Scratchpad

Avery M. glanced up at the door to the restaurant and frowned.  Entering the building were a half-dozen miniature horses, without harnesses of any sort, and one bemused-looking young man.  Avery grunted in disgust and moved to intercept.  "I'm sorry, but--"

"Hey," a high-pitched, take-charge voice interrupted.  Avery found himself face-to-face with one of the horses, which had somehow put its front hooves on the counter.  "We hear this is the best place to get a meat-free bite to eat this side of whatever 'pond' is being referred to.  Is that true?"

"Ah."  Avery's brain stalled and went to full auto.  "Well, yes, we specia-- wait a m--"

"Great," said the horse, dropping back to the ground, "we'll take a table for seven."  The horses took to arranging themselves on the waiting benches.  Avery shot a quizzical glance at the human who'd come in with them.

"Don't ask," said the young man.  "Explaining would take longer than seating them anyways."

Avery decided to risk a question.  "Are you going to need anything, special chairs, an alternative to forks...?"  They looked over at where two of the horses seemed to be discussing finer points of an existing customer's dress.

"You know, I don't think it's going to be an issue," said the young man.