It was a ten-minute walk before Twilight led Dawn off the road, finding a good size clearing surrounded by trees in another five minutes.

"Saw this last night when I was doing recon." Twilight smiled satisfactorily. "Gives us plenty of space and you won't have to worry about people seeing so you can relax as it will be just you and me."

Dawn nodded, feeling a small sense of drowsiness settle in, almost as if in anticipation, before opening up her wings and trying to get a feel for their movements.

"Now then." Twilight smiled as she now had on a pair of mirrored sunglasses. "Let's get started. Don't think about flying right now. We are going to focus on getting used to the moment of your wings. So, focus on your breathing and your wings as well as my voice and relax. Remember don't think."

Dawn nodded, feeling a similar sensation of dreaminess come over her. She continued to train under twilight, gaining step by step instructions in a calming tone by Twilight, wings stretching, soon flapping. She was barely aware of the sensation of her hooves leaving the ground.

Twilight continued on, encouraging the young alicorn. It was a bit odd that their eyes were half closed, perhaps due to the sun or tiredness from before. The lack of training clearly showing a lazy or at least inactive life, something she would be sure to fix. Encouragements flowed, wanting to do her best to make them want to improve by positive reinforcement.

Dawn continued to hover, even flying around slowly for a several minutes with Twilight’s guidance until she was instructed to hover once more and slowly land, feeling herself wake when she heard a not-quite-metallic clicking from Twilight’s hooves clapping together, registering what she heard from Twilight more consciously

"Anyways for now we are done my little pony." She said clapping her hooves again making the unique sound.

Dawn smiled wearily and shook her body, feeling the aches along her back and sides. She gradually folded her wings into place, almost not folding them right on the first try. "Good... I'm feeling the burn from that little bit already."

Twilight smiled and patted Dawn's head. "Don't worry we can do some wing stretches and exercises later today." Twilight said. "Shall we head back?"

"Yeah,” Dawn agreed, grateful it wouldn’t be right that moment, “I feel up to reading a good book right now."

"Alright, sounds like a plan to me.” Twilight said as she turned to head back to the road. “And then we will make that surprise lunch for your husband."

Dawn giggled before following her back home, though wondered when it was that the surprise lunch was mentioned. Still, she wouldn’t mind a chance to spoil him some with how much he chipped in.

"I'm assuming you have your own supply of books,” Twilight confirmed, “and I have a few tucked away. So then, shall we read?"

"I still want to finish off that one about dragons." Dawn replied

"Then finish the book." Twilight said. "Then we can make Stalwart some lunch and maybe you'll get lucky." She winked.

"Oh? Lucky how?" Dawn asked with a mischievous grin. She was intrigued, though she couldn’t shake the feeling she already knew what they meant.

"He might thank you for the meal by mounting you." Twilight said smirking.

"Well,” Dawn chuckled with a blush. “That would help him let out some steam, among other things." Her speech paused for a moment as she followed the route back home before asking, "What kind of meal were you thinking?"

"Hmm. Well, what does he like to eat?"

"He enjoys pies, as well as occasionally heavier dishes combined with a fizzy fruit drink for contrast."

"Hmm, so we will make him a pie.” Twilight said, chuckling before adding “What type does he like? Maybe you should dress up all nice and sexy for him as well."

"I,” Dawn blushed, letting out some nervous laughter as she realized the subject continued to come up, “he likes apples or blueberries rather frequently. How did we get on this subject of enticing my husband again?"

"Um, because you are making him lunch in bed and I made a joke about dessert and you went along with it? So we are now talking about how to actually get that ending." Twilight said, amused at Dawn’s change of demeanor when they weren’t fully awake.

"W-well, why not right?” Dawn chuckled shakily again, blushing as she spoke again, ingredients already crossing her mind as the greenery slowly went by them. “So, let's get that pie made."

"Alright let me know how I can help my little pony."

"Well, I won't turn you down at all.” Dawn admitted, knowing her cooking skills were not fully up to snuff. “I've got the blueberries and sugar, feel like making an awesome crust? I rarely botch up the filling."

"Sure thing, and relax my little pony. Don't need to be so nervous. " Twilight chuckled as she started to walk.

Dawn felt a wave of goosebumps go down her spine, making her fur rise briefly while realizing her mind felt clouded. She shook her head a couple times to refocus herself and spoke up.

"Just suddenly feeling shy about it, like the first time we went at it." She laughed once and shook her head more widely, "I know, I can be really silly about it.”

"Oh believe me, I remember me and Chrysalis' first time." She chuckled. "Definitely weren't shy, either of us."

"Oh, well then!” Dawn grinned, a self tease coming out before she could stop it. “Sorry I'm not quite so sure of myself yet to be unapologetic about it."

"Oh believe me, I was nervous. It was my first time. Never been with anyone other then my hoof." She chuckled

"I can relate. I allowed myself to do that late in life. Still, where most around me learned as puberty started, I learned after I moved out of my parent's place. So many religious inhibitions put in me and I was so indoctrinated I-” Dawn paused, thinking back to that point for a couple seconds before picking back up, staring at the kitchen bowls she was grabbing as if looking past them and her memories both. “Still struggle to be honest, despite putting it behind me a good 10 years ago."

"Eh. I had been saving myself till I found someone special. Came to realize life is too damn short, and can get even shorter in an instant. So, I decided to forget about waiting till I found someone special and just enjoy life." Twilight chuckled, "Had no clue the one I went to for a bit of fun and stress relief would turn out to be that one I was waiting for."

Dawn chuckled with her, "Yeah, I rather regret having not been willing to go at it in some ways. It's not nearly as evil as I was raised to view it. It's... disappointing. Still, I have very much enjoyed Stalwart breaking me in and helping me let go of those inhibitions."

"Yeah,” Twilight nodded. “have to admit, I enjoy sex often, little less now, as you don't know when Violet is going to walk into the room, but we steal time away when we can."

"Well,” Dawn smirked, “tell you what, if you ever need a moment, have us foalsit for you. We won't mind. Though naturally there might be times where we'd like to go for it, but as long as she respects closed doors, there shouldn't be an issue."

"She doesn't respect closed doors." Twilight laughed. "It's why we have to be careful. But yes, your offer is greatly appreciated and may be taken up on."

"I can understand, I get that way when I really need it. Though I've only been in heat a few times, I've had my moments even without."

"Ok, if I'm here long enough to be in heat, you and Stalwart will have to take Violet for a few days and maybe stay in a motel or something."

"Oh really?" Dawn asked with a raised brow and a grin.

"Yeah I would say me and her would, but there would be issues most likely. So better if we stay here."

Dawn chuckled, "And what happens if we fell into heat at a similar time?"

"Uh, I'm sure your heat is far more controlled than mine. I don't remember things after a certain point, but I know I attacked celestia once cause I thought she was trying to take chrysalis from me."

