Oh How Wonderful He Is To Me
“Princess Cadence, your help is truly appreciated. I don’t know what to say for all the help you’ve done.” The librarian spoke as she gazed at Cadence, where she hovered dozens of books and stacked them high among the various bookshelves. The Princess of Love had arrived at the library to help organize the shelves of books due to an injury the librarian had. Princess Cadence finished organizing the last of the books onto a final shelf before turning toward the head librarian. The mare had a broken right leg and was stuck in a cast, making working difficult for the elder. Cadence gave a comforting smile to the librarian.
“It’s no problem at all Ms. Bright Tome. I’m more than happy to help.” Cadence smiled to the mare, the latter bowing deeply to her princess and causing her to chuckle. “Bright Tome, you know you don’t have to bow to me every time, especially in your state.”
“Oh but I must,” Bright Tome stated, her mane now brushing over the tile, “It’s not every day that a Princess comes in and helps organize the shelves of the library. It’s truly an honor.”
Princess Cadence’s smile never wavered at the sight. Long ago the crystal ponies were full of love and kindness, a rare and valuable trait that brought hope and peace to the rest of Equestria. Ever since Sombra’s terrible reign had ended, they had been hesitant and even fearful towards outsiders. As their new ruler, Cadence intended to rectify the wrongs and bring out that same spirit that their ancestors had possessed so long ago.
Princess Cadence moved closer and offered a hoof to the elder librarian. She looked up with hopeful eyes as she accepted the hoof and carefully pulled herself back onto all fours hoofs.
“Bright Tome, it is my honor to help those in need. I learned a long time ago that you should accept the help from anypony even when you yourself don’t ask for it.”
Bright Tome looked up at her with hopeful eyes, her smile brimming with much bliss. “You truly believe that?”
“Of course. In fact it was my husband, Prince Shining Armor, that taught me that lesson.”
“I see, Princess. I bet that makes an interesting tale.” Bright Tome placed her good hoof over her mouth, stifling a small laugh. Cadence laughed with her, the memories resurfacing as she recalled those eventful moments of her youth.
“Indeed it does.” Cadence ears then turned when a chime from a nearby clock went off.
“Oh, the library will be closing soon. I can take things from here my princess.” Bright Tome then began to douse the small lanterns around the room of the Library. Princess Cadence looked outside and noticed the sun on the horizon.
“I’ll leave you to it, Bright Tome. Same time next week?” Princess Cadence asked.
“I look forward to your help with much anticipation.” Bright Tome smiled brightly back at her. She carried on with her work as Princess Cadence exited the library.
Snow crunched under her hooves as Cadance walked back to her crystal keep. Shops and stalls were closing up as the crystal ponies finished up their day. They bowed low when she was close and kissed her shadow after she’d passed them by. Cadence smiled at each of them, knowing that her citizens had been given new life again and they saw her as their beacon of hope. She would do everything in her power to make sure they were given happiness and peace for years to come.
She soon found herself walking alone, the snowy road nearly empty now that most of the citizens had returned to their homes. Soft flakes fell on her back and mane, silently descending from the sky above and blanketing the land around her. She stood for a moment, letting the snow fall on her as she took in her surroundings. She could have erected a bubble to block out the falling flakes but she didn’t mind, she loved the touch that snow brings. It was a strange sensation that brought a sense of wonder to the landscape around her, turning the paved roads into a natural wonderland.
The last of citizens were heading into their homes and returning to their families. She smiled as fathers returned to their loving wives, wives returned to their beloved husbands, and children excitingly saw their parents once more. Her heart fluttered at the thought of returning to her husband as well. She, the princess of an empire, and her gallant prince, her Shining Armor, at her side. The thoughts warmed her heart as she trekked onward once more, leaving small hoofprints in the snow. As she continued to move down the road to her crystal keep, a thought drew her back to the conversation with Bright Tome. Recalling the memories she began to think back to her time with Shining Armor. She smiled at the thought, remembering that day he had put aside his own time to offer his aid to her when she needed it most. The memories warmed her heart and there was a twinkle in her eye from their fun moments together. She closed her eyes and imagined that scene all those years ago as she continued through the snow covered roads.
****
Cadence laid flat on her belly in front of a small fire. She rested well and allowed the warmth of the fire to soothe her. Several pillows were placed around her head and neck, supporting her. However, this was not one for luxury. Instead, it was for one for healing; for a cast encased her neck. She sighed, remembering all too well at what had happened.
Young Twilight Sparkle, the small, fun filly that she foalsat, had tried to impress her by controlling her magic. Cadence had watched patiently, impressed at the sight of a tiny filly controlling dozens of books in the air. She was truly a gifted filly and yet she still had much to learn. Cadence had just left the room to make their lunch when she heard a shout from the other side. When she entered she saw Twilight climbing a bookcase to reach a few heavier tomes that frustratingly wouldn’t budge. Acting on instinct, Cadence rushed over to stop Twilight from hurting herself. But just as she reached the filly, Twilight pulled several of the tomes down and the whole bookcase fell on top of Cadence. The doctors did a quick x-ray and placed her neck in a cast to prevent any further injury.
