"Well we hope you've learnt your lesson Knight Shadow Guard. One expects thou to do thy duty correctly from now on," Princess Luna clearly struggled to keep her tone as she addressed her negasi.
Well at least she got my name right this time, then again I doubt she will ever forget me now. Shadow Guard bowed to Luna and promised that he would do better in the future.
He’d reported back to the barracks bleary eyed and yawning, the quick swapping of night and day lifestyles evidently leaving their mark. Shadow was determined to not let Luna down again however and so reported in as expected. All things considered it could have been worse, that was until he bumped into Night Dew and Swift Star.
"Ah the young traveller is back. I hope you're ready for a night of fun Shadow. Sergeant’s let slip there's to be a formal shindig tonight, plenty of high-class types and lots of noise," Night Dew said with a resigned smile.
Great just what I needed, nothing like being eased back into the job. Shadow didn’t dislike the upper crust of Canterlot, they were overall a reasonable bunch for the most part. Sadly he just didn’t run into many of the nice ones it seemed.
The Night Guard normally got landed with the inebriated, the down and out and the disowned who needed the steadying hooves to help them home. They seldom caused too much trouble, but there was always one or two that the guards would need to keep an eye on. Shadow just nodded at the news with a faraway look in his eyes.
"Oh, you’re not in a talking mood now huh?" Swift Star looked to Night Dew and grinned. "Maybe those farm ponies finally taught you when to hold your tongue?" Both the mares chuckled and Shadow Guard just gave out a big sigh as he thought about the farm again.
"Awww, come on we're only yankin yer chain Shadow. It's good to see you again honestly," Night Dew’s face became one of concern for their friend.
"Yeah, what’s up with you?" Swift Star cocked an eyebrow at Shadow’s abnormally quiet demeanour.
"Meh, nothing just a bit day-lagged that's all. I had to work 'normal' hours out there on the farm and now my head's all over the place," Shadow gave an exaggerated yawn.
Night Dew smiled in a knowing way, all of them had at some point needed to pull 'all dayers' before. That was the odd life of the Night Guard and they seemed to do everything backwards compared with other ponies.
This was especially true for the negasi, who were naturally nocturnal, but clearly Swift wasn't convinced and continued on with her nagging, "Sooo, I hear that Sweet Apple Acres has some right good looking Stallion's working there? Not counting you of course, I could really go for a big strong farm pony," Swift bumped Shadow’s shoulder in a playful way.
The mental image of either of his fellow guards trying to catch the eye of Bigmac sent a shiver down Shadow’s spine and if things went well with A.J then the idea of being liked even distantly to Swift was more than Shadow could deal with right now.
"I heard they have some other farm colts working for em during the summer months. A mare of my skills and good looks might find a real catch," Swift Star joined in, fluttered her eyelashes in a silly way and produced a snigger from Night Dew. “Such a shame they lost a ‘good hard’ worker in you Shadow, now you're back with us." Swift couldn't help but finish off with playful jibe.
"Well, when you remember to get up and know which way to pull the plough anyhow," Night Dew joined in teasing again.
"Aww they just weren't ready for a stud like Shadow Guard to stay with them. Plus our brave soldier probably wanted to be as far away from that orange farm mare as possible, as soon as possible, before she gave him another good whack to the head. Am I right Shadow?"
At the thought of Applejack Shadow felt his heart leap and before he realised it his cheeks had began to feel hot again.
Both Dew and Swift paused, gave each other a meaningful look and Swift Star began to giggle, "What's this? The brave ‘Shadow Bard’ has a soft spot after all? Don't like being called a stud? Or....." Swift's grin became so sharp it could have cut through steel. "No you didn't? Did you? Oh Night Dew I think he has!" Swift Star let out a roar of laughter now. "Oh Shadow Guard has fallen for Applejack Dewy!" Swift fought for breath as she wiped a tear from her eye.
Shadow only got redder as the pegasus had hit the nail right on the head, "Stop it you two, I’m just out of sorts that's all. Nothing happened honest."