Dawn blinked a few times in stunned silence, "I.... don't know how to compare. I know i get rather obsessive and needy, but memory during that time goes a fair bit like a blur. Stalwart jokes that the foal might not be his, but one of his pegasus friends he got to take me up 'to the moon', only to keep me in the warehouse the entire time to play my fear of heights into pleasure..."

Twilight blinked at her. "The fuck?"

"W-what?" Dawn blushed and looked away, feeling shy and worried she went over some kind of boundary.

"That....ok yeah in that situation I can't even imagine being let out, Chrysalis would probably kill anyone who tried anything like that."

She shook her head, "I trust Stalwart, and I had a safe word in place should it get too much for me. I want my boundaries tested. I mean, my life's motto has been 'I will not let myself be ruled by fear.', so in a way, this was me trying to face my fears while enjoying the pleasures of sex. He enjoys watching others take me to boot, so... I don't know what to tell you."

"Well...I guess if you are both ok with it. Just weird to me not being with a single person."
Dawn smirked weakly, "My heart belongs to my husband, but as his pet, when the collar is on, I'm his to do with as he likes. I've noticed a fair bit of herd-like sexual tendencies here, but would prefer to have a single mate, possibly others. Sex, for me, shows a rather great deal of trust, you know?"

"Herd like...what?" Twilight blinked. "And I guess I can get that. Can't really see myself being with anyone other then Chrysalis, and trust is very important.”

Dawn smiled gently toward Twilight, "I'm glad for you both." She said, seeing the gate and opening it for them both. There wasn't much more she felt she had to say, and she was satisfied with what she learned, both for her exercise and flight, but about her housemate.

"So then, we read ‘till around an hour and a half before he normally wakes up, I'd say so we have plenty of time."

"Yeah. Sounds like a good time to me." Dawn agreed.

Twilight nodded and went to take a seat.

Dawn went to her couch and pulled up her book, smiling up at Twilight briefly before resuming where she had left off

As Twilight pull her book out she started to hum. It was a soft gentle tune.

Dawn smiled, looking over at Twilight and listening for a bit, wondering what song she should play to 'reply' while they're cooking.

The tune continued it calm gentle self as she read.

Dawn read contentedly, finishing off the last of her book more quickly than she expected, and otherwise enjoying the tune that Twilight hummed, getting up to quietly gather the ingredients needed, knowing that it would require a bit of baking time to boot.

Twilight soon joined her. "Enjoy your book?"

Dawn shrugged,"Yeah, the ending felt like a cop out, but it just lets me imagine some 'what ifs', like, if that hadn't happened, what if they tried this solution instead?"

"Oh, I do that all the time." Twilight chuckled.

Dawn laughed, "Good, it feels like I'm the only one that ever does. Everyone else seems to just accept that the story ends this way and that's that, unless they're extremely interested in the series of their choice."

"There are always what ifs to any story, and I can't help but see them."

"I know right? From making a small change early on that would have huge ramifications later, or a change in battle strategy where if they had only realized this one detail, that could change the entire flow of battle, and even for thinking about the interpersonal relationships." Dawn paused as she heard the mail drop through the front door slot, "Hm, interesting, I wasn't expecting any mail..."

"What me to grab it?"

Dawn nodded, "It'd be appreciated, I'll get out the rest of the things we'll need for the pie."

Twilight nodded and headed for their room. Dawn had a letter from Celestia and Luna, sealed with a wax seal with the crest of the kingdom. Twilight whistled and was tempted to take a look but decided against it. Worse case she could learn later what it was and walked back the kitchen. "Message from the Sisters."

"The sisters?” Dawn hummed, looking at the letter before looking back up to Twilight, “This is from Celestia and Luna, I wonder what it-" She opened it gingerly, trying to preserve the wax but never being successful at it yet. The wax seal cracked itself along the sunny half to the left and she skimmed through the message before replying, "Oh, and here I thought it was more serious than that. It looks like they'd like us to come over to the castle for a few days and have dinner together, though based on the wording, I'd have to say it's more because of wanting to speak to you three, and I'm an escort of sorts. Here, see for yourself."

"The Royal Alicorn Sisters. That's not their name here?" Twilight asked and then shrugged. "Don't mind either way myself."

Dawn showed her the letter, allowing their flourishes to be clearly visible, and their signatures showing their respective cutie marks stamped nearby.

To Princess Dawn,
I know it has been a very long time since we had last shared a meal together, your coronation notwithstanding. We would like to speak with you about your duties for Equestria and of things concerning your guests. We are both rather curious about their impressions and aspirations for their time in Equestria. Familiar accommodations will be made for your visit should you accept.
Safe travels,
Celestia & Luna

"Yeah they seems more interested in us and are trying to be unobtrusive."

"I'm glad we both can spot that. I guess they also wanted to be discrete when it came to the fact that you three were here, since no names were given. Just in case it was read." She started to mix the blueberries in a bowl with the ingredients to make the filling she knew Stalwart enjoyed.

"Yeah so they do have some common sense." She chuckled and watched her. "You know cooking has always been nice and relaxing to me as I don't really have to think about anything except what I am doing and what is being said to me."

"I like being able to converse while cooking, yeah. What do you think though, do you want to attend or should we postpone it at all?"

"I’m fine with attending."

Dawn looked over to her approvingly, "Well good. I know it's a pretense, but it's only fitting that they give me a task or something to do or be responsible for. I mean, I never intended to be a princess, but I had hoped that it'd mean I'd have something important to do."

"Maybe. Thinking about it, they may be giving you a bit of time to adjust to your new body but I do think they are too hooves off."

Dawn hummed quietly, "Yeah, or perhaps giving a small leave to recover from the horn loss and the pregnancy but... I dunno, having a trainer like you said would do a fair bit to help me out." She laughed once before turning to Twilight and saying, "Even if I did start complaining after about day three or five."

"I wouldn't be doing training right if you didn't complain.” Twilight chuckled. “But yeah giving you, a few lessons wouldn't have hurt."

Dawn turned back to the filling and continued her mixing with a broad smile, as if trying to hide it from her. "Seriously, thank you. I love learning new things and being pushed past my boundaries every now and then."

"Good. That's the point of training and what I plan to do. To push you past your limits."

Dawn grinned, "Still doesn't mean I can't thank you. Mind putting the crust together for the pie?"

She nodded and started working. "This is so relaxing. Just nice and soothing, not having to think about anything, just to focus on the task at hoof, and the voice of whoever you are with." Twilight commented idly

Dawn started to droop her eyes before turning to Twilight with a weak chuckle, speaking softly, "T-Twilight, what are you doing...."

"Huh? What do you mean?" She asked looking at Dawn.

"I feel funny... like when I was practicing earlier..."

"Funny?"

Dawn shook her head and tried to clear it, "You said something about not thinking and I felt a bit... heavy and sluggish."

Twilight tilted her head. "Odd. Was just talking about how nice and relaxing it is to cook as you don't need to worry about anything and just focus on the task at hoof."

