As I resume the game, my character wakes up in low light evidently to the sight of Pinkie Pie nuzzling him and saying, “Mormon, we need to get up now. We gotta get an early start if we wanna get to Appleoosa before noon.”

I have my character sit up to show me, through his eyes, that he’s still facing the campfire, which, as indicated by the flames and the more-or-less fresh wood, has apparently been fed during the night. I then have him look out the doorway of the tepee. Through his eyes, I can see that the sun’s just starting to rise.

I hear Pinkie Pie continue, “Little Strongheart has bowls of cornmeal ready, one for you, one for Rainbow Dash, and one for me. And, there’s a bowl of rocks for Spike.”

I have my character, at this point, look down at where I expect to see Rainbow Dash and Spike, to find that, as I expect, Rainbow Dash is still asleep.

On the other hand, Spike’s just waking up.

As my character turns back to the pink earth pony, I say, “Thanks, Pinkie.” I then ask, “Do you wanna wake up Rainbow Dash, or should I?”

Pinkie Pie looks at the blue pegasa still sleeping, hums for a moment in uncertainty, then turns back to my character and says, “I guess you could try. One buffalo tried it, and got a hoof in the nose.”

Considering what kind of tactics the bison might’ve used, that might not be too surprising. I have my character get onto his hands and knees and approach the azure pegasa, who’s stretched out on her side facing away from him, snoring with each inhale, and neighing with each exhale. When he’s close enough, I have him reach out and rub her shoulder as I say, “Rainbow Dash, it’s time to wake up.”

In response, Rainbow Dash snorts, pulls her head up, and says, “Huh, what, what?”

I have my character pull his hand away, but I repeat, “It’s time to wake up, Rainbow Dash.”

As the blue pegasa turns to my character, I can see, through his eyes, that her eyes are only half open as she says, “Oh, hi, Mormon.” She then yawns before asking, “What are you doing in my bedroom?”

I answer, “I’m not. Remember? We’re in the camp with the bison.”

Instantly Rainbow Dash’s eyes snap completely open, and she looks around and says, “Oh, yeah, that’s right.” She then looks toward the doorway of the tepee and asks, “What time is it?”

I answer, “The sun’s just starting to rise, as you can see.”

Now, the blue pegasa jumps up, then flaps her wings to support her in the air. Turning to my character, she says, “We need to get goin’ as soon as possible.”

I nod and grunt in agreement, then add, “But, first, the bison have prepared some breakfast for us. After we’ve eaten, then it’ll be time for us to leave.”

Now, Rainbow Dash settles back down again, rolls her eyes, and says, “Oh, great, more of that yucky-smellin’ stuff again.”

Presently, Pinkie Pie giggles and says, “It’s called cornmeal, silly.” And, again she giggles.

I add, “I didn’t think it was all that bad.”

Rainbow Dash glares at my character and retorts, “You wouldn’t.”

I then hear Spike say, “I hope they have more of that turquoise.” As my character’s attention is drawn to him, he concludes, “That’s good stuff.”

I say to the little dragon, “I wouldn’t be surprised if they do.” Then, including the two ponies with my character, I ask, “So, shall we go out and have breakfast then?”

Presently, Pinkie Pie bounces up and down in her place a few times, with each bounce saying, “Yes!”

Rainbow Dash groans in disgust before saying, “Ah, if we have to.”

I ask, “You like it here?”

At this point, I hear Pinkie Pie stop bouncing and say, “You know, Mormon’s right, Dashie. You do need to eat something. Or, would you rather faint on the way to Appleoosa, and have Mormon carry you the rest of the way?”

Now, Rainbow Dash sighs in defeat and says, “Alright, I’ll try it.”

Spike and my character rise to their feet and follow the blue pegasa out of the tent, with Pinkie Pie bouncing immediately behind them.

As the four emerge from the tepee, I turn to the pink party pony and, under my breath, I can’t resist asking, “Do you think Rainbow Dash’ll refuse to eat the cornmeal because she hates everything?”

Pinkie Pie doesn’t seem to respond to my question.

In the mean time, I notice a line of four bowls, evidently waiting for the two ponies, the human, and the dragon. In order from left to right, from my character’s perspective, there’s one bowl of cornmeal, then a bowl of light-azure rocks, then two more bowls of cornmeal.

In front of the audience of bison, Rainbow Dash walks up to the bowl of cornmeal isolated from the other two by the bowl of rocks. She sniffs at the bowl, then recoils somewhat and groans again in disgust. Then she sighs, approaches the bowl again, and takes a bite of the cornmeal. After chewing for a second or two, she seems to freeze for a split second. Then she swallows her bite of the cornmeal, then proceeds to take a larger mouthful. And, I’m sure I hear her hum in delight.

Presently, I hear Pinkie Pie call out, “She likes it! Hey, Dashie!”

I can’t help but laugh to myself at this reminder of the old breakfast cereal advertisement.

In the mean time, Spike claims the bowl of rocks, Pinkie Pie claims the bowl of cornmeal that was next to the bowl that Spike claimed, and my character claims the remaining bowl.

During the breakfast, there’s some discussion about the Book of Mormon, including what we’d read from at the previous night, and questions about reading it again.

Now, part of my plan was to involve the Book of Mormon in settling the apparent differences between the bison and the settler ponies. While I haven’t mentioned it yet, I plan on proposing an exchange program of sorts between the settlers and the bison, so that each side can get a better understanding of how the other side lives. The situation with the apple orchard should come first, but the exchange program, I think, would help resolve things further with the bison and the settlers.

At any rate, after breakfast, I have my character go back into the tepee and roll up his bedding in preparation to carry it with him for when the group of five, including Little Strongheart, head to Appleoosa.

Well, it doesn’t take long for my character to roll up his bedding, and the bison supply him with rope to tie it so it doesn’t unroll. And, after that, the five, including Little Strongheart, set out from the camp of the bison, head to the railroad tracks, and follow them toward the ponies’ settlement.

