//------------------------------// // Chapter Three: Not a Word... // Story: A Very Merry Chrysalis // by dungeonguy88 //------------------------------// Celestia could feel herself sliding into consciousness, her eyes fluttering ever so slightly, as she carefully shifted under her warm covers. Not unlike clockwork, the princess was waking in the predawn hours, drawn awake by the approach of morning. It wouldn't be long until Celestia would need to see to raising the Sun for Hearth's Warming Day... ...after carefully extricating herself out from under the sleeping changeling that had draped herself over the princess' own body in the night. Celestia honestly wasn't sure on whether or not Chrysalis meant it, when she said that it was the only way she could get to sleep, or if her changeling was simply looking for a face-saving excuse. There was evidence for either, as Chrysalis did spend a lot of time tossing-and-turning in bed, when she wasn't making herself cozy with Celestia. Apparently, Celestia's bed was too soft for the changeling's tastes. On the other hoof, it wouldn't be out of character for the changeling to be too embarrassed to ask to cuddle. Whatever the case, it was endearing. Celestia had to smile at the thought. For all of her griping, her changeling had been a delightful change of pace, for this year's holiday festivities. And Chrysalis had managed to comport herself rather well, despite her objections to their day out. The princess had held no delusions that her changeling was ever going to be the sort to gush affection or gleefully socialize with anyone, much less ponies. Well, unless she was impersonating such a pony for some purpose; if it came down to it, Celestia didn't doubt that Chrysalis' pride in her skills could overcome her aversion to that kind of thing. Regardless, Chrysalis had managed to make a...non-negative impression upon at least a few ponies, perhaps convincing a few of Celestia's subjects that they didn't need to look upon the Changeling Queen with terror. Granted, Chrysalis had slipped into melancholy and introspection more than once, garnering some worry from the princess. But, still Celestia liked to think that the day had held a positive impact upon the depressed changeling. That was another thing Chrysalis probably wouldn't admit to anytime soon; that she had found some parts of their day enjoyable. Not that her changeling had any chance of convincing Celestia that she hadn't enjoyed herself a little bit. Chrysalis had gotten very into the telling of her stories for the young Hard Note, and had failed to notice the crowd she had drawn, as the Hearth's Warming Eve play was wrapping up. That is until she caught sight of Celestia in her audience, while she was giving an impressively dramatic and emotional impression of Princess Platinum. Celestia never mentioned it, but she rather enjoyed it when Chrysalis started acting all 'dramatic'. It was a shame that the changeling only ever indulged that side of herself when in the midst of an 'evil' plan. And, apparently, when in the middle of telling a good story. She could still recall the look on Chrysalis' face. Disbelieving shock, quickly sliding into embarrassment, before settling upon faux haughty confidence. Adorable. Especially when Chrysalis started trying to play things casually, calmly demanding to know whether or not it was time to leave, even as Hard Note kept pestering her to continue the story. The Changeling Queen had been ready to stalk out of the theater, in the hopes of avoiding further embarrassment, when Celestia asked about the blanket draped over her back. Chrysalis had actually blushed, when she had been reminded of that, before quickly tossing the blanket towards Hard Note. That was going to be wonderful fodder for teasing the changeling later. Celestia turned her head ever so slightly towards Chrysalis, her horn glowing lightly. She wished she could say that the sleeping changeling looked peaceful, that the changeling's tension and her hard expressions had fallen away in the embrace of sleep, but she couldn't. If anything, Chrysalis only looked more troubled in her sleep, when she could no longer maintain her facade of unwavering strength. Celestia couldn't keep herself from lightly nosing Chrysalis' cheek, causing her to stir slightly, before turning away from the light of Celestia's horn. A moment later, the changeling loosed a sighing trill. The princess smiled lightly at that. As far as she could tell, that sound was a result of something that was not unlike the pony affliction that lead to snoring. It was probably a result of the differences in the changeling respiratory system or perhaps related to their ability to alter their voices. It was an oddly pretty sound, though Chrysalis had always become terribly defensive whenever she had