Lilith adjusted to her new home gradually. It had been months since her escape from Chrysalis's hive and found refuge in Equestria, more specifically, Ponyville. At first, the equine-eyed changeling had only led the Equestrians to doubt her motives and she faced some prejudice. However, she proved them wrong quickly by discovering and destroying multiple changeling spy outposts within the country's borders. She also rescued many ponies who were kidnapped by Chrysalis's drones. With this, Lilith had proved her loyalty to the Princesses and the Mane Six had acknowledged her accomplishments.
Along with that, she had weaned herself off of Love, something that all changelings need as sustenance, similar to a vampire's need for blood. She had been successful to the point where just a kiss on the cheek could last a month. However, she was unaware of the pony holiday, Hearts and Hooves Day, which drew near.
Even for her heroic actions, she had been a bit surprised about all the secret admirer letters she received in just a couple of days. She had also been kissed by a few stallions, mares, and even a gryphon! However, she was a bit apathetic about the holiday until the day before Hearts and Hooves Day came around.
She heard a few knocks on her front door. Expecting another letter or box of chocolate, she opened the door and her eyes widened and hear heart almost skipped a beat. "Howdy, Lilith!" The orange mare greeted her and tipped her hat, "I decided to give you a few jars of zap apple jam as a thank you gift. May I come in?"
Lilith nodded, "Of course, Applejack." The changeling looked at her as the earth pony brought in a basket with a few jars in it, "I see you made yourself at home," she smiled noticing Lilith's weapons and armor hanging on a wall. Lilith had a pale red blush on her cheeks, "Yeah, I have." She took a deep breath and asked, "So how are you things back at the farm?"
"The winter hasn't helped the crops, but that isn't new. Despite the weather, we've been managing to do well. Speaking of, how are you holding up?"
"Well, I'm feeling a lot better than before when I lived in Novo. It is quite a stark change; all the bright and vivid colors of Equestria compared to the barren landscape of the hives. Even the denizens here seem naturally more lively and cheerful while I had to fight for survival every day." Lilith said and looked over at her wall, observing her weapons. Applejack smiled and patted her on the back, "Well, I'm glad you're adjusting well. If you need any help, just come visit me at the farm." The changeling had the ghost of a smile as she looked at the mare, "Thanks. Have a good day." The visitor tipped her hat, said her farewell, and left the house.
For a few moments, all Lilith did was standing there. Her horn glowed a faint green and she sighed heavily. Of all the creatures of Equestria, how was it that Applejack, a simple farmer mare, seemed to be stuck in her head like none other. She sat down on her couch and began to contemplate about the Mane Six.
Lilith thought of Twilight Sparkle. She was a kind and intelligent pony, but Lilith didn't want to begin a relationship, afraid it would interfere with the princess's duties. Now, Rarity and a warrior changeling? Fat chance that would happen. While Lilith can appreciate the unicorn's craftsmanship of formal attire, she doubted Rarity would feel the same about her armament collection. She felt similar about Fluttershy. The mare already had enough trouble raising so many animals, so why add more difficulty by beginning a relationship? Of course, Rainbow Dash was truly a great example of loyalty along with her flying abilities. However, ironically enough, Lilith wasn't much of a daredevil and was a bit more modest, so she believed she would be incompatible for the pegasus. And second to last was Pinkie Pie. While the changeling certainly enjoyed the parties Pinkie held, she believed that they would be better off as friends. This was because Pinkie's enormous amount of zeal and energy sometimes made Lilith more wary and concerned about the pony rather than safe.
Yet, there was Applejack. She led a simple life and was a very hard worker. Lilith and she had a couple of similarities such as their dedication and willpower. Not even to mentioned her looks. Her bound light blonde mane, her smile, especially those olive green eyes...
