by Knight of Lycaeus
~~~
Time certainly flies especially when one spends it in pleasant company, this notion was true for Cadance and Twilight who had come to spend time together on an almost daily basis over the last couple of months proving Spike’s point that it had indeed been too long for them both and it renewed the closeness they once shared. Time was also thought to be the best medicine to mend emotional wounds and in this notion, Cadance’s statements also proved true, she had forgiven Spike within a few weeks while she didn’t forgive Shining Armour until almost a month and a half after the event at the Royal Gardens. Despite being forgiven by the pink alicorn, Shining declined offers to meet with the others despite the best efforts of Spike, then Twilight, and finally Cadance; instead opting to bury himself in work despite being on leave.
Cadance was finally able to drag the stubborn Guard Captain out of his office after the second month of his isolation and it would be the first time the quartet had gotten together in months given Shining’s long reluctance to join in. They were in one of the parks dotting the mountain city, less secluded and more public than the last time, the choice of locale was a slight risk given how none had been able to properly gauge Shining Armour and his possible reaction to things but for the rest things had cooled enough that this time it did warrant secluding themselves in the Royal Gardens or Shining’s office.
All of them had taken a seat in the grass, Twilight was snuggled up closely against Cadance who in turn had wrapped a wing around the smaller mare. For Shining that was possible proof, for Spike it was just confirming what he already knew, that Twilight and Cadance had started dating like they had hoped.
“Shining?” asked Cadance in a soft tone, “You’ve been avoiding me for a few months, why? I forgave you already.”
Shining was nervously shifting, “I know you did but I really don’t know how to start things again.”
Cadance sighed, “Shining I kept trying to invite you because I want to start over but I can’t if you won’t come with us.”
Shining opened his mouth but was cut off, “Shiny, we were just spending time together, that would have been enough to start things off again.” said Twilight from her spot next to the pink alicorn.
Shining hung his head, “I know. This is hard for me, I feel inadequate and I’m not entirely sure why maybe I just used to serving under royalty or I guess it’s because I always thought I didn’t stand a chance against everypony else you’ve with. Maybe it’s family, we’re nobles although most of the family aren’t after status, some are and I guess I problem with them. Grandfather is one, he made his fortune and status from business and although he served briefly according to family traditions, but he thinks the military as lowly”
“Grandfather shouldn’t impact you like this.” added Twilight, “Mom and dad are proud that you’ve been made a Royal Guard so young and then Captain.”
Shining opened his mouth again.
“Okay Shining stop”, Spike interjected, “Before this gets going again. I’ve always thought of you as a brother, my cool older brother who showed me courage, strength, loyalty, laughter and more. You’re a great pony despite what Grandfather thinks, every time I met him well he annoys me. Always treats me as a pet not as my own dragon.”
“Shiny, it’s true”, Twilight added, “You’re my BBBFF, you’re always there when I need help. I was happy to see you achieve your dreams, so please don’t let Grandfather or anyone rule your life.”
“They’re both right, Shining you’re one of the best friends I have. In spite of these last few months and recent events, I still think you’re a good pony and a great friend.”
Shining was stunned, silent, what could he saw to things contradicting the nagging doubt. The silence was broken by the tolling of bells in the nearby square marking the hour. Shining may not have read as much as his sister but he did remember vaguely bells in a few legends and fairytales. They rang for moments of joy, birth and marriage and for moments of sadness, illness and death. Regardless bells represented the end of one thing, the beginning of the next and perhaps even the bells tolling were in agreement with them. Time for the end of an era and the beginning of the next.
“Thank you, you’re all right. I should be here with all of you. I can’t let the past make me doubt.” he turned to Cadance and held out his hoof, “My name is Shining Armour. What’s your name?”