mentioned as much. At the time, Celestia had been only too ready to tease her about how cute it was that she was embarrassed over such a little thing. Now, after Chrysalis had revealed her feelings for her, while also forcing Celestia to realize her own shared feelings, the princess understood the reasons for that reaction. Telling Chrysalis that she found her cute, even in jest, couldn't have helped when the changeling had been trying hard to suppress her own romantic thoughts. A great many things made so much more sense, now that Celestia realized the depths between the two of them. Feelings that she had too easily attributed to simple friendship... The princess considered her changeling once more. Perhaps she could speak with Luna, about Chrysalis' fitful sleeping. She had asked her sister to look into the issue before, but had heard nothing of it since. Though, that wouldn't be terribly odd, as Luna was always fairly stringent about keeping the contents of an individual's dreams confidential. The two didn't seem especially close, but seemed to tolerate and hold some respect for one another. Though, when together, the two seemed a bit too eager to team up in order to embarrass Celestia. But, if her sister could help her understand the changeling... Celestia set that thought to the side for now. Dawn was nearly upon Equestria, and Luna had some fairly strong opinions on the issue of punctuality. The alicorn slowly began lifting away her covers, ever conscious of the changeling sharing her bed. Honestly, for all that Chrysalis was indirect in showing her affections, she had wasted no time before moving into Celestia's bedroom. Even more contrary to Celestia's expectations, was how slowly their sex life had progressed; Chrysalis seeming surprisingly nervous during their first couple attempts at...intimacy. Celestia soon began to slide a hoof from the bed towards her floor, her horn's glow momentarily brightening, as she began to use her magic to gently shift the changeling's body. She paused when she felt the changeling's hole-filled legs tighten around her. Surprised, Celestia let her eye drift towards the Chrysalis' face, only to note the that the changeling's eyes were still closed. The princess furrowed her brow for a moment “Chrysalis? Are you still asleep?” “...Yes.” Came the changeling's dry reply. "...I didn't mean to wake you.” Celestia replied, briefly chagrined by Chrysalis' smart response. “Then, why were you shining that light in my face?” Chrysalis irritably muttered. Celestia quickly dimmed the glow of her magic “Sorry, I know yesterday was tiring for you...go back to sleep.” “No.” Chrysalis tersely replied. The princess had to blink at that, not having expected that response “Uhm...please, go back to sleep?” The changeling only loosed a quiet growl in the back of her throat, earning Celestia's bewilderment “Did you...is everything alright?” “Last night...I was thinking. About this holiday, Hearth's Warming.” Chrysalis slowly replied. “What about it?” Celestia asked, curious now. “It may not be...completely without merit.” Chrysalis slowly admitted, her face still partially buried into Celestia's side. “Only partially without merit?” The princess lightly prodded. “It is insipid. And wasteful. The singing was terrible...it's a bit of an embarrassment, in most ways.” Chrysalis began. “...But?” “The gifts...giving to others to make them...happy. If my changelings begin such a holiday for themselves, they should remember that part.” Chrysalis finished. Celestia had to admit, that she didn't honestly know where Chrysalis was going with this. “...I like the idea of them having so much, that they can just...give to one another for no better reason than wanting to. And...” Chrysalis trailed off. “Go on...I'm listening, Chrysalis.” Celestia prompted. “With that in mind, I wanted to do something for you that wasn't based on...making up for past mistakes.” Chrysalis eventually admitted. “You...want to give me a Hearth's Warming gift?” Celestia asked. “...If you have to call it that, yes.” Chrysalis replied with a bit of annoyance. Celestia had to loose a small laugh at that, which she was sure earned her a glare from Chrysalis “You're asking for my permission?” “Let's say, yes.” Came the changeling's short reply. “Oh?...well, I would love that, Chrysalis. If that's what you really want to do?” Celestia replied, a bit thrown. “...I don't want to hear any complaints about it later.” Chrysalis remarked, finally meeting Celestia's gaze with her own. “I'm sure that I'll be pleased with whatever you give me, Chrysalis.” The princess replied with an encouraging smile. “That's the idea.” The alicorn loosed a quiet chuckle, before she began to shift towards the edge of the bed “Well then, I'll be looking forward-” “Where are you going?” Chrysalis suddenly