in which he was very good and thorough at. Luna was a princess and by his studies in the library, and alicorn of vast knowledge and wisdom so her suggestions seemed to hold some weight. After close consideration, the farm pony decided he would also become a baker but he needed books for the know-how and the ingredients for the mix. Finally with a set course of action, Emerald grinned and sprung to his hooves before dashing off to take a quick bath before going to the store for a bite to eat.

*****

Emerald had always had sensitive senses of hearing and smelling that were easily affected and sensitive. The noise of the crowd and the smell of the Crystal Empire cooking permeated the market enthralling the empty stomach of the Latino as he shopped for breakfast. Before Emerald knew, his bag was almost filled with flower, yeast and sugar along with spicy hay sausage and cheese accompanied by loafs of bread. As he gathered his food, Emerald couldn't believe that only a few days ago he had eaten meat but what was more perplexing was how good the food he had been eating was. Instead of meat, ponies ate hay as their alternate and for some reason it almost tasted the same as a real sausage or a real burger.

Food was not the only think that was changing for Emerald, as he convinced others and learned to be an earth pony, he was slowly feeling like a real one. Having chosen this new life forced on him over his magic less life, Emerald was ok with the changes around him but the changing and warping of his mind was surprising for the lack of a better word. Having chosen Equestria as his new home, it was perhaps for the best that his former life were left behind for his new pony life even if….

The train of thought was suddenly broken when the murmuring and whispers started as emerald passed by. Looking around, the Latino pony could see a mixture of ignoring and frightened looks from ponies that were looking at him as they went about their business. It was a bit harsh at first sight but Emerald understood that someone so foreign would be feared after the ancient evil that enslaved them had returned not too long ago. Shopping for everything he needed, he did not wished to bother the poor crystal ponies so he went about his business as quick as he could.

It was then that Emerald spotted an earth pony with barrels of apples and dried fruit from out of town. The barrel had the insignia of the Sweet Apple Acres and the apples, the most delicious apples in existence, were directly imported from the farm in ponyville via train just for the Empire. There was something amazing and magical about the fruits that attracted Emerald, he seemed almost enthralled by the texture and taste of such perfect fruit. Before he knew, Emerald was picking half a dozen when the sales pony laughed at the sight “you really love this apples don’t you, every times I come to sell em’ you buy as much as you can carry” the sales pony stated as a blushing Emerald looked at him while mindlessly having taken a bite of one of the apples.

“I have always loved apples, I mean they are good for you and all that but this apples are just the best apples I have ever eaten in my whole life”

“Can’t deny good quality, them Apple folk back in Ponyville really know how to grow them, they are renown across Equestria for such a humble farm” The sales pony explained as emerald cleaned himself after devouring the apple seconds ago “you should go and visit first chance you get, it’s a very good place to live”

“Thanks for the tip, I always wanted to see Ponyville and the capital, they sound like great places to visit once I get enough money. Thanks for the apples and it was awesome talking to you” Emerald paid the sales pony his bits before heading off back to the castle were the guard keeping an eye on him waited as always, knowing little of the other guards blending among the crowd.

Ignoring the skeptical stares of the ponies as he approached the guard tasked to escort him everywhere he went inside the castle, Emerald’s normally joyful face saddened a bit. Looking to the side was the mother of the foal he had meet and played with the first time he set foot outside of the castle and Equestria. The baby waved at him and garbled happily at the Latino pony as the skeptical mother gently shushed her foal and tried her best to take his eyes away from him. Emerald understood this fear of the unknown and congratulated her in her desperation to keep her poor baby away from harm’s way but this seemed a little extreme. Emerald hoped he could one day win their trust because he truly cared to live among them.

Finally standing before the guard, to follow him back inside, he needed to know the nature of what happened with their dark king “hey there senor, I know it’s a sore subject and you don’t have to say anything but what is the bronca brought on because of Sombra’s return?”

Looking at Emerald with the same curiosity the Latino pony had to why he was asking, the guard simply nodded before starting to walk “a little more than a thousand years ago, Sombra arrived with great magical powers and an army with which he used to defeat and enslave all crystal slaves for his selfish wishes and lust for power. Those were dark times and no one was spared the king’s dark cruelty as even the old and the young were enslaved and put to work in the crystal mines near and beneath the castle for the king’s greed and love for tyranny. For years we endured and suffered under his dark rule and even to this day we bear the scars of hard labor and brutality brought on by his dark designs. It was years of enduring hard labor and torture that the regal sisters, Celestia and Luna, and their armies arrived and brought down Sombra’s dark rule into shadows. Sombra would not allow himself to fall alone so he cursed our empire to vanish from existence, frozen in time and space for one thousand years until the time he were to return and return he did. After a thousand years, we simply materialized as if nothing had happened but as a second was to us, a thousand years had passed and we were stuck in a new world with the dark king reemerging to bring on his revenge” the guard’s tale was filled with him and serious words as he recalled things that to him happened almost a month ago while it was a thousand years for the rest of the world.

