IMPORTANT
This chapter takes place an untold amount of time in the future on Hearth's warming day...

Chapter 47: A Very Special Hearth's warming Day (CHRISTMAS SPECIAL)

I looked out the colorful window of the castle as I watched the snow lightly falling, unimpeded by anything... even wind. My eyes drifted across the horizon as I slowly walked down the hall, passing by many windows each showing the same thing outside. I paused at the last window, and looked back at where I started from, towards the thrones sitting at the end of the room and the telltale sign of recent construction nearby them.

I let out a small sigh and smiled as I looked back out the window, pulling my robe around me a bit more out of instinct, almost as if the chill outside had reached me. In the distance, I saw a chariot flying towards the castle as a larger smile graced my face as it went out of view.

’They’re here...’ I thought to myself as I took off out of the throne room.

After a few minutes of running through the castle and almost tripping a few times on my robe, I made it to my destination. I pulled open the double doors as a cold air hit me immediately, causing me to shiver. However I was un-bothered by it as I ran through the snow towards the recently landed chariot. The doors on the vehicle opened as I reached it and before I could get a good look at who was there, I was tackled to the ground.

“Jake!” A familiar voice yelled out.

“Twilight! Man it’s been too long!” I yelled back as I wrapped my arms around her and stood up, picking her up off the ground eliciting a small squeak from her.

After a few moments of hugging, I let go of her and she fell gracefully to the ground and more ponies poured out of the chariot. The ponies in question were none other than Fluttershy, Applejack, Rainbow-Dash, Pinkie Pie and Rarity.

“Come on...” I said as I beckoned them to follow me. “It’s freezing out here.”

They all followed me eagerly, chit chatting as we reached the doors. As we all got inside, I swiftly shut them and turned back to the ponies .

“Follow me.” I said as they smiled and started to do so. “So what have you been up to lately?” I asked Twilight as they all walked with me.

”Well...” She began, “I’ve been studying more into the human biology and how it reacts with magic. It’s very interesting how humans are able to adapt to such a thing they’ve never been in contact with.” She replied as I nodded.

“Ah yes... studying as always.” I said getting her to roll her eyes.

She perked back up, and looked down to my hands. “So how have you been fairing with your magic since our lessons? Have you progressed?” She asked as I nodded and lifted my hand.

I began lifting multiple objects at a time as we passed, either potted plants, or even the occasional guard much to their displeasure, in an attempt to show off my newfound dexterity with magic.

She looked on with a smile. “Excellent! So I guess you have that assignment I gave you done already?” She said as I looked away a bit and chuckled.

“W-Well.. uh, not exactly.” I stammered as she let out an annoyed grunt.

“Hm... you’re late.” She said as she squinted her eyes at me.

“I’ll have it done by tomorrow I promise, besides I’ve been really busy around here with Celestia over in Saddle Arabia the past couple months and Luna dealing with the strikes in Manehattan. It’s been a busy couple weeks!” I exclaimed getting her to huff and look forward again.

“...Fine. Because it’s hearth’s warming day I’ll give you a one week extension.” She finally said as I breathed a sigh of relief. “ONE. WEEK.” She said, punctuating each word with a pause.

We continued to walk as I talked with the other ponies along the way. I asked them about how things have been, and apparently they haven't been up to much as they have mostly all been on break. Fluttershy doesn’t work much as most of the animals are in hibernation. Applejack has no trees to buck for apples. Rarity doesn’t get much traffic through her shop as most ponies would rather bundle up warm then wear dresses. Pinkie Pie is busy as always, as what's better then coming in from the snow to a warm cinnamon bun and hot Cocoa? Oh and Rainbow Dash? Well she’s just lazy.

And then of course there is Twilight. Busy as ever of her own accord, and also being my magic teacher. I figured if I’m gonna learn to refine this magic more I better learn from the element of magic herself.

As we finished up chatting, we neared a single wooden door that I slowly pushed open. The inside revealed a comfortable looking area with a couple bookshelves, a large area rug in the center and a large roaring fireplace nearby with some chairs and a couch. It just screamed cosy.

This was actually Celestia’s personal study, but we decided to use it as today's get together area of choice. I took off my robe and hung it on the nearby coat rack. As I did Rarity gasped.

“My goodness Jake! Where’s your-“ She began as she pointed to my head.

I quickly interrupted her with a wave of my hand. “I told you guys, I hate wearing it.” I said as they all sighed.

“Where are Celestia and Luna? I thought they were coming?” Asked Twilight as I shrugged.

“As far as I know, yes they’re coming. Might just be running late.” I answered as I heard the door creak open behind me.

As if on queue, the door opened to reveal Luna and Celestia, looking exhausted from a long trip and both didn’t have their usual regalia on. Luna looked unfazed, but Celestia however was shivering as she quickly pulled out the pin holding her pink hair up, allowing it to fall freely.

“Quite the trip?” I asked as Celestia sighed and shook her head as a small smile creeped on her face.

“Very much so, cold too... but I promised I’d be here.” She replied as she walked by me and lay down by the fireplace, nodding to the ponies as she passed their bows. “Relax my little ponies, today we treat each-other as equals.” She finished as the group reluctantly agreed and lifted their heads.

