Arin stood straight in the throne room, several dozen witnesses had gathered for this event. From a few castle staff to nobles and the like, to guards and a couple of family members of the soon-to-be Elite Guards, the quiet room echoed with polite talk. They were waiting on a few more key members to arrive first, before the ceremony could begin. That would be Princess Twilight, and Princess Luna.

Ice Lance and Vapor Cloud stood to his left, Princess Celestia waiting patiently at her throne in the center. They were all three scooted to the side for the ceremony, to await their turn to be called by their Princess. Vapor Cloud seemed a little on edge, bouncing on his hooves.

“What’s wrong?” Arin asked in a hushed whisper. He didn’t feel as antsy as he thought he would – of course, he had chills of excitement, but he wasn’t about to panic.

“We’re nowhere near ready, Arin. How in Tartarus are you not nervous?! You’re the least experienced here!” He whispered sharply, barely restraining himself. “I’m about to be serving Princess Celestia directly. The Princess Celestia. In the Court of the Dawn! How do you not feel overwhelmed?”

Arin mulled the thought over in his head, rocking on his heels quietly. “Because I wont be working for a Princess. I will be watching over my friend. I’m a bit shaky – but I can do this. It also helps that Luna spends most of her time in her room.”

“Yeah okay wrinkle brain, but that’s not helping me!” Vapor clopped a hoof on the ground, drawing Princess Celestia’s eye. He quietly bowed, averting his eyes before looking back up to Arin.

“Look colt, I don’t get it. I honestly can’t understand how you can be just… friends with Celestia and Luna. How does that even work? You just sat down one day, shook hooves, and said you’re friends?”

Arin nodded. “Yeah, pretty much. Well, Celestia made me her friend first, after that it was pretty easy. Maybe you could ask to be her friend, too? She’ll probably say yes. I think that might be your best bet, actually.”

“What, right now?” He demanded, having trouble keeping his voice low. A quick glance to the crowd around him, and his voice dipped back into a quiet whisper. “Just like… ask her?”

“Yeah, that’s about it. You’d think it’d be hard, but it’s really not. Oh! Here comes Princess Twilight.” Arin pointed down the red carpet, the purple Princess cantering quickly up to Celestia’s side. Shining Armor tapped his hoof impatiently on the floor across the Carpet, whispering quietly to Cadence.

“What do you think is taking Luna so long?” Ice Lance said to Vapor Cloud, who shrugged. The Unicorn turned the question on Arin, “What’s taking Luna so long?”

“I don’t know. She’s a bit of a traditional pony. She may be practicing a speech, or she could have slept in.” Arin gave a shrug, as the oaken doors down the way cracked. In came Luna, wearing a regal dress.

The room went a little quiet, as Celestia blushed, rubbing the back of her neck with a hoof. Twilight whispered up to her mentor, confused. Arin looked around the room – no one was particularly… dressed, per say. Most ponies pranced about naked, excluding Shining Armor and some stallion nobles.

Arin hadn’t thought about it much – but he was considered ‘overdressed’ nearly all the time, by most ponies. But compared to Luna, right now, he was feeling… lacking.

She wore a beautiful starry blue dress, hemmed with that same dusky purple she bore on her regalia. She had a more elegant crown on her head, that formed a full circle, hosting a star in the center made of sapphire. She even went through the effort to put on a bit more makeup than usual; eye shadow and lipstick.

While a bit… much, Arin did feel a stir inside of him when he saw such a pretty pony make her way down the aisle. A thought that was quickly suppressed, beaten with a shovel, and buried. He’s supposed to be guarding, not… whatever his body thought in that moment.

She paid little attention to the stares she received, but her eyes did fall on her Sister. And Twilight. Then her blue irises flicked over to Cadence.

With each step, Arin could start to see her break a little. Realizing very quickly that this wasn’t an event to dress for. Her steps began to hesitate, growing apprehensive.

As her ginger steps came before Arin, he gave a soft cough to catch her eye. Luna stopped, looking up at Arin with worry.

“You look beautiful, Luna.” He said with a warm smile. Her eyes widened a bit, before she eased into the moment. With a smile and a small bow, she made her way up confidently to her Sister’s side.

The ceremony began all at once, a true and proper knighting Ceremony, lead by Shining Armor as their herald.

“Vapor Cloud, come forth and kneel before the throne.” He said, stepping away from the crowd before the three Princesses. The orange Pegasi gulped, nodding.

He took his position before Shining Armor, who didn’t falter in his speech. “Be it known to all equines that I, Shining Armor, am minded to raise Sir Vapor Cloud by virtue of his honor, loyalty, valor, and skill at arms, to the high rank of knighthood.”

“Vapor Cloud, do you swear and acknowledge Princess Celestia to be your true and lawful liege?”

All eyes fell on Vapor Cloud, as his eyes met Shining’s. “I do so swear.”