Twilight cried and apologized hundreds, if not thousands, of times to her, saying that it was her fault for being stubborn. Cadence gratefully accepted each and every one. She knew Twilight was only trying to impress her, and she was just grateful that the bookcase hadn’t fallen on Twilight instead. For a few days, things settled into a comfortable rhythm, but there was one thing that was beginning to bother her.
She turned her head, hindered by her the cast around her neck, to see her extended wings. They were molting, who once beautiful feathers now reduced to a poor state. Taking a long look at her primaries she saw that most of them were ruffled and her once pristine feathers were sticking out in awkward positions. Her secondaries were in an even worse condition. Most of them were out of place and disarranged, making her look like a creature ponies expected to see on Nightmare Night. Her clean, vibrant, strong wings were now unattractive, unsightly, and--worst of all--frightful in nature.
It had been days since her last preening, and now her wings were molting at an alarming rate. She had not shown her discomfort to Twilight, but it was a struggle. If only she could get out of the cast, she’d be able to take care of herself.
“Hey Cadence. I’m back from my meeting.” She heard Shining’s voice call out.
She snapped her wings shut as he entered the room. He’d told her earlier that he was meeting up with a few of his friends and that they were playing ‘board games.’ He still wouldn't admit to her that it was his favorite game of Wizards and Warriors. He set his saddle bags off to the side with magic before approaching her.
“You okay, Cadence?”
“I’m fine. Just a little tired, I guess.” She breathed softly as she lowered herself into the pillows, positioning herself so that her neck was resting comfortably. However, despite her current position, her itchy wings still bothered her.
“I’m going to make myself a little something. Do you want anything?” he asked as he headed into the kitchen. She smiled a little. Shining always offered a hoof to help.
“It's fine Shining. I’ll be okay.” She replied. There was a hint of annoyance in her voice, not at him but at the inconvenience of her unsightly wings. Luckily, Shining didn’t say anything. A pop burst from the fireplace and Cadence gripped a fire poker with her aura and began to disperse the fire around. As she worked on the fire Shining’s voice entered from the kitchen.
“Is Twilight in bed?”
“Yes. I put her down about an hour ago. She gave me another dozen apologies for pulling that bookcase down on me.” Cadence answered, getting a hearty chuckle from the other room.
“That’s Twilight for you.” He said as he ate in the other room, to which Cadence giggled at how loud he chewed.
While waiting for him Cadence was staring at the fire before her. She watched the flames dance in the air as the smoke climbed up the chimney. It was the only distraction she had from the gnawing itch coming from her wings.
“My parents won’t be back until later this week.” Shining said as he entered the room. Cadence put the fire poker away. “My grandparents unexpectedly visited mom and dad, so they decided to extend their vacation to spend some time with them.”
Before she could reply she noticed him approach her right side and she took notice of a glass of water hovering in front of her. She eyed him curiously and he gave a sympathetic smile. She chuckled inwardly, he always was there to help her even when she didn’t need it. She took the glass and gratefully drank the water, the liquid soothing her dry throat.
“I hope they say hi to Grandpa Shield for me and Twilight. Been awhile since we’ve seen him.” he said as he sat by her, staring at the open fire with her.
Shining lit his aura again and placed another log into the fire. As the flames were renewed upon the small log the two sat in silence, letting the warmth of the fire radiate out and embrace them.
Shining Armor waited for a response from her, but none came. The only sound he heard was their breathing and the sound of crickets outside. After a few minutes minutes had passed Shining Armor broke the silence
“Cadence? Are you alright?” he asked quietly. Cadence looked at him as if she’d just awoken. She blushed and turned her head away from him.
“I’m fine Shining. I’m just tired, that’s all.” Her words rang out, but Shining Armor didn’t buy it.
Cadence was tired, but it was her wings that kept her mind on edge. The itching, nagging feeling of her blemished wings that was hard for her to ignore.
“You don’t sound fine, Cadence. How about I bring you some more pillows?” Cadence turned to object but saw that he was already bringing over more pillows from a nearby cabinet, fluffing them up with his magic before placing them around her body.
“I told you, Shining, I’m fine.” Cadence tried to ignore him but the movement of her neck made her grimace and her wings were begging to be preened. Shining Armor frowned and came to her side once more.
“You aren’t, Cadence. You know I worry for you. Ever since the accident you seem to be in a lot more pain than you should be. I can talk to Doctor Quick Fix to find out when-“ Shining was interrupted when Cadence waved a hoof at him.
The terrible itching in her wings was resurfacing with a vengeance. Her face grimace at the unbearable feeling and she grit her teeth in discomfort. She hid her face in the pillows and continuing to wave Shining away, trying to make him take the hint. Yet, to her chagrin, he remained by her side. She bit her lower lip as the itch remained, gnawing at her wings, begging to be scratched. After a few moments, the itching ceased, and she could breathe easily again. She buried her head into the comfort of the pillows, obscuring the tears that were now flowing.
“Please Shining, just leave me alone.” She said, her voice muffled by the pillows. Fresh tears rolled down her cheeks from the terrible itching that remained on her wings.
Shining Armor remained where he was, saying nothing.
For a few moments, she remained like that, wondering how long he would be there. Then, to her surprise, she felt a warm hoof wrapped around her midsection and was pulled into a warm hug. She gazed up at Shining Armor, raising her head as far as her cast would allow, as the stallion gently embraced her.
