Fleeting Flames

Fleeting Flames
By: Duelist96
Chapter 16: Early Meeting with Celestia

My walk towards Silk’s workspace was peaceful and steady. I didn’t pay attention ahead of me as I let my gaze wander towards my left. The sun shining through the prismatic stained glass windows depicted the major events of Equestrian history. These windows detailed the stories of the adventure Twilight shared with her friends after the return of Nightmare Moon. The windows began from after Twilight lost her treebary and got her crystal castle. Following that were the separate friendship adventures she and her friends went on around Equestria. I smiled a little at seeing these adventures.

Although, my smile was more for the fact that I didn’t have to be a part of a single one. I enjoy visiting Ponyville very much; getting to see Twilight and her friends was a relaxing experience whenever I had the chance, but it’s only enjoyable when there isn’t any danger. There might be a chance I would have grown used to it had I lived there since my arrival, but since I live in Canterlot, it doesn’t seem like I’ll be able to handle it.

Reaching the end of the stained glass windows that gave way to regular ones waiting to be used to tell the next tale, I focused back on my walk. Many of the maids and guards that were walking around gave me a quick wave as I passed, and I gladly returned their kind gestures. My walk came to an end as I reached Silk’s workshop. Lifting up my left hand, I knocked on her door before opening it.

I gently closed the door behind me until I heard it click in place. Walking through her showroom area, I headed towards her living space. Since it was still early enough, I hazard a guess that she would be just lounging around, doodling simple designs before she got to any of her commissions. Avoiding much of the mess that was scattered about her living space, I found her relaxing on the couch. Although, from what I could see, she seemed a bit haggard as her mane was a disheveled mess.

Getting closer I noticed the strands of hair that were sticking up along her coat and the heavy bags under her eyes. This hasn’t been the first time I’ve seen her in such a state, but it still caused me to worry what might be troubling her. I didn’t want to startle her by speaking up, so instead I moved towards a rack of clothing that held her practice attempts at making me clothes. Curling two fingers on my right hand, I raised my fist and hit the metal bars. The resonating clang that came forth was able to catch her attention as her left ear swiveled in my direction before turning her head towards me.

“Mark, it’s so great to see you,” Silk said, beaming at me. “You’re here very early. Had I known, I would have cleaned myself up a bit,” she said before gesturing for me to come closer.

“It’s wonderful to see you as well, Silk,” I said happily, smiling at her as I joined her on the couch.

“So, how was your date last night?” Silk asked, her attention on the table as she shuffled through a few papers that contained sketches of random clothing. I noticed how thoroughly she organized them before deciding to ignore it.

“It went well, actually,” I replied, casually reclining myself on the couch so I could stare up at the ceiling.

“I would hope, since I can smell her all over you,” Silk chided teasingly, her wings giving a few flaps to stretch her muscles.

“Is there anything I can do about the smell? I mean, I took a shower for Christ’s sake.” I let out a frustrated groan as I rubbed my eyes.

“A shower is probably the best option you’ve got, if you want to mask most of the scent, that is,” Silk explained.

I felt her lean against me, her legs wrapping around my right arm as she nuzzled against me. I didn’t dare try and remove my arm, letting her enjoy herself and maybe allow her to get some sort of rest. Continuing to stare at the ceiling, I reached over with my left hand and scratched behind her ear. A murmur of contentment escaped her lips as she tried to bury herself deeper into my arm.

“Are you sure there isn’t anything I can do to get rid of it completely? I could do without hearing ponies gossip about what I do at night,” I ask slightly hopeful for a practical solution.

“Sorry, dear, but there really isn’t,” she said, dashing my hopes. “She’s marked you to let other mares know that you’re taken and if they want to even get a chance at what you keep hidden under all this unnecessary fabric, they’ll need to talk to her.” Silk let out a cute little yawn as she slid down my arm, her body curling up as she made herself comfortable against my leg. “Then again, you probably haven’t even thought about herding yet, have you?” she asked.

“Not really,” I answered. I ran my hand along her back, relishing in the softness of her fur. “I don’t even know how I would feel about sharing myself or Fleetfoot with another pony. You spend so much of your life around a society where polygamy was frowned upon. You really can’t see making anything work with others coming into the mix,” I explained.

