//------------------------------// // Chapter Two: This is Stupid // Story: A Very Merry Chrysalis // by dungeonguy88 //------------------------------// The last few hours had turned out to be...tolerable for Chrysalis. Celestia had followed through upon her promise of hot cocoa and other chocolate-y goods, and then some. Celestia's 'little cafe' had also been a welcome respite from the cold weather for the changeling, and that could have been enough to improve her mood a bit on it's own. That the owner of this little cafe had managed to keep his holiday cheer in-check and the decorations modest, had been a surprising relief as well. The reasonably professional manner in which his employees had conducted themselves around the Changeling Queen, had been rather pleasant, as well. While Chrysalis was rarely inclined to give any mind to the reactions of ponies at her presence, that they had not spent half of their time gawking or cowering had been a mark in their favor. The best part was still the chocolate. So much so, that Celestia had not been able to convince Chrysalis to leave, until after purchasing several more cups of cocoa to carry with them into the cold. Rather amazingly, none of the ponies actually working in the cafe remarked upon or seem to pay overly much mind to the Changeling Queen's obsessive fondness for their chocolate-based offerings. Quite a few of the other customers, however, had to deal with having their perceptions of the dreaded Queen of the Changelings being radically undermined. Much to Princess Celestia's quiet amusement. Rumors were going to be flying about Canterlot over the next few days. Not that Chrysalis cared, as she sipped down the contents of the last of the disposable cups that Celestia had purchased for her. As far as she was concerned, any pony that could not understand her appreciation for chocolate was beyond reasoning with. And, amazingly enough, she had managed to stretch out her beverages throughout the remaining few hours until they were meant to attend the Hearth's Warming Eve play. The two guardponies accompanying them had, rather embarrassingly, gone through each of their cups of hot cocoa within the first half-hour. Still, hot cocoa could do only so much. As Chrysalis had surmised, Celestia's desire to mingle with and interact with her ponies, had lead to a terribly dull few hours. Predictably, Chrysalis stood upon the sidelines and, thankfully, Celestia let her, only extending the occasional unspoken offer to join in with the odd introduction or question. More than once she had considered becoming more involved in the socializing with the ponies they ran into, if only to watch said ponies squirm. But, for the most part she quietly watched, and little more, offering only perfunctory responses to Celestia's questions. ...There were a couple of instances where the Changeling Queen's patience ran out. Once or twice some pony would wear out their welcome, by running at the mouth and otherwise dragging out the whole affair even longer. Which, quite naturally, lead to Celestia quietly chastising her for subtly driving them off. As far as she was concerned, if the ponies in question were unwilling to weather the pointed glares Chrysalis sent their way, then clearly whatever they wished to say to the alicorn wasn't that important. Telling her as much, had led to the Princess swiping one of Chrysalis' reserve cups of hot cocoa. On the other hoof, that...unfortunate run-in with a pair of particularly snooty, supposedly aristocratic, unicorns had not earned Chrysalis any such punishment. As it happened, most ponies outside of Canterlot Castle itself, were rather unaware of how...friendly the two monarchs really were with one another, leading to this couple to believe that it would only be appropriate to send a few subtle insults in the Changeling Queen's direction. While these had not seemed like the most perceptive of individuals to begin with, their staggering inability to notice Celestia's growing displeasure had been impressive in it's own right. Though, now that she thought about it, most ponies did not seem to be especially gifted when it came to reading Celestia's moods. 'Maybe it's just me?' In any event, Chrysalis was quite certain that this pair nearly wet themselves, when Celestia quietly excused herself, leaving them alone in her company. That had been an amusing couple of minutes. Though Chrysalis had never been very fond of such mixed messages. She sends a few quiet glares towards one group of annoying ponies, and she loses her cocoa. But she reduces another pair of annoying ponies to tears with her mere presence, and she receives nary a word of scolding from Celestia. ...How was this fair? She supposed it didn't really matter. The time for this very traditional Hearth's Warming Eve play was swiftly approaching, and Chrysalis had managed to extract a firm promise from Celestia that after sitting though it, that would be end of their day. She had put up with worse experiences