After finishing supper the group had gathered in the large living room to chat and meet the other members of the family that was coming to the show which was still a few hours away, though as they were going to sit Gold Bar asked Dragonfly if the two could talk, Dragonfly agreed and the two split off to head to Gold's office as BD and Belle sat on one of the couches.
"What does dad want to talk to Dragonfly about?" Belle asked as she sat down.
"Something important, but he asked me not to say more for now dear." BD said using her magic to pick up her tea.
Belle frowned, while she loved her mother BD had a habit of not telling her or Dancer certain things until it was much later and Belle had learned that trying to pry anything from her mother was impossible, so Belle decided to just change the subject.
"So mom, you said that Auntie Sapphire, Uncle Silver, and Uncle Lance will be here?"
"Yes dear, and they're really looking forward to seeing you and Dancer again, as well as your Coltfriend." BD finished with a smirk, which caused Belle to facehoof.
"Mom," she groaned, "Dragonfly had enough trouble first meeting you and dad as our Coltfriend. He's gonna be nervous as hay when he meets them."
"We're family, so we have to make sure."
"You and dad already gave your approval after you got the know him, isn't that enough?"
BD chuckled. "Dear, you know we love to tease you. Speaking of that..." She leaned forward with a smirk that would have made Cadance proud. "So tell me: How was your first time?"
Belle's face turned as red as her mate's mane and tail.
"MOM!! That's private between us!"
BD only smirked harder. "Oh come on now... My mother did the same with me, so it is only right I do it to you as well, or would you rather I ask about when you three are giving me some grandfoals?"
Belle was silent as she double facehoofed, she knew that there was no way she was getting out of this; once BD had set her mind she would not back down. Letting out heavy sign she relented.
"Okay mom, BUT I am not going into the details okay?!"
BD gave a shrug and nodded. "Fair enough dear, please continue."
"Dragonfly was very gentle with us both, making sure we were getting as much pleasure as he was. He even said before the deed that he was more than willing to sacrifice his own to make sure we enjoyed it." Belle got a dreamy look in her eyes as she looked towards the ceiling. "Dragonfly was so wonderful that night, I was his first, but he made sure Dancer could enjoy it as I did."
BD smiled happily, her and Gold had been the same during their first time, Gold even willing to sacrifice his own pleasure if it meant that she would enjoy it. Even though they had been together for a long time now BD and Gold still loved each other as much as when they first got together and even now were still as "active" as they had been on that night, the same night Bluebelle and Blueblood were conceived. Sadly BD could no longer have foals thanks to complications and damage during Dancer's birth, at the time both BD and Gold had been very worried about the Foal but thank Faust Dancer was okay and turned into a wonderful daughter, but BD had been rendered barren afterwards.
Still, neither her or her hubby complained, for they had been blessed with three Foals even if one was a problem child thanks to Gold's mother.
And now two of them were clearing in a loving relationship with a wonderful Stallion, BD knew that Dragonfly was prefect for them. For a long time she had been worried that her daughters would never find true love, thanks to that fact that in Canterlot the single Stallions only saw the girls as trophy wives at best, and neither BD or Gold would allow any of those Stallions to marry their daughters. Or allow the same kind of Mare to wed Blueblood.
Thankfully, at least for the daughters, that concern had been laid to rest. Sure, the two would be living in Ponyville but BD and Gold saw that as a plus. It was clear to them both that Dragonfly genuinely loved Bluebelle and Dancer for who they were, and not because of their wealth or titles.
BD knew they were safe with him, and Dragonfly might not know it yet, but he would gain more than just two loving wives.
She was pulled out of her thoughts when a very familiar and entirely unexpected laugh rang out in a certain Northern Equestrian Mountain accent that was similar to Dusk Storm's.
"Well bless me bagpipes, my two granddaughters 'ave finally got 'emselves a lad nao?"
Both the Mares' heads snapped around to see a very tall (around a head shorter than Celestia) Winged Thestral Stallion with a white coat, large dark blue wings, long golden blonde haired mane and webbed tail, and shining sapphire blue eyes much like BD's. His Cutie Mark was a silver coin with the number ten and the word cents on the face with the number above the word. He was wearing a red coat with a black interior and cuffs, a back belt with a grey buckle around his waist, a pair of small glasses on his snout, a black top hat with a grey band around it at the base and black bands around his hooves. Held in his right wing thumb was a black cane.