Swift grinned at Dew only to see she was looking thoughtful, "Awww I think that's really sweet Shadow, well done for finding a mare you really like. Plus she was smart enough to knock some sense into you when she first met you.” Night Dew rounded on Swift Star and gave her an angry look. "Come on Swift that's enough, sergeant is gonna be here any moment."
Swift’s leaned back from her friend's reaction and just stood there with her mouth agape. "I…..", was all that managed to come out of her mouth before another voice called all three ponies.
"I think we've had enough of recounting Shadow's exploits while in Ponyville, maybe some time soon you three would like to get to the job you’re being paid for?" Night Blade was standing there, yet again appearing as if by magic.
Shadow quickly stood to attention along with the others, embarrassment still plain on his face. He swallowed as Night Blade walked up and down in front of them, looking each pony in the eye in turn and grinned when he fixed on Shadow, "Right, here's how it is: Fancy Pants and a number of his 'friends' are having a party for Princess Luna tonight. It’s the normal high society thing that I know you all ‘love’, seems the fair ponies of Canterlot want to celebrate Luna's return which will be one year ago tonight!"
Blade rolled his shoulders before continuing, "So as always, I want you all with your best smiles and manners for such an event. We're not expecting any trouble, but with the Prince and his crew involved you never can tell."
Shadow joined in with the aggrieved sigh from the the others, hearing that ‘Prince Blueblood’ was coming made things interesting. Night Blade clearly thought so too, "I don't want a repeat of the last time, do I make myself clear?"
How could anypony forget the last time? Prince Blueblood displayed a talent for upsetting everypony that he met, eclipsing even Shadow Guard’s tactless manners. On the dreadful night in question the prince had been ‘slumming’ it. Going about causing offence to one and all in the rougher parts of Canterlot. Night Blade had personally stopped at least two club owners and one passerby from strangling the high born Prince.
"So with our brave 'stud' back among us, we should have no trouble foal sitting a few of the high and mighty of Canterlot while they rightly pamper our Princess of the Night. Celestia knows she could do with some kindness after all she's been through," Night Blade winked to Shadow and the other guard's giggled, causing Shadow to grind his teeth.
As they broke formation Night Blade trotted up to Shadow Guard under the guise of giving him some 'special instructions.' "If half of what I heard was true I’m happy for you my colt, just don't go earning another set of horseshoes in the face huh?"
Shadow Guard eyes lit up, he would never have guessed Night Blade would be so supportive, "Just don't let it distract you right? Prince Blueblood and some of his posse will definitely be in attendance tonight." Shadow nodded in understanding, this was definitely going to be a tough first night back.
Shadow winced inwardly as yet another tipsy guest bumped into him. It was bad enough that the party guests were all up tight and snobbish but it also appeared Blueblood's entourage was even larger than previously. To make things worse by the looks of it they’d been making ‘merry’ before the party even started. Shadow cringed as they all made a fuss over the prince, it all seemed so obviously fake to him and Shadow found himself missing the farm and it’s genuine inhabitants all the more.
Luna was fashionably late as was her right, being the guest of honour. But this left the already unsteady followers of prince Blueblood with little else to do but chat, flatter the prince and get more ‘sloshed’ than they already were.
When Luna did finally arrive, there wasn’t a steady hoof among them and Luna quickly whispered in Night Blade’s ear, no doubt getting the details she’d missed. Shadow couldn’t fail to see how Luna rolled her eyes at her nephew; The pony in question was talking to a very interested yellow unicorn mare.
Shadow watched the unfolding scene with a stoic, impassive face. How Blueblood completely failed to notice the desperate glances his captive audience gave when he wasn’t looking. Shadow didn’t envy the unicorn one bit and secretly wished some other party goer would come to her rescue.
As if she’d read his mind, Luna quickly sidled up to the prince and delicately ushered him away from the relieved mare. Luna even gave ‘Yellow’ a wink as she expertly steered Blueblood away from several other panicked looking guests.
Her royal duty to protect her subjects achieved, Luna deposited Blueblood on a distant table and then moved to address the assembled equines, "Ah fillies and gentlecolts, thank you all so much for your patience. I'm so sorry I am late but royal duties wait for no pony." Shadow thought Luna looked stunning, she’d obviously dressed up for the occasion: Wearing a sparkling cloak of pale blue along with the prime pick of her formal jewellery, the alicorn was certainly striking.
