//------------------------------// // 10. Pursuits Become Habits // Story: The Shield's Protector // by Carapace //------------------------------// Trotting down the hall, with Valiance and Stout Heart following dutifully behind her, Cadence hummed the melody to Love’s In Bloom, the tune Twilight sang at her wedding. The dark clouds hanging above her had long since dispersed; a happy warmth settled in her chest after a long chat with Prism and Tourmaline and a letter sent to her favorite sister-in-law. “I’m your only sister-in-law, Cadence.” Twilight said, fixing her with that sideways smile and a shake of her head. “Really, it’s nothing but a win on technicality alone, hardly a fair measure.” She rolled her eyes, remembering their conversation at the wedding and chuckled. “Oh, would you just hush and take the compliment!” Twilight just laughed and sang her reply, nimbly dancing out of reach of a wing swipe. “I’m just saying that your measure is skewed!” “I can still take you over my knee, young filly! Or maybe, I’ll just send word to the librarian not to let you check out more than one book.” A wicked grin crossed her muzzle as she pawed at the ground. “I live in a library! I am the librarian!” Twilight protested, pointing a hoof at her and looking to her friends and family for support. “You can’t make me limit myself!” Cadence had just giggled, stepping forward to pat her on the head. “Silly, Twilight! I’m a princess! I can tease you all I want! You having to limit yourself just makes it more funny!” She sighed wistfully and gave a little flap of her wings. It had been a while since they’d last exchanged letters, three weeks by her count. Granted, that wasn’t nearly as bad as the months between letters before she’d married Shining, but still, Cadence was ever-eager to hear from her favorite little sister-in-law. Between the crazy adventures, the wide-ranging friends, and becoming a princess herself, Twilight’s life since moving to Ponyville had certainly thrown everypony for a loop. She had changed so much, and yet so little; growing into a wonderful mare who was eager to make new friends and experience the joys their bonds brought, while still holding onto that fascination with magic and hunger for knowledge. If you don’t slow down, I’ll have to throw something together so I can help ponies find love again. The very idea made her snicker. Imagine the look on Shiny’s face if I were to show him one of my little spider-webs of possible relationships, let alone if I came to him with a proposal for an actual government department devoted to it! A smirk played upon her lips. Cadence filed that away for later; at the very least, it would make for a good joke. No doubt, he’d stare at the forms a moment before slowly bringing his head down to his desk and groaning into it. Sometimes, I wonder if I’m a bit mean to him. But it’s all part of the game! With teasing so ingrained into their relationship, he would certainly appreciate it after he was finished complaining. And after she sat down and spoke with him. Her frown fell, a sigh escaped her lips. With Prism and Tourmaline, she’d tried to hide that something was bothering her, but ended up giving off several rather obvious cues. That said, she may as well have held a sign over her head when Shining Armor returned from holding Court. Rounding the last corner before their room, Cadence flicked her tail and set her jaw. I’m being unfair to him. I’m already hiding enough and I’m only making it worse. But what do I tell him? With each step closer, her mind raced faster and faster, trying frantically to come up with something. Shining wouldn’t be so easily swayed after the previous night, that much was certain. Her little show of sighing and staring off might have earned her a brief respite, a bit of a cooling down period, but he’d expect something. She stopped just a few steps from the door, eying the purple tinged crystal that separated her and Shining. “Valiance, Stout Heart,” she called, “a moment, please.” Their armor rattled as they came to an abrupt halt and they snapped to attention and threw salutes. “Princess?” Valiance asked, his tone betraying a bit of confusion. “Is something wrong?” “No, no, just thinking.” She turned away from the door to face him, fixing him with a bright smile. “Actually, I just realized that we hadn’t spoken as friends in a while, Valiance. Not since Canterlot, if I recall correctly. Everything recently has just been princess to guard.” He nodded hesitantly, his brow arching high enough that it nearly disappeared beneath the brim of his helmet. “Yes, My Princess, that’s right. Though, both you and Captain Armor have been rather busy organizing things in the Empire, so it’s understandable.” “Still, that’s no excuse. How’s Honey doing? I haven’t had a chance to visit her in the medical unit offices. And please, speak freely” she said, eagerly perking her ears up. “Quite well, Princess,” Valiance replied; the faintest of smiles graced his lips. “Honey misses Canterlot greatly; she fell