He was of advanced age but was clearly still just as spry as ever, since he was a Foal.
"Dad!?" BD asked, shocked yet happy to see the Stallion.
"Grandpa!" Belle was off the couch and wrapping her forelegs around the old Stallion's neck and nuzzling him in a blink of an eye, which the Stallion was more than happy to return.
"Ha ha Bluebelle me lassie, so good t' see ya again." The Stallion said happily as he turned to BD. "Well don't just stand there gawking me daughter, come 'ere and give ya old Stallion a hug."
Said Mare gladly did as she hugged her father tightly, after releasing the embrace the Stallion turned to Belle.
"So it's true aye me lassie? You and Dancer have a Coltfriend nao?"
"We do indeed Grandpa." Belle said with a happy smile.
"Well then where is the lad?"
"He's with Gold at the moment, they'll be back down soon." BD answered. "In the meantime, why don't we sit down and you can tell us about your latest adventure."
The Stallion let out a laugh as they did just that.
"So, it started around the middle of last year..."
With Dragonfly and Gold Bar
Around the same time
As Dragonfly and Gold walked through the halls of the mansion the former found his gaze being drawn to the old paintings along the walls, all portraits of ponies wearing fine clothes from different eras, and he paused to look more closely at them. Gold noticed this and he turned to smile proudly at the paintings. “Portraits of the heads of our house throughout the ages,” he explained.
"Your family has quite a long history to it." Dragonfly said turning to Gold.
"Indeed we do son, our family has been around since Equestria was first formed." He frowned slightly. "We were also one of the few that remain from that time."
Dragonfly looked over at him but before he could ask Gold continued.
"I suppose Dusk told you about what happened to the Thestrals? Well the Nobles of that time were behind most of the problems of the time. You see: As you already know Celestia was a very different Mare to what she is today, and the Nobles took full advantage of that. I wouldn't go into details but the common Pony suffered while Celestia was too blinded, that all changed when Nightmare Moon was created. After all was said and done Celestia completely and utterly striped those Nobles of all wealth and titles, nothing remains of those lines now as they were effectively purged, the Great Famine finished off the weakened ones, as they refused to "sloop to the level of those below them". Well... they ended up going lower." He finished with a chuckle.
Gold then turned to look at the oldest of the Portraits, which showed a Stallion that bore a surprising resemblance to Gold Bar, the only real difference being the Stallion had a black mane and tail and his eyes were green.
"This here is Black Gold, my many times great Grandfather. He was one of the few Nobles who stayed true to why Equestria was formed in the first place. From what I understand he never cared what Tribe you were; He would still see a Pony under it all. He was also very open to relations with other species and even worked as an ambassador to the Western Kirin."
Gold smiled as he turned back to Dragonfly.
"From what I've heard and read about him, he would have liked you Dragonfly."
As said Royal Changeling processed what Gold had said the latter turned to look at another Portrait with a scowl, this one a Mare with a white coat, black mane and tail, and piercing blue eyes. Dragonfly wasn't sure why but the uninterested stare and hateful scowl made him a bit uneasy, Gold stared at the Portrait back with some serious hate in his normally friendly eyes. So much that Dragonfly was sure that if glares could kill, that the Portrait would have been nothing but ashes, if even that.
"This Mare," He started, his voice absolutely laced with resentment. "was my mother, "Gold" Wind, as you can guess and likely already know Dragonfly, I deeply loathed her."
Said Changeling nodded, signaling Gold to continue.
"Be glad you never had the dishonor to met her, for she was a real black hearted Pony. I wouldn't go too deep into the details as i'd be beating old wounds but I will say she was loathed by absolutely everypony in Canterlot, even the worst of the Nobles wanted nothing to do with her. My father was forced into an arranged marriage against his will by her parents, who were as uncaring as they come, and lived a truly miserable life with her. My brother, Golden Lance, defied her after he married a beautiful mare that loved him as much as he loved her, behind mother's back and when he refused to let her anywhere near his wife or Foals she disowned him and tried to erase Lance from out family's records. Dad and his parents foresaw that however and had made sure the records were safe, tricking mother into destroying false ones. Sadly I couldn't keep her away from my own Foals, as you can guess we were able to keep Bluebelle and Dancer from my mother, Blueblood wasn't as lucky. She's the reason he's the way he is now, she turned him into what he is today."
