The Inspection

Every year, the two princesses hold an inspection that all guards must attend. To evaluate on their performance last year and provide advice on how they can improve for the upcoming year. Instead of a general or another higher ranking military authority, the royal guard is inspected by the princesses themselves meaning that all guards are inspected individually and none are missed out.

Dusk Shy entered the throne room where the inspection is carried out. All guards were split into their relative groups and lined up in ranks of two or three like a well oiled machine. In front were the Princesses Celestia and Luna. They had not noticed the late captain enter the room as they were discussing a matter quietly.

The captain quickly and silently took his place in front of the Luna's guards and the whole squad immediately stood to attention, acknowledging his presence. Opal looked across from his squad and acknowledged his friend by giving him a small wink. Everyone quietened down as the two princesses finished their conversation and turned towards the two squads. The inspection had begun.

Both princesses split themselves up as they took their relative squads for inspection. Dusk could feel sweat running down his body as he stood there, he hoped that Luna would not notice the fact that he was still drenched and he started to shake as she came across to him. "Good morning captain" she said to him.

Dusk said nothing but nodded slowly in agreement. She stared at him for a couple of seconds and giggled as she noticed how nervous he was. "Pony of few words aren't you?, there is nothing to fear. Its just an inspection, you'll do just fine... just fine..." she reassured him and continued inspecting him. He breathed a small sign of relief and relaxed but not as much as to show him up.

"Incidentally I've noticed that you are soaking wet, you should have prepared thoroughly before joining you're squad". Dusk started to blush with embarrassment. It was inevitable that she would have noticed every small detail but the captain had hoped she would have at least not noticed that he was still drenched from this morning.

"With that said I would like to speak with you after this is all over captain." Luna said. Dusk nodded in agreement and Luna nodded back and giggled again. "You can talk, once in a while, I guarantee that it'll make your life easier". After saying that, she finished inspecting him and moved onto the squad itself.

Dusk looked across the room at Celestia's guards and noticed that the princess was already three quarters done with her half of the inspection and breathed a huge sigh of relief. Ten minutes had passed and the two princesses had finished with their relative squads and walked back to their thrones. The inspection was finished.

"All right that seems to be everyone" said Princess Celestia. "All right everyone, reflect on what the both of us have said to you and lets hope for a peaceful year... everyone is dismissed". Both Dusk and Opal nodded turned to each other, nodded and turned to their squads. Dusk nodded towards his squad and they nodded at him in acknowledgement as their cue to leave. Opal did the same with his squad and they left the throne room after the other squad. Opal made his way towards Dusk and bro-hoofed him.

"All right, another successful inspection, incidentally the princess needs to speak with me... what about you?" Opal asked. Dusk replied with a gentle nod. "awesome, we'll go together" replied Opal and the two made their way to the back of the throne room where the two princesses were waiting.

"you wanted to see the us?" Opal asked. Princess Celestia and Luna turned to face the two captains. "Ah yes, you two have made quite a name for yourselves. We expect greater things from the two of you" Princess Celestia began and Dusk and Opal nodded in agreement. "However" continued Luna, "We believe that the pair of you try too hard, we've noticed that you've spent most of your service cooped up in this castle and we've decided that you need to get out more and so we decided to send you down into ponyville... for a vacation". The two captains stared at each other and started to smile. Eventually they started to cheer like schoolponies at the mere thought that they are finally getting a vacation for once "aw man I can't believe it... A holiday down to the village below, I've always wanted to go there". Opal said Once they calmed down, Celestia continued to speak.

"Its only for one month so don't make yourselves too comfortable down there but with that said, enjoy yourselves and make use of everything that the townsfolk have to offer." Both ponies stared at each other and nodded in agreement. "Oh and before I forget anything, there is a unicorn down there who needs checking up on" began Celestia. She had of course referred to her pupil: Twilight Sparkle. "You'll know her when you see her, she'll probably be in the village library, studying as always".

Both guards looked at Celestia and nodded in acceptance. "Yes ma'am, we'll set off as soon as possible" Opal said. "Very well, the two of you are dismissed" notified Luna and the two had set off to get ready for their vacation.