"It pleases us that you would all come to celebrate the anniversary of my return to Equestria. I hope you all have a wonderful evening," The Princess (with vigor) informed the crowd who cheered and applauded. Luna bowed to the assembled ponies, gracing them with an indulgent smile.
It might have surprised many to know that Luna, despite or maybe because of her past, shied away from the pomp and ceremony offered by her subjects. Shadow was only partial to such knowledge from his duties around the castle.
He could recall being a silent witness to such moments when Celestia would embrace Luna and remind her that in order to readjust then there were some ‘hoops’ she was going to have to jump through. She couldn’t let her past stop her now and part of that was being the Princess of the Night both publicly and privately.
Shadow’s ponderings were cut shot as a thoroughly inebriated pony bumped into him, “Hey bat colt, where’s the restroom?” The thick fumes from the stallion's breath made Shadow’s eyes water. Well all have our duties, Luna has to dress up and act posh whereas we.. Shadow ushered the guest in the direction of the restroom, doing his best to keep him from stumbling.
His task done Shadow returned to his assigned placement, but found his eyes drifting to the nearby window, staring off into the night sky with his mind on happier times.
“I’ve been a soldier for a long time and I know the different stares that soldiers use,” Shadow jumped as Night Blade practically materialized next to him. “Weather it was being sure you ‘didn't see something your charges didn't want you to see’, or the ‘careful watch of a pony who expects trouble’, I’ve seen and used them all. You Shadow have the definite look of ‘a guard whose mind was not on his job’.”
Shadow coughed, “Sorry sir it’s been a mixed up week I..”
“Time for sorrys later, things are ahoof,” Night Blade’s warning came true as a loud sound of cutlery falling to the floor clattered loud enough to be heard over the crowd. The general hubbub was replaced by indignant shouting. Shadow followed Blade’s gaze and saw, unsurprisingly, that one of Blueblood’s ‘cronies’ was the cause.
The silly colt had climbed onto one of the tables and was shouting loudly his praises to Luna and the night in a loud voice. The rest of the equines around him were giving the drunken stallion a wide berth, muttering disapprovingly behind raised hooves as the pony continued to make a spectacle of himself.
Night Blade quickly moved to intercept and Shadow followed close behind. Upon reaching the drunk, Blade summoned up his most persuasive voice, "Now, now young sir, we all thank you for your contribution to tonight's festivities, but you might want to come down before you fall and hurt yourself."
The stallion, an off-white earth pony, crammed into a dated evening jacket tottered around to look Night Blade unsteadily in the eye. Several other guests gasped as the table he was perched on wobbled alarmingly. After he managed to focus on Night Blade with the second attempt his face split into a intoxicated grin, "Ah heasss one of the Night Guarsss, protectors of our famous Princessss Una. Have you come to arrest me for being overly praising of our fine hotess?"
Shadow cringed, but Blade managed to keep up his friendly tone, "No good sir, just making sure you don't fall and hurt yourself." Shadow was keenly aware that the other guests were suddenly all talking much louder, as if trying to drown out the tragic scene in their midst.
The drunk's mood shifted as they tend to do and he took on a hostile tone in the face of Night Blade's gentle urgings, "Are you shaying that I’m clumshie? I'm the mosh sure hoofed pony here!" As if to prove himself wrong, the drunk stumbled, rocking the table further while causing a number of glasses and plates to fall to the floor with collective smash.
Shadow urgently tried to get Dew’s attention only to see she was already slipping through the crowd toward them. The drunk heard Dew coming and turned to glare at her in turn, "Ah anosher one of you bat winged poniesh. Don't think you can handle me by yer shelf huh?"
All the guests along with the princess had given up trying to ignore the event unfolding and now the whole room followed the exchange with growing trepidation, "Is there a problem good sir Night Blade?" Luna asked in a worried tone.
