It had been two weeks since the arrival of the changelings in Ponyville, and it was time for the swarm to move on. Usually they would stay around the same area for longer, but with Ponyville being a town rather than a city, the more intensive feeding regime was taking its toll on its residents. It wouldn't be too much of a problem in future years, when the Changelings weren't trying to refill decades of underfeeding, but the current arrangement had left most of Ponyville feeling literally drained.

The bearers of the elements seemed less affected then average. Generosity, Kindness and Laughter all epitomized what the new arrangement was about, and they suspected that their elements were naturally helping them. The changelings had informed their Queen that there was more energy in a feed from these three than almost anypony else, so the Queen arranged for the most sick and needy to feed from them. Especially the element of Laughter – Pinkie seemed to be an endless source of love for everypony, and every changeling, mule, donkey, griffon...

Rainbow Dash had struggled a bit - she had an intensive training regime for her Wonderbolt dream that left her more beat then the others generally. Applejack and Big Mac were similarly afflicted, their intensive farm labouring and barnyard chores causing a general tiredness.

But of course they, like everypony else in town, were more than willing to do what was best for Equestria - to make this peace treaty work!

The fillies and colts of the town hadn't noticed much of an impact to their biology, although life had been very different for the youngster in the past couple of weeks. Unfortunately for them, school lessons had still taken place during the Changelings stay as despite not being able to talk the changeling young could listen and learn.

However, the pony students didn’t mind being at school as to their delight there was also a lot more field trips. Cheerilee had discovered that, due to the hostility in other towns, the Changeling parents had not let their children out of their sight the whole time. Finding the attitude of ponies to any creatures young shocking, Cheerilee took them all out as often as possible as a treat to all the students. Although not being able to tell her directly she knew it made the changeling young, and their parents, very happy.

The foals had obviously had a great time with each other, as it was simply more babies to play with. And all of them found Pinkie covering herself with flour funny, much to the mare’s eventual annoyance and the cause of an Equestrian wide flour shortage that year. The closeness of the foals meant that the parents had also found bonds between each other.

The Cakes for example had paired up with two sets of parents, who they had invited to stay with them in Sugarcube corner. In fact, with Pumpkins fondness for sucking even more extreme than that of the changelings, they would often find the foals playing whilst each having some of the other’s body part in their mouths. It was difficult to work out what was sweeter in the bakery – the sugary treats or the babies.

The whole town had embraced the changelings deep into their hearts. They had set up a Pony v Changeling Hoofball league, which ended up being a draw. The running of the leaves had also taken place, which was won in a dead-heat between Applejack, Rainbow Dash and a Changeling colt, much to the earth mare’s annoyance.

Rarity had obviously also done her part, the best she could anyway, by arranging a Fashion Show both with the residents and their guests. What originally seemed a bit of a frivolous adventure turned into one of her brightest ideas! Changelings had never previously needed clothes, as they could have just taken the form of whatever they needed. But with shape-shifting now banned, this was a whole new thing for them – a way to look different without magic. Even the most basic of giant hats was something new and Rarity made as many items for them as she could.

Originally she did it without payment, generosity being her very nature. But every so often a Changeling would find something of value outside town - a gem, some fruit etc and would give these to her as a general thank you. She helped them understand what a basic payment and bartering system was, being the first time the Changelings simply didn’t take what they wanted.

Twilight and Chrysalis were sat in Golden Oaks Library, reflecting on the fortnight and saying their goodbyes. Of course the formal goodbye would be later, but the two friends just lay together in a hug. They knew that, barring any incidents, it would be many months before their paths crossed again.

“Twilight, may I be as bold to ask you something personal?”

Twilight sat up and looked at the Queen with a sky smile “Of course Chrysalis, we are way beyond being personal! What is it?”

“What are we? Are we...friends now?” the changeling leader asked meekly

Twilight took a deep breath out, having held it after the first part of the question “Of course we are friends, and I think we’re much more than that!”

“Are we lovers?”

Twilight knew this was coming, but she was still surprised to hear it being said. The Princess took a calming breath “I love you as a friend, and as something more. But I will never be able to forget what you did to me“ Chrysalis looked at the floor guiltily as the words left Twilights mouth “and some of it I cannot forgive. Why you did it...yes, it was part of a plan. How you did it...that will haunt me for a long time”

Chrysalis looked away from Twilight but found herself being held by Twilight in a hug “But friends sometimes make mistakes, and if they learn from them then that’s what’s most important. You, and your whole society is changing…”

“It’s all because of you Twilight” the Queen interrupted

“Errrmmm, in what way” Twilight blushed in advance.

