Hearth's Warming Helper - Lunaverseby Talon and ThornChaptersHearth's Warming Helper (Talon and Thorn)Lyra (Talon and Thorn)Trixie (Rainbow Double Dash)Cheerilee (Talon and Thorn)Ditzy (RK Striker JK 5)Carrot Top (Talon and Thorn)Raindrops (Rixizu)The Party (Talon and Thorn, RK Striker JK 5, Rainbow Double Dash and Rixizu)Hearth's Warming Helper (Talon and Thorn)“Happy Hearth Warming!” Trixie exclaimed, waving at a passing pony. Her target looked startled, but managed to mumble a reply before disappearing into the crowd. Trixie shrugged. Maybe not everypony was in the same holiday mood as she was. She quickly put the thought aside as she stepped deeper into the Ponyville marketplace. The place was packed with last minute shoppers, all bustling from stall to stall. They were looking for the ideal present for friends or family, and Trixie wasn’t any different. Her cousins’ presents had been sent by post almost a month ago, although she still needed to buy gifts for all of her fellow element bearers. She glanced over at a nearby table covered with various works of art ranging from statues, to paintings, to... something made out of spoons. Maybe Raindrops would appreciate a nice picture? she thought. She considered the artworks on display and selected a landscape for further scrutiny. It was attractive, most certainly, showing the nearby woods on a sunny day, but maybe it was a little bland. Raindrops needed something with some depth to it, like Raindrops herself. Maybe not. She tossed the painting back on the table and looked around again before something just perfect caught her eye. A gramophone, one of the latest models, which would make Lyra so... Trixie carefully let go of the price tag and took a precautionary step backwards. Certainly not. She really wasn’t used to shopping for quite so many friends, it was a new experience. She idly checked the price of a nearby wide-brimmed hat which she thought would complement Carrot Top’s mane, and an expensive experience at that. It wasn’t that being a representative didn’t pay well, it was just that windows were so expensive, even when you bought in bulk. “Hey Trixie!” came a call from nearby, derailing Trixie’s train of thought. She looked up to see the smiling pink-coated face of one her friends, who had braved the chill with only a hoof-knitted scarf for warmth. “Hi Cheerilee,” said Trixie, as the teacher pushed her way through the throng. “Shopping for presents?” “Yep. It’s a bit last-minute, but what with the school pageant, Longest Night, and preparing for next terms syllabus, well, things just got away from me. You here for the same?” she asked, cocking her head. “Yeah, I still need to pick up a few things around the market. Have you seen anything you’d like?” she asked hopefully. “Oh, you don’t need to get me anything special,” said Cheerilee, waving a dismissive hoof. Trixie briefly scowled. That didn’t help much. “Any suggestions for Ditzy? You’ve known her longer than me.” “You could just ask her,” suggested Cherilee, nodding over towards the Apple Trust stall where the grey pegasus was chatting with Big Mac. “Looks like she might like an Apple in her stockings this year,” she said, wiggling her eyebrows. Trixie stuck out her tongue in disgust. “I don’t want to think about that.” She considered for a moment. “Actually, maybe I should drop a hint or two that I don’t want anything expensive from her. I know it’s not always easy for her and Dinky. I wouldn’t want her to think she needs to splash out on me.” Cheerilee nodded. “Try to be a bit subtle about it. She has her pride, and she’s one of the best shoppers I know. She probably had all her presents sorted out months ago. Now Carrot Top...” she pointed towards the orange-maned earth pony who was staggering past the shops, weighed down by a large pile of parcels. “She could probably use a hint or two that she doesn’t need to get presents for everypony in town.” “Actually, that gives me an idea,” said Trixie, striding forwards into the crowd and smiling what she considered her most winning smile. “Hey, Carrot. Let me give you a hoof with those.” Her horn glowed as she lifted several packages off her friend’s back. “Huh, oh hi Trixie,” said Carrot, looking rather frazzled. Her normally immaculate mane was sticking out in various directions. “You look like you could use a break,” said Trixie, steering her friend towards some seats next to a stall selling steaming mugs of hot chocolate. “Thanks,” said Carrot Top, dropping off the rest of her presents. “The holiday seems to get busier each year.” “Not a problem.” Trixie sat down next to her friend and motioned to a nearby waiter to get them drinks. “Even the Great and Powerful Trixie can find things a bit hard going at this time of year.” “Everypony feels the stress,” Cheerilee agreed, coming up behind Trixie. “Room for two more?” she asked, nodding towards Ditzy who had also joined them. “I finally managed to pry her away from her shopping. I guess she was really admiring the Trust’s fine products.” Ditzy’s face glowed a bit, and one of her eyes seemed to find something fascinating to look at on the ground. “You’ve all still got shopping to do?” she asked, quickly changing the subject. “We can’t all be as organised as you,” said Cheerilee. “Actually, I’ve still got a few things I need to pick up,” Ditzy admitted, glancing around the table. “Well, I’ve got an idea to make our holiday’s a bit easier,” said Trixie. “Although it might be better if we go get Lyra and Raindrops first, because-” “Hey guys, what you are doing here? Plotting?” came Lyra’s voice from behind her. “Ooh, that hot chocolate looks good!” “Speak of Tirek,” mumbled Trixie as she turned to see her minty friend standing there with a long blue and pink striped scarf wrapped around her neck and a smile on her face. Raindrops stood nearby looking rather more self-conscious. “You want to join us?” she asked as the waiter placed further steaming mugs in front of the new arrivals. “You buying your Hearth's Warming presents as well?” “‘Tis the season to spend money!” admitted Lyra. “I’ve still got a lot to do,” said Raindrops, yawning. “Dash has the weather team running double shifts laying all this snow. This is the first time I’ve had off for weeks.” “Well, I’ve got an idea to make the holiday a little easier on all of us,” exclaimed Trixie. “Rather than everypony buying everypony else a present, why don’t we do a Hearth’s Warming Helper?” “A what?” asked Raindrops, raising an eyebrow. “Instead of the six of us each buying five presents, we randomly pick a name from the hat, and only buy one present for that pony,” explained Cheerilee. “It makes things a lot simpler, and cheaper.” “It leaves us with more time to enjoy the holiday rather than having to stress over the whole thing,” added Trixie. “We can have a party at the residence tomorrow evening and exchange gifts there. Sound good?” Cheerilee quickly nodded, followed by Lyra and Raindrops. Ditzy looked a little unsure, but eventually agreed. Carrot Top finally joined in as well. “I guess it does make things simpler,” she admitted. “Good,” said Trixie, levitating her hat off her head and waving a hoof over it. “Abracadabra,” she intoned, and six folded pieces of paper flew out of it and into the waiting hooves of her and her friends. They carefully opened them and glanced around at each other. “Everypony happy?” she asked. Her friends all nodded. “Good, see you all tomorrow then!” Author's Note So I really liked Best Gift Ever and thought it might be a good idea to carry out a similar story in the Lunaverse. I threw the option out to other writers to see if they'd like to write their own stories about each character shopping for their selected pony and Rainbow Double Dash, Striker and Rixazu agreed. Thanks to Striker and Georg for their editing of this chapter As always comments are always welcome. Lyra (Talon and Thorn)“~Hi Honey I’m home~” sang Lyra as she entered the home she shared with Bon Bon via the back door. As she had expected there wasn’t a reply, the industrial kitchen her mare friend used to make most of her goods was as clean and tidy as it had been when she’d left a few hours ago, but there was the sound of a comotion from the front of the building where the actual shop was. Quickly dropping her shopping off upstairs in the apartment she shared with her marefriend Lyra headed towards the sound. As she opened the door she was struck by the heat and sound of almost a dozen ponies crammed into the small shop front. Bon Bon stood on the near side of the counter filling out orders as fast as she could, trying to keep up with the stream of ponies entering the store, all of whom apparently wanted to be served at once. With a sigh Lyra trotted over to her lover and leaned forwards to give her a kiss on the cheek, Bon Bon didn’t even glance at her, although her white coat didn’t entirely cover her blush. “There you go, one super sized milk chocolate selection box,” she said continuing to serve her customer as she passed over a large wrapped package. “How did the shopping go, dear?” she said turning partially towards Lyra while keeping one ear trained on her next customer. “Got everything on our list, and I put in that bulk order for the ingredients you wanted, your dad will deliver them first thing tomorrow morning. He reminded me that he’s expecting us on Hearth’s Warming morning. Your mom’s threatening to help with the cooking if we’re late. We better leave some room after dinner through ‘cause my dads are expecting us in the evening and I’m sure they’ll feed us as well.” “Thanks, honey. I don’t know what I’d do without you. I’ve never seen things so busy before. There you go, one bag of marzipan bites.” She handed over a bag to the next pony in line and accepted the offered bits. “That’s just because all your stuff is so great,” said Lyra levitating a lump of fudge from a pile and popping it in her mouth. Bon Bon gave her a mild glare but carried on serving. “Me and the girls decided to do a Hearth’s Warming Helper this year so I only have to get one present for them, we’re exchanging them all at Trixie’s party tomorrow evening,” she added. “Tomorrow evening? What about the Ponyville Small Business Ponies party?” asked Bon Bon sharply. Oops, thought Lyra she knew she’d overlooked something. “You don’t want me interrupting your shop talk, do you? Trixie’s thing won’t last that long, we can meet up again after and spend the night together.” she suggested nuzzling up to Bonnie. Lyra wasn’t all that keen on the PSBP, they tended to spend all their time talking shop, literally and figuratively, she found most of it fairly boring, Bon Bon seemed to enjoy it though. “I guess so,” said Bon Bon accepting the physical contact for a moment before gently pushing Lyra aside to continue her work. Who did you get in the hearth warming helper? We have those in White, Dark and Milk chocolate,” she informed the next customer. “Carrot Top. I’ve got just the gift in mind for her, I’m going to write her a song!” “Uh, huh,” said Bon Bon, sounding rather distracted. “Could you do me another favour first?” “Sure Bonny, what do you want?” It certainly looked like Bonny could do with a hoof dealing with the horde of customers. “Could you deliver those?” she nodded to a large pile of parcels behind the counter. “My normal delivery pony didn’t turn up.” Lyra looked at the pile of wrapped gifts. One of Bon Bon’s ideas to increase trade had been to allow ponies to put in orders to be delivered to their homes , for a small fee so they didn't have to drag their purchases around town. “Sure.” she checked the labels, she knew most of the names. “Actually it’ll give me a chance to talk to some ponies about Carrot Top, maybe it’ll give me some inspiration about what to write!” “That’s nice dear - That will be 10 bits - see you later,” said Bon Bon without turning. Lyra gritted her teeth as a strap dug into her