The sun was cresting the horizon on the dawn of a new day. For the Apple Family, this was the signal to begin the morning chores. With winter coming up, it was necessary to collect as much of their crop as they could before winter made growing crops impossible. Considering how much farmland they had, the process of getting all the crops down as expected to take some time. Applejack and Big Macintosh were in the process of bucking the apples out of the north western field. The siblings fully expected to be at work for most of the morning with maybe a few breaks in between to refresh and re-hydrate.

As the two were at work, Big Mac noticed two figures standing at the edge of the Everfree Forest. One of the figures was pointing toward Big Mac and the other figure just seemed to be standing still. Big Mac, himself, was confused, because both figures appeared to have branches on their heads. “Er...Applejack? Ya seen that?” Big Mac asked, pointing to the two figures in the distance.

Applejack halted mid-buck to look at what her brother was pointing at. When her eyes met the two figures she immediately deduced who at least one of the figures might be. “Ah think Ah might, Mac.” Applejack approached the edge of the orchard and put a hoof to her mouth. “Hey, Thorn! That you over there?” she yelled out to the figures.

One of the figures, Thorn, turned and gave a small wave. Not long after waving, Thorn bounded down to meet Applejack. Applejack quickly noticed something odd about Thorn...he had a really strange look on his face. It was like he was attempting to stifle some kind of giggle. “Y’all okay, Thorn?” Applejack asked in confusion.

Thorn bit down on his lips as he attempted to reply, “Yes....*snerk* just...saw something...*hurk* really funny.” He then looked over his shoulder and snickered again. He then smacked his muzzle a few times and took a few calming breaths. “Just a moment, Applejack.”

He turned to face the second figure, his master, and beckoned him to approach, “Master Ironwood! This is one of the ponies that helped me! It’s okay to approach!”

The second figure flinched at being addressed but he soon approached. Applejack noted that the other deer was obviously much older than Thorn, but she also noted that the older buck had way more points compared to Thorn. The second thing she noticed, was the oddly perplexed look on the older buck’s face. As he approached, Thorn had to avert his gaze and move away.

Applejack was still confused by Thorn’s behavior but did her best to be cordial to the other deer. She approached and offered a hoof to Ironwood. “Pleasure to meetcha. Ah’m, Applejack. The big feller over there is mah brother, Big Macintosh.”

“Eeeyup,” Big Mac replied as he gave a small head nod.

Ironwood approached hesitantly and took the mare’s hoof. Thorn turned to observe the hoof shake, a look of restraint on his face. With a quick up and down of her hoof, the Master Guardian was violently lifted and lowered with gusto. Thorn quickly left the scene to laugh uncontrollably behind a tree. It was like karmic justice. Delicious, sweet, karmic justice. All those training sessions. All the times he’d been tossed around like a rag doll, now his master was the rag doll and to make it better, his master’s knowing and hard wall stoicism had cracked the moment he laid eyes on Applejack and Big Mac. It was like an early birthday present. However, with all that in mind, he refused to be seen laughing at his master’s misfortune. He knew how to enjoy life’s little gifts, but he wasn’t one to encourage his own misfortune either.

Thorn finished his laughter just in time to see his master returning to his senses. “Erh, sorry ‘bout that. Y’all deer are lighter than ya look,” Applejack stated in earnest.

Ironwood merely stared deftly. His mind was hitting wall after wall of conflict. It didn’t make sense, it just didn’t make sense. They’re real. Thorn wasn’t lying, he hadn’t made the story up, and worse... they were only hours away. The implications were horrifying. The stories said that ponies contained an intense amount of magical power, and this lone mare just shook him as if it were nothing. How was Thorn so calm?!

“So, master. What do you think? They even have enough open space to plant this massive orchard,” Thorn stated happily, and motioned to the massive apple orchard.

Ironwood balked at his student. This required action, realistically, a retreat to warn the king. Yet, Thorn was fawning over their agriculture. The old buck took a moment to compose himself before requesting a moment to speak with his student in private. Applejack said it was fine, as she and her brother needed to bring what apples they had collected back to their barn. “When y’all are done, come meet us at the barn. Ah think we still have some fresh apple pie, iffn ya want a slice.”

The two ponies left the two deer to speak in private.

“What did you wish to talk about, master?” Thorn asked innocently.

“Thorn,” Ironwood started very seriously. “Why are you so calm right now?”

Thorn blinked a few times before answering, “Er...I don’t think I understand the question, master.”

Ironwood’s expression turned slightly annoyed. “Ponies are REAL! You’ve had a fear of ponies since fawnhood. HOW ARE YOU NOT SCARED?!”

