Shadow Guard clutched the response in his hooves while he shook with excitement and nerves in equal measure. Applejack had said yes! Yes! No! Gah! Now what do I do now? He asked himself before plucking up his courage, Come on stallion, don't be losing your bottle now, just stick to the plan and it will all be fine. His mind and heart were jumping about so much he feared they would bound right out of place.
"So, by the look in your eyes she agreed?" Night Blade asked.
Shadow grinned like an idiot, “She did sir! Thanks so much for your advice!”
Blade just nodded, ignoring the giggles from Dew and Swift, “Happy to help, it’s clear none of you won’t be back on your game until this blossoming romance is resolved. Since Shadow went to Ponyville all ideas of duty and patrols have gone clean out of your heads.”
“And you’re sure you won’t get any flak about me borrowing a chariot?” Shadow said, not daring to hope.
Night Blade snorted, “Probably but as I said I want this resolved as soon as possible, if risking another chariot will speed that along then so be it. Just make sure it doesn't meet the same end as the last one, otherwise it will be more than a few weeks pay that you will lose."
"Thanks Sgt., I won't." Shadow assured.
"Night Dew will be your wing pony, that and she’ll keep an eye on you too," Night Blade explained and Dew’s head shot up from the report she was writing.
"But sir, I thought you were going to do that?" She asked.
"Nah you don't need an old fuddy like me on a night like this one. Plus you sounded so supportive yesterday that I couldn't let you miss the chance to help Miss Dew," Blade said with a little smile. "Right, now that’s all resolved maybe we can get back to our jobs?"
"Soooo, Big Mac's single right? What did you make of him?" Swift asked as they trotted down one of the lamplit alleys of Canterlot.
"He's a good pony Swift. Big Mac's a bit quiet, but very loyal and strong," Shadow answered halfheartedly while looking down a shady deadend.
"Ah so the strong silent type, I like that in a stallion," Swift added. Her usual grin spread across her face as she went on, "Probably why I have never had any interest in you Shadow, you’re not overflowing with either trait."
Shadow just rolled his eyes and seeing there was no trouble hiding down the lane, trotted to catch up. He tried to imagine Big Mac paired up with the sardonic Swift and the picture just didn't fit. The image of what Big Mac would do when Swift’s normal manner inevitably distressed Applebloom or stars forbid Applejack didn’t bear thinking of.
"I don't think he's your type Swift," Shadow said honestly while eyeing a small group of youths who were coming out of one of the local taverns.
Swift Star actually looked a little hurt at that, "What a stunning mare like me? Not his type? Shadow I’m starting to think you don't know me at all," She said with another little chuckle. The sounds of the party goers were getting a little louder and both guards tensed. It was fine however, the ponies celebrating seemed to be in a happy mood so there shouldn't be any trouble and the pair moved past them without incident.
Swift looked thoughtful for a moment before, in her usual manner, asked something that caught Shadow off guard, "He’s more interested in stallions is he?"
“No, No!!" Shadow replied shrilly, causing a few other night-time goers to look their way. "That’s not what I meant. I just don't think he would find you as funny as you think you are Swift." Shadow explained in a quieter voice.
Swift Star shrugged, "Well I was just trying to work out why he wouldn't fall for my abundant charm that's all," She concluded as both soldiers spotted their first likely customer of the night. There ahead was a unicorn that was looking decidedly the worse for wear, staggering about the street and ‘singing’ badly at the top of his lungs.
'When she kissed me by the moonlight, I was given such a fright! I looked into her eyes so pretty and sad to fall for a stallion like me so rough and bad!'
Shadow’s tension eased as the broken song drifted on the air, “That sounds like ‘Tipsy Joe’.” Of course that wasn't his real name which was infact ‘Crystal Joke’. He was known to be a very successful comedian around the local inns and was just as jolly when he had finished his performances. Often he would give the guards a number of his best lines as they gently guided him home.
"Evening Joe, how's things?" Swift asked the weaving lilac unicorn, who upon seeing her face, his own lit up with a happy smile.
"Ah good evening, it’s my dear friends! What a night to be basking in such company. The moon is the fullest I have seen since, well it was last full!" Crystal wobbled over to them and dropped to one knee theatrically, "Swift my dear, you look spectacular as always. Are you here to guide this poor stallion home once again?"
"Of course Tipsy Joe, we would be honoured to walk you home. I thought you promised me you wouldn't hit the drink so hard anymore?" Swift asked with genuine concern.
"For a fair mare like you I would do so my dear! Come with me this night and I promise I will be sober till the day I die!" Crystal announced to Canterlot as a whole, "Let me show you the wonders of the night and make you laugh till Celestia's sun rises again!"
