From Equestria and Beyond

The straight gravel road, going to Canterlot, was Dash's choice for the road trip. "This wagon road," she read from the guide, "was originally built for Earth pony settlers in the Southlands. However, much of the ground in the Southlands is now abandoned, because of the recent trend in urbanization and other historical reasons. Only resort tows, some farming villages, and pegasus cities now exist along the route."

The land around them definitely looked that way. Secondary-growth forests lined the area, with no trace of agricultural activity, and even the road itself didn't seem very well-used at all.

"How far 'til we get to the next town?" asked Applejack.

"Fifteen kilometers 'til we hit 'Ponito', but I can't tell how big it is." Dash squinted at her map. "Or if it even exists anymore."

"Well then, we'll just have to hope."

"M'kay."

Ponito, in fact, turned out to be a decently-sized town, with an inn. "You're the lucky mares today," said the receptionist. "Last room of the night."

"Sweet," said Dash. She grabbed the keys and trotted off to the room, Applejack following closely behind.

"Uhh, Dash?" Applejack said upon seeing the room.

"Yeah?"

"There's only one bed. You gonna make a cloud bed or something?"

"Well..." Dash hesitated. "I wouldn't mind sharing a bed with you."

"Oh!" Applejack blushed. "That could work, sugarcube."

"Awesome," said Dash. "So... got any plans for tonight?"

Applejack did indeed have some plans. She brought out a flask of whiskey. "Remember this?"

Rainbow Dash smirked. "Yeah. I won't go overboared with it this time."

Applejack nodded. "Good." She poured two small glasses. "So... how many days'll it take for us to reach Ponyville?"

"We've got plenty of time. We should stop by some places and check 'em out."

Applejack sipped on her drink. "Great. So what's next on the map?"

Rainbow Dash squinted at it. "Bunch of small Earth pony towns. Nothing much until we reach some pegasus places."

"I wonder what drove Earth ponies away," mused Applejack. "The soil seems good enough here. No reason why farms should lie fallow."

"I dunno either, but it seems like it's been like this way for some time now. Any dying towns have long since died. I wonder what happened."

How many years can a mountain exist

Before it’s washed to the sea?

How many years can some ponies exist

Before they’re allowed to be free?

How many times can a mare turn her head

Pretending she just doesn’t see?

The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind

The answer is blowin’ in the wind