//------------------------------// // 8 - To Change a Changeling // Story: An Extended Holiday // by Commander_Pensword //------------------------------// Extended Holiday Chapter 008: To Change a Changeling Matthew sat on the cloud bed holding the Changeling in his lap as he stared at Princess Luna. Moonshade was off to the side. Taze leaned against one of the walls and watched, correcting his friend occasionally while Matthew narrated the story that led to their peculiar circumstances. “And that’s the full story, Princess,” Matthew finished. Luna looked at them with a contemplative stare. Her eyes flicked occasionally to the Changeling as she took in the information. “You realize that's a lot to believe?” “I do, but our new friend is speaking like an individual, in terms that, until now, we have only seen reserved by their Queen.” He looked down at the Changeling in his lap. “You wish to add anything?” “Would it make any difference?” the Changeling asked. “The Princess believes what she will. And she is right not to trust. I am an unknown. And a Changeling’s first need is always feeding. That will never change for me and mine. I do not wish to die, and I will fight to live if I must. Is this not what it means to exist?” “Tell me, drone, did your queen ever tell you about the other hives of the world?” Luna asked. The drone shook his head. “If they exist, my queen,” he winced and shook his head. “My … former queen would not have shared that information with me. We protect our hive and we seek to survive. That is our purpose, or at least, that was my purpose. The queen was hungry for more than love. She wished for … something else. But I do not know what. I only know that it … altered my usual thirst. There was the need for love, but there was also the desire for … something else. To … make others like me? Like … like the hive? I … do not know the right words.” “She desired power,” Luna said. “It is a thirst that has brought the downfall of many Ponies, nevermind many of your queens of the past. It would seem somewhere in your hive’s past, Chrysalis or one of her predecessors decided to forego culture and family in the grab for power, and thus warped your hive beyond recognition.” “The hive exists beyond your lands. It is dry and dead there, with little water.” Luna gave a wry smile as her horn lit up and projected on a nearby wall, showing off a dry cracked desert landscape with the sun boiling high in the air above. Large land worms and giant snakes crawled across the land. In the air above, creatures of different varieties flew through the sky. Some were nightmarish in their appearance. They came to a circle drawn in the ground where Luna stood across from a large Changeling, obviously a queen. This one was garbed in large plates of chitin that stood out over her body. Unlike Chrysalis, this queen was a steely gray, and her plates were full, lacking any signs of holes. A blood-red mane tied in a ponytail hung out from beneath an armored headdress where a horn shaped like an antler poked through. Luna had a mace, and the Changeling queen wielded a large five-sided wooden club with metal studs. The two clashed and clashed as the room’s occupants watched. “Far, far to the east, in the badlands west of Neighpon, the Kabuto Clan Hive live a harsh and demanding life. The fight for survival was so ingrained into their way of life that it was a sport to them. Queen Aleras was one of the most challenging sparring partners I have ever known in my life. And yet, when food was required….” The scene changed to show the changeling surrounded by similarly armored smaller drones standing across from Kitsune. The two groups traded happily. A wagon stuffed with furs and hides sat next to bags filled with large pinkish crystals. “They found ways to trade peacefully with those nearby.” Matthew watched the scene with rapt attention as the events unfolded. “Peace,” the Changeling said as he watched the projection. “That is not a word I know. Is it an emotion?” “Peace is to exist with another with no need for domination or violence,” Luna explained. “Your queen could have come to our country and asked for help feeding your hive.” “What is … help?” “When you do things to the benefit of ones who are not you,” Luna explained with a  smirk. The Changeling cocked his head. “Then why offer this … help?” “Because it is right,” Luna told him. “Have you ever not been hungry?” “We feed to sustain, but….” The Changeling’s stomach rumbled. Luna concentrated and her magical aura turned pink for a moment as the magic gathered in front of her, pulling together and concensing until it formed a small pinkish crystal about the size of a baseball. She gently levitated it toward the Changeling. “Go on. Eat. I give this love to you willingly.” The Changeling’s eyes widened. “You … know how to craft the vessels?” Drool leaked from the drone’s mouth as the crystal pulsed. His wings buzzed, and he hissed before the crystal broke down into that same vaporous aura and drained right down his throat. “Now, tell me, how do you feel?” The drone’s eyes flashed, and for a moment, they seemed to lose that bug-like quality to become something smoother and well defined. He leaned back and groaned in contentment, then burped as a tiny wisp of the substance escaped. “This … this is….” He closed his eyes to savor the sensation. “This is full?” Luna nodded. “In magic and in life, there is a rule that rings true. That which is forcibly taken will cost you more than that which is given willingly.” Luna smiled at him. “When your queen makes you all take love from Ponies, more energy is spent in the acquisition than you receive in the end. What I just gave you was love