“I wouldn’t sell yourself too short there, Mark,” Silk said, her body moving closer to me so she could rest her head on my lap. “You were able to look past your views of not even dating a pony, so I think if you keep an open mind and talk with Fleetfoot, then you might be able to come around,” she explained calmly.

“You have a lot more confidence in me than I do for myself,” I said jokingly, chuckling as I petted her mane.

“I’ll always have confidence in you, Mark. I’ve read the stories about the other humans that have been here, and if they could make it work for themselves, then I know you can too,” Silk said encouragingly.

“You’re really some kind of mare, Silk, and I hope you never change,” I said happily, smiling gratefully as I stared up at the ceiling once again.

The room fell into a peaceful quiet as Silk relaxed on my lap. I moved my hand back to her barrel, feeling each rise and fall from her calm breathing. I wasn’t really expecting to visit her for long, but the image of what I saw earlier made me consider skipping my visit with Celestia so I could make sure she was okay. Looking down at her relaxed form, a small frown etched itself onto my features. Watching her lie there peacefully, a thought crossed my mind and I let out an irritated groan.

“What’s the matter?” Silk asked.

“I bumped into Rarity before reaching Redheart, and I completely forgot to ask about maybe seeing if she could offer you a position with her at Ponyville,” I said sullenly, rubbing my face in shame.

“You don’t need to worry about that,” Silk said, giggling softly

“Why’s that?” I asked with a quirked brow.

“I actually bumped into her last night when I was out enjoying the night to see if anything caught my interest that I could sketch for possible designs. She actually stopped me and complimented the scarf that I was wearing,” Silk explained, continuing to giggle to herself. “She actually did offer me a position to work for her, but I won’t be moving to Ponyville,” she said, her giggles coming to a stop.

“If you won’t be working in Ponyville, then where else did she have you set up?” I asked.

“I’ll actually still be working here in Canterlot. She apparently gets a lot of orders from the middle and lower districts that it was starting to overwhelm her. She actually saw me as a chance to continue her commissions and orders for ponies in Canterlot from a pony that currently understands the fashion trend up here,” Silk explained happily, a gentle smile working its way across her features.

“You just like to be here only so you can tease me,” I said jokingly.

“Maybe, but if I’m being honest, I can’t really see myself leaving Canterlot.” Silk let out a soft sigh as she started to pull herself more onto my lap.

“We would all miss you, Silk, but know that we always support whatever decision you make. You’ve been a great friend to me, and I know Celestia, Luna, and Cadence have really enjoyed your company as well,” I said, a smile tugging at my lips.

Silk placed herself fully on my lap, and I couldn’t help but start letting my hands run along her silken fur. I don’t know how she could keep the soft feeling of her coat with how she looked, but it was at least a good sign that she at least bathed. Letting silence settle between us, I helped smooth out the tufts of fur, earning contented sighs from her. It didn’t take long for me to smooth out her coat, and my only solution to her mane was just to at least brush it to the side, but at least she was more presentable than earlier. Happy with my handiwork, I took notice of her wings and started to fidget a little bit.

“Is everything alright, Mark?” Silk asked, lifting her head a little as she looked at me with tired eyes.

“I…” I stopped before my mind went blank.

I wasn’t really sure what to say, and even thinking about it brought about conflicting feelings inside of me. I understood that preening wings was done between lovers and very close friends, but even asking it was taboo if taken wrong.

“Mark, whatever it is, you’re free to ask or say anything. I’ll never be upset at you for a simple faux pas because of our differences,” Silk said soothingly, placing a hoof on my chest.

“I… was wondering… if maybe you would be fine… if I preened your wings?” I quickly averted my gaze, a small blush appearing on my face as I waited for either her outcry at such a question or the hit that would follow before the scolding.

“I would be grateful for the help,” Silk said soothingly.

She nuzzled my chest before unfurling her wings. I sat frozen with my mouth agape as she spread her wings, her nuzzling never stopping as she breathed softly.

“I take it you know how to preen wings, correct?” Silk asked, her wings giving a small twitch.

“My only knowledge is from books I read and the one time I preened Fleetfoot’s wings,” I answered truthfully, my hands fidgeting in place.

“Seems like she had a lot of trust in you to allow something like that. Especially after one date and a night in bed together,” Silk said teasingly, causing me to flush.

