The Equestrian Scrolls: The Lost Queen

Agreements are confusing. All that they are, is words. Yet ponies and deer and many other species seem to place high value on those very words. From my memories, changelings had very little faith in words only deeds. Doing something and saying you’ll do something are two vastly different things. Changelings never promised to do something, they just did it. When given an order they either did it, failed to do it or refused to do it, they made no agreements or promises with each other, they only did something about it. It’s only with other races that they started making agreements and more often than not they broke those agreements because it meant nothing to them.

I know from my memories that that was a common mistake that my mother and my grandmothers made. I see that the other races DO hold great value in those words and because of that when my ancestors continuously broke them, that is what started the other races of the world to isolate us and ultimately made us go down the path that we went.
Though that is not their fault, they had no choice…but now I am in a position to change that and my choices will hopefully fix the rift between my people and the other races.

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I woke up to slight aches and pains in my stomach.. I estimated that it would last the morning but not far after that.

And that thought led me to the deer that had fed me and gave me a bed for the night. I didn't know what to think of the old buck. I felt like he was good, and that he just wanted to help but at the same time I saw in his eyes that what he said is true. He would kill me if he felt it necessary.

I felt a familiar weight settle on my horn. I opened one eye, and my heart stopped just for a moment. Its fuzzy face was inches from my eye, encompassing my entire vision as I helplessly focused on its twitching nose.

"Could you please not?" I said shifting my head from side to side trying to make him fall. All it did was make him clutch onto my horn with all his might.

Rolling over, I looked over the hut. Light was shining from around the door from the night before meaning that my guess was right about it leading outside. There were also two windows in the walls I didn't notice from before, one large one on the west wall opposite side of the room as well as a much smaller one in the door. The room was well lit from the sunlight giving me a better viewing of the hut. Besides sunlight nothing changed from last night. Image that. Though the most noticeable differences is that buck was nowhere to be seen.

Swinging my legs out of the bed, I struggled to them. I was stronger, but my muscles still protested when I used them. It felt great, I'm so happy that they feel this strong after only a meal and a full night of sleep.

I groaned as I fully stood, they screamed lightly but they held. Stretching and holding them like that. They screamed much louder for a few moments but they died down to a low grumble. I let them relax before making my way casually across the hut. I could feel the weight of the squirrel on my horn as he hung onto it. It was a little annoying but it was nice to know that the little guy stayed with me.

I let my eyes passed over the hut again seeing if I could get some clue about the buck. If I was going to plan on what to do in the near future, then I needed to get an understanding about him.

It was a nice little place, it was clean and well organized. Everything in the hut had a place and everything was in its place as far as I could tell. It was well suited for one pony, so why was there another bed?

I was debating about it when a low singing came from outside. There was a soft thump and sharp crack, it was quickly followed by a clattering of falling wood. The sound repeated in a slow steady rhythm. Thump, crack and a clatter.

I quickly made my way over to the door. As I got closer, I could have felt the hum of magic not far away. Though maybe felt was the wrong word, it was more like I could have tasted it. Interesting, I would have to play with that later, see how far the limitations of it was.

I peered out cautiously through the window of the door, trying not to draw attention to myself just yet. The old buck stood in the clearing in front of his house, in front of him was a tree stump with split logs around it. His aura held an ax, not a very big one but it suited his needs. He was still singing as the buck set a small log on the stump, with a quick swing there was a thump as the ax struck, a crack as wood split and a clatter as the logs fell to the side of the stump increasing the size of the pile.

As I watched and listened to him I smiled slightly. It was a pretty song and I was enjoying it. I pushed on the door to head out. The door gave a great squeak then stopped as if it was suddenly blocked by a large unmovable object. Unfortunately, I didn't notice it in time, I kept going and smacked muzzle first into the door. Ah Pain my old friend, how have you been?

I rubbed my muzzle before taking note of the aura that was holding the door in place. It was around the door knob, so it really wasn't all that noticeable. I was seconds away from eating the magic when I heard talking coming from outside. I glanced out seeing what was going on.

The buck was leaning on the ax smiling to a light brown earth pony that had come out of nowhere. "You need anything else Duke?" the buck said to the stallion.

The earth pony is large one, stood over the buck by a foot and was a broad shoulder. He had a length of dark brown hair tied in a tight ponytail. On his flanks was a pair of saddlebags covering his cutie marks.

"Na, and not only cause I can't pay ya anymore then for this," he said, his country accent was very evident. He had nodded towards a cart not far away. I didn't see it because it was fit snugly in between some trees. There was a steady stream of chopped wood floating towards and settling into the cart.