Before they get to the settlement, though, it’s Rainbow Dash who notices six ponies and one dragon among some boulders. She points them out to the other four, then flies off in the direction of the party of seven.

Knowing the group of seven, especially after having seen the episode, I know they’re preparing to search for two ponies, one human, and one baby dragon, not knowing that the four are almost there to meet them before they leave.

I’m not surprised that Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash are eager to meet up with the other element bearers, and Spike is just eager to return to Twilight. But, neither am I surprised that Little Strongheart is lingering behind, probably uncertain if she wants to meet a small herd of ponies by herself.

I have my character turn to the bison calf, and I say, “Let’s get going. If we’re going to settle the problems between your kind and the Appleoosans, then we both need to be there.”

Little Strongheart looks up at my character, then nods and says, “You’re right, Mormon,” then gallops off, following the two ponies and the baby dragon.

My character, in the mean time, jogs after them, until I hear a gasp from the party of seven, and Pinkie Pie say, “Hi, guys.”

As my character slows to a stop next to Pinkie Pie, I see Fluttershy tackle her and knock her over, as she says, “Pinkie! We’re so glad you’re safe.”

I anticipate Lyra and Wood Whacker possibly doing the same thing to my character by having him kneel down on one knee, then open his arms to them.

And, indeed, the unicorn and the dinosaur jump into his arms and say something to the effect of, “Oh, Mormon, we thought we’d never see you again.”

I answer, “I’m also happy to see you two.”

After further greetings from the other element bearers, Twilight asks, “How did you escape from the buffalo?”

Pinkie Pie answers, “We didn’t.”

Then, as the bison calf jumps out from behind a rock, I have my character allow Lyra and Weed Whacker to slide down to the ground before I say, “I’d like you to meet Little Strongheart, one of the bison.”

Rainbow Dash adds, “We promised them a chance to talk.”

As Applejack approaches Rainbow Dash, Twilight approaches my character, as I expected, and asks, “So, I’m guessing you and the buffalo, or bison as I guess you call them, are friends now?”

I answer, “Basically, yes. I got the story from the point of view of the bison. And, I’m guessing you got the story from the settlers’ point of view?”

Twilight nods and answers, “That’s right. The settlers don’t understand why the bison want them to remove all their trees.”

I reply, “Well, based on what the chief of the bison said, the settlers planted their trees on their sacred stampeding grounds.” More slowly, I add, “The problem is the grounds are apparently so sacred to the bison that they failed to mention it to the settlers.”

In the mean time, Rainbow Dash and Applejack have caught Little Strongheart and Braeburn, respectively, in their argument about what Twilight and I are calmly discussing.

Back to our conversation, I watch the purple unicorn as her ears droop, and she looks down and lowers her head before saying, “Well, now we know why the bison don’t like the apple trees where they are.”

At this point, I hear Rainbow Dash and Applejack argue over how either the trees need to be moved, or the bison need to stampede somewhere else.

After I hear about how the sacred stampeding grounds are the only flat land available, I have my character turn to the bison calf, who, along with Braeburn, is no longer caught between Applejack and Rainbow Dash; and I ask, “I’m guessing, since you said you’re stuck where you are, that your stampeding grounds are the only passageway through the area?”

Little Strongheart nods and answers, “That’s right.”

Hearing Little Strongheart’s answer, I hear Twilight say, “So, on the one hoof, we have the Appleoosans who need the flat land so they can grow their apple orchard in order to survive." My character automatically focuses on the purple unicorn as she continues, "And, on the other hoof, there are the buffalo, the bison, who need the flat land to get from where they are now to where they want to go.” She then groans in thought as she says, “This is a difficult puzzle to figure out.”

I state, “But, I do have an idea that I think could help.” I then divide my character’s attention between the bison calf and Braeburn, and I add, “But, I think it should be up to you two, Little Strongheart and Braeburn, who you want to mediate for you.” I then have my character point to the blue pegasa and the orange earth pony as I continue, “Clearly we have Rainbow Dash and me wanting to mediate for the bison, and Applejack and Twilight Sparkle wanting to mediate for the Appleoosans.” Finally, I have my character lower his arm as I ask, “So, which one of us do you want to mediate for each side?”

Little Strongheart looks from Rainbow Dash to my character and back to Rainbow Dash again, while Braeburn looks from Applejack to Twilight and back to Applejack again.

Then, Braeburn, the first to speak, says to Applejack, “Ah’m sorry, Cuz, but Ah think Ah’d prefer to have Twilight Sparkle speak for us Appleoosans. Ah hate to say this, but you’re just too hot-headed, and your two friends over thar are the only ones that talked calm-like.”

A stunned Applejack can only stammer out, “B-b-but, Braeburn, …”

Presently, Little Strongheart says to Rainbow Dash, “I’m also sorry. But, like the yellow, wingless pony said, your two friends were the only ones that talked about our situation calmly. I appreciate you wanting to speak for us buffalo, but we already agreed that it should be Mormon who speaks for us.”

At this statement from the bison calf, Rainbow Dash almost seams hurt. Then she sighs as she says, “You’re right, Little Strongheart.” She then turns to the yellow earth pony and adds, “And, you’re right too, sir. Applejack and I were too caught up in arguing to come to any kind of an agreement on anything.”

I add, “But, that doesn’t mean that your arguing wasn’t helpful to us, Rainbow Dash, Applejack. Thanks to you, we now know why the flat lands where the orchard is right now are so important to both sides.”

Twilight agrees, “That’s right. We know that the buffalo need the land so they can migrate from one place to another, and we also know that the settlers need it because it’s the only flat land around here. Now, all we need to do is find a way so that both sides can use the land peaceably.”

As Little Strongheart approaches my character and Braeburn approaches Twilight, the purple unicorn asks the yellow earth pony, “So, Braeburn, is there a place where the four of us can discuss this matter in private?”