“Oh, not like that” Chrysalis bopped her friend on the nose “I mean I adore you, but I’m not sure I would change a whole society just to be with you – it may be a romantic notion, but not the actions of a leader”

Twilight nodded appreciating that was the truth - the Queens dedication to her subjects was what the new Princess appreciated the most. The changeling then continued “You have shown me what the true Magic of Friendship can really be, and I want that for my subjects…”

“And for yourself?” the pony interrupted

Chrysalis hugged Twilight back “I think I already have it. And perhaps more?” she repeated hopefully

“Yes, you have more. I love spending time with you and could that develop into a relationship? …well, I guess we’ll have to see next time you visit” Twilight nuzzled her friend.

The two leaders had taken their place on top of a small hill at the edge of town, so all their subjects could see and hear them.

“Citizens of Ponyville...friends if I may be so bold?” the Queen started. This was met with a massive cheer, and some confetti randomly flying out of Pinkie’s mane.

“Thank you so much for taking my swarm into the bosom of your society. We have never been greeting with any warmth, but you…”the Queen was struggling to hold back a tear “…show the best qualities ponies have. You have shown us Kindness, Generosity, Loyalty, Honesty, Laughter and most importantly Friendship” Twilight put a wing round Chrysalis to comfort her, not afraid to act caring towards the changeling anymore

Sounds familiar Spike spoke to nopony in particular, deciding it was his turn to break the fourth wall.

“We do have a parting gift for you, if Princess Twilight Sparkle will allow it” Chrysalis looked at the Princess, having discussed this before. Twilight nodded, and the whole of the changeling swarm each took the form of whatever pony had taken them into their homes. They bowed in front of the respective pony, with tears rolling down their cheeks.

“Thank you” the changelings all wept in unison, using the pony’s form to speak, before taking back their natural way. No sooner had they finished transforming they all found themselves in massive group hugs. Watching over the display in front of them, Twilight and Chrysalis had big smiles on their faces.

“This will make an excellent letter to the Princess” Twilight gleefully clapped.

“You still do that?”

“Yes, what is life without whimsy?” the Princess half blushed “Besides, it helps keep me grounded” and looking over her wings "Metaphorically that is!"

“I have much to learn from you Twilight Sparkle...until next time” the Queen smiled. And with that the swarm took to the air, with heavy hearts, and headed north away from their new favourite place in Equestria.

The trip was quite long, but having regained so much of their energies from the feeding tour so far the journey wasn't too difficult. The weather was good and although the swarm was leaving behind new found friends, there was a renewed optimism in the swarm that they could find ponies willing to accept them.

Chrysalis was listening into the hive mind, but left them to their mind-think as it was all positive. She was more than a little distracted by what she had left behind, but was very nervous over what was to come. I’m sure like Ponyville the ponies will be more than friendly; Twilight explained their whole culture is based on love. No, my subjects will be fine, it’s the rulers I'm more worried about

They landed on the edge of the empires border, and as expected a welcoming committee was waiting for them. Shining Armour was standing at the front with the backing of a hooffull of crystal guards – not enough to act as a threat, just enough to help escort the guests into town.

“Prince Shining Armour of the Crystal Empire” Chrysalis bowed to the colt

“Queen Chrysalis of the Changeling Empire” Shining bowed back, although not so low “We are here to escort you into the Crystal Empire and help organise your subjects.”

“Thank you, if you would like to lead the way” the changeling beckoned

“No, after you Queen Chrysalis, ladies first” Shining mocked back. Chrysalis started walking towards the empire, and Shining moved in beside her. The two walked together at the front of the group, and spoke quietly so no pony or changeling could hear them.

“If I may be so bold…you still don't like me do you Shining Amour?”

“In all honesty, no Chrysalis I don’t. It’s not that I don’t trust you, even if I’m not sure you would be so reformed if Twiley…”

“Twiley?” the Queen laughed an interruption

“Princess Twilight Sparkle” Shining corrected himself with a slight blush.