Dawn shook her head again before stirring a bit more vigorously, "Yeah, that... well, I think I'll be fine. Did I get everything out for you?"

Twilight looked at her for a moment. "Yeah. Crust is almost done." She said looking back at what she was doing. "Should be a few more seconds. … and done." She proclaimed.

"Good.” Dawn smiled, pouring the filling into the crust in the pie dish, “Let's get the oven prepped and some toppings for after it comes out."

Twilight smirked. "Oven is preheated, as I turned it on a bit ago so it'd be ready."

Dawn smiled and put the pie in, placing the second crust on top with the appropriate slits.

"So while that bakes, shall we work a bit on you using your hooves?"

"I'm down with that." Dawn agreed.

"Let's head to the living room then." Twilight said turning and starting to walk.

Dawn followed her to the living room quietly, wondering what she had in mind.

She brought out several large books. "We are going to work on grip strength a bit." She said placing the books down from smallest to largest.

Dawn nodded, coming along and looking at the books

"Okay then, let’s start with the smaller book first." Twilight said taking a seat. "And remember if you start to get stressed calm yourself my little pony."

Dawn chuckled and shook her head lightly before reaching down to pick up the book, fumbling slightly before lifting it up to knee height from the floor.

"Relax my little pony." Twilight said as she saw her fumble. "Stay calm and don't think and just breath.'

Dawn nodded, slowing down and reaching to pick it up again from where she had dropped it. She relaxed and picked it up, lifting it easily and even opening it up briefly before closing it.

"Good good. Now the next one. Relax. Breathe slowly and don't think. Jest be calm and listen to my voice and focus."

Dawn shook her head, blinking a few times and looking at Twilight lazily before letting out a deep breath and drowsily went to the next book and continued the exercise, easily gripping it.

"Good good. Just calm yourself my little pony. Relax. Breath slowly and focus. Don't think and just do what I tell you too. It feels natural and normal doesn't it?"

Dawn tossed her main slightly as she took a deep breath and let it out before lifting up another book, oblivious to Starlight now speaking through the horn. "Funny, we always did tend to overthink things, though I swear her not thinking is going a bit far there." He ended with a chuckle.

Twilight blinked tilting her head in a bit of confusion but then shrugged not sure how not thinking about picking things up and just doing it was odd. "Relax. You are doing great Dawn, I'm very proud of you. Just keep doing what I tell you to do."

Dawn nodded, staying drowsy and moving to the middle book, picking it up with slight difficulty, but otherwise manipulating it as well as a pony her age normally would have.

"Good good. You are doing great dawn. I'm proud of you." Twilight said in the normal calm voice. "Relax more. Stay calm. Focus on my voice and your breathing. Don't think and just relax."

Dawn lowered the book and reached for the next heaviest one, grunting quietly as she tried to lift it with the one hoof, feeling it rise slowly, but she keeps her grip and raises it to her chin before setting it down gently

"Good good. You are doing so well my little pony. Just keep relaxing and breathing. Let's take a break and talk about something more interesting. Like your husband’s ‘dessert’ for after his lunch. I’m thinking you should put in something sexy for him to take the food up and as he finishes.” Twilight paused as she considered and spoke at the same time, “Hm, not sure. There is always showing off your assets and letting him pick the dessert."

Dawn nodded weakly and turned toward the kitchen, a small swagger to her gait as she walked appearing that was not present before when she was more fully awake.

"Hmm. Maybe use your mouth as he eats as well, I'm sure he'd like that." She chuckled getting to her hooves and following behind.

"H-hey." Dawn blushed, shaking her head a little and hesitating. She couldn’t stop the smile that crossed her face as she looked away, wanting to resist more and yet couldn’t muster the strength to.

"Come on, you can't tell me he wouldn't enjoy that while he ate, followed by his dessert." Twilight chuckled as she checked on the pie with her back to Dawn.

Dawn laughed quietly, hearing herself speak before she could think, "If it's anything like what chryssy gets to look at, absolutely." She then froze, a gasp escaping her lips as she realized what she just said and looked away shyly.

Twilight chuckled. "Oh I bet, you are an attractive mare after all. You should use that while he is eating." She said closing the oven carefully.

Dawn blushed but giggled, grateful they didn’t realize she had hit on them, "Actually… I think i'll surprise him about ten minutes before his breakfast with a wakeup call in that case. it's been a while since I had."

"Oh that's even better. Be sure to put on something sexy first to really help him wake up." She chuckled.

"Stockings it is then."Dawn laughed before quietly commenting, "I think you're trying to encourage me to get it out of the way so we can keep an eye on Violet for you tonight... Just sayin’."

Twilight laughed. "Maybe. Or maybe I just enjoy helping two people in love. My sister in law is the Alicorn of Love after all." Twilight chuckled. "But since you offered, yes, I'd like you to watch Violet tonight."

Dawn chuckled, "Deal. How long should the pie bake? I forgot."

"Should be a few more seconds. Plenty of time for you to slip into something sexy and give Stalwart his ‘good morning’ then come get it. Hmm, then I suppose as he eats, you show off your assets to him and let him pick desert." Twilight said.
Dawn laughed and shook her head, "When you said you were blunt about sex you were not kidding... Well, i'll see you soon enough. Thanks again for the training."

"Not problem my little pony." Twilight said as the timer went off making a loud noise before the alicorn turned it off.

Dawn sauntered up the stairs to her husband's bedroom, intent on waking him up to something pleasant, only returning downstairs a good ten minutes later, looking a deep red in her face as she wore the white and pink striped stockings on her legs still, showing him to the pie.

The meal was on a tray, complete with a freshly picked flower to the side, looking professionally done. Twilight smirked at Dawn before whistling. "Wow, you do know how to look good." She said holding the tray out with her magic.

Dawn blushed to the side and all Stalwart could do was laugh for a few seconds before he said, "I don't know what's gotten into her, but whatever it is, I'm happy with- Ohhh, is that blueberry pie? What's the occasion?"

"Well, it was supposed to be breakfast-lunch in bed, but seems you left the bedroom." Twilight chuckled, moving the meal from the tray to the table. "I'll leave you two alone." Twilight said, starting to head for the living room and the basement door beyond.

Dawn used her magic to whisper quietly into Twilight's ear, "Thanks," Before giving him more attentions, taking the pie up to the bedroom where their antics could be done in private.

Twilight took a seat in the living room to enjoy a good book as she waited.

Dawn and Stalwart returned after nearly an hour, Dawn came down alone, the sounds of bathwater being run upstairs by Stalwart echoing in the home. Dawn looked unstable on her hooves, and finally climbed up into the couch, missing her stockings and having a simple dress on her back that draped down to just above her ankles near the back. She flashed a rather broad innocent smile up to Twilight before reaching for her own book and trying to get herself to read, holding it by hoof instead of magic.

"Someone had a good time I see." Twilight smirked.

