Despite the fact that she was now the Princess of Friendship, and despite the fact that she was a bit less of a social train wreck, Twilight Sparkle had always been a bit of an introvert. She was the type of pony that reveled in immersing one's self in intense study. Sure, friendship was a powerful thing, and it had helped save all of Equestria from total, utter destruction on more than one occasion, but logic and objective study could solve most problems. In such an occasion that knowledge could not solve the problem, it could be used to find the solution

Twilight's stomach growled. She'd been in this world for 4 days. It was December 24th local time, and it had been a day since she'd eaten. Apparently this human body of hers was more prone to insatiable pangs of hunger than was her equine form. At least in Equestria, she could distract herself with magic. In this world, however, her friends were determined to see to it that she did not shut away from the spirit of the holiday through intense study. Unless it was the study of gift exchange, or anthropic social protocol.

"Here! Try this!", the party animal shouted, before taking the liberty to attempt to shove an entire cranberry bliss bar down her Equestrian friend's throat.

The princess had very little choice, other than to respond with a fit of violent coughing, and hoarse vocals, as the digestive system tried desperately to reject the foreign matter.

"Pinkamina Diane Pie!", scolded the fashionista. "What on earth do you think you're doing?! Are you trying to kill her?!"

"Hehehehe", lightly giggled the party animal. "Oh, Rarity. Don't be silly. If I was trying to do that, I'd have used something huge!"

"Well, Pinkie, given that the "human" esophagus only averages between 2 centimeters and 3 centimeters in width, and that I'd estimate that bar was somewhere between 3 and 5 centimeters, *cough*, that was relatively close."

"Should I try again?!"

"MS. PIE!"

"Wat?!"

Thus was how Twilight Sparkle's morning transpired, as laughs were had, anxiety was suppressed, and logic was thrown to the wind. Despite the interpersonal occurrences, the Princess's mind often would stray from its intended setting, only to return to the mystery surrounding her friends.

Though perhaps "mystery" was a strong word. Theories and sound explanations were easy to come by. Evidence and grounds, however, required investigation. Although her friends had prevented any real research thus far, perhaps tonight's Christmas party could afford her an opportunity. It was a joy, after all, to discover the analogy between Christmas and Hearth's warming. It was even more so to discover that her friends celebrated the winter holiday much the same way the Princess would, back in Equestria.

"Twilight! Earth to Twilight!"

"Pan-duh- um, W-what?", asked the Princess, having been disturbed in a state of blackout. Apparently, Rainbow Dash had been calling her name.

"Did you catch any of that?", she asked with playful accusation.

"Well... you see... no. I'm sorry, what was that?"

The rest of the group had already dispersed, to prepare for the approaching party, leaving only Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Sunset Shimmer.

"Oh, it was just that the Christmas party is expected to begin later tonight", offered the caretaker meekly, not surprisingly with an arm wrapped around one of the athlete's.

"At around 7:30, to be exact", clarified Sunset. "If you'd like, you could stay with me, until it's time to head over to Pinkie's."

"Shy and I are gonna spend some time at the animal shelter before we start getting ready, If you guys are interested. But it's cool either way. Right, shy?", as Rainbow Dash attempted to organize a mental schedule.

"Of course. With Rainbow Dash there, things are certainly easier. But we could always use more volunteers. Not that I'm pressuring you to go, though. I just didn't want you to think that I wouldn't appreciate your help..."

Rainbow Dash only joined their hands, interlacing their fingers, in response to her girlfriend's adorable demeanor.

Sunset Shimmer didn't mind helping at the shelter, but unfortunately, she'd already fallen behind in her holiday pursuits. "That sounds fine, really, it does... but, how about... the day after Christmas? I've actually still got some last minute shopping to do", she admitted, rubbing the back of her head guiltily.

Fluttershy had no quarrel with this. "That's fine, we understand. And what about Twilight?"

