//------------------------------//
// Chapter 1 
// Story: Braeburn and the Golden Seeds of Maretania 
// by GoGreenGirl 
//------------------------------//

	“Well, this has certainly been one of the most excitin’ rodeos I’ve ever been in,” Applejack exclaimed, “but now, it’s time I bring you little fillies home.” Applejack stood expectantly at the train station of Appleloosa with the three Cutie Mark Crusaders: Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo. 

Scootaloo kicked the ground, letting plumes of dust rise. “I wish we would have gotten our cutie marks at the rodeo.”

“Ooh! Maybe we can try bein’ Cutie Mark Crusader Snail Racers!” Applebloom said triumphantly, as if it was already their destiny.

Scootaloo was not so impressed. “Snail racing?” 

“I think that’s a great idea,” Sweetie Belle piped, “It’s safe and slow-paced for a change.”

Applebloom paced in circles. “Hmm, she’s right. We need to think of somethin’ more darin’.” She skidded to a stop. “Let’s try bein’ Cutie Mark Crusader Alpine Skiers!”

While the three fillies continued to discuss how they would get their cutie marks, Applejack began to zone out and admire the western background. There was barely a cloud in the bright blue sky. She brushed a bead of sweat from her brow.

“Applejack!” A voice interrupted Applejack’s thought and, when she finally identified the source of the voice, she smiled.

“Braeburn!” She yelled out to her cousin who was now running toward her. “How y’all doin’? I see yer ‘ar runnin’ again!” 

Braeburn slowed down as he neared the train station. He shook his healed leg. “Yup! It’s good to be back on four legs again.” He sat down next to Applejack. “Thought I should say goodbye to my favorite cousin and the young ones.” He sighed. “It was a great rodeo this year.”

“Such a shame you couldn’t participate,” Applejack said while glancing at the shiny trophy she had won from the barrel stack.

“Well, there’s always next year,” stated Braeburn, trying for an enthusiastic smile.

“How did you break your leg anyway?” Scootaloo inquired. 

“Yeah, what happened to it?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Tell us the story, cous’n Braeburn!” Apple Bloom added.

“Please?” the three fillies pleaded in unison.

Braeburn cleared his throat and turned toward the fillies. “Well, it was a dark, stormy night and -” 

Applejack swiftly cut off her cousin’s tale. “Oh please! Braeburn, this ain’t the time for storytellin’. The train’s goin’ ta’ arrive any-”   

“Ma’am, I’m afraid the train is goin’ ta’ be a little late. There’s been a delay,” a stallion interrupted, stepping out from the station building. He ducked back inside as the orange mare gave him a dirty look. 

Applejack sighed. “Now ain’t that just convenient,” she muttered.

Braeburn grinned proudly. “Great. Now, I can tell these little fillies about a real adventure,” he said with a wink. The Cutie Mark Crusaders inched closer with wide eyes. “As I was saying, it was a dark and stormy night and I was absolutely lost...”