A Long, Long Train Ride
Twilight stood at the Canterlot Train Station. She moved her wings with unease. Even though she been an alicorn a few months, she could still fly long distances, which made her question why she was traveling by train. Sure Saddle Arabia is far away, she thought, but I could make in a couple days time. I would just need the occasional break. Twilight tapped her hoof with impatience. It felt like she had waited for hours, but every time she checked the clock it told her that she had been waiting less than fifteen minutes.
The large shadow of a stallion suddenly loomed over Twilight. "Well, well, well. I can see why Princess Celestia didn't want me to take a chariot to Saddle Arabia." Twilight's heart warmed as she recognized the voice.
She turned and faced her brother, who met her with a large grin. "Shining Armor!" Twilight cried with joy. She ran towards him and gave him a large hug.
"Whoa there Twilight. I can't conduct diplomatic relations if you strangle me." Shining managed to choke out. Twilight blushed as she detached herself from her brother. The stallion composed himself, catching his breath from the recent hug. "Princess Celestia told me I needed to take the train, but I didn't suspect this."
"Nor did I," Twilight said, "The princess specifically said I needed to take the train, even though I have wings now. I thought it was a bit strange, but I'm glad she made me come here." She gave Shining another hug, this time making sure she didn't squeeze him too tight. "I'm excited to spend a week away from Canterlot with my BBBFF."
Shining graciously returned her hug. "And I'm glad to spend some time with you too. We haven't had much brother-sister time since you became a princess." A low rumble started in the distance. "Come on Twilight, our train is almost here."
Twilight and Shining Armor sat in their private car, drinking cider and eating sweets. They discussed the recent events of Canterlot: gossip, politics, etc. Twilight enjoyed their chat, but she wanted to dive a little deeper. After all, it had been years since her and Shining had had a heart to heart talk with each other.
Twilight waited until there was a lull in the conversation. She had thought out exactly what she was going to say, just like every other word she said. "You know, Shining, you never told me how you fell for Cadence. Actually, I barely know the story of how you two met."
Shining smiled at his sister. "Oh Twilight, that's a long, long, story. I'm not sure we have time for it right now."
"But...but..." Twilight protested with her 'but-you're-my-big-brother' face, "This is important. I don't know how my sister-in-law came into the family. I need to know this. I really need to know this. Plus, we have twenty hours out and twenty hours back. If you can't finish your story in forty hours then I won't ask you again."
Her brother sighed. "Twilley...you really know how to get what you want." He laughed and took a deep breath. "The story starts a long time ago in Canterlot..."