Dawn slept peacefully, dreams of parentage to a little girl. The dream shifted as dreams often do, varying in form from pony to human to pony and confused her when she saw them as a changeling. She did what she could to keep up with them, a desire to love and care for them overwhelming her, yet before she knew it they were growing up and running away from her., making her tear up, even outside of the dream.

Violet’s face started to scrunch up, moving closer to Dawn’s form even as she slept, as if in response. Dawn felt the foal grow closer and shifted on the couch, curling around them and instinctively draping a wing over their form. Her dreams quickly returned to the idealized fantasies of being a parent before drifting to the random sillinesses dreams often held. Violet, in turn, slept better and her face grew more relaxed and contented soon after that wing had finished draping over her.

Dawn slept for nearly an hour, with Stalwart stopping by to take a slice of food, eat it, and head to work, asking to save him a little for when he's back.

Chrysalis said she would and then waited for Dawn as Twilight joined her mate.

Dawn slowly woke, stretching before noticing the weight of a form against her underside. She blushed a little and realized Violet was still against her and resting and looked up and around only to see Twilight in the kitchen.

‘Oh crap this is bad! What does she think of this? Any parents back home would be fuming if their child was resting with another adult as if they were the parent instead!’ She thought, panicking before slowly reminding herself and her heavily beating heart, ‘If- If that were an issue, she would have said something or woken me, right?’

Carefully, Dawn got up and did her best not to disturb the foal, using a little magic where needed to hold her steady, before strolling slowly to the dining room to meet her guest again.

Twilight smiled. "Sleep well?"

Despite Dawn’s best efforts, Violet was walking behind her, yawning widely and rubbing sleep from her eyes.

Dawn smiled gently at Twilight, nodding in reply but only noticing her follower until after she spoke.

"Yeah, for the most part. Oh! Sorry Violet, didn't mean to wake you."

"It's ok." She said smiling, eyes barely open.

Dawn smiled a little more before turning back, "So, how much did I sleep? Just an hour or is the pizza cold now?"

"Nope. Put it in a preservation spell." Twilight said, her horn flashing and the food gave a similar flash of purple from the spell.

Dawn sighed, a cross between happiness and relief, "Sorry about that. I didn't think I would have been that worn out."

"Hey we did a lot of practice. It's fine." Twilight said smiling.

"Between that and talking with Chrysalis afterward, yeah."

"Ah yes. I heard about that." Twilight said.

Dawn perked her ears, right one flicking once, "Oh?"

"Yes. Chrysalis here tells me everything. We don't keep secrets from each other except under extenuating circumstances."

Dawn nods, "I somewhat figured." She let her internal question 'but what did you think of it' be left unsaid. She remembered earlier regarding the telephone spell and it was better to leave it out for now as Chrysalis’ advice. "So, anything I should bring with for the trip? It's going to take most of the day to get to Canterlot. I already got the scroll sent to Celestia letting them know we're all coming, so dinner will be taken care of and all.”

Twilight shrugged. "I don't really know. Is there anything you need to travel with?"

Dawn shook her head, "Books and food money usually does it for me.”

"Then that is what you should bring. Not sure if our bits will work here or not."

Dawn held out three bits from the counter, "Well, does it match these?"

The bits were yellow coins with grooves on the outsides, a crown-like symbol on the inside. Twilight picked them up with her fingers in the hooves, moving them around.

"This is gold isn't it?"

Dawn looked at it and shrugged, "It doesn't seem to have the weight to it I'd expect of gold, but I don't know if it's somehow less dense or more common in this world or not. It's an ideal metal for metalworking and enchanting as far as I know."

"Ah. I asked as our bits are made of copper and zinc. Looks like gold but that's just a chemical reaction. Hmm. I'll need to look into it before we try our currency, as I don't want someone who is savvy about money accusing us of counterfeiting. That would raise a lot of issues."

Dawn nodded, "That's smart, I can't blame you at all for it. Don't worry, I'll bring enough to help you have an allowance if you want it." She chuckled, imagining them going down a street casually and shook her head, realizing how ridiculous that sounded.

"Thanks mom." Twilight said with a smirk

Dawn rolled her eyes and shook her head with a broad smile, she deserved that reply. "Don't make me give you a bedtime just for that... besides, you're old enough to be my mom, and then some."

"Ehh. True I suppose." She said smirking once more. "So will you help this old mare by serving her some food?"

Dawn laughed, "Now hang on Miss Immortal. I don't mind helping out, but I understand things got a bit rowdy earlier, so unless you're so worn out you need to be fed-" she teased, putting a couple slices on a plate and hovering over to in front of her.

Twilight took the plate in her magic. "If I needed fed, I'm sure chrysalis would be more than happy to feed me." She smirked her horn still lit. Chrysalis jumped in her seat and blushed.

"Ahem. How did you sleep Dawn?" Chrysalis asked looking at Dawn.

Dawn chuckled, "Pretty well I think. Dream almost went bad, but it got better by the end. Nearly all my dreams lately have been about parenting or being a parent or about my foal. About one in four or five dreams is something else entirely."

"Well you are pregnant, so hormones will do that to you." Chrysalis said as she got a slice for Violet.

Dawn nodded, serving a couple slices from her pizza onto her plate and eating readily, "I'm not one to complain. It's... I'm not sure how to explain it. Probably something all expecting mothers go through I’m guessing."

"Worry. What they will be like. How you will do as a mother. Will you raise them right. So on and so forth." Twilight said.

Dawn nodded, "Yeah. Lots of that going on too."

She nodded. "Yeah. I panicked when I found out."

Dawn smirked, "Oh? how so?"

"I blue screened."

Dawn blinked, "you what now?"

She tapped the side of her head. "My motor-cortex and most of my frontal lobe got fused with the implants meant to allow me to use my cybernetics. In essence part of my brain is a computer. Learned that means I can blue screen like a computer can for a while."

Dawn dropped her jaw for a second and shook her head, "Sounds as bad as Microsoft. If it is, I'm so sorry."

"Microsoft?" She asked. "And it only happened the one time. I didn't know I was pregnant, thought I just had a stomach bug. And I didn't know I could be pregnant as I had only been with Chrysalis, so… it was a major shock."