To Shadow's surprise he saw that Swift actually blushed and tilted her helmet down as passers by watched with growing amusement, "Oh of course Crystal, how could I turn down such an offer. Now if you could please just come this way and we will make sure you get home safely."
To Shadow’s relief Crystal agreed but not before hooking his fore hooves over the shoulders of both swift and himself. The pair then half carried, half led him back to his lodgings. Tipsy Joe was rarely any trouble but you could never tell once anypony got a few drinks in them and in his state Joe was vulnerable anyway.
With a promise to come and check on Crystal the next morning they bid ‘Tipsy Joe’ a good night. Shadow quickly made to resume their patrol only to find that Swift was still at Crystal’s door, a pensive expression on her face, “You know what? I really am going to come back tomorrow and check on him, just to make sure he’s alright.”
“It’s your call Swift,” Shadow replied.
The rest of the shift Swift was uncommonly quiet and Shadow, although grateful for the respite, began to feel a little worried for her. Shaking off his unease he kept his head down and tried to think positive thoughts about his upcoming date with Applejack.
"Calm down Shadow or you’ll total this ride too," Night Dew said in an alarmed manner.
Shadow just couldn’t help it, his thoughts were chasing themselves around his head, “Sorry Dew I feel like a bag full of snakes right now.” Forcing a smile onto his face he tried to steady his breathing, “I’m feeling a little light headed to be honest, I don’t know which is causing it more, the excitement or nerves.”
Dew laughed, “I think it’s the fact you’re nearly hyperventilating.”
“Would have been worse if Swift was here, for a while there I feared Sgt was going to leave me tethered to her for this run,” Shadow added and Dew smiled in return.
They flew on in silence for a while before Dew piped up again, “You know I think Luna may have caught wind of this little plan of your’s Shadow.”
Surprised, Shadow gave Dew a questioning glance and she simply waved at the sky above. Following her gaze Shadow saw that the stars were indeed in top form tonight, there wasn’t a cloud in the heavens and the waning moon had a certain ethereal quality to it.
“You think she did all this just for my date with Applejack?” Shadow marveled before snorting, “I doubt she would even know about it, let alone take the time just for me.”
“It wouldn’t surprise me Shadow,” Dew said with confidence and he had a sudden suspicion.
“You didn’t tell her did you? Does everypony know that I….” He began only for Dew to laugh heartily.
“Of course I didn’t but you saw the look in Night Blade’s eyes the other day, he knows Luna is a romantic at heart,” Dew replied with a confident grin, “Either way Ponyville is on the horizon.”
Shadow felt the small progress he’d made towards the shores of calm wash away in a flood of jitters. What if she stands me up? No don’t be stupid, Applejack is the bearer of the Element of Honesty she’d tell you straight. But what if she’s changed her mind but the message got waylaid somehow? I….
“And here we are,” Dew called out and Shadow bounced back to the real world. There, down below, was the little farmhouse he’d left only weeks before, the orchards stretching out in every direction and the barn he’d stayed in.
Shadow found himself frozen in place and it was only a nudge from Dew that let them begin their descent. They touched down just beyond the main building and Shadow suddenly found he couldn’t recall how to untether himself.
“She’s not going to wait all night you know,” Dew added helpfully and Shadow finally found himself standing before the front door and knocking, not actually able to recall any of the gaps in between.
Just when Shadow thought his nerves were going to fail him completely the door opened and Big Mac gave him an unimpressed look. Out of ingrained habit Shadow Guard saluted before catching himself, "Ehm, evening Big Mac, is Applejack home?"
Big Mac glanced over his shoulder and indicated that Applejack was indeed in and waiting for him, "A.J you're ride is here”, Big Mac announced and Shadow felt his mouth drop open.
Applejack advanced confidently and Shadow saw that she had her mane and tail all plaited and tied with red ribbons. In addition to her normal hat Applejack also wore cherry red neck bandana with tiny apples adorning it and Shadow felt every other thought fly out of his head.
They stood there for a moment before Applejack’s raised eyebrow spurred Shadow into action, "My lady, if you would be so good as to follow me. Your chariot awaits." To Shadow's relief this came out as he planned despite his anxiety.
Applejack’s face fell, "A chariot ride? Are ya sure Shadow, the last one didn't end up so well if I recall right."
Shadow drew on reserves he didn't know he had before smiling all the wider, "I saw this as a chance to make up for the last one and show you what a proper ride with the Night Guard should be like."
For one horrible moment Shadow thought Applejack would still change her mind, but after what felt like an eternity she put out her hoof and allowed him to lead her out of the front door.
"Be sure ter have her back well before sun up, or your wings will be used for compost,” Granny’s warning call came down the stairs.
"Of course Mrs Smith, I will make sure your daughter has the best treatment and is back in time for bed." Shadow called with a sheepish smile to Applejack who to his relief smiled back.