demanded, wrapping her hooves around Celestia once more. “I-...it's almost dawn. I need to raise the Sun...and that usually involves getting out of bed, Chryssie.” Celestia replied, while turning to send a questioning look towards the changeling. Celestia's had to stop when she felt a nibble at her ear, her eyes going wide even as she let out a very unimpressive squeak. She had never really figured out how the changeling had known to zero in on that particular spot, but the princess had never been one to complain about it till now. Not that she was complaining, but... “C-Chryssie, what are you doing?” Celestia asked, while trying, and failing, to keep her voice even. “Sleeping.” Chrysalis quietly remarked right into Celestia's ear. A brief desire to give a retort to the changeling's remark faded, as the vibrations caused by the changeling's voice left the alicorn squirming “Chrysalis, you can't-” “I believe I asked for your permission...which you gave.” Chrysalis wryly noted, even as Celestia realized that she wasn't going to be able to keep her composure if the changeling continued to stimulate her sensitive ear. “It's not...” Celestia had to stop when Chrysalis briefly began nuzzling her neck, leaving her feeling as if she was melting. “...W-we really need to...postpone this.” The princess finally managed to get out. “Postpone this?” The changeling asked, in a surprisingly level tone. Celestia let out a sigh, as Chrysalis took a break from her ministrations “Yes...under different circumstances...” “It's fine.” Chrysalis replied. “...Really?” The princess asked, surprised by the sturbborn Changeling Queen acquiescing so easily. “Of course. I can nibble on your ears later.” Chrysalis remarked. “Uhm...yes, well...I really should-” Celestia began to extricate herself from the bed again, only to be forced to stop when Chrysalis forced her to turn back around. “Chrysalis, what are you-” “Postponing.” That was the only answer the changeling gave. Or rather, it was the only verbal answer she gave. The kiss, probably qualified as it's own kind of answer. A really powerful and...thought-provoking answer. One that left Celestia struggling to recall whatever arguments she had against not just staying in bed... Then the doors to her chambers slammed open. “Sister! I demand to know what keeps you from our appointed rendezvous! 'Tis less than acceptable for one- Oh.” ...Oh, right. Luna. No doubt wondering why Celestia was running late, and not at all unwilling to burst into her private chambers demanding answers. Answers which took the form of a rather affectionate changeling. “Dammit!” A formerly affectionate, and now quite irate changeling. “That would be why I suggested we...postpone...” Celestia remarked haltingly. “Does your sister even know of the idea of knocking?! Or is that something she hasn't heard of since her return?” Chrysalis angrily demanded. “Stay your rant, changeling! I refuse to be held accountable for the consequences of the constant carnal canoodling, that you wish to extract from my sister!” Luna countered, over her own momentary surprise. Celestia let out a long-suffering sigh. “Constant?! We have yet to even-” Chrysalis began. “Can we spare Luna the details?” Celestia quietly requested. “What details?! What can I possibly tell her at this point? What-...”The Changeling Queen suddenly trailed off as she finally turned her gaze towards Princess Luna “...-are you wearing?” Celestia finally took a moment to rollover and take in the sight of her sister... ...in the absolutely adorable pajamas that Celestia had commissioned for the Moon Princess. “Pardon?” Luna asked, a bit thrown by the question, before taking a moment to look down at herself. They were a softer blue than her own coat, patterned with frolicking animals in the form of starry constellations. Topping her head was a nightcap featuring a crescent moon upon it, with a stylized version of Luna laying back upon it like a hammock “Are you-...do you happen to be referring to my delightfully cozy sleepwear?” “...Cozy?” Chrysalis asked after a moment. “Indeed! 'Twas a fine gift from Celie, given to me sometime back...Were you the sort to ever rouse yourself at a reasonable hour, we suspect that we would not need to explain this to you now, Chrysalis.” Luna noted with a shake of her head, causing the fluffy little ball at the tip of the nightcap to start swinging. “...What?” Chrysalis asked, still evidently having difficulty processing this. “We have worn these to my morning rendezvous with Celie, ever since she gifted them to us.” Luna explained. The changeling glanced towards Celestia, letting the Princess of the Sun confirm this with a nod “So...you wear these around the castle, as well?” “Very much so, and in doing so I have earned the admiration of many of the ponies that serve us