Chapter 5: Whispers.

As Defender walked out of the Princess' room, he caught the attention of two other guards. One of them raised an eyebrow at him. He smiled awkwardly.

"Not what it may appear to be at first, trust me."

The guard shrugged.

"It's not so strange. Celestia has invited me in from time to time to talk. It's never anything important however."

Defender nodded, relieved.

"Oh good, I was afraid you'd think badly of me."

The guard shook his head.

"'course not."

The guard nodded to Defender before continuing to walk. However, the look Defender received from the other guard was one of absolute hatred and disgust. If looks could kill, Defender would have been killed right there. As he walked past, called by his companion, Defender frowned.

What was all that about?

---

And so a ritualistic sequence was formed. Defender took up his post every night, at nightfall and followed Luna wherever she went during the times she was required other places, except for her weekly visit to Ponyville. This was a point of great fascination for Defender, since he still had no clue as to why she went. Nopony had seen fit to tell him and he didn't want to ask in case he came across as too... well, he wasn't quite sure how he'd come across, which is precisely why he hadn't asked anything. Despite this and his attempts to suppress his insane urge to find out what it's all about, he still wanted to know.

Anyway.

After Luna had done as she was required, she often stopped at the kitchens to pick up a little something to eat. Defender had to suppress his own hunger at this, but somehow Luna always knew he was hungry. She'd more often than not take said food to her room, where Defender would stop outside the door and stand at attention. This is the situation he was in now. Luna was in her room, a large bowl of stuffed Olives in front of her and a delicious smelling roasted pecan pie beside it. Defender wanted to go in, but what fun would that be? He heard Luna call his name vaguely and he straightened up.

"Yes Your Majesty?"

Luna sighed softly. This was all a part of it, so Defender never payed it much heed.

"Defender, you can protect me much easier from within my room you know."

Defender grinned slightly, not letting her see him do so. Not hard, considering his back was to her at his post.

"Indeed Princess, however entering a lady's room, especially one of your calibre and status madame would be unthinkable."

Luna giggles softly.

"Not if the lady invites him in."

Defender turned slightly to look at her out of the corner of his eye.

"But madame, What if somepony saw this happen?"

Luna shrugged.

"Let them talk. Now come in here Defender and eat your pie before I decide to make a meal of it."

Defender chuckled slightly and trotted into the room, closing the door behind him as he walked up to his employer, who nudged the pie his way with her nose. He nodded gently in thanks and nibbled at the crust of his pie as Luna popped another olive into her mouth.

"So Defender, as you know I have my scheduled visit to Ponyville tomorrow aaaaand..."

Defender glanced at her curiously. He didn't say anything however, continuing to nibble at his pie.

"Well, It gets lonely going on my own. I mean, sure I can just teleport up there, but that's just boring really. So, I was considering bringing you along this time. You are my bodyguard after all and not bringing you along just because we consider Ponyville completely safe could be a mistake at some point so..."

She paused. Defender waited for her to continue for a while before looking up curiously when she didn't. She was looking at him endearingly, her eyes wide and shiny. He felt himself melt at her gaze.

"And you would like me to come along for the next trip Your Majesty?"

The endearing look flickered with irritation.

"Defender, I told you to call me Luna."

"Yes Your Majesty, I know."

Luna sighed in slight irritation before smiling slightly.

"But yes Defender, I would like you to come along tomorrow. And if you don't like the idea I'm afraid I'll simply have to make it an order "

The Pegasus suppressed a laugh at that. He was going to accept the offer either way, so it didn't matter to him whether she ordered it or not.

"No need Your Majesty. I'd be glad to accompany you."

Luna pouted slightly.

"Awwww, you're no fun."

Defender shrugged, honestly not sure what she meant.

"I'm... not paid to be fun?"

Luna simply rolled her eyes and ate another olive.

---

"Defender! Defender!"

The Pegasus stallion was literally opening the door to his quarters when he heard the voice. He turned slightly to see a young mare bouncing towards him.

Heartsworn...

He remembered the pretty nurse from when she'd been taking care of him while he was incapacitated. He smiled at her gently.

"Heartsworn? What are you doing here?"

She giggled slightly, her bouncy curls of baby blue gently swaying with her movements.

"I'm here to see you of course; why else would I be here?"

He considered this for a moment before nodding.

"Good point. How may I help you?"

The nurse smiled, a hint of naughtiness embedded within the infectious expression.

"Well... You can start by inviting me in."

Defender, oblivious to the implications of the smile nodded and stepped aside, allowing her to bounce into his quarters. He followed her soon after, closing the door before turning to her. She sat by his bed, smiling. She was cute, that much Defender would admit to.

"I should thank you."

"Whatever for?"

He smiled.

"For taking care of me while I was all banged up."

Heartsworn giggled and shook her head.

"Oh no, it's okay. Besides, didn't you already do that?"

"Probably."

She giggled again and pat the ground next to her encouragingly. Defender saw no harm in it, so he trotted over and sat next to her. She giggled again.

"Well, either way, again it's fine."

The Pegasus nodded slightly.

"I will find some way to repay you for your kindness some day."

The young mare giggled and smiled wickedly. "I can think of a way you can repay me..."

"Uh... Heartsworn, why are you looking at me like that?"

It only took a moment for her to pounce. She pushed him onto the bed, using her weight to add momentum.

"Whoah!" He fell on his back, eyes wide, armour still on. He was still in the process of falling when she pressed her lips to his. His head hit the mattress and he was still in shock. At some point, his helmet had fallen and let his mane free.

Wh..What the..!

When she finally pulled away, Defender looked at her incredulously.

"Heartsworn, what the hay are you doing?"

The young mare was sprawled out on top of him, dwarfed by his larger frame. Her forehooves were on the mattress at either side of his head. She smiled at him and giggled.

"Do I have to spell it out to you?"