Silent Shade

By Nom de Plume

• September 16, 2014

Age: 20 - 25

Gender: Male

Species: Pegasus

Appearance: A broad-barreled, powerfully-built Nocturne stallion, Shade has a dark blue coat and, when not in the Nightmare Form, has soft green eyes. His purple-and-violet mane is kept short, to better fit beneath his helmet, and his tail similarly so.<br /><br />When entering the Nightmare Form, something he only does rarely and with great prejudice, his eyes turn golden, with slit pupils, his ears enlarge and grow thick inner fur, and his teeth reshape into something resembling a predator's fangs.

Cutie Mark: A silver shield overlaid by a golden crescent moon, indicating his passion for guardianship and protecting the innocent.

Personality: Quietly introverted, Silent Shade would much rather spend his evening off with a good book or a close friend, rather than at a concert or party. When forced out, he'll often find an unobtrusive corner to sit in, and make as little of a fuss as possible, really only speaking when spoken to.<br /><br />Most ponies find his massive stature and quiet nature offputting, even intimidating, but a more friendly stallion really couldn't be found. When he's comfortable, he's quick with a subtle joke or clever pun, relying on wordplay to tease a laugh from his friends.<br /><br />Shade is soft-spoken and just as soft-hearted. A gentle giant, Shade loves children and dreams of maybe having his own one day. Like any other Nocturne, his devotion to Princess Luna borders on the fanatical, and he takes his position as a Night Guard very seriously. When dealing with adults, Shade is very formal and quiet, always trying to appear focused and on-the-job.<br /><br />Silent Shade hates seeing anyone in pain. Hospitals make him nervous, and he really doesn't much like the sight of blood. That being said, he's more than willing to fight for the people who can't, and defend those weaker than himself. He's well aware that things are rarely black-and-white, but believes that the shades of gray aren't as complicated as some ponies make them seem. He has high ideals that he sticks to, and while he doesn't force them on anypony else, he refuses to allow anyone to sway him from his beliefs.<br /><br />An avid reader, Shade will often have a book on his nightstand, one in the kitchen, and two or three on the coffee table, all with bookmarks and well-worn spines. Poetry is another love of his, and he finds himself writing it on occasion -- then hastily stuffing the results into the nearest drawer, because he thinks it's terrible.<br /><br />In the end, Shade just wants to make Equestria a better, safer place. He doesn't dream of personal glory or great achievement, nor getting into the Princess Luna's graces, like most of his brothers and sisters of the Night Guard. All he wants, all he's ever wanted, is somewhere he can have his Happily Ever After, and somepony to have it with.

Backstory: Silent Shade was born and raised in Hollow Shades, like most Nocturnes. Around the age of eight, Shade was exploring the surrounding Everfree when he was found by a timberwolf, separated from its pack. The great twiggy beast pounced on him, but a pair of the Town Guard on patrol heard the commotion and pounced on the predator. Cowering behind a fallen tree, Shade watched as the two guards sent the timberwolf bolting into the trees. He decided, then and there, that he would do the same thing one day, and become a member of the Guard so he could protect ponies. That was when he earned his mark.<br /><br />He joined the Junior Town Guard, and quickly moved into the Town Guard proper when he proved extremely useful. There, he caught the notice of the recruitment officers looking for new Night Guard members to fill their ranks. He signed up without a second thought, and moved to Canterlot shortly afterward.