Celestia swam through the blissful stream of sleep, murmuring happily and nuzzling into the slime supporting her. The bed was so comfortable, and the soft humming that wove in and out of her consciousness made her sleep all the more enjoyable. But, as with all good things, her sleep began to ebb away, and she found herself climbing toward wakefulness, especially when the humming was joined by the sensation of a hoof softly running through her mane. "Mmm...nnhh...Momma?"

The humming stopped and her ears were met with a giggle. "No, I'm not your mother, but I could be if that's what you'd like." Celestia's eyes shot open, and she turned her head, looking up to see Serakerrix sitting beside the bed, smiling down at her.

"Uh...hello, Sera." Celestia whispered, a blush peeking through her white coat. "Can we pretend that didn't just happen?"

"Awww, but I'd love to pamper my widdle alicorn." Sera said with a playful pout. "As you wish. Soooo...how's the bed?"

"Why do I have the feeling that you're fishing for compliments?"

"Bed review, now." Sera smirked. "Or should I start calling you my little nymph?"

"All right, all right. It's extremely comfortable. You were right." Celestia wiggled a bit, the slime shifting with her and continuing its support. "As weird as it feels, I don't know that I've slept on anything so comfortable, not even my old bed in Canterlot Castle."

"See? Lots of perks to be had when you live the changeling life." Sera was interrupted by a rather audible rumble from Celestia's belly, and she giggled. "But enough about the bed, seems our new resident needs to be fed." The changeling looked over at Salmacis, who wriggled and chirped. "And I think your little grub could do with some food as well. Shall I show you to the communal feeding chamber?"

"Yes, please." Celestia replied, sliding off of the bed and gathering up Salmacis with her magic. "I hope you've got plenty to satisfy an alicorn's hunger."

"Oh, we do, don't you worry about that!"

* * *

The trip to the feeding chamber saw them returning to the main chamber and proceeding down another of the passages. It was a short trip that ended in a large chamber filled with long tables, much like a cafeteria. Along the back wall was a buffet of sorts, and behind that the entrance to the kitchen where the food was prepared.

Celestia and Serakerrix received friendly waves from those already gathered, looking up from their plates to greet the alicorn in their midst. Sera led Celestia over to the buffet, grabbing two trays, giving one to Celestia. "Grab whatever suits you, dear."

Celestia looked at the foods on offer, and began to fill her tray with various vegetables: green beans, cooked spinach, potatoes, and cauliflower. When she reached the next section of the buffet, she paused, eyes widening slightly. "Are those..."

"Yep, they're insects!" Sera proclaimed, gesturing to them. "Crickets, mealworms, locusts. You should grab some of those for Salmacis, they're good for her and she'll love them." Sera gave her a playful nudge. "You should try them too."

"Hmm...perhaps." Celestia said, deciding to be noncommital for now. But she did add a good portion of each of the insects to her tray, if only for her little grub.

With their trays fully loaded, they made their way over to one of the tables, taking a seat. Celestia loaded a plate with small portions of each of the dishes and placed it in front of Salmacis, who chirped happily and eagerly began to wolf it all down. She smiled and gently pet her daughter, then focused on her own hunger, digging in. The vegetables were delicious, cooked to perfection and lightly seasoned. It wasn't long before she'd scarfed them all down, and all that remained was...the insects.

"You don't have to if you don't want to." Sera murmured, seeing the dubious look Celestia was giving the insects. "You'll not hurt our feelings if you don't want to eat them."

"No, no, I...I've eaten all sort of odd things in my diplomatic visits to other nations, but this will be a first." Celestia picked up a cricket and, taking a deep breath, she popped it in her mouth and chewed. "Mmff...it...kinda tastes like sunflower seeds, actually." She popped a few more into her mouth. "That's...actually not that bad at all."

"See? I knew you'd like it. Try the mealworms next! They're fried, nice and crunchy."

Celestia did as she was told, and tried the mealworms as well. Those too met with a positive review from the alicorn. Celestia looked over at Salmacis and saw her daughter attacking the large locusts, a dreamy look on that adorable little face. "One more to go."

"You can do it, Celestia. I have faith in you." Sera replied, leaning forward, eager to see Celestia chomp down on the large insects.

Celestia picked up the locust and bit into it, chewing slowly. Her eyes widened, and she let out a blissful groan. "It...it tastes like shrimp!"

"Well of course it does, shrimp and locusts are both arthropods." Sera said with a giggle. "See? All of them are delicious, and they'll give you a nice glossy coat just as surely as they make our carapaces shine."

"I'm sorry I ever doubted you." Celestia inclined her head. "Thank you for teaching this old mare something new. I've always been known to be a good teacher, but that's only because I try to be a good student."

"You're welcome." Sera replied, leaning in to give her a nuzzle, which Celestia reciprocated, causing the changeling to buzz her wings happily. "Now be a dear and finish your meal. I haven't much time before I have to return to my duties, so if there's someplace you'd like to see..."

"Yes, mom." Celestia deadpanned, making Sera laugh. She proceeded to eat the rest of her insects, trying not to choke on them as she fought back laughter of her own.

* * *

Luna had been right, of course. The hive did have a library, and a rather extensive one at that. Serakerrix had introduced her to Jaxpreena, the librarian, then excused herself, having to go to the nursery for her shift. Before she left, however, she offered to look after Salmacis for a while, and Celestia happily entrusted her little grub to her new friend, waving goodbye as Sera trotted off.