flank for what seemed like the thousandth time. The parcels had been more than she could easily carry in her aura so she’d been forced to commandeer the cart which Bon Bon occasionally used to transport her supplies. However, her fillyfriend was rather shorter and more huggably plump than she was, meaning that the worn out old bridle attached to it didn’t fit well. She was gland that one of the parcels sitting around the fire at home contained a brand new set of tack she’d bought Bonny. She didn’t often pull vehicles so Lyra had built up quite a lather by the time she’d dropped off her first few packages. Levitating the next package off the cart and carefully reading the tag she turned to the right taking the path straight towards the library. She hummed as she went trying out another tune in her head. Her idea of composing a song for Carrot Top had seemed a good idea an hour or so ago but it was proving to be harder than she’d planned. Starting a piece wasn’t too difficult but finishing it was harder, as the many half completed tunes on her desk at home attested. She came to a halt looking up at the snow covered branches of the library tree, it looked particularly picturesque with decorations and garlands covering many of its branches, even the bee hive had a small wreath above the entrance. The library’s door was shut against the cold but the sign hanging on it indicated that it was currently open to the public. Lyra considered for a second before deciding it was more trouble than it was worth getting unhitched. Instead she used her aura to give the door a good thump. It was several minutes before there was any response. “We are open you know,” said Twilight a little peevishly as she opened the door. “Oh, Ms Hartstrings!” “Happy Hearth’s Warming,” announced Lyra with a smile. She felt a bit awkward, she hadn’t spent all that much time with the new librarian since she’d moved into town. “I figured you’d prefer it if I didn’t drag the whole cart in.” “Well, yes,” said Twilight, “what brings you here?” “I’m your delivery pony for the day, I’ve got your order from Bon Bon.” She picked up the relevant parcel and levitated it into the library where Twilight stood. “Thank you. Since I tasted Bon Bon’s fudge I just can’t get enough of it! So I thought I’d treat my me and family to a selection box.” “They’re one of my favourites as well.” It was a shame Bonny had to sell it to other ponies, she would have been happy to eat it all herself. “I should be careful, I don’t get as much exercise as I used to, I’m going to get fat!” “I’m sure I can talk Trixie into letting you out a bit more to burn off the calories.” “She did mention I should try the regime Raindrops is putting her through, but I don’t really think training to fight is my thing. Maybe I could help out on one of the farms or something?” “I’m sure Carrot Top could use a hoof come summer,” said Lyra. Twilight smiled. “I think I’d like that. When I first moved in her she left me with a gift basket of her produce. It was delicious.” “Yep, that’s Carrot Top for you, always willing to help anyone who needs it. “She doesn’t come to the library that often but we’ve talked a few times about pest control, it’s quite a fascinating subject you know. She’s made me feel right at home here, a true friend to all ponies.” “Ooh, that might work,” muttered Lyra, humming a quick bar. “Sorry?” Twilight's brow furrowed. “Oh, I’m writing a song about Carrot Top, and you’ve given me an idea.” Lyra wished she had some parchment with her to scribble her thoughts down. “A song about her?” “It’s a present for the holiday!” “That’s an interesting idea, very different, all I normally get are books, jewelry and land.” “Land?” “My mother got me a few villages near Trottingham last year, I visited them once, they’re quaint, but she really only got them for the baronettehood which went with them.” Lyra tried to stop her eyes bulging, her idea of a present certainly didn’t match Twilight’s. “I better head off now, I’ve got a lot of presents to deliver.” “I need to finish decorating, my parents are arriving soon!” said Twilight in an excited tone. “Really?” that was news to Lyra, normally having a viceroy visit would be the talk of the town. “They’re trying to keep it low profile. Just them and a few servants,” explained Twilight. “I hope you have a lovely time,” said Lyra as she started to heave the cart away. “Why thank you, Darling,” exclaimed Rarity as she accepted her order from Lyra. “My parents really are quite partial to these treats, as are one or two rather useful contacts in Canterlot.” Lyra nodded there weren't many ponies who had anything bad to say about Bon Bon’s wares, at least not in her presence anyway. “How’s business?” she asked politely. “Holiday sales are more or less what I expected. Ponies like to dress up at this time of year, much of it is practical wear against the weather, woollen hats in particular it seems, not very imaginative, but it pays the bills. However, the party season is also in full swing which allows much more exciting options. Is there anything you or Bon Bon require?” asked Rarity floating a catalogue out of the beautique and over to where Lyra and her cart were standing. “I think we’re fine thanks,” said Lyra flipping through the pages. It wasn’t like her wardrobe was bulging but she had everything she needed, she even had a few outfits just to perform in. “Wait a minute is that Carrot Top?” she exclaimed looking at one of the pictures in the book. “Why yes, she most generously volunteered to model some of my works. She was somewhat apprehensive at the start, but I think she got into the feel of it.” She flipped through a few pages showing Carrot in a range of outfits. “If she ever decides to give up on the farming business I’m sure she could model full time. She's more, well, healthily proportioned than most professional models but I think that makes the outfits hang more realistically, and her mane is perfect, so much volume and bounce, and the colour! Of course the photographs don’t show colour, but you just know it’s there. Oh I really am quite jealous.” Lyra had to admit that Carrot did look good when she put some effort into it, not that she every looked doudy. Her friend was rightly quite proud of her looks. “Sorry Rarity, I don’t think me or Bonny need any clothes at the moment.” “Maybe something a little more... intimate for a present?” asked Rarity slyly. “I have an ‘after dark’ catalogue as well. Rather better quality than what you can get in the Hardware and Lingerie shop, if I do say so myself. I do socks,” she looked aside for a moment to see if anypony could overhear them, “bridles, saddles,” she whispered. “The service is very discrete.” She levitated a second thinner catalogue over. Lyra was momentarily curious as to whether Carrot Top had modeled for this one as well, but she quickly put the thought aside. There were some limits to what she wanted to know about her friends. “It’s tempting,” she admitted, “but I’m afraid I’m in a bit of a hurry at the moment. So much to deliver.” “I understand darling,” said Rarity standing back. “But if you are ever interested you know where I am.” Eventually Lyra’s delivery route took her out of Ponyville itself and into the farms that surrounded the settlement. She was very glad that she only had a few more stops. By the time she made it to Sweet Apple Acres, her hooves were aching. The Acres looked picturesque under its covering of snow, but even at this time of year there were a number of ponies working on it’s various crops. Lyra spotted her target running one of the work groups. “Hey, Applejack!” she called. The orange mare looked up. “Oh, hey Lyra. We don’t normally see you ‘round these parts.” “I’ve got your delivery from Bon Bon,” she said nodding her neck towards her cart. “That’s mighty kind of you,” said Applejack trotting over. “Granny Smith just can’t get enough of those fancy truffles your marefriend makes.” She picked out several large packages from the cart. “Still busy up here?” asked Lyra nodding to the workers. “Farming don’t stop just ‘cause it’s winter. There’s always something needs doing. It’s not a one mare job.” “Some farmers manage it by themselves,” said Lyra looking towards Carrot Top’s farm just over the fence. Smoke was rising from the chimney, so it’s owner was probably home, maybe she should pop in on her way past? “Golden Harvest is much smaller than the Acres,” said Applejack sounding a bit put out. “Still you got to admire Carrot’s gumption. She might not always be rightheaded but she certainly puts her all into her work. Wants to follow her family's legacy. Ah can respect that.” Lyra was a little surprised by the sentiment, she knew Carrot considered Applejack to be something of a rival but she’d often thought that the Trust pony hardly noticed her fellow farmer, unless she got directly in her way. “Yep, anypony who puts as much effort into her work as she does is alright in my book. Her crops are first rate and she’s always ready to lend a hoof to anypony who asks, and some who don’t too. Maybe she’s a bit too keen, some folks could do with toughening up rather than always asking for help. She might have a few strange ideas, like that union thing, but I think her heart’s always in the right place even if it’s not always running along with her brain. Now if she’d just put aside some of her pride I’m sure she’d have a bright future with the Trust!” Lyra blinked, that hadn’t gone where she’s expected. She wouldn’t really call Carrot all that prideful, but she really doubted she was ever going to join the Apple Trust. “Well, I can’t just stand here all day yappin’,” announced Applejack looking away from Carrot’s farm. “I got work to do. Thanks again for the sweets.” “You’re welcome!” called Lyra as she turned her cart around rolling her eyes as she did. The sun was starting to set by the time Lyra reached the last stage of her journey, delivering to the smaller farms which ringed Ponyville. The first stop on her way was Green Grape’s vineyard. The whole place was blanketed by a thick layer of snow but the house itself was brightly lit and looked warm and welcoming. As she approached she hammered on the door and after a few minutes Grape himself opened it. “Evening lass!” he called cheerfully, “Happy Hearth’s Warming.” “Same to you, I’ve got your order from Bon Bon’s.” “Thanks,” he said accepting his package. “You should come in for a drink, it’s freezing out here!” “Love to," with the setting of the sun the temperature was starting to drop even further, "but I’ve still got a few deliveries to make before it gets dark.” “Whose left?” he asked. “Boxxy, Banana and Acorn.” It wasn’t many, but their farms were spread out, she easily had another hours work before she could head home. “They’re all here anyway! You can just leave the packages with them. I won’t take no for an answer!” He started to help her unstrap herself from the cart and grabbed the contents of the cart before opened the door to the house. The interior was packed, there must have been almost three dozen ponies there drinking and eating and socialising. Maybe a little too much, it wasn’t entirely clear if Lily Valley was nuzzling at Banana Split’s neck, or had just passed out against him. “You’re having a party?” Lyra asked as the door closed behind her. “The Farmer’s Union Hearth’s Warming party!” exclaimed Grape passing her a steaming tankard of mulled wine which she happily accepted. “I didn’t know this was happening!” “It was Carrot Top’s idea, she thought we should all have a get together to celebrate the year.” Lyra glanced around the room. “I don’t see her here,” she said. He sighed. “She dropped off some food this morning then said she couldn’t make it, said she had too much to do!” Wasn’t that just like Carrot Top, thought Lyra. “It’s a shame, we wouldn’t all be here if it wasn’t for her. Not just here at this party, still working as