Many regard service as a royal guard as a dream job.... Protecting the sovereigns of the land from all enemies, foreign and domestic. Hunting dangerous fugitives and taking down evil overlords. Rescuing fair maidens from dastardly villains. Being experts in every weapon from heavy swords to powerful crossbows to sharp lances. Wearing shining golden armor. Marching in formal military parades. Having young colts and fillies looking up in awe.
But the reality was far different.... The constant drill. The low pay. The cramped barracks that lacked all privacy. Ceaseless polishing of armor until it achieved a spotless reflection. The long nights patrolling the grounds. The mind-numbing boredom of standing guard throughout the castle.
Being a Sunday, today was an especially tedious day. Royal court was not in session and very little government business was ever conducted. Even formal engagements, from galas to parties, were hardly ever held on Sundays. It was with some relief that the royal guard took note of the two ladies coming down the long castle hallway. One, a stunning unicorn mare, trotted along with an elegant grace that spoke of high social standing. The other, a unicorn filly, practically skipped, her enthusiasm infecting even the salted royal guard.
Looking down at the energetic filly, the mare admonished, "Calm down, Sweetie Belle. This is not the place to run about."
"Sorry, Rarity. I'm just so excited about BSSCAD!"
"BSSCAD?" repeated Rarity.
"Belle Sisters Special Canterlot Adventure Day!" she cheerfully explained.
Rarity chuckled, "I see. Pinkie's obviously talked to you about PSSSD."
"And PSSSDWR."
Rarity shuddered, "Don't remind me. I have no idea what I'm going to give to Maud."
"Well, we've got the entire day to spend in Canterlot."
"Yes, I'm surprised just how quickly Princess Luna's fitting went."
"Her Nightmare Night Gala dress looks great! Princess Luna looked beautiful."
"Yes she did, but then again she always looks so beautiful."
Sweetie Belle thought for a moment, "Yeah, and she and Princess Celestia are way old. How come they look so young?"
"I suppose it's alicorn magic," Rarity mused.
"That makes sense."
Meanwhile in a little-used wing of the castle, down a forgotten hallway and behind a heavy locked door lay the storage room. Inside it was filled with an odd assortment of items that could fill a museum... or earn a fortune at auction. Boxes overflowed with ancient, powerful artifacts. Cabinets brimmed with centuries of gifts from foreign dignitaries and rich admirers. Shelves strained under the weight of all sorts of curios. And in an a far corner stood an easel. Upon it, gathering dust, was an ancient painting. It was a portrait of Princess Luna. While once it showed a beautiful, youthful alicorn mare, it had turned ugly and horrid over the centuries while it's subject remained young and beautiful....