On a very cold winter morning before Hearth's Warming Day, Sandbar and Gallus return to the school, but take a moment to sit by the fire and have a moment (mostly) to themselves.

Tangentially related to my series of GallBar stories, but not strictly necessary to read for this one. I promise.

Image by CarrsCrap

After some time of planning, Spike, Twilight Sparkle, and Starlight Glimmer decide to take some time to hang out at the Chrystal Empire for a few weeks. While Starlight and Twilight have their moments of peace, Spike decides to dedicate his time to his best friend Thorax. Little do these two know that their friendship is going to be blossoming into something a bit more than friendship.

Queen Chrysalis' invasion of Canterlot has failed.

She's lost hundreds of changelings in the attempt and did not manage to acquire the vast quantities of love Equestria holds. Now, her hive is well on its way to famine and self-destruction... if the Badlands don't finish it off first.

But Chrysalis is a Changeling Queen, and a Queen never abandons her changelings. Struggle awaits, but she will do everything and anything in her power to see her hive through the hardship and make it prosper once more.

Cover art by Shamanguli
Let me know if artist does not approve of my using their art as cover for this fic.