Thorn didn’t flinch. He figured he’d encountered this conversation eventually, but he had honestly not expected it from his master. “Because they’re not like the old tales. They showed me amazing kindness, and understanding. We have nothing to fear from these ponies.”

Ironwood looked at his student with astonishment. What nonsense was Thorn speaking? How could he not see the threat before them?

“I’d like to ask you give them a chance, master. I promise you will be just as surprised as I was,” Thorn asked with amazing confidence and remorse. The strange turn of character was shocking. Where was this coming from? “Please, master.”

Ironwood looked to his student, then to the barn where the two ponies had gone to. Finally, he looked to the forest. He questioned what to do. On one hoof, there was a present danger. He’d need to report this to the king. Then again, why was Thorn so insistent on defending them? Had they manipulated him? The more he thought about it the more uncertain he became. I need to report this...but...I need to know the full extent of their power. And if they’ve done something to Thorn. The thought sparked a fire within the seasoned warrior. If they’ve done something to him...I’ll make them pay.

He made his decision. “Very well, I’ll reserve my judgement,” Ironwood said letting his expression soften. “However, we are leaving come midday, and regardless of what happens I will be informing the king.”

Thorn flinched but, ultimately, he knew that news of the ponies would reach the king’s ears. Best that any news that reached him, be as positive as possible. “I understand, master. Thank you for your understanding.” Thorn bowed out of respect and led Ironwood to the barn.

The two deer and three members of the Apple Family sat at a large dining room table. Granny Smith has welcomed the two with open arms and had cut each of them a slice of the family’s famous apple pie. Adjacent from the two deer, Applejack and Big Mac watched as Granny placed the two sliced before her guests. “Ah heard that y’all deer ain’t got much in the way of sweets,” Granny explained. “But Ah ain’t met a soul who didn’t enjoy a slice of mah apple pie.” Once she finished, she took her seat with her grandchildren.

Thorn and Ironwood just looked at the cooked pastries with a mixture of confusion...but also a little bit of desire. While they might not understood what pie was, their noses told them that the items before them were going to be delicious. Ironwood looked to Thorn and Thorn to him. Simultaneously, both took a tentative bite of their respective slices. The effect was instant. Both deer’s eyes enlarged to the same size as their plates. It was beyond anything they’d ever tasted. It was sweet, yet spicy. It was juicy, yet flaky as well. It was a delicious contradiction. It took every ounce of their training and strength not to consume what was left of their slices instantly. Instead, they slowly and politely finished their slices as their Guardian training demanded of them. When they finished they bowed their heads and gave their thanks.

Applejack decided to ask the burning question, “So what brings you two ta Ponyville?”

Ironwood answered with his best dignitary voice, offering a friendly tone and a slight smile.“My student informed me of his ‘disappearance’ the night before. Naturally, I was skeptical as your kind are considered legend and fairytales; however, it appears that my skepticism was unfounded.”

“Well, y’all are welcome to stay a bit if ya want. Ah know Pinkie really wanted to have Thorn try some cake before he left. Ah’m sure she’d be happier than a junebug if the two of ya stopped by,” Applejack replied with a smile.

While the comment was meant to be assuring, Thorn suddenly recalled his encounter with the bubblegum pink mare. He found it best to warn his master before they found her...or she found them. “Um, master? I think I should perhaps warn you about that particular mare.”

Ironwood looked at his student with a raised eyebrow. Thorn had sounded a little concerned when he talked about the pink mare. “What did you need to tell me?”

“Well you see-” was all Thorn could get out, before an inconspicuous potted plant began to shake. All in attendance turned to look at the plant as it shook. The plant wibbled and wobbled but in the end, it stopped. “What was that?” Thorn asked in confusion.

“Ah don’t know. Was mighty strange though,” Applejack said with a perplexed look on her face. “Well, if y’all want to travel around town, most everypony has been talking about Thorn’s visit the other day. Pretty certain ya’ll get a mighty warm reception.”

“We are grateful for your hospitality. My student will be showing me around town, and we will be leaving around midday. Afterwords, we will be returning to the forest,” Ironwood replied, maintaining his digentary attitude.

“Oh...well alright. Kinda wish Twilight was here. She’d probably be giddy to see the two of you around town.”

The older buck looked to his apprentice, “Twilight?”

“The alicorn I mentioned, master. She’s a ruling princess,” Thorn responded.

“Ah.” Ironwood nodded. “I see, well perhaps we shall meet her highness one day then.” He stood and bowed, Thorn stood and mimicked him. “We thank you for your time but we should take our leave if we are to see everything.”
The Apples seemed a little put off by the deers’ odd cordialness, but they did their best to return it in kind. The two deer said their goodbyes and made their way into town. Applejack and Big Mac went back to tending the fields, while Granny took a nap.