Braeburn pauses for a moment, scratches his chin with a front hoof, then says, “Ya know, there is our town hall. We could discuss our situation there.”

Somewhat staggered, Little Strongheart, Twilight and I agree.

But, as the group of four head toward Appleoosa, I hear Weed Whacker say, “Mormon, wait.” As my character obediently stops and turns to the little herbivorous dinosaur, she continues, “You haven’t written your letter to the princesses yet.”

Then, from behind her, Pinkie Pie says, “Right now, Mormon, Twilight and the others have something more important on their minds. When they’re finished with that, then I’m sure Mormon’ll have time to update the princesses on what’s been going on.”

I have my character nod to the pink earth pony, then turn and catch up to the three others who are heading for Appleoosa’s town hall. However, as my character meets up with the three en route to the town hall, I find myself particularly pleased to hear Pinkie Pie say something about praying for the four of us.

The evidently year-old town is small enough that it takes only a few minutes for the party of four to get to the town hall, where Braeburn opens the front door and allows the other three to enter.

Once all are inside, Twilight Sparkle uses her magic to light the candles in the main room and provide light for everyone there.

Then, Twilight turns to Braeburn and begins, “Now, here’s what we have so far. When the settlers came and built Appleoosa, they immediately went to work and planted their apple trees in the only flat land available, is that right?”

Braeburn nods and says, “That’s right.”

Twilight then turns to Little Strongheart and continues, “What the settlers didn’t know was that the flat land was used by the buffalo as their sacred stampeding grounds. But, those grounds were so sacred to them that they didn’t mention it to the settlers. Is that right?”

The bison calf looks disgraced as she answers, “That’s right.”

Twilight turns back to Braeburn and continues, “Now, the orchard can’t be moved elsewhere because it’s in the only flat land available, and the first harvest is nearly ready, is that right?”

Again Braeburn nods, then he says, “The apples are ready to be picked now.”

Then, Twilight turns to Little Strongheart again and continues, “But, without their sacred stampeding grounds, the buffalo can’t migrate, is that right?”

The bison calf looks like she might cry at any moment. All she does is nod in affirmation.

I have my character put a hand on her back as I say, “So, now we need to come to an agreement on how both the bison and the settlers can use the land.” Then, after a moment, I think aloud, “I wonder, how wide of a pathway do the bison need to get through?”

Little Strongheart sniffles as she says, “W-well, th-there’s that n-narrow opening th-that we run through, th-the one blocked by the trees right now.” She then inhales deeply, then exhales deeply, before adding, “Until now, that’s always been enough for us.”

I have my character start stroking the side of the bison calf’s neck with the back of his closest hand as I say, “Now, it’s alright, Little Strongheart. I’m here to help. In fact, that’s what we’re all here for.”

Then, Braeburn starts up, “Now, wait a minute. We can’t move the entire orchard. We need those trees to survive.”

I respond, “I’m not suggesting you move the entire orchard. Just enough of the trees so that the bison can have a pathway to get through. As difficult as it’ll be for the trees that’ll need to be moved, I’m sure they can be planted further out so the inconvenience is minimized.”

Then, not unlike a candle wick introduced to a flame, Little Strongheart brightens up and says, “You know, Mormon’s got a point. If you can move just enough of your trees so that we buffalo can get past even one-by-one, then we won’t be stuck anymore!” She then turns to my character and nuzzles him as she says, “I’m sure the buffalo will agree to that.”

Then, to the surprise of all, a yellow earth mare with blue eyes, mane, and tail, and two bunches of grapes for her cutie mark comes in carrying a pie on her back. She slides the pie onto a table nearby, produces a few plates and a knife, and starts cutting the pie into four equal parts.

Braeburn takes notice of her presence and angrily asks, “Grape Vine, what’re you doin’ here? This is a private meetin’, and we’re tryin’ to come to an agreement!”

Grape Vine answers, “Now, I know how you stallions can get all stubborn, and I can’t have you starvin’ to death in here while you ain't gettin’ nowhere with yer arguin’.”

Twilight then says, “Well, we have made some progress. Mormon made a proposal that Little Strongheart agrees with.”

I notice, through my character’s eyes, that the pie that Grape Vine is now cutting into quarters and putting on plates is an apple pie. I state, “Actually, it might not be a bad idea to continue our discussion over the pie. It could give us further ideas on what we can agree on.”

Little Strongheart seems to agree with me, as she says, “You know, that pie does look good. And, Mormon and I haven’t had anything to eat since breakfast.”

Hearing the bison calf’s statement, the yellow earth mare says, “So, Ah guess it’s settled then. Ah’ll leave you four to eat whilst you solve the problems of the world, then Ah’ll come back when ye’re finished.” And, with that, she turns and leaves through the front door, the way she entered.

The four each claim a piece of the pie.

After taking a bite of the fruit-filled pastry, Little Strongheart hums in delight and says, “This is great. I’m sure the other buffalo would like this, too.”

I wait for my character to take a bite of his slice of pie, then chew and swallow it, before I say, “You know, the bison have their own food, cornmeal, that some of you settler ponies might like.”

Braeburn, through his own mouthful of pie, says, “Really?”

Little Strongheart says, “I don’t know. I remember, while Pinkie Pie liked the cornmeal, Rainbow Dash would only sniff it.”

I add, “At first. But, when she did finally decide to take a taste, she seemed to enjoy it just as much as Pinkie Pie did.”

The bison calf pauses for a moment, then says, “You know, you’ve got a point there. Although, I have to wonder if it wasn’t hunger more than anything else that was driving Rainbow Dash to eat the way she did.”

Then, Breaburn asks, “So, Mormon, what’re you suggestin’?”

I answer, “Tonight, why don’t you have a potluck dinner?”

