A Royal Welcome [Request Only] [Dead]

[ForgottenExistance]

The Captain of the Luna Guard stood in silence next to one of the many plated windows in the Canterlot castle. It wasn't often that she would allow herself a few moments to just look outside at the life that passed her by. She didn't have time to take a rest, she was often too busy to take a minute to breath. Her job kept her busy, always on the go to deal with some problems, shape up the recruits, or attending some social event that required her presence. But she couldn't have been happier with what she was doing, it was everything she dreamed of.

Even standing at the window served a purpose to the Captain; who was at the moment waiting for her recent protege. Azure Flame had only recently joined the Luna Guard, which made her an outsider. This wasn't even taking into account the fact that she was also not a Lunar Pegasus, which made the entire situation a new experience for Nightfall. To keep the change from becoming something of a tragedy, she decided to take Azure Flame under her wing, as it were, and teach her the ropes. There was a high level of expectations within the Guard ranks, and she didn't want the newcomer to weigh them down. It only took one broken link to make a chain useless, and Nightfall aimed to keep that link strong.

The grey pelted mare stared in silence out the window, her vivid green orbs flicking from one building to the next as she observe the outside life. It made her curious to see what other ponies did in their life. She only saw life within the castle, which involved royalty and guards, but little else. Even then, if somepony was in the castle, it usually didn't mean it was their normal life. So as such, her observations were very narrow. The only chance she really had for interactions had to do with the rest of the Guard, who served as her family and her friends.

With the leathery membrane of her wings folded up against her armored sides, she turned away from the window so she was facing down the hall in the direction of the barracks. She was counting the time silently in her head, keeping a track on if her protege was late. There was never any lenience to her rules, and she would very seldom express understanding for excuses. She made it very clear that there would be no room for failure, and that as soon as a pony was put on her roster, then she would pressure them for perfection. She expected no less from the Pegasus she took under her wing then she would expect of herself.

[Ukai]

Azure had made it a point to wake up early that day.  Well, relatively early, given her job, meant around 1800.  Once she awoke, she was surprised to notice she wasn't even a little tired, and was, in fact, excited to be awake.  She hurried through getting ready for the day, and polished her armor to a nice shine with the time she had left.  "After all," she said quietly to herself, "when the captain offers to train you personally, showing up even a little out of order is out of the question."  She finished her polish, and put the armor on.  She took a moment to admire it on herself in the mirror, loving the simple look of it.  After a small nod to herself, she made sure she had everything, and proceeded to where NightFall had told her to meet up.

As she walked, she gradually calmed her earlier excitedness, putting on a visage of calm and collectedness, a trick she's learned from her breif time in the Solar Guard.  As she walked, she took careful note of the time, speeding up or slowing down ever so slightly to adjust her arrival time and make it perfect.  Most ponies she talked to liked to be early.  Not her, she preferred perfect punctuality, she preferred perfection in everything related to her job.  "For those who seek perfection," she quoted mentally as she adjusted her speed for what seemed like the hundredth time, "there can be no rest this side of the grave."  She couldn't recall exactly which book she'd read that in, but it didn't matter right now.  All that mattered was she arrive perfectly on time.

She saw the captain watching for her before she arrived, being careful to keep her gaze straight ahead, and fight back the now growing again excitement.  She refused to let it show on her face, but she was losing that battle, her nerves rattling as she kept her course and speed.  She stopped right in front of the bat-like pegasus exactly on time by her count.  She took a brief moment to mentally congratulate herself for this, not letting it show to the captain.  "Azure Flame, reporting, ma'am."  She reported, putting as much authority in her voice as she normally did when on the job.

[ForgottenExistance]

When she saw her protege walking up to her, with seconds to spare, she couldn't help but be a little content at the punctuality. But she didn't get to be the Captain by offering praise for things that are simple expectations. Only time would tell if Azure would be able to keep that punctuality that she expected from all of her soldiers. But until Azure earned her place within the hearts and minds of the other Luna Guards, then she wouldn't be a member of their tight-knit family. Her kin guarded their own; given a choice to save Luna or Celestia, they would all give their lives to save the Princess of the Night. It was the same with other soldiers; given the choice, they would save themselves before trying to save an outsider. Living in a secluded community for most of their lives together made them form a very strong bond, and made each member of the Luna Guard connected as a family.

