1234andynguyen - Patience, the wait for that is almost over ;)

A/N - Hey there everycreature! The month continues to be a busy one, and I'm still learning more about the new craft I've taken up, but things seem to be smoothing out or the moment. I hope you're all doing well, and as always; don't forget to be kind, and enjoy the chapter!

After Luna took a few moments to properly wake up and extricate herself carefully from the bed, so as not to wake Applejack and Derpy, she and I made our way quietly out of the room, and began to walk the hallways. "I trust you had a pleasant evening with Twilight Sparkle?~" She asked, giving me a knowing grin.

Seeing that look in her eye, I chuckled softly. "What, did you peek in on our dreams last night?"

My words were greeted with a giggle of her own, and the Princess of the Night shook her head lightly. "I had no need. When the two of you did not return to our room this past night, I surmised that you had spent time elsewhere… Perhaps in a certain, enchanted room, watched over by tiny, ephemeral air elementals?~"

I felt my face heat up as Luna got so close to home. "H-how do you know about that room? And, what do you know about it? All I know is that Twilight was fascinated by it, the magic inside was waaay too advanced for me, and… well, it was a lot of fun. Twilight definitely enjoyed it. Oh! And I know that the Vrondi it attracts apparently give other ponies the creeps, so they won't even go down that section of the hallway."

The lovely mare next to me snickered as we walked. "I could hardly tell you two enjoyed the evening together. It isn't as though dear Twilight is walking with a noticeably strange gait this morning. One which would almost lead a pony to assume her backside was rather sore, like a naughty filly who was given a spanking. But, you wouldn't know anything about that, now would you my love?" I knew I was caught, almost literally red handed, and I felt myself smirk lightly as I imagined, for a brief moment, giving Luna's backside a similar treatment. "If you would like to see me walking around in a similarly strange manner, I wouldn't be opposed, although I believe it would make our subjects talk. Though they will likely do that anyway~" I could feel a mischievous grin spreading across my face as she called me out, likely having caught me glancing back at her deliciously firm, yet juicy rump.

Since the hallways were empty, I reached back and gave that lovely flank a light, playful swat, causing the lovely Princess to gasp softly. "As much as I enjoy that kind of talk from you, you still haven't answered my question, you naughty filly~" I replied, contemplating swatting her again before ultimately deciding against it. After all, a maid or guard could round a corner at any moment, and then there would be no end of gossip. Not that I cared though; let them talk all they wanted, they already knew we were crazy about one another.

A faint blush appeared on my Lunar Lover's dark face, and she cleared her throat unconvincingly. "I erm… Well, the truth is that I do not know much about that room. I know it was enchanted during my… my banishment, and I know it can create illusions that are quite convincing, enough so to fool all five senses. What I do not know, is who cast the spells upon it, or even which spells were used. My sister has not told me, and I haven't thought it important enough to ask. It is a room that is meant for ponies to enjoy themselves in whatever ways their imaginations can conjure, and that is the limit of my knowledge. If you wish to know more, I believe my sister would be the pony to ask." Her trepidation faded, and that mischievous look returned. "Perhaps you could ask your questions whilst making use of the room itself. I do not believe my sister would object any more than I~" I wasn't positive, but that sounded like a hint from the Lunar Diarch.

Before I could properly respond, we arrived at our destination; the small dining hall the two sisters used when they were only taking a private meal, or with a more casual guest. Smiling, I stepped ahead and opened the door just as Luna's cerulean magical aura wrapped around the door handles, causing her to giggle softly. "My my, such a handsome gentlecolt. Truly a stealer of hearts~" Her words, playful as they were, were still laced with love and affection, and I blushed as I heard them.

I smirked and chuckled softly as I entered the dining hall behind her. "Maybe. Or maybe I just prefer the view from back here."

I could tell Luna was still in a playful mood as she snickered softly in kind. "Well then, I must retract my statement, you cad~" Her hips flipped lightly, and her tail swayed, giving me just a hint of a view of what she promised for later. "If that is all you desire, then I suppose I shall just have to oblige you~"

As my lovely, lascivious ruler of Equestria approached her chair, I moved up to it and pulled it out for her, smirking lightly still. "And what do I get for doing something like this?~" I asked, my playful tone quieting down as my libido grew.

Luna took her seat gracefully, and leaned up, kissing me. The kiss started chaste, though didn't remain that way for long as I soon felt a hoof wrap around my head, pulling me in deeper as Luna moaned softly with affectionate desire. It seemed our playful banter had gotten both of us a little worked up. "Perhaps later, I will show you exactly what you deserve for being so wonderful." Those words, spoken with tender affection, sent a soft shiver down my spine as they were whispered into my ear upon breaking the kiss.

