The Draconsteed

The yellow pegasus squeaked and jumped back, hiding behind her pink mane. Saphear gave her a gentle smile and rested her head on her paws. After a few minutes of watching the sun creep across the sky Saphear spoke.

"Care to join me? It's a little nippy out here."

The yellow pegasus complied and took a spot next to Saphear. The timid pegasus gathered her courage and finally spoke.

"Um, wh-what's your name?" Her soft voice was barely louder than a whisper. Another tear streaked it's way across Saphear's face. She even sounds like her.

"I'm Saphear, what's your name?"

"I-I'm F-Fluttershy." The two sat in silence till nearly noon before Fluttershy broke the silence again.

"W-Why were you crying?" The question hit Saphear hard. It brought up things she didn't want to remember. She destracted herself by thinking up a lie she could tell that would satisfy Fluttershy's curiosity.

"I'm... not from here." Saphear's voice was cracking. "It's gonna be a long time before I can go home and...." Saphear stifled a sob. "...I miss my family." Saphears tears started flowing again. Fluttershy quickly pulled Saphear into a tight hug. Saphear just sobbed even harder in her coat. I need something to clear my head. The first thing she could think of to help her mood was hard work. Saphear pulled away from Fluttershy and dried her eyes a bit before she asked, "Is there someplace I could work? Something strenuous if you could."

"My friend Applejack runs Sweet Apple Acres. She's always looking for a cheap farm aid. I'll take you over and introduce you." Fluttershy's timidness disappeared for a second but quickly came back. "That is, if you don't mind." Saphear stood and brushed her mane out of her face. "I'd like that. Thank you, Fluttershy."

The two walked in silence as they made their way to Sweet Apple Acres. The farm was truly a sight to behold. The rows of trees stretched as far as the eye could see. The only blemish in the green tops were the apples that sparkled like rubies against the leaves. As they walked through the gate they were immediately greeted by a large red stallion. His body was thick with muscle, no doubt earned from years of hard work.

"H-Hello, Big Mac. Is Applejack around?" Fluttershy asked.

"Eeeyup. Sis is out by the barn." He gestured towards a large red building in the distance, keeping a weary eye on Saphear. "Thank you." Fluttershy gave him a quick smile before she started to make her way towards the barn, Saphear following closely behind. Applejack was stacking crates of apples when the two walked in. Saphear cleared her throat to get her attention.

"Howdy Fluttershy. Who's yer friend?"

"This is Saphear. She's looking for a job." The orange earth pony put a hoof to her chin as she fell into deep thought. "Ah dunno, she looks a mite scrawny ta be applebuckin." Fluttershy just looked back to Saphear.

"I'll hoofwrestle ya." Saphear said. Confusion filled Applejacks face as she asked, "Beg yer pardon?"

"I'll hoofwrestle ya. I win, you give me a job at 5 bits a tree." Saphear said brimming with confidence. Applejack's face drew a sly smile. "A'right, and if ah win you put in a weeks worth a work free a charge." Applejack raised a hoof to her opponent. Saphear extended a paw and the two shook. I hate to trick her like this, but I could really use those bits.

Saphear and Appljack took their places on a nearby crate. Fluttershy was their referee as the two squared off.

"R-ready. S-set, eep." Flutter shy took in a breath to calm herself. "G-Go."  It was over in the blink of an eye. Saphear misjudged Applejacks strength.