Celestia approached the kneeling stallion, standing before him. He raised a hoof, and Celestia took it in hers.

“Then repeat after me,” Shining began, “I, Vapor Cloud, do solemnly swear and pledge my sword to Princess Celestia, my liege, to defend and obey her until she depart her demesnes or death shall take me, and to uphold the honor of knighthood.”

“I-I, Vapor Cloud, do solemnly swear and pledge my sword to Princess Celestia, my liege, to defend and obey her until she depart her demesnes or death shall take me, and to uphold the honor of knighthood.” Vapor repeated, his nervousness peaking through.

“And I, for my part, do swear to defend and honor Vapor Cloud, as befits a true knight.” Princess Celestia said, withdrawing a gleaming gold blade from her side, the ruby in the rain guard gleaming dimly in the sunlight filtering through the midday windows.

Celestia gently tapped the blade on either shoulder of her Knight, before gently retreating the sword to its scabbard. She unhooked it from her barrel, holding it in her magic. With a smile, the Princess finished her speech.

“I dub thee Sir Vapor Cloud. Receive this now, my sword, the symbol of our bond, to your side to serve and defend me well. Arise, Sir Knight.”

Cheers rang out through the room as Vapor Cloud arose, holding the powerful blade in his hooves. Arin could almost feel the energy within the sword humming from within the scabbard. And through this entire process, Luna did not once take her eyes off of him.

As Vapor Cloud approached his new place by Celestia’s side, Shining began again. “Arin, come fourth and kneel before the throne.”

Arin obeyed dully, as his mind honed in on Luna. Why was she staring so much? Why did she dress so beautifully? Shining began to speak as Arin kneeled, caught in his thoughts.

He could see the blade at her side now; it was worn on her right, of course he wouldn’t see it from the aisle. But he found it hard to keep his eyes off of her, those piercing blue irises were fated to hold him captive. And he obliged in this moment; if there was a chance to stare, this was it.

Shining stopped talking, and he snapped back to the moment. “I do so swear.”

Those eyes took him in again, blue moonlight pools. He could almost see the ponds of the castle glimmering in them, illuminated by a midnight glow. He repeated the next phrase as Shining awaited his response.

“I, Arin, do solemnly swear and pledge my sword to Princess Luna, my liege, to defend and obey her until she depart her demesnes or death shall take me, and to uphold the honor of knighthood.” Luna approached him, never once pulling her gaze from his, the blade unsheathing to float before her in her magical grasp.

“And I, for my part, do swear to defend and honor Arin, as befits a true knight.” Her sword gleamed as she tapped the blade gently on each shoulder, magic encasing the weapon in a warm swirl. The sapphire in the rain guard shined with a radiant blue, before growing dim as Luna sheathed it.

“I dub thee Sir Arin. Receive this now, my sword, the symbol of our bond, to your side to serve and defend me well. Arise, Sir Knight.”

Arin clutched Nocturne as he arose to his feet, the platform which Luna stood putting them on eye level. They stared for a moment as the room roared with expected (and somewhat confused) cheers. Arin admired his Princess in this moment, his heart throbbing with waves of energy inside of him.

It took a gentle poke by Celestia’ magic to break them from their stupor, Luna blushing as she stepped back – Arin joining her by her side.

The rest of the event – Ice Lance’s ceremony – went as expected, with Twilight forgetting parts of her lines only to be reminded by Shining. Then she accidentally called Ice Lance ‘Ice Pants’, a title he’s sure to never live down. But she was finally able to present her own blade to the expecting Unicorn, a deeper, gold colored blade with brilliant wings for a cross guard; a cut amethyst hugged the center of the rain guard, with a similar amethyst in the pommel. It seemed fitting enough for Ice Lance, in a way – but it clashed against his coat rather… horrendously.

Arin fit Nocturne by his side, feeling the sapphire in the rain guard. It absolutely thrummed with power, which confused him, but excited him as well. His hand reached out, and gently rested on Luna’s back. She flinched, her head tilting to look at him with a warm smile.

And as Shining finished up the ceremony, committing them to their Princesses, the room broke into applause once more.

He was a true knight now. He thought of his friends he made; Celestia’s generosity, Luna’s Kindness, the fun and laughter of Honey Rose, and the undying loyalty of another elite guard – Vapor Cloud. His spirit soared, and that energy tingled just behind his fingertips. He felt powerful. The lunar princess could feel it too, and she stepped closer to her knight.

Bliss.

~

The ceremony concluded as expected; parties of nobles formed, approaching the newly knighted stallions (and Seraph) with intrigue. Many of them asked questions, from security concerns of the recent assassination attempt to their history as Guards – but the most questions were centered on Arin.