He dipped his head into the saddle bag and pulled out a small bag. Assuming it was bits, it was a small amount. Duke tossed it to the buck, his aura caught it and held it off to the side.

"Well you know where I'll be," the buck said as he finished up loading the cart. "Can I help you with anything else my friend?"

"Na, I'll be back in a week or two for more," the stallion hooked himself up. He gave a wave and pulled off towards the west.

After making sure Duke was far enough, the buck looked straight at me. "I'll be right in, don't come outside." He picked up the ax and trotted out of sight.

'Okay then' I thought to myself. I made my way back into the room looking for a place to sit. Besides the ground there was only the two beds. Well, I made myself comfortable on the floor in front of the bed I woke in and proceeded to wait for the buck.... I really have got to catch his name. I can’t just keep calling him buck or deer.

Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted my little fluffy tailed friend darting out the window. He briefly came into view again, he was scampering up a tree only to get lost in the leaves and limbs of the tree. 'Well at least one of us can go outside.’ I grumbled to myself, trying to catch another glance of my little friend.

It was only a few moments after that when the old deer came into hut. With a sharp thump he closed the door and turned to me.

"You should be careful," he said going over to the only table in room, "The changeling descriptions are well known." He pulled a bowl towards him and started to fill it from various jars and bags. There were many type of plants, herbs and berries settling into the bowl.

"If he saw you it would have been quite the pain to deal with," he added making his way over to the other bed. He sighed settling himself down on the bed, the bowl coming to rest in between his forelegs.

The buck started to eat not looking at me. Rude, not offering me anything. I didn’t say anything, letting him eat in peace.

It took several moments to finish and he set the bowl aside. With a yawn he rested his chin on a hoof and finally looking at me. After a long moment of what I could describe as considering silence, the buck spoke. “So Sly one, who are you?

“Well…you first,” I replied. “It should be fair that you introduce yourself.”

“Very well, I am Edan. Warden of the plains of Adriane.” The buck nodded his head lightly at me “And you are?”

“I am….” Faltering for a moment, my mind whirled. ‘Who am I…that’s right, I know who I am. My mother named me after all.’I cleared my throat finishing my introduction with a firm voice. “I am Queen Zenith, daughter of Queen Chrysalis.”

Edan gave a slight smile before bowing his head slightly, “Well, your majesty. I humbly welcome you into my home.” Straightening up, the old buck asked another question. “And how did it come to be that you came to be...well frankly almost dead?”

Thinking about it, I went over my short and terrible adventure in my head. I gave a bark of laughter suddenly, “It is quite the tale. You might not even believe me.”

“Oh, don’t know. I have been on my share of adventures. Besides you’re a changeling, anything is possible when your people are involved.” Edan pushed around his blanket and pillow. “I’m also going to assume that it is a long or longish story so I’m going just going to get these old bones into a more comfortable position.”

I complied letting him get comfortable. Finally having settled down, Edan waved for me to start. I went over it in my head, thinking about where to start first.

"Well the first thing that I remembered is that it was dark and I was floating……”

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When I had finished my story, the sun was giving off an orange glow throughout the sky. During my story telling I had walked over to the window and stood off to the side so that if somepony had walked nearby they would see me out right. I had stared out the window for a moment taking in the site. The hut that we were in sat onto of a large hill nestled in between a small grove of trees. More of an outcrop of trees then grove but an it felt more like a grove to me. The hill was surrounded by more hills, all of it had long dark green grass across everything.

It was truly a beautiful sight to behold.

From behind Edan said nothing, he had said nothing the entire time. He just laid on his bed listening. There was two times he broke that silence; the first time was when I had described the white changelings. He had seem deeply concerned and scared about it. I was going to question him about it but he had drawn in on himself. I didn’t think I was going to get an answer so I had left it alone, I would be able to ask him later when he is more likely to answer.

The second time was when he gave a gasp of surprise when Discord had helped me. He had made me repeat that part of the story several times over before I was allowed to go on. Soon after that, I had finished with him finding me.

A few more minutes passed, allowing me to enjoy the fading sunlight before Edan spoke.

“Alright, that was amusing story. Though I do have another question: what are you going to do now?”

“Keep head west I guess. It was one of the things Discord “gifted” me after all.” It was that moment that my hunger made itself known. It was like a blow to my gut all of a sudden, I cried out. It wasn’t like the deep gut ache I had before but it came so suddenly that it surprised me.