Dawn nodded, "I can imagine, somewhat. I don’t know about their genetics, or pony ones for that matter. I didn’t start getting morning sickness till last month. Celestia was such a troll though. Right after I came to from breaking my horn, being ascended by their magic and standing wobbling on my legs, and she asked in front of everyone, 'so, when are you due?' Right in front of our Princess Twilight and her friends. I was so red, I swear I turned into my best friend, Cherry Dancer!"

"Ah yes Celestia's sense of humor. Never quite know when it's going to pop in for a visit." She said.

"Well, as long as no one's hurt I guess." Dawn laughed quietly, finishing off her slices and eating a few more.

Twilight nodded and ate more while Violet only ate one piece. "So what time do we need to be up tomorrow morning?"

Dawn looked at the ticket, reading, "About 7am to get to the platform at about 7:30 and leave at 8."

She nodded. "I'll be up at 5 then."

"Well, that’s early." Dawn blinked, then downed the rest of her pizza, leaving her husband 4 of the 10 slices.

"I usually am up before daybreak."

"Oh, right, right. I should get up early if I’m to exercise with you."

"Well if you want." She said.

"I really should.” Dawn nodded, “Like you said, if I'm going to be fit, I need to get in a habit."

She nodded smiling. "Happy to help."

Dawn laughed, "I’ll thank you now, while I can. I fully expect to be complaining later."

"If you weren't then I wouldn't be training you right."

"Ouch.” Dawn flinched at the harsh reality Twilight alluded to, “So, to not so gracefully change the subject, anyone have any plans or requests for the night?"

"Not especially. You?"

Dawn chuckled, "Not really. I miss television and video games, but I manage by being a bookworm. Sometimes I use the mirror to summon and borrow a book or three."

"The mirror? How do you do that?"

Dawn smirked, "My way home is still active turns out. It's in a secret enough place I can keep guarded."

"Ah, I see. Well, always good to keep in touch with your roots." Twilight said.

Dawn smiled and shook her head, "It's nice, but I don't enjoy being in that world much anymore. It's too foreign to all the good ponies here. So much selfishness and lack of empathy or common courtesy. Besides, why be a human when you can fly with your own wings and use magic?"

"Don't know. My experience with humans is either some of the worst possible beings I have ever met or some of the most caring and trustworthy beings I've ever met. So, I can't judge your world really."

Dawn nodded, "I hope I fall into the latter. After all I went through even at my mother's hands…” she hesitated, sad memories attempting to surface before she pushed them back down, “Well, it's in the past now. I never dare to visit for long, in case I become trapped there.”

She shrugged. "Well, if you end up wanting to go while I'm here, don't hesitate to ask if you want company."

Dawn looked at her, intrigued, "Well, I admit I am hesitating, but I’ve nearly gotten all the things I care about back, and I just have to request my mirror be gifted to a family member. Maybe send it to one of my cousins. We were on good terms last we spoke."

She shrugged. "Offer stands if you want it."

Dawn smiled, "I appreciate it, I may have to take you up on that."

Twilight nodded as she stood, Violet yawning loudly beside Dawn and looking sleepy despite her nap.

"If you excuse me a moment, someone needs to be put to bed." Twilight said smiling at the foal as she moved them onto her own back and departed.

Dawn smiled at the sight, letting out a quiet aww at the sight.

Chrysalis chuckled. "Yes, she may be smarter than her age group, but she is still very much a small filly."

"That's so precious...." she said, shaking in place.

She smiled. "Thank you."

"For what?" she asked, confused.

"The complementing of my daughter."

Dawn chuckled, "Just speaking the truth."

"And I thank you for that. I know she is rather different from pony foals."

Dawn looked up at Chrysalis kindly, "I find it hard to judge changelings based on hearsay any longer after meeting you both. Even before you there was Nymph, and she was fiercely loyal to Nightfall."

She nodded. "I'm glad. Twilight has done her best and racism is virtually non-existent in the army thanks to Twilight but there are still those who wish to drive us from Equestria even if their numbers continue to shrink."

She sighed sadly in response, "It’s a shame that we have instincts to fear what we don't understand, but worse that there are those who let it rule them."

"It's more old prejudices from when we invaded and took over the capital."

She shook her head. "Well, I hope you know I carry none of that. I have some fears and prejudices from back home, but I try hard to treat everyone fairly."

She nodded. "And I thank you for that."

"It’s not a problem Chryssy."

She smiled. "Thank you."

She smiled and used her magic to open a connection, trying to relay those feelings of sympathy and happiness for the queen, still as vulnerable as ever.

The queen smiled back and delved into her mind. As a changeling, learning as much as possible about others was a natural instinct.

Intense cold surrounded the heavily bundled form Dawn possessed at the time, that of a bipedal human she described prior. The cold was so intense it hurt to breathe it directly, hurt to feel it on her brow through the tiny slit that was kept open to ensure fresh air could come and she wouldn’t suffocate herself. Tears flowed down her cheeks as overwhelming sadness, loneliness, and despair pressed in on her, knowing they were in their car a mere mile away and her surviving parent would not share the warm home they possessed. Thoughts of giving up to the bitter cold passed by before they moved on and a small reminder of acceptance came as the memory faded to black of sleep. ‘My father died not realizing how many would come to his funeral… if my suffering can help others some way, somehow, I will endure, and for their sake, not mine.’

Chrysalis mentally recoiled that the strength of the emotions attached to what she found. The memory was so firmly anchored with negative emotions, it was a surprise it did not consume the mare who held them.

Dawn smiled as she relayed the feelings of thanks, and slowly closed the spell after only ten seconds had passed, as it felt like the message was received.

"So Twilight is going to be a bit due to "story time." Is there anything you wish to speak of?" Chrysalis asked, cataloging the new information about the alicorn for later.

Dawn shrugged, "Nothing in particular comes to mind. You have anything? I'm usually an open book."

"Hmm. Tell me, what can we expect tomorrow?"

