//------------------------------// // Chapter 8: The Council of Queens // Story: Equestria’s Changeling Queen and the Abyssal Empress // by vren55 //------------------------------// Alternia’s chambers…         “Your highness, the copy of the Foal Free Press you asked for,” said Raven.         I nodded and added the paper to the other ones that were spread across my desk. “Thank you, Raven. Can you get the Vanhoover Sun?”         As Raven left, Harlequin, Buzz, and Diamondshell looked curiously over my shoulder. They obviously wanted to know what I was doing with all these papers, especially when I was taking pen to them, underlining, circling and writing little marginalia on the sides.         “Um, your highness. What are you doing?” Buzz asked as he peeked at the Manehattan Daily. I ignored him until eyes narrowed, he read out one of the notes I finished scribbling.         “A flawed analysis of the strengths of the Equestrian Navy versus the Griffon Navy. Our warships are definitely designed better, but the sheer numbers of the griffon capital ships means that our advantage in maneuverability is for the most part negated by sheer firepower. Besides, this is a moot point as the kelpies appear to attack from the sea itself and have some means of sinking our warships quickly…”         “Commander Buzz, I know very well what I wrote,” I said tersely.         Harlequin tapped Buzz’s shoulder and dragged him back. “Pardon my colleague, your highness, we were just curious and wondering if there was anything we can do to help.”         I considered that offer, thought about the reduced amount of work I would have to do, and immediately accepted. My horn glowing, I dropped several newspapers in front of my three guard commanders. “Go through the newspapers and circle any articles and statements related to the destruction of the griffon fleet and Equestria’s confidence, or lackthereof in our navy.”         Diamondshell picked up a copy of The Manehattan Times. “Perhaps we might know what to look for if we knew for what reason you are doing this, your highness?”         I pursed my lips, but didn’t look up as I scribbled something down in Ponyville’s Foal Free Press. A grammar error, but I couldn’t help it as a teacher. Never mind that Foal Free Press often found that their student or adolescent written articles were littered with errors, I had an annoying urge to correct them even as I read through them.         “I’m monitoring Equestria’s public opinion in regards to the sinking of the griffon fleet, and writing my own reactions to them and insights for future reference. I particularly want to judge their opinion of our own fleet,” I explained.         “Oh, well that makes sense. What do you think of them so far?” asked Buzz as he opened up the Las Pegasus Times.         “Not much. Every newspaper and article seems to say that our fleet isn’t like the griffon fleet, which it basically is in terms of the type of warfare we participate in. They all think we are going to win any war or conflict with the kelpies. Nopony seems to realize that in a naval war against the kelpies, we are in trouble.”         Harlequin grimaced. “Well on the plus side, from what I’m reading and from what I’ve heard, everypony seems to have faith that the Triumvirate will resolve this crisis, and nopony is panicking about the news of the kelpies. Last thing we need is doubt in the government now.”         “A little fear can be a good thing, Harlequin. Complacency kills,” pointed out Diamondshell.         “Good point, Diamondshell. Nothing like a little scare to keep you on your hooves, eh?” said Buzz cheerily as he circled an article. I nodded in affirmation, while a smile grew on my lips as I read through an article in the Foal Free Press. “Hmmm, somepony in the Foal Free Press has some sense to realize that the kelpies completely render the range of our warships guns useless, and the possibility of a coastal assault by the kelpies. I wonder who wrote this… Oh. Twilight. This is an excellent op-ed of research and writing as usual.” To my surprise and that of Harlequin and Buzz, Diamondshell flinched at the mention of Twilight’s name.         “Is everything alright, Diamondshell?” asked Harlequin.         Diamondshell swallowed. “With all due respect, your highness, your student is a known figure in my old hive. She is your student after all, an Element of Harmony, and she and her friends downed a platoon of changelings.” I chuckled. Frankly, I knew Twilight wouldn’t hurt anything on purpose, but she could be pretty dangerous if she got angry. “Much of Twilight’s proficiency with magic comes with her own self-study. I just offered her the materials, resources, and guidance she needed to excel.”         As my chevaliers nodded in understanding, I turned back to my newspaper. “The thing is though, Twilight is right. I support Celestia’s decision to pursue the convoy, but they’re sailing right into danger and there’s nothing she can do about it.”         “Why didn’t you just tell Celestia not to pursue the convoy then?” asked Buzz.         I looked over the top of my newspaper. “Because it’d do damage for our international reputation if we just let those ships get sunk, and with the entire sea being the home of our current problem, we need all the good relations we can get. Now get back to work. I don’t have much time and the Queens Council is tomorrow.”         “Yes, your highness!” Chamelia’s hive in the Everfree Forest… When Alternia arrived at the venue of the Queens Council, she was alone, and a bit apprehensive. No guards stood beside her, as no queen was allowed to take any other changelings to the council meeting. Sighing, she took a deep breath, opened the doors and stepped in. “Sisters, what in the name of our mother possessed you to choose this place for the Queens Council?” Alternia demanded. Chrysalis, Simulacris, and Belladonna looked up in surprise. From the looks of it, they had been pouring over some of the recent Equestrian navy reports she had sent to them for future reference on a long conference table that occupied the hall. The throne hall of the Everfree Hive, the sisters’ first home, and the place where their mother had died. It had been renovated, cleaned, and furnished as a massive conference hall, and Alternia’s sisters were sitting in the middle of it. “What do you mean, Alternia?” asked Belladonna, blinking owlishly. Striding forward, Alternia looked past the long table and chairs to the empty obsidian chair at its end. A chair that had been recently dusted, like the rest of the hall. “This place was where our mother died,” Alternia said slowly, forcing herself not to look at Chrysalis. Chrysalis sighed and nodded. “Yes, but it is also one of the last remnants of our mother’s legacy. We hoped that we could bring new life to it and turn the throne hall into a conference room. We were also thinking of turning the rest of the hive into perhaps a changeling museum.” A hint of nostalgia hit Alternia as she saw how the roots and cobwebs that had hung in the cavern had been cleared away. The grand hall, with its new wooden table, looked filled with life again, nothing like the cold, dustball that it had been the last time Alternia had seen it. “You’re right. I’m glad this old place has changelings in it again,” Alternia said softly. Her eyes locked forward, she approached the steps to Chamelia’s old throne. The queen didn’t mount the stepped platform though, and merely stood respectfully in front of the throne. She knew she should be saying something, anything to her sisters, but she couldn’t help it. Every time Alternia visited this place, no matter the state, the empty throne of her mother always fixed her attention. “Alternia, if you would like, I can show you where I buried mother,” said Chrysalis quietly. Alternia spun around, her eyes wide, and mouth agape. “Where?” she asked in a quiet, fragile tone. Chrysalis gestured Alternia to follow her and exited the hall. Alternia glanced at Belladonna and Simulacris but they waved her onward and so Alternia went after Chrysalis. Silently, the pair trotted through old, dusty corridors, places that were familiar to Alternia but yet alien at the same time. When they finally reached the crypt, Chrysalis had stopped and stepped aside, her head bowed. Her hooves numb, Alternia walked forward and into Chamelia’s chambers. Alternia had visited the hive sometimes, but she had never went this deep into it. The memories had been too painful, and the first time she had visited, she had immediately realized the hive had been long abandoned and assumed the rest of it was. Over the years, on the rare occasion that she did visit, she could only stand teleporting directly into the throne room to briefly look on her mother’s throne. To think her mother had been buried here, right under her nose... Chamelia’s room looked almost like the last time she had seen it, an immaculate mausoleum infused with anti-dust and preservation spells. Runes on the floor of the chamber flared as Alternia approached. It was a blood ward, set to fend off any sort of unwanted intrusions. She stepped forth confidently that she wouldn’t be denied entry, and passed through without effort. The chamber itself was simple though large. Its main storage areas consisted of rough cubby holes hewn into the rock wall as well as several lead-lined chests. Each of the cubbies held jewels, gold bracelets, and various other treasures of immense value that Alternia was sure that Chrysalis had either salvaged from mother’s former treasury or added from her own collection as part of the crypt. Along the side of the wall to Alternia’s right was a rack holding her mother’s favorite weapons. A set of long handled, small-headed axes that could rend armor and split bone from end to end. Chamelia didn’t like extended fights, and would end them quickly if she could, hence her weapon of choice. Chamelia herself lay in the centre of the room where her bed would be, in a polished granite burial cask, engraved with images of Chamelia’s various deeds and triumphs. Atop of the cask, was a beautiful statue of their mother standing proudly, a soft smile on her lips. Alternia shut her eyes, holding back years of unshed tears, and failing as she touched the burial cask with a single hoof. For long, nigh uncountable years, she had wondered where her mother had been buried, and now she knew. “Hello, mom. I’m back.” Alternia cried for a long, long time until Chrysalis tapped her on her shoulder. “Alternia, it’s nearly time for the council,” whispered Chrysalis. Nodding, Alternia followed Chrysalis out of the tomb and the pair walked through the long lost hive’s passages in silence until Alternia spoke up.  “Thank you, Chrysalis.” Chrysalis bowed her head down at the gesture and continued to walk, but what Alternia said next froze her in her tracks. “You’ve made her proud,” said Alternia. Chrysalis turned to stare at Alternia, but there was no deception in her sister’s features, only gratitude. “Alternia, I…” Chrysalis bowed her head and winced. “Chrysalis, are you alright?” asked Alternia. Chrysalis sighed. “I am fine. Just worried about what the other queens will say about well… everything I’ve been doing for the last one thousand years.” Belladonna chose that moment to stroll in and smile wryly. “Que sera, sera. Whatever will be may be.” Snorting, Chrysalis poked Belladonna who rapped on her sister’s carapace. “Wisecrack.” “Soft-shelled fat flank.” Chrysalis sneered, “Dwarf.” “Did you just call me short?” demanded Belladonna. This process continued for a while, Alternia watching with an amused expression, until the arriving Simulacris interrupted their banter. “Enough, my wards were just tripped. They’re here. We need to strengthen our mental links,” said Simulacris. The sisters nodded and touched horns with each other, their magic coalescing at the single point where their horns met. In an instant, the four queens mental link was reaffirmed. Just to check, they shot affirmative telepathic messages through their link. “It’s showtime,” said Alternia with a wide grin. As pre-arranged, Alternia cast several illusion charms over herself and she faded from sight. The plan was simple, her sisters would greet the Queens, while Alternia listened in and learnt more about them via observation and through their mental link. Alternia would wait and watch the progress of the meeting until the topic of Alternia’s recent coronation was introduced. Only then would Alternia show herself. Her sisters, entered the throne room and took their seats at the long