for much longer than this, and at least in this instance, she got the occasional few minutes alone with Celestia. Like now, for instance. “Chryssie. I'm telling you...I think you have had quite enough chocolate for today.” Celestia told the changeling at her side in a firm tone. “No. I had enough chocolate for today. But then you had to have a little fit over my not putting up with that mare that couldn't stop talking.” Chrysalis countered. Celestia had to roll her eyes at this, before turning back towards Chrysalis “Honestly, I'm surprised you haven't made yourself sick already.” “You said that I could have as much as I wanted. You cannot blame me for accepting your offer.” Chrysalis primly countered. “It's not healthy, Chrysalis.” Celestia insisted. “Perhaps not for your soft and...squishy little ponies. However, you'll note that I am none of those things. Neither soft and squishy or a pony.” Chrysalis replied, without concern. Celestia pursed her lips at this, mildly perturbed, before a thought visibly occurred to her. The Princess smiled to herself “Well...not yet, at least.” “What?” “Oh, it's nothing. You're right Chrysalis, I did promise to let you have as much as you wanted.” Celestia serenely replied. Chrysalis narrowed her eyes at this “...And?” “And, you should absolutely feel free to eat what you wish, Chrysalis, without my attempting to dictate your eating habits for you.” Celestia continued. “...And?” Chrysalis again asked, certain that there was something more the Princess wished to say. “And, I don't mind at all if my favorite changeling in the whole world ends up becoming a bit...soft.” Celestia said. “Soft?!” Chrysalis barked, coming to a sudden stop as she did so. “And squishy.” Celestia added, before using a hoof give a playful poke to the Changeling Queen's side. Backing away as she pushed Celestia's hoof away, it took her a moment to process what had just been suggested “Wha- I am NOT becoming squishy!!” This started to draw some stares from passing ponies, as their quiet conversation devolved into a very loud discussion about personal squishiness. “Now, now, Chryssie, there's no need for shouting. I already told you, I'm not going to judge.” Celestia teased. Chrysalis glanced down at her own body, as if to prove that she wasn't getting...squishy. A moment later, she shook those thoughts from her head before sending a glare the Princess' way “As if you are one to talk! I am well-aware of your little Royal Dessert budget!” Princess Celestia furrowed her brow at this “I-...the Dessert budget isn't that large...” “Oh, really? And just how many full-time bakers do you keep on staff?” Chrysalis pressed with a smirk, finally sensing that she had gotten the upper-hoof. “Just enough for day-to-day baking needs!” Celestia defended. “I see...” Chrysalis replied with a chuckle. Celestia pursed her lips at this, in mild annoyance “You do know that we've had to expand the Dessert budget by about 15% since your arrival...” Chrysalis merely turned up her nose at this remark. Celestia took note of the growing crowd of ponies watching this strange scene, before loosing a sigh “Well...as I said, you are perfectly free to go on your little chocolate binge, if you so choose.” “You think I'm going on a binge?” Chrysalis asked. “In any event, we really should be on our way.” Celestia noted, as she began to canter forward once more. Celestia was easily making progress down the street, and had only just noted another group of ponies rounding a corner, when Chrysalis darted in front of her. “Oh my!” A mare squeaked at the sudden sight of the Changeling Queen, though Chrysalis did not pay any mind. “I am not going on a binge.” Celestia blinked at this, surprised by the forcefulness of Chrysalis' words. “And there is nothing wrong with me, that would lead me to going on a binge...I told you I'm fine.” Chrysalis huffed out with unexpected anger. After several moments of silence, Celestia nodded her head “Of course, Chryssie.” “What?” Chrysalis asked. “I don't mind you your eating habits, and I certainly don't think there is anything wrong with you. I was merely teasing a bit...I didn't mean to upset you.” Celestia also wasn't exactly sure why this was so upsetting for the Changeling Queen, though she kept that to herself for now. She knew it could be terribly difficult dragging anything out of Chrysalis, especially if it was something that bothered her. “...You didn't upset me.” Chrysalis replied, glancing off to the side. “If you say so, Chrysalis.” Celestia conceded with a small smile. “Excuse me, your Highness?” A stallion's voice called from the side. Both Chrysalis and Celestia turned towards the voice and it's owner, a rather healthy, and familiar, stallion with a copper-colored coat and a dark gray mane and tail. Clinging to his side anxiously, was a unicorn mare sporting a lilac coat, and a mane and tail of pale blue and bright-yellow arranged in eye-catching style. And peeking out from just behind the mare's leg was a young