in love with the history and architecture, comes from growing up near Manehattan. But, she does like the Empire so far, especially the forest.” Giggling, Cadence nodded. “I’ll bet! She must find some rather interesting herbs there!” “Oh, you’ve no idea, Princess. No idea.” For a brief moment, Cadence could’ve sworn there was something more in his smile. A little secret he was keeping. A shudder to her left drew her attention to the younger stallion. Stout Heart’s ears lay flat against his head as he muttered something incomprehensible under his breath. Judging by the way Valiance’s smile fell and his eyes widened, it wasn’t anything he wanted his subordinate to repeat. Interesting. Cadence quirked an eyebrow, but let them off the hook. I’m sure Honeysuckle would be happy to share. Her gaze flitted back to Stout Heart, she hid a grin. And, maybe, she’d like to hear that a certain mare has her eye on little Stouty. Speaking of which. “And how about you, Stout? We didn’t get much of a chance to get to know one another back home.” “Er, n-no, Princess. We didn’t,” he stammered, ducking his head. “I only recently graduated from the Academy and was posted as an exterior Palace Guard when you left Canterlot.” “That’s right, I thought it was around that time. I’ll admit, I was a bit surprised when Shining told me that you volunteered to transfer.” His posture shifted slightly. Stout Heart picked himself up, standing at full height. “Corporal Valiance is my partner and mentor. It didn’t seem to make sense to separate when he’d only just started showing me the ropes!” “I see. Can’t break up partners in the Royal Guard, eh?” She smiled knowingly. “Well, I’m happy that you chose to join us! Even if the reunion was a bit, er—” she waved a hoof through the air in a circular motion, searching for the right word, “shall we say ‘soured’?” If Stout Heart had a comment, he must’ve chose that moment as the time to simply bite his lip, smile, and bow. Something Valiance had likely drilled into him. “Please, Princess, think nothing of it! We all have our rougher days.” “You’re not kidding. So, your shift ends soon, right boys? Any big plans? Should I be worried that a pair of wild, young stallions are being let loose into the night?” Valiance snorted and shook his head. “Nothing too wild, Princess. This one—” he nodded to Stout Heart “—is joining Honey and I for dinner at that place by the park—the one you always go to when think you’ve given us the slip, Princess. Cadence raised a brow. “Er, I’m quite sure that I do give you the slip.”  “If you say so, My Princess.” He nodded once, his eyes twinkling mischievously. “Anyway, we’re all having dinner and then I’m kicking him out of the apartment.” Oh, you cheeky thing! She huffed, readying a retort. Before she could, Stout yelped. “Wait, what? You didn’t say anything about that earlier!” “It’s either that or you can join Honey and I on our walk. Remember how that went last time?” He smirked at the shudder that went down the younger stallion’s spine. “Thought so.” Turning back to face Cadence, he schooled his expression back to his usual flat stoicism. “Anything else, My Princess?” She shook her head and smiled. “No, no, don’t let me keep you. Have a wonderful evening!” Lighting up her horn, she opened the door and took a step forward before stopping in her tracks. “Oh, Stout Heart?” Cadence called over her shoulder. “You really should take Honey and Valiance’s advice. Get out more, have some fun, and maybe...” She turned and grinned playfully at him. “Find yourself a special somepony, hmm?” What a pair. Without another word, she slipped through the doorway and shut it behind her. Stout’s little yelp of protest and Valiance’s poorly stifled chuckling reached her ears, only slightly muffled by the door. Stifling a laugh, she slipped her regalia off with a flick of her magic, setting it aside for Tourmaline. I’ll have to let her know that Stout is available tonight, not to mention thank Honey and Valiance for inadvertently helping me out. A familiar scent wafted through the air. Warm, herbal, and rather soothing. Blinking, she sniffed, her ears perking up straight. Tea? “Tourmaline?” she called, following her nose toward the bedroom. “Not quite!” Shining’s voice called back. “I’m a lot less sparkly and a bit more of a stallion!” “That was terrible and you should feel terrible, Shiny!” Smiling ruefully, she trotted into their room. I swear, he does it on purpose. Shining sat on their bed; the coltish grin on his face and his wagging tail confirmed Cadence’s suspecions.