//------------------------------// // Diplomacy Pt 1 // Story: Ebony and Ivory: Growing up Changeling // by SGZone //------------------------------// Ebony sat up straight as a board his heart pounding out of his chest His stomach was twisted in knots and swaying left and right in time with the airship. He wanted desperately to curl up in the seat but was worried about messing up his royal finery even a little bit. The medicine he took for his motion sickness was not helping. Perhaps it was his nervousness that made his stomach uneasy because in less than an hour he was to meet the ruler of Equestria, Princess Celestia. His mother brought them along to get acquainted with the princess while they talked over a settlement near the Badlands. Seeing as soon they may be hammering out agreements on their own it was best to meet her. Chrysalis assured them that they had nothing to worry about. But it didn’t stop the princes from getting butterflies in their stomach over the encounter. After all first impressions are the most important and they wanted to give Celestia their best. Ebony clenched his hand in his pocket to stop any involuntary shaking. He looked to his left and could see Ivory was just as nervous. His jaw clenched to keep his teeth from chattering except for a couple of shaky deep breaths. He looked across from him to his mother who was cool as ice. Her legs crossed reading from a book. She was wearing a dark green silk dress and had on the most makeup and jewelry the boys had ever seen her wear. Her hair was brushed back with her bangs brushed to the side almost covering up her right eye. The black crown of the changelings resting gracefully atop her head. As for the princes their royal garbs continued with the theme of their natural duality. Ebony’s was pitch black with veridian outlining. While Ivory’s was wearing a sterling alabaster white with golden outlining. The outer layer was silk but beneath was padded leather for protection. To complete their ensemble they each wore a cape draped over their right shoulder. That were held there by a silver clasp that had the crown edged into the metal. The capes matched the color of their outfits with their hive’s symbol embroidered onto them in red silk. Chrysalis looked up from her book to her nervous sons and smiled. “Boys relax. I’ve known Celestia since about your age. She’s very kind. I wouldn’t have brought you two along if I didn’t trust her.” Chrysalis stated gently tapping each of them with her foot. “Yeah but she’s the ruler of Equestria we have to give her our best. What if we offend her and she declares war. Like salute her with our left hand instead of the right. Or step to her with the wrong foot." Ivory chattered his nerves getting to him. "Like those Yakistanis that Aunty Papily talks about!" He exclaimed but Chyrsalis could only laugh. “Oh boys Celestia is nothing like them. She’s not going to declare war over something so trivial.” She smiled. “You both will be fine just remember what me and Papilia have been teaching you about proper introductions, proper etiquette, and table etiquette for dinner. Most of all though be respectful, Ebony." She denoted making Ebony blush. He had grown a bit rebellious as he got older. Challenging authority. He usually just wanted to understand the why of things, but would come off a bit disrespectful. "I’ll be handling all the messy details.” She stated. “Just relax but not too much. You’re still princes representing the hive so be on your best behavior.” “Yes mother.” The two replied in unison. The seconds ticked into minutes until eventually the captain opened the door to their cabin. “My queen we are beginning our descent into Canterlot.” He stated with quick salute. “Thank you admiral Jetstream.” Chrysalis replied waving him away. “Come boys the view from above city is beautiful.” She said rising from her chair and out of the cabin with Ebony and Ivory close behind. The moment Chrysalis opened the door to the outside. Ivory bounded over looking over the edge of the railing. With Ebony feebly trying to yank him back to the safety of their mother and the spacious walkway. While the rest of his family enthusiastically peered over the side of the mammoth airship to the capital below. Ebony took his time tip-toeing over to the railing and peeking over it’s side. Though when he gazed upon the Equestrian capital he was amazed and glad he took the risk. It wasn’t as big as the Capital Hive but it was so colorful. With so many different buildings clumped together. With varying heights and varying colors. It was like something out of a painting. Canterlot castle was just as beautiful as the city it lorded over. With it’s pristine marble walls, lavender spirals and gold trimmings. He had to admit he was a bit envious of how colorful it all was. “Beautiful isn’t it boys?” Chrysalis asked. “Yeah. When you said it was on a mountain I thought it would be smaller.” Ivory said leaning further over the railing. “Indeed. It’s definitely not the biggest city in Equestria but still quite large given what they build it on.” Chrysalis replied. “Why did Princess Celestia decide to build the capital on a mountain?” Ebony asked. “When I asked her she said it was to keep her citizens safe. Though, I could feel there was another motive but I decided not to pry.” She responded. “I bet Aunt Alexandrae could take this place. Like when she took the Araneae central hive.” Ebony stated. “Yeah but that involved her slipping a troupe in with a captain they captured before and opening all the gates to their tunnels.” Ivory retorted. “Canterlot is completely different.” “She would still be able to get it done.” Ebony stated proudly. “If only you two paid as much attention to your other studies as you did to Alex's stories." Chrysalis uttered rubbing the bridge of her nose. “Yes well enough talk of sieges. Equestria is our friend and will be for a long time, right boys." she challenged. “Right mom.” They both squeaked in unison smiling sheepishly. When the colossal black airship anchored into the port the Changeling royal family was welcomed with surprising fanfare. A red carpet was rolled out before them leading to a row of steps were a woman with rainbow hair and shining white garments stood. Flanking each side of the carpet was a row of guardsman. With polished gold armor they stood stoically their spears at their sides. The reason for the armed detail was obvious by the large clamoring crowd