Throne Room.

[Queen Chrysalis]

"My apologizes for not being alone for your presence."

Caught off guard by the quick and unexpected drama, the Queen of the changelings was going to deal with this later as her emotions settled to his words. Offering a glare to the three of her subjects, her sigh was short lived as she focused on downing the beverage before her. Letting the sliding and disgusting liquid move down her throat, Chrysalis had to fight back the urge to choke in the process. Forcing it down, a somewhat inspired smile ran over the Queen's lips.

"Ah Yes. The terms. First off, Welcome to the central city of Equestria. You and your subjects will be aloud to cross over and visit in the land whenever you wish. As long as it is permitted we do the same. If a crime may break in our side, our rules apply. If it is the other way, your rules apply. We shall remain equals among royalty, keeping everything fair and true. Trades among the land should be used on both sides of the field. What you are lacking, we provide, and reverse. We must respect the terms of the rule system. Soldiers will be allowed to work for both sides if there is a shortage. While work and education here seem to be a big deal, you may allow foreign exchange students to transfer towards a better education. Our nations will be announced as friends, offering nothing but kindness from both sides. If there are problems, those individuals will be dealt with accordingly. Opinion?"

[Plush Ramen]

Without getting a chance to respond, Plush had found herself fuming at Joxer's actions. How dare he make a fool out of her! Grinding her teeth in a fury, the mare couldn't have been radiating more heat if she tried. Finding herself being treated like a child, the orange pegasus had been about to buck her back legs into him so hard his head would spin.. when she heard Orange Glow back him up. Knowing she hated the mare anyway, Plush Ramen tried to see things their way. Having a hard time calming down, a look from the changelings eyes had stopped the mare in her forced stallion hugged state from lashing out. Was that.. a look of care? Shaking herself off mentally, blue sapphire orbs glanced to the face of Joxer before drooped ears followed the way. He was truly just looking out for her, even if it wasn't what she wanted initially. He was trying, and that alone forced the mare to sit down in the empty chair. Shifting her attention to the sand dressed stallion, she merely spoke in a low and defeated tone.

"Yes.. sir. Sorry.."

[Orange Glow]

Orange walked over to Plush and sighed whispering in her ear softly, so that no pony that couldnt read her mind would hear her. "Listen Plush, I'm sorry. I promise you'll get to see Night again and you can shower once we are done here okay?"

[Noble Persona]

[Enter Noble Persona from the Palace Entrance Hallway]

Noble peered in through the crack between the doors, making sure he couldn't be seen just yet. He strained to see and hear what was going on, since he couldn't be sure this was good news yet. To facilitate better hearing and vision, he pushed the doors open ever so slightly, continuing his efforts to be discreet.

[Sultan Azarin (R.I.P)]

Smiling and leaning back in his seat, Sultan Azarin looks to Chrysalis as if she were his best friend.

"I couldn't have put it better myself, Chrysalis. Although I must insist that when and if our soldiers are aiding one another, they will first and foremost answer to their nations respectively. Also, I think that I would like to take you up on your earlier offer about the arena... I would love to see an Arabian champion fight for our nation... As a gesture of friendship of course. "

[Queen Chrysalis]

Grinning at his respectable and agreeing answer to her rules, the Queen could accept a change for the amount of honesty given. Pleased with how things went, Chrysalis aimed high as her mind circled around the arena. Oh what an event this would be! Finally, the Queen could have something citizens and nations would be excited for. Hoping Sombra was as excited as her, the bug mare had nodded with a small bow.

"Our kingdom would be honored to have your soldiers fight for us. In the name of fun and dignity! You have my blessing Sultan."

[Noble Persona]

From the sounds of what he heard, it seemed the Queen was still busy. And talking about getting Saddle Arabian soldiers to fight in some sort of arena. 'A little late for that one, Your Grace, but that might have been a better alternative to a war...' He thought, keeping his emotions suppressed, lest they give him away. Spying on the Queen was not exactly tolerated. He had a feeling that, despite his desire to learn more, his emotions would eventually give him away. Perhaps it would be best to leave for now, After all, that pony, Strong, may still be in the library. If he was, it may well be a good idea to go and give him a talking to before he leaves and Noble misses the chance to lay this to rest. Deciding this would be a wiser course of action than sticking around until he got caught for a little information he might be able to get more easily elsewhere. Putting the door back where it was, he turned to leave, heading down to the library.

