35. Training Day
“Sergeant, I notice that this unit doesn’t write a lot of citations for its members. There was a brief period where you did and then it just stopped. Why is that?” Lieutenant Rook asked.
Maybe he wasn’t going to work out. “Citations are for guards that don’t do their duty at all or well enough. Without sounding arrogant, by the time a pony is brought into a House Guard, they’re quite professional. Minor citations for little things are largely meaningless and just hurt morale. We save them for when we actually feel corrective action is necessary.”
Lieutenant Rook flipped through his manual and said, “According to the officer’s manual we should write at least one per month.” He then picked up a pencil and crossed it out. “Oh wait... now it doesn’t.”
Okay, maybe he would last after all. “So noted, sir!”
“Next question, Sergeant. Almost every unit of the palace guard keeps different shift hours and some run three shifts. What is the thought process behind our shifts?”
“Princess Luna keeps different hours than most ponies and we’ve adjusted accordingly. She wakes around lunchtime and goes to bed shortly after the dawn.”
“When you don’t keep her up all night playing games,” Russet interjected.
I couldn’t help but smile. “Correct. I should note that having a personal relationship with the pony you guard is essential to success. We do not want to be detached. We must know our VIP so that we can anticipate her and protect her while also being transparent. We are not her captors. That is why our shift change occurs in the middle of when she is asleep. That way both shifts will get to spend time with her.”
The lieutenant tossed his officer’s manual into the waste basket and said, “I don’t think that is going to help me much.”
With a shrug, I admitted, “I ran into the same situation, sir. Sometimes I still struggle with it. Manuals and oaths are black and white. Equestria has many shades of gray. Sometimes you have to make a gut decision and stick with it.”
“So I am seeing. I think if I’m going to truly learn how we do our job I need to experience it from the ground up like you did. Sergeant, I want you to put me on the schedule.”
My brow lifted. A lieutenant pulling guard duty? That was largely unheard of but it was the best way for him to learn what we actually do and spend some time with Princess Luna.
“Yes, sir,” I said, flipping open the schedule book. “You’ll take over for Harvest Moon. I need to train him up a bit for his Guard 2nd Class test anyway.”
“You do that?” the lieutenant asked.
“Of course, sir. A good leader makes everypony else look as strong as possible. If your whole unit looks strong, there will be no doubt as to why. Don’t we owe it to our team members to help them excel?”
“That we do, Sergeant. That we do.”
At that point, I felt confident that Russet Rook was going to do just fine. “Keep that up, sir, and you’ll be general soon.”
“Let’s just start with lieutenant for now, Sergeant.”
“Aye, sir. Aye.”
☾
I sat quietly at the secretary’s desk in Princess Luna’s office, working on my sketches of Crystal Wishes. Lieutenant Rook was standing guard. He was doing well enough but officers’ training doesn’t really prepare you for standing still for hours on end. It was clear he was wearing out but from his expression, I knew he was going to tough it out and learn.
Princess Luna was having tea with Lady Cadence. Her mood had dramatically improved lately and we had not spoken at all about my mission. She and Lady Cadence were discussing the upcoming Hearts and Hooves Day. It was still a month or so away but I guess there is no harm in planning early.
“What dost thou and thy stunning captain have planned?” Princess Luna asked.
Lady Cadence clapped her hooves together. “He says he has a big surprise for me! I have been trying to figure out what it is. The suspense is just too much to bear!”
It was weird hearing about the captain in such a way. I tried to ignore it. “What about you, Luna?”
Princess Luna replied, “I am not certain. Hearts and Hooves is not a favorite holiday of mine. Most ponies will be busy, so I may simply catch up on some work.”
“Oh, Luna, that's no fun! It is the most romantic time of year! I could help you. A pony that may already fancy you might just find the courage to ask for your hoof thanks to some love magic,” Cadence said with glee.
“Thy concern is most kind, but I shall not be sad. It is enough to let the other ponies have a good time. Besides, it would be most inappropriate to just ensnare some poor pony with a crush.”