“I know you may not want me to be here, and that you want to face this pain alone. But I can’t stand by and do nothing while you suffer. I don’t want to watch from the side while a pony I care about is hurting. I want to help others, to protect them, it even says so in my cutie mark. So Cadence, please, let me help you.” Shining Armor nuzzled his head against the side of her neck, just below her cast. Cadence was still crying, but she almost couldn’t feel the pain anymore through the happiness within her.
Shining Armor, ever since high school, had always been there for her.Through her trials, his hoofball, and even their finals, he was there by her side. And then to come into his home, with his goodly parents who loved her as much as she loved them, and sweet little Twilight, and to feel like she belonged, brought her a happiness that she couldn’t describe. She smiled through the tears and looked up at the stallion who had always been by her side.
“Shining,” she whispered, a few tears running down her muzzle. After a long moment, Shining Armor parted from his hug and he gave a reassuring smile to her.
“Will you let me help you?” he asked, wiping a tear from her cheeks. She nodded in approval. Though she wouldn’t admit it, if she could even explain it, she was very grateful that he was willing to help her.
“So what is it that I can do? Is it your neck that bothers you? Your wings? Or...” He paused when she nodded her head, albeit in a funny manner, bearing a small goofy grin. He eyed her wings and gave a subtle nod.
“Alright. Let me see what I can do.” His horn glowed and an aura surrounded her wings. Her eyes bulged and the grin that she bore was immediately gone, alarm bells now ringing in her head. Her body shivered by the sudden sensation as both of her wings went outward by his magic.
“Shining! Stop! Please!” Cadence blurted, her face turning red in both embarrassment and shock. Shining Armor turned away from her wings and gave her confused look, one that Cadence had seen many times before.
“What? What did I do?” he asked.
She opened her mouth to speak but another realization hit her. She closed it back shut and looked away, another shade of red clearly visible on her face. Should I even tell him? she wondered. Shining Armor continued to hold her wings with his magic. The tingling sensation was driving her crazy. She kept thinking of what best to tell him, without making this conversation any more awkward than it already was. But the longer she contemplated the longer her mind fumed on this sensation. As she thought on what to say, Shining Armor cleared his throat and lowered his head toward hers.
“Uh, Cadence? Are you alright?”
My wings are fine you big goof. Your touch is so goo- Of course I’m not alright! She thought as the heat in her cheeks began to rise. She bit her lower lips again and shook her head into the pillows, scattering a few that were bundled around her neck.
“My wings.” Her muffled words escaped her as she nuzzled her head into the pillows, making Shining Armor wonder what she was implying. She folded both her front hooves over her head , clearly embarrassed about something. Shining Armor, unsure of what she meant, released her wings, allowing them to hang loose off her sides. She breathed a sigh of relief, panting slightly as the sensation had left her. She turned to eye Shining who was, at this point, baffled by her new strange mood.
“Shining,” she said with a ragged breath, “do you remember our Anatomy 101 class that we took last semester?” Her question caught Shining Armor off guard, leaving him unsure of why she would ask a random question as that.
“Ah yes, I remember taking that class. I only got a B- out of it. Though I’m not sure what that has to do with-“
“It matters, Shining,”she interrupted , mentally facehoofing at how thick Shining Armor was, especially at this moment. She slowly exhaled, a calming technique which she had practiced many times before with Twilight. When she was ready, she looked up to meet Shining in the eye.
“Well, you remember how unicorns and pegasi have different sensitive areas and pressure points?”
“Well yes: unicorns’ horns are sometimes sensitive after using a large amount of magic. Sometimes they can go numb for several minutes to an hour if they overuse on-“
“Shining, you’re right, but what about pegasus anatomy?” Cadence asked, her cheeks burning red as to where this topic of conversation was leading to.
“Well let’s see, um… they’re sensitive… in primaries, or what is secondaries -” Shining began to mumble under his breath as Cadence brought a hoof over her muzzle, stifling a giggle. It was always funny to her when he ponders over simple things.
“Yes, and do you know exactly where those areas are?” she asked again, only to get more mumbling from the stallion who at this point was probably overthinking the situation. Cadence could almost see the veins starting to bulge on the side of his head as he struggled to find the answer. She could simply have told him, but she wanted to see how far he would get. After a few minutes of struggle he finally opened his eyes and dropped a hoof over the other.
“I get it now. The sensitive regions on a pegasus are around the joints of the wings and base and right in-between the wings. The same spots that I-“he suddenly stopped, his body seemed to be frozen in time. His eyes went wide with realization and he fell back on the floor. Scurrying back a bit away from Cadence he quickly bowed his head to her by slamming it into the oak wood floor.
“I-I’m sorry, Cadence! I didn’t meant to! I wasn’t thinking! P-please forgive me!”
So dramatic, Cadence thought. She chuckled a little at the sight of him; she could actually imagine a plume of smoke venting from the top of his head. She would have loved to see how far he would take this, but there was a more pressing matter at hoof.
“Shining, you’re fine. Also don’t be so loud, you’ll wake up Twilight.” She motioned her head to the ceiling, right where Twilight’s bedroom was. Shining lifted himself off the floor and quickly dusted himself. His next question caught Cadence off guard.
“But, Cadence, if I can’t use my magic, then how am I am suppose help you?”
