It was early morning, a bitterly cold wind brushed against Iscariat's face, chapping his lips, and irritating his eyes something afoul. Pulling his cloak's hood closer to his face to fend off the frigid wind, Iscariat pressed on through the three feet of snow with his companion, Tabitha; who was huddled beneath his hood atop his head. He left the warmth of the Arch-Library at five in the morning, it was now eight o'clock and still he had not reached his destination; curtsy of an unexpected snow storm only one hour ago that forced him to bunker down, and now he was two hours off schedule. Iscariat hated this time of year, nothing ever goes the way it should, and his magic is always untrustworthy; sometimes failing to perform for months on end, like today. Were it not for Tabitha's support, Iscariat might have gone home a long time ago, and in the end they were rewarded for their commitment; for before their dried out eyes was the small town of Pony Ville; their final destination.
Traversing down the slippery slop of the hill he stood upon, Iscariat made a path towards the Great Oak that doubled as a house, and the town library. Though it was almost ten o'clock the town was completely barren, the undisturbed snow was proof of that, even Sugar Cube Corners; the town's most busy store was devoid of any patrons. Any other day such desolation would be considered a sign of impending doom, such as that one time Iscariat had to drive out a veritable platoon of pesky poltergeist. However, since today was Hearth Warming Day, Iscariat was not surprised in the least, and the smoke puffing gently from each chimney further cemented this fact. Making his last few steps towards the library door, Iscariat tapped lightly upon the entrance, and in less than a second the threshold parted for him revealing a tiny dragon in a festive green and red, wool, sweater.
"Happy Hearth Warming Day, Mr. Iscariat," Spike said happily, his very presence radiating a warmth unlike any seen upon this Earth.
"An to you too, Spike," Iscariat replied, though clearly lacking the young dragon's enthusiasm, and holiday spirit.
"Is something wrong?" Spike asked, as he stepped aside to allow Iscariat entrance to the warm dwelling.
"No, I'm fine," Iscariat lied, but Spike believed him.
"Well the others have yet to arrive, and Twilight is still getting ready," Spike said, picking up a plate of cookies he offered Iscariat and Tabitha, but Iscariat passed, and Tabitha refrained from eating sweets so as not to ruin her lean figure.
"It's quite alright, we didn't plan on staying long," Iscariat said dropping down beside the fire place, his hood lowered, and Tabitha curled up in front of him. "Princess Celestia and Luna just wanted me out of the library; even though they know how easy it is for me to fall behind at this time of year."
"Wow, you're really that busy?" Spike asked, as he tried to offer them something to drink, only to be stone walled again.
"You have no idea," Iscariat replied, making a mental note to check up on his Changeling alternative diet experiment once he got home.
"Well everypony else should be here soon, in the mean time make yourself at home, while I get to sprucing up lunch," Spike said, as he scurried off to the kitchen.
Time passed by rather moderately, and eventually all the guests arrived one by one; each with their hooves coated in snow, and a varying amount of gifts carried by each respectively. Not one to mingle, Iscariat mainly kept to himself, engaging in a conversation only when approached, and keeping all interactions to the bare bones minimum. When lunch was served he hardly ate, keeping his portions as small as possible, as well as adamantly refraining from talking at the table, due to his compulsive need to follow proper edict at all times. Following lunch they all sat around the fire place; though Iscariat sat a tad bit farther away from the others, and as they enjoyed the ember's warming glow, they sang songs and exchanged funny stories. At around two o'clock, Iscariat, with Tabitha under his hood, said his goodbyes, and before anypony could say a word the door closed behind him.
"I wonder what he was in such a hurry for?" Princess Twilight asked out loud, still staring at the door.
"Your guess is as good as mine, but what I want to know is why he didn't eat much," Spike said, feeling a tad offended that somepony refused his cooking.
"Even more strange is that he didn't seem to have much fun. I mean, you all saw how he just avoided everypony, right?" Pinkie Pie asked.
"You want to know what I don't get? I don't get why all you ponies are surprised by this. This is Curator Iscariat; the most antisocial, grouchiest, and boring pony in all of Equestria," Rainbow Dash replied shaking her head in disappointment at the others.