"Y’all better do," Came the muttered response but Shadow only half heard it. When Applejack smiled his view shrank to her face.
They were only half way down the steps when Applebloom came rushing out and tackled Applejack, "Have a great time and be sure to tell us all about it when yer get back!"
"Of course sugar cube, but if yer don't lemme go I can't do that now can I?" Applejack said gently patting her on the head. Applebloom nodded before joining Big Mac in the doorway.
Shadow waited as Applejack gave a them a final wave goodbye before ushering her to the awaiting chariot. He made to help Applejack into position but paused when she gave him a warning look. The jitters returned with a vengeance and Shadow quickly looked to Dew for help.
"We’re under strict orders to treat you as we would Luna herself Mam,“ Dew said quickly.
“And does she need help to get into one of these things?” Applejack asked with a frown.
“No, but it’s a sign of respect and high regard for us to offer,” Dew explained and Shadow felt his stomach drop. “That being the case, you could order us to do things differently?” Dew suggested and Shadow looked hopefully into Applejack’s eyes.
Applejack stopped, “I..I reckon…we could do without all the bowin and fussin...”
Shadow cast his mind about desperately and a flash of inspiration struck him, “Lady Applejack, would you do me the honor helping me take Dew on a chariot ride?””
Both mares froze for a moment before Applejack’s frown grew into a healthy smile, “Why I’d be honored ter help yer out Mr Shadow.” She treated him to a bow in return and with the minimal amount of ceremony Night Dew and Applejack swapped places.
Applejack felt her heart race, her muscles work and the thrill of exertion coursing through her veins. All the fears of flying again melted away and she took the chance to properly enjoy herself. She felt alive and free despite being tethered and as she spared the quick glance over to Shadow beside her Applejack felt more than just a sense of owing him something now.
She’d accepted his offer more out of a sense of requirement after all Shadow had done to save the memorial tree, but seeing him changing an obviously well planned night just for her? That was moving in ways Applejack wasn’t used too.
She would be thrice cursed before she’d let anypony coddle her around like some sort of delicate ornament, all that nonsense about bowing and scraping and being treated like some sort of gift from the heavens above wasn’t for her. It smacked of insincere hero worship to Applejack.
Despite all this, she did feel special now. A little glow of embers ignited in her heart. Although Shadow had been shaking like a leaf before, Applejack now saw the enthusiastic way he pulled alongside her, not trying to out do or her or hold back but just enough to keep pace.
Far too many stallions in the past had been out to prove something, to ‘tame’ her or ‘out do’ Applejack to prove some point or other. To her immense joy Shadow wasn’t attempting either, he just galloped beside her. He wanted to be with her, and was willing to give and take to do so.
“It might take a little longer than planned to get there this way,” Shadow admitted, “But there’s no rush.” Instead of looking at her with besotted inaction Applejack saw him as a real stallion now doing his part and doing it for her.
Far more impressive than some big showy bit of theater that would only embarrass Applejack, he was willing to do the nitty gritty stuff when asked to, that was worth more to her than a thousand breathtaking chariot rides through the sky. Plus she got to keep her hooves on the ground which mattered more than she cared to admit.
They took their journey around the various paths and byways of the orchards, sometimes even doubling back on themselves. Applejack was just starting to think that Shadow had gotten lost and confused in all the excitement when he suddenly veered of to one side and took the chariot off road.
A little alarmed, but willing to play along, Applejack felt the soft grass underhoof and now saw they were making a deliberate line towards the local river. Her worry only grew as the water came ever closer. She cast a concerned look to at Shadow, was he trying to drown them?
“Er Shadow, the…” Applejack began when she saw the bunching of his muscles, he was planning to leap the river! She looked back to Night Dew and saw she wore the same expression mirrored on Dew’s own face, clearly she hadn’t been in on this sudden development either.
"Shadow I don’t reckon…” Applejack began before he spread his wings and took on a determined look. “Oh nelly!” Applejack cried and, with little else for it, pushed off with her own legs.
The ground dropped away and Applejack felt gravity fighting her as they sailed through the air. It was like the longest show jump hurdle she’d ever done. Daring to look down Applejack saw the waters rushing below and all the time feared she would plummet into them and be swept away in a tangled mess.
Closing her eyes she felt them reach the peak of their arc and the whole chariot dipped forward. Any second now Applejack expected to feel the water splashing up and swallowing her whole, but the heady feel of solid earth under her hooves banished the tension in an instant.
Pulling forward she opened her eyes and only now dared look back. They’d cleared the river, if only just. She saw Night Dew braced against the sides of the chariot, her own wings still beating furiously.
Applejack slowed to a cantor, a trot and then finally came to a standstill as she reigned in her beating heart. “Shadow, you…” She began but felt the euphoria pumping its way through her head.
