She's Insane...

Stag was nervous.

He had decided to take things smooth, to gradually transition into the idea of... what he would eventually have to do, and currently, that meant a the first of three planned dates. Of course, Ambrosia wasn't the type you could take to a fine restaurant in Canterlot. Too many victims and witnesses if her "curiosity" got the better of her.

No, it would be a simple picnic in the forest. A few flowers as an appetizer, various herbs, and a pair of ezemars for dessert. The two bound and gagged pink tortoises struggled a little.

Stag took a deep breath. This would work.

***

Stag and Ambrosia watched as the two pink reptiles wandered away, a little dizzy but otherwise unharmed.

The ambiance during the picnic had been perfect, but the two had spoken very little. Now that Stag believed the queen was placated, he spoke.

"Ambrosia, we need to talk."

"About what?"

Stag considered, wording his sentence carefully.

"About those things you like to do to other creatures."

"You mean the fun stuff?"

She's insane! "Amby, I know you don't mean it, but the stuff you do is really bad."

"How?"

Okay, I got her interested. that's good. "Well... how would you feel if someone you knew and liked went into the woods and never came back?"

"Sad."

"That's good. Well, how do you think everyone who knew the ponies you keep until they die feel when those ponies don't come back?"

"Sad?"

"That's right. Amby, you need to stop doing these things. Seeing how skinny ponies can get isn't a good thing."

"I don't like talking about this..."

"Amby, we need to. Just promise me, no more keeping others trapped, and no more stabbing."

She was silent.

"Amby?"

More silence. She was obviously deep in thought, something that normally only occurred during pressing matters concerning her subjects. She was a good queen when it came to her own changelings, and her methods worked for her Swarm's lifestyle, so she never had to do a lot of contemplating unless it was important. Now this... this was a lot to take in. But Stag patiently waited.

She finally responded.

"Alright. I promise."

Stag smiled. "Thanks, Amby."

The two shared a small kiss, then went their separate ways.

The date had gone exactly as Stag planned. He'd keep helping her like this. It would take time, but it would be worth it.