generated by fond memories of past friendships and bonds. These are old, and the emotion generated is far less than your species would need to steal, but you have received much more out of it.” “And this help generates more love that is given?” “Had your queen come to us in peace, we’d have gladly given all we could spare and more to help your people. But the invasion she selfishly pushed you toward has ruined any good faith that could have been between our peoples. Do you understand now? Your queen’s selfishness will cause many nymphs to go hungry and starve for what would have affected your way of life none at all, save for your queen. That hunger may have lessened a little, but it would still have remained. And ultimately, it would have grown worse in time.” The Changeling was quiet for a time as he thought over Luna’s words. His own words came slowly in response. “Then … this hunger. It would lead to weakness. And … weakness would lead to exhaustion. And then….” He shuddered. “The blackness?” “Yes. We call it death. And does the blackness benefit the hive?” Luna asked him. “When we fight to protect it. When danger rises, the blackness becomes … necessary. We … die … so the rest may live.” “But when the workers, the drones, the nymphs die? Are not the nymphs the future of the hive?” “We would give all to the nymphs. They are the future, as you say. If the queen should perish, a new queen would rise from them.” “So if the queen has put the hive into a point where it will starve, where hunger will cause them to die, how does this benefit the hive? If the queen’s every action is for the good of the hive, how does this help?” The drone frowned. “The queen … does not help. She orders. She commands. But … she has not given, except to the eggs. She gives them life. Preserving the hive is a drone’s one objective, and the queen is the hive.” He stopped for a moment, as if he had just been slapped. “But … she is not … all of the hive. Just like … like I am not the hive. The hive is the whole….” “And the current queen is hurting the hive,” Luna said. “She is hurting the whole. What would happen to a drone who hurts the hive?” “Death.” “So what does Chrysalis deserve?” At that question, the confusion on the Changeling’s face shifted to sickness. “A hive … turning on its queen?” He shuddered. “It is a terrible thing. Forbidden, save for….” He shuddered. “The hive remembers times when it was done. The memories are … unpleasant to remember, but it is a part of us, the workers and the drones. I … do not wish to think of them.” “Do you acknowledge what your queen did was wrong?” Luna asked him. The Changeling winced and touched his shoulder. “I … know what pain is. It is … unpleasant. We … caused much pain to you Ponies. Some, like my pain. Some … the bad taste, bitter. You call it fear. It is … an acquired taste. Few in any hive wish to taste it.” He shuddered. “Hate is worse. Hate eats love. I have felt both. But fear, fear is strongest. Love has dwindled. And that hurts the hive, which is wrong. And … since I do not like pain, I can only believe you also do not like pain. Pain is bad, which means pain is also wrong. Is this not so?” Matthew muttered as he listened to the conversation. “... More disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government and to provide new Guards for their future security.” Luna stared pensively at the creature that was and yet was not her enemy. “Changeling, let us make a promise, you and I. I will do my best to protect your life within my kingdom. I shall supply you with food and seek to find a place for you to live in peace. In return, you will promise to not take love forcibly from any of my Ponies. Does this sound satisfactory?” “That … is all you ask?” “You know causing pain to others is wrong now. I do not think I need to ask more than that from you,” Luna returned. The Changeling hesitated for a moment and flinched, then braced himself and spoke. “I … decide to accept this promise. This is a form of … help given between the two of us, yes?” Luna nodded as she approached the drone carefully. “For now, I apply this mark so that all Thestrals will know I protect you. Should you need aid, they will be bound by honor to provide you it. As a princess of Equestria, I give you asylum and aid, and I take you under my wings to shield you from those who would do you harm.” As she spoke, Luna pressed a hoof to his forehead and a small silver star appeared on the chitin. “I … cannot see this mark.” The Changeling frowned. “May I?” Luna conjured a mirror and held it before him. “It is … silver. I … have never seen this color on a Changeling before.” His lips twitched into a subtle smile. “I think I like it.” “Silver is more fitting of my color palette,” Luna noted. “I find the gold and white to be a bit garish, myself.” “I … do not know what to say.” Matthew touched the Changeling's back lightly and smiled. “Thank you is always a safe bet.” Shawn sighed to himself as he stood by the window in his room. He was waiting on everything to be finalized for his departure. That, and he did somewhat need his shirt, vest, and coat. Rarity had offered to repair them, so it was only a matter of a time before she showed up. He was finally able to stand unassisted with ease, even going so far as to be able to move from a crouch to fully upright with no issues. The doctors had fits about him constantly wanting to stand and move around while still in their care, but he just couldn’t help himself at times. Apart from that, he was fine. The scars that had come from the event were relatively shallow. The only one of major importance was the one in his lower back. The doors opened once again, and Rarity and