T'was the season for chilly nights. For delicate flakes of glimmering ice to fall upon already fresh snow, onto the frozen ground. For decorations to hang with glowing coloured lights upon snow topped houses. Giving the pearl white streets, a stained rainbow glow. It was the time for little souls, to jump and play. Through the freshly laid snow as they cheered, for their school was closed. Their tiny hooves crunchy on the snow, as they threw snowballs and made what seemed to be, snow ponies. Their elders laughed upon the sight of their young loved ones, enjoying the cheer of the season. It was indeed a joyous time. The giddy laughter of colts and fillies echoed down the streets. Making anypony beam with happiness at the sound.
The adults trotted through the thick blanket of cold, fluffy snow. Either stomping through it and complaining about it, or prancing around. Giggling as the ice cold sensation tickled their hooves. Although a couple grumbled as they trudged on, many others enjoyed this time. Giving them the excuse to rest and relax. To snuggle up warm in their small cottages. With a cracking fire, flickering with a warm, homely glow. Some lay with their special ones. Hugging them as they both slumbered, underneath the cosy covers. Dreaming of the holiday upon them.
As it was, the season of Hearth's Warming. A time of happiness and love. A time for little ones to tear open neatly wrapped gifts, lying beneath frantically decorated trees. The tinsel and lights flickered as the little ponies waited for the next day to come. Too excited to sleep or even rest.
But as the sun's glow began to set, the young ponies began their journey to the land of nod. Although ecstatic for the coming day, they were all too tired to jump and yell through the night. So as the silver orb hovered into the now indigo sky, all young ones were asleep. Slumbering with sweet dreams dancing around their little minds. Dreaming of delicious cake and ripping open their goodies they wished for throughout the year. And hoping that they were good enough to get their treats.
Now, as the fillies and colts slept, the adults became frantic. As it was Hearth's Warming Eve, the day before Hearth's Warming. A few were running around shops. Quickly buying last minute gifts or cards. Or preparing the dinner for the next day. For now, it was not a night of rest, but a night of rushing and preparation. However, as the hours grew, and stars shone brighter, the commotion died down. The flooded streets became quiet and calm. Shop owners finally placed their closed signs upon the window, sighing with relief as they locked up. Now, the streets were empty. With only the sound of the howling wind, as carried more snow. All ponies of this quaint little town were all huddled up in their houses. Embracing the warmth.
However, one pony was still out.
Her curly, luscious locks of caramel brown hair dancing in the wind. Getting tangled with snow. The mare's wings were stiff. Frozen from the cold. They ached every time they moved. Her black and red feathers were frozen solid. Like bricks. She groaned as now she was grounded. A land stricken pegasus in the rapidly growing blizzard. She winced as the wind slapped her with it's cold, icy hand, stinging her.
Her mind wandered, why was it so damn windy. Why was the snow coming down so much? Why was it like a hurricane? And why now?
Between her teeth was a small bag. A small, violet paper bag. Inside was a neatly wrapped box. The mare worried about the bag and it's contents. Afraid that it would rip, and break. This was such a delicate gift, that if it was to break, it would break her heart. She had saved so much for this. All her earnings into this one gift. For one special pony. However, the gift she wanted was not in the shops until today, Hearth's Warming Eve. So, as she flew over to the shops-without a sound- she noticed the increase of wind and snow. But pushed it aside. She wasn't a weather pony. Heck, her whole family line were all pegasi but not a single one was a weather pony. And this was not good.
All pegasi can withstand the natural elements more than any other pony. They can combat wind easier, and are more resistant to the cold. However, if a pegasus lives on the ground for most of it's life, it's more vulnerable to the cold. If this carries on within the family, the higher that vulnerability is.
The mare smiled weakly as her family only lived on the ground as far as her grandparents. Making herself still resistant to the cold.
However, no pony could be safe in this weather. As the wind blew wilder, the snow battered the pegasus harder. Her legs felt numb as she trudged on through the high snow. The only item of clothing keeping her warm, was a single blue scarf. Matching her baby blue eyes. Which were slowly losing their flickering fire of what made this mare the pony she is today. Her eyelids were starting to droop down. Her body was ice cold, stinging with pain. Soon, she wouldn't be able to stand. And will die in the snow, with her frozen body to be found the next day. By excited colts and fillies.
Slowly, the winds dropped. And the snow began to fall gently again. The pegasus didn't notice. Her eyes were almost shut. But she could faintly see a figure. Coming towards her. A figure of a stallion with locks of smooth, curly hair. As soon as he noticed the sick mare, he quickened his pace. Rushing up to the mare.