The Captain snapped off a brisk salute with her right hoof, then returned to her stiff posture. Keeping her vivid green orbs on the Pegasus, she started rather bluntly, "We have hallway patrol tonight. Stick by my side, and we will be able to discuss your lessons as we make our rounds," Nightfall spoke with a heavy tone of authority and confidence. There was no hesitation in her voice, and the very way in how she spoke sounded distinctly controlling. She made it clear with her voice who was in charge, and that she was in control of the situation. As she spoke though, her sharp fangs were quite easily visible in the dwindling light beyond the window. Though they had little use in combat, they were a very useful tool in intimidation. If she had a bit for every time that she had defused a situation with intimidation techniques, she wouldn't need to live in the barracks anymore.

Nightfall turned and started walking off down the hallway, expecting Azure to follow alongside her. She had a lot that she needed to talk to her protege about before they could get into the practical lessons. Even though she was sure that Azure already knew most of the protocol and basic operations, there was much more to their handbook. Nightfall ran the Lunar Guard strictly, and made sure that every member was combat-ready at every hour of the day. She knew that most enemy forces would attack a city such as Canterlot at night, and as such, she made sure that everypony on her roster was eyes and ears. That was the biggest lesson she could teach; eyes and ears. The Solar guard may have had their own regulations and expectations, but the two weren't even comparable. So turning an ex-Solar Guard into an experienced Lunar Guard would be a very interesting experience for the Captain.

[Ukai]

Azure listened intently as the captain spoke.  She made it a point to take in every bit of information she could from her senior, from speech to body language.  She nodded briefly once as the captain said they were o hall duty.  This was, by far, her least favorite patrol, but she didn't let that show on her face any more than the slight cringe hen she heard the authority with which the captain spoke. She quickly went over mentally a checklist of everything she'd need to keep watch out for on hall patrol, reminding herself to keep her ears open for any oddities as well as her eyes.

When Nightfall turned and started walking, Azure followed just behind her, and to her left.  She'd heard the captain of the Lunar Guard was strict, but then again, she'd always bee hard on herself.  She made it a point to keep in exactly the same place relative to the captain as they walked, and even synced up their steps to be at the same time and speed, so any abnormalities would show through that much more clearly.  She kept a close ear out for the captain's voice, anxious to get her new lessons underway.

[ForgottenExistance]

Nightfall walked in silence for a minute, falling into a brisk pace. She kept her head on a swivel, eyeing the few decent hiding places they passed with skepticism. She had long-since memorized all the best hiding places on her patrol routes, and had made it a habit to keep a keen eye on them. Her head never stayed still for longer then a few seconds, and she expected her protege to follow her lead. It was good practice to not focus on one thing for too long, and to notice the small details of the surroundings. Nightfall made a point of memorizing the littlest details on her patrols, so she'd know if anything was amiss. One of the benefits of having a primarily eidedic memory.

After giving Azure a minute to get into a rhythm, the Captain began, "Keep in mind that I am open to questions if you have them. This is a learning experience, and I expect you to make the most of it while you have the chance to," she said without looking at her. She continued the swivel of her head without pause, instead keeping her guard up as she spoke. She hoped that Azure would take to the lessons well, and take advantage of the fact that she was willing to teach a recruit personally. Nightfall had never taken a single guard under her wing during her time as Captain, and had instead been more then willing to teach groups of recruits. But there was a large difference between teaching a class of fresh recruits, and teaching a single transfer every waking night.But it had to be done, and Nightfall wasn't one to complain. It provided her a chance to teach somepony who could be of use to the Guard, and finally brought new blood into the Guard.

The Captain's ears twitched slightly in the holes of her helmet in response to another patrol pair that crossed their path a few meters ahead. She recognized them, so didn't tense up in reaction to their presence, but she made a mental note of their route and how far along they were on it. They were right on time, which brought the smallest of smiles to her usually stiff lips. It was perfection that made her happy, the method of turning usual or regular things into exceptional masterpieces. Her admiration of her Guard's perfect punctuality was the same simple admiration of her own helmet. It was originally a relic of the past, which was obvious in its' rigid design, and the way that it didn't match the rest of her armor's fluid and curvy configuration. But she had taken a dirty, dented old helmet, and turned it into something that was perfect. A connection between modern Luna Guards, and ancient Lunar Warriors. To her, perfection was perfection, it didn't matter what it was that was perfect.