“So, you are the strange creature that has been the buzz of the papers as of late. I eyed you at Canterlot City Hall, that day – you didn’t seem like the ‘knightly’ type then, what changed?” A lime green mare asked, her hair tied in a bee’s nest. She bore some gaudy pearls, and a cutiemark of a stack of books, a diamond hanging from each ear.

Luna gave him a gentle nudge before he spoke, her eyes glaring softly as if to say ‘be mindful of your words’. He smiled, speaking calmly.

“I recovered from my injuries and studied hard for this position, that would be the main thing. I’ve learned better how to spot threats and protect my charge.”

Luna nodded, a wing draping over his side as she stuck very close. A bit too close it felt, but he enjoyed her warmth, regardless.

“We have chosen Arin as our protector, as he has shown the compassion needed for the task. It helps that we get along quite well. But alas, we must be off – the night approaches soon, and I need my rest before our duties begin.”

That’s right. Arin had almost completely forgot that he would be moving to stay in Luna’s chambers, in a newly provided bed of course. At least until the threat against them had been identified. It would mean that the crown can relax patrols and lessen the daily cost of protection, while increasing security to the maximum where it mattered most.

And with his new job, he was to stick by Luna’s side like glue, only leaving her at her request. He followed along quietly, as they turned out of the throne room and west towards the castle proper.

“I have sent for your belongings as they were, Arin. Though there really isn’t much to begin with, I have commissioned Rarity for several more articles of clothing to suit you. Something to match your armor.” Luna said, happy, but not bubbly and jumpy like she was the other day.

“Aren’t you a uh… bit nervous, that I’ll be staying in your room from now on?” Arin couldn’t help but question, as they took a right down a southern corridor, approaching the first flight of three to the third level of the main castle. He felt more comfortable describing the castle’s layout – Celestia’s tower was the large, tall tower hanging farthest off the ledge, while Luna’s was the slightly smaller, shorter tower towards the mountain. To reach either of them, you had to ascend to the third level from the main hall, up from the delegate court and take a right. The rest was a spiral staircase away.

Luna replied with a quiet laugh, shaking her head. “We trust thee, Arin. And We find your company a pleasure, one we wouldn’t trade for the world.”

From the second flight, if you went farther west, you could overlook the guest wing. And on the third – that they reached at a steady pace – you could exit from the central hall onto the three arch balcony. You could even approach the boudouir from this level, which served as more of a hobby hall or entertainment room for the Princesses during slow periods of peace, or to impress dignitaries and guests alike.

They began the process of climbing the short tower to Luna’s room, Arin finding the climb a bit annoying. “So… do you always walk to your room, or do you prefer to fly, or even teleport?”

Luna thought about the question for a moment, before giving her wings a flap. “You’re correct to assume that I prefer to fly or teleport. These stairs are absolutely terrible. I pity thee, you lack the ability to travel freely as I do. If for some reason the Castle is remodeled, we will see to it that the architects lower the height dramatically.”

“So if I wasn’t here, you’d have already flown to the top, thrown yourself in bed, and slid the curtains shut?”

“You are very wise! That is exactly what we would have done, but we enjoy your company much too much to abandon th- you. Sorry… I’m still trying to restrain my speech. Forgive me.” Luna blushed again, embarrassed that her dialect keeps floating to the olden times.

“No no – it’s perfectly fine. I find it endearing, really, I do. It’s fitting. It makes you seem wise beyond words. I’ve told you that a thousand times, but – you don’t have to change unless you want to. I know your sister will kill me for saying it – but it’s true. And even if you want to change, change takes time. Don’t beat yourself up if you’re not perfect in a day. Oh, that would make a wonderful friendship lesson… I should write that down.”

Arin thought aloud, drawing a giggle from his Charge. “Arin, your words are sweet. But yes, Tia will kill you if you told her you wanted me to keep talking like… that.”

“Ah, curse their feathers then! It’s not like she’s going to be around you every waking moment of her day, huh? If anything, we’ll rub off on eachother, and you’ll start talking like me – wouldn’t that be great? Two roaming social outcasts, unable to really fit in beyond a ‘how do you do, fellow ponies’?”

She snorted with laughter, as they turned the final step to her bedchambers. She used her magic to slip the door open, sighing as they both entered the comfort of her room.

“With the change in Our duties, Arin, we have more time for other activities besides magic practice. Would thou… perhaps like to… go somewhere with me? Tomorrow? We can rest, and use the daylight to our advantage.”

“What do you have in mind? Not like I have a choice now, huh?” He chuckled, as Luna rolled her eyes.

“That is correct, cur! You shall rue the day you became my knight! But alas, I jest. I believe I would like to see the sights of the town, together. We could bring your friend Honey Rose along, to help guide us?” Luna asked hopefully, removing her dress with her magic. She took off the excess jewelry and adornments quietly, as Arin thought it over.