"Let's say that was sorely needed, for both of us.” Dawn replied as softly as her nod, smile clear on her face. “I'm glad you suggested it. Anything special I should know about Violet when we foalsit them?"

"She is not allowed to take over Equestria or run experiments on people or animals, whether they be biological or psychological in nature."

Dawn laughed, "Oh really now?"

"Yes. She really enjoys experimenting."

Dawn hummed, "Note to self, don't get out the board game 'Risk' with Violet. Got it."

"Risk?" Twilight asked.

"A board game I grew up with that was based on the idea of taking over the world. You would have cubes that represented military strength, and different regions, when you control the territories in them, gives you more reinforcements, and you invade and defend against invasions."

"Huh, weird. Sounds like the strategy games that are popular."

Dawn chuckled, "Yeah, just a bit."

"Im no good at those."

She narrowed her eyes in disbelief, "Seriously? Hm, wouldn't have expected that."

"Neither would I since I command an army but those games are nothing like what I'm used to."

She hummed, "Do you know the reason? I would think that it would be at least a little reminiscent..."

"I don’t know… It's just… those games don't feel anything like what I know of down on the field, and players don't act like generals. They generally plan out, but in the end it doesn't matter how many units they lose, as they can just make more in a short time. I can't think that way. I've lived most of my life seeing the faces of soldiers as I order them into hell, or the faces of their family as I tell them their son or daughter is never coming home… it makes me plan my stratagem accordingly and I always get hit in gaps in my defences by soldiers being thrown at me in waves. It's just not how I think."

Dawn wilted slightly as she heard this, her ears drooping downward and head hanging slightly, approaching Twilight and giving them a gentle hug, whispering, "I'm sorry. that was really dense of me."

"Hey, hey, relax. It's part of the job." She said putting an arm around her and patting her back.

Dawn shook her head and stepped back, "but loss is never easy. I always make the time to let those that shoulder that burden know that they are appreciated."

Twilight simply smiled and chuckled before shaking her head, then looking Dawn in the eye. "Thanks Dawn. I appreciate it."

"You're welcome." Dawn said, turning her head as Stalwart came down the steps, mane dripping two drops as he walked over. She laughed and backed off slowly, "Oh no you don't! You’re not shaking your wet mane all over me again!"

Twilight blinked at Dawn’s sudden departure to the outdoors with Stalwart hot on her hooves, then chuckled, shaking her head as they ran past Chrysalis and Violet, who blinked as they ran by.

They both returned in about ten minutes, Dawn looking noticeably damp with her fur along her back, legs and tail. She walked in, looking a bit shy and tired, but with a small smile on her face, and Stalwart trotting along afterward confidently.

Violet was off in the dining room eating lunch with Chrysalis, leaving Twilight in the room to see them come and smirked. "Well then, I wonder how only those areas got wet."

Dawn blushed deeply where Stalwart merely smirked. They went up to their room and brought the pie down, Stalwart saying, "Anyone want to share? I can't eat it all in one sitting after all."

"Sure I won't mind and I know Chrysalis and Violet will." Twilight chuckled.

Dawn smiled and carried the pie to the kitchen, slicing it and bringing everyone a slice,

Violet was excited for the pie and dove into it with the enthusiasm only a foal could achieve.

Dawn looked over Violet, an affectionate look crossing her face as she imagined her own foals and what they might be like when they came. As if reading her mind, Stalwart spoke up, reminded her, "Don't worry, yours will be here before you know it."

"So then, did you three enjoy your time together here?" Chrysalis asked Dawn and Stalwart, Twilight was still in the living room eating.

Dawn nodded, "So far I'm enjoying this world. A single crisis since I arrived, low crime, friendly ponies, it’s all pretty ideal. I miss having hands and a couple other human things, but otherwise I'm happy."

"Low crime? Even in the cities?" Chrysalis asked surprised.

Stalwart laughed, "Of course. The guard takes care if the cities and the patrol pick up more rural incidents.

"Ah ok. I was going to be surprised if you had low crime rates in sections of the cities. "

Dawn laughed, "Sorry, meant that as most things like stolen goods end up being recovered within a day."

"Ah ok. That makes sense." She said. "So what did you three do?"

"Well, Stalwart is a guard and I'm a medical pony, but only for magical healing and lecturing about in-tandem healing spells. I have a seminar I'll be leading in Peonia and Hooveston in a couple weeks unless something comes up."

Starlight came as a voice from her horn, chiming, "and I stay out of her private life where able." He joked.

Chrysalis viable tensed for a moment but relaxed having been informed of Starlight. "Ah, I see. That is very good, but I mean what did you three do here while me and Violet were off in town?"

Dawn opened her mouth in dumb surprise, thinking she wanted something different, "Oh, that. Stalwart slept, and Twilight was helping me out with exercising and learning how to fly."

Chrysalis chuckled. "Ah I see. Sounds like her."

Dawn sat there looking at Chrysalis in dumbfounded surprise, unsure of what else to say. It was not a response she expected.

"How goes your training?"

"Well enough,” Dawn shrugged, “though, now that i think of it, I'm struggling to remember it at all."

"What else is new? You can be pretty forgetful Dawn." Stalwart smirked.

"Don't worry,” Chrysalis chuckled, “I know how Twilight can get at times when explaining things. She will be more than happy to explain things again, and as much as you need."

Dawn shook her head, looking troubled, "No no, it’s not that, I... Hm... I can’t really place it." She thought for a moment before her head jerked up, "Oh! Right, the letter! Did she mention it to you Chryssy?"

"Yes, she did, and I don't mind meeting with the Sisters." Chrysalis said smiling.

Stalwart looked to Dawn, "What letter?"

"We got a summons to come to Canterlot as soon as allowed, and to bring twilight and her family."

"We are ready whenever, though Twilight may be an issue. She isn't exactly subtle in appearance." Chrysalis said.

"Remember,” Dawn smiled craftily, “She's known for her experiments, it could be waved off as a test of something."

"Let's hope, as I'm sure she looks quite different. She can also put up an illusion spell to cover up things."

"Do what you feel you should. You'll have my support for it." Dawn shrugged.

"Probably be easier than having to make your Twilight have to lie if someone asks her about it." Chrysalis nodded.

Dawn eyed Chrysalis intrigued, "Which lie is greater, the lie that is spoken or the one unspoken?"

"What I mean is we would rather not take chances and try to be as unimpactful as possible. If someone sees her, a reporter and then decides to follow up with your Twilight and she has to lie to the press or is caught off guard and says something wrong then what?"

"I see your point.” Dawn nodded, frowning at her oversight, “Sometimes I do overthink my approaches. I trust you know what to do since this is not the first time you've encountered this type of thing."

"Yes, I learned a bit about how ponies act in town today and I can easily pass for one. Twilight will have to keep to less speaking, when with those who don't know so as to avoid mention of books, sixes, or events that haven't happened or happened differently in your world."

"Sounds like a plan. I'll go to town and order the tickets and let Celestia know. Anyone want to come with, keep me company?"