"Per'aps you two would like a few more moments to yourselves~" Luna and I froze at the same moment as we heard the cheery, Prench-accented voice coming from the servant's entrance that connected the kitchen and the dining hall.

I stood frozen, like a deer in headlights, as Luna cleared her throat softly. "Greetings, Creme Brulee." She said in a voice that only cracked slightly. "If you would, please start on our usuals." The poor, scandalized ruler cleared her throat a second time, unable to hide the fact she'd been caught completely off guard.

To her credit, the slightly portly, good-natured chef simply giggled softly. "Oui! It will be ready before you know it, Ma Princesse." She said with a broad smile before turning toward the entrance to the kitchen. Meanwhile, Luna's face positively glowed with her embarrassment.

Before the head chef could fully disappear however, I called out to her. "Creme Brulee, if you have any prepared, could I please also get a bit of sourdough to go with my meal?"

The lovely, ever-cheerful chef smiled and nodded at me. "But, of course, Knight Defender." She said with a slight bow, then slipped into the kitchen to have our meals prepared.

Once she was gone, I looked to Luna, who was still blushing. "So… now might be a bad time to mention that I had something I wanted to talk to you about. A um… a few somethings, actually."

Luna seemed to take the change in subject as a welcome distraction from her embarrassment. "Of course, my love. Please tell me what's on your mind." It was still strange to hear Luna adjusting to using contractions, sometimes doing so, and sometimes not, as though she had to consciously remind herself to use them.

Preparing myself for the coming conversation, I took a slow, deep breath. "Well, Celestia told me I should talk with you about the festival and the ceremony later today, and what my part in it will be." I could see the relief in Luna's eyes, though I knew it would be short-lived. "Before that though, I want to know why you haven't been sleeping. And I mean the real reason, Luna. You know you can talk to me, and tell me if something's bothering you, no matter what it is." My tone was firm, though not unkind. I already knew the reason, but I wanted her to say it aloud, admitting it as much to herself as to me.

Those pretty, cobalt blue eyes darted around the dining hall for a moment, almost seeming to seek an escape, then fell back to gaze at me briefly, and finally down to the table. "The truth, my love, is that I have been working to safeguard your dreams from the nightmares that would otherwise plague your sleep." Her tone was quiet, as though she was sad to have to admit that. "You have been through so much in your life, and I fear that, if I did not do this, you would either never sleep, or would go mad from the things your mind conjured on a nightly basis. That safeguard, while I am happy to provide it, is… taxing."

It was honestly sweet and heartwarming to know she was willing to do that for me. "Luna… I appreciate you going out of your way to keep my dreams safe so I can sleep. I really, truly do mean that. But trying to keep up with my problems isn't doing anything good for you, either. I want you to be able to get some rest as well, and to not have to worry so much about me. So, is there any way we can compromise, so we both can sleep?" I had a thought or two on what we could do, thanks at least in part to Falathiel, but there was more conversation to be had before we got to that.

There was a moment of silence as Luna studied me, her lovely eyes shifting almost imperceptibly from side to side as she seemed to assess my features. Finally, the Princess let out a sigh, and shook her head. "If there is, I do not know what it might be, my love. If I were to lessen my vigil on your dreamscape, it would allow untold nightmares to assault your dreaming mind, and that would disrupt your sleep, which is something I do not wish to let happen if it can be helped."

My hand gently stroked her cheek as she looked at me, and I smiled softly. "Luna… I've dealt with terrible nightmares for most of my life. I've learned a few tricks to help me deal with them." I considered a few options for a moment. "Tell you what; tonight, I want you to enter my dreams, but do not interfere or interact. I just want you to observe what happens and see if you still think I can't handle what my own mind throws at me. And, if you do still think that, then we can discuss other options." My gaze turned to the table for a brief moment as I formed a thought into words. And that goes for you as well, Nightmare.

There was another pause as Luna considered this, gently nuzzling her cheek into my hand as she did so. "Alright, my love. I trust you to know what is best for your own sleep, as well as your own sanity. I will do as you ask, and simply observe you tonight." She returned my smile and kissed me gently. "Now, what else was there you wished to speak with me about? Or was the upcoming festival the only other topic?" In my mind, I could practically feel Nightmare Moon rolling her eyes as she observed us. Likely she thought this display to be cloyingly sweet.

I knew the next topic was going to be one that couldn't be spoken about in a public space. "One of the things I want to discuss is something I think should be saved for when we're finished with our meal, and back in private." I said, thinking of Celestia, and how little I got to see her. "So for now, yes, I would like to talk about the festival, and just what exactly I'm meant to do in it." It was at this moment Creme Brulee herself wheeled out our meals to us. It was odd to see the head chef herself serving us, though given that it was one of the Princesses and the Knight Defender of Equestria who were currently dining, I supposed she saw the merit in doing so.