"Now hold your horses Rainbow, didn't it occur to y'all that Iscariat seemed a little more depressed than usual?" Applejack said, instantly casting a side wards glance at Princess Luna; as did everypony else.
"What?" Princess Luna inquired, a little overwhelmed by all the eyes staring at her. "Is something on my face? Are my wings sticking out?"
"Come on Princess, we know you and your sister know him better than anypony else," Rainbow Dash said rather boldly; which awarded her a scornful glare from Twilight.
"What Rainbow is trying to say is, that since you and Iscariat go way back then perhaps you can shed some light on his behavior," Princess Twilight said, trying her best to undo her friend's mistake.
"Oh," Princess Luna said chewing on her lip as she stared at her sister for some support, and after Celestia nodded her head, Luna knew what to do. "Understand that this must not leave these walls, okay?"
"We won't tell a soul, Princess," Applejack said, as all six mares, and Spike, performed the Pinkie promise.
"Okay, this goes back many years; before I became Nightmare Moon, and before Iscariat even started his tutelage under Sorca the Mystic," Princess Luna said, all the ponies sitting in front of her like children at story time. "It was three days until Hearth Warming Day; a Wednesday if I recall; a really cold, and snowy Wednesday with young foals combing the streets with their parents, and friends. Carolers could be heard all across the city, spreading their merry mirth for all to share, and spread themselves. It was a wondrous Wednesday indeed, but what really made it extra special was that Iscariat and I were participating in spreading the joy around. We did all kinds of things from playing with the young foals as their parents completed their shopping, sung a few hems, and even passed out some home made holiday treats.
"Eventually the Sun set, and I had to prepare to raise the Moon. Normally this would mean the Night Court is in secession, however, since neither court is active on the week of Hearth Warming Day, this meant Iscariat was not required to accompany me. In truth though he wanted to, but I informed him that he was not on duty this week, and after issuing a royal command, he came to see things my way. Anyway, after I left, he went off to meet his sister in Pony Ville; though back then it was called..."
"Iscariat had a sister?" Rarity interrupted, totally latching on to the juice gossip like some leech.
"But he always said he was an only child," Princess Twilight said, as she frantically skimmed the notes she wrote about Iscariat.
"I wonder if she was just like him," Fluttershy thought out loud.
"It's possible, though she could be more out going, and down right more neighborly," Applejack mused, as she rubbed her right hoof under her chin.
"Ahem, girls, you mind if I continue?" Princess Luna asked, and upon seeing her serious scowl, everypony buttoned their lips and allowed her to proceed uninterrupted. "Now as I was saying, Iscariat took the train to Pony Ville to meet his sister. However, this pony wasn't a sister in the traditional sense; you see about four years prior, Iscariat was returning home from a Royal Mission, which I 'am not at liberty to talk about, and his journey brought him to Pony Ville. Iscariat had never passed through that town until that day, and for the most part it was an enjoyable experience; that is until he met 'her.' Trail Blazer was the little filly's name, she was five years old, her coat was an amber orange, her mane and tail were a fiery red, and her adorable eyes were the purest of gold.
"According to Iscariat this filly was very special, a one of a kind child that is encountered once a generation, and yet she was cruelly abandoned by her own family and forced to fend for herself without any means of assistance. Turns out this filly was born in Cloudsdale to a very prestigious family, but she was born with only a left wing; rendering her incapable of flight. For that reason her father disowned her at the age of four, and left her in the, then, Earth Pony town of Pony Ville. When Iscariat met her, she was horribly malnourished, covered in mud and grim, and suffering from an illness that claimed the life of ponies three times her age. Without the slightest hesitation, Iscariat bathed and feed the poor thing out of his own pocket, and even offered to take the filly to his home; though she declined since she considered Pony Ville her home, despite her hardships.
"Unable to convince her, Iscariat made arrangements with the Regional Governor to place Trail Blazer under his guardianship, and for four years he visited regularly, as well as impart a stipend to cover any and all monthly expenses."
"I can't believe that a father would do that to his own daughter. My pa would never do that to me, even if I only had two hoofs," Applejack said, disgusted by such a vulgar act.