Curiously, the yellow earth stallion tilts his head and asks, “What’s a potluck dinner?”

I answer, “It’s a dinner where everyone contributes. If you ponies will prepare the foods you like to eat, and the bison prepare the foods they like to eat, and both groups share, then it could go a long way toward both the settlers and the bison resolving their differences.”

At the proposition, the bison calf and the yellow earth stallion, both with faces caked with the crumbs of the pie crust, look at each other for a few seconds. They then turn to my character again, and Braeburn says, “You might be right again. You and Little Strongheart have said that Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash liked the bison’s cornmeal. And, Little Strongheart likes the apple pie Grape Vine served. So, why not?”

Little Strongheart adds, “And, we buffalo always welcome guests. I’m sure the other buffalo will agree to your suggestion.”

Then, Braeburn seems to think aloud, “The only problem is, what trees can we move so that the buffalo can get through? We don’t wanna lose the whole orchard.”

I wait for my character to finish his last bite of apple pie, then I say, “If the three of you are finished, or as soon as you are, let’s go out to the orchard and plot a course the bison can take through it. We can figure out from that what trees need to be moved. Does that make sense to you?”

Little Strongheart says, “As much as we would like our stampeding grounds back, if we can just have a pathway through to the other side of your orchard, and beyond, then we’ll be happy, and we’ll give back the tree we’re still holding.”

At this point, Twilight Sparkle says, “Well, I’m finished with my slice of pie. What about you and Little Strongheart?”

The bison calf answers, “All I have left are crumbs.”

Then, Braeburn answers, “Ah’ve eaten as much as Ah can.” And, judging by his empty plate, I believe him.

So, with Braeburn once again leading the way, the group heads out of the town hall, and toward the orchard.

A few minutes later, with the two ponies, the bison calf, and the human working together, a slightly meandering course is plotted through the orchard, which requires no more, it seems, than six trees to be moved to different locations.

And, in the mean time, my character happens to turn to the nearby mountains to show me, through his eyes, a line of bison along the edge of the mountain, evidently watching the group of four creatures plotting the course through the orchard.

When the work is done, the four return to the town square, where the pie tin and plates have evidently been cleared away; and Braeburn and Little Strongheart finally make and write up an agreement on the plans that have been made. And, after that, Braeburn heads out and rings the bell on the town hall, while Little Strongheart returns to the bison herd, each to call the two groups together and announce the resolution that’s been reached.

In the mean time, Twilight and I agree that Braeburn and Little Strongheart should make the announcements.

After several minutes, the bison and settlers are gathered in front of an outdoor stage, although it’s clear that the two parties aren’t ready to mix just yet.

And, it’s Twilight who informs Braeburn and Little Strongheart that they are to make the announcements.

Braeburn, on the stage next to Little Strongheart, clears his throat before saying, “We have, after much discussion, made up a plan that we think all will agree with. We’ve plotted a course through the orchard, and only six trees will need to be moved. If we the settlers will move those trees, …”

Little Strongheart continues, “Then we the buffalo can have a way through their orchard.”

Braeburn continues, “Furthermore, as per Mormon’s suggestion, we will have a potluck dinner tonight. This means we settlers will make the kind of foods that we like to eat, …”

Little Strongheart continues, “and we buffalo will make the kind of foods that we like to eat, …”

Braeburn concludes, “And both sides will share with each other.”

Just as in the episode, Chief Thunderhooves and Sheriff Silverstar are right next to each other, just to the side of the stage. But, unlike in the episode, the conversation between the two immediately follows the combined speech of the bison calf and the yellow earth pony instead of Pinkie Pie’s musical number, which, at this point, doesn't happen.

After a few seconds of Appleoosa’s law enforcement and the alpha bison talking to each other, Chief Thunderhooves says, “It appears that Sheriff Silverstar and I have come to … an agreement.”

Just as in the episode, there are a few seconds of excited, silent anticipation as the ponies and the bison fill the silence with an audible gasp.

The earth pony and bison again nod to each other, and Chief Thunderhooves continues, “That is most certainly a plan that both sides can live with.” Then, after cheers and applause from around the audience, the chief of the bison continues, “However, we would like to add one thing.”

I ask, “Yes, Chief?”

The elder bison continues, “This conflict started because we buffalo thought we’d be desecrating our sacred stampeding grounds by letting the settlers know about them. But, I think there is something we can do to help both us buffalo and the settlers understand each other better. I suggest the settlers choose one from among them to live among us for seven days, and we buffalo will choose one from among us to live with the Appleoosans for those seven days. Then, when that period of time is up, the buffalo will return to the buffalo, and the Appleoosan will return to the Appleoosans, and our representatives will help us learn to understand each other better.”

You know, I seem to remember that being a suggestion I’d wanted to bring up. I guess I’d forgotten about it. The good news is that Chief Thunderhooves had it in mind. So, I just restate, “It sounds like you’re talking about an exchange program.”

Chief Thunderhooves hums with interest, or perhaps in agreement, before saying, “That does sound like a reasonable title for the plan. Very well. If that is what it is called, then yes, I suggest an exchange program.”

Braeburn and Little Strongheart exchange a smile between the two of them before turning back to the audience, and Braeburn says, “Well, if our officials agree to it, in addition to the plans we’ve already agreed to, then I say let’s do it.”

And, again there are cheers from both bison and ponies.

As the earth pony and bison calf descend from the stage, Pinkie Pie approaches my character and says, “I knew you’d help them come to the right decision. And, it was a much better idea than the musical number I would've come up with.”

My character kneels down on one knee, and Pinkie Pie immediately jumps into his arms. As the two hug, Pinkie adds, “That dress was gonna be uncomfortable anyway. Better to start a period of peace with your plan than a battle with mine.”

Just then, I hear Little Strongheart on the stage again saying, “Oh, and one more thing. Whoever it is among the settlers that is chosen to live with us for a week, we would be honored if he or she would read more from the Book of Mormon for us.”

