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// Sleepovers and Scaredy-cats 
// Story: Letters from an Irritated Princess 
// by Tired Old Man 
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Dear Twilight and Company,

I cordially invite all of you to a goodwill sleepover, hosted graciously by Prince Rutherford in, you guessed it, Yakyakistan.

Now, I realize this might not sound like the ‘hot spot’ vacation invitation you would expect me to send, but after some ‘kind’ discussion with the good prince over the course of these past few months, he’s agreed to let us see what his hometown is all about.

To that end, if you’d like to come, I ask that you pack lightly. More specifically, pack for a sleepover under the restriction that you can carry everything you pack on your back. I realize this restriction basically applies to just one of you, but trust me when I say the Yaks don’t like carrying around extra baggage.

In addition, I request that you should wear a fancy dress for the lunch that will take place shortly after your arrival. Or dress warmly. Both, if possible--I'm sure Rarity can arrange something if you happen to be lacking a warm dress.

But do note this does not mean you have to wear the warm clothes prior to boarding the train. You really don't need to change until we meet up at the Crystal Empire, because that's when we're going to make the trek up the mountains to the village. Otherwise you’d just melt on the train wearing such stuffy clothing in temperate weather over the course of a few hours and absolutely reek of sweat, and the last thing I want to greet Prince Rutherford with is an offensive odor.

Otherwise, be prepared to experience the rich, authentic culture you tried to mimic so long ago. Which, for sake of keeping things peaceful, I wish for none of you to openly discuss during our stay there. That means you, Twilight. Don’t you even try to tell them how their cultural traditions are supposed to be according to that textbook I know you’re packing for ‘reference material’ as you read this letter. Leave it at home.

With those warnings and provisions out of the way, I’ll hopefully see all of you in the Crystal Empire soon.

Sincerely,

Princess Celestia

P.S. For Fluttershy, I’ve enclosed an extra letter with your invitation. Have Discord read it when he has time.

I get the feeling he’s been getting awfully clingy.

Now, Sunny, Moony, today is a very important day. Luna and I will be leaving the castle, and it’s going to be all yours tonight.

I expect you to behave like responsible adults. I know that might be a difficult task, but I have faith you can take care of a few things on this list while we’re away. Go on, give it a read.

Yes, Sunny. You’ll have to feed the scary crow. It’s important for you to respect our other birds as much as you do Philomena, and as such Moony’s responsible for feeding her tonight. Don’t worry, Luna has assured me Shadebeak won’t peck your head so long as you don’t mess with him. I trust you won’t make any rash decisions.

I also realize that with us away for the night, that would give you complete domain over the throne room. Don't turn that into your next food fight turf war like you did with the ballroom a week ago. The maids are still cleaning frosting and crumbs off the ceiling.

But if you must do one, have the good sense to fight in the kitchen. That place always gets cleaned daily thanks to our baking anyway.

What else was there… Oh, one more thing. I’m also expecting a package to be delivered tonight. You are to accept it and take it to my room.

Do not open it. That is all.