Dawn hummed, thinking, "Probably a fair bit of formality, possibly meeting this world's Twilight, and more in-depth conversation about what things are like where you're from... probably an inquiry on how to best get you two home without a scene."

She nodded. "With luck, that last one will be accomplished but with Twilight, "making a scene" is the least of your worries."

"How so?"

"Things have a habit of exploding around her, so to speak."

Dawn blinked and froze, feeling a bit of trepidation. "I see..."

"Not literally.... Usually."

"And now I’m a bit more worried." She said before chuckling weakly, "I appreciate honesty, I just wasn’t ready."

"I find warning people ahead of time helps soften the blow when Godzilla tears the roof off the building."

"Godzirra?" She asked in mock horror before looking at Chrysalis with a grin on her face, feeling like she was exaggerating a little. Dawn decided to add in more sarcasm to the mix, repeating the mispronounced word a few more times like an old show she watched back home online did.

"Yes. That's more on the extreme end and only happened once but still." She chuckled behind her hoof.

Dawn nodded, settling down on the thickest part of the carpet, "Yeah. Nooot wanting to deal with that."

She nodded. "Don't worry, we try to keep incidents contained."

"Good.” Dawn smiled, “So, I hope I’m not rude in asking, what’s it like being a changeling? What things are the same or different that you've noticed?"

"Besides the link?" She said and sat back. "Well, we are natural predators, we prefer to be underground, are naturally curious about others and will learn every little detail about them we can, we value strength highly, and drones are fertile, loyal to the queen."

Dawn nodded, "What kinds of strength is valued?"

"Mental, will. The ability to do what must be done and to look death in the face and laugh and never surrender."

"Good to know." Dawn replied, eyes losing focus as she turned to a blank section of the wall, as if focused on something else.

"Those traits are good for the hive and will help produce better drones."

Dawn continued her gaze to the wall, as if not hearing them when Starlight’s voice could be heard from the horn. "So are you aiming for perfection or what?"

"We are aiming to survive. The changelings race has been driven nearly extinct 16 times in our known history and we have always clawed our way back."

"So now cooperation is being attempted or refined i imagine.” Starlight said, sounding deep in thought, “Has it seemed to work thus far?"

"Yes, though wasn't my idea, and at first there were… difficulties. But then things changed after Tirek."

Dawn tilted her head, but straightened out. She wasn’t about to ask. It sounded painful after all.

"You can ask.” Chrysalis replied, guessing what Dawn was thinking, “Changelings embrace our history as it is what shapes us and our future."

Dawn shook her head, "It’s more to do with empathy. In some ways, it gets strong and i can almost feel what someone went through, or what my mind can fathom they went through. It’s just as much to protect myself as any sense of courtesy."

"Ah, I see. You care to much." She said nodding. "I've only met one other like that."

Dawn couldn't help but ask, "Oh? Who is it and is that a good or a bad thing?"

"One of Twilight's friends named Fluttershy, only it's more towards animals. And,” Chrysalis hesitated, considering, “I am not sure if it is or not… it can be a virtue or a fault at the same time."

"It feels that way at times.” Dawn agreed, “It helps me connect to others, but it could cripple me if i let it."

"Yes,” Chrysalis nodded, “from what I have seen, that is to be expected."

Dawn looked back at her, intrigued, "From what you've seen?"

"Of Fluttershy yes."

"Oh.” Dawn replied, thinking for some reason the queen had meant herself, not the friend. “I haven't really met her or the rest of Twilight's friends to be honest. Well, I mean I met them but I haven't exactly talked with them long."

"Ah I see. They were rather nice mares, once i got to know them."

"That's good to hear. One of these days, I really should take them up on their offer to visit sometime."

"I would highly recommend it."

Dawn yawned before asking, "So, what kinds of stories does twilight tell violet?"

"Mostly stories of her friends and her time with them."

"Ahhh, I hope that's sweet, good memories maybe.”

"She only had good memories of them."

"... Violet mentioned something about immortality... does that mean her friends have passed away then?"

Chrysalis nodded. "Though it was before Twilight ascended. She became an alicorn on the day of Dash's funeral."

Dawn frowned, feeling a rather great deal of sadness at the idea, the feeling being compounded by imagining seeing Stalwart and Cherry Dancer and her other friends pass away after having had them for a time. She curled up on the carpeting and tried not to dwell on it, despite her heart wanting to console Twilight for what she had gone through.

"It's why she tells stories of them. History may only remember them as the Heroes of Harmony. But Twilight knew them all. She can tell stories about them not in the history book. Details no one else but she will know. ‘History forgets, but I won’t’ as she says."

Dawn nodded slowly, feeling the weight of her head as she moved, "Yeah..." She barely managed to say, still feeling overwhelmed at the thought and the desire to help somehow.

Chrysalis moved around and put a hoof on her shoulder. "It's alright Dawn. She has come to terms with it."

"Sorry, I can't help but imagine what that would have been like if I went through it, like if Cherry Dancer passed away. I almost lost her once as it is."

Chrysalis sighed, but didn't say what she was thinking. "Twilight has been through a lot, more than anyone ever should have to go through in her years. It has shaped her into the mare I mated with."

"I meant no disrespect.” she said, slowly returning to the present, “the hardships we go through is what helps refine us into better ponies than we were before. The process never leaves you unscarred, but... that's why you find a mate that is understanding and supportive and appreciates who you are right?"

She rocked her head side to side. "It's a bit different in changeling culture but yes I see what you mean."

Dawn nodded, yawning again before shaking her head, "I think im more tired than i realized. Im going off to bed. I'll see you in the morning."

"Good night Dawn." Chrysalis said before heading towards the basement.

Dawn woke early to a need to answer nature's call, coincidentally waking at about 4:45am. Her leg started to cramp as she headed to her room and after it had finished, hobbled carefully down the stairs. She found Twilight in the middle of stretches for her organic bits of her body.

"Morning..." Dawn mumbled as she headed to the couch to stretch as carefully as she knew how to.

Twilight looked at her wide awake. "Morning Dawn, have a good sleep?"

