They stood in the hallway, Sunrise staring sadly at the elegantly graven doors before them. It had been surprising how much food and another nap had done for her, though she suspected that once this was all over, she might have the galloping come-aparts all over again.
It was like waiting in the wings, she thought, those few times she'd performed on stage. Shakespeare in the Park, a few small performances where they hadn't asked too many questions. She could feel that little bite of nervousness, like then, just enough to keep her sharp. The shakes and the real freakout, ironically, generally came after the performance itself.
Still. She'd liked it better back when the doors had led to royal tea, and she hadn't had to pretend.
The guards to either side silently opened the ancient portals, allowing Luna and Sunrise entrance. Before, this had been the cozy little room with portraits on the walls, comfy furniture surrounding a short brown table – and a few side tables as well – for plates and platters of food. Sometimes the tea set was silver, sometimes it was china (or whatever the equivalent was on Equus; Sunrise had somehow never gotten around to asking). Apparently, Luna had collected tea sets in the centuries before her exile, though she seemed to have fallen out of the habit now. Gold-colored crystals had glowed warmly from the candelabra above, bathing all within in a gentle, flattering light. In the corners and occasionally along the walls, small ornamental tables had held books, art, little conversational pieces.
But now, gone were the casual furniture, the gentle lighting, the short-legged table of silver, tea and munchies. Instead, the room was brightly lit by white crystals in the chandelier above, and the surrounding sconces as well. The windows, sometimes open in clear weather, sometimes closed for rain, were now covered by heavy crimson curtains, intricately embroidered with ancient glyphs and symbols providing additional protection against teleportation, scrying, and a variety of other possibilities Sunrise did not recognize.
In the center of the otherwise barren room was the Cutie Mark Map from Twilight's castle. Whether it had survived Sunrise's spells through durability or luck she didn't know, but she was glad to see it intact and unmarred. Upon the table's surface, various semi-transparent symbols and counters glowed and shifted as Celestia and Cadence continued to discuss strategy, both of them wearing a seriousness Sunrise had not seen on them before.
Once warm and inviting, now the room seemed massive and severe. Cold. Even intimidating.
Meanwhile, the guard ponies outside continued keeping a watchful eye on the corridor. They had complete faith in their princess' abilities, of course. And if the Two Sisters said that their spells would prevent the Changelings' deceptions within the Palace, well then, that was all the proof they needed.
But just the same, all of them had heard what had happened in Ponyville and in the Crystal Palace. And if by life or by death they could save or aid the princesses they loved, they would.
As the doors closed behind them, Sunrise and Luna exchanged glad embraces with Celestia and Cadence, and after a few pleasantries the four began discussing the grim matter before them. Occasionally, one of them would move some of the mystical markers on Twilight's Cutie Mark Map to correspond with some new tactic or proposition; a spontaneously-grown means of spreading the joys of mutual love, trust, and respect now converted by its matriarchs into a tool for war.
Ultimately, though, the tactical breakdown was relatively brief. Trained ponies on the ground would be better able to handle the minutia of war than rulers far away from the field. And the source of Changeling intel, whoever it was, was one that the princesses trusted implicitly. But it was a sad and terrifying matter just the same, especially concerning the Changeling Queen herself, and Sunrise was glad when they started summarizing their final plan.
“...and, of course,” Luna was saying, “our pegasi and earth ponies in that region should stymie her forces in the Galloping Gorge, before they reach Chicoltgo. Ultimately, our ponies should be able to weaken or even neutralize them.”
Cadence nodded, adding, “Then the Crystal Ponies, led by Shining Armor, should be able to come in from the north, and catch them in a pincer maneuver.”
Then, gesturing at a small, almost hidden blank space in the badlands to the south, Celestia added, “These efforts aided, of course, by Cadence and myself having infiltrated their hive and rescued their prisoners, destroying the device that's protecting it from our detection spells.”
Sunrise nodded, her brow furrowed in thought. “Mmm.”
“From there, our generals should be able to coordinate their ponies into a unifying force,” Luna continued. “They shall meet their foes in the Prairies, even as our Palace- and Ponyville-based forces meet them from the other side, thus trapping the Changelings and forcing them into surrender.”
“And the hive should be secured well before then,” Celestia reminded them all. “Using a ritual based on Twilight's anti-changeling spell, she, I, and all available unicorn mages will create as large an area as possible that will eliminate the Changelings' shape-shifting powers.”
Sunrise looked at her, eyebrows raised. “Wait, I must have missed that detail. All the unicorn mages?”
Celestia gave a good-natured shrug. “Well, excepting yourself, as you're needed elsewhere. It's a powerful spell. And, unlike the original version placed on the palaces and castles years ago, it needs to cover an area of many miles.”