farmers. If it wasn’t for the money she got to refit the farms I swear some of us might have gone under this year.” “Aye,” said Red Onion, “I have to admit she’s helped us all this year. She might not be the best of farmers, but she’s certainly put all she’s got into this community.” Lyra was rather surprised to hear those words from Onion’s mouth, she’d understood that Red wasn’t exactly friends with Carrot. She suspected that the empty tankard in Onion’s hoof might explain her current feelings. “She’s a good friend,” she said. “I’m planning to write a song in her honour. She and the other element bearers are meeting up for a party of our own tomorrow.” “That’s nice,” said Grape, “She’s been a good friend to all of us. Always willing to lend a hoof to somepony in need. Hey!” he yelled, the background chatter quieted. “I’m proposing a toast! To Carrot Top, although she can’t be here tonight. To Carrot Top, one of the finest farmers in Ponyville!” “To Carrot Top!” came a cry as all present raised their glasses. Lilly followed a few seconds later blinking in surprise before slumping to the ground with a giggle. “Actually it’s a good thing you’re here,” said Grape. “We all put a little something aside and got Carrot Top a present. I was going to drop by later to deliver it, but you can save me a trip.” “Sure, where is it?” asked Lyra. “I think she’ll love it,” said Grape pointing towards an unusually shaped parcel leaning against the wall. It was dark by the time Lyra had made it back home and carefully stored the cart in it’s shed behind the candy shop. She was glad to return to the warmth of the upstairs flat that she and Bonny shared. The gas used to power Bonny's kitchen meant that the house had some of the most up to date heating in town. “How did it go, dear?” asked Bon Bon as Lyra entered the living room. Her mare friend was lounging on the plush but battered settee. “You look exhausted!” she struggled to stand. Lyra had to agree, she really wasn’t used to so much physical labour but her marefriend looked just as tired. “You’re the one who got up before dawn to work on today’s treats and then spent the whole day on your hooves!” Really she didn’t know how her marefriend managed it day after day. “I bet your hooves are aching.” “Like you wouldn’t believe,” sighed Bonny slumping back into the seat. “Why don’t you join me?” she asked moving aside a bit. It was a very tempting offer but Lyra had to get down the music and words in her head before she forgot anything. There were so many ponies who were thankful for Carrot Top, she needed to get down all their kind words. “Give me a bit of time, I’ve got to work on Carrot’s song for tomorrow.” “How’s it going?” asked Bon Bon as Lyra pulled out a quill and paper and sat at the piano which took up one corner of the room. “I think I have most of it down now, I just need to polish it a bit and rehearse.” She then proved she was able to multitask by using her magic to manifest several sets of ethereal digits which proceeded to gently massage her lover’s throbbing hooves. “Oh, that’s good!” moaned Bonny as she melted into the chair. “Have I shown you how much I adore you recently? Once you’re done maybe we could unwrap one of your present’s early?” She fluttered her eyelashes. “I bought it from Rarity.” Lyra grinned, this was going to be a great Hearth’s Warming. Author's Note For Lyra I know from the outset what present she was going to give, a song just made sense to me so I decided to make a bit of a tour of the side characters in Ponyville as well as looking into her previous stories a bit and seeing what she means to the town. Hopefully people will actually enjoy the story she puts together in the end. As always comments are always welcome. Trixie (Rainbow Double Dash)With a flourish, Trixie levitated one of the pieces of paper from her hat. She hadn’t peeked, but from the way it was folded she instantly knew who’s name she had picked without needing to open it, since she had after all done the folding – though she made a show of opening the piece of paper anyway and letting her eyes widen a little so that she could look suitably surprised. Trixie also did her best to not look at what everypony else had picked…or tried to, anyway, but she really really really wanted to know who got her. Unfortunately Lyra, Cheerilee, and Ditzy were quick to hide their own pieces of paper, and neither Carrot Top nor Raindrops had hers, so that would have to remain mostly a mystery. C’est la vie, she thought to herself as she turned her attention back to the piece of paper in her telekinetic aura. A golden lyre stared at her – she was going to be getting something for Lyra. She brightened at that. She already had the perfect gift in mind! “Everypony happy?” She asked as she put her hat back on her head. At a confirming nod from her friends, she adjusted her cape and turned around. “See you all tomorrow then!” The trot away was for show, of course, since she’d be coming back in just a few minutes, once she’d confirmed that Lyra had gone off to do her own shopping for whoever she’d gotten, and so wouldn’t see Trixie’s return. Now that she was only shopping for one mare instead of five, the gramophone she’d been considering had fallen within her expanded price range. Sure, Lyra probably had one already, but you could never have too many gramophones, could you? …could you? Trixie stopped in her trot as she considered. Well, actually, you probably could. Lyra lived with Bon Bon above her candy store, a single-story apartment to themselves where the one gramophone they may or may not have already had, but probably did, would be more than enough to project through the whole thing. Though then again perhaps Bon Bon would like a gramophone for the store downstairs? Something to add a little ambiance? Hmm, but then that would be a gift for Bon Bon, not Lyra. “Zut,” Trixie cursed, though quietly, as she resumed her trot through Ponyville’s marketplace, thinking this problem over. On the other hoof, if Lyra already had a gramophone, then she would need records to play on it, non? So perhaps some records would be better. But on the third hoof, if Lyra didn’t have a gramophone and Trixie got her records, then that would basically be a waste of everypony’s time… Aha! But, Trixie’s budget for buying something for her friend remained expanded. So, all she had to do was get Lyra a gramophone and some new records, something released recently that she probably didn’t have yet. Then Lyra would have a shiny new gramophone to play some shiny new records on, and even if she had an old gramophone, that gramophone could be moved down to Bon Bon’s Bon Bons. Or the Confectionarium. Or whatever the candy store was called this week. Also at some point over the last several minutes the word “gramophone” had stopped seeming like a real word to Trixie, due to the repetition of it through her head. “Stop turning into Pinkie Pie,” she said, knocking a hoof against her head. “One’s more than enough.” With that particular conflict settled, she turned around and started heading back to the market at a leisurely pace, confident in her line of reasoning and her choice for what to get Lyra. …where was the gramophone. Trixie stared, rather intently, at the spot where the gramophone had been. It had been a rather lovely gramophone, a big wooden…case-thingy with brass bits that curled around each other nicely and into heart shapes, a wonderfully pointy needle for playing records, and a very large...gramo-thing, whatever the speaker was. She was not an expert, or even an amateur hobbyist, in the construction or details of gramophones, she just knew that she had wanted a gramophone and now there wasn’t a gramophone here. (The word “gramophone” was starting to insist on itself in her mind, some part of Trixie noticed with a degree of worry). “Excuse me,” Trixie said, trotting over to the store’s owner, a somewhat portly earth pony stallion with a cutie mark of a trombone. “There was a gramophone over there just a few minutes ago.” “Sold it,” the stallion replied, “just a few minutes ago.” Trixie put on her most sincere, beneficent of smiles. “Do you have any other gramophones?” “Nope.” Trixie’s next smile was still sincere, but not nearly as beneficent. “Do you know anypony who might?” “Ah’ve got one,” the stallion said. After a moment, just as Trixie was opening her mouth, he continued. “Upstairs in mah home. S’ mine. Good gramophone, really high sound quality.” The smile that Trixie put on now was notably lacking in sincerity and had all the natural beneficence of a hungry Lunesianan alligator. “I meant,” she said, “do you know of anypony who might have a gramophone for sale?” The stallion thought a long moment. “Nope,” he said, though at least he had the decency to add “sorry” after a few moments. Trixie suppressed a sigh. “Alright, fine…” she groaned as she stepped from the store and back out into the cold. Well, there went that brilliant plan, destroyed at the first touch of reality before it could even really begin. As per usual, really. But it was fine, she could think of something else for Lyra…maybe a nice hat? Lyra didn’t wear a lot of hats, but she should. Everypony liked hats. And a friend like Lyra deserved only the finest hat! Trixie grinned to herself and took off for Rarity’s Boutique, surely the finest purloiner of fashionable hats in Ponyville. “How could you possibly be out of hats?” Trixie demanded. Rarity’s eyes narrowed a little bit as she tidied up around her store, having finished up with her previous customer. Her boutique had several other ponies in it as well, all eagerly waiting their turn for her attentions. “Dame Trixie,” Rarity said in as polite a voice as she could muster, “it’s so close to Hearth's Warming it’s a genuine miracle that I have anything left at all,” she swept a hoof over her store. Indeed, the boutique was as bare as Trixie had ever seen it, many racks empty, and most ponies there to pick up commissions rather than window-shopping. Rarity nodded her head towards one particular shelf, where everything was marked down considerably. “I should say rather that I am not completely out of hats, nor indeed any article of clothing…but what’s left are…” she suppressed a slight shudder and continued in a lower voice, “last season’s styles.” Trixie actually suppressed her own shudder at that. Broadly speaking, she prided herself as being a mare of the ponies, a pony who had come from commoner origins herself, a middle-class working family at that. Well, sort of, with her grand-père’s income as the greatest stage magician who had ever lived; nevertheless that was still work. But at the same time, she’d lived ten years in Canterlot under the tutelage of Princess Luna, and certain social mores were picked up as a result. One of them was “you do not give away last season’s styles as a gift”. You don’t even consider it. “Fine,” Trixie said, putting a hoof to her mouth as she thought. “What are the odds that you could put something together on short notice?” “I couldn’t possibly,” Rarity said, regret in her voice. “Between running the boutique and finishing up the last of my already-commissioned articles I’m afraid I’m rather booked through to Hearth’s Warming itself. I do apologize.” Trixie nodded in understanding, sighing and waving as she trotted from the building, letting Rarity get back to customers she could actually help. Well, there went another plan… “Alright, Trixie, think,” Trixie mumbled to herself as she looked about Ponyville, trying to find inspiration. “Lyra! Musician…but gramophone is out. Candy-lover…but I’m certain Bon Bon will have that covered already. Maybe a book? I’ll get her a book. Everypony reads, everypony likes books. But what kind would she like…” she didn’t want a repeat of the minor debacle of the birthday present she’d once gotten for Ditzy, a book on power-politics that as far as Trixie knew was gathering