Thorn found himself in a peculiar situation. He was surrounded on all sides by ponies and had been the subject of a multitude of questions from a very curious alicorn. Something he never considered would ever actually occur, outside of a dream. Yet after only a few hours, his perception of ponies had been completely reevaluated.

“So what other spells do deer know? Do you know healing spelling?” Twilight asked as Spike dictated the questions and answers.

Thorn shook his head, “Not as far as I know. We mostly rely on herbal remedies and medicine. We do have a spell that can identify medicinal herbs, but I don’t know how to cast it yet. I’m still going through training.”

“Interesting,”Twilight said as she pondered her next question. “If you don’t mind me asking, what does it take to be a Guardian?”

A small nostalgic smile crept onto the buck’s face as he remembered the day he was chosen to become a Guardian. “You need to be selected. A senior Guardian usually takes on a pupil. The Guardian brings their pupil before the Druidic Circle who then judge the pupil to see if he can continue to become a Guardian-in-Training. The Guardian-in-Training then trains under their master until the Master believes they are ready, they are then tested by the Knights of Foraoise. They’re the top Guardians hoof picked to protect the King and Queen.”

“I see, what’s the test?” Twilight asked with glee. She was an ace at taking tests and wanted to see if she’d be capable of passing this one as well.

“I have no idea. The test is a well-guarded secret. Every Guardian is sworn to secrecy about what happens during their test. Talking about it to any deer, family, friend, or otherwise is grounds for instant loss of title. It’s considered a great dishonor to tell.” The buck stated seriously, “Some say it’s different for each deer. Others say it’s a type of vision quest. The ones who know, won’t say.”

“Wow, they really take that test seriously,” Scootaloo commented.

“No joke,” Spike added, as he dictated the information to parchment. "They don't give you any prep or advice?

“It’s a tradition and also a great honor to be chosen to be a Guardian. Even if the selected deer does not get approved by the Druidic Circle it is still an honor to be considered. Telling anydeer about the test devalues the tradition and tarnishes what it means to be a Guardian. Even those who have failed the test do not speak about it.” Thorn countered in a serious tone.

Twilight nodded as she cantered alongside the buck. “I can understand the reasoning. Cheating makes the test’s purpose completely pointless. I respect the integrity of any Guardian who doesn’t help their pupil cheat.” Twilight stated sincerely, before changing her tone to sound more appreciative, “By the way, thank you for answering all these questions. I’m sure this might still be a bit uncomfortable for you.”

The buck smiled nervously. He was getting comfortable around most of the ponies, but he still had some reservations about being so close to the alicorn. His heart pumped a little faster as she approached. His only counter was to smile nervously and hide his fear, “Yeah...I’m getting a more comfortable around ponies...but I’m still a bit...on edge.”

Twilight met Thorn’s nervous smile with her own sheepish smile, “Yeah, sorry for...uh... any undue stress I suppose.”

“It is fine...just takes some getting used to. Though I must thank Fluttershy for...easing me into things. She’s been very kind to me. I don’t think I’d be...” He stopped to search for the appropriate word, “As calm as I am, without her help.”

The mare in question was trailing behind the deer and alicorn, just within earshot. Hearing the comment, she couldn’t help but smile unconsciously. The words setting a small pink blush ablaze on the mare’s face. “Th-thank you, but I’m sure you would have-”

“Fluttershy, dear!” A new voice called out as the group rounded corner leading to the center of town. Thorn turned to see an eerily familiar alabaster white unicorn mare with a single tone purple mane. The way her mane was done reminded him of another mare, or rather filly, he’d met earlier. He looked to Sweetie Belle, who had been walking with Applebloom and Scootaloo, then back to the mare. Besides the mane, they look similar. Are they related? Best not to assume. Just because their coats match doesn’t mean their related. He returned his gaze to the white filly, who had come to investigate the noise, and asked if she knew the mare.

“Yeah, that’s my sister Rarity.” She replied with a smile, before running over to greet her sister.

Thorn mirthfully shook his head, Ok, maybe not always, but sometimes it does mean they’re related.