Twilight both entered together. The one mare levitated a large rectangular white box in her magic while the other smiled at the sight of her friend moving on his own. The hug that followed from the purple mare was somewhat unexpected, but not unwelcome. “I’m glad you’re okay,” Twilight said by way of greeting. “If only the doctors felt the same.” Shawn gave a small grin. “They’re trying to get me to stay another week.” “Well, I mean, the sheer speed of your recovery and the regeneration would have significant application to the scientific community as a manner of study,” she admitted, “but I’m guessing you probably wouldn’t like being poked and prodded to find out exactly how that works.” Shawn blinked a few times. “I mean, I just figured it was that my body took to their magic well, since my world doesn’t really have magic.” He shrugged. “And speaking of magic, darlings, it took a little work, and a great deal of research to find just the right color of fabric. Not to say the amount of stains that needed tending to, but I now present to you what I dare say will be one of my best repair pieces yet.” Rarity grinned as she opened the box and levitated a perfectly refurbished blue coat complete with flashy golden trim and a freshly polished belt and buckle. “Tada!” she sang. “And, of course, I made sure to include a matching shirt. Fashion is nothing without the proper accents, you know.” True to her word, a flawless white shirt complete with cravat and gray vest soon followed. “And you’ll be happy to know there is absolutely no charge. I simply must insist on that point. Why, if not for you, we might not even be here right now.” “Thank you.” Shawn let a smile pass. “I wish I could have offered something still, nevertheless.” “Then how about we call your recovery payment enough? The smile Twilight gave when she found out was enough to light up the room. Quite literally, if you’d believe it.” Twilight blushed, then chuckled sheepishly. “I … get a little carried away sometimes.” Shawn gave a brief chuckle as he began to put on the missing pieces of his outfit. “I appear to have left a mark on you, it seems. Hopefully for the better.” “No hopefully about it. You did, and definitely for the better.” Twilight smiled. “And who knows? Maybe the magic of friendship will leave its mark on you, too. That’s one of the biggest sources of power in our kingdom, after all.” “We’ll see. Still have to take it one step at a time,” Shawn replied as he fastened the buckle of his coat. After looking himself over, he frowned as he felt something was missing, though he couldn’t place it. It wasn’t until he went to rest his hand on the pommel of his sword that he realized he didn’t have it. “Oh. Right. Luna took it,” he muttered. “And nobody’s touched it since,” Twilight promised. “Princess Luna is very passionate about peoples’ privacy.” “I figured, yeah,” Shawn rubbed the back of his head. “It’s just … strange. I honestly don’t feel right without it.” “He does look the part of a noble prince, doesn’t he?” Rarity asked as she eyed the effects of her work. “Rarity,” Twilight said in a warning tone. “What? You don’t honestly think I would say that insincerely, do you, Twilight?” “Let’s just say I don’t want you to get in trouble like what happened at the gala.” Rarity shuddered. “Don’t even mention that night. I’ve drawn a veil over those … unfortunate events.” “Are you saying you didn’t like the cake?” Twilight teased. “Twilight,” Rarity growled. “If you don’t stop that this minute, why, so help me, I’ll…. I’ll!—” Twilight laughed. “All right, Rarity. All right. But you see my point.” Rarity sighed. “Yes, darling, I know what you mean.” She shook her head sadly. “And it was such a good dress, too.” There was a slow clapping in the room as Taze, Matthew, and Moonshade stood in the doorway. Taze finished his golf clap as he eyed Rarity coolly. “What do you know? She can learn.” “Hello, Taze,” Twilight greeted warmly. “Are you and the others here to pick Shawn up?” Taze nodded. “We need to show him where we’re staying, after all.” Shawn hummed questioningly as he raised a brow. “Not going to say where right now. It’s kind of a secret.” “Fair enough, I suppose.” Shawn shrugged. “Did they tell you if everything’s done paperwork-wise on their end? Though we can just walk out the door, I get the feeling that’s not exactly the best idea.” “Depends on how you look at it. The doctors want you in for observation, but not because you need the care, more for their own curiosity.” Taze shrugged. “Anyway, the paperwork seems done as far as i can tell.” “Be glad you get to go home today. It took me four days of hospital bureaucracy before I finally got to go home, myself, the last time I was checked in,” Matthew teased. “Fair enough. All right, then. If we’re cleared, I’d like to finally get out of here,” Shawn replied. “I can imagine you were starting to feel kinda crazy.” Taze chuckled. “Combined with my insomnia, it’s been a lot of quiet nights,” he agreed. “If I knew that, I’d have left some books for you.” “It’s all good.” Shawn gave a dismissive wave. “Well, if there’s nothing more, I suppose I should be going now,” Rarity said. “Ta-ta, darlings. And if you ever need some new clothes, don’t hesitate to ask.” And with that said, the mare made her way out of the room. Twilight sighed. “I suppose I should get going, too. If this place you’re staying is supposed to remain a secret, I’m not about to risk spoiling it. It was good to see you all again. Hopefully, once things settle down, we’ll have the chance to really sit down and get to know one another better.” “I’m sure we’ll find the time.” Shawn gave a small smile. “Until then, I’ll see you when