He'd decided the best way to go was towards Ponyville. Stella might have been waiting for him there, true, but he'd probably be somewhat safer there than someplace else if she did run into him. Besides, he did know he needed to meet Twilight at some point. It was the only real lead he had on the situation.
He left early in the morning, rather quietly, but not too quietly and not too early. He did still want to say goodbye to Wick, which he did. He bought a candle from her shop as well, he knew how much she enjoyed it when ponies actually bought candles from her. He put his notes and other stuff in his bags, bought some food from the shop, and began to walk in Ponyville's general direction.
He was fairly certain it was Ponyville's direction, at least. He hadn't asked for directions, he didn't want to leave that information behind just in case. He'd always been bad with geography though. Thankfully that glowing trail on the ground was there and he just had to follow it, and hope it wasn't a wire he'd mistaken for something else.
He probably didn't have enough food for the trip. He was fairly certain Ponyville was too far for that. But he did believe he'd run into more food or more cities at some point. Even if the trail was leading him off the main road and towards the trees. He was at least happy to be carrying a tent as well.
"That wasn't so bad," Cadence said, letting herself gently fall into a cushioned chair. "Right, dear?"
Shining had already done the same, but not before taking off his uniform and resting it folded on a table. "It's not just the speech itself, it's all the stress building up to it. It leaves you drained."
Cadence nodded. "You're right about that. At least it's over now. Early bed tonight?"
"I doubt we'll make it, but it would be nice." Shining sighed. "We should go check on Flurry as well. You were right, she's been getting more talkative lately."
"She has." Cadence nodded.
There was a knock on the door and Shining straightened himself before answering. "Come in," he said.
The door opened. "We've received a letter from Her Highness Princess Twilight Sparkle, addressed to Your Royal Hignesses," Paper Letters said, walking inside with said letter in a hoof and Flurry sleeping on his back. "The young Princess your daughter had escaped her chambers and fell asleep after entertaining herself with the messenger, I saw it wise to bring her to you so you could care for her."
Shining wasn't sure whether he was supposed to be most surprised by Paper's presence or by Flurry's, so in the meantime he simply took hold of the letter in his magic while his wife did the same for their daughter. "Thank you," he said, mostly on instinct.
"I am merely doing my job, Your Highness," Paper replied with a small bow.