“I’m glad I found you, darling. I’ve been hearing the strangest rumor from my customers. Something about a tall creature with multiple horns. It’s truly absurd!” Rarity stated in her usual posh tone.

“It’s not as crazy as it sounds, Rarity. In fact, I’ve met him.” Fluttershy responded dismissively.

“Yeah, he’s right there Rarity.” Sweetie Belle added as she cantered up to her older sister and hugged her leg. She then pointed in Thorn’s direction, to which Rarity followed and spotted the aforementioned creature.

“Well...that’s...I...”, Rarity wasn’t quite sure what to say. She was used to bridle gossip. Sometimes it was just something somepony would say to stir things ups. Other times it turned out to be completely true. This being one of the times it was true was shocking to the fashionista, to say the least. With the description given, she assumed maybe her customers had been drinking a little too much cider, but sure enough, there it was. “Well...uh...Hello.” Was all Rarity could manage to get out.

Thorn, to his credit, was getting accustomed to the befuddled looks and slowly approached the two mares and filly. He stopped a fair distance away, gave a small wave, and a courteous, “H-hello.”

Rarity took a moment to compose her thoughts and banish her astonishment. After a dainty lady-like cough, she introduced herself, “A pleasure...Mister...uh...”

“His name is Thorn, Rarity. He’s a deer who lives in the Everfree Forest! He’s very nice, even if he looks a bit weird.” Sweetie Belle stated innocently.

Thorn shot the filly a playful glare. Sweetie Belle returned with a disarming smile and two emerald green puppy dog eyes. Thorn felt a twinge of longing. Those eyes were so similar to his sister’s. It made him want to head back to the forest. Back to his home in the willow tree, but his curiosity demanded answers. The library that the alicorn lived in was designed by deer...but both she and her friends seemed to have no idea of its origins. Applebloom seemed to offer the only clue to where it came from, and Thorn wanted to know. Once he found out what the filly’s grandmother knew, he’d make all due haste back to the forest....back to his family.

“Well, I would agree you are a bit...’different’, Mr. Thorn, but might I asked what you are doing here? Not to be rude, of course, it’s just I've never heard of or seen a ‘deer’ before. What brings you to Ponyville?” Rarity asked, attempting to hold her posh demeanor.

“That’s my fault, Rarity,” Twilight interjected sheepishly, as she approached the group with Spike and the remaining Crusaders in tow. “Fluttershy and I were investigating the potential of a civilization existing in the Everfree when we were attacked by a crazed manticore. I got knocked out and Thorn stepped in to save us.”

Rarity, along with the CMC, gasped at this statement. “My word! How...heroic. I’m happy to hear that you two made it out safely.” Rarity then turned to the deer. “And I must thank you for saving my friends, Mr.Thorn.”

Thorn rubbed the back of his neck bashfully, “I-I was just doing my duty, Miss Rarity.”

“My, so courteous and humble,” Rarity stated as she moved closer to inspect the deer, specifically the branching horns on his head. Thorn flinched a bit, which caused Rarity to stop. “What? Is something wrong?”

“S-sorry, it is a reflex...I am still a bit uncomfortable around ponies.” Thorn admitted. “Though I am getting better at being around every...pony, thanks to Fluttershy and the fillies.”

The comment caused a small blush to come over Fluttershy’s face and made the Crusaders smile proudly. The blush, however, was not missed by Rarity’s discerning eye. She raised a small eyebrow in confusion. Why is Fluttershy blushing? Could it be...? Hmmm, no it couldn't. She then dismissed the odd thought from her mind as she returned to the conversation at hoof, “Well, I hope you might eventually feel comfortable enough to enjoy your stay in our fair town.” She then adjusted herself before reattempting her approach, “Would you mind if I inspected your...uh, horns?”

Thorn nodded. “It’s fine, I suppose. And they’re called antlers, by the way.” He corrected, as he lowered his head down.

Rarity approached and investigated the antlers. She found them very fascinating. They looked similar to the bark of a tree near the base and slowly became smoother and more ivory as they went further up. “I say, I love the design of your antlers. It seems to resemble tree bark. Is that on purpose?”

