A story about how relations change with time. Can a guard and a princess find the tone?
Luna is the princess of the night. She rules next to the solar princess, her sister Celestia. With her by her side, Luna feels her duties are a true pleasure. However, something is missing in the blue alicorn's life. Is it power? Safety? ...Love?
Feeling tension every day, princess Luna is keeping a deep secret. And the closest she can get to ease her craving is to see him. One special stallion that always leaves an impact on her. A grown unicorn in an outfit suiting his name. Will the princess of the night find what she's looking for?
Disclaimer -This is a fanfic. With that in mind, I kindly ask you not to criticize the fact that one part of an official pairing is absent. I also have no grudges against the official pairing. -The content rating is currently fully SFW. As the story progresses, it will lead up to mature content. When that is added later on, the rating tag will be changed, and this point in the disclaimer edited or removed. -Current comments will not be removed, but from now on I kindly ask you to give me your suggestions for edits in PMs rather than comments, just to prevent possibly ruining other people's wish to read the story. -The cover art is by SweetCandy70
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?"
The two of them sat silently on the couch. Not a word was spoken after Luna's proposition. Shining kept his attention pointed towards the alicorn next to him. His eyes were fixed, yet insecure. Questions raced within his mind.
What is going on? Why is she so silent?
Luna looked back into Shining's eyes. Cyan met cerulean. She could sense her seatmate's troubled mind. She cleared her throat.
"Is there something wrong, Shining?" she asked calmly. "You haven't said a word." She put a hoof on the unicorn's shoulder.
Shining winced by the sudden touch and snapped out of his trance. He cast a quick look down at his shoulder. The dark blue hoof touching his golden apparel. He looked back up at Luna's face and let out a sigh.
"I'm sorry..." he whispered. "I didn't mean to seem ungrateful or anything." He put his left hoof on Luna's. "It's just that I'm surprised. Surprised that somepony of your status would offer to help a guard with his troubles..."
Luna smiled warmly and gave off a faint blush. She nodded slowly.
"It is rather uncommon, I must agree," she said back. "But you know, among rocks and dirt lie gems. Gems and other treasures, disguised to the pony's eyes. But those treasures are still there."
Luna smiled and snuck a gentle hoof under Shining's plating as she spoke.
"The same goes for kindness. Ponies can be very friendly, and you might not realize right away. But if you look closely enough..."
She loosened one of the locks.
"...you may be lucky enough to find a trace."
She slid her other hoof under the opposite shoulder and undid the leather band.
"Follow that trace..."
The golden plating popped open.
"...and you will find the treasure."
Luna slid the armor off of Shining's chest, maintaining her calm smile without a break. She ran her hooves down along his arms, feeling the white coat brush gently against her hooves.
Shining blushed deep as he realized what had just happened. His cerulean eyes slid down slowly, moving his attention to the princess of the night's actions. Her dark blue hooves tickled against his skin, leaving him gently trembling.
"L-luna..." he stammered lowly.
Luna looked up at Shining's face. "Yes?" she responded. Her expression turned slightly worried.
The unicorn kept at his shaky posture. His jaw shivered, he was unable to speak a word.
Luna's ears dropped. "I see..." she said lowly and closed her eyes. She retracted her hooves and let out a sigh. "I understand." She lowered her head slowly.
Shining moved his gaze slowly up along the pony in front of him. He didn't dare look the princess directly in the eyes. It didn't take him long to figure out he had hurt the long living, yet young mare. The realization burned in his chest. He brushed a lock of hair out of his face and let out a sigh.
"Your highness..?" he lowly spoke.
Luna didn't speak a word in return. She just let out a low "Mhm?" as she nodded slightly.
Shining put a hoof gently under the alicon's chin and lifted her face up. He took a deep breath. "I accept your offer," he said and smiled carefully.
Luna's eyes opened slowly. She focused on the friendly face before her. She smiled back. "You do?" she asked back.
Shining nodded again. "I understand it means something to you," he continued. "And no matter what that something would be, I wouldn't want to take it from you." He blushed lightly as he finished his sentence.
Luna smiled warmly and nodded. "Thank you," she replied. "You are right that it means something to me. I am glad you understand."
She put a hoof to the white under her chin.
It didn't take long before the princess of the night had prepared the massaging station for Shining. The area in the middle of Luna's bedroom had been cleared out and covered with a thin matress. By one shortside were two bottles of oil and a small iron ball. Along the longside were an arranged row of scented candles, releasing the mild fragrances of lavender and honey.