meeting table. They left the door open. Alternia sequestered herself behind her mother’s throne, where she had an excellent view of the hall and the entering changeling queens. And not a moment too soon, for the first queen had arrived. Alternia had watched, waited, and most importantly, listened as the changeling queens arrived. It was all she could do to stay silent though, for the excitement and anticipation in her heart was overwhelming. She had never seen so many queens in one place, and including her and her sisters, there were thirteen queens at this council. To get to talk with them and get to know them, perhaps build some friendships was her greatest wish, and she was tempted to throw her disguise off at one point. That being said, to reveal herself now would be a horrible idea. Alternia and her sisters had made a plan, and she had to stick to it. After all, some of these queens weren’t so friendly. Take Sarar, Queen of the hive simply known as “the Blades.” Alternia’s eyes found the queen, seated farthest away from the throne, at the end of the table. She was taller than Alternia and her sisters, with a carapace that bore many pockmarks, battle scars. Her wings were tattered, and jagged, but that only added to her menacingly long fangs, narrowed violet eyes, and regally cut purple mane. According to her sisters, Sarar hated the daughters of Chamelia, though she had had a rather good friendship with their mother. She was also the oldest queen on the council. Quite a feat, considering she was based in Gryphonia, a place known for its historical hostility to changelings. But Alternia would have to ponder about how to deal with Sarar later, because the elderly queen had decided that they had waited long enough. “I motion for the Queens Council to formally begin, we’ve waited long enough,” growled Sarar. “Motion seconded, are there any objections?” asked Queen Kagura, of the White Foxes. If Alternia remembered correctly the white maned and pink-eyed queen ruled one of the nomadic hives. She was also, the second oldest queen of the council, and a good friend of Sarar’s. The pair acted together as two of the major power brokers on the council. As no changeling objected, the doors of the throne room were shut and the Queens Council began. “The first topic this council will address, are the actions of Queen Chrysalis of the Evergreen Flame, Queen Belladonna of the Shadow Empire, and Queen Simulacris of the Shade Stalkers,” said Sarar in a low tone. Belladonna and Simulacris didn’t flinch, but Alternia could feel their panic through their mental link. “I was under the impression the agreed agenda would be on Queen Chrysalis’s actions, past and present,” said the younger Queen Wutien, her red eyes fixed on Sarar. Alternia agreed with her. Communication via the Queen Crystals, had led Alternia’s sisters to believe that Chrysalis’s actions would be the first to be discussed. What had changed? Sarar’s eyes seemed to bore into every queen at the table. “While Queen Chrysalis’s actions will be the chief focus, I find that it is necessary to question the actions of Chamelia’s Spawn in regards to this case.” “We’ll handle this, don’t show yourself,” ordered Chrysalis. Inhaling softly, Alternia sent an affirmative reply down her telepathic link, and continued to watch. “Feel free to do so,” said Belladonna, shooting Sarar a fanged sneer. “Oh I will, Queen Belladonna, and I will start with you.” Sarar stood from her seat, her visage twisted into one of abject fury. “You had evidence of Chrysalis’s treachery! Of how she killed your mother! Why did you not bring it to the council and have justice delivered to that kinslayer!” The entire cavern shook as Sarar’s roar echoed through it, and her form towering over all. Chrysalis in particular was fighting hard not to tremble, whilst Belladonna tensed. “That kinslayer who dares show her face in this place and sit beneath the throne of the mother she murdered. Why did you not tell us, Queen Belladonna? Why did you not name the one who murdered the last daughter of the Great Hive Mother Zagara one of the first changeling queens in the world?” demanded Sarar. Belladonna coughed into her hoof. “You know as well as I do Queen Sarar, that we had few friends in the council after my mother’s death. You were not the queen you were now, and neither was I. You cannot fault me for holding my tongue.” Sarar opened her mouth, but Kagura caught Sarar’s shoulder and with strength that belied her slender form, yanked the queen back down into her seat. “Belladonna is right, Sarar. We were young then, we had not the hives we had now. Chamelia’s death left us without any backing as the other queens envied her hive’s size and her heritage.” Kagura then whirled on Belladonna, her eyes narrowed. “That being said, Queen Belladonna. Your selfish actions, though inadvertently, have played a major part in exposing the changeling race to the world. Had you not blockaded Chrysalis’s love supply to such an extent, she would not have been forced to take such dangerous actions. You could have told us far earlier instead of taking things into your own hooves. Do not think there will not be consequences for this.” Kagura’s eyes subsequently settled on Chrysalis. “As for you Queen Chrysalis. Your actions are unfathomable. This Council demands an explanation for your mother’s death.” “Very well...”Chrysalis swallowed, and nodded. “A thousand years ago…” Alternia had heard the story many times, but it made the retelling no less painful for her, or her sisters. Chrysalis was on the brink of tears, and by the end, she had slumped into her seat. “So it was an accident,” said Queen Kagura with a sigh. The story did not diminish Sarar’s anger in the slightest. It actually stoked it in fact, and the vehemence in the queen’s voice sent chills down Alternia’s spine. “That changes nothing! Queen Chrysalis led a coup that killed her mother, who was the last of the direct descendants of the Great Hive Mothers! She must be punished! As members of this council, Queen Simulacris and Queen Belladonna should have carried out the death sentence!” Queen Pythadora, a blue eyed and maned queen who Alternia had heard was involved in arms dealing glared at Sarar. Apparently, she owed a life-debt to Chrysalis, to whom she was very