dust in Ditzy’s apartment somewhere (in Trixie’s defense, she’d only recently moved to Ponyville). Well, regardless, the town’s library would be her next stop… Trixie threw open the door to the library, eyes already looking towards where she knew Twilight Sparkle would be. “Sparkle – ” Ponyville had two possible places to buy books: Quills and Sofas, or the Golden Oaks Library. Quills and Sofas tended to get the new releases, while the Golden Oaks Library maintained a small book shop that had both used and new books for sale to supplement the library’s budget. The usual problem was that while Twilight was a good librarian in most respects and something that Ponyville had badly needed to run and organize Golden Oaks, she was a bibliophile first and foremost, and trying to get her to actually sell a book in the library rather than simply loan it out (specifically, because of the implicit understanding that the book would be returned on time and in the same condition it left in) often involved a little cajoling and convincing. That was not the problem Trixie faced. No, the problem Trixie faced was that sitting by the library’s desk was not just Twilight Sparkle, brightest magical mind of her generation, foremost expert on teleportation magic on the continent, and only in Ponyville because Trixie had goaded her into committing a crime and subsequently played a role in convincing her to turn herself in, resulting in her house arrest in Ponyville. No, there was also Vicereine Twilight Velvet, heir of the House Starlight, Descendant of the Grand Dukes of Latigo and the Royal Family of Ancient Unicornia, Vicereine of Latigo, Equestria’s largest province and one of its wealthiest. Twilight Sparkle probably more commonly referred to her as mom, however. In the letters that she sent home to Latigo. From Ponyville. That Twilight was only in because of Trixie. Because of the previously alluded to goading thing. All this ran through Trixie’s mind in less than second, and that was all it took to convince Trixie to turn and run. Or she started to, at least, and even made it almost half a step, but a violet light surrounded her, there was a snap-pop sound, and suddenly she was face-to-face with Twilight Velvet, held in her magical aura a few inches off the ground. “Wow,” Twilight said, glancing between Trixie and her mother. “That was incredible, mom! Where’d you get reflexes like that?” Velvet smiled. “The mare can leave the Night Guard, Twilie, but the Night Guard never really leaves the mare,” she said. Oh, great, and there’s apparently that too. Is the entire House Starlight made up of overachievers? Part of Trixie’s mind asked. The other part wondered if Twilight Velvet would allow her to at least start composing her own obituary. “Um…” Trixie said aloud. “Oh! Sorry,” Velvet said, setting Trixie down. The older unicorn laughed a little, not unlike Twilight might. “Sorry, you threw open the door and said my daughter’s name, then tried to run. Instinct kicked in. I’ll assume that I misinterpreted the situation.” Trixie blinked a few times. “Uh…um, yes, your excellency,” Trixie’s political instincts kicked in, then mentally kicked her a few times for her phrasing. “I – I mean, not that I blame you, your excellency! Oh, and, um, let me introduce myself – wait, bowing, forgot to – ” Trixie felt a hoof on her withers. “Mom, this is Trixie Lulamoon,” Twilight said. She’d come out from behind the desk. “Trixie, this is Twilight Velvet, my mom. Vicereine of Latigo, yadda yadda yadda.” Velvet looked Trixie up and down. “I see,” she said. Then one eyebrow raised. “I do believe she’s not breathing.” “Huh?” Twilight asked, looking at Trixie. Trixie looked between them, confused as well, then realized that Velvet was right and let out a breath she quite literally hadn’t realized she was holding, then waited a few moments, then was forced to hit her own chest a few times to get herself to breathe in. After a considerable amount of effort, she got her breathing under control. “Are you okay?” Twilight asked. “F-fine,” Trixie lied. Transparently. Fortunately Twilight was never quick to spot those. “Just, um…Hearth's Warming shooooh…” she trailed off at the mention of the holiday that was centered around family and togetherness and things that Twilight couldn’t do because she was under house arrest in Ponyville. Twilight stared in confusion as her horn lit up, a pale nimbus of lavender surrounding Trixie. “Are you okay? Your heart is racing and you’re sweating…do you have a cold?” “That might be it.” Velvet put in. She didn’t look fooled, unlike Twilight, but was at least giving Trixie a little respite. “You’re here for Hearth's Warming shopping, then? A book for one of your friends, I’m guessing?” Trixie nodded, remembering to breathe again. “F-for Lyra. Lyra Heartstrings. Dame Lyra Heartstrings. Element of Loyalty Dame Lyra – ” “I know who Lyra is…” Twilight droned a little, still looking concerned for Trixie. “Um…why don’t you start looking, I’m going to go upstairs and see if I have anything for…whatever you’ve got.” It took a moment for Trixie to register the words, and by the time she did and started to ask Twilight to please not leave her alone down here, there had already been flash-pop, and Twilight had disappeared in a burst of teleportation magic to her home in the library’s upper levels. There was some painful silence, followed by a small amount of laughter. “Honestly, it’s a wonder my daughter walks anywhere anymore, isn’t it?” the currently most powerful pony in Ponyville asked (by political metric, anyway; Twilight Sparkle had her mother and, really, everypony beaten by a mile in terms of magical ability. Her help would have been phenomenally useful against Grogar at the end of last summer). Trixie had no idea how to correctly respond to that. She sensed a trap in all possible answers or reactions, though she did force herself to look at Velvet. She took in a deep breath, let it out slowly, took in another, and then spoke. “Vicereine Twilight, I am so sorry for what I did last Eventime,” she said. “I’m sorry for fighting with your daughter, I’m sorry for goading her and nettling her, I’m sorry for everything. I wasn’t the pony I could have been. I’m sorry.” Twilight Velvet did exactly the last thing that Trixie would have expected: She smiled. It wasn’t much of a smile, a tiny thing, but it was there. “Of course. I accept your apology, Dame Trixie.” Trixie managed to keep her mouth from dropping. “Oh,” she said. “Um…thanks. Thank-you, your excellency.” She then winced, bracing herself for the other hoof to strike, as it surely would. Velvet seemed to notice her unease, however, and shook her head. “Trixie…I was angry. Of course I was angry. I was angry with you, but I was angry with my daughter, too. But that was almost a year ago now. You shouldn’t have goaded her. She shouldn’t have leashed an Ursa Minor and brought it into town. She’s paying for her mistake now, and I’m proud of her for it, even if she won’t be in Latigo this Hearth's Warming.” She let out a long sigh, then looked back to Trixie and stood up a little straighter. “If it makes you feel more at ease, you can think of it this way. You’re her designated escort. It’s your job to make sure that my little Twilie doesn’t get up to any other trouble, and that she is comfortable in Ponyville for as long as she’s here.” Her head tilted to the side. “Can you do that?” Trixie nodded without thinking, though once her thoughts caught up she knew it was something she would have done anyway. “Of course,” she said. “I volunteered to be Sparkle’s escort, actually, though I think Luna would have asked me to do it anyway. I owed Sparkle at least that much.” “Then as far as I’m concerned, the matter is settled,” Velvet said, making a cutting motion with one hoof. “You won’t be getting any Hearth's Warming cards from me any time soon, but otherwise, that’s that.” To say that was a relief for Trixie was beyond an understatement. She had…less than exemplary run-ins with Twilight’s brother and father after the whole Ursa Minor incident, Night Light in particular. Sure, she’d patched things up with both of them, but that hadn’t changed that she’d been expecting round three to begin with Velvet. Either Velvet was less emotional than her husband, though, or else enough time had passed for the wounds to heal over. Regardless, Trixie would take it – There was a flash-pop from right beside Trixie, and Twilight reappeared, several bottles in her aura as well as two more in each hoof. “Okay, I’ve got – Trixie! Are you okay?” Trixie looked up from where she’d landed on the floor, one hoof at her chest as her heart hammered, far too much excitement and terror and so on having happened over the past few minutes. “F-fine. I’m fine,” she said. “Do you have any books on lyres for sale?” Twilight blinked. “Um…well, there’s a second-edition copy of Timeless Tunes for Harmonious Harps & Legendary Lyres in the store, though I haven’t read it yet so I can’t guarantee its quality…” “How much?” Twilight paused. “Thirty bits,” she said, taking up a slightly defensive stance. It was an outrageous sum for what was probably a lightly-used book. “I’ll take it,” Trixie said anyway as she stood, taking off her hat to get to her bits. “I think I’ve aged more in the last five minutes than I have in the last five years…” Twilight looked like she was about to suggest something else, something that she’d already read, and also Trixie was clearly ill and so shouldn’t really be buying books right now. But from nearby, Velvet chuckled, taking the bottles from Twilight. “Twilight, you have to sell books, even ones you haven’t read, it’s your job.” The younger mare looked a little petulant at that for a moment, but then sighed and nodded, using telekinesis to reach across the library into its store section and pulling over a large, only slightly worn tome with a cover that depicted several lyres arrayed around a great harp. She collected the bits, wrapped the book in cloth and strike to protect it, and hoofed over the tome. She even let go after a few moments. “Maybe Lyra will let me read it,” she said. “I’ll ask,” Trixie said, then turned to Velvet and genuflected, as was proper. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Vicereine Twilight,” she said. Velvet lifted a hoof, giving Trixie leave to rise and leave. “The pleasure was mine, Dame Trixie.” She was quiet as Trixie went to the library’s door. “Oh, though perhaps you could stay just a few minutes, my son and husband should be arriving…” Trixie opened the door, and found herself staring at two stallions, one with a blue coat and black mane, the other with a white coat and blue mane. They looked rather like Viceroy Night Light and Captain of the Royal Guard Shining Armor. Or as Twilight probably referred to them, dad and big brother. “Nope,” Trixie declared, horn glowing bright blue as she teleported, something she was singularly awful at. She ended up buried in a six-foot tall snowdrift, but it was worth it. Cheerilee (Talon and Thorn)Grabbing a scrap of paper as it floated out of Trixie’s hat, Cheerilee quickly opened it. The paper revealed the wand and moon cutie mark of the illusionist herself. She snapped a few glances at her friends, hoping to get a glimpse of who they might be getting a gift for. Catching her gaze, Raindrops scowled and turned away from her. Cheerilee shrugged. Sure, the whole thing was supposed to be secret, but she couldn’t help being curious. A quick look around showed that everypony else was hiding their new secret just as well. Forcing her mind back to the issue at hand, Cheerilee considered what she could get Trixie with only a day or so to prepare. Something relating to magic, either stage or unicorn, came to mind. Although she wasn’t sure exactly what. Trixie had some difficulty learning from spellbooks, so they were out of the picture. And anyway Ponyville, with it’s earth pony majority, had a dearth of such things. Of course Canterlot was only a few hours train ride away and almost anything could be purchased there. She thought over a few other possibilities. Some stage props? Fireworks? Something from Trixie’s hometown? It was unlikely there was much in the way of Neigh Orleans memorabilia nearby. How about something to eat? Trixie certainly seemed to enjoy cooking, including quite a variety of frankly bizarre creations. Or maybe something to drink...? Cheerilee’s eyes widened. She had the perfect idea, if she still had it! “Good luck girls!” she cried out, quickly turning towards her home. “See you all tomorrow!” “Where is it!” Cheerilee shouted, tossing aside a bundle of postcards which narrowly avoided meeting a watery grave in one of her many fish tanks. She flipped aside a colourful sweater with her mouth and started to burrow muzzle first into the pile of assorted junk underneath. During her younger ‘wandering’ days, she generally tried to travel light, rarely having more than a single saddlebag to her name. Still, she tended to accumulate various souvenirs as she went. And whenever she had the chance she’d sent them home to her parents who had generally stored them by shoving them into her room and forgetting about them. Of course when her baby sister had come along, her room had became the new arrival’s home and her stuff had all been moved into storage. Once she made it home and had gotten a place of her own, she collected all of it and ended up shoving it all in a cupboard. She meant to sort it out, maybe make some sort of map of her travels with an item from each town or something. But there never seemed to be the time until now. This particular item had been picked up during her travels, she’d intended to use it to celebrate something or other, but she’d never gotten around to using it. It would make a perfect Hearth's Warming gift for Trixie, if only she could find it! She tossed aside a few books and gave a cry of victory as she found what she was looking for. It was a wooden box, maybe three hooves tall and about a hoof wide. The words burnt into it proclaimed it to be ‘Candle Stick special reserve bourbon, aged twenty years’. Cheerilee took a deep sniff, feeling the scent of the liquor reawaken memories. Gatecrashing a gala held by a noble, discovering one of the servants was embezzling from her master, hiding in the wine cellar to gather evidence. The bottle had been a reward for her work. She still got Hearth’s Warming cards from Salad even now. Good times! She took another sniff, savouring the aroma. It was stronger than she expected and a gentle shake of the case gave the reason why. She quickly pried off the front of the case to reveal the bottle inside, or rather the fragments of what had once been a bottle. At some point in its transport between Salad’s mansion and her home, somepony had been less than gentle with it. She sighed. Well, that was a brilliant idea down the drain. Slumping to the ground. she carefully closed the box and let it fall to her side. She rubbed her face with a hoof for a moment as she racked her brain for an alternative present when her eye caught on a note attached to the back of the box. It gave a brief history of the brand and some frankly rather purple prose extolling the quality and flavour of the liquid which had once been contained within. What caught her eye most of all, though, was a crude map of the place where it had been bottled, the slightly giggle-inducing township of Knob Creek. What was more interesting was that she recognised many of the locations on the map, particularly the Everfree Forest shown on the edge. Standing up again, she rushed into another room and rummaged through a bookshelf to obtain a map of Equestria. Unfolding it onto the floor she quickly compared it with the one on the box. The place wasn’t that far off, not exactly next door but probably less than a half-day’s train journey. And if it exported booze, it certainly had a station. If she left now she could be there and back by tomorrow. Cheerilee considered other options for a moment. She could probably get a decent bourbon from her sister if she asked nicely, but not one as good as the destroyed bottle. And there was something about going on a trip, no a quest, to get a bottle. At the very least she’d get a good story to tell out of it. She quickly grabbed some bits and a warm coat before rushing out into the town and towards the train station. Cheerilee took another deep breath of the chill air and tried not to shiver. Despite her thicker than normal pelt and her winter coat, it was still bitingly cold. Although Knob Creek was less than a hundred miles away from Ponyville as the pegasus flew, no pegasus flew or train ran through the Everfree Forest. So it was well past dark by the the time she had disembarked. Knob Creek turned out to be not much larger than Ponyville. The town was surrounded by fields as far as the eye could see, but given that it was winter they were barren, waiting for the maize to grow again next year. Most of the population seemed to have retreated to the town and were deep in their preparations for the holiday. Cheerilee quickly found that buying Trixie a bottle of bourbon would not be a problem here. It seemed like every shop sold the stuff, even sweet shops had bourbon flavoured confectionery. None of the rapidly-closing shops, however, seemed to stock the same brand as she had inadvertently destroyed. She’d asked and had been pointed towards a distillery a mile or so outside of town. It was on aching hooves that she finally approached the place. It was easy to spot, being the only lit building around. Cheerilee was rather surprised to see a herd of ponies approaching from the opposite direction, exiting for the various buildings that made up the factory. They all seemed to be in rather high spirits, noisily chattering amongst themselves as they approached. “Hey!” called Cheerilee as the crowd drew near. “Oh, hi Miss,” replied a nearby stallion. He trotted over staggering slightly. “I’ve not seen you around before.” His breath suggested he’d sampled more than a little of the distillery’s product. “I’m looking to buy some bourbon,” she explained, “Candle Stick brand.” “We don’t normally sell directly to ponies,” he replied after a few moments thought. “Even one as cute as you.” The other ponies nearby gave good-natured laughs. Cheerilee grinned. It was nice to be complimented, and made it more likely she could wrap him around her hoof. “Are you sure, handsome?” she asked, fluttering her eyelashes. “Sorry, I’d love to get you a bottle or two but we’re shut until the new year now. We’ve just had our Hearth’s Warming party,” a cheer went up from the crowd, “and now we’re taking it into town! I’ll buy you a drink or two there if you want.” “Did you say ‘Candle Stick’?” asked another member of the crowd. “That’s expensive stuff, our best, we only make a barrel or so a year. Most batches are bought before it’s even bottled. Maybe come back in the new year?” she suggested. “I only need one bottle,” said Cheerilee. “It’s for a friend of mine, and she’d really appreciate it.” “Look, why don’t you come with us,” said the first stallion, looking away as most of the rest of the crowd started to shuffle past. “I’m sure we can pick up something in town almost as good. We can get something to warm you up as well.” For a moment, Cheerilee was tempted. She didn’t really need to get Trixie this particular brand, did she? And she was cold and hungry after her long journey. Still, didn’t her friend deserve the best? The unicorn had worked so hard at being a good friend over the last year, that was worth a reward. “No, I really need to get some Candle Stick.” The stallion sighed. “Our boss Jack Bean is probably still working back there.” He gestured towards the distillery. “Maybe he can sort something out? Probably not, but you could give it a try.” He shrugged and started off down the road after his companions. “Maybe see you later?” he called over his shoulder. “Maybe,” muttered Cheerilee, looking over towards the lit buildings. She started to trot ahead, shivering again. “This is our fault, then!” exclaimed a high pitched voice as Cheerilee approached the distillery. “All three of the tribes! We brought the snow to this land by our fighting and feuding! Now it... it...” there was a rustle of paper. Cheerilee’s ears twitched as she crept towards the sound. “It’s destroying our new land as well,” continued the voice, “just as it did the old!” She peeked around the building. There stood an earth pony filly with an untidy green curly mop of a mane barely restrained by a shawl. A brown cape covered most of her off-white coat, completing the outfit. “Smart Cookie?” asked Cheerilee, causing the foal to spin around and drop a pile of papers into the snow. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.” She moved forwards to help pick up the script. “I played her in the pageant when I was your age, too.” “We’re putting on the play tonight,” said the foal after a moment's pause. “I’ve almost got my lines down.” “You sound good to me. I’m Cheerilee, by the way. I’m looking for somepony called Jack Bean.” “That’s my dad!” exclaimed the foal. “I’m Lima Bean.” “Please to meet you Lima,” said Cheerilee, handing over the script to the young thespian. “Do you know where your father is?” “He’s still working at the still,” said Lima, her ears drooping a bit. “But he’s going to see me at the show once he’s done!” “Can you show me where he is? I’ll only need a minute.” “Sure!” exclaimed Lima, rushing off towards a nearby building before Cheerilee could follow. After a moment the foal returned. “Um, this way,” she said, moving at a more reasonable speed. The inside of the building was boiling compared to the outside. Cheerilee loosened her coat as she walked past row after row of copper vessels heated by the fires merrily burning below them. Lima led her surehoofedly thought the maze until they came across a stallion, apparently the only adult pony still present in the distillery. He was a little shorter than average, with a green mane like his daughter that was rapidly receding on the top of his head, and a yellow coat. A bottle mark was embossed on his flank, and he was apparently carrying out his talent as he carefully decanted a barrel into a number of bottles without spilling a drop. “Dad! Dad!” cried Lima, “This mare wants to talk to you. She’s called Cheerilee!” The older pony didn’t seem to react at first, carefully topping off the bottle he was working on before closing the tap on the keg and placing the full bottle amongst it’s brethren. Finally turning, he gave his daughter a smile and Cheerilee a rather more suspicious look. “Good evening Ma’am. The name’s Jack Bean,” he said politely. “What brings you up here at this time of night? I’m afraid we’re closed for the holiday’s now.” “Yes well,” began Cheerilee with a smile, “I was hoping I might be able to buy a bottle of bourbon from you, as a Hearth’s Warming present for a very dear friend.” “I’m sorry, but we don’t sell directly to members of the public. We only sell in bulk to retailers. If you head into town I’m sure you can find somepony who can sell you something from our brand though.” “Actually, I’m looking for something special, It’s called Candle Stick.” “Candle Stick?” He let out a whistle through his teeth. “That’s our rarest, We only make a single barrel a year, and only then if the conditions are right. It’s sold out years in advance.” “Are sure you don’t have any spare?” pleaded Cheerilee. “It’s for Trixie Lulamoon, you might have heard of her? The bearer of the Element of Magic? She helped to defeat Corona!” Cheerilee didn’t like trading on her and her friends fame, but she didn’t want to go home with empty hooves either. “That so,” said Jack uncertainty, “well that sure is something. But I’m afraid I