“Sly one?” Edan asked in a concerning manner. I don’t think he meant to do that but hey he seems like he’s a caring buck.

“I’m fine, just hungry is all,” I replied trying to keep the question out of my own voice but not very hard. A mare has got to eat after all.

“That is right, I did say that I would give you some more,” he mumbled rubbing his chin again, “But, I think that some conditions are in order given the situation.”

“What kind of conditions?” I asked wearily. Given that I had already made some kind of deal with Discord, I was not enthusiastic about making deals with ponies I don’t know. Not that it didn’t work out before…. sort of.

“To keep you on a short lease, you are a changeling after all. Don’t worry though, it’s only going to be a few of them.” Getting up from the bed, Edan walked slowly over to me.

‘Oh really? Am I an animal then? I take it back; you are not very caring’

I was about to retort about where he could put his leash but the pain in my stomach changed what came out of my mouth. “Okay, let’s hear them,” I said through gritted teeth.

“First, you will swear to uphold these rules with magic. That way your own magic will enforce them. And forever do so until I release you from your oath. -”

Convenient, didn’t know that was possible.

“-Second, you will be living with me so I can keep an eye on you. Third, until I release you from your oath you will only eat what magic is given to you. Fourth, you will not harm anyone or thing unless you are force to defend yourself.”

At this point he was standing in front of me and had summoned his staff from across the room. On instinct I almost grabbed hold of the magic to consume the much wanted food, I had to force myself to stop. I didn’t think he would be very happy about me taking his magic immediately after what he said. Leaning on his staff, the buck looked up into my eyes. I was a good two feet taller than him.

“Fifth, you will take on the appearance of my choosing as well as follow the tale I will spin to the ponies of the plains. Most of them known me for a good many years, they will take me on my word.”

He went silent, his lips pursed slightly his eyes deep in thought. It looked like he was trying to decide if he should add anything.

“Anything else?” I asked. So far they haven’t been all that bad, except for the third one. That one is going to be hard.

After a moment he nodded, “That should about do it, unless you think we should add in a condition allowing me to add more.” He gave me a wide smile, chuckling.

“Ha-haha-ha no I don’t think so.”

“Alright then, all you have to do is swear it.” Holding out his staff, it burst alight with his aura. I wasted little time devouring it. Mmm apples, it tasted good but it wasn’t much. Probably just enough to get the oath done.

Savoring the taste, it was my turn to my go silent. I don’t know how to do that. Throwing the question towards my memories, I waited for something to float back to me. Several moments went by but nothing came my way. Annoyed I sent another question that way. Nothing.

With confusion I started to think threw my memories. My eyes went wide and I started to slam through the memories looking for something, anything about magic. But besides the telekinesis I know virtually nothing about magic.

“What the tartarus, why Don’t I know magic?” I shrieked suddenly, making Edan step back. He was starting to say something when then familiar tingle came from my memories.

“Shhhh! I’m getting answers.”

He gave me confused look but I ignored it as I closed my eyes and listened closely to my memories.

Changelings can pass on memories, information as well as spells. But most Queens, do not pass on their spells. They fear their daughters would use their own spells against them. Through fear they restricted the power of their offspring so that they are not usurped from the throne.

‘Really? How in the tararus did I miss this? ’ Giving a growl of frustration, I stomped my paw into the ground.

“Is there something wrong?”

Opening my eyes, I saw a worried looking Edan as he held his staff in between us. He had a grim set to his face, like he was ready for a fight.

“I don’t know, any magic.” I growled out at him “Apparently my mother didn’t gift me with that knowledge.”

“…Gift?” he said slowly “Do you mean your inherited memory?”

I gave one quick nod still fuming over the fact that even though I am a thaumaturgic, I knew no magic.

Edan shifted setting the butt of his staff on the floor again. “Remarkable, it was assumed that ability was a myth.” His eyes sparkled, he was thoroughly enjoying my anger…. No, that’s wrong. He was enjoying learning about changelings. He must be the knowledge hungry type.

“Why would she not give you that memory?”

“Because she feared being usurped,” I stated, before adding with a mutter “Apparently all Queens fear that.”

Edan dropped his head and started to chuckle, his staff tapping against the floor. He muttered ‘interesting’ over and over.

It went on for some time before I snapped at him. “What do I Need to do?”