here. I have oft been met by nothing short of joyous smiles by some, and one particularly forthright member of my personal guard was moved to applause when she caught sight of me wearing these.” Luna proudly elaborated. Chrysalis had no words. “And as always, I'm very happy to know that you like them Luna...” Celestia noted. Luna took a moment to shake her head, recalling why she had originally burst in to the room “Ah, yes...as I was saying, sister, you are most tardy for our usual appointment. At this rate, this day may very well be late if you cannot pull yourself away from-” “I will be along presently, Luna.” Celestia cut-in, suspecting that her sister was about to bluntly reference her love-life once more. Her little sister could still be terribly frank at times, whatever the topic. Luna gave a firm nod, again setting the fuzzy ball at the end of her nightcap dancing “See to it that you are, sister. I refuse to allow this day to be late in starting, even if that means I must drag you from the grasp of your changeling myself.” With that, Luna gave a nod towards the bemused Chrysalis, before exiting Celestia's private chambers. After several moments of silence, Chrysalis turned her gaze towards the princess lying beneath her “...Pajamas?” “She is quite fond of them...and I think seeing her wearing them makes her seem a bit less...intimidating.” Celestia noted. A moment later, she noticed with some surprise the glare that Chrysalis was sending her way “Chryssie?” “How many times have I told you how much I dislike the cold?” Chrysalis asked with some annoyance. “...More than a few?” Celestia hesitantly replied. “And never once did you think that I might want some manner of warm, cozy sleepwear?” The changeling demanded. The Princess of the Sun couldn't help but blink in confusion at this question. “Well?” “I-...can't tell if you're being serious, Chrysalis.” Celestia eventually admitted. “Why would I joke about this. Is my freezing on the side of this mountain amusing to you now?” “I thought that was just an indirect way for you to admit you wanted to cuddle.” Celestia defended. “It's a way for me to say that I'm cold. Cuddling is merely a temporary solution to a recurring problem that I am just now realizing you have long had the power to address...So, what do you have to say?” Chrysalis forcefully asked the bewildered princess. “...Would you like a set of pajamas, Chrysalis?” “Yes.” “...Did you perhaps want them in a particular color?” Celestia followed up. “That is of no importance to me.” “Then it shouldn't take too long then, a week or so at the most...though I suppose they will have to be a late Hearth's Warming Day gift, if that's alright with you?” Celestia asked. “Fine.” The changeling quickly replied. “Well, then...I suppose I shouldn't keep Luna waiting...” Celestia remarked, before again trying to get out of bed. Only to be stopped by Chrysalis. “Uhm, Chryssie...we don't really have the time...” “Is that so?” “Luna does not jest about such things...if I linger too long, she may well-” “I suppose that's incentive for you to cooperate then.” A little while later... Luna ended up following through on her earlier promise. To Celestia's immense mortification, as the Moon Princess had not been deterred by Chrysalis' stubborn attempts to garner Celestia's continued...cooperation. Being physically dragged out into the castle corridors, whilst tangled up in changeling limbs and her own bedding, had been a singularly unique experience for the Princess of the Sun. One that gave Celestia a great deal of incentive to maintain her policy of granting most of the staff and guardsponies of the castle Hearth's Warming Day off... At least, the dawn had proceeded as scheduled, thanks to Luna's insistent approach to getting her older sister out of bed. And after putting her hoof down, and taking a well-deserved and much needed shower, along with Chrysalis, Celestia was now on her way to the dining hall. There she could take her breakfast and chat with Luna before her younger sibling turned in for some rest. And as a change of pace, Chrysalis would be joining them. Chrysalis had always been one to sleep late, whilst staying at Canterlot castle, even after the changeling had unilaterally decided to start sleeping in Celestia's chambers. Which, while not exactly unwelcome when they were starting their relationship, had been surprising, given how much the changeling seemed to prefer keeping their relationship between the two of them. In any event, Celestia had a fair idea of why her changeling was so given over to sleeping in, especially in the colder months... But, if Chrysalis didn't want to touch on the subject, Celestia wouldn't press it. It'd be far easier to simply enjoy the company of two of her favorite individuals this morning...While glossing over