Cadence gave a profound look to Shining and blushed at his remark. However, she was able to keep her composure as she carefully explained to his soon to be fragile mind.
“Well, Shining, in order to carefully care for a pegasus’... wings...” She gulped at the last word, uncertainty crawling up within as she continued, “they would need to be treated with utmost care. Even if you’re being careful, magic is too forceful and leaves an uncomfortable sensation.” Her mouth hung open as she waited for a response from him. When none came she swallowed again and finished, giving him the information that would halt his mind in its tracks.
“In other words, my wings will need… a delicate touch.”
Shining Armor stood where he was, his face a neutral expression. He didn’t speak or raise his voice to reply. The only sound that she heard was the crackling fire nearby. She then noticed a slow hue of red develop across his face. He’d just figured it out.
.
“Oh. I see.” He traced circles on the floor with his hoofs, his eyes avoiding Cadence as he contemplated for adding. “So, you need me to preen?”
She gave an affirmative nod before turning her body so that she laid flat on top of the pillows.
“I know it’s a personal thing, especially for pegasi. If you are uncomfortable with it then I won’t force you.” Cadence replied, knowing that if he declined she would have to endure the pain she had.
“No, I already gave my word that I would help. I don’t want you to be in pain any longer.”
Cadence’s eyes widened a little at this. He knew the circumstances and the awkwardness of it yet he was still willing to help her. He would put aside his pride and offer aid to anypony that was in need, and that was something she truly loved about him. A small smile crept up her muzzle at his words and she knew she could trust him.
“Alright, just let me get comfortable first.” Cadence adjusted herself and levitated the nearby pillows to support her neck. Once settled in, she heard Shining come to her side and lie next to her. When he stopped moving she slowly exhaled and lets her right wing stick straight out. She felt her once pristine feathers rest over one of the pillows; they were still tender after the magical surge and she had to be careful when she moved them. Shining folding his legs and sat close to her side, hovering his head over her wings. Embarrassed, and thinking that he would be appalled by the sight, she tucked her head into the pillows and placed a hoof over her eyes. Shining Armor took notice of this and he gave a tender smile.
“I’m guessing you’re a little embarrassed?” he asked. She slowly nodded her head, and his smile rose a bit more. “Well I don’t think you should be ashamed of them. In fact, I still think they are beautiful.”
Just the same as you. The thought lingered and she smiled into her pillow. Shining Armor looked down at her pink feathers, which were blatantly scattered and out of place.
“Just out of curiosity, and please don’t take offense, Cadence, but when was the last time you bathed?”
Normally a question like that would result a hoof in the back of the head. However, in her state, she was willing to let it slide.
“I’ve bathed every day since the accident, Shining, but with my cast it’s difficult to clean the feathers. Besides, bathing can only do so much for my wings. Only a proper cleaning will help, and that means preening them.”
Shining Armor nodded and stared at the ailing wings once more. He drew a soft breath and adopted a determined look.
“I hope you're ready, Cadence. I’m preening them now.”
I hope I’m ready too. She braced herself as Shining lowered his mouth over her. She could feel his hot breath over her right wing, the feathers bristling slightly from the rush of warm air. A sudden chill crept up her spine and she began to have second thoughts. There was an urge to stop him then and there. But before she could raise her voice, she felt his mouth press over her feathers.
She gasped slightly, his mouth was firm yet gentle to the touch, as he began his work. Her body shook again from the foreign sensation, and her mind was racing with much information. His mouth was firmly in between her secondary and lesser coverts, making her mind like paste at the unexpected feeling. Her mouth hung loose for a moment before she buried her head into the fabric of the pillows. His mouth worked for a few minutes around each feather, giving soft pressure over the line of quills. The sensation clouded her mind and her vision became hazy. She tried to focus on the fire, hoping to concentrate on the burning embers. The moment was shattered when he moved slowly up toward her carpal joint, making her bite her lip from the new sensation.
Oh, this feeling, this tenderness, it’s driving me nuts, she thought. He would pause on occasion to move several feathers that were out of place and slowly rearranged them until they slid back into their respectful place. Cadence was starting to breathe heavily from all of this and she could only endure as he continued the work. This… is too much. I hope you know what you’re doing, Shining.
I have no idea what I’m doing. Shining thought as he continued to preen her feathers. At first he had thought the process would be easy, but he soon realized the full extent of the mess that was before him. As he made his way over a patch of feathers, he would try to push them back into place, only for his muzzle to nudge a few more out of their positions. It irked him that his work was being foiled by his own carelessness, but he was determined to see this through.
He worked through dozens of feathers, even needing a small trash bin for the ones that fell out. Every now and then he would stop his work to smack his lips together before diving back into the pink mass. For the next several minutes, he repeated the long difficult process, slowly making ground as he made his way to the primaries. His mouth was slightly sore by all of this yet he continued on, doing his best to help ease Cadence of her pain. When he reached near the tips of the wings and going underneath, he heard a slight moan emanated from her. He was sweating slightly by the unexpected noise and he was uncertain to continue on. I hope she’s alright. I don’t want to hurt her. Hay, I’m not sure I can take much more of this.
Oh Celestia, this is fantastic! Cadence thought as Shining worked underneath her wings. Who knew that being preened by somepony else could feel so good?