"I’m going to rest here, and Violet needs her nap. Twilight probably will enjoy getting out of the house."

Stalwart shook his head, "I'll stick around and keep an eye on things like always. Stay safe dear." he said, rubbing his muzzle on Dawn's cheek, making her giggle.

"And I thank you for that, we will try not to get in your way." Chrysalis said.

Stalwart snorted, giving off a slight smile "Well, you get a free pass because of Twilight. Dawn thinks you're ok and I trust her so... I'll live."

Dawn gathered her saddleback and set it on her back before grimacing as it went over her wings, muttering, "How come I never remember that this is never easy to get on anymore."

Chrysalis smiled back at him. "Don't worry I won't cocoon you unless you ask nicely." She said sweetly.

Twilight walked up to Dawn. "Going somewhere? "

Dawn nodded, looking at Twilight confused, "Yeah. I said I was gonna get the train tickets and come back so we could notify Celestia and Luna of when we're gonna arrive. I figured we'd get a ticket to leave tomorrow night so we arrive in Canterlot about midmorning the next day."

Stalwart looked at Chrysalis hesitant and then snorted, "You're just trying to mess with my head. Won't work."

"Ah, was wondering what you four were talking about in the kitchen. Didn't want to eavesdrop." Twilight said. "Mind if I tag along?"

"Maybe I am and maybe I'm not." Chrysalis gave a sly smile at the stallion. "You do have a lot of love after all."

Dawn shook her head with a smile, "I don't mind at all." She called back to Stalwart, "Good luck with the cocoon honey!" she giggled before using her magic to have a gentle talk with him to have a backup phrase response so she would know it's him or not, just to make him feel better.

Twilight’s horn glowed and Chrysalis laughter could be heard from the dining room. A moment later all of Twilight's scars and augments were gone. Replaced by totally organic and natural looking body.

Dawn walked outside, holding the door for Twilight before chuckling, "I don't know what you told her, but it's good to know another pony with magical communication spells. It seems so rare around here and I don't know why."

Twilight blinked as she walked out. "Told who what? And communication spell? I know dragon fire but that's it."

Dawn blinked, "Oh, so Chryssy’s laughter wasn't related to your horn glowing.... Oops?"

"I’m pretty sure it was related to what you said or something Stalwart said. Don't know. I was putting an illusion spell on myself."

Dawn smiled, "Well, it's extremely convincing." She walked along toward the beaten path on the way to VanHoover, knowing they had a good fifteen minutes to go.

"Thank you. Sadly, as an illusion it only covers what's there but it is still all there."

Dawn nodded, "Yeah. Still, it's a good disguise." She said, trotting along a little more quickly.

"Thank you. Nothing as good as Chrysalis though, but she has unfair advantage being a shapeshifter."

"I always was jealous of shapeshifters.” Dawn laughed, “Would always dream of what it was like walking on four legs, having paws and a tail or perhaps wings, things like that."

"Well, you got all that but the paws, and you have no idea how much fun it is in the bedroom with a shapeshifter." She said smirking.

Dawn laughed again before staring off into the distance, "I... frankly am rather jealous about that now. Still, I've heard of spells that let you change shape for a while or change your gender... I've considered doing that to Stalwart, but he says he wants to take me on after I try it on myself first."

"Don't have spells like that back home. Trying to. Only illusion spells for ponies and only changelings can do true shape changes."

Dawn hummed, "So does that mean if our positions were reversed, I might not be capable of doing that magic? Or do we follow our home world's spell rules despite being in yours? Yet if that's true, how in the world can I do magic when I’m not from Equestria or a world with magic at all?"

"Your body is from Equestria so it followed the rules."

Dawn blinked, "Ah..." She thought quietly, dwelling on the things she could discover. "So, if I got the spells for changing form temporarily or gender, would that be able to be taught and done by you or your unicorns or what?"

"Maybe. It doubtful as our magic doesn't seem able to do that."

Dawn hummed, wondering what it'd be like to have that spell availability, yet not have access to others. after all, if she had spells Twilight couldn't do, it was likely that it worked that way in reverse.

"Most likely doesn't work in reverse for spells we have you didnt such as the pocket dimension spell being simple for us." Twilight said guessing at her thoughts.

Dawn smiled toward her, “I wondered about that... it's exciting but also disappointing in the same breath. That means there's plenty of ways we could help each other with things, yet we won't have that opportunity more likely than not."

"You can give us an idea." Twilight said.

"An idea for what?"

"Well say you have a spell we have never seen nor thought up, or is done in a manner we didn't try. Then we can try to copy it in our own world."

"I could hope for that.” Dawn smiled, “You as good on your note taking as our world's Twilight if that happens?"

"I sure as hell hope so." She chuckled.

"Good. We'll see what we can do to help inform you as we go." Dawn smiled as they walked.

"Well, first have to know if something is different, and it would take too long to run through every spell in existence."

Dawn rolled her eyes, "Well yeah! But what I mean is when you find a spell you're curious about that I can perform, I would be happy to share what I know as you want it. That's all."

"Yeah. Trust me, I'll ask about any spell I come across that is outside the standard set."

"Well, glad to be of help." She replied after a laugh and a smile.

She nodded. "So, what all are we doing in town today?"

"Grabbing the train tickets, a few food things, otherwise it's a quick there and back again, not a hobbit's tale though." She smirked.

"Hobbits tale?" She asked tilting her head.

Dawn shook her head, "It's a reference to a book series back home. The Lord of the Rings. It's a classic, but I didn't enjoy reading how often they stopped to eat, what the trees looked like and so on. It's a grand tale, but felt to me like a great deal of fluff could have been left out."

"Ah, I've read authors who do that. Usually their profession has to do with language and it shows in their writing in a bad way."

Dawn nodded, "I have to wonder about this one. Granted the elven language he made up sounds beautiful to me, and i can recite the entire introduction of the first movie by heart." She smirked and looked to twilight mischievously, "Want me to demonstrate?"

"Go for it." Twilight said.

Dawn goes through, adding a little for the point where it was only visual, but otherwise nailing it, even using her horn to play the beginning tune from memory and letting it fade from hearing as they just approached the city's edge.

"Hmm, sounds interesting and similar to some stuff that has happened to soldiers of mine from time to time."

"Oh? Do tell, though," She paused, realizing there were others around, then made her horn glow softly, speaking directly to her via magic "Just think about saying what you want to say to me and i'll hear it. Don't want a blown cover eh?"

Twilight tenses for a moment and Dawn was bombarded with a string of obscenity along with rapid fire other things seeming to be said in the background. Bit and pieces she heard seemed to be about blood, screaming or a happy tune being sung over all of the others. "Out of my head now!" Twilight said out loud and with a lot of edge in her voice.

Dawn cringed and stood in place, visibly shaken and holding back, before whispering, "sorry...."

"Stay. The. fuck. Out. Of.. My. Head." She said with the tone and presences of someone delivering an execution order.