respectful of. “Queen Sarar, it is obvious that Queen Chrysalis regrets what she has done and that her relatives have sought no vengeance. Let the matter rest!” “Their sentencing was insufficient! She should be dead according to our laws!” snapped Sarar. “But as our laws also state, this an internal, family matter, Queen Sarar. You have no stand to judge whether the sentence Queens Belladonna and Simulacris carried was the proper one,” said Queen Lionore. The golden-maned and eyed queen was the second of the changeling queens based in Gryphonia, and had a modestly large hive herself. Alternia also recalled that Lionore was a good friend of Belladonna’s. “Lionore is right. Queen Simulacris and Belladonna’s sentencing of the situation is also quite severe, and given Queen Chrysalis’s remorse, I think we have discussed this topic enough. Besides, there are more pressing matters at hoof,” said Queen Didor, whose hive lay in Zebrica. Another of Belladonna’s friends, Alternia had been told that Didor was trusted in the council as one of the most reasonable and far-seeing of its members. It certainly explained why she wanted to move on to the next topic. “Indeed, we must discuss the recent developments with the Equestrians,” said Queen Kleis Patra, the eldest of the Zebrican queens, her brown, mischievous eyes briefly darting over to where Alternia was standing. “I think Kleis Patra sees me,” said Alternia to Belladonna, trying to control her alarm. “Oh? That’s not a surprise. She is rather good at illusion magic. Don’t worry, she’s another friend of mine and will keep her mouth shut,” said Belladonna in a nonchalant manner. As Kleis Patra merely grinned and began to address Chrysalis, Alternia forced herself to relax. “What do you have to say on the matter, Queen Chrysalis?” Chrysalis pursed her lips. “I believe the Equestrians are trustworthy and that the treaty my sisters and I have signed with them will hold.” “Because it is a good treaty, or because your long lost younger sister happens to be coronated as their third ruling princess?” asked Queen Wutien, in a sarcastic voice. Alternia resisted the urge to chuckle. She would like to see the look on her face. “Cut to the chase, Chrysalis. Is Princess Alternia who she really says she is?” asked Queen Borte. She was young, and the queen of a nomadic hive, but as she was the ruler of the largest hive in the world, her blunt question demanded to be answered. “Why of course,” said Alternia. While this was a little earlier than they had originally planned, she knew it was time. Heads turned, and seats were thrown aside, except for the seats of Alternia’s sisters and Queen Kleis Patra. All were fixed on the empty throne of Chamelia, and the changeling queen standing beside it. Alternia had her silver regalia polished until the metal gleamed and the black opals shone. With her crown, breastplate, and hoofshoes, she cut a regal sight as she trotted down the steps of Chamelia’s throne. “Fellow queens, this is my sister, Alternia, Third High Princess of Equestria,” said Chrysalis calmly, though she was unable to resist the urge to smirk. “Also known these days as Celestia’s former regent,” said Simulacris, mirroring Chrysalis’s smirk. “And our sister,” said Belladonna, a wide grin on her features. Alternia didn’t smirk though, she couldn’t afford to. She had an impression to make. “I am honored to be in the presence of this great council,” said Alternia, inclining her head slightly. “You are welcome here,” said Queen Kleis Patra, not unkindly. Alternia flashed a grateful glance at the queen, and after pulling a chair over, sat herself next to Chrysalis, and gazed at the wary eyes of the rest of the council. “I am sure that you all have questions, great queens. So I will answer them to the best of my ability. Please, I do so at your behests,” said Alternia. There had been some debate between Alternia and her sisters over what she should do when she finally revealed herself to the council. Chrysalis and Belladonna suggested Alternia give a long, charismatic speech, but Alternia and Simulacris had thought of another way. They had finally gone with that route, with Alternia answering the questions of the various queens one by one, so that she could gain their trust, and not appear to impose herself on the other queens. “How binding is the Equestrian-Changeling Non-Aggression Pact given the revelation of your true identity?” asked Kagura. “Princess Celestia herself has confirmed my position as her regent for the last thousand years. All of my past decisions and treaties are legally binding and recognized to be as valid as Celestia’s own,” said Alternia. “Should your loyalty be split between Equestria and the changelings, who will you side with?” asked Didor. Alternia faced the queen, whose level gaze betrayed nothing. “A reasonable question, Queen Didor. But that is what I am here for.” Alternia sat higher in her seat, her gaze resting on every one of the queens as she spoke. “I intend to be the builder of an eternal bridge between ponies and changelings, so that long after I am gone, our races will achieve a lasting understanding. The treaty I forged with my sisters was but the first of those steps, and already, the winds of change are blowing across Equestria. Changelings for the first time in a millennia, can walk without being disguised. And this is only the beginning.” Alternia smiled at Didor. “So to answer your question, Queen Didor. I intend to make it so I will never have to make that decision. You can say that I’m on the side of the changelings and of the ponies.” There were many nods around the table, the queens seeming to be satisfied by Alternia’s answer. Wutien was next to question Alternia. “Apart from becoming a future member of this council, what are your goals, or desires for the future?” “I wish to found a hive. Though that might take time,” answered Alternia honestly. “You are unascended?” said Borte, surprised. It was a commonly known fact that unascended queens were less powerful than fully ascended ones with hives. “Yes, Celestia’s duties prevented me from gathering a hive and ascending.” said Alternia truthfully, but also tactfully. “Thank you,” said Chrysalis, her emotions of relief clear through the mental link. Sarar leaned forward on the