//------------------------------// // You Have A Visitor // Story: Shields Are Gleaming // by Mitslits //------------------------------// "We're probably going to be late", Shining Armor commented as he helped his wife into their carriage. They had received their invitation to the April Foal's Day parade only a few minutes ago thanks to a sidetracked mail-mare. She had admitted to stopping to grab a couple of muffins, but she apologized so sweetly that neither he nor his wife could find any fault with her. He and Cadence had immediately rushed to prepare themselves for the celebration, throwing on nice clothes and getting a carriage ready. The happy couple lived in their own castle a mere five miles away from both Ponyville and Canterlot, but Shining Armor still feared their tardiness. The invitation had not stated a time and this was throwing Shining Armor into a tizzy. Princess Cadence, mane put into a stylish updo, accepted Shining's hoof as she got into the carriage. "I'm sure nopony will mind", she soothed him. "It isn't our fault, after all, and it's just a small parade." Despite her words, she had put a lot of thought into both her outfit and her mane style. After she sat down, she smoothed out her pink dress that was trimmed with lace and a few dark pink bows. It swooped down to her hooves, long enough to cover most of her legs, but short enough that it wouldn't drag in the dust. It was hardly crinkled but she wanted to look her best when she met the princesses and Twilight again. Her husband smiled down on her, stopping her hoof. "Oh, stop it, Cadence, you look beautiful." He gave her a quick kiss on the lips before turning to look out the window as the gorgeus countryside swept past. He himself was dressed in a tuxedo, and Shining Armor couldn't wait to see his little sister again. He was also quite looking forward to meeting Prince Blueblood for the first time. His wife was incredible, but he wanted a little time with a fellow stallion. The couple spent their brief carriage ride keeping up a playful banter about Canterlot, Twilight, and the princesses. Both were eager to get to the castle and the ride seemed to take an eternity, though in reality it took only about fifteen minutes. It finally came to an end, however, the carriage pulling up to the grand doors of the beautiful palace. Shining Armor hopped smartly out, assisting his wife down willingly. "We're here!" he announced, laughing as she stepped down beside him. "I can see that", Cadence said with a bright smile. She immediately turned to her dress, smoothing it down, getting even the tiniest wrinkle out. Eventually satisfied, she turned to the ponies who had pulled their carriage and thanked them gracefully. Shining Armor bowed his head to them as well, giving them permission to leave. They did so, pulling out carefully so as not to stir up dust. Shining turned to his wife and rolled his eyes when he saw her still fussing over her outfit, but there was a smile on his face. "Come on, it's time we told the princesses we are here." He trotted up to the main door and opened it, gesturing with a sweep of his hoof for Cadence to go first. The pink alicorn smiled as she swept into the hallway. "Why thank you, good sir." She held her dress out to the side and curtsied. "You're quite welcome, my lovely lady", Shining responded with a dramatic bow. They both laughed together, the sound echoing off the marble floors and pillars. As the two strolled through the multiple hallways they began to wonder where everypony was. They had been walking for fifteen minutes and had found no one except a few ponies that had no idea as to the whereabouts of the princesses. One did say that Princess Luna was not to be disturbed, but his warning was quickly forgotten as the couple continued with their search. Cadence eventually turned to her husband. "Why don't we go back to the main hall and see if you can remember where to go from there", she suggested. Shining nodded in agreement. They tried to retrace their steps, but it was still quite a while before they found themselves back in a place they recognized. "I don't remember this being so complicated", he laughed. "But then, I'm used to our castle now, I suppose." The newlyweds house was much smaller than the Canterlot castle and much easier to navigate. It had been a few months since either Shining Armor or Cadence had been here and before too long they were lost again. As they rounded a corner a door decorated with the moon loomed before them. Shining smiled with relief at finally finding one of the princesses. "Oh, good, this is Luna's room! Hopefully she's in", he said, starting forwards. Cadence nodded, but she hung back to stare at one of the many paintings that decorated the halls of the princesses home. This one was of Luna herself, smiling down kindly on the hallway outside her room. The alicorn had recently taking up painting herself and she wanted to study some of the great Canterlot art. Staring at the picture, the servant's warning to not disturb Luna came back to her mind. She was just about to turn and warn her husband, but it was too late. Without knocking, Shining swung open the door to the princess of the night's room. His jaw dropped as he took in the scene and he could not help but let out a small, muted gasp of shock. He tried to turn away from the sight, but he found himself rooted to the spot, a strange tingling sensation running up and down his horn. Luna's armor was piled on the floor in a glittering heap. The princess herself was moaning in pleasure as she stood over her bed, a large red stallion drilling away at her backside. The stallion was sweating and grunting, hooves wrapped around Luna's waist. Both ponies froze as they heard a gasp of shock from behind them. Ever so slowly, Big Macintosh and Princess Luna turned their heads to see who had walked in on them. A deep blush suffused Luna's face, but Big Mac simply stepped back from the princess and gave Shining Armor a long look. Then he turned back to the princess and bowed his head. "Princess Luna", he said, "Ah believe you have a visitor."