Scootaloo felt out of place. She sat in an elegant chair in one of the smaller ballrooms of the Canterlot castle that had been converted into the appropriate setting for a meeting. There was a ring of tables that effectively formed a modestly-sized circle in the center of the room. Rainbow Dash sat to her left, closer to the princesses. To her right were Flittergear and Pacer.
Rainbow Dash had given him strict instructions that he was not so much as to say a single word if he didn’t want to be busted down to private and cleaning latrines. Scootaloo couldn’t help but grin at the shade of pale his face had turned during the warning. It was a thing of beauty.
There were a few others seated around the ring, including the commanders of the zebra and griffin forces with one aide each, but it was a relatively small group, not counting counting a score of EUP guards that stood around the perimeter of the room.
The large and ornate doors opened. Prince Shining Armor entered, followed by a dozen more guards and finally Queen Chrysalis with two changelings that she had chosen to accompany her as witnesses. Scootaloo did not know their rank or importance.
The chamberlain announced as they entered, “Presenting her majesty, Chrysalis, queen of the changelings, sovereign ruler of the badlands hive, matriarch of the south.”
Scootaloo stood along with everypony else as a show of respect while the newcomers were seated. Water was the only refreshment available. The changelings’ expressions betrayed the contempt and mistrust that was within.
“Welcome, Queen Chrysalis,” Princess Celestia began, “I trust that your new accommodations are more acceptable.”
“A cage is a cage, no matter how finely gilded,” came an even, yet surly reply.
“You are quite correct. I am sorry that it has come to this, and that is why I asked you to meet with us today.”
“We will never surrender, no matter what you offer or threaten,” changeling queen spat. “We will not bow before ponies!”
The changelings with her seemed emboldened by her show, but they remained in their seats, their bug-like wings buzzing at the show of strength.
“Please, we just want to talk for now,” Celesta spoke softly.
The changeling queen eyed the princesses before looking at the zebra commander. She muttered something under her breath before speaking aloud.
“We have nothing to say as long as that thing is in the room.”
“There is no cause to fight here,” Twilight attempted.
The zebra stared back impassively at Chrysalis.
“Isn’t there?” Chrysalis asked.
Luna answered, “Not in this circle. It is an end of fighting that my sister wishes to discuss with you.
The eyes of the changeling queen were still locked with the zebra. He had neither looked away nor so much as blinked, which seemed to infuriate her further. Chrysalis hissed before slamming her hooves against the table.
Scootaloo’s heart leapt into her throat as the guards all dropped into a combat stance, spears at the ready. They held their ground, the entire room having become frozen by the tension.
“Jumpy, aren’t we?” the changeling queen sneered. “I think I’d like to return to my gilded cage now. And I never want to see that thing or any of his pathetic excuse for a kind again.”
Silence stayed for a moment, and then Celestia nodded to Shining Armor, who did as Chrysalis requested. Once they had exited and the doors were shut, the Princesses let out a collective sigh.
“That could have gone better,” Rainbow Dash broke the silence.
“Somepony needed to feel important,” Pacer muttered just loud enough for Scootaloo to hear.
Despite is annoying personality, the assessment seemed to have merit.
The zebra commander stood and faced Celestia, “Kiumbe kibaya. Hata hivyo, kuna kitu ambacho hawezi kuonyesha mbele yangu. Kwa ruhusa yako, nitairudi ili kuongoza askari wangu.”
Rainbow Dash arose from her seat, “He said, ‘Vile creature. However, there is something that she can not show in front of me. With your permission, I will go back to guide my troops.’”
Celestia nodded, “Thank you for coming. I apologize for the insult.”
A smile met her from the striped equine, “Wanawachukia watu wangu sana. Sijaweka kosa kwenye akaunti yako.”
The Wonderbolt again provided the translation. “‘They hate my people very much. I have not set an error on your account.’”
The conversation didn’t go far after that, and the princesses decided to adjourn for the day. Scootaloo took note that while they were looking better, just that brief interaction seemed to make them fatigued.
After the alicorns and guards had left, Scootaloo turned to Rainbow Dash.
“Hey, when did you learn to speak the zebra’s language?”
Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes, “Shining Armor required all of the elite forces to learn. I swear, they’re trying to turn me into an egg-head. Come on, let’s go find some chow.”
Scootaloo smiled as she followed. She held onto the hope that their next meeting with Chrysalis would be more productive than this first one had been.