Carter's eyes opened slowly, to near blinding white lights. He lay in a hospital bed, albeit one cleaner and in better condition than he'd thought to ever see. His eyes wandered around the room, taking in the sights. The room, like his bed was clean and well kept. outside birds sung sweetly and fresh green grass flowed down a hillside to a gently babbling brook. Carter was Breathless at the beauty. Something felt off though, but carter couldn't put a finger on it... until he looked down and found the silhouette of his left leg was a foot shorter than the one on his right.

Leaning his head back and Breathing deeply, Carter tried to calm his nerves as he removed the blanket. he closed his eyes and swallowed before looking back down. His worst fears were confirmed. His right leg had undergone a strange transformation, ending in a hoof rather than a foot. He'd expected that. Hell, Nothing could faze you when a glimmering ethereal pony girl explains to you that the 4 crazy girls you'd just rescued from slavers were from a magical land of anthropomorphic pony-people...Except the loss of a limb. Despite how he'd hoped and prayed he'd been wrong, Carter's left leg ended in a neatly bandaged stump just under his knee.

"Fuck...Fuck..." was all he could say as his eyes blurred from tears. He heard a door open, And 7 people entered the room. Fluttershy gasped, ad tears welled in her eyes as well. Applejack's face went rigid with poorly controlled emotion. Rarity had to brace herself against a Table. . Lyra just fell to her knees and sobbed. Finally, Three women/mares with both wings and horns strode in. the first was pale white with hair that seemed like sunrise brought alive, the next was the color of night with a mane like the starry sky, and finally a purple girl with a pink stripe in her hair.

The tallest one, with the sunrise color scheme spoke first, very softly. "I am Princess Celestia. I'm sorry Mr Daniels. Despite all our doctor's attempts, and even our greatest magic, we could not save your leg."

Carter rubbed his eyes and forced himself to speak despite the painful lump in his throat. "so...What happens now? Where do I go? What do I do?" He asked, his eyes pleading. Celestia immediately regretted looking into those ice blue orbs. they were full of pain and regret, almost as much as she saw in her eyes when she looked into the mirror.

With herculean effort she was able to keep her composure "First, you shall rest. You have done a great service to equestria and myself by protecting these girls and getting them home. One they have told me they feel they could never repay." Celestia smiled gently and her horn began to glow. A wooden case floated into the room, surrounded by a glowing aura. It landed on Carter's lap gently. Celestia lightly touched his arm as he stared at it. "Open it" she said with that matronly air.

Carter opened the Box to find a beautifully carved wooden leg, magically enchanted to match his new skin color. Carter wept again, but this time it was tears of gratitude. the next few hours were spent on introduction. Pinkie Pie, Luna and Twilight were engrossed in Carter's stories about the mojave. Occasionally they'd look to Applejack to ask if Carter was being truthful. Applejack would nod with a small smile and they'd go back to listening. Within the hour, as the princesses, the party pony, and Rainbow listened to the sometimes zany stories the courier told, His four companions Stepped out.

Applejack was the first to speak. "He...He gave up his leg savin' our hides...But I could barely look at 'im without feelin ripe to bust out cryin'." She fiddled with her stetson as she spoke, eyes downcast. "so...Onta business. Where's Carter gonna stay until he can get back on his hooves- er hoof?"

Rarity, Fluttershy, and Lyra seemed deep in thought, until all three blushed. "um...I...Hadn't thought of that..." squeaked fluttershy as she stared at the door to Carter's room.

Lyra shook her head. "I wish I could take him home..." Lyra blushed as she realized what she said. "I mean, To help him recuperate! But Bon-bon already has her colt-friend staying over"

Fluttershy shook her head sadly. "Lots of animals got hurt and sick while we were stuck in Mohavee.... I wanna help too but..." She turned away as she started crying again. Rarity hugged her and began Comforting her.

"Sweety Belle would be a menace to the poor man, and with the backlog of orders, I don't know If I'll have the time to get him the proper care he'll need." said Rarity with a huff.

All three pairs of eyes turned back to Applejack, Who was trying to hide a small smile. "well then...It's decided. He'll stay with the Apple Family. Applebuckin' seasons over. and Granny can keep an eye on 'im when Ah cain't" With that, Applejack returned to Carter's room, Seemingly ignorant of the jealous eyes gazing at her back.

When the four returned, they Found Luna Holding Carter's guitar. "We Demand that you play! You are skilled yes? Then Play!"

Carter broke into the first genuine smile he'd had that day, Knowing that whatever may come he now had friends to face it with. "Fine. I'll play...But there's one thing you gotta know about couriers and cowboys...We only sing sad songs."

Carter hefted his guitar, an old hollowbody, ad began to sing. His voice was rough from crying, but it lent to the sorrow of the song.

By the time Carter finished, there was not a dry eye in the house. Celestia and luna had a faraway look as they wiped their eyes. the rest were sobbing wrecks. A nurse and doctor in the hall were hugging as they cried, and a passing mailmare tearily offered a muffin to carter through his window.

Author's Note

If you are better with colors I'd appreciate some help. I'm colorblind, as it were. Damn John Moreland is good.