Impureblood
by BioQuillFiction
First published
Drunk. That's how Blueblood spent his time after the Element of Generosity told him off and sent his social life down the toilet. Then, on one drunk night, he smelled some food...that lead him to the mare that would turn his life around.
Wondering the streets drunk on an empty stomach was how Blue Blood spent his most recent days. After being told off by the element of Generosity rarely did a mare look at him. His nose caught the whiff of something exotic. His eyes spotted something exotic. Two years later his actions catch up with him. Follow Blue Blood, Saffron Masala, and their son, Blue Spice as they tackle forced marriage, raising an over energetic foal, and the threat that is Saffron's father out for vengeance!
The Night of Spice~
“Ouff!” Blue Blood huffed, walking head first into a street light. Another long night of strong royal reserves leads his royally drunk flank into Canterlot’s Dining district. Many of the buildings were closed, meaning no pony was around to see him like he was. He, very wobbly, trotted along the road, his booze hazed eyes struggling to see more than three feet in front of his muzzle. He pulled his last bottle of his Auntie Luna’s thousand-year-old aged wine, was too drunk to use magic, so he ripped the cork off with his teeth, spit it out into the street, and downed the three-liter bottle. Once the last drop touched his tongue he let the bottle roll off into the streets and trotted on.
Sadly though, after barely a meter, he tripped, just catching himself against the display window of a bakery. His eyes caught glimpse of the pastries, and his stomach rumbles. “Fuck…” He slurred. “You...you just got a bunch of wine y-y-y-you...whiny tummy.” He said, and his stomach rumbled again. “F-fine!” He shouted, sniffing the air. “Bleh, nothing's open I-” At that moment, his muzzle caught a whiff of something...unknown, spicy, flavorful, and above all, it was food.
He stumbled his way through the street, following his sniffer into a back ally and to an oddly designed building, he couldn’t tell if it was the alcohol or the building, but the smell of food tossed the question out of his mind. He entered and was greeted with a set up as odd as his drunk mind could register. He stumbled, taking the nearest seat and waited.
“Father! There’s a customer!” A mare’s voice spoke. Her accent was so...unknown to Blue Blood. When she came into view, even with his blurry eyes, he saw her like an angel glowing in the night. Her figure was thin, lengthy, but firm, well toned and lead the eyes up… Her fur was a bright orangey color and her main was wild and dark fuchsia color. She had ear rings, a head band holding her large, wild mane from covering her eyes, an orange bandana tied around her neck which was jeweled, and a white top. Her cutie mark was some sort of Flower that Blue Blood didn’t recognize. When she spotted him, her nose scrunched from the strong smell of alcohol, but kept her smile and muscled through it. “Greetings sir, I am Saffron and I will be your waitress this night.” She said, levitating a menu over to him. “See anything you like?”
“O-oh, right.” He said, trying his best to regain, or at least act, somewhat sober. “Uh...What’s this? It looks like salsa or something?” Blue Blood spoke, managing to not slur his words.
“Oh yes, the number seven then, coming right up.” She said, walking over to the kitchen window and saying the order before walking back. “It will be out in a bit, my father is going to cook it then head home after you leave I’ll close up shop.”
“O-okay.”
Saffron looked the clearly drunk stallion over, he was trying too hard to act sober. She couldn’t lie, he was a looker, messy, but still had looked. “So where are you from?” She asked, taking a seat next to him.
Blue Blood gulped. She was the first mare to talk to him other than his Auntie’s in three years without cussing him out or out right ignoring him. “Just...wanted to get lost. Been a...guess you can call it a hobby of mine for the last two years.”
“Really?” Saffron asked, raising an eyebrow. “How come this is the first time I haven’t seen you around here at night?”
“I usually wander and pass out in the Royal gardens...the grass is rather soft and one of the guards has taken to waking me up before any pony comes.”
“Sounds like you made a friend.”
“Maybe...maybe.” Blue Blood thought. That guard never treated him badly, not like the royal he was. Is that how friends act? He pondered. “So...I’ve never heard an accent like yours before, where are you from?”
“Oh, a village of ponies in the Zebra Lands. My father and I moved to Canterlot to cook our home’s food for the ponies of Canterlot, and so far our dream has come true. So what about you? You from Canterlot?”
“Born and raised.” Blue Blood stated. “Never...never really traveled outside the city...or far from home…”
“Scared of the unknown?”
“Ironic huh? I got my cutie mark in navigation, yet I’m too scared to leave home.” Blue Blood didn’t know why, though he guessed it was the booze, but he kept talking to Saffron, telling her about how he feels deeply, and she, as far as he could tell, was doing the same.
She left briefly to get his food and he saw her father, a rather large, as in round fellow, but she placed his food down and he began eating. Saffron still sat next to him and the two kept on talking.
“So, how does one get a cutie mark in navigation yet fear travel?” Saffron asked.
Blue Blood paused, and thought back. “It...was when I was a foal. I had just gotten my cutie mark and thought I could run off to find adventure and all that foolish dreams. Well, I got surprisingly far, a train ride I snuck on was headed far out...near Appaloosa. I got off and started walking. If not for some buffalos finding me I would have died from heat stroke, didn’t pack water or anything other than maps, crayons, and a candy bar. Saw how scared it made my...auntie, and I decided to never leave.”
“What of your mother? Father?”
“My mother and father both died when I was a baby, auntie raised me.”
“Oh my, I’m sorry.”
“I’m over it.”
“You know, a stallion of your looks likely get’s all the mares huh?”
“Heh, once upon a time. I got...well, a mare that is rather high up cursed me out, word got out, now no mares look at me, or curse me out on site.”
“Sounds like she’s quite the piece of work.” Saffron huffed.
Blue Blood chuckled. “She was, but to be fair...I was rather uncouth. Back then I thought I owned the world, last three years have been more of a drowning of reality rather than a simple splash of it.”
“That explains why you’re wearing scotch, wine, and vodka as your new musk.” Saffron chuckled.
“Heh, pretty much. So...how much for the food?” Blue asked, finishing the last bite. The food had sobered him up some, enough to head home anyway.
Saffron merely smiled as she leaned in close to Blue Blood. “On the house, just...don't let my father find out what happened next~,” She said, lip locking Blue Blood.
His eyes shot open wide, after what was happening registered, he embraced it, and that table of the Tasty Treat had two ponies on it rather than food.
Blue blood woke up in cold sweats. Most every night for the past two years he had been having that dream of that night. “Damn...didn't even get to see the good part.” He chuckled, lifting his sheets off with magic and got out of bed, stretched, and yawned.
“Morning breath alert.” Blue Blood turned to see the speaker, only to have a wet towel thrown at his face.
“Very funny Hopper.” Blue Blood groaned, taking the towel off his face. The pegasus stallion had a black coat, blue mane, and tail with a flaming feather as a cutie mark. A month after his night with Saffron, he worked up the guts to order him to act as his butler rather than a guard. Hopper laughed and accepted. “So what's on today's agenda?”
“Dunno, princess Celestia just told me to have you speak with her soon.”
“Odd. Think it's something serious?”
“Depends, auntie catch ya yanking?” Blue Blood threw the wet towel at Hopper’s face. “Still not a denial.”
“Just get my breakfast. I’ll take a quick shower in the meantime and get ready for whatever auntie wants to talk about.”
“Aye aye prince,” Hopper said, tossing the towel into the dirty laundry hamper with his wing then flying out of Blue Blood’s room.
“That's not ev- of screw it.”
After a fast shower and quickly devouring a plate of eggs and toast, Blue Blood trotted his way to Celestia’s throne room. Upon arriving at the doors he inhaled deeply and used his magic to open them. He kept his head low, looking only at the floor till he was at the base of her steps to her throne, then, he looked up at her. “Blue Blood, glad you have finally arrived.”
“Auntie. Is there an issue?”
“Yes there is, and I am afraid it's more your issue.”
Blue Blood became confused. “Have I done something-”
“Hello again.” Blue Blood froze. The voice from his dreams spoke, he turned around and saw the angel in the waking world for the second time. Saffron. “Been a while...Blue Blood.”