Thorn smiled, “All buck antlers look like that. Although, I still have a bit of growing to do. Old tales say it’s because of our connection to nature, that our antlers grow much like the branches of trees and thus have a resemblance to bark near the base.”

“So...do female deer have antlers?” Twilight interjected, her curiosity being piqued.

Thorn shook his head, “No, does do not have antlers.”

“So does that mean does can't use magic?”, Twilight pressed

“No, they can use magic. It starts to show as they reach maturity.” Thorn replied as he motioned to his left foreleg. “They will usually start showing some signs of being able to use magic. They just channel it through their hooves rather than through antlers.”

Rarity got some ideas from the conversation and mentally started contemplating some dresses and gowns that could incorporate the design of the antlers and maybe how magic could travel through alternative mediums. However, she worried she might forget her bout of inspiration and asked to borrow some parchment and a quill from Spike, who obliged with a blissful look on his face as he swooned over the unicorn.

Thorn happened to noticed the dreamy look the baby dragon was giving the unicorn. It was obvious he held feelings for Rarity, but surely this was merely a childhood crush that would eventually fade. It wasn't possible for a dragon (especially one so young) be in a relationship with a being of a different species (and an older one at that). Were there no other dragons nearby? Was he really the only one of his kind in this town? The thought was enough to cause Thorn to ask Fluttershy. "Is Spike the only dragon in this town?"

Fluttershy nodded, "He is."

"And there are no other dragons around for him to befriend?"

She shook her head no. "Dragons don't come here. At least not after the last one that fell asleep on the mountain. It's a bit sad, but he doesn't seem to mind. After he participated in the Great Dragon Migration, he didn't really want to be around other dragons." She responded. "I can understand why. Most dragons can be very mean and rude. It'd be horrible if Spike grew up to be like those bullies. We treat him no differently than any other pony and he gets along fine with everypony. He plays with the fillies all the time."

Thorn mulled over the mare's words. I suppose that is true. If dragons live as long as I have heard, he has plenty of time to find a dragon mate. A fawnhood crush is perfectly innocent. "That is true." Thorn admitted bashfully,"I suppose it's still odd to be around other species that aren't deer. I, really, must thank you for being so helpful."

Fluttershy blushed at the kind words and thanks, "Oh, y-you're too kind. I'm just doing what any other pony would do."

Thorn shook his head dismissively. "I beg to differ. You watched over me when I was asleep, have been a guide to me, and you have been very supportive throughout this...er...'odd' day" ,Thorn explained before stepping in front of Fluttershy, stopping her forward motion. "I would hope one day to return such kindness, in full." He finished with a humble bow.

The gesture caught Fluttershy off guard and deepened her mild blush to a deeper rosy red. "Oh, th-th-that's not necessary, really! You don't have to-"

"But I do." Thorn interrupted. "It would be a dishonor to the Guardians if I did not return such a kindness properly."

Fluttershy's blush turned warmer and caused the mare to hide behind her mane. Oh...I can't stop blushing and I feel so nervous and why is my heart beating so fast?! She thought to herself, before looking back at the deer, who was looking at her with a bit of concern. Her eyes locked onto his for a moment and she almost felt drawn in by his emerald eyes. They were stunning...captivating...and strong. She felt like she could stare at them for hours, however; their appeal left her staring for a bit too long.

"Is everything okay?" Thorn asked in concern.

The comment caused the pegasus mare to realize she'd been staring. Her previous rosy pink blush quickly spread to the tips of her ears and most of her face, lighting it to a burning red. She quickly averted her gaze, before apologizing feverishly and attempted to get her flaming blush to subside.

Meanwhile, the rest of the group merely watched on as the scene unfolded...aside from Spike, who was too focused on Rarity to notice. The CMC all wore the same look of "Aaaw, how cute", while Rarity had a knowing smile and sauntered over. Twilight had a slightly confused look, as she wasn't entirely sure what was going on until she recognized the look on Fluttershy's face and it all clicked.

Thorn was confused by the mare's behavior. Why was she staring at my face so intently?...Was...was she ogling me? The thought made the young buck blush before he banished the thought. No...That's ridiculous,we just met. And she's a pony, she wouldn't be interested in a deer...right?

