Chrysalis awoke in an unfamiliar place. This, however, had become the norm for the last year. Ever since she and her changelings had been ejected from Canterlot, they had wandered across the land, seeking for somewhere, anywhere to live. Everywhere they went, they were met with hostility and violence. Even when they tried to disguise themselves, they were driven away as soon as the ponies realized who they really were. Sometimes, they even came across groups of other changelings who had settled down in an area and begun to live there. However, Chrysalis herself was often driven from these settlements, the changelings there claiming that she was the source of their current troubles. Scattered and homeless, the changelings travelling with Chrysalis often went to live in these settlements. But on Chrysalis travelled, until one day, she found herself quite alone. Onwards still, she journeyed, seeking a home, company, and perhaps, while she might not be entitled to happiness, a little contentment at least. She walked clear across Equestria, until she found herself in the pine forests north of Vanhoover. There, with winter setting in and nowhere to stay, she collapsed. The last thing she felt was snow drifting gently down to land on her as she lay on the cold ground.
But now she was here. Somewhere…warm. And soft. Chrysalis opened her eyes and slowly looked around. She was lying in a bed, in a small, cozy room. A fire burned in a hearth next to the bed. The room was dome shaped, without windows, but it had a door across from the bed. There was a glass on a table next to the bed. Chrysalis tried to pick it up but found that she could barely move her hooves. She tried to lift it with her magic, but only succeeded in knocking it over. The glass fell to the floor with a clink, and the water inside spilled out.
At the sound of the glass hitting the floor, the door opened and a young mare walked in. She was an earth pony with a pale honey-colored coat and a light green mane and tail. When Chrysalis saw her, she struggled to get up. The pony hurried to her bedside.
“Shh, shh,” she said. “Try not to move. You’re weak and you need to rest.”
“Wh- who are …” Chrysalis managed.
“My name is Eden. I’m a friend. I found you laying in the snow and brought you here to get you warm. I think that you were out there all night. Just stay here and I’ll be back with some soup.” With that, the strange pony picked up the glass on the floor and left.
Chrysalis tried to get up, but soon realized that Eden was right. She was far too weak to move much. She lay back and contemplated what was happening. She had thought that she was going to die out there, alone in the snow. But this strange pony had found her, brought her into her home and cared for her. But why would she do that? Everypony had heard the news. About Canterlot, The wedding, her attack and defeat, and her exile. Even this…Eden…must have heard about her…right? But then, if she did know who she was, why would she help her?
Her reverie was cut short by the door reopening and Eden entering bearing a tray, upon which was a bowl of soup. She set the tray down on the bedside table, next to Chrysalis and picked up a spoon.
“Alright, now let’s see if we can get some food into you,” she said. She held the spoon full of soup up to Chrysalis’ mouth. Chrysalis hesitated. Was this pony to be trusted? She sill didn’t know why she was helping her. But the soup smelled good, and Chrysalis realized that she was starving. She opened her mouth and allowed Eden to pour the soup in. A rich broth, salty and delicious met her tongue. She swallowed, and felt the hot soup slide into her stomach.
Eden stood by her patiently and calmly fed her the soup until it was all gone. When the bowl was empty, Chrysalis lay back upon her pillows. Her belly was more full than it had been in months. Eden picked up the bowl and spoon and returned them to the tray. She stood next to Chrysalis and told her “I know that you must have many questions, and I will do my best to answer them, but right now you need sleep. We will talk again in the morning.” With that, she blew out the candle on the bedside table, picked up the tray, and walked to the door.
“Th- thank you,” Chrysalis stuttered. Eden turned around and smiled at Chrysalis.
“I knew that you would like the soup,” she stated. “It’s made with love.” With that, she walked out, closing the door behind her.