It was a blustery Hearthswarming Eve, with the wind dancing merrily across the frost bitten, snow covered streets, and the ground frozen into a perpetual state of glistening, silvery ice. Gentle, soft fluffy flakes of trembling, alabaster snow drifted and spiraled down from the heavens, painting the world in a natural beauty it hadn’t seen in ages- a beauty that was lost to Diamond , whom stood staring helplessly at her parents as they quietly caressed the lengthy swirling staircase of their home and landed on the main floor.
Diamond had been dressed in her favorite robe; soft velvety crimson and a deep sash of purple that squeezed her form and made her feel wonderfully sleepy every time she dressed herself in it. A Hearthswarming gift from her father which he bought while he was in Neighhongo one year and she loved it dearly. In front of her was a plate of cookies she’d spent the entire day slaving over. She’d of course had to beg the chef to help her prepare them, but now that they were done, she had two dozen misshapen, slightly burnt, over frosted cookies waiting in her lap, warm and begging to be eaten. They hadn't come out perfect, but they were made with love and Diamond couldn't wait for mom and dad to try them…but as it turned out, she was getting the feeling she shouldn't have even bothered at all.
“You’re going out?! Y-you can’t go out, it’s Hearthswarming! It’s Hearthswarming eve! Wh-where could you possibly…” Diamond stammered, her voice choked with emotion as she reached for a reasonable answer. Any answer. Her mother turned towards the young, pleading girl with a scoff and quietly slipped into her coat which covered her expansive form with an expensive warmth.
“Oh shush, Diamond. We’re simply going out to visit a few of my co-workers who are having a Hearthswarming party tonight. Nothing for you to worry your pretty little head over dear. “The mare explained, waving a hoof dismissively towards the girl. Diamond’s mouth dropped open and she shook her head helplessly, meekly turning towards her father, whom was sliding quietly into his lengthy trench coat.
“It’s…it’s only for a little while dear. “He sighed quietly looking the pony over with a certain level of dismay twirling in his soul. The elder female gave a sharp grin and fluttered about in her new coat Filthy had given her the night before.
“I can’t wait till Whirlwind sees my brand new coat. The most expensive on the market! She is going to be absolutely devastated! Hah, Filthy, you did well for change!” She grinned warmly, and pressed a tender kiss upon the stallion’s cheek. The male however, was still looking sadly at his daughter, whom was pleading silently for them to stay at home- with her.
“You know, ahem, dear perhaps we ought to spend Hearthswarming at home tonight. You know we do have a tradition of reading “It’s a Wonderful Life” and Diamond worked awfully hard on those cookies there.” He muttered quietly forcing a burst of shining, shimmering hope to spark in Diamond’s soul. Maybe they would spend the evening with her!! Stay home, curled up by the fire like they used to; the three of them happily piled under the big blue felt blanket, reading and cuddled together, with the Hearthswarming tree sparkling in the background and their hearts warmed by the fire and one another. She looked sheepish towards her mother who gave a soft huff and waved a hoof.
“She can put those in the refrigerator or something. Come along!” She spouted and turned towards the door without another glance at her daughter. She didn't even hear the crashing, tinkling sound of Diamond’s heart shattering at the bottom of her soul.
“Oh but dearest, couldn't we forgo the parties this year and just spend it with family? And that book Diamond really wants to read? “Filthy exclaimed with a sly glance towards the young filly standing nearby. The rich elderly mare snorted sharply and reached out to grasp her husband’s tie and yank him towards the door.
“Filthy, I’m sure we can rent it from the library. It's just a book after all. Now come on we’re going to be late!!” She snarled and froze when Diamond dashed towards her, grasping her mother’s leg with a firm tug.
“But it’s Hearthswarming!!” She hollered, eyes damp with threatening tears. Diamond squeaked when the mare flicked her leg and sent Diamond tumbling away from her and gave a sharp snort.
“And it’s a Hearthswarming party you silly little…oh, Filthy, talk some sense into your daughter. Ugh, sometimes I think she says the stupidest things. You’ll understand when you’re older, but right now, I think you ought to march your selfish little behind right upstairs to your room and shut the door. Santa doesn't bring rotten little misfit toys you know.” She snorted and turned about sharply on her hooves, slamming the door in her wake as she walked outside towards the waiting carriage.
“We’ll be back soon pumpkin.” Filthy whispered quietly, kneeling down to help Diamond to her feet, whom had toppled over when her mother tossed her away.
“…Take your time.” Diamond snarled quietly and pulled away from her father's grasp, climbing quietly up the stairs to her room. She slammed the door and tossed herself haphazardly onto her bed, but was sure nothing she did mattered. The house was empty the servants gone home and she could scream and yell as loud as she wanted and with the sound of the carriage fading into the distance, she was sure no one would hear her. Alone again on Hearthswarming eve. Somehow, she wasn't surprised.
Tik
Tik
Tik
Diamond’s ears perked quietly, turning towards the large bay windows of her room. No way…what was that?
Tik
Tik
Tik
The rubbed her hooves across her eyes quietly and sat up in bed, now perked with her ears pointed at her window…was that….jingle bells?
Tik
Tik
Tik
Tik – Tik…
Someone was throwing rocks at her window in the tune of jingle bells. She stood up immediately and rushed to the window and threw open the sash, looking down at the four smiling faces of, Silver Spoon Snips, Snails, and Rumble whom were looking up at her and grinning like maniacs.
“We wish you a merry warming, We wish you a merry warming, We wish you a merry warming, and a happy new year! Your parents might suck, we know it’s your fear, you’ll turn out just like them and that’s why we’re here!!
We’ll do what we can, to make this night grand! We’ll make sure you smile, and give you a hand!
Silver made the plans, and Snips got the gifts, and Rumble decided your spirits we’ll lift!
And now this song’s done, come and join our fun, This night won’t be over, till we see the sun!”
The ponies below sang their makeshift carol, and all throughout Diamond felt her eyes tear up again albeit, for different reasons entirely. It was only moments before she was dressed and standing at the door to her empty house, Rumble, Silver and Snails standing happily in front of her, while Snips leaned against her doorframe.
“There you are! MERRY HEARTHSWARMING!” Silver squeaked with a warm giggle on the chilly night. "Come on, let's get a move on!"
“J, just a moment!” Diamond squeaked and disappeared back into her house- returning momentarily holding a small book in her hooves. It’s a Wonderful Life.
“Please?” She asked sheepishly holding it out for everypony to see.
She nearly cried again when they were all curled up with the book open twenty minutes later at Silver’s home. The fireplace roaring, cookies eaten by her friends left and right and a big comfy blanket spilled atop all of them. They took turns reading chapters and using silly voices, and somewhere, deep inside, Diamond felt happy. Quietly, the prissy pony snuggled in next to her friends and closed her eyes with a happy sigh. Happy Hearthswarming to all, and to all a good night.
Author's Note
Not lady Rarity's best work, but at 2:42 am and with a craving to write SOMETHING and the season right around the corner...Well...this was sweet.