Rarity took that moment to pass her rough designs to Spike and cover for Fluttershy. "Thorn, why don't you, Twilight, and the others go ahead. I need to have a little...girl chat with Fluttershy. We'll be sure to catch up."

"Are you sure?" Thorn asked.

"I'm sure. We'll be along in a bit."

Thorn was a bit curious but opted not to question it. Growing up with his mother and sister, he knew not to question what two girls talked about in private. "Very well, see both of you at the farm." With that, the group continued their trek toward the farm.

Once the group was well out of earshot, Rarity made her way to Fluttershy's side. The pegasus's face was still a vibrant shade of red and her wings seemed to be twitching for some reason. "Fluttershy, dear. We need to talk." The mare didn't respond, but she did shift her focus towards her friend. "I've been noticing some things and, as your friend, I feel as though you might need some help."

"I-I'm not sure I understand, Rarity."

"Sweetie, that deer, Thorn. Does he make you feel nervous?" Rarity asked gently .

"Well...I...uh...I don't know. He just seems really nice and considerate...kind of...hmmm..." Fluttershy's mind flipped to an image of Thorn smiling at her and bowing to her as if she were a princess. She felt as though he was a little out of place, and dealing with an obvious fear, but he was also really brave and...kind of handsome. The thought of the buck in that manner caused the blush to regain some more of its heat and her wings suddenly popped open with an audible "Pomf", which elicited an "eep!" from the mare.

Rarity merely smiled widely, as she saw her suspicions confirmed. "You have a little crush on him. Oh, Fluttershy!" Rarity squealed in joy.

The pegasus mare balked at her friend's statement. "R-r-rarity, we just met...I-I-I and I, uh...hmmmm." Her wings reflexively came up to cover face as her blush and embarrassment halted any semblance of coherent speech.

"Oh, it's nothing to be embarrassed about. It's perfectly fine to have a little crush on somepo-er-deer, you just met. I'm not saying to just rush in and marry him. It just means you find him a bit attractive", Rarity explained with a smile. "I'll admit he is a bit of a looker. Tall and muscular, very athletic looking, and ,by the looks of the armor, a soldier of sorts. What's not to like?"

Fluttershy mulled over her friend's words, but she still felt unsure. She'd never felt this way toward anypony, especially a stallion...except Thorn wasn't even a pony. That little fact seemed to complicate matters even more. They were two different species. Would a relationship work between them, if she pursued these feelings? Would Thorn even accept them? What if he rejected her? That last question caused Fluttershy a bit of concern. She'd read about mares getting their hearts broken by unrequited love in novels. The idea of experiencing it herself caused her no small amount of trepidation. "What should I do, Rarity? I've never had a crush on any pony. I've only read about these sorts of things in romance novels." The pegasus asked in worry, as she let her wings return to their normal position at her side.

Rarity sat down next to her friend and draped a foreleg over her shoulder, "Just spend time with him. As you said, you only just met him. So if you spend some time with him and learn more about him you can see if your feelings for him grow. If not, then there's nothing to worry about."

The advice calmed Fluttershy down a bit, but she still couldn't shake a lingering feeling sense of worry in the back of her mind. She enjoyed the idea of spending time with Thorn...but she also felt nervous about pursuing these new feelings. She looked at her unicorn friend, who was giving her a reassuring smile, and gave a light hug. "Thank you, Rarity. I feel a little better now."

Rarity returned the hug, feeling as though she had done her good deed for the day. "Of course, dear. It's what friends are for." The two broke off the hug and looked toward where the group had headed off. "What's say we go catch up with the others then, hmm?"

Fluttershy nodded in agreement and the two went off to catch up with the others.

Thorn was once again stunned by what he saw before him. Apple trees, hundreds of thousands of apple trees as far as the eye could see. It was almost like a forest in and of itself, but more evenly spaced out and with apparent rows that had been placed purposely to allow for harvesting. But regardless it was astounding! His awestruck look was quickly discovered by Applebloom who felt a sense of pride in her family's namesake. "Welcome to Sweet Apple Acres, Mister Thorn! Home of the Apple Family and the tastiest apples in Ponyville!" Applebloom boasted.

