"Where thou art, that is home." - Emily Dickinson

Shining Armor spent the next few days with his sister, working out a suitable routine around her lessons with Princess Celestia. His new duty came with his own quarters, right down the hall from Twilight's, allowing him to comfort her through the first few nights—when she struggled through homesickness.

Then after sleep, came breakfast, and after breakfast came Twilight's first lesson. Shining knew little of the Princess's itinerary for her, other than she was being started off with only one hooves-on lesson a day so she could show the Sun Princess what she already knew. That was all he could gather from Twilight's excitedly fast-paced recaps, anyway. She clearly loved the time she spent with her new teacher, and remained eager for their second lesson. It came in the evening, shortly before dinner, and consisted of literary lessons.

Shining made the personal decision to remain on the outside throughout it all. Years of training couldn't, and wouldn't, be so easily forgotten, and the last thing he wanted was to be a distraction. Despite her excitement, his little sister was always nervous she wasn't worthy of Princess Celestia's attention, and the Princess herself didn't want him in the line of fire should her magic get out of hoof again.

Besides, they had plenty of free time to themselves, if Twilight wasn't spending it at the library or in her room with her books. They sometimes made it into the Royal Gardens so she could practice, and it was a rare occurrence for them to run into Prince Blueblood for a passing glance or a brief exchange of pleasantries.

Other than that, it was better for everypony involved for him to stand vigil outside the door, like he was now. It was a lovely Friday morning, which he could admire through the nearby window, and Twilight was due to be freed from her first lesson at any given minute. The antechamber in which she trained was, like those at the School for Gifted Unicorns, enchanted so magic could neither enter nor escape.

It was another precaution on Princess Celestia's part, but Shining wasn't worried about magic. Although, nothing seemed to be happening in the length of corridor that served as his only other view. It was only natural for him to flinch when he was suddenly greeted by an enthusiastic, “Hey, newbie!” as he was approached by a familiar stallion.

“Flint?” he muttered.

His fellow guard saluted with a wing, grinning. “The one and only!”

“What are you doing here?”

“Just checkin' up on you, dude. Heard you earned yourself a nice, shiny promotion.”

Shining sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck. “Well, it's more of a reassignment than a promotion really.”

“Yeah, but your first week must've really been somethin' special! I mean, the Princess herself made you the bodyguard of her personal student!” He playfully punched the other stallion's shoulder. “Seriously, dude, what's your secret?”

“There's no secret. Princess Celestia's student happens to be my kid sister.”

“Get outta here, really?”

Smiling, he stuck out his chest. “Yep! I'm the luckiest brother in the world.” He wasn't one to normally brag, of course, and he immediately remedied his mistake by clearing his throat and changing the subject. “So, how did you know I'd be here?” he asked.

Flint shrugged. “I didn't, to be honest. I just so happened to see you on the way to my patrol route.”

“Weird. I haven't seen you around before now.”

“Yeah, well, you're not the only one to get a reassignment recently.” He snickered. “The guy before me got a transfer to Trottingham, luckily for m—” Foreign hoofsteps suddenly got his attention; his ears, then his head swiveled to behold a figure down the hallway. “Oh, Tartarus,” he grumbled. Rolling his shoulders, he stood beside Shining—his body becoming rigid. “Heads up,” he whispered. “We got company.”

Shining raised a brow, but said nothing as the unknown pony drew near.

She was a mare, and a pretty pegasus mare at that. Her soft face was framed by curly locks of chocolate-brown and caramel, and her coat was the color of flax. Her eyes, a shadowed shade of pink, were clearly fixated on them as she approached with a smile. “Good morning, gentlecolts,” she said. “I was told Princess Celestia is here. Would it be possible for me to get a quick audience with her?”

Shining spoke before Flint had the chance. “Sorry, miss, but the Princess is currently in a lesson with her personal student and cannot be bothered.”

Flint stared at him in subdued horror.