As the first hour passed, Cadence had slowly adjusted to his gentle touch. Every time he exhaled, her mind tingled at the warm sensation and she relaxed somewhat from his work. There were even a couple of occasions that her eyes grew heavy and she almost fell asleep, only to be awakened again when he moved on to another spot, keeping the stimulation active through her body.
She was so adjusted to her own preening that it was always routine. With Shining preening her wings and doing his best to clear the maze of feathers, this whole new experience was something that she fully enjoyed. As he moved to her lower auxiliaries she giggled slightly as his muzzle neared her withers. She bore a hidden smile as he ruffled and shifted his muzzle, which tickled her to no end, over the feathers underneath her wings. She cringed slightly whenever he pulled a broken feather but this was absolute bliss to the young alicorn. The pain is slowly going away. Oh Shining, this is absolutely wonderful.
Oh I hope she didn’t need that. Shining armor thought as he twisted his neck and pulled out a mouthful of feathers, carefully setting the broken pieces inside the halfway-full bin. He worked his muzzle underneath, almost to the point of intimacy near her side. He pulled many broken and misplaced feathers that were sticking out awkwardly and poking her sides. He was a bit relieved that his work had brought out some fruition yet the more he picked and preened the more he could hear the soft moans coming from Cadence. He didn’t know if this was due to some sort of pleasure or deep pain coming from her, although, when she moaned a bit louder whenever he got closer to her side, he couldn’t even tell if it was both.
Oh Celestia I’m hurting her. Should I even stop? What if she begs for more? What if she gets angry? Would this make her angry? Will she be mad at me after this? What do I do? What do I do? What do I do? Shining mentally panicked as he slowly finished the preening the right wing, spitting out the last broken feather into the trash bin.
He raised his neck back, which popped from the long held position, and observed his work. The right wing was much better than it was previously, the pristine feathers now unblemished and straight once more. As he placed another log into the fire, trying to keep the flames going a little longer, he breathed a sigh of relief that his work did Cadence good. However, when a soft moan emanated from Cadence, his heart sank from the pained expression. She was shaking slightly and the warmth of the fire did nothing to soothe her. Shining felt terrible inside how much it hurt her.
Did I do too much? Does this pain happen regularly for Pegasi? Oh I’m a terrible stallion to even offer this. I caused her more pain then relive it.
This… is…. marvelous. Cadence sighed in great relief. The preening has done more good for her then anything else these past few days. She could pay a hundred bits for luxury masseuse and have them work her body and wings to the bone. But those methods seemed pale compared to Shining’s gentle touch. Allowing him to remove those pesky split feathers, which were causing more grief than she cared to admit, was complete and utter relief. The whole time he worked over her wings, even going twice in a single batch, was heaven to her, and she loved every single second of it. When the foul pieces were removed she could feel the soft fur between her side and wing. She breathed heavily for a few moments before smiling and speaking in a low yet audible voice.
“Shining, the other wing, please.” She said as she slowly brought her straight wing down, and gradually getting back to her side. She closed her eyes to relax, allowing him to take his time until he was ready to work on her left wing. Don’t stop, Shining. She smiled warmly as she waited for her Shining Armor.
Shining began to sweat as he heard her utter that phrase. He could hear the whimpering pain coming from her voice, wanting for him to continue on. He felt the urge to stop until he remembered the old tales the veterans told in their cadet classes. He remembered that some soldiers, in order to get back in the fight, would bear the pain without any ponies help. Though a broken wing, sprained leg, or a dislocated shoulder, the veterans were taught to care for themselves and fight through the pain in order to get back into the fight. Shining believed Cadence was doing the same thing, saving grace, as it were, for the whole ordeal to be done sooner.
She’s counting on me. I’ve come this far, I won’t let her down now. He puffed his chest and snorted in determination before getting up from his position to move to the other side.
“Cadence, I’m going to work on your left wing now. So just bear a little longer- whoa!” Shining had neglected to wait for the blood to run though his legs and his body was falling forward over Cadence. With all of his strength that he could muster he placed his left hoof out to balance himself, although, when his hoof hit the wooden floor, his leg gave out and his right hoof landed downward on her back, right in between her wings. Cadence gasped from the unexpected movement and her wings shot outward, her left wing smacking right into his face along with a few feathers sticking in his mouth. Cadence shuddered from the initial contact and her body tingled in ecstasy as her wings were being preened once again. She lowered her head into the pillows, her face turning red from unexpected yet wonderful touch.
Oh Shining! Please… don’t stop! Her thoughts now betray her conscious as Shining took over on working her feathers once again.
I did it now. Oh Celestia I just goofed really, really bad. Shining’s mind was running rampant as her left primaries sat in his mouth. He carefully lifted his right hoof off her sensitive spot and calmly began to preen her left wing. He spat out a loose feather from his mouth and quickly set his mind to work, even when his said mind was frantically freaking out at the situation. Minutes to another hour flew by as he worked on her delicate wing, although he couldn’t quite tell himself. He slowly started with the tips of the wings, developing a pattern from the previous wing and preening at a quicker pace. Once done he gently massaged the wings tips, moving in at a nervous pace as he skimmed over the wings over and over again with his teeth. He breathed heavily into her plumage, letting the warm air soak into her pink feathers before he dived in again. He sorted and teased the feathers back into place, making sure that the feathers remained clean and straightened out, repeating the process several times before moving onto the next section of the wing.