That was precisely what she hoped to make Azure into; the perfect Guard. Take an outsider, and turn her into one of her own kin. Succeeding in that objective would be a victory for her, and open up far more possibilities for the Guard. It would mean that it would actually be possible to bring outsiders into the Luna Guard, which was previously unspeakable. And more importantly, it would mean that despite it all, Nightfall would actually be capable of making friends with ponies that weren't her kin. That would be the day.

[Ukai]

Azure noticed the captain's head on swivel, which was nothing new to her, of course.  More importantly, she kept an eye on where exactly she was looking.  Some of the places she'd known as good hiding places already, but some she didn't.  She taken to already telling herself it was training all over, and not to assume things she'd learned in the Solar Guard.  Azure kept her head moving, looking for anything that seemed out of place, which caused her the slightest of reactions to seeing the other guard patrol.  She shook it off, and kept moving, still not used to the bat-like ponies, or the idea of having multiple patrols so close to each other.  'I guess though,' she thought, 'it helps in the dead of night.'

"Captain?"  She asked after getting her rhythm back, "what are the primary differences between Lunar Guard and Solar Guard?"  She'd already noted several, of course, but it's as Nightfall said, this was a learning experience, and she wanted to make the most of it.  Of course she knew that there was a difference in appearance, and that the Lunar Guard worked at night, and with Princess Luna, but she didn't know anything about the fundamentals.  For all she knew, they made one lap, then had cider.  She doubted that, of course, but still, she didn't know enough to actually confirm it.

[ForgottenExistance]

Nightfall spare Azure a small glance to the side. She had expected the question, but not that it would be the first thing on her mind. It was intriguing that she would ask for the differences first, and said something about her protege's character. After a moment of consideration of where to start, the Captain began, "You've obviously noticed the physical differences. While the Solar Guard are open to most of the pony races, the Luna Guard has almost solely been Lunar Pegasi since its formation. We're naturally nocturnal, which means that there's no awkward attempts at trying to make new recruits nocturnal through awkward sleep patterns," she stated. This was one of the biggest reasons why there was no other races in the actual Luna Guard, but the ranks of the night guard were primarily open. Of course, comparing the Luna Guard to the night guard was like comparing lifetime military elites to a volunteer militia, they just didn't compare.

The Captain continued quickly as she kept her head on a swivel, "The Solar Guard are better known, because they spend all their time in the spotlight. They have good training and leadership, I admit that. But if we were ever attacked, logically it would be the Luna Guard who would be on duty at the time. So I make sure that every sector is constantly within view of somepony. That's why we have patrols so close, because we can't risk a single blind spot. So, the Solar Guard are able to keep wider patrols, because they'd easily see an attack coming," she clarified as she continued through the hallway intersection where seconds before, another two-pony patrol had walked through in the other direction.

Without skipping a beat, she continued, "The Solar Guard are worried with a public presence, they make themselves look regal for that purpose. They look intimidating, but in a way that demands respect, and makes others follow their lead. The Luna Guard, on the other hoof, don't have to be concerned with such a thing. We don't have time in the spotlight, so we concentrate on deterrence and dominance. Intimidation and swift action are often what it takes to make criminals feat the night as much as their victims do. Fear is a toll that we use, much like a sword, or armor. If you know how to use it, fear can be more useful in a tight situation than any sword could be. So we intimidate by using fear, and demand submission from those who break the law." she concluded the brief explanation with a touch of pride. Even though she respected the Solar Guard, and thought that they were an excellent military force, she didn't think that any military could stand up to the Luna Guard. Call it jargon for her own force, but she couldn't help but put her own forces on a pedestal.

She blinked suddenly, catching herself on the verge of ranting. She cleared her throat in embarrassment, and stopped talking for a moment. After collecting her thoughts, she started calmly, "But, I digressed. To summarize the many differences between the two forces; the Luna Guard uses fear for intimidation, and occupies the night. The Solar Guard uses a regal public appearance, and occupies the day. Everything else is simply specifics or personal beliefs," she said, looking over at her protege for a moment before continuing her head swivel.

