Maremagnum

by The6thMaster

Rating: teen
Tags: Romance, Original Character, Adventure, Shining Armor, Prince Blueblood, Princess Celestia, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Princess Cadance
Length: 23135

Years before the return of the Elements of Harmony the beginning of the end of the millennium of peace under the sole rule of Celestia was already beginning to occur. At the center are Shining Armor and Cadence.

Years before the return of the Elements of Harmony the beginning of the end of the millennium of peace under the sole rule of Celestia was already beginning to occur.

At the center are Shining Armor and Cadence. Swept up into politics, adventure, intrigue and romance a new age for Equestria is about to begin.

Published 2013-06-26 17:20:02 UTC
Last updated 2013-06-28 03:45:55 UTC

1. Shining Armor

Shining Armor knew that his shield was going to fail about two seconds before it collapsed on him. The bright blue light of the piercing spell shattered the formerly solid violet colored energy like glass and continued on to its target. There was more than enough force to send him crashing across the room and slide into the wall with a low groan of pain. Shining's vision swam, his whole body felt heavy and he was completely at the mercy of the Unicorn who stood over top of him.

A chorus of excitable young giggles filled the classroom of Celestia's School of Gifted Unicorns as the finishing blow never came. Shining couldn't help but try and fight off the urge to shoot an annoyed look towards the children laughing at his expense as he slowly got up to his hooves and instead shot a glare at his teacher and supposed mentor, Ivory Tower. The blue coated stallion had already turned away and began to address the assembled fillies and colt who had watched the demonstration.

“Is there anypony here who can tell me why I was able to defeat Shining Armor's shield just now?” Ivory Tower sounded rather smug at the moment, his voice always filled with a remarkably aggravating tone of superiority that had always rubbed Shining the wrong way. “Yes, Shooting Star?”

The little filly who'd been practically jumping off of the ground to be recognized faintly reminded Shining of his sister. “Its because he formed his shield with flat surfaces, Professor Tower.” She was beaming at her correct summation and looked even more happy when she received a nod.

“That would be absolutely correct. Even though our able helper Shining Armor here has a specialty with defensive magic I was still able to defeat him rather soundly.” The way he'd said that certainly tested the young Royal Guard's sense of discipline as he tried not to growl. “Which is what you must recognize if you are in a situation of life or death. To know who and what you are facing impacts what sort of magic you should do.”

The students had been formed in a semi circle around the rather large practice classroom and away from their desk but, being in the middle of the semester, had become well attuned to bringing their notebooks out. They were all scribbling furiously away, guessing this would be a part of some test as their teacher continued on with his lecture.

“Now as I have been mentoring for our young future officer here I have gained a rather clear picture of his abilities and limitations. The latter being rather plentiful at times.” The last bit had been said more softly and with a smirk directed towards the other stallion who did his best to pretend he hadn't heard the slight. “Shining, would you place the strongest sort of shield you know up once more? But if you go for one with flat surfaces I will have you sweeping the floors of my office for a month.”

His blood was up now, today had been awful with barbs and insults thrown and used as a practice dummy almost constantly. It was nearly the end of his officer training in the Royal Guard and Ivory Tower seemed intent on making it as miserable as it had ever been in the few remaining weeks they had left. Where other officer candidates were enjoying praise and guidance from the professors of this school, often aided by their family connections, this whole year had been an absolute hell for Shining.

Here was a chance to maybe put the older Unicorn in his place once and for all and break the veneer of immense capability and coolness Ivory Tower kept around his students. Lowering his head Shining Armor let his not inconsiderable store of magic flow through his horn and into projecting a perfectly round half sphere about his body. Ivory Tower and the rest of his class were now bathed, to Shining anyway, in a violet hue as he glared in challenge to his instructor and part time tormentor.

Ivory Tower merely gave another superior looking smirk after a second and lowered his head as well, Shining braced for the onrush of magical energy to smash against his shield as the Professors horn became alight with a bluish hue of magic. But no spell or attack that Shining could see came at him. Shining was tense with anticipation and couldn't help but focus entirely on his 'opponent'.

That was, at least, until appearance of tunnel vision became truly noticeable in the sense that the entire classroom of young students had utterly disappeared with Shining Armor and Ivory Tower appearing to be in a long narrow hallway of utter blackness. Startled, Shining dropped his shield and looked around in confusion while Ivory merely looked bored and ran a hoof through his white mane.

“All these months and it feels like you've barely learned anything at all. Honestly, what am I suppose to do when I give the recommendation for your assignment?” He asked. “You are exceedingly capable with shields but that appears to be all you are exceedingly capable with. Nothing but a one trick pony really.”

Shining Armor had had enough and stamped a hoof against the cobblestone floor with a snort. “I'll show you 'one trick pony'.” And, having little else he could do, charged. Right up until he fell through the floor and awoke laying on his side right where he'd started. The classroom was back and Shining felt a little dizzy.

The class at least hadn't been laughing, but peering curiously at him. “Shining Armor in particular has a weakness for forms of attack that involve mental invasiveness. His shield was purely a physical one and for that I was easily able to bypass it. You may not always know the kind of opponent you face right away but gathering information and being well educated are at the heart of any pony who wishes to be safe.”

Just as soon as Ivory Tower has finished speaking a bell sound rung throughout the hallway outside and the children, like any, were all too quick with rush back to their seats and collect their belongings outside. Shining Armor for the second time that day gathered himself off the floor as Ivory Tower chased after his students with the next days assignments.

Shining set his jaw as he brushed himself off, the classroom eventually emptying until only the two remained. Ivory Tower stood at the door for a second until he could be sure they were truly out of earshot and chuckled. “If nothing else you make an excellent demonstration.”

“Yes Sir.” Shining replied, trying to keep his tone neutral.

“There’s no need for hard feelings, I've been nothing else but honest with you, 'Shiny'.” He said, trotting over to his desk and shuffling through some papers. “My reports have been fair and better indicators, I would think, then those of my bought and paid peers teaching your peers. I suppose you wish I were Professor Puppet Strings and you Blueblood? Or perhaps Professor Butter Up and Jet Set?”

Even Shining Armor had to wince at that, he didn't think there was a single officer candidate who wanted to be the unmitigated jerk that was 'Prince Blueblood' who'd proven his lack of worth time and time again. 'You still don't have to be such a horses ass about it.' He thought even as he said. “No, Sir.”

“I didn't think so. Or perhaps you wish you were emulating the waves your younger sister is already making in this fine institution? Besides a somewhat rocky start at her entrance exam I can't think of a negative thing to say about her.” Ivory Tower continued, and Shining held his tongue and was fairly sure he was about to be dismissed until Ivory seemed to remember something.

“Speaking of family, there is going to be a banquet held in honor of some new up and coming Princess or the like, you know the sort, I have been cordially invited which means you have also been cordially invited. Its at the end of the week, Sunday. Don't be late, go.” With that, Shining Armor was dismissed and made a point of slamming the door on his way out or yelling in anger...at least within earshot of his smug teacher.

Author's Note

This is to be my first attempt at a truly long story. Surprisingly enough I haven't run across a story about Cadence and Shining Armor with romance that was long and epic enough to satisfy me. So, I decided I'd try my hand at doing it myself.

Because the show doesn't begin to address things like years or the ages of characters I'm going to assume that at this point Shining Armor is about Twilight's current age in the show while Twilight would be a young teenager with a few years under Celestia's tutelage. Spike would be possibly even younger then the CMC and, according to word of Faust was raised by Celestia.

I'll also be taking a lot of liberties with how I think Equestrian society works at the top rungs of the ladder. My apologies if it clashes with your own head canon but I've tried to stay as faithful to the show while allowing for more adult themes that little kids are unlikely to care for unless they're particularly fond of politics and matters of royalty.

2.Cadence

Cadence was trying to avoid noticing all of the stares directed her way. It was hard not to feel like a bug under a magnifying glass in situations like this. There had to be hundreds of assembled ponies of wealth and high power in the audience chamber of the Royal Palace of Canterlot. Princess Celestia was up on the dais seated in her usual throne and looking radiant as Cadence remembered.

Somehow though, the uncontested and absolute ruler of all of Equestria was far from the center of attention here in her own throne room. Instead, it appeared that everypony was finding a way to glance at and whisper about the curious sight of a pink Alicorn mare standing next to a slightly smaller fuchsia coated older mare who was the far less shy of the two.

“We're up next, Cadence, try not to look like you're about to be executed.” Her mother, Sonata said as she subtly nudged her.

Taking a deep breath to steady herself Cadence made sure to keep her eyes level, despite how nervous she felt. It had been a few years since they'd been in Canterlot and Cadence had only been a teenager then, there were a lot of happy, warm memories of this place but the reason they had returned were a degree less cheerful.

“I would be happy to look further into the encroachment of pests on your farm, Cameo, I will have a representative from my department of agriculture sent tomorrow. It is nice to hear that Ponyville is doing nicely.” Celestia's regal voice seemed to fill the entire chamber as the Earth Pony farmer who'd come a fair bit away to have his problem address left the chamber. Cadence could feel her heart pounding a little bit, this was the moment her mother had been planning for awhile, where their family would reenter into the limelight of Canterlot aristocracy.

A old looking pony was looking over the list of ponies who had a audience with the Princess today and then walked over to Celestia to give her the names. Her gaze swung over to Sonata and Cadence, smiling gently as the older pony spoke up to announce who was next. “Now presenting Princess Mi Amore Sonata and Princess Cadence of the Crystal Empire in exile.”

There was a light gasp, followed by murmuring of the assembled ponies at the unfamiliar place though to Cadence the more unpleasant to hear word was 'exile'. She followed her mother out and then bowed deeply to the carpet in front of Celestia who had continued to smile, she likely knew every word that was about to be said but was pretending, for protocol sake, to not.

“Princess Celestia, my family have been eternally grateful that you have taken us in for these many centuries.” Cadence heard her mother say, eyes turning to Celestia for her part of the small tradition.

The Princess of the Sun nodded at the words “Princess Sonata, it has always been my pleasure to house any and all of my little ponies, what brings you here to my palace though?” She asked, arching an eyebrow at the question.

“I would like to formally introduce you to my daughter, Cadence, she is an Alicorn as you can see and graced with the talent to create love itself. I have formally renounced my title and claim of rule of the Crystal empire and have given it to her, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza.” Sonata finished, drawing herself up rather proudly as the excited murmurs of the crowd washed over the hall.

Cadence didn't particularly like being used like this, as some sort of attention grabbing effort, her mother was hoping to get her married off and likely into one of the prestigious families. What was left unsaid was that Sonata had all but tried to put her daughter on an equal level as Celestia herself, as silly as that sounded to Cadence.

Over a millennium had passed since her family had held their ancestral family title and what had started as a genuine royal court in exile had turned into just another of the many, many unicorn noble families jockeying for prestige and wealth in Canterlot. Celestia had been incredibly effective in removing any real power or influence from the wealthy elite who had become far more fond of titles and parties than of land and real control.

Where Unicorns had vied for control of the land that the Earth Ponies farmed now the majority of it was in the capable hooves of those who actually knew what to do with it. The Pegasi formed the bulk of the guard and military and the Unicorns the magic and much of the arts. It was a lifestyle that Cadence's primarily Unicorn family had all too quickly slipped into.

The nontraditional marriage of Cadence's mother Sonata and the Pegasus Wind Walker had resulted in her. Just thinking about her father brought a sad smile to Cadence's face even as the excited murmuring had finally died away enough to let Celestia speak.

“It is a rare thing to have another Alicorn in Canterlot.” She said, Cadence couldn't help but think she'd hardly ever seen Celestia not smile, her presence just naturally a calming one. “I recognize your claim, Princess Cadence. If you would accept, I would be happy to accept you into my family and throw you a banquet in your honor.”

And now it was her turn to speak. “I would be honored, thank you Princess Celestia.” Cadence tried to ignore the slight unhappy look her mother had shot her way. They'd argued quite a bit the last two days about that part, Sonata had wanted Cadence to refer to Celestia without the 'Princess', as equals, while Cadence steadfastly refused to out of respect and basic sense of humility.

“Well then.” Princess Celestia spoke up, glancing around the assembled ponies. “I believe that has been enough court for today. If there are no pressing matters of concern I will adjourn.” And with that she rose out of her seat, as did any pony who might have been sitting down, and strode out of the room with her mane and tail flowing as they always did on a unseen solar wind.

Almost immediately Cadence and her mother were swarmed by ponies who wanted to make their introductions well known. Faces, cutie marks and names swirled around her as she shook hoof after hoof or accepted insincere kisses on the hoof from stallions attempting to be gallant. It was all exceedingly fake and so put Cadence in a unsatisfied mood, being one who specialized in all things affection and love.

Finally, after what felt like forever, the two departed down the long stairs towards a carriage that would bring them back into the city to the manor of the wealthy family they were staying with. Cadence honestly couldn't remember the name of the Unicorn who had graciously let them in, always mentioning her handsome son who would look 'so cute' with Cadence.

“I think that went well, your father would be so proud to see you.” her mother spoke up once the carriage had started to move.