I need to be faster, but careful. Preen with speed but not too fast. Faster and careful. Faster and careful. Fastful and caster. Shining was slowly losing it, his brain cross wired and frantic as he tried to do the work set out for him. He continued to work all over the top of her wings, preening and spitting out bad feathers that got in his way. He routinely inspected any part of the wing he went over and would pull out any bad feather that stuck out awkwardly. This resulted in Cadence either groaning in discomfort or sighing in relief. His agitated mind, although working better on her wings, was making Cadence feel drowsy and sluggish from his work. When Shining Armor pulled another loose feather near her withers she groaned rather loudly into her pillows, which thankfully were muffled.
Oh Shining… I think… I think I’m going to… to faint. She whimpered to herself as he finished the top layer of feathers and moved to work underneath her wings.
Shining kept his work steady, his sole task to finish preening her wings, yet the continuation of her soft moaning and her body visibly shaking was causing him to worry even more. He knew she endured this long but how long until she finally collapses. His white muzzle was slowly turning into a cherry red by the thought, and his mind was slowly becoming undone by her constant whimpering.
Cadence… I don’t know how much longer I will last. Please, bear with me. Shining kept his pace on the preening but the more he moved the more feathers that seemed to be in his way. For everyone one of the feathers he preened away another dozen would take it’s place. He kept teasing and moving the feathers, the whole ramble slowly becoming even and straight. Shining Armor knew he was almost there but, with Cadence consistently moaning and whimpering into the pillows, and with his constant berating of himself, it was only a matter of time before he passed out from sheer strain upon his mind.
Just a few… more feathers… Cadence. A few more. Shining was slowing his pace as he worked into the last few lines of quills that remained underneath her wing. Her wings, once stiffened since the preening, had pressed low over Shining’s head. The heat they gave off was making his mind hotter than before and his eyes became hazier as the minutes went by. Finally, after what felt like hours, Shining felt that he had completed his task. He could no longer hear the moans coming from Cadence and she was silent when he moved himself back, most likely exhausted from all of the pain she had to endure. Shining could breathe a sigh of relief that his charge was completed and that he could finally get his head cleared. However, it was short lived, for another moan escape her yet again. His body winced slightly at the sound and he could only imagine as to what might be causing the pain. He checked the wings and he did everything that he thought was right and quickly inspected underneath. He soon found the source of the problem and saw a large broken feather sticking out and buried deep in her side, a feather that he somehow over look.
Alright… alright… one more feather and it’s over. He internally praised himself yet his body was shaking from all of the excitement. As he neared the rebellious feather he could hear the heavy breathing coming from her once again, her chest moving up and down in a rhythmic beat. He felt his heart racing as he drew closer, as if he had down a marathon around Canterlot. He bent his neck slightly so that his horn didn’t interfere with her wing. When he closed the distance he went and clasped his teeth and clamped them shut around the target. Cadence gasped slightly from the touch, mumbling under her breath from the contact, her breathing quickening because of it. Shining Armor then pulled at the feather but found that it was embedded deeply in her fur and plumage.
The large feather would not go without a fight.
Shining Armor carefully nudged his muzzle further into her and slowly started to tease the feather back and forth. As he worked he tried twisting the feather and kept repeating the process. As he worked the feather he neared closer and closer to Cadence’s side, his muzzle and cheek inching towards her fur. As the moments passed he still did not having any luck with the feather. It was stuck tight inside, just like a bur in a cat’s fur during winter. When he had no such luck in getting the feather out, another thought crossed his mind, one that he was not particular fond of. As Cadence continued to whimper in discomfort he knew he had to get this done quickly and efficiently. Readjusting his head, and saying a quick prayer to Celestia, he buried his mouth over the feather, enveloping it with his teeth and clamping down with his mouth. Cadence gasped in surprised by the sudden touch, the new sensation tingling her body as she breathed heavier. Shining Armor picked up the pace on his work making her face beaming bright red. He twisted the wayward feather back in forth in his mouth and he buried himself deep into the folds of her wing. He softly bit into the feather, his muzzle and cheek now brushing against her body. He could hear her distinct heartbeat, beating rapidly as he continued to preen the single feather away. He continued to bite down again and again against the feather, slowly being untangled by his work. The more this happened the more Cadence felt that she was being kissed by him repeatedly, his mouth going in again and again against her wing.
Alright… this should do it. Shining Armor told himself, his mouth coming out and his teeth clamped tightly on the feather. With another twist, and another pull the feather finally popped out of her. Cadence lifted her head and stuck out like a stork, a noiseless gasp escaping her. She then moaned softly in the air which lasted a few seconds as a great relief overcame her. As she did this Shining Armor’s head shot outward with the feather still sticking out of his mouth. All the excitement and all of the tension in his mind was finally giving way.
I can’t take it. I can’t take… His thought soon ceased and his head hit the wooden floor with a solid thump. The moment he hit, Cadence, after finally breathing out a heavy sigh of relief, collapsed from her own excitement as she too fell asleep on the cushions, and the couple remained their for the rest of the night.