"I hope you can find yourself comfortable," Luna smiled and looked at Shining sitting next to her.
The unicorn turned and looked back at Luna. "I'm sure that won't be a problem at all," he smiled.
Luna chuckled lowly as a bright blush arose on her cheeks. "Well then" she said. "Please lie down on the mat, and we will begin."
Shining nodded and crawled onto the matress. He took a deep whiff of the scents that surrounded his wondering mind.
"Have you ever had a back massage, Shining?" the princess asked and levitated a bottle to her hooves.
"Umm..." Shining began insecure. "Not as far as I can remember, no."
Luna nodded and let a gentle "Mhm" escape her muzzle as she poured out a small stripe of oil onto her right hoof. "Then I guess you could use one right now." She smiled warmly and rubbed the liquid between her hooves before she placed them onto Shining's back.
Shining's eyes shot open by the sudden sensation. He clenched his teeth as he felt his tense muscles finally acting up.
"Oh dear!" Luna exclaimed and retracted her hooves quickly. "My apologies! I hope it didn't hurt too bad." Luna looked at Shining's face worriedly.
The unicorn looked back at Luna and shook his head. "It's okay," he reassured her. "I just haven't really noticed how stressed up I really am." He turned his head back forwards, looking at the bottle in front of him. A long exhale left his nostrils. "The work has just been really demanding lately, you know? Security has to be reinforced, new recruits need to be trained..."
Luna moved a hoof to Shining's lips. "Shh..." she began in a low tone. "Do not stress yourself over it now. Your shift is over, and you must not worry. Now try and relax. I am sure you will enjoy the treatment. Or at least I hope you will."
Shining moved his eyes back towards the cyan ones. "You have experience in massaging ponies?" he asked.
Luna closed her eyes and starting moving her hooves in small circles. "My sister Tia is a very busy pony of authority," she calmly spoke. "And just like your work, hers has a history of leaving her exhausted and a bit stressed. When she returns from her duties, I like to offer her some kind of favour to help her relax."
"And that includes massaging?" Shining questioned.
"That is correct," Luna nodded and smiled. She continued to move her hooves over the back of the white unicorn. She then sat up. "Now, would you please sit up so I can more easily get to your shoulders?"
"Oh," Shining said. "Of course." He gave off a friendly nod and sat up slowly.
"Thank you," the princess smiled and gently grabbed the unicorn's shoulders. She then proceeded to put pressure on Shining's shoulder blades.
Shining closed his eyes and hummed lowly. Only interrupted by some jolts from tense muscles, he smiled by the magic of the hooves massaging him. It had been a long time since he felt this content. He simply enjoyed it.
"You're very good at this, Luna," he said.
"Well, thank you very much, Shining," Luna responded and smiled sweetly as her heart started to beat faster from the compliment. "I guess you're getting a bit more comfortable?"
"Very," Shining smiled and hummed again. "I like it a lot. You're a good friend, princess Luna."
Suddenly, a new sensation tickled his senses. His eyes slid open, his ears perked up. Something felt odd. It was something that he couldn't really make out. But he was certain it wasn't common for a massage. He turned his head slowly to the right. His eyes followed, and he saw it.
Luna was leaning forward, lightly touching the unicorn's neck with her muzzle. She took long, slow whiffs off his natural scents. And she was lowly purring.
"Umm... princess Luna..?" Shining lowly asked.
The princess of the night didn't respond. She was just slowly rubbing the unicorn's shoulders and sniffing his neck.
"Luna?" he asked again, a bit louder, and turned around.
"Oh..." Luna said and looked back at Shining. A bright red blush rose. "Oh heavens... I..." Her voice was slowly getting lower as she realized she had been letting her mind run freely.
"Your highness..?" Shining tried again and cleared his throat. "Would you please tell me what you were doing?"
Luna closed her eyes and let out a sigh. "I apologize," she said back. "I did not mean to do anything wild." She turned her head away. "I guess my mind ran freely for a moment..."
Shining cocked an eyebrow. "What do you mean?" he questioned.
The alicorn looked back at him. "I did not want to tell you yet," she said lowly. "I wanted to find the right time to let you in on something. Let you know a secret."
Shining's ears dropped. "You..." he started. "You wanted to tell me something?"
Luna nodded slowly.
The unicorn couldn't hold himself. He had to know. "What is it?"