Dawn nodded, looking like she was trying to hold back tears as she looked onward, focusing on the destination where she could, "I just- the princesses did that to me and Night sometimes without asking, and i just- Sorry..."

Twilight snorted in response and simply followed behind. The air seeming in like ice around her.

Dawn went off to the train station and ordered the tickets, putting them in her saddlebag and turned back around to head home, still feeling horrible about it and not knowing whether or not she'd be forgiven eventually for her faux pas taken for granted. The entire time twilight followed silently behind her.

Once they were several minutes away from the city, and dawn was sure no one else was around she spoke up quietly, "Twilight... I just want you to know that I won't be doing that again without your express permission. I... I should have asked first, and shouldn't have taken it for granted." She sighed and continued onward toward home.

"You are right you wont. Not even Luna is allow in my head for any reason. I don’t give a flying fuck if the Sisters here are doing it whenever they fucking please. I am not them mmmkay? My head is my own to be in and no one else has any fucking business in it but me." She said firmly.

Dawn nodded, staying quiet and feeling quite defeated at this point, unsure how to rectify it at all.

When they arrived back at the house, they found Chrysalis sitting on the couch reading with Stalwart seeming to be sitting nervously on a nearby chair. Twilight grabbed the disguised changeling in her magic and picked her up without breaking stride as she headed for the basement door in a calm methodical manner. Chrysalis glanced at Twilight and then looked at Dawn.

"Mind watching Violet for a few hours? We are going to be busy." She said a moment before both of them disappeared down the stairs the door shutting hard and the sound of several locks being engage being heard and then silence.

Dawn nodded, staring after them as she still felt the weight of her guilt.

Stalwart to ask, "What was that about?"

"Oh, I made her rather upset in Van hoover by trying our telepathy spell... and she seems to need a bit of what we had this morning herself. So, we're foal-sitting to help them out."

"Ah... good to know I was let in on this... So, Violet right?" he asked, turning to the foal.

He found her hovering a few inches from his face. "Yes I'm Violet." She said happily, smiling wide with her pointed teeth visible.

Stalwart jolted back a step before chuckling at himself, "Oh wow, I haven't had anyone get that close ever since I was a stationary guard. Nice to meet you too I guess." He said, reaching to ruffle her mane, "Why are your teeth so pointy though?"

"Because my sire is a changeling queen, who are predators." Said said cheerfully. "They aren't sharp like hers though."

Stalwart looked at her again, slightly differently though, as if he were trying to reassess something inside. Dawn chuckled and went up to Violet and went under the floating filly, stood up, and landed the filly on her back, "I don't know how many games we have for a foal your age, but- oh, I know one!" She said, walking off toward the second floor to a cabinet, pulling out a box for bringing downstairs.

Violet fluttered up as Dawn moved to the stairs, landing on Stalwart's back and looking over at Dawn as she came down the stairs. "Oh oh oh! What game?"

"Settlers of Catan" she said, pulling out a crudely made map with simple block pieces and drawings of wheat, logs, stone, and so on.

Violet blinked then tilted her head in the exact manner Twilight would. "What's that? I've never heard of it." She said wings buzzing as she took to the air to get a closer look.

Dawn chuckled, "Neither have most in equestria. It's a game from back home I used to play with friends. You place settlements on the corners of these hexes, and you can make a road to them on the edges. You have to make roads to where you want your future settlements to be. Every turn you roll two dice, and that resource gets paid out to everyone who has a settlement at the corner of that number." she said, starting to explain the rules and saying how the game is played out

The foal landed and listened intently with full attention on Dawn. Dawn only taking a few more minutes to explain the different buildings one could buy, how trading was allowed, and all she could remember.

"Let's give this a shot.” Dawn smiled, having set up the game on the coffee table and sat on the floor, “Where do you want your first settlement?"

Violet looked at the map for a while before placing her first settlement, holding the cards with her hooves.

Dawn played with Violet, letting them trade as they needed, trying to keep it fair rather than competitive. Violet proved very adept at managing things in the game, causing Stalwart to watch the foal in surprise, clearly wondering how he was falling behind the filly.

Dawn soon chuckled as the game ended, she and Violet both were one point away from victory but Violet stole it from her. She laughed and gave Violet a headruffle as she congratulated them, "Good work little one!"

Violet giggled and smiled. "Mom says I'm a natural at these types of games."

Dawn laughed, "I can believe it, either that or it was beginner's luck..."

She giggled again and looked at Stalwart. "You ok Mr. Stalwart? "
Stalwart shook his head and laughed, "I'm fine, just... it's not quite the same as playing Hoof and Horn with father."

"Hoof and Horn?"

Dawn laughed as stalwart explained, "Trading card game that you do battles with. Dawn and I play often after dinner, we each have our own decks by now and treat ourselves to a pack once a week or so."

"Oohhh...not really into card games sorry."

Dawn laughed, "Oh really? And here we thought you might enjoy it because of the changeling horde decks available..."

She blinked and shrugged. "I mean I guess I could try it if it's something you two like."

Dawn shook her head, "No no, we'll do things that you enjoy"

"Oh ok." She said blinking.

Dawn got out a few more board games she had, trying to give Violet some options and waited for her to choose one, having no real preference. After a minute they pulled out another one, still a strategy game, and played that before going to the couch to read

"Do you have any books on biology?"

"Not really, why?" Dawn tilted her head slightly, wondering what they would want it for.

"I really reading about Biology...or psychology."

Dawn hummed and eyed her curiously, though still with a small smile "You know, I was told to watch out for you for that reason."

"What reason?" She tilted her head in turn.

Dawn chuckled, "Oh nothing. I do have a book I'd been reading, but I'll let you keep at it as long as you don't lose the bookmark place." She said, trotting up the stairs to come back down with her psychology book.

Violet nodded and took it in her magic before starting to read. Dawn watched over Violet as she read her own book after a few minutes, enjoying their company and mentally thinking it was funny they couldn't hear anything from the basement.

"Hmm....interesting." Violet said every little bit as her eyes scanned the book

Dawn looked at her and chuckled after the fifth iteration, "Having fun commenting at every time you find something new?"

"You are somewhat behind." She stated without looking up.

Dawn blinked in surprise, "What do you mean?"

"Well, you are a bit behind in psychology, only slightly. Some of the things in here have been taken apart and discredited, though actually, they may be accurate here."

Dawn hummed, "Curious... didn't think you were well versed in it. just how old are you?"

"Im 5." She said.

Dawn blinked several times in stunned silence, "Wait... you..." She looked at her still confused, "How is a five year old foal understanding psychology!"

"Because it's in the books of course." She giggled. "Don't you know how books work?"

Dawn eyed her more seriously with a hint of skepticism, deciding on a joke, "Don't you know how five year olds work?"

"Same way everyone else does only their bodies are smaller but the heart, lungs, and other vital organs are all there as is the circulatory system and skeletal structure and muscles."