table, her eyes narrowed, jaw set. “Why did you forgive your sister, Chrysalis for your mother’s murder, and why did you convince your sisters to do the same? I doubt Belladonna would have given up her crusade were it not that you interfered somehow,” said the queen. Alternia couldn’t help but glance at Chrysalis, who was biting her lip. “Because I think my mother held no anger against what Chrysalis did, and I do not,” said Alternia. “Why?” asked Sarar. “My mother loved us all. Even as Chrysalis rebelled against her, she continued to warn and caution Chrysalis. Even when she was dying, she said no words of vengeance, simply smiled at both of us.” Alternia paused as a thought occurred to her, and she decided to act on it. “As her friend, Queen Sarar, I believe you should know that above all, my mother was a queen of great mercy, and that was what made her truly great.” Sarar swallowed, and said nothing for one long second, before she sighed. “That is true.” Then, the amazement of all, the elderly queen chuckled. “You see, when I first met your mother, I was trying to kill her,” said Sarar. Alternia and her sisters blinked, even as Sarar shook her head ruefully. “She spared my life. We became friends shortly after that. So I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt, Queen Alternia, but if your sister moves one more step out of line…” Sarar glared at Chrysalis and said nothing else. “I thank you for the mercy you have shown to my sister, Queen Sarar,” said Alternia bowing. “Well, now that Queen Alternia’s been introduced, I motion to move the topic of discussion to the issue put forward by Queens Chrysalis, Simulacris and Belladonna,” said Queen Shebar, one of the other younger queens in the council. “Seconded, any objections?” asked Queen Pythadora. There were none. “Then let us go to the third and perhaps the most important topic of this session. The resurfacing of Aquestria, ruled by the kelpie, Empress Tethys.” Wutien shrugged. “What do the kelpies have to do with us? Let us leave them alone and they will stay in their oceans.” “That is not an option, Queen Wutien. The kelpies are too much of a threat to simply be left alone,” said Sarar. Pythadora frowned. “Isn’t it possible that they can be reasoned with? They are capable of speech as shown by the appearance of this Empress Tethys.” Chrysalis shook her head. “While that may be true, I have never encountered a talking kelpie, and we must remember those gryphon soldiers were traumatized by their ordeal.” “Besides, kelpies are nothing like Gryphons,” spat Lionore. “How precisely?” asked Queen Didor. “Gryphons may eat meat, but kelpies are known cannibals. While gryphons who are known to eat herbivore products like scones and bread, kelpies have only been seen hunting and devouring the flesh of creatures,” said Kagura. “And we must remember one of their favorite sapient species to prey on are changelings. We don’t know why, but they have always shown a preference to hunting us,” said Chrysalis.         All the queens shivered at that and Alternia could hear some of the younger ones swearing on the name of the Great Hive Mothers. “Damn, can we not organize a force to drive them away?” asked Borte. “Are you suggesting we mobilize an army to face them? That has not been done since the Great Hive Mothers walked the land!” protested Shebar. “Well what can we do? If we just sit here and let them come, we’ll be crushed,” growled Borte. The table began to descend into a milieu of bickering queens. Until Sarar’s voice cut through the din. “Enough!” The queens stared at the elderly queen, who had risen to her hooves. Her wings, tattered by years and a thousand battles, flared open menacingly, striking every one of them silent. “Thank you for your input, Queens of the Council, but please, we have no time to be bickering around like this.” Sarar’s eyes scanned the rest of the queen and rested on Alternia. “Queen Alternia, what say you on this subject? You seem to have a question that you want to ask,” said Sarar. Alternia, shaken from her quiet contemplation, blinked, and cleared her throat. “Why now?” asked Alternia. The rest of the queens stared at Alternia. “Why what?” asked Pythadora. “Why are the kelpies rising now? If they are our number one enemy then why have we been left in relative peace for so long? Why has the world forgotten about them to the point that even we changeling queens have little knowledge on these creatures? Can we or not re-establish that state of affairs again?” asked Alternia. Sarar frowned. “I doubt peace will be re-established so easily, but you do have a point Queen Alternia, and I might have a lead.” Sarar glanced around. “Do we have a map of the Eastern Seas?” Alternia levitated one from under the table, near her seat, and unrolled it. The cartograph was of the finest Equestrian make, finished shortly before the Great Tsunami. Sarar pointed to the middle of the Eastern Seas, close to where the Gryphonian Fleet had been lost. “A thousand years ago, the ruler of the Eastern Seas was the Sea Pony Empress named Samudra. She kept the kelpies down and made sure only a few made it to the shore.” “Princess Celestia told me the same thing,” said Alternia frowning. She wasn’t sure what Sarar was offering would help, but she kept her reservations to herself. “What you don’t know though, Queen Alternia, is that your mother and I were in contact with Samudra.” The sisters eyes widened as Sarar smirked. “Back then, our hives and Aquestria had a form of diplomatic relationships. Meeting under the cover of darkness in small coves on the eastern shore of Equestria, we interchanged news, traded goods and held meetings. I even met Samudra several times with Chamelia.” Sarar’s brow furrowed. “But shortly before Chamelia died, Samudra and her sea ponies went silent.” “Silent?” asked Chrysalis. Sarar briefly scowled at Chrysalis. “No messages, no diplomats sent out. Nothing, and for months. We searched the usual meeting places, but the sea ponies had for all intents and purposes, disappeared.” Sarar grimaced. “The rest of the queens of the council were unworried. They didn’t see it as an issue because kelpies hadn’t been a problem for years. Chamelia however, knew better and explained to me that not knowing what happened to Samudra would basically