She shook her head, "It was fine, if a bit short, but i got a cramp in my right rear leg and it st-" she gasped as she felt the muscle twinge, pulling the leg up against her body to relax it before slowly lowering it again.

Twilight moved over to her and gently grabbed the leg as her fingers extended. Slowly she began to work the muscle with her fingers gently.

Dawn grimaced before slowly relaxing, "Oh gods I haven’t felt that in a long time..."

Twilight smiled as she continued the massage. "It's important to make sure your loose and limber. I have Chrysalis do this every now and then, and it's very relaxing and enjoyable just focusing on the movement of the fingers as the tension and everything fades away."

"You make me wish Stalwart had hands or something... ow!" She gasped as her leg flinched toward herself again before she forced herself to relax

"Sorry, you are very stiff." She said as her fingers dances across her leg.

Dawn half climbed on the couch and whinney before blushing at hearing herself do so, "Well, this feels so damn good. Thank you."

She smiled as she massaged up her leg. Dawn blushed in turn as they worked up the leg, feeling a bit shy about her proximity, but soon didn’t have any kink in her leg. She cast a small healing spell to help the muscles recover sooner now that she could concentrate, then sighed.

Twilight smiled. "You’re good, or should I make sure there are no kinks anywhere else?"

Dawn sighed contentedly, "If you wouldnt mind."

Twilight nodded and started to mass the other leg. Dawn enjoyed it for a couple minutes before standing shakily from her muscles relaxing so much, "S-so, i understand we have a trot to get to right?"

Twilight nodded getting to her hooves and cracking her neck. "Yep, I'd say you are limbered up."

"I feel that way at least. Thank you Twilight." Dawn smiled.

Twilight nodded and turned heading for the door with Dawn following and stretching herself as she did.

"Ok." Twilight said as they reached the outside. "Same route as before."

Dawn nodded, took a deep breath, and let it out, "As ready as I'll ever be. Following your lead."

Twilight nodded and began to trot slowly gaining speed till they were galloping.

Dawn breathed more heavily as they reached galloping speed, but kept up as best she could, staying behind and to the side of Twilight.

Twilight kept glancing back every little bit to see how she was doing. "In through your nose, out through your mouth."

Dawn shook her head, "Not... enough... air... that way." She said as she kept trying to breathe, giving the nose in mouth out a try and feeling her nose like it was almost on fire.

Twilight sighed as she continued to gallop till they reached their half way mark and slowed to a trot.

Dawn continued to follow and then trotted alongside her gladly, trying to force slowing her breath down by breathing through the nose and out through the mouth.

"It take a bit of getting used to." Twilight said. "How you feeling?"

Dawn took a few more breaths, "Hurting a bit, but surprised I’m keeping up. I guess I should be fine for the way home. Didn't realize I was that out of shape though."

"Relax, you're part earth pony now, with that comes endurance and strength." Twilight said. "I'm choosing a simple low impact run due to your pregnancy."

Dawn continued to trot. "I appreciate it. Maybe I haven't figured out how to tap into that earth pony thing..."

"It's a natural thing. It's one of those things you don't think about. You just do."

"Ah." Was all she said in reply, focusing on following their lead and still breathing more heavily than when she was at rest.

"So looking forward to this dinner?" Twilight asked her

Dawn continued to attempt breathing as instructed earlier before saying, "The food is good... worried a little though."

"About what?"

"Not knowing what to say or do."

Twilight chuckled. "Relax, while this is a formal dinner, it is just with the Sisters. If you make a mistake, it won't be the end of the world, but will be good practice."

"I know... I just... can't help it. I worry."

"Relax my little pony." She said. "Just stay calm and everything will be ok. I'll take the lead so you will just need to follow."

Dawn nodded, letting her eyes half close and feels her wings flutter in the wind lightly before she settled into a rhythm. Twilight repeatedly stated encouragement as they went. Dawn's mind clouded and the things happening seemed to go past. She didn't know how they were doing it, but she knew as soon as she started to pay attention, it would hold her back.

Twilight pointed out posture and breathing to help Dawn cope, noticing the gasps for breath, and Dawn did so, finding her stride and settling into it.

Dawn soon unwittingly fell into a trance, keeping up with Twilight easily.

"I also wanted to tell you I'm proud of your progress so far. You follow my instructions well and are a natural at it." Twilight said giving her a compliment

Dawn chuckled, quietly commenting in reply, "Obeying a newcomer to the world when I'm supposed to be host... what would mom think?"

"Well, I'm your trainer so obeying me is perfectly natural, and you shouldn't have any problem is doing what I tell you."

Dawn internally shrugged, feeling what was said more than hearing it, yet having some guilt about it at the same time.

She slowed from a trot to a walk and then came to a stop. "Alright, let's stop and rest." Twilight said and clapped her hooves together to knock out any bits of dirt they may have collected. Producing the familiar sound.

Dawn shivered visibly as she came to a stop, shook herself, and then proceeded to nearly fall onto her forelegs and roll onto her side, breathing deep and long, in and out as she felt all the fatigue rushing to the forefront of her consciousness. She was feeling like she was out of breath, and hadn’t dealt with this since she had exercised in high school over a decade prior.

Twilight blinked. "Are you ok?" She asked concerned and a bit confused as she made her way over to Dawn.

Dawn breathed heavily again before rolling onto her front, still just as worn out as ever, "H-hit me like a ton of bricks.... phew..."

"Strange. You were doing fine a moment ago.... I think we should just trot back."

Dawn nodded, standing up and shaking her coat like a dog would to get the loose dirt off, and panted as she slowly regained her breath. Twilight nodded at her movement, and started to trot back towards the house. Dawn followed, gradually getting her breath back on the way, as if recovering from the intensity of the activities and following her lead.

"So tell me what can I expect from this meeting? You know these versions of the sisters better than I do, any information helps."

Dawn thought for a second before answering, "Cautious inquiry, deliberation on what should be done, and probably allocating whomever seems most fit to a task to take control of it. They've been pretty hooves off and allow others with knowledge to act and advise for them."

"Hmm, decent stratagem overall in the situation."

Dawn nodded, looking forward to getting back home, staring into the distance and hoping her home would be in sight soon.