"No your highness. Not to worry, we have got this in hoof," Night Blade called back in a reassuring tone, "This one just needs a little time to cool his head."
The trouble maker lunged unsteadily for Night Blade who nimbly stepped aside side without seeming to move at all. The party goer finally lost the fight for balance and as he shifted his weight, what was left of the crockery crashing to the floor along with the poor pony. There were a number of gasps from the onlookers and some muffled cries of "I say" and "What 'a to do'."
Shadow moved closer as the drunk tried to pick himself up from the floor but only succeeded in wrapping himself tightly in the stained table cloth. Night Blade and Night Dew came to the poor Stallion's aid, who was cursing and yelling even louder and as the whole room had gone silent they could all hear what he was yelling furiously.
"Thash not fighting fair! I knew you nigshmare guard were not to be trusted pulling sher table out from uner me likshat! You should have been banished to the moon along with your mad Prinshess!" There was a collective gasp and all eyes turned to Luna who was visibly shaken by the insult, tears beginning to well up in her pained eyes.
Luna, her face becoming dark and dangerous, addressed the troublemaker in a ominous tone, "Now see here thou uncouth vagabond, one may have deserved her time on the moon for what we have done. But thou shalt not besmirch the good guards here!" There was a crackle of thunder from outside as Luna's temper flared, "They have been steadfast and loyal all their lives and we will not hear thou abuse them so!"
Even a pony in such an inebriated state recognised that he had crossed the line with that last comment and he cowered before the wrath of Luna. Shadow looked about to see the other guests were similarly affected, all of them shrinking back from Luna with looks of fear.
Stillness settled as Luna continued to glare with eyes aglow with an inner light, then as if awakening, her face took on a shamed expression and the light faded to reveal her turquoise pupils once more.
Luna looked to the crowd all around and Shadow could see the hurt pulled raw and painful within her eyes as the party goers all quailed at her gaze. She opened her mouth again, but quickly turned away from the crowd, unable to meet their stares. Swift Star and Shadow Guard headed to her side, though what they intended to do when they got to her was any pony's guess.
With her back to the crowd Luna took a steadying breath before she spoke once more. "We are going to have a little time in the gardens, but we shall return soon." With that done, the alicorn motioned to the windows of the state room. Shadow and Blade practically galloped to open them before bowing as Luna passed through, her cheeks lined with fresh tears. Shadow caught a fleeting glimpse of Luna disappearing up into the night sky before she vanished with a flash.
Turning back, he saw the crowd was now deathly quiet. A few hung their heads with solemnity but most simply glared at Shadow and his ilk, no doubt blaming them for letting things get out of hoof. A few more sensible guests took the opportunity to express their condemnation of the now weeping drunk who was curled up on the ground still wrapped in his table cloth.
It was some time after this disaster that the Night Blade found Luna in the royal gardens. Having sought out the princess after it became clear that Luna wouldn't be returning despite her assurances. The fiasco of a party was finally over and Night Blade gave his squad the rest of the evening off once the guests had been urshed away.
He eventually found his Princess sitting by a fountain under the star speckled sky. It wasn't hard at all to follow Luna, all Blade had to do was follow the trail of discarded clothing. Pausing only for a moment Blade dared to approach Luna who was now shawn of all trappings.
The only decoration that had been removed with care seemed to be her crown which Luna even now held in her hooves. She studied the gems studding the circle of dark metal and the puffiness around her eyes made it clear she had been crying freely.
Stopping a respectful distance away Night Blade called out softly, "Your majesty, should I call for you sister?"
Luna jumped before looking up at Night Blade. The anguish was evident in her eyes and he felt his unease grow. He’d never seen Luna this distraught before and it pierced his heart. Blade simply stood there, letting Luna take the time she needed to compose herself.
After several gulps she finally managed a tiny smile, "I see thou art still the best scout of my soldiers. Able to sneak up even on such as I.” She took several deep breaths before continuing, “No good sir Night Blade, do not trouble my sister with this. It's just that stallion's words cut deep."
Luna was still struggling to keep her voice steady, "We are used to ponies thinking one is some kind of monster, it hath been that way a long time and not without some merit."
