Dearest Fluttershy,

Has our dear friend Rainbow Dash been rubbing off on you? I must say, darling, I never thought you the adventuresome sort, yet here you are - hock-deep in the bushlands, surrounded by exciting new creatures and exotic ponies of all walks, striking out on your own! I am so very proud of you, Fluttershy. It thrills me no end that you've finally found a cause worth a little wanderlust. Modeling was perhaps not the world for you, and singing either, but this - this is you, Fluttershy, through and through.

Speaking of exotic travels in foreign lands, I just know you'll keep me abreast of any interesting developments on the fashion front. So much of what I see from outside Equestria proper is third-hoof; the occasional traveler or foreign official haunting Canterlot is hardly enough material to base a clothing line upon, and a mare must be authentic, no?

I know making this trip must've been a difficult decision for you, dear, but I do envy you in that. Did you know that save for our girls' infrequent (or all-too-frequent) forays into world-saving adventures, I've never left Equestria? I've been to Manehattan fewer times than Applejack and I've seen Canterlot far more times as a glimmer on the horizon than up close. I feel somewhat of a fraud, really. Here I am, designer par excellence to nobles and celebrities, and I'm more of a homebody than… well, than any of you. I play at coture, yet I've never even set hoof in Prance! Perhaps I'll remedy that sooner rather than later.

I must do something soon, or I'll lose my mind, or my touch, or perhaps my battle with that bottle of Palo Coltado sherry I've been saving. My Spring and Summer lines debuted months ago, my Fall line was finished in a whirlwind of manic inspiration, and Sweetie's off with my parents while school's out. Little Ponyville's still bustling but minus you girls, it's somehow - drat, what's the word? - hollow, I suppose? I tried a spa day (pampering does cure many ills) but without you it wasn't the same. Aloe and Lotus send you their best, of course.

I've rambled dreadfully, haven’t I? Apologies, Fluttershy. Here I am moaning about so very little while you're heading off on the trip of a lifetime. Enjoy yourself, darling - you've earned it.

Yours,

Rarity

Dear Rarity,

I think you’re being too hard on yourself. You have such a broad knowledge on fashion, I mean, not just from your catalogues, your books, your photos, and your interviews, but you have a certain mind about you that tells you exactly what ponies will love to see and love to wear even more.

Disregarding our embarrassing reaction the first time you tried to be nice to us, I can’t think of a single pony who hasn’t loved your clothing, and your attention to detail is tres magnifique. Fashion in Griffalabella is somewhat limited, most likely because they are all large fliers so clothing would get ruined rather quickly, but from what I’ve seen of it they seem to enjoy contrasting colors.

I saw a couple on the street while passing through wearing robin’s egg blue coats with traffic cone orange undershirts and dress pants. There was a butler with his madam who wore the strangest black and white checkered outfit I’d ever seen, while the lady he was escorting was wearing eye-catching reds, greens, and yellows. I suppose if you’re going to live in a city full of fliers, something that is deliberately eye-catching would be appropriate to stand out.

My current companions and I have been getting along. Mostly. Our disagreements have so far been the only bump in this otherwise wonderful trip. I won’t fill you in on the details but I’ve had to argue with them about hunting! I don’t want to stifle their appetite in their own home town, but we’re supposed to be observers, not predators.

At least Fabian and Sir Dusty Tracks look at my point of view. They’ve been very pleasant, but our other companions, Broch and Candis don’t seem to want me here. Broch is very much like Big Macintosh, big strong and quiet, but a little meaner. Candis is, well, bossy, and really opinionated. I try to be accommodating but I have to put my hoof down somewhere, especially since he constantly tries to overrule our Safari Leader’s decisions.

At the very least we’ll be doing our actual work this afternoon. We’re going to be down by the Griffalabella coast looking at the reefs, the birds, the fish, and the dolphins! I’m very excited to be apart of this experience, and can’t wait to see the animals in their natural habitat as opposed to pictures and stories.

As soon as I get back, we can spend a whole day at the spa and I’ll tell you, Aloe, and Vera all about the trip! I’ll try and find you some swatches to bring you, and see if the clothes-makers will let me have some of their schematics to give you in the meantime.

Until then, I miss you very much and can’t wait to see you again!

Much love,
Fluttershy

Dearest Fluttershy,

Truly you are as kind with words as you are with hospitality and hugs, darling! I don’t deserve all your praise, really. I suppose even with compliments it’s as proper to receive graciously as to give generously, so I’ll accept them, albeit reluctantly. I need not remind you of all ponies that I’d be a frazzled mess without you and our friends.

I didn’t mean to alarm you, dear. Drama is as drama does – ignore me if I become a bit excessive. I’m just restless and perhaps a tad jealous that I’m here and everypony else isn’t. I realize some of it was by choice and some was necessity; this doesn’t make it any less… Well, I’m not quite sure what it is. Am I feeling wistful? Lonely, perhaps? Certainly not. It’s merely a momentary bout of creative malaise. Restlessness of spirit and a yearning for answers last year’s Cabernet can’t provide. That’s it, really. Nothing to worry about.

And if I shan’t worry about moi, then I may surely worry about you. What sort of characters have you fallen in with, Fluttershy? Why, predators! They don’t sound particularly savory. No pun intended, of course. I admit my only contact with Griffons has been with the delightful Gustave le Grande, and that detestable wretch Gilda. Monsieur le Grand is a chef well-versed in all manner of cuisine, Equine-suitable and otherwise, as you well know, and quite a charmer. You know how I and the others feel about Gilda. I hesitate to say more about that buzzard lest I sully my speech with distinctly un-Ladylike words. Do be careful, please? Stick close to this Sir Dusty or whomever else you feel you can trust. I know there’s quite sufficient steel under your silk, darling. You can handle yourself but that doesn’t mean I won’t worry over you.

Many thanks for the tips on Griffabellan fashions. You have an eye for it as much as I do, so anything you can note - patterns, colors, styles, preferences - will be greatly appreciated. I’m thrilled you’re about to be snout-to-muzzle with all manner of creatures - you sound like you’re in your element, and your smile rings through your words loud and clear. I’ll hold you to that spa date, darling.

Enjoy yourself, stay safe, and don’t worry about me. Your expedition has inspired me! I do believe a change of scenery may be in order.

Yours,

Rarity

[Letter arrives on the back of a postcard, the front of which is a photo of ponies in elaborate flowing robes against an over-dramatic desert sunset.]

Dearest Fluttershy,

If your travels happen to cross the Mediterrhaynean in the next several weeks, do please let me know – I’ve booked a cruise! Had the bits and the time and found the motivation. Stopovers in exotic locales, time for reflection and retail therapy. Can safely lie to myself and call it “fashion research,” but of course it’s just an escape. I accept that. Cruise ship is delightful; feels indulgent enjoying myself so much with just a change of scenery. First stop Moroccolt. Perhaps not your style - few wild creatures, save for some caged exotic birds in the market. Loud and bustling too, in a good way. Delicious nightlife. Fashion here is fascinating! Everypony goes robed against the desert wind, in broad bold colors set off by dense brocades. Always another layer, hinting at what’s underneath; little details only seen from too close. Or perhaps from just close enough? A Lady never tells! Stay safe, darling. Miss you.

Ever Yours,
Rarity