Leaf Shadow looked up at the massive castle sitting on the side of the mountain. It's white stone walls and spires supported by a sturdy half-sphere underneath. Water flowed out from various points down to the world below.
He readied the crossbow strapped to his hoof and fired a small, mithril grappling hook up the side and imbedded it 30 tail lengths up at the base of the wall.
The patrols had already passed and he had about 5 minutes before the next one would arrive. Leaf began to climb.
His dark green coat and black mane were covered by a specially camouflaged greyish white cloak. His belt saddle had a few odd contraptions, one of which he fed the end of the hanging rope into and latched it so it would coil it up as he ascended. A small enchanted white box was lashed to his back and a knife designed to fit on the end of a hoof like a shoe hung from his utility saddle.
The peculiar earth pony began his climb up the rope with little effort and practiced skill. He reached the bottom of the over hanging wall with a minute to spare and pulled with cloak tight around him making him appear as a slightly distorted clutter of rocks to the casual observer.
Leaf waited quietly as the sound of flapping wings went past, the guards attention undoubtedly mostly searching the steep mountain side below and chatting with his friend rather than worrying about the mostly uniform wall.
After they had passed, Leaf Shadow shot yet another grappling hook further up to the top edge of the wall and then yanked to test it's hold.
The first hook he was now covering came free and was tucked away in a slot on his saddle before he continued up.
Leaf peeked over the top of the wall and scrambled over once the coast was clear.
With a deft movement he yanked the grappling hook he had just used out of the wall then used the hook to catch the edge of the opposite wall, flipping him over and straight down it into the gardens.
He kicked of the wall half way down to preform a silent back flip away and over the heads of two oblivious patrolling guards below.
Leaf followed them as they moved on, being sure to keep in silent step not far behind the pair as they scanned their own sides, not bothering to check where they had just been a few seconds before.
As they rounded the last corner, Leaf stayed behind and watched from the cover of another statue as the heedless pair passed into the keep.
He dived from behind the statue and into a second bush before stealthily making his way to the side of Canterlot Keep through a series of stone artwork and various plant displays.
His grappling hook was readied and shot high up to a window.
Leaf took a galloping start and shot up the side of the white stone wall using his momentum to make good time. He flipped forward into the window, withdrawing his hook as he did and dashed behind a decorative suit of armor.
He looked over the piece before finding the secret compartment he was looking for. Inside was an enchanted guard outfit that made the wearer turn white and bear the Canterlot coat of arms. He hastily put it on, storing his utility saddle, crossbow, and cloak in the armor and tucked his knife away in his shoe. The box was kept on his back. He doubted the patrols would realize what it was anyway.
Leaf trotted out and down the corridor non-nonchalantly but looking as if he had to be somewhere. The guards gave him curious looks but let him pass.
As he came to his target's room he noted no one was there yet, 'all the more time to prepare' he thought to himself.
Inside the sun shone brightly into the room as it's master attended her duties in court. 'perfect, I'll surprise her!'
Leaf opened up the box and set it on the desk and admired the contented inside with a devilish grin. 'Even the sun goddess herself will be blown away with this! The plan is perfect!' A look of determination crossed his face as he draw the curtains and made sure the room was as dark as possible.
'Still I better make sure it works and then my boss will have nothing standing in his way!'
With that he slipped off his guard shoes and readied his knife.
After a bit of waiting he was rewarded with the sound of hoof steps outside the door, but better yet, the sound of the princess herself.
Leaf raised his blade in anticipation of the sun princesses entrance.
The door opened to the dark room and the princess entered. "hmm, I don't remember leaving all the curtains closed..."
Her horn glowed and the curtains drew open. Leaf Shadow struck with the knife, it's target splitting with ease as he sliced it across the white surface and red juices flowed out from the cut.
"OH! wait, is that vanilla cherry surprise cake?"
"It is, and delivered in complete confidence as asked! no one even knows I'M here much less this beautiful treat."
"Oh thank goodness! Do you know what Luna would do if she knew I was cheating on my diet again?"
"All part of my job, here, you've probably been slaving away over every trouble the kingdom has, you deserve some cake."
"I do believe I do!" Celestia chuckled and took the cake slice, placing it on a small plate also taken from the box. She opened up a drawer on the desk and pulled out a large bag of bits before dropping it in front of Leaf Shadow.
"That is for services rendered and don't be afraid to have a slice; cake is often best when shared!"
And so, Celestia and Leaf Shadow had cake! THE END! Probably...