Cadence wasn't so sure, Wind Walker had been a professional guard, gruff and had little love for the 'stuffy idiots' that made up Canterlot high society. What he had a great deal of love for was his daughter and, looking out of the window of the carriage at the puffy white clouds Cadence smiled fondly remembering their flights together out in Los Pegasus where they'd moved to.

Her mother's voice brought her back to reality with a more annoyed tone. “I said that I thought things went well, don't you agree Cadence?”

“Yes mother, of course it went well. It was nice seeing Princess Celestia again.” Cadence answered, sighing a little as she looked away from the window. Sonata was busy fussing over her yellow mane, trying to readjust the curls that had fallen out of place during the mad flurry of meet and greet.

She couldn't help but sniff a bit, looking closely at Cadence as she seemed to remember something. “Just Celestia, you are a Princess and no different then her. A sun is a sun, but love...she can have her palace and Equestria, you will have every eligible stallion at your beck and call until we pick the right one for you.”

“Until...I pick the right one, you mean.” Cadence corrected, frowning a little. Her mother couldn't possibly mean that she wanted to pick her husband out too.

“Yes of course, but don't discount money, or even land. A sweet talker or charmer is nice for the first few minutes but that’s not something you can raise a proper family on Cadence.” Her mother insisted, as if she'd barely even heard Cadence speak.

It was a losing fight, even Cadence could see that. Her mother was the only family she had left and she only wanted what she thought was best for her. The new Princess could only sigh and glance back out to the fluffy white clouds and memories of a more pleasant time when she was young.

Author's Note

I've spent a unhealthy amount of time wondering how Twilight didn't recognize Cadence's other title of 'Mi Amore Cadenza' and have just assumed that the current 'Princess of the Crystal Empire' takes on that title which at this point Twilight wouldn't know anything about. Considering that the symbol of the Crystal Empire is apparently a great big crystal heart I suppose its not to far fetched to think there's some sort of love theme involving it.

How Cadence ended up being a alicorn out of seemingly nowhere is also hard to say. I'm just going to assume that there are plenty of avenues that one could end up with one, whether your preference is fate or genetics. For Cadence I imagine it might be a little of both.

3. Shining Armor

“Shining, Shining Do you want to see the new spell I learned today?” Twilight was all but bouncing off of the walls when Shining stepped in through the door of his home. Bouncing off the walls turned into all but tackling her big brother and nuzzling against him. Even though she'd already started adolescence and wasn't quite a little filly anymore she had not cut back on how much she simply adored her B.B.B.F.F as she termed him.

Of course he adored her as well and could never resist the exuberance with which his baby sister always threw into her studies of magic. “Sure, what did you learn?” He asked, placing down the bag he'd taken with him in the closet..

Excited to have him as an audience Twilight turned and started to focus on a potted plat. After a bright purple glow of magic from her horn the ceramic cup was similarly aglow and then began to sing as it danced around the table.

Shining didn't have to pretend when he made an impressed sounding whistle at the display of fairly complex magic. “And to think you could barely lift up a feather when you were little, you're growing up pretty quick Twily.” her happy smile made a crappy day feel a whole lot better. He wrapped her up in a friendly hug and, for old time sake, gave her a noogie on the head which she batted away with a pretend annoyed huff.

“Twilight isn't the only one growing up.” A fairly deep male voice said, descending from the steps. “There isn't many more times where you're going to come home like that before you're out the door as a full and official officer of the Royal Guard.”

Shining Armor couldn't help but wince at what his dad had said, despite having no reason to feel guilty. It wasn't like he'd done anything wrong besides have the bad luck of a jerk for a mentor. Night Light caught onto his unease pretty quickly for he gently nudged Twilight, who'd been looking between them, towards the kitchen. “Twilight, why don't you help your mother prepare for dinner?”

For all her natural gifts for magic and books Twilight was a little slow on the uptake when it came to social nuances and so readily trotted off to leave the two in the relative privacy of the foyer. Shining Armor couldn't help but shuffle awkwardly under the curious, searching look of his father.

Finally he cut right to the chase. “Something wrong Shining?”

“Just that...well, I might not get the best position when I'm done. Professor Tower and I...” Shining wasn't quite sure how to phrase 'the pony suppose to be finishing up my training in magic and preparing me to be a well rounded guard officer is a total jerk' without sounding like he was whining.

“Ivory Tower is giving you a hard time?” There was a look of definite unhappiness on his dad's face, certainly not thrilled with the idea. “That doesn't really sound like him. Your mother and he have always gotten along fairly well...maybe she could have a talk with-”

“No, really, its not that big a deal dad.” Shining cut him off right away, mortified at the idea of his parents fighting his battles as an adult.

That did little to improve Night Light's mood and he gave a sigh before rubbing at his eyes. “Are you sure? Just because you're an adult doesn't mean we don't want to do what we can to help. We're very proud of you Shining, no matter where you end up.”

“I hear the North Pole is a nice place this time of year.” Shining Armor forced a smile, trying to put a lighter spin on the situation. “Seriously Dad, I'll be fine.”

Evidently his father wasn't entirely convinced. “Alright, but I’m sure if we asked Twilight to talk to the Princess...”

“No way, absolutely not. There are a lot of guy's who use their connections to get ahead. But at the end of the day the Guard's I want to be in charge of won't respect me if they think I'm just a stuffed suit of armor.”

They were interrupted by Twilight running back into the room, still smiling brightly. “Dinner's ready!”

It wasn't quite being saved by the bell but Shining was all too enthusiastic to head into the dining room and sit down next to Twilight, who was clearly the happiest pony in the room, while Velvet Sparkle, their mother, passed out the steamed vegetables and salad to the family while she and Night Light traded concerned looks. He was sure that his mom had overheard and he had no idea how to change the conversation.

Again, Twilight was his savior of the night and broke up the silence by perking up at remembering something. “Oh! The Princess told me today that there was going to be a fancy party. She said you'd be there Shining but that I couldn't go. There’s going to be a new Princess!”

“Yeah? I heard something like that, Twily. You probably won't miss it, a lot of stuffy boring ponies talking about the weather. I bet the Princess would let you spend the evening in the library.”

Twilight seemed on the verge of exploding in happiness at the very idea . “You really think she'd let me? I bet I could even explore the wing of Arcane knowledge of the Arcane! Oh but I bet Spike will be asleep...” She began to mostly speak aloud on any number of various magical studies that she'd like to do involving dusty old tomes that, while endearing, Shining could hardly follow.

“You know, I bet you could talk to a lot of lovely mares at the party.” His mom gave a sly little knowing smile to Night Light who chuckled while snagging another forkful of leafy greenness.

Shining groaned, the eternal suffering of any child at the well meaning meddling of parents. “Mom...”

“No I think your mother has a point. You look very handsome in your uniform, you'll have them swooning all over you.” Dad added, Shining Armor was starting to wish he'd elected to stay at the guard's housing instead of moving back in with his parents after initial training.

This new trail of a conversation apparently caught Twilight's attention enough to make a disgruntled look and a stuck her tongue out. “Shining Armor and some girl? Gross.”

There were a number of chuckles at that from everyone except Twilight and the conversation went back to a little more normalcy for the evening.

4. Shining Armor

Shining Armor didn't have anywhere to go the next day. The banquet held for one 'Princess Mi Amore Cadenza', whoever that was, wouldn't be happening for another couple days and Shining wasn't sure what to do with his free time. Heading back to the Unicorn Academy was just asking to get more grief from Ivory Tower.

So instead he ambled along the busy cobblestone streets of Canterlot with milling ponies of every type, shape and color going about their business. It was a truly beautiful city, he'd lived here most of his life and it was a rare opportunity to see it like this with nowhere to go in a hurry. There was a fairly likely chance that in a few months he'd be off on his career and only get to occasionally stop in during visits. Unimpressive first assignments be damned he knew he'd make the most of it anyway, even if he did end up in the North Pole.

From almost any point in the city one could glance up at the immaculate marble towers of the royal palace of Princess Celestia. It dominated the skyline over Canterlot and having a chance to admire it brought a smile to his face. He could still remember his own momentary history with the palace and the story of how he'd earned his cutie mark.

His trip down memory lane was interrupted by a persistent and moving shadow just above him that was breaking up the daylight. The weather had been scheduled to be completely clear of clouds so that could only mean...Looking up he met the green eyes of a blue Pegasus Stallion who was effortlessly hovering above him.

“My main colt Shining Armor! How are you doing? Unicorn officer school going alright?” Soarin asked, descending and trading friendly hoof bumps with Shining who couldn't quite keep the surprise at seeing an old friend off of his face.

“Its been alright. When did you get into Canterlot? I thought you were training with the Wonder-Bolts.” He asked, certainly happy to see a buddy he'd made while in guard basic training.

Soarin laughed at that, flaring his wings and taking up off of the ground to do some lazy loops in the air. “I was, but we got called up for something else with my squadron wing. The brass is being all tight lipped about it, its probably something awesome though. Maybe the Griffons are going to attack.”

Shining was a little skeptical of that happening, they'd probably be doing a little more then calling up a half dozen Pegasus guards but you never knew with the crazy things the vets in the guards whispered they got to do. “Well I’m sure everypony in Canterlot is going to rest easy knowing Soarin is going to fight off the Griffons.” He started walking on, with Soarin following and shooting him a look of annoyance..

“Oh ha ha, I bet I could still kick your flank if you dropped all your fancy Unicorn magic.” He challenged, grinning even as he spoke.

Shining and Soarin had had a bit of a friendly rivalry going on throughout their time in training, one born out of both being extremely talented in their respective special talents. “Just as soon as you stay on the ground for more then three seconds.”

Soarin gave a dismissive sound, waving him off as he began to backstroke along the air as if it was water. It was that sort of twitchy need to always be flying, always be moving and showing off that Shining Armor believed marked a true athlete and flier. He had to guess it must have been like the occasionally awesome power he could feel emanating from his horn anytime he needed to project shields or use the sort of magic he was especially skilled at.

“You didn't really say how your officer school was, you were bragging all up and down the barracks that you were a shoe in for early promotions. 'I'll be running the entire guard corp in a year.' I think you said.” Soarin changed the subject, the two making their way steadily down the streets led by Shining who didn't have anywhere in particular he wanted to go.

“I...” He started to say, not sure how to even answer that. “Turns out officer training is a lot harder than I'd thought it would be.” He shrugged, glancing away.

Soarin righted himself up, still in the air, and gave a confused look his way. “Really? All those uptight royals actually have to work for their positions? I thought they just bought them.”

“Normally yeah, but I lucked out with a personal mentor who...”

“Who?”

It'd been only a few months ago but at the time Shining Armor had felt remarkably sure of himself. He'd left home after he'd joined the guard through the more normal enlisted process and managed to impress the drill instructors enough to recommend him immediately for the officer training program.

There were a lot of hoops, more and more training when he was given the final leg and 'cushy' part of the training program. It was a tradition surviving from even before the rule of Princess Celestia when the three pony tribes had shared power. The Unicorns had anointed themselves as natural leaders and had vied for top positions with the Pegasi; especially in areas of defense. Without a strong central authority to unite Equestria those seeking command positions among the Unicorns typically became apprentices of skilled elders to justify their command over others.

It was as much a political and social opportunity as it was a chance to learn magic and, with Princess Celestia and the unbroken era of peace that she brought, one that had survived namely for the connections and social prestige it garnered. That was how ponies like 'Prince' Blueblood and others found themselves next to more 'common' Unicorns such as Shining Armor.

The assignments had come down while they were lined up in front of the ancient looking tower of Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns and those from prestigious families never managed to look surprised at the names of the Professors they were paired with. Not knowing anything about a 'Ivory Tower' Shining Armor had just shrugged and went to the office listed.

He should have known there was going to be trouble when he realized that many of the professors had already been at the assignment to greet their new apprentices while Ivory Tower hadn't been among them. On nudging open the door he was greeted by the sight of the older male scratching away with a quill on a notebook.

Ivory Tower was fairly normal looking for a stallion, with a well kept white mane and blue coat the only thing that marked him was the brown sweater over top a collared shirt complete with a tie. Clothes weren’t always common except on formal occasions and Shining Armor completed his inspection of his new teacher by glancing at his cutie mark which was a golden laurel wreath. He had no idea what that was suppose to signify and closed the door behind him before walking in further.

“Normally ponies ask before letting themselves in.” He spoke up, having never turned to look at Shining Armor even once.

That was a little unnerving and certainly not a friendly or warm greeting. “Sorry...uh, I wasn't sure if I had found the right place. Are you Professor Tower?” He asked, trotting closer and trying to salvage first introductions.

“That would be me.” Was the somewhat curt reply, the Professor spared a glance of his golden eyes towards Shining before giving a little sigh and stopping his writing. “And you must be the most bland looking prospective officer candidate I have ever seen. White coat, dashing good looks and a mark having something to do with protection? I swear Princess Celestia must have a secret lab somewhere that clones ponies like you.” He complained aloud.