[Exit Noble Persona to the Library via the Palace Entrance Door/Hallway]

[Sultan Azarin (R.I.P)]

"Very good!" The Sultan smiles, pleased that the queen would accept such a proposal. He did, however, sigh and look to the side a bit awkwardly.

"Although I must insist... Whilst this treaty will be between our two nations, I cannot say the same for the Crystal Empire. Honestly, I have no clue how you can cooperate with such a childish brute. "

[Joxer]

Joxer sighs in relief, letting Plush go as she walks to her seat and sits in it. Humming softly in relief, he sits in his own seat, a tad bit more relaxed now as he listens to the ongoing discussion between the Sultan and his Queen.

Today... Is just full of excitement, isn't it?

[Queen Chrysalis]

Offering a small and innocent laugh to the sultan's honesty, Chrysalis merely nodded in understanding. While she trusted the King with keeping peace, she could fully understand the Sultan's uncomfortable and disregard for her reasonings. Thinking back, the shadow king was a major help to winning the war, without him, she wasnt certain she could have gotten this far so quickly. In any event, she did, and it required a fully stocked mental library of the King and his attitude problems through out the history to decipher how to cope with such a child.

"Oh. That is perfectly fine. We have a treaty with him, nothing more. While I agree his temper and treatment of his subjects is far too wrong, I will not stand in his land and tell him rules of my own. Your decision is respected and honored. Now, I feel we have taken up a bit of my children's time. Perhaps it is time they went their separate ways? Joxer you may go as you please. Miss Orange Glow, take this traitor be bathed. I want our little monster in top shape for this event. You are all dismissed."

Speaking to her subjects, the Queen's words were respectful and sincere as she spoke to the only ones she deemed matter. Turning her attention back to the royalty in front of her, she offered nothing but her fullest attention.

"My apologizes, where were we?"

[Joxer]

Joxer nods with a smile, bowing as he stands to the two royals before starting to walk away. "I hope that you have a good talk and a good day." He says sincerely before turning to Orange and Plush, bowing to them as well before smiling his normal smile at Plush, disappearing with a soft flash of blue magic.

[Exit Joxer]

[Orange Glow]

"Alright, but I still have a matter of her mental state to discuss with you later my Queen." Orange gives a small bow before looking to Plush and heading to the door.

"Lets go Plush" Orange looked back to her and smiled

[Exit Orange Glow to Orange's chambers]

[Plush Ramen]

Watching Orange Glow leave, Plush could only dip her head lower at the scene before her. Mentally wishing she could teleport away herself, blue eyes ventured passed the bugged creature as attention brought itself to the Sultan. He was young for such a title, yet obviously knew well of his culture and leadership roles that followed. Finding it strange that he'd been so relaxed throughout this time, the mare shrugged it off. Turning to the.door, Plush walked slowly to the doorway, as if making sure she was allowed to do so. Exiting out the door, there wasn't going to be a fight, not if she could help it.

[Exit Plush Ramen to Orange Glows chambers]

[Vaan]

[Enter Vaan, Legion Voice, Kah, and Demetri from the Reflection Mines via portal]

Vaan flew out of the portal-which felt oddly warm on his fur- and lowered Demetri to the ground. The griffon then made contact with the tile; it felt like heaven. He was happy to be out of the mines, though he couldn't help but feel as the Queen had won. She someone proved her point over him. She did, but Vaan brushed away this feeling knowing there was nothing he could do about it. With a nod, he looked around the room. Immediately, he wished he was still in the mines.

He took note of the armed guards; it was too many to take alone, yet-based on the situation- he might not have to. It seemed the Queen and some pony were discussing something or the other while having a drink. (One he needed desperately.) He went to open his beak to talk, yet decided better. After doing the same thing before, he opted to wait and not end up back in the caves. So, he waited patiently for there talk to be over so he could continue his.

[Queen Chrysalis]

Shifting from the distractions surrounding their now illuminated guests, replacing the old seemed to be growing irritable. Clearing her throat and standing up, the Queen of the changelings looked to her subjects with a blank expression. They had certainly gotten out of those caves faster then she had anticipated. Not quite disappointed, green shifting orbs switched to gaze around to her children. Thinking there was no better opportunity then to get things rolling, Chrysalis spoke up.

"L, please make your way to the first section of the hallway, a new squad member is awaiting your command. Train him well. I believe he is a valuable soldier."