****
Several hours later Cadence awoke to the sound of birds chirping outside. She closed her heavy-laden eyes, trying to get herself back to sleep. She had no luck, however, as the birds continued their choral. Reluctantly she opened her vibrant eyes and stared at the open fire, which was not scattered ash. She slowly got up and notice that her wings were flat against the surface of the floor. She slowly arched her body, a few pops coming from her back. Once she was up she went to the kitchen, albeit at a slow pace, dragging her sore wings on the ground.
She pulled a small milk carton from the fridge and a glass from the cupboards. After filling the glass and placing the milk carton away, she drank it down in a few gulps. Breathing a sigh of relief, she set the glass down and promptly stretched her wings, allowing them to stretch with no burden and no pain whatsoever… her eyes then opened wider with a realization.
My wings… they don’t hurt. She thought, almost whispering it out loud. She wanted to see her wings herself but with the cast in the way she would need to find a mirror. She went to the bathroom nearby, and after flipping the lights and opening her wings, she stared into the mirror before her. Staring in amazement for a brief moment, she could not help but shed a tear. Her once ragged wings were now returned to their former glory. They no longer had loose or broken feathers and they seemed to shine in the mirror. Both of her primaries and secondaries did not show a single feather that was out of place. She gave them a flap and to her excitement she didn’t see a single loose or broken feather fall out. She flapped again, then a third time, and continued flapping while squealing in delight
Oh, this is a miracle, my wings are beautiful. Did he really do… she paused when a sudden knock on the door brought her out of her happy stupor. Turning the light off and folding her wings, she made her way to the front entrance, puzzled of who would knock so early in the morning. With a flick of her magic she opened the door, and to her surprise, saw doctor Quick Fix standing before her.
“Good morning princess. It’s good to see you well.” The old doctor spoke in a raspy voice, a smile plastered on his face.
“Morning, Doctor Quick Fix. I have been fine, thank you. Why are you here this early in the morning?” She asked, cutting to the chase but not sounding too rude. The old doctor chuckled as he brought out a small picture from his saddle bag. Cadence immediately noticed that it was the x-ray of her neck.
“Well my dear, I think there has been a bit of a mix up. Some buffoon of a doctor mixed up the pictures and now some poor colt is about to have his cast removed and be in a world of hurt. However, despite that outcome, I like to say that your accident was simply a small bump rather than a fracture around your neck.”
Cadence’s eyes widened at his statement and allowed him to continue on.
“It appears to me, and this is my knowledge of course, that alicorns are quite sturdier than they look.” He gave a warm smile and Cadence continued to stare at the x-ray in surprise.
“You mean to say that I’m…” she went to say but was at a loss for words but the good doctor was able to finished for her.
“Yes, you’re fit and healthy as can be.”
Relief flowed through her like a fish through a river. She breathed out knowing that she could finally remove this atrocious cast and have free movement once again. From a simple misunderstanding and her having to bear through wearing the cast, she could finally relax, knowing everything would be alright. However, in her high jubilation, a thought crossed her mind that made her stop to think for a moment. As she pondered her own thoughts, and smiling at the implications, the good doctor spoke up once again.
“If you want, Princess Cadence, I can help remove the cast now if you so wish.”
“Actually, Quick Fix, I think I would like to hold on to my cast for a few more days, just to be on the safe side.” Cadence gave a tiny smile as the doctor raised an arched eyebrow.
“Even when your neck has no problems or any visible damage?” Quick Fix stated, not missing a beat. Cadence gave a humble nod to which the doctor smiled back.
“Well it never hurts to be cautious. Very well, I will allow it. I will have a free spot available for you by the end of this week. Feel free to come in whenever you wish. Good day to you now.” The doctor bowed low, and after placing the picture back, trotted off down the street. Cadence closed the door behind her and a small smile graced her lips. As she walked towards the living room she felt great relief that she could get her cast removed. However, she could still use it to her ‘advantage’. She entered inside the living room and she stifled a giggle when she spotted Shining Armor sleeping on the floor. His whole body was flat on the wooden surface and was out like a light; she softly chuckled when she spotted the large pink feather that was sticking out of his mouth. She smiled at him, knowing what he did and helped ease her pain. Her smile turned into a silly grin that appeared across her muzzle.
It won’t hurt to have it on a few days more.
She then went down and settled a few pillows around her and Shining as she took her place next to him. She unfurled her left wing and wrapped it closely around Shining Armor, allowing for the both of them to sit close to one another comfortably. She gave a tender kiss on his cheek and saw a small goofy grin appear on his muzzle, which caused the pink feather to stick upward in his mouth. Cadence smiled once more and she closed her eyes, slowly going back to sleep next to her faithful stallion.
“Cadence.”
Not a few minutes after she went back to bed, soft hoofs echoed on the top of the stairs and down toward the main room.
“Cadence,” young Twilight mumbled, her right hoof brushing the sleepiness from her eyes, while the other held onto a small blanket that had Starswirl the Bearded patterned onto it. The young, frazzle-haired filly moved at a snail's pace down the stairs, hoping to find her favorite sitter.