Shining Armor had absolutely no idea how one should go about answering things like that but he was slightly offended at what he'd said. “Excuse me?”

Apparently this was a conversation that Ivory Tower was ready for, turning to face Shining while looking bored, like the other male was only an annoyance to the professor. “You're not excused. You are also not from the rich and elite, or else they wouldn't have assigned you to me. Which means that you got here by being especially good at hitting things or perhaps keeping things from getting hit. I do not recognize you which means you did not come to this school which also means that those previously said abilities do not extend above your neck. All of this conspires to make me think you won't make a especially talented officer in our esteemed royal guards. But do not fear, we do not need especially talented
officers. No doubt as you've seen among your peers. Do I have about the right idea?”

Now Shining was getting a little angry, which was surprising because he was pretty sure he should be a lot more upset about the veritable monologue of subtle and outright insults he'd been dealt. The insinuation that he was stupid was the worst one, he hadn't gotten into the school but that didn't mean he wasn't smart. “I don't know who you think you are but-”

“I am a tenured professor and a expert on ancient magical artifacts. I have made a point of obtaining at least a basic understanding of every magical field which is more then can be said for most who would claim to know a thing or two about magic. I am also to be your mentor. I'm not going to give you hugs and kisses every night but I'll make sure you get your dream position of making sure all the outhouses are clean at some distant guard base.” Ivory Tower just turned towards his desk again. “If you want to take a swing at me you wouldn't be the first. But I’ll have you arrested and thrown out of the program. I'll actually kick your flank and then have you arrested and thrown out but you'll come to care about the latter two more then that.”

Shining could hear himself grinding his teeth, he couldn't believe that such a arrogant, know it all, jerk of a pony could even exist. Especially at such high levels of a school. His little sister was suppose to go to this school? Did she ever have this Professor before?

Apart from succeeding in not assaulting Ivory Tower his time spent with the insufferable Professor was hardly improved over the weeks and months. Occasionally the Professor deigned to teach him, usually through humiliating or insulting 'instruction' where he'd lord his admittedly impressive array of magics over Shining, but never with a nice attitude or without various insults thrown Shining's way.

Apart from hating every fiber of Ivory Tower's being Shining Armor had come to enjoy the time spent at the academy. Not all of the officer candidates were stuffy arrogant jerks and he'd even struck up somewhat of a friendship with a Unicorn named Gentle August. Gentle August had the same sort of pure white coat that many of the male officer candidates had, which now faintly annoyed Shining Armor to see as if it somehow validated Ivory Tower's summation, and a styled purple mane. Of all the 'upper crust' type ponies Shining had met, Gentle August was the most tolerable one.

By the time Shining Armor had finished his story to Soarin they'd entered into a out of the way restaurant; were seated, ordered their food and eaten most of it. Soarin hadn't said much, beyond a few questions about things he wanted a little more explanation for, and had only listened. When Shining had finished he gave a little shrug with his wings. “Are most of the new unicorn officers really that big of jerks?”

Shining chuckled, certainly not expecting that sort of question out of all the others he thought Soarin might ask. 'They're not really that much worse then what you'd expect if you had a lot of money and not much else to do with it. It'd be worse if they actually knew a lot about magic.”

“Ah.” Soarin shrugged again and dug into the rest of his food. Shining hadn't expected to dump all of that on his friend like that, it had just sort of spilled out after months of tension. He idly hoped it didn't come across as whining.

“So...how'd Wonder-Bolt training go? Is it true what they say about all the hot mares who try out?” Shining asked, not exactly wanting to dominate the conversation anymore.

That perked Soarin up, who swallowed what was in his mouth and gave him the biggest smile he'd ever seen on the Pegasi. “Oh boy, you have no idea. Let me tell you about this girl I met named Spitfire...”

5. Cadence

The lead up to the banquet she hadn't particularly wanted was unbearably long. To Cadence it seemed like she'd went to one visit, dinner or social get together after another. There had been suitors and the parents of suitors who had all one their best to flatter or woo her. Being somewhat an expert on love she knew it was all fake, a effort to get after her title, fame and natural beauty.

It hadn't taken long for the suitors to switch tactics towards her mother who was far more receptive to being flattered on her daughters behalf. Consequently her banquet and royal induction into Celestia's adoptive family didn't seem very much different at all from all the others she'd been to. The little social circle she'd found herself in at the moment was at least a bit of a change of pace.

On her right was Princess Celestia herself, towering even above Cadence who was use to being a inch or two taller then most ponies. To her left was Prince Blueblood, now nominally her cousin by virtue of them both being the adoptive niece and nephew of Celestia. All Cadence knew was that it was an effort to avoid distinct dynasties of noble families who might become problems if they thought they should be in charge.

“Is it true, Auntie, that Resolute is retiring from being Captain of the Royal Guard?” He asked, as if he didn't already know the answer. His eyes had this habit of flicking over towards Cadence who was pretending to be a lot more interested in her drink at the moment to avoid having to look at him.

“Why yes, Resolute did turn her request for retirement into me just yesterday. How interesting that you already know that Blueblood.” Celestia said, Cadence smiled a little around her glass at that knowing, slightly reproving tone that still lacked any harshness in it.

Blueblood didn't take the hint, though, drawing a hoof to his chest as he continued to put upon a haughty accent. “You know Auntie, my grandfather was the Captain of the Guard in his day and his grandfather before that. How fortunate that I'm about to become an officer so that I can keep up a proud family tradition.”

“You never know, sometimes these things skip generations.” Cadence couldn't resist the chance to get a little bit of a snark, her mother certainly didn't look amused as she glared on the opposite side of the circle her way.

Before Blueblood even had a chance to respond, Celestia tipped her head to the side and made a show of looking like she was trying to recall something. “Ah yes, I remember your grandfather very well. I believe Silk Stocking is the only guard captain to specifically ignore my advice. There was a project to reinforce a far wall of Canterlot and I was certain it could wait until after winter. I suppose it takes a certain kind of genius to insist it can be completed despite freezing cold and driving snow. Fortunately I was able to assist in time to avoid any casualties...”

Cadence couldn't help but giggle, both in part because of the story and the way it managed to deflate Blueblood remarkably fast. “Yes well...Auntie, I suppose...oh if it isn't my great aunt twice removed. I haven't seen her in years, if you'll excuse me.” He was gone very quickly, had barely taken a breath until he had all but bolted from the two Princesses.

“That was very smooth.” Cadence said, smiling up at Celestia who gave a little 'hm?' and looked curiously down at her.

“I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about. I was only reminiscing about the past.” Celestia replied, her gaze turning away for a moment and having a look of recognition.

“Princess...I’m sure Prince Blueblood would make an excellent captain.” That was Sonata, finally interjecting and rising to the defense of who Cadence was sure was a favorite for her hoof in marriage. Cadence was fairly certain she'd sooner go off and live in the woods before she'd do that.

“Mmm, yes, I'm sure he would. Ah, Professor Tower, how nice to see you this evening.” Celestia greeted regally, a smile on her lips.

Cadence had been distracted by trading glares with her mother that she didn't even notice the approach of two more ponies until she heard a cultured, educated male voice. “Princess Celestia, it is perhaps a bit cliché but you are looking as radiant as ever.”

“I don't see what math has to do with me at the moment, Professor.” Celestia replied back easily with a chuckle, apparently in a rather good mood.

Cadence had finally turned to look at the two bowing Stallions when her eyes focused on the unicorn knelt down next to the older looking Professor. He looked...remarkably familiar. “I trust you're familiar with my pupil, Shining Armor, or at least his sister and your personal protege Twilight Sparkle.”

That did it, a flood of memories came back about a adorable young filly and her wonderful family. Apparently Shining Armor recognized her too now that she was facing him. His eyes widened and a rosy color came to his cheeks which Cadence was pretty sure she was sporting as well.

When did he become so handsome?' Was the first thought in her head as they traded stares that were not lost at the rest of the ponies around them. It'd been enough to cause Ivory Tower to stop speaking, the Professor giving a curious and annoyed look at Shining until he nudged him with his back hoof which startled Shining into a greeting.

“It is nice to meet you Princess Celestia and...Cadence?” He asked, a unspoken question likely having to do with exactly why and how Cadence was even here.

Celestia looked very amused, glancing between the two for a moment before speaking up. “You two know each other?” A quality in her voice immediately made Cadence think that she definitely knew that they did.

“Oh uh, yes...I foalsat for Twilight.” She answered quickly, her mother immediately looking suspicious and giving a very long stare at Shining Armor who hadn't looked over at her.

“Perhaps we should give you two an opportunity to catch up. I'd like to have a private word with both you, Professor Tower and you Sonata if you'd please. Go ahead and enjoy the banquet.” Celestia said, already turning away before any of them could get in a word edgewise.

Ivory Tower began moving almost immediately, only glancing for a moment between Shining and her while Sonata looked far less amused but followed along reluctantly.

Then they were left alone, apart from the many party goers with many young stallions who looked like they wanted to jump in and begin speaking to her and catch her attention. “Would you like to get some air?” She asked suddenly, hoping to avoid just that while trying to make it sound casual. She felt a lot more nervous though then she might have expected.

“Oh uh, sure Cadence.” Shining replied just as quickly, the way he was looking at her was managing to leave a unfamiliar feeling already in her stomach. It actually wasn't so unfamiliar, once she had a second to think with the two of them making their escape from the ballroom. She'd had that feeling before, with Shining Armor no less, when they'd both been younger. That light feeling akin to butterfly’s dancing around inside her stomach. She'd thought Shining Armor was pretty cute for a colt and apparently that was not a opinion that had changed over the years.

At least the crisp night-time air was a pleasant relief. There were far less Ponies out on the balcony overlooking the garden's and the stars glimmered like gemstones in the black expanse of the sky. The moon was especially large, and to Cadence's eyes it appeared that a pony was in it. The old Mare in the Moon, standing out starkly along the surface of distant celestial body.

Admiring the grounds of the palace and the night was all to avoid having to really look at Shining Armor nor to be the first one to speak. Cadence was already feeling tongue tied and the silence that stretched between them seemed awkward to her. 'I'm not some school-filly with a crush...' Cadence thought, surprised that she was apparently fumbling catching up with the first pony she'd really known since she was last in Canterlot.

“Are you the new princess?” Shining broke the silence first, glancing towards her tucked up wings over top her elegant ball gown she'd been made to wear. Not that Cadence disliked looking pretty, but the 'fakeness' of the evening was what had been bothering her.

She nodded in reply, wondering how else she could answer that. “I was a Princess before...but now I guess I have official claims to back it up, not just wings and a horn.” Cadence wanted to get off the topic of royalty, having spoken about it at length ever since the ceremony. “I'm really happy to hear about your Sister and how great things are going for her.”

Shining grinned at that. “We're all proud of her, she's already learned so much. She could probably take me down no sweat at this point.” He joked, any of the tension between them seemed to dissipate as he started to tell her about how Twilight had earned her cutie mark and became a personal protege of Princess Celestia herself.

It was quite the story and Cadence couldn't help laughing at the idea that Twilight had turned her parents into potted plants. It also answered the question of where that adorable little purple baby dragon who she'd met on her personal visits with Celestia came from. Apparently he was living, and being raised by, Celestia to be some sort of scribe. Though most of his time had been spent playing with blocks and toys and generally being very young.

Both of them had moved down into the grounds towards the gardens instead of up on the balcony where there were still prying eyes and ears on them. On the green she could hear any number of chattering animals and birds coming from the dense looking trees, with neither of them looking particularly interested in wandering inside the foliage to inspect. The grass was comfortable enough and the two had laid down next to one another as they continued to chat.

“So tell me a little about yourself Shining...what have you been doing?” She asked, tilting her head a little as the conversation about Twilight had neglected to include anything about himself.

Shining gave a sheepish chuckle and rubbed at the back of his head, suddenly much more modest now that he was speaking about himself and not his family “There isn't a whole lot. I joined the Guard and should become a full officer not too long from now.”

“I thought so, its sort of what you were meant to do.” She teased, nudging him slightly with a hoof to his shoulder. “Unless you think your destiny was to polish suits of armor.”

Shining gave her a mock offended look, sticking his tongue out in a little raspberry. “I already do that pretty well on my own.:

“I imagine you would like very handsome in the official armor.” Cadence teased, putting a lot more warm affection in her tone that she'd perhaps intended and was rewarded with a clear light shade of red on Shining's face for it. He'd only been wearing the red dress outfit which also made him look very attractive to Cadence, much better compared to the other young future officers anyway.

Cadence felt a wave of tiredness wash itself over her with a appropriately sized yawn to accompany it.

“Getting sleepy?” Shining asked

All Cadence could do was yawn again, holding a hoof up to her mouth. “I've had trouble getting any rest with all these parties.” A proper mare and princess didn't start whining about all of her problems and Shining certainly wouldn't want to hear them so she held back from speaking at length on the subject.

“If you'd like a break I’m sure my family would love to have you over for dinner. I know Twilight would and so would I.” Shining Armor offered, a hopeful smile that was completely genuine.

