Fluttershy among the Ropes and the Tide

Dear Princess Twilight,

Three days have passed since I left Mount Aris with my friend, Dr. Akito Aishime, on our journey to the Sparkor Archipelago. The trip has taken longer than expected due to bad weather, but thanks to the bravery of Captain Celaeno’s crew, the airship managed to successfully navigate around the storms over the Eel Sea. Finally, this morning, we arrived at the island of Vaneisy.

Twilight, it’s a wonderful place! I had been told about its beauty, but I never imagined it would be so breathtaking. The beaches have sand as white as milk, and the waters along the coast shine with a turquoise hue that reminds me of Rarity’s favorite gems. The weather is so pleasant that, at times, it makes me feel like I’m back home... although here, there’s more sand and a lush tropical flora that fills the air with life.

And the wildlife! Twilight, for the first time in my life, I saw Vaneisy’s famous rainbow swans. They are the most beautiful birds I’ve ever seen. Their feathers shimmer with every color at each wingbeat, and their crests glisten like stars. Flying alongside them would have been incredible. Well... technically, we were about ten kilometers away, and I wasn’t allowed to leave because it was time for a customs inspection. But even so, watching them from the airship was a magical experience. I wish you and the girls had been here to see them with me.

The island is also full of fascinating creatures. I saw majestic white elephants and elegant pink panthers strolling along the banks of the Indigo Rivers. I spotted giant buffalo resting among the island’s mountains and all kinds of nocturnal birds. There’s so much I want to tell you about these and many other creatures I’ve discovered!

(...)

I’m sorry if this letter has gotten too long. I just realized I’ve nearly filled an entire roll of parchment, and I’ve only been talking about the animals. It’s just that everything here excites me so much. Every corner of Vaneisy is a surprise, and I can’t even imagine what awaits me tomorrow.

They say the wildlife on the island of Rou is even more impressive. I wonder if I’ll be able to handle so much wonder. I hope Celestia grants me the courage I’ll need to keep exploring this rich and beautiful archipelago... and that you, if possible, grant me a bit of your patience.

Tomorrow we’ll reach the end of the Sparkor Archipelago. I can already see the great island of Rou on the horizon. I’ve heard things about that place that unsettle me a little, but I’m more determined than ever to complete my mission successfully. I’ll write to you as soon as we arrive.

Sincerely, with love for her friend,
Fluttershy