“Hm? Oh yes, the oath.” Clearing his throat as he shook himself out of his own thoughts. “Gather your magic, and concentrate on your oath. Wrap your magic around the oath, then speak your oath. Your magic will do the rest”

Still grumbling a bit, I drew my magic together. It came easily enough; it wasn’t very long before I had every scrap of magic I could muster. Then I let some of it go so that my stomach wouldn’t be gnawing at me after this was all over.
Holding on the magic, I thought of the conditions that Edan had listed off. I went over them twice more before I started to wrap them in magic. I made sure that it was evenly spread over each one and I’m not sure why I had to do it that way but it felt like it was the right way to do it. I took one last look over the…’image’ in my head before speaking.

“I Queen Zenith, swear to uphold this oath until Edan warden of the plains of Adriane, release me from this oath. I swear to Live with Edan. I swear to eat only what is given me. I swear not to harm save in the defense of my own harm. I swear that I will wear what image Edan has decided for me as well as follow the lie he will put in place to protect me.”

Edan’s face soured at the last bit of my oath, though he said nothing. I banished that from my mind and focused on what my magic was now doing. I couldn’t see it but I could feel it start to swirl around me. It had grown more…. violent as it pressed in all around me. When the magic swam over me, it started to burn as it seeped into me.

I gave a slight groan, though that was cut off as the magic suddenly surged forcing itself into me. I froze up as it painfully wrapped around my heart, lungs and other important parts of my innards before shooting straight up my spinal cord into my brain. Burning all the while. Why? For Celestia’s sake, why does life love making me feel pain?

As I screamed into my mind the pain vanished, leaving me gasping. It feels like someone just scrubbed out my lungs with some kind of cleaning product.

After a moment Edan started to chuckle, “So how do you feel?” he asked.

I glared at him, taking slow deep breaths. “What- “gasp “-was that?”

“That was your magic, it will enforce you to keep your oath,” Edan said.

“How?” I had to wheeze out that word, my lungs were feeling better but still burned.

He pursed his lips before answering, “You break your oath, your oath breaks you.”

“You- “gasp “-could have- “gasp “-warned me.”

“Why? It wouldn’t change what would have happened or the pain that you would feel when making it.”

I ignored him after that,uiding myself toward and onto the bed. I laid down giving out another groan.

“Are you sure you want to sleep just yet?” Edan asked, a surge of magical energy coming from his general direction.

That caught my attention. My flicked over to him. He was closer to the bed; his staff was a glow with green light again.
He held it out towards me, as if he was offering it to me. Yum dinner time. Latching onto it, I pulled taking all it had to offer. It had a lot more to offer then the ones previous. If I was a judging mare, I would say it was almost four times as much as the first one. Hmm the old buck is holding some serious power…. I want it. I savored the taste, my eyes looking over Edan.

“Alright then,” Edan cleared his throat, “Your ponysona, do you need to physically see the pony?”

Checking with my memories for a moment, I shook my head. “No, it’s ideal but I can do it from photos or by magical means.”

Edan nodded before heading over to his bed. His muzzle disappeared underneath the mattress before reappearing with a thin book, the kind that holds photos. Settling it a top the bed, Edan nosed on through it slowly. He spent a small moment looking at each photo before turning the page. Edan went through the book, page by page. Around the middle of it, he stopped and stared at one particular spot in the book before motioning to me to come over. “Will this do?” he asked laying the point of his hoof on a point in the book.

Pushing myself off the bed, I made my way over to him. Looking into the book, I could see that it was indeed a photo album. His hoof was placed right on the bottom of a photo. The photo was of a mare, deer by the looks of it. It was an old photo, black and white. She looked pretty, I can’t tell her coat color but she had an impressive set of horns. Thirteen points that curled around her head, making it look like she had a crown. She was also very slender and elegant, like she was breed from noble stock.

I could see that Edan was watching me from the corner of my eye, so with a thought I wrapped the image in my head in magic and pushed on it to fit around me. The effect was immediate; my form had started to shift. My paws turned to hoofs, my body thickened and my limbs shortened. A crown of horns sprouted from my skull shortly followed by a coat of soft velvet covering them.

Edan moved around me slowly, looking over my work with a critical eye. “Make your coat a touch shorter, shorten your limbs about six inches,” he said.

I complied following his instructions. A few more instructions came from him before he was satisfied with the results.
“You can make your coat any shade of brown, white, grey or white…. or black.” Edan said his horns shining lightly, there was a small burst of magic and a candle from the roof burst alit. “Now go to sleep, we have an early morning.”

“We do?” I asked looking over my new form, I shifting the color to a midnight black. I like the color, reminds me of my original form.

He looked at me from over his shoulder smiling. “Yes, you and I have chores to do. After all, I got to make a living.”