“Well, I don’t think it’s the safest idea right now. Canterlot isn’t the best place to be at the moment, not after the recent attack. Maybe we could try somewhere else? We could visit the Crystal Empire, even travel with Shining and Cadence on their way back tomorrow. Shining wouldn’t shut up about the place, I think I’d like to see it.”

Luna tapped a hoof to her chin in thought, rolling the idea over in her head. “Well, with the garden taken care of by the garden staff, along with the lavender… that leaves only the duty of protecting the dream world. I suppose it could be arranged. And our Sister would agree to it more readily than stepping hoof into Canterlot proper. We shall send a quick letter to Tia and Cadence both, then. Consider it done. Now, let me show you to your bed.”

Turning over a heavy blue curtain, she revealed a comfy enclosure within her own room. A dozen pillows rested against the headboard of his new residency, warm blue sheets hugging over the long, wide bed. He even had a dresser to match – a soft mahogany, with a sprig of lavender resting over enchanted candles, to prevent fires.

It looked exceptionally snug, especially to him – finally, a proper curtain to block out the morning sun, which had the habit of hitting him in the eyes if he slept in. And with Luna’s sleep schedule, he would be sleeping in. A lot.

“Princess Cadence was… very adamant about giving you your own place of rest. If it were up to Us, We would… never mind.” She quickly changed the subject, giving a polite cough. “I personally designed this space to give the most restful of sleep. We hope it’s to your liking, Arin.”

He nodded, feeling that familiar heat in his chest. “No – I love it. Do you know how annoying it is to wake up with the sun in your eyes? That guest room – while definitely very… royal, it had no creature comforts. It had a dresser, a bed, a chair, and a night stand – that’s about it. And while all of it was finely crafted, it felt really lifeless. This is beautiful. Thank you, Luna.”

She blushed, nodding in appreciation. “W-We’re glad you think so highly of our decorative skills! This is a most joyous of moments, I had hoped it suited you.”

“But it’s missing one thing.” Arin said, as he walked quietly around the room. Eyeing all of Luna’s trinkets, bobbles, and magical items and herbs. He found a small, empty picture frame on a shelf – an unused gift, it seemed, from Twilight Sparkle. It must have been from some event long ago, as it had collected dust. “A picture of you.”

Luna’s head slid back on her shoulders, a hoof raising to her chest in shock. “W-What? A picture… of me? But… why?”

“Well, you’re my closest friend, and you look absolutely stunning right now. Do you have a camera, like the ones the paparazzi used? I really want to take a picture – I don’t want to forget this moment.”

Luna hesitated, before giving an overjoyed nod. “Y-Yes! We do – we have one from Nightmare Night, a few years ago. Let me find it…”

Luna darted to her nearby closet, withdrawing the polaroid camera she had stashed on a shelf. She didn’t have many personal gifts, especially those she could use; but as she placed the camera in Arin’s hands, she felt as if that could change.

“Alright, let’s see… pose for me?” He asked, looking through the lens of the heavy device. She did as he asked, striking a simple, yet elegant pose. Her hoof up, head tilted to the sky – her bed as a backdrop.

Arin frowned. No, that wont do.

“Hmm… come here, I have a better idea.”

She looked worried, but quickly made it to his side. He crouched just a bit, to be on eye level with her – as he wrapped his arm around around her back, drawing her to his side. He raised the camera up, facing them. With a click, the flash blinded them both in the curtain-dimmed room. They each took a moment rubbing their eyes, until they adjusted to the feint light of the sun skittering through the thinner cloth.

The polaroid quickly developed within moments, Arin holding it up for them both to see. She really was stunning in this magic moment, her mane flowing beautifully to her side, the soft tones of blue melding with her perfectly done makeup. Her lips shiny and glossy, eyes popping against her supple blue.

Arin didn’t look half bad himself – brown eyes, brown hair, slightly tan skin. It’s gotten a shade lighter, from his recent time indoors. Soon, it may turn back to its soft white, if this keeps up. Like when he worked the mines for a month, and came back looking like a really dirty ghost.

Luna couldn’t help but smile, giving sniffle as she looked over the picture.

“What’s wrong?” Arin asked, as the night princess held back her tears.

“We never thought We could look so happy before.” She said, tracing a hoof over the picture. Arin’s own cheeks widened into a grin, as he squeezed her close to his chest once more. Cheek to cheek, he clipped another picture.

The magic of the moment really caught up to her, and she looked absolutely overwhelmed with joy.

“And now we have two. Here, this one is yours.” He said, offering her the pretty first picture, “I’ll keep this one. It’s too sweet.”

“W-What? No – We are crying in the second one, please, Our Knight deserves the first.”

“And I find it all the more beautiful that you’re crying, Luna. I have never seen you so happy. I’m just glad I could be your friend, and make you feel this way.”

Luna didn’t respond as she hugged the picture to her chest, nodding. “We will cherish it always.”