Dawn laughed and shook her head, "You are... very different than most in the maturity and comprehension skills. That's what i meant, if you didn't realize that."

"Im a changeling" She said as a matter of fact.

"Perhaps half one, but I'm not sure i see the connection. We aren't on the greatest of terms for changelings in this world. What are you implying little one?"

"Genetic memory and survival."

Dawn looked at her confused, but said nothing, going back to reading her own book

"Right." Violet said realizing that meant nothing. "Genetic memory is what all changelings have. From the time we hatch, we know the changeling language and what we need to know to survive. Changelings also have a eidetic memory, and brains develop rapidly to allow for understanding and reasoning of the world around them. They are traits all changelings have, and became a part of them over centuries of carefully controlled evolution. As a changeling hybrid, I have many of those traits such as the fully developed brain and eidetic memory. As a queen, I also have a brain set up to allow me to truly multitask."

Dawn smirked, "Ohhh, so that explains why you're not like most five year olds. Well, young queen or no, I do what I can to help you where you need it."

She giggled. "Mom says I'm somewhere in between a normal kid and a changeling nymph."

Dawn smiled, "Good, cause I like having foals that know how to have fun."

"Of course I know how to have fun. I'm not wearing my serious hat." She said.

Dawn laughed and gave them a hug. "Silly filly."

Violet hugged back before they went back to reading their respective books. Dawn continued reading her dragon book, finishing it up with a sad sort of satisfaction, quietly closing it and reaching for one of her magical study books.

Violet closed the book. "What a great book." She proclaimed.

Dawn laughed, "done reading already?"

She nodded. "Yup, I'm a fast reader."

Dawn eyed her, interested in the filly's abilities all over again, "You are far smarter than I am already it seems like. Still, perhaps I'll get to make up for it with perspective or experience."

"There is a difference between book smarts and street smarts."

"And I don’t have much street smarts." Dawn replied.

She shrugged. "Maybe so, maybe not. Many people don't realize just how smart they are."

Dawn eyed her even more intrigued, responding slowly with a "perhaps."

"So what you reading?"

"Ponies who've bonded to dragons and are fighting a rebellion against those who would enslave them."

Her wings buzzed as she flew over and landed on Dawn's back. "Sounds interesting. "

Dawn giggled, "Your wings buzzing tickles my ears, but yeah, I liked it even though the ending felt like a cop out."

"How so?"

Dawn smirked, "Because the ending wasn't quite as epic as I would have thought, and it felt like they just came up with an answer that would be sufficient, even though it wasn't very satisfying."

"So, a magical McGuffin was used?"

Dawn nodded, "That it was."

"Mom and me hate stories like that."

"Yeah, it's not so much that it happened, but that life rarely is quite that accommodating." Dawn paused as she noticed the filly’s nod of her own before humming, "So, just to think out loud here, but just how well can you shapeshift like what Stalwart has tried to say? If you're half pony, does that mean it's not as effective?"

"I can shapeshift like a normal changeling. My Queen's blood and Alicorn blood has blended well but I'm still relatively weak in shapeshifting. Got it so can only hold the form for a short time and can't change mass."

Dawn nodded, "I see. What other differences are there?" she asked, moving a little to get comfortable at this foal that enjoyed standing on her.

"Well, as I said, I can't change my mass. I’m stuck at the same mass I am now, and I cannot change to anything other than an equine shape."

Dawn chuckled, "Does that frustrate you at all?"

"Very much so. I am also not part of the link."

Dawn tilted her head, "The link?"

"The changeling Hivemind."

Dawn thought out loud, "Ahhh, Is it like some books I've read for bug-like species, where there's a telepathic link between all of them and units in the link are merely extensions of the whole?

"That first half is right, but no, all drones are individuals. The link just allows them all to keep in touch with each other and share information as well as for the Queen to manage the hive easily."

"So somewhat like the borg- no wait, there is no individuality there. Hm... How would one keep their individuality if they're liked that way?"

She blinked. "Because they do?"

Dawn chuckled, "In a lot of fiction where I'm from, it’s hard to keep individuality when all thoughts are shared, when unity is needed to function. Still, I suppose I can find out later when Chryssy or Twilight is free. Apparently my telephone spell is off limits though."

"They are only shared if you want to share them. They reside in your own head not leaving. It's just like a library with your knowledge being the books. Others can come and read them a bit then leave." She said before asking "Telephone spell?"

Dawn hummed, interested in that idea. She replied, "Yeah, personal conversation that happens between me and who I'm connected to. My range isn’t that great but it's handy for talking with Stalwart privately when I have to."

"So basically, you are describing the link." She said.

Dawn blinked as she internally froze, "Oh?"

"You just said you are connected to someone. How do you maintain your individuality?"

Dawn eyed her curiously, "The same way we are by talking as we are now, but there’s a difference between sharing words and concepts and sharing more than that..." she said, sounding more quiet and unsure of herself as she continued, as if questioning herself, wondering ‘Is it really so different?’

"But that is exactly what the link allows us to do, only it's permanent. You can feel your fellow drones in the back of your mind through the link."

Dawn hummed, "That’s... rather tempting in a way. Do you not have this kind of magic where you're from?”

"I said we have the link."

Dawn blinked, "I meant my telephone spell.”

"That's the Link and only changelings can use it."

Dawn smirked and took a risk, saying via magic to her, "is that so little filly?" Dawn added out loud, "your mom got a bit upset when I tried to show her earlier though."

'Oh, that's because mom doesn’t like people anywhere inside her head in any form.' The filly said back through Dawn's spell without hesitation.

Dawn laughed in both places, rubbing her head against their cheek as a common sign of affection, "Well, I’m glad you don't seem to be bothered. I can’t blame your mom for hating it. My best friend Nightfall resorted to some rather desperate measures to have his privacy."

Dawn sighed and shifted to sit upright, looking to the door and idly wondering how much longer they'll foalsit, before debating what else she should do to entertain.

"Why would I be bothered? At some point, I'll be hearing all the voices of the hive and that's sitting at about 1.2 million drones right now." She said. "And I don't know if it's privacy or something else. All I know is she doesn't even let Aunty Luna dream-walk with her despite having nightmares semi-often." She said and followed Dawn's eyes. "I’m fine with just talking Mrs. Dawn."

Dawn looked back, and sat on the floor carpet so they were at eye level, "That’s... I’d guess her trust was severely abused or knows of threats that makes her want to stay cutoff. So, I repeat my question, is there not a spell for you to be able to talk by magic then?"

"Dragon fire is the only communication spell we have, and I suppose you’re right. She always told me never completely trust people I first meet, and always have at least three plans at hoof for in case they betray you, trust is a privilege not a right."

Dawn nodded, "I can only imagine... So, if you’re in this world, you might be able to be taught the spell right?"

"Maybe?"

Dawn chuckled, "Well, whenever she's free, I'll see about asking, maybe tomorrow on the way to Canterlot."