Looking to Shadow she saw in his face a similar feeling and the angry retort she was forming melted away as he grinned back at her. “Thought we’d finish with something a little more exciting, the river looks a lot wider from down here,” He added between panting breaths.
“Well warn me next time huh?” Applejack said without any real malice.
“And spoil the surprise?” Shadow chuckled back.
He waved a hoof and Applejack saw there, just in the bend of the river a small picnic set displayed under the stars. Oh dear… there were even candles. Shadow quickly unbuckled his harness and paused with a questioning look and Applejack let out a little laugh, “Oh okay, the rear straps are always a pain.” She let him aid her to unfasten and they shared a tiny smile as he escorted her to the awaiting spread. They were quickly followed by Night Dew who gave Shadow a reprimanding shake of the head.
Applejack’s smile wavered as she saw the food on display. A collection of very odd and outlandish dishes were set out and she felt her stomach squirm.
“As you were so good as to show me some of your wonderful cooking I thought it was only right that I shared some of bat pony normal um, delicacies,” Shadow said with a sudden return of his nervousness.
"Er you cooked this yerself right?" Applejack asked, carefully picking up and sniffing what looked to be a collection of roots.
“Most of it, some of it is in its natural state as it were," Shadow said and Applejack cautiously took a bite. It certainly had a strong flavour but Applejack just couldn’t put into words what that flavor exactly was. It was earthy, but with a slight hint of…. “It’s um, different,” She finished after swallowing.
Shadow Guard smiled in a guilty manner, “It’s terrible isn’t it?”
Applejack laughed, "I reckon y’all have done a grand job with what yer had to work with," She replied taking another hesitant bite. The aftertaste lurked in the back of the mouth and it seemed the only way to delay its return was to take yet another bite. But Shadow had made the effort and after her derailing of his romantic flight through the stars Applejack thought it best to do a little giving in return.
“Well it’s more for ‘keeping you going’ rather than flavour. Not much grows in the caves back home,” Shadow explained with a smile.
“That it does, practical and not too showy,” Applejack added with only the tiniest grimace. She looked at the assorted mushrooms, roots and molds with apprehension before picking up the most innocent looking mushroom she could find.
To her surprise its flavour wasn’t all that bad and kind of complimented the aftertaste of the roots. With a little tweaking it could even make a palatable meal. She looked up at Shadow and found herself thinking of him upon similar lines. For the first time that night she looked at him as a potential option.
She’d be naive in the extreme to think the perfect stallion would fall from the sky, heavens knew she herself had enough rough edges to go around. When she got down to it what did she really want? She’d been so caught up with the farm, fulfilling her responsibilities to the family who depended on her that she had seldom left much room for herself.
To her surprise Applejack's head came to her aid this time. You planted seeds even though you weren't certain they’d grow. You hoped they would of course, you took care of them and watered them in that hope. Were love and similar feelings so different from that?
From what Applejack could tell Shadow seemed to be ‘a good seed’ and with some love and care to knock off a few rough edges could grow to be a mighty fine husband. He was a member of the Royal Night Guard no less. Sometimes you just have to jump and hope you clear the gap I guess.
With a smile that showed she’d come to a conclusion that she liked, Applejack lent forward and kissed Shadow Guard. His eyes went wide before he closed them and returned the kiss with vigor. It was brief but heartfelt and all the more special for that.
"I..." Shadow replied once they broke apart. Applejack felt right, she felt happy as many of the uncertainties from the last few days melted away. It was a start at least.
Applejack watched from her bedroom window as Shadow and Dew flew away into the night. It had certainly been a better experience than she’d expected. She looked down at the simple pressed flower Shadow had given her when they parted:
“It’s a 'White Star' given to me by my parents when I left for Canterlot. It only blossoms in the moonlight and grows in very dark conditions.” She regarded the flower and held it up to the moonlight where its pale white blossom shimmered with an unearthly luminance.
She thought back to the endless stream of questions Applebloom had asked and smiled happily. It had been a good night, even with all the tense moments Applejack had enjoyed spending time with Shadow.
She looked back up just as the chariot disappeared from view and let out a contented sigh, “Well A.J stranger things have happened in this here world of ours.” Applejack busied herself in unplaiting her mane, all the time looking at the simple flower on her covers. “Pretty and precious things grow in the most unlikely of places,” She said to herself before placing the white star on her bedstand, wrapped herself up in her covers and finally turned in for the night.
Far above, peeking down through the clouds Luna smiled happily, all in all not a bad night at all. Congratulating herself on a job well done, she spread her wings and sailed off towards Canterlot. Despite all my worries and troubles I can made sure this evening at least is one of peace and joy. She owed Applejack and the other Element Bearers that much in thanks for all they’d done for her.