Night Blade just stood at attention, it seemed to most appropriate response. Luna’s gaze drifted sadly to stare deeply into the pool she was sitting by, "Though our looks and mind have been mended by the Elements of Harmony our heart is still scarred." She looked up to Night Blade with pleading in her turquoise pupils, "The signs of the mare we once were are still there to be seen."
Shadow continued to stare straight ahead but came closer as Luna waved him forward, "Look into the pool good sir Night Blade and tell us what thou seest?” Luna wasn't ordering Blade he suddenly realised, she was asking her friend. Night Blade looked into the pool and merely saw the stars and the moon reflected within.
"I see your beautiful night my Princess. The moon shines brightly and such work does you credit," He said answered uncomfortably.
Luna shook her head, “No look again, closer this time. Night Blade did as she bid, but still failed understand what he was meant to see. Feeling her gaze upon him Blade looked even closer. Within his own silhouette Blade saw fish swimming and water lilies floating there but beyond that nothing. Then it hit him what Luna was getting at. Night Blade saw his own reflection. His slitted eyes and bat wings outstretched.
"My Princess I...." Night Blade began but stopped as Luna's eyes were welling up again, "I don't understand your highness, what this has to do with..."
"No dear Night Blade thou would not. One doubts ponies would have kept the truth alive for this long, but thou and all thy kin still carry my shame," Luna explained cryptically and Night Blade was left wondering if that was meant to be deeper than just the way he looked.
The white earth pony that had caused so much trouble turned out to be called ‘Clear Frost’. He was an artist who specialized in ice sculpting and once he had his head flushed of alcohol Clear Frost was a wholly different pony. The stallion was quiet, cultured and all round well mannered in stark contrast to the last night’s brutishness.
After treating his minor injuries, minor cuts along with a hefty bruise from his fall, Swift Star had been given the task of watching the pony while he slept, ‘Clear’ having been placed in one of the cells to make sure he caused no more harm to himself or others.
Swift Star didn't need to be told why she had specifically been chosen for the assignment. Night Blade was clearly worried about what a negasi guard might take into their head to do after the things the prisoner had spouted.
Even such a rude and obnoxious pony was to be treated with courtesy. But Swift Star's idea of ‘courtesy’ was a little different from other ponies. She was leaning back in her chair outside Clear’s cell spinning the keys on her hoof.
"So you're an earth pony then?" She asked for what felt like the hundredth time to Frost. He was so easy to read, like an open book and Swift was loving every moment of this.
"Urr yes, I told you that already," The poor stallion was holding his head.
"So why were you hanging around with Blueblood? He's a unicorn of 'high' standing whereas you're just an uncivil lay about," Swift Star asked, making no effort to hide her own negative opinion on Prince Blueblood.
"Gah I told you already, he's a friend and invited me to the party," Clear Frost clutched his aching temlpes in his hooves.
"Why?" Swift asked.
"Why what?" Clear asked in turn.
"Why are you his friend? You seem to have a better idea of how to behave now you're sober so I thought I might get a straight answer now. Why do you hang out with the likes of Blueblood? I thought earth ponies were meant to be level headed and sensible and all that." Swift cocked an eyebrow as she studied the dishevelled earth pony behind the bars.
That’s right let the sore head do it’s work, Swift thought as Clear massaged his temples, "Because he's a Prince, it would do my reputation good to be seen with him." Clear snapped back.
"Oh so you're not his friend then?" Swift flashed a little grin, "You’re just trying to climb the social ladder huh?" Swift jotted this down in her notebook, reading aloud as she wrote. "Not friend of Prince Blueblood, just using him to get in with the right ponies." Now let him squirm, it was almost so easy that it took the fun out of it.
"Wha..What? You can't write that! I didn't say anything of the sort!" Clear Frost whined.
"Well it just seems to me if you ‘really’ were his friend you wouldn't have made such a fuss at the party last night. You’re making Blueblood look bad you see, not that he needs much help with that,” She treated Clear to a nasty smile, “But being one of his friends and all, I thought you would like to have it official that you’re not his friend, that way you could spare him some embarrassment." Spin a little more worm, spin on.
