Author's Notes:

A lot of this book has already been written so I imagine updates won’t be too far apart. A few things to note though:

1, I haven’t written a full book since I was around 15 so excuse me for any spelling, grammar, plot or other mistakes.

2, There won’t always be author notes but if there is there’s probably a reason for it.

And 3, I know this may seem an odd choice but Fluttershy is a unicorn and Pinkie is a Pegasus in this.

Anyway, hope you enjoy!

1 – Ponyville train stop

Rarity sighed as she looked out of the carriage window, leaning back into the plush seat and watching the countryside fly by. She debated closing her eyes to try to get a few more minutes of sleep, but quickly dismissed that idea when she heard some commotion from outside her carriage door. No, now wasn’t the time for sleep. Now was time to plan. She sighed once more as she enveloped the pencil that lay before her in magic.

It was a well known fact that Rarity was a mare that liked to dream big. So, it was of no surprise to anyone when she had announced to her dear friend fluttershy that she would be packing her bags and moving to Ponyville. Rarity stared down at her notebook once more, willing an idea to poof into her head. All she managed was a headache.

Now, moving to Ponyville in of itself wasn’t such a far fetched idea. Rarity imagined many ponies decided to take a break at the small village after a long train ride – it was a stop off point after all! And, she imagined, that a few of these ponies would probably be taken by the charm of the farming ponies that lived there. Sure it wasn’t the prettiest place but it did have… potential.

Rarity grunted in frustration and almost threw her pencil down. She hadn’t slept nearly enough to be trying to come up with designs! “After all,” she thought to herself, picking up and immediately putting back down her pencil. “Tiredness blocks creativity like nothing else.”

She was confident in her plan. It was simple, really. Just set up a boutique in the beautifully haunting building she’d brought, attract customers from the station when ponies get off to switch trains and make enough money to be able to open a boutique in a much more refined place – Canterlot!

As the train began to slow, she sighed for a third time and finally put away her pencil and notebook. Okay, so maybe it wasn’t the simplest plan. Honestly, she wasn’t 100% sure she’d made the right choice with this trip. “I mean, it might take a few days of cleaning before I can open.” She idly thought, waiting for the train to slow down enough so she could stand properly. “Then I need new designs and fabrics – oh and I’m going to have to order those in! I wonder if fluttershy knows where the closest fabric shop is?”

She stood as the train slowed to a stand still. “No point in rushing. Everypony else is probably getting off here too.”

Rarity took one last look out of the window before leaving to be met with the sight of a forest full of apple trees. She really hoped that was only a small portion of what was grown in Ponyville – apples were never really a favourite.

She levitated her bags up off of her seat and opened the doors to find her place in the stream of ponies making their way off the train. Luckily, there were only about ten other ponies in her section so she could fit into a gap and get off easily. A tall stallion gave her the go ahead and she smiled, giving him a short nod before stepping off the train and turning to the only other pony she knew at the station – Fluttershy. Or, well, a ball of pink and yellow fluff she assumed to be fluttershy. The shaking mare had crouched down quite low to avoid the looks of others around her.

Rarity’s smile only grew as she trotted towards the unicorn-shaped-ball, and grew even further when Fluttershy recognised her finally and jumped up to hug her.

“Rarity! I’ve missed you so much, I’m so happy you’re here. I forgot how many ponies switched at this time.” Fluttershy said, pulling back from the hug and giving her a smile of her own. Rarity was glad the other mare’s shyness had been put on temporary hold and took the chance she had, gesturing with her head to follow as they both began to make their way towards Rarity’s temporary accommodation.

“Yes, terribly sorry about that darling. I missed the earlier train by only a few minutes and got the rudest reply when I asked when the next train would be!” Rarity began, telling all about her adventures with the train conductors and passengers as they made their way into and back out of town. “… I mean, the nerve!”

Rarity’s story ended abruptly when she realised she’d been the only one talking all the way to Fluttershy’s cottage. She knew Fluttershy didn’t have a problem with that, but she blushed and apologised anyway. “So sorry dear, I’ve been talking this whole time! I suppose I just missed being able to chat away and have someone listen. Anyway, do tell me, how have you been?”

“Oh, I’ve been just wonderful! The owls have been visiting a lot recently – I think they’re trying to build me a set of wings!” She giggled, opening the front door to her cottage. It was only when the laughter between the two had died down and Rarity was about to say something that Fluttershy continued. She bent her head as she shut the door and smiled, a small blush covering her face.

“To be honest, I missed having someone to talk to as well. The animals around here are wonderful to listen to and all…” she raised her head, her blush deepening ever so slightly as she tried to hold eye contact with Rarity. “But I’ve really missed having ponies to talk to. The ones in town are a little scary.”

“Yes, I imagine talking to strangers would be a little frightening if you weren’t used to it.” Rarity consoled, lifting a hoof and smoothing back the other mare’s hair to get a closer look at her. “No matter, I’m here now.”

Their moment was cut short by a tapping at the window closest to Rarity. She jumped and turned to see two big yellow eyes staring back at her.

“Zuzu!” Fluttershy called, shyness washed away temporarily as she levitated the window open to allow the small owl access into her home. “You scared us! Why are you awake? It’s too early for owls, it’s only afternoon! Are you hurt?”

The worry Fluttershy displayed quickly faded as she listened to the bird hoot. It was replaced with a nod and a gentle sigh instead.

“Okay, but you must go to sleep as soon as you’re back. I promise you’ll feel much better!” The owl hooted once more, nodded to Rarity and flew off through the window. Fluttershy levitated the window closed once more and turned to Rarity, a hoof tracing the floor as she spoke. “Sorry about that. If you hear any tapping on your window while you sleep – “

“ – it’s probably one of your bird friends come to say hello?” She finished, quietly laughing to herself as the other’s face flushed once more. “Well then, looks like I’d better get the boutique ready as soon as! As much as I appreciate you letting me stay, I’m unsure if I can deal with owls at my window every night – or any other critter for that matter! Now, won’t you show me to my room?”

They both laughed and Fluttershy nodded as she led Rarity upstairs.