Luna looked deeply into Shining's sparkly eyes. "Are you certain you want to know?" she asked.
Shining nodded. "If it will make it easier for you," he replied. "Then yes. Get the burden off your chest."
Luna closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "I have been watching you for several years, Shining Armor," she started. "And I told you that I admire your work, right?"
Shining nodded. "Yes, you did."
The princess put a hoof on Shining's shoulder. "But there was something more to it that I didn't tell you. Something deep." She moved her hoof gently to the unicorn's neck.
Shining gave off a wondering look on his eyes. "And what would that be?" he asked lowly.
Luna smiled warmly and leaned forward slowly. She could feel her heart race as their eyes came closer. An inch separated their faces before she whispered lowly: "I love you, Shining Armor." And then their lips made contact.
Shining's eyes opened wide in great surprise. He could hardly believe what was happening. Many thoughts, impressions, questions were filling up the young unicorn's mind. But he realized there was only one thing he could do that would not only make his princess happy, but also himself:
Morning rose slowly over Equestria. A gentle breeze rolled through the trees, shaking off the night's drops of dew. Squirrels and birds rubbed their eyes as they stepped out of their nests and holes, allowing their face to be warmed up by the orange light that arose in the horizon.
"Good morning, Equestria," the solar princess smiled as she dimmed the glow around her horn. She opened her eyes and gazed upon the view from the balcony outside the top floor. A wide area of yellow, blue and green stretched from end to end, sprinkled with various hints of the season's other colours. She hummed lowly.
A moment later, the sound of hoofsteps were heard behind her. Celestia turned around and smiled as she recognized her sister's face.
"A good morning to you, Tia," the dark blue princess greeted and bowed.
"Good morning to you too, Luna," Celestia smiled back and nodded. "Returning to your chambers, I guess?"
The nightly princess shook her head. "Not yet," she replied. "Last night was not among the longest, thus, I am not yet tired." She walked up next to her solar princess and cast a look over the Everfree Forest.
"Fall is coming to an end, Luna," Celestia said and turned the same way as her sister. "Winter will be upon us. And when that happens, you will have to rest as much as you can. Nights will be long."
The dark blue alicorn let out a sigh and closed her eyes. "I know, Tia," she replied lowly. "It is how it has been for the last several millennia. I just don't like it, is all."
Celestia moved her eyes to Luna and cocked an eyebrow. "Don't like it?" she asked. "What do you mean by that, sister?"
Luna looked back into the solar princess' greyish magenta eyes. "I do not enjoy the winter," she said.
Celestia's expression grew more curious. "What is there not to like?" she questioned further. "It isn't the cold, is it? Or is it the long nights you have to take care of?"
Luna shook her head once again. "No, it is not," she said. She looked back over the forest. "It is the snow that bothers me."
The solar princess' lips turned to a slight frown. "Is that it?" she asked. "You don't like snow?"
Luna nodded.
Celestia let out a sigh and turned to the back of the balcony. "You're tired, Luna," she said. "I know you are. Go get your rest now." She stepped into the room and closed the door gently behind her. I know something is bothering her, she thought to herself. It isn't like her to say something like that. Especially about her favourite season... She looked over her shoulder. What secrets do you hold, my sister? The solar princess shook her head and walked away.
Meanwhile, in the middle of PonyVille, the sounds of rapid hoofsteps and books banging against the floor were to be heard from the tree library.
"Oh, for Pete's sake, Twilight!" the grumpy purple dragon exclaimed. "Do you really have to do this now? I'm trying to sleep!"
"Sorry, Spike..!" Twilight panted. "But the Princess wanted me to file a report on the book of the Everfree's biology, and I can't find it!" The unicorn turned her attention around frantically, scouting the shelves for said book.
"Do whatever you want..." Spike muttered and turned back to the stairs. "You'll find me in the bed."
Twilight turned her look to her assistant. "Spi-ike!" she growled, "You gotta help me! You can start with that pile over there."
Spike stopped in the middle of the stairs and groaned lowly. "Fiiine..." he muttered and stumbled back down the stairs.
At the same moment, a series of knocks were heard on the door.
"Who could that be?" Spike asked curiously and took a step towards the door.
"No!" Twilight shouted and darted after him. "It could be the Princess!"
Spike cocked an eyebrow. "And?" he questioned.
"She might be angry about the missing report!" Twilight replied quickly. "Don't open the door, she might think we're not home."