can’t.” “Are you really sure we can’t come to some agreement?” Cheerilee asked, lowering her voice to a purr and flicking her tail. Maybe a little Black Cherry charm would work. Jack’s body tensed He glanced down at Lima for a second before his eyes again locked onto Cheerilee’s. “Now it may be a few years since Gra... since my wife passed, but don’t think I’ll be taking leave of my senses for a pretty face!” Cheerilee blushed and looked away, embarrassed. Maybe she had taken things a bit far. A touch of flirting often helped negotiations, but the stallion’s foal was standing next to her. “Sorry,” she mumbled. “I just wanted to get Trixie a good present.” “Yes, well, like I said you can get all sorts of spirits back in town.” “Why don’t you show her where she can get some when you take me to the play?” suggested Lima, hopping up and down a bit in excitement. “Yeah, I,” Jack looked aside, “I meant to tell you. I’m afraid I won’t be able to take you to the play. With everypony else out celebrating, somepony needs to watch the stills and start on the New Year orders.” “Then we can...” Lima continued until her father's words caught up with her. “But... but you said... you said you’d see me on stage! You promised!” she cried. “Yeah, I, I know I did,” said Jack, still not able to meet his daughter's eyes. “But New Years is one of our busiest times and sales ain’t been what they could be. Maybe we can do something next month instead? Maybe after the wrap up?” “You said that about Hearth’s Warming! I’ve been trying so hard to get my lines right! I wanted you to see me on stage!” The filly stomped her hoof on the ground, her eyes filling with tears. Jack rushed forwards and knelt before her. “Look, yeah, I did,” he said, wiping her eyes. “But bourbon’s in our veins, has been since your great great grandpa’s time. This place,” he gestured around the building, “this is our home, our families home, and well sometimes in order to keep that home you need to work hard and you have to sacrifice some things. I’m really sorry I can’t make your play, but I really am busy.” “I, I understand, Dad,” Lima quietly said after a moment. “I know you do. You’re a good filly,” Jack said, rubbing a hoof through her mane. “And I really will make it up to you in the new year, I promise. Now, I asked Miss Mortarboard to take you to the play in my place. She should be here soon. Why don’t you go outside and wait for her? Have a good time at the play.” “Yes, Dad.” “Love you,” Jack said, kissing Lima on the forehead before letting her slouch away. “Now,” he said, standing and turning back to Cheerilee. “As I said, I’m sorry I can’t help you. I have a lot to do tonight, so I’d like to ask you to leave.” “Is it all really that important,” Cheerilee asked, eyes narrowed, “that you can’t spend one night with your own foal?” “Don’t you judge me!” Jack snarled. “I want to leave her something more than I had. That girl could go far, but schooling don’t come cheap. I’ve got plans for this place, but they’re going to need hard work and sacrifice!” “And are those plans really going to be worth more than the memories of spending Hearth’s Warming with her?” Jack couldn’t meet her gaze. “I’ve got a lot to do,” he said. “Maybe I could...” she began. “Get out!” he yelled. She slowly backed away. “Very well, but think about it. Don’t do something you’ll regret later.” Once outside, Cheerilee took a deep breath of the frigid air. Lima was huddled by the door. “Are you alright?” the teacher asked, hunching down beside the smaller pony. Lima nodded and made a small affirmative sound. “I’m sure you’ll still have a good time at the play with all your friends.” “But I wanted him to see me!” Lima exclaimed. “Why are all the grown up things so important? Aren't I important, too?” She stared up into Cheerilee’s eyes. Cheerilee sighed. “Lots of things seem important when after you’ve grown up, but sometimes we forget the most important things along the way.” “You’re a grown up. Can’t you make him come to the play?” “I’m sorry. Things don’t work like that,” Cheerilee said, grinning lopsidedly. “He really does love you.” “I know but, it’s just not fair.” Lima stomped a small hoof. “He promised. He always promises, but then he’s always busy!” Cheerilee glanced away, and saw an older mare and a small herd of foal approaching, most of them wearing costumes. “Don’t give up hope. I’ll see what I can do to get your dad to come to your play.” Cheerilee stood up, hoping she hadn’t just lied to the child. Her father didn’t seem like the easiest stallion to convince, but she had a few tricks up her sleeves. Jack growled to himself as he started to carefully apply the labels to the latest batch of bottles. He made sure they were even and wiped away any excess glue. Once finished, they could be crated up and be ready for shipping once the holidays were over. He knew it was important. He’d be able to get a day or two’s head start on his competitors, but then he couldn’t help thinking of the disappointment in Lima’s eyes. He shook his head. No, he needed to concentrate. He wanted the best for his little girl, and that cost money. She’d understand when she was older. His ears pricked up as he heard the clink of a bottle striking the ground. He quickly turned, looking for the source of the sound. There shouldn’t be anypony else around the place. Maybe an animal had gotten in and was looking for somewhere warm to spend the night? As he passed one of the stills, he checked the pressure gauge. Everything seemed to be normal. He caught a glance of his reflection in the copper vessel. Something moved behind him. Eyes widening, he started to turn when something was slipped over his head. Everything went black. Panicking, his instincts were to kick out at whatever was attacking him. His hooves met only air, though, and he stumbled. Something grabbed at his flank and pulled him to one side, causing him to flail out again. “Careful,” came a somewhat muffled voice from somewhere near his ears. “Some of the stuff around here looks breakable.” “Get off of me!” he cried, trying to push away whatever was covering his face with his forelegs. Before he could reach it, something wrapped around his hoof, yanking it towards his barrel. The same happened to his other foreleg a second later. With a yelp, he pitched forward, headfirst towards the ground. But his assailant gently caught him and lowered him out onto the floor. He tried to kick with his hind legs, but once again they were tangled in something. He struggled wildly, but found himself entirely immobile. “Huh, fifteen seconds,” said his captor. “Not a personal record, but fairly impressive given I’m out of practice.” “Help! Help!” screamed Jack. “There’s nopony around, I’m afraid. At least it means I don’t have to silence you. I only carry a ball gag around for very special occasions-” there was a sigh “-and it’s been a while since one of those. Unless one of the girls gets me a stallion for Hearth’s Warming.” Jack tried to calm himself and return his breathing to a somewhat normal rate. He had to think! What was going on? Why were they doing this to him? The voice of his attacker sounded somewhat familiar, but he couldn’t pinpoint it. “There’s nothing here for you. I don’t keep much money on the premises, ” he pleaded. “If you want our stores, just take them! Please don’t hurt me! I have a foal!” “I’m glad you remember her now! I guess just taking something would be an option,” the attacker said. It sounded like she was moving around the room. “But I think Trixie would prefer her present to not be stolen.” “Wait, Cheerilee!” he exclaimed, finally pinning down the identity of his captor. Who was this crazy mare? What was she going to do to him? “Now, is there anything around here which is going to go boom if nopony looks after it for a few hours?” “What?” “Well, there’s all these stills and things bubbling. Is there anything likely to go wrong without you?” Jack tried to swallow through a sudden dryness in his throat. “Um, well no, probably not. Everything's just ticking over at the moment. I was just planning on putting labels on bottles for an hour or so,” he babbled, before cursed himself internally for his honesty. “Good, then you and me can go on a little trip.” He felt something nudging at his belly. It felt like a head. His eyes widened in shock before he felt himself levered into the air and onto his captor’s back. He rocked around a bit as Cheerilee apparently staggered under his weight. “Why did you have to be so heavy?!” she complained. He bit back a retort. There was no need to antagonise his foalnapper, and he had let himself go a bit over the last few years. “Right, off we go then,” Cheerilee exclaimed. he started to trot, causing Jack to groan. “If you hurl onto my mane I’ll drag you instead,” she threatened. Jack’s mind raced as he tried to figure out what his captive was going to do with him. She hadn’t hurt him, yet but there was no guarantee she wouldn’t. He had no idea where Cheerilee was taking him, either. Judging by the temperature, they were outside. He tried to count her steps, but quickly lost concentration. They couldn’t have travelled more than half a mile. Surely somepony would notice, even with most of the local population being inside celebrating. He tried to remember what they said in plays about being foalnapped. Were you supposed to make a connection with your captor, or keep quiet? “So, do you do this often?” he tentatively tried. “Once or twice,” came a cheerful reply. “Do you often let your daughter down?” Was that what this was about? Was this some sort of demented punishment for how he treated Lima? There was actually a part of him that agreed that he deserved it. “More often than I want to,” he admitted. “Look, when Mom handed the distillery over to me, we were almost broke. I had to work till my hooves bled to make that place a going concern. There’s no way I’m going to make Lima do that, no matter what I have to sacrifice!” He struggled at his bonds again, causing Cheerilee to stagger a bit. “Stop that!” she exclaimed. “If I drop you, you’ll land on your thick head! Has it occured to you that there might be some things just too important to sacrifice? More important than just making money and being successful?” “Sometimes,” he mumbled. “Glad to see you’re not entirely lost then.” She sighed. “Sure, I understand wanting the best for your child.” “You’ve got foals?” he asked. “No, not exactly,” she said with a hitch in her voice. “I’m a teacher. I know it’s not easy to try and balance things, but I don’t think raising a child is meant to be easy. I have a friend. She’s raising her daughter alone, too. She works so hard and she’s got so little, but she still manages to be there when her daughter needs her.” “She sounds like a regular flutterpony,” Jack bitterly said. “I know I’m not that good a father, but I do what I can to make sure Lima gets what she needs!” “Have you asked her what she really wants? Do you think she’d prefer you to get her more Hearth’s Warming presents, or for you to come to her play?” “I... I don’t know,” Jack admitted. He could make out the sound of various voices in the middle distance. Were they getting closer to the town? “She’d probably prefer I come to her play, but she’s just a kid. She doesn’t know how important the things I can get her are. I’m sure I’ll be able to see her next year. We’ll be less busy then.” “Yeah, now she’s just a kid. You turn around in a few years and she won’t be any more. You’ll have missed it all.” Jack tried to stop himself from shuddering as Cheerilee’s words echoed some of the thoughts he’d recently had. Lima did seem to be growing up so quickly. “Why are we talking about this, anyway?” he asked. “You’re my foalnapper. What are you planning to do with me, anyway?” “Stop you from making a terrible mistake. Now which one is it?” she mumbled, coming to a stop for a moment. “Which one is what?” he