Sunny wakes up to tend to the departing guests. She had a few hours before her guard duties started at which time Promenade would arrive to tend the counter. She took this time to make Meryl breakfast and see her off to school. She’d also take the time to go over some ledgers and room availability.
Promenade arrived at the Barn and Stable and came through the doors with a gentle smile. “Good morning Sunny” She said softly.”
“Good morning Promenade! You’re a little early.” Sunny replied.
“Yeah I came into Ponyville to place an order of cupcakes with the Cakes.” Promenade said.
“Oh yeah, what’s the occasion?” Sunny asked.
“I am taking them to the orphanage after my show in a couple days for hearts and hooves day.” Promenade said.
“Promenade you truly are the sweetest mare I know! And I’ve read FlutterShy’s part in Twilight’s journal!” Sunny said.
Promenade blushed and said, “Oh no, I am sure Fluttershy is way nicer than me. She’s great with animals and I hear she has a beautiful singing voice on top of her softly spoken manner!”
“Well I don’t know about that, you’re just as soft spoken most days, AND looking out for those children is quite something! You are truly a special mare!” Sunny said.
“You’re too kind Sunny!” Promenade “If you’d like to head in early I can manage here.”
“That would be great! I actually do have to head in early for some… disciplinary actions.” Sunny said with a side eye and a smirk. “I’ve updated the ledge as far as two moons ago if you could go over it while I am gone that’d be super helpful!” she continued.
“Sure thing Sunny! A little mental exercise in the morning helps me clear the mind!” Promenade says.
“See, always so kind. I really do appreciate all the hard work you do around here. Are you sure I can’t do more for you?” Sunny asked.
“You do more than enough for me Sunny. You really do.” Promenade replied with a solemn smile.
“Well okay, but if you need anything from me don’t ever hesitate to ask.” Sunny said with a wink and a grin. “Okay, I am off to work. See you for dinner!” she continued. “Cherry, Sapphire, you’re both gunna get it.” Sunny whispered as she trotted off.
Sunny arrives in Canterlot by train and heads to her office. Cherry and Sapphire were already there standing at attention. “Oh so you know why I called you here.” Sunny said slowly walking around to the front of the office staring the two mares down.
“Yes ma’am.” Cherry said. “It was my idea, I am the senior guardsman I take full responsibility Sapphire didn’t--“
“Quiet!” Sunny snapped gently slamming her hoof on the desk. “So, from my lost armor, to include a fully frozen solid chestplate, and the rest of the pranks you’ve been doing, this was done just by you? No, Sapphire you are just as responsible for these actions.” She continued.
“Yes, ma’am and I take responsibility for what I have done, regardless of seniority.” Sapphire said.
“That’s another good quality Sapphire. And Cherry, looking out for those under you, pretty good quality too. Despite having put her in this situation to begin with.” Sunny said. Cherry slightly lowered her gaze. “Keep up the good work.” Sunny continued.
Cherry and Sapphire glance at each other confused. “Ma’am?” Cherry said.
“Well I have been getting reports from all over the castle guard that these pranks are not only boosting morale but are improving guard awareness.” Sunny said “We’ve had half as many castle breaches from fanatical ponies trying to snap pics of Celestia eating cake. Just by the nature of having to pay attention to details in the scavenger hunts guards are catching would be trespassers before they get into the castle . Additionally the gifts at the end of the scavenger hunts have been improving community relations!” She continued.
“Really!” Cherry and Sapphire respond with confused shock.
“Yup, so long as you two keep these…. innovative training regiments safe and don’t get too carried away, I don’t see why you can’t continue with your operations!” Sunny said. “But I will caution from pranking Celestia again. Rigging her cake to explode all over her was a little….. bold.” She continued.
Cherry and Sapphire look at each other in confusion again and then back to Sunny. “Aye captain!” They said.
“Alright dismissed girls! Oh and before I forget, you two coming to Promenade’s birthday in a few days right?” Sunny said.
“Of course Sunny! We wouldn’t miss it!” Cherry said.
Cherry and Sapphire run off to continue their patrol and to plot their next “training exercise”. Sunny smiles and continues to work on her paperwork. The day flies by and Sunny dismisses her day guard, passing the torch to Moonlet and Nightfall before heading back to Ponyville.
She greets Promenade who had already prepared dinner for Sunny and Meryl again. “Will you be joining us this evening Promenade?” Sunny asked.
“If it’s alright with you, I am available this evening.” Promenade replied.
“Wonderful! It’s always good having you around. Come now, you’re like family now!” Sunny paused for a quick moment with a sad look on her face, as did Promenade. Neither seemed to notice one another’s reaction. “Well it smells wonderful. I cannot wait to try what you’ve made this time Promenade!” Meryl said cheerfully breaking the split second silence.
“Oh my yes. It’s quite possibly the best thing I’ve made by far!” Promenade said with a calmer cheer. “It’s honey glazed grilled artichoke hearts and grilled carrots with a herb and butter drizzle!” Promenade continued.
“That sounds amazing!” Sunny replied.
Sunny, Meryl, and Promenade talk over the meal and finish with a small desert. After the meal they all help clean up and play a few games with Meryl before bed. Sunny and Meryl went to their respective rooms while Promenade cleared the living area while the sisters prepare for bed.
Sunny woke up late that evening to the sounds of someone crying. She looks outside her window and sees Promenade on the tree swing in tears. She heads outside to the garden where the swing overlooked the stream running through Ponyville. The water glistened in the moonlight as Sunny walked over to Promenade and asked “Hey Promenade, are you ok what’s wrong?”
With tears in her eyes, Promenade quickly hid an object under her wing and said, “I’m sorry Sunny, I didn’t mean to wake you up. That’s why I came out here.”
Sunny saw exactly what Promenade hid away but chose to ignore it for now. She sat down next to Promenade on the swing and said, “Promenade, whatever it is that you are going through you don’t ever have to apologize for it. I am here for you if you need to talk.”
Promenade wipes the tears away and says “Thank you Sunny, I should be fine. It’s not the first time this has happened.”
“Hey, I know this may be hard to hear but things will be better. I’ve… had experience with something like this before… but I didn’t act soon enough and I lost someone dear to me. I might not know how to help you, but I know who can. Maybe we can see them tomorrow?” Sunny said.
“I do appreciate it but I’ve been through much worse. You two here make it easier though.” Promenade replied.
“Well ok sweetie. What if I just stayed here with you until you hand over what’s under your wing.” Sunny said while placing her hoof around Promenade and pulling her close.
“I’d like that Sunny.” Promenade said softly.
The two mares held onto each other on the swing until the early hours of the morning. Time passed for what seemed like hours and mere seconds, and after a while Promenade handed Sunny what she hid under her wing.