colt, with a dull-red coat and a hot-pink mane and tail each sporting blue streaks. It was Celestia that recognized the stallion first “Lieutenant Stalwart, this is a pleasant surprise.” It took Chrysalis a moment to recognize him, not used to seeing the Earth pony stallion out of his armor, though his half-lidded gaze gave him away. It was Stalwart Gaze. Not the most annoying pony Chrysalis had ever met. Most of the staff and guardsponies around Canterlot Castle itself had seemed to acclimate rather quickly to her presence, trusting in their Princess so much that they scarcely batted an eye at the Changeling Queen anymore. Stalwart Gaze had never batted an eye at all, maintaining his composure and professionalism from the start. Even some of her changelings could learn something about discipline from this stallion. “A pleasure and an honor, as you say, your Highness.” Stalwart Gaze returned, with a nod of his head towards Princess Celestia. Chrysalis was mildly surprised when he turned and nodded towards herself “And to you, Queen Chrysalis.” Celestia accepted the gesture with a graceful nod in return “And I do hope you are enjoying your holiday.” “Yes, your Highness...Though, if you are through with your discussion with Queen Chrysalis, my family needs to make use of this street.” Stalwart Gaze replied, leaving the mare at his side looking aghast. A moment later the mare slapped his side, earning a placid “Ow” from the stallion. “Stalwart, you cannot possibly be that impolite to Princess Celestia!” The mare scolded, having forgotten her earlier anxiety. It returned with a vengeance a moment later, when she suddenly slapped her hoof over her own mouth. Turning towards Princess Celestia now “I'm terribly sorry for that outburst, your Highness. I certainly did not mean to-” “It's quite alright, I did not take offense.” Celestia assured through her amusement. Chrysalis was quite sure that any amusement she was showing was for the sake of putting the mare at ease, rather than genuine pleasure. “But, I-” The mare began. “And Stalwart was quite right to remind me of where I was standing. I should have been more considerate.” Celestia continued on, not letting the mare gain anymore momentum. The mare in-turn fell quiet, letting Stalwart again take the lead “You are quite welcome, your Highness. And I should apologize for intruding upon your discussion.” “Not at all. If I had wished it to be private, I should have taken proper measures. There is no fault upon you.” Celestia reassured. She soon took in the ponies at the stallion's side “And, I take it this is your family, Lieutenant? Off to see the Hearth's Warming Eve play, as well?” “Yes, your Highness. This is-” The stallion began “Oh, don't mind us, your Highness. I'm quite sure we've stolen enough of your attention, your Highness. Come now, honey. We don't want to bother-” The mare cut-in, still evidently anxious about this meeting. “I don't see how it's a bother.” Stalwart noted, holding his ground. “It really isn't.” Princess Celestia agreed with a small smile. “And you have been pestering me for months to introduce you to Princess Celestia, dear.” Stalwart added. “Pestering you? I don't pester you. Since when have I ever pestered you?” The mare demanded of her husband, with a pursed lip and, again, forgetting her nervousness at being in the presence of royalty. “...Hm” Stalwart quietly hummed to himself, as he noticed the perturbed look on his wife's face. After several moments of silence on the stallion's part, he suddenly turned towards Princess Celestia “Your Highness, I believe I've mentioned my wife to you before, Jazzy Trends?” Princess Celestia loosed a quiet chuckle at this “I believe you have, and it's a delight to finally meet you, Jazzy.” “Oh...oh, the delight is all mine, your Highness. I mean, honor- the honor is all mine...you didn't say honor...It's lovely to finally know you, as well...Not that I didn't know who you were before, I-” Jazzy started babbling. “It's quite alright. I understand what you meant...and who might this young colt be?” Celestia assured, before tilting her head to the side to take in the colt still leaning out from behind Jazzy. He had spent most of this time unapologetically staring up at the Changeling Queen, with Chrysalis quietly returning the favor. “Oh, this would be our son, your Highness. You can come on out, Hard Note.” Jazzy began to coax. Hard Note glanced towards his mother, before turning his gaze back towards the Changeling Queen, reminding Jazzy of her presence. “Oh...uhm, yes.” Jazzy quietly remarked, earning a raised eyebrow from Chrysalis. Stalwart Gaze glanced between those gathered, before shrugging “There's no need to pressure him, dear. After the events of Princess Cadence's wedding, it's understandable if he's a little bit afraid-” “I'm not scared of her!” The colt suddenly proclaimed, stepping out from behind his mother as he did so. This earned a worried glance from Jazzy towards Chrysalis, though the Changeling Queen