[Ukai]

Azure listened closely to the differences, nodding slightly, though still moving her gaze side to side for abnormalities.  It made sense, of course, hat the captain had said about probably getting attacked at night, though it wasn't something she'd considered.  The explanation of operational differences made sense too, and she'd need to get used to it fast.  "I'm glad that that's the case, regarding the public image.  To be honest, I disliked the showmanship portion of working with the Solar Guard."  She admitted.  'I don't much care for intimidation either, but I can avoid it, or deal with it if I can't.'  She added mentally.

She kept her head moving as she walked.  "Maybe it's just me, but I've noticed a much closer bond within the Lunar Guard as opposed to the Solar."  She noted, hearing another team's hoofsteps off in the distance.  "Is that the case, or just my imagination?"

[ForgottenExistance]

The Captain nodded at her protege's response, her ears twitching slightly at the hoofsteps in the near distance. Responding without looking at the Pegasus, she answered with a nod, "That is correct. The Lunar Pegasi are often scrutinized for obvious reasons, especially over the thousand years since Princess Luna was banished. We don't go out and get jobs, or socialize with other ponies. It's not a luxury we're given. Instead, the communities of Lunar Pegasi are very tight-knit, and most go on to become Luna Guards. We're like an extended family, considering that most of us knew each other while growing up," she concluded. It was part of what made them so dangerous, honestly. They knew their comrades like family, so knew how to protect each other, and who worked well with who. They understood each other, and what it meant to be looked down on, and so supported each other.

"The Solar Guard is a business relationship, with the rare friendship. The Luna Guard is much closer to a family," she hesitated before looking over at Azure, "It's not usual to bring others into that sort of bond. If you feel like you're getting the cold shoulder, that is the reason," she admitted before returning to her head swivel, keeping her eyes peeled. Though she was Captain, and one of the few who was open to the changing times, there were still many of the Guard who were close-minded about outsiders, and felt that the Luna Guard should always be pure-blood. It was a dogmatic view that many Lunar Pegasi shared, including Nightfall's mother.

Nightfall continued, "I have high hopes, however, that you will be part of our family. With time, of course." she concluded, finished with the topic. She didn't think that it was a necessary thing to talk about, but wasn't the sort to dodge a question. However, discussion of any sort made Nightfall consciously focus more on her surroundings, since she was aware that talking was a distraction.

[Ukai]

Azure thought it over some.  She hadn't meant she felt excluded, she was just admiring their bond.  Though now that she thought about it, she wasn't getting along quite as well with the Lunar Guard.  Her mood brightened up though when Nightfall said she expected her to be welcomed with time.  She kept moving her gaze, flitting from rug, to pot, to bust, to tapestry.

"You said the Lunar Guard uses intimidation."  Azure said after a moment.  "In what sort of way, exactly?  I can't say I ever learned how to intimidate a pony, other than send larger guards during interrogations."  She kept walking, matching hoofsteps with the Captain, and keeping her head moving in such a way that wherever Nightfall wasn't looking was where she was.  Her captain would look left, Azure would look right.

[ShadowBright]

Swift stood behind the pillar, using her magic to blend into the shadows. Sometimes, she really hated how punctual the Lunar Guard were. It made it so hard to break in to the castle. But she would just wait for this patrol to pass by, and continue on her way. When the two ponies turned the corner, Swift was incredibly surprised to see the captain of the guard patrolling with a newbie. This is going to make things interesting. I'm not sure my magic is strong enough to conceal myself from keen eyes like hers. Swift focused harder, strengthening her spell.

    She grinned as the shadows seemed to reach out and envelop her. Then her horn fizzled, only for a second, before continuing the spell. Swift appeared fully for a brief moment before the shadows enveloped her once more.Oh no, I only have enough magical energy left to fade, I can't blink. Oh what am I to do. I just hope they didn't see me, after all, the newbie was looking this way.