mean not knowing how strong the kelpies could be getting. We planned to embark on a complicated underwater expedition to Aquamaris, the sea pony capital, but then, Chamelia died, and I dared not risk going to sea by myself without any other support.” “Why did you not pursue that lead afterwards?” asked Didor. Sarar scoffed. “By then, it had been years since we’ve heard of anything in the Eastern Sea, and there didn’t seem to be a problem. I wasn’t going to go alone into uncharted territory, not when I had everything to risk.” Alternia sighed. “I did meet Samudra on request a few years after I became Celestia’s Proxy and we discussed a few trivial matters, but kelpies never came up. According to what Celestia told me, she had deliberately withheld some of her memories when she transferred hers into mine and from that Samudra was able to recognize that I was not Celestia.” “Hmm, there has to be some changeling with information on what happened in the Eastern Sea that led to this,” said Pythadora. Simulacris blinked and tapped her hoof on the island city of Venecia, drawing every queen’s gaze to her. “Actually there is. Queen Murmillar of the Sea Snakes. If there is a beast or creature to be found, Murmillar would know everything about it. With her access to Venecia’s trade route and the archive of her hive, Murmillar has the only changeling run library in the world, and it contains information I think the Canterlot Archives do not possess.” Kagura sighed. “But her hive is on Venecia. With the destruction the tsunami wrecked on that island, I’m not surprised she couldn’t make it to the council or respond to the Queens Crystal.” “Are you sure she’s not dead then?” asked Alternia worriedly. “Murmillar? Impossible. You may not have met her, Queen Alternia, but I assure you, Queen Murmillar is the last changeling that would get herself killed,” said Lionore. “She’s not just a librarian, Murmillar is a very good fighter, and she’s smart. She always has a backup plan,” added Kleis Patra. “Put it this way, Queen Alternia, if Queen Murmillar is dead, then the changeling race is in big trouble, but I doubt it’ll come to that,” said Sarar in a reassuring tone. It didn’t reassure Alternia though. The hole in her chest was evidence of the last time she had thought she was safe, and wasn’t. Their was a heavy knock on the door. “And she’s here. Only Murmillar knocks that heavily,” chuckled Belladonna. She got up from her seat and trotted to the door. Unlocking it, she swung it open. Letting a too-thin, battered, roughly-bandaged changeling queen fall flat onto the floor. “Simulacris, the first aid kit!” yelled Belladonna, crouching down next to the queen. As Sarar yelled for every other changeling else to remain seated, Simulacris seized the kit under the table and dashed behind the shocked changeling queens to her sister’s side. When she reached the wounded changeling though, she froze. A half-choked, despairing wail cut through the room. “Retariusil! No! NO!” screamed Simulacris. “Who?” demanded Alternia through their mental link, even as her features remained composed. What could possibly make her younger sister scream like that? “Murmillar’s daughter and heir, but if she’s here then…” Chrysalis’s mouth dropped open. “Oh Great Mothers.” Grimacing, Alternia stood up, and quickly trotted past the open-mouthed queens to stand beside the stone-faced Belladonna, and the crying Simulacris. Gently, Alternia leant down close to Retariusil’s head, brushing the messy bronze-colored mane from the younger queen’s eyes. “Retariusil, my name is Alternia. You’ve made it to the Queens Council. You’re safe now,” said Alternia. The young queen, heaving in deep breaths of air, croaked a quiet “Thank you.” “You’re welcome, but I need to ask you a question, Retariusil,” asked Alternia, staring into Retariusil’s tired eyes. The young queen nodded woodenly. “I know.” Alternia felt her heart sink, but she had to be sure. “Where is your mother, Murmillar?” she asked. The young changeling queen’s moist amber eyes told Alternia all she needed to know, but the answer confirmed Alternia’s worst fears. “Mom’s dead.” Though the queens were clamoring for answers, Belladonna had declared Retariusil unfit and had taken her away. Their absence had left the queens in an uneasy state. Some deliberations were attempted, and others tried to restore order, but the gathering had descended into frightened whispers around the table. That was until Kagura stood up and addressed Alternia, her sharp tone cutting through the inane chatter. “Queen Alternia, Equestria and Venecia are heavily involved in the crisis at hoof. What measures are you planning to take in the Eastern Sea?” Alternia turned to face the white-maned queen. “There are calls for Equestria and Venecia to fight the kelpies with our navy, but I do not believe that is the wisest course of action.” Kleis Patra raised an eyebrow. “Oh? What do you think Equestria should try?” “Containment by diplomatic means.” The queens stared at Alternia. Several had horrified, open-jaw looks, the others were blinking furiously as if they didn’t believe what they had just heard. The four daughters of Chamelia, however, sat calmly as they waited for the queens to respond. “Are you insane? We’ve just established that the kelpies think of us as a particularly rare delicacy!” snapped Borte.         Pythadora nodded. “We should focus on targeting and neutralize Tethys at the first opportunity we get. At least we’d be able to cut the head off of the snake and perhaps cause hostilities to cease altogether.”         “Oh great, kill a battleship-sinking super-kelpie? That must be so easy. Besides, I think the kelpies will take offense to their empress being offed!” scoffed Lionore.         “Better than the changeling race seeking peace with their worst enemy!” retorted Pythadora. Alternia’s mask of neutrality revealed nothing as she cut in and spoke, calm and collected. “I do not mean to say we changelings should as well, but considering the advantages of the kelpie race in their home environment, trying to combat them would incur catastrophic losses for any race that attempts to open an offensive against them, or even engage them on water. Thus, I believe our best option is containment by diplomatic means. Within a week, I will be setting out in a small flotilla to the Eastern Sea where I will attempt to make contact with the kelpies and their Empress Tethys. It will be dangerous, and some concessions will have to be made, but we have no other option if we do not wish to descend into open war that we will undoubtedly lose.” Shebar glared at Alternia. “Are you suggesting we just give them whatever they want so that we can live in peace? We have no guarantee that they will accept!” It was only a slight narrowing of her eyes, but Alternia’s glare made some of the more discerning queens widen their eyes, and the flare of hard determination in her emotional state shocked the other queens into submission. “No. I do not suggest that. Equestria will not simply give in to all the kelpies demands, and neither should we queens. We have a responsibility to our changelings, and in my case, I am responsible for my ponies. We should not force something upon our changelings that they cannot bear with. However, what I want to do, is to exhaust all possible options. We know rather little about the kelpies after all, how do we know for sure they do not wish to negotiate? Or would you rather resort to war, something we cannot predict, cannot take back, and against of a foe of these capabilities, will likely end in our ruin?” “Just tell Celestia and Luna to use their sun and moon powers to attack the sea!” retorted Shebar. “That’s a terrible idea,” said Alternia quite bluntly. “For one, where do they attack? There is a lot of ocean out there.” Alternia punctuated this statement with a dramatic sweep of her hoof over the map in the middle of the table. “Two, have you considered the environmental damage that such an attack will do? We’d ruin the ocean and I’d rather not use scorched earth tactics that aren’t actually possible.” “Wait, why do you say they aren’t possible, Alternia?” asked Chrysalis. Turning to her sister Alternia grimaced. “Because Luna and Celestia don’t actually have the power to use their celestial bodies like that. At best, they are stewards, maintainers of an existing cycle, and as the changeling who moved those bodies for a thousand years, I know more than anybody that the movement of the sun and moon is a responsibility, not a privilege.” Queen Wutien snorted. “Why don’t we just let them come to our shores then. Engage them on land and destroy them there. What need we have of the oceans?” Alternia opened her mouth, but Kagura spoke first. “We cannot win a war on the defensive,” said the older queen as she glanced briefly at Alternia. Inclining her head slightly, Alternia “thanked” Kagura for her support, and the elder queen continued. “They are shapeshifters like us, and there is no lore that tells us that kelpies are not restricted from roaming the rivers. Yes, a war on land is far more enviable, but should we not attempt to avert the possibility of war at all cost? Love blooms far rarer in wartime than in peacetime after all. Diplomatic containment is therefore the most viable option, one that I think we should attempt.” Kagura glanced at Sarar. “What do you think, Sarar?” Sarar didn’t respond, she was staring at the map intently, and Kagura raised an eyebrow and poked her friend. “Sarar! You’re getting into your constipated face again!” As the other queens of the council chuckled under their breaths, Sarar spluttered. “Wait what! I don’t have a constipated face!” “Then what were you thinking about?” asked Kagura. The head of the council sighed. “I was just wondering… aside from those two tsunamis… which frankly we have little evidence that the kelpies caused, the kelpies actually seem oddly defensive in their actions.” Several of the queens voices rose, but Sarar raised a hoof. “Hear me out. Consider this…. Their ultimatum was essentially a ‘get the heck out of my ocean’ in nature, and their attacks have been confined to the water. It’s almost as if their attacks were defensive in nature.” Sarar shook her head. “Regardless, I believe Alternia has a point. We should negotiate a solution.” To Alternia’s relief, many of the other queens nodded in agreement, or at least appeared contemplative in light of Kagura’s speech. Perhaps she would be able to get their backing for this mission after all. “No!” roared a voice. Alternia’s eyes flicked to the entrance of the throne hall quickly enough to see the doors slam open. Retariusil, her amber eyes blazing, and mane streaming behind her, she limped into the room, a frustrated Belladonna following her, levitating many rolls of bandages. “You cowards! How can you consider letting those monsters get away unscathed,” snarled Retariusil. Despite being bandaged almost all over her carapace, the young queen’s eyes gazed down on the others with an imperiousness unbecoming of her age. “Do you know how my mother, Queen Murmillar died?” Retariusil paused, but no queen responded.  “She was murdered by the kelpies. Ambushed by the scum and dragged away into the depths of the ocean, and probably eaten alive! I know the lore, I know better than any of you what they wanted with her, and I know how they think of changelings. As long as they think of us as prey, there will be no peace between our kinds. How could you be so foolish to think that we can negotiate with such wretches?” spat Retariusil. “Have you tried?” Retariusil turned to face Alternia, who met the young queen’s narrowed eyes with a practiced mask of dispassionate calm. “They just attacked my mother! Attacked my changelings! There was no room for negotiation or any offer, and they must pay for what they have done!” “And if I went with that logic, Queen Chrysalis and Equestria would have been at war, but here we are, seated beside each other, sisters once again.” Alternia paused for a moment as she let some sympathy etch into her expression. “Retariusil, what your hive needs, what our hives need, is not an unpredictable war where we have to gamble our lives over the slim possibility of victory, but safety. Or will you send the remainder of your mother’s changelings to join her in death?” Retariusil’s lips contorted into anguish as she opened her mouth and closed it just as quickly. Her exhausted legs trembling, Retariusil sat down in an empty chair and heaved in several large breaths of air, each growing progressively slower