"Don't worry by the way. This isn't my first time playing politics, and they will most likely be focused on me."

"True..." was all Dawn would say, even as she considered her conversations with them, knowing the examples in the past where Dawn couldn’t go home and how they handled her situation, she wondered how this would be different. How would they react with a rescue party that would come to secure her safety? These questions were partly addressed in the initial meeting, but still plagued her mind.

The trip back to the house took twice as long to return due to the trot, and when they arrived, they found Chrysalis in the middle of making breakfast.

Dawn settled down on the carpet to recover, only to be joined by Twilight, who started to massage her legs again. Dawn blushed at the massage, but whispered, "Thanks. Sorry to be so out of it..."

"It's fine. You aren't used to it like me." She chuckled as she massaged her legs with her fingers.

Dawn nodded, shivering and smiling at the sensations of her muscles relaxing again as her husband wearily came downstairs, "Morni- Dawn... what are you doing?"

"Recovering from a morning... ... yes, recovering from a morning." She replied, failing in her words at that moment and trying to make a joke out of it.

"Morning Stalwart. Sleep well?" Twilight smiled, fingers never stopping their work.

Stalwart shook his head, coming to sit by his wife, "Trying not to sleep. We only have a little more before we need to head to the train station. I'll sleep on the way to Canterlot."

"Well, I can hear Chrysalis making breakfast, and from the sound of it she is almost done." Twilight said as she rubbed Dawn's legs and had an ear turned towards the mostly silent kitchen.

Dawn sighed happily while Stalwart commented, "What is she making? I can't hear any 'sound of it' from the kitchen, though... what is that smell?"

"My guess is eggs, mixed with fried potatoes, and topped with gravy based on the smell."

"That sounds really just lovely." Dawn said happily in a daze.

Twilight nodded and kept up the massage. After a few more minutes of the massage, Dawn slowly started to stand.

"Thank you again Twilight. I think I should be ok now. Once we board the train, I'll be able to rest properly." Dawn replied before heading over to the dining room table, taking a seat, and waiting patiently.

Twilight followed, and a few minutes later, Chrysalis brought out exactly what Twilight predicted and set plates before them all.

Dawn smiled, "Thank you Chrysalis."

"You are welcome." She said as she sat beside a somewhat sleepy Violet and helped the filly eat as her magic wasn't working right.

Dawn chuckled, watching her feed Violet. Dawn began eating her own meal eagerly, feeling quite hungry and knowing full well she needed to eat food she was given, using her magic to do so.

Twilight ate as she watched them all. Dawn and Stalwart ate their fill readily, and as Stalwart finished, Dawn looked at the time.

"Well," Dawn commented, "We have about an hour before we have to get to the station. Anything we need to do or want to do while it's early?"

"Unless you and Stalwart want some alone time in your bedroom I can't think of anything." Twilight said

Dawn snorted, but blushed deeply while Stalwart smirked, shaking his head, "She needs to learn her next lesson, but it can wait until after we get back..."

He finished looking meaningfully at Dawn, whose blush intensified

Twilight laughed as Chrysalis gave a small chuckle. "Ah young love." The queen said as she fed Violet and ate herself.

Stalwart chuckled, "I'd get out her necklace, but considering how you reacted yesterday, I'll leave it put away... for now." He said, giving a wink that told Dawn he was definitely putting it in the saddlebag.

Twilight perked up. "Oh? You have my curiosity piqued but I'd imagine this would require a more appropriate setting for explaining."

Dawn shook her head and looked at Chrysalis, wondering if she needed the spell link to explain or not. Twilight glanced at Violet to indicate what she meant as the filly was slowly waking up more. Dawn smiled at the filly, but nodded at Twilight to answer the question. She was enjoying their waking up while trying to ignore how her husband was already leaving the table to go pack.

"Hmm, should I go formal for this dinner?" Twilight asked

Dawn shook her head, "Not if you don't feel like it. They seem to be grounded well
enough to not require fancy dresses."

"Oh I rarely wear dresses."

"Good…” Dawn chuckled, “I only have the two."

"Was just wondering as I have my regalia and my dress uniform."

"Wear them if you feel comfortable to."

"Mm, probably Princess."

Dawn nodded and stepped away from the table to go pack her own saddleback, "Thank you for the breakfast Chryssy, I'll be back soon to do the dishes. Just want to pack first."

She nodded and went to pack as well once she was done as Twilight started the dishes

Dawn packed her things and came back down, blushing after having been shown exactly what things he was packing in one of the saddlebags. She went down to the kitchen only to see Twilight had finished the dishes

"Oh! Well thank you Twilight, I was going to get them, but thank you!"

"Eh, you were busy packing." Twilight chuckled. "Least I could do."

Dawn chuckled weakly in reply, thinking back to the things packed along with her collar before shaking her head, "Well, let's head out when you're ready. gives us plenty of time to get there n all..."

She nodded. "Plus I figure you and your husband wanted one last romp in your bed before heading out."

Stalwart laughed, "Not without her necklace. She's still got work needed on lesson 37 at some point."

Dawn blushed heavily, "H-hey.... "

"Lesson 37?" Twilight asked interested.

"Multitasking." Stalwart said simply, making dawn blush so deep she turned viridian.

"It's... how I got pregnant I think..." Dawn mumbled.

She tilted her head. "Multitasking?"

Dawn blushed and looked over to Chrysalis, glowing her horn as if asking permission to speak to her directly

The queen nodded.

Dawn gently connected and then asked directly by link, ‘I ... should I tell you or is it possible to share memories with someone like this? Stalwart's only ever heard my voice or sounds before…’

'For a changeling Link, anything in your head can be shared. For your spell, I do not know.' Chrysalis explained, not mentioning per previous treks.

Dawn nodded, "Perhaps a test then." She said, then brought the memory of their packing just earlier, showing how Stalwart put away some of her most used things, a blindfold, a leash and collar, and a bag of their 'special' tea leaves from Nightfall.

'It's very fuzzy, like archived film but I can somewhat make it out.' The queen said.