"It would probably be better for Twilight to go with me, seeing as how she still has a lot to learn about the world. I'm really sorry, you two. The day after Christmas, I swear."

The couple only smiled. "It's all cool, Sunset. Catch you guys later, then", concluded the athlete.

"Certainly. We'll see you both at Pinkie Pie's house", concluded the caretaker.

With the day somewhat set out in front of them, the 2 pairs parted ways for the time-being. Twilight Sparkle allowed herself a moment's contemplation, as she was led by her fellow Equine through a miniature concrete jungle.

"They seem more in sync than ever. It's been said that opposites attract, but even in Equestria, their differences often breed conflict, which would be followed by resolution. But there is no conflict here. Their interactions are such that they are analogous to a unified core, composed of two harmonious parts. Is this the result of love? If this is the case, then could I expect a similar development in their Equestrian counterparts? If so, that brings about another mystery altogether.

Thus is the train of though that entertained the princess for a number of hours, up to the point when she could conduct real research. There was no experimentation involved. Therefore, the use of a living subject was warranted.

The date is December 24th, the week preceding Hearth's Warming. Ponyville, as well as the entirety of Equestria, joyously had already begun final preparations for the holiday. The pegasi graciously concluded their part of the weather cycle, and allowed the snow to fall, watching, as the white sheets covered the land. Temperatures dropped, and Earth Ponies and Unicorns alike responded appropriately- earth ponies with their stores, and unicorns with their influence in the bureaucracy.

Although Hearth's Warming was a time for joyous exultation for the entire country, Ponyville in particular was rather chill. That is not too say its residents were lethargic. In fact, the opposite was true. Ponies and lifeforms of nearly all breeds readied for the cozy, harmonious huddles in front of humming fires, attempted to complete their last minute shopping for their social gift exchanges, and prepared ingredients for signature holiday dishes in anticipation of Hearth's warming day.

The chill in Ponyville came not only from the cold-which was expertly implemented by mistress flyer and weather pony-, but from the knowledge that they were certain to have many more. All of the catastrophe and drama apparently went some way to instill in the locals a sense of pride, and calm.

In particular, Rainbow Dash was content with the way the holiday season was progressing. Mostly. "You're not sure? She'll be back to help with the Town's Hearth's Warming planning, right?", she inquired of a familiar baby dragon. After guiltily realizing she hadn't seen spike since before Twilight left, she'd decided to pay a short visit.

"I'm sure she will, Rainbow Dash. She wouldn't just leave Ponyville hanging. All the message said was that she'll be in the other world for like, another 2 or 3 days, but for Twilight, that leaves plenty of time for scheduling! Come on now".

She supposed may be the dragon had a point. She could probably wait, Twilight wouldn't miss Hearth's Warming. Not as a princess. Otherwise, the Element of Loyalty was prepared to venture into the other world to retrieve Twilight herself. "Yeah, you're probably right. I guess I should just go and get ready for next week, huh?"

"If you knew what was good for you, then that would probably be a good idea. Where's Fluttershy, though? I figured you guys would be spending all of the holiday season together".

"Yeah, we pretty much are. I was just wrapping up the weather today. We should be good and frosty through the rest of the season, and it looks pretty freakin' sweet. Awesome Hearth's Warming weather, courtesy of yours truly".

The dragon could only roll his eyes. "Yeah, alright. Well, Rainbow, if you could excuse me, I need to make sure this place is ready for Twilight's return. She left the library in a mess", he declared, as he went to retrieve his trusty broom.

"Whatever. Catch ya later", gave Rainbow Dash in departure.

She flew out of the castle in her unique Rainbow blur, leaving an almost tangible, chromatic trail. She flew high into the Ponyville night sky, admiring her work and her town. She and her marefriend may have come from Cloudsdale, but many of the subjects of her Loyalty reside in Ponyville. In particular, the ones that had been able to save the country, several times over.