"Was there something in particular you were looking for, Celestia?" Jaxpreena asked, peering up at the alicorn through her glasses. "Fiction, non-fiction?"

"Fiction, definitely fiction. I'm in the mood for some invention. Actually, I've recently been reading The Adventures of Huthinax, have you read it?"

"Read it? Of course. I even proofread it for my sister."

"...your sister is First Page?" Celestia asked, blinking in surprise.

"Who better to write about changelings than a changeling? Her true name is Qherriranne, but she likes living as a pegasus pony named First Page, and who am I to tell her how to live her life?"

"Huh. It truly is a small world, isn't it?"

"Indeed it is." Jaxpreena looked back at her desk, seeing the books she still needed to process. "Now, do you need recommendations or..."

"I'll just browse a bit, if that's all right. I'll let you get back to work, dear." Celestia replied, nudging her gently. "Don't worry about me, I can handle myself."

"Of that I have no doubt." The changeling smirked, turning about and returning to her desk, leaving Celestia to her own devices.

"Now, let's see..." Celestia began walking up and down the aisles, browsing through the shelves, examining the spines of the many books. It occurred to her that she should find something not only for herself, but something she could also read to her daughter. With that in mind, she kept her eyes out for something ideal for a foal.

After a good deal of searching, she came across a rather well-used little book, and it appeared to be a collection of changeling stories for young nymphs. She added it to her small pile of novels, a mix of both pony and changeling literature. With a good selection to start off with, she made her way to the front desk.

"Found everything you were looking for?" Jaxpreena asked, looking up at the alicorn.

"I think so, for now."

"Hmm? Oh, this is a classic." Jaxpreena tapped the children's book. "Interested in some changeling history?"

"Yes. That, and it looked like something nice to read with my daughter. A changeling should know her heritage, after all, even if she is being raised by a pony."

"Admirable." Jaxpreena nodded. She looked at each book in turn, scribbling down the titles and putting Celestia's name beside them. "All right, there you go. Due back in three weeks, don't make me chase you down."

"Fear not, I've never returned a book late." Celestia said proudly. Jaxpreena stared at her silently, saying nothing. "...okay, maybe once, but that was during a particularly stressful visit with the griffon king."

Jaxpreena chuckled. "I thought so. Not even alicorns are perfect."

"Of course, but don't tell anyling else that." Celestia whispered, giggling.

"Your secret is safe with me, Celestia. Have a good day."

* * *

Knowing she had plenty of time to get to know the hive and its occupants, Celestia decided that she'd had enough exploring for the day, and returned to her room to read and relax.

Sprawling out onto her slime bed, she placed her books on the bedside table and let out a soft sigh. The slime molded around her and buoyed her up, and she stared up at the ceiling, looking at the green crystals casting their glow upon the room. Part of her wanted to read, but then she thought better of it, deciding to just contemplate for a while.

She wondered what Luna was doing. What Twilight and her friends were doing. Her life had taken a strange and interesting turn, and she had no idea what more twists and turns would come her way...but she looked forward with excitement rather than fear. She hadn't ruled over Equestria for thousands of years by retreating from change; instead, she heartily embraced it, and her methods hadn't failed her yet.

"I promised Lulu I'd write...now might not be a bad time to do just that." She murmured, rolling out of bed and onto her hooves. She took a seat at the desk that had been provided for her, summoning paper and quill from her bags.

Dear Lulu,

I have made it safely to the hive. The trip took no time at all, mainly due to the fact that I fell asleep. It seems our niece's hunger for love had left me feeling somewhat drained, something which has since been rectified by a nice meal of vegetables and insects. Yes, you read that right, only a few hours here and I'm going native.

It is good seeing Thorax again, and I look forward to spending time with him as much as his schedule allows. He has really come into his own as king. He has poise and grace, and he really does cut a dashing figure at his writing desk. Tease me if you must, Lulu, but you know I like him a great deal.

I've made a friend in a changeling named Serrakerrix, or just Sera. She's a real sweetheart, and she's been helpful so far in helping me navigate the hive. She works in the nursery, and at the moment she is babysitting Salmacis. I wonder if Salmacis is making friends with the other young changelings? I guess I'll find out soon enough.

I just wanted to send off a few words to you, sis. I'll keep you updated. Much love!

-Tia

Executing the letter spell, she watched as her missive was enveloped in magical flame and disappear. For a moment she considered writing to Twilight as well, but decided against it. One letter was enough for now.

"Celestia?"

"Hmm? Yes, I'm here. Come in." Celestia turned to look at the doorway, seeing Sera standing there, Salmacis perched upon her head. "Ah, you've brought Sally back. How did it go?"

"Quite well, actually. The other grubs and nymphs welcomed her warmly, and I believe she had fun playing with those around her own age."

"That's wonderful!" Celestia replied, picking up her daughter with her magic, bringing the grub to her and placing her in her mane. "Thank you for looking after her for me."

"Anytime, my dear." Sera trotted over and gave Celestia a nuzzle. "Need anything else before I retire?"

"No, I'm fine. Thank you."

"All right. I'll see you tomorrow."

"It's a date."

Author's Note

No clever song tie in here, but have some stoner doom just for the heck of it:
Blazar by Bong of Cthulhu