[ForgottenExistance]

Nightfall was in the middle of answering, "Well, intimidation primarily---" when she suddenly stopped walking dead in her tracks, cutting herself off. She frowned, her ears perked up at attention to something that was quite off. Though her peripherals had only caught a glance of something that could easily have been mistaken for a trick of the eye, she had been around enough to recognize a magic flare-up, and she wasn't one to under-think something. With her green orbs narrowed, she started scanning the hallway in front of her with only her head and her eyes, from the window panes on the left letting in scant moonlight, to the pillars on the right side that cast long shadows against the wall.

Seeing it as a chance to find out what her protege was capable of, she kept her eyes keenly scanning the hallway. She spoke quietly, "Tell me, Azure...there's something off about this hallway. I don't suppose you can tell what it is?" she asked without sparing Azure even a glance. If it was magic, as she suspected, then it would only be a matter of time before the caster could no longer hold up the spell. If there was any test for her protege's skills, then this would most certainly be the best way to let her prove herself.

[Ukai]

Azure stopped immediately.  She'd only seen the pony for just a moment, just a brief flash, but she was sure she'd seen him or her, not having a good enough view to verify gender.  Sure that she was, or at least had been, there.  "Captain," she said, trying to find the pony again.  "I just saw a pony, very briefly, then he or she faded."  She reported, looking side to side to see the pony again.  She checked every pillar, rug, and vase carefully with her eyes, listening for any sounds like hoofsteps or even loud breaths.

When Nightfall mentioned something was off, Azure nodded.  "I think whoever I saw was a unicorn.  I didn't get a good enough look to make sure, though.  Dark colors."  She kept scanning, getting the increasing feeling that, as the Captain had pointed out, something was off, though she couldn't out her hoof on it.  "Whoever you are, come out now, and we can deal with this as easily as possible.  The longer you hide, the tougher it is on you."  She said, lacing her voice with authority, and hoping Nightfall wouldn't mind her taking the initiative to talk directly to whoever she'd seen.

[ShadowBright]

Swift silently cursed herself. She had been seen, and by a rookie no less. Then she had an idea. The walls were structured in a way that if she spoke loud enough, her voice would echo and neither of them would be able to pin point it. At least she hoped, after all, the captain of the Luna Guard was there. So, raising her voice, she said. "Congrats you two. It's been a while since someone's spotted me. And you Captain, you only sensed my presence, and I applaud you." Her voice was echoing, just as planned. "And to you, Azure, was it? I am a mare thank you very much. You certainly do have some keen senses young mare." Swift grinned, but her magic glitched once again, and the shadows lessened for a moment. "Now now young one, why would I come out? It would only get me arrested quicker." She coughed, her energy leaving her quickly. This spell was taking more out of her than she expected. "Then again, you probably wouldn't be able to catch me anyway." Swift broke the spell and bolted out of her hiding spot, becoming fully visible. She ran, but tripped over her hooves, falling over.

[ForgottenExistance]

Nightfall had to admit, her protege knew what she was doing. For a rookie, she had a grasp on things pretty well. Of course, there were things that she could improve on...and Nightfall didn't know what to make of her friendly approach to the criminal. But of course, these were things that would be hammered out with time. With a small nod, she watched her protege work, content to give Azure some time to play, as it were. But she was tiring quickly of the games the sneaky Unicorn played, and found herself quite relieved when her magic finally faltered. "That is some nice work, Azure. But time's up," she said calmly when the Unicorn ran off.

With a few flaps of her powerful wings, she launched herself through the hallway, and landed only a foot in front of the Unicorn who was on the ground. Keeping her wings spread to increase the size of her silhouette in a rudimentary show of physical intimidation, she glared down at the Unicorn with her unblinking green orbs, the slit-pupils never wavering from the mare. She bared her fangs in silence with a simple, yet effective, toothy frown. Coupled with the bulk and presence of her armor, and the long shadows played across her body from the exterior moonlight, the whole effect served to make her presence seem larger and more threatening.

It was a prime example of how intimidation worked in the Luna Guard, because Nightfall looked about ready to stomp her hoof down on the poor Unicorn's skull. Unfortunately from the mare, that wasn't far from the truth, and she would certainly have no qualms with injuring the trespasser if she tried to go anywhere. She didn't say anything, she didn't feel like she needed to. How she posed herself was enough to convey the message; don't run. She hoped that Azure was paying attention, because the lesson was quite important.