Shaking my head at her antics, she giggled to herself as she sat up and presented her wings again. Taking a deep breath, I scanned over her wings, noting the obvious out of place feathers. How she was even able to ignore the irritation of the misplaced feathers was beyond me. Looking her in her half-closed eyes, she gave a single, gentle nod that I could proceed. Popping my fingers to get some feeling and blood flowing, I started my task.

Once my hand made contact, a small gasp escaped her lips and I immediately retracted my hands. Looking at her to make sure everything was okay, she nodded at me to reassuringly. Staring at her for a moment, I returned my attention to her wings. I’m not really sure why I was startled by her sudden gasp. Maybe something about how Fleetfoot sounded when I did this for her was causing me to overreact. Nevertheless, it was going to be her natural reaction to this situation, so I better calm myself.

I made contact with her spread appendages, seeing her bite her lower lip to stifle any noise she might make. I nudged her to gain her attention, and when she looked at me, I shook my head. She stared at me with uncertain eyes before relenting. Her gasps and moans came out unbidden as I worked through her wings. Much of my willpower went into making sure I didn’t become aroused from her sounds. Part of me wanted to work quickly through her wing to maybe avoid any problems, but I quickly chastised myself for thinking that.

Sure, embarrassment would be avoided if I went through her wings quickly, but it would only leave a sloppy job done. So putting aside my own discomforts, I worked diligently on Silk’s wings. Her wings would twitch as I removed her loose feathers and let my fingers glide along to feel for any I might have missed. Several minutes went by as I looked over and went back through again on Silk’s wings to make sure they were cleaned up. Finding nothing was out of order and no glaring problems were present, I removed my hands from her wings and scratched behind her ears.

“Thank you, Mark. That was really kind of you,” Silk said happily, folding her wings against her side as she laid back down.

“It was no problem, Silk. I owe you for everything you’ve done and for putting up with me,” I said, petting her mane.

Silk relaxed into my lap once again, sighing in contentment. I continued petting her mane, enjoying the warmth that she brought me and making sure she relax some. Looking over my shoulder, I noticed the time nearing my appointment with Celestia. Frowning at having to leave her behind, I hooked my arms around her as I lifted her into the air. She let out a small yelp as I lifted her into the air, her wings expanding to keep her balance out of fear for falling. Chuckling a little to myself, she looked up at me through half-open eyes, a small yawn escaping her lips.

“Where are we going?” Silk asked as he laid her head against my chest.

“My appointment with Celestia is coming up so I need to head out,” I replied, carrying her to her bed.

“Then where are you taking me? I have things I need to finish,” Silk said, squirming a little in my grasp.

“I bet you do, but you’re going to bed,” I stated simply, refusing to let her go.

“I don’t need sleep, Mark. I can work with no sleep just fine,” Silk protested, ramping up her struggles.

“Silk, it’s clear that you can barely keep focus and I haven’t seen you keep your eyes open longer than ten seconds,” I retorted, holding her tighter as I finally reached her bed.

She continued to squirm in my grasp before I gently set her down on the bed. She moved to stand up, but a gentle prod to her side had her fall back down. Her wings flapped in irritation as she let out a small growl. Refusing to heed her warning, I pulled the blanket up and tucked her underneath it. Thankfully she folded her wings to her side to avoid any damage. Once I had her wrapped, I grabbed one of her pillows and placed the pillow under her head.

“You know, most mares usually get tucked in like this after a fun night,” Silk said, curling into herself more to make herself comfortable. “Do you plan on having a little fun with me before you head out now that you know what it’s like with a pony,” she said, giggling as her ears flicked. I panicked a little when I saw the look she was giving me. Even so, I kept my composure.

“I would like to keep my kidneys, Silk. Also, I would rather take you out to dinner before getting that far,” I said jokingly, hoping to give her some ease.

This seemed to help as she gave a contented smile, a soft hum escaping her lips. I was glad she took my joke well since I was never for going with her type of humor, but it seemed right to join her antics a little.

“Maybe some other time,” Silk said, her voice going softer as I moved off of her bed. “I bet you and Fleetfoot have an exquisite taste when combined together,” she continued, causing me to nearly stumble.