I see you, yeah?” “See you later, Twilight. I wouldn’t mind sitting down and talking either.” Matthew smiled kindly at the mare. “Yeah. See you later,” Taze added. Twilight offered a grim nod of respect to Moonshade. “And thank you for all that you’ve done, Moonshade. That invitation is open to you, too, if you want to come.” “I appreciate that, Twilight, but I am just doing as I was ordered.” “So?” She smiled enigmatically, then waved and passed through the doors, leaving the four alone to talk. “All right, then. I guess you’ll have to lead the way,” Shawn remarked. “We’re heading to the lower quarter,” Taze said quietly as they made their way out of the hospital. The group strolled leisurely down the streets of canterlot. It took them a little over an hour before they found themselves standing in front of the inn. “So, before we go in, … we should warn you,” Taze started. Shawn hummed questioningly. “We have another roommate,” Taze said. “And you have to warn me for what reason?” “So you don’t kill them. Him? Her? They don’t know yet themselves.” “Just tell me straightforward,” Shawn commented flatly. “We can’t in the open,” Taze said. Shawn looked at him for a moment before sighing. “Fine. I’ll try to refrain from the action towards whoever it is you’re talking about.” “Good luck,” Moonshade said under her breath as they entered the building. Taze gave a casual nod to the innkeeper as they passed. Matthew took position by the hidden door to be the first in, just in case Shawn couldn’t hold back. Carefully, Taze raised the key to the spot and waited as the keyhole revealed itself, then opened the door to reveal the Changeling drone sitting on one of the beds. “Welcome back—” Whatever other words the drone was going to say died in its throat as it gaped at the human in the blue coat, a human that it knew for a fact was supposed to be dead. Shawn tensed suddenly and reached for his hip, where his sword would have been, only to grip air. He grit his teeth as the warning his friends gave him sprung to mind and he attempted to reign in his rage. He took several deep breaths in an attempt to calm himself. Adrenaline had already started moving through him. “You’d best have a damn good reason for this.” “Shawn, are we idiots?” Taze asked bluntly. Matthew sat next to the Changeling and laid a comforting hand on its back as it shook, causing its chitin to rustle. “We do,” he promised. “Let me lay a few things out. First, he came to us of his own free will. Changelings are a hive mind, like the Borg or in Aliens. This one is unique because he’s not connected to the hive anymore, but he’s still sane. That’s not normal. He’s been very helpful giving information, and frankly….” He moved so Shawn could see the healing wound. “We think I might have caused it.” “It wasn’t your fault per say,” Taze said with a sigh as the room door closed behind them. “It was mine.” “Just,” Shawn took a breath before sighing. “Just ... start from the beginning.” Shawn sighed as he rubbed at his forehead. “Figures. So, what now? We’ve got a Changeling who’d be killed on sight by most of the solar guard, and we’re being pulled into the spotlight once more.” “Well, you did save the lives of two royals, not to mention make sure that the whole of Canterlot could be purged by that spell. I’d be shocked if there were an actual way to keep us out of it at this point,” Matthew said. “We should at least know what action we’ll take, plan some kind of response if we get found out,” Taze noted. “Since you already brought this up with Luna, we at least have that as a start of a cover,” Shawn replied as he frowned. “We also need to keep up appearances, given this whole situation we’ve been put in. Speaking of, Cadance still wants us to come to the wedding. She’d understand if the decision was no from you guys, but I’ve already determined that I’ll be going.” “Do you know whether Celestia pushed her into it?” Matthew asked. Shawn shook his head. “It’s got nothing to do with Celestia.” “It’s a lot to ask,” Taze growled. “Look, we’re going to have to deal with Celestia, no matter what. She’s one of the rulers of this whole kingdom we’re stuck in. Trust me, I’d rather not deal with her at all, but we’re kinda stuck having to, even if we aren’t happy about it,” Shawn replied bluntly. “I’ll be going to the wedding for Cadance’s sake. Whether you guys do or not is up to you.” “... Fine,” Taze huffed. “And you know I won’t leave the two of you alone after everything we’ve been through,” Matthew said. “Though we’d need someone here to babysit … what do we call our … guest anyway?” Matthew peered at the Changeling, who had made a makeshift bed for itself in the corner of their room and was watching the conversation intently.” Shawn looked to the Changeling once more and frowned. “Probably best to just keep it simple. How about Mutatio?” “Mutatio?” Taze asked. “Latin for change. Makes it simple.” Shawn shrugged. “Huh.” Taze looked at the Changeling. “That work for you?” “A name. That is … how you identify these … individuals, yes? Those who are hives unto themselves?” The Changeling tapped his chin. “I do not dislike this name. If it will help you identify me, then I will accept it.” “Mutatio it is, then,” Taze said. “I like the sound and what it means. Easy to remember, too.” Matthew smiled. “I … must stay here for this wedding, yes?” Mutatio asked. “Definitely,” Shawn replied. “So long as I have enough food, I will be able to remain. If I am hungry and the love from the wedding calls, however, … it … may push me to act, even though I do not wish to. Beyond my control. Instinct, I think you call it?” Taze nodded. “If Luna figured out a solution for that, then it