Shining Armor's Voyage

          Shining was on his way to the Crystal Empire. The gentle chug-chug-chugging of the steam train seemed slightly hypnotic, lulling the young guard captain to deep sleep.

          When he awoke, the train was just arriving in the Crystal Empire. Upon stopping, Shining left the train to be greeted by a very worried and concerned Princess Cadence. Overcome with his love towards her, Shining galloped towards the purple alicorn.

"Cadence!"

Shining hugged his wife passionately, savouring the few brief moments before the inevitable farewell.

"Shining, I have just been informed of what Princess Celestia  wanted you to do. You don't have enough time to be with me, you need-"

Cutting his wife short, Shining snuggled her again.

"I can always make time for you, my love."

Princess Cadence pushed her husband away. Pursuing his reason to be there, Shining turned to excuses.

"I have made time, I have vowed to eternally love you and be with you. If I am to keep one only one promise in my life it will be that!"

"Only for tonight then, my love. For tomorrow you must start preparations for your voyage"

The two regal ponies casually trotted to the castle where Shining spent a glorious last night with his wife.

          Shining awoke next to his wife, putting a smile upon his face. Upon getting dressed, he left a farewell note on the bedside dresser. Leaving hastily, he arrived to the train station and headed on the next train to Ponyville. On the train, Shining decided to start his search for a suitable crew and he could also see his sister as he visited too.

          Getting off at Ponyville, Shining decided it would be best for the crew being formed if he handed posters all over Equestria informing its residents of the quest. Hastily, Shining had hundreds of copies made telling them to meet him in an inn in Ponyville within the next three days. After paying a grey mail-mare to advertise the posters all over Equestria, he retreated to the tavern advertised on the poster. Renting a room, he waited for any participants. Unfortunately there wasn't any, for the entire day.

          The blue-maned unicorn awoke to the smell of breakfast and to see Celestia's magic of raising the sun unfold. Readying himself for a day of interviews, he headed downstairs and entered the dining room. Being seated, he was greeted to a hearty breakfast of scrambled eggs, hash browns, hay-bacon, mushrooms and tomatoes. Realising how little he ate before, Shining wolfed down his breakfast. Setting up an interview table, Shining once again readied himself for participants. Shortly after a while, a line had formed and Shining started the interviews.