Ever so slightly, the mare's eyes widened. “Oh, shoot,” she retorted. “Truely? I can't have a second?”

“Afraid not, miss, but you can see Miss Raven in the throne room to make an appointment.”

Flint began to fidget. “Dude...”

The mare sighed, “Well, I guess it can't be helped.” She then chuckled and stretched out her wings. She reached forward with one of the tips and brushed something invisible off the gold, heart-shaped locket dangling around her neck. “I'll come back another time, then.” She turned, glancing back at them. Well, more specifically, one of them. “Bye, Flint. Bye, new guy,” she added, winking, before she went on her way.

Baffled, Shining stared at the other guard. “You know her?”

The pegasus' knees trembled—his gaze locked on the mare until she vanished around the corner. He then looked, bug-eyed, at Shining. “Know her? Dude, everypony knows her!” he exclaimed. “That was Amity. She's the Captain's niece, dude!”

“Oh, yeah?” The unicorn looked down the hallway. “I wonder why she wanted to see Princess Celestia at this time of day.”

Flint shot him a glare. “It was probably important. You should've let her in.”

Shining snorted. Because it was probably important, or because she's Captain Bastion's niece?

Before he could verbally retort those words, the great doors behind them creaked open and Princess Celestia emerged from the room with a happy filly bouncing at her side. Her gentle stare immediately landed on Flint. “Ah, good morning Flint,” she said. “What brings you here? Is everything all right?”

Both guards bowed.

“Everything is fine, Your Highness,” the pegasus replied. “Miss Amity was here to see you, is all. She, unfortunately, didn't say what she wanted.”

She nodded. “Ah, I thought I heard her out here. No matter. She knows where to find me. Don't let such a minor situation keep you from your duty, young guardstallion.”

Flint rose, saluting. “I won't, Princess! I'll head to my post at once!” True to his word, he took advantage of his flight to power himself down the hallway—the drapes fluttering in his wake.

Though impressed by his speed, it wasn't long before Shining Armor's attention was drawn to his sister, who wrapped her tiny forelegs around his right front leg. “Who was that, big brother?” she asked.

He gently patted her on the head. “That was my friend, Flint,” he replied. It was safe to assume he and Flint were friends. He was a friendly fellow, despite their minor disagreement earlier. “He's a guard, like me.”

“I'm sorry I didn't let Amity in to see you,” he added, turning to the Sun Princess. “I wasn't aware she was related to Captain Bastion.”

Celestia hummed a light chuckle. “Amity understands I cannot always see her whenever she visits, and so does the Captain. Do not be sorry.” She turned her head towards the nearest window. “Besides, I have a pretty good idea why she wanted to see me, though I'm sure Princess Cadance will need a few hours of rest before she's willing to be smothered by visitors.”

“I beg your pardon, Princess?”

“Oh, my niece has finally come home from her vacation. If my sense of time is correct, she's being escorted to her room as we speak.” Smiling, she extended a wing over Twilight and her brother. “I would very much like you to meet her, if you don't mind.” She was certain Cadance would like to meet them as well.

Twilight's eyes lit up. “We get to meet another princess?” she gasped, her voice soft with wonder. She then looked to Shining, who simply nodded. The confirmation caused her to literally jump with joy. “Yes, yes, yes!”

Her smile growing warmer, Princess Celestia began a steady stride. “Then follow me, my little ponies. My niece's room isn't too far away.”

“Thank you for helping me with my luggage, Captain Bastion.” Princess Cadance smiled at the large, armored pony walking alongside her. “I really appreciate it.”

The Captain laughed—a deep, hearty sound. “It's no trouble at all!” he laughed. “I wasn't going to let Equestria's newest princess walk home all by herself!” He certainly wasn't going to leave her with three large suitcases, which he now carried on his back, to carry on her own. That was where his earth pony strength came into play. As Princess Celestia said herself, Cadance could fly far better than she could use magic.

