The Elements of Goodwill

Suddenly, we're off to Yakyakistan. This morning Spike coughed up a scroll from Princess Celestia inviting all six of us to an overnight goodwill tour of Yakyakistan. Hiking may be involved so we were told to dress for the cold and to bring sensible walking boots. We're to meet Princess Celestia late tomorrow morning near the Crystal Empire-Yakyakistan border and proceed from there. It's just a one day trip and we should be back the next day. Our job is to be retinue for Princess Celestia and Prince Blueblood and to serve as gift bearers. Soon after I got all my friends around the Map Table to tell them the news, a courier arrived with the six specially wrapped boxes we are to carry. Rainbow Dash was itching to peek inside her box, but we convinced her to leave it sealed.

I have all my gear out on my reading table, organized, ready to wear and to be packed into my hiking saddlebags. Winter clothes, a purse of bits, bed roll, blanket, the wrapped box, boots, hiking saddlebags. Check! I also packed some light reading, just in case. I considered taking The Illustrated Book On Unnatural Snowflakes And Where To Find Them, but I doubt I'll have time to go prospecting for snow flakes, and if I have the guide on hoof, not getting to use it will be more frustrating than anything else.