//------------------------------// // ChrysLestia sidestory // Story: The Night smells of Lavender // by Dark0592 //------------------------------// “I'm sorry, but I am afraid this meeting will have to be rescheduled...I had expected it to be over by now.” Celestia said to the noblepony she was speaking to as Chrysalis entered her throne room. “I understand, no worries Princess. Everything important is said and done.” he said, bowing and leaving. “I apologize, I did not mean to interrupt your duties...” Chrysalis said, looking after the Stallion. “What's done is done. You are not well...last I saw you, you were so happy and lively...and...well...whole.” Celestia said. “That is the reason I am here...We have been trying to find less...parasitic...ways to feed. It is so bad now though...I came seconds from breaking our promise...but then I saw your sister and her partner...I need your help.” Chrysalis explained. “Help with what?” Celestia asked. “With teaching my people and I how to love for ourselves again.” Chrysalis replied. Celestia smiled. “Like old times?” Celestia asked. “Hopefully.” Chrysalis replied. They both thought back to said old times. “last time we met...that was a few years before the Banishment, correct?” Celestia asked --- “Changelings and Ponies all living together in Harmony...it's beautiful.” a much younger Chrysalis said as she and a younger Celestia looked over old Canterlot. Celestia was a bit smaller and her mane and tail were still the pink of her youth. Chrysalis was a bit shorter, but bigger all around. She wasn't just skin and bone and her body bore no holes. Her wings even resembled something closer to a butterfly than a house fly and her mane and tail were fuller. “Hn...” Celestia mumbled in response. “What's the matter Love?” Chrysalis asked, leaning into the Alicorn. “It's Luna...she's been more withdrawn lately...sometimes I see a cold look hidden behind the gaze of the kind Princess of the night...” Celestia said softly. “I have noticed this...do you have an idea what could be causing it?” Chrysalis asked. “No...I've only began to notice it these past few days...” Celestia sighed and leaned into the Changeling Queen. “Maybe it's because she doesn't have a wonderful Pony like you to cheer her up.” she mused with a giggle. Chrysalis responded by quickly pulling her into an embrace and a kiss. Celestia returned it happily. “How did I come by such a perfect Mare?” Chrysalis mused. “Oh come now...don't tell me you forgot already?” Chrysalis asked half-joking. “Oh I totally forgot how we met. It can't be that I just love hearing it.” Celestia joked. “Well I remember it perfectly. Our two peoples were less than friendly due to our way of sustaining life...you helped us love for ourselves...I was the first...” Chrysalis off-handedly explained. “and I was the Lucky mare to share it with you.” Celestia finished. “Bingo.” Chrysalis replied, starting another kiss. --- “What happened?” Celestia asked sadly. “After the Banishment you were so withdrawn...an incident involving my people feeding on yours during your cold state brought a rift between us...I never wanted to risk my people doing such a thing again so we promised to not feed on ponies' love ever again...but the damage was done and our rift too great. I forgot how to love for myself...and I grew cold...the only thing keeping me sane was the promise...my people forgot as well as new generations came and went...I had forgotten the promise...that's why we moved to the Everfree...but seeing Luna and Twilight made me remember everything...” Chrysalis explained, slowly stepping towards the seated Princess. Celestia's expression turned from sadness to a warm smile as she met Chrysalis halfway. Celestia's wings fanned out suddenly, earning a giggle from Chrysalis. The Alicorn quickly brought them under control, but held a red face. “Sorry...I missed you...” Celestia said sheepishly. They were startled by the door opening, it was Celestia's runner. Luckily she wasn't looking at them. “Princess, the elements of harmony are on their way.” she called into the room and closed the door quickly. “Oh, well...I guess that's our que to discuss something more official.” Celestia said with a chuckle.