That would have been great, the Sparkle family had always felt like...well, almost like a family for her as well, but she already knew the answer. “I don't think my mother would approve of that. She wasn't very happy even when I foalsat for Twilight."

Not looking put particularly put out, or even upset at the implication that his family wasn't good enough to be seen with her, Shining only gave a little disappointed shrug and nudged himself closer next to her. Now their sides were touching and Cadence had to admit that he was remarkably warm.

Apparently her yawns were contagious because Shining gave a great big one, a degree of drowsiness apparent on his face. Cadence laughed a little at it, but didn't want to get up or spoil the moment. It was the closest she'd come to feeling really truly happy in at least a week and perhaps more. “We should only stay here for a few minutes...too long and they might have to come find us.” She cautioned anyway, knowing that duty and the expectations of high society never ended.

“Uhuh.” Shining gave another yawn, which in turn managed to get her yawning again.

“Quit that, you're making me sleepy.” She nudged him playfully.

“You started it.” Shining shot back, chuckling even as he seemed to settle up against her a little more.

Cadence shut her eyes for a few moments, finding the gentle silence between them and the chirp of crickets, the sound of various animals settling in for the night and the gentle wafting music of the party all extremely relaxing.

6. Shining Armor

Shining Armor awoke to the sound of birds tweeting. His right side was very, comfortably, warm while the rest of him felt rather chilly. Blinking lightly he realized that his back was rather warm too, curiously enough and that he was outside.

“Shh. She's still sleeping.” A very amused sounding and motherly voice spoke up softly to his left. Shining looked over and stared at the sitting form of Princess Celestia. The Princess had a little tea cup levitated up to her mouth which she was sipping at before putting it down on a table that hadn't been there the night before.

Her mane and tail blew gently in the unseen solar winds and she was looking very much entertained as Shining Armor tried to get his bearings. “I take it you had a good night?” She asked.

“Princess...what?” He'd started to ask his voice still normal before he was hushed again by the Princess who raised a wing and pointed it over to his right.

With a great sense of trepidation, as his memory was returning to him, he looked over to look at the sleeping form of Cadence resting up against him. She'd draped one of her wings over his back and her cheek was resting on his fore-leg. She looked very peaceful, beautiful even.

He was absolutely stuck, frozen in place as he was sure that his coat would look remarkably similar to the pink hue of Cadence's. He heard Celestia chuckle gently as she waited for his shock to wear off. “Princes...” He said, his voice a lot lower out of respect for Cadence. “Its not what it looks like?”

Celestia raised an eyebrow at that. “And what does it look like, Shining Armor? I think you two look very cute next to each other like that.”

Shining wanted to cover his face up and bury down into the ground beneath him. Of course, that would wake Cadence. There seemed to be no escape. How could a night go so well only to be busted by the Princess of Equestria the next day? Apparently fate was cruel, though Celestia only seemed interested in having fun at his expense.

“You will need to wake her up soon though, there’s something I need to talk to both of you about.” Celestia said, taking up her tea again and having a sip from the steaming liquid.

Shining heard the words but didn't register them until a half second later. “You need something from us?”

The Princess nodded lightly in agreement. “I need something from many ponies, something very important for all of Equestria. You may recall that I asked to speak with your mentor and Cadence's mother last night.”

Truthfully he'd forgotten, having been so surprised by seeing Cadence that even Celestia had sort of faded out of his mind. Apparently Celestia was remarkably good at reading thoughts because she started to giggle a bit. “I suppose you had more important things on your mind at the time though.”

“Oh uh, its not that Princess.” He tried to deny, knowing that his emotions must have been rather plain to read as the day she'd started. It wasn't so much intimidating to talk to Celestia as the constant feeling that she was just above you. Shining couldn't help but think she knew exactly how this conversation would go and what he would say before he said it.

He was spared musings on how much like a deity the Princess on his left was by the gentle stirring of Cadence back into wakefulness. Apparently all the speaking and moving from Shining had roused her as she raised her head up and blinked sleepily. “Shining?” She mumbled, looking at him without comprehension and then at Celestia. “Princess?”

Shining Armor couldn't help but feel a little curious about how Cadence would react once she had fully woken up. He was rewarded by the curiosity of much less mortification then he'd expected. Once she realized where she was and what had happened she only retracted her wing to her side. “Good morning Princess.” She said smiling brightly at Celestia.

“And good morning to both of you, my little ponies.” Celestia said, standing up which both Cadence and Shining Armor did as well out of courtesy. “Oh that's hardly necessarily.” She added, moving to sit down in front of them.

The pair sat back down, not quite as close as they'd been before. Shining could tell that his sense of confusion was likely matched by Cadence as they waited for Celestia to explain what she wanted.

“Far to the west from here, past the gates of Tartarus, is a hidden valley. Hidden among steep cliffs should be a entrance to a very, very old place. It possibly is older even then myself and I will need both of you, and many other ponies, to go there for me.” Celestia said, very calmly as though she was asking about how their week had been.

Cadence was the first to speak up after they'd taken in what the Princess had said. “Princess, why do you need us to go there?”

Celestia gave a little considerate hum for a moment, clearly thinking on how to phrase it. “There are a lot of ways to answer that question Cadence. For one, there is an item there that I am very interested in. I believe that only the magic of an Alicorn can open the entrance and for very good reasons I cannot do this myself. Not only because I have a country to run.” She explained, smiling and waiting for more questions.

“So you need Cadence to go? But you said that you wanted me as well?” Shining couldn't help but ask, trying to grasp the scope of this proposed adventure, she'd said there were a lot of ponies involved.

“Yes, yourself and your mentor Ivory Tower will be going along with the best of your peers, or more accurately their own mentors. You'll have a number of regular guard's also going along to help you. This sort of trip is going to be possibly very dangerous.” Celestia's voice finally turned rather grave at the last bit, giving an impression of the seriousness of the task she'd set out before them. “I am not exaggerating when I say that this mission could effect all of Equestria. Though I have every confidence you'll be able to do it.”

All of this was a lot to take in. How was Shining Armor even suppose to react? Wasn't this sort of thing suppose to be the kind of chance he should jump on? All of his training and hard work, finally paying off with a grand adventure? But by the sound of it things could prove very serious, and Cadence would be going along?

“I'll be happy to do it, Princess.” He said with more firmness then he really felt. Whether he was ready or not didn't matter, he'd already sworn an oath to do whatever it took to keep Equestria safe.

“Is my...” Cadence started to ask, having given Shining a long look after he'd went and declared his readiness to do what she needed, the same sort of expectation for service didn't quite fall on her shoulders even though she was apparently the most important aspect of the quest.

Celestia seemed to already know what Cadence was referring to and nodded. “Yes, I’ve already told her. She understands the needs of Equestria and I assured her that you will be very safe and well taken care of.”

That certainly seemed to have set Cadence at ease, but before either of them could speak Celestia rose, the two dutifully following suit. “I've told everypony to be ready to set out tomorrow morning. I know its short notice but there is a bit of a time limit. The full details of what's in store for you will be given before you set out. If you do not feel comfortable going on this trip you can back out at any time, I will not think less of you because of it.” And with that Celestia dismissed herself, both Cadence and Shining bowing before being left to stare at one another in confusion at what they should do next.

7. Cadence

With a lot on their minds Cadence and Shining Armor smiled and said their goodbyes before heading off in different direction. Shining Armor had told her that he should probably ask Professor Tower, not looking happy as he said that, more about what the Princess had wanted. There was a lot to think about but for Cadence she thought a quick breakfast wouldn't be out of place.

Of course, there was a question of whether she needed to go back to the home she'd been staying at or if she could eat at the palace itself. Princess Celestia hadn't said anything one way or the other and they were technically family. So it wasn't long before she was wandering the expansive marble halls looking for where somepony might eat.

Eventually she just broke down and asked a guard who pointed her towards the kitchens. Said kitchens were obviously more for the staff then for the Princess it seemed, being located near the rear. Poking her head in, the sight of numerous ponies hard at work preparing food and the noise that it garnered left her a little out of her element.

Most of the staff barely gave her a second glance, far too busy and far too use to seeing 'important ponies' to be troubled much by her appearance. Eventually though, a kindly looking old mare with a kitchen whisk inside a bowl for a cutie mark approached her. “Can I help you your highness?”

“I was uh, if there was anywhere I could get some breakfast.” Cadence asked, finding it a little strange to feel strange asking. Had she really started to become like the high society that she was less then a fan of, use to food just being there. With a horrified start she realized that she'd likely have some difficulty making breakfast on her own.

The older pony wasn't aware of her inner turmoil and simply continued on. “The Princess' eats early, so you missed it if you wanted to join her. If you like I could make something for you. I'm Sunny Side. What would you like dear?”

“Yes, thank you. I'd like, well...a spinach omelet?” That sounded fairly simple and easy to her and a welcome respite from overly fancy foods she'd been subjected to.

Sunny Side smiled, adjusting the net in her mane and moving back over to her station. “I'll have it for you in a minute, you can sit over there if you'd like.” She gestured towards a rough wooden table set off to the side and presumably for the kitchen and other staff to take quick meals.

Cadence didn't spare it a second though before she seated herself and waited patiently. It gave her some time to think, about Shining Armor and this new revelation that a serious mission for all of Equestria was nearly upon her. She wasn't use to the idea of grand adventures and danger and chewed her lip thoughtfully.

She wasn't afraid, not really, it sounded like Princess Celestia was sending her with a veritable army and Shining Armor was even going to be there. If there was anypony she could really depend on it was him. She couldn't help but smile at the adorably embarrassed expression written all over his face once she realized they'd fallen asleep next to one another.

Boys could be stupid sometimes, as endearing as it was, and she'd read his barely disguised interest like a book. If anypony knew about romance and love it was her and she had to admit to thinking that there were a lot worse stallions to have interested in her then him.

The plate of food had appeared in front of her as quickly as Sunny Side had promised and she picked at the food without really eating much of it. As hungry as she was her thoughts were consuming her attention.

Did she like Shining Armor back? Of course she did...he was cute and nice and seemed to like her for more then just being a Princess. A trip like Princess Celestia suggested would probably be a great opportunity for them to actually talk and get to know one another after having not seen one another for so long. Cadence tried to caution herself not to get start thinking too far ahead, Shining might even have a marefriend. She nodded to herself, happy she'd decided something for a change. Best to take things slowly and let them naturally.

Then she heard the sound of the kitchen door slam open, startling her out of her reverie and looking at the glowering anger of her mother as she stalked in. The rest of the staff had flinched, looking at Sonata and then at Cadence, able to see a confrontation about to occur.

“Everypony get out.” Sonata said, without even looking at them. She had no authority over any of these ponies, wasn't even technically a Princess anymore but the sheer anger and venom in her voice did a remarkable job of clearing the place out.

“Mom...” Cadence started, trying to head her off as she tried not to look chastised already. She had a feeling she knew what she was in trouble for.

Sonata would have none of it, stalking up to her and glaring at her daughter. “I leave you for five minutes to talk to Princess Celestia and you disappear with some colt? Not only some colt, but one barely better then a commoner.”

Cadence couldn't help but bristle at the insult to Shining. “He's not just some colt, he's-”

Cut off, her mother didn't let her get a word in edgewise. “He's related to Princess Celestia's protege. Is future low level officer in the guard and a nopony. Maybe if you were the type to be interested in Celestia's pupil, if she wasn't so young, that could be different. Spending the whole night, who knows where, with a nopony...insulting half of Canterlot's high society by ditching your own banquet? You are not a little filly anymore Cadence, you know there are more important things then hanging out with some boy.”

“Mom...” Cadence frowned, not wanting to accept this chewing out, even if she probably had annoyed more then a few rich upper-crust types.

“Don't 'mom' me. You've been nothing but unpleasant this whole week. Every single young stallion I’ve liked you've been rude too. You don't even seem to care about being a Princess.”

Cadence desperately wanted to admit that she didn't, not the same way that her mother seemed to. But they'd had this sort of argument before and every time it got closer to a more uncomfortable truth. One that nagged at Cadence endlessly.

Sonata was still angry, having stopped and clearly expected Cadence to rise up to her words. Finding nothing she appeared to change tactics. “Cadence...our family has nothing anymore. We've only got our history, our claim. Even our money has dried up. When I married your father we were desperate. Your cousins are barely better then commoners, some are even earth ponies working on farms! I only want what's best for you, for all of us.”

It stung, the uncomfortable truth rearing its ugly head even without her having to say anything. That her mother had never particularly loved her father and had only married him because it was the best sort of social climbing method she could find. “Mom, please don't talk about dad like that...”

Her mother gave her a long look. “There was nothing wrong with your father...but we as a family, in the Crystal Empireuse to be great. The equals of Celestia, now not even the most learned historians know much of anything about our past. If you went and married somepony like Shining Armor you'd be right back where I was...and another step towards being just like everypony else. Do you really want that?”

Cadence only frowned and looked away as a reply, Sonata not happy to have that nonverbal answer.

