This one just features the changelings! ^.^
Chrysalis sighed casually as she flipped the page of the book in front of her. There were bags under her eyes, as she hadn't been sleeping much. How could she rest when there was so much to do? So much to study? She looked tiredly at the other books strewn around her (ones that she'd stolen, of course), and let out a curt growl. She wasn't much for reading or studying, but she had to. She was working on something big that would help further their plans, so she couldn't just stop or give up, though she greatly wanted to. She looked back to the book she was reading currently, which was one about spells and charms, and let out another sigh before continuing where she'd left off.
Not long after, she heard the sound of something softly approaching behind her. Her ears perked, and she turned her head slowly, her eyes tiredly landing on the owner of the sound. Or owners. Standing behind her were three young changelings, watching her with big, curious eyes. These were not average-sized changelings. These were the young. The 'babies,' if you will, of the brood. They trotted over to her, and she watched as one went up and nestled against one of her legs, one found a comfortable place resting against her chest, and one sat down in front of her book. The third one looked down at the book curiously, unable to read what was written. He looked up at Chrysalis.
"Broodmother, why do you look so sleepy?" He asked innocently. She managed a small, tired smile as she looked down at the curious, young changeling, her eyes softening.
"Because, child, I haven't gotten much sleep as of late." She said. The young one frowned sadly.
"But you need sleep." He said worriedly. "Why can't you wait to work until you've rested?"
"Because I have to finish laying out my plan soon. If I don't…then it might not look so good for us." She said, her smile slightly diminishing. The young looked down at the book again.
"Well, maybe we can help you, Broodmother!" He said with enthusiasm. Chrysalis chuckled slightly.
"But you cannot read, child." She stated. The one resting against her leg moved.
"But we can learn." She said, nuzzling Chrysalis' shoulder.
"Yeah, we can learn! Then we can help!" The one lying against her chest said hopefully. The queen smiled warmly, leaning her head down and nuzzling the top of the young female's head with her muzzle.
"I'm sorry, young ones, but this is not something you should be involved in. This is 'big changeling' business. You're too young." She said softly, a slight hint of amusement in her voice.
"Awww…but I want to help, Broodmother…" The male said, now looking downtrodden. "You do so much for us and take care of all of us, so we wanna help!" Chrysalis put her head down and nuzzled his cheek.
"Aww, it's okay, child. I'll be fine. There's not much more to do, anyway." She lied. The male looked down sadly, his tiny ears drooping. The queen tilted her head slightly, a warm smile appearing on her face. Moving one of her forelegs, she reached out and pulled the little changeling close to her, along with his two siblings. "I truly appreciate your want to help me, but there are just some thing's you're still too young for."
"Well, then, I wanna be bigger. Like my mama and daddy!" He said. Chrysalis chuckled.
"Now, now…we don't want to grow up too fast. Enjoy being young while you can." She said. One of the females then spoke up.
"But we aren't allowed to do anything! It's no fair!" She complained. The queen thought for a moment before speaking.
"Hmm. You know what? If I find something that I need help with, you three will be the first ones I'll go to." She said cheerfully, hoping to brighten their spirits. The male perked up.
"Really?!" He asked excitedly. Chrysalis nodded. "Yay! Thank you, Broodmother!" He snuggled against her chest happily.
"Anything for you little ones…" She said softly as she watched them cuddle close to her, closing their eyes. With a relaxed sigh, her gaze returned to the book she'd been reading before the interruption, and began reading again, a new burst of determination filling her as she was reminded exactly what she was doing this for:
Her brood.
Her changelings.
Her family.
There's a soft side to every villain, and every villain has 'their side' of the story.
