IV

I woke up to Snow poking me and speaking through a yawn, "Strider... We need to get up so we can see the duty roster."

I grumbled and rolled over trying to ignore her. That is until a cold shock went up my spine, "Whoa!" I exclaimed as I shot up out of bed. Snow had put a layer of ice on my back, "Not cool."

Snow smiled as she was pleased with herself. I went over to my locker and started to dawn my armor as Snow did the same. Celestia had yet to raise the sun so it was still dark out. With our armor on we headed out into the hall. Several other guards were also emerging from their rooms. I had the box with my old armor on my back, on the way to the Mess Hall I dropped it off in the mail room. Once in the mess hall we got our trays and stood in line. I got Biscuits & Gravy, little bits of carrot were in the gravy.

Waking up was taking longer than I wanted it to. While I ate my breakfast I couldn't help but hear some of the conversations around the Mess Hall. There were Guards trading days off, among other topics. A conversation behind me caught my ear.

"She looks like a tramp, posing as a guard." A mare said. I adjusted my ears to listen better.

"I know, and I've never seen armor like that before. I'll bet she slept around to get that approved." A Guard commented.

It was obvious they were talking about Snow, she was the only Guard in here with different armor. I would have listened further but they got up and left. "Did you hear Dragons from the dragon kingdom were spotted landing in Horseshoe Bay?" I heard a Guard say, It came from the one across the table from me.

I put myself into the conversation, "Is it 'A Dragon' or 'Dragons' as in more than one?" I asked him.

"Two mature dragons from the dragon kingdom."

"Really?"

"Yeah, and Equestria isn't exactly on the best of terms with their King. So a platoon from the local Army outpost went to see if they would come quietly."

"How'd that end?" A Guard next to me asked.

"It didn't. When they got there, nopony was there. Just scorch marks, clawed trees, and wagon tracks."

"Somepony took them?"

"Or Something, but that's what it looks like." The guard concluded.

I was extremely curious as to who or what could overpower a dragon. I was so interested in the missing dragons, that I almost hadn't noticed Snow sit back down or get up for that matter.

"So I figured out what our orders are for the next few weeks." Snow said quickly and with a wide smile.

"How many cups of coffee have you had?" I asked her.

"Three. Anyway we are patrolling the Canterlot gardens! In addition to that we have to make sure tour groups don't get lost in the maze!"

"At least that's quiet."

"Not with me it isn't!"

"Of course why did I think any different?" I stood up and took my tray and put it onto the stack of used ones, "After you." I said letting Snow take the lead.

She practically bounced the whole way to the gardens. Probably because of the coffee. We had to make our way though the palace to get to the gardens. I was surprised at how many stained glass windows, each one recording a major historical event in Equestria. One of these I recognized, it recorded the Citizens of Canterlot and Celestia pushing back a siege from forces of shadow. That battle was another reminder that AlIcorns aren't all powerful. It took every able citizen and the princess to push back the enemy. It's something ponies frequently forget about, that Equestria isn't as safe as they think it is. It takes the blood and sweat of the Guard and the Equestrian Army to make it seem as safe as it is.

Snow and I finally got out to the garden, "Alright here is my plan. I'll take the tour groups through the maze since I've done it before and enjoy doing it. While you'll need to learn the maze route eventually, it is your first day so i'll do it."

"I have a question. Why are we doing this? Shouldn't the palace guard be doing it? We're Celestia's personal guard shouldn't we be at her side?" I asked genuinely curious.

"One: Were doing this because were still new. Two: The palace guard can only do so much since there are always a few extra Personal Guards we pick up for them. Three: Don't worry about Celestia, she always has two guards by her side." Snow trotted off leaving me in the less traversed area of the Gardens.

I let out a sigh and went about walking around the garden.

☼

Snow had come by to check on me a few times since this morning. She had helped at least seven tour groups into and out of the maze without incident. I had memorized every part of the garden on this side. At this point I wanted a change of scenery already, and for what I assumed was a Fox to leave me alone. On what was approximately my twenty third walk through of the garden a white and black fox had started following me. Now it was swatting at my hooves and making small noises to get me to play with him or her.

"Eighty Seven." I mumbled to myself as I continued walking. I'll admit, I was board. Until I heard what sounded like magic past some bushes. I worked my way around to the other side to see who it was. I got to the other side of the plants only to see what was the last of a tail disappear behind a tree. I continued to follow. The fox continued to follow me but stayed quiet thankfully. I kept getting small glimpses of this pony's tail. Whoever they were they were leading me to a different part of the garden that I hadn't seen yet. The path I was on came to a halt when I came to a clear area that overlooked the city. Canterlot was a big place, looking in from outside of the city you would think it was small, but that was not the case. I didn't see the pony I was looking for.