Yet, he wasn't bothered in the least. She was good company, and he did his best to be the same.

“Again, I appreciate your thoughtfulness,” she replied. Although, back on the train, she hoped either Blueblood, Aunt Celestia, or even Amity would find the time to welcome her home. Her time spent in Manehattan was an absolute blast, yes, but she longed to see the faces of her friends and family—to take it easy and share her stories within familiar walls.

She didn't have to wait long, joyfully, as she and Bastion passed the time with small-talk. All the stallion wanted to talk about was his position, however. He was kind and well-spoken, of course, but a bit of a braggart, and Cadance was unsure when she stopped listening. She suspected it was once her chamber door came into view, or perhaps it was when the Captain went on to complain about his newest batch of “young, soft-hearted” recruits.

Nevertheless, the former was a sight so beautiful her eyes watered. She resisted the urge to run to it as she exclaimed, “Well, here's my stop!”

Bastion nodded and crouched, allowing her luggage to gently slip off his back. “All-righty, then!” he grunted, rolling a shoulder. “I'll get out of your mane, let you catch up on some relaxation.”

“Thank you again, Captain.”

“It was no trouble. Until next time, Princess Cadance!”

Cadance waved as the stallion left her—waving only as long as he remained in sight. Her luggage, and the unpacking of it, was her next priority. She simply had to make two trips to get them inside or, if she maneuvered her wings in just the right way, she could carry one of them on her back and the others in the grip of her hooves.

No, it was too easy. She had a horn in her possession now and the magic that came with it. So, she tried her hoof at levitation. Aunt Celestia, in her seemingly infinite wisdom, advised her on more than one occasion not to push herself; the time would come when her alicorn body and magic would adapt to one another. It was all a matter of patience and practice. And she had been practicing, even during her vacation.

So, when one of the suitcases, supported by a pink glow, lifted into the air she flared and fluttered her wings in sheer joy. “Yes!” she squealed. One tiny step for magic, one giant leap for Cadance!

Grinning as wide as a manic cat, she physically picked up the other two bags and she hauled them into her room. In her haste, she nearly ran right into Blueblood. The stallion's eyes widened as he stepped out of her stumbling way. “Easy there, cousin!” he blurted. “What's the rush, huh?”

And here Cadance thought it impossible for her smile to grow any wider. “Bluey!” she shouted in glee. She threw her forelegs around his neck in a hug. “Oh, it's so good to see you!”

He leaned into the embrace, giving her a gentle pat on the back. “It's good to see you, too, Cadance.” Then, with a chuckle, he took her remaining suitcase into his own magic. “Been practicing, have you?”

Giddily, she jumped and gave a tiny kick with her hind legs. “Yes! Isn't it great?” She hoisted her luggage onto a cushioned chair. “And Manehattan!” she continued, popping a case open to root around within its contents. “Oh, Blueblood, I had no idea such a city existed!” Having been raised in a small village of earth ponies, the sprawling metropolis of “The Big Apple” was something to behold. The tall buildings, the towering vigil of the Statue of Unity, the sophisticated beauty of the ponies and—last, but not least—the fine selection of stores and fashion boutiques that seemed to line a countless number of the city's streets.

The experience was something she'd never forget, and she was grateful to both her cousin and aunt for encouraging her to go.

She cried out a triumphant, “Ah-hah!” after a moment of searching. She spun around to face Blueblood. “Come here. I picked you up a little something.”

His head tilted as he adhered to her request. Before there was time to question it, a shimmering scarf was wrapped loosely around his neck. “Ta-da!” his cousin exclaimed, extending her forelegs to point at the item. “Oh, look at that! It's perfect!”

He puffed out his chest to get a better look at the fabric. It was soft against his coat: woven silk. The colors, sapphire and golden hues, were brilliantly eye-catching. He smiled. “Thank you, Cadance. It's wonderful.” The fact that his cousin thought of him on her vacation was humbling. Normally, when he was given a gift it was from a member of the Canterlot Elite—a meaningless bribe meant to butter him up, though never to any avail.

