Dear Sunset Shimmer,
I’ve finally done it! I’ve located the grounds where the Rainbow-Eyed Ponies live. They are such a peaceful tribe and they make very beautiful art. I was thinking about writing a book involving them, but I decided against it in fear of other ponies searching for the Rainbow-Eyes and doing them harm. I know somepony who would think of that possibility.
Anyway, how are you doing? It sure must be pretty exciting having all these adventures without villains and treasure hunters tailing you everywhere. You’re really lucky, Sunset. You may be a princess, but you’re the most hooves-on princess I’ve ever met.
I hope to see you again soon.
Your friend, Daring Do
Sunset finished reading the letter to her friends, who were all riding in Troubleshoes’ wagon with her.
Sugar Belle asked, “So do you think we’ll ever meet Daring Do again?”
Sunset shrugged, “I don’t know, but anything’s possible.”
Party Favor agreed, “Especially when that ‘anything’ involves a famous author actually being a jungle adventurer.”
Double Diamond exhaled, “Whew! We sure got a kick out of that one!”
Night Glider said, “I tell you, that was some adventure we went on with Daring Do.”
Party Favor sighed happily, “A wild dream come true.”
Sunset smirked, “You know what would be a wild dream come true? Finding my one true love.”
Sugar Belle said, “I hope you find him someday. Your sisters have found theirs.”
Sunset looked down and said sadly, “I’ve been secluded almost all my life. I’m not even sure I will find somepony I’ll love.” She gave a wry chuckle, “Besides, I’m almost middle-aged now. Even if I wanted to marry and have a family, there wouldn’t be enough time. No. I think I’m just better off single and adventuring with you guys.”
Her friends exchanged uncomfortable glances with each other before Night Glider spoke up, “Ya know, Sunset, we’re not going to be traveling forever. I mean, some of us would like to settle down someday. But no matter the circumstances, we’ll always be your friends. If you ever need us, just let us know.”
Sunset gave a small smile as she said, “Thanks, guys, but I don’t want you to put your lives on hold just because I’m alone. I’ll be fine. I promise.”
Troubleshoes spoke up, “Not to interrupt the conversation or anythin’, but we’re here.”
Sunset was the last of the royals to arrive in Canterlot. Every member of the family had just attended Flurry Heart’s crystalling, but Sunset wanted to stay in the Crystal Empire a bit longer after the ceremony to catch up with Starlight. To her delight, her former guardian told her that she and Sunburst were currently dating, though they decided to wait with any kissing. Sunset knew that it was perfectly understandable, since they were both under the Spell of Eternal Youth and only true love’s kiss could break it.
As Sunset’s friends helped her unload her bags, Sugar Belle asked, “Are you sure it’s okay to stay at the castle while you and the others are on this camping trip?”
The princess answered, “Oh, I’m sure it’ll be fine. I want to make sure you guys are having fun of your own while we’re at Splendor Woods.”
Double Diamond smiled with wide eyes, “We’ve never actually stayed at the Canterlot palace before. This is going to be neat!”
Troubleshoes worried, “I just hope I don’t break anythin’ valuable.”
Sunset assured him, “Don’t worry, Troubleshoes. In case you accidentally bump into something, there’ll be a spell on it to protect it from being damaged.”
Just then, Twilight raced out the door and cried, “Sun-Sun!”
Sunset smiled as she embraced her twin sister, “Twi-Twi!”
Twilight said after she hugged her sister, “I’m glad you made it. We’re making the final preparations before we head off to Splendor Woods.”
Sunset chuckled as she followed Twilight, “Only you would crazy-prepare for everything.”
Twilight smirked, “Why do you think Mother and Father made me queen?”
Her twin joked, “Your obsession with order?”
Both sisters chuckled as they entered the hall. Sunset remarked as she saw the stacks of bags near the doors, “Whoa. Now that’s crazy-prepared.”
Twilight then used a spell to amplify her voice and called, “Kids, Aunt Sunset’s here!”
Soon, the royal children trickled from the stairs and various rooms to greet Sunset.
“Hi, Aunt Sunny!”
“Did you get the chance to catch up with Starlight?”
“Are she and Sunburst dating now?”
“Are they gonna have true love’s kiss?”
Sunset answered, “All right, all right. Settle down. How about I read you a story while we wait to go on the trip?”
The kids shouted, “Yay!” As they followed her into the foyer, they asked, “Is it another Daring Do story?”
Sunset chuckled, “I’m afraid not, but I picked up this fairy tale book while I was catching up with Starlight, who is indeed dating Sunburst and hasn’t had true love’s kiss yet.” She then pulled out a book from one of her bags. She said as she flipped the pages with her magic, “And I know just the fairy tale to read.” She stopped at a page and began to read, “’Once upon a time, there was a lovely princess. But she had an enchantment upon her of a fearful sort, which could only be broken by love’s first kiss. She was locked away in a castle guarded by a terrible, fire-breathing dragon. Many brave knights had attempted to free her from this dreadful prison, but none prevailed. She waited in the dragon’s keep in the highest room of the tallest tower for her true love and true love’s first kiss.’”
“Kids!” Discord’s voice interrupted her. When Sunset and the kids turned to face Discord by the doorway, he said, “We’re loading up the carriages now. Who’s up for some thrilling adventure in the woods?!”
The kids cheered as they raced out of the foyer.
As Twilight entered the room, Sunset sighed, “So much for finishing the story.”
Her twin sister wrapped her hoof around Sunset and said, “Hey, look at the bright side. If the kids get bored on the way to Splendor Woods, you can finish the story you were reading.”
Sunset then smiled, “Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s go adventuring in the wilderness.”