Dawn sighed in relief, ‘Sorry, my memory itself is horrendous, but I'll try to make it make sense, just forgive a bit of jumpiness if I realize something's missing…’

'That's fine. We can't all be changelings.' She said chuckling in the link

Dawn proceeded to actively go through her memory of a walk through Canterlot, blindfolded, being teased by being put on display. She was led to a warehouse where she was praised and chastised by Stalwart, to please two pegasi friends of his at the same time, who then had their way with her in several ways. She received praise for her willingness before she was taken up 'to the moon' and flown up despite her weakness and fear of heights, pleasured to where she lost consciousness, woke, was flown back down, and made to please Stalwart and clean the pegasi up before permission was given to rest and she collapsed on the floor.

'Not sure how that qualifies as multitasking as its more endurance and obedience.'

Dawn laughed quietly at that, unable to keep herself from feeling embarrassed, ‘Well bear in mind some of us struggle with more than one thing at a time, and the joke was that I was going to please them both at the same time... well, either way, now you know and could share with Twilight if you wanted.’

'Still not seeing multitasking involved but very well.' She said then looked at Twilight. "She was lead through Canterlot blindfolded and Stalwart let her be used by two of his friends." Chrysalis said.

"Ah, ok… not seeing how that was hard to explain." Twilight said.

Dawn blushed and closed her eyes in deep embarrassment, turning away as she replied, "H-hey... n-not in front of the foal..."

Stalwart laughed, "It's not that simple, but come on, let's trot over to the train station... Dawn still needs to learn to multitask.”

"She's asleep." Chrysalis said referring to the foal asleep on her back. "This is three hours ahead of her usual wake up time." She said as she magicked over saddlebags to Twilight then shape shifted. She cast an illusion spell on Violet as Twilight did the same for herself.

"You really do need to explain at some point what you mean by multitask." Twilight said following them towards the door.

Dawn sighed and stuttered, "It's a lesson in Nightfall's book of pet training... Stalwart had some pegasus friends and he let me be theirs to- to play with and I was to try to help both of them equally without finding release myself."

"There, was that so hard dawn?" he teased.

"Yes." She said simply.

"Hmm, odd… That sounds very basic, no offence." Twilight said.

Dawn blushed, "Well, it's a start. The other lessons all are meant to build up on things... It is tame to some, but... I hadn't exactly been with any others and I’m still really reserved about it."

"Ah, ok. " Twilight nodded. "Chrysalis was somewhat hesitant at first as well but she learned her place."

Dawn giggled, feeling a bit of a kinship in that sense to her, but focused herself on heading onward, meanwhile Twilight walked beside Chrysalis.

"So tell me, how long have you been enjoying this type of experience?" Chrysalis asked.

Dawn looked at her slightly confused, as if wanting to conform, "This kind of experience meaning the pet things or having you in our home?"

"Pet thing."

"I.... immensely." She said quietly.

"Ah. Me and Twilight practice it every now and then."

Dawn nodded, blushing yet trying not to as she answered, remembering she hadn’t answered how long ago she started, "We've been at it for about four months now. Got teased about being so much like a distracted pet dog by Stalwart I acted like one for a day, he got me in a collar by nightfall."

Twilight burst out laughing. Dawn blushed deep in embarrassment as Stalwart laughed with her.

"Well, if you act like a pet, you're going to be collared like one!" He said.

"Oh I could so see that honestly. She follows instructions so well too." Twilight said as she slowly got her laughing under control.

Dawn blushed, then tried to laugh with, "Well, maybe at some point I shouldn't, see how that goes for once."

Twilight chuckled at that. "Feel free to try."

Dawn looked at her before shaking her head, making Stalwart laugh, "good pet."

"Oh yes, I agree she is a good pet."

Stalwart eyed her curious, "Oh? Did something happen I don't know about?"

"No, just I'm helping her learn to fly and such. She follows instructions well and based on what you've said it's pretty clear she's a good pet."

Stalwart eyed her as she started to walk with a bit more pride, "I’m glad to hear it. Naturally, if you wish to take her out on a walk or training, by all means." He said, chuckling at Dawn's shift from pride to subdued at hearing it, "and if anything more happens, I do enjoy a good show from time to time" he finished quietly, suggestively.

"Eh, I'm not really that type of mare." Twilight said. "I'll train her in the sense of teaching her to fly and getting her in shape."

"I know how that goes.” Dawn agreed quietly, “My heart belongs to Stalwart, but he likes it when I have fun and he has fun, so I don't mind as much as I was raised to mind."

"Eh, I'm with Chrysalis." She said.

Dawn smiled, "very much so."

Twilight nodded as they reached the town. Dawn led the way with Stalwart to the station, handed their tickets, and let Chryssy and Twilight go ahead to the platform. The group reached the wooden boards and then waited for the train. It was only another fifteen minutes before the train rolled up and servers came out to allow any who wished to board on.

Dawn waited politely for them to do their required checks, then boarded when allowed. She went over to a seat nearer to the front of the car and Stalwart joined. Twilight and the rest came to join them on a pair of cushioned seat-rows nearby.

"So then, next stop Canterlot." Twilight said smiling.

Dawn nodded. "Yup. A good 8 hours-ish by rail, but it’s still faster and safer than most back home."

"I'd imagine a train is rather safe overall."

Dawn chuckled, "Depends on the conductor. Very few I've met seem to be in a huge hurry but-"

"Hai Daaawn!" A young beige speckled, brown coated colt called as he passed with his mom, making Dawn smile and wave to him and his mother as she tried to scoot him along.

Twilight chuckled. "Friend of yours?"

Dawn chuckled, "Helped him get adopted a few months ago, before I became a princess. I volunteer there about once a week to help out, play music, things like that."

She nodded smiling "I try to help out like that where I can."

Dawn looked at her intrigued, "Oh? I would think you're quite busy. You volunteer too?"

"It's not really volunteer more like just sort of… show up from time to time. A lot of family have a mom or dad away on deployment, so don't get to see them. I figure if they are part of my army, the least I can do is keep an eye on their foals."

"Yeah... it’s rough on anypony."

The colt from earlier walked up and looked at Twilight, "Hai Twilight, whatchoo doing in Van Hoover?"

