"Dash?" I muttered. "Applejack?"

"You're awake," said a voice that was neither AJ's nor RD's. "How do you feel?"

"Kinda sore," I said, after taking a quick inventory of my senses. "A little numb."

"That's to be expected," said the voice, which was male and not familiar to me. "Let me know if anything becomes painful." There was a doctor standing next to me, with dark gray fur and light blue hair on his head. I recalled seeing him around town. But if he was a doctor... then I was probably in a hospital bed. A quick look around the room confirmed my suspicions. I'd never seen the inside of an Equestrian hospital before, but it was clean and modern-looking, and it set my mind at ease somewhat.

"What happened to me?" I croaked, my throat dry.

"Medically speaking," said the doctor, "broken pelvis and severe internal bruising. Fortunately, you're responding well to both magical and nonmagical treatments, and you should be back on your feet before the week's end."

"The Princess of Friendship left a note for you," he said, holding out a sheet of official Princess stationary that bore a note from Twilight Sparkle. Twilight's handwriting was naturally messy, but I could see the benefit of the penmanship classes she'd mentioned taking. "She wanted you to read it at your earliest convenience... do you feel up to it at the moment?"

"Yeah, I guess so," I said.

Firstly, read the note, I apologize for not being there to deliver this message in person. Breeding season often makes it difficult to carry out my responsibilities as a steward of Friendship, and in your case I feared that the presence of a mare in heat might be stressful.

When Applejack and Rainbow Dash first confided to me that they found you attractive, I cautioned them that you are not a pony, and that your body is not built to take the same physical stresses that a stallion's is. They ignored my advice, and they harmed you, and being in heat was no excuse. They have expressed their regret to me, and as the Princess of Friendship I will personally ensure that they have learned their lesson.

Furthermore, as Princess, I will do everything in my power to make this up to you. You will receive the apology you are owed, and I will ensure that you feel welcome and safe in Ponyville, regardless of the season.

I set the note down on my bedside table and sighed. I didn't have the energy to feel one way or another about what I'd been through; it just felt good to rest. With little else to do, I picked through the get-well cards on the bedside. Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie had all sent very nice notes. There was one from the mayor, presumably sent at the Princess' behest, which mostly reiterated Twilight's assurances that Ponyville was dedicated to my safety. There was even one from the pony who delivers my mail, a very pretty but somewhat awkward mare who I'd spoken to on occasion. I'd have to thank her in person when I was back on my feet.

I set the stack of cards down beside me and rolled over. I was sore, but mostly I was tired, and I drifted back to a gentle sleep.

Author's Note

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