At that, Pinkie Pie pushes away from my character and says, “That’s why I brought the extra copies of the Book of Mormon with me. I don’t know if we’ll be able to have a reading before we leave, but I figured it was worth bringing the books just in case.”

Twilight then says, “I did bring my copy with me, along with Spike’s.”

Each of the other element bearers, except for Rainbow Dash, states that they have their own with them.

Then, Braeburn, Sheriff Silverstar, and Grape Vine step forward and volunteer to join in on the reading.

I decide, at that point, to agree to have one more reading, this time among the Appleoosans and bison, as something of a farewell before my character, the element bearers, Spike, Lyra, and Weed Whacker have to return by train to Ponyville.

And, it’s agreed that the reading be held in Appleoosa’s town hall. And, the settler ponies and some of the bison volunteer to listen to the reading, which they agree should take place as soon as possible, after which they decide to make preparations for it, and execute the plans that have been made.

The readers, consisting of me, Lyra, Weed Whacker, the element bearers, Spike, Braeburn, Sheriff Silverstar, and Grape Vine, are the first to enter, followed by the settler ponies and the bison who want to watch and listen.

Once all are settled in the circle, I state, "Last night, since it was just Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Spike and me, we just read the first chapter of Mosiah."

Twilight Sparkle responds, "Well, in our reading circle, we just had me, Rarity, Fluttershy, Applejack, Spike, Lyra, and Weed Whacker. We didn't know what to do, so we went with Lyra's suggestion, and read the first chapter of the Book of Mosiah as well. Was that alright?"

I listen to the purple unicorn as my character focuses on her, then I answer, "That's just fine. But, since there are newcomers to the reading circle, would anyone like to volunteer to give a summary of what we've read so far?"

Presently, Lyra rises to all fours and gives a brief description of the events starting in the First Book of Nephi, and ending with the first chapter in the Book of Mosiah. And, in the mean time, ponies around the circle open their books and flip through the pages until they arrive at the right chapter.

As the pale-green unicorn proceeds to sit down, I say, "Thank you, Lyra." I then have my character turn to the three newcomers, and I continue, "Now, it's a tradition among us readers that a newcomer to the reading has the opportunity to start the reading first. So, do I have a volunteer?" Then, after between five and ten seconds with no one volunteering, I have my character turn to Applejack's cousin, and I ask, "Braeburn, will you start reading chapter two?"

The yellow earth stallion nods and answers, "Ah'd be honored." He then looks down into his book and reads, "And it came to pass that after Mosiah had done as his father had commanded him, and had made a proclamation throughout all the land, that the people gathered themselves together throughout all the land, that they might go up to the temple to hear the words which king Benjamin should speak unto them."

Sheriff Silverstar then says, "Ah'll read verse two," Before looking down and reading, "And there were a great number, even so many that they did not number them; for they had multiplied exceedingly and waxed great in the land."

Grape Vine reads, "And they also took of the firstlings of their flocks, that they might offer sacrifice and burnt offerings according to the law of Moses;"

Lyra reads, "And also that they might give thanks to the Lord their God, who had brought them out of the land of Jerusalem, and who had delivered them out of the hands of their enemies, and had appointed just men to be their teachers, and also a just man to be their king, who had established peace in the land of Zarahemla, and who had taught them to keep the commandments of God, that they might rejoice and be filled with love towards God and all men."

I read, "And it came to pass that when they came up to the temple, they pitched their tents round about, every man according to his family, consisting of his wife, and his sons, and his daughters, and their sons, and their daughters, from the eldest down to the youngest, every family being separate one from another."

Weed Whacker reads, "And they pitched their tents round about the temple, every man having his tent with the door thereof towards the temple, that thereby they might remain in their tents and hear the words which king Benjamin should speak unto them;"

Pinkie Pie reads, "For the multitude being so great that king Benjamin could not teach them all within the walls of the temple, therefore he caused a tower to be erected, that thereby his people might hear the words which he should speak unto them."

Twilight Sparkle reads, "And it came to pass that he began to speak to his people from the tower; and they could not all hear his words because of the greatness of the multitude; therefore he caused that the words which he spake should be written and sent forth among those that were not under the sound of his voice, that they might also receive his words."

Spike reads, "And these are the words which he spake and caused to be written, saying: My brethren, all ye that have assembled yourselves together, you that can hear my words which I shall speak unto you this day; for I have not commanded you to come up hither to trifle with the words which I shall speak, but that you should hearken unto me, and open your ears that ye may hear, and your hearts that ye may understand, and your minds that the mysteries of God may be unfolded to your view."

Rarity reads, "I have not commanded you to come up hither that ye should fear me, or that ye should think that I of myself am more than a mortal man."

Fluttershy reads, "But I am like as yourselves, subject to all manner of infirmities in body and mind; yet I have been chosen by this people, and consecrated by my father, and was suffered by the hand of the Lord that I should be a ruler and a king over this people; and have been kept and preserved by his matchless power, to serve you with all the might, mind and strength which the Lord hath granted unto me."

Rainbow Dash reads, "I say unto you that as I have been suffered to spend my days in your service, even up to this time, and have not sought gold nor silver nor any manner of riches of you;"

Applejack reads, "Neither have I suffered that ye should be confined in dungeons, nor that ye should make slaves one of another, nor that ye should murder, or plunder, or steal, or commit adultery; nor even have I suffered that ye should commit any manner of wickedness, and have taught you that ye should keep the commandments of the Lord, in all things which he hath commanded you—"

Braeburn reads, "And even I, myself, have labored with mine own hands that I might serve you, and that ye should not be laden with taxes, and that there should nothing come upon you which was grievous to be borne—and of all these things which I have spoken, ye yourselves are witnesses this day."

Sheriff Silverstar reads, "Yet, my brethren, I have not done these things that I might boast, neither do I tell these things that thereby I might accuse you; but I tell you these things that ye may know that I can answer a clear conscience before God this day."

