Twilight: I don't remember the last time we've done something together just you and me.

Cadance: Beside that time with Discord? *giggle* Me neither.

T: Yeah. Him... Isn't that weird for you that Shining is not with you? I mean don't you feel bad he hasn't came?

C: No, why? He wanted me to have a good time with you.

T: Really?

She nodded.

C: He will be f-

T: STOP! DON'T SAY IT!

C: What?

T: Don't finish your sentence! It may jinx him!

C: Twilight, come on!

T: I know it sounds silly, but...

C: You're overreacting. As always.

T: What?! No I'm not!

C: Yes you are. You are always panicking for any small details. For example, just by that twitch in your eye, I can see that I didn't put our cups the way you imagined it.

T: What? I don't! I...

Cadance raised an eyebrow.

T: I... *sigh* You are right. Sorry. We are going to have a calm and peaceful picnic far from the daily stress of princesshood. No worries and no hassle.

Cadance smiled.

C: And no books.

The pink princess sat down on the tablecloth.

T: N-no b- O-of course. *nervous laugh*

She glanced at her basket and put out the little guide she brought along and hide it behind a tree before sitting down herself on the fabric.

C: I'm sure Shining Armor will be fine.

T: What makes you so sure?

C: Twilight, how could you have any doubts about your brother who's the captain of the royal guards?

T: Former captain. I'm sure he slacked off with time.

C: No, he never did. He's still the one of best captain I know.

T: Well, since the Crystal Empire is not as attacked as Canterlot...

C: That doesn't mean that anything can happen!

Twilight raised an eyebrow.

T: Really?

C: Well... it's been peaceful and quiet... so peaceful... no fights...

T: I've a feeling that you'd love that Discord mess with us again right now.

C: Huh? W-what makes you think that?

T: Do you?

Cadance remained silent for a moment.

T: Well?

C: All right! Yes! I would love more excitement in my life. But... I'm grateful nothing horrible happened. I'm so happy the way it is. However...

T: I'm not calling Discord.

C: Oh! Come on! Just a huge monster or a small quest... something that-

T: No! We are going to remain here, quiet and with no problems whatsoever and have a great time!! Let's us drink our tea and listen to the waterfall to soothe us!

They both stared at other while they took a sip. They remained quiet for minute or two.

T: So? What do you want us to discuss about?

C: Do you really think that Shining will be okay?

T: Shiny? He will be fine! He always was able to..

She covered her muzzle with her hooves.

T: Oh no.



Meanwhile in the Crystal Empire.

Guard: Sir! Wolves who have been spotted on the ridge of the town!

Guard 2: And we have spotted dragons flying in your direction.

Shining Armor: Okay. Uh... Send guards to investigate about those wolves and stay quiet about them for not panicking the citizens. Send a letter to princess Celestia so she can send a pegasus to check on these dragons. We must not panic. They could only only fly over this country.

Guard 3: Sir! Someone stole your latest comic of SuperMare.

SA: WHAT?! Send the alarms! Close the gates! Call all guards!

G3: Uh... Isn't that a bit over the board for a comic?

SA: No! It's a collector edition! The pony knew it's value.



Back to the picnic.

T: You took his latest of SuperMare without him noticing?

Cadance nodded.

C: *giggle* It's just a comic. What bad can happen?

T: Oh. Knowing Shining... something bad will happen.

C: Huh?

T: Want more cake?

C: Yes, please.



Wonderful work.