"Well this was a waste of time." I said looking at the fox, who was looking past me to my left. I followed it's eyes, it was looking at Celestia. My first instinct was to go back, that is until I realized I hadn't paid enough attention to go back myself. I would have to ask her guard... Where were her Guards? Then it dawned on me that the magic I heard was probably her teleporting out of her office and into the gardens. Of course it was, who else has the power to teleport?

Figuring it was far more rude to sit just here and watch her I approached, when I got close I made my presence known, I bowed before speaking, "Your Highness?" I said in a calm voice so I didn't startle her.

She seemed to jump a little anyway, "Oh, I didn't realize Lieutenant Arrow was already looking for me. You may rise."

I stood tall like a guard is supposed to, "He is not yet. When you came into the garden I followed you not knowing it was you Princess."

"You are forgiven for following me, but I must ask why you did not simply return to your post?" Celestia asked.

"I noticed no guards accompanied you." I paused, "Also other than flying, I don't know how to get back."

Celestia gave out a small laugh, "I see, well I'm not ready to go back just yet but you are welcome to be of company while you wait." She tapped her hoof on the ground next to her signaling me to sit next to her.

"Yes Princess." I quietly sat down next to her and stayed quiet.

"What's your name?" She asked in a kind voice.

"Private Strider."

"I didn't ask for your rank, I asked for you name." It was becoming apparent that she was trying to be friendly.

"Flame Strider. But most just call me Strider."

"A pleasure to meet you. You are new to my guard?"

"Yes Princess. It is my first day on this assignment."

"Well I welcome you." She said with a smile. We sat there in silence for what seemed like forever. It definitely seemed like there was something on her mind but I wasn't going to pry. "I like to come here for a bit of quiet time." She said breaking the silence.

"The Palace isn't quiet Princess?"

"It's too quiet sometimes. Out here I can think on more important matters. The garden has a certain... natural enchantment to it where you can just think clearly. Do you understand?"

"I might Princess." I did agree that this place was peaceful, and that it was definitely a good place to go if you were feeling overwhelmed or stressed. The princess and I sat in silence for another long minute.

Then the fox piped up, "Arf!"

Celestia laughed at it, "It seems like you've made a friend there."

"It just kinda started following me. Now it won't leave me alone." I told the princess.

"She might want to stay with you." She said with a laugh.

"That isn't exactly regulation to have a pet in the barracks Princess."

"True, but if you were allowed to keep her, what would you name her?" Celestia asked smiling as the fox had gotten her forelegs over my wings to dangle there.

I took the fox in my hooves, and held her there for a minute looking at her happy face, "Mira." I said turning my head to the princess.

Celestia just smiled, her horn glowed quickly getting her attention, "It seems Lieutenant Arrow as discovered that I am not where he thought I was. Now if you'll follow me I will lead you out."

"Yes Princess." I followed two paces behind and one to the side. Mira however found it fun to run circles around the Princess and I. This time I payed attention on the way back through the garden. The path went through a fairly secluded part of the gardens. No wonder I hadn't seen the walkway to get in, It was hidden among a hedge.

When we got back to the area of the gardens I was supposed to be guarding; Lieutenant Arrow, Snow and two other Personal Guards were waiting. I assumed the two others were supposed to be guarding Celestia. Everypony bowed at the sight of Celestia while I followed her.

"Rise my ponies." Celestia said.

When Arrow stood and saw me, he looked angry, "Princess, you had me worried for a minute there. You didn't tell any of your guards where you were going."

I couldn't tell for sure but Celestia seemed slightly irritated, "And I shouldn't have to tell you where I go every second of the day. I can take care of myself, and had done so before the Guard was formed. To put you at ease however, Private Strider here heard me enter the gardens and kept me company while I got some fresh air." Celestia gave the Lieutenant a chance to speak, instead he looked at me. When he went to speak he was cut off, "I would like you to allow Private Strider to keep this Fox with him in the barracks as a pet." She gestured to Mira, "I'm considering it one of my little harmless social experiments. Captain Armor knows I like to conduct those from time-to-time. Speaking of the Captain, I would Like to speak with him. I will allow you a word with your subordinate, then we must go see the Captain."

Celestia walked over to some doors to wait for a moment. Lieutenant Arrow walked up to me rubbing his forehead, "Since you and Private Snow were to be off the rest of the day anyway, I suggest you go get your pet a few necessities. I will be by your room this evening to have a word with you."

I said nothing and Just saluted him as he went to follow the princess. Snow came up to me once the Princess and the Lieutenant were gone, here eyes wide with surprise, "What did you do while I was gone?"