Gold let out a shaky breath before slamming a hoof hard into the Portrait, which surprisingly remained undamaged.
"She hated my wife and more than once tried to void our marriage so she could hoof me over to who she choose, but BD's own father made it clear that he would out allow that."
Gold let out a laugh.
"BD's father, Minted Dime, may be a Stallion of advanced age but he is, in his own words: "Tougher than the toughies, smarter than the smarties, and tricky as can be." Mr. Dime actually whacked my mother across the face with that cane he always carries and calmly challenged her, and being who he is, my mother couldn't do a thing."
Dragonfly blinked, why did that sound so familiar to him? He then spoke up. "From what Belle said she died about... nine years ago now?"
"You would be right Dragonfly, Sparks told you about her Foalnapping didn't she?" At Dragonfly's nod Gold continued. "Well as it turned out: My mother was behind the whole Unicorn Purists thing all this time." He snorted, "And even then only saw them as tools to use and discard. But once her crimes were laid bear she was charged with High Treason but fled before she could be taken in. The one time I saw her without that hateful scowl, I wouldn't lie and not say I took an untold amount of pleasure seeing genuine fear on her face. She didn't get too far, for Black Death was sent with a kill-on-sight order, and he returned a few days later with solid proof of her death."
Gold out out a sign. "I cannot even begin to tell you of the relief me, my brother, and my dad felt once we knew she could never harm us again. First thing I did was "reown" my brother. My dad went into therapy, where he funnily enough met his new Marefriend. They're just dating now, healing the damage mother did but he's healing well."
Dragonfly nodded in understanding, glad Gold and his family got their closure. Then he asked a question that had been on his mind.
"If she was so hated, why is this Portrait still here?"
Gold let out a long suffering kind of sigh as he facehoofed. "She personally enchanted this one so it could never be removed or damaged, which is why it's still here and believe me, we've wanted it removed for a long time and have tried."
After that Gold led them over to his office, where he gestured to a chair in front of his desk. After the two had sat down Gold spoke.
"Now I suppose you're wondering what I wanted to see you about Dragonfly?" At the Changeling's nod Gold continued. "As you know, my family has several rivals though not many of them are willing to make any moves after what happened to those that did. But that doesn't mean that there aren't those that try, but I'll get to that in a minute. Remember when you and Blue first met, that day in your shop."
Dragonfly chuckled, "You mean when you went to do the old "overprotective dad" to me and your wife pulled you out by the ears."
Gold returned the chuckle, "Yep, my wife can be quite stubborn when she wants to be." He reached up and rubbed an ear. "She knows how to get me to see things her way when needed. And I will say you did much better than I did meeting BD's father."
"How so?"
"I was so nervous that I fainted straight away, though it gave her father a good laugh."
The two chuckled at that, before Gold let out a weary sign, seemingly debating with himself about something. After a minute he looked back to Dragonfly who was looking at him with a curious expression.
"Going back to the topic about the other Nobles, there is one that has been gunning hard to have his son marry either Bluebelle or Dancer, preferably both. His name is Duke Bullhorn, a real flankhole if you'll excuse my language. Every single Gala he's been trying to get my daughters into an arranged marriage, and he's tried almost every single trick." Gold signed heavily as he rubbed his temples.
Dragonfly blinked in surprise before speaking.
"I thought arranged marriages are illegal now unless the child is, at the absolute minimum, sixteen and consents in pony with Celestia or now Luna to allow their parents and/or guardians to arrange the union. If I remember right, didn't Celestia make it now so that unless it's done that way the those who try it are stripped of the titles and wreath?"
"You are right Dragonfly, she did indeed and even made painfully obvious that she would not tolerate it by letting Black Death loose on those Nobles, heck the reason why arranged marriages are illegal is because of those like my mother. I still remember this one pair of very uncaring Nobles that only saw their own daughter as a tool, after Black Death was through with them both were locked in the darkest prison in Equestria, the kind only reserved for the worst and truly irredeemable. The problem is that Bullhorn can't get it through his thick skull and I'm sure he is suffering from what i think is insanity. I can't confirm it, but I'm worried about what he'll do next at this Gala. He's been smart enough to not go too far but I feel it's only a matter of time, and who knows what he'll do before Black Death get's to him."