The buck was astounded. He knew of the various farms near the capital, but since there were so many trees it was difficult to have agriculture on this scale. Thankfully, deer were able to coerce fruit trees to bear large quantities of fruit to help feed the populace and there were scavengers who tracked down edible mushrooms and foliage...but this was on a whole different level. This put even their best efforts at agriculture to shame. Maybe there were some perks to living outside of the forest. "This is...amazing" Thorn finally stated in an awe-struck voice.

"Really? How so?" Twilight ask.

"We live in the forest. We can't produce large scale farms such as this. They’re smaller but there are a good amount of them to compensate. Our farmers would be hard press to replicate this.”

As Spike dictated the information given, Thorn approached a nearby tree. He eyed the fruit dangling from the branches. Most or all the apple were ripe and plump. With a bit of magical scanning, he could feel how strong the trees were, how interconnected they were to each other. Each tree was family to the next and that one to the other. They've raised strong and resilient trees. Their bark is hard and their connection with each other is solid...astounding.

Thorn turned to the earth pony filly, "Applebloom, would you mind if I tried an apple?"

"Course not! If ya want, you can wait here while I get mah sister and see if Granny is awake." The filly replied as she waltzed up to the nearest apple tree and prepared to buck it, but stopped when she noticed that Thorn was already eating an apple. She then noticed that the other members of the group had awestruck looks on their faces. Even Scootaloo was sporting an impressed look that was usually reserved for when Rainbow Dash did her stunts. “How’d ya get that apple?” Applebloom asked in apparent confusion.

“Oh my gosh, Applebloom it was so cool!” Scootaloo exclaimed as her tiny wings flapped in equal excitement. "Thorn is like a ninja or something! He ran straight up the tree and did a backflip and kicked the apple right out of the tree, mid-flip, and caught it on his hor-er-antler! It. Was. So. COOL!”

Applebloom watched as the deer continued to munch on the apple with a content smile. She then looked up at where the apples hung from their branches. The distance between the ground and the nearest apple was substantial, at least twenty plus feet high. Did he really scale it so easily? “Can...Can you do it again, Thorn?”, she asked in the hopes she could see the feat herself.

Thorn finished the last bite of his apple and nodded, “Sure, I do not mind.” He then turned to the nearest apple tree and got some distance. He then got into a low stance before taking off into a short but fast sprint. When he neared the base of the tree he arced his forelegs onto the tree. He then pulled down with his forelegs causing his cloven hooves to gain traction. Then using the additional traction brought his hind legs to meet the forelegs. Then pushing off with the back legs soared upward with surprising speed. At the pinnacle of his jump, he arced his body backward bringing his back hooves to follow the flip. The action caused the gap in his hooves to clip the stems of two apples. As he landed on his forelegs, he raised his head to catch the two apples on his antlers. Then with a small bow of his head, he offered the two apples to the filly.

"Wow" was all Applebloom could say, but she wasn't the only one. A similar comment came from a newcomer, an orange earth pony mare with a blonde mane and stetson hat. Applebloom turned around to spot the older mare and let out a gasp. "Heya, Applejack!" she exclaimed as she charged to meet her older sister. Applejack greeted her sister with a tight hug and a small noogie. "Heya, sugar cube." She then looked to the group. She recognized most of the members of the group but locked onto the tall deer with two apples impaled on his antlers. "Well, ya don't see that every day", the farm pony stated as she released her sister from the hug.

"That's Thorn, sis! He's a deer." the younger apple sister explained. Applejack merely looked over the deer, the wooden armor seemed a bit odd, but if the girls were hanging around with him, he must be an okay sort. "Well, pleasure to make yer acquaintance." She greeted with an outstretched hoof.