Turning away from Legion Voice as if she were done talking to him, a look to the young changeling was all that seemed needed as a shake to the head followed through. Remembering these two from before, it had been an interesting dilemma to have a sand pony here while the sultan seemed to stick around. This moment couldn't have gone better if she planned it herself. Smiling, the Queen merely offered the two to approach the table. As she did so, the small young changeling had scurried through the door, quick to get lost on an important talk. Waiting no longer to speakx Chrysalis spoke.

"Sit my subjects. Come introduce yourselves to the Sultan. My newest friend."

[Legion Voice]

Hearing his given name out loud, Legion Voice had turned in attention. Carefully listening to the Queen's words, the light blue eyed changeling had saluted in obedience. The Queen was not irritated, that seemed to be a good sign of his work. Pleased on that note, a small kind smile was all the creature could do before making his way out. Moving to the door, a small bow was given to the Sultan, hearing his importance before moving around the soldiers and exiting the room entirely.

[Exit Legion Voice to Hallway.]

[The Old Steed (R.I.P)]

Demetri upturned his snout at the title; it wasn't his Sultan, it wasn't the true one. This was just some spoiled brat born into royalty with an army of slaves under his hooves. Demetri was a native Equestrian, born and raised on a farm, but he heard the stories the Sultan and the original Locust told of their homeland, and it was sickening. He wore the Locust sigil with pride, as if he was a true Saddle Arabia.

He made no move to sit, and certainly didn't seem like he wanted to say anything to this impostor. He kept a hoof at his side, ready to pull out a crossbow at any moment if things went wry.

[Vaan]

"Sultan..." Vaan whispered to himself.

Vaan shifted his eyes around the room. Kah and L were now gone, leaving him without someone to vouch for their "good" behavior down below. But, he was pretty sure the Queen somehow knew what had happened in the mines. The griffin turned slightly to his companion to see how he was reacting.

Not being too keen on Saddle Arabian history, Vaan wasn't sure about the feeling Demetri was letting of. He seemed to just be playing things safe; a smart move.Though, Vaan believed some bias was apart of the defensive move.

The griffon flapped his wings and flew towards the royal group. He kept a steady pace as to not cause anyone to jump. Any sudden movements in a situation like this have proven painful in the past. He had the scars and bruises to prove it ,and those were something he didn't need that at the moment.

Once he reached the group, Vaan lowered himself to the ground and faced the group. He wasn't nervous. He just honestly didn't want to introduce himself.
They'd would forget his name the second he told them, so it didn't matter. Though, he decided that saying his name wasn't as bad as the cave he was just in So, he spoke.(If only Demetri would follow suite.)

"The name's Vaan," He said, taking a seat and pouring himself a drink of the liquid on the table, "How are ya?"

[Queen Chrysalis]

(I apologize for the hold up)

Upon watching the Sultan unamused by the constant interruptions appearing in her throne room today, the Queen's voice spoke clear. Lighting up her unique and curved horn, the guards of Saddle Arabia had begun to vanish in twos. Winking at the Sultan and knowing she had good intentions, Chrysalis offered a small raise to her glass.

"To our new friendship! Unfortunately, my guest must say goodbye for now. Dearest Sultan, I look forward to seeing you in the future, but a Queen must get to her subjects"

With a final flash of her horn, the royal Sultan was gone. With nothing remaining but the table and chairs, Chrysalis had shifted to look up at Vaan with a smile. He was a good soul, so why did he wish to start trouble? Glancing to the saddle arabian earth pony, she shook her head.

"Leave my subjects alone. If your little colt scout team requires work, then I would try asking nicely. Isn't that how you got up here to begin with?"


[Exit Sultan to Saddle Arabia]

[The Old Steed (R.I.P)]

Relieved to see the Sultan and his men gone, Demetri lightened up only a parcel bit more, though now he turned his gaze to the Queen. He trotted over and stood behind the sitting Griffon, hoping he would act as a good shield if anything went awry. He hoped secretly that she teleported that Sultan to the pits of Tartarus, where he belongs, but it's unlikely that's the case.

"And if you didn't want our help, you could have acted like a mature ruler and let us go on our way, instead of acting like a foal and almost starting a war." Demetri states, truly attempting to hold back and not lash out and insult the queen further. At least he was trying...?