“Sounds dangerous.”
Celestia looked a little uncomfortable. "Well, a ritual of such power will involve partially merging all of our magical essence for the ritual's duration, so, yes, it is. It'll require continual concentration, and careful dismissal afterwards to avoid injury to those taking part. But we know now that Chrysalis herself, at least, can ignore the original spell. And, we know that at least some of her people have talismans to help them resist it."
"It was only because we used the Crystal Heart as a focus for it back home that her agents were found in time," Cadence said softly. "It overpowered their amulets, but not by much. We need a similar degree of power here."
Luna nodded grimly. “It may be that those were the only such amulets made. But we cannot afford to underestimate the Changelings. Nor their queen. I agree: in this case, more is better.”
Nodding, Cadence continued, “In addition, unlike Twilight's original spell, the ritual will prevent the Changelings' ability to sense and feed upon emotions. So any hold-outs, saboteurs, or would-be sixth columns should be foiled before they even begin, and forced to retreat even if in hiding.”
Sunrise nodded, still frowning a little. "What's the range?"
"It is impossible to be sure until it is cast," Luna admitted. "And it may not affect Chrysalis anyway. But it should at least cover most of the fighting."
"Wait." Sunrise pointed to a southern part of the map, where tiny red images of Changelings glowed dully. “What about this bleak area, over here?"
"Oh, that'll definitely be covered," Cadence said.
"No, I mean... that's a lot of Changelings.”
Luna nodded. “It is. According to our source, that part of the swarm will cut west to avoid Appleoosa, in an effort to maintain surprise against us.”
“Right. So... why no ponies there, guys? It looks like all you've got there is...” She squinted, and finished, "One house?"
Celestia barely glanced where she pointed. “Oh, don't worry about them. That’s the Pie farm. They’ll be fine.”
Sunrise stared, aghast. “Wait. Did... did you just say... what I think you just said?”
Puzzled, now it was Celestia’s turn to frown. “Why? What did you think I said?”
“That we weren’t going to bother defending an entire front - and the ponies who live there - because it’s just a rock farm. I mean, we're not seriously just leaving them flank-out, right?"
The princesses blinked, looked at one another… then, they began to laugh.
Sunrise swallowed, a terrible chill overtaking her.
While the other three mares laughed, Sunrise quickly bathed the room in a brilliant cyan, readying herself for anything.
But when the spell subsided, nothing had changed.
The young unicorn paused, uncertain. If there were any Changelings in the room, Twilight’s Trueform spell should have revealed them.
But then, there was the matter of the amulets that Cadence had mentioned.
Assuming that even was Cadence.
Oh, God...
But the other mares exchanged a look of sudden understanding, and Luna placed a gentle hoof upon her lover's withers even as Sunrise started to step back, to open her mouth to call for help.
“Oh, dear heart, forgive us,” Luna smiled. “I sometimes forget, despite everything, that you were not born here. Yes, the Pies will be fine."
Celestia added, "We've already sent word to them that enemies will be on their doorstep soon, along with some special rations."
"Rubies," Cadence assured her, "of the highest purity and size."
Then, looking into Sunrise's eyes, Luna added softly, "Mark on my word, my love, their defense shall want for nothing.”
For a moment, Sunrise still stared at her, frowning. Then, understanding dawned.
“They’re lithophages,” she said at last. “Earth ponies who still follow the old ways, from the Age of Chaos before your reign.”
Cadence nodded.
“They still eat stone,” she said. “And, like dragons – our brave and noble Spike, for example – they draw power and strength from what they eat, and store it until needed. Any stone empowers them, of course. Gems most of all.”
Sunrise stared at her. “But... I thought rock eating had died out.”
“Not quite," Celestia said. "Remember Stygian’s notes on the subject.”
Still smiling, the ancient alicorn intoned, “The path of the lithophage is a nearly forgotten one. Like many ancient traditions and much esoteric knowledge, its loss is a tragedy. Honor those few who yet keep the old ways, for one never knows when they may be needed again.”
“And the Pies have kept the old ways.” Sunrise said.
“Yes.”
“Pinkie Pie’s family has kept the tradition alive.”
“They have.”
“Pinkie Pie’s family,” Sunrise said again. “Pinkie's personal kin.”
“Yes.”
“The Pie family.”
“Correct.”
“The family of Pie.”
“So far as we know, they are the last,” Celestia said, greatly amused. “But sometimes, the last are the strongest of all.”
“Well,” Sunrise blinked, shaking her head. “I’ll be grinched.”
Chuckling, Luna kissed her gently on the cheek.