Spike rolled his eyes. "Oh come on, Twilight..." he said. "Princess Celestia is the least likely pony to make a fuss about something that small." He patted Twilight on the head. "And there's no point in pretending we're not here. She has definetely already heard your panicking. Besides, wouldn't it be rude not to answer her door calls?"
The purple unicorn glared at the dragon. She thought of more spells than there are stellar constellations known to ponykind that she could use on him. But she knew he was right. She let out a long sigh in defeat and walked over to the door.
Come on, Twilight, she thought to herself. There's nothing to be afraid of... Just smile and remain calm. She put her hoof on the handle and opened the door slowly.
"Twilight..?" a voice on the other side said lowly.
"Eep!" Twilight screamed and slammed the door shut as the first she noticed was a set of white hooves.
"Oww!" the visitor yelled and hit the ground. "What in the name of Equestria was THAT for?! It's me!"
Twilight froze. She could barely breathe as a sudden realization came to mind.
The voice was male.
She quickly reopened the door and put a hoof to her gasping mouth as she saw her brother lying on the ground with a hoof to his nose. "Oh dear Celestia!" she exclaimed and ran out. "I'm so sorry, Shining! I thought you were somepony else!"
Shining kept rubbing his nose gently for a couple of seconds before he looked back up at the purple mare before him.
"On your nerves about Celestia as always?" he asked with a slight grin on his muzzle.
"Umm..." Twilight started and looked away as she scratched the back of her head. "Yeah... I guess I am a bit stressed." She gave off a slight chuckle.
Shining chuckled with her before he cleared his throat. "So," he said. "Would you mind helping me up?"
"Oh, of course!" Twilight replied quickly with an apologetic nod and reached out a hoof.
"So..." Shining started once again and pulled himself up. "Please, tell me. What is it now that is shaking you? Have you lost a scroll or something?"
"You can say that," Twilight nodded. "I got a report I have to write for the Princess. But I can't for the life of me find the darn book I'm supposed to base the report on!"
The white unicorn tilted his head. "And you're sure nopony has it?" he asked.
Twilight shook her head. "Who would that be, then?"
"Oh, I don't know," Shining said. "Perhaps a stallion whose sister mistakenly gave him the wrong book for his studies?" The stallion opened his saddlebag and levitated out a book. He held the label in front of his sister to read.
Canterlot Library Biology Forest, Everfree
Twilight stared at the book for a long while, so long that Spike felt the need to slap her back to reality.
"Oh, sorry..!" she said lowly and put her attention back on her brother.
"This the book you were after?" Shining questioned.
"Yeah," Twilight smiled and nodded. "Thanks, Shining."
The stallion nodded back and placed the book in the purple dragon's hands. "Glad I could help," he said back. He then cast a quick look at the clock tower nearby. "Well, I guess I should be on my way back to the barracks. I just decided to swing by to return the book."
"Wait!" Twilight replied. "Wouldn't you like to come in for a bit? We hardly see each other, you know."
The stallion turned back and looked at Twilight. "Well, if you have the time," he said. "I don't want to interru-"
"Of course I have the time!" Twilight interrupted. "Please, come on in!"
Shining nodded and accepted the mare's invitation. He stepped inside and closed the door behind him before he placed his saddlebag by the coatrack.
It didn't take long before the air of the library was filled with the sweet scent of tea and wild berries. Twilight carried in a tea pot and cups and placed them on the table Shining had sat down by.
"Would you like some cookies?" she asked. "Spike made a bunch the other day."
"Eh, no thanks," Shining replied politely. "Maybe some other time."
Twilight smiled back and sat down in front of her brother. "So tell me," she said. "How are things back in Canterlot? Anything special happenings planned yet?"
Shining put a hoof to his chin and looked up as he pondered the question. "Not as far as I can remember," he said and shook his head.
Twilight nodded back. "Well then," she said and levitated the tea pot. "Shall I pour in for you?"
"Oh yes please," Shining said back and replied. "It smells good!"
"Yeah," Twilight smiled back. "Zecora helped me into the Everfree forest's most fragrant part. And you wouldn't believe it, but it has the best wildberries I have ever encountered! So she and I picked a basketful each before we went over to her cabin, where she showed me this herbal brew. Zecora said it's been used as a stress reliever where she comes from."
Shining chuckled lightly and took a swig of the lightly pink liquid. "Mmm..." he hummed lowly. "This is pretty good. And seeing as I usually don't drink tea..."