[Vaan]

Vaan  immediately took a deep gulp from his cup. He cringed as the drink rushed over his tongue. It wasn't recreational drinking...couldn't have been. The taste was something of nightmares, yet the only thing that was in his mind were Demetri's words. They bounced in his mind constantly. It seemed this stallion wanted to return to the caves. His words, no matter how censored they were, they still could cause damage. Thinking about the repercussions, Vaan refilled his cup to have one final drink.

As he lifted the cup to his lips, he looked the around the room, and decided to speak.

"Okay...okay...look, we all said things that caused this situation to spiral, but we are here now with second chances," Vaan spoke, taking a sip of his drink and pouring Demetri one, "Let's not mess this one up."

[Queen Chrysalis]

Watching the two with an amused gaze, the Queen waited for their words to be finished. While the emotions running from the sand pony were changing, his words had shown little to no progress. Still offing nothing but a smile, Chrysalis shifted to the griffon, he was obviously sick of being here already himself. Wanting nothing more from them then a simple lesson to be learned, the tall and royal mare had simply offered a wave of her hoof. As she did so, the doors to the throne room had opened widely. Not quite done this conversation however, she moved closer, her movements non threatening as her expression never faltered from pleased.

"The war was won. I won. If there is nothing more for you to say, you are free to go. But remember, nothing goes on in my nation that I am not aware of. You are welcome here anytime, but do not mistake my kindness for foolery, misuse will end your little cub scout troop. That is all."

[The Old Steed (R.I.P)]

A vain popped out in Demetri's neck as he wanted to shout and yell at the insolent, ignorant mare. He wanted nothing more than to call in all of the Last Locust, throw her slave-sympathizing plot in the middle of them, and have each of them take a turn at stomping on her stupid, hole-rittled body, before she was nothing but a pile of mush. Pure, unadulterated rage shot from his eyes and snout as he did his best to retain himself. She threw him into a time-out corner like a child, trying to teach him some sort of lesson, then she disrespected his brothers & sisters, calling their lives nothing more than a cub scout troop. That was the straw to break the camels back.

Such disrespect --- that can't be forgiven. Nothing existed in his mind but his hate for her. He wasn't able to contain himself, forgetting everything, he unsheathed his hoof-held-crossbow and fired it at her face, then threw it at her and charged, "I'LL SHOW YOU WHAT CUB SCOUT I AM!!" he snarled at her, taking his small dagger out with his teeth, getting ready to jab her eyes out with it.

[Vaan]

The Queen's politeness, the pony losing control, and him just wanting to go home; time seemed to slow for the griffin, giving him a moment to think. It seemed the original purpose of the meeting had been lost ,and it was now time for Vaan to start thinking for his own well being(something he should have been doing from the start of this job.) Ever since the shenanigans began, everything was going down the drain, wasting his precious time. Things weren't about to end like this for him. Using the last moments of his clarity he thought of his actions and then proceeded to do them.

Once Demetri began to charge after taking his shot, the griffin sprung into action. He grabbed the cup-still filled with the Sultan's liquid-and splashed the pony. Hoping that was enough to surprise the enraged stallion, Vaan proceeded to tackle him to the ground, trying to get a good pin on him. As he did, he thought more of the Queen. He wasn't to sure if the arrow had hit or not, but he wasn't planning on sticking around long enough to find out. He was done with this job and done with The Locusts. He just needed to escape the Castle.

"What is wrong with you?!" Vaan hollered, pressing harder on Demetri, " Do you have any idea what you just did? Because I don't think you do. Not only did you just fire an arrow at the Queen...you successfully doomed YOUR group, the old pony, and whoever else you cared about! You don't let you emotions control you! Any good soldier knows that!"

Vaan hastily flapped his wings, pushing him away from the pony. He then reached into his bag, pulled out the slightly wrinkled scroll, and dropped it to the ground.

"Look, if you get out, tell your boss that he doesn't have to pay me. I don't need any ties to you guys after what you just did; I have things I have to do that don't include getting slaughtered by changelings...King Grover have mercy on you..."

[Queen Chrysalis]

Remaining calm and collected throughout the stallions emotional take over, the Queen of the changelings had not moved a muscle to his screaming and angry attempt to cause harm. While he did so, the once permanent grin overlooking her facial features had since now disappeared. Replacing it, a blank and somewhat disappointed and irritated expression remained. Not sure what to make of the boiling pot of anger and hatred, it would appear there was no love in this pony's heart, making him useless to their society.