Thorn was hesitant but he removed the apples from his antlers and went to shake the mare's hoof. While the gesture was meant to be kind and welcoming, the execution had a...less than desirable effect. When Thorn wrapped his hoof around Applejack's, he immediately became aware of a vast strength difference between the two of them. Applejack had a vice-like grip on Thorn's hoof and with each shake, the buck felt himself being lowered and raised along with the shake. And of course, being shaken like that left Thorn plenty disorientated and dizzy. Are all of the mares this strong? He thought as he attempted to recover his composure. Applejack realized what she had done and properly apologize. "Sorry 'bout that. Yer a bit lighter than ya look."

"It is fine...you are...surprisingly strong." Thorn replied shakily.

Applejack smiled and nodded, "Well, thank ya. Me and my family work long and hard to keep the farm running."

"I noticed. The trees are very strong and prosperous. Your family has done well."

Applejack tipped her hat and smiled proudly, as did Applebloom. "Ah gotta say, that was some mighty fancy hoof work."

"Yeah, it was sooo cool! What's it called? Can you teach us?" Scootaloo asked in excitement.

There came a unanimous "No" from Applejack and Twilight. Thorn flinched and looked to the two mares, "Did I miss something?"

"Long story," was the reply from the two.

"Is there a reason why they shouldn't..." Thorn started until he realized the difference between ponies and deer. While deer had to occasionally flee for their lives from larger beasts and be able to navigate thick areas forest foliage. Ponies lived in open spaces, outside of the forest. They didn’t need to be able to traverse the terrain like Guardians or Runners did. “Never mind. I suppose it is unnecessary.”

This was countered by the three fillies voicing their disapproval, and the buck was, again, reminded of his little sister. “Sorry, but it is very dangerous and you really don’t need to know how to traverse the trees like me”, Thorn replied in a gentle voice.

The fillies’ moods didn’t change in the least, but Thorn was accustomed to it. "So what brings ya to Sweet Apple Acres?" Applejack asked, now that she knew that Applebloom and her friends wouldn’t be trying to run up trees.

Twilight took this moment to explain everything that happened the night before and part of the events that had occurred earlier in the day. She also went on to explain why they had come to the farm. "In short, we think that maybe deer and ponies may have co-existed at some point and Thorn identified Golden Oaks Library as being deer architecture. Unfortunately, we have no real record of when or how it showed up. We were hoping Granny Smith could be able to explain when and how the library showed up."

Applejack tapped her chin in thought, "Hmmm, well Granny's in the kitchen right now. If ya wanted to ask her, ya could, but why is it so important that ya know?"

Twilight looked to Thorn and he understood that this was something he should explain. He explained the old deer tale to the farm pony, from the blue alicorn to the chaos she and her minions caused. Applejack balked at the tale,but she couldn’t deny that tale was familiar...really familiar. She could see how the tale might stick around for a few...hundred years. “Well, Ah’m a might sorry yer kin had to go through that. Ah, can see why ya would want to know. Ah’ll see if Granny is up to answerin’ yer question, but just a fair warnin’, Ah’m not sure how Granny’s gonna react to ya.”

“I understand” Thorn stated plainly, as he and the group were lead to a large wooden house in the distance. It was painted red on the sides with white highlights around the edges. Several windows adorned the sides of the home and some of the second-floor windows even had small planted troughs hanging from them. While the building was quite inviting, Thorn found himself a little unsettled by the fact that the home was obviously made of cut wood. He opted to ignore it for now. He wanted answers and raising a stink wouldn’t get him any closer to them.
______________________________________________________

Within the Apple Family kitchen, Granny Smith was in the process of making one of her family's famous apple pies. It was one of the things she did to relax, and seeing others enjoy her creations always put a smile on her face. She was, however, caught off guard by the return of her granddaughter. "Applejack, yer back? Ah thought you were goin' to meet yer pegasus friend."

"Well, Ah was...but something happened, and Ah was wonderin' if ya could answer a question some...one has for ya," Applejack stated sheepishly.

“Well, Ah suppose Ah could. What’d this pony wanna know?”

Applejack took a deep breath and let it out slowly,“Well...they’re not a pony, Granny. They’re...well...”

“Ah, just spit it out. Ah ain’t some frail old geezer that’s gonna keel over at the drop of a hat!” Granny bark in an annoyed tone.