some of the more embarrassing events that had taken place earlier. She was shaken from these thoughts by the minty-green pegasus stallion that trotted up to the table, his carefully maintained violet mane covered by a puffy chef's hat. “And what might I provide our most esteemed Princesses this fine Hearth's Warming Day?” Her chef for the day, Banana Cream, enthusiastically asked. He wasn't one of her usual cooks, with the regular kitchen staff all attending their own families for the holiday. Rather the young pegasus stallion was a part of her nephew's own house servants. Celestia had been ready to refuse, and chide Blueblood for making the young stallion work through Hearth's Warming Day, when Banana Cream had started profusely thanking Celestia for the honor of being allowed to serve her. Prince Blueblood had managed to get in a word to explain that, Banana Cream was a well-traveled sort, exploring different lands and their cuisine, and was used to not celebrating Equestrian holidays. Once it had been made clear how eager he was to serve at Canterlot Castle, it had been hard to turn down the energetic chef. Princess Celestia smiled politely for the chef, as he stood at her side by the dining table “I don't want to be too much trouble for you-” “Oh, no! No trouble at all, your Highness-es. Whatever might pique your appetite I shall only be too happy to provide.” Banana Cream declared, before holding a hoof to his chest and continuing in a proud tone “Whether it be Equestrian delights, Griffonian high cuisine, or a surprisingly zesty Zebrican dish, you can rest assured that I shall provide a wonderful breakfast. I have traveled all these lands and more solely to-” “I was honestly hoping for a bit of oatmeal, actually.” Celestia eventually cut-in, sensing that if she didn't, the stallion might go on for quite a while. “...Oh. Of course, your Highness.” The stallion's wings visibly drooped at the simple request. “Though, if you could add your own flare to it, I could hardly say no.” Princess Celestia followed up, with an encouraging smile for the chef. “I-...Yes, right away, your Highness!” Banana Cream replied, his earlier enthusiasm restored. He quickly turned his attention towards Princess Luna “And what may I provide for our most honored Princess of the Night?” “Something light, maybe with some fruit. I shall be taking my repose soon, and do not wish to have a heavy stomach.” Luna replied in a no-nonsense manner. “Of course! And for our lovely guest?” The stallion asked of the Changeling Queen, earning a brief look of bemusement from Chrysalis. “...Nothing for me.” Chrysalis replied. “...Are you quite certain?” Banana Cream hesitantly asked, even more thrown than by Celestia's request for oatmeal. “Unless you can distill down the raw essence of life into an edible form-” The changeling began. “I shall get right on it!” Banana Cream excitedly proclaimed, before taking to the air and darting out the doors. There was several moments of silence, before Luna tilted her head “...I find myself worried by this stallion's zeal.” “I find myself worried by what he might be doing to my oatmeal.” Celestia remarked with a small smile, earning a laugh from her younger sister. “I find myself worried by your ongoing habit of bursting into Celestia's chambers without announcing yourself.” Chrysalis bitterly noted. Luna appeared unfazed by the remark “And I find myself worried by your constant canoodling of my sister. She has far too many duties to attend to for her to risk being exhausted by your salacious appetite.” “My appetite is not salacious.” Chrysalis countered, even as Celestia gave another sigh. Luna gave a sniff at this “Regardless, it is well within our sphere to ask that you refrain from canoodling our sister with such-” “Why do you keep using that word?” The changeling suddenly demanded. “What? Which word?” “I think Chryssie is referring to your use of the term 'canoodling'?” Celestia supplied for her sister. “Ah. 'Tis a most interesting phrase, is it not? We know not what noodles could have to do with such an act, though I am sure the story behind that is quite interesting.” Luna noted. “But, why are you using that phrase?” Chrysalis pressed. “That is the rule of the gift I have received for this year's festivities, that we must use it most frequently this day, in the hopes of mastering it. Your activities have been proven a boon in that regard.” Luna replied. “What gift is that, sister?” Celestia asked, deeming this topic a nice change of pace. “It was given to me by a member of my personal guard, a mare that has been most helpful in mastering modern day social traditions. It is a calender, meant to detail the many colloquialisms that have been adopted over the centuries, allowing us to master them individually on a day-by-day basis.” Luna excitedly