“Cadence, I heard a knock on the door. Who was it?” Twilight drowsily mumbled again and turned the corner of the stairs to look down on the main room. She stopped moving and her eyes slowly widened at the sight before her. She blinked once, then twice, and allowed the pieces to come together. Her foalsitter, and older brother, cuddling together next to the open fire. Their bodies softly raising and falling from their breathing and both were smiling in their sleep. A tiny smile graced her until a full on grin was upon her countenance. She backed up a bit and slid down behind the staircase, clutching her blanket tightly. A soft squee sound came out of her as she moved her tiny hoofs in the air next to her head, in pure elation.
“Oh yay!” she softly cooed as she slowly made her way up the stairs and most likely to write in her diary at the romantic scene she witnessed. While the half asleep alicorn’s smile rose just a little higher.
****
Cadence soon found herself walking into the main gate of her crystal keep, passing by a few stationed guards that hailed her. She shook off the snow that stuck to her mane and coat, to which a few guards kindly offered a small towel to dry up. She thanked them and made her way toward her main chambers, passing by her guards and servants that greeted her in kind. She smiled to each of them as she passed them by and she soon saw her main chambers, guarded by two crystal guards. They both smiled when she was close and pushed open the doors to allow her entrance. Once inside they closed the door behind them but not before she paused to ask a question.
“Has my husband returned yet?”
“We were told he was finishing up his training with the new recruits, he should be here shortly.”
Cadence thanked her guards and allowed the doors to be closed. She turned toward her large chamber, which held several bookshelves and a large canvas sitting on a table that had both her and Shining dressed in their wedding outfits. She smiled as she walked by and she turned to see her bed, all clean and tucked in, a service by her servants. Instead of heading to the bed she went straight for a large red cushion that settled next to a large fire pit. With her magic she started the fire and placed a few logs within its hold, at the same time she removed her regalia and settled them at the foot of the bed. She then settled herself into the cushion and watched as the flames took hold of the logs and warming her body. She sighed in relief and was able to relax after a long day’s work. She settled until she was on her side and promptly picked a romantic book that was settled near her and she began to read to herself until her husband returned. Not thirty minutes later the door of their chamber opened and she heard familiar hoof steps enter inside.
“Hello Cadence.” A warm voice entered the room as she continued reading her story. “How has your day been?”
“I engaged myself with a few nobles, did some shopping around the markets and helped at the library.” Cadence replied, not lifting her gaze from her book. “How about you?”
“Well I just finished a day's’ worth of training with the new recruits and they are all performing well. I like to think in a few months we can have the old guard restored to its former glory.” Shining Armor spoke as he closed the distance between them.
“That’s good to hear.” She responded but kept her gaze on her book. Shining Armor took notice of this and a sly grin spread across his face.
“I know what that look is.” He gave a chuckle as she continued to read on.
“Whatever do you mean?” She inquired, but fully aware of where this was leading.
“Well, considering the fact that you’re sitting on a large comfy cushion, a fire is roaring in front of me that is both warm and inviting, and you’re reading a love novel and expecting something nice this evening. Something which may require me.”
Cadence closed the book she was reading and turned toward Shining Armor with a large smile upon her face.
“How ever did you know?” She asked in fake mocking tone, resisting the urge to raise her hoof to her head in a dramatic fashion.
“Because I can read you like a book.” Shining Armor replied simply, to which Cadence opened her right wing towards him in invitation. Shining removed his armor and placed it near the edge of the bed as he climbed up the cushion and settled next her side. Once settled in, Cadence turned her head until it was facing his and the two nuzzled each others noses, both giggling at their little game. Cadence then turned and rested her head onto the cushion, her wing now fully displayed for her husband.
“You have my permission, my Shining Armor”
“As you wish, my beautiful Amore.”
Shining then lowered his head and began his work on preening her wing. Cadence sighed in relief from his wonderful touch, his mouth moving ever so slowly as it preened her majestic wings. Cadence smiled as he worked on preening her plumage. She recalled when she finally had the cast removed and when she told him the truth all those years ago he was not angry one bit. In fact, he was glad to be of service, even when it was his first time as well. Over the years he has developed his skill in the art of preening, and with through time, patience, and a bit of guidance on her part, he had become a natural.
And despite all the hard work he went through he would always put her first. The devotion that he had made her love him even more, and she smiled proudly that her husband, her Shining Armor, would be there for her when she needed him.
Her faithful friend, her loyal companion, her preening husband.
She opened her eyes and she beamed at the last thought. She arched her neck and watched her husband preen away. His eyes were closed and moved in a rhythm that he made, moving back in forth in patches as he preened her wings. His preening was both relaxing and comforting that she was filled with much contentment. It was only fitting that she returned the compensation for his work. She smiled once again and leaned her head closer to his.
“Shining.” She gently whispered, and he opened his eyes to look at her. She leaned forward and gently kissed his muzzle, a smile gracing her lips. His eyes widened slightly but slowly relaxed by her touch. She held the kiss for moment longer before pulling back and locked eyes with him in a loving gaze
“I love you,” she softly spoke as she returned once again to rest her head upon the cushion. Shining remained where he was, smiling brightly to her through a mouthful of feathers. He then closed his eyes once more and continued to preen her feathers. The two remained like that through the night, as the soft snow continued to fall outside their castle walls.
Author's Note
There you have it. My longest story by far and I hope that you all enjoyed reading it. Much thanks should be given to my wonderful editors and their hard work in developing this story. Through time and patience they were able to help shape this story to what it is. So much thanks goes to them,
Here is the story notes.