As I turned to welcome the other new addition to the room, I was immediately pulled into a hug as I felt a nuzzle against my neck.

I let out a warm smile and ran my hand down her neck as I hugged her back. “Heh, miss me?” I asked getting her to give a small laugh in return.

Things continued on for a little bit, as we all sat around the fire, most of the ponies and Celestia on the soft rug by the fire, with me and Luna sitting next to each-other on the couch. I looked over the room at the collection of ponies. It still felt odd seeing Celestia in her small form. The lack of flowing hair is probably the biggest difference if I had to choose.

As it was hearth's warming for the ponies, I had told them about my own human holiday named Christmas and how similar it was. However I mentioned that it was a little while away still and I wasn’t going to be going to any family get together to celebrate it on any human colonies. So they happily said that instead, today they will celebrate Christmas with me instead of hearth's warming. So here we were.

As we talked and laughed around the fire, telling stories that we’ve experienced from days past, Luna quickly got up and walked off, saying excuse me as she went. She went out the door and right before I lost sight of her I noticed the nauseous look on her face.

The rest of the ponies went about talking again, but I kept glancing back to the door, a bit worried. She had been like this for a couple weeks now.

Eventually she re-emerged from the door, looking refreshed and sat down next to me, unnoticed by the rest of the ponies present.

I leaned over, and whispered to her. “Still feeling sick?” I asked as she nodded. “Have you been to the doctor yet?” I prodded as she shook her head.

“No... I’ve been far too busy.” She said as she lay her head on my shoulder. “It comes and goes anyway, it can’t be anything serious.” She replied.

Sighing, I looked back at the group. “If you say so.” I said, defeated.

“Hey guys lets do gifts now!” Pinkie Pie chirped as the rest of the gang nodded in agreement.

We all handed out our gifts as we took turns opening them and cycled around the room.

Of course Rarity had the hardest time accepting my gift, being the element of generosity. But after much pleading, she finally gave in, and accepted the Fire Ruby. I won’t lie, the thing was expensive as hell, and apparently rare enough to warrant it.

Fluttershy got a hand-stitched scarf made by the finest tailor in Canterlot, with silk imported from Saddle Arabia. She loved it.

Twilight got some new books. Speaking of which, do you have any idea how hard it is to find her books she hasn’t read already? I swear if I didn’t have the option of some sciencey human books, I’d say she’d read them all!

Rainbow-Dash got some VIP tickets to the snowstorm race being held at Cloudsdale by the Wonderbolts, and of course a new Daring Doo book.

Pinkie Pie got a pastry recipe book from Earth, containing some very delicious and exotic treats.

Applejack got a new hat (Of course) and a gift certificate to be redeemed for some free farm equipment from the human colonies. I promised her it will make her life a lot easier around applebuck season.

Celestia got something both me and Luna thought up was a great idea for a gift, and watched eagerly as she lifted the small package with her magic and opened it. She looked inside and slowly a huge smile spread across her face as she lifted out the object inside.

The object in question was a small picture frame, containing a photo of Celestia and Luna Quite young as they opened up some presents in a hurry, and next to them a couple of larger Alicorns.

“O... Oh my goodness...” Celestia started as she lifted her hoof and covered her mouth and her eyes become glossy. “How... how did you get this?” She asked as she looked up to Luna and I.

Shaking my head and chuckling, I began. “Well... it wasn’t easy. Let’s just say it involved a lot of study and dream hunting.” I said as I gestured towards Luna. “It was mostly her work, I was basically useless.” I said as Luna gave me a small push.

“Oh don’t be so modest. It was your idea in the first place.” Luna stated as Celestia wiped a tear.

She placed the picture next to her and got up, walking towards me and Luna as we stood up. She embraced us both in a tight hug, laughing a little.

After a few moments, she pulled away, wiping another tear. “I’m sorry... It’s been... so long since I’ve seen our parents. Even in my dreams.” As she said that, Twilight’s ears perked up and she glanced at the picture, causing her jaw to drop, but she didn't say a word.

“It’s no trouble Celestia. I’m glad you like it.” I said as I sat back down and she returned to her spot, a content smile on her face as she kept looking back at the photo.

And now it was for Luna’s gift. I turned a bit on the couch, and handed her a small wrapped gift. She gingerly took the wrapped box, and began to peel the wrapping paper off. Once removed, she slowly lifted the lid of the box and revealed a beautiful blue gold chain. She took hold of it with her magic and lifted it out of the box. The necklace was a deep blue with a pearl on each side and a very ornate crescent moon in the center, which contained a beautiful sapphire.

She went to thank me, before I lifted my hand and pointed to it. “Shine some light into the gem at the center.”

As I finished, she looked at it curiously, and shone some light from her horn. In an instant, the gem projected a beautiful blue sparkling image in-front of us. The image showed Luna and I laying on the back of a cloud, smiling at the camera as we both hugged each-other closely. She looked at the picture with happiness as her eyes became glossy and she turned to me and planted a long kiss on my lips.

As she pulled away, she looked me in the eyes and smiled. “I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect husband.” She said with a smile as she leaned against me again. “Come on, it's your turn to open your presents.” She said as I sighed with relief.

Through everything I’ve been through, it looked like things were finally starting to get better.

Author's Note

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