explained. “...A word-of-the-day calender?” Chrysalis asked, with an upturn of an eyebrow. “Indeed! A fine gift, if there ever was one.” Luna agreed. “...You've given me a headache.” Chrysalis said, before using a hoof to rub her brow. Luna pursed her lips at the changeling's reaction “You are hardly in a position to criticize any gift that may be passed about. You claim to hold the affections of Celie close to your heart, yet I have not seen you make unto her a Hearth's Warming Day gift.” Chrysalis glared at the Moon Princess, before Celestia politely cleared her throat “Sister, you may have...interrupted Chrysalis' attempt at... Luna tilted her head at Celestia's words, before she blinked in sudden realization at what her older sister was referring to. To her credit, she seemed abashed by her earlier interference “I-...you have our apologies, sister.” “It's quite alright, I did attempt to warn Chrysalis...both times.” Celestia assured. “Even so, I had no idea that it was seen as acceptable in this day to provide sexual favors in lieu of material goods.” Luna noted. “That...might be the wrong message to take away from this, sister.” Celestia pointed out. “Still, perhaps Chrysalis is not wrong to suggest I use greater discretion before entering your private chambers.” “Not at all, my doors are always open to you, Luna. Something which I'm sure Chrysalis understands and accepts.” Celestia assured her sister, even as she sent a glance towards the Changeling Queen, who merely grunted. “Hm...then in that light, it can only be equitable that we too extend the policy of the open door to your changeling in turn.” Luna declared. “Why?” Chrysalis quickly asked. The Moon Princess nodded, having expected the question “As we said, it can only be equitable to extend to you the same privilege that our sister extends to us. Indeed, it seems fitting in light of the spirit of this holiday to do so. What say you to this, Chrysalis?” Chrysalis seemed to consider this for a few moments, surprising Celestia with the amount of thought she was putting into it. She rather suspected that the changeling had been more aggravated with Luna's timing than the “open-door policy” itself. The Princess of the Sun was broken from these thoughts by a loud knock, coming from the main doors of the dining hall. A moment later, they opened to reveal the familiar form of Stalwart Gaze. Much like yesterday, he was bereft of his armor and wore little more than a heavy scarf and his saddlebags. “Lieutenant Stalwart? This is a surprise, though not an unwelcome one. I was given to understand you would be spending the day with your family?” Princess Celestia called out, as she rose from her seat. “Yes, your Highness. That is still my intent, but my son was quite insistent that I see to a particular matter, before anything else.” Stalwart explained. “Oh? By all means.” Princess Celestia prompted, even as Luna and Chrysalis looked on from their seats at the table. “I won't take up too much your time. Hard Note thought it important that I drop this off before we continue with our own Hearth's Warming day.” The stallion elaborated, while retrieving a crudely wrapped package from one of his saddlebags. “He thought to send a Hearth's Warming gift?” The Princess of the Sun asked. Stalwart Gaze simply nodded, his mouth occupied with holding the package up by the twine holding it closed. “Well, that was very thoughtful.” Princess Celestia noted in a pleasant tone. Stalwart Gaze took a step back when he saw the princess reaching for the parcel. At the perplexed look she gave him, the stallion tilted his head towards the table. More specifically, Chrysalis. “Oh...I see.” Celestia remarked, a smile spreading across her face, even as a look of bafflement crossed Chrysalis'. It took the changeling several moments to act, but eventually she stood from her seat at the table and approached them. At a nod from the stallion, Chrysalis took the package in her own magic, Celestia watching the whole time. “...Send my thanks to your son.” Chrysalis told Stalwart in a neutral tone. “He asked me to make sure you opened it before I left.” The stallion explained, even as he stayed rooted to his spot. Chrysalis furrowed her brow at this, resisting the urge to glance towards Celestia, before she began to use her magic to carefully tear open the package. Revealing the blanket the colt had shared with her the day before. Chrysalis stared at the relatively mundane object, apparently unsure how to react. She visibly twitched when Stalwart Gaze cleared his throat to gather her attention. “Hard Note thought you might need it more than him.” The stallion remarked. “I-...” Chrysalis haltingly began, before falling silent for several more seconds. Shaking her head, the changeling used her magic to drape the blanket over her