Thorn and Ironwood made their way down the path leading out of Sweet Apple Acres. Ironwood marveled at the seemingly endless rows of plump and bountiful apple trees. Thorn had informed him of their amazing agriculture but he now realized how mere words did not seem to do justice to how successful these ponies were. While Foraoise was never truly short on crops, it was a struggle to maintain what they did have during the more colder months. Just preserving what they had stored often became a challenge. If he could ascertain what they did to preserve such bountiful crops, it could be a great boon to the capital and the outlying villages. Perhaps on the way back to the forest he could probe one of the Apple family members for information.

Within a few minutes both deer arrived in Ponyville proper. Many of the citizens were just shaking off the effects of sleep and had started to go about their business. Thorn seemed a bit more comfortable passing through the town, but Ironwood, by contrast, was very much on guard. The Apples were indeed a nice family of ponies, but he was still wary. He needed to know more about them so he could give an accurate report to the king. Yet as he and Thorn walked through the town, his suspicions were given little foundation. Many of the ponies actively waved to them or even stopped to ask questions or even engage them in friendly conversation. The one thing that stuck both of the bucks as odd was that many of the ponies that talked to them highly recommended they stop by a place called Sugar Cube Corner. Eventually they got directions to the fabled building and were surprised by what they found. The building looked similar to the other surrounding buildings, but the roof appeared to be made of a different material. That and the fact that there was some odd white lining around the edges of the roof also set it apart from the rest.

The two deer approached and looked into the building, but as they approached they were halted by an invisible wall of sweet aroma. It smelt heavenly to the two deer and furthermore it was inviting. “What is that? It smells tantalizing,” Ironwood inquired with a small smile.

Thorn shrugged, “I’m not certain, but I’d like to know.”

The two agreed to investigate the intriguing smell and entered the building, only to find the interior quite dark. Before either of the two could say anything, the lights flicked on and both deer were assaulted by a small group yelling “Surprise!”. Both covered their eyes with a foreleg and prepared to defend themselves, when they noticed something odd sticking to them. It appeared to be thin multicolored pieces of paper. Upon daring a glance around them, they found several ponies around them holding a banner that said, “Welcome to Ponyville, Thorn and Ironwood.” In the center of the group was Pinkie Pie smiling widely with a small platter balanced on her back.

“What?” was the simultaneous response from Ironwood and Thorn. How’d she known they were going to be here? Had she planned this somehow?

“Bet that surprised ya, huh?” Pinkie started as she walked up to the two dumbfounded deer. “I mean it is a surprise party, so you should be surprised, but this was a special surprise party. I made sure that everypony sent you here, so I could welcome the both of you properly! So whatcha think? Do you feel welcome?”

The two deer just blinked in amazement. This pony had an impressive intel network. She knew both of them were coming, had planned a welcome party, then arranged for nearly each and every citizen of the town to direct them to this location. This was clearly a mare with impressive clout.

“Is this the mare you tried to warn me about?” Ironwood asked in hushed tones to Thorn.

Thorn nodded with an uneasy smile. While he was definitely more comfortable around ponies...this one was still something of an enigma. Her incredible randomness and strange influential abilities still gave the young buck pause. He knew Fluttershy trusted her, but he was just put off by Pinkie. For now he decided he did not want to insult her. “Yes, we were amazingly surprised. Thank you,” Thorn stated with a polite bow. Ironwood followed suit.

Pinkie smiled brightly at the fruits of her successful operation, there was only one left that needed to be done. Introductions to the wonders of cake! She turned around and grabbed two cupcakes from the platter behind her and then presented the two pastries to the guests of honor. One of the cupcakes was clearly vanilla with chocolate icing, while the other was chocolate with vanilla icing. Pinkie decided the opposing mix would allow the two newcomers to enjoy both flavors simultaneously.

Ironwood and Thorn accepted the small pastries gracefully and gave them a tentative sniff. The smell the deer got from the pastries confirmed that they were the source of the appealing aroma. “What are these?” Ironwood asked wanting to dig into the the object in his hoof.

Pinkie smiled widely as she’d been waiting for this since learning that deer, or at least Thorn, were unaware of what cake was. “It’s the glorious confection known as cake! It’s fluffy, moist, sweet, and perfect for any occasion!” She finished her pitch with a small motion of her hoof, encouraging the deer to partake. “Give them a try, bet you’ll love it!”

Again, the deer gave the new delicacies a tentative nibble, grabbing a part of the cupcake and icing in the bite. The flavor was intense for both of them. The subdued but sweet flavor of the vanilla mixed with the powerful authority of the chocolate. It was everything promised and more. The taste left behind by the deliciously sweet pastry alone demanded that they take another bite. The two consumed the pastries with tears rolling down their faces. It was a head above pie they had earlier. This was...bliss. Delicious, delicious bliss.

