Chapter 2: First Talks and Peaceful Arrangements.
The group of changelings flew on for a few more hours and intense cold of the North before coming in sight of the Crystal Empire. They were in all of the bright oasis in the snow. Tunnel Borer even let out a quiet," wow...", The only thing he said all through their journey." Indeed," replied Fang as they neared the pony city." The moment of truth", mumbled Green Mane as they landed on the grassy area surrounding the city. They walked towards the Castle and soon found themselves on the main street, heading towards the large tower. The ponies noticed them almost immediately. But, to Fang's surprise, they only held looks of curiosity. Because of the minimal fanfare, the group of changelings was able to get all the way to the gate of the Castle without seeing any guards. The guard at the gate eyed them warily, but still kept with protocol." State your business,", he demanded in a monotone voice. Fang stepped forward and said," We are on a diplomatic mission from the changeling hive. We ask to see the Princess and Prince." The guard was startled for a second, but kept his cool and answered," their highness's are currently seeing visitors, you may enter." The guard opened the grand door and the changelings walked inside. They were met by a mare that gave them an appraising look before giving a quick," Follow me." They followed her to another grand door and were told to wait as she announced their presence. Fang was worried that the Princess and Prince wouldn't react well to their presence. When he voice his thoughts, he was surprised that Tunnel Borer answered him," It doesn't matter how they take our presence so much as how well they take our proposal." Before the others could dwell on that for very long, the door gave a hollow thud before opening slowly. From where they stood, the changelings could already see the royal couple sitting on a pair of thrones. The mayor called a minute and a slowly approach the Prince and Princess. Both of them looked on without emotion, causing Fang to wonder what was going to happen next. Once the group was standing down the steps from the thrones. They bowed as one.
" Rise", instructed Prince Shining Armor with as little emotion as his face showed. The changeling stood and Shining Armor, asked," Why are you here?" Fang stepped forward and bowed again. As he bowed, he said," We are here on behalf of our mother and Queen, Chrysalis." There was tense silence for a few seconds before cadence finally spoke," And what is her reason for sending you?" Fang answered quickly," she wishes for us to give you an message of peace and regret. Our mother did not mean for any of the bad blood between us and wishes us to tell you about some things you might have not known yourself." The two rulers glanced at each other and Shining Armor once again gave a quick," Rise," before nodding to the changeling to proceed. Fang took a deep breath to steady himself before beginning," First, you should know that the invasion was not planned. Our Queen was gathering love in Canterlot and happened upon the news of your wedding. Thinking it was a good opportunity to gain enough love to feed us for I while, our mother knocked you out, Princess, with the intention of being you for a single day, then giving you the memories of that day so that you wouldn't have known anything happened." Fang stopped when Cadence lifted a hoof to stop them and asked," Why did she deviate from her plan and take my place for as long as she did?" Fang he knew he would have to explain that, but it wouldn't be very comfortable." Frankly...", He began," She got drunk." Shining armor snorted in surprise and Cadence asked incredulously," What do you mean, drunk?! Where did she even find any alcohol in a town that it can't be found in?" Fang hesitated before answering," Let me explain. Unlike you ponies, changelings don't get drunk off of alcohol. We get' love drunk'. This happens when we feed on so much love that it starts to affect our mental state. Ironically enough, being love drunk makes us crave more love. This is what caused our Queen to act as he did. We followed her because she transferred enough love to the changelings outside of the hive to get us all drunk." Cadence had a look of disapproval on her face as she said," Why did Chrysalis absorb as much love as she did if she knew it would affect her as it did?" Fang flinched under her tone, but still answered truthfully," because she didn't know. We have never had that much love before. We've always had either just enough or less, we didn't know how much of an affect an access would have." Cadences expression softened as she heard of the changelings food situation. She whispered something to shining armor that the changelings couldn't hear, making Fang fidget with worry. Finally, after a few minutes of this, Cadence and Shining turned back to them. Cadence smiled as Shining Armor said," We have come to a decision. We will hear your terms of peace, but only if we hear them from Chrysalis herself." Fang smiled, then sighed in annoyance." We will try to get her to come but our mother is not the changeling you saw. She is wary and fearful of the outside world. She may need some convincing in order for her to come here," explained Fang truthfully. Shining Armor looked thoughtful for a moment before suggesting," Perhaps if we sent a guard or ambassador with you?" Fang turned to his siblings for their opinions but Leaf Wing was the only one to answer," If mother sees somepony that she doesn't recognize she will panic. Either we bring somepony she has seen or we go without." Shining Armor sighed in annoyance and said," Other than a few guards, Me and Cadence are the only ones that she may have seen. Couldn't you just bring her a letter or something to..." He stopped talking when he noticed Cadence's smile out of the corner of his eye. He gave her a questioning look and she exclaimed," That is a great idea my husband! I will go with them myself as our ambassador!" Shining Armor, as well as the changelings, was stunned by her outburst and only sputtered in response," But-but-but...you...I..." He sighed and turned to the changelings and said," I hate when she comes up with good ideas that I don't like" Fang was about to protest but thought for a moment,"Cadence is the one we are trying to get help from. Plus, coming herself might just help Mother's anxieties." " I agree with the princess," started Fang," That would be the best option. Our Queen would be more comfortable talking not only to the one we wish peace with but doing so in our home." Cadence hopped off her throne and approached the changelings with a smile. She called back to Shining Armor," You can handle the empire for a while, can't you dear?" Shining sighed again and responded," Yes dear, good luck!"
As they walked out of the castle, Cadence asked,"How far is our journey?" Fang answered," If we fly through the night then we should arrive at the hive by noon tomorrow. Otherwise we will arrive tomorrow night." He then quickly added," Er... You highness." Cadence nodded in understanding and said," Then lets be off, Shall we?"