back, before turning her gaze towards the princess at her side “Well...at least somepony listens when I tell them that I'm cold. This colt is starting to prove himself far more considerate that I'm entirely used to. Quite charming really." “Oh, perhaps I need to start worrying about young Hard Note stealing you away from me then?” Celestia noted lightly. “Hm, perhaps you should.” Chrysalis deadpanned. Celestia couldn't help but let out a light laugh, even as Luna shook her head at their curious form of affection. “...Hard Note is still a minor, I should mention.” Stalwart blandly pointed out. Celestia only redoubled her laughter. Sometime after breakfast... “Sister!!!” Celestia couldn't help but start a bit, at the sound of Luna's bellowing call, setting down the letter from Twilight that she had been perusing. She had thought to relax for a bit, while both Luna and Chrysalis caught up on their sleep, but it seemed she was needed after all. Taking one last sip of her tea, Celestia picked herself up before leaving the cozy comfort of her study, setting an easy pace. 'Cozy...yes, I suppose Chrysalis' pajamas will have to wait till tomorrow...' She didn't want to keep her sister waiting too long, but Celestia doubted that that there was any danger about. Few things could pose a genuine threat to her little sister, so she let her thoughts wander as she made her way to Luna's chambers. Soon she pushed open the doors to the dark chambers with a hoof, before calling out “Luna, is there something-...” Celestia paused, as she caught sight of her sister in her bed, looking terribly irate with the changeling draping herself across Luna. Not unlike how Chrysalis usually draped herself across Celestia when sleeping. “Sister, I demand that you evict this- this-...her from my bed this instant!” Luna loudly proclaimed. “...Chryssie? May I ask, what's going on here?” Celestia called out in a calmer tone. “...Open. Door...Policy.” Chrysalis slowly enunciated, while not looking up. “This was not the intent of our offer!” Luna shouted, even as she tried to shove the changeling from her bed. “Stop shouting so much...I didn't get as much sleep as I would have liked.” Chrysalis blandly replied, before shifting about to get more comfortable. “Then take to our sister's bed, as you are so wont to do!” “Her bed's too soft...” Chrysalis lazily said, as she used her magic to adjust the blanket she had been gifted earlier. “And yet you derive some special comfort from our own bed?!” Luna demanded. “Used to sleeping on Celestia. You're close enough...also enjoying your discomfort...” “Sister! Your changeling is being most petty!” Luna angrily accused. “Well, I suppose we can be sure that it's not an imposter then.” Celestia remarked, earning a snort of amusement from the drowsy changeling. “'Tis no time for jesting sister! Have you nothing to say about this?” “Not a thing. Sleep tight you two.” Celestia easily replied, as she tried to stifle her own amusement. “But- Celestia! We demand that you return this instant to address-...!” Luna called, as Celestia promptly exited the room, leaving her alone with Chrysalis. The Moon Princess couldn't help but fume, as she watched the doors to her chambers close, and soon found her angry gaze upon the changeling once more. “...Very well. We have had enough of this farce, and if Celestia has no intention of-” Luna began, only to be cut-off by Chrysalis' letting out a light snore. The princess blinked, before shaking away her surprise “Do not think that we shall fall for such a paltry act. We-...” Luna trailed off as she noted the lack of any sort of response from the changeling. Furrowing her brow for a moment, she lightly prodded Chrysalis with her hoof. The changeling really was asleep. Luna couldn't help but glare down at Chrysalis, even as she considered this turn of events. After several more moments of thought on her part “I suppose, even if this is goes against our usual methods, my ensuring you a peaceful rest is not so out of the ordinary. One might even say that we are obligated to do so now...” Again the changeling gave no response. “Do not think that there will fail to be a reckoning over this, but...be glad that you have earned a modicum of our respect and sympathy in these past few months, else we would have no problem ejecting you from our chambers...And know well, that you shall be seeing to your own dreams this day.” The princess firmly stated. Again, no response. Luna pursed her lips, before she moved to make herself more comfortable, having decided to put up with the changeling for now...It was Hearth's Warming Day, after all. The changeling's sleep did not seem overly troubled, and Luna knew that this was too rare a thing to interrupt... “Know that there shall be absolutely no canoodling whatsoever, whilst you share my bed.”