“S-Saffron!” Blue Blood said, voice nearly cracking in surprise. “Y-yes it has. You...seem well.”
“As do you...Blue Blood...remember our first meeting...two years ago?”
He gulped. “V-vividly.”
Saffron chuckled, blushing slightly. “Well, you...left me something that night.” She stepped aside. A young colt, barely a year, stepped forward. He had Blue Blood’s coat, and his eyes, but he had Saffron’s mane and tail colors with thin streaks of blond. “The princess already did the tests. He is your son, Blue Spice.”
Blue Blood was frozen. His mind blanks trying to register the fact that this colt in front of him was his foal. “You know what this means Blue Blood,” Celestia spoke, gaining his and Saffron’s attention. “He is your son, by law he is a prince of Equestria, and therefore, his mother a princess.”
“Wait, what?!” Saffron shouted, jumped from that bit of information. “I-I just wanted Spice to meet his father, I, what?!”
“It is the law, Saffron. If a prince of Equestria has a foal while unmarried the mother of the foal and the prince are to be married and she made a princess...you didn't know this?”
“My father and I just got our citizenship papers four years ago, plus, what non-noble knows that is a law?!”
“Usually the kind that wants the foal to become royalty.” Blue Blood spoke, stepping out of his stupor. “Well… This calls for a drink and it still ten in the morning.”
“Try to cut back for your son Bluesy.” Celestia said.
“Auntie!”
“Bluesy?” Saffron questioned.
“It’s mine and Luna’s nickname for him. I’ve called him that ever since he was little Blue Spice’s age.” Celestia cooed.
“And just like that, I’m off to the wine cellar.” Blue Blood said teleporting to said cellar.
“I’ll send Hopper to drag him out.”
“I’m considering joining him there.” Saffron spoke, sitting down in a stupor of her own. Little Blue Spice looked up at his mother and she sighed. “Well son, your father's a drunk...but at least he seems to be with us… Father is going to have a heart attack when I tell him this…”
Moving in, New Family
“So...what took so long?” Blueblood asked. It had been a week since Saffron arrived with Blue Spice, and in that time the wedding was planned and moved forward at breakneck pace. As of thirty minutes ago, Saffron and Blueblood are now husband and wife. Now, they were riding back to the castle in a royal carriage, Blue Blood dressed in a black tux and Saffron in an elegant white dress that hugged her body just right.
“At first...it was a shock, I suppose it was to be expected though. We didn't exactly exercise caution.” She sighed, staring out the carriage window. “I honestly didn’t know who you were, until three months into the pregnancy, saw your face in the papers. “Prince Blueblood works deal with Dragonlands for trading scales for better guard armor.” She recalled. “And here I took you for a regular stallion down in luck.”
“Is that why…?”
“Yes. I thought you needed some kinda confidence boost. I also had a selfish reason...it had been a while since I last shared a bed…” Saffron blushed.
Blueblood smirked. “Well, from your reaction a week ago you didn’t know about the laws, so why speak out?”
“Should a colt go through life never meeting their father, even once?” Saffron asked, looking Blueblood dead in the eyes.
Blueblood’s smirk was replaced with a frown. “...Fair point. So...how’s it feel being royalty now?”
“Like I put too many peppers in a dish. It’s a lot to take in, hard to swallow, and makes my tummy feel uneasy.”
“I’m sure you’ll get used to it.”
“What of us?”
“Hm?”
“Are we...going to make this work for our sakes...Spice’s...or are we going to avoid each other.”
A quick flash of that night came to Blueblood. “We… we can try.”
The two walked through the halls of Canterlot castle, guards and servants alike both bowed at the two. While Blueblood paid no mind to this, Saffron blushed at the amount of attention. She worked her way through life...now, ponies were going to work so she didn’t have to. They arrived at Blueblood’s quarters, or rather, their quarters, where Blue Spice was, bouncing on the large bed of Blueblood’s. “Blue Spice!” Saffron said in a fluster, using her magic to settle the foal down. “I’ve told you not to bounce on beds.”
The foal just sat and looked down at the ground in shame. “Does...he not talk yet?” Blueblood asked.
“No, he should be saying something but he hasn't yet.” Saffron then chuckled, patting the foal's head. “I was like that, so I’m not too worried.”
Blueblood nodded, the corner of his eye catching the small pile of luggage that the staff had packed from Saffron’s old home. He sighed, it was a few boxes of personal things, a single luggage bag of clothes for both. “So...how about we go shopping?”
“Shopping?” Saffron asked, raising a brow. “For what exactly?”
“Well.” Blueblood trailed off. “As a princess now wouldn’t you like some...fancy things?”
Saffron pondered. “On one condition.”
“Name it.”
“I want a home.”
“A...home? Outside the castle?” Blueblood asked, nervously.
“Yes, it can still be in Canterlot. I just want Blue to be raised in a somewhat normal home. Not tended to hoof and leg by a mile of paid staff.”
A place outside the castle...Well, a change in view would be nice...plus there’s a long distance in the castle from what would be Blue Spice’s room if he moved in there… Blueblood inhaled deeply, before giving his best grin to hide his worry. “Sure thing love.”
“Thank you.” Saffron said, walking over to Blueblood and kissing his cheek. Blueblood flushed brightly at that, despite having kissed her lips earlier. “I’ll change Blue Spice and myself into something casual and then we’ll head out and...make our life.” She levitated Blue Spice over to her and once the foal stood next to his mother, he walked along happily.
Blueblood was alone now...until a certain pegasus flew in throwing rose petals out of a basket around him. “Here comes the groom, ugly, blond and rude~”
“Oh har har…” Blueblood said, using his magic to slam Hopper into the ground. “So that rost at the dinner wasn’t enough?”
“You know me.” Hopper said, getting back up and dusting himself off. “Man, what are the odds not only did she have your foal, but your aunt had you marry her!”
“It’s an old law still in effect, neither of us had a say in the matter.”
“Didn’t hear you argue about it~”
“Oh shut up!”
“Come on, admit it, you are happy about this.”
“It’s-”
“The mare that’s been invading your dreams for years now, yours now and forever, a handsome little colt between her legs-”
“That’s beside the-”
“Now imagine her, like she was the night you two met, a few months later, all round with you-”
“You keep talking, I will murder you.” Hopper just grinned as he rolled his eyes, using his hoof to zip an imaginary zipper on his lips. “Okay, yes, I am happy about this, nervous too, I mean, you saw her trot down the aisle too right?!”
“Yeah, and if I had my phone, I’d have the best picture for the wedding album.”
“If it was off her plot I swear.”
“Hey, she’s yours now bud, off limits. Just consider me Blue Spice’s fun uncle that works as his father’s butler.”
“Family butler now.” Blueblood corrected.
“Wait, what?”
“Saffron wants a home, outside the castle, so you’ll be the only staff in our new home.”
“Oh, neat. Though, don’t expect me to do everything.”
“What are you talking about, you’re-”
“The staff yes, but remember, Saffron is a hard working mare that I think enjoys doing normal, or in nobel talk, ‘commoner’, things, fifty bits says she cooks the day you all move in.”
Blueblood pressed his lips together. “...Deal.”
“A bet you’ll lose.”
“Not this time, I want you to have dinner ready by the time Saffron, Blue and I get home from some upper class sightseeing.”
“Huh, distraction, smart, still say you’ll lose.”
“Will not, I wouldn’t be in making deals with foreign embassies if I didn’t make flawless plans.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah, just deposit it in my bank account as per usual.”
“...Why do I keep you around?”
“A, because you told me too, B, without me, you’ll have to talk about this stuff with your new wife, of aunts, C-”
“Okay, enough. Fine, fifty bits to you if I lose, but if I win… you have to…” A lightbulb went off in Blueblood’s head, followed by a wicked smile. “You have to ask three of the castle maids to form a herd.”
Hopper’s pupils shrunk. “Dude!”
“Deal’s off otherwise.”
“...Fine. Still not gonna lose though.”