Twilight giggled back. "Maybe you would like to take a jug back to your troop and share?" she asked. "I'm sure they would like something to soothe their minds after a long day. Do you agree?"
Shining nodded back. "Of course, Twily," he smiled. "If it would be no trouble for you, of course."
"Not at all, Shining," Twilight chuckled and brought a jug to the table, which she then uncorked. "I'll just ask Spike to rekindle the fire. I got a whole cauldron full of this stuff."
"Splendid," Shining smiled and took another swig. He then let out a deep sigh.
Twilight looked up at him. "Anything wrong, Shining?" she asked.
"There was one thing..." Shining said lowly.
The mare tilted her head slightly. "What is it?" she questioned curiously.
Shining scratched the back of his head. "There was something going on last night," he said lowly. "I just don't really know what to make of it."
Twilight cocked an eyebrow. "What happened?"
The stallion cleared his throat and focused his cerulean eyes on his sister's. "Last night, after the day's training was over, I got into a little chat with Princess Luna. We had a laugh about each other's work. And then, when I was about to leave for the barracks, Luna stopped me and asked if I would like to come in to her room." Shining took another swig of the tea. "I thought she wanted assistance with something. Or perhaps a talk in privacy, not entirely sure."
"Hold on," Twilight interrupted. "Princess Luna invited you in?"
The stallion nodded.
"What happened then?" Twilight continued.
Shining lowered his head. "I don't know if I should tell," he said back lowly.
Twilight frowned. "Why not?" she asked.
Shining began shuddering slightly. "I don't know if you'll take it lightly, is all," he said.
"Shiny..." Twilight sighed. "You can tell me. I promise I won't think any less of you." She smiled warmly. "You're my BBBFF. Nothing will change that."
Shining looked up. "Promise?" he asked.
Twilight nodded. "Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye."
Shining nodded back. "Alright then," he said and took a few deep breaths to calm his nerves. "Luna wanted to give me a shoulder massage to help me relax. Of course, I thought that was really nice of her. So I sat down and let her get on with her offer. We kept talking. What we talked about, I don't remember. Whatever."
Twilight nodded back. "Go on," she said and kept her attention to her brother.
"So anyway," Shining continued. "She was ridding me of some stress. I was a bit sleepy, so I took the opportunity to rest my eyes. And that's when I felt it.
"Felt what?" Twilight asked curiously.
"A warm gust of air blowing over my neck," Shining answered. "I didn't realize immediately, but the princess had leaned in and rested her head on the back of mine."
"O...kay?" Twilight said back confused. "Why would she do that? Was she tired as well?"
"No, that wasn't the case," Shining said. "She had something she was constantly thinking about. Something she couldn't get off her mind."
"Huh," Twilight said and took a sip of the now lukewarm tea. "I didn't know Princess Luna was troubled. Did she tell you what it was?"
Shining nodded back with a slight smile. "She's been having an eye out for somepony."
Twilight's ears perked up. "Luna has the sweets on somepony? Who?"
"A young stallion in the guard," Shining said and looked deep into Twilight's violet eyes. "She's been feeling like that for quite some time, she said. She even let me know who it was." Shining blushed lightly. "Helpful as I am, I decided to help put her mind at ease. She hesitated a bit, but eventually found the courage to express her love for him."
Twilight smiled warmly. "So you two went to the barracks to find him," she said.
Shining shook his head. "He was in the room."
"Weren't you two alone?" Twilight asked and cocked an eyebrow.
The stallion nodded.
Twilight looked at Shining with a hanging jaw. "Are you telling me..." she started.
"Sweetie Belle?" Rarity called and looked around. "Sweetie Belle! Where in Celestia's name are you? I need to ask you something!" The mare let out a sigh and moved up the stairs. It had been through a rough day, and she was looking forward to relaxing under dimmed lights. And this time, since the business had been booming the last month, she wanted to bring her sister.
"Sweetie Belle?" she asked again. Suddenly, she heard the faint sound of something clicking behind the door to her right.
Sweetie Belle's room.
"You in here?" she asked and opened the door to see the filly sitting on the floor and. Sweetie Belle placed what she held on the floor and turned towards her.
"Oh, hey Rarity!" she squeaked with a smile. "What brings you here?"
Rarity looked at the items in front of Sweetie Belle. It looked like some contraption made out of wood. "What are you doing, Sweetie?" she asked curiously.