“Funny, Silk, very funny,” I said, shaking my head as I moved towards her blinds.

I closed her blinds and made sure there was no light shining through to disturb her. Seeing no other places for light to bother her, I moved back towards her bed. I reached out with a hand and gave a few scratches behind her ear. A yawn escaped as she tried to bat away my hand with her ear, but it was to no avail. Finishing my scratches, I turned for her door, leaving to make my appointment. Before I could leave, Silk’s voice carried over to me.

“Funny thing about last night before you go,” Silk said, her voice barely audible.

“What would that be?” I asked.

“Rarity’s marefriend is very receptive towards my advances. I probably could have had a spectacular night had Rarity not put a stop to my antics,” Silk said, giggling to herself a little.

“That’s because of how tight of a leash Rarity has on Rainbow, but I think those two would have been more accepting had you hung with them more often,” I said jokingly.

“Maybe, but it… would have… been… ni…” Silk didn’t get to finish as her light snores permeated the room.

I gave a gentle smile as I looked upon her sleeping form, shaking my head at where she was going to go with that sentence. Listening to make sure she was still asleep, I made way for the door. I had to be careful walking through her place, avoiding anything that could make a lot of noise and wake her up. Thankfully, I made it through her messy workspace and exited without any problem. Making sure the door was closed behind me, I turned in the direction for Celestia’s chambers.

As soon as I took one step, a blinding flash of light appeared before my eyes. At least, that’s what it was before I felt a jerking motion in my stomach. The next thing I knew was hearing a loud pop, making my ears ring as I landed on my hands and knees. A trashcan appeared below me and I happily emptied my stomach. I hacked and coughed several times before spitting out any leftover vomit.

“Not… cool,” I said between deep breaths, my eyes looking up at Celestia.

She held an apologetic face as she brought over a toothbrush, toothpaste, and some mouthwash. Glaring at her for a few seconds, I took the offered items and carefully made my way to the bathroom. I thoroughly cleaned out my mouth, using up half the mouthwash to make sure it didn’t reek of anything. I very much enjoyed kissing Fleetfoot and would like to do so more times without her trying to avoid me because of the smell.

Looking myself in the mirror, I gave a firm nod before returning back to Celestia. She was sitting on her plush sofa, a teacup wrapped in her magical aura as she glanced nervously over at me. I met her eyes and she quickly went back to staring forward. I walked towards her, heading for the plush chair in front of her before I felt something tug on my arm. I looked down to see a band of golden magic around my wrist.

Looking up, I see Celestia’s horn glowing as she continued to give me gentle tugs. Sighing internally, I followed her incessant tugging. I sat down on the soft sofa as she lowered the teacup back to the coffee table. As I sat down, I scanned my surroundings to notice that I wasn’t in Celestia’s personal chambers, but one of her spare rooms. As I looked around, noticing a few furnishings that at least made the room comfortable, I felt a weight on my legs.

I return my attention to the front to see Celestia laying down across my lap, her regalia removed from her body. Knowing what she wanted next, I raised a hand and started to pet along her lengthy neck. I scratched with my nails, a gentle sigh escaping her as she relaxed into my touch.

“I must apologize for the sudden teleportation, Mark,” Celestia said, peeking through her mane a little.

“Apology accepted,” I said calmly. “Any reason for the rushed arrival?” I asked, lifting my other hand and running it along her barrel.

“I was hoping we could have your appointment early this month since I would like to talk about a few things about your relationship,” Celestia said.

“What would that be, exactly?” I asked, ceasing my motions as I crossed my arms.

Celestia seemed to sense something as she bolted upright, waving her hooves in a placating fashion.

“I don’t mean it as something bad,” Celestia said reassuringly. “There’s just a few things I would like to mention that you never went over, and I don’t want you to be startled if you end up seeing any of what I’m about to mention,” she said with a sheepish smile.

I gestured for her to continue, and this seemed to help her calm down a little as she took a deep breath. Her horn glowed as she filled her teacup. She was about to fill a second one for me, but I waved her off for now. She nodded as she placed the teapot down and lifted the cup to her lips. She took a delicate sip of her drink before placing it back down onto the coffee table. Her attention returned to me as she seemed to be focusing on something. I raised a curious brow as she looked in my direction, but did not say anything.