“Feel terrible? Me?” He parroted from his spot on the bed, a pot of tea and two cups resting on a tray at his side. “Why, Cadenza, I’ve no idea what would make you say such a thing!” She trotted over to his side and gave a little swipe of her feathers across his muzzle. “Hush, you. And what did I tell you about calling me Cadenza?” “Something about making me shout your name until I had it committed to memory,” Shining quipped. He patted a spot beside him, never losing his smile. “Care to join me?” His cue was hardly needed. Cadence levitated the tray so she could sweep into place, her side brushing against his. She stole a nuzzle and a quick lick to his cheek as she lowered the tray back down onto the bed. “Always, honey.” Shining leaned into her, but raised a brow. “Well, you seem to be in a much better mood! You had a good day, I take it?” “Court was slow today, but that gave me a little time to think on some things and talk with the girls.” Another kiss to his cheek, this time lingering a bit longer. She rested her chin on his shoulder and closed her eyes, inhaling deeply through her nose. Sweat, starch, and musty stallion scent. My Shiny was at work today.  “Good.” He replied softly, returning her kisses with a pair of his own. “I was worried about you. You seemed so distant, like you were just off in your own little world, trying to hold it all together with your bare hooves.” He drew back, his smile faltering as he looked at her, concern evident in his eyes. “So, will you talk to me now? Cadence winced, ruffling her free wing. As usual, he caught her cues with ease and wasn’t planning to let it go. The brief respite was nothing more than a courtesy, for her sake; a little chance for her to gather herself before he sat down and made her talk it out. That old trick your mom used to pull, eh, Shiny? She frowned, still trying to wrack her brain for something to help her explain things without simply blurting it out. “Just difficulties with the Council,” she said slowly, “they’re being a bit nosy.” Shining wrinkled his snout. “Still?” he asked incredulously. “What is it this time? Security? The trade proposal? Wondering why we’re not suddenly in the Third Golden Age of the Crystal Empire after just a few months?” Stifling a laugh, she shook her head. Always so expressive! Hard to believe you used to stand at post, looking stone cold, for hours and hours on end. Sometimes, Cadence let herself forget that the silly, goof she called husband was a fully trained soldier. Of course, sometimes, he forgot himself as well. “I wouldn’t say they’re quite so pushy, just interested.” She giggled and nuzzled his cheek. Cheeky, even when there’s something serious. “I can hardly blame them for being a bit interested in affairs of state, after all. It’s more that their definition is a tad dated.” He raised a brow. “To be completely fair, and to borrow your own words, I can hardly blame them. Remember, this place was, for all intents and purposes, buried since before Princess Luna became Nightmare Moon!” She nodded once. “A fair point, I suppose. Also, you’re supposed to call her ‘Auntie Luna’ now! You’re family, remember?” She gave him a little poke with her hoof, a playful smile gracing her lips. “Oh, how could I forget the last lecture?” A grin flashed across his muzzle before he poked her in return. “But no changing the subject, Cady. We’re talking this out.” No slipping out, she mused, noting the way he wrapped a hoof around her waist and held her close. Even in holding a conversation, he was taking any tactical advantage he could get, cutting off a possible escape attempt before it could even begin. You tricky boy, you.  Giving a mental shrug, she leaned into his embrace and laid her head on his shoulder once more. “Well,” she began, “Lady Starburst asked whether or not we’d considered negotiations with the UGT, the other members were happy to hear that you thought it beneficial and seem interested, though, apprehensive about whether or not Lord Alfons will agree.” Shining hummed to himself and nodded, laying his chin atop her head. “That’s something they’re gonna have to be patient on, I’m afraid. You and I need to draft a letter to send out to him—and one for Twily, too.” Oops. I knew I was forgetting something! Cadence squeezed her eyes shut and cursed. Oh, I could kick myself sometimes! “I may have jumped early on that, honey. While talking with the girls, I thought about her and just couldn’t help myself. It’s been awhile since her last letter.” “A while?” he teased, his chest vibrating as he chuckled to himself. “It’s been two weeks, not nearly as bad as when she was Princess—oh, sorry,—Auntie Celestia’s student. She went months at a time back then!” Shining kissed the top of her head, grinning into her mane. “That aside, you mentioned the griffons?” At her nod, he tightened his hug and continued. “If anything, having her reply first might help us sell Alfons on the idea. So, I’d call it less moving early and more a case of unintentional forethought.” She sighed, slowly opening her eyes. Sometimes, dumb luck was the best sort, especially when stumbling over herself trying to hide things. If fortune turns out to be a pony, I owe it a great big hug one of these days. A wave of relief washed over her. Cadence patted his leg and smiled. “Well, thank heavens for small mistakes, then. Especially those that turn out to be little blessings in disguise.” She pulled back to look into his eyes, feeling oddly small under the gaze of those