that had gathered. The twins looked on in awe of the spectacle they never expected so many people came to welcome them. They never received such a welcome from their subjects. However as they strode down the steps with their mother just ahead of them. They realized this was not the crowd they thought it was. As they got closer they realized these guards were not part of the pageantry but protection. Their bodies were a dam holding the rushing crowd that threatened to burst forth. As they looked around they saw a number of foul looks thrown their way. Sneers, venomous glares, snarls, dozens of eyes filled with anger and hate. Though, they could see more peaceful onlookers within the crowd. Reporters, cameramen, and other curious denizens that looked upon the family with wonder and respect. The force of animosity hurled their way was overwhelming. “Disgusting why does Celestia deal with those bugs.” Ivory heard a voice mutter from within the crowd. “Parasites!” Ebony heard a man shout. “What’s with those two. How come they haven’t unglamored?” Someone pondered. “Yeah that is strange.” Another voice concurred. The boys realized that all eyes, both peaceful and damned, \ were now on them. “I thought we had runes so those bugs couldn’t hide themselves?” A woman gasped “What if they’ve found a way to overcome our runes!” A man alarmed “Queen Chrysalis if I could have a word who are those two behind you?” A reporter asked squeezing her face through the crowd. “They’re my sons isn’t it obvious?” Chrysalis deadpanned walking right past the woman not even giving her a sideways glance. “If they’re your sons how come they haven’t transformed?” Another asked. “They’re Equestrians, like you. I adopted them.” She responded continuing her walk as more, eyes forward. “How did you come to adopt two Equestrians?” A question was hurled. “None of your business.” She responded ignoring the slew of other questions that were quickly thrown her way. Some of them accusations of kidnapping. Ivory was so distracted by the barrage of questions and accusations that he didn’t realize they were already at the steps. Tripping on the first step he would’ve hit his head on the hard stone if not for his mother’s quick reflexes catching him with her magic. He looked up at his mother his face crimson from embarrassment. Chrysalis gave him a small understanding smile at put him back on his feet as they continued the climb. Finally they were at the end to where the spectrum haired woman was waiting. Up close they could see she had milky white skin and bright pink eyes. She was incredibly tall even taller than her mother, maybe even Aunt Alexandrae. “Greetings, Queen Chrysalis.” Princess Celestia smiled curtsying. “It’s good to see you again, Princess Celestia.” She smiled giving her own curtsy. Chrysalis looked back at the two and with a nod of her head urged them to approach Celestia. Chests out, backs straight, hands behind them, and heads raised to make eye contact they marched in front of Celestia. Celestia had to purse her lips to keep herself from giggling at the adorable refined display before her. This was it the moment they had been practicing for with their aunt Papillia. Clicking their heels together the brought their balled up right fist and placed it over their hearts. Their left arm still behind them. “It is a pleasure to meet you Princess Celestia. We are Prince Ebony and Prince Ivory.” They said in unison. It took all of Celestia’s willpower to not burst out in giggles at the two adorable little men before her. Putting on her most stoic face she gave a curtsy to the two princes. “The pleasure is mine Prince Ebony and Prince Ivory.” She said serenely. “Now that introductions are finished with let’s head inside.” She gestured for two guards to open the doors which they quickly complied. “With pleasure.” Chrysalis growled as they followed Celestia inside. As the doors closed behind them and they were granted their privacy once again. Celestia turned around and wrapped Chrysalis in a friendly hug. Which Chrysalis returned with equal fervor. “It’s good to see you again, Chrysalis.” Celestia smiled. “It’s good to see you too Celestia.” Chrysalis laughed. “So this is Ebony and Ivory that you’ve been going on and on about when we catch up?” Celestia asked breaking the hug and smiling down at the two. “Indeed they were so nervous coming here over making a good impression.” Chrysalis said. “Really, well I would say they did a fabulous job. You two will make fine diplomats and leaders.” Celestia smiled. “Thank you, Princess Celestia.” Ebony smiled at the monarch with a tone and confidence of royalty. “If you don’t mind Princess Celestia when will be getting to the proposed settlement near the badlands?” Ivory asked with the same confidence as his brother. “Eager are we?” Celestia chuckled. “Remember boys let me do most of the talking. This is a learning experience.” Chrysalis stated. “Yeah, but won’t will learn more if we have some interaction?” Ebony countered. Chrysalis shot Ebony a scolding glare. While she encouraged them to voice their opinions now was not the time. “I agree completely.” Celestia stated. “Though maybe a settlement finalization is a bit too big of a bite for you two. How about you two work on improving future relations by meeting someone that I believe will be very important for Equestria’s future.” Celestia suggested. Chrysalis raised an eyebrow to Celestia’s proposition. “Who would that be Celestia?” Chrysalis questioned. “My protege Twilight Sparkle. Her brother is away at the military academy so my niece Princess Cadance is watching her today, and I think it would be a great idea for you two to get to know her.” Celestia smiled. “Wait are you just putting us in a kind of play date so we don’t get in the way?” Ivory asked deflating. "Come on were 12 mom we don't do play dates anymore." Ebony groaned. “Not at all. When I say she’s going to be someone important I mean it and the best way to form friendships is to start early. As I am willing to bet you may be meeting with her more often than me.” She responded. Ebony and Ivory looked at each other thinking over her proposition. Forging an early friendship with a future leader of Equestria may be the best course of action. Especially if she’s Celestia’s protege. “Princess Celestia we would be honored to meet your protege.” Ebony bowing once again. “Wonderful follow me.” Celestia clapped and leading them down to the halls.