#desert iris

@ask-the-out-buck-pony  @askstar-catcher​ Back in the dance hall, the Cutie Mark Crusaders decided to talk with some of the other foals about their cutie marks.

Scootaloo: And that’s how we got our cutie marks!

Apple Bloom: So what about you? How did you get yours?

Jazz: I wanted to try to play an instrument, so I found a trumpet at home. I found I really loved it and then my cutie mark appeared!

Star: I’m still trying to learn what my purpose in the world is, but hearing your stories makes me more hopeful that I’ll find out what it is in good time!

Sweetie: That’s the spirit! If ever you need help with your cutie mark trouble, just come find us! We’ll help you any time!

Star: I’ll be sure to do that! That is, if my studies don’t interfere.

While wrapping up some of the final preparations, Pearl happened upon Desert Iris and her family.

Pearl: Desert! It’s so wonderful to see you. And I see that Burnt Birch made it home in time to see the wedding as well! It certainly has been a long time.

Desert: It certainly has. We thought for sure he was going to miss it because of work!

Burnt: Well, honey. You know as well as I do that controlled forestry is a never ending job. It’s always something new every day. I know I’m practically a stranger to your daughter, but I do hope she’ll be pleased to meet me. I feel kind of ashamed that this is the first time meeting her, even though she’s gone out of her way to come visit my wife and son.

( @ask-tirek-the-dude​, @straightarrow201​, @askbananapie​, @ask-the-out-buck-pony​, @askdaisydandfriemly​, @askstar-catcher​, @bluethunderandtwistflowerrpblog​, @askdj-timelord2​, @grim-dash​, @necroponyprince247​)

While Keira and Discord’s interview continued, the dance hall in the castle started to fill up more and more. The room started to feel even more lively than before and the guests were having their own fun while other preparations were being made.

Where there was empty spots in the dance hall, Pinkie had fired off her party cannon to help add some finishing touches to the decorating.

Pinkie: What do you think, Smoozie? Think they’ll like this?

The Smooze jiggled and bounced a little, a sure signal that he was sure they’d approve of the decorations. Pinkie giggled in response, clearly thrilled with the Smooze’s response.

Elsewhere in the hall, Keira’s aunt Desert Iris and Moon Dancer were talking about flower arrangements and meanings.

Desert: I thought the roses would go best on the tables. It might be generic, but roses have always been considered romantic and I’ve always thought they were beautiful nonetheless.

Moon: I agree that they are beautiful. And though they may be generic, they are very symbolic. The rose has always been a symbol of love, just as red has been viewed as a romantic color. I applaud you on your flower choices!

While every pony was working to set things up, Ruby Oasis and Pearl Star had a conversation about Keira’s deceased father, Lost Legacy.

Pearl: I know I should be happy for my daughter, and truly I am, but I also wish Lost was here to see Keira now. He would have been so proud to see her in her like this.

Ruby: I know Lost would’ve been through the roof to see her now. I can betcha wherever he is now, he’s practically crying tears of joys. I vote that we all celebrate in his stead. I’m sure his spirit would go on peacefully knowing we show his pride through our actions.

( @inu1981​, @jedi10549​, @asknightwind​, @amberaltering​, @the-equestrian-hero-academy​, @spirits-of-nature16​, @azureakasapphire​)

While at the location of the reception, some of the guests couldn’t help but to notice that Keira and Discord were nowhere in sight. One of the guests also happened to notice that Twilight was wandering about. Bravely, they approached her.

Graphic: Excuse me! Princess Twilight! Could you tell me where Keira went?

Twilight: Certainly! She and Discord actually had an interview to get to after the ceremony. I’m sure they’ll be back some time soon!

Graphic: Oh, thank goodness. I wanted to personally congratulate them.

Twilight: I’m sure they’ll appreciate that a lot!

In that same location, Desert Iris, who had arrived just a little late because of a mishap at the train station in Trottingham, was working on some floral arrangements. With her was her husband Burnt Birch and her son Timber Rush, who were also helping her with the flowers.

Desert: It’s a shame we were late, but wasn’t that just the most wonderful exchanging of vows you’ve ever seen?

Burnt: Most certainly, dear. Reminds me of when you and I shared our vows. That’s a day I won’t soon forget.

Timber: It was a really nice ceremony. I’ll admit that.

( @askheartsbloom​, @happyqueenandgrumpydork​)

Some place within the dance hall, some ponies were having a conversation with Rarity.

Bloom: Excuse me. Miss Rarity?

Rarity: Yes darling? Can I help you?

Belle: We just wanted to say we really, really like the dresses you made for this wedding! They’re just so wonderfully made! We just really wanted to tell you that!

Rarity: Goodness! I greatly appreciate the compliment!

Bloom: So what kind of materials did you use?

Belle: And where did you get the inspiration for them?!

Arid told Rainbow Dash about the time Keira and him had gone on the adventure in the caves. Reasonably so, Rainbow Dash became more and more excited as Arid told his tale.

Arid: Now if I remember right, there was something by the carts... I’ll have to show you soon!

Rainbow: Really?! That sounds so awesome!

Keira: Uncle Arid, we can’t go back...

Rainbow: Are you kidding me?! You keep me penned in all day to look at books and now you’re keeping me from another epic adventure?! Keira: As much as I want to go back, we can’t because the entrance got blocked by rocks after escaping the Diamond Dogs. Arid: Oh shoot. I suppose it would’ve been vital to mention that... My apologies, Dash.

Desert: Perhaps it’s for the better, dear brother.

Shortly after their little conversation, a timer went off.

Desert: Well, it sounds like dinner is ready. Why don’t we all get something to eat. I’m sure that’ll soothe every pony’s nerves.

Discord: Whatever it is, it smells delightful!