should be fine in the end.” Shawn sighed. “Next is just figuring out the dates for everything.” “I mean, isn’t that up to them?” Taze asked. “That’s what I mean. It’s a matter of waiting for them to give us information.” “Well, that gives us more time to wait and strengthen our bonds.” “Do you have any idea on when things will happen, Moonshade?” Shawn questioned. “I’d say relatively soon, if only to calm the people,” Moonshade said. “Just not sure when.” “Then we’ll just have to play it by ear.” Shawn frowned. Matthew snorted, “Well, we’ll need some help, then. We have smaller ears than the general population, after all.” “Oh, I wouldn’t worry. If it’s important enough, they’ll just end up breaking into song.” Taze chuckled. “And I might join in the chorus.” Mutatio looked at the humans. “You have heartsongs?” “No.” Taze laughed. “He’s just weird.” Moonshade knocked on the wall with the agreed upon sequence and waited. Three minutes later, the wall opened to reveal Taze. Once the Thestral’s identity was verified, he moved aside and allowed her entry, closing the door behind her. “No real news as of yet, though I've been asked to pass along a note of invitation,” she told them once she was sure the humans were all present. “I assume if it made it this far, it was either from someone important or someone quite reasonable,” Shawn commented as he lowered the book he was reading. “I concur.” Matthew nodded as he followed Shawn’s example and lowered his own novel that he’d retrieved from his attaché case. “While not entirely important as far as standing goes, the sender is someone of note, especially to you three after what happened,” Moonshade explained. “The family is unlanded and has been ranked as Nobles of the Robe for some time.” “Got a name we can recognize?” Shawn asked. “Or is it someone new?” “Oh, you’ll recognize it. But it’s also someone you probably haven’t met yet,” Moonshade said. “Lady Twilight Velvet of House Twilight.” Shawn blinked a few times. “Yeah, no, haven’t met her yet, but I do know who it is.” “Well, that's a twist,” Taze noted. “Should I read it?” Moonshade asked “Let’s hear it.” Shawn nodded. Moonshade cleared her throat. “Greetings, Lord Shawn, Hunter Taze, and Attaché Matthew. I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to extend my appreciation for your actions in regards to my children and our country, and would like to speak with you in person. Thus, I am extending this invitation to tea Thursday afternoon at two. I sincerely hope you will accept. Best regards, LadyTwilight Velvet of House Twilight.” After a moment, Shawn shrugged. “I’ve got no problems with that.” Taze shrugged noncommittally. “Doesn’t seem like a problem. That's tomorrow, right?” “We have the time,” Matthew agreed. “But where is the location of the meeting? Will it be at their house or a tea shop?” “At their house,” Moonshade clarified. “Otherwise, she’d have given a location.” Matthew nodded. “That makes sense.” “I guess send her a response?” Taze said. “Anything in particular?” Moonshade asked. “I’d probably say the standard. The three of us accept the offer and will arrive at the scheduled time,” Shawn replied. “Okay.” Moonshade nodded. “I’ll deliver that, then.” She turned back to the door, which Taze got up to open for her. “This should be really interesting,” she said under her breath before leaving. “So Twilight's mom wants to meet with us,” Taze said. “This should be interesting.” Matthew frowned. “You think we have enough time to get a book on tea etiquette?” “It’s not that difficult, Vulpix. You sit up straight, keep your shoulders back, use your manners, and extend your pinky when you drink. They’re not going to expect us to follow their customs.” “That’s European. This is Equestria. There could be differences, and I will not cause a diplomatic incident because I’m ignorant if I can help it. At the very least, an effort to learn what to do beforehand will show I’m trying to learn their culture as a visitor and in my role as an attaché. That is still my cover, isn’t it?” “Based off the letter, I figured it was going to be less of a major event and more of a meeting with three individuals who assisted her daughter,” Shawn commented. “Given the fact that this isn’t being scheduled to a major degree, and was more of a casual invite. Well, as casual an invite as it can be.” “Not worth freaking out over anyway,” Taze said. “Just relax and try to enjoy yourself.” Matthew grumbled, but didn’t say anything more, instead choosing to return to his book. “Besides, in case you didn’t notice, we’re not exactly going to be arriving in style.” Taze chuckled “Shawn’s the only one dressed for a meeting with someone important.” “Yeah, my attempts at getting normal clothes were met with, ‘ah, you must mean these types of attire.’” Shawn gestured to his dress shirt and vest. Matthew snorted behind his book. “Then ask Moonshade to help get you undercover clothing. Even the nobility in Europe knows about going undercover to understand what’s going on outside their castle.” “I’m just saying, unless you're sitting on a pile of gold and know some master tailor, we’re kind of stuck as we are,” Taze noted. “At least most of the stuff they’ve given us has been comfortable.” Shawn shrugged as he returned to his book. The Twilight home was most definitely not an estate. There were no sprawling gardens, no grand statues, no fences or barriers to keep interlopers away. However, the building that Twilight Velvet called home was far from unrespectable. It was located on a less busy street with a few neighboring houses. Their house was crafted from two different types of stone, a light pale blue that formed the majority of the