I was ready to speak up when I noticed something about her chest. From what I’ve seen on the ponies their coats can be fluffy in certain areas or after a shower, but there seemed to be a concentrated area of fluff near Celestia’s chest. I watched with rapt attention as it slowly appeared, tempting me to rest my head on it so I could fall asleep. I was pulled from my musings when Celestia tapped my shoulder.

“What’s with the chest fluff?” I asked, pointing at the object of my curiosity.

“To the different races of my little ponies, it means many things,” Celestia explained.

I glanced up every few seconds to meet her eyes, but my attention remained solely focused on her chest. Unaware of my current actions, I reached out to touch the soft expanse of fur, only to have my hand pushed down by a golden clad hoof.

“Please, do not touch my fluff,” Celestia stated with a stern expression.

I looked into her magenta eyes that seemed to dare me to try and defy her. Not really able to help myself, I attempted to touch her chest fluff again, only for the same results. Many attempts were made to touch the forbidden fruit before me. Thankfully, she never really hit me, memories of how much those slippers hurt passing through my mind as she pushed my hand away. She seemed to have enough of my antics as she grabbed hold of both my hands in her golden aura and held them to my side.

With a derisive snort, she laid herself on my lap again, her hooves rubbing along her chest fluff before it disappeared from sight. My hands were freed from her magical confines and I set them back along her neck and barrel. A soft hum escaped her lips as her eyes closed in blissful contentment. I moved my hands along her soft fur, scratching at her skin underneath and earning a few giggles from her.

“Now as I was saying before you thought you could best me in a challenge,” Celestia stated with a small sigh. “Chest fluff between the different races of ponies has different meanings.

“First, pegasi actually have the most chest fluff, because of their ability to fly. They also require it in order to keep themselves warm and use as another sense for change in wind patterns. It doesn’t need to be apparent on their body for it to work. You would most likely see pegasi mares puff out their chest fluff when challenging another mare. It’s a show of power and who is the lead in the relationship.

“Unicorns have the second most chest fluff, mainly because of their connection with magic. Magic can be a fickle thing to control, so in times if they need it, it can be used to leak out excess magic. It can still be used as a show of power like the pegasi.

“Earth ponies have the least amount, mainly because their connection to magic is based around their hooves. If anything, their chest fluff is more of an insulator during the winter times and a way to cool off during summer. Once again, following the fact that it could be used as a show of power,” Celestia explained thoroughly, adjusting her position on my lap.

“So what was with you keeping me from touching your fluff?” I asked, petting along her neck.

“It… can be… a sensitive area… for some ponies,” Celestia admitted, her tail and wings twitching. “It’s also not meant to be touched unless done by close lovers. Although it does help foals sleep,” Celestia said, smiling as she breathed deeply.

“I take it you have some experience putting foals to sleep that way,” I said jokingly.

“Twilight was an excitable filly, and sometimes it helped her sleep when she was staying here at the castle.” Celestia gave a deep sigh as her mane fell limply over her face.

I stroked some of the ethereal mane away from one of her eyes as I continued to pet her. She felt entirely relaxed on my lap, her fur pleasant to the touch. I couldn’t help the grin that crossed my features at seeing her act like such a normal mare. I feel bad for her sometimes that she can’t let her mane down like many of her subjects that she watches over. Although, I could only assume that from her smile, she’s happy to see all her subjects happy.

“I take it Twilight wasn’t easy to handle in her earlier years?” I inquired.

“It was tough for her when she attended my school. I believe that I equated it to that of a private school from your world,” Celestia said thoughtfully.

“You did, but did she not see her family much or get visits from them while she was attending? She was the youngest at your school, so I thought she would have more interactions with family until she was ready to handle herself?” I asked, adjusting myself so I could lower myself into the couch a bit.

“Her family visited as much as they could, but she had at that point locked herself into her studies. The times I or even her family were able to pull away from her studies were the most important. During the times when she was left alone, I would comfort her the best I could so she could continue to succeed.

“Some nights I would find her crying, either from loneliness or having a terrible nightmare. So to help her relax, I would let her relax against my chest until she fell asleep,” Celestia explained, letting out a heavy breath.

“I still bet her mother and father were thankful that you watched over Twilight,” I said, giving her an encouraging scratch behind her ear.