Some time later after researching a little bit more, Ruby was in her studies writing a few notes down while Keira, Discord, and Rainbow Dash were getting ready to leave. Just before they were leaving, Ruby stopped them to give Keira a note. Ruby: Alright then! This is what I found so far. I’m going to see if there’s anything else I can find in my other books, but I made some notes for myself to I have something to look back at. Keira: Thank you so much again, Ruby. I wouldn’t be anywhere in finding things out without you.

Ruby: Oh, I had a wonderful time with helping you out. Don’t be afraid to come back again, alright? Same goes to you, Rainbow Dash. You’ve been a delight to get to know.

Rainbow Dash smiled at Ruby’s compliment, excited to know she was welcome to come back whenever.

Rainbow: Thanks, Ruby! You too!

Ruby: You all have a safe trip back to Desert’s now, alright?

Discord: We will. I’ll make sure of it. So long for now, Ruby. Now, allow me!

With that, Discord snapped his fingers and he, Keira, and Rainbow Dash were teleported to Keira’s Aunt Iris’s house. Ruby was about to go back to do some more studies when a thought came across her mind.

Ruby: Oh, shoot! I should’ve given her that book before they left! Maybe I still have a chance. I should see if I can catch them at the train station!

When Discord had teleported Rainbow Dash and Keira to Desert Iris’s house, they had caught the group eating lunch together. Keira let them know that they were getting ready to go home to Ponyville. Every pony met in the mudroom to say their farewells.

Arid: It was good seeing you again, kiddo. Stay strong. And Dash, next time you get the chance, I want to see some old Wonderbolt things. I don’t care if it’s books or articles of clothing. Just don’t steal them, alright? Rainbow: I think I can do that! It’d be awesome to come back to show you what I find!

Timber: Keep an eye on my cousin Keira. Alright, Discord?

Discord: Always.

Desert: You all be safe on your way home now, alright?

Eventually, the group reaches Desert Iris’s house. Keira knocked on the door and waited for a couple seconds for a response. Shortly after Keira knocked, Desert Iris answers and meets the three outside. Desert: Keira! Good evening, darling. How are you doing? Keira: I’m fine. Thanks!

Desert: Wonderful! I see you brought friends as well. Please, won’t you all come in?

Desert: Timber told me you were coming here later this evening. Keira: Yeah! We met him while we were on our way to visit Ruby Oasis. You remember Discord, my fiancee?

Desert: Yes, I remember you. Doing well, I assume?

Discord: Very, thanks.

Keira: This is one of my other friends that live in Ponyville, Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow: Hey there!

Desert: You look familiar. Were you the one that was good with animals?

Discord: Actually, that would be our close friend, Fluttershy.

Desert: Ah, right then! So you’re the one who got silver at the games, right?

Some time after Timber had come down, Uncle Arid had also come downstairs. Before long it was time for breakfast, which was just eggs. A little while later, Keira and Discord had also come downstairs. Desert: Good morning, you two!

Keira: Good morning, every pony. Sleep well, Rainbow Dash?

Rainbow: Yeah, thanks.

After breakfast, every pony went off to do their thing. Keira, Discord and Rainbow Dash were just getting ready to leave for Ruby’s house.

Keira: Alright. Got my bag, ate breakfast, I think that’s everything.

Rainbow: As far as I know, it is.

Keira: Ready to go?

Rainbow: Actually, I wanted to talk to you about something before we left.

Keira: Really? What about?

Rainbow: Well... I kind wanted to talk about how I’ve been acting lately.

Keira: Dash, I know you like going on adventures more than you like reading. I can understand that. You don’t need to apologize for that.

Rainbow: That’s not exactly what I wanted to apologize for.

Discord: Oh? Has Rainbow Dash gone soft?

Keira: Discord, don’t ruin this, please. What is it, Rainbow Dash?

Rainbow Dash was hesitant for a moment, but shorty got to her confession.

Rainbow: I’m sorry for saying you should’ve followed in your dad’s hoof steps back at Twilight’s castle. I was just really annoyed from looking through books and I never stopped to think about how you thought about your dad.

Keira smiled at Rainbow Dash as Discord continued to observe the conversation in silence.

Rainbow: I still think it’s really cool that your dad was an archeologist, and I’ll hang out with you as long as it take for you to get your answers.

Keira: Thank you, Rainbow Dash. And I forgive you.

Discord: This has been heartwarming and all, but didn’t we have some place to be?

Rainbow Dash hovered up with an embarrassed look on her.

Back in the kitchen, Rainbow Dash finally finished explaining every thing to Desert Iris.

Desert: I guess that explains a lot. I think you were impatient and probably just wanted to do something other than look through books, which I can understand. Twilight probably just wanted you to realize how sometimes words can hurt a lot more than you realize.

Rainbow: You really think so?

Desert: Of course. Keira really cares about her dad, even though she’s never really known him. Her mum always wanted to make sure she was safe as a result. That’s why she tried to get her into other things that were less dangerous.

Rainbow: Like art?

Desert: Yes. Exactly.

Desert suddenly became solemn and turned to Rainbow Dash.

Desert: It was hard on Keira’s mum when she found her husband had passed, as it was for all of us in the family. I honestly never thought I would see any pony like him ever again. And then I heard that his wife was pregnant with Keira. The first time I saw her after my brother died, I broke down in tears. Though she looks more like her mum, she had that same spark in that Lost Legacy had.

Rainbow Dash looked down sadly, suddenly understanding completely how her comment back at Twilight’s castle could have really hurt Keira.

Desert: You understand what I mean.

Rainbow: I think so... Now I get what Twilight wanted me here for...

Soon after Desert and Rainbow Dash had their talk, Timber Rush came downstairs.

Timber: Morning, mum! What’s for breakfast.