Grape Vine reads, "Behold, I say unto you that because I said unto you that I had spent my days in your service, I do not desire to boast, for I have only been in the service of God."

Lyra reads, "And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." She then looks up and asks, "Is this King Benjamin suggesting that his people should worship each other?"

I answer, "I don't think so. The Christ has said that he wants us to treat each other the way each of us would want to be treated. He's also said that what we do to each other, even the weakest among us, we might as well be doing to Him. We all have our strengths and weaknesses, and all of us, whether directly or indirectly, were created by God. And, looking at ourselves that way as descendants of God, it does make sense that the way we treat each other may be a reflection of how we would treat our creator. Something to think about, when we interact with another creature, is, 'Would I want to be treated this way?' or 'Would I treat God this way?' Maybe this is what King Benjamin was getting at." I then thank the pale-green unicorn, then, as my character looks down into his book, I read, "Behold, ye have called me your king; and if I, whom ye call your king, do labor to serve you, then ought not ye to labor to serve one another?"

Weed Whacker reads, "And behold also, if I, whom ye call your king, who has spent his days in your service, and yet has been in the service of God, do merit any thanks from you, O how you ought to thank your heavenly King!"

Pinkie Pie reads, "I say unto you, my brethren, that if you should render all the thanks and praise which your whole soul has power to possess, to that God who has created you, and has kept and preserved you, and has caused that ye should rejoice, and has granted that ye should live in peace one with another—"

Twilight Sparkle reads, "I say unto you that if ye should serve him who has created you from the beginning, and is preserving you from day to day, by lending you breath, that ye may live and move and do according to your own will, and even supporting you from one moment to another—I say, if ye should serve him with all your whole souls yet ye would be unprofitable servants."

Spike reads, "And behold, all that he requires of you is to keep his commandments; and he has promised you that if ye would keep his commandments ye should prosper in the land; and he never doth vary from that which he hath said; therefore, if ye do keep his commandments he doth bless you and prosper you."

Rarity reads, "And now, in the first place, he hath created you, and granted unto you your lives, for which ye are indebted unto him."

Fluttershy reads, "And secondly, he doth require that ye should do as he hath commanded you; for which if ye do, he doth immediately bless you; and therefore he hath paid you. And ye are still indebted unto him, and are, and will be, forever and ever; therefore, of what have ye to boast?"

Rainbow Dash reads, "And now I ask, can ye say aught of yourselves? I answer you, Nay. Ye cannot say that ye are even as much as the dust of the earth; yet ye were created of the dust of the earth; but behold, it belongeth to him who created you."

Applejack reads, "And I, even I, whom ye call your king, am no better than ye yourselves are; for I am also of the dust. And ye behold that I am old, and am about to yield up this mortal frame to its mother earth."

Braeburn reads, "Therefore, as I said unto you that I had served you, walking with a clear conscience before God, even so I at this time have caused that ye should assemble yourselves together, that I might be found blameless, and that your blood should not come upon me, when I shall stand to be judged of God of the things whereof he hath commanded me concerning you."

Sheriff Silverstar reads, "I say unto you that I have caused that ye should assemble yourselves together that I might rid my garments of your blood, at this period of time when I am about to go down to my grave, that I might go down in peace, and my immortal spirit may join the choirs above in singing the praises of a just God."

Grape Vine reads, "And moreover, I say unto you that I have caused that ye should assemble yourselves together, that I might declare unto you that I can no longer be your teacher, nor your king;"

Lyra reads, "For even at this time, my whole frame doth tremble exceedingly while attempting to speak unto you; but the Lord God doth support me, and hath suffered me that I should speak unto you, and hath commanded me that I should declare unto you this day, that my son Mosiah is a king and a ruler over you."

I read, "And now, my brethren, I would that ye should do as ye have hitherto done. As ye have kept my commandments, and also the commandments of my father, and have prospered, and have been kept from falling into the hands of your enemies, even so if ye shall keep the commandments of my son, or the commandments of God which shall be delivered unto you by him, ye shall prosper in the land, and your enemies shall have no power over you."

Weed Whacker reads, "But, O my people, beware lest there shall arise contentions among you, and ye list to obey the evil spirit, which was spoken of by my father Mosiah."

Pinkie Pie reads, "For behold, there is a wo pronounced upon him who listeth to obey that spirit; for if he listeth to obey him, and remaineth and dieth in his sins, the same drinketh damnation to his own soul; for he receiveth for his wages an everlasting punishment, having transgressed the law of God contrary to his own knowledge."

Twilight Sparkle reads, "I say unto you, that there are not any among you, except it be your little children that have not been taught concerning these things, but what knoweth that ye are eternally indebted to your heavenly Father, to render to him all that you have and are; and also have been taught concerning the records which contain the prophecies which have been spoken by the holy prophets, even down to the time our father, Lehi, left Jerusalem;"

Spike reads, "And also, all that has been spoken by our fathers until now. And behold, also, they spake that which was commanded them of the Lord; therefore, they are just and true."

Rarity reads, "And now, I say unto you, my brethren, that after ye have known and have been taught all these things, if ye should transgress and go contrary to that which has been spoken, that ye do withdraw yourselves from the Spirit of the Lord, that it may have no place in you to guide you in wisdom’s paths that ye may be blessed, prospered, and preserved—"

Fluttershy reads, "I say unto you, that the man that doeth this, the same cometh out in open rebellion against God; therefore he listeth to obey the evil spirit, and becometh an enemy to all righteousness; therefore, the Lord has no place in him, for he dwelleth not in unholy temples."

Rainbow Dash reads, "Therefore if that man repenteth not, and remaineth and dieth an enemy to God, the demands of divine justice do awaken his immortal soul to a lively sense of his own guilt, which doth cause him to shrink from the presence of the Lord, and doth fill his breast with guilt, and pain, and anguish, which is like an unquenchable fire, whose flame ascendeth up forever and ever."