"Oh this!" the filly responded. "Apple Bloom said they had spare planks after their last refurbishment. She asked if I wanted to use them, which I of course thought about. So, I'm building my own sewing machine!" She nearly giggled at the end. "What do you think?"
"Oh," Rarity said back and put a hoof to her smile. "That sounds like a lovely idea. I see my fashion business has inspired you?"
"Well, kinda," Sweetie Belle said. "I'm not originally planning on sewing clothes, you see."
Rarity cocked an eyebrow. "Oh?" she asked curiously. "What then?"
Sweetie Belle pointed at her bedroom window. "I could really do with some curtains," she explained. "And I would love them to be personalized, if you understand. I want to have something self made." She let out a happy sigh before she looked back at her sister. "So I heard you were calling for me. I tried to answer back, but you didn't seem to hear me."
"Oh, right," Rarity said and cleared her throat. "I was just wondering if you would like to come to the spa with me."
Sweetie Belle tilted her head. "The spa?" she asked. "You're inviting me to the spa?"
Rarity nodded. "I have had quite the income lately, so I thought, why not treat my sister with a trip to the spa? You've been a good filly, so I thought you deserved it."
Sweetie Belle glanced at her sister. Her muzzle grew a wide smile. "Yay!" she exclaimed and jumped up from the floor. She ran around for a little while before she gave her sister a warm hug.
"Thank you."
Rarity chuckled softly and wrapped a hoof around her sister. "Let's get ready then," she murmured.
The two unicorns were pleased to be welcomed by the sweet fragrance of the season's blooming flowers outside the spa's entrance. They took the time to smell them a bit closer before Rarity pushed the double door open. A small bell sounded as they walked inside.
"Just a moment!" a voice called through the lobby. "We will be with you shortly~"
Sweetie Belle looked curiously around at the plaques that adorned the light blue walls. Award after award were placed on a neat timeline, accomplished by blue and red ribbons.
"Rarity?" Sweetie Belle asked. "Why is this just a boring room with framed papers? I thought the spa was supposed to be something ponies loved to relax to."
"Oh Sweetie Belle," Rarity chuckled. "This is a lobby, dear. We're just waiting for the personnel to lead us in to the real spa room. You will see the difference."
"Urgh!" Sweetie Belle groaned lowly. "But waiting is boooooring..!"
"Oh hush you," Rarity said and took notice of a pony appearing behind the desk. "We are up now." She stepped over to the counter and gave off a friendly smile to the pink mare.
"Welcome to the PonyVille Day Spa~" the mare smiled. "I take it you would like to order the usual, Miss Rarity?"
"Not today, Aloe," Rarity said and looked at Sweetie Belle. "I would like a small package as a treat for my sister, you see. I'm sure that would be a nice gift, don't you think?"
"Yes, indeed," Aloe nodded. "Has she had any of our treatments before?"
"I purchased a bottle of your bubble bath a few weeks back," Rarity said back. "It was a birthday gift for Sweetie Belle."
"I loved it," Sweetie Belle smiled. "It was really relaxing."
The two mares chuckled and nodded back at the filly.
"Well then," Aloe continued and picked up a quill. "Shall I tell my sister to prepare a small for two~?"
Rarity nodded and smiled softly. "And if it wouldn't be of too much trouble, dear," she continued. "I would like Sweetie Belle to pick the oil for her massage." She looked at her sister. "In case she wants a different scent."
"Certainly, Miss Rarity," Aloe smiled and started scribbling. "I will let the masseuse know~"
A small while passed by before Rarity and Sweetie Belle finally stepped into the spa area. The soothing music echoed lowly between the walls, accompanied by the gentle scent of lavender and mint leaves.
"Good afternoon~" cooed Lotus as she came out from her office. "I was told there would be a sisters' day out, am I right?"
"That is correct," Rarity nodded and smiled.
"In that case," Lotus continued and placed her clipboard on the shelf next to her. "I would like you to follow me. I have prepared the hot tub for you~"
The two unicorns followed the light cerulean mare to the other side of the spa, where a faintly smoking bath was waiting for them.
"Allow me to assist your sister's entrance," Lotus smiled and held out a hoof.
Sweetie Belle took a good grip and dipped a hoof into the water. She flinched a bit as the warm water made its first contact with her skin.
"Is it too warm?" Lotus asked and looked at Sweetie Belle.
"Nono," the filly quickly responded. "It's good. It was just at first." She moved her attention back to the water and slid down gently.
Rarity chuckled and sat down on the opposite side, letting the water run up along her torso and to below her shoulders.