“We’ll see.”
Saffron dressed herself into something more casual, as did Blueblood, though, their definition of Casual seemed to vary as Saffron was dressed in her regular day clothing and Blueblood still adorned a white suit. The two walked side by side in the streets to the shopping district, Blue Spice walking underneath his mother. “So, where to?” Saffron asked.
Blueblood pressed his lips together, thinking about it. I walk here weekly and I have no idea where to take her...uhh… His eyes then caught the sign of a dress shop in the distance. Carousel Boutique Canterlot Location. “There looks nice.”
“Oh, I think this shop is owned by a friend of mine! Maybe she’s here!” Saffron said with cheer, picking up Blue Spice on her back securely before picking up her pace.
“Wonder who her friend is?” Blueblood muttered, speeding up to catch up with his wife. As he entered behind her. The shop was large, the dresses, and to Blueblood’s surprise, suits, all looked high quality, well made, and from a general scape of the store, not a single article of clothing was the same as the last.
A mare that was clearly Canterlot born, light blue coat, orange and gold striped mane, sporting a black dress with gems at the edges and a gold saddle on her back. “Welcome to Carousel Boutique, I am Sassy Saddles, how may I help you?”
“Yes, is Rarity here?”
At the mention of that name Blueblood froze stiff. Rarity!? The element of Generosity, is my wife’s friend?!?! ...I’m screwed.
“No, sorry miss. She’s at her Las Pegasus location grand opening. I can take a not if you wish.”
“Okay, just let her know Saffron was here. Oh, and my husband and I are here about getting some clothes.”
“Okay, custom or would you like to browse our pre made selection?” The mare, Sassy, asked as Blueblood snapped out of his shock.
“I’ll browse, come on love.” Saffron said as Blueblood obliged. He followed her, browsing the selections. Saffron tried on three outfits before putting them back.
Blueblood noticed this instantly. “Uh...love, why are you putting them back, they love lovely on you.”
“Oh, I know but… I can’t afford them- why are you snickering?”
Blueblood was holding back his howling laughter, but snikkers escaped. “Oh, it’s just you forgot about one tiny little detail.”
“Being?” She asked, eyebrow raised.
“You’re a princess now love.”
“What does that have to do with buying these dresses?” The dam burst on Blueblood’s face as he started laughing. “What’s so funny!”
“Oh- Oh give me a moment.” Blueblood asked, taking deep breaths till he was calm, but still kept a grin. “Saffron, you are a princess, meaning auntie gave you your own royal funds, and now that we’re married, they are under the same account as mine. Hun, you’re loaded.”
It took Saffron several moments to register what Blueblood had said. “...How loaded?”
“What’s Ponyville’s networth?” There was a orange haze as His wife ran and grabbed near every dress in the store, majority of the suits, and some of the suits, and an arms full of the foal sized clothing. “And we’ll still have money to burn on the rest of town.” Blueblood said, happy with himself that his wife is shopping at such a volume.
The rest of the day was spent spending bits to Saffron’s content. Blueblood had more than a dozen carriages following them, paid ponies hauling whatever his wife purchased. They were now being let by a Real Estate agent, showing them several large homes fit for nobles, and on their fifth house, it was roomy, seven bedrooms, ten bathrooms, a personal spa room, large backyard pool, medium front yard pool, staff included, fully decorated, and, the hook that caught Saffron, a kitchen big enough to feed a busy restaurant. The house did take a large chunk out of their funds, but it was nothing Blueblood couldn't make up at the end of the month.
“So...this is it.” Blueblood said, he and Saffron dressed for sleep, Blue Spice was already sound asleep in his crib at the foot of their bed.
Across from him, stood his love, whether he will admit it or not. “Yes...first night sharing a bed.”
“Well...define sharing and bed?” Blueblood joked, making Saffron chuckle.
“Okay, okay, fair point. I mean, we are trying to make this work, right...can I ask you something?” Saffron asked as she climbed into bed.
“Sure.” Blueblood replied, climbing in under the sheets.
“I...can’t believe I’m admitting this...but Every so many nights...I’d dream of that night...did...did you dream of that night too?”
Blueblood looked Saffron in the eyes, for a moment, he was silent, then closed his eyes to take a deep breath, opening his eyes again to be greeted by Saffron’s. “Truthfully...Every other night.”
Neighbors, Doctors, Magic
As Celestia brought forth the dawn, the sunlight hit Blueblood’s face and he began to stir. He grumbled, shifting...only to feel some extra weight. When he opened his eyes, the haze made it hard to see, but he felt the extra weight around his neck. As he tried to shift and look, his vision slowly clearing up, he spotted the source of the extra weight...Blue Spice was acting as a cling on neck pillow. “...Saffron.” He whispered, unsure how to deal with, or even make of, the situation.
She groaned, but didn’t wake.
“Saffron.” Blueblood said a little louder, using magic to nudge her.
This time, she began to wake. “Uhg. What? Yes Blu-” She stopped, turning, eyes going wide at seeing Blue Spice wrapped around his father's neck. “Psst. That’s adorable.”
“How did this happen?” He asked, still whispering.
Saffron smiled as she levitated Blue Spice off of his father, taking the still sleeping foal into her arms. “My father and I share a small apartment, we share a bed also, and sometimes Blue Spice crawls in, and makes himself comfortable. Usually as a cling on neck pillow.”
“...He gets that from you.”
“Shut up.” Saffron giggled, giving a playful hit to Blueblood, followed by a quick peck on the cheek. “I’ll go make some breakfast.” She said, getting out of the bed, placing Blue Spice in his crib, then heading off to the kitchen.
Blueblood chuckled as he got out, then felt a tap on his side, and nearly screamed at seeing Hopper next to him. “I...am putting a bell on you…” Blueblood grumbled, calming himself.
“Just thought I’d give you the heads up.” Hopper said, taking joy in scaring his friend.
“Heads up on what?”
“You’re the new neighbors. And I managed to talk with the staff of at least four blocks worth of the neighbors and they all said that their ‘masters’ are coming over today for a surprise visit around five.”
“Thanks for that. Go tell the staff that came with the place, I’ll tell Saffron… By the way, how many neighbors, and how many are on staff?”
“Six neighbors. The Sparkles live the furthest, the La Trutins, live across from this place, the Maralots next door and a trio of mares living on the other side of next door, they have only a maid that lives and works there, so four, Sassy Saddles, you met her shopping yesterday, A rather odd mare names Tree hugger, Harshwhinny, and the maid Zesty Gourmand.”
“Zesty...wait, wasn’t she a well known critique? What’s she doing working as a maid?”
“Your wife and the Elements of Laughter and Generosity happened. The elements helped her and her father rebuild their relationship and got the whole of the dining district to colt-cot her and her tastes and rating system. Personally, makes those elements my heros, lunch is fun again, but she got sued like crazy by angry readers and reviewed restaurant owners. Lost all her money, and here she is.”
Damn, she’s either not gonna come, or make a big bitch out of herself because of what Saffron indirectly did to her… Blueblood thought, making a mental note to keep an eye out for her. “Alright, the last two?”
“The home of the Heartstrings, their daughter has moved to Ponyville, but the mister and misses still reside there, and a mare named Moondancer living in...I’m just gonna call it a shack on the other end of the street. Only income is from her parents, which I have no idea who they are, and until a year ago was a shut in till...something happened. Guessing a midlife crisis.”
“Alright then, the staff?”
“Hopper, pegasus personal-”
“The ones not you…”
Hopper just grinned. “Savvy Quips, the chief, I imagine your wife is meeting her now, the twins, Zebra’s too, Agora and Addie, maids, the groundskeeper, Radish Radish, a Minotaur surprisingly, and the security guard, Minowhisp, a griffon. Oh, and the surprise addition that came in this morning, Quick Whit, personal tutor and nanny for the foal when the paperwork was put down that a foal was living here. Pegasus, married, son living somewhere I don’t know as an author.”
“You know that about her and how?”
“Was talking with her before coming here.”