"'Ere you are, Ma Princesse. Un crepe aux… err, Blueberry, un scrambled egg, and un glass of fresh milk." She then turned to me and smiled. "And for ze Knight Defender, I 'ave un Omelette au fromage, un serving of 'ash browns, and as you asked, un sourdough." We each received our dishes, and I smiled warmly at the mare, who took a step back to allow us to begin eating, though remaining close in case anything was amiss.

When I took the lid off of my platter, a smile crept onto my lips. The sourdough I had received wasn't simply a few slices from a loaf, as I'd expected, it was the whole loaf! Specifically, this was a small, rounded Boule loaf. Along its surface was carved an intricate lattice of score marks, which allowed the bread to rise in a lovely fashion that almost resembled Celtic knotting. It, and the rest of the food smelled fantastic, and my mouth began to water almost immediately. "This looks and smells wonderful, Creme. Thank you, and thank the others for making this."

Even as I removed the metal lid from my own platter, so too did Luna, smiling as she saw the contents of her own dish. "I concur, Creme Brulee!" She exclaimed happily. "I know it is a simple breakfast meal, but this smells delightful, and the presentation is very lovely~"

The head Chef smiled broadly at our compliments. "I am so 'appy to 'ear you like your food. If you 'ave need of us, please do not 'esitate to ask." With that, the head Chef turned and disappeared back into the kitchen.

Once she was gone, Luna turned her attention back to me, taking a bite of her scrambled eggs as I began to slice into the domed loaf of sourdough. "What caused you to ask for that in particular?" She asked curiously. "Why sourdough specifically, and not some other type of bread?"

I chuckled softly as I scooped some of the omelet up with my spoon, and deposited it onto the bread. "Believe it or not, there are some things I never really figured out how to do right. Sourdough happens to be one of those things. I love the taste of it, when it's done right and not cheated in with vinegar, but I never could figure out how to do it for myself. Mostly that darn starter. Every time I tried to make one in my previous life, I always ended up failing, and you can't make sourdough without a starter. I could do the rest of it easily enough if I had that." I took a bite of the bread and omelet mixture, and moaned softly in pleasure at the complex flavors of the bread, coupled with the ever-interesting texture that proper sourdough was known for.

Luna tilted her head lightly and studied me for a moment. "I'm not entirely sure what this 'starter' is, but if you know the rest of the process, why not simply ask Creme Brulee for some of what they keep in the kitchens, so you may use it how you see fit?"

That actually gave me an idea, and I smiled broadly at my lovely fiance. "I'll do you one better, Lulu love; I'll ask her to show me how to make my own while I'm here. Or rather, later on, after the Sending of the Snow ceremony, or whatever the official name is." Luna blushed and giggled softly at my pet name for her. "As for what a starter is, it's a biological culture. Specifically, it's the yeast that makes the bread rise, along with the lactobacteria that make it sour. You make it by mixing flour and water in equal parts and letting it sit so the yeast and good bacteria have a chance to grow and thrive. Then, once it's been established and the microbes are healthy, you can use it to make bread… Or at least, that's how it's supposed to go. I've uh… never actually gotten it to work for me."

I could tell Luna was trying to follow along with what I was saying, but I also knew that parts of the explanation had required the use of a few, big words I wasn't sure she understood the full meaning of. "I must admit this 'sourdough starter' sounds rather… complex. Though if you understand it so well, I fail to see why you were never successful in creating your own. Unless there is some outside force I am unaware of."

I shrugged lightly. "I'm not sure myself, to be honest. Granted I haven't tried to make one since I was brought here, but still. I know a lot of water sources back where I lived before had certain additives to kill bacteria and the like, but I tried it with bottled and distilled waters, which aren't supposed to have those, and I still got nothing."

Luna hummed softly and nodded. "I see. Then I would recommend doing as you yourself suggested and seeing Creme Brulee about teaching you how to create your own version of this starter concoction, as well as acquiring some of her own supply. Then, try to make some of your own while doing whatever it is you need to keep the one you receive active. The worst case scenario would be that you fail to create your own, in which case you would have Creme Brulee's as a backup. And in the best case, you would have two separate starters from which to choose when you decide to make your bread." She looked at my loaf of bread as she finished speaking. "By the way, may I try some of your bread? I do not believe I've ever tried sourdough before."

With a nod, I cut her a slice and passed it over the table on a small plate. "Sure thing, Lulu."

Luna took the slice graciously, nodding her thanks, then spent a brief moment examining the bread before biting into it, briefly filling the small dining hall with the satisfying 'crunch' of biting into that nice, crispy crust. There was a momentary silence as she chewed the bread, then began to hum softly in pleasure. "This is truly unique. The texture is quite lovely, and the flavor is nothing short of delicious. I would very much enjoy it if you were to bake some of this at home, my love."