“It’s...it’s...glorious,” Ironwood stated, his normal stoic demeanor collapsing completely under the succulent taste of the pastry.

Pinkie smiled at the comment and turned to Thorn, who was just staring wide eyed into the distance. “Like it?” she asked.

Thorn nodded.

“Want more?” she asked with a knowing smile.

More nodding from the silent buck.

“Well help yourselves! I made plenty! And remember to have a good time!” With that Pinkie left the deer to mingle and partake in more of the prepared treats; however, the moment she left the two deer found several ponies wanting to either meet them or just chat. One pony in particular, a beige mare with a silver and grey mane, seemed particularly interested in greeting the two newcomers. The two deer answered what they could and continued to sample the various treats and snacks that had been laid out. The entire time Pinkie just watched with rapt attention from the sidelines. She made little notes about what the two deer sampled, what they continued to sample, and what they didn’t like. She did so discreetly and hide the notes within the void storage that was her frizzy pink mane.

The welcome party went well and eventually all those who had come to meet the deer left. Each pony that left gave the deer a proper welcome and wishes to see them in the future. Even the owners of Sugar Cube Corner came out to greet the deer. “We are grateful for such open hospitality, Mr. Cake, Mrs. Cake, Ms. Pie. Thorn informed me of the kindness and caring that your kind had showed to him, but to witness it first hoof has been something else entirely. Thank you,” Ironwood said gratefully with a small bow. Again, Thorn followed suit and gave his own bow.

Mrs. Cake was first to wave the whole thing off, “Oh deary, don’t worry about it. Pinkie does her best to make everyone who comes to Ponyville feel welcome, and everypony does their best to help.”

“She’s right. We don’t get too many visitors, the Princesses mostly, and the occasional passer by. Knowing you’re right next to us is quite the change!” Mr. Cake added. “Canterlot is a considerable distance away but the Everfree is right next to us. So, most of us agreed that we should greet you appropriately. Like neighbors, ya know?”

“Neighbors?” the guardian repeated under his breath. They saw them as neighbors. Fellows who lived within close proximity to each. How...odd. He had considered that maybe the greeting to be more of just a farce, but the way they acted and how considerate they were seemed to go against this preconceived notion. He found himself juggling with how to feel; however, his apprentice’s calm demeanor seemed to suggest that maybe there wasn’t anything to worry about. He reserved his judgement until midday came. “Well, I suppose that is the case in a manner of speaking.”

“So will you be staying in Ponyville for the day?” Mr. Cake asked out of curiosity.

“No, just until midday, then we need to return to the forest.”

“Oh, oh! You two should totally visit Fluttershy’s cottage before you leave!” Pinkie exclaimed happily.

“Who?” Ironwood asked.

“She’s the pegasus who... kept watch over me while I was unconscious, master,” Thorn explained with a slight blush.

“I see.” Ironwood turned back to Pinkie. “Why should we visit her?”

“Well she’s kinda like you and Thorn, but more shy and with wings.”

Ironwood’s expression showed he wasn’t entirely certain what the pink mare was talking about. Pinkie reworded her statement. “She’s really good with animals, she can even understand them plus lives right on the edge of the Everfree!”

Ironwood’s face scrunched up in thought. “That sounds like a warden,” he stated with a hint of interest.“I suppose we could make it our last stop. You said she lives on the edge of the Everfree, where on the edge exactly?”

“I can show ya if you want,” Pinkie offered with a smile. “It’s only a few minutes away.”

“Very well, but I believe my apprentice wished to show me a library within this town. Do you know it?”

Pinkie smiled and nodded, “Of course, that’s Twilight’s home. Everypony knows about it. I can take you there before we head to Fluttershy’s place.”

“I suppose, thank you.”

“Not a problem, Woody!” Pinkie finished with an innocent smile.
Ironwood gave an incredibly baffled look to the mare as she gave him a new nickname. Thorn excused himself to a corned to snicker quietly. The older buck decided not to question the new nickname, despite his qualms about the name sticking.

Ironwood turned to the Cakes and bowed politely thanking them for their hospitality. The Cakes gave a set of uneasy waves accompanied by sheepish smiles. The group then departed for their next destination, the Golden Oaks Library.

As the group walked, Thorn took the opportunity to see how his master was taking everything in. “So, master. What do you think so far? They are quite friendly, right?” the young apprentice asked tentatively.