house, and a darker blue that formed the corners for an accent to the house’s design. A checkered diamond pattern in a dark navy and lighter blue adorned the foundation beneath the windows on the ground floor. “Well,” Shawn started as he glanced at the others, “shall we make ourselves known?” He gave a brief grin as moved to knock on the front door. “I would concur,” Matthew said. “Go ahead. I’m right behind you,” Taze added. Much to the humans’ surprise, rather than a servant, a simple gray mare with a purple and white mane stood before them. She beamed up at them with the kind of smile only a proud mother can manage. “Thank you so much for accepting my invitation! Please, please, come in.” She drew back and gestured inside, where the space opened directly into what appeared to be a parlor or living room of some kind. A side table sat beneath one of the windows, and a glass front bookcase stood against the wall by a sizable couch. Two cushioned chairs complete with arms and high backs flanked the couch at an equal distance to surround a coffee table made from a large wooden wheel. A simple lamp resting on the spoke completed the appearance of the decor while a series of wooden beams along the sides of the walls acted as support to the rest of the house. An old grandfather clock ticked away the time absently on one of the other walls while a gentle hum from the mare’s horn triggered the brief glow of runes carved into the glass panes of the windows. While no visible changes appeared to the quality of light, it was evident some function or other had been activated. “Thank you for inviting us,” Shawn replied with a smile as he looked over the room. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” Matthew nodded his agreement as he followed Shawn’s example. “Yes, thank you,” Taze added with a nod. “Feel free to make yourselves at home. Tea is in the kettle brewing. It should be finished soon.” “May I ask what kind?” Taze asked. “No, wait, hold on, I want to see if I can tell by the scent.” Twilight Velvet laughed. “Well, I didn’t expect to have someone who enjoys guessing games among your party, but I suppose an element of risk and surprise fits for a monster hunter.” “A well made cup of tea is something worth a little mystery.” Taze chuckled. “Coffee is good for pick-me-ups or with a rich dessert, but tea is something for every occasion.” “You and the princess have something in common, then.” She smiled. “I always enjoy a cup before bed. The warmth settles in and helps you feel nice and snug before you go to sleep.” She gestured toward the couch and the chairs. “Please, feel free to take a seat. I’ll be back with the tea in a moment.” “Well, I definitely like her!” Taze said with a grin as he sat in one of the chairs. “She is quite nice,” Shawn agreed as he took a seat. Matthew nodded his agreement. “So far, I think it’s looking good.” About a minute or so later, Twilight Velvet returned bearing a tea tray with all the fixings in her magical grip. She shifted the lamp to the side table by the window and lowered the tray in front of her guests. “We also have sugar, cream, honey, and no tea would be complete without some treats to go with it.” Flat square cookies that smelled faintly of cinnamon had been laid out on a plate in the shape of a wreath. “And, of course, you said you wanted to guess what blend I use.” She smiled and poured from the kettle through a filter to catch the fragments of herb before levitating the cup to Taze’s hands. “Apologies for the size. I don’t normally entertain larger guests. Taze took the cup carefully, keeping one finger in the arm and the other beneath it to support the saucer that held it in place. He took a few sniffs from over the brim of the cup. “Hmm…, red rooibos tea, but with a touch of cinnamon added to the blend?” he asked. “A friend of mine from the Zebrican delegation brings some with him whenever he visits. I’m surprised that our homes both have the same name for the plant, though. Or do your pendants merely translate the name for me?” “... Yes?” Taze said, unsure. “Our world doesn’t really have magic, so the concept behind these amulets are taking some time to stick,” Shawn explained. “We honestly couldn’t give you a definite answer.” “How interesting. I wonder what other things you’ll encounter here that our two countries share,” she mused as she poured for the rest. “Would you prefer to serve yourselves or do you mind if I add and then you mix?” “I should probably add my own,” Taze admitted. “Due to health related reasons, I’ve developed a sweet tooth, and most people find the amount of sugar I tend to add disturbing.” Twilight Velvet laughed. “It’ll be our little secret, then. Just don’t tell Twilight’s friend Octavia. To that particular mare, the art of tea is sacred. Or so my daughter tells me in her letters.” “Well, in that case, I wouldn’t mind you making my cup. I have no idea how to make tea,” Matthew said. “And you, Shawn?” “I’d request you make it, as I’m not too familiar with the blend,” Shawn replied. “Then so be it.” It didn’t take long for the four to finish their preparations and enjoy the drinks. When a suitable time had passed, Twilight Velvet lowered her cup back to the tray and sighed. “While I am grateful for the chance to get to know you three, there is another reason that I asked you here,” she admitted. “Our house is one that we earned through our own labors. My husband and I scrimped and saved like any other normal Pony would. However, we are still technically nobles. And whether you’re willing to accept it or not, my husband and I owe you three a great debt for fighting to not only protect my daughter, but also my two sons. I don’t know if