"It was a different age, Applejack. In those times your family's very life style hinged on three factors; reputation, lineage, and, most important of all, image," Princess Celestia explained, her expression alone painting a portrait of her complete disdain of her own era. "Fortunately Iscariat was a welcoming breath of fresh air...Or at least he was; once."
"What do you mean, Princess?" Fluttershy asked catching the underlining tone in Celestia's voice.
"Don't worry, that is another story, but for now let us let Luna resume her tale," Princess Celestia retorted.
"Now where was I?" Princess Luna said trying to recompose herself. "Ah yes, Iscariat's young ward. Well as I said, for four years he dutifully watched out for, and cared for, little Trail Blazer. A deep bond was created, an though she never saw him as a father, she did come to love him like a brother, and he loved her like a sister. The train was running late that day, due to the constant covering of the tracks by the heavy snow fall, and as a result the coaches were grossly over packed by dozens of ponies; who also wanted to visit their love ones that day. Iscariat planned to arrive by eight, but he did not reach Pony Ville till ten, and by then most of the citizens would have been asleep... however, that was not the case."
Princess Luna paused for a moment, her sister, knowing just how hard this was, lay her hoof on Luna's shoulder just as Luna broke into tears, and buried her face in Celestia's chest. Everypony patiently waited for Princess Luna to calm down, so she could finish her tale, and all the while they silently pondered just what caused her to break down like that.
"Sorry about that," Princess Luna replied, fighting back the urge to cry again.
"It is okay Luna, I can continue if you want?" Princess Celestia said brushing her hoof through Luna's mane.
"No, no I started it, so I should finish it," Princess Luna replied, regaining her composure, and then taking a deep breath. "Okay, I'm ready. Now, Iscariat had just arrived in Pony Ville, but instead of sleepy town, he walked into a veritable mad house. Ponies ran around frantically in an attempt to escape from some terrifying horror that descended upon them that night. Instantly concerned of his charge, Iscariat dashed to the home he had procured as the young filly's place of residence, and to his darkest dream the house was completely engulfed in flames. A bucket brigade fought the flames back in an attempt to halt their progress, but there just wasn't enough water due to the sudden cold snap, and even their well water was frozen solid.
"Unable to control himself, Iscariat leaped into the burning structure, ash and smoke clouded his vision, and burned his throat, but he didn't care. Rushing into any room that wasn't consumed by the flames, Iscariat searched high and low for Trail Blazer. Bolting up the stairs he called out her name, but she did not reply, and that was when Iscariat feared the absolute worst. The roof was ready to buckle at any time, an just when he lost all hope he found her inside her closet, but she wasn't moving or breathing. With no time to spare, Iscariat clutched Trail Blazer to his chest, and then leaped out the window; turning his body in mid air, so his stronger left side would break the fall, and reduce any damage the sudden stop might do to Trail Blazer."
"Sorry to interrupt, Princess, but why didn't Iscariat teleport out, or used magic to turn the snow into water, and extinguish the flames?" Princess Twilight asked, her right hoof in the air like some school filly.
"I'll explain," Princess Celestia said, allowing her sister to rest her voice for a spell. "As you know from your studies, Twilight, Unicorns are the most magically endowed, however, they are also saddled with many a genetic defect. Due to advances in medical technology, such defects are almost unheard of in this era, but in Iscariat's time they were much more prevalent. In Iscariat's case he is severely hampered during the winter months to the point that he can be incapable of preforming any magic at all. In a technical sense, the extreme cold causes a reaction in his horn that essentially plugs it up like a stopper plugs a drain, and so makes it difficult, or impossible, to channel magic through it to cast spells."
"Guess that explains why he walked here, and left the same way," Applejack mused, recalling the set of hoof prints that lead into Pony Ville when she arrived with the others.
"Well personally I think he would have walked regardless," Princess Luna said, chuckling a little at the thought, but then quickly shifted to a frown. "So, as you know, Iscariat was in capable of casting even the most simplest of spells, but thanks to his quick thinking, and sturdy back, he managed to escape from the burning house. The citizens of Pony Ville rushed to help him, the town's doctor dragged in tow. Turning Trail Blazer over to the physician, Iscariat could only watch as the fifty year old mare tried to get the young filly to breath, but it was already too late. After five minutes of chest compressions the doctor backed away from the life less filly, and after covering Trail Blazer with a wool blanket, Doctor Tibia took out her pocket watch and called the time of death at ten forty-five pm."