“Ah. Good...well, go tell the staff to set up for a party. Looks like I’ll be teaching Saffron about the basics of being a noble and royalty, public interactions.”
“Yeah...good luck with that bud.” Hopper said, giving Blueblood a quick pat on the back before heading off to find the staff.
“...This is going to be a challenge…” Blueblood muttered, off to find his wife.
“Alright everypony...body, meh.” Hopper said, Before him was the staff. “Guests are coming so us, being new to the neighborhood, have to impress. I need theme, anyone?”
“Flowers?” Minnowhisp asked. The gryphoness small for her race, brown body fur with red tipped white feathers.
“To predictable. Anyone else?”
“Well, how about food?” Radish suggested. “Bosses wife used to be a cooking mare, might be nice.”
Hopper thought it over. “Well it’s fitting. Plus if that Zesty mare shows up and if she makes a scene, at a party where good food is the theme, and the food will be good, that will just add to her humiliation. If she’s smart and does show up, then she’d know best to keep her head down. Alright, let’s go get the backyard ready. Anyone here who wants to help cook, feel free, but follow the misses and chief's orders to a T.”
With the staff a bustle either cooking or getting the yard ready, Blueblood was left with his son in the lounge. Saffron was aiding the chief cook as many of her recipes as possible, so Blueblood was left alone with his son. “So...how come you don’t talk yet?” Blueblood asked his son, who merely shrugged. “Alright...Well, you start school in a year. Looking forward to that?”
Blue Spice looked confused.
“You don’t know what school is yet huh?” Blue Spice shook his head. “Alright...Well, School is a place where foals go to learn things and since you’re a unicorn, learn magic and how to use your horn proper. I’m sure you’ve have little episodes where you want something and your horn lights up and your mother ends up chasing you all around the house right?”
Blue Spice shook his head.
“Well, that can’t be right? At your age magical spikes and fluxes would be at their highest. If not just starting to settle.” Blueblood began to ponder this predicament. While his bloodline isn’t known for magic, they aren’t known for any health issues regarding their magic either. “Can you at least light it up?”
Blue Spice closed his eyes, scrunching his nose and looked almost constipated as he tried to get his horn to at least glow. After about five minutes of trying, the foal simple plopped onto the floor, giving up. “Now don’t do that, that’s no way for a gentlecolt to act-.” Blueblood caught himself in a hypocritical situation. Not too long ago he himself acted nothing like a gentlecolt. It may have been years since those days, but he image is still tarnished, his nobility and wealth only sustained by his adoptive relations to the Princesses. While his own industry still thrived, and most have moved past his previous actions in his past, he himself knows one slip up of speak up of the past will start the cycle again. Still, it was best if his son knew how to be proper, and not spoiled like he was.
First thing was first though, he wanted to get Blue Spice checked out, he was old enough to be able to use magic, but could not even make his horn glow. Blueblood checked the time. Seven forty-three. Guests would arrive at five. Little over nine hours. There’s time. He figured, levitating the foal to his back, not even realizing what he had just done. When he placed his foal to his back he froze. It was an odd feeling. Not unwelcome, or unwanted, just...new to him. A new feeling all together Blueblood never experienced before. A sense of fatherly pride, and protectiveness.
Ponies placing their young on their backs has for years a means of keeping them safe, when on the move or just to give peace of mind to the parent. Blueblood knew once Saffron saw this, she’d want to take a picture… he wouldn’t mind that, now that he thought about it. Blueblood had to prove himself not just a proper husband to his new wife, and father to the son he never knew about, but also to himself. He had a whole past life to correct, and it would be many years before he could prove it to himself. It was like starting over again, like he tried after that night with Saffron all those years ago, but this time, he wasn’t hung over, and he wasn’t going to be alone.
After breakfast he told Saffron about Blue Spice and she agreed his lack of magic was worrying, so, they took a carriage ride to the foal doctors. Once there Dr. House, an old, grumpy, and rather rude, but brilliant nonetheless, he accepted them and began the tests after hearing his and Saffron’s claims. Two hours later, he came into the room. “Well, I can tell you two without a doubt that physically, your son is a perfectly healthy colt.”
Saffron gave a sigh of relief, but Blueblood knew better. “And magically?” He asked, making Saffron tense up all over again.
“Magically, your son is abnormal.”
“Abnormal...how?” Saffron asked, feeling worried.
“Well, his mana pathways are, how to put it… smaller, than normal.”
“Smaller?” Blueblood asked.
“Yes. Think of it like how when you have a hose and you apply pressure to a spot along the way while the water is flowing through it. That pressure makes it harder for the water to come out properly. In your son’s case, it’s like you apply pressure to the whole hose, making the water slow, like leaks. Now, sooner or later he will be able to use magic, but I can guarantee he will be no Starswirl. It will be hard for him to use basic tellikanisses. I can warn you though now however, as there is no magic flowing at the moment at all, when it does first come out, it will be all his years of what should have been surges coming out all at once. It won’t be pretty.”
“I see.” Blueblood saying, knowing that will be a rather bad day, not only will all those years of unreleased magic burst out all at once like a bomb, but Blue Spice will also be scared while it’s happening, in pain likely also. Two combinations that, when a unicorn as young as Blue Spice experiences them, during a moment like that, it will be far worse than predicted. “Will there be any kind of warning signs when the time arrives?”
“If you mean aside from your child almost exploding with enough magical energy to move the sun and moon? Yes.” Dr. House said sarcastically. “He will get very twitchy, jumpy, and hyper. He will also not eat much, as pent up mana in large amounts about to be released can cause stomach pains and/or lack of appetite. The earliest tell tale sign to look for however will be a negative reaction to other sources of magic. This includes yours as well.”
“How so?”
“Well, in the past reactions from foals with similar conditions have had reactions ranging from headaches to full on migraines rivaling that of severe head traumas. Just keep an eye on him whenever he is in the room when one or both of you are using magic. Once we know his burst is about to come out, we can prep him to stay safe and unharmed hear at the hospital.”
“Thank you doctor.” Saffron said.
“I do have to ask...do you know why Blue Spice doesn't talk?” Blueblood asked.
Dr. House merely looked at the foal, not having moved from his seat near the back of the room, looking at an image of the equine digestive system. “Well, nothing was abnormal in his MRI’s. All I can think is that it must be Psychological. I can recommend a therapist if you’d like.”
“Will that be too mu-”
“Thank you, we accept.” Blueblood cut in before Saffron could finish. Saffron herself felt and looked conflicted.
“Great, I’ll send a letter to her to expect you both and give you an address and name in a bit.” Dr. House said as he exited the room.
Once he was out, Saffron spoke up. “Blueblood, a doctor was one thing but a therapist? Isn’t that a little...much?”
“You not a fan of their work?”
“No, not that…”
“If it’s expenses you are worried about remember Saffron, it’s no big deal right now.”
Saffron tried to hold her breath, only to let go in submission. “I guess I’m just really used to being on a budget all my life.” She admitted. “Medical wise, dad and I got by pretty well, luckily. When I had Blue Spice that was our first medical bill… Heheh. Father about had a heart attack and cursed you for three nights straight.”
Blueblood couldn’t help but laugh at that. “Speaking of, where is he? Your father I mean?”
“We opened a restaurant in Manehattan a year ago and even though it’s also run by some family, two cousins of mine, and my aunt and uncle, father's brother and sister in-law, he has to show them the recipes and proper ways to cook slowly. He’s a real tight ass about that.”
“Ah. When will he be back?”
“He left a month ago and has been sending letters to our P.O box weekly. Assuming he doesn’t see the papers about our wedding, and that’s a rather big prayer, he won’t be back for two more weeks.”
“And if he saw?”
“I won’t be surprised if he’s at the house now.”
Everything was going well. Tables were set, backyard was prepared. Food was almost done and what was ready was spread out. Hopper had to admit, giving orders to the rest of the staff reminded him of his time in the Guard before he accepted Blueblood’s offer. That is, it was...until…
“Where is my daughter and grand foal you %*#(%*&#(%&*#*(&%&*#&%*#&%*#!!!!”