Cadence reached out to tap the copy of Princess of the Knight that was sitting on the coffee table. “Oh, you can’t fool me. I know you like romance. Perhaps I’ll cast my spell on Silent Knight over there.”
Across the room, I saw the lieutenant’s eyes go large. He wasn’t accustomed to banter yet. I should demonstrate how it is done.
Dropping my pencil, I said flatly, “Oh were it possible for a pony as low as I to love the moon so bright. It is forbidden! It must not be! I could fly into the night sky to reach her and still fall short to her magnificence. Alas, I must only admire from afar.” Yeah… I read Crystal Wishes’s book. Sue me! I got bored sometimes.
Everypony in the room stared at me and then Princess Luna started laughing. “Thou readest the book! Silent Knight, thou never ceases to amaze and delight.”
“One of the many services I offer, my Magnificent Lady,” I said in an over the top way before I bowed.
Lady Cadence giggled and waved a hoof in my direction. “Now I know why you like him so much, Luna. He isn’t all stuffy. You’re safe and you can still be yourself.”
That seemed to ease the lieutenant’s mind. He had been looking pretty stunned. Just another lesson for the new officer’s manual.
“And how about you, Silent Knight? What are you going to be doing on Hearts and Hooves Day?” Lady Cadence asked.
“If I have my way, I’ll be here playing a game or two with Princess Luna. Single ponies need to stick together. She owes me a rematch, anyway.”
“Verily!” Princess Luna cheered.
Being single wasn’t so bad when you had a princess to play games with. In fact, I’d say that it was almost preferable.
☾
“If you say no, it is completely okay. I wouldn’t hold it against you at all… I just felt like I needed your permission,” Iridescence said.
“You do need my permission,” I replied.
She huffed at me. “You know what I mean. Not for the schedule change… for the date. Are you okay if I have a date on Hearts and Hooves Day?”
“I am,” I replied mostly honestly. Iridescence had met somepony and that was fine. We hadn’t been together for quite some time and her dating hadn’t impacted our friendship at all. I simply ignored that part of it.
“Can you cover for me that day, then?” she asked.
I stroked my chin. “I don’t know… maybe I have a date too and I’m technically off.”
The unicorn mare glared at me. It didn’t work this time but I was playing anyway. She asked, “And who is your date with?”
“Princess Luna.”
Iridescence slapped a hoof to her face. “Then cover for me and have a date with her! It is the same thing.”
“It is hard to cuddle in armor.”
I could tell she wanted to pop me one but the beauty of this particular conversation was that she couldn’t. “Please, Sergeant?”
“Oh, well, when you put it like that... Yes, of course I’ll cover for you.”
“Thank you! Thank you so much!” she exclaimed, happily leaning in to kiss my cheek. She then froze, her eyes going wide. Slowly, she reached over, took my helmet off, kissed my cheek, and then replaced it. Leaning back, she nodded. “Thank you, Sergeant.”
“You’re welcome. Dismissed,” I said as I felt my face flush.
☾
“Miley Hooves? You, too?” I asked incredulously. “Iridescence wasn’t in here but two hours ago.”
Miley squirmed. “I know, Sergeant! I asked her first. That is why I’m here. I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t important.”
I leaned back and steepled my hooves. “I’m listening.”
“Runic and I are going to a show. I actually asked him and he said yes! The only tickets I could get were for Hearts and Hooves Day. I really want to go,” she begged.
“Far be it for me to stand in the way of your passions, Miley.” I said. Since Runic and Miley had been doing ‘research’ together, she hadn’t had a single accident. I actually wanted that to work out for the both of them. “Okay. I’ll cover your shift for you.”
Miley squealed in delight, “Thank you, Sergeant! You’re so sweet! I mean… you’re great,” she trailed, pushed my helmet up, and kissed me on the cheek.
“No problem. Dismissed.” Twice in one day…
☾
“You said yes to both of them,” Lieutenant Rook said. He had been in the office the whole time just observing.
“I did.”
“But why? You had the evening off and now you’re going to be standing guard.”
