Although it was considered the beating heart of their nation, the royal palace of Canterlot was often known better to those who walked it as being a largely empty place. Beautiful to be sure, filled with many ancient tapestries and grand columns, but even so, you could walk for many minutes without ever really seeing anyone. Such was the case with the young lady that now walked those very hallways. Twilight Sparkle, the personal protégé of their country's leader, Princess Celestia. Although dressed in a manner far more casual than one would expect of someone who frequented this palace, Twilight was nevertheless as familiar with this great structure as she was with her very own home. Many a time had she walked along those red carpets, coming and going in her various studies, to the point where it was all second nature to her. So much so that she could be tasked with navigating the whole place herself and breeze through such a task with her eyes closed. However, today though, she was not alone as usual, but was instead being accompanied by another.
Beside the young woman was what any in their society would recognise instantly as a member of the royal guard, those brave men and women who were sworn to defend not only the Princesses, but also the city, and indeed the whole nation. However, while most of their people held the image of a battle-hardened warrior, the one who now accompanied Twilight was, sadly, nothing of the sort. Instead, it was a boy around her age, somewhat taller, and possessed of bright blue hair. His face bore not only the clear signs of his youth, but also a degree of nervousness, showing to all that this was not someone who had gotten used to their position. In fact, the only thing about him that seemed to give off any air of authority was the standard golden uniform he wore. Needless to say, Twilight was none too pleased about having such an obviously fresh recruit forced on her like this. I've walked these halls so many times, she thought. Do I really need a guard accompanying me? Especially one that looks as...inexperienced as this one?
As the two of them walked down the hall, Twilight would occasionally steal a glance at the young man beside her, seeing the clear look of nervousness he possessed. Hmmm...seems uncomfortable. Makes sense, I guess. I'm Princess Celestia's student after all. Anyone new to that job would probably be scared to death about saying the wrong thing. I hate it when people get that way around me. The more she dwelt on that, the more she realised that it might be prudent to try and put the lad at ease around her. So, clearing her throat a little, she began to speak up.
"So...this your first day here?"
Still walking, the guard snapped his head in her direction. Guess he wasn't expecting to actually have to speak to me during all this, Twilight mused. Nevertheless, the guard tried replying. "Try" being the operative word in that statement.
"Um...well...not really. I mean, no! I mean...it's my first week here, so I guess I've still got a lot of places to get familiar with."
His nervous demeanour was, Twilight had to admit, rather amusing, though she fought hard against the urge to giggle that now rose in her.
"Well, don't worry. I'm sure you'll fit right in, Mr...?"
As she struggled to finish her sentence, it suddenly occurred to her that she had no idea what this guy's name was. Fortunately, the guard noticed this and answered her question for her.
"Um, it's Flash, Miss. Flash Sentry."
Twilight looked to him and gave a small smile.
"Nice to meet you, Flash."
The young man returned the smile, though it was clear that he was still nervous about doing so. Princess Celestia always tries to teach me about making friends. Maybe I should try and learn more about this guy. Besides, it's a long way to the library to meet Spike, so it wouldn't hurt to not have to walk there in silence the whole way.
"So, Flash, are you liking your job so far?"
Flash turned to her and maintained his unsure smile.
"So far so good. The training's been great. Wish there'd be a bit more action sometimes though."
Twilight let out a chuckle at that.
"Don't worry. I'm sure you'll get more exciting assignments than escorting students at some point."
Flash turned to her with a raised eyebrow.
"Don't think me ungrateful, Miss Sparkle. I'm thankful for the chance to help out with Princess Celestia's prized student. It's an honour."
Despite her best efforts, a small blush appeared on Twilight's face.
"Oh, stop! I'm sure there are far more people out there who are worthy of being helped around the palace."
Flash shook his head at that, his face starting to lose a lot of the nervousness he had there before.
"Nonsense! After all, you wouldn't be the Princess’ student in the first place unless you were anything less than an intelligent and worthwhile person."
Of all the things Twilight expected to hear during this little venture, a compliment like that was not one of them. Turning her head, she did her best to hide the blush growing on her face, which was becoming more and fierce as time went on. Flash must have caught sight of it, because it wasn't long until he had a similar red tint to his own face. As silence once more fell between the two, it took a while before either of them mustered up the courage to look at each other, and when they did, it was obvious to anyone with eyes that they'd put each other in the same awkward spot. However, it was a feeling that did not last long as, despite the minor embarrassment they felt from it, they found themselves laughing together, which did a lot to relieve the tension they'd been feeling. They carried on like this for some time, right up to the point where they found themselves approaching a place that was most familiar to Twilight; the door to the great library of Canterlot. Having reached her destination, Twilight turned to her escort before letting out a sigh and speaking.
"Well...this is my stop. It's been a pleasure, Sir Flash."
The young guard, as befitting his position, gave an immediate salute to her and shortly afterwards made an about-face ready to head back to his previous posting. However, to Twilight's interest, he only took a few steps before stopping dead in his tracks. Flash turned to look at her yet again, his face bearing all the tell-tale signs of someone who was deep in thought over something. For a moment, Twilight grew curious as to what he was thinking, but was shaken out of that train of thought when she saw him approach her once more. He said nothing, but instead took a deep breath before kneeling down on one knee. Under normal circumstances, Twilight would have asked what he was doing, but was stopped when Flash, to her utter shock, took her hand into his own and brought his head to it, planting a gentle kiss there. Twilight's breath caught in her chest as this fairy-tale scene played out before her, but when her knight looked up, smiling at her, she couldn't help but smile back, using her free hand to brush aside a stray strand of hair from her face. Satisfied that he had done something right, Flash stood tall once more before giving a slight bow.
"Until later, Miss Sparkle."
Twilight said nothing, instead simply smiling and waving him goodbye. The young guard made another about-face before making his way down the hallway. Overall, it was safe to say this little moment had been a rather romantic one. Or rather, it would have been, had it not been for the fact that Flash, who took a moment to glance back to her, didn't notice that he was walking straight into one of the hallway's many columns. Twilight cringed as he collided with the thing, not to mention trying to stifle the laugh that almost escaped her afterwards, but her companion soon recovered and gave a nervous smile to her before carrying on his way. Staying in that one spot, Twilight watched him leave, until he was so far away that she could not see him any longer. After feeling that her blush had finally left her, Twilight let out a sigh before turning around, ready to enter the library at last. However, she was soon shocked to find that her oldest friend, and number one assistant, Spike, was already outside the doors. He was leaning against them, his arms folded, and wearing a mischievous smirk upon his face, complete with a raised eyebrow.
"So...who's the new boyfriend?"
Upon hearing those words, Twilight's face erupted into the brightest shade of red ever witnessed, prompting Spike to let out a hearty chuckle.
"Whatever punishment you have for me after this...it was totally worth it to see that look on your face."
