Fluttershy hoisted her travel pack onto her back and fastened it tight. She left the cottage and headed for her animal sanctuary. She spotted Discord playing with a group of otters, the mustelids sliding down a small hill of snow that was somehow not melting in the warm air.
Fluttershy trotted up to the group, giggling.
"I see you all are having fun"
"Well," Discord replied, "I think we both know I'd love to give them a more… exciting hill, but I respect your knowledge and care for these animals, dear Fluttershy."
"Thank you, Discord. You sure you're okay with watching the whole sanctuary while I'm gone?"
"Oh, Fluttershy, come now. You really think the god of chaos himself can't handle a group of critters for three days?"
Fluttershy blushed, feeling slightly shameful. "You're right."
The draconequus scooped Fluttershy up into a hug. "Take care, Fluttershy. And good luck with your trip."
Fluttershy matched the embrace, her face flushing more at hearing the serious tone in Discord's voice. She was set back onto the ground, and she waved goodbye. Discord waved in turn.
As she began to trot away, a piece of parchment poofed in front of her face, falling to the ground. She picked it up and looked at it. It was a postcard, printed with a picture of Discord by the pond in sunglasses and a flowery shirt, waving at the camera. Yes, actually waving. The words "Wish You Were Here" scrawled across the top in bold yellow letters. Fluttershy giggled as she slipped the postcard into her pack and continued on her way to the train station.

Rarity arrived at the train station, Yona carrying much of the unicorn's luggage on her back.
"Thank you ever so much for your help, darling," Rarity said, helping the yak transfer the suitcases onto the ground.
"Yaks best at helping!" She answered enthusiastically.
"And thank you for watching over Carousel Boutique while I am away. I have no doubt you'll do a fantastic job."
Yona nodded, smiling.
Only a few minutes later, Fluttershy stepped onto the platform. Rarity rushed over to greet her.
“Good afternoon, Fluttershy! Ready for our little trip?”
“Yes, Rarity. I have all the medical supplies I could need in my bags. Did you bring the gift?”
“But of course, dear. That is the whole point-I mean, half of the point of our trip,” Rarity said, covering her mistake before Fluttershy had a chance to show her disappointment.
The yellow pegasus walked up to Yona. “Hello, Yona! What are you doing here at the station?”
“Yona help Rarity with stuff for the trip!” She said before puffing her chest out. “And Yona is going to be in charge of Rarity’s boutique while you are gone.”
“Oh, that’s so nice of you, Yona! Rarity chose a great yak to help her out.”
Fluttershy was nearly interrupted by the loud whistle of a train. The Friendship Express pulled into the station, the wheels screeching to a halt. A crowd of many creatures flooded onto the platform as soon as the doors opened. Yona helped Rarity and Fluttershy carry their luggage onto the train. “Have a fun trip, ponies!” Yona said as she stepped out of the train car.
“Thank you, Yona!” Rarity replied. “See you in a few days!”
The friends waved goodbye to each other as the doors closed. Rarity and Fluttershy seated themselves in their room on the train.
“So, how far away is this place exactly?” Fluttershy asked, noticing the beds in their room.
“Not horribly far,” Rarity said, rubbing her hoof on the back of her neck, “although it’s sorta in… the middle of nowhere.” She smiled sheepishly.
“Oh,” Fluttershy stated, looking to the side nervously.
“But-” Rarity stuck her hoof out, bringing Fluttershy’s attention back to her. “We’ll be stopping in the nearest town. We can eat there, stay at an inn, maybe do some shopping.”
“It’s okay Rarity. I trust you. I just can’t help but get a little nervous going to a place where almost nopony goes.”
“Fluttershy, you’ll be just fine! I assure you, you’ll love it there. The Acorn family will simply adore you!”
“I hope so,” Fluttershy said somewhat to herself as she stared out the window.