>that familiar pit of shame spreads in your stomach
>your body has betrayed you, as you have betrayed your Princess' trust
>you are her sword-arm, her mighty shield, and - yes, on occasion, her confidant
>you have served Celestia well, and she has rewarded your service well: that is the way of things
>and yet your flesh twists, and creeps, and deigns to break what is just and natural
>with a bitter smile, you recount the old, old saying about seeing yourself become the villain
 
>"My Knight - my foolish Knight."
>Princess Celestia's presence casts a soft glow, even in the darkness of the Night-shift
>and although your flesh is weak, your spirit remains firm
>you are a Knight - /the/ Knight of the Canterlot Court, and you are resolute
>if you have strayed, then you shall face the punishment meted out by Celestia's wisdom
>"Look at me."
>her golden-clad hoof tilts your chin upwards
>the intimacy shocks you to the core: the force of her gaze blasting any unspoken resistance, any gibbering defence, to nothingness
>"You are my Knight, and a fine servant of Equestria: your devotion to my subjects is without question. I am proud to have you as part of the Court."
>you swallow thickly, hardly daring to unclench
>"Your body does not betray you - YOU are YOU, Anonymous, and your YOU is the being I cherish."
>She gently shakes her head, almost sadly
>"I do not need, nor do I desire, holy reverence. All I ask of you," her muzzle almost brushes your nose, "is your friendship."
>her hoof pulls you into an embrace
>you reflexively clutch at her neck
>her glow casts shadows around her office, softly dancing and weaving like candle-spirits
>you are Anonymous, Knight of the Canterlot Court, and you are reborn in Celestia's holy fire