Ironwood mulled over the question, his face going through a mixture of uncertainty and contemplation. “I’m... not certain yet. They are very kind and welcoming, but... this could all be a ruse. It is hard to tell. I’d like to trust them, but we cannot be so easily trusting, especially with their abilities. Their strength is unlike anything I’ve ever seen, the flight capabilities gives them unparalleled maneuverability, and I shudder to see what unicorns can do.” He shifted his gaze to their bouncing pink guide. “And I’m not sure what to make of her.”

While Thorn couldn’t deny the last statement, he was a worried about his master’s uncertainty. Thorn was doing his best to be calm and understanding with the ponies. To show there was nothing to fear from them, but ultimately he could not force his master to accept them. It would take time, but he’d have to make sure his first impression was his best. “I understand, master. I was just curious...and thank you for giving them a chance.”

Ironwood just gave the younger buck a small nod and continued forward.

It didn’t take long for the trio to arrive at the Golden Oaks Library. Ironwood was just as stunned as Thorn was to see such similar architecture amongst a sea of unfamiliarity. He couldn’t understand how this had come to be in the middle of the town and He inspected the entire structure from the outside and probed it with his magic. Thorn in the meantime considered going to see Twilight, only to discover a sign on the front door, “Library closed, please place any returns in the return slot.”

“Twilight isn’t here today?” Thorn inquired to Pinkie.

“Nah, she went to Canterlot to talk to Princess Celestia,” Pinkie responded. “I’m pretty sure she was going to talk about you.”

Thorn felt his heart jump at knowing that his presence was being revealed to another alicorn, especially one that was as old, if not older, than the Great Tree. “Oh... that’s... great,” Thorn responded attempting to not seem nervous.

“I know, right?” Pinkie said jubilantly. “Maybe we can have a big party welcoming all the deer with the princesses!” She then stopped as she tapped a hoof to her chin. “I’d have to do a lot of baking for a party that big. SWEET!” The exuberant mare than began to quick step in place at the very appealing idea.

Thorn watched Pinkie dance in place and let out a small giggle. Her strange antics seemed to put him at ease a bit as well. “You really like to make others feel happy, huh?”

“Well, yeah. Everypony needs to laugh or be happy every now and then. And who better to give them a little smile than yours truly?”

“I suppose so. You definitely have the personality for it,” Thorn said with an amused smirk.

Pinkie was about to say something else, but Ironwood had returned from his inspection. Ironwood was unable to deny that that building was of deer design, and after hearing Thorn’s explanation of how it came to be in it’s current location he got amazingly quiet. Thorn and Pinkie asked if he was okay, but he ended up asking that he be given time to think over the new information. Pinkie was going to press the issue, but Thorn halted her. “Just let him think. Master is going through what I did yesterday, he needs to think.” He then got a small smile on his face along with a light blush. “Maybe... we could go see Fluttershy? While master is thinking... that is.”

Pinkie shrugged and pointed down a nearby street. “Sure, just a few minutes that way. Follow me!”

Fluttershy’s day was going quite well today. She managed to take down a few of the bird houses and she’d gotten a few of burrows cleared out for the coming winter. She was just getting ready to prepare a light lunch for herself and her animals when a feverous series of knocks arrived from her front door, causing her to jump a bit.

“Uh...h-hello?” the startled mare spoke out barely above a whisper.

“Hey, Fluttershy! It’s Pinkie Pie!” Pinkie sang from the other side of the door.

Fluttershy release a small sigh of relief, she hadn’t been expecting company but she was rarely one to turn away a friend. However, when she went to answer the door she found more than just Pinkie Pie in attendance. She found Pinkie accompanied by Thorn and another older looking deer. Her mind immediately went into a tailspin. “Thorn’s back? So soon?! Oh... oh dear. I... I haven’t enough time to think on this! I... I...I’m not prepared to face him again.” The pegasus began to get incredibly nervous but managed to hold the smallest sliver of composure. “H-h-hello,” was the best she could squeeze out.

“Are you okay, Fluttershy?” Pinkie asked in genuine concern.

“I-I-I’m fine! W-w-what are you doing here?” the mare asked hesitantly.

“Well, Thorn and Woody-”

“That’s not my name!” Ironwood interjected in an annoyed tone.

“You’ll grow into it!” Pinkie countered, “Anyway, they wanted to come visit you before they went back to the forest. Is it okay if they just look around?”

Fluttershy looked to the two deer and did her best to maintain an air of calm, but this was simply not going to happen. She was nervous and the unexpected arrival had given her little time to prepare herself, and now she had to work on her hooves to keep herself calm. “I-I... um... sure. I suppose...t-that is okay,” she said in a nervously hushed tone.