“This isn't just about you, either, Cadence. Your whole family is depending on you finding a good stallion who can help keep our family afloat. You were born to be a Princess, literally. Do you even know how to survive in the 'real world'? Could you get a job?" The way she said job was if the very notion of Cadence working for money was ridiculous.

No, no thanks to you sheltering me. Cadence thought back with a touch of resentment, but didn't say. “I understand mom....” She finally wilted, how could she turn her back on her family or mother and just do as she liked? Wasn't a Princess suppose to put ponies above herself?

“Look at me Cadence. I know you love your family, that you love me. We all have to do things we don't like from time to time. And sometimes...they end up making us very happy. I know that's how I got you.” That twisted the knife further, rather then being comforting. “Thats why I absolutely forbid you from seeing Shining Armor or his family. That part of your life is over. You have to start thinking like a Princess.”

Utterly defeated and unwilling to fight the point, Cadence just looked down at her plate. “Yes mom.” She said glumly.

Apparently satisfied that she'd gotten her way, Sonata joined her at the table with a little huff of being unimpressed. “You couldn't have picked a more luxurious dining room then the servants kitchen?” She asked.

“They're the staff, not servants.” Cadence corrected, still downcast.

Sonata rolled her eyes and waved a hoof. “Yes, of course. Now let me tell you about this special assignment that Celestia has in store for you. You'll never believe who is going along with you.”

8.Shining Armor

Shining Armor had made a beeline for Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns once he'd cleared the palace gate. The academy wasn't too far once he'd walked down the slope and he passed by the gates with a fairly good idea of exactly where a meeting concerning a mission like this would be.

He'd guessed right by walking into the assembly room, seeing the majority of the his fellow officer candidates and professors talking amongst themselves. Ivory Tower was standing up at the front on a podium shuffling his notes. The professor's eyes immediately found their way to Shining, then motioned him to come over.

“Congratulations on not being late. I'd thought you might have gotten yourself lost with your new marefriend on purpose for the whole evening.” Shining couldn't help but give the other Unicorn a dirty look at what he'd insinuated.

Ivory Tower smirked at that. “Its not me you have to convince, the majority of your peer's here were at that banquet and saw you wander off with Princess Cadence for a whole night. Just what did you get up to by the way?”

Shining Armor suddenly became aware of more than a few glares focused on him. “We didn't do anything besides talk...” He defended himself, but only to Ivory Tower who shrugged and returned to his notes.

“I said you didn't have to convince me. Though you may want to consider that almost half of the point of being here was to develop social contacts, not alienate all of your competition. Go find a seat and stop bothering me.” Dismissed, Shining Armor was all too happy to leave his supposed mentor.

Finding a seat was a little harder then he'd anticipated. The hostility hadn't been there before, he'd mostly kept his head down and avoided talking to any of the officer candidates he didn't like. But now he was in the limelight regardless.

He settled for a seat on the opposite side of the most pronounced clique and waited until the explanation for what they'd be doing got under way. At least that was his plan until a pony from the main clique of high society goers that had been glaring at him broke free and cantered casually over to Shining.

He relaxed when he recognized Gentle August who nodded respectfully towards Shining Armor and found a seat next to him. “You are a more well connected pony then I thought Shining Armor.” He said, looking perfectly at ease with a casual tone to his voice, without an ounce of accusation.

Puzzled slightly at that, Shining gave a searching look and then spoke with a degree of caution, not knowing if he was being set up. “I knew Princess Cadence from when we were young, she foalsat for my little sister.” He explained, taking this as a chance to perhaps soothe some of the bruised egos of Cadence's supposed suitors.

“That's what I’ve heard, if there is one thing that we've become good at in Canterlot it's gossip.” Shining Armor was convinced that Gentle August had taken speaking classes, he managed to be dignified without being overly grating and he wasn't entirely sure if he should be checking his person for missing bits whenever he was done speaking to Gentle.

“Is that all you wanted to talk to me about? Something you already knew?” Shining asked him.

Gentle August sighed at that, looking over to the clique who feigned to ignore the two. “Thats what they wanted me to ask. I was more interested in why we were here. Professor Tower is apparently the head of this expedition and I was wondering if you kno-.”

Shining Armor cut him off with a shake of his head. “Ivory Tower doesn't tell me anything. Sorry, but I’m in the dark as much as you are.”

“What a pity, I don't envy your situation. On thinking about it I would have guessed you two would have gotten along pretty well, you know.” Gentle August commented, smiling as his silver eyes trailed there way to the Professor whom they were speaking about.

Shining couldn't help but take the bait. “What do you mean by that?”

“Well...” Gentle smiled, flicking some of his long purplish bangs out of his face. “I'm surprised you weren’t aware that Ivory Tower is from the more common sort. Not even from Canterlot. Rather remarkable really, I suppose the benefit of the meritocracy we have here in Equestria.”

That was news for Shining, the academic staff of this school was something of an old-stallions club and more then a few of these same officer candidates, if they couldn't find anything else, would find employment readily here in time. They weren’t entirely incapable of magic but Gentle August's use of the word 'meritocracy' was almost outright sarcastic. It was the little hints of self-deprecation that he used that didn't make Shining Armor completely dislike the other Unicorn.

“Why are you even telling me thi-” He'd started to say when Ivory Tower cleared his throat and the entire assembly quickly found their seats.

As if he was addressing a classroom of children, instead of grown adults, Professor waited until everyone was seated and entirely silent before he began, humming lightly and tapping a hoof against the podium he was standing up against. “I imagine we've all traded enough gossip and hearsay about the task Princess Celestia wishes accomplished.”

There were a few chuckles, namely from the seated professors in the audience who were off to Ivory Tower's right. He didn't spare them a glance as he walked over to a large chalk board set in the wall and levitated up a piece of chalk to begin drawing what appeared to be a scepter. He took the time and attention to inscribe a few symbols and words in a language that Shining didn't recognize around the object before placing the chalk down.

“This would be the rod of Lachesis. It is a matter of ancient mythology that this is an item used by fate itself to judge the destiny of any living being in the world.” That certainly managed to catch the attention of everyone assembled in the hall, all eyes switching between the drawing and Professor Tower.

“To some degree we all accept the idea of fate, that we are all destined for something. Each of us bears a special mark signifying what we are meant for.” Ivory Tower spoke, leaning up against the Podium against in a upright manner that allowed him to look taller. “How much we are guided by our cutie marks, our destinies is a matter for the field of Causality. Myth and legend held that if a pony were to try and use the rod of Lachesis they could view destiny, not only of themselves but of events at large in the world.”

At that, Prince Blueblood spoke up, looking less then impressed. “Professor, the way you keep using 'myth and legend' makes me think that this rod doesn't actually exist. If something that were real wouldn't somepony have found it and kept it?” There were more then a few mumbles of agreement, finding the idea of something so fantastical certainly hard to believe.

Ivory Tower met the gaze of Blueblood, saying nothing for a moment while the murmurs ran their course. “Naturally, we wouldn't be looking for something if it was already found. Princess Celestia has assured me herself that such an item does exist and she is very certain of its location.”

“Then why doesn't she get it herself? No disrespect to the Princess but isn't she a whole lot more powerful and knowledgeable then any of us?” A voice said from the back.

With another question interrupting him Ivory Tower rubbed his face. “I would appreciate it if that was the last question until the end. I was just about to get to that. The rod of Lachesis is powerful, yes, but all records of it give a very dire warning for any who would go looking for it. If a pony with a special destiny, one that impacts many lives, were to find and try and use it they would be confronted by everything they were to ever do. A quality of casuality is that finding and hoisting the rod can itself be a special act and a sort of feedback loop is possible. The consequences are supposed to drive any such unlucky soul mad. As Princess Celestia is an immensely important pony she knows far better then to try and use it herself. It must be a unimportant pony that uses it, to view what Princess Celestia wishes to know about the future.”

There were going to be other questions but Ivory Tower held up a hoof to cut them off and gave a stern look. “Do not ask me what she wishes to know, she wishes that to be confidential. The pony who will view the future has already been decided and knows what they are to do and look for.” There were still murmurs, slight unease at the notion that there was something coming which Princess Celestia was concerned about enough to not want to wait.

“Now that we've had the introductory notion of what we're all going to be doing for the next few days and weeks on our little adventure let me tell you how you're all going to risk death and injury on the way.” Ivory Tower said with a touch of cheerfulness and amusement at the topic. “We'll be passing nearby Tartarus itself, I think everypony can remember the tales their mothers and nannies might have told them about the things that go bump in the night. Most of it is true and even more horrible then you can imagine. Hopefully you'll remember enough about what I’m about to tell you to not get eaten right away....”

It went on like that for a few hours, Ivory Tower was very thorough with the suspected dangers and obstacles. The provisions were already well packed and they would have an accompaniment of hand picked regular guards. Ivory Tower, having gotten a glass of water, took a sip before finishing up. “Of course, we can't march all of us out there, Princess Celestia intends to have this mission succeed one way or the other. This expedition will only include six of us, three professors and their apprentices. If we fail, the next three will follow and hopefully you will remember what I’ve said.”

There was something of a relieved sigh at that. Namely that most of them would not be going out on the mission. Shining Armor already knew that he was going, by virtue of Ivory Tower going, and was only idly curious who would be with him. Ivory Tower saved him from thinking about when he spoke up next. “Among us going will by Shining Armor and myself, Professor Puppet Strings and Prince Blueblood, Professor Lucid Dream and Gentle August. We'll be heading out early tomorrow morning at sunrise. Do not be late. Have a nice day.”

And with that they were allowed to go. Apparently Prince Blueblood was not at all happy with the assignment, not that Shining Armor was either if it meant being with him for a week or more, and stomped his way up towards Ivory Tower to trade words. Shining Armor was amused to see Ivory Tower looking less then happy to talk to the arrogant prat who Shining Armor thought rivaled the Professor in terms of jerkiness.

He was distracted by the light chuckles of Gentle August, who was still sitting next to him. “I had asked for this mission. I can't help but wonder if that was an entirely wise decision, its starting to sound a little dangerous.”

Shining Armor turned to look at the other pony and tried to make sense of that. “You volunteered? Why?”

“There is only so much that one can accomplish by commenting on the taste of wine and trading gossip here in Canterlot.” Gentle August replied, rising from the seat. “I'd hate to see you get yourself killed Shining Armor, I’ve always thought you were something of a refreshing change up to the old humdrum around here.”

“Thank you?” He replied, sometimes not exactly able to figure out what the particularly clever high society ponies were getting at when they spoke. 'Palace Intrigue' as it was called, had never sat well with Shining Armor and would have rather preferred more direct, to the point, discussions instead of double and hidden meanings behind words.

9. Cadence

Frigid didn't come close to describing the atmosphere between Cadence and her mother after their 'talk' early yesterday. Cadence had made a point of avoiding conversation even after they'd returned to the house they'd been staying at. Sonata had made it a point to mention their family history again and again, mostly how far they had fallen with lost land and the unparalleled wealth they'd commanded.

It'd been miserable and Cadence had slipped out of the house far earlier then sunrise just to avoid having to see her mother again. Once she'd cleared the first block though she felt remarkably better. She could feel the crisp cool air every time she inhaled and the soft glow over the horizon that marked how soon the sun would be up.

There weren’t very many ponies on the streets. Mostly vendors, shop owners, who were setting up for another day of business. She could feel senses of camaraderie between business partners, even the love of married couples who owned their small family shops. After being surrounded by so much negativity even a short walk down a mostly empty street was a deep breath of fresh air.

The young Princess wasn't surprised that she was one of the first ponies there at the agreed meeting place for the expedition. The idea of traveling past Tartarus and who knows what else was a little intimidating but she had to believe it would work out well or else risk pointless time worrying on it. The only things here were two large wagons weighted down with supplies. Curious about what had been decided to bring along she trotted over and noticed a sleepy looking pegasi guard almost nodding off before her approach.

He straightened up to alertness before relaxing when he recognized her. Not wanting to spoil the stillness of the morning with words she waved him off and had a look. A great deal of efficiency appeared to have went into making sure that this trip would have only as many carts as they needed. This was obvious by them being packed to the brim and almost looking to spill over with the various tents, food and other things necessary for what would likely prove a fairly length trip.

It would also mean that there would be no riding in the wagons, even if any of them wanted too. It would be all walking, Cadence hoped she could keep up with the pace and wouldn't exactly enjoy forcing the group to slow down on her behalf even if they likely would out of deference to who she was. If there was one thing Cadence didn't want to be it was a burden.

“You must be the Princess I heard so much about yesterday.” A voice said, breaking the silence and startling her.

She looked to her left, her right and behind her and saw no one. “Up here.” The voice said and she looked up to see a blue coated pegasus with a emblazoned set of wings and lightning bolt on his flank. He was floating easily along the air and even appeared to be a little sweaty and out of breath.

He was still looking expectantly at her, waiting for a reply and she nodded. “Oh yes, that’s me. Are you with the guard on the mission?”

“Yes ma'am! Wing Sergeant Soarin at your service.” He saluted mid-air, his breathing coming to a more normal rhythm and then settled down on the ground. “You're here early.” He commented.