"Maybe." Violet repeated as the door to the basement opened and an undisguised Chrysalis walked out, her back legs limping slightly but she was humming a cheerfully tune as she closed the door.

"Twilight is busing checking a few things. Would anyone like dinner?" She asked cheerfully.

Dawn smirked. "That sounds lovely." She said, trying to project a feeling similar to 'I hope you both had fun'

She headed off to the kitchen humming a happy tune still and clearly stiff.

Dawn chuckled, laying her dragon book near Violet before heading after Chrysalis, "Chryssy, would you like any help?"

"Oh, I'd love help." She said cheerfully. "What would you all like by the way?"

Dawn hummed, "Oh! Do you know pizza at all?"

"What type?"

Dawn smiled broadly, "Let’s go with thin crust. Not sure what toppings you go for but I should have some canned pineapples somewhere..." she said already reaching in cabinets.

"Oh, I'm fine with anything really." She said chuckling.

Dawn looked and dug, but smiled anyway, "Well, at least I have everything we need for it. I also figure I should ask you about this while I’m here. Violet says my telephone spell is a lot like the link you changelings have. I was somewhat wondering if we could test that and possibly try teaching her the spell. What are your thoughts?"

"Ah yes, your telepathy spell. From what Twilight said it sounds very much like the Link, yes. As for teaching her, I don't see why not as it may wake her to the link."

Dawn nodded, "I just... after making her so upset on accident, I want to make sure anything close to that is approved out of respect, you know?”

"Yes, thank you." Chrysalis nodded. "Twilight… Twilight has strict rules she follows when dealing with people and being dealt with, and there are certain buttons you just don't press under any circumstances. If you do, then what will take a while to calm down, but once she does if you are anything close to a friend, it will be like it never happened."

"Clearly just saying sorry isn’t fitting, but I just want to show I care and am at least trying to do what I can to correct for it.” Dawn nodded again, “Anyway, we have pizzas to make!" She added, not so gracefully changing subjects.

"Just don't bring it up and everything will be fine." She said as she started to mix the dough.

"All right, I do want to test it though at some point, see for myself the similarities, whenever you feel it appropriate. So, for now, how hungry are you three?"

"Oh, I'm very full after a few minutes ago." She chuckled.

Dawn smirked, quietly replying, "I don't blame you, though I hope you forgive my jealousy at being able to taste emotions like that. So how much would Twilight and Violet eat?"

"After what we just did Twilight most likely will eat a good amount, Violet will eat about half as much as a normal foal her size unless she likes the food."

Dawn nodded, "so about two pizzas then. One for Stalwart and I, one for Twilight and Violet. If more's needed, Stalwart and I might not finish off ours anyway."

"That sounds about right yes." She said working the dough.

Dawn smiled, preparing the possible toppings and slicing some lettuce for future salads.

"So, tell me what do you think of Twilight?" Chrysalis said.

Dawn looked up and thought for a couple seconds, "Well, she can be very intimidating and dominant, not to mention intense, but she's a good teacher, a survivor, and otherwise a tough little pony."

"Dominant,” Chrysalis paused, thinking and nodding approvingly, “Yes, that is a very good way to describe her." She shivered lightly as she smiled and continued to work. "The rest I can't help but agree with."

Dawn laughed, "I have a husband, so how am I so jealous right now?" She shook her head and waved, "Don't mind me. I’m very... emotionally led at times."

"Jealous? Of what?"

"To be honest, I don't really know. Probably nothing." She replied before risking the telephone spell to Chrysalis directly, "It’s been a while since he risked making me unable to stand after we were done."

'Well, you are pregnant, so that would be sort of bad.' Chrysalis replied instantly without issue piggybacking off her spell.

Dawn laughed in her mind, a small smile being the only thing on her face, ‘I wonder, but it’s fine. He’s been a lot more caring - no, gentle - than before.’

'Mmmm, Twilight is caring and gentle in her own way. But she knows what she wants and she will have what she wants.'

Dawn smirked as she finished her prep, ‘that’s what I figured. How similar is the spell, since we just gave it a whirl?’

'You basically have the link, only it requires you to maintain it rather than just being there naturally.’ She said as she flattened out the first half of the dough.

Dawn hummed, "That's... really rather interesting. Perhaps I'd been overcomplicating my perspective on the link," she thought out loud, accidentally leaving herself quite open to being 'read'.

Chrysalis, as a changeling, wasted no time in delving into her mind to do just that

Dawn continued to think out loud to her, ‘So if it's just a matter of a telephone, that'd show why there's so much diversity, but that couldn't mean sharing senses could it? I haven't successfully shared anything more than barely felt basic emotions or impressions yet, let alone sight and so on."

Chrysalis tried to delve deeper into Dawn to learn all she could. Dawn practically left the door open to whatever was desired to be discovered. They came in random order of her history, but with a sense of ‘how long ago’ with each. The memories of her being in equestria were strong, how she was pulled into the world, guided by the attentions of the two sisters. Her failing at fixing the mirror, and how she chose to break her horn. Other memories of when she was a human in the prior world, the memory of living in their car and struggling to keep warm, her parent telling her she would never again be in their home.

A final pair of memories of how she was threatened to be kicked out of the home over hiding how they liked to play video games as a teen and just wanted to relax after a hard day of work crossed over when Chrysalis’ diggings were interrupted.

Dawn felt a twinge in the back of her head, and let the magic of the spell fade out, grunting. "Ow... that's weird..."

Chrysalis had grabbed all she could about dawn before the magic faded. "What was it?"

Dawn shook her head slowly, "Dunno, something like an itch, or a twitch... I Dunno. hopefully nothing..."

"Probably just from having to maintain that spell. It's similar to the link but is....well the link is like a scalpel and that spell is like a hammer."

Dawn grimaced, "That indelicate huh?"

"More like it's crude but then again, the Link was refined over generations into what it is now."

Dawn nodded, looking back at her, uncertain what had happened, "So, how could it be improved? It's not exactly been a spell that's been able to be done by many because of how so few seem to grasp its mechanics. I understood it because of the technology of my birthplace."

She shrugged. "Don't know. The Link was refined over generations into what it is now. We are born into it and it is a part of our very being."

Dawn nodded, gradually getting to normalcy and back to her thoughts. She felt like she understood, though she didn't know why or to what extent. "Well, I'll see what can be done... I'm feeling a bit tired and will lay down. Hope to talk to you more at dinner though."

She nodded. "Rest well and thank you for the help." Chrysalis said as she started to prepare the pizza with toppings.

Dawn headed over to Violet on the couch and hugged her gently without thinking, feeling fully content and happy, despite her weariness. Violet leaned in, rubbing her cheek against her in kind.

Dawn sighed and soon passed out, worn out and yet feeling connected to the young filly in her arms as well as the one inside her somehow. She breathed quietly and fluttered a wing once before settling in

Violet yawned and enjoyed the embrace before falling asleep as well.