Pinkie kept looking at Fluttershy as she spoke. She knew Fluttershy was still very... shy, but she’d come out of her shell a lot since Twilight had come to town. Yet she was verging on locking up like she used to. Was it Ironwood? He did have a bit of a naturally angry looking face... but Fluttershy wasn’t looking at him, she was looking at Thorn and she was... blushing. Pinkie slapped her head with her hoof, it was so obvious! How could she have missed it? It’s because they were boys! Doi! Fluttershy was always extremely nervous around ponies but stallions always made her even more nervous. She pulled the two deer into a small huddle. “Okay, boys. I need to warn you. Fluttershy is very, very, very shy! Especially around boys! So be sure to go easy on her and whatever you do... Don’t. Make. Her. Cry!”

The extreme serious tone suggested that making the yellow pegasus cry was truly a bad idea, but it also begged the question. “Why? What happens if we make her cry?” Thorn asked worriedly.

Pinkie just looked up into the sky, seemingly looking at something that wasn’t really there. She then turned her gaze back to the two deer.“You don’t want to know,” she said in an unnaturally serious voice. She then turned back to Fluttershy and flipped to her more exuberant attitude, “So want to give us the grand tour?”

Fluttershy nodded without saying anything further and began showing the deer around her cottage.

As Fluttershy nervously showed the deer around her cottage, she did her best to try and calm herself. She remembered a book she read saying that immersing yourself in something you are good at could help relieve nervousness and to a degree it did help. When she spoke about the animals she cared for and their different personalities, she was able to create more coherent and articulate sentences. She did get a little nervous when some of the smaller birds in her care started perching on the deer’s antlers, but the two both stated that they didn’t mind. “Birds perch on our antlers all the time. We really don’t mind,” Thorn had stated when Fluttershy had gone to ask the birds to get off of their antlers. Fluttershy wanted to protest, but Thorn and Ironwood both seemed fine with their passengers, so she let it go.

As they continued the tour, Ironwood took some liberty in asked Fluttershy some questions. Most pertaining to what she did and about the animals she cared for. “Well... most of the animals are from the Everfree. Most are usually sick or hurt. So I take care of them and nurse them back to health... Some just tend to... stay with me after they’ve healed. It’s why there are so many around,” Fluttershy explained only hesitating occasionally when she made eye contact with Ironwood.

The older buck merely nodded as he took in the surroundings. The cottage didn’t look remotely similar to the houses. The roof appeared to be composed of a living tree branches with many nests and tiny houses within. Then there were many little burrows about the premise as well, whether they came from the many rabbits and ferrets or they were made by the pegasus was hard to tell. Finally, there seemed to be a pond out front the home with a copious amount of fish and plant life. If Ironwood didn’t know any better he’d swear this home belonged to one of the capital’s wardens.

Eventually the tour came to end just outside Fluttershy’s cottage. The sun hung at the very zenith of its arch, and the deer had seen all that they could. Ironwood looked to the forest edge, it wasn’t where they had entered but it shouldn’t be too hard to make their back. Turning back to their guide he prepared to bow, when he noticed the absence of a particular pink mare. “Uh... where did the pink one go?” he asked in general concern. She had been right next to him during the tour. When had she left?

Ironwood looked to Thorn and Fluttershy for answers but received odd looks from both of them. “What?”

Both pointed to where they were looking, slightly above him. He let his eyes wander upward and discovered an oddly puffy pink tail dangling above his brow. His expression turned to a new category of dumbfounded as he quickly deduced that the pink mare had somehow managed to nestle herself in his antlers and was now taking a nap. His bemusement quickly turned to annoyance as he gave his head a quick jerk and launched the sleeping mare from her resting place. Thorn and Fluttershy watched as Pinkie was propelled through the air and landed in the pond with a colossal splash. However, rather than sink, her body merely floated on the water and was carried away by the current of the river connecting to the pond.

Thorn and Ironwood just watched the whole scene and attempted to process the whole ordeal, but as most ponies are well aware: Pinkie’s logic and normal logic are very much like oil and water, they do not mix. Thorn found some processing power to ask Fluttershy a very common question associated with Pinkie Pie, “What just happened?”
Fluttershy giggled a little at the deer’s confusion, “Just Pinkie Pie being Pinkie Pie.” While that answered very little, Thorn took it as a hint not to think about the it too much. He got his master’s attention, despite the fact that he was so stupified that he could barely form a coherent thought.

“I suppose we should be going. Thank you for the tour, Fluttershy. You’ve been very helpful,” the young buck stated with a content smile.

Fluttershy returned the smile, feeling a pleasant warmth from her core. “O-oh it was nothing special.”