Listening intently, Emerald’s face had gone from friendly to downright mindful as he listened of the hardships the crystal ponies were forced to endure. Wanting to know more, Emerald nodded to the guard as the slowly walked down the hall “I never knew, I am sorry for everything you all endured if you want…” Emerald’s empathy allowed him to feel the stress and sadness the guard was enduring but was shocked by the guard’s response.

“It’s all right because everything got better as you can see. As the dark lord laid siege on our city, our fair princes Cadence protected us with her powerful magic while her friends, the famous elements of harmony found the crystal heart and used it to destroy Sombra once and for all. Finally free from evil, some of us are still troubled by the dark times under Sombra’s rule so please bear with us”

“Why wouldn't I, you all been through so much that I understand. I hope I can prove that I am good somehow soon” Emerald smiled warmly and offered his hoof to the guard who smiled at how friendly he was.

“Thanks, but all in good time.”

*****

Back from the trip to the market and after half an hour of pleading the royal cook, Emerald sat finishing his breakfast as he cleaned the cooking table for the baking. Eating a pace of spicy hay sausage with some apple juice, Emerald was cleaning up the prep table thoroughly till it shined before drying it and getting to work “alright, let’s see what we have here….something simple for starters” looking through the baking guide book, the rookie baker decided that a simple loaf was a solid choice.

Before starting the royal cook came through the door as she saw Emerald pour some honey into hot water, Gleaming Éclair gave out a sigh before walking over to interrupt “you may have convinced the princess to allow you use of my kitchen BUT it’s still MY kitchen, you got that rookie?!” Chief Éclair, a pinkish brown coated pony with long curly hair closed up and looked at him menacingly before walking over to the side of the table.

Confused, the Latino pony just stood there while he waited for her to say anything else until deciding to break the silence “so what you plan to do?”

“Help you learn of course, I will not stand for foolish rookie mistakes in my kitchen so I’ll make sure you learn from the best; me!” Éclair stated confidently before looking at his book to see what he intended to create “this seems easy enough, better get comfy there boy, we are going to stay here all day baking until you are almost as good as me…..almost.”

After half an hour of 2 botched mixes and despite the chewing Éclair was giving him for failing to mix flour correctly, the third time seemed to have worked just fine into a ball ready to knead. Unloading the ball of dough into the table after sprinkling some flower, Éclair soon started to pantomime kneading “ok rookie, it’s time to put those hooves to good use and knead that dough real well so get to work farm boy.”

Looking at the dough before him, Emerald gave the ball a good look before placing his clean hoove on it “ok, here I go…it shouldn't be too hard right?” Emerald thought out loud as he took a deep breath before starting to use the strength of his hooves and arms to knead the dough with sudden speed and skill. Working with the dough with speed and strength, Emerald remembered that he did the same thing every winter when he created tamales for the parties back where he came from. Warm and happy memories of times and parties from when he was a child started to surge to his mind as his hooves sank perfectly, mixing the mix before folding the dough back several times.

Looking over his work after letting the dough rest and rise, Éclair nodded approvingly at how fast the dough had been prepared with such powerful and thorough kneading “your kneading is so good that the dough is ready at half the time which is impressive, I’ll give you that much. Now let’s prep these bad boys into shape before putting them on the oven” Éclair said as she divided the dough into several loafs before giving Emerald a brush with egg shine to coat the bread loafs.

Waiting for the loaf’s to finish, Éclair wandered why a simple farm hand suddenly wanted to learn to bake so she leaned on the table a she looked at Emerald “you seemed so insistent to borrow the kitchen, it can’t just be to try something new……it better not be just to try something new!”

“Don’t worry, it’s not about that Miss Éclair I’d tell you but you will probably laugh at me and get angry at me for the 11th time”

“Try me”

“Como le guste. The night before I had a nightmare but then a princess called Luna came to my dreams and kind of helped me out. I told her how I don’t remember how I got my cutie mark and we had a small talk about it before thinking of a way to figure it out. I decided to try baking first so aqui estoy” Emerald said with a shrug as he walked over to check on the oven “you can laugh now.”

“So that is why, sounds like our princess Luna all right, she helps and guides her subject during the night by talking to them in their sleep. Guess advice from the princess is an acceptable reason” Éclair said before getting up to take out the tray of loafs and inspect them “you should continue to do it, I would consider this an honor if a princes helped and advise you to do something so I suggest you take it to heart” Éclair said as she grabbed one of the loafs with a cloth and taped the bottom to see if they were done.

Emerald really appreciated her advice and openness in the conversation as she seemed willing to help in his tasked entrusted by the princess of the moon “Thanks, I will do my very best to find my way in this land, thanks to kind ponies like you senora Éclair” the Latino farm hand spoke with a joy in his tone, grateful for her help but then got worried when she beamed him a torching glare.

“But if you do anything, if you slip out of line even once, I will end you kid. Do you ‘comprende?’” Éclair’s words were as heavy and scary as her look to which the Latino farm pony gave an intimidated nod and a gulp.

“E-entiendo very clear.”

“good, now let’s finish up.”