“Sir please! Prince Blueblood and Princess Saffron and the young Prince Blue Spice went out for a bit but will be back soon!” Hopper yelped, dodging a tray of triangle cut cucumber sandwiches.
“Royalty or not, he owes me bits! My Daughter bits! I will have his @*&#(*#*$ Testicals!”
Author's Notes:
Ending was the result of my writers block, but, I admit I also wanted some comedy. Don't sue me.
Doctor's In.
On the ride back home Blueblood was contemplating. He was no master of magic, but after everything, his own son would barely be able to use levitation. He knew some unicorns had issues with magic. It was the issue with even one parent or ancestors who wasn't of the same race.Then again, the same can be said for pureblood families of the three tribes.
The issue with mixes families of tribes or even races vary. If it's a mix of the three tribes, for example, an earth pony with a unicorn parent would have a much stronger sense of magic, both in their normal means as well as the type unicorns use. However, unicorn magic is largely focused in the in head, so that can alter their earth pony flow of magic. Meaning they would have it more focused in their heads rather than the whole body, leading to rather thin, smaller bodies than normal. Trade off of strength is typically intelligence. Most earth ponies born that way carry a far higher IQ than normal.
In Blue Spice’s case, thinner Mana Pathways likely are the results of a Pegasus ancestor. Blueblood knew that he had one Pegasus grandfather four generations back, but he and Saffron were both unicorns, that Gene would be dormant again...unless… “Saffron?” Blueblood asked.
“Yes?” She replied, Turning from her gaze outside the window. Blue Spice was asleep next to her. The image would make a lovely painting.
“Do you by chance have any Pegasus in the family? Grand parent or something like that?”
“Yes actually.” She said, getting a bit cheerful. “My grandmother was a Pegasus, and my grandfather was a unicorn but had a Pegasus parent. My father was the only unicorn born to them, my aunt and uncle's were all Pegasus.”
That explains it. A more dominant Pegasus gene, mixed with my recessive one. The odds would be out there, but it would be a possibility. Blueblood thought to himself. Pegasus are known for their smaller builds, their Mana focused largely in their wings and hooves. With no wings, his natural unicorn magic is suffering, meaning his Mana Pathways might me more focused on his back or in his hooves… “Driver, stop the carriage.” Blueblood announced, the carriage stopping after he said so.
“Blueblood?” Saffron asked.
“I need to go back and talk with Dr. House.” He said, starting to open the door.
“What is it?”
“It's a theory, but I need to speak with him immediately in regards to it.”
“But we just left? Why is it so important? Is it about Spice?”
“Yes.”
“Then I’m coming too.”
“Saffron that re-”
“Blueblood.” Saffron said, cutting him off with a firm tone. “If it involves our son, then I am coming along, we both want this marriage to work, so it's best if we are both present when it's a topic we both should be present for.”
Blueblood wanted to retort, his past self whispering some rather vile and gender bias. Things about mares and their place in the home. He pushed it back, something he has become used to doing, a part of him he has been fighting. Blueblood nodded. “Alright then.” Blueblood said, taking a breath. A small victory over his past, and a potential argument avoided. “Driver, back to the doctors.”
Dr. House was not what most would call a simple stallion. His best friends were all younger than him, and he spoke down to them. The medical board only kept him on for his flawless record while using admittedly bizarre and eccentric methods. He only really took on patients to fill his weekly quota and keep the board appeased. He took on Blue Spice for a personal reason though.
That foal and him were the same. Dr. House himself has smaller than normal mana pathways. Magic school was hell, most, no, all the other normal students moved on pass telekinesis when he barely grasped it. Telekinesis was the only spell he could use, and he one day said. “I’ll be damned if I won't be good at the only spell I can use.” And from there, fine tuned his control enough to almost beyond pinpoint accuracy. His time in medical school was the result of fully mastering his telekinesis by the time he finished school, and wanted it put to use in a field where such a fine tunes spell would be appreciated.
Brain, kidney, spinal. All highly delicate surgeries he performed flawlessly. He worked on new theories and methods to try and at least strengthen narrow mana pathways, like his, and the foal he saw earlier today, to better their lives, or at least, make life for them easier. A unicorn without their horn is like a Pegasus without wings, or an earth pony without their strength. ”Dr. House, your last patient and his parents are requesting a meeting.” The front desk receptionist spoke through his offices phone. He kept it on automatic answer, and speaker was on always. He didn’t trust having phones near his ears, an odd habit, but whether it was from his own weirdness, or his old age making his mind lose it, it was his choice.
With a sigh, he pressed the reply button. “Send them in.” He said simply. He expected them to come in, saying some medicine or whatever could cure their son, or at least aid him some.
All his expectations soon flat lined, however, as the Prince began explaining his theory, that, given his wives family, and his ancestor, that perhaps there’s a change his mana pathways are in fact, larger and more concentrated elsewhere. He immediately called the nurse to start the foal up on a full body X-ray, and within the hour, they had the special X-rays that showed his whole body’s mana pathways. “Well, let’s see if you’re right, your highness.” Dr. House said, flipping the switch on the background lights, showing the foals skeleton, as well as grey lines all along his body. Notably, was a large concentration along his mid back section, hooves, and neck. Dr. House, upon seeing this, laughed, an almost mad, but triumphant laugh. “Prince, I believe we can make an arrangement. It is new, never been done, and risky, but if successful, he’ll be spell casting with the best of them.”
“Why are there some focused along his neck?” Saffron asked.
Dr. House looked upon the image again, examining it closer. “His vocal cords.” He spoke, correcting her. “They are wrapped around them, this is...abnormal, I’ve never seen anything like that before… Well, it looks like your son will be the start of a new line of magical medical practice, as well as the patient of a close friend of mine.” He said with a smile, Saffron a bit nervous but Blue Blood was confident, after all, this doctor saved his life when he was a foal, so he trusted his son’s life, and future abilities with magic with him completely.
Father In Law.
By the time Saffron and BLueblood left the doctors, Blue Spice was fast asleep. Tired from all the X-rays and testing. Saffron herself seemed about ready to fall over. “Well, it’s for his health, after all.” She said with a tired sigh. “So, when’s the next appointment?”
“A week from today. Dr. House also suggested to try and see if we can have Spice speak, he believes that his abnormal mana pathways wrapped around his vocal cords are the reason he has not spoken. Whether they are applying pressure to them or disturbing air flow he’s not sure yet.”
“As long as when this is all over Spice is healthy and happy, I’ll be happy.” Saffron said, fixing up a loose hair from her mane. “So, how much longer until that party you where going to throw to introduce ourselves to the neighborhood?”
“Enough time for an hour or two’s nap at least.” Blooblood said. “I had hoped to be home with more than enough time for practice and preparations, but this was of more importance.”
“So, should we expect any surprise visitors?”
“Like who?”
“Well, my father for one, and your aunts for another. Do you think the princesses will show up?”
“Well, given their schedules they might not be able to. But, at the very least they’d mail us a house warming gift. Auntie Celestia has always been kind and thoughtful like that, and in the little time I have known Auntie Luna she has been loyal almost to a fault to those she considers family. I might expect a late night visit from her, possibly.”
“I know what that is like. My father will do anything for Spice and I, but he can go… a bit extreme when left to his own devices.”
“Oh?”
“Yes. I can recall once when I was a foal, I had some bullies thatalways stole and ate my lunch. So, one day, my father made an extra spicy dish, with Blue Flame Pepper dust.”
“I’ve heard of it, one of the hottest spices on the market.”
“Yes, those bullies took a bite and where screaming, running to the water fountains, the playgrounds birdbath, and one to the bathroom. He stuck his head into the toilet. I didn’t get in trouble for it, thankfully, but father had to give an apology to the parents of those foals, through, one of them did think what my father did was justified. They never messed with me again, and from that day on I began to acquire a taste for very spicy foods.”
“Heh… I remember once, Auntie Celestia noticed I was being picked on. Not by my fellow students, but a teacher.”
“Oh my!”