"Well, you both seem to be getting comfortable~" Lotus smiled. "I will go help Aloe out in the reception. You just call for me if there is anything you need." She turned around and trotted off, leaving the unicorns to their bath.
The gentle tune rolled through the speakers of the spa in harmony with the relaxing scent of blackcurrants and tea leaves. Sweetie Belle leaned back and stared up in the ceiling.
"Enjoying the bath, Sweetie?" Rarity asked and closed her eyes.
"I guess it's alright," Sweetie Belle said back. "But it sure wasn't as exciting as I imagined it would be. Is this really what ponies like to do?"
"What do you mean, darling?" Rarity questioned.
"Lying in a tub and just listen to music," the filly answered. " It doesn't really sound that grand, if you get my point."
Rarity chuckled and looked at her sister. "You're just too young to understand, darling," she smiled. "When you get older and start working five days a week, you'll learn to appreciate the simpler things." She looked around. "Like this."
Sweetie Belle gave off a low sigh and smiled. "I guess you're right," she nodded.
An hour passed by, dodging the two ponies' knowledge. Eventually, Aloe came out from behind a divider and went up to Rarity.
"Miss Rarity," she smiled softly. "Our masseuse is ready to take you two in for the next part of your treatment~"
Rarity opened her eyes and looked up at the pink mare. "Is that so?" she asked back and nudged her sister gently. Sweetie Belle blinked a few times and moved her attention up from the water.
"Huh..?" she said lowly. "Is the bath over?" She rubbed her eyes.
Aloe nodded and turned around. "It is time for your massage~" she smiled.
Rarity stretched her hooves before she pushed herself up onto the edge of the tub. "Sounds lovely," she said back and lifted her sister out.
Aloe handed them a towel each and stepped towards the dividers she came from. "Oh, by the way," she said and looked at Rarity approaching her. "There is another customer here who is also awaiting a massage. Is it okay that you go together, or do you wish privacy with your sister?"
Rarity tilted her head curiously. "Another customer, you say" she asked before casting a look at her sister. "What would you prefer, Sweetie?"
Sweetie Belle smiled widely. "Of course she can be with us!" she squeaked. "Maybe it's somepony one of us knows? I wouldn't mind a chat."
Rarity smiled back and nodded towards Aloe. "It is alright," she said. "Lead the way, darling."
"As you wish, Miss Rarity~" Aloe cooed and rounded the corner. "Right around here~"
Rarity and Sweetie Belle followed after and looked into the room.
"They said it is alright," Aloe said and nodded friendly. The pony she was addressing smiled and looked at Rarity. The alabaster mare's jaw dropped as she saw who the other customer was.
"Good afternoon, Rarity," Princess Luna said. "And to you too, Sweetie Belle."
Rarity blinked a few times, just to make sure her eyes weren't pulling a trick on her. She eventually decided to accept it and cleared her throat. "Good afternoon, your highness," she said back with a confident smile. "It is a surprise seeing you here in PonyVille. I assume you have some sort of errands here?"
The royal alicorn smiled and shook her head. "If you mean business of political or economic matter," she started. "I will have to say you are wrong. My visit here in PonyVille is purely based on a day out."
"You mean like a vacation?" Sweetie Belle asked.
Luna nodded. "You can say that, yes," she smiled. "Although it is only for a day, it is always a pleasure to get out of Canterlot and the castle."
Rarity smiled back. "So, your highness," she started before she was interrupted by the princess.
"Please," Luna said. "You and I are not within the walls of the castle. You may call me Luna."
Rarity's face grew an insecure look. "Don't you think that's a little too personal?" she questioned.
"Oh not at all," the princess said back. "You and I are friends, Rarity. To be perfectly honest, I think the old ways and formal speak are growing old. The modern Equestria should not be ruled under an outdated regime."
Rarity tilted her head. "Are you sure?" she asked.
Luna nodded. "One day, I shall have a talk with my sister on this matter," she said back. "But for now..." The alicorn lay down on her bench. "We should not think more about that. Instead, we should do what we came here for; enjoy a good massage."
Rarity sat down on the bench next to her and smiled warmly. "Yeah," she said. "That would be nice." She turned towards her sister. "Sweetie, would you get on the bench? The masseuse will be here soon."
"Okay!" Sweetie Belle squeaked and skipped up on the one as instructed.
Shortly after, the door opened, and all eyes were focused on the ponies who stepped in.
