Feathered Paths

Rarity and Fluttershy put their bathing gowns on and sat down in the steam sauna. Lotus Blossom, one of the beauticians of the Ponyville Spa, poured water onto the hot stones, it sizzled and a cloud of thick steam raised. Rarity sighted with alleviation, but Fluttershy still made a frown.

"Alright, Fluttershy, now tell me, what bothers you?", Rarity asked her accommodating.

"I told you, Rarity, it's nothing!", retorted Fluttershy a tiny bit disgruntled.

"Fluttershy, I am one of your best friends and you can trust me completely. I can see there is something wrong with you, you look distraught, even more distressed as I once begged you to be my model for Photo Finish."

Fluttershy remained silent for a moment to consider what she should say. Eventually, she found the right words to explain why she is sad without telling anything about Soul Harmony: "A dear friend of mine visited me not so long ago, but somehow he changed in the way I knew him. He stayed at my cottage, but a few days ago, he left and I'm not sure if I will ever see him again... I-I miss him"

Rarity was concerned: "Oh Fluttershy, did he offend you? I'm sure he didn't wanted to."

Fluttershy was paralyzed: "He just went away...", and a single teardrop ran down her cheek.

Rarity considered how she could cheer up her friend and remembered something that happened to her recently: "Fluttershy, I have an idea how you may get over this. Two days ago a musician came to the Carousel Boutique and ordered a suit for the upcoming 'Near and Far' concert of this year's Winter Wrap Up. He sadly hadn't enough bits to pay the bill at once, but offered me two Very-Important-Pony-Tickets for the concert instead, and of course I had to accept them! Some ponies would kill to get at least one of those tickets. I don't know anypony else than you who should go there with me. And as I know, Twilight will be there as guest of honor, too. What do you think?"

Fluttershy thought it was a good plan and agreed by nodding and a slight smile.

Lotus Blossom interrupted them politely and asked them to move on. They left the steam room and went on to get their mud poultice, Rarity as usual on her whole face with cucumber slices for her eyes, and Fluttershy just on her cheeks. Fluttershy was now curious about the concert and asked Rarity: "I've seen some posters of the concert hanging all around Ponyville, but I didn't peruse one. What is the concert all about?"

Rarity pondered shortly and answered: "As far as I know the concert is a compilation of traditional folk music of all the inhabitants of Equestria. Musicians from every corner of Equestria gather here in Ponyville to perform an unprecedented concert. The hotels are totally booked up and overcrowded and there are griffons and zebras everywhere. And quite recently I've heard that they should have engaged a star pianist from Manehatten to play at the concert together with the Ponyville Philharmonic Orchestra. It certainly will be something unique."

They lay down on massage-couches and the spa ponies, Lotus Blossom and Aloe, prepared them for their massage. They provided pillows and Lotus Blossom got a rasp for Rarity's horn.

Rarity now began to tell her friend about the hustle and bustle in Ponyville: "Currently, day in, day out, ponies surge into the Carousel Boutique and order evening dresses or suits for the concert night. You can't believe how much work I have right at the moment. I really appreciate this little break, because the work is really, really exhausting."

Fluttershy suggested to help her: "Do you need my help? You know I have some sewing skills, too, and at the moment I'm not busy with anything."

Rarity refused: "Oh Fluttershy, you're too kind, but I'm afraid I've to do that on my own. You should take a rest and get over what happened to you."

Fluttershy was not very enthusiastic: "I've already been at home for days now..."

Rarity solaced her: "Time heals all wounds."

They spent the rest of the afternoon in the spa, relished their massages and mud-baths, and as they left the spa, Rarity showed her generosity to Fluttershy: "I will make a dress for you, too, Fluttershy, and I don't want to hear a 'no' from you as answer; It will be my pleasure."

Fluttershy was finally pulled out of her depression now: "Oh Rarity, you shouldn't have... Thank you!", and happier than the days before, but still a bit despondent, she walked home to her cottage, where her bunny Angel already awaited her for dinner, overlooking all the foreigners and visitors, who came for Ponyville's Winter Wrap Up celebration.