"But he's the only reason I was able to come to the party! If he finds out I was just using him, my social reputation will be done for!" Clear’s lip trembled and he looked to be on the verge of tears. Time to throw him a lifeline.
"A free word of advice Mr Frost, if you're worried about your street credit, social standing or just general state of health for that matter, I would keep away from the Princesses’ nephew. Being seen with him won't help with any of that in the eyes of the ponies that actually matter." Swift Star commented sweetly, "I'm doing you a favour. So I will ask again, are you Blueblood's friend?"
Clear Frost simply sat there for a while and Swift grinned all the wider. She didn’t actually expect anything from him, but it was good to keep in practice. Any thoughts of sympathy had long since evaporated when Swift had heard the ignorant pile of manure Clear had been ranting last night.
Some ponies thought that getting plastered hid the real you behind a mask, from her experience it just cleared away the inhibitions and showed you the true face underneath. Some of the things Clear had been shouting about her friends and fellow soldiers had been so vulgar even Swift wouldn’t repeat them. What he’d called Princess Luna a few times had even added to Swift’s already impressive vocabulary.
After a few moments thought and a fair bit of groaning Clear Frost made up his mind, "Let it be recorded that I am Blueblood’s friend." He told the pegasus, which got a raised eyebrow from Swift Star. He might actually have a backbone. Her opinion of Clear went up the tiniest of notches, a good show of loyalty, even if misplaced in Swift’s opinion went a long way. Then again he may have just been trying to cover all bases.
"Very well, I wish you all the luck with that, though I would be amazed if Blueblood stands by you when all is said and done," She screwed up the paper she had been writing on and threw it in the bin behind her and smiled evilly as it bounced out again, the bin was rather full now.
Swift grinned even wider this time, "If that's the case I’ll have to start my report once again, One must be accurate about these things. So you're an earth pony then, who ‘is’ close friends with Blueblood......."
A sound of total frustration echoed through the barracks just as Night Blade trotted in after his talk with Luna. Ah I see Swift Star has been having some fun, best save the poor foal. Clear Frost’s in enough trouble as it is. Night Blade chuckled to himself. He trotted his down to the cells and wasn't too surprised to see Swift rubbing her hooves in enjoyment as Clear Frost held his head in his hooves.
"I trust you have been taking good care of our ‘guest’ Swift?" The yellow pegasus started, nearly falling off her chair before quickly catching herself, turning and saluting.
"Of course Sir, I haven't laid a hoof on him and he has been fed and watered as per regulations." Swift didn’t even try to hide her grin.
"There are a great many things not officially covered in the rules Swift Star, when they get around to writing them all down I am sure ponies like you will have a section all to themselves," Night Blade corrected.
"Thank you sir, I do my best." Swift’s smile became a smirk as she listened to Night Blade’s ‘praise’.
He shook his head, if Blade was being honest he personally thought the wretch deserved a good bucking, but that was not what the Royal Guards were about. They had rules and though they sometimes bent Night Blade would never see them broken.
He had to work with the ponies he had though, Swift Star could be a tease but she had never broken the rules regarding prisoners. Night Blade looked at the trembling Clear Frost and admitted she did come awfully close sometimes.
Clear Frost looked up at Night Blade with hope, no doubt thinking anything had to be better than what he had been through this last few hours, these hopes were quickly dashed as Night Blade explained what his discipline was to be.
"Now Mr Frost you’re charged with attempting to assault a Royal Guard of Princess Luna, with verbal harassment of the foulest kind and a breach of the peace. We understand you may have been under some bad influences when this was done and so we will skip the normal punishments."
Clear’s ears pricked up before Night Blade went on, "You will therefore be required to do some community service and make a heartfelt apology to Princess Luna and to all the guests whose evening you spoiled."
Clear gulped and a look of terror returned to his eyes. Blade didn’t know how much detail Clear could recall from last night, but if he’d had have to confront Luna again after her showing of power well...
Clear Frost stared into the watching eyes of the guards and their grins unsettled him greatly, "Can't I just stay in the cells until I’m really really sorry?"