asked, confused. The sound of nearby ponies was getting louder. Should he shout for help or something? “Never mind. It must be this one. So you’re happy to just abandon your child so you can make more money?” “It’s not like that! I’ve made some decisions.” Was it his anger, or had it suddenly gotten warmer? “Maybe bad decisions, but it’s too late to change my mind now!” “Funny you should say that,” Cheerilee said as she suddenly slumped to the side. Jack braced himself as he expected to drop to the floor, but instead found himself on some sort of bench or seat. “I guess this is just a Hearth’s Warming miracle then.” The hood was jerked from his head, and he blinked at the sudden brightness. He shook his head, trying to get his eyes to adapt. He was in a crowded room. Many of the ponies were staring at him, but they looked away in apparent embarrassment as he met their gaze. “What? Where am...” He looked around. Cheerilee sat to one side, holding her coat in her mouth. That must have been what she had used to cover his head. Tossing it aside, she held a hoof up to his mouth. “Hush, it’s about to start. Be nice and I’ll untie you at the intermission.” He looked around in confusion. He noticed a raised platform at the front of a room covered with a curtain, which was suddenly pulled aside. Behind it stood a number of wood and paper constructs which, if you squinted just right, looked a bit like trees. The grey-maned figure of Miss Mortarboard appeared to one side and cleared her throat. “Once upon a time, long before the peaceful rule of the Princess, and even before ponies came to our beautiful land of Equestria, ponies did not know harmony,” she proclaimed. “It was a dark and evil time. A time when the tribes were torn apart... by hatred!” A number of foals began to shuffle onto the stage. Jack’s gaze was immediately drawn to Lima in the costume she’d put so much effort into, while he’d had to work. His daughter looked downhearted, her hooves dragging as she moved to her place on the stage. She looked up into the crowd and her gaze met with his. A smile instantly filled her face. It was like the sun rising after the darkest night. He realised it had been so long since he had last seen her completely happy. If he hadn’t been bound, he would have waved a hoof at her. She straightened and readied herself for her lines. “Thank you,” Jack whispered to Cheerilee, unable to drag his eyes from the stage. Cheerilee couldn’t help but smile as she saw Lima gallop from the back of the stage over to her father now that the play was over. The filly practically leapt over the intervening crowd to get to him, her mouth running a mile a minute as she tried to express her excitement. Jack knelt down to hug her while. Cheerilee turned away, feeling that she shouldn’t interfere any further with the touching reunion. She trotted out of the town hall where the school play had been held and glanced up at the clock tower above. The last train for the day would have left by now but she could probably find somewhere to rest for the night before she caught the first one back to Ponyville tomorrow. “Um, Miss Cheerilee,” said a voice from behind her. She turned to see Jack Bean standing there, Lima more or less attached to his hind leg. “I’d like to thank you for what you did for me earlier,” he looked back at his daughter. “For both of us.” His voice hardened. “Although foalnapping me might have been a step too far.” Cheerilee winced. Maybe she’d let things get a bit out of hoof. It had seemed a good idea at the time. But now, thinking back on things, well there was a fair chance she could have spent Hearth’s Warming in jail. She still could. “Yes well, all’s well that that ends well?” she suggested with a painful grin. “Yes, I suppose you're right. I was stubborn and didn’t have my priorities straight. I don’t think anything else would have turned me around.” He reached back and rested a hoof on his daughter's head. “I’ve talked to Lima and we’re going to have a real big Hearth’s Warming party together this year, and I’ll take more time off so we can do things together.” He tousled her mane. “We’re going to Whinny World next year!” announced Lima. “That’s nice,” Cheerilee said with a grin. “I hope you both have a good time. Do you know if there’s a good hotel in town or a guest house?” she asked. She should probably leave them alone to reconnect. “There’s one, but don’t you want to pick up a bottle from the distillery first?” “A bottle?” “The Candle Stick you asked for?” “Oh.” She’d actually forgotten about her present for Trixie. “I thought you said you didn’t have any?” “Well, I keep a special collection, one bottle from every batch we make. My mother did the same and her father before her, got almost a hundred years worth,” he said with pride. “I can’t break up that tradition,” she said, holding up a hoof. “Can you recommend something else?” “No, you can have the Candle Stick. You’ve taught me a lesson about what’s important,” he glanced back at his daughter, “and what isn’t. It’s just some booze, and if it makes a friend of yours happy then I think it will be a good cause. Besides, once you’ve got what you came here for and I’ve put Lima to bed,” the filly pouted but she was clearly starting to flag, “I thought we could try a few samples from the other batches as well. Maybe do some talking?” Cheerilee smiled. “That sounds like a perfect Hearth’s Warming present.” Author's Note The idea of Cheerilee getting Trixie some booze for Hearth's Warming was the first idea I had for this story. Then I decided I needed some blocker in the way and that's where Jack Bean came into the story which then went a bit off the rails with the kidnapping, I'm sure it all make sense to Cheeriliee at the time. Thanks to Striker and Georg for editing. As always comments are always welcome. Ditzy (RK Striker JK 5)Ditzy flew along her mail route, going more by rote than anything else. One eye was on the path before her, the other turned to the side as she thought about what to get Raindrops for Hearth's Warming. On the surface, it should be easy. On one hoof, Raindrops' love of rain, puddles, and romance novels were almost common knowledge among their friends. On the other hoof, such gifts would almost be too easy to get. Ditzy let out a nicker as she approached the front door of Quills and Sofas, the last stop on her route before lunch. She smiled as Davenport, the store owner, opened the front door at her approach. “Hi, Davenport.” She opened her saddlebags, pulled out several letters, and one package. She then extracted a clipboard. “Sign here, please.” Davenport barely nodded to her as he signed his name at the bottom. “Thanks,” he mumbled, before looking back at the main showroom and frowning. Both of Ditzy's eyes turned forward. She followed his gaze. Instead of the usual array of furniture placed at strategic spots along the showroom, most of it was empty, save for a long table set up near the back. Posts with ropes tied between them formed an easily-recognizable path for a line to snake its way through. “What's going on?” Davenport looked back to her. “Oh, it's a book signing. Ripped Bodice's latest work, 'The Countess' Conquests', is coming out.” He turned and pointed out two freestanding shelves flanking the table. “Her agent got in touch with me about it. Normally I wouldn't do something like this, but Tinny thought it'd be a good little bit of publicity, get Quills and Sofas' name out a bit more.” He smiled slightly. “Ah, that stallion can talk me into anything.” Ditzy stared at the table and shelves. Her eyes crossed as she thought, dredging up half-remembered conversations and snippets that she had overheard. Raindrops is working overtime tonight with weather duty, if I remember correctly. She won't be home until late. And she'll be bone-tired, too. She slowly turned her head, glancing out at the street from the corners of her eyes. Ponies had already begun to gather around the Quills and Sofas' storefront, despite it not being open for another hour. Several of them had books tucked into saddlebags, but all had some form of writing implement clearly visible on their body. “Davenport, how much would one of those books cost? And can I buy one now, please? I think I've got the perfect idea for a Hearth's Warming present for a friend.” A slow smile crept over Davenport's muzzle. “Hardcovers are twenty bits, paperbacks are nine.” He stepped aside and let Ditzy inside the store proper. “One of the first things I do when coming down is setting up the till.” he trotted across the showroom to a cash register on a counter near the back. Ditzy, meanwhile, floated over to one of the bookshelves. She pulled out a purse and opened it up. “Thank you for the early Hearth's Warming bonus, Silver Script!” she crooned out as she pulled out a twenty-bit coin. “And thank me for getting all the rest of my shopping done already, Hearth's Warming or otherwise.” She grabbed a hardcover off the shelf with her primaries and walked over to the register. She placed it on the counter. “Thank you so much for this, Davenport.” Her brow furrowed in thought. “Wait, how long does the signing go on for?” Davenport deftly pressed the buttons on the register. It chimed and the drawer opened with a clang. “Well, technically five o'clock, but Ripped Bodice insisted that anypony in line at five get an autograph, no matter how long it is. She's very appreciative of her fans, you see.” He tilted his head back and forth. “She's a pretty nice mare, overall. Do you want a bag?” Both of Ditzy's eyes wobbled as she went over her schedule for the rest of the day. “Oh, oh yes! Silver Script said I could knock off early when the post-route checklist is done. Maybe a few more things, let Dinky know what's going on, but I should be able to make it here in plenty of time.” She looked at Davenport as he stood there. “Oh, and yes. I'd like a bag, please.” Davenport chuckled as he slid the book into a bag. “Lyra told us about the gift exchange you six were doing tomorrow. Sounds like a fun idea, if a bit short-notice.” A sigh escaped Ditzy. “Yeah, I know. Spur of the moment and all that, I guess. What's your family doing? Any traditions or anything like that?” There was a pause before Davenport spoke. “Oh, yes. We like to open one Hearth's Warming present the night before. Sort of a warm-up to the main event the next morning. Lyra gets so giddy, I swear. Skyla's in town, too. She's visiting Curry and Honeydew today. I think she's even more excited than Lyra, if that's possible.” He looked up at Ditzy and smiled. “Anything else, Ditzy?” Ditzy glanced up at the ceiling with one eye, the other locked firmly onto Davenport. “All set for now, Davenport. See you later! And Happy Hearth's Warming!” And with that, she flew out and back to her route. ***** Silver Script slid one more manila folder into a filing cabinet. “And with that, we're done.” He turned and looked to Ditzy, standing near his office door. He chuckled and waved a hoof at her. “All right, all right! We're all done, Ditzy. Get going, and Happy Hearth's Warming.” Ditzy flew over and wrapped her forelegs around his neck in a hug. Thanks, Silver Script! Happy Hearth's Warming to you, too!” With that, she let go, turned, and sped off, sending up a breeze as she flew up a set of stairs near the back of the building to the second floor and the apartment she and her darling daughter Dinky lived in. She opened the door. “Dinky?” she called out, both eyes going all about. Dinky walked out of the kitchen. “Hi, Mama!” She trotted over. “Is work all done?” Ditzy dropped to the floor and wrapped a wing around Dinky. “Yes, but I have an errand to run. I'm not sure how long I'll be.” Dinky leaned into the hug. “That's fine, Mama. I'll be here.” She glanced to the side and pointed at the book sticking out of Ditzy's saddlebag. “Is that part of it?” Her eyes narrowed slightly. “'The