Now the pegasus recognised him. He was a young unicorn stallion. With soft, black and red curls, which were neatly separated. His black coat stood out clearly in the snow. He wore a simple red coat. With white fur around the edges. Upon his head was a green hat. Matching his bright emerald eyes. And finally, tied to his horn with a thin piece of string, was a sprig of mistletoe. Dangling above his eyes.
The mare smiled sweetly. This was her friend. Her friend whose gift was in the bag.
But her friend didn't look too happy. His face was painted with pure worry.
"Solitaire? Are you okay?" He whispered. Extremely worried about his dear friend.
She nodded, but swayed to the side slightly.
"I-I-I...I'm...f-fine, Titch. Just...a-a-a bit chilly." Her bag fell to the ground. Sinking into the snow. The pegasus stared at it, but looked back up to her friend.
"Oh Tairey. You shouldn't be out here. It's freezing. You could have died if I didn't stop the storm." His horn lit up with a soft green glow. And as did his red coat. Which hovered over to the mare, and placed itself over her. Instantly, Solitaire felt slightly warmer. Still frozen, but at least warmer than before.
"T-Thank you. B-but....how did you stop t-the s-storm?" She asked.
"Well, I've been learning different spells. I just so happen to know a spell that affect the weather. Clouds are easy. Just move them. Wind is harder to change. But, I saw a figure in the snow from my bedroom window. I quickly grabbed my coat and ran over to help. As soon as I saw it was you, I grew worried." Titchy Texture explained. He threw his arms around the cold mare, who was surprised by his actions. She tried to hug him back, but her legs were too numb to move.
"Come on. I'll take you to my house. The fire is still a lit, so you can warm up. And I'll make you some of my special hot coco." He released himself from the hug and began to trot away.
"T-T-Thanks." Solitaire smiled. But she couldn't move. Her legs twinging with agony. She winced as the ice cold pain shot through her body. The stallion stopped as he saw the mare in distress.
"You're hurt. Let me carry you." He offered as walked back over. But Solitaire shook her head.
"N-no. I can walk. Just....just hang on." She attempted to move her right leg forwards, but began to fall to the side. Through instincts, she madly flapped her red and black wings. She yelped out in pain as her wing muscles screamed. Titchy grabbed her before she fell with his aura, and hovered her onto his back. Placing her carefully.
"No...Titchy. I can walk...I can walk...just leave me..." She croaked. Trying to get up, but her body just wouldn't respond. And Titchy held her down.
"Solitaire, please. I understand that are very independent, and rely on no-one. And that you refuse other's help as you believe that it is a weakness. But it's not. I'm helping you. If I leave you, you will die. Cold, helpless and alone. Just let me take you in, before you go home." He said sternly. But still softly. He carefully began his way back to his house. Picking up the small bag with his mouth.
~~~~~~
The vibrant golden flames flickered in the fireplace. Cracking as the small wooden logs turned into powdery embers. The smoking slithers of fire have a homely glow. Making the room warm and cosy. The room was cheery lit with two simple scarlet red lamps, on a set of plain wooden side tables. Adding to the homely effect with their dim glow. Upon the cream walls was numerous frames, bearing photographs and certificates. On the wooden flooring, was a circular red rug. And on top of the rug, was a short, yet comfortable blood red sofa. Holding three green pillows.
Laying on the sofa, with a beautifully soft blanket upon her, was the red pegasus mare. Her black feathered wings, sorely stretched out as she carefully rested her eyes. A small, sweet smile was delicately placed upon her face. A black unicorn trotted into the room, holding two steaming cups of delicious hot chocolate. His green aura glimmering in the dimly lit room. The sprig of mistletoe still hanging, swinging around, from his horn. He smirked as he saw the half asleep mare. His half asleep friend.
He and Solitaire had been good friends. Very good friends. Due to their job, they were extremely close. As they were often led to mortal danger, risking life and death, they trusted each other with their own lives. Always there to support each other, no matter what. However, the red pegasus upon the sofa, was very stubborn. Growing up alone in Hoofinton, she learnt to fend for herself. Living by helping others, but refusing help in return. And her trust was very limited. She hardly trusted anypony.
Except one.
The black unicorn who's name was Titchy Texture. Who was a simple baker, who grow up in Hoofinton.
