//------------------------------// // Changeling Tradition // Story: Five Years Of Struggle // by Jest //------------------------------// Chrysalis sat hunched over a strange machine that seemed more organic than mechanical, with various parts pulsing and twitching as she operated it. Black belts spun on even blacker wheels while a deep green light emanated from deep within the tangled web of wires and arcane crystals. Chrysalis didn't notice any of this, nor did she even seem to hear the high-pitched keen coming from the engine, all she cared about was the ring. Made from what looked like solid emerald, the circle was perfectly sized for the base of a fully grown alicorn's horn. It was also perfectly round and had small, winding rivers carved into its surface. These narrow crevices wound around the length of the ring and were just deep enough that they could fit a copper wire. Chrysalis' horn grew brighter still, and she leaned in close to the machine, the muscles of her jaw tightening as she narrowed her focus. The tiny spinning drill bit and the band held in her magic occupied the entirety of Chrysalis's attention, her attendant all but forgotten. Standing silently near the entrance to the small workshop was the only other creature in the room, a tall changeling whose horn was glowing brightly. Devoid of holes, save for a single one in his lower right hoof, the guard could have been mistaken for a golem if it weren't for the steely focus of his gaze. And he needed that laser focus in order to keep the door closed, and his queen undisturbed. Thankfully Chrysalis didn't have long before her work was complete, and she blew away the small greenish dust that covered her hoof. Like her drone, Chrysalis sported no holes, save for a single one near her front left knee which refused to go away. Not like she minded though, as Chrysalis only cared about the hunger, and its dissipation, rather than the visual effects of her time spent slowly starving to death. "There, perfect, now for one last thing," Chrysalis muttered to herself. Reaching over to the only shelf in the closet-sized room, Chrysalis grabbed what looked like a wire ring, and carefully hovered it over its emerald twin. Aligning the pair over one another, Chrysalis used a small bit of force to push them together and a brief spell to ensure they never split. With that done, she grabbed a small, but bright golden stone and set it into the four yellow wires sticking out from the ring she had crafted. A small bit of magic locked it in place, and a few enchantments ensured that it was far less breakable than it appeared. "Perfect," Chrysalis murmured to herself. "Guard, what is the status of the wedding?" "Seventy-nine percent of guests are accounted for. The location is secure, your fiance just arrived and you have twenty-three minutes to reach the venue," he replied. "How long would it be, if I want to keep Celestia from worrying?" Chrysalis inquired. He smiled. "Less than five, your majesty." Chrysalis chuckled. "Still, even if my little sunbeam gets her feathers a little roughled, this will be worth it." "It's an artifact that will be treasured until the end of time, your majesty," offered the guard. Chrysalis blinked. "That was very astute of you." "Thank you, your majesty. I've been reading poetry recently," he squirmed slightly, his jaw clenching. "Not while on the job mind you." "No matter. If you ever wish to devote yourself to the literary arts, feel free to request a transfer," Chrysalis exclaimed. "My queen? Are you sure that is wise?" he whispered in a soft, fearful tone. Chrysalis smiled as she eyed the ring she had just finished. "Equestria, and by extension the hive is in for a time of troubles, but we will not be so pressed for soldiers that we could need a single burgeoning poet." The guard bowed low. "Thank you, your majesty." "No thanks needed, if anything you should thank Celestia for teaching me the importance of culture," Chrysalis' smile widened. "Speaking of which. We should get moving. I would hate to spend the first moments of marriage getting scolded for being tardy." "Don’t worry, we've made sure to keep Twilight Sparkle very busy," offered the guard. Chrysalis chuckled. "What would I do without my loyal changelings?"