didn't seem to react. Celestia just let out a quiet laugh. “I'm not scared...I was just curious.” Hard Note reiterated, in a calmer manner. Chrysalis tilted her head at this, before leaning forward a bit “You aren't scared of me?” “Nope.” Hard Note affirmed, shaking his head and his vibrantly colored mane as he did so. “...Good. I wasn't trying to be scary anyway.” Chrysalis remarked. “As I was saying...Princess Celestia, Queen Chrysalis, this is my son, Hard Note...as I'm sure you've gathered.” Stalwart calmly finished his introductions. “And a pleasure it is to meet you as well, Hard Note. Are you excited to be seeing the Hearth's Warming Eve play with your parents?” Princess Celestia asked. The colt glanced towards the Princess now, thinking about the question for a moment “Uhm...not really.” “Hard Note!” Jazzy chastised. “What? It's going to be super boring.” The colt defended. “The colt is not wrong.” Chrysalis remarked. “Well, all the same, I do hope you find a way to enjoy yourself, Hard Note.” Celestia finished, with a smile for the young colt. “Uhm, Thanks?...Probably not going to though.” Hard Note replied after a moment, earning another look of annoyance from his mother and a smirk from the Changeling Queen. Celestia gave a another amused chuckle, before turning towards Stalwart Gaze once more “I take it you're making your way to the theater now, Stalwart?” “Yes, your Highness. Jazzy wanted to make sure we didn't have to struggle to get good seats...She'll need a good view, for the sake of her column.” The stallion replied. “That's perfect timing, as we were just beginning to make our way there. Would you mind terribly if we accompanied you and your family?” Celestia asked. “It would be an honor, Princess Celestia.” Stalwart quickly replied, before his wife could respond. “Excellent. I'd love the opportunity to get to know your family a bit better. And I'm sure Chrysalis would, as well?” Celestia replied, turning towards the Changeling as she did so. Chrysalis shrugged. “Perfect. And perhaps Jazzy here can tell me of this column she is writing along the way?” Celestia offered before Jazzy could attempt to politely back out. “I-...Oh, well, it's nothing so amazing. When you get right down to it, what I-” Jazzy began, showing a rather sudden change in mood. “Jazzy's a music critic, and writes for the Canterlot Herald regularly.” Stalwart cut-in, summing up what would have likely been a long spiel for his wife. “...Honey?” Jazzy requested. “Yes, dear?” Stalwart replied. The mare abruptly smacked his chest again. “...Ow.” A few minutes later... “Are you really the Queen of the Changelings?” Chrysalis looked down, to the curious colt that had been trailing to the back of the group to stare at her. Just ahead Celestia was leading their party, keeping the colt's mother too wrapped up in conversation to worry. Meanwhile, Stalwart Gaze kept to the middle of their little procession, evidently keeping an eye upon everyone. Naturally, the two guardsponies were at the back of the group, remaining unobtrusive. Eventually noting that the colt still seemed to be waiting for an answer from her, Chrysalis let out a quiet sigh “...Do I not look the part of the Changeling Queen to you?” She didn't care for most ponies, but foals generally weren't too offensive. They reminded her of the nymphs of her swarm. And for reasons that were utterly beyond Chrysalis, the young changelings of her hive all seemed to adore her. And it helped that, as a rule, changelings weren't big on harming children. Their fairly strict control over their numbers tended to leave them feeling a bit over-protective of their own young. And since most changelings were perfectly capable of empathy, most were rather reluctant to actually hurt a child, whatever the race. Most changelings found the idea downright offensive. Hard Note briefly considered Chrysalis again, before pushing his messy pink-and-blue mane from his eyes “Where are all of your changelings?” ...It was a very offensive idea. “Far away from here.” Chrysalis replied, a bit tersely. She had to remind herself that it wasn't the colt's fault that this particular issue had been weighing upon her. “Why's that?” Hard Note asked, scarcely missing a beat. “Where they are right now is good for them, but I'm not allowed to go there.” Chrysalis answered, while keeping her gaze forward. “Oh...don't you miss them?” Chrysalis had to close her eyes for a moment at this, before responding “Yes.” “Huh...that sucks.” The colt remarked. Chrysalis spared another glance for the colt “...It does.” “...Did they send you any presents?” Hard Note asked. “What?” This time she found herself looking towards the colt's father questioningly. The stallion shrugged, evidently having no more insight into his son's curiosity for Chrysalis than she herself did. Furrowing her brow at this, she briefly considered the colt and his question “No...no, they wouldn't think to send me anything.” “Why not? Don't they like you?” “They do...but