“I'm so glad you like it.” Again, she delved into her suitcase. “I got one for Auntie, too!” Plus, there was a lovely maroon shawl she picked up for Amity she had to make time to present.

Though, before she was able to fish them out of the unorganized chaos that was her clothing, there came a gentle rapping at her door. Not wanting to keep anypony waiting, Cadance answered it with a silent wish. To see her Aunt Celestia standing on the other side of the door made her feel as though that wish was granted. “Auntie!”

The two shared a quick embrace. “It's glad to have you home, Cadance,” said Celestia as they parted. “I hope you enjoyed your time in Manehattan.”

“Thank you, Aunt Celestia, it was great.” She stepped aside to let the other alicorn enter unhindered. Only then, as Princess Celestia passed by, was she made aware of the additional company. Even within the walls of Canterlot Castle, she rarely saw her aunt accompanied. Only two Royal Guards remained at her sides whenever she was, and to see only one lone guard was something new. It was baffling to see said lone guard with a small filly. “Oh, Auntie, who are your... guests?” she softly asked.

The Princess of the Sun took a step back. She gave the duo a tender nudge with an outstretched wing, and she shot Prince Blueblood a glance—an urging invitation to introduce them. He nodded, and blushed when she whispered, “Your new scarf suits you well, my nephew,” in his ear.

He then gently shook the emotion from his face as he came to stand beside his aunt's company. “Cousin Cadance,” he said, “meet Twilight Sparkle, and her brother Shining Armor. Twilight is Aunt Celestia's new student.”

Shining Armor bowed. “A pleasure, Princess Cadance,” he said.

Cadance lowered her head in a curt nod. “The pleasure's all mine, Shining Armor.”

Gasping, Twilight's tiny form disappeared behind the bulk of her brother's as Cadance neared.

She crouched so she was eye-level with the little pony. “And it's a pleasure to meet you, too, Twilight Sparkle. I'm Princess Cadance.”

Twilight's gaze dropped to the floor—one of her front hooves drawing an invisible line across the carpet. “Hi,” she squeaked, slowly stepping away from her hiding place.

She then looked up to meet the Princess's gaze, and Cadance bit down on her lip to keep from squealing. The young one was adorable. “You must really be good at magic, huh?” she inquired.

“Y-yes...?” She glanced at Princess Celestia. “A little.”

At that, Prince Blueblood stifled a laugh. Says the filly who almost demolished an entire building.

He watched as his aunt stepped forward to address them again. “Shall we all go to an early lunch, Cadance, or would you like to unpack first?” she asked.

The young alicorn looked to her suitcases. “Oh, they're not going anywhere. Besides, I could use a good meal.” The last time she ate, it was early in the morning, when small portions were given to her on the train. Fancily-named things she was unable to pronounce—delicious, yet far from filling. Not that Cadance was particularly picky when it came to her food, and she didn't want to miss an opportunity to share a meal with her family after being away from them for a week.

Walking alongside Blueblood, she followed her aunt to the dining hall. Along the way, she continuously felt the curious peeks of Twilight Sparkle. Similar glances fell upon her cousin every now and again as well, though she didn't seem as shy around him as she resigned to zigzag around his legs with his every step. A simple game for a small, energetic filly, and one she'd seen plenty of times before amongst many other children.

Chuckling softly, Cadance leaned towards Blueblood. “Looks like somepony made a friend while I was gone.”

A nuance of pink graced the Prince's cheeks, and Cadance allowed herself a good laugh.

Author's Note

Hey, look, I actually updated this story! Yeah, sorry it took so long. I took on too many projects at once.

Once I'm finished with "Of Magic and Masquerades," however (and I have only a few chapters to go with that one), I'll have more time to give "Mask of the Rose" more frequent updates.