That was a fair question. I sat quietly a minute before I explained, “Iridescence rarely uses her leave since she has came back on duty from her injury. They’re stacking up and when somepony else needs her to cover for them, she does it. Sergeant Orchid has a family and I don’t. We’re the only two that can cover for Iridescence, so I’m the logical choice.”
“And Miley Hooves?” he asked.
I grinned. “She is an honest and hardworking guard. She never changes her shift and has a perfect attendance record. My cousin, Runic, is an eccentric guy. If she had the courage to ask him on a date and he said yes, I’m not getting in the way of that. I’m already covering and I actually like standing guard.”
“So in that case it is slightly personal?” he asked and I nodded.
“Exactly, sir. Personal feelings aside, though, I’d have still said yes in her case. She’s earned that much.”
“It all makes sense. You did slightly miscalculate the situation, Sergeant,” Lieutenant Rook said.
“Sir?” I asked.
“There are three ponies that can cover for Iridescence. You, Sergeant Orchid, and me. It also so happens I don’t have any plans, either, so you will be working the first half of Miley’s Shift and I’ll work the second.”
“That sounds an awful lot like an order, sir.”
“It is,” the lieutenant replied.
I smiled. “Very good, sir. Thank you. You’re most kind.”
“Please don’t kiss me on the cheek,” the lieutenant said hastily, leaning back.
Clearing my throat, I replied, “No problem, sir. I wouldn’t unless you bought me dinner first.”
☾
I knocked lightly on the door to Crystal Wishes and Velvet Step’s condo.
“Just a minute,” Crystal Wishes called from inside after a few lights came on. The latch turned and she poked her head out. “Oh! Sergeant Knight… I’m a mess!”
In fairness, I had come by slightly later than intended. There had been a minor scuffle between Thunder Tumble and one of Princess Celestia’s house guards. I handled it but it had made me late. Not that Crystal Wishes was expecting me in the first place.
Crystal Wishes stood in her doorway wearing her night robe. Her mane was pulled up but still showed the wonderful blonde and pink mix. I certainly couldn’t have agreed she was a mess. Yes, she may not have been done up like she is when she goes out, but that made it all the more impressive. She was stunning even when she wasn’t trying. I really shouldn't have been thinking that.
“I apologize for disturbing you this late. I had intended to come over earlier. I know Velvet Step is gone and I wanted to look in and make sure you were getting on fine,” I explained, taking my helmet off.
She blinked and then said, “That is so sweet of you. Please, do come in.”
“Thank you,” I said, following her in as she stepped to the side. I’d never been inside her condo before. It was nice. Well-decorated, of course, but not overly so. Crystal Wishes was a pretty successful author but she didn’t live like one of the wealthy ponies. She was comfortable and that was one of the many reasons she was so approachable.
“How are you getting on?” I asked.
“Oh, I’m fine, honest,” she said, offering me a pillow. “Have a seat?” I did and she went on, “This is the new normal for Velvet and I’m growing accustomed to it. She is getting popular and she’ll be taking off with them a few times a year to perform in other cities. Sure, I miss her, but I wish all the success in the world for her.”
“You are one of the kindest ponies I’ve ever met,” I said quietly. “I have no doubt that you mean it. Besides, I’m sure she’ll be home soon.”
Crystal Wishes nodded and smiled. “Thank you. Yes, she will. Now, isn’t it a little late to be getting off work? And to come all the way here just to check up on me. Who is the kind pony now?”
“Occupational hazard. Staying late, that is. Checking up on you is just being a good friend.” I rubbed my cheek a bit. “Thunder Tumble got into a little fight with a rookie on Princess Celestia’s House Guard.”
“Over what?” Crystal Wishes asked. “Isn’t Thunder Tumble the sweetest, quietest guard in the lot?”
“Only until the first punch is thrown.” I chuckled and then smoothed my hoof over my mane. “It seems that there was a debate over who had the best unit sergeant. Evidently, I was described in less than flattering terms regarding my rigidity. Thunder took exception to that.”
Crystal Wishes laughed. “He was defending your honor? How did you handle it?”