Again she nodded. “So are you. Did you race here?” Cadence couldn't help but ask.

He shook his head, flapping his wings a little. “Nope, I’ve been getting a few laps around Canterlot in before we go. I wasn't sure when the next time I could work out would happen if we're going to go marching up into the mountains and don't want to get too out of shape, you know?.”

That made a lot of sense, though she wasn't sure if it was admirable or a sign that Soarin was crazy if he thought the best thing to do right before a long, dangerous mission was to exercise. Especially when they would be marching all day.

“Well suppose that makes sense.” She answered, he seemed confident about the trip at least. “Do you have a lot of experience doing things like this?”

Instead of the nod she was hoping for, perhaps with assurances that the danger that had been alluded too was just an over abundant sense of caution, Soarin gave a shake of his head. “Can't say that I have. I'm technically not even out of training yet.” He was still cheery, running a hoof through his mane.

A little incredulous that the group's guard attachment was led by a self admitted trainee Cadence stared. “You're still training?”

“Yes Ma'am, I was with the Wonder-Bolts before we were all called out to Canterlot.” Soarin enthused, apparently unaware of her source of distress.

She did feel a little bit better, the Wonder-Bolt's were elite with a good reputation for dealing with less then pleasant threats to Equestria.

She didn't have anything to say to that and Soarin filled in the gap, perking up with his own question. “So, you're a princess right?” She nodded. “If you don't mind me asking, what are you the Princess of? I never really understood how there could be more Princesses or Princes then just Celestia.”

Cadence blinked at that. “Well...I suppose I’m the Princess of...Love?” That was really the only thing that made sense. “The only real metric of being a Prince or Princess is whether you want to call yourself one...or if Princess Celestia is willing to adopt you.”

Soarin's face scrunched up in confusion. “Really? You mean I could call myself a Prince and I’d be one?”

“I don't think anypony else would believe you but you could. I guess you could call yourself the leader of Equestria but it wouldn't make it so.” Was her answer.

Soarin nodded “That makes sense. But you are a princess though, right?”

Given her own criteria she supposed she was. “Princess Celestia and most of Canterlot says so...”

By now other ponies were arriving, Cadence's hopes sank as she recognized Prince Blueblood, hardly a shining example of supposed Canterlot High Society. He was flanked by another unicorn, a older looking green mare with her mane done up in a silvery bun. “Ahh, Princess Cadence. How nice to meet you.” She bowed, speaking first while Prince Blueblood gave a disdainful look at Soarin.

Apparently Prince Blueblood was still unhappy with his treatment two days ago because he barely acknowledged Cadence. “Yes, nice to meet you again.”

The older mare gave a strained cough and then walked forward to extend a hoof. “I'm Professor Puppet Strings. We'll be sure you don't get hurt your majesty.”

Cadence took the hoof shake and smiled at the Professor. She could tell Butter Cup was something of a sycophant but there wasn't anything actively malicious about her. “You can just call me Cadence. I'm not really use to 'your majesty' or even Princess.”

Puppet Strings nodded and returned her smile. Prince Blueblood snorted and said. “Of course.” just barely under his breath, despite the small group being able to hear it.

Apparently Soarin didn't take that particularly well because he stepped forward and frowned, pointing a hoof towards Blueblood. “Hey, whats your problem?”

Prince Blueblood looked dumbstruck, surprised at the confrontation. “Are you talking to me, guard?”

Soarin's eyes narrowed at that. “I am, and I have a name, horses ass.” His wings flared and he looked about ready to attack.

“You can't talk to me that way. I am royalty and your better.” Blueblood said, not quite in the same state of readiness to fight but certainly sounding offended.

Cadence stepped forward, not wanting a fight or to risk getting Soarin in trouble. “Its okay Soarin.” She said quickly, giving him a pleading look not to do something stupid.

The blue pegasi glanced towards Cadence and straightened. “Sure. But I'll have you know I’m royalty too.” Soarin gave a cocky look and struck a confident pose. “I'm Prince Soarin.”

Blueblood stared for a moment and then looked disbelieving. “You can't possibly be...I've never even heard of you or know who you are.”

Apparently that was what Soarin was waiting to hear. “Its funny, I can say the same thing about you.”

Cadence couldn't help but giggle slightly at that while BlueBlood looked almost like he was about to blow.

“Well said, 'Prince' Soarin. Its a shame I haven't seen you at any parties, you might have livened them up.” Was another male voice, with everyone turning to look. It was a white coated, purple maned unicorn with what appeared to be wooden sticks gathered together with something else sticking out that Cadence couldn't quite make out.

“Gentle August.” Blueblood said with a start, glancing between him and Soarin. “Did you hear what this-”

He was interrupted by Gentle who glanced towards Cadence. “I heard a member of the guard defending a lapse of politeness towards a very attractive Princess.” Gentle August gave a polite nod her way.

Clearly not sure what to do Blueblood looked lost, glancing between all of them before begrudgingly nodding towards Cadence. “My apologies...” and then stalked off away from them, Puppet Strings following quickly.

Soarin relaxed, back to some of his cheerful self and walked up to Gentle and extended a hoof, who did as well but instead of receiving a shake instead a bump from Soarin and blinked at the unfamiliar gesture.

“That was pretty awesome, man, but I’ve got to go talk to my squadron who just showed up.” With that he flew off towards a small band of sleepy looking pegasi in armor who'd trudged up the road.

Cadence and Gentle August were joined by another pony, another older Professor who was a butternut coated stallion whose mane and tail had long since succumbed to the silvery color of old age. He looked at Cadence and then bowed, without saying anything while Gentle August appeared to bounce on his hooves slightly while looking at her, appearing expectant.

“Thank you for avoiding a fight.” She finally said, she wasn't quite sure what to think of the young aristocrat. He'd been very suave so far, clearly the opposite of her supposed cousin Blueblood.

Gentle August waved it off. “Its no problem. We'll have to work together if we'd like avoid a grisly fate. Ah, this is Professor Butter Up, my mentor.” He nodded towards the older unicorn who accepted the introduction.

“Its nice to meet you. Do you know when we're going to leave?” She asked politely, the sun had long since risen up over the horizon. The day was warming up, comfortably so and promising to be excellent traveling weather.

“As soon as Professor Tower and Shining Armor arrive we'll be ready to set off I believe.” Was Gentle August's reply, which appeared to have all but summoned the two. Cadence could see the familiar form of Shining Armor who was apparently holding a great deal of things up in the air and apparently having a intent conversation with his mentor.

10. Shining Armor

“I don't see why I have to hold all of these things...Sir.” Shining Armor caught himself with the observance of basic respect at the last minute so as to not be completely insubordinate.

He'd never been able to make Ivory Tower as seemingly irate as he made him though, and Shining wasn't sure that the Professor even cared whether he addressed him or not with proper courtesy. It was only because he didn't want to give him a valid reason to give bad reports that he chose to observe them.

Ivory Tower was sipping at a steaming cup of coffee, the only thing that he was carrying in contrast to the heavy collection of maps, scrolls and books that his mentor had conveniently neglected to pack until now. “I imagine it might have slipped your mind but yesterday I gave a briefing in front of a room full of ponies about the very reason we are heading out onto a long expedition. Everything you're carrying is critical to actually accomplishing something of note so try not to drop it.”

Shining Armor all but bit his tongue to avoid audibly growling at Ivory Tower, his telekinetic ability straining at the volume and unorganized collection of things he had to carry. He'd received a note asking him to come down to the school by the Professor only to receive this absolute mess which he was sure was left deliberately untidy to increase his burden.

The entire group was already at the gate by the time they'd arrived and he was faintly surprised to see Soarin giving a talk to a stiff group of equally young pegasi standing in a line receiving last minute instruction. It made sense, though, Soarin had told him that he'd been called up earlier. Soarin wasn't the only welcome sight for Shining though, Cadence was speaking with Gentle August and clearly perked up on seeing his approach and started walking towards the pair with a smile.

Shining lost some of his concentration in holding up all of the paperwork, a few of the books starting to veer slightly off to the side while still wrapped up in the violet glow of his magic. They'd started to flicker when they were supported by a light blue aura.

He blinked, and glanced towards Ivory Tower who only had a eye raised towards his things, his horn not alight. “Would you like some help?” Cadence asked, walking up to them with that same smile she'd worn.

Thankfully a thing like telekinesis was almost second nature to most older unicorns or else Shining might have dropped his entirely and spoiled the moment. “Oh uh, sure Cadence.” He said, swallowing a little as he thought of a proper way to separate the collection of things over his head. The gesture was innocent, but Shining couldn't help but feel some of the feedback of Cadence's magic over top his.

There were more then a few innuendos and jokes among unicorns about 'sharing magic' and some likened it to even kissing. Before they raised any eyebrows, Shining divided what he'd been carrying into two and clearly gave Cadence the smaller half. “Thanks, it wouldn't be so hard if it was all in one piece.”

Ivory Tower gave a scoff at that and cantered up ahead of the pair as Cadence fell in next to his side. “Are you excited?” She asked him, lowering her voice as they made their way towards the rear wagon to store the papers.

“A little. Think you'll be alright with all of the danger?” He replied.

Cadence shrugged, leaning up against the wagon and carefully starting to place away the items so they wouldn't be damaged or otherwise crumpled up. “Whose the Alicorn Princess here? Maybe it'll be me keeping you out of danger.”

That was a lot more confident then what he remembered last time they'd been together. He was impressed all the same and chuckled. “Maybe if we have to give monsters advice on their relationships.” Shining couldn't help but tease, given what he knew Cadence's special talent was.

She gave him a pretend annoyed look and nudged him in the chest with a hoof. “I'll have you know there is nothing wrong with having powers over love. If you're not careful I’ll make you fall head over hooves for the next squirrel I see.”

“Hah, but won't you be jealous?” He countered, poking her back in the chest just as she'd done to him. “If you're lucky we'll even send you wedding invitations.”

Cadence puffed out her cheeks for a second and Shining couldn't help but think they looked a touch more pink when she started to speak. “Why would I be jealo-”

“That is quite enough flirting for the morning. We're ready to go.” That was Ivory Tower, sounding as sarcastic as ever and not giving them a chance to protest that they were in fact not flirting.

“Right uh, would you like to walk together?” Shining asked as the wagon in front of them began to move.

Cadence nodded, though was studiously glancing away from him until the noticeable flush of her cheeks went away. “Sure.” Was her reply as they set off with the rest out of Canterlot and along the road.

The whole group was made up of fifteen in all. Six unicorns, six pegasi, two earth ponies and Cadence. The two earth ponies were pulling the wagons despite being full members of the Guard themselves. Each type of pony had their own special brand of magic and earth ponies in particular were especially physical and attuned to all things ground. Shining Armor had long ago learned never to challenge an earth pony to a hoof wrestling or any kind of wrestling match unless you wanted a quick trip to the hospital.

The pace Ivory Tower had set wasn't particularly harsh and the first day of travel went by remarkably well as far as Shining Armor was concerned. At various points he and Cadence would chat about nothing of particular importance to pass the time. There was no real direction, they traded stories about what they'd been doing in the past.

The pegasi, under Soarin's direction, had taken off to scout ahead and stretch their wings. Along a road with Canterlot still practically in sight it wasn't likely they were to be attacked anyway and Shining thought it made a good deal of sense. What was curious about how the group traveled was how quiet Prince Blueblood was being despite walking alongside Gentle August.

As far as he could remember the two got along reasonably well but the supposed royal seemed to be keeping his head canted up and away from the other unicorn and their mentors looked less then pleased at the start of the trip. Ivory Tower was walking along at the front and speaking to nobody, his gaze always seemed to rest on a mountain range that was slowly creeping up into the air the further along they marched.

Finally they came to a sharp bend in the road, more to the north then to the west that their eventual goal lay. Rather then follow along it, Ivory Tower started to head off of the track and through the long grass. Apparently this was where they truly began their journey for the earth pony guards hauling the wagons followed him as did the rest of them. “I guess this is where we begin?” He asked Cadence, who merely nodded and looked a bit more serious.

That had been well after midday and they'd went this entire time without so much as a break. Shining Armor could feel a light sheen of sweat at his forehead and, glancing towards Cadence, saw that she was breathing a bit harder while looking far more tired then when they'd started.

He excused himself for a moment from her side and picked up his pace to walk alongside Ivory Tower at the front of the column. “Professor...maybe we should take a break or stop for the evening. Its only the first day.” Shining said as nicely as he could.

“Your marefriend will be fine. We'll stop in an hour or two, there’s a schedule I’ve planned and I would like not to mess it up on day one.” Was his reply, certainly not giving him much wiggle room to negotiate.

“She's not my mare...I understand there's still a long way to go but should we really be wearing ourselves out before we're even near Tartarus?” He tried again, ignoring the bait for what was more important.

Ivory Tower gave a annoyed sounding sigh while still walking along and looking straight ahead. “Its best to get use to being tired. Eventually we'll not be able to even sleep. What part of this not being a pampered pleasure trip was confusing to you?”