“Yet it was, more than you know.” Fluttershy blinked. What did he mean by that? Thorn didn’t elaborate, but he waved goodbye before taking his master back into the forest. The lone pegasus watched as the two deer were leaving and felt a small thought creep into her mind, “Maybe... I should ask him out?” The errant thought brought a blush to her face, she knew she should be assertive. Her training with Ironwill taught her as much, but this would be a new level of assertive. This would be... a date. The idea alone was pretty assertive, but actually voicing it... would he accept? Did he even share the same feelings? She looked to see the deer about to enter the forest. She had a split second to do something. Either speak up and stop them, or stay silent and wait for them to come back again, whenever that may be. More questions bounced around her mind. What ifs and various scenarios. They were right on the edge....

“WAIT!”

Thorn and Ironwood turned to see the yellow mare, her face and ears aflame in red. She was shaking vigorously and her eyes were dashing to every spot but in the direction of the deer. Thorn decided to go and investigate while Ironwood hung back at the forest’s edge. “Is everything okay, Fluttershy?”

The mare’s heart was pounding in her throat. She’d stopped them. She had Thorn’s attention... it was now sink or swim. She tried to summon her voice but it would not respond. Only unintelligible squeaks came out. “Sorry, didn’t understand. What did you say?”

“Would you...like to... have tea with me?” Fluttershy responded this time, having found her voice.

“Would I what?” Thorn asked again.

“W-w-would... you... l-like to have... t-t-tea with me?” She said with tears starting to form at the edge of her eyes.

This time Thorn caught enough to know what was said. “Tea...with Fluttershy? I suppose that would be... nice.” Thorn blushed a bit as he sat down in front of the blushing mare. He gave the mare a reassuring tap on her side, and she turned to face him. “I’m not sure when I’ll be back, but I’d happy to have some tea with you, when I return,” Thorn said with an assuring smile.

Fluttershy looked up at the buck, she made direct eye contact and her heart finally come down out of her throat. He’d said yes. He actually said yes.

“I have to go, but I look forward to the tea,” Thorn finished before turning to meet back with Ironwood and took off into the forest.

Fluttershy felt a little smile growing on her muzzle. She had a date with her crush... or was it more a friendly meeting? She still wasn’t sure of Thorn’s feelings towards her. Did he see her as a friend? An acquaintance? Maybe she was thinking too much into this. Ultimately she wasn’t sure what to do... but she knew a pony who could definitely help. “I need to go see Rarity”

Thorn and Ironwood made their way through the forest. Thorn had a small content smile on his face. His mind returned to the conversation he had had with the Great Tree the night before.

“I want you to try and rekindle the relations between the Deer and Ponies.”

Thorn had blanched at the request. How was he to accomplish such a monumental feat? He was just a Guardian-in-training. He had very little status and even less influence. He wouldn’t get either until after he was a fully appointed Guardian. Thorn voiced these concerns to the old tree.

“I understand this is a big request, but you are in the best position to do it. Master Ironwood will want to know about these ponies. He will more than likely be skeptical up until he sees them himself. This will be where you will have the biggest influence. Make sure any impression he receives is positive.” The Great Tree paused as it turn it’s tone to a more sympathetic tone. “I’m aware that you have a fear of these ponies, but I need you to be brave. To cast aside your fears and help reunite our two kinds after a millenia of separation. Would you be willing to do this for me, Thorn?”

The buck went silent as he considered the request. This was a request directly from the Great Tree and its significance was all too important. Two species being reunited and maybe re-establishing diplomatic relations. There could be a lot of good that could come of this, but how accepting would the others be to meeting ponies? Would they be accepting of them? So many questions ran through the bucks mind, but one thought persisted no matter what he questioned. If the Great Tree trusted them, he should too. What would happen would happen, and he’d deal with them as they came. He gave the Great Tree his word that he’d do everything in his power to help reunite pony and deer kind.

With the day only half over, he knew that he’d made some progress in seeing that goal achieved. He made a note to drop off his armor at home before reporting his progress to the Great Tree.

Thorn and Ironwood separated at Thorn’s willow home. Ironwood heading off toward the capital to report his findings and Thorn heading inside to change out of his armor. He was quickly greeted by his little sister who was happy to see him returning at the time he said he’d arrive. “So, how was it?” Azalea asked curiously. “Did you run into those fawns you told me about?”

Thorn chuckled as he gave his sister a hug and headed up to his room. “Fillies. They’re filles. And no we did not run into them, but if things go as I hope they do, you might get to meet them.” He unlatched his breastplate and stored as he corrected his sister. Thorn internally questioned how his sister would do meeting the three energetic fillies.

“Really? Are they coming here?” She looked up to her brother with hopeful eyes and a wide smile.