But that wasn't his job. Although his talent was a baker, he was an agent. Part of Equestrian Intelligence Core. To protect and serve Equestria. Both him and Solitaire worked as agents. But Solitaire was more trained. Coming from an assassin family.
Although the young mare's past was blurry, Titchy knew that she came from an assassin association. That was slowly falling apart from the many murders of the members.
The two ponies met purely by chance. Titchy helped Solitaire by giving her a warm place to stay for a night. And some food.
And in return, Solitaire saved Titchy's life when he was being attacked bt his enemy. After that ordeal, Solitaire got mixed up into the E.I. As her leader thought it would be better for her.
And it was.
As Titchy remembered the adventures with the pegasus mare, he didn't notice the mare waking up. Or the fact that he was staring at her.
"T-Titchy?" She coughed. Slowly raising her head. The stallion snapped out of his daydream and continued to walk over to couch. There he sat upon the floor, next to the laying mare. His aura placed the two steaming cups on the small table.
"Hi Tairey. You okay now?" He asked softly.
"I'm fine. But I've got to go." She attempted to move, but was only met with screeching pain. She winced as the agony exploded through her petit body. Titchy saw the mare in pain and hugged her.
"Just rest, Solitaire. Rest. Please. I hate it when you're hurt." He hushed as he stroking the mare's mane. Which had defrosted, and returned to it's normal, silky, wavy state.
He loved stroking her mane. It was clear proof that she trusted him. Proof that he was close to her.
"Titchy. I've got to-ahhh." Solitaire moaned in pain. Her wings ached tremendously. A wave of hot pain struck her hard. "Oh sweet Celestia." She uttered under her breath.
Titchy smiled to the mare and moved his hoof to wing. Gently rubbing it.
At first, Solitaire only whimpered as her wings twitched with agony. But as soon as Titchy began rubbing them softly, all the pain suddenly drained away.
His hooves carefully moved around the wing. Gently brushing the black feathers. As he continued, he noticed the mare's sudden loss of tension, and saw that she was starting to relax.
"Just relax, Tairey. You can stay here tonight." He soothed.
"I-I don't want t-to- oh Celestia. That's good." Solitaire sighed as Titchy rubbed her aching wings. Gently stroking her pain filled muscles. Titchy smiled at the pegasus, she was almost like a cat. Humming as he stroked her.
"I don't want to bother you."
"Oh, Solitaire. You don't bother me. In fact, I'm happy that you are here. I was getting lonely." Titchy admitted. "Every Hearth's Warming is the same. All my friends are away with their families, and I'm all alone. Drinking hot chocolate and listening to the radio until I fall asleep. Waking up the next day with carol singers at my door."
"I don't...I don't celebrate Hearth's Warming." Solitaire sighed, making the stallion gasp in shock.
"What?!" Titchy sat up, his mouth wide up, confusing the mare on the sofa.
"Titchy?" The pegasus tilted her head in the most cutest, and innocent way, making Titchy blush slighty.
"Why have you never celebrated Hearth's Warming?" He inquired.
"Well, like you just said. I don't have many friends, and the ones I do have are away with family. I don't have a family to celebrate it with, and it's all namby pamby anyway." Solitaire snorted.
"Namby pamby? Taire?" Titchy gasped even harder, his throat growing coarse.
"It's only a celebration of Equestria's discovery. We don't have to celebrate it all the time. And I don't get how give presents to spoilt colts and fillies is a celebration. More of a waste of bits really." The red mare huffed, rolling her clear blue eyes to emphasis her point. Titchy pouted at the mare, wrinkling his snout up.
"It's not just about receiving toys and various nick-nacks. It's about spending time with the one you love. Sitting close to your lovers, in front of a fire. Giving loving gifts of your extreme passion to each other. It's a heart warming celebration, Solitaire." Titchy explained.
"I don't have any loved ones. So, it's a bit pointless really."
"Aw, come on, Tairey." Titchy nudged the mare, smirking as he did so. "You do have loved ones."
"I have no idea what you are on about." Solitaire turned her head any from the sitting stallion, whose expression fell. But quickly moved closer.
"Are you sure?" He teased. Solitaire closed her eyes and turned her head, her wavy brown hair swaying.
"I am completely su- err..." She quickly opened her sapphire eyes in shock, as her snout pressed up next to Titchy's. She nervously glanced at the two touching noses, before looking up at and staring into the baker's pea green eyes. Staring off into fields of fresh green.
"Titchy?" She squeaked.
"Are you sure?" He whispered, half closing his eyes.