Dragonfly blinked as a though came to him.
"Gold..." He started slowly, "are you asking for an arranged marriage?"
Gold immediately held his hooves up. "No, that's not what I'm asking. At least not now," He rested his hooves on his desk as he continued. "But I understand why you would think that. I love my Foals deeply, and would never force them into anything." Gold then gave Dragonfly a fond smile. "And that same love extends to you as well Dragonfly, even when we first met I could tell you were a far better Stallion than the ones here. I'm not asking you to marry my daughters now, that can wait until you three think you're ready, I'm only asking to keep the thought in your head."
Dragonfly nodded, feeling quite touched that Gold considered him a son.
"Something I do need to ask now though," Gold said. "When the Gala comes this year, and you encounter Bullhorn, Please make it clear to him that you're the girls' Coltfriend. And don't worry about any retaliation, Me and my own friends along with the Royal Knights have got that covered. Can you do that?"
Dragonfly thought for a few minutes, he knew that Gold was being fully truthful with everything he had said, and it was clear he much like BD only wanted their daughters to be happy. After some time pasted Dragonfly turned to Gold with a smile.
"I can do that Gold, and my own Changelings will be ready should Bullhorn try anything."
Gold gave him what only could be described as a relieved smile.
"Thank you Dragonfly, it puts my heart at ease knowing that my daughters will be safe and happy with you. Now come on, let's get back to the others."
The two made their way back to the lining room only for Gold, who was in front, to stop mid-step at the sight of the Thestral Stallion
"Mr. Dime? When did you arrive?"
"Come nao Gold me lad, I've told yeh many a times to call me dad." Dime then stopped and started at Dragonfly, who stared back with a surprise look on his face. Dime adjusted his glasses and leaned closer, before blinking in surprise of his own.
"Well goodness me, is that you Dragonfly Wings? Bless me bagpipes you've grown from the wee lad since the last time ah saw ya." Dime then blinked as something occurred to him, he looked over at Belle than back to Dragonfly. He did this a few times before a large smile spread over his face as he let out a laugh.
"Well blast me bagpipes, So Dragonfly Wings is yeh and Dancer's Coltfriend Bluebelle?" He let out a happy laugh, "Yeh tow couldn't 'have picked a better one."
Dragonfly smile widely as the memories started coming back. "Now I remember, Mr. Dime use to take me on some of his adventures. Drove both mom and dad crazy." He finished as he sat down next to Belle.
"Dragonfly lad, Ah've told yeh to call me Uncle." Dime said as he sat down next to the Changeling Royal and patted his back. "It's been a long time lad."
"It has indeed Uncle Dime," Dragonfly smiled at the Stallion, "Gryo still driving you up the wall and Launch Pad still crashing things?"
"Like yeh wouldn't believe lad." The two shared a laugh as Gold sat down next to his wife.
"Where are the boys?" He asked.
"With me nephew, ah wanted to see all of ya alone this time."
They started sharing stories, with Belle and her family learning that Minted Dime was a long time friend of Nebula and had indeed taken her son on several adventures, Both Nebula and Saber had been driven crazy by it but as long as their son came back safe and sound the two didn't stop Dime. As they chatted Dapper Streak came in and told them that Gold's brother Golden Lance and his wife Sapphire Star had arrived.
Two Ponies then entered the room, a Unicorn with a white coat, black mane and tail with a single red stripe though them, and green eyes. His Cutie Mark was a pair of crossed lances. Next to him was a Pegasus Mare with a sapphire coat, dark blue mane and tail, and light blue eyes. Her Cutie Mark was a bunch of various gems in the shape of stars.
Belle smiled happily at them.
"Uncle Lance, Auntie Sapphire. Nice to see you two again."
"You too Little Flower." Lance said beaming as Sapphire went over to give her niece-in-law a hug, which Belle was happy to return. As the former pulled out of the hug she noticed Dragonfly on the couch.