Applejack reads, "And now I say unto you, that mercy hath no claim on that man; therefore his final doom is to endure a never-ending torment."

Braeburn reads, "O, all ye old men, and also ye young men, and you little children who can understand my words, for I have spoken plainly unto you that ye might understand, I pray that ye should awake to a remembrance of the awful situation of those that have fallen into transgression."

Sheriff Silverstar reads, "And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it."

At this point, I have my character stand up; and I say, "And, I think that should be all for now. Pinkie Pie has brought more copies of the Book of Mormon with her, and I'm guessing she'll leave them here in your town hall so that others who want a copy can have one.

"In the mean time, there are preparations that need to be made for the potluck dinner tonight, as well as deciding on which settler pony's going to live in the camp among the bison, and which bison's going to live in Appleoosa among the settler ponies. So, I'm thinking this should be the end of the reading for now."

As ponies and bison start leaving the town hall, Pinkie Pie takes a position next to the doorway and produces the bag with the copies of the Book of Mormon in it, and sets it next to the doorway so that anyone who walks through the door can see the bag as they enter or exit.

In the mean time, Braeburn and the sheriff approach me; and Braeburn asks, “Is it alright if we keep these copies of your book?”

I answer, “It isn’t my book, I’m just named after the prophet that contributed the most to it. But, yes, you are welcome to keep your copies.”

Sheriff Silverstar smiles and says, “Well, thank you, Mormon. Ah can’t speak for everypony that gets a copy of this book, but Ah know Ah’ll continue to read it.”

I reply, “That’s good to hear. You’re welcome to read as much of it as you want, and you may start wherever you want, too.”

Braeburn then asks, “And, Ah suppose Ah’m also welcome to do that?”

I open my mouth to answer, but Applejack beats me to it, saying, “In Ponyville, we have readin’s each day. If you wanna set up somethin’ like that here in Appleoosa, then go fer it.”

The two relatives turn to each other, and Braeburn says, “Well, thank you, cuz. We were thinkin’ of just readin’ by our lonesomes, but we can get everypony who wants to gather here and read together, too.”

I state, “Well, I’m thinking it’s time to make plans and preparations for the dinner tonight, and to decide who among you Appleoosan ponies is gonna live among the bison for the next week.”

The sheriff and Braeburn simultaneously answer, “Agreed,” and they, as well as Applejack and my character, join the rest of the creatures in the shrinking line out the door.

Once outside, it’s found that ponies have been gathering, waiting to get in and discuss who should stay with the bison for the week.

Sheriff Silverstar dismisses Braeburn to take care of the trees, and the yellow earth stallion then proceeds to lead the element bearers and my character and his other friends to the apple orchard to uproot the six trees and move them to the outer edge of the orchard.

On the way there, I hear Twilight say, “Well, I don’t think we could’ve asked for a better outcome. Just think, if Mormon here hadn’t been captured by the buffalo, who knows what might’ve happened?”

Pinkie Pie says, “Yeah. I would’ve tried a musical number, and that would’ve caused a fight between the settler ponies and the buffalo if Mormon hadn’t been here at all.”

I state, “You know what, Pinkie, it didn’t hurt any that you prayed for us while we were discussing a solution to the problem.”

Pinkie Pie “Aww”s, then says, “I figured it couldn’t hurt to try.”

I reply, “Well, it most certainly helped.”

About this time the group arrives at the orchard and starts with the tree immediately past the mountain entrance. It surprisingly takes only a short time to uproot the tree, maybe ten or so minutes, then another ten minutes to move it to another part of the orchard, and plant it where Braeburn decides it should go.

In fact, uprooting and replanting all six trees takes, I’d say, approximately two hours, after which the holes left by the uprooted trees are filled in, making a clear path for the bison to follow through the orchard.

And, as it turns out, it evidently takes that long for Little Srongheart to arrive with the caboose containing the tree that Applejack had planned on offering as a present to Braeburn. And, a spot is chosen for the tree, bordering on the trail through the orchard.

When the apple tree is planted in its prominent position, Applejack rests her head on it and says, “Bloomberg, this is your special day. Momma’s so proud of you.” And, I’m sure I can see, through my character’s eyes, tears flow from hers.

With a pathway through the orchard made evident, the group, joined by Little Strongheart, makes their way along it and into town.

Then, as the group starts along Appleoosa’s evident main street, Braeburn says, “Ya know, considerin’ that path, Ah’d say you had a good idea, Mormon. The path won’t just be good for the buffalo that stampede through there. It should also be good for gettin’ the apples picked in half the time.”

I hadn’t really thought of that benefit when I’d suggested the course through the orchard. But, if it works that way for Braeburn and his fellow Appleoosans, then I see no reason to argue about it. And, I think I communicate as much to the yellow earth stallion.

In the mean time, the group visits the town hall again to find out that a pony, an earth stallion with a blue coat slightly darker than that of Rainbow Dash, dark blue mane and tail, yellow eyes, and two pairs of connected eighth notes as a cutie mark, has been chosen to live among the bison. Elsewhere, in one bakery, mares have joined forces to make various foods with oats and apples.

My guess is the Appleoosans had already started the harvest, perhaps gathered apples from the trees that had been uprooted and replanted. That, or they’d brought apples with them, and hadn’t used them up until then.

Whatever the case is, it’s clear that preparations for the potluck dinner are under way, at least on the part of the settler ponies. And, my guess is that the same thing can be said for the bison.

Wouldn’t you know it, while that thought is fresh in my mind, I see Chief Thunderhooves making a run through the orchard, along the course.