“Heh, yes. He hated me. Auntie couldn’t do anything about it because school rules stated there had to be at least one witness to the event. So…”
“So…?”
“I...altered Celestia’s calendar, wrote and sent out a fake assembly letter to every teacher to bring their class to the assembly, and to leave their classrooms at specific times. Thinking it came from Celestia they blindly followed. When the time was right I got up from my desk, making him mad as he tried to get me back to my desk. So, once we were in the hallways, empty all around, the chase began. I lead him all around, making sure he was steaming mad. So, when I entered the back room of the assembly room, on stage, he ran right up to me and gave me a black eye and a bruised muzzle.”
“Oh my!”
“And the whole school, and Celestia saw it. He tried to defend himself, but she just replied ‘and this is how you deal with it? Such behaviour is that of a barbarian, not an educator.’ and fired him right then and there, guard escorted and everything.”
“He deserved it.”
“Yeah. I wasn’t off the hook completely though, I did start that one and technically ran out of class. Altered school records and disturbed school learning time in class with my stunt. I had detention for a full four months, and Auntie made me take edicate lessons every weekend for a year.”
“Hehe. Sounds like it might not have been worth it.”
“You kidding? I became the most popular foal in school after that day. It was worth it. When I graduated from there I later learned that teacher moved to Trottingham, he owns a small pawn shop there now.”
“Well, I guess it’s better than him being homeless then.”
“Yeah. That would have made me feel guilty.”
The stage coach stopped, and I exited, and helped Saffron down, Spice layd carefully on her back as she came down. We were greeted by Hopper, who looked flustered. “Blueblood. Saffron. You two are a little late.”
“The doctors was… a worthwhile endeavor. Why do you look like you flew head first into a tornado?” Blueblood asked.
“Oh that, well, you see…”
“Feel the wrath of chili pepper!” An unknown voice to Blueblood shouted from the bushes. Pain and red filled his eyes as he hit the floor. Sompony threw chili powder into his eyes!
“AH! What the heck!?”
“Father?!?!” Blueblood heard Saffron cry out.
“Father?!” He repeated. Confusion, anger, and surprise in his tone.
“Saffron, you are all dolled up, and Spice is sound asleep. Tell me, has this worm of a stallion been mistreating you both?” Saffron’s father asked.
“No! He’s been nothing but good, and honest! He’s been very nice to Spice and I!”
“Oh, is that so? I wouldn’t put much trust in snakes Saffron.”
“FATHER!”
“What? He showed up at the shop many years ago, drunk and half asleep, knocks you up without so much as to check up on you! A visit! And misses out on his own foals birth and early years! Now I return from my trip and find nothing more than a note in our home that you found him, married him! And now are living in this high and snooty neighborhood!”
“The Princess arranged it!”
“Then get a divorce and try this the right way!”
“No! We are trying to make this work, and… and… I like him.” Silence fell like a warhammer. “I’ve had dreams of the night we met, the night...Spice was conceived. They were the best dreams, and when I finally found out who he was, and where he lived...they are what made me seek him out. Even if he didn’t feel the same way. But, he wants to try and make this work, and I want Blue Spice to know his father.”
“I…” Saffron’s father sighed. “I cannot tell you who and who does not belong in your heart Saffron. As much as I distaste him for his past actions, if you want to shape this… unsightly lump of clay into something worthy of being viewed, I won’t stop you.”
“Thank you, father. Now, if you don’t mind, I have a foal to put to bed, and a husband who needs his eyes flushed out…”
“I think he likes you.” Hopper said, earning a towel thrown at his face from Blueblood. “Hey, at least you know he’s crazy enough to protect his family.”
“Yes, while I should be glad he didn’t have a knife, spear of other weapon, that Chili pepper attack made me wish I had a stab wound instead.” Blueblood said, splashing more water onto his face and into his eyes. “Would likely hurt less.”
“So, now you’ve met the Stepfather. How are you gonna work that?”
“Slowly, like this marriage. Don’t overstep boundaries, and earn trust and respect through actions and conversation.”
“Easier said than done.”
“Truer words…”
“So, surprised she had the same dreams you did?”
Blueblood, in surprise mid splash from the question, snorted in water and began coughing it out. “I-I!”
“I-I-I. I say shut up and realize that THAT, means she does like you the same way you like her. And if you have doubts, there is an expert in this field.”
“Exper- No. NO! Keep Cadence away from this!” Blueblood sighed, dropping his head and hitting the rim of the sink. “If she comes here to ‘aid’ my marriage with her magic, it’s just a temporary thing.”
“That was when she was little, now that she herself is married, and a Mother, might give Saffron a friend in your family, possible playmate for Spice, and the only pony you know with any experience in marriage. If it’s too awkward for you to ask her, then talk to her husband. You know, guy talk.”
“That...doesn’t sound like a half bad idea.”
“Why do you doubt me?”
“Because you aren’t smart most of the time.”
“I’d be hurt but- duhhhh.”
Blueblood and Hopper laughed, the last of the eye killing spice out of Blueblood’s eyes, though they still held onto a red coloring from the pain and irritation. “Well, I guess send a letter to Cadence and tell her-”
“Already did.”
“...Oh, well then let me know when she reply-”
“Next week.”
“... You either sent it the day I got married, or had Auntie do it...didn’t you?”
“Both. Princess Celestia was all for it, and since my job as your butler and bodyguard is as both your servant and friend, I was completely within my job/social boundaries.”
“You have no idea about that, do you?”
“Can you always tell when I’m talking crap? But seriously, I thought you’d need the help and Princess Celestia agreed. So, we wrote and sent the letter. She’s been looking for a couple to be friends with and talk stories with anyways so it works out.”
“I suppose. Well, let’s try and get this party done with and hopefully I can avoid another spice attack from my father in law… I realize that can sound very wrong in the wrong context.”
“I have taught you well, of perverted one.”
“Coming from the stallion with more herd pornography in his locker than-”
“And I’m shutting up now….”
Events To Come.
“I’m so sorry about my father.” Saffron said as she applied some special medications from her homeland to Blue Blood’s eyes, and he had to admit, when it was a pain to fight his instinct to keep them open, it really helped remove that red and dull the pain.
“While I admit that was not… ideal, it’s better than other means of attacking me.” Blue Blood said, blinking in order to rub the cream all over his eyes. “So…”
“So...what?” She asked.
“Well, I’m just assuming you’d want him to move in.”
“Wait? Really?”
“Well, Spice knows him more than me, and you’ve lived with him for so long, it only seems fair that you all still stick together. Maybe through Blue Spice I can get your father to more accept me.”
“Well, I suppose that can work. Maybe with his whole family together that might help him start to talk.”
“Yes, and as the doctor said, the more of us around the better it will be for Spice when his surges kick in.”
Coriander Cumin was still in a raged state. HE never expected the one night stand his daughter had behind his back to return, or for them to be married! Granted, he was a prince and it was Princess Celestia’s orders/request. He knew that this might be best for his grandson,but to just reappear like that! And marry his daughter, without his blessing! “Um...Sir?” The chief, Savvy spoke, gaining the angry cooks attention. “I believe you meant to add in the powdered ginger for this dish, that is chili pepper.”
Confused, he looked at the bottle, seeing in fact is was chili pepper. He sighed, putting it down. “Great,now even my cooking is suffering.” He sighed. “Sorry, it’s just…”
“I know, your daughter marrying the prince. Every dad’s dream to see their filly become a princess but you didn’t see her become one.”
“It’s not just that… I didn’t even get to meet this Blue Blood, get to know him. Have him ask me for her hand like a proper stallion does. I know it was done because the princess spoke so, but still…”
“Hmm, you don’t say.” Cumin nearly fell over in surprise, Hopper appearing seemingly from nowhere. “So your anger towards the prince stems from never getting to give your daughter to him properly. Mind if I make a suggestion?”
“Uhh...Sure?”
“Treat all this like she moved in with him, which is true. Seed in the idea that, after some time has passed and you both have some more respect and knowledge of one another, convince him to go for a vow renewal. This way, their love will be stronger, you can give her away as you wanted, and this can all be done properly. I’ve heard them admit they want this to work, so likely they will be treating this first year like a dating scene of sorts.”