"Good afternoon," the one on the left started. "My name is Essence de Fleur." She pointed a gentle hoof towards the stallion by her side. "This is my accomplice and brother, Azure. We will be your ponies of service for this treatment."
The princess greeted them with a nod. "A pleasure to make your aquaintance," she said.
"Oh the pleasure is all ours," Azure replied with a smile. He stepped over to Rarity, while the other mare went up to Luna. "Now, I want you to relax while Fleur and I get started."
Rarity nodded and closed her eyes. She let out a quiet sigh as the stallion's hooves pushed down between her shoulder blades.
Luna chuckled softly and did the same, though a bit more audible with Fleur's hooves pushing down on her back.
"So tell me, Luna," Rarity started as she moved her eyes to the royal alicorn. "How are things going back in Canterlot? Are there any happenings you've encountered, that you'd like to share?"
The princess looked up in the air as she pondered the question. Eventually, she moved her attention over to Rarity.
"Well," she started. "In regard of planned gatherings, there is a concert in the Canterlot Theater. I hear Octavia and her friend Vinyl are having a duo."
"Oh really?" said Rarity. "What kind of music are we talking about? Classical, or that modern beat Vinyl practices?"
"Oh well," Rarity sighed and rolled onto her side as guided by Azure. "I might hop on a train and see it when it plays."
"Splendid!" Luna chuckled and stretched out a leg. "I shall save you a seat. Front row, of course." She chuckled again.
Rarity smiled back and closed her eyes in order to further enjoy the massage. Soon after, the filly waiting for her turn stood up and walked over to Luna before she sat down on the floor.
"So, Princess," she started and smiled softly. "I don't mean to intrude on anypony's privacy or anything..." She looked down and fiddled with her hooves.
The princess looked at her. "What is it, young one?" she asked.
"Well," Sweetie Belle continued. "I was just curious about whether you have done anything exciting lately."
Luna smiled at the filly. "Is that all you wanted to ask?" she questioned, trying not to giggle. "Well, I do not recall much of anything you would find -too- amusing, but I have actually experienced a rather special moment. It was two nights ago, I believe."
Rarity looked at her. "Oh?" she asked.and continued curiously: "Would you like to let us in on your little story?"
Almost immediately, the alicorn froze. Although not too bright, a red blush rose on her cheeks.
"Is everything alright, your highness?" Fleur asked and removed her hooves from the alicorn's shoulders. "I wasn't too rough, I hope."
Luna closed her eyes slowly and stroked a hoof lightly over her shoulder. "I am alright, thank you," she said in a low, soft tone. "The question just struck me while you did that. It reminded me of what I did for him that night."
Sweetie Belle tilted her head and gave off a curious expression. "For who?" she asked.
The princess looked over at the filly, then over to Rarity. She let out a sigh. "I might as well tell you," she started and sat up. "But only if you promise not to let my sister know."
Rarity looked at her with a cocked eyebrow. "Princess Celestia can't know?" she questioned. "Why not? Have the two of you got into a spat of any sort?"
"Oh no," Luna chuckled and shook her head. "My sister and I are not on bad terms at all. It is just that she would probably not be too fond of my newest experience."
Rarity maintained her skeptical look. "Your highness," she said. "You can count on me keeping this between us. What happened?"
Luna nodded and cleared her throat. "I met a stallion," she started before she tapped her temple with a light hoof. "I know, I meet stallions every day. But I assume you figured I refer to a meeting in a more private setting. Anyway. We talked for a bit before I decided to invite him in to my chambers."
Sweetie Belle looked straight at the princess. "Sorry for interrupting," she said before the alicorn's moderate cyan eyes landed on her own. "But did you fancy him?"
"Sweetie Belle!" Rarity barked and glared at her sister. "Don't ask questions like that! Of course she do-"
"Rarity!" Luna called and put a hoof on Rarity's mouth. "Do not yell at your sister. She is right, actually."
Rarity's glare turned into a gaze of confusion. "Wait," she said back. "You got your eyes on somepony?"
The alicorn nodded.
"Well then," Rarity continued. "Who would that be?"
Luna smiled and opened her mouth.
"Shining Armor," a new voice said from the entrance. The three of them turned around and looked at the pony who had recently spoken Luna's mind. The princess herself froze.
"T-tia..?" she stuttered.
"Luna," Celestia said and stepped in. Her eyes were stern. "You need to come with me now. You and I need to talk."