Thorn finished placing his helmet with his armor in the designated cupboard and locked it. “Not necessarily. Maybe bringing you to them, but we need to see how things go. I need to talk to the Great Tree about what happened today, then we need to see how the king and queen deal with the news about the ponies as well.”

“Oh,” was the young fawn’s response. It was easy to see why the older sibling was uncertain about her meeting the new potential friends. “Do you think the Great Tree can help the King and Queen make friends with the ponies?” the fawn’s tone was low but hopeful. That youthful hope that saw little negativity in the world. Thorn got a little smile at the corner of his muzzle and got his sister into a tight hug.

“I’m sure the Great Tree will do what it can to make sure the King and Queen see reason.” He released his sister and made his way back down stairs. “Now I’m going to see the Great Tree. Can you let mother know where I am?”

Azalea rubbed one foreleg against another. “Well... Could I come with you?” The question wasn’t anything astonishing, but it wasn’t beyond him either. He saw no real issue with it. Plus, the Great Tree had a soft spot for fawns.

“I see no reason you couldn’t. Let’s leave a note for mother and we’ll be on our way.”

“YAY!” Azalea jumped for joy and ran outside while Thorn left a note for his mother about where he and his sister had disappeared to.

As the siblings entered the Guardian training ground in Foraoise, the younger of the two was enthralled by the sights around her. Various students and masters practiced magic and physical acrobatics and attacks. She was personally interested in the way some of the Guardians had different ways to dance about the training field. Some utilizing various quick snap techniques or had ways to use the terrain to their advantage. She made some mental notes to test some of them out next time she practiced traversing the forest. However, her attention soon shifted to the imposing tree that now stood before them. It was unlike anything she’d ever seen before. She’d heard Thorn talk about it very fondly, about how smart it was, and how it always seemed so in tuned with the rest of the forest. Seeing it in person... it seemed more than just that.

“Come, I’m sure the Great Tree would be happy to meet you,” Thorn said as he nudged Azalea onto the meditation dias. “Now sit.” Azalea did as she was told as took a seat next to her brother. “Good, now place a hoof on my shoulder and close your eyes.” Again Azalea did as she was told. “Now let your mind go blank. Breath deeply and exhale slowly.”

As the two meditated, a voice began to ring within both their minds. “Thorn, it is good to see you have returned again. And you brought your sister! A pleasure to finally meet you, Azalea. How are you this afternoon?”

“I-I’m fine,” the fawn responded out loud.

“No, no, sister. Speak it in your mind. The Great Tree will hear it more clearly,” Thorn corrected his sister.

“Oh. Ahem. I’m fine, Great Tree... sir... ma’am.” Azalea’s nervousness was very apparent in her tone.

The elderly tree chuckled lightly, “There is no need for such formalities here, young one. In truth, I have watched your progress as a runner for quite some time. You have amazing potential. I look forward to see how you perform at this year’s Running competition.”

Azalea found herself becoming very self-conscious and embarrassed at all the praise. “Th-thank you.”

Thorn then giggled to himself. It took a bit to silence his sister and the tree had done it with the same words he’d been using. Perhaps it was just the grandeur of the Tree’s presence. Either way he let his sister compose herself while he reported in. “I have come to report on Master’s interaction with the ponies this morning, Great Tree.”

A sense of mischievousness fill both deer’s minds and the Great Tree halted the buck before he could continue. “A moment before you continue, Thorn. I’d like to show you something. Follow the path around the dias and you should find a cave entrance covered with my roots. I will open it for you and your sister.”

Thorn opened his eyes and peered over the edge of the dias to see the path specified. Azalea looked to her brother she seemed confused. Thorn looked just as confused, but obeyed. He called for his sister to follow close and the two went down the path as instructed. Sure enough the cave opening was exactly where is was stated it would be and the roots covering it pulled away for the two. As they entered, the path they walked was illuminated by vibrant white flowers that seemed to grow out of the roots of the Great Tree. The trail looked mostly untraveled, but it was clear this path was created by the Great Tree. Both deer had the same thought, “Where does this go and why is it here?”

The first answer was soon answered when they arrived at a central chamber that was covered in many luminescent plants and flowers. They glowed in vibrant whites and greens that easily illuminated the entire room. However, what really grabbed their attention was the two figures already waiting in the center of the room. One was a violet alicorn pony with a multi purple hued mane and a taller alabaster white alicorn with a flowing ethereal mane. The moment the two noticed the two deer’s arrival they were greeted by the taller alicorn. “Oh, hello! You must be Thorn and Azalea. I am Princess Celestia. It’s a pleasure to meet you both.”

Author's Notes:

Whoa, 17 pages! That's got to be a new record! Sorry for the delay.
As always please leave comments, criticisms, and suggestions in the comment section!