"T-Titchy? I- I don't know..." Solitaire gently pushed her friend, her close friend, away. Making him stutter and fold his ears back.
Titchy loved Solitaire. No doubt about it. He fell for her the first time they met. When she was just a poor pegasus needing a meal, in his cafe in Hoofinton. He never expected to see her again, but when she saved him from a couple of gruff stallions from a gang, he was ecstatic to see her again. It was even better when they both became colleagues, and worked together. Making their friendship bloom. He adored Solitaire so much. Her fiery and ferocious personality, her smile, her giggle, her glowing blue eyes filled with confidence. He loved every bit of her.
But he never knew if she felt the same.
"I'm sorry....I should have asked..." He apologised, walking over to the fireplace, and sitting before the flames. The was a long and dreary silence, with only the sound of cracking fire echoing. Solitaire bit her lip and felt tears spring up in her eyes.
It was no coincidence that Taire loved Titchy back. But due to her troubled past, she grew confused over her feelings for him. Even when she knew that she loved him. She felt terribly guilty for pushing him away, and her heart broken as she saw how distraught he was. She stared at the unicorn, feeling a warm liquid dribble down her cheeks.
Slowly, and quietly, Solitaire slipped off of the sofa. And limped into the kitchen, flapping her black wings for support.
Titchy watched from the corner of his eye, and hung his head low. He felt so embarrassed, he definitely lost his Hearth's Warming spirit. He tore off the mistletoe from around his horn, and threw it to the ground.
"You might as well go now...I'm not stopping you..." He felt his own tears streaming down his black fur. He's never the one to cry. He was always the happy, funny stallion. Who prances around and makes jokes. Who's kindness is sometimes taken advantage of.
The black stallion closed his eyes, as he heard the sound of hooves. But what he didn't expect was that particular sound coming closer towards him.
"Titchy..." Solitaire whispered, holding the violet bag within her mouth. Slowly the stallion looked up at her, and watched as she sat beside him, still in front of the fire.
"I'm sorry. I-I...I didn't mean to...I-I just..." She stuttered, glancing at the clock upon the wall. It was five minutes to twelve, four minutes until Hearth's Warming day.
"Here...this is for you." She passed the small bag to the unicorn, who looked at her in confusion. "Like I said before, I don't usually celebrate Hearth's Warming, since I don't have anypony to celebrate it with. But this year, this year is different."
Titchy carefully took the bag, and took out the small white box inside.
"Because this year, I have you." Solitaire continued, smiling at the unicorn. The baker opened the box with his green aura, his eyes opening wide as they were set upon the sparkling object inside. He gasped as he lifted it out.
It was small, yet subtle gift. It was a crystal cupcake, but not only that, it was delicately cut and made. With the different shades of pink and white for the swirly cream, and the grinning colours of green for the case. It sparkled brightly in the glow of the flames of the fire. In-scripted on the case of the crystal cupcake was four words,
I love you, Titchy
"S-Solitaire? This must have cost a fortune!" Titchy squeaked, making Solitaire wince.
"You don't like it? I'm sorry." The mare lowered her head, Titchy gave a sympathetic smile as he used his hoof to lift the pegasus' head up, gazing at her tear filled sapphire eyes that glistened in the light of the dark room.
"I love it, Solitaire. But I don't have a gift for you." He hushed.
The two ponies jumped as the clock on the wall began ring loudly, making the ponies' ears twitch madly and their heads ring. As it chimed, Solitaire closed her eyes and smiled sweetly.
"Happy Hearth's Warming, Titch."
Titchy blinked several times, before grinning as he moved closer to the mare he loved.
"Happy Hearth's Warming, Taire." He whispered with half lidded eyes. Solitaire open her eyes and tilted her head as the two ponies' lips met. Their passion for each other flickering madly like the flames in the fireplace. Taire shuffled closer to the stallion and covered his body eith her wings. Titch's horn lit up as he lifted up the discarded piece of mistletoe above their heads. They kissed as the snow outside gently fell upon the fluffy ground. Their tongues wrestling inside their mouths as they leaned against each, sharing their warmth and love. The curls of black and red, and the swirls brown getting tangled as they moved as close as they could to each. Their dark coloured fur brushing against themselves as they laid across on the furry carpet.
Their pent up love was finally unleashed on the early morning of Hearth's Warming. For the two ponies who kept their emotions to themselves, finally let their tough guards down, especially the darkened mare, and let their love for each other speak for themselves.
It was really, the best Heart's Warming, Heart Warming, night.