"Damn it!" She yelled out of frustration and threw one of her kunai at the display wall. After she calmed down, she sighed, "I'm thinking about her so much, but why?" She paced around her room and groaned, "I stared down at Chrysalis and survived, but how is one mare able to ensnare me like this?"
Even back at Novo, many changelings knew it was not easy to infatuate Lilith. Only once was she in a relationship, but that didn't last a week. The partner was a bit too impatient, so she had to defend herself. But now, it seemed like Applejack is commanding her attention without any effort.
After a few more minutes of thinking, Lilith came to a conclusion that surprised herself. She felt light-headed and sat down, "I can't believe it. For the first time in years," she looked outside the room's window, seeing a familiar farm in the distance, "I'm in love."
It was by the late evening when Lilith left her home and trotted towards Sweet Apple Acres. She needed to talk to Applejack. Ever since she said those tiny three words, she couldn't seem to forget about the mare. Stars began to dot the dark sky by the time she arrived at the farm. She saw lights at the little house so the Apples were probably cleaning up and going to rest. She was at the front doorstep and she took a deep breath. She knocked on the door three times.
The door opened and Applejack was standing at the entrance. She looked at Lilith with a confused expression, "Hi, Lilith. What are you doing here so late?" The changeling rubbed the back of her neck with her hoof and she looked back at Applejack, "May I please speak with you?"
"Sure thing, sugarcube," she said and stepped outside. She and Lilith walked inside the barn, which was illuminated with a lone lantern. However, the changeling said nothing for a few minutes and held her head down. Applejack broke the silence, "What's wrong, Lilith? You seem a bit unnerved." Lilith glanced at her, "I'm having a dilemma right now." The mare was concerned, "Is it about Chrysalis." The changeling shook her head and said almost inaudibly, "For some reason, I wish. It's about Hearts and Hooves Day." Applejack raised an eyebrow and smiled, "Oh, I see. You have thoughts about a special somebody." Lilith blushed again, "Well, yes, I can't seem to get her out of my head." She sat down next to a pile of hay and faced her.
Applejack chuckled and sat down next to her, "Well, I think that's pretty cute. When did you find out that you really liked her?" Lilith bite her lower lip, "Well, I have known her for a few months and today, I realized I was in love with her." The mare's curiosity piqued as she asked, "Well, may I ask who the lucky mare is?" The changeling's translucent wings fluttered a little and her horn was glowing a bright green. Her blush was a brighter shade of red, "Well, I guess I can tell you."
The warmaiden took her chance. She pulled Applejack in a tight hug and kissed her full on the lips. The mare was obviously surprised but she closed her eyes as she returned the kiss. She wrapped her hooves around Lilith's neck and after a few minutes, they broke the kiss and stared at each other in silence. "Well, I guess I'm the lucky mare, then," Applejack giggled. Lilith grinned, "You certainly are, sugarcube." The earth pony snickered, "Oh, you sly little vixen." Lilith pulled the mare down on top of her and they rolled into a hay pile, holding each other in a loving embrace.
The next morning, the morning sun was shining into the changeling's eyes and she yawned softly. her vision cleared and Applejack was still asleep, her face inches away from Lilith's. She looked below and she realized they were still hugging, even in their slumber. Lilith kissed the sleeping mare's forehead softly and rested her head on Applejack's shoulder. The farmer mare woke up and nuzzled the changeling's cheek, "Happy Hearts and Hooves Day, Lily." Lilith grinned and looked into her eyes, "I love you, AJ," she whispered into her ear. "I love you, too, Lilith." They kissed each other again. Afterward, they got up and celebrated this special day. But this would not be the last, for the wandering warmaiden had found a new purpose, a new home, and now, a true love.
Author's Note
I knew it has been nearly a year since I uploaded the first chapter of 'The Warmaiden's Vengeance', but I've had a bunch of issues in real life including writer's block. However, since Valentine's Day is close, I thought I would take a shot by writing my first short romance fiction. Please use constructive criticism. Happy Valentine's Day