until she now met Alternia with a level gaze. “No. Not if the Queens Council assists me in retrieving my mother’s last work. A guide to the kelpies.” “What do you mean?” demanded Kagura. Retariusil’s lips twitched in the ghost of a grin as she looked around the council room. “About a year ago, my mother took in a wounded sea pony. She interviewed him extensively for over a month, and shortly after he returned to the sea, she told me that she was working on a guide to kelpies with those interviews as reference. When Venecia was hit by the tsunami and flooded our hive, we had to abandon our home, and left that book behind, but that book has water-repelling charms placed on it.” “What proof do you have of the existence of this book?” asked Kleis Patr. “I’ve seen it, I’ve read a bit of it, and I know where the kelpies come from. The kelpies, unlike the regular sea ponies, come from far deeper waters than the sea ponies. From the deepest abyss, and canyons in the sea. That’s been their home for years, at least until recently.” Alternia couldn’t help but flinch as she felt the extent of Retariusil’s rage, its burning vehemence, its vindictive tones. It made Alternia a bit uncomfortable, and she could tell Chrysalis stiffened. “If we can obtain this book, we can go on the offensive against the kelpies. This book can tell us of the kelpie weaknesses, their abilities, and we can take advantage of that to wipe those monsters from the waters, once and for all,” declared Retariusil.         The queens glanced at each other some whispering as they discussed the implications of the existence of the book. This was when Belladonna stood to speak.         “I think that Queen Retariusil has a point. The book must be retrieved. I doubt it will give us a perfect opportunity with which to counter the kelpies, but we must know more about our enemy.”         “For once I agree with you, Belladonna. We must retrieve the book before we are able to make a decision to go to war or not,” said Sarar to the nods of approval from the other queens. Retariusil flinched at that, but she said nothing as Sarar stood, coughing briefly into her hoof. “Queen Alternia, considering you are going on a diplomatic voyage to the Eastern Seas, would it be possible for you to take Queen Retariusil with you so that you can stop at Venecia and retrieve that book?”         “It is, and my ships are ready so I can set out immediately. Though…” Alternia frowned as she considered the difficulty of the task. “I would need some help though. I do not have many changelings in my service.”         “That is fine. Queen Chrysalis, would you consent to escorting your sister in this dangerous task?” asked Sarar, her eyes flashing at Chrysalis. It was clear the elder queen still had reservations about Alternia’s sister.         “Of course,” said Chrysalis, not rising to the bait.         Sarar nodded and turned to Retariusil. “Is that satisfactory, Queen Retariusil?”         “Yes, Queen Sarar,” said Retariusil, but there was enough of a growl in her voice for most to tell that she was not entirely satisfied.         “Good,” said Sarar, not missing a beat. She then addressed all the queens. “I motion for a recess to this council for lunch break.”         Her proposal was seconded eagerly by the hungry queens.         The council resumed after lunch, but the conversation strayed away from the kelpies and onto defensive talks between the various hives, which was followed by Kagura motioning for defensive talks between the Queens Council and Equestria, which Alternia supported.         Overall, Alternia thought the Queens Council to be quite productive, though she had an unexpected tag along.         That tag along, which was Retariusil, was seated across from her in the train, as Alternia’s guards kept a wary eyes on her. It turned out Retariusil had not had the chance to bring any of her own entourage, and had travelled alone, and Alternia had generously offered to provide accommodation.         “So, you were Princess Celestia?” Retariusil asked.         Alternia chuckled. “I was her proxy, but I did pretend to be her.”         Retariusil nodded her lips turning up in a small smile. “I saw you once, years ago when I was a filly. You were visiting Venecia, and I thought you were more regal than my own mother.”         “Thank you,” said Alternia.         “Though… I didn’t realize you would be so… cold.”         Alternia frowned. “Excuse me?”         Retariusil had the good sense to look away sheepishly and sigh. “I just wonder how you could look at everything so… logically, not rise to any bait, not get angry...”         Alternia realized in an instant why Retariusil was asking her this and her heart went out to the young queen.         “I do feel, Retariusil. For a long time, I was furious at Chrysalis for killing our mother, and depriving me of the opportunity to start my own hive.”         Retariusil blinked. “But… you two seem to be such good friends now. She even agreed to escort you.”         There was a smile on Alternia’s features as she recalled Chrysalis’s gift of changelings to her, and the support she had gave in the council. “It took a while, but I forgave her. She didn’t mean to do it after all.” “Still, how do you… get over it?” whispered Retariusil.         Closing her eyes, Alternia winced. “You never quite do. You need to have faith that your mother is in a better place, and remember that she will always love you.”         Alternia turned away as she heard the sniffling burst out into a full out sobs. “Then all you can do is try to live up to her example.”         The changeling princess of Equestria had honestly made that last statement more for Retariusil’s comfort rather than to try to advise her. She was certain Retariusil would live by Murmillar’s example, if her devotion to her hive was any indication. So long as Retariusil learnt from her mother’s mistakes, she would likely live long and be an excellent queen.         However, something bothered Alternia about Murmillar’s fate. If the kelpies liked to eat changelings, why would they purposely drag Murmillar away? Had they taken Murmillar away to be devoured later, or did they take her away to be devoured by a certain kelpie? If the latter was the case though, Alternia was quite certain as to whom.