“Twilight was very thankful that I could look after her filly as though she was one of my own,” Celestia said, laughing softly.

“So what else did you want to talk about?” I asked, getting her ear to flick in my direction.

“Yes, I wanted to give my congratulations on a successful date,” Celestia said. “I honestly didn’t think that Fleetfoot’s scent would be this fragrant,” she said as she gave a deep inhale.

“Arrhhgg.” I groaned as I rubbed at my eyes. “I’m honestly considering going home now and never leaving if I’m going to continually hear this,” I said exasperated.

“Maybe if you weren’t so easy to tease, then maybe not everypony would do this,” Celestia said, giggling as she stretched her legs out before curling them against herself.

“Thank you, though. I’m glad it went so well and I look forward to spending more time with her,” I said, taking a deep breath as a gentle smile came to my lips.

“I think she’ll find her experience with you quite enlightening. I for one found my time with the other humans that had appeared to be exhilarating,” Celestia said with a slight shiver.

“I take it that you had the other humans tend to you like I am now?” I asked jokingly, running my hand along her long neck.

“Many actually enjoyed my company and the conversations that we held, but two had been lucky enough to see more,” Celestia said, a sultry grin spread across her lips as she peered back to see my reaction.

“I… see,” I said, stuttering as I found it hard to continue moving.

“Yes. A man and woman to be exact, but not at the same time obviously. Experiencing different ways of pleasure from each was truly breathtaking. A lot more fantasies to try out during my time with the human female, but both hold a very special place in my heart,” Celestia said dreamily, leaning further back against me.

“They seemed… to have left… a lasting… impression,” I said nervously, slowly petting along her barrel again.

“They both did, much like my past lovers had as well. One of the pains of being immortal, I guess. I get to watch as my lovers grow old and try and assure me that everything is going to be fine. I have seen through that ruse as time went on, but to see them all comfort me when they’re lying on their deathbed, it hurts more than anything.

“Luna, Cadence, and even myself have felt this pain many times, but the memories and feelings that we’ve felt towards our past loves never leave us. Even though they are no longer here with us, we’re still connected in some way,” Celestia explained, her voice hitching a bit as a tear ran down her cheek.

I didn’t say anything, running a thumb along her cheek as she seemed lost in her old memories. Some people could say they at least partially understood where Celestia was coming from, but nowhere near to the full extent of her pain. I didn’t stop rubbing at her cheek as she nuzzled against my hand, a grateful smile gracing her features as I comforted her.

“So when I appeared here, what did you think of me?” I asked openly, smiling down at her.

“It was a surprise to actually see another human after such a long time. I had actually begun to think that nopony would ever see your kind again, and you would all just be names to a mythology book,” Celestia stated with a small laugh.

“I take it that even back then that most humans weren’t well liked?” I asked, tapping her on her side to get her to sit up.

She did as I silently asked, and once she was sitting up I reclined along the length of the couch. Celestia laid atop me, her mane covering half her face as I petted her along her neck. Given her size, she was a bit heavy, but not as much I had initially thought awhile back. She rested her head on my chest as a wing unfurled and covered us both. She was still awake despite her slow breathing and closed eyes, and I had my attention averted to the ceiling.

“They weren’t but that didn’t matter to me. I helped them through everything and made sure they were comfortable here. I regret never being able to succeed in getting them back home, but they were able to find a life that made them happy.” Celestia then opened one eye as she stared at me, a glint of determination apparent. “I promise to do everything I can with Luna, Cadence, and Twilight to get you back home,” she said with determination.

“Thanks, but neither of you should put that as your priority. Your people come first, and honestly, it will give me some time to enjoy my interactions with everyone,” I said, smiling as I ran a hand through her mane.

She stared at me intently with one eye, most likely judging what I just said. I didn’t let up my smile as I continued to pet her. Her stare lasted for a few moments longer before she let out a deep sigh. She pressed into my hand as I scratched behind her ear one final time. After the scratch, she moved closer to me and gave me a quick nuzzle before getting off of me. I lifted myself off the couch and stretched my tired bones as I got the blood flowing again.

“I do believe that I’ve used up enough of your time. We’ll talk again later and I hope you have a wonderful rest of the day,” Celestia said, smiling brightly as she made way for the door.