Utter silence consumed them, Twilight and her friends just felt awful, but no pony felt worse than Rainbow Dash; given what she said about Iscariat's personality and character. Those among them that have siblings, Rarity and Applejack in particular, couldn't even imagine a life without their younger sisters, and though Iscariat was not related by blood to Trail Blazer the same feelings applied, and worse yet that he was utterly useless that day just added salt to the wound. There was no pony there that did not see Iscariat in a completely different light, for to be able to function after such a tragedy is no less than a display of indomitable character, strength and will; a set of qualities that they themselves have displayed when the chips were down, but Iscariat has done it on a daily bases for more than one thousand years.
"So, what happened next?" Princess Twilight asked, though she was unable to make eye contact with Luna.
"He grieved and mourned for Trail Blazer's passing. My sister and I helped where we could, and through our authority we mounted a full scale investigation to the cause of the fire," Princess Luna said, and it was here that she lost control, and succumbed to her emotions; tears trailed down her muzzle. "The results, regretfully, added to Iscariat's suffering rather than bring him some manner of closer. Turns out the fire was caused by a lone candle placed too close to a curtain; apparently whenever Trail Blazer stays out late, Iscariat lights a candle to guide her home. This time it was inverted, but the poor child failed to air in the side of caution, and so paid the ultimate price for an honest mistake. When I told Iscariat of the report, he came close to ending his own life, stating that it was his fault for leaving the candles out. Fortunately I was able to stop him, but he was never the same again; though it wouldn't be till I became Nightmare Moon that he completely lost any sense of joy."
"No wonder he is such a grump," Rainbow Dash bluntly said, and once again received a glare from Twilight.
"What happened to Trail Blazer? Was she put to rest in Canterlot or Cloudsdale, or perhaps near the Arch-Library?" Princess Twilight asked, curious of the young filly's final resting place.
"Oh she was buried in Pony Ville, Iscariat said she would have wished it so," Princess Luna replied wiping her tears.
"Really?" Applejack said, puzzled, for she was born and raised in Pony Ville, and never did she recall seeing a grave stone with the name, 'Trail Blazer,' engraved on it.
"Yes, as a matter of fact, we are sitting on top of her grave at this moment," Princess Luna said.
"What?!" all six mares, and Spike, yelped out.
"Indeed, Iscariat was the one who planted this very oak; infusing its seed with a portion of his magic aura, so it would survive through the strongest storms, the coldest nights, and the driest days," Princess Luna explained, as she took in the tree in earnest. "Over time the citizens forgot the trees true purpose, and so transformed it into a library; fortunately, Iscariat did no mind, so long as it was not cut or otherwise harmed unnecessarily."
"Well I think that is enough about Iscariat," Princess Celestia said, and with that the subject was closed.
Over the next two hours they exchanged presents, and sang some more songs, whilst Spike and Applejack pitched together to cook up dinner. However, before dinner was complete, Princess Luna stated that she regretfully had to depart, but she also said that she would not be long, and that she should return long before dinner gets cold. Grasping her navy blue, wool, scarf; embroidered with her cutie mark on each end respectfully, Princess Luna opened the door, and took off into the now clear skies. The crisp clean air of the winter skies felt good to Luna, as she took deep breaths to clear her sinuses after all that crying she did earlier. It didn't take her long to reach her destination; an empty meadow to the untrained eye, but to the select few it was much more.
Landing just inches away from the meadow's borders, Princess Luna used her magic to cloak herself in a pale blue aura, and then walked into the meadow; however, to any bystander watching, the Princess looked like she vanished into thin air. Passing through the invisible barrier, Princess Luna now stood before an enormous building; that featured a heavy influence of Gothic architecture, as well as boasting a massive flight of stairs; comprising of over two hundred steps, and lastly baring the steps was a pair of gates made of ivory and held fast by powerful magic that even a Princess could not dispel. Approaching the ivory gates Princess Luna pulled on a cord to the far left three times, and after ten minutes the gates swung open. She ascended the steps accord, and beyond them was a single chamber that appeared to have no end in sight, and just a few feet from the entrance was the largest Grandfather Clock in recorded history. To the far right of the clock, positioned in front of one of the tens of thousands of bookshelves that created a veritable maze, was a desk, and behind that desk was Iscariat; jotting down a set of notes concerning his Changeling experiment.
