//------------------------------//
// Chapter One: An Invitation 
// Story: A Shining Lunar Experience 
// by Jensettiman 
//------------------------------//

	"Halt!"
Princess Luna was moving out on the balcony with her cup of tea as the army commander's orders echoed over the courtyard. It was late evening, and the sun had just decended to behind the hills in the horizon. Guards of white and grey, pegasi and unicorns alike, trotted up and down, finishing the day's training. Luna took a sip of her tea and looked admiringly at the unicorn in golden plating. Shining Armor.
"You have all done a great job today!" Shining said and looked at his soldiers. "You may return to your homes. Rest well, it will be the same routine tomorrow noon."
"Yes, sir!" the troop replied and saluted their commander.
Shining Armor walked down the cobble path and turned his head towards the dark blue pony on the balcony. Luna smiled warmly and walked up to the fence.
"Good evening, Shining Armor," she said.
"Good evening to you too, princess," Shining said back. "Enjoying your tea with princess Celestia?"
Luna took another sip and shook her head. "My sister decided to retire early tonight. It has been a lot to do lately, so I wouldn't blame her."
Shining Armor nodded and turned his attention to the remains of the sunset. "I couldn't agree more," he said. "After the latest attack of the timberwolves, we have been very busy increasing the security."
The blue alicorn smiled warmly and looked in the direction of the commander's eyes. "You are doing a very good job," she said.
Shining turned his head back to the princess. "Well thank you, your highness," he smiled. "I do my best for the well being of Canterlot."
"I noticed," Luna nodded.
Shining nodded back. "So," he started. "I guess I should be on my way. Got to be up early tomorrow." He turned around and took a step.
Luna raised her hoof. "Wait!" she called after him.
Shining turned around and looked up at her. "Yes, your highness?"
"Would you like to come in here for a moment?" Luna asked and smiled, a bit mysteriously this time.
The unicorn cocked an eyebrow by the question. "In there?" he asked. "What for? Do you need any assistance?"
Luna chuckled lowly. "Well, there is somepony who seems they could use some," she responded and finished her tea. "So what do you say?"
Shining took his time to think through the question. Eventually he smiled and gave a gentle nod. "Alright," he said. "I'll be in there shortly."
"Excellent," Luna smiled back. "I will be waiting." She then turned around and trotted back into her room.



A minute later, the door to the night princess' room slowly slid open. In trotted Shining in his golden outfit. After he closed the door behind him, he turned around and saw Luna on the couch, smiling warmly back.
"Your highness," Shining said and bowed.
The princess of the night chuckled. "Please," she said. "You may call me Luna. Titles are not necessary at this time."
Shining Armor stood back up and nodded. "As you wish, Luna," he responded. "So, how may I assist you?"
Luna shook her head, still smiling. "It is not I who requires a favour," she said back. She patted the seat next to her. "Please, do make yourself comfortable."
The unicorn gave an insecure look in the direction of the princess' hoof. He moved his eyes back up to Luna's. "Is this a test?" he asked.
"Not at all," Luna smiled. "It's an invitation. I would be pleased if you would sit down by my side."
Shining nodded slowly. "If you say so," he replied and trotted over to the couch. He stood in front of the seat Luna had pointed out for a few moments before he finally turned around and sat down slowly.
"Are you getting comfortable?" Luna asked and looked at her seatmate.
"It is a good couch," Shining replied lowly. He then started fiddling his hooves.
Luna tilted her head slightly and halfway closed her eyes. "Don't be shy," she said. "I understand how you feel right now. But you shall know I only want to get to know you better, Shining Armor."
Shining took a deep breath and turned his head to her. "I know you mean well..." he said. "I just have a little trouble taking it in. I mean, you're a princess! Royalty don't usually get involved with guards like this, you know? Or, at least I haven't..."
Luna put a hoof to his lips and shushed him gently. "Easy, Shining," she whispered. "Don't stress yourself more than you already have." She chuckled. "That is actually why I invited you in."
Shining's eyelids slid down slightly. "Is that so?" he asked.
"Indeed," Luna smiled back. "I have been watching you, Shining. You have been contributing to the security of Canterlot and its outskirts. And I appreciate that. I even admire that, to tell you the truth."
"Wait," Shining interrupted. "You admire my work?"
"Oh..." Luna said in a low tone. Her cheeks of dark blue turned deep purple. "Yes, that is right. I do."
Shining tilted his head and looked at her. "So, you wanted to invite me in so you could praise my duties?" he continued. "Or had it something to do with what you said earlier? About me stressing?"
"Right," Luna said and cleared her throat. "You have been dedicating yourself to your task. But you have never taken a break on your duties. And that might leave its marks on you."
Shining's expression turned serious. "I cannot take time to forsake my duties, you highness," he replied. "Security must be maintained at all times!" He looked into the alicorn's eyes for several seconds before he lowered his head. He moved a hoof to his back. "But when you mention it... I do have trouble with my back. It hurts as hay."
Luna nodded slowly. "That is what I feared," she said and placed a hoof on the commander's shoulder. "And that is why I wanted to ask you something."
Shining looked back up at her. "What is it, you..." he started. "I mean, Luna?"
Luna smiled warmly before she leaned forward, merely an inch separating their faces, and asked:
"Would you like a massage?"