gift-giving works differently among my changelings.” Hard Note tilted his head at this, hoping for an explanation. “...We usually give gifts as a way to...make-up for something we have done wrong. And they have not wronged me.” Chrysalis elaborated. “So...do you, like, not celebrate Hearth's Warming Day, at all?” The colt asked after a moment. “No. We sometimes tell the stories of what happened, but it is not something we spend effort celebrating.” Chrysalis explained. “Stories?...You mean like this play?” The colt asked, in a way that suggested he didn't think any more highly of the play than Chrysalis did. “No. These stories are actually interesting. Not like this boiled down, feel-good romp that everypony insists upon calling a play.” Chrysalis replied. The colt thought about this for a few seconds “If you don't celebrate it, why do you tell the stories then?” “Because they are interesting. That and the stories are as much a part of our history as yours.” Chrysalis easily answered. “...Really? I don't remember hearing about any changelings whenever anypony talked about it before.” Hard Note pointed out. Chrysalis gave the colt a pointed look at that remark. “Oh...I guess, nopony would have been able to tell if there were any changelings around, huh?” Hard Note surmised after a bit of thought. “Ideally.” Chrysalis agreed. “But, why were you guys even there?” Hard Note asked. “I wasn't. It was a few centuries before my time.” Chrysalis pointed out. “Ok...but, why were they there?” Hard Note pressed. “...If my changelings have to feed upon ponies to survive, what do you think would have happened if ponies everywhere happened to die off?” “...Oh.” A little while later... “Ugh...this is so boring.” “Hard Note! Behave yourself.” Jazzy quietly chastised from her seat beside Princess Celestia. “Awww, but-” Hard Note began to protest. “No buts, mister...Now, just try to enjoy the show.” Chrysalis wasn't quite sure how the colt was supposed to 'enjoy the show' if he found it that boring. And it's not as if the child was wrong. It really was turning out to be as boring as she had feared it would be. Even so, the colt's pouting was not helping the situation. They had managed to make it to the theater that was putting on the production in good time, which somehow qualified as fortunate, according to Celestia. Really though, arriving on time only meant more time being wasted on this show, and little else. As the Princess, Celestia had been afforded a private balcony to watch from, so they didn't exactly need to jockey for comfortable seats. And, in fact, said balcony had been so spacious that Celestia had insisted on sharing that space with Stalwart Gaze's family. Leading to their current seating arrangements. Chrysalis was fairly certain that Celestia was up to something. That was the only explanation for the Princess' transparent, to Chrysalis, efforts to seat the Changeling Queen alongside the endlessly curious colt. On Hard Note's other side sat his father, serving as an effective buffer between the colt and his anxious mother. Then Jazzy Trends, sitting at Celestia's side, where the Princess could easily distract her from her worries over Chrysalis' proximity to her son. Chrysalis glanced towards Hard Note once more, as she put things together “Hm...cute.” “What?” The colt asked. “Not you.” Chrysalis quickly clarified, before swiftly returning to her considerations. 'Twilight must have let slip what she saw at the hive...' Chrysalis had thought that she had made it quite clear to the young princess, and her little friends, that they were not to breathe a word of...story-time to anypony, including Celestia. Especially Celestia. And it was more than some simple story-time, despite what that...Pinkie Pie might think. It was an oral tradition. A Queen was supposed to tell those stories, to the young nymphs of the swarm. And was it so wrong that she enjoyed telling those stories for her little changelings? She knew that if they mentioned that to Celestia, her princess would get the wrong idea. The only question now was what to do about it... Hard Note gave a loud yawn, breaking Chrysalis from her thoughts. “Oh, sweetheart, are you alright?” Jazzy called over to her son. “I'm fine, mom.” The colt replied. "...Well, here. Take this blanket and bundle up. This theater's rather drafty.” Soon Jazzy was pulling out a blanket from her saddlebags, and began using her magic to float it over towards Hard Note. “Mom! I'm not cold.” Hard Note argued, as she began to wrap the blanket around him. “You say that now, but you'll catch a cold if you're not careful.” “But-” Hard Note began again, before noticing that his father was watching him. The colt soon loosed a puff of air, before settling down again “...-fine.” 'Ugh...I should have brought my own blanket.' Chrysalis wasn't all that used to the cold in the first place, and it naturally took more of her energy to stay active when it was chilly. Which ultimately meant she would end up taking more of Celestia's energy later on... 