bright blues she’d fallen so in love with. “I’m sorry about last night.” “Don’t worry about it, honey, you were stressed. Speaking of which—” he broke off, levitating the tea tray in front of her, “I thought you might like a cup. It’ll help you relax, take the edge off those nerves.” His magic wrapped around the teapot, lifting it up to slowly pour out the steaming brew. The herbal scent from before was even stronger. Cadence inhaled deeply, taking in the smooth aroma while Shining mixed in a sugar cube. Just the way she liked it. “Bringing me tea after a long day on the grounds?” She hummed, wrapping her magic around the cup, her pink aura mixing with his blue. A little smirk crossed her muzzle as she took over control, bringing the cup to her lips. “One might think you’re trying to earn favor, Shiny.” “One forgets that she’s been under a lot of stress and that her loving husband cares for her,” he retorted, pouring himself a cup. “Now, drink up. This is something a bit new, to me at least. Honey recommended it, so I thought I’d whip it up for you.” “You making tea?” She raised a brow. “It’s like you’re trying to give the staff a heart attack.” Pointedly ignoring the mischievous twinkle in his eye, she took a sip. Her eyes lit up at the familiar flowery taste and the touch of sweetness. “Chamomile? Oh, it’s been awhile since I’ve had that!” Nodding, Shining swallowed a mouthful. “Yeah, Honey said it should help you relax a little. I’m not quite the tea connoisseur that you or Twily are, but she mentioned that it’s a pretty useful thing—and you know how she is with her herbs.” “A walking encyclopedia, as I believe you once called her,” she replied, warmth filling her chest as she took another sip. “Coming from Twilight Sparkle’s older brother, that’s quite the compliment.” “I call them like I see them.” He shrugged and set his cup down on the tray. “So, back to the Council.” His hoof wandered up her back, rubbing softly along the base of her wings. Cadence’s eyes fluttered shut, her back arched with each stroke. “Mmm, yes?” she hummed airily. “What else did they want? Anything about the recruits’ training?” Within the confines of their suite, Shining didn’t bother hiding his concern. His hoof stilled. Hesitation. He was worried that they’d change their minds. “They asked about your time table,” she admitted, cracking open an eye to match his gaze. There it was, that anxiety, the stress of trying to build a unit from the ground up. The very thing he worried had gotten to her. “And?” He prompted. “What did they say?” She chewed her lip, carefully choosing her response. No harm in telling the truth on that front, I suppose. “They’re eager to see the recruits graduate; you made your point on security quite clear at the last meeting you attended, so there’s not much resistance or questioning the necessity. But—” she held up a hoof “—they aren’t too keen on the delays.” Shining snorted derisively, his lips curved into a small frown. “I figured as much, guess I was too ambitious in hoping that we’d be able to stick the crystal ponies on the same timetable we use in Canterlot—this batch had quite the fear of the uniform, you know?” “I do.” Again, Cadence found herself confronted with the reality of the situation. As much as she might want him to speed up, and as much as the Council might want him holed up in some office, he was needed in the field. “I may not like it, but I understand the reason.” She wrapped a wing around him, brushing her feathers against his side. “But, my previous threat remains,” she warned, squeezing him tight. “No more foolish injuries or you’re grounded, buster!” He snapped a quick salute, grinning cheekily. “Yes, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza!” Silence fell over the pair. Cadence calmly set her cup down on the tray and folded her hooves. “Didn’t we just have this talk earlier? It’s like you’re trying to get yourself in trouble, Shiny-winy.” His grin only widened. “It’s the kind of trouble I enjoy, Cady,” he leaned forward and booped his snout against hers, quickly ducking under her wing to escape. “Besides, it takes your mind off of things, so I’ll take my lumps. That aside, how’s about dinner? I don’t know about you, but I missed lunch, so I’m about ready to go raid a fruit stand or something!” She could only laugh at the way he wagged his tail. And my goofball in shining armor is back again. Shaking her head, Cadence folded her wings against her sides and slid off the bed. “I’ll send a note to the kitchens. If it’s all the same to you, I think I’d rather just take it up here, just the two of us.” “Sounds like a plan to me!” He made to get up, wrapping his magic around the tray. “Here, let me take the note down, I’ve got to take care of this anyway—” “Sit,” she commanded, gently placing a hoof on his chest. “You’ve been out and about all day, and you went and got this for me. I just sat around chatting.” Shining opened his mouth, a fresh retort on the tip of his tongue, but was silenced by a look. “If you say