//------------------------------//
// Lost by Knight of Lycaeus (Story) 
// Story: Tainted Love: A Twysalis Prompt Tag Collab 
// by Foals Errand 
//------------------------------//

by Knight of Lycaeus

"Let's review each Princess and their Court, this information could be useful to arguing in your favour." Twilight said.

Twilight and Chrysalis were seated in the spacious library of the Crystal Oaks they had been reviewing the last two weeks and the growing number of possible opportunities for Changelings in pony society for the last hour. Now they were preparing for when the Princess of Equestria and the Crystal Empress would convene in two week's time.

Twilight pointed to a file labelled with a crescent moon, "Each file contains information for each member of the Courts, reading it over should help familiarize you with them. But I'll start with some quick overview beginning with Luna. The Lunar Court and Luna should be the easiest, that Court has probably the most diverse members in regards to species and occupation. As well Luna is one who tends to be direct, fitting as she was once the Bearer of Honesty, but she also looks well on being respectful not grovelling. Luna also certainly understands being granted a second chance."

"So the Lunar Court should be no trouble and Princess Luna herself prefers being direct and straightforward, a show of respect works best with her." Chrysalis said summing up Twilight's brief overview.

Twilight nodded and pointed towards a sun labelled file, "Celestia is very understanding and is willing to give amnesty if you can explain your case well, her Court may have some problems. Most of them were present in Canterlot during the failed invasion and were not happy at being injured or imprisoned, as well there are a few traditionalists which could likewise make it more difficult."

Chrysalis sighed, the Solar Court was the one she figured would be the most trouble and right now it seemed like they would, "Her Court will be difficult but Princess Celestia is more reasonable so long as the argument presented is well-balanced.", Chrysalis continuing her summarizations.

Twilight then pointed to heart marked file, "The Crystal Empire is young, recently returned from a thousand years disappearance. They're not fond of tyrants given their recent history but they shouldn't object much to your plea. Cadance wouldn't turn you away in spite of what she might feel for Changelings personally." Twilight sighed, "The biggest problem however is the Captain of the Crystal Guard, he's also the Emperor

"What problem does he have with Changeli...." Chrysalis paused as comprehension dawned, "It's Shining Armour, isn't it?"

Twilight gave a weary nod, "Shining Armour, Shiny. My loving, caring, wonderful brother....", Twilight sighed and slumped over, "my stubborn, thick-headed, overprotective brother.... He doesn't like Changelings, he doesn't like me being in danger, so naturally he despises this current situation of you and your Hive being in my custody. This is why he sent ten Crystal Guards over, he likely would have sent an entire battalion if Cadance hadn't convinced him otherwise." Twilight sighed again, "He's the biggest concern among those in the Crystal Court, he likely won't want to listen to your case and will likely be against it. Otherwise you should be fine."

Lastly Twilight pointed to a star marked file, "Lastly my Court, you've met them. Pinkie, Fluttershy, Rarity, and myself are on you side. Applejack still has doubts about you but present it right and she'll go with it."

Chrysalis sighed, "I still have two others to contend with."

"I was hoping to find Rainbow and get her to calm down but she's been surprisingly elusive. Spike downright ignores you, he's also been avoiding us mostly you though." Twilight rubbed her head feeling the building headache, "Unfortunately like my brother they're also stubborn."

Twilight rose planning to leave for some fresh air when Chrysalis stopped her, "I have one thing to ask."

Twilight sat back down and nodded.

"Why?" Chrysalis had been starting to warmup to staying here once she saw how the Hive had been doing but she was still weary of some its more bizarre residents. One thing still confused her and she needed answers, "Why would you help me? For the Collective, I was a problem and not worth dealing with and it was why I and the Hive were Outcasted. A lost cause was what every other Hive Royals called me, they felt my aggressive attitude was pointless and dangerous. I had lost, you had beat me in what Changelings are good at, disguise and infiltration; you held us in custody as refugees when you could have held us as your prisoners. You said to me I had been deemed a war criminal and yet you have helped me, why?"

Twilight just sat there, the question was not one she had expected Chrysalis to ask. She thought on the question before she came up with the answer, "One thing I have learned these past few years is the importance of forgiveness and second chances" Twilight said starting off slowly, "You know that my friends and I were the Bearers of the Elements of Harmony. What few know was how we met. I've learned how important friendship is and it took five bizarre yet wonderful mares and a looming return of a powerful alicorn for me to learn that."

"I've heard the Bearers defeated Nightmare Moon, are you telling me it was through chance?" Chrysalis asked.

"In a way yes but also no, I think we were linked together long before we actually met. I used to be a social recluse and if it weren't for five insistent mares I would have likely failed. They stood by me as we faced threat after ancient threat, together we turn Discord back to stone, we reformed him, forgave him, we helped to defeat Sombra and you, together we return Tirek to his prison. They've stood by me through dangerous threats and the general mayhem of life in Ponyville. I've messed up, my friends have messed up, we all in the end forgave each other."

"Where is this going?" Chrysalis interrupted as she was not seeing the point of this.

"I've learned forgiveness is not earned but given, I have to admit not being fond of Changelings given what had happened but I've come to enjoy you and the Hive being around. There are ponies, I and others who are willing to give you a second chance. To give you and the Hive a fresh start. Celestia has been my teacher and mentor for almost two decades, she strives for the same thing and it is one of her lesser known achievements. Equestria is strong to defends its citizen but it is also safe, a sanctuary and there have been others in situations like your's that she has welcomed." Twilight stood up and walked over to Chrysalis looking her in the eyes, "I'm privy to more of Equestria's history than most and I know how.... bloody the early history was." Twilight sighed, "Celestia has worked to change perceptions, she does not want to be reminded of the bloody eras. Perhaps I am imitating her but I know how important forgiveness is. I'm helping you, Chrysalis, because everyone should get a second chance even if they don't always deserve one. Tirek and Sombra have been exceptions but neither was willing to ask and both were set in their desire for power and conquest."

Chrysalis sat silent, thinking of what Twilight just said. 'It does seem ponies are big on the whole forgiveness and second chance thing. Maybe things would work out in the end.'.

"If you have the chance, speak to Discord." Twilight added.

Chrysalis was about to ask why when a blur crashed though the window.

A rainbow maned mare slowly rose from the floor, "Sorry ab-" The new arrival locked eyes on Chrysalis, "You!", the mare than propelled herself forward using her wings.