Cumin’s eyes lit up. “By Celestia’s flapjack pan you’re right! Oh...and I already made a bad first impression on him…”
“So, you’re Saffron, er, Princess Saffron’s father. Nopony would hold it against you. You’re just overprotective.”
“I guess…”
“Look, the guests will be here in a little while. Go clean up, put on your best tux, and if that’s not your style, then stay in this kitchen and give Savvy here a run for her job.”
“You better not.” Savvy added in. “I quit my old job for this one.”
Blue Spice saw things differently from his family. Maybe see is the wrong word. He said things differently. Everytime he tried to speak, his lips never moved, but he swears he is hearing himself talk, and not that internal speaking either. ”Wonder why papa appeared all of a sudden. I know it had something to do with the princess and mama finally finding him.” He said, lips unmoved and voice heard in his ears. His alone.
Blue Spice was in his new room. He had his own bed, closet filled with clothes and toys, all new. Even a TV. Hils old home didn’t have one in it at all, just an old radio he liked listening too whenever something nice came on.
He sniffed his sheets, finding them smelled of Berries. ”Weird.” He ‘said’
”Oh damn it, forgot the feather duster!” A voice he heard rang from outside his room. He knew it already. It was the maid mare, at least, that’s what hs mana called her. Her name was Addie, a twin, zebra, single, desperate.
Blue knew all these cause it was things she was ‘saying’ though, like him, without moving his lips. He had no idea what ‘Damn it’ meant, so, he shrugged it off. Blue then trotted up to his newfound desk. It was a tad taller than him. Inside it’s lowest drawer however was a prize indeed. A thirty two pack of crayons! And coloring paper! Smiling, Spice took the box, then the paper, and proceed to draw on the floor. He drew simple things. Trees, houses, things of that nature.
Blue Spice often wondered why nobody would hear him, but he always heard them. Well, so long as they were within about ten of his legs length away. He counted. ”Maybe I’m just not talking loud enough?” He thought, dropping the subject for a later date.
Dr. House always worked. Even at his home he worked. Studying Blue Spices mana x-rays and MRI’s.
“The structure work here is extremely complex.” He muttered to himself. While examining the MRI he noticed a new smaller mana pathway. This one seemed to connect both to his horn and vocal cord pathways. “Hmm.” He thought, pulling out a textbook from the many on his bookshelf
“Mana pathway anomalies: Unicorn edition.” He read aloud the title to himself, flipping through the pages. He only liked very interesting cases. This was proving to be very, very interesting. Each page held detailed diagnosis of abnormalities within a unicorns mana paths. From thin pathways to the horn to extra pathways along the body. “No...no...no...no...no...n-wait.” He stopped.
The page before him held a diagram of a unicorn having a mana pathway connecting their ears and horn. The page read,
This particular pathway abnormality seems to result in an interesting higher sense of what gypsies often refer to a third eye. In all cases, when patients with this abnormality were young, they often heard what others around them ARE THINKING. While a good eighty percent seems to have grown out of this overtime, the remaining twenty percent still kept this ability. Of this twenty percent, nine out of ten of them had this pathway closed off or rerouted, as when in large crowds they often heard the thoughts of all around them, resulting in terrible migraine, panic attacks and high risk mana surges.
“... Oh fuck.”
Preparations
The party was set for a few hours away, and so far most of the preparations were underway. The food was coming out, the furniture arranged and cleaned, floors polished and heads of the house were busy dressing for the evening and night to come. Blueblood looked at his reflection in the mirror. A sight in recent years he grew to dislike. Still, when fixing a tie it was mandatory. Even with magic.
His suit was a navy blue two piece, no special hat or shoes to match just the top and pants, his tie a light red to compliment the colors. He sighed as he moved his mane out of the way. He couldn't believe he used to wear it so long. He'd need it cut again soon to a reasonable length.
"You look handsome." Saffron's voice cooed from behind. Blueblood turned to look at his wife and his eyes went wide. She wore a glittering red dress that huffed her body in ways he envied, and her hair was brushed flat and straight with blue eyeliner and red lipstick placed on. "Is it too much?"
Blueblood shook himself out of his stupor. "N-not at all. Love, How did you?"
"One of the maids picked out the dress and Hopper actually did my make up."
Should give him a raise. Blueblood thought. "Huh, wonder where he learned it." Blueblood said aloud as he walked over to Saffron, giving her an affectionate peck she returned. He then guided her to the mirror. "Look at you. Absolutely stunning."
"Heh, I'm so dolled up. I look like some makeup model in a magazine."
"Is that a bad thing?"
"No. I suppose not. Not as long as I am still me where it counts."
Blueblood gave a smile and a nod. "So, shall we leave and check on the preparations and Blue Spice? I imagine the little colt won't enjoy wearing a suit."
Saffron gave a laugh. "I couldn't keep him in diapers, I feel sorry for whoever is trying to get a suit on him." She turned, heading for the door. "Come on, let's make sure he gets in it and keeps it on."
"Got a trick for that?"
"Tickles, kisses, and promises of a treat for doing as told."
"I see."
"Pepper." Coriander said.
"Pepper." Hopper replied, giving the pepper to Coriander.
Coriander was a cook long before his cutie mark appeared, and took the craft seriously when it was an important event. Making up for throwing hot chili powder in his son in law's eyes and impressing Canterlot nobility were both very important to him at the moment.
With the spice mixed in, Coriander gave the broth a taste. "This will do." He said with a nod, now moving over to a tray of baked sweets. He tasted one. "Good, good… needs something. Add a thin layer of caramel to this."
"But, it's a cinnamon roll? It already has plenty of sweets on it." The chief said.
"Key word is on my friend. The bread, is it also sweet, does it have a flavor other than baked dough that can complement the glaze and the cinnamon?” Coriander asked.
The chief thought it over for a bit. “True… perhaps I can inject the caramel into the bread evenly to balance out the flavor.”
“We can also serve some ice cold milk to go with it. I can fly over to the store real fast.” Hopper added.
“Then go my feathered Friend. This is a feast the likes of which will be talked about til the next one.” Coriander said as Hopper flew out fast. He was happiest in the kitchen, cooking cleared his head and eased his worries.
He now turned his attention to the baked Potatoes. They were almost ready, just needed the right toppings. “I need Sour Cream, Green Onion flavor mix, Cyan pepper and melted butter with a basting brush!” He called out. Having help in the kitchen was also a lot of fun.
“Announcing, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and Prince Shining Armor.” Hopper said as Cadence and Shining armor entered the home. “And Princess Flurry Heart.” Hopper added, the small two year old filly giggling at Hopper.
“Cadence?” Blueblood asked as he arrived to greet them. “I wasn’t expecting you for a week or so.”
“Yeah, well when my cousin gets married after finding out about a son he didn’t know about and aunty Tia telling me there are sparks, I made time.”
Blueblood groaned. “You two are going to be the death of me.” Blueblood mumbled.
“That’s so sweet.” Saffron said. Cadence’s eyes going wide and Shining Armor gave a whistle Cadence returned with a quick glare turned smile at his flustered response. “I am Saffron Masala, a pleasure to meet you both.” Saffron gave a bow.
“Please, we’re all royalty here so no need to bow.” Cadence said as she walked up to Saffron. “You look nothing like the wedding photos.”
“I had help in getting dressed for the party. So much hassle it was a blessing they helped.”
“Well we just have to talk.” Cadence said as she carried Flurry in hoof. “Flurry and your son are about the same age, think we can talk and supervise their play?”
“That would be most wonderful.” Saffron nodded as the two mares headed upstairs.
“She’s quite the looker.” Shining finally said as he walked next to Blueblood.
“She was before the makeover… now she’s stunning.” Blueblood said with a smile.
“So, shall we?” Shining asked, pointing hoof over to a small bar cart.
“Might as well.” Blueblood nodded, the two stallions walking over to the cart where Blueblood poured himself and Shining a small glass of whiskey with ice each. “So, She really cleared her schedule for this?”