"Just visiting Dawn here.” Twilight smiled, “What about you? Whatchoo doing in Van Hoover?" She asked, imitating the Colts phrasing.

"We came to see the globe!" The colt giggled, referencing The Magic Globe, a magic museum and entertainment complex in the city.

"Oh? Well how was it?" She asked.

The colt smiled broadly, "I got to have wings and fly! And then there was this one mare who made a giant bookshelf disappear, and then it came back with a bunch of squirrels, and-" He rambled on happily, Dawn chuckling quietly at his eagerness.

Twilight listened to every word, commenting from time to time showing she actually was listening.

Dawn chuckled and enjoyed him being near for as long as he talked, but soon the train was about to move and the mother came along trying to pull him with gently.

"Come now, let's let the Princesses talk. The train's about to leave."

Twilight nodded to him. "Be a good foal now and listen to your mother."

He waved and then trotted along to the seat, Dawn smiling to Twilight and Violet while hearing the train whistling it's departure.

Twilight looked at her, her face dropping back into its usual expression. "What?"

Dawn shook her head, "Nothing. Just get moments where I talk with foals or see somepony else do it and I just- it makes me feel more ready to want my own, you know?

"I suppose.” Twilight shrugged. “Never really felt that ready to have a kid myself."

“Yeah, I've always heard that you just never are really prepared to have a kid..." Dawn said before she took a deep breath and let it out slow, a slight shake to it before Stalwart took her hoof and put it under his own.

"Yeah, but trust me, you are more prepared then I am."

Dawn tilted her head, "Why do you say that? You have Violet after all..."

"Because Violet is a hybrid. It means all the books on foals aren't 100% right because they were written for normal foals. Same with Chryssy. Her experience are with full nymphs. We had no way of knowing what information was needed to raise her."

Dawn nodded, thinking as she looked over to Violet, assuming she was still in her seat and not elsewhere. Violet was between Twilight and the disguised changeling queen, still asleep, and wrapped in an illusion spell as she leaned against Chrysalis, lightly snoring.

Dawn chuckled, thinking she looked adorable, "Well, I don't know her that well, but she seems like a good enough foal."

Twilight smiled and nodded. "Yeah, but let me tell you, that first year was pretty chaotic. Discord certainly loved it."

Dawn chuckled, "I'm sure! He does enjoy things that way, especially surprises."

"He assigned himself the role of uncle when she was born." Twilight said chuckling.

Dawn laughed quietly, so as not to gain the attention of others, "Well, who can dispute her rule with Discord on her side?"

Twilight chuckled in kind. "Exactly. I'd hate to be a noble that tried to bar her right as royalty because he has to be one of the most doting people you’ve ever seen to his ‘little ball of chaos.’”

Dawn laughed, "She can't be- nevermind, you've already told me a little so I really shouldn't risk questioning it."

"Exactly." Twilight chuckled.

Dawn sighed, leaning against Stalwart with a small smile on her face and started thinking, her growing foal coming to mind and her concerns about raising them. She thought of all the things she wouldn't have from home she could rely on either even as she fumbled through motherhood.

Twilight sat back and watched her with a calculated gaze for a minute before Dawn sat upright again. Stalwart said nothing, looking at them quietly as he kept his thoughts to himself.

"Something on your mind Dawn?"

Dawn shook her head, "Just... thinking about what I was going to do to raise the foal... She, or he, deserves a fair bit in life, and yet there's some things that I miss that would be nice if she could have... I know it's stuff that isn't necessary ‘n all but... enh."

"Heh, know how that feels." Twilight said, and Dawn saw one of Twilight's wings extend and lightly touch Violet for a moment without Twilight noticing she did so. "What about you Stalwart? Anything interesting from patrol?"

Stalwart shook his head, "A couple of theft attempts that were easily caught, a few lost cat requests, nothing too serious."

"Ah, well least you didn't have to climb a tree to get a cat."

Stalwart laughed, "Oh? That actually did happen I'll have you know."

"Oh? Really now? Showing off for the mares were you?"

Stalwart smirked, "Maaaaybe."

Dawn shook her head and looked away, smirking yet now thinking of something else

"Come on, I bet a big strong stallion like you loves making the mares swoon." Twilight said and smirked.

Stalwart started to act shy for half a second before rolling with it and smiling confidently and holding Dawn a bit more to his side, "Just about every day if she wanted it."

She smirked. "Oh and I bet she just swoons at the sight of you when you just ‘happen’ to flex on accident while she's looking."

Dawn blushed as he replied, "Let's just say she should be glad there isn't a private cabin for us to use..."

"... There could have been, I just didn't want to waste money needlessly. they might offer if no one bought it anyway." Dawn replied, sounding a little less amused, oddly hinting at insecurity in her voice.

"Or you could just use a royal car." Twilight said. "Those are free to use by the royal family and are completely private cars."

Stalwart shrugged, whereas Dawn said, "Uhm, the princesses don't have cars, and we've only seen a few in manehattan, Van hoover and the like. Oh wait, unless you mean cabins for trains?"

"Train cars yes. I already guessed that internal combustion engines haven't been invented yet."

Dawn nodded, "Very nearly though. It's not very refined yet. not even close to hybrid or electric run things yet."

"We are close to those, but not as desperate for it, so not as heavily a priority."

"Makes sense."

"Yeah. But I have to admit, at times the royal train car is useful."

"I can imagine." Dawn smirked.

"Yes, sometimes for that." She smirked back

Dawn looked back, confused, "I... what?" She stopped and opened her mouth wide, "Ohhhhhh... nevermind. Mind didn't go that direction."

"Oh. Thought that's what you meant." Twilight blinked. "Then what did you mean?"

Dawn shook her head, "I don't know anymore, I'm having a hard time keeping my thoughts for very long right now."

"Are you ok?" She asked concerned.

Dawn nodded before shaking her head, "Yeah, just... really airheaded right now."

"Ah...well just relax my little pony and enjoy the train ride." Twilight said thinking it was from worry about the coming dinner.