I laughed with her. This wasn’t an everyday occurrence and I couldn’t help myself. “It was tough, I have to be honest. I got them separated of course. Thankfully, Sunny Day responded as well. We agreed it was a wash and that we’d handle our guards individually. Thunder was really upset. It took me a while to get him calmed down.”
“Will he be in much trouble?”
I shook my head. “Small slap on the hoof. He should have been the bigger pony but he really knocked that other guard down a peg. Between you and me, off the record, I was proud of him. He won the fight hooves down.”
Crystal Wishes covered her mouth as she laughed again. “You’re proud of him for winning a fight? I don’t know that I understand stallions.”
“My father always taught me never to start a fight but, if I found myself in one, I had best be sure I finished it. That is what Thunder did,” I explained.
“I guess that makes sense in some way,” Crystal Wishes said.
“How is the writing going? Princess Luna is very eager to get her hooves on it. She just may be your biggest fan.”
Crystal Wishes looked over at her sofa. It was covered with pages. “It is coming along… It feels a little forced at the moment. I need a stallion’s perspective on something and since you’re here, would you mind?” she asked, looking back at me.
“Not at all.”
“If you were in love with two different ponies and had to choose between them, how would you do it?” she asked.
That was one heck of a perspective question. I also wasn't an expert in the matters of the heart. “That is tough… You might not like my answer.”
“Try me.”
“To start, I’d have to make a list of why I thought I loved each pony. If I truly did, couldn’t I say why? If I couldn’t, that might make it easier for me to see I only loved one… or neither,” I explained.
“Alright, you have your lists. What if you could make them for each pony? Which one would you pick then?” she pressed.
I inhaled and thought about that. “I guess I would look for the pony with the more long-term traits. When I imagine being in love, and I don't often, I don’t worry so much about physical beauty and such. Not that I don't appreciate that.
"My mom always says that true love is long term. I’d love the pony that is patient and kind. The sort of pony that will put her desires after my own but would also know when to let me do the same for her. She would have to be my friend and confidant. The sort of pony I could tell anything without being judged.
“It is easy to be trapped in infatuation but I’d take the sweet pony every time. That is how I’d know she was the one. There can’t be two ponies like that, can there? Surely the lists would make it clear and I would know right away which was love and which was infatuation.”
Crystal Wishes was staring at me, her eyes big and soft. They were hazel and unique. Nopony had eyes like hers. I was sure of that. “You’re a romantic,” she whispered.
“Perhaps I am. Perhaps I’m looking for a pony that doesn’t exist. That is fine, though. She’ll be worth the wait. I’d rather get the right one than settle for the wrong one that just comes along sooner,” I said.
“I’m sure she exists, Silent Knight. I just know you’ll see her eventually,” Crystal Wishes promised me.
“I believe you’re right,” I said and then stood. “I should let you sleep. I’ve kept you longer than I should. Thank you.”
Her head tilted and she repeated, “Thank you?”
“I came here to check up on you, but instead I feel suddenly more hopeful about my prospects of love. Thank you, Crystal Wishes. You’re the sweetest pony I know.”
I turned to leave and Crystal Wishes asked, “Oh, Sergeant, what are you doing for Hearts and Hooves Day?”
“I’m covering for Iridescence and Miley Hooves. They both had plans and I didn’t. How about you?”
Crystal Wishes lightly shrugged. “Oh, I’ll probably hang out with Velvet, I guess. She’ll be back by then.”
“I’m sure you two will have fun. Goodnight,” I said as I walked out into the night alone.
Crystal's Wishes Companion Chapter: Chocolate Roses
If you are enjoying this story, please consider taking a look at Crystal and my's website QuillnBlade.com for extra content such as mini stories, an Ask Us form to submit questions, responses to said questions, and special rewards for the awesome folks who support our Patreon.
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Don't think that 'are' was supposed to have slipped in.
Anyhow, in this chapter... shippery continues. Might as well open a marina at this point. Which Silent Knight runs because apparently you're never going to let him get on a ship of his own again so he gets to just sit there and watch all the other ships.