"Oh, hello there dear. Who are you?" Sapphire asked.
Belle smiled at her Aunt as she gave her Uncle a hug and told them. "This is Dragonfly Wings, mine and Dancer's Coltfriend."
Golden Lance did a double taken and looked to Belle. "When did this happen?"
They were soon joined by BD's brother Silver Sword, a Unicorn who looked almost like a mirror image of his sister with the only real difference being a shining silver coat and two crossed sky blue boardswords. He was also surprised to see Dragonfly but like Lance and Sapphire where happy to met Dragonfly and they spend the next few hours talking as Dragonfly told them about himself, he learned about them.
Golden Lance was a goldsmith who spent many a day working with the gold out of his brother's mines while his wife Sapphire was a gemologist, together the two had made quite a fortune independently of the family, as after Lance was disowned by his mother he was cut off from that income, so he and his wife had found another way with secret help from his brother Gold Bar who supplied the gold the two needed for their work. Silver Sword was a smith of various kinds, including but not limited to blacksmithing and silversmithing. As it turned out Silver was actually BD's twin brother and specialized in making swords but had great ability with numbers so he manged the family finances on the side.
In terms of personally Lance was much like his brother, with the two still engaging in the standard sibling rivalry, But seemed to be more of a fighter and Dragonfly learned that as a younger Stallion Lance was as stubborn as a bull and was in fact the firstborn of the two. As the firstborn a lot of things were piled onto him by his mother but Lance defied her as much as possible, with the biggest being marrying Sapphire. The Mare in question was rather bubbly and a hugger, which Dragonfly didn't mind at all. She even told Dragonfly a few stories of Belle and Dancer when they were younger, much to Belle's embarrassment and Dragonfly's laughter.
Silver Sword was a relaxed sort of Pony, and generally preferred to take thing slowly but could work well quickly when needed. After hearing about Dragonfly's potions Silver talked some business while the latter gave the former some tips on managing finances.
Overall Dragonfly found himself liking Belle and Dancer's family, and the feeling was mutual.
Soon the time came for them to head down to Canterlot's Grand Auditorium for Dancer's show, once they arrived Belle and Dragonfly went to meet Dancer while the others went to their box seats. As the two of them were well-known by the crew they had no issues getting backstage and reaching Dancer's dressing room, where Belle knocked on the door.
"Sis, it's me and Dragonfly, may we come in?"
"Sure, one moment please."
The door opened to reveal Dancer wearing a metallic green leotard with rhinestones in the shape of a wave on the chest and stomach, a black belt which was decorated with more rhinestones and a metallic silver buckle, and a green transparent mesh half-skirt decorated with tiny diamonds and a hole to allow her tail through that covered her flanks and hung down to just above her back hooves.
"You doing okay Dancer?" Belle asked as she gave her sister a hug.
"Yeah, just having some jitters like I always do." Dancer explained as Dragonfly gave her a hug.
"As always Dancer, just do your best." Dragonfly said giving her a kiss on the lips which she returned happily, moaning in bliss. Belle chuckled as they pulled apart.
"Easy there you two, let's wait until we get to bed first before we start "rolling in the hay".
The two blushed and chuckled, then a knock sounded at the door followed by a voice calling out, "Five minutes until showtime!"
"Okay!" Dancer replied, turning back to her family. "Well, you two need to get to your seats. The show’s about to start."
The two gave Dancer a hug and left, Dragonfly saying "See you on stage." and Belle wishing her luck.
Dancer let out a breath and finished up, soon the time came and she made her way to the stage.
"Here we go Dancer, you got this." She whispered to herself before joining her fellows.
Canterlot
Royal Greenhouse
Grace was happily humming to herself as she watered several plants, walking with a skip in her step. Ever since her and Dusk's "Special Night" sometime ago Grace had been riding on cloud nine and the two had "rolled in the hay" several times now and each had been as enjoyable as their first time. As Grace walked over to the sink to refill her watering can she felt something strange from her stomach, before she suddenly hurled into the sink. Shaking her head Grace looked down in puzzlement.
"That's strange, I'm not sick so why did I throw up?" She shrugged, "It's probably just a bug or something."
Grace washed out the sink and refilled her can before turning and walking back to continue watering.