Dawn half closed her eyes and relaxed at that phrasing, chuckling, "It still is such a funny saying... being called a little pony..." she said quietly as she laid against her husband's side, enjoying how much heat he was projecting

"Guess it’s just a habit I picked up. " Twilight chuckled.

Dawn smiled, "Doesn't bother me though."

"Oh? You like being my little pony?"

Dawn shivered, fur standing on end briefly, then giggled, responding quietly, "H-hey... you'll make me blush!"

Twilight smirked. "So that is a yes, you do like being my little pony?"

Stalwart chuckled, "She's my little pony if anyone's..."

Dawn chuckled and closed her eyes, trying not to answer, trying to ignore how her face heated up. Twilight smiled and decided to let her rest.

"So, she's your little pony, hm?" She asked Stalwart

Stalwart chuckled, responding quietly, "She's my wife, and my little pony pet. but she's allowed to like or pursue who she wishes. We'll be together for a long time to come."

Twilight chuckled. "Then why don't we share her?" She asked as a joke.

Stalwart looked up at her, tired but interested, "Oh? Do tell~"

"Well I've already been training her for the last two days, so why not her be both our little pony?" She chuckled.

Stalwart smiled, taking a moment looking down at the now rapidly dozing Dawn. He seemed to pause for a minute before giving a small nod.

"Alright, we can do that. Good thing I've got a spare." He said, rummaging through his saddlebag, "Anytime in training or you want her to follow orders, just slip her collar on. Gets her in the mood to listen and obey like nothing else, mature or otherwise, even if she protests about it." He chuckled at the last bit, biting lightly on the collar and putting it out enough for her magic to grab if desired.

Twilight blinked and looked it over not having expected a response this direct. "So, does the collar only work on her?"

Stalwart eyed her, wondering what she meant and grateful no one else was paying attention, "She's the one that seems to enjoy it so far. She struggles being an owner or a dom in general."

"Yes, I mean does the collar only make her listen or will it work on others?"

Stalwart shook his head, "It only works on her, as it’s all in her head. I do have one that I want laced with the Aphrodisiac from the Everfree Forest, but that's for... special occasions."

"Ah. Darn, was thinking it could be fun to put on someone else." She smirked at Chrysalis who blushed.

Stalwart chuckled, "Well, I can share a liner for the inside if she has her own collar, if you want one."

She smirked and placed the collar in her bag.

"I'll take that as a yes.” Stalwart nodded, “I'll send in an order for you... or three." He yawned and laid alongside of Dawn, resting his head on her hind leg like she had with his. "Sorry if I seem rude, but these night patrols and not getting to sleep is always rough. We'll talk more later though I'm sure..."

"No, no, go ahead." She said as a small flat object appeared and there was a brief click and then it vanished.

Stalwart looked at the object and asked, "What's that?"

"Datapad."

Stalwart looked at her confused, "I... what's that?"

"Small device that lets me take notes and other information."

Stalwart frowned, then shrugged and laid against Dawn again, not understanding it at all. Twilight chuckled and looked out the window.

Dawn and Stalwart slept as several ponies talked, kept to themselves, or tried to strike up conversations with twilight, thinking she was the same Twilight they knew. The conversations were mundane and easily discussed but they often would break off soon after on the pretense of being polite. It suited Twilight just fine either way as she would then return to staring out the window.

Dawn woke after a couple hours, stretching slowly and smiling as she felt her husband by her and waking from a good dream.

An attendant walked down the aisle with snacks if anyone wanted to order, calling out every few seats. By this point Violet was awake and looking on eagerly as a foal often would at the idea of sweets.

Dawn smiled wide at the idea of a snack and sharing with the eager little foal. She waved to the mare so she would stop by them. The attendant served two other benches along the way before stopping at their booth.

"Any snacks or pies for you?" She asked.

"I could do with a slice of pie yes. Anyone else here want any?" Dawn asked, turning to the others present.

"Strawberry cupcake!" Violet said eagerly.

"Yeah that sounds good." Twilight said.

The attendant nodded, "That'll be ten bits please."

Dawn levitated ten bits out of her saddlebag and placed it onto her cart, letting her offer each order directly before she moved on, adding, "Hope you enjoy!"

Violet went to town on the cupcake, a wide grin on her face even as the cupcake half the size of her head was being inhaled.

Dawn laughed, "Such a foal... so cute."

Twilight chuckled.

Dawn sighed and ate her food, feeling jealous of Violet and what she's gotten to know of their personality, not seeing her misbehave at all, and finding her absolutely adorable. The cupcake they were eating though was gone in seconds and her ears drooped.

Dawn chuckled and broke her pie in half, "Here violet, this pie is a bit too sweet for me, you want some?"

She took and and looked it over ears drooping. "It's not strawberry...."She said dejectedly.

"Violet, be don't be rude." Twilight said firmly.

The filly jumped up. "Sorry." She said and started to eat the offered pie piece

Dawn smiled gently, "Well, next time we'll just have to get a lot more strawberries won't we? Don't worry, it's my favorite fruit too. Sound good?"

"YES!!" She said excitedly, and loudly, a noticeable buzzing coming from her back where her wings were hidden by the illusion.

Dawn chuckled, which grew to laughter before she calmed and looked up to Twilight, "Well, I think I found a good spoiling point... I'll have to keep that in mind if I ever need to bribe her."

"Yeah, strawberries are to her what books are to me." She chuckled

"Good to know." She chuckled back, calming down, noting that the pie had already been inhaled by Violet, despite the protest earlier.

Dawn smiled, laying down and enjoying the enthusiasm of the foal, admiring a fair bit in each of her visitors so far... and to think, they had only been around for a bit over a day.

"So have a good nap?" Twilight asked

Dawn nodded, "Quite a bit. not the same as home, but rest is still welcome... and sunlight on my fur is especially delightful to feel."

"Have to agree with that bit about the sunlight." Twilight nodded as the landscape continued to pass by and the Canterlot Castle being closer with each passing moment.

Author's Notes:

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS!!

Not really exactly but i mean they are traveling so technically they are on an adventure.

I have a PATREON with fair rewards. Every bit is greatly appreciated and helps me out.