so, I guess.” He shrugged. “Just wanted to give you a bit of resting time.” “I’ve had all day to right myself, Shiny. A quick trot to the kitchens won’t tire me out.” Floating the tray in front of her, she turned and made for the door. Her steps were lighter, as if a weight had been lifted off her back. True, she hadn’t quite come clean, but they’d at least talked things out. I put some of his worries to rest, it’ll buy me just a bit more time. A small victory for the home team. She trotted out into the sitting room and nearly ran straight into Tourmaline. “Oops!” She yelped, just managing to catch the tray as it dropped out of the air. The little mare jumped back, fumbling with Cadence’s tiara. “Sorry, Princess!” she cried as she caught the gleaming trinket. “I was just here to collect your regalia for polishing, I didn’t realize you’d be walking out—“ “It’s fine, Tourmie, really.” Cadence waved her off with a hoof. “Shiny and I just had a little talk, so I was kind of off in my own little world.” “Oh? How did it go?” Tourmaline asked, placing the tiara on a red velvet pillow alongside the rest and turned her attention to her princess. “Did you talk about the thing?” She gave a shake of her head. “Not directly, but I mentioned the Council’s concerns over the delay. That’s something we can deal with easily enough, though. It’s the other part that’s tricky.” “I can only imagine. I’m afraid I don’t really have anything to help other than offering an ear.” Tourmaline reached out and gave a comforting pat on the shoulder. “But I’m here for you, so, why don’t I just take this.” She deftly took the tray out of midair and placed it on her back in one smooth motion. “And while I’m doing that, when would you like to have dinner?” “Actually, I was just going to send a note down. Shiny skipped lunch to watch training again, so...” Cadence broke off to roll her eyes and heave a long-suffering sigh. “The great, big colt is hungry.” “Oh, dear, I’ll go tell the kitchen staff to find something to sate the hunger of a savage beast.” The mares shared a giggle, though Tourmaline had to retrain herself so not to drop anything. “This—” she nodded to Cadence’s regalia “—will be next on my agenda.” Giving a little bow, she turned and trotted briskly for the door. Just as Tourmaline’s hoof was about to touch the knob, Cadence cleared her throat. “Tourmie.” The smaller mare froze, looking quizzically over her shoulder. “My regalia can wait until the morning. There’s something else you need to attend to.” “Princess?” Tourmaline blinked and tilted her head. Smiling brightly, Cadence gestured to her wardrobe. “Make yourself look nice, have Prism help you do up your mane, and go out. You might find that an opportunity will present itself if you find your way to the Garnet District.” She waited a moment, watching as Tourmaline’s face shifted from confusion, to understanding and then, finally, joy. Her eyes widened and ears stood straight up. Her teal tinged, crystalline tail sparkled brightly as she wagged it. “You’re serious?” She asked, only barely holding back a squeal. Cadence turned her back on Tourmaline. “I’m not saying that I know he’ll be with Corporal Valiance and Field Medic Honeysuckle at that nice little restaurant across from the park,” she said, a coy smile playing upon her lips, “but, should you just happen upon the happy couple and their tag along, you just might find him completely free for the evening.” Glancing over her shoulder, she winked. “Just make sure you’re ready if the chance presents itself. Oh, and tell the staff that Shiny and I will take dinner here. It’s been a long day, so we’d like a bit of time alone.” Her piece spoken, she trotted back to the private bedroom, her ears flicking in Tourmaline’s direction as the little mare sputtered out her gratitude before scuttling off to finish her duties and get ready for her evening. The warmth in her chest grew. There it was, her calling in life: helping ponies find love and maintain that wonderful bond. Something she’d been missing for quite some time. I really do need to get back to this. The connection, the chance to see ponies happy with the ones they love—it just feels right. With a little bounce in her step, Cadence pulled the door to a close. So what if it was a little extra work? If she loved doing something, it would hardly seem like work at all! And there were only a small number of things she loved more than love itself. One of which just happened to be sitting on the bed, raising an eyebrow at the grin spreading across her muzzle. Shining could moan and tease her about the infamous “love webs” all he wanted; the Princess of Love was back in business! One husband’s worries soothed, a pair of ponies given a chance for love, a letter to Twily and a delayed conversation about Shining’s future as an officer. Three out of four wasn’t so bad. And once she figured out how to fix the last one, it would be smooth sailing from there on out. Now how do I convince my Shiny-winy to help me with this little project?