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// We'll get back to the story after a brief intermission 
// Story: A gem in the sand 
// by KVEverfree 
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“So you need to stay at my place again, then?”
“That’s right. I hope its ok.”
“Dude, you don’t have to ask, you know you’re always welcome at my place.”
“I know, its just a bad habit. I don’t like speaking up, cause I get kinda mouthy, and , well I guess you heard about how well that ended up.”
“ That guy was messed up. With that short of a temper, its no wonder he’s going to leave. I know they didn’t say it outright, but its going to happen, mark my words.”
“You think anyone will hold it against me?”
“Nah, I’ve seen the way Jarir acted. I don’t think anypony will miss him much. It’s kinda surprising how he got here in the first place. Didn’t seem so bright.”
“Well, I think his father was a Captain in the army. He had a griffin helmet in the room, a trophy no doubt, so I’m sure his dad was on active duty. Folks tend to do what captains want.”
Dusty looked slightly taken aback at the thought. Perhaps the concept of nepotism hadn’t occurred to him. Cyrus was amused at this. Ponies could be so naïve and honest. Then again, Dusty tended to get flustered easily. 
“That’s just how it works back home.”
He nodded, though still looking indignant. 
“Hey, I was wondering , the movie theatre is showing the new Daring Do serials. I know it’s a little juvenile, but you maybe want to go? No need to just stay at my place the whole time, its boring. It was clear he was trying to change the subject, ponies didn’t seem to be so big on confrontation.
“Sure, that sounds like fun. I haven’t seen any of the Daring Do movies, we didn’t have a theater. You know which ones are out?”
“Well, I know that they don’t really follow the books, but the last one I saw had her discover her father had gone missing in Baltimare. Apparently he was looking for Celestia’s Comb, said to have magical properties, and had been lost in Horseshoe Bay.”
“You think Ahuizotl got to him?”
“I don’t know, he wasn’t in the last one. Or maybe they couldn’t afford the costume design again.”
“Sounds a bit like a cheap way to leave out an important character.”
“The action scenes can be pretty good, but I think the main draw is the actress who plays Daring. I could look at her all day, but I don’t have that many bits.”
Cyrus smiled a little at this. 
“Ok, lets go. I promise I wont mooch off you again.”
“You’re lucky I’m such a generous stallion. Otherwise, I might have to take a bat to your head.” He attempted to make a snarl that only ended with his glasses slipping off his muzzle. He used his magic to correct it.
Dusty wouldn’t look intimidating to a newborn. The image of him being threatening was enough to get him to laugh. The agreed to head out for the showing after dinner. Although Canterlot usually didn’t have much of a night life, the theater was packed, and not with the usually snobby elite that lived here. Day laborers and taxi stallions had clearly saved up their bits, and it was clear that they weren’t quite interested in the plot of the story. They crammed the back row. Students from both the Academy and several public schools were crowded in the front aisles. Fillies and colts ran around unattended, their parents trying to sneak in cider and then trying to pick a fight with the beleaguered usher. Somehow, this made Cyrus feel at ease.  This was a break from the refined capitol city, and closer to the familiar rough and tumble atmosphere of Istanburro, but without the grimness. They sat down to watch the movie, taking care to avoid the bulky white Pegasus who had inexplicably brought a pillow with the star’s likeness, muttering something about a waifu, whatever that was. The theater darkened, the news reel popped up, and the tinkling piano music that, according to Dusty accompanied nearly every film started to play. 
The film itself was not all that spectacular, but it did have some high points. Dusty really liked how they actually used Baltimare instead of a set in Las Pegasus, even paying homage to a local landmark, Nacho Mare’s. He lived there as a foal and still had a bit of loyalty to it, no matter how long he lived in the capitol. Cyrus liked the fight sequences with the sirens inhabiting the bay, and it was silently agreed that the best part was Ruffled Feathers, the actress who played Daring. The director had obviously known this, getting a lot of shots from behind.