it means much, given what little influence we hold, but if you ask us for help, my husband and I will do everything in our power to assist you.” “Please, think nothing of it.” Shawn gave a gentle smile. “We simply did what anyone should do and assisted where we could. I’m sure the only thing we regret about that day was not being better prepared.” “It was what was right,” Taze added. “Still, if you need anything, I hope you call on us. A place to stay, maybe a home-cooked meal.” She smiled. “From what Twilight tells me, the three of you also eat meat. If the three of you happen to have some troubles getting ahold of that particular food source, I know of a few places that serve them.” “That may be a bit of information we could use, though we aren’t likely to be able to go for it anytime soon,” Shawn commented after some thought. “Why? Don’t you need to eat it in order to stay healthy?” “Yeah, but our funding isn’t quite stable at the moment. We’re looking through some methods, but considering our situation with one of the princesses, we’ve been attempting to keep our distance for the time being,” Shawn said. “Situation?” Matthew looked into his teacup. “Some of us have taken umbrage with the fact that we were visible decoys in a play we knew nothing about really. Nor were we consulted on any ideas of how we might help, seeing as if the kingdom were to fall, we would also be facing more troubles.” “I assume you mean Princess Celestia.” Twilight Velvet sighed and lowered her cup. “I heard about what happened in that room. Needless to say, as a mother, it was not an easy thing to be told.” “It was a witch hunt,” Taze said with a grimace. “Honestly, it disgusted me to see such blatant disregard for someone they knew for so long.” “I wouldn’t call it that, but perhaps the term has a different meaning where you are from. Our witches here are peaceful in their practices. They haven’t done anything to justify being hunted.” “In our history, people tended to be very superstitious, to the point where when things started going wrong, they’d look for someone to blame. Logic and reason, no matter how blatant, was thrown out the window in a manic need to point the finger.” Taze shrugged. “Basically, they ganged up on the people they wished to blame for the wrongs. Likewise, your daughter faced a similar trial, or at least the person posing as your daughter, without so much as a thought to anything resembling reason.” “Actually,” Matthew began as he put his teacup down, “the majority of the time, a witch hunt in our culture was more of a means to try and exert power or revenge. The first three supposed witches charged in Salem were a homeless girl no one liked, a disgraced daughter, and a widow in an inheritance struggle with her stepchildren.” He fidgeted nervously as his gaze darted between his friends and the mare, and he blushed. “Sorry, as a history buff, I … tend to babble a little.” “So, when you say a witch hunt, you’re referring to unjust persecution, essentially a false judgment caused by wishing to believe something else to be true, rather than doubt it, despite evidence that might be brought to bear.” “Yes,” Matthew answered slowly. “Those can be reasons.” “If anypony were to try that here, it would weaken the protections over the kingdom and usher the windigos’ return.” She shuddered. “I suppose you probably haven’t heard of that particular creature though, nor how our people ultimately banished them.” Matthew’s expression paled. “Can you describe a Windigo to me? Because we have creatures that bear such a name in our mythology, and they are not pleasant.” “The windigo is a spirit of ice and snow. It feeds on aggression, fear, sadness, desperation. The more divided a people or group becomes, the stronger the windigo’s influence grows. They drive their victims into a vicious spiral fueled by self-preservation and desperation until all becomes a frozen wasteland, and their victims are encased in a prison of ice. They are ruthless creatures with no respect for life. Only harmony can push back their influence. It’s not just a way of life for our people. It is a literal shield.” “Certainly different from our version,” Shawn muttered. “But it’s probably best not to elaborate on that.” “Yours is worse?” “Makes yours look like a mosquito,” Taze said. “In any case,” Shawn sighed, “you get the idea. Our relations to Princess Celestia are strained at the moment, resulting in our current situation.” “I assume that means you would prefer to keep your interactions primarily limited to Princess Luna, then,” Twilight Velvet mused. “Basically.” Shawn nodded. “That could complicate matters. Celestia was the one who taught Twilight in the first place. And if it weren’t for her, Shining Armor wouldn’t be where he is today either.” She frowned. “That being said, a life debt far exceeds anything else she may have given us. If I should be asked to influence you in some way, I’ll be certain to inform you of it.” “We appreciate it.” Shawn gave a small smile. The room was quiet for a time. Finally, Twilight Velvet broke the silence. “Then I suppose now what matters is simply getting to know one another better. Why don’t you tell me about your world, and I’ll do what I can to teach you more about ours.” “There are certainly plenty of differences.” Shawn gave a brief chuckle. “But, I suppose it would help explain how we are.” “That was certainly more pleasant than I anticipated,” Shawn commented. After reuniting with Moonshade, they set out toward their residence. “Not really how you’d expect Twilight's mother, huh?” Taze asked. “She’s not what I expected, yeah.” Shawn nodded. “Honestly, Shawn, I think it’s safe to say everything is not