Applejack wilted a bit and called for Thorn to enter the kitchen. When Thorn came around the corner, Granny didn’t really panic, but she did jump a little. “Land sakes! Looks like somepony stuck an apple tree to that poor critters head.”

Thorn gave the old matriarch a half-lidded look. As much as he wanted to make a comment, his training demanded he simply take the comment and stay quiet. “Well, anyway what’d ya want to ask me, young feller?”

Seeing that he might actually get an answer, Thorn regained his composure and asked, “Your granddaughter, Applebloom. She told me you were present during this town’s founding, is that correct?”

“Yeup. Was here with mah Ma and Pa a long time ago.” Granny replied happily.

“Then, I’d like to inquire. That tree library...where did it come from?”

The question gave the green mare pause and she began to rub her chin in deep thought. Twilight peaked around the corner with the CMC, and Spike mimicking her. They were all hanging on the silence, waiting for an answer. After what felt like hours, the mare gave her answer, “Ah don’t know.” The sound of expectations-shattering was almost audible. Like the sound of six windows shattering all at once. Spike threw up his claws in exasperation, “REALLY?!”

Granny Smith then slammed her hoof down on the counter to gain everyone’s attention. “Oh, quit yer yammerin’! Ya didn’t even let me finish.” This silenced any and all groans and/or complaints and caused all focus to return to the matriarch. “Ah don’t know where it came all Ah remember was it was left in one of our apple seed bags. It had a little tag on it that said, ‘Plant me somewhere nice.’ We planted it in the center of town. We didn’t know it’d grow into that big ol’ tree house.”

“There has to be more to it that that! It couldn’t have just shown up!” Thorn retaliated in apparent frustration.

The old mare simply sat on her rump and crossed forelegs. “Ah’m tellin’ ya. Ah, don’t know how it-” She stopped suddenly without any foreseeable reason.

“What? What is it?” Thorn asked with some renewed hope.

“What is it, Granny?” The two apple sisters asked simultaneously.

“Just give me a moment. Ah’m thinkin’”, she retaliated.

Again the silence was palpable. Thorn was practically begging for answers and so was Twilight. Spike got his quill and parchment ready, the CMC got wide eyed and Applejack simply watched the scene unfold. “There might ‘ave been one pony who coulda put it there...but Ah don’t know why Princess Celestia would put there,to begin with.”

“PRINCESS CELESTIA?!” Came the unanimous call from all ponies in attendance. “Yes indeedy. She inspected our apple seeds before tellin’ us about the land just outside the Everfree”, Granny explained.

While the explanation put some things into perspective, Thorn was probing his memory for why the name sounded familiar. Didn’t the fillies mention that name before? She’s one of the leaders...right? When he turned, toward the group in the hallway. “Twilight”, Thorn called out. “Princess Celestia, she is a leader like you, right?”

Twilight gave the buck a sideways look, “Didn’t we tell you? Princess Celestia is THE leader of Equestria. She’s the one who banished Nightmare Moon all those years ago!”

This helped fill in some gaps, but the Nightmare’s banishment was a thousand years ago. How was there still a Princess Celestia?Hmmm...maybe it’s like a passed on name? Regardless, why would she give the seed for a home to her? Better yet, where’d she get the seed? Perhaps it was passed down?...Ugh, plenty of questions and not a single answer. Thorn rubbed his temples out of frustration. He had gained a single answer only to have several more sprout. It was starting to give him a headache. When he looked out a nearby window, he saw the sun beginning to make its way toward the horizon. Gah! I must have spent most of the day just wandering the town! I need to get home. He thought to himself. However, the thought also sparked another that he had neglected to consider. Mother is going to kill me...Actually, she’ll probably be mad....Master Ironwood will kill me. He groaned outwardly and hoped that maybe if fate was feeling kind, his explanation of the day’s events might sate his mother and master...until he realized exactly how unlikely and extremely unbelievable it sounded. I’m dead.

With a sigh, the buck thanked Granny and Applejack for their time. He then turned the group behind him and gave a courteous bow. “Thank you for...indulging in my curiosity, but I really need to get home. I...worry that my absence may be causing my family some undue worry.” Coming out of the bow, he addressed all the ponies around him. “This...experience, has been enlightening and I...I hope that maybe...when I have more answers...maybe I could...get to know you all better.”