'One issue at a time...' She still needed to deal with this little plot of Celestia's. 'I could always just ignore the foal...' Celestia certainly couldn't make her talk to the kid...though it was really just a matter of time until the colt decided he had another question he wanted to pester her with. And if she ignored him, Celestia would use that as an excuse to pry, claiming that something was bothering her... 'Alternatively, I could take her bait...' Then, at the end of the day, she could call out Celestia on her little ploy. Chrysalis could tell her that she had seen right through Celestia's little game, and put her on the defensive for being so manipulative. She might even get her to apologize for it...or Celie might just claim innocence. Then she would suggest that Chrysalis was merely being paranoid and over-thinking the issue, turning the whole thing around on the Changeling Queen. She'd probably play the 'I was just hoping you'd have a good time' card and try to get Chrysalis to admit to having enjoyed herself... That couldn't happen. 'Hmmm...I could...perfect.' Chrysalis calmly shifted about for a moment, before standing up. “That is fascinating and-...Chrysalis, is something wrong?” Celestia interrupted her conversation with Jazzy, upon noticing. “Hm? Not at all. I just thought to stretch my legs for a bit, get some fresh air.” Chrysalis answered with practiced ease. It was the perfect foil for this scheme. She had made no secret of being less than excited about this little outing, so it would hardly be a stretch for her to become restless. A quick little walk about the lobby, then when she came back she'd make a point of sitting by Celestia. She wouldn't be able to raise any objection to this new seating arrangement, without giving away her own scheme and Chrysalis would have a large buffer between herself and the young colt for the rest of the evening. And the Changeling Queen could really use a break from this play. 'Ugh...they're completely misrepresenting Princess Platinum.' “Oh...well, I suppose that's fine, Chrysalis. Just be back soon.” Celestia replied after a moment. It was the perfect counter move... “Can I go too?” Hard Note requested. ...Or not. “What?” Chrysalis blurted out. “Hard Note, the play isn't even half-way done.” His mother pointed out. “I know, but it's just so boring. It's completely the same as last year. And my legs are falling asleep.” The colt argued. I-...well, you can try standing up for that, I think.” Jazzy offered, sending a furtive glance towards Chrysalis. The unicorn mare visibly swallowed down some anxiety before continuing “And, I rather think that Ms. Chrysalis would care for some time-” “I could use a breath of fresh air, as well. I can keep an eye on Hard Note.” Stalwart Gaze interrupted. Chrysalis had to resist the urge to send a glare towards the stallion. “I-...well, I suppose...maybe I should come with you.” Jazzy replied, before beginning to get her hooves under her. “But, what about your column?” Celestia reminded. “Oh, right...” Jazzy hesitated. “Everything will be fine, dear. Just enjoy the show.” Stalwart Gaze reassured. “Well...alright then. Just be careful.” His mother finally relented. “Awesome!” Hard Note declared, before quickly wriggling out of his blanket and heading towards the door. “Don't forget your blanket!” Jazzy quickly called over, halting the colt in his tracks. A moment later the blanket floated over to land on his back, courtesy of his mother's magic. Chrysalis had to stare for a moment, as she noted just how quickly her plan had backfired. “Queen Chrysalis.” Stalwart Gaze gained her attention, as he politely held back the exit's curtain for her. '...damn.' “So, how many changelings were there really?” Chrysalis sighed. While Stalwart Gaze had indeed seemed intent on enjoying a quick walk, his son had wasted no time in coming to her with more questions, as predicted. She briefly considered ignoring him, or brushing him off, but...she really didn't have anything better to do. And answering a few questions would probably do more to stimulate her mind than that play. Chrysalis sighed again. “More than you would think...” Chrysalis finally replied. “Uhm...how many is that?” Hard Note asked. “The entire swarm.” “What, really?!” Chrysalis frowned at that, having always disliked it when others made her repeat herself “Yes...really. When we became aware of their decision to flee their homelands, we went with them. We actually worked to encourage the idea, where we could.” “Really?” The colt asked again. “...Yes. Unlike some ponies, the swarm had no intention of freezing to death over a bit land or wealth.” “You guys were really that scared though?” “We...didn't know anything more about the Windigos than any ponies, only that the encroaching winter wasn't natural. So...yes, many changelings were worried at the time.” Chrysalis explained. “But, how'd they know something was wrong?” Hard Note pressed. “I'm not sure. According to