“Celestia and Luna are taking over some of the paperwork and since Raven does most of Celestia’s work anyway, everything’s fine for the month.”
“Stars sake, are they that invested in my marriage?”
“Well, yeah. You of all ponies remember how you were before. Can’t blame them for wanting to make sure you don’t fall back into those old ways.”
Blueblood sighed, taking a sip before speaking. “I’m well aware. Sometimes I do hear those old thoughts surface and want to be known and heard. But I bury them again. What’s that old saying? The most fertile soil is layered over something dead and buried?”
“Heck if I know. But as bad as you were, you did have one thing going for you.” Shining said, taking a sip himself before continuing. “You knew how to attract the wrong crowds.”
“Oh thanks…”
“It’s not an insult. Majority of the old ‘friends’ you used to have these days are spending time in the Canterlot Dungeons for tax evasion or drug trafficking. Once was even found to be involved in the slave trades.”
“Baron Top Hat, right?”
“You knew?”
“I suspected. Even for the owner of such fine wineries he tossed a few too many bits around. Especially in the slow season. Didn’t expect Slavery though.”
“Yeah. Most of his orchard staff were slaves. He’s rotting now.”
“Good. Honestly the only ones of those I even keep track of are Fancy Pants and Photo Finish.”
“How are those two anyway?”
“Finish is in the Zebra Lands looking for fresh inspiration and Fancy Pants is opening a factory in Griffonstone. Most all the griffons have no real employment so it’s good for their economy and lets him get the labor force he needs for his pet project into the candy bussniss.”
“Candy? Why candy? He makes clothes mostly if I recall.”
“Finally going to be a father as well. Trying for years, Flur is finally pregnant.”
“Damn. Good for them. Are they gonna be coming?”
"I believe so yes. So, Shining… back when you first married Cadence what changes did you expect and what came as a surprise along the way?"
"Heh, there's a question." Shining said, taking another sip. "Well, given back then we didn't have the empire to run, we did get to spend a fair amount of time together. Mornings she helped Celestia with paperwork and when I got off shift we'd go out for dinner, movie, rent a hotel."
"Heh, yes after that incident I walked into that was your go too wasn't it?"
Shining laughed. "Yeah. We talked a lot about finding a place for ourselves and we were looking into places when the whole Empire incident came up. That's when things began changing the most."
"Like?"
"Schedules. As Princess of love she basically embodied what the Empire and the Crystal heart stood for. Everypony there went right to her looking for leadership and I helped but the Empire's guard was so outdated and their gear and methods and… the only times we saw each other was when we'd crash in bed. So we began working out schedules, assigning ponies to help in with what and where they could. After a while work loads got easier and we finally got some free time."
"So you live your relationship by a schedule of times you two can be with one another when not working?"
"Well, we also have our own days off where one of us will be off to tail the other all day and help them with whatever and spend the day together. Makes work less work, and then times like this we can get everything ready to truly have free time. Being able to call in a week or so off to spend together with Flurry have basically kept us sane."
"So spend as much time together as possible?"
"That's part of it, the other part is personal time. As much as Cadence and I love each other we do want some personal time and we have that too. I spent it with friends in a game or browsing the comic shops and Cadence spends it with friends, spa or just in the room for a nap."
"I… think I get it. And about the children?"
"When working Flurry is typically with a Nanny that somehow can put up with her. I love my daughter but I'd be lying if I said she didn't terrify me with what she can do with her magic. But in our free times we spend together we also bring her along, make it more of a family event and personal times we take turns taking her with us. Pretty sure I got her into Power Ponies and Cadence says Flurry enjoys the spa's baby bubble bath."
"I see…"
"If you want to work out the finer details you'll have to talk with Saffron about this though. Cadence and I worked this out together and made changes as needed. You'll have to do the same with her."
Blueblood nodded, downing the last of his drink before pouring more. He then looked at it for a time before placing the cup down. "Right. This is going to be… challenging."
"Hence why Cadence came here."
"Well, I suppose there are worse sources of marriage advice than Cadence."
"Well she is the Princess of Love."
"Doesn't make her good at it. Even Auntie Celestia is late raising the sun every so often."
"Just pray she isn't giving Saffron a copy of Zebrasutra."
"I am not sure it's physically possible to make these kinds of positions." Saffron said as she flipped through the book Cadence gave her with blushed cheeks.
"They are. Shining and I have successfully completed half of the poses in that book." Cadence confirmed with a nod as she watched Flurry and Blue Spice draw. "Won't be surprised if Shining and I end up having a little sibling for Flurry."
Saffron smiled at hearing that, closing the book. "Heh. I would love for Blue Spice to have some siblings. My mother used to say the only reason you should have so much wealth is to care for a large family properly."
"My mom used to say the same too…"
"Has she passed too?"
"Yes. Ten years ago, I had just become a princess. She was so proud… she fell ill that winter."
Saffron gave a sympathetic nod. "I was four. My mother and I would play cook and I'd always watch her cook. There was an accident in the kitchen and…”
“You don’t have to talk about it.” Cadence assured, giving a wing of comfort to Saffron, So, moving to more light hearted topics, how has being married to my cousin been? He behaves like a good husband?”
“Yes, he’s been so caring. We’ve been going slow for now, but I hope one night the bed is used for more than sleeping.”
“You haven’t consummated the union yet?” Cadence asked with a sly grin and a raised brow.
“Well, it was rushed, and with Blue Spice… It’s not that I don’t want to, we just want to make sure when we do this time there is genuine love rather than a fling. I want it to have passion and fire that sets the foundation of our love.”
Cadence nodded. “True, fair. When Shining and I first did it after the marriage it was so… better than before the wedding. Like it was just so much more important this way.”
“I just hope when we do it’s as lovers as well as husband and wife.”
“From how he looks at you, you’re already there if not pretty darn close. So, did Blue Spice give you as much trouble with diapers as my little Flurry Heart did?”
“He was the greatest diaper escapist since the great Hoofdeany in his infancy.” Saffron stated as the two shared a laugh.
“Now arriving, Mr. and Mrs. Sparkle.” Hopper announced as the two unicorns entered the house.
"Hi Mom, Dad." Shining said as he greeted the two and gave them each a hug. Cadence did as well.
"Now where is my little grandfoal." Velvet said as she looked around.
"Flurry Heart is with Saffron and Blue Spice in his room. The two are playing well together so far."
"That's good, Blueblood being himself?"
"Nope. He hasn't really been like that since he first met Saffron. Now that they are married he is almost a whole different stallion from what Saffron tells me."
"I can confirm that." Shining armor said with a nod.
"Well where are the newly Weds? Saffron is with the children, but where's Blueblood?" Nightlight asked.
"He went to check on the set up in the backyard." Shining said. "Hopefully it's all going well."
"Oh so we are early." Velvet said. "Good, gives Night and I some time to give the young parents advice."
"Was Twilight somehow worse than Flurry Heart?" Cadence asked with a raised brow.
"Hehe, you are lucky she was more matured when you became her foal sitter." Velvet said, thinking back to those early days. "Shining was easier, but being the first child it was still so new and challenging."
"Yes, remember when he had a surge that made the mop sword fight me?" Nightlight asked with a laugh that the others, even Shining, joined in on. "I won, but only because it stopped to clean up a mess I made dodging a swing."
"Let's go find Blueblood and Saffron then. These notes will be life savers most likely." Cadence said with a smile as the group headed off.
Dr. House was an older stallion. Not yet senile but not in his prime either. Rushing down Canterlot's many districts on the prime lunch hour was perhaps the most challenging trot he'd ever done.
He had to reach the house though, the party. If what he read was true,the surge of Mana Blue Spice could cause would rival that of the day Twilight Sparkle took her magic exam to enter Celestia's school.
That was still considered a controlled surge, given the school was built and enchanted to withstand powerful surges of magic. A surge of that scale or worse in a residential district could prove far more lethal if it comes to that. He knew the party officially started later in the day, he just hoped not too many guests arrived early.