Thorax followed Twilight, along with Spike and Starlight, towards the dining hall. He had been invited to Canterlot to talk out political matters with Twilight, and she'd offered him to join them for breakfast first. Thorax certainly said yes.

It was a sight to behold. Pancakes, nuts, berries, toasted bread, fruit spreads, jam, honey, tea, coffee, milk, cream – you name it – was arranged by the cooks in delectable fashion throughout the length of the table, a sight which caused Thorax's eyes and mouth to water in amazement.

"Wow!" he gasped, as the foursome entered the spacious hall and took their seats. "You all must fare very well every morning!"

Starlight mustered a smile while Spike answered in agreement. "Of course, Thorax! This is Canterlot y'know!"

"I am really excited to know what it tastes like!"

"Yeah, you must!" answered Twilight. "After all those years of feeding on love, real food must still be a treat to you huh?"

"Well, sort of…we're getting used to it, but it is still a bit of a change of diets, especially one that's been taken consistently for a long time."

"Anyways, please enjoy!" It's a pleasure to have you over for breakfast Thorax!" cried Starlight, who dug straight into her food, making an accidental mess. Spike and Thorax eyed the scene and laughed while Twilight picked on some blueberries and cream. The changeling's (quiet) eating noises readily showed his satisfaction with the food.

"Delicious! Simply delicious!"

Twilight answered with a smile.

"Indeed! By all means, eat up!" offered Starlight.

Soon the clatter of breakfast was over, and it was now time for some serious talk. Starlight departed for her duties at the School of Friendship while Twilight, Spike, and Thorax headed for the large round room formerly used by Celestia as a reading room; Twilight had turned it into her office, as well as keeping its former function as a reading room. Thorax eyed in wonder. Petite but ornate windows stood on top of lacquerd bookshelfs, all lined with colorful assortments of various books covering various topics. Thorax could even see Twilight's meticulous labelling of each shelf. The sunlight illuminated a large round table, studded with crystals and sporting a varnish, and three comfy chairs surrounded it. A formidable chandelier hung from the ceiling. Thorax couldn't help but admire the design of everything. But now, no time to dream. It was time to talk serious stuff.

"Alright, where shall we start?" began Twilight.

"Um…actually, I have long wanted to solve this issue first…" started Thorax, his expression sagging a bit. Twilight's face creased into concern, wondering if it was a friendship problem.

"Sigh…my brother Pharynx did bring the issue up to me a few times, but…I tried to avoid it. Unfortunately, I realized my mistake and came to settle it with you first."

Twilight and Spike eyed each other, curious with Thorax's seemingly mysterious predicament.

"We Changelings don't have much of a culture, actually." Twilight's eyes bulged in surprise.

"What? I mean, that's…that's impossible! You've celebrated Hearth's Warming Day, the Festival of the Two Sisters, Hearts and Hooves Day, and so many other festivities, with us no less! How's that not a culture?"

"Well…in one way, yes…but it's adopted; we Changelings adopted your culture to replace the warmongering one left by Chrysalis. I at first wasn't so sure about leaving Changeling culture to the shelf and embracing Pony culture all-out, but then I didn't want to continue a legacy of destruction that was so characteristic of her rule! But now…Pharynx, many others, and now I, have realized that it's not really us, it's not who we are."

Twilight's surprise melted into sympathy; Spike was more intrigued than surprised.

"And, to be honest, Pony culture is much more developed and intersting than ours. I recently attended a performance of Neightoven's 5th and 9th Symphonies, and I must say…they really are moving! I've never heard such beautiful music, and they attest to your great culture…but at the same time, I feel a little shameful for how our culture has become…it is small, colorless, and destructive, and I can't help but worry what other nations will think of us!" Thorax sighed, burying his head in his hoofs and letting a little sob. Twilight understood the situation, and so did Spike, feeling a little sad for his good friend.

"Thorax, I think I have a solution."

"You do?!"

"Yes, but…it might sound weird to you though. You wanna hear it?"

"Oh yes, please!"

"Maybe it's because you've never tried.'

"Tried?"

"Yes. I understand that you don't want to continue a culture that has caused pain and sadness for a long time. But actually, that may be your strength!"

"My-I mean, our strength?"

"Yes! Changelings are fierce, competent, rough, and much more. That's already a unique characteristic of your race! Since you all are reformed, why not try new possibilities with this inherent character of your race?"

"I've never thought of that…but then, I've made them all into softer and more passive creatures! What should I do? And what about friendship?"

"Friendship is key, but that doesn't mean you have to stick to the 'Pony' form of friendship, you could make a 'Changeling' kind of friendship! Something unique." Twilight's excitement was rising, and one could already hear it in her voice.

"Yes...yes…YES! That could work!" Thorax beamed. Then he creased into a frown.

"But how? I'm not so sure how to take our culture to somewhere new."

"Don't worry Thorax," answered Spike. "Why not learn from others' cultures? The closest thing to your culture may be the Dragons…aaand what better person than Dragonlord Ember? She may be able to…consult you y'know? Hehe!"

Thorax's face blushed a rose red. "E-e-e-mber? Haha-I mean, um…well, i-it might work...but-"

"OOF!" Twilight smacked a strong hoof onto Spike's scaly top, effectively sending his remark to a mental bin. Spike glanced up, and he was sure he met the face of an angry Twilight.

"Spiiike..!"

"Sorry Twilight, I didn't mean to!"

"It's ok Spike, your idea might be a good one after all!"

"You really think so?"

"Yeah! Thanks a lot Spike, and you too Twilight!"

"Anytime Thorax! Problem solved?"

"Yes, and actually, that's all the talk I need. The rest of the political matters can be handled from here on. Thank you so much!" Both Twilight and Spike grinned from ear to ear. They saw him out through the large Castle doors, and then sat in satisfaction in the living area.

"Well Twilight…first problem of the day…solved."

"Indeed Spike!" she cheered. Having helped solve a friend's problem was truly a blessing.

"I feel like a coffee Spike, want one?"

"Sure Twi! Just the thing I need to loosen my scales."

"And my wings," chuckled Twilight. The ruler and secretary rose and departed into the sunshine for a good ol' coffee break.