I Want To Change

“Princess Celestia... I trust your judgment but I can't help but to worry... A changeling...” Shining Armor turned his head to the side in thought. “What makes him worth the risk? Or the trouble of watching?”

“You know as well as I, we should not judge one off of their looks Shining. Twilight and I have discussed this at length during our correspondence. He is of no threat and still precautions have been put in place.” Celestia sat and listened patiently to the stallion's concerns. He had every excuse to feel such way and it was her duty to still his nerve, even though she had her own doubts.

“How much can we do without noticeably interfering with this changeling's life in Equestria? It'd be impossible to keep eyes on him all the time. What if he hurts somepony? What if he comes here? Most of the guards aren't even aware of his presence here for his protection however that also posses a very serious security infringement.” Shining began to pace back and forth, avoiding eye contact with the Princess. No doubt his paranoia was unattractive.

“The Captain of the Border Patrol will be informed of all the details. He will be restricted to Equestria once his change is complete. He'll be allowed in Canterlot but not within the castle. You, the captain of the day guard and the captain of the Night guard have been filled in as well as other important post. Twilight should have explained the situation to him and if he is okay with this I see no reason to distrust him. Should he have worried about these conditions then there'd be cause for concern.” Celestia smiled and waited for his rebuttal. It was refreshing knowing he was so worried about the safety and security of Equestria, even if his fear was misplaced.

Shining sighed and offered no further argument. “My apologies Princess.” He bowed low and hid his disdain well.

“Your apologies are unnecessary and your caution understandable. Now, unless there are other matters you wish to discuss, I'd much like to lie out in the garden.”

“There's nothing more your highness.”

“Do try and enjoy your day Shining.” Celestia smiled. “You are dismissed.”

“Thank you Princess.” Shining got up and turned for the door in one fluent motion. Maybe a little more time to think would take the edge off his paranoia. He had more reason to distrust the changelings than most being he had been directly manipulated by their queen at one point in time. He exited the room as calmly as he could, waited for the door to shut behind him and stomped a hoof.

“Something wrong my liege?”

Shining looked up quickly, unaware he'd been in the presence of anypony at all. In front of him was knelt one of his guards, Trail Sword. A moderately sized earth pony with a brown mane and brown eyes, but a black mane. “No... Nothing's wrong, please get up.” Much like most Royalty in Equestria he was not big on formalities if they were not ritually necessary.

Trail arose and half hid an expression of guilt. “Prince Shining I... I must apologize but I couldn't help but overhear something about a changeling, here in Equestria...” He immediately regretted his poor choice in words as the Prince's demeanor changed.

“It's impolite to eavesdrop.” Shining growled, appalled one of his guards had actually listened in and then had the nerve to confront him about it.

“I understand.” Trail bowed again, staying low to the ground. “I meant no disrespect I assure you, it's just... I am as worried as you.”

Shining relaxed a bit and sighed. How could he be angry when the same paranoia had caused him to question Celestia's judgment “You're forgiven, but... Try to avoid such habits in the future.”

Trail couldn't help himself. “If I may ask... Is it true Twilight sparkle is in touch with this Changeling, and he is in Ponyville as we speak?” He'd expected more anger, and was pleased to hear nothing more than a tiresome sigh from Shining.

“I suppose you know already, and I'd rather you not go asking anymore questions in search for an answer. What you've heard from the conversation between me and Princess Celestia is true. However...” Shining paused for emphasis. “You will not mention this again, and you'll ask no further questions. You, just as I, must trust in Princess Celestia's judgment. Understand that if this spreads I will be looking to you for answers...”

“Understood.” Trail replied, his curiosity quenched yet not his doubt. “I shall not speak of this to another pony.”

“Very well. Carry on.”  Shining went to trot past him.

“Actually Prince Shining, if I may have another minute.” Trail Sword stood up.

“Of course, is something wrong?”

“No no, nothing of the sort. It's just been quite a while since I've had leave from duty and was wondering if I might take some time to myself in the near future. I know I should probably talk to my first line supervisor but you're her and... Well...”

Shining couldn't help but to chuckle a bit. “I have seen you around her quite often. Where is it you plan to go?”

“Manehatten my liege.” Trail felt the fur on his neck rise having lied to the Prince.

“Manehatten eh?” Shining raised a brow. “I'll tell you what... The schedule has yet to be put out for next week. Inform your Lt to keep you off of it for... Lets say ten days?”

Trail smiled to himself and nodded. “I'd greatly appreciate it Prince Shining.”

“Have fun then. You're leave starts Wednesday next week. From then you should have plenty of time to get to the city before the weekend.” Shining smiled and patted the younger guard on the shoulder. “And don't get into too much trouble.”

“You needn't worry, but if you'll excuse me, I'm late for my rounds.”

“Of course.” Shining took a step back. “Off with you then.”

“Thank you Prince Shining.” Trail Sword nodded and continued on his way down the hall at a brisk pace. He had until Wednesday to figure out what he would do about this changeling. As much as he'd like to trust the judgment of his Princess and Prince he couldn't help but to think them far too kind for their own good. Besides, nopony had to know anything. By Friday the week after next, they wouldn't have to worry about this changeling anymore.

Trail had no sympathy for the beast, much like their sympathy when they'd invaded Canterlot not too long ago. Nothing bad could come of this Changeling's death other than some hurt feelings while the risk of leaving it alive was far greater. All he could think was spy, and as a royal guard it was his duty to safeguard Equestria from all threats, including spies, even if it meant deceiving his superiors.

He took his job seriously. Trail knew little about the changeling, and this bothered him. However he knew Twilight was involved, and the Changeling was in Ponyville. He'd liked to have heard more but further questioning would have been suspicious. This was no matter to him however. He had nearly a week to plan and ten days to find and dispose of this Changeling once he was in Ponyville. How difficult could it be to get rid of one changeling whom almost nopony even knew existed.

As long as the body disappeared they'd assumed he'd escaped. What he'd do with the body he'd have to figure out much later. He had time to plan, time to think. There was no need to rush just yet. For the time being, he merely completed his rounds.