As the arrow shot towards the Queen's face, a guard standing almost statue like in the room had moved in an instant to his Queen's aid. Blocking the arrow with a metal plated arm shield, the armored pony soldier had successfully caused the sharp weapon to ricochet and land to the side, tumbling to the stone floor beneath them. Standing in front of Chrysalis now, two changeling soldiers from behind them had rushed to approach the sand pony responsible. What Vaan might find odd however, was the lack of attention on his part. As the guards took hold of Demetri from the ground, both sets of hard and armored hooves took hold of the stallion, their glares clear on their mental intentions if the Queen gave the word.

Within seconds, the doors to the throne room closed and the Queen stepped to the side of her guard with a smile thankful smile. Looking to Demetri, Chrysalis now had a gaze of a true Queen, her stern eyes never leaving his own, for he committed the lowest act imaginable to this land. And there was one punishment, both her and all of the leaders would agree with, for one that broke such a law, death.

"You stand before me in my castle, you show little to no respect, and you physically attempt to harm those who get in your way. That is not the Equestrian way, nor will it ever be. By my order, I sentence you to death. May you find happiness in the after life, if it so exists."

Without much of a final word, the changelings forcefully holding Demetri had begun to do their stuff. In one swift movement, the left changeling had moved behind the stallion, snapping his neck in the process. Still holding onto the pony, the right soldier had lifted up his body, turning to carry it away quietly and discretely from the eyes of the public and its children.

Turning to Vaan, Chrysalis had merely sighed, waving her guards that had helped go back to their first positions. Moving to sit back down in her chair, the Queen of Equestria had needed to take a break and ponder the memory process while it was still fresh. What could she have done differently to avoid this harsh ending? Looking to the griffon, she had been surprised today, perhaps there was more to him then meets the eye.

"You there. You protected me, and in doing so, protected Equestria. I thank you. What may I ask can I do for you in return as a reward?"

[Astral Midnight]

[Enter: Astral Midnight from Hallway]

Before Vaan had a chance to respond, the door burst open as the dark blue pegasus sprinted in. Astral's mind was an absolute mess, his emotions running freely and wildly. Not paying any attention to where he was going, Astral slammed into the griffon.

[Vaan]

One second...Demetri was alive...the next...he wasn't. Vaan was no stranger to death. It was just part of the job he did, but seeing it happen always brought a chill to him. Especially since it was someone he had been with that entire day. Though, the pony had brought it on himself, and Vaan couldn't do anything about it. Maybe...he would deliver the message about his death to his group. Maybe not. First, he had to figure out what was to become of him.

He thought he was safe. Seeing as the guards never laid their hooves on him, and the Queen asked him a question. Unfortunately, he didn’t get to answer since some force collided with him. He hit the ground hard,becoming dazed in the process. He didn’t know what was happening, but he reached towards his dagger.

"Look, I know I'm irresistible, but please get off me. Or atleast take me to dinner?" Vaan jokingly stated as he unsheathed his blade.

[Astral Midnight]

Astral was also thrown to the ground from the impact. He did not audibly respond to Vaan's words, but rather dragged himself off of the griffon before curling up into a pitiful ball of emotions

[Queen Chrysalis]

Surprised yet again by the actions of her subjects, the Queen had arched a brow in response to their returned visitor. Barely reading into Astrals emotions before understanding how upset he was, the holed changeling had stood up once more. Wanting to get her first guest done with so that he could in turn go home, Chrysalis knew it was never that simple. Moving towards the dark colored pitiful stallion, a gentle hoof would be felt landing on his side.

"My subject, you are mentally ill. Come, stand up for me. What happened?"

Speaking in a soft and kind voice, the motherly tone she used for all of her children had begun to come in handy for her needy subjects as well. Turning to the griffon and sensing he was shocked but physically okay, the Queen mentally felt herself relieved. No more casualties were to happen there, at least hopefully for today. Wanting to be sure he was okay with this interuption however, Chrysalis spoke to Vaan as well.

"I apologize for the interruption. Give us a moment."

[Vaan]

Vaan looked towards the emotional roller-coaster. He was concerned for the pony but had no way to help. Besides, it seemed like the Queen was in control. So, he sheathed his weapon and laid back on the tile floor, trying to forget about Demetri.

"No problem, ma'am," Vaan spoke, yawning in the process, "I'll be here when you need me."