*****

Emerald and Éclair worked all day making bread and perfecting the earth ponie’s craft, the royal cook was helpful but strict and would often drill Emerald but deep down she felt a bit of pride in his progress. So proud was Éclair that after a few tastes, she felt confident in her student’s bread making that she allowed him to help her and her staff with that day’s diner. Emerald’s diner and sweet breads were far from perfect and he lacked the artistic skill and knows how to make a cake worthy for a princess but his bread was tasty none the less. With guidance from the royal chief, the Latino farm hand had become a competent bread maker who excelled in prepping the bread swiftly while giving it a special touch to every loaf. Emerald had seemingly discovered his adept ability of bread making but there were many things left to try but for now he had to pass the royal taste test to truly know if he was ready.

Standing with chief Éclair, Emerald Peach stood silently before Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor in the dinner table. Presented to them was the day’s diner cooked by Éclair and her team personally consisting of soup and finely dressed dandelion and hay with roses marinated in cheddar based cream and rosemary. To the side as a side helping and dessert were Emerald’s loafs of bread presented to Cadence to see If Emerald was doing well or if he still had work to do. Bowing to the royal couple, the two couple jumped into the culinary fray to throw the dice.

“Greetings your highness, I hope your meals looks appetizing and worthy for you. Today we have something special for you thanks for to my temporary helper Emerald Peach who has taken up bakery” Éclair said as she smiled and moved to the side to let the Latino pony talk.

Stepping forward before bowing again, Emerald have a charming smile as he summoned his courage to speak “I have been so grateful that you have given me estansia under the roof of the crystal castle, I do not know how I would manage without your generosity and kindness to me. I have pondered for days in how I may repay my beloved hosts until Luna came to me in my dreams to counsel me in my doubts, she has tasked me on learning and perfecting the art of bakery as self-discovery and would be beyond honored if you were to sample the fruits of my labor, thank you” Emerald finished his speech with a hoof in his heart and a final bow wile stepping back.

Cadence smiled and almost cried at how sweet his speech was while sharing a bit of guilt with Shining Armor in knowing the real reason they kept him inside the castle. None the less, the royal couple was touched and awe struck at his charm and consideration for their “hospitality”. Emerald looked to his side and grinned impishly as he saw Éclair start to cry and sniff while drying her tears in a handkerchief “that was so beautiful and thoughtful kid, you are one hell of a touching speaker….if you could please excuse me” she said, needing to clear herself up as she showed to have a weakness to sappy things.

Giving Emerald a bright smile, Cadence raised a hoof in appreciation of his services “you are very kind Emerald and we are more than happy for your offer, would you be so kind as to cut us some samples of your bread, I would love to taste it.”

Emerald smiled to Cadense’s request as he took out a bread knife and cut them some slices as fast and efficient as he could as he mentally hoped for the best. Offering them the bread, Emerald stood there as professional as he could while watching them taste his dinner rolls and wheat bread.

Taking a bite of the wheat brad and dinner rolls, Cadence smiled at how tasty they were on par to the bread made for them in the castle “it’s delicious Emerald, the wheat bread is hearty but not too chewy and the dinner roll is so delicious, they go very well with my soup and I love it” Shining Armor complemented as he dipped the wheat loaf on his soup and showed down.

Cadence smiled as she finished her dinner roll and nodded in agreement to Shining Armor in favor to the Latino pony’s bread “This bread is deed delicious and we are so appreciative for you to offer us the fruit of your dedication Emerald, I can tell right away the dedication you put into your work and I appreciate it”

Emerald blushed at such considerable praise and looked away shyly “aww shucks, gracias for the praise, I am not that good but I did my best for you two. It turn out I am so good and fast at kneading the bread that I made plenty more so please help yourselves” Emerald said as he felt happy to have passed his test so well. Inspired by such high remarks, he decided to continue and improving baking as he would learn new recipes to make those he cared for happy and satisfied. Satisfied for his new finding, he had things to do for tomorrow’s so he needed to excuse himself and begin the next phase of his new life “If you could please excuse me, I must be off to prepare for tomorrow’s farming. Again thanks for letting me stay and have a wonderful night” Emerald finally said before respectively leaving.

Looking at each other with worry, Shining gave out a sigh as he felt a little bad about the true nature of Emerald’s stay in the castle and his constant watch. Shining Armor did not trust the Latino pony but he has so far been an amazing person, so he felt a small bit of guilt “I feel that spying on him and keeping him here is a bit wrong Cadence, he has never acted suspicious or bad and I feel we may be over doing it. Sure we are still a little uneasy because of Sombra’s return and we don’t know if he was the only thing that came back but he just seems like an ordinary earth pony”

Cadence giggled and nodded in agreement as she took Shining’s hooves with hers “I know sweetie but we can’t be too careful in these times of insecurity. I can feel wonderful warmth coming from him but also some pain, we need to keep an eye on him just until Princess Luna and Princes Celestia finish watching over him. We have to be patient and wait, trust me when I tell you that we are doing the right thing” Cadence smiled sweetly as her love reassured Shining Armor’s resolve to keep him in house arrest long enough to find out his true nature.

Only time would tell if they were safe from him but Cadence truly hoped he was truly good because she felt a bright and gentle soul in Emerald and knew he could be a wonderful person. She truly hoped she was correct.

*******