He could tell this was a lost cause and fell back after that to walk next to Cadence and give her a sympathetic look.

“I'll be fine, Shining Armor.” She said, panting while slightly slouched.

“I know you will I was just-”

Cadence shot him a dirty look and straightened her posture back up as she did. “Feeling sorry for me? I'll be fine, Shining. I'm not going to be a burden.”

That wasn't quite what he was hoping to convey. “I wasn't feeling sorry and there’s no way you'll be a burden. But you are a little tired and you aren’t the only one. I just wanted to give it a shot. I bet Professor Tower calls halt a little sooner for me doing it anyway.”

As it turned out, he didn't. It was two hours and many more miles before they stopped. In all it was a remarkable stretch of traveling for one day and they'd traded the wide flat grass of when they'd left the road for a fairly dense forest underneath increasingly jagged looking mountains.

Most every one was eager to almost collapse once Ivory Tower called his stop for the evening. The sun nearly down past the horizon with the night falling all around them with longer and longer shadows. The earth pony guards had drawn the wagons up parallel with a large enough space in the middle to build a fire. Professor Puppet Strings had done the honor of lighting the wood into a blaze and the group had collectively settled down around it.

Princess Celestia and Ivory Tower had been very detailed in their packing of supplies. Prepared meals had already been made and were now their dinner. It was curious, Shining thought as he dug into the canned green vegetables, that he had never seen a pony lean down and eat the grass. Sure, it was mostly tasteless and could have bugs in it but surely it had to be edible right? He didn't want to be the first one to volunteer but did mention it to Cadence who giggled at the idea.

Soarin had detailed two pegasi to keep the first watch of the evening and asked the others to contribute if they liked. Prince Blueblood had, naturally, scoffed at the notion while Gentle August volunteered. Cadence looked thoughtful for a moment before raising her hoof alongside Shining Armor to keep watch and give the squadron of pegasi some extra rest.

“I'd like the last one, if that's alright.” She asked when Soarin came round to set the times they'd be staying up. The campfire was starting to die down, the glowing cherry charcoals of the remaining wood was providing most of the illumination left as the majority of the flames were long gone. Most of the group had went to sleep, curling up into bags taken out of the wagons as they'd been far too tired to bother setting tents up.

Nodding, the future prospective Wonder-Bolt jotted something down on a clipboard he had. “Alright, you and Shining Armor can have that time. You'll get to see the sunrise too. Make sure not to let us sleep in.” Shining Armor couldn't help but notice the sly quick wink shot his way from his friend after he said that.

Cadence either didn't notice or pretend she didn't. After Soarin wandered off to get some rest she yawned rather loudly and got up. “See you in a few hours Shining Armor. Thanks for being with me the whole time.” She said and then wandered off to procure her own sleeping bag.

He chewed his bottom lip while remaining stationary in thought. A part of him wanted to join her, at least sleeping nearby even if they were in separate sleeping bags. Not so distant memories of falling asleep and waking up next to her were called up in his mind and not entirely unpleasantly. Deliberately going over with a sleeping bag would be a lot different of a situation though. Especially out on a mission like this. 'This would be easier if I wasn't a gentle-pony' He groused, shrugging off the inner battle and deciding it was better to be respectful of a mare's privacy then pushing his luck.

Shining Armor was spared more thoughts on the matter of Cadence by the entire day's march catching up to him as he snuggled into his own sleeping bag. He was out like a light within minutes and sleeping peacefully. If he were awake and looking in the right direction he might have been able to make out the distant sight of flickering fires high atop the mountains which were directly in front of their current course.

11. Cadence

Cadence was sore, she could feel the stiffness trailing up into her legs and across her back. She shifted uneasily after a faintly annoying nudge poking her somewhere along her left side while she kept her eyes shut tight. “Quit it...” She mumbled, still clinging to sleep. The nudge came again and with it a bit more wakefulness begrudgingly forced itself onto her consciousness.

It was only when a voice was paired with the nudge that she began to realize where she was and who was with her. “Cadence, its time for our watch.” That was Shining Armor. She'd have been more happy to know he was with her if he wasn't currently trying to wake her up.

“Five more minutes...” She mumbled, still sleepy but no longer able to so easily roll back over and return to unconsciousness.

Shining Armor was insistent and even had the gall to softly laugh at her complaint. “You volunteered for this you know.”

That was true. Damnit. “Fine...fine.” Cadence relented and forced herself up into a sleeping position. She was sure her mane looked like a rat's nest by the curled and disheveled parts she could already see. It was still fairly dark, only the hints of daylight coming on as she looked around and made out the sleeping forms of the rest of their group.

Shining Armor looked remarkably bright and cheerful, watching her as she woke up. “You sure you're up?” He asked while Cadence couldn't help but wonder how he managed to be so awake and happy. Didn't he know it was still technically night?

She nodded, stretching out her joints that had stiffened up while she slept. Apparently she was even less use to a hard days travel then she had thought. “Yes. I need to get ready though...” There were any number of things she wanted and needed to do and she didn't want Shining Armor watching her for any of them. A lady should have her privacy.

“Oh uh, alright. I'll just be over that way starting the watch.” Shining said, in that infectiously cheery way. She'd probably think it was cuter after she didn't feel like falling over back to sleep.

A short five minutes later of brushing her hair and making herself proper for the rest of the day Cadence found Shining Armor sitting next to a fallen over tree and looking towards the horizon. The sun was steadily making headway up against the line of trees with greater and greater illumination every moment.

She moved over and sat right next to him, Shining glancing her way but saying nothing. “Its really peaceful, isn't it?” Cadence asked.

“Actually I've been told that sunrise is the time when you're most likely to be attacked.” He commented, still looking towards the treeline.

She blinked at that. “What? Really?”

Nodding, Shining shrugged. “Yeah, but I don't think we're going to be. I tried to walk out a little further to check around us and bumped into a bunch of hidden protection wards. I think the Professors put them up before we went to bed.”

“You mean we didn't really have to go take watch?” Cadence couldn’t help but ask with a touch of incredulity.

Shining Armor gave another shrug, turning slightly to face her. “Probably. I guess it didn't hurt, besides us all being a little more tired. How are you feeling by the way?”

At the moment Cadence was feeling annoyed at the minor amount of trickery displayed in allowing the guards and themselves keep a pointless watch. She rather enjoyed her beauty sleep after all but...she took a deep breath and let go. “Sore. I didn't know walking could be so hard.”

“When you do it enough it is. You might want to stretch before we head out after breakfast.”

They paused in their conversation to watch the final entrance of the sun over the trees. It was awe inspiring and bright as it always was but they appreciated it all the same. The appreciation didn't last long, however, as the camp suddenly burst into a cacophony of noise. Popping sounds like fireworks going off and a long screeching whistle.

Cadence fell over in surprise, worried that her heart might have stopped. She was pretty sure she heard a sound akin to a goat bleat but had more on her mind then to worry where it came from. Shining Armor's reaction was a little better, hopping up quickly and facing the other direction with an intent look ready for action at a moments notice.

That was unnecessary as the falsely cheery voice of Ivory Tower broke through the second the unbearably loud sounds ended. “Rise and shine, little ponies. We head out in twenty minutes.” He said to the bewildered mass of formerly sleeping ponies who'd tangled themselves up in all of their sleeping bags to try and face the terrible monster they'd been sure was about to eat them just a moment ago.

To Cadence they didn't look so much like a small army but a murderous mob as all eyes were on Ivory Tower. He'd started a small fire with a pot of coffee already bubbling away. “Nineteen minutes, thirty seconds.” He said, which got the entire group moving.

“You see what I've had to put up with.” Shining Armor said to her while helping her back up to her hooves.

She was starting to see his point, less then amused at the near heart attack that she'd just had. But she supposed it was one of the ways to go about getting ponies up in a hurry. Other fires were started, sleep rubbed out of eyes and a quickly heated up meal had the camp ready to go in fifteen minutes with about four to spare.

“I look absolutely dreadful. I think I have twigs in my hair.” Blueblood complained, rubbing at his mane.

Gentle August was finishing off a canteen, sitting next to him and gave him a long look. “You should be happy then. Perhaps it will give you enough camouflage to avoid any attackers.”

Blueblood shot him a dirty look but said nothing while their allowed for twenty minutes expired. Very quickly they were back up and on the march. To Cadence it appeared they were moving even quicker, a shadow falling over them as they began to pass the first of incredibly high peaked, steep mountains.

She tried to crane her neck high enough to see their tops but couldn't quite manage to make them out beyond snowy looking pointed caps. For a second she thought she saw a flicker of movement high up at what had to be almost a thousand meters up but brushed it off as snow or a rock jostled loose on the wind.

“Princess Cadence, I’ve got a question.” That was Soarin, dipping in low to speak to her. He'd put himself directly over the top of the group with the rest of his squadron flying on either side.

“Yes Soarin?” She asked, curious as he'd become far more serious in his demeanor since they'd headed out. Almost everypony had, actually, she was reminded that most of them were fairly well trained or full members of the Guard. It was comforting to know that they were all ready for the task and not just playing pretend.

“You can fly right? You've got wings but I don’t think I’ve ever seen you actually take off.”

Oh. That question. “Well...I can.” She said, her hesitant answer catching Shining Armor's attention who was looking at her curiously. “I just don't fly very often anymore. Its personal.”

Soarin winced, catching on that he'd drudged up unpleasant memories. “Sorry, then. I didn't mean.”

“Its okay, you didn't know.” She said quickly, not wanting to expand on it even for a moment.

She hadn't flown much more then a few minutes collectively since the day her father died. Even just thinking about it in those terms was more then she wanted to think. The moment was awkward now, with Shining Armor looking concerned and Soarin apologetic.

Only the steady sound of the wagon wheels turning against the grass and the hoof-falls of the group was now filling up the silence. Cadence wasn't sure if perhaps she should get it over with and tell them regardless of her reservations when Ivory Tower spoke up. “We're making good time for a change. We should be over the north edge of Tartarus in a hour.”

It wasn't a few moments after he spoke that Cadence saw a pegasi guard's head snap up and dodge a falling boulder that would have squashed him flat. “We're under attack!” Was his cry, another enormous rock falling and forcing another guard to twist out of the way or be crushed.

A few seconds passed, the loud thuds of continuously falling boulders filling the ravine and the clattering sound of their descent along the sides of the cliffs before the group sprung into action. They started running forward, trying to get out of path of the falling rocks.

“Couldn't this just be an avalanche?” She heard herself ask as they were darting forward.

“No! I saw-” The pegasi guard who'd raised the alarm said before a spear sliced its way down into his left wing. He gave a cry of pain, slamming down into the ground with a thud and twisting into a roll.

Then there was a terrible screeching noise high above them and Cadence looked. There were well over a dozen awful looking creatures. They appeared to have the bodies of ponies but their bottom hooves ended in sharp looking bird talons. Their forelegs were ended with expansive looking wings and their muzzles had a clear beak instead of a softer nose. In many of their talons were clutched spears similar to the one that had injured the guard.

“Harpies!” Was a cry from Professor Puppet Strings. The remaining pegasi guards rushing high up into the air to meet their attackers.

“We have to keep moving! They're going to crush us!” For once Blueblood wasn't totally wrong. Frozen now, unable to budge her hooves, Cadence looked up and could clearly see that more harpies were hard at work dislodging boulders to fall down on the vulnerable group.

Shining Armor shook his head, angling his horn and sending off a bright violet bolt of energy towards one of the closer harpies. “We're not leaving wounded behind!”

All around Cadence was sounds of battle. The pegasi guards, led by Soarin had begun a aerial fight that was trailing up and around at incredible speeds. She saw one of the fighting pegasi take a scratch along their flank before they slammed a hoof into the beak of the harpy she was fighting. Soarin was dodging the thrusts of a spear while the ground-bound unicorns were firing up bolts of magic to aid the pegasi. Their aim appeared to be off, or the bolts too slow as few even came close to connecting.

She was stuck right where she was, her breathing picking up and the sound of whistling wind passing her ears when she heard the pained sounds of the pegasi guard who'd been stabbed clean through the wing. Finally she found the strength to move, darting away from Shining Armor's side to come to the aid of the guard still laying on the ground. “Cadence!” She heard Shining call after her but ignored it, having found something she could do.

The guard on the ground was more or less stuck. The spear was long and had cleared right through his wing. There were a mess of feathers and the drip of blood while the wounded guard tried to get back up to his hooves. She knelt down and began to help when he started to shake his head.

“I'll be fine, I just can't fly.” He complained, his voice wobbling slightly in pain. Cadence knew how sensitive a pegasi's wings could be and thought the guard in question was holding up remarkably well.

“Don't worry, I’ll get you to safety.” She assured him, the Princess didn't know any spells for medical care and couldn't begin to think of removing the spear itself. Instead, she enveloped him in her telekinesis and gingerly started to lift him.

The guard accepted being lifted without complaint, looking up for a second and his eyes widening. “Look out!”

A boulder was falling directly towards them, it looked massive and there was nothing Cadence could do about it. She winced and shut her eyes when she heard a crashing sound just above her. Not crushed to death, she opened her eyes to see the now cracked and split up boulder falling against a solid wall of violet energy.