“Don’t worry” Chrysalis smiled at him “Having spent the past two weeks being looked after by your sister, I'm sure her brother is bound to have lots of found nicknames for her” Best I don’t go into how she looked after me, or what nicknames we came up with!

Shining’s frown almost broke, but he kept it up “Anyway, it’s not that I don’t trust you, but you hurt my Cadence, and did something to my sister. I just can't forgive you for that!”

“Sounds fair Prince Armour, I expect nothing for myself from either you or your charming wife except somewhere to rest. As long as my swarm is looked after that’s what counts most”

“Of course your swarm will be looked after – I have no problem with them, they were only following your orders” Shining scowled “You will be staying at the castle as a Royal guest, being that is what you are. But if Cadence wants to avoid you, you avoid her okay? In fact, whatever Cadence wants goes, you just remember that!”

Chrysalis thought about making a joke about who wears the trousers in that relationship, but decided against it “I will do my best Shining Armour, I have no intention of bringing up any painful memories for your wife, or hurting her ever again.”

“Look, you may be more powerful and have a powerful swarm at your beck and call, but if you do happen to hurt her again, I will make you pay!” Shining threaten seriously.

The Queen looked at the colt staring at her and knew he meant it “The Princess is very lucky to have somepony as devoted as you as a husband”

Shining slightly relaxed at hearing this, but the Queen couldn't resist the next line

“And such a wonderful lover too”

Shining shot the changeling a scowl, but had trouble surprising the laugh building up inside of him.

“Too soon?” the Queen replied with a smirk seeing the colt about to crack

A smile formed on Shining’s lips, and he spoke with a certain “Twilight warned me about your sense of humour”

“You mean little Twiley told her BBBFF. Aww, how cute!”

“You've been hear two minutes and I’m getting a headache!” Shining rolled his eyes, but inwardly smiling as a friendly bond was building between the two previous enemies.

“Want some help with that?” the Queen asked as innocently as possible, before picking up speed to pull in front of the Prince It’s going to be an interesting month Shining thought to himself before upping his cadence to draw level.

Once they arrived in the middle of the Crystal Empire, the Crystal Guards and other translucent ponies helped start organising the changeling swarm, much like they did in Ponyville. Chrysalis noticed a number of them seemed to have checklists, and wondered if Twilight had sent them up ahead – knowing the alicorns fondness for the changelings, and lists, she suspected the answer was yes.

As she was being given the formal tour of the Crystal Empire by Shining Armour, a messenger came up to the Prince to inform him of something urgent relating to the preparations for the Equestria Games that had to be dealt with urgently. Shining rolled his eyes, as it seemed like either he or his wife had to make all the decisions round here.

“Are you okay if we cut the tour short, Queen Chrysalis” Shining asked, remembering to act formal around the other ponies.

“No Problem Prince Armour, I will return to the palace and see you later”

“As you wish, Queen” Shining remarked and trotted off to what was no doubt something trivial. However, he was glad to get away from the Changeling Queen, as despite the bonding it brought up a few too many sour memories.

As evening closed in Shining Armour trotted into his home, the grand castle in the middle of the circular crystal empire. He would have preferred to move into a more humble dwelling, but understood that as a royal couple they had to stay in a castle. Twilight had of course had the right idea, declaring Golden Oaks Library as "A Castle of Knowledge" as soon as she could, and the older sibling wished he had thought of something like that My sister was always the brains of the family, and I was the braun. Wait, with her Alicorn powers, is she stronger than me now?

Shaking the thought, he asking a nearby guard where his wife was and was informed that Crystal Princess Mi Amore Cadenza was in their bedroom suite. After reiterating for the millionth time that she wanted to be called Cadence, he trotted up the stairs to the newlyweds more private quarters.

Opening the door with a “Honey, I’m home!” his mouth dropped as he stared at the scene in front of him – two mares that looked exactly like his beloved wife, except one had a green horn glowing and the other had a green aura surrounding her head.

“Get away from my wife!” Shining yelled, flared his horn and shot a magical spell towards the disguised changeling…

Author's Notes:

Sorry for the lack of "action" in the chapter, and how wordy this became. In some respects it still feels rushed, but I limited the words where possible as it's not that sort of story afterall!

Also, so glad I got to use the cadence as a noun rather than just a proper noun.