Sentinel
They called me that to begin with. A simple but eloquent word, exaggerating my position. My post has been the same for many years and initially, I was proud of it.
Enlist now! Become a Sentinel of Equestria!
It was such a tempting offer at the time. To fight by Royalty itself, to protect the land I love from anything and anyone.
However, I don't share that same enthusiasm as the young stallion I was did, so long ago.
Times have changed; the uniform has changed. Even the title has changed.
But my position? No, that hasn't changed.
I stand by the Princess' throne every day, watching over Equestria.
Watching the door, rather.
At first, it was enjoyable enough. I had a duty, a status, and I was content with it. The minutes became hours but still, my back stood firm. I puffed my chest out with the utmost pride and looked directly forward, barely able to contain my jubilant emotions.
Look at me! Protector of the Princess! Sentinel of Equestria!
I was the first to become a Sentinel and everypony knew my name for I was the captain of them all. My family would often congratulate me; they would come pay visits regularly. I would receive gifts from my friends and even tokens of appreciation from absolute strangers.
Soon, I was no stranger. Everypony respected me and I was second only to the two Princesses. Life was pretty good and I wouldn't have traded that role for anything.
But soon, things began to change. I began to change.
The days went by and on one of them, I felt the deepest of itches beneath my armoured fur. I dared not touch it as I did not want to ruin the image I had built of myself. Who knows what could have happened if I broke my pose?
But it just wouldn't go away that day. My body pleaded for mercy and release but I did not assist it. I chose not to aid it with all my strength and heart. A Sentinel does not show emotion.
That night, however, everything was better. The itch faded and I could sleep in peace. What did my dreams hold that night? Nothing, actually.
The next day the itch returned, stronger than before. I again held firm, but I know I showed signs of discomfort that day. The night? Release, once more.
On the third day I couldn't take it any longer. I was about to move my hoof up there; was about to get rid of that pesky itch, before it happened.
Another sentinel charged through the great doors, without asking for entry, and whispered something in Princess Celestia's ear.
I did not make out what he said. I didn't strain my ear as it was not my duty to eavesdrop. That and the itch was all that occupied my thoughts at the time.
I now know that what the sentinel spoke was news of Princess Luna's betrayal. She had refused to lower the moon out of her resentfulness towards Celestia and her preferred daytime.
I feel the slightest of guilt now, looking back. I too, had been neglecting the nightime. Out of duty, I know, but still, I was as much to blame.
I didn't avert my gaze to Celestia and the guard; I didn't see her facial expression at the time. I just kept my head straight forward, staring at the door like I was supposed to. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Celestia rushing past down the steps and towards the exit.
In a moment, she was gone.
I was the next highest figure of authority so I then spoke to the messenger. He told me of how Princess Luna had transformed into a horrible creature, harboured by hate.
I bit my lip and resumed my position. Nothing more, nothing less. However, that night, I wondered why I had not been called to aid the Princess. It was none of my business, but I would have happily put my life on the line to protect Equestria.
There isn't a lot I can remember after that. Years went by and I grew older. All the time I wondered: why am I here? Not once in those years was I called to protect the land I love. The itch nagged at me each day, reminding me that I was not out there living my life. My friends and family stopped visiting and eventually no longer sent gifts.
There was nothing for me. Each day was the same as the next and my conversations with family became none the wiser. My dreams remained bland and empty of emotion as I had nothing to fill them with. I did not know life outside the four walls of this palace.
Age began to creep up on me. Fitness too. My lifestyle was obviously not a healthy one as I kept my position throughout most of the day. My spine began to arch slightly, forcing me to look partially downwards at the floor.
I also grew a bit of resent of my own for the others around me. For the new recruits with their fresh physical structures and minds intact. For the sentinel who often delivered messages – he was permitted to speak more often than most. He was allowed to move.
Even the slightest bit for my beloved Princess. Never a thank you, nor a sign of gratitude passed her lips towards me. Perhaps she forgot I was there by her side. Perhaps she had other matters to attend to. Still, it stung slightly and I often questioned if it was really worth it, protecting her.
Protecting? Pff. That changed officially too.
Our initial name of Sentinel was soon replaced with “Royal Guard” and I wasn't given the role of captain this time. But I understood the circumstances when it was decreed and did not show any signs of complaint.
I just kept looking forward at that door.
I still am now. I've lost count of the decades. Lost count of all the good times I've missed out on. I never got to see my family grow up. I never got to travel beyond the city of Canterlot. I don't even know who I am anymore. My title of “Royal Guard” means nothing to me as there are too many of us. Nopony would even care if I-
“Is something the matter?”
I jump slightly, startled, before quickly regaining my composure and looking up to the serene face of the Princess. Was she really talking to me?
I think she still looks the same as when I first met her. I can't properly tell though: it's been too long.
Protect. Sleep. Protect.
That is it. Everything in between is filler.
How do I speak again?
“I am fine, my Princess,” I say, nervously picking out the words. I have never really addressed her in this way. I can't even remember the last time we held conversation.
“Good to hear. Stay strong,” Celestia says encouragingly. She moves away, back up to her throne.
It clicks. Everything clicks.
I will, don't you worry – I will stay strong to my last breath. My Princess needs me and I shall not fail her, regardless of the consequences.
Before I can regain my poise I notice another Guard out the corner of my eye, at the other side of the throne. He catches my gaze briefly before looking back at the door.
I do the same.
The itch is gone: I have finally accepted who I am.
I am not a Royal Guard; I am not a protector of Equestria, fighting on the battlefield. I do not posses the Alicorn form or wield those Elements of Harmony. I am no ordinary pony, however.
I am a Sentinel – the one who watches those wooden doors until his dying breath.
Because that's what Sentinels do.