“So, then,” Celestia said with smile. “I guess that concludes our planning session.”
Considering, Cadence asked, “Unless, you think Pinkie Pie would like to join her family there?”
Luna shrugged, glancing at her sister. “That does seem a little like overkill. But if you think she can be spared, I see no reason why not.”
Celestia nodded. “Oh, I think so.”
Then, contemplating her young friend, Celestia asked, “Sunny?”
Sunrise, meanwhile, was re-examining the map, obviously still ill at ease.
“So, is it just me,” she finally said, “or is this just a little too easy for comfort?”
The three princesses exchanged a glance, then gave near-identical shrugs.
“We’re taking the threat of the Changelings very seriously,” Celestia said. “Please don’t misunderstand that. They’re deadly foes, and their queen… well, you’ve met their queen.”
“Yeah,” Sunrise agreed, shuddering.
“But at the same time, our powers are far greater than hers,” Luna explained. “And the might of ponykind is far greater than that of the hive. The Changelings' abilities are best suited towards subterfuge, not open conflict. And their greatest advantage – the ability to change shape and gain surprise on us – will effectively have been robbed from them in most sectors of the war. Additionally, their hundreds must now face our thousands. And our army can fight not only with weapons, but with sorcery, and as a last resort even the weather itself. And they'll have no path open for retreat.”
Celestia took up the narrative again, saying, “Had Chrysalis learned and adapted since our last encounter, as we have, the matter might have gone very differently. Indeed, it could have been worse than the Crystal War.”
Her gaze wandered then, as she revisited memories filled with regret.
Cadence looked away sadly, adding, “Granted, she might have succeeded in Ponyville if not for your courage. And without the additional protections Twilight and Luna had placed within my palace, my ponies would be in terrible danger. Not to mention...”
She stopped, unable to continue, and the other three mares went to her, each putting a gentle arm around her withers. Cadence embraced them all, burying her face in Luna's flowing mane.
“Thank you,” she managed.
In response, Luna and Celestia hugged her a little tighter.
“Your daughter's gonna be okay,” Sunrise whispered to the crystal monarch. “I promise.”
Turning her head, Cadence smiled at her through her tears. “I know.”
The four of them continued the embrace for a moment longer, then finally parted. After a moment, Luna turned to Sunrise.
“Regarding your earlier concerns,” Luna said, “the challenge in war, for Equestria, has rarely been that of victory. It can be, and it might have been now had things been different. But most often, the challenge is how to gain that victory with minimal loss of life. On either side.”
“Yeah, just one thing,” Sunrise said.
“What's that?” Celestia asked.
“Chrysalis is nucking futs, sure, but she’s not stupid. And she’s not after power. She just wants you guys to suffer. And she’s willing to destroy anything, even herself, to get that. Are you sure there’s nothing you’ve overlooked?”
“Of course not,” Luna smiled. “One can never be completely sure. That is part of the reason you are here, my love.”
Gesturing to the map, she continued, “The Elements – minus Twilight and Pinkie Pie – will lead their forces in the northwest. The Pies will neutralize the other half of Chrysalis’ pincer to the south. Our Canterlot and Ponyville forces, guided by myself, will handle whatever threats remain in this area. Then they will join the Elements and their ponies at the Galloping Gorge.
“But before that, our first force must needs secure the hive. Once that is done, Tia, Cadence and Twilight, along with the assembled unicorns, shall enact Twilight’s ritual, allowing for other victories. You shall remain here, to continue your work aiding and defending the wounded and the noncombatants.”
“No place I’d rather be,” Sunrise smiled, “aside from with you.”
Then, her smile faded.
“My point is, this is going to get messy,” she sighed. “That's not the right word. Maybe horrific would be better.”
Feeling less sure of herself by the moment, she pressed on, “I know you guys know a lot more about this than I do. So, maybe I shouldn't even say this. It's just... I feel like you keep acting like you're going up against rational beings, here. And, um, I don't think you are. And I don't know enough to guess how that's going to muck things up... but...”
And then she sighed again, finishing with, “I just... I don't think you're going to have the surrender fest you expect. Especially if they've got no place to run.”
Luna smiled as well.
“Our strategy has the advantage that it can be altered at a moment's notice,” she assured her. “As, most likely, it will need to be. Though most likely we will, in fact, be able to end this war with a 'surrender fest.' After all, Equestria has long had a reputation of not only taking prisoners, but healing them and treating them well afterwards. And once established, that reputation has always aided us in such times.
“Additionally, should anything go awry or new information present itself within and around the palace, the link betwixt thee and I will allow each the other to let know and adjust accordingly. And outside the palace, Tia, Twilight, and Cadence can also easily call to me.