5633635 That is a rogue are! Good catch =D
a little confusing wording here, I think you were trying to say "we do not want be attached."
5633644 so hey about how i accidentally said shining armor instead of silent knight and have since edited out of my post thus leaving no evidence that it ever happened ever, let's just pretend that never happened, just a little secret between you and me and absolutely no one else ever, okay?
Oh, Silent... Just... just... why are you so 'you'?
Though I do like his answer to Crystal's question. It's nice to have a main character that would actually man up and make a choice in that situation.
Wow. It looks like Silent may be on the track to romance. I guess we will see soon enough. Great job. Good luck with the next chapter.
Well that was nice, pity the Hearts and Hooves chapter (or at least the chapter that references the holiday in past tense) wasn't out out in time for Valentine's Day, seeing as Valentine's day was this past Saturday. Fun fact about Valentine's Day, it's named after Saint Valentine who was actually trying to stop a similar practice we have in our modern version of the holiday. A lot of people like to say that the holiday was "created by greeting card companies and candy companies", the holiday actually has its roots in Roman culture.
5633772 I didn't want to rush it out. The Hearts and Hooves chapter will make it in February though so I'm counting that as close enough!
5633699 Could be =D
5633676 Silent Knight is a take charge sort of pony!
5633662 No one saw anything!
5633784
Indeed he is, and I definitely like that about him. And the more Silent's little misunderstanding about Crystal goes on, the more I can't wait to see what'll happen when the big reveal comes around.
Assuming it really is a misunderstanding...
5633644
upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/03/Aybabtu.png
That last scene:
i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag320/The_Final_Firedancing_Fiend/Misc%20Pics/Facehoof_zpsdw1gijau.png
Silverlay owned by EStories. Art by me. Part of a larger picture, it just fit far too well for my reaction.
There is no other reaction to Silent Knight's obliviousness. THE SWEETEST UNICORN YOU KNOW IS ASKING YOU ON A BUCKING DATE, YOU IDIOT SON OF A BUCK! For a romantic, he's far, far too dense.....
Anyway, the Lieutenant is a real good guy and I can see him going far.
Provided he survives listening to the stuff on Guard Duty. 
I like him, and Silent is awesome as usual, right up until the last scene where I wanted to smack Lord Silent, King of the Dense Ones..... 
god, this is trawling with shipping
Hmmm, this might be a bit of a stretch, but I sense that the construction of the SilentxWishes ship has just begun over in the shipyard...
marineinsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/0013729e43580e8e1a2021.jpg
5634143
upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c7/Long_Beach_Naval_Shipyard.jpg
This place has less shipping than the story.
That was fun. Looking forward to more.
Keep up the good work. Deus tecum.
5634233 Hmmm good point
My gosh that was the best heart tugging piece I have ever read :D something I desire myself. Maybe both of us shall find that one love we search for ^^ How is this story not gained like a million likes?! D: this story is one of those diamonds in the rough that needs to be found and polished off and shown to the world :3
Great as always, thanks for writing this!
that last scene...
beautifully written.
I said it before, and I'll say it again: Silent Knight gets all the mares. All of 'em!
Just ship them already. Quite leaving him hanging.
Cytastal Has a crush on Silent Knight? LOvshipping!
Wouldn't Luna go to sleep slightly after dawn?
I mean, she has to lower the moon first, then Celestia rises the sun.
So unless she is basically standing on her bed while lowering the moon and instantly goes to sleep, she'd almost have to stay up until after dawn.
Ohhhh nooooes I've caught up now i have to wait around for more of the wonderful story like the other peasants oh noooooo
5635940 On the plus side, I update every Monday and Thursday! The wait won't be too long, I promise =D Thank you for the kind words!
5635730 That is a good point. I sort of imagined it like raising one lowers the other. That probably isn't accurate but we know Celestia can do both so I'm retro-invoking that Luna is lazy ;D She raises it and then leaves it for Celestia to clean up!
