//------------------------------// // LAST CHAPTER: The Treaty // Story: Bookends Part 4: Or Day Of Atonement // by Stormbringer //------------------------------// It was almost a year later, and after long negotiations with the Changeling Kingdom, (both set of royals wondered why diplomats had to argue over wording so much) a day dawned even Celestia never thought she’d see. The Throne Room was filled with dignitaries, ponies from Saddle Arabia, Maretonia and the Crystal Empire. Along with other parts of Equestria. Not to mention friends and family from Ponyville. There was also a large number of Changelings. They were intermingled with the other ponies. They were undisguised, talking and laughing with the other ponies as if there were never any hostilities in the past. Plus over the last few months with the coming and going of Changelings among the ponies of Equestria, there were some friendships now between the two, even the start of some relationships. Especially with the number of stallions to mares more balanced with the Changeling population and not the ten mare to one stallion ratio in Equestria. Also, in The Hive, such relations had been more restricted, but that was changing, as evidenced by the increased girth of some Changeling mares. It was a boon to Equestria OB/GYN doctors, because there was little to no experience with the Changeling doctors concerning maternity care. The Changeling Kingdom paid such doctors quite handsomely. Seated on the dais and wearing beautiful gowns were Princesses Celestia, Luna and Cadence. On their heads were their crowns of state. Standing by the side of Celestia was Trixie with a foal carrier. The filly had features of a Unicorn and Changeling. She was truly the uniting of the two races. They had named her Unity like they first had considered. Trixie was wearing a gown and on her head was a small silver tiara. All of the friends and family of Twilight were wearing beautiful outfits made for the occasion by Rarity. At the base of the dais and to one side stood Cheerilee with Celestia and Luna Sparkle. Fluttershy was with Loki and Eris (it was humorous to Twilight that her friends named their daughter after an obscure and ancient goddess of chaos, strife and discord!). Rarity and Applejack were wearing matching gowns, Applejack was even wearing makeup and no hat. Rainbow Apple stood with her husband, Big Mac and their colt Zap. Hanging around her neck was a foal carrier, in it was a very beautiful little Earth Pony filly. She had Rainbow’s eye and coat coloration but her mane and tail were the same shade as Applejack’s. It was curious to all they hadn’t named her yet. There were also all the Pie family looking prouder than any other ponies in all Equestria, and perhaps they were. There was an excited buzz from the gathered ponies. Celestia held up a hoof and silenced fell over the crowd. She nodded to the door keeper who opened the door. Martial music filled the air as a line of Palace Guard marched down one side of the aisle and a line of Changeling Guard marched down the other. When they had lined the entire way, their commanders ordered a turn and they all face inward toward the other. It was noticed that none were armed. At a command, the troops saluted their counterparts. Then from the back, Twilight Sparkle, in a magnificent gown, called out. “Your Highnesses; the delegation from the Changeling Kingdom requests to come before you.” “Bid them enter and be welcomed,” said Celestia. A group of official looking Changelings in robes of state processed in. At their head was an older looking Changeling, he was wearing a large symbolic gold chain about his neck. There were murmurs of approval from the crowd. They walked to the dais and bowed. “Ambassador, representatives of the Changeling Kingdom, welcome. We are honored by your embassy,” said Celestia. “With your permission, Highness,” said the Ambassador, “my queen seeks entry to complete the peace between our people.” “It is Our honor to receive Her Royal Highness,” said Princess Celestia. The Ambassador turned and raised a hoof as a signal. Then the party moved to one side. “Your Royal Highnesses, honored guests, ponies of all kingdoms,” called Twilight, “it’s my great privilege to announce the entry of Their Royal Highnesses, Queen Chrysalis and Princess Phantasm Pinkie Pie of the Changeling Kingdom!” Twilight and the queen’s Chamberlain led the royalty into the room. At the dais they went to one side. The queen was wearing the first formal gown which had ever been made for her real self, it was provided by Rarity. It was something she took great pride in wearing. Phantasm was wearing a matching gown and was wearing a tiara. The guard bowed as the royal party passed. As did the ponies in attendance. It was more than Chrysalis could have hoped for. She’d dreamed of entering this Throne Room as a conqueror. But now she was entering as an invited and honored guest as well as an equal. The cheering from the crowd was more than she’d ever hoped for. Even calls of ‘We Love You Queen Chrysalis!’ were heard, and not just from Changelings. There was no fear, only welcome and love. As they neared the dais, Princess Celestia and Trixie descended and met the royal party at the foot of the dais. Both parties bowed low in greeting together as equals. The little filly giggled joyfully at the sight of her grandmare. Chrysalis smiled and winked at the child. “I’m happy to extend to you welcome from all Equestria,” said Celestia. “Thank you, my sister monarchs,” said Chrysalis, “We of the Changeling Kingdom cherish the welcome and friendship which is now between our people. And so I’ve come before your Regal Selves to seal the peace between our people.” “There’s a custom of old,” said Luna, “to assure and preserve peace between kingdoms. Hostages were exchanged as a pledge of peace.” “I bring as my pledge, my daughter, Princess Phantasm, who is known to you as Pinkie Pie,” said the queen, “she is my only child and has taught me so much in so little time. She is precious to me and I give her to your care as a sign of my loyalty to Equestria.” “I bring as my pledge,” said Celestia, “Trixie Pie, she is Princess Consort and wife to Princess Phantasm Pinkie Pie. Along with their child, heir to the Changeling throne, Princess Unity. She is the very symbol of the uniting of our people. They are precious to me and I give them to your care as a sign of my loyalty to the Changeling Kingdom.” “The three will live together always and be a blessing to both kingdoms,” said Cadence. “They will be a sign of the uniting of the two kingdoms forever, no matter which kingdom they are in.” Trixie and Phantasm both received a kiss of blessing from their sovereign, then they met in between the two parties. They reached out took the other’s right hoof and kissed. As they did, Phantasm changed to Pinkie Pie, still in the same gown and tiara. “We bless this covenant!” said Celestia and Chrysalis together, as their magic auras surrounded the family. Cheers broke out and applauded long. When it died down, Celestia had one more thing to say. “Your Majesty, before we leave for the celebration, with your gracious consent, one of my subjects has a petition to bring before you.” This was not rehearsed and Chrysalis was intrigued. “We shall hear the petition,” said Chrysalis. It felt so good to have ponies respect and love her rather than fear her. Celestia nodded to Rainbow Apple. Rainbow Apple walked before the queen and bowed. “Rise and speak, my friend.” “Your Highness,” said Rainbow, quite nervous at having to act so formal. “I request your permission to name my new foal… Chrysalis Apple.” The queen thought that she’d cry right there. “After what I tried to do?” said the queen, low enough for only the immediate ponies to hear. “Twilight and Cheerilee’s foals are named after royalty.” Said Rainbow with a wink, “naming my daughter after one of my best friend’s mother would be my honor. Besides, we can’t let Twilight and Cheerilee have all the fun.” “The honor is mine,” said the queen to Rainbow. The queen hugged Rainbow then she levitated the foal from the carrier to her forelegs. “It’s my great pleasure to christen this beautiful little filly; Chrysalis Apple!” The queen called as she embraced the foal and kissed her forehead in blessing. The infant laughed. The cheering was even louder as the party turned to leave. “With your permission,” said Chrysalis to Rainbow. Rainbow nodded and smiled. “And you my daughters,” said the queen to Pinkie and Trixie. “Of course, mother,” said Trixie and Pinkie. Chrysalis levitated Unity to herself as well. She held both foals with one foreleg as the royalty led the way out. With the Queen of the Changelings carrying Unity, her grandfilly, and Chrysalis Apple as proudly as if she were her grandfilly as well. Fin.