You are cordially invited to a private party being held in our mansion this Tuesday. We ask that only the most elite of ponies should attend, and that no additional invitations be extended to family or friends.

P.S. After all, we wouldn’t want to recreate the events of a certain Canterlot Garden party, now would we?

What an honour! I would be delight to attend. However, there are a few complications. I have made arrangements to have a reunion with my dearest friends in Ponyville this Tuesday and I am certain they would be heartbroken if I did not make an appearance.

I’m afraid I may need a tad more time to make up my mind. Since the date is fast approaching, I ask that you kindly reserve a seat for me at the celebration in case I decide to attend. Thank you ever so much.

I must say, I haven't felt this anxious since I first departed Canterlot for my new home. Fortunately, this anxiety is more parts excitement to dread than the previous occasion. I can hardly wait to see you again! I do hope you were able to make arrangements to come down without complicating your busy schedule. Are you taking a train or a private taxi?

I’ve managed to keep my mouth shut so none of the girls expect a thing! Oh, I can’t wait to see their faces when you arrive.

You didn’t show up! Whatever happened? I hope you’re alright. I’m glad I didn’t tell the girls because they didn’t have to endure the crippling disappointment I did. Spike arrived safely. He’s even bigger than he was when he left. Luckily there’s space in the library for him. This oak has grown even larger than the one that burned down all those years ago, providing just enough space to fit an almost-adult dragon.

He asked where you were and I was forced to explain. He was fighting back tears, I could tell. He hasn’t come out of the library since. It felt really impersonal having to tell him myself, so I certainly hope that whatever reason it was that detained you in Canterlot was a darn good one.

I must say, that soirée was simply delightful! It was quite a relief to finally catch up with such worthwhile ponies. I do feel rather guilty for breaking my plans with my friends, but they should understand, right? I am getting a strong sense of déjà vu, although I can’t think for the life of me why. However, I digress. Please give your chef my compliments for the splendid hors d'oeuvres.

I am terribly sorry, Twilight! You see, I ended up oversleeping, only to wake up ten minutes away from my train’s departure time. I rushed out but had a bad tumble and ended up horribly injuring my left foreleg. Therefore, I couldn’t make it in time. I was dreadfully disappointed myself as I would have given anything to see you girls again.

I hope you can find it in yourself to forgive me yet again! The doctor says I should make a speedy recovery, so I will be on my way when I do.

Oh my Celestia! I am so sorry for the not-so-subtly accusational tone I took in my previous letter. Here I thought that I was reliving the events of my birthday several years ago (the one that happened to be at the same time as a Canterlot Garden party), but I failed to realize that you’re my friend and you would never resort to petty lies. Get well soon, Rarity. We all miss you very much. I’ll try and get Spike to send you a letter. He’s never been too big on the pen pal thing after years of sending my letters back and forth.

Best wishes and get well soon, Rarity. Terribly sorry to hear about your foreleg. Is it broken or sprained? Maybe I can come over and help patch you up if it’s a sprain, ponies and animals shouldn’t be too different when it comes to medical care, right?

Hey there pal.

You’re one swell gal!

So it makes me sad

that you’re feeling bad.

A poem, signed Rainbow Dash

Haha, hey Rarity! So, I’m no Edgar Allan Pony, but I thought my little poem might cheer you up. If only you had lightning fast reflexes like me, you might not have a busted foreleg! That’s alright though, maybe I can teach you my moves sometime. The secret is an intense flying regime. We may have to change it a bit since you don’t have wings.

Lately you’ve been on my mind

since you’re in such stormy weather,

so here’s hoping that very soon

you will be getting better.

Signed, Applejack

Howdy, Rarity! Mighty sorry y’all ain’t been feeling well of late. Hope y’all get better real fast!

Get well soon, Rarie!! I wish I was there so that my Pinkie Sense would stop you from falling! Ah well, hope you make a super duper speeeeeeeeeeedy recovery!

Yay! Hope you like the glitter and confetti! It’s like your own personal party all over your room!

Though you are so far away

and I’m not at your side,

I’m sending you, from here to there,

a smile that’s miles wide!

Hey sis! Applejack told Applebloom to tell me that you hurt your foreleg, so I hope you get better! I’ve missed you so much. I wanted to write you but I was worried you were still mad about that fabric thing. I think a few months is enough time to cool down though, right?

Hey Rarity. Long time, no see. I didn’t realize you had been planning on going to Canterlot, but I always knew you liked it better there. I hope your new friends treat you well.

Thank you, darling. That’s very kind of you. Truth be told, I’m very lonely here. I hardly have any friends, ~~which is why I~~ oh nevermind. Anyways, the letter seemed awfully crinkled and the ink was smudged, were you crying? No need to lie to me, Spike, I understand why you would and I’m sorry I hurt you. I’ve realized that lying only brings you guilt.

I don’t deserve all the cards and love you all have been sending me. I lied about my accident. I’m in perfect health, actually. I just didn’t want to hurt your feelings by admitting that I went to some stuck-up party. It wasn’t even fun, dreadfully boring, in fact.

Spike told me what you said. He told me how you had lied to us about an injury to get out of seeing us. He even told me how dull the party was, which made me sad. You took a risk and it ended up not going in your favor, and that’s a shame.

Please don’t be angry with Spike for showing me the letter. He knew what the outcome was going to be and he wanted to provide you with the satisfaction of knowing that I’m not all that mad. I probably should be and rightfully was at first, but it subsided. He also told me how you said that you were lonely. I don’t want that for you. I want you to be wherever you’re the happiest.

I just think you quite know where that is yet. Take your time and figure it out. Are you happy in Canterlot? If you are, I fully support your decision. If you’re not, come home! You might not have your boutique, but you’re welcome to stay with one of us. Spike will be moving out soon to his own cave, and the nest is going to feel very empty and very, very spacious without him. I need someone to keep me company.

P.S. If you don’t mind me asking, how much would it cost to get you back to Ponyville, boutique and all?

P. P. S. I told the girls that your foreleg was merely sprained and that you're nearly all healed already. I decided to spare them the truth for now.

Separate Ways

by Eventide Indigo

They Melt Away