"Your Highness, what brings you here at this hour? I assumed you would be spending the whole day with Princess Twilight and her friends. Is something wrong?" Iscariat asked, laying his quill down, and shutting his journal.
"You could say that. May I have a seat?" Princess Luna retorted, and with a nod of his head he offered her a cushion adjacent to him; which she moved to the front of the desk with her magic. "Now, let me first say that what I did was for your own good, so I beg you not to get mad, okay?"
"Your Highness, while I'm prone to anger, I only do so in the most extreme of circumstances, or when in he presence of supreme stupidity. So, say what you will," Iscariat said cracking an uncharacteristic smile.
"Very well...I told Twilight and her friends about Trail Blazer, and I mean everything," Princess Luna said, ducking her head down, expecting Iscariat to hum a book at her noggin.
"You...told them about her...Why?" Iscariat deadpanned, his body completely stiff, and his eyes just staring off into space.
"They needed to know Iscariat," Princess Luna retorted, her eyes locked on to him, and her expression stone serous. "A time will come when you are required to work with them, and they have to understand some of the factors that lead to your current state. Do you want to know how they saw you before? To them you were as foreign as a Changeling, and on some level they were terrified of you. Is that the kind of legacy you want to leave behind, is it?"
"That...is...nonsense," Iscariat said, his voice even, but his gaze cold. "I don't care about my legacy, because I have no plans of leaving one. I 'am nothing compared to all this. My insignificant existence would barely qualify as a foot note in the ocean that is history. No, your Highness, it does not bother me in the slightest if they fear or loath me, but I do disdain the fact of others knowing about my inner secrets without my verbal or written permission."
"Iscariat, you are more important than you claim to be; in more ways than one," Princess Luna said casting a sidewards glance at him.
"Ah, I think we are done here," Iscariat said grasping his quill, and opening his journal. "I believe you can show yourself out."
"Iscariat, please, don't shut me out. I only wanted to help you," Princess Luna said, but Iscariat would have none of it.
Unable to get his attention, Princess Luna calmly left the Arch-Library, and may her way back to Pony Ville. Now alone, Iscariat abandoned his work, completely unable to focus, and walked to his room. Closing the door behind him, Iscariat opened his night stand, extracting an old tome that , despite its age, was in immaculate condition. Parting the cover, he gazed at pressed flowers, childish drawings, and little scraps of notes scattered throughout the pages.
"She would want you to be happy, so please, let's just go back to the party," Tabitha telepathically said, as she curled up next to her master.
"I can't do that," Iscariat replied, shutting the tome, and replacing it back in the drawer.
"I won't force you, but you're only hurting yourself," Tabitha said, jumping on to her own bed to the right of Iscariat's bed.
Tabitha was right, as she always was, her wisdom cut through Iscariat like a knife, and it was then he knew what to do. Rising to his feet he walked back into the library proper, then climbed up a creaky ladder, and lowered from one of the tallest shelves tiny box made of pure iron. The box resembled a treasure chest of sorts, though there was no key hole, or any mundane way of unlocking it; all that was visible was a singular star burst rune etched upon its surface. Iscariat could not believe what he was about to do, but he had to move on; his sanity depended on it. So, after rousing Tabitha from her nap, he asked her to fly him back to Pony Ville, and while she detests being awaken from her slumber, she was willing to make an exception; this time.
As one of the old gods, Marduk could cover a distance of thirty miles in one heart beat, and so it was a trivial thing to return to Pony Ville before the Sun even started to set. It was safe to say that everypony was more than shocked to see Iscariat walking back through the door, Tabitha sitting on his head, and a peculiar iron chest in his left hoof. Gazing at each pony sternly, but focusing heavily on Princess Twilight; who whether out of fear or subconscious reflex, was hiding behind the massive figure that is Princess Celestia.