“No problem, Celestia. I enjoy our talks together and I like hearing the few things that humans have been able to do when they arrived here,” I said, following behind her. “Although, I could do less knowing about your more intimate details,” I grumbled under my breath.

Celestia opened the door with her magic, letting me exit first before closely following me out and closing the door behind her. I turned towards her and gave her a quick hug that she kindly returned before breaking apart. She turned in the opposite direction I was headed, more than likely to get herself cake before heading towards court. I wasn’t even three steps down the hallway before her voice caught my attention.

“Another piece of advice, Mark,” Celestia said over her shoulder.

“What’s that?” I asked as I turned to face her.

“If your relationship with Fleetfoot deepens, herd or not, she will have this small nesting habit that all pegasi share,” Celestia said.

“What do you mean ‘nesting habit’?” I asked with a raised brow.

“It’s a way for pegasi to make a comfortable home that they know they can always return to. It varies between each pegasus on how they will nest, but it’s not too hard to tell most of the time,” Celestia explained before trotting down the hallway, humming a tune to herself.

I stood in the hallway, staring in the general direction of where she went before shaking my head. I wasn’t certain what I was going to use with that information, but it was interesting to know. Shrugging my shoulders, I headed back down the hallway for my office. As I walked, I could hear a few drill instructors directing the new recruits to their positions and training them. A few acknowledged my presence, and thankfully their instructors didn’t hound them for waving to me.

It wasn’t long before I was out of earshot of the drill instructors that I was left alone in silence. Taking this time to myself, I started humming an old song from my childhood. I let my thoughts wander as I hummed, thinking about who I was before coming to Equestria to my current situation. There were some things I wished I could have gone back and changed, but at the same time it just seemed weird to not have this happen to me. I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn’t pay attention where I was going until I ran into my least favorite person here.

“Watch where you’re going, you hairless ape!” Blueblood said angrily.

I straightened out my pants as I stared down at Blueblood. He had a white coat with a blonde mane and tail. His eyes were a sky blue and his cutie mark was a golden four pointed star laying over a four pointed purple star. To me it resembled something similar of how a compass would look. Like most of the ponies in Canterlot, he was a unicorn, but apparently he was also the nephew of Celestia and Luna.

“I could say the same thing to you,” I shot back.

Blueblood glared up at me before taking a calming breath. He went about straightening his coat, mane, and tail before looking back at me. Most of my encounters with Blueblood, which have been very few, were never pleasant. More times than not he held a look of disgust whenever he saw me, but I was surprised to see what I could only assume was a wan smile on his face.

“Do you have a moment, Mark?” Blueblood asked, trying his hardest to seem caring.

“I… guess I can spare you some time,” I answered with a raised brow.

“I promise this won’t take long,” Blueblood said, taking another breath before lifting a hoof at me. “I know you and I don’t see eye to eye with each other, but I would like you to know that despite this, I’m glad that you’re finding some happiness here,” he stated, his hoof still held out.

“Thanks…” I took his hoof in my hand and gave it a firm shake before we quickly broke it off. “What brought this on? You usually prefer trying to get a rise out of me.” I asked as I stared down at him.

“This is true, and as much as I still expect an apology from when you hit me,” Blueblood started saying before I cut him off.

“I’m not apologizing for what I did,” I stated firmly.

“Which is what I still expect from you,” Blueblood said as he gave a deep sigh. “Even then, you are a citizen of Equestria and it’s still at least somewhat of my duty to make sure that you’re doing well. I sincerely with the best for you and your marefriend in the future,” he said with a single nod.

“Well… thanks for that, Blueblood. That really means a lot coming from you,” I sincerely said as I smiled at him.

“Trust me, Mark, I want the best for you despite our differences. So if you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to ask for my assistance. I have a lot of pull around Canterlot,” Blueblood said with a smug grin.

“I’ll keep that in mind,” I said, giving him and affirming nod. “Well, I better let you go and do your thing so I can get to my office,” I said as I waved goodbye.

I got a limp wave in return, but that was expected as much from him. That he actually came to me with an actual congratulations and an offer of assistance was mind blowing. He was right, though. Despite our negative feelings towards each other, there was at least some respect. Chuckling to myself, I continued on towards my office, glad that some things could at least change for the better.