Nightshade Ref

I promised I'd upload this, so here she iiiiis~

Name - Nightshade
Breed - Bat pony
Gender - Female
Sexuality and Relationship Status - Lesbian and taken by 's Styx
Residence - Equestria, though she was originally from a bat colony beyond its borders called the Glade (it's in a deep mountain cave in the middle of a forest).
Special Talent - Her skill in combat.
Likes - Combat training, morning flights, fairy tales, crystals, chores, feminine girls
Dislikes - Vacations, having nothing to do, hot weather, messes
Voice Actor - Undecided.
Personality - Shade is disciplined, but caring. She believes in valor and chivalry above all things, and will everything in her power and beyond to protect her charge and her fellows. Nightshade is an idealist and a romantic, so she tends to not be able to handle the harsh reality of life outside of the colony and her own little fantasy very well. And she tends to keep herself from acting on her own desires because she believes it to be selfish to indulge. Because of this, she's often exhausted and disappointed.

History - Bat pony culture plays an incredibly important role in my headcanon 'verse, as Gliese settled among a bat pony colony after what happened between his mother and father. He plays an advisory role rather than one of direct leadership, as he doesn't think he could make the kind of decisions Celestia was forced to. Part of his job is preparing bat pony soldiers and knights for the task of protecting the colony, and for service in Luna's elite night guard. Only the most dedicated are selected as her escorts, and Nightshade is one of the few who made the cut. In a way.

She was not sent to watch over Luna, but to be a personal attendant and protector to Gliese's sister, Belle et Bette, since he could not be there to guard her himself and he wanted someone there he could trust. Nightshade had been in contact with Belle for a long while without Gliese knowing, and had absolutely fallen head over hooves with the princess. She pushed herself and ascended the ranks, all with the idea in mind that she could prove herself worthy of the lovely princess' affections.

When the two met, Nightshade was positive she'd met the girl of her dreams. She was demure. She was intelligent and well-spoken. And she absolutely needed Nightshade's protection and companionship. But, as Nightshade found out, Belle was also very straight. She was devastated when she realized that Belle could never love her the same way...but she maintained her duty all the same.

Even when she learned the truth, that Belle et Bette was not a normal alicorn but in fact a draconequus wearing a glamour to hide who she really was, Nightshade has remained loyal and vigilant. I imagine she and her girlfriend met in training and kept in contact since then, and got closer when Styx was accepted to the Night Guard. Eventually Nightshade was able to let go of her attraction to Belle and try letting someone new in, as hard as it was.