//------------------------------// // Epilogue // Story: I Am Her Servant // by Arreis Of Avalon //------------------------------// Once upon a time, in a land far far away, there was a gloomy and destitute kingdom. It was the kingdom of the changelings, a race that fed on what others cherished. But that did not mean they did not cherish it – They simply needed it for survival, and could run out of it. And, in time, they did run out. They began to starve. That is when their ways were lost. That is when we lost our ability to make love – It was when we became greedy and needy for more. In our search for more and more love, we lost what we once had. What we could obtain again, if only someone would try. And somepony did. His name was Eacko. And I loved him. My name is Chrysalis. I am the Queen of the Changelings. The Changelings thrive now. They thrive upon knowing they can feed themselves, they can love. I showed them this upon my return from Canterlot. They learned, in time, to love one another. But I learned that love comes with pain – The pain of loss of the one you truly love. Eacko allowed himself to die in my place, so that I could save my race… So that I could be Queen, so that he would never have to see me die… But, oh, how I miss him. Even as I write this letter, I think of him. And why do I write this letter, the reader might ask, whomever you may be? Simple. I am dying. I have n’er admitted my love till now. For, if I had, it could be used as a weakness. Ties with Pony kind have been strengthening, but one false move and they may attack. I wish they would not, for they remind me of my love. Their simple ways, their kindness… I write this letter with faltering breath, but I must say this – If not for Eacko, I would not be queen. Even as he saved me from certain death, I had felt he condemned me. I had learned of love, and now would never have it in my grasp. I could n’er love again, not with him having stolen my heart away. I remember staring at my crown, tears filling my eyes. I remember raising my hoof to throw it, thinking of all the pain it had caused. My race had been starving. My love died because of the crown. I could never rule, with my loves blood on my hooves. I know you can be a good queen. Those words saved my kingdom. Even beyond the grave, he reached out to me. His words echoed in my ears. He knew who I was, had spent every waking moment of his life thinking of me and what we could truly be. Who would know better than he? I know you can be a good queen. I held the crown, crying – But I held it nonetheless. And now, that crown slips from my hooves to the next in line… I must say, I am relieved. It grew heavy as time went on – Isn’t that how it always works with crowns? Perhaps Celestia would know… My love… I take my final breaths writing to you. You will never read this letter, for you are gone… But I wish… I hope… As I lie, dying… I hope to see you again… simply to say... Hello, my love. -Chrysalis, his queen.