I smiled at her comment, now more eager than ever to try making my own sourdough, and the two of us began to eat. "So Luna, what will be my role in this coming Festival?" I asked, not wanting to put the matter off any longer.

The mare paused, then sighed, a forkful of eggs halfway to her mouth. "It is to be largely ceremonial, as there was never intended to be another Knight in Equestria after we established peace within our borders. As such, we have had to reform a few of our celebrations to include you, to increase your exposure to Equestria at large. Though beyond that… I wish you to be there for moral support. Snowdrop was dear to my heart, and this ceremony will be difficult for me to bear, I fear. I know it is asking a lot of you, but-"

I cut her off by leaning over the table and kissing her. "Luna, there's no such thing as asking too much of me when it involves something like this. I love you with all my heart, and I'm here for you, no matter what happens. If you need me to support you, to help you stay strong when you can't show just how much you're hurting, then I'll be there for you. And I'll be there after, giving you a shoulder to cry on for as long as you need me to."

I saw tears glistening in her lovely eyes as I spoke. "Thank you, Keeper of my Heart." I knew she was feeling this already, as that was a pet name she almost only ever used when her emotions were high. "You mean more to me than I could ever tell you with words. I hope to someday be worthy of your love." I smiled and reached up, caressing her cheek gently.

Her last words earned another kiss. "You are now, and will always be worthy of my love, Luna." I said softly. "In fact, I have a surprise for you. Something I was going to save for after the ceremony, but I think I should tell you now." I took in a breath to steady myself, as there was about to be no going back. "I made arrangements with the doctor here in Canterlot who usually ends up taking care of me. He's going to stop by the palace tomorrow morning so he can perform that second round of transfusions we talked about."

I watched the Princess of the Night's lovely face scrunch up as she tried to fight back tears, and I stood from the table, walking quickly around it then wrapping her in a tight embrace. The dam broke on Luna's emotions then, and she began to sob into my shoulder, holding me tightly as all the high-strung emotions she had been holding back flooded forth. It was easy to tell there was more emotion than just that caused by the impending ceremony flooding forth from the mare. It was years, decades, even centuries of pent up emotion, all flooding forth at once, and I simply held her through it all, letting my beloved cry out all of the weight of her years onto my shoulders.

When all of her tears had been shed, Luna sniffled, and pulled back, looking me in the eye with sadness, but also love. "Thank you." She said softly. "I cannot tell you how much you mean to me. I do not believe words exist in any language I have heard of to describe just how much I truly love you."

I smiled softly at this and leaned in, kissing her gently. "I feel the same way about you, Luna. And about Twilight and Celestia, and Derpy and Applejack too. You all mean more to me than I could ever tell or show you, and I'm grateful every single day to have met you all. Thanks to all of you, I finally know what happiness and love are really supposed to mean." A radiant smile creased the mare's face, and she glanced briefly over my shoulder. This caused me to chuckle softly. "They're all standing behind me, aren't they?" I asked with a grin, Luna's giggle all but confirming my suspicion.

I was nearly bowled over by a stampede of bodies tackling me from behind. "Indeed we are, dear Blake." I heard Celestia's soft voice state from a short distance behind me. A moment later however, I felt a warm wing envelope myself, and the three mares who were currently giggling and hugging me tightly. "And I believe I speak for all in attendance when I say we feel the same about you."

Even as all of my wonderful marefriends hugged me close, with even Luna getting in on the action, I felt my body relaxing, and tears coming to my own eyes. I had never before felt so loved by anyone, and it was overwhelming in the most wonderful of ways. "Thank you all for this." I said softly, then sniffed. "Now, what do you all say we go and get ready for this ceremony?" I grinned sheepishly as a realization struck me. "Or were you all coming here to have some breakfast before doing that..?"

Applejack chuckled in that lovely, endearing way of hers. "Ya got that right, Sweetheart. We didn't even know ya were in here. Pri- Err, Celestia… Shoot, Ah still gotta get used ta that…" She cleared her throat briefly. "Anyway, we met up in tha hallway and decided ta come get some vittles together."

Derpy nodded lightly. "Yeah! You slept somewhere else with Twilight last night, so we figured after we got out of bed, we'd get breakfast together this morning and meet up with the two of you later. But then Twilight was in the room reading when we woke up, and we all decided to come here together."

Twilight suddenly gasped. "Ohmygosh!" She exclaimed, wriggling free of the pile o' marefriends and standing up. "I totally forgot! Blake, I read part of that book you translated, and I know what the problem with your magic has been!"