5635655 Hmm, isn't she with Velvet?
5634697 5634380 Thank you both. I'm glad you enjoyed that scene. It was a super important one to write and I wanted to make it special. It seems well received!
5634427 Thank you ^_^ Thanks for reading!
5634233 5634211 5634143 5634081 5635044 Oh you all and your shipping! It is a perfectly innocent friendship. Totally. Romance tag!
5636197
Your story, your call.
Still, does not come of as very nice to Luna.
5636427 Yeah, I think I'll probably just update that at some point to say she goes to bed right after dawn ;) Far more believable that way.
5636450
(and she did decide to use the Canterlot nobility as chess pieces in one of the MLP comics), to reign of terror that make Sauron look nice. 
Agreed.
There are many things i could believe of Luna based on her canon appearances, starting from tea parties that make Alice in Wonderland look sane
Shirking of her duties, is not on the list.
Geez. Silent does get all the mares.
Luna...?
5636197 you go for the most innocent story ever, then god damn ship it to overfishing
i love this story
You just made more ships than the shipyard in Danzig! It's madness!
I can't wait for the book to make more myths abaut Knight in Canterlot. It will be sweet!
rofl!!
Or is this the secret stealth ship?
5634909 Well it wasn't shown as far as my awareness reaches, but in the show I could sworn they said she was a Pegasus to start.
5639936 I'm really glad you're enjoying it! Thank you for the kind comment.
5638407
5643542
d3z1rkrtcvm2b.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/floating_hotel.jpg.pagespeed.ce.ouiB7c3GKe.jpg
shipping intensifies
5644292 5643542 You two and your ships! Honestly all of these pictures make me laugh. I had no idea we had ships that big!
5642592 I don't know about the married part but in this case they were pretty tame with their affection. Silent Knight is new at this after all!
5641986 I'm thrilled you're enjoying it! Glad to have you along.
5641688 Very much thank you!
Yeah, I'm now fully on board with Silent X Crystal. That last scene, so great.
5654955 Luna Knight! I've already got the ship built and everything.
Ask Captain Armor to introduce you to his sister at some point. She'll ask you to a date herself the moment you finish saying "make a list". :P
6312098 I'm not going to say something like this DOESN'T happen.
Ecxellent story so far. I did find one instance that didnt make sense to me. The first word in the quote, should it be 'its' instead of 'it'?
I get the feeling that they need to scrap the training manual if t so doesn't fit these situation. I bet it's some officer in school who wrote it rather then a vet.
I like this guy.
I really like this guy.
Geez. The shipping flags between Crystal and Velvet are intense on this side of the tale. Its a shame that Crystal actually like Silent.
6644352 https://youtu.be/HZZ4VfJLHMI?t=1m19s This is exactly what I'm going to do to you for spoiling this.
I laughed a little at that, it's actually my go to reply when my friends drop innuendos
Standing still in one spot all day is tough. Matters of soreness aside, my experience is either hyperfocusing on the details of the background or drifting off into your own head. Neither are great habits in a guard, I expect.
I expect me and Cadence are thinking the same thing: there are, like, five candidates that come to mind and that's just in the palace itself. She's a wicked shipper, that one.
On the manuel -
My thoughts are, Luna's House Guard is probably a little more unique than any other guard formation, in no small part also because they are the newest. PCHG, for instance, has had at least several centuries of a consistent VIP with consistent habits and who is, far as we know, very much attentuated to being a statesmare by her own nature. Everybody probably bends the small things of the book to their own extent, I'm just saying that it makes sense that PLHG is a little more liberal in doing so.
7894562 Standing for four hours sucks. Standing for twelve is hell on humans, but probably easier for equines - they're built for it more than we are.
How'd you put my LT into your story? It's uncanny!
There's an extra word in in this sentence.
I pictured this in the same tone of voice as Sheldon Cooper. Then I pictured it in Steven Hawking's vocodor. Not sure which one I like better.
I want to see this now. Nothing else. Just the cuddling. Even better if they're only doing it to mock somepony like Cadance.
OK, that got a good laugh out of me.