The mares all gave an “Aaaw” and moved to give the buck a hug, but a quick flinch from him was enough to reinforce the notion that he still wasn’t comfortable around them. As they made their way to the edge of the forest, each mare and filly stated their hopes to see Thorn again. The CMC even suggested that Thorn bring his sister. The idea was a bit grating, but he didn’t dismiss it entirely. He gave a potential “maybe” and made his way into the forest. He stopped just short of the edge and gave one final request, “Could...Could you give Fluttershy my thanks for her kindness and understanding? And that I’ll be to make good on repaying it.”

They all nodded or affirmed it verbally, and with a small content smile, the deer bounded his way into the forest.

_____________________________________

The sun was nearing the edge of the earth and not all was well in the lone willow tree. Venus was pacing back and forth in the living room while Azalea sat on a nearby chair. The doe and fawn had been in a depressed mood all day. They had received word from Guardian Ironwood earlier in the day. Thorn had gone missing during his patrol and the only trace of him that could be found was a dead manticore encased in a large drosera. There was also an odd scorch mark not too far away as well, but no deer could explain what caused it. In hopes of comforting the two does, Ironwood offered to stay at the willow and let them know of any new developments.
While Azalea was in slightly higher spirits than her mother, she was still just as concerned. She cared for her mother and her brother equally, but the thought of being unable to spend time with him or...worse, never see him again, caused a pit to form in her stomach. Venus was no better. She was having horrible flashbacks and her growing anxiety was threatening to consume her. “Is there anything I can do to help out?” Ironwood asked.

The sudden appearance of the gravely voice caused Venus to jump a bit, but she quickly regained her composure. “Sorry. Ah, no. I’m just...just...” She turned to look at her daughter. The look on her face broke her heart. She knew that face and she hoped she’d never see it on her daughter. It was a face of worry and concern. She lowered the volume of her voice to a whisper as she spoke, “I’m just worried....Shouldn’t the other Guardians have found something? I know my plants and that was a drosera I gave Thorn. He couldn’t have just disappeared into thin air?!”

The older buck nodded. “I know, but other than the drosera and the manticore, there was nothing else.” His tone was just as low but leaked levels of understanding and calm. “I’ve spoken with the Great Tree to see if it knew anything. The Tree assured me that Thorn was fine and he would return, but it wouldn’t elaborate elaborate any further. Only to wait.”

The doe had to take some breaths to calm herself before speaking. If there was one thing you didn’t tell a worried mother, it was to wait to hear about the health of their child. “I respect the words of the Great Tree...but I need more than that. He’s my son! I want to know what has happened to him!” She seethed the last sentence out with tears threatening to break out.

Ironwood did his best to try and keep Venus calm, but his efforts were gaining little ground. He was preparing to say something else when the sound of the front door slamming open gained every deer’s attention. Azalea was the first to react, “THORN!” Within seconds she tackled the deer to the ground with a full sprint hug. The young buck barely had any time to react to the tackle, but he didn’t resist it. “It’s good to see you too, Azalea”, the buck said in a strained voice.

“I was worried you wouldn’t come back and that something had happened”, the fawn stated as her voice began to crack and tears started to flow. “I was worried you might be hurt or...or...”

Thorn began to stroke the back of his sister’s neck cooing as he spoke. “Hey, hey. I’m here. I’m okay. I promise not going anywhere. Your big brother isn’t going anywhere.”

As the fawn wept into the buck’s armor, the two older deer approached. Venus’s anxiety finally subsided at the sight of her son and rushed to embrace him. Ironwood was just as happy to see his pupil but was more subdued. He merely watched as the scene unfolded. This was sure to be an interesting and emotional evening.

Author's Notes:

Hey!
Sorry this took so long to get out. With school, work, and my other story, I've been very busy. I'm sort of doing this story and the other at the same time, but I'm doing my best to improve on the earlier chapters and follow through with the up coming chapters.

As always, leave any comments, critics, and suggestions below. I promise that I read them all.