"Um...Mr. Iscariat?" Fluttershy said, stepping forward, and trembling something vicious. "Are you angry, because if you are, we are very sorry."
"Angry?" Iscariat retorted, allowing for a slight pause to linger. "No, I was never angry. Upset perhaps, but not angry. I tend to forget the curiosity of the youth, it is just there are somethings that I have difficulty speaking of, and frankly it goes without saying, I'm not really in the habit of seeking new acquaintances."
"An we now understand why," Princess Twilight said, finally amassing the courage to stand in front of Iscariat. "Iscariat, you are without a doubt one of the most strong ponies I've ever had the privilege of knowing. The hardships you must have suffered I can't even begin to relate to, but you don't have to shoulder everything alone, because now not only do you have the Princesses support, but ours as well."
"It is a shame Princess Celestia got to you first. You would have made a perfect Curator," Iscariat said with a chuckle, and then drew everypony's attention to the iron chest in his hoof.
"What is that?" Princess Twilight asked, memorized by the chest.
"I could tell you, but perhaps you should just open it," Iscariat said, handing over the chest to the young Alicorn.
Princess Twilight would have asked how to open the apparently sealed chest, but the moment it came into contact with her hoof, her horn spontaneously discharged, striking the star burst rune, and causing the chest to explode. A pale blue light erupted out of the remains, its energy vast and beyond compare, and yet it was soft and welcoming. The light soon crystallized into a singular stone akin to a snowflake, while adopting the form of a twelve pointed star. Twilight and her friends were speechless at the sight of the tiny star; which was no bigger than Spike's hand, and yet radiated a power equal to Princesses Luna and Celestia combined.
"Princess Twilight, you and your friends are the first ponies, and dragon, to be in the presence of my Heart of Joy in quite a long time," Iscariat said, as the star flew about the room spreading sparkling particles of magic about in its wake. "A Heart of Joy is created when any sentient being experiences a moment of true happiness; something that is not easy to achieve. It serves as a symbol of harmony and friendship, a beacon that can spread only love and happiness to any who accept it."
"That is amazing," Princess Twilight said, as she watched the star perform all kinds of aerial maneuvers and feats that even Rainbow Dash has not attempted. "So, when did you receive yours?"
"The day Trail Blazer and I shared our first Hearth Warming Day," Iscariat said, almost breaking into tears. "Anyway, I just thought it was a good idea to show you all such a treasure of my past, and now I'm actually confident that I'm making the right choice."
"What do you mean?" Princess Twilight asked, turning her full attention to Iscariat.
"Your Highness, I hereby turn over ownership of my Heart of Joy to you and your friends," Iscariat said, completely shocking everypony in the room.
"Oh Iscariat, are you sure?" Princess Luna asked.
"I have never been surer in my life," Iscariat said, as he watched the star rest above Twilight's head; its energy almost magnified just by being near her. "Besides, I don't think Trail Blazer would want me to be stingy, and hoard such a thing forever. A Heart of Joy is meant to be shared, but I'm just not capable anymore, and so it only makes sense to turn it over to somepony who is. Take good care of it, your Highness."
"We will, Iscariat. Now come on, the night isn't over yet, and we still have plenty of food to go around," Princess Twilight said, a warm smile brandishing her face.
"I suppose it won't kill me," Iscariat replied, and everypony cheered out loud as the party went back to full tilt.
"Alright everypony, get ready to shake your groove thing!" Pinkie Pie yelped, as she got behind a turn table, and started laying down some funky beats.
"May I have this dance?" Princess Luna asked a very embarrassed Iscariat.
"This counts as your Hearth Warming Day gift," Iscariat replied, as Luna took his right hoof around her waist, and his left hoof in her left hoof.
"Oh don't groan, it has been over one thousand years since we cut a rug. Now let's show them how to really dance," Princess Luna said, as she planted a light kiss on Iscariat's cheek.
"As you wish, your Highness. You lead, I'll follow," Iscariat said, as he and Princess Luna danced the night away, and though he knew everything would return to the status quo come the marrow. He allowed himself, at least for this one night, to simply enjoy the moment, and forget proper ethics.