Already, the plains of and surrounding Ponyvillle were blanketed in covers of white. The frozen landscape almost seemed poetic. The daredevil admired the view. The snow seemingly absorbed Luna's moonlight , and took on a deep, midnight blue-ish tint. The lake may have been frozen, but the ice was not aesthetically deterred. The ice reflected the moonlight, barely apparent that the water was frozen solid. The mirrored rays of light were ice-crystal clear, and offered little resistance to the wind, made mercilessly chilling by the fallen temperatures. Only when she experienced a violent shiver did the Daredevil remember the severity of the weather. It may be a cozy time of year, but sooner or later in the night, the snow would force her to find shelter, if she didn't find it of her own initiative.

In the distance, Rainbow Dash could spot the home of the pony she cared most for. Unless she was up to moving her cloudhouse to the ground, Rainbow Dash would have to find an alternative. Thankfully, she could see a likely option.

Within the minute, she's at her marefriend's door step, knocking on the door.

"Coming!", the caretaker calls from the inside. Opening the door, she greets her Rainbow with a warm smile that Rainbow Dash swore could melt ice.

"Hey, Shy", the daredevil greets, returning the smile.

"Rainbow!"

They meet in a tight hug, and remain embracing for a number of seconds. Rainbow Dash is happy. Fluttershy's touch is warm.

"Y-you're freezing, Rainbow.", the caretaker points out, after a moment's hesitation

Putting a hoof to her coat, Rainbow dash realized her marefriend was right. She hadn't even noticed how cold her coat felt to the touch. "Must have been out there longer than I'd thought."

With a bout of guilt on the daredevil's part, they both slowly resign from the embrace. "Oh, sorry...Shy. I hadn't even noticed".

"Oh, it's no problem, Dashie. But you and the weather team did to such a great job with the weather. You should come in before you catch a cold, if you haven't already", she advised with such kindness and care in her tone. The love and concern were clear.

Still with a smile plastered on her face, Rainbow Dash was allowed inside by her love. "Thanks, Shy", she expressed with a gentle nuzzle.

"Hehehehe", the shy mare giggled. "Oh, Dashie. You're still cold. Come on, I have a fire going in the living room.

"Fires? You know how to start fires?"

"Mmhmm. I may never have been the same outdoors type as you, but I was always comfortable working outside".

"Touché", conceded the bold mare, as both cuddled together in front of a humming fire.

Rainbow Dash let out a yawn.

"Tired?", inquired the caretker.

"A bit. It was a long day, preparing the weather for the rest of the season. But I think I'm starting to feel better already", she teased with a wink, earning a blush from her marefriend.

Fluttershy rested on her Rainbow's chest, relishing in the newfound, conjoined peace.

"It's almost Hearth's Warming, Rainbow. What would you like?"

"If I could have anything?"

"Mmhmm"

Inching their muzzles closer together yet, Rainbow Dash didn't hesitate in her response. "Honestly, Shy, I'll be happy as long as you're with me. As long as I have your company, and as long as we still love one another, it's going to be pretty hard for me to want even more". She touched a cyan hoof to the shy mare's cheek, and caressed her beautiful face.

Cuddled in front of a warm fire, they met in a loving kiss- one out of many. After a moment, the shy pegasus conjured the will to brush her partner's lips with her tongue, coyly requesting to advance their embrace. The cyan mare joyously agreed. And so the next half hour went, as their tongues and lips engaged not in a battle, but in a conversation that went beyond words. After what was realistically half an hour, the conversation finally ceased, oxygen deprivation proving their most apathetic of enemies.

"Love you, Fluttershy", muttered Rainbow Dash, as her physical and emotional activity longed to catch up with her, and she began to tire.

"I love you too, Rainbow Dash", muttered Fluttershy, as she enjoyed the cuddle with her marefriend in the Hearth's Warming atmosphere. And it wasn't even really Hearth's Warming yet. But it may as well have been.

Author's Note

Happy Hearth's Warming Eve/ Merry Christmas, you crazy animals!