my mother, the cold just felt like...a malevolence that was spreading over the lands...I suppose changelings are simply sensitive to such things.” Chrysalis elaborated. “Cool. How'd you guys help out though?” The colt declared. “As I understand it...mostly we slipped amongst the populace, as we always have, and tried to convince more ponies that something bad was coming. We weren't going to reveal ourselves unless the situation became truly dire. Many changelings just helped as ponies did, doing work and only occasionally nudging the right ponies to do something.” Chrysalis explained, before trying to shake a bit of the cold from her body. She didn't have the benefit of a coat or being able to shiver, as ponies did. “Huh...well, that doesn't sound very exciting.” Hard Note admitted with some disappointment. “You recall Smart Cookie?” Chrysalis replied. "Yeah?" "Changeling." Chrysalis said in a succinct manner. "...No way. Really?" "Indeed." "But...how?" "Well, the swarm obviously had a vested interest in getting changelings close to those ponies that were willing to take decisive action. For all of Chancellor Puddinghead's...quirks, she was one of the few willing to act." Chrysalis explained. "Huh...that makes sense, I guess. But how'd you guys get that close to her?" Hard Note asked. "As I said, Puddinghead was rather quirky...she evidently picked a pony at random from a crowd and declared them her top advisor. It just happened to be our good fortune that it was one of our changelings." Chrysalis elaborated, leaving out the part where it might not have entirely been simple good fortune. There had been quite a bit of speculation before, that Puddinghead might have been aware of what Smart Cookie really was. And that it was Smart Cookie that had let the Chancellor know... "Wow...were any other famous ponies actually changelings?" Hard Note asked. "Not really, no. Smart Cookie was the exception, rather than the rule." "Really? That's still pretty cool though. Way cooler than all that other stuff." Hard Note declared. "Most of the stories surrounding Equestria's founders are more interesting that you've been told, I'm sure." Chrysalis pointed out. "I don't know...the play kinda made most of them seem kinda lame." Hard Note replied. "They aren't telling the right stories. Though, I suppose they wouldn't tell you about how Princess Platinum had to threaten her father with a civil war, before being allowed to go on her expedition." “...Really?” The colt asked disbelievingly. “Stop asking me if I 'really' mean something. If I was going to lie to you, asking me to repeat myself isn't going to help.” Chrysalis snapped, earning a surprised and somewhat upset response from the colt. “S-sorry...” Hard Note muttered, in stark contrast to the colt's usual bold manner. Chrysalis had to resist the urge of loosing a curse at the pathetic look she had inspired in the foal. The colt had been using the phrase 'really' almost like a punctuation mark and it had been driving her crazy. She ended up turning her gaze to the side, only to note Stalwart Gaze watching her with one eyebrow raised towards her. After several seconds of silence, Chrysalis ended up stomping a hoof before turning back towards Hard Note. Taking in a calming breath, she cleared her throat to get the foal's attention “...Don't worry about it.” “...But-” Hard Note began after a moment. “I don't care for this cold. My temper is a bit short right now. So, don't concern yourself with what I said a moment ago.” Chrysalis interrupted. “...You're cold?” Hard Note asked after a moment. “I also don't care for having to repeat myself.” Chrysalis replied, closing her eyes to suppress her mild aggravation with the foal. She opened them a few moments later, as she felt something being tossed over her withers, just ahead of her wings. Looking back she found a weathered blanket draped over her. Chrysalis found her gaze wandering to the colt at her side. “I wasn't really cold anyway.” Hard Note explained with a grin. “I see.” Chrysalis said, before turning her eyes towards Stalwart Gaze for some sort of explanation, only to find a look of mild surprise on the stallion's face, as well. Chrysalis took a moment to adjust the blanket, before focusing back on Hard Note “Thanks.” “No problem.” He replied easily. “...As I was saying, Princess Platinum lead a rather interesting life around that time.” Chrysalis began. “Re-...interesting how?” Hard Note correcting himself before he used the word 'really' again. Running his hoof through his mane “I mean, she didn't seem all that interesting to me.” “I suppose she wouldn't seem that interesting...I haven't seen a version of this play yet, where they even touch upon her skills as a duelist.” Chrysalis hinted, visibly piquing the foal's interest. “Wait, Princess Platinum did duels? Like with swords and stuff? Or did she use, like...magic?” Hard Note asked. “Yes.” “...What?” “She used both. And I suspect the play won't even mention the parts with the dragon.”