"I think I made a friend." I said still unsure what the Princess just did for me.

☼

Snow and I were walking through Canterlot after making a quick stop at our room to take off our armor. Mira was on my back nestled between my wings taking a nap. I just finished explaining to Snow what had happened with Princess Celestia.

"You really did make a friend, and an important one at that!" Snow exclaimed stating the obvious.

"Didn't we establish that already?"

"Yeah but It's just cool to hear that Celestia sometimes wants a break and silence just like any other pony."

"If only some ponies could be quiet." I said referring to her.

"Hey watch it Mister, or you'll end up with ice in your bed." Snow said In a playfully threatening tone.

I just rolled my eyes, "Alright Canterlot Is supposed to have a pet store around here somewhere." I was having some trouble finding it. I had passed it several times while patrolling the city.

"Maybe its that way?" Snow pointed down another street that definitely looked like my old patrol route.

"Lets try it."

We continued down the street. Snow insisted we stop and look at the window displays. She was particularly interested in every blue colored or themed dress she saw, she was always disappointed when she saw the price tags. That was confusing, considering she had a wealthy stallionfriend.

"Snow can I ask you a question?" I asked trying not to sound concerned.

She smiled trying to hide her disappointment, "Yeah, sure."

"Why is it that whenever you look at one of those dresses back there you look a little sad afterward?"

"Oh you noticed that did ya? Well you know that stallionfriend I mentioned?"

"I remember."

"He's a great pony and all, It's just he never get's me anything when it doesn't suit him as well. I have one dress that doesn't exactly look good on me. I wear it out when he and I do go out on our dates that always seem to fall on important events around Canterlot."

"It sounds to me like your not exactly happy with your relationship. Am I wrong?" I asked.

She looked at me a little confused, "Who are you to be giving me relationship advice?"

"I've read enough books to know that your relationship isn't how it's supposed to work."

At first it seemed as if she would argue, "Yeah, you're probably right."

I spotted the pet shop a short distance away, but stopped to talk to Snow, "You know you don't have to be in the room when the lieutenant comes to talk to me. Maybe now would be a good time to go have a chat with your stallionfriend about your relationship?" I suggested.

She looked at me for a moment. Then hope filled her eyes, "Your right! I'm gonna go talk to him right now!" Snow had started off down the street. She was about to round a corner when she stopped. It looked as if she wanted to hurry off and go see him but instead she ran back over to me. She hugged me, "Thank you." When she let go she wasted no more time and ran off.

I watched her leave. Mira let out a small whine, and I looked at her, "What?"

"Arf!"

"Why am I talking to you? Let's just get you your things and go back to the room." I turned toward the pet shop to continue on my task.

☼

The pet store clerk was very informative on how to care for Mira. I had gotten Mira a litter-box that I put into the bathroom, Wet Cat food, dry dog food, plenty of toys, and treats for when she's been good. I was currently holding down a rope toy while Mira tried to get it out from under my hoof. I was actually having fun with her failed efforts. I heard a knock on the door and I stood but didn't let the rope toy out from under my hoof. Captain Armor let himself in. I stiffened to attention and saluted him.

"At Ease Strider. I'm here in the Lieutenant's place, he said he was gonna talk to you about what happened today and Celestia has filled me in on exactly what happened as well, despite the Lieutenants limited view."

"Sir?"

"It as become apparent that Lieutenant Arrow as been commanding the Personal Guard a little too directly. He is supposed to let his NCO's do that while he oversees them. That is not what has been happening." A blue Pegasus guard entered the room, "This is Sergeant Skyquake, he is your squad's NCO. Lieutenant Arrow has been reminded that he is not allowed to command his guards directly. That will be up to Skyquake here. Now I will let the Sergeant have a word with you, while I go attend to my other duties."

Skyquake and I saluted the captain as he left. Then It was just me, Mira, and the Sergeant.

"I see, you've already made the Fox comfortable. Would you give it the toy already its difficult to watch it struggle like that." As he instructed i lifted my hoof that held the rope, Mira took it in her mouth, and held it high in victory. "Anyway, I want to make a Change in the duty roster. None of the guards in the two platoons we have, have made any kind of bond with Celestia. The only pony she trusts in whole is the Captain. That was as of yesterday, now she seems to trust you on some sort of level. I'm allowing you and you're partner to take over the afternoon shift to guard Celestia herself."

I was screaming in fear inside my head, "Thank You Sir, I will inform Private Snow upon her return."

"Where is she anyway?"

"Out with her stallionfriend, setting her relationship with him straight." I said honestly.

"That would be my queue to leave." Skyquake turned and left the room.

I looked down at Mira, who had a curious look on her face. "Snow is gonna be ecstatic, to hear about this."