Shining’s Log-Entry: New Year
You know, I think this past year has been the happiest time of my life, both this and the last, and I’m sorry that it’s soon to end. While guard duty at the palace can be extremely boring, being posted to Canterlot meant that I got to spend a lot of time with my family, and also got plenty of time in order to learn about Cadence as more than a friend. I think I'll spend this time as the new year approaches, to reflect on what’s important to me.
I have much to be thankful for. I have wonderful parents, who, while not always understanding their children (I don’t think either Twily or me were normal foals; I had too much experience, and Twily always spent far more time reading and studying than any other foal her age), they have always done their best to support us. I have a wonderful, if occasionally exasperating (particularly when trying to convince that she should take some time and have fun, rather than study all the time), sister, whom I dearly love, and I know loves me back. And I have a great, silly uncle, who treats me like his own and taught me all I know about fighting (alright, maybe I learned a bit from the academy, but what Uncle Jewel taught me was the foundation). Family is wonderful, and time shared with them, any time at all, is something I’ll always treasure.
I have four great friends, who I know will have my back, no matter the situation. While the fact that all five of us are guards, and go where we are assigned means that we aren't often in the same place at the same time, I think the time apart only makes our time together more interesting. And probably more profitable for whatever establishment we meet at. Although, one bit of advice, never, ever say anything about a mare to any of them, as three of them (it would probably be all four, but one of them is mute) are compulsive gossipers, and anything which even hints at a possible marefriend situation is a prime target for them.
I also am extremely grateful for the treasure who is Cadence. When all is said and done, we have a rather surprisingly simple relationship, but it works for us. Between my duties as a guard, trying to spend time with my family (especially Twilight, who I practically have to physically pry from her studies) and dealing with my friends, I don’t have that much time, and Cadence’s schedule isn’t much better (if not worse) due to the fact she’s a princess (duh), so we can’t get together as often as we’d like. But I really enjoy the times we do have together, sometimes on official dates, but frequently just doing things as close friends. Even doing something simple like taking a walk in the woods can lead to the two of us having an amazing time.
While Cadence can occasionally be exasperating, I find myself extremely comfortable in her presence. We can just tease talk to each other for hours, sharing things, about ourselves, about the world, about things which have happened to us, or even occasionally, about the weather. It doesn’t matter, we can share with each other, and playfully poke fun at everything, including (most often) ourselves.
I suppose I really should also be very grateful that my friends can never read this log, as otherwise what I’ve written would haunt me for the rest of my their natural lives. For I will ensure they will be rather short and painful.
Although, thinking of my friends’ reactions reminds me that I should probably mention that Cadence and I agreed to try and keep our relationship on the down low. Not that either of us would lie about it or are ashamed or anything, we both agreed that we just wouldn’t talk about it with any other pony unless they bring it up first. It’s just that I’m fairly certain that if it got out, it would torpedo my career, or at least ensure that any further advancement in the ranks would be tainted by rumors of nepotism. I care for Cadence very much, but I need to be in the guard, and advancing in the ranks means that I’ll be better able to protect everypony I love. Fortunately, when we were still awkwardly attempting to define our relationship, Cadence was the first to bring it up. I’m not really certain why she thinks it necessary, but I can think up almost half a dozen reasons right off my hoof just stemming from her being a princess.
I guess life can just be that way sometimes. When you get something that you really love, and want to shout it to the world, but can’t, because it just wouldn’t be proper. I guess I really should get used to that, I’m in the military after all. A guard started shouting to the heavens while on duty would do wonders for our image. Huh, I guess that is something I haven't really considered much. The higher I climb in the ranks, the more visible I'm going to be, and the more stiff and proper I'll have to be. Although, given how relaxed the princess can be... Although, who would dare call out the pony who raises the sun every morning, and the moon every evening. I'm just glad that I have a loving family (and marefriend) who I'll be able to be myself with, no matter how high I rise.
Speaking of my career, things have been going fairly smashing on that front as well. As a sergeant, I end up with both command duties and regular guard duties. It can make an interesting mix, like pulling a surprise inspection of the barracks after having a boring guard shift staring at a wall expressionlessly for four hours. And running drills can be even better, as I get to both lead them in various routines, and it’s the sort of thing which helps give them better chances in any situations they may face in the future. In fact, according to Rock, I’ve developed something of a fitness nut reputation among those who didn’t know me previously. I don’t know why, I only make them to 5 laps of the castle every day, I mean I do 10.
Shining Armor, Signing Off