A Clump Of Stumps

The Thunderbird soared overhead, and the residents of Appleloosa looked up in relief. Soon there would be rain. Prince Silversaddle breathed a prayer of relief. He would eagerly retain the sum his coffers would have paid a pegasus team, and his duchy and estate would remain profitable.

To the west, the Buffalo village finished their rain dance. Their horns ached with the summoning, but they were content. The coming of Boh'ooo was a good omen for the upcoming wedding.

"Be gentle with him, Strongheart," said Old Cow, as she carefully put the bug-based paint in the young one's hair. "Those ponies are not as sturdy as us."

Strongheart smiled. "They are tougher than they look. You were not with us at the Battle of Orchard Path."

Old Cow scowled. "You think those ponies can take what this land has to offer? Could your Braeburn have survived the bite of the snake that rattles like I did?" She waggled her rear leg stump at the bride-to-be. "For three days in the desert, I walked on three legs, with no water but the blood of the snake that bit me. I had to survive on cactus and pebbles!"

"I do not think the pebbles were necessary," muttered Strongheart.

"I swallowed the pebbles to break the needles of the cactus! Can you find a pony so clever as I?" crowed Old Cow. "These earth ponies may be branded by the spirits, but ground beef will beat earth pony every time for wit and strength."