And, wouldn’t you know it, one of the settler mares is carrying a pie on her back, evidently heading for a building across the street, in Chief Thunderhooves’ path. And, she doesn’t see him until she’s right in his path, at which point she panics, hiding her face in her front hooves, resembling the stereotypical view of an ostrich burying its head in the sand. And, so fast is her movement that the pie on her back becomes airborne.

The next few seconds seem to slow down as the alpha bison slows to a stop to minimize the shock of the apple pie about to land on him. And land it does, on his face.

As the alpha bison stands there, warm apple pie dripping down his face, I have trouble keeping from laughing about it. Still, after a few seconds, I manage to say, “Uh, so Chief, would you like some apple pie?”

With one swipe of a surprisingly long tongue, the alpha bison cleans his face of the pastry. Then, he hums with delight before saying, “I hope our offerings are as pleasing to you as this apple pie is to me.”

Sighs of relief are followed by cheers of excitement at Chief Thunderhooves’ statement.

Then, Twilight approaches the alpha bison and asks, “So, Chief Thunderhooves, have you decided on a bison to live among the settlers?”

The chief bison answers, “We have, and the exchange will begin after the potluck dinner.”

Twilight smiles and says, “Excellent.” She then turns to my character and says, “If it’s alright with you, I think we should be heading on the train back to Ponyville now.”

A saddened Pinkie Pie asks, “Aww, but can’t we stay for the party?”

Twilight answers the pink earth pony, “I’m sorry, but no. We have duties to attend to back in Ponyville. Princess Celestia is coming to visit, and we need to be there.”

I state, “Well, I’m guessing we won’t be having another parasprite incident.”

Twilight giggles, then says, “No, but apparently Princess Celestia will be bringing her pet along.”

I know what Twilight’s talking about. Knowing that the next episode-based day is going to involve Philomena, Princess Celestia’s pet phoenix, I already know Fluttershy is once again going to make things interesting for Twilight when she, not understanding the life cycle of a phoenix, is going to abduct the bird and try to heal her. But, that’s a story for another day. Right now, I decide that Twilight has the right idea.

In the mean time, Chief Thunderhooves inhales deeply, then exhales deeply, then says, “Well, if you must leave, then let me just say that, in spite of your accidental abduction, I must say that our meeting was the best I’ve had with any creature. However you will be serving Princess Celestia, I know you will be a good example for her subjects.”

I can think of nothing else to say except to express gratitude, after which the rest of the group, save for Little Strongheart, who joins her chief, heads for the train station.

Once there, the element bearers, Spike, my character, Lyra, and Weed Whacker purchase tickets back to Ponyville, then start entering the train.

Before my character gets on board, though, I have him turn to the yellow earth stallion; and I say, “Now, Braeburn, I want to get reports from you on how things go with the potluck dinner, as well as the exchange program.”

Braeburn smiles and says, “Ah’ll be sure you get ‘em.”

I prepare to say more, but my character is pulled onto the train before I can say what I wanted to say, mainly that I would look forward to hearing from the yellow earth stallion.

As my character heads to the caboose at the back of the train, I hear Pinkie Pie, who’s following him, say, “Oh, I got your bedding with me. You left it in the town hall.”

I have my character turn to the pink earth pony, and I notice, from his perspective, the rolled-up bedding on her back. Apparently, the exchange program wasn’t the only thing I’d forgotten during the activity in the town hall. I have my character reach down and scratch Pinkie Pie behind one of her ears, then resume his walk to the red car.

Pinkie Pie even helps my character with the layout of the bedding, keeping her front hooves on one end of the foam rubber mattress as my character rolls it out, then pulling opposite corners of the blanket he brought with him to help straighten it out over the mattress. Then, after my character puts the pillow in place, earth pony and human feel a lurch as the train starts moving.

When the floor under the two has more or less stopped shifting, Pinkie Pie asks, “So, what about what you're gonna write to the princesses? Is it gonna be two of 'em, or just one covering both days?”

I answer, “I’m thinking I’ll just write one letter.”

And, seemingly on cue, Weed Whacker comes in with the clipboard and the writing utensil. She hands the two items to my character and says, “Mormon, you need to write your report or reports to the princesses.”

Pinkie Pie then nods and says, “Well, I’ll leave you to it then.” And, with that, she leaves through the door.

I have my character nod in agreement, first to Pinkie Pie before she leaves, then to the herbivorous dinosaur; and I wonder to myself what I should write. Finally, I decide to start with the previous day, and write about how I was abducted, along with Spike, Bloomberg, and Pinkie Pie, by the bison, and was thus unable to write a letter yesterday. And, from there on, I write about what I learned from them about the conflict they were having with the settler ponies of Appleoosa, and how it occurred because the bison hadn’t communicated to the settlers about their sacred stampeding grounds, where the settlers had planted their apple orchard.

I then write about how, the next day, the day when I’m writing this letter, in fact, I helped the bison and the settlers come to an agreement on how they could resolve their problems. And, that settlement included a suggestion from Chief Thunderhooves, the alpha among the bison, that they should have a week-long exchange program so that the settlers and the bison could understand each other better.

I don’t bother to mention that the exchange program was something I’d had in mind to suggest, and had forgotten to do so.

At any rate, I write about how, when we, that is my friends and the other element holders and Spike, were leaving, the plans for the potluck dinner, which I’d suggested, and the exchange program, are under way. I conclude the letter with the hope that things will go well for the settlers and the bison, and that I’ll be getting letters from Appleoosa letting me know how things go for them.

With the letter is complete, I roll it up, then hand it to the little herbivorous dinosaur for her to bite and thus send to the princesses. And, it seems that the train ride home is less eventful than the ride to Appleoosa. The sun sets, and my character settles down into his bedding and goes to sleep. And, considering I have no more to say or write than what I've already said and written, I close and end the game.

Author's Notes:

The next chapter will be a dream sequence, so there will be no scripture reading. But, Mormon will be delving into Pinkie Pie's mind in Chapter 25: Silent Ponyville, Holy Ponyville.