what we expected,” Matthew said pointedly. “Fair enough.” Shawn shrugged. “Still better to be surprised than disappointed,” Taze noted. “Nice to know there are some names we can trust.” “And nice to know we don’t have to necessarily be worried about being seen by other people anymore, too,” Matthew said with a smile. “I’d say it’s still something to pay attention to,” Shawn commented. “We’re still foreign beings in a foreign land.” “That's fair.” Taze nodded. “It’s best you know which nobles you can trust,” Moonshade added. “So far, we have House Twilight and Fancy Pants.” Shawn frowned. “Two out of a much larger set. Better than none, at the very least.” “Yes, well, there are others, but they’ll take their own time, I imagine,” Moonshade said. “It appears politics are the same, no matter what world you live in.” Matthew sighed. “How disappointing.” “Maybe, but at least we can predict it to a degree,” Taze noted. “Indeed.” Shawn sighed as he glanced around. They were passing through a shopping district from the looks of it. He could note several stores of potential interest, but most fell on the side of expensive and unneeded. Jewelry stores, a few stores for clothes, magic oriented shops, an arcade…. He slowed his walk and raised a brow as he took notice of the arcade. “That’s a sight I didn’t expect.” “We gotta check this out,” Taze said, even as he strode toward it like a moth to the flame. “I wonder what their video games look like.” “Definitely, but I don’t know about right now, Taze.” Shawn frowned as he thought it over. “It’s tempting. I’ll give it that, though.” “What's the harm in just a look?” Taze asked. Shawn thought it over for a moment and finally shrugged. “Ah, screw it. Let’s take a look.” “You think they’ll have any of the classics?” Matthew asked. “Maybe something similar, but I doubt it’ll be too accurate….” Matthew sighed and shook his head as the door to their hidden room closed behind Shawn and Taze’s retreating backs. “Those two always did love the classics,” he said with a rueful smile. “The classics? But those games are still relatively new,” Moonshade said. “New for you, perhaps. But from what I’ve seen of the machines you have here, there are several similarities to older, but still very popular, games of our own back on Earth.” “Huh. I thought the whole thing was a fad,” she admitted. “It may be for the children of your world. But for people like us, who grew up without magic, the idea of creating worlds where magic could take us on adventures to save the day was a fun pastime, not unlike how some of your foals doubtless play at being royal guards or some other hero they look up to.” “I suppose that makes sense. Still, you say these kinds of games are classic in your world? What are the newer ones like?” Matthew smiled. “Do you have movies here?” “We have films, yes.” She nodded. “Let’s just say that our games are much like a film. Some have text boxes for dialogue. Others are ambitious enough to even record a person’s voice and have it play in time with the actions of the characters as they move. Without magic, our society has learned to innovate in other fields.” “That sounds incredibly intricate,” Moonshade noted. “I didn’t think technology could do quite that much.” “Much of what technology can and cannot do is still not known to us. But we like to theorize in the form of science fiction. It’s one of our most popular forms of media. I couldn’t even begin to tell you all of how it works. I and my friends are merely humble users, consumers of a product, if you will.” “Your world sounds interesting. Our technology only grows in certain small leaps every now and then. Most things are done the same as they were a thousand years ago.” Matthew frowned. “How odd. I wouldn’t think it would take that long for such a tightly-knit society to advance. Then again, you do have the benefit of magic to assist you. That probably makes the need for innovation practically nonexistent.” “Possibly.” Moonshade nodded. “It’s probably better than living in caves and farming mushrooms.” “Or pretending to be an animal to scavenge for love,” Mutatio added as he dropped from the ceiling. “My apologies for not greeting you. I was sleeping.” “You don’t always have to greet us, Mutatio,” Matthew said. “But is that not the polite thing to do? That is what you call it, is it not?” Matthew chuckled. “Touché. You’re really starting to get the hang of being social. At least with the basics.” Mutatio nodded. “Thank you.” He greeted Moonshade with a bow. “It is good to see you again. I hope your outing was successful.” “It was adequate.” Moonshade nodded. She was still notably on edge about the Changeling, but attempting to be polite. “That is the best that can be hoped for.” Mutatio nodded. “Where are the others?” “Exploring,” Matthew explained. “They’ll be back later.” Mutatio nodded. “Understood. Will we be resuming our lessons today?” “Soon, Mutatio. I would like to finish my conversation with Moonshade first.” “Then I will wait until you are finished.” Mutatio nodded, then flew back to the ceiling. “He seems to be learning fast,” Moonshade commented. “If he’s anything like how young humans are, then his capacity for learning will be vast during these next couple of years. A child can learn and retain more information in a matter of hours than most adults can in months.” “That is similar to Ponies, with few exceptions, like Twilight Sparkle. You generally learn faster when you're a foal.” “Speaking of learning, though, I’m curious, Moonshade. What was growing up like for you? What were you taught, and where did you receive your education?” She sighed at this question. “You’d best sit down. This will take a while…”