“I, meanwhile, am the fastest among us, save perhaps for Tia. I am of little use near the hive until the source of their magic-nullifying power is destroyed, of course. So I shall remain in the palace, at least for a while. And afterwards, I shall be wherever in our lands I may be needed.”
Then her eyes narrowed, as she said, “That is, once I have dealt with the last.”
Sunrise nodded again, and swallowed, looking down.
“Yeah,” she said. “Um, about that.”
Feeling suddenly very aware that she was addressing a room full of queens, two of them many times her elder, she swallowed again. Then, she forced herself to face Luna.
Yet, here was not the face of an immortal or a queen. Here was the face of the mare she adored, returning her gaze with love and concern.
And, in those eyes, Sunrise found the strength to speak.
“I want you to spare Chrysalis,” she said.
Luna stared, mouth open.
Celestia and Cadence exchanged a glance but said nothing, their expressions unreadable.
Finally, Luna found her voice, though it was a whisper, calm but astonished.
“What?”
“Yeah,” Sunrise nodded, still looking into those beautiful eyes. “So long as she can be captured, or she surrenders, or flees, or does anything but attack, I want you to let her live. When this is all over, if she can spared, at all, Chrysalis lives.”
Still, Luna stared, and Sunrise went to her, put her arms around her as she spoke.
“I know you can take her out,” she said softly into Luna's mane. “And God knows you want to. So do I. But I'm asking anyway. Please.”
Sunrise felt Luna returning her embrace even while asking, “But... why?”
“I know you grew up in a rougher time. You had to make a lot of hard choices just to survive. And that didn't stop when you were crowned. I know that. But nopony can just slaughter someone and walk away unscathed. And that means that, even after all these years, killing her would hurt you.”
"But, she..."
"I know," Sunrise said, giving a slight extra squeeze as she added, “And I know it's unfair for me to ask. I know that. But... I'm asking anyway.”
Luna's voice was almost a whisper.
“And if I say no?”
Sunrise pulled away slightly, smoothed Luna's mane away from her face.
“Then I will be there with you, every step of the way,” she said. “And I will love you just as much, and just as hard, no matter what you do.”
Luna shook her head, looking away. “I do not wish for you to see me like that.”
“There's no part of you that isn't beautiful, sweet heart,” Sunrise answered. “I love your shadows, and your light. The parts of you that comfort, and the parts that cut. I love all of you. Every bit. And you're not facing that kind of choice alone.”
She raised her hoof to Luna's cheek, gently guiding her immortal lover to look at her as she spoke.
“Not ever again.”
Luna looked back at her, her expression softening into a sad smile. Then she sighed, and lowered her head.
“My word, my love,” she whispered.
Sunrise kissed her gently on the base of her horn. “Don't need it.”
“Well, thou hast anyway!" Luna exclaimed, grabbing Sunrise and hugging her more fiercely than before. "Ah, my darling, my love, whatever did I do to deserve thee in my life?”
She could hear the grin in Sunrise's voice as she hugged her back, saying, “I dunno. Probably something awesome.”
Luna gave a kind of snorting noise, and then she was laughing, and Sunrise was laughing with her. Suddenly, Sunrise gave a snort herself, and covered her own mouth, eyes wide in surprise. Then the room filled with the laughter of all four mares, ebbing, flowing, and eventually coming to rest with the four of them clasping each other once again in a glad embrace.
The meeting had been arranged so early, in part, so that the four would have ample time. Both to plan, and to prepare themselves for what was to come. And, happily, they had successfully erred on the side of caution. Small talk was made and laughter was shared, even as the many-colored figures of light on the map were erased.
But as the hour approached, Cadence began pacing. She seemed more furtive, edging almost towards a panic.
Finally, the other three mares exchanged a look of concern, and Celestia asked, “Cadence?”
Cadence started, staring like something hunted. “Aunt Celestia... Luna... I... I don't think I can do this!”
Luna stepped forward. “Then spare thyself. Do not try.”
“I'm sorry, I just--”
Celestia also stepped to her, and both sisters put a comforting wing across her shoulders.
“It's alright,” Celestia said. “We'll cover for you.”
“But--”
“We have this,” Luna assured her.
“Yeah, we get it,” Sunrise added. “Seriously. We'll see you later.”
Outside, a lone set of hooves could be heard, walking daintily upon the ancient stone floor as they came ever closer.
Frantically, Cadence looked from her aunt to her crystaller, and then to Sunrise.
“You'd better go,” Sunrise said.
There was a flash of blue light, and Cadence was gone.
A moment later, the great doors opened, and Princess Twilight Sparkle entered the room.