Just behind her was Shining Armor, projecting a bubble around not only Cadence and the guard but the entire group still on the ground. He gave her a confident grin, his horn still alight while the boulders that had started to find their marks crashed uselessly against his shield which didn't budge. “Are you alright?” He asked her.

She nodded, still shaken from what had appeared to be certain death. The guard nodded too, even though he hadn't been the focus of Shining's question. There were still the sounds of battle raging above them. A harpy slammed against Shining's shield, sent by one of Soarin's pegasi's kick.

Thankfully none of the other guards were laying on the ground or out of the fight. But to Cadence they looked more then a little ragged and scratched up with the exception for Soarin, who had darted up high and then turned back around to drill a harpy right into its side while it had been about to spear one of his squad mates. She had to look away to help the guard back to the center of the group of unicorns who were no longer shooting magic up at the harpies.

“Shining, keep the shield up. Soarin get inside of the bubble” Ivory Tower called, not looking particularly hassled so much as determined. Apparently magic couldn't pass outside of the shield anymore then the boulders or harpies could get in.

Shining just nodded at the instruction and turned to directly focus on his shield. The five pegasi began to quickly work themselves back towards the shield and were able to pass through easily. The same was not said for the harpies. One of the over enthusiastic ones had built up a terminal amount of velocity from on high and managed to splat itself against the still very solid shield and almost comically slid along its surface to the ground.

The squadron of guards who'd been fighting were all breathing heavily. With the exception of Soarin they were all scratched or injured lightly in some way. There were bright red talon marks along flanks, one pegasus mare had a slash on her muzzle that looked painful.

Soarin, now on the ground for a change, quickly trotted up to the guard who had his wing perforated. “Tornado are you alright?” He asked, out of breath.

Tornado nodded quickly, looking more upset then anything. “Sorry for-.”

Soarin cut him off with a shake of his head. “Not your fault, no time for apologies either. Can anypony patch him up?” He asked, Professor Butter Up stepped forward.

“I've had some experience with medical spells. But I’m not sure if this is the best place, its not sterile and-.”

It was Ivory Tower who spoke up. “It doesn't matter if its sterile, get him patched up. We won't have this shield forever.”

Shining Armor shot his mentor a look of annoyance. “I'm fine holding this up.”

He certainly looked fine, even as boulders continued to rain again and again on the shield. Even though most of the first attacking wave was still laying on the ground stunned and out of the fight thanks to the Pegasi there were now more and more of the ugly looking monsters screeching and cawing down at them.

They'd likely rush in the second that the defense was lowered. The only thing slowing down the boulders appeared to being the harpies having difficulty finding them now that they'd thrown so many. Looking up at the attackers, who were clearly trying to provoke them, Ivory Tower gave Shining a pointed look. “They're not likely to leave us alone until we're through their territory. We've still got hours before that. You're fine now, but we'll see about then.”

There was a sharp yelp of pain as Professor Butter Up pulled the spear free from the wing of Tornado, his injured wing looking like a mess of mangled feather with a bloody hole punched threw tissue. Gentle August was next to the Professor helping wrap a tight gauze bandage around the limb. The pegasi looked grateful at the two of them even as he swore at the pain.

Soarin had been checking the rest of his squadron and didn't look happy. “We can still fight, but it'd be better if we had a little time to rest. All these harpies...I don't know if we'd be able to keep you all safe.”

“We can defend ourselves if it comes to that.” Ivory Tower said, surveying the group and nodding. “Alright, we have to move out again. Breaks over.”

“A break he says...” She heard Professor Puppet Strings grumble, clearly more then a little shaken up at the attack.

She was too, for that matter, and wishing she could have done more to help. Wasn't she suppose to be powerful? It'd been so fast and chaotic though. All of those harpies intended to kill them and probably have them for dinner, were still
wanting that. The group got off to a shaky start but generally picked up steam. Tornado insisted he could still walk but there was a bright red spot on the white bandage around his wing and he had another pegasi next to him helping him walk along.

All of the pegasi were walking, Shining's shield following along with a number of meters of clearance around them. Cadence watched him closely and had to admit he looked completely resolute. His horn was still alight and he was
inspecting every inch of the shield he was maintaining. Most of the harpies were following and rocks were still raining down onto the shield.

Shining's gaze moved from the shield to her and he actually smiled. “You did great, Cadence.” He said, falling in next to her.

“No I didn't. I couldn't move.” She tried to protest. Shining had been the amazing one, while everyone else was now resting he was keeping them all safe all by himself.

Shining tilted his head. “But you did move, you got a pony out of danger and saved his life.”

Cadence certainly felt better but wanted to protest. She'd only done what made sense. “But you-”

Shining cut her off, not going to let her denigrate what she'd done. “He'd probably have been crushed by the boulder if I wasn't watching you. You saved his life. Don't be so harsh on yourself.”

He was probably right, no, he was definitely right. The danger was past for the moment and the adrenaline wearing off was making her feel a mixture of exhausted and twitchy all at the same time. It didn't help that the screeching noise of the harpies was still trailing them.

They had to continue on like that for hours. The group looking far more weary as they made their way deeper through the ravine. Cadence saw what appeared to be skeletons along their path. She was glad that none of them looked like ponies at least, her guess that the harpies were carnivores appeared to be more then correct.

They passed through the shadow of one of the mountain's and the cawing of the harpies stopped completely. The group was suddenly completely alone. Cadence heard a distant rumble similar to thunder and the air became a great deal more cold. A deathly silence hung around them now, she glanced around every which way and tried to look for the new threat that had to be upon them. Shining's violet shield was still up and that was incredibly comforting to her to still see.

Instinctively she brushed right up against Shining, pressing into his side for comfort. He stiffened a bit at the sudden embrace, but for reasons Cadence couldn't entirely explain she was suddenly far more afraid then she'd been just moments ago.

“Cadence are you alright?” He asked, though glancing around Shining looked a bit troubled himself.

“I can imagine she feels it better than any of us.” Ivory Tower said, turning to face the group. “That feeling on the back of your necks are the Taraxippus. These are the spirits of the dead, escaped or having not quite made it to Tartarus. We're stopping for the evening. As it is you're going to have bad dreams while you sleep but while we're traveling through this next area we can absolutely not rest. These spirits of the dead are harmless until you do and will possess you if you nod off for even a moment. I can assure you that is something you do not want.”

Cadence shivered at the explanation. She'd heard stories about the Taraxippus when she was just a little filly. Every time you were by yourself or felt suddenly frightened was suppose to be a Taraxippoi who had just visited you.

“Should I keep my shield up, just in case?” Shining Armor asked, these past few hours he'd kept up a brave face for the sake of the group but some of his fatigue was apparent now. The shield had never wavered once and his command of defensive magic was almost awe inspiring. The Harpies had appeared to be trying to bring the whole mountain down on them but the perfectly smooth shield hadn't even flickered after thousands of tons of rock had fallen on them. Cadence had hoped that meant that Shining could do anything, could keep a shield like that up indefinitely, but knew that everyone had their limits.

“That won't be needed. We're in a relatively safe spot. The harpies won't enter into this region and we should be just out of the domain of the evil spirits. Sleep if you can, I don't even know know how long we'll be walking through this area.”

The group sagged once they were told they could relax. The pegasi guards were particularly quick to find a patch of comfortable looking ground to fall down and rest. Tornado was helped by the mare whose muzzle had been scratched up and the squadron were speaking softly together. The Professors had put their heads together to speak quietly as well.

Shining hadn't relaxed, though, the shield still up as he glanced towards Cadence for a long moment. It almost appeared that he was asking for her permission first, the Princess nodded even as she continued to lightly shiver. “Its okay Shining, you should keep your strength.”

Not looking particularly happy to do so he relented and dropped the violet sphere and let out a relieved sigh. Cadence was happy that she didn't feel more frightened then she already did. She was still directly brushed up against him, Cadence was almost certain she could hear the sound of whispering voices that were obviously not coming from anyone in the group.

Blueblood and Gentle August approached. Blueblood looked frightened too, glancing off to the side and frowning uneasily, his haughtiness gone. He'd done better then Cadence might have thought if she was being uncharitable in her opinion of him, firing back at the harpies as much as anyone.

“Are you alright Princess?” That was Gentle August, looking concerned nearly as much as Shining, who'd thrown a hoof around her shoulders for comfort. Even Blueblood gave her a look of concern, her sudden apparent fright much more extreme then any of the others.

She shook her head a little, trying to deliberately ignore the creepy crawling feeling that was leaving her on edge. “I can feel...its what the Professor said. This place is wrong, bad.” She tried to explain and mostly failed. It appeared her natural sense of empathy was picking up on the dark emotions and pain of the dead.

She suddenly felt a surge of far more positive emotions, drowning out the feeling of dread which quieted her light shivering. Cadence had shut her eyes and opened them to realize that Shining Armor was still holding her rather tightly. “It'll be alright Cadence. We'll be with you. I'll be with you.”

That was more then enough to set her at ease. She was even surprised at the sheer amount of...affection she was feeling. It was all for her and if they weren’t in such a precarious situation she might even have blushed at the raw emotion she could feel. She nodded, her face pressed up into his neck and found it rather comfortable.

Gentle August coughed lightly, having watched the personal moment. “Lets get something to eat, its been a long day.” He said, Blueblood nodding without saying anything. The Prince looked far less neutral on the matter and gave Shining a disgruntled look before turning away.

“Come on Cadence, we should probably eat too and try and get some sleep.” Shining said gently to her. She nodded, pulling back and not finding herself quite so frightened anymore.

Dinner passed in complete silence. The crackle of the fire was the only source of sound. The wind was breaking over the mountain tops high above and made a howling whistle sound that certainly didn't help in adding to the sense of unease. While none of the group were natural empaths like her, Cadence could tell that the effect of the nearby spirits were taking a toll.

In the middle of their meal Ivory Tower took a seat next to Cadence and Shining. The Professor for his part didn't look off center. If anything he looked more lively and motivated then he'd been. Atleast one pony was still focus'd on their goal. He looked the two over for a second and then grabbed some of the food that had been prepared by one of the earth pony guards who had mentioned while cooking that he enjoyed doing so.

“You could help us, Princess.” Ivory Tower remarked, taking a spoonful of the soup that had been made.

Confused, she'd been broken out of her idle thoughts. “I can?”

The Professor nodded quickly. “I don't think we all have to be made to feel boundless love, but if you cast a spell to make us feel better we would likely sleep better. At the same time, tomorrow I want you to make us all feel alert and unable to sleep. Can you do that?”

Cadence hesitated, not sure how Ivory Tower knew so much about her particular specialty with magic. She'd had many conversations in the past with Princess Celestia about the ethics of influencing the emotions of other ponies. She warned about the possibility of it not becoming too different then mind control. If Cadence wanted too she could literally make other ponies love her. Almost like if she had used the Want-It-Need-It spell. She could also make ponies feel any emotion she liked, her limitation only the willpower and awareness of the pony she was using it on.

“I can...” She said slowly, not finding anything particularly objectionable to what he'd asked. There was even a clear need for them to be well rested and even more clear need to not fall asleep.

Ivory Tower nodded, glancing around. He'd kept his voice low enough that none of the rest besides the three of them had heard. “If the group knew that you were doing that it would weaken the effect of the spell, wouldn't it?”

Cadence frowned at that, it was clear that Ivory Tower knew a great deal about her now. Did Princess Celestia tell him? “Alright...” She licked her lips and pulled away from Shining enough to be sitting straight up.

Shining hadn't said anything, only looked at her curiously. Apparently he hadn't wanted to interfere one way or the other on this and for that she was very grateful. Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath she let the magic that was her special talent well up to the surface. She took special care to keep the glow on her horn from showing too brightly and the wisps of magic fanned out to lightly touch each pony in the group on the forehead.

Almost immediately the group began to more fully relax. She could see smiles forming and one of the guards nudge the other and make a soft joke which earned a chuckle. Cadence had also used her magic on Shining Armor who blinked a bit at the calming wash of emotive magic fall on him. “That’s really neat.” He commented, rubbing at the spot just below his horn.

Ivory Tower had lifted a hoof up and dissipated the wisp of magic that had been about to touch his forehead. “Not for me. I have some wards to set up.” He stood and departed from the two.

“Feeling better?” Cadence asked as she settled back in against Shining Armor who hadn't even so much as flinched at the closeness this time.

He nodded, lowering his hoof and smiling. “I do actually, how about you?”

Cadence shook her head. “I can't use magic like that on myself. Its too dangerous.” She answered, sighing contently anyway and feeling her fatigue catching up with her.

It was true that she couldn't influence her own emotions. But she was pretty sure she had something much better anyway. That warm fountain of affection emanating from Shining, meant only for her, was a lot better then any artificial manipulation of feelings. The Princess was falling asleep already and would sleep as well as anyone else, more then happy that Shining Armor was right next to her. He'd given his word that he would protect her and that was enough to set her mind at ease.