Countess' Conquests'.” She turned back to Ditzy. “Is it for Raindrops?” Ditzy let out the most imperceptible of sighs. She's growing up too fast. “Yes, muffin. I'll–” “Explain when I'm older?” Dinky said, looking up at Ditzy and smiling ever so slightly. Ditzy nickered. “Yes, Dinky. I shouldn’t be long, but don’t stay up too late if I am long. I love you.” She gave Dinky another hug before turning and flying out of their apartment. She left the post office proper. Within minutes she was on Mane Street, making a beeline for Quills and Sofas. She glanced up at the clock tower above City Hall. Only Three-thirty. Plenty of time, for once! She looked ahead, spotting a small line snaking out of Quills and Sofas' front door. She touched down behind Rarity. “Hi!” Ditzy said. Rarity turned, smiling. “Darling, hello!” She leaned forward. “Are you here for the book signing? I didn't know you read Ripped Bodice's work!” Ditzy shook her head. “It's a gift for Raindrops.” She pulled the book out of her saddlebag. “My friends and I are doing a gift exchange this year.” Rarity grinned. “Trust me on this, darling. She is going to love it!” The line slowly but steadily moved along. Several others took their place behind Ditzy. Inside, she spotted a violet-coated unicorn sitting at the table, with the cutie mark of a typewriter. She nodded, said a few words to the pony standing in front of her, signed a book, then repeated the process. Each meeting took only a minute or two. Very quickly, Ditzy stood in front of Ripped Bodice. She looked up at Ditzy, smiling warmly. “Hello, darling.” Her horn glowed as she gently took the book from Ditzy's wing. “Who shall I make it out to?” Ditzy blinked. “Oh, my name's Ditzy, but this isn't for me. It's a Hearth's Warming gift for a friend. Not that you needed to know that...” She blushed. “Sorry, Miss Bodice.” Ripped Bodice chuckled and waved her off. “Not a problem at all, Ditzy! This is wonderfully thoughtful of you.” Ditzy let out a breath. “Thank you. And it's for my friend Raindrops.” Ripped Bodice's brow furrowed. “Raindrops? Pegasus? Three raindrops for a cutie mark?” Ditzy's ears folded against her skull. “... Yes?” Ripped Bodice grinned. “She's the president of my fan club in this province. An absolutely wonderful mare, that Raindrops.” She opened the book and wrote, the pen traveling down almost the entire length of the inside cover. She then floated it back to Ditzy. “Please give this to her with my thanks, Ditzy.” Ditzy took the book back with her wing and slid it back into her saddlebag. She waved a good bye to Ripped Bodice before literally skipping out of the store, head held high and mission accomplished. Carrot Top (Talon and Thorn)Carrot Top carefully unfolded the piece of paper she’s just retrieved from Trixie’s hat, it revealed a collection of circles, or more accurately bubbles. She’d picked Ditzy! She glanced around the rest of her friends, they all seemed deep in through presumably deciding what they were going to get the pony they’d just chosen. Carrot Top wracked her own brain, she had planned to get her mailmare friend a nice warm scarf and hat for Hearth’s Warming. Ditzy’s current one was looking a bit tattered and the mailmare’s job required her to be out and about in all weathers. Generally Pegasus’ didn’t feel the cold the wet all that much but there were limits to their abilities. She’d managed to find one which nicely complimented her friend’s mane, it was currently in one of the many packages piled up next to her. But now she was only getting a present for one of her friends it felt like it wasn’t enough. She’d already bought something for most of them, but those could be repurposed as birthday presents or maybe redirected to somepony else. Self consciously she rested a hoof on her nearly empty coin pouch, she didn’t have much left to spend on a new present for Ditzy after what she’d already spent on her family, neighbours, the farmers union and everypony else she knew in town. Dragging her mind away from her finances she tried to turn back to the situation at hoof, what could she get for Ditzy? Maybe she should try to track down Dinky? If anypony knew what Ditzy wanted it would be her daughter, but she didn’t know where the foal was at the moment, probably playing in the snow with all her friends but there were miles of foal friendly environments around Ponyville, it could take all day to find her. Biting her lip Carrot Top noted that most of her friends had already started to go their own ways. She should gather up her parcels and get back to shopping, maybe another quick tour around the market would give her some inspiration. Carrot Top slumped back into her worn couch in her cozy living room. Her hooves ached after a day of dragging her presents from stall to stall. The bags containing her purchases were stacked in the corner for the moment she’d need to spend most of her evening wrapping them all, on top of that she'd found a bundle of cards in her mailbox, that meant she’d have to write more cards of her own as well. There never seemed to be enough hours in the day. She’d tried to save money by buying some colored pencils and drawing her own winter scenes on plain cards this year, but her artistic skills hadn’t turned out to be as good as she’d imagined, so she’d ended up buying pre made cards as well. She glanced up at the clock, the Farmers Union Hearth’s Warming party was taking place today, she’d been invited but she really didn’t have the time to go. It was a shame, but she had so much left to do today. For a start she still hadn’t gotten Ditzy anything and after a few more impulse buys she had even less left to spend. Still one advantage of this time of year was that even though her normal crop wasn’t being sold her various potions and ointments did sell well. Her hangover cure was popular for those who partied a bit to hard and her other cures and cosmetics were often purchased as presents. Now that was an idea! Maybe she could just mix up Ditzy one of her grandmother’s potions. The shampoo was selling well, a few bottles would make a good present, but would it really be something special? The same applied to a crate of her carrot juice. Maybe she could bake something instead? Since the competition she’d tried to keep her hoof in as much as possible and there were a few recipes she thought she’d more or less perfected. But she was already bringing food to Trixie’s party, would it seem too much like an ‘extra’ rather than a real present? Food was nice but once it was eaten that was it, maybe Ditzy would prefer something which would last a bit longer? She considered for a moment what else she might be able to produce for her friend. She knew that Ditzy occasionally got bad headaches, maybe due to her eyes. They weren't that frequent but when they did occur then they almost incapacitated the poor mare, all she could do was tuck herself up in bed in the dark until the pain passed. Carrot Top had been reading up on a pain relieving potion and had a batch of the poppy seeds it required. Still it quickly lost its power once mixed so she couldn’t just give her friend a batch right now, she might not need it for several months after all. Maybe she could promise to make some up when Ditzy next needed it? What else could she do to help her friend? She knew how busy Ditzy could be, how little time she had to herself what with working full time and raising her daughter. Carrot Top certainly knew what hard work was like, around harvest time she pulled sixteen hour days and longer, but at least she had quiet periods when she only needed to spend a few hours a day to keep the farm going, Ditzy always had draws on her time. Maybe she could get her a pass for the spa? But it would cost money she didn’t have, and when would Ditzy have the time to use it anyway? She needed to look after Dinky. Maybe she could take her daughter with her? But no matter how well behaved the filly was it wouldn’t really be free time for Ditzy then, would it? Oh! Maybe she could offer to foal sit! That would give Ditzy time to go out and do what she wanted for a few hours. Sparker was happy to look after her sister when she was available, but that wasn’t always possible. Maybe that was it! Time was the perfect gift for Ditzy! She was always so busy, so anything that would give her a bit more free time would be perfect. Was there any other chore she could do for her? She could just offer to clean her house or something, but anypony could do that. Was there something that she alone could do? Carrot considered for a moment, it wasn’t like Ditzy needed someone to help her plow a field or something... actually... Ditzy had mentioned in passing that the flat above the post office had come with a small garden around the back. She’s said that she’d meant to plant some flowers there to brighten up the place but hadn’t had the time. Well she could certainly help with that! Maybe add a few vegetables as well, anything edible would help reduce her friends food budget, you couldn’t beat good fresh produce to feed a growing foal after all! She hadn’t actually seen the space but it couldn’t be all that big. She could probably get it ready and planted in a day, two at most, it would be nothing next to running the Golden Harvest! She had other skills she could use to help Ditzy with as well, she wasn’t just a farmer after all! With all the time she’d spent keeping her archaic irrigation system functioning she’d picked up a bit of plumbing knowledge as well. She knew the pipes at Ditzy’s house were just as old, if not older, she’d complained about them enough. Big Mac was her friends first choice when it came to household maintenance, and although she wasn’t quite so easy on the eyes as the hunky stallion, she was sure she could help out if he wasn’t available. She clapped her hooves together in excitement. Then her ears drooped a little, now she had too many idea’s instead of too few and most of them aren’t the sort of thing she could just wrap up and add a bow to. How did you give somepony a favour? She glanced over at the pile of cards and the coloured pencils next to them and was hit by inspiration. She started to dramatically sweep the table in front of her clean, but then realised that some of the bottles on it were breakable and instead carefully put them aside before laying out the paper, card, string and pencils ready to get creative. This would be the perfect Hearth’s Warming gift! Author's Note This was probably the hardest of the chapters I wrote, I couldn't come up with a present for Ditzy. Then I started to think of foal sitting Dinky and that grew into all the other favours Carrot Top could do for Ditzy and it exploded from there. I do wonder if I overdid CT's generosity and doormat-ness here. Her feeling obliged to get a card for everypony who gave her a card feels very in character for her, as is overspending and just putting aside presents she's already bought, I'm sure she has some cupboards full of stuff she meant to give away but never got around to it. It's what helps keep her poor. As always comments are always welcome. Raindrops (Rixizu)“How about a book?” Raindrops paced in her room trying to think. A skill she she didn’t consider herself adept at not being a very smart mare. This particular puzzle vexed her. What to get Cheerilee for Hearth Warming? A book seemed too boring. It would be something Cheer would use once and forget about. Raindrop wanted to give her friend something practical that would have some everyday use. Or was she overthinking this and a single ornament would do? All this thinking is pointless. I should just go out and get her whatever I think she would like. A straightforward plan, just how she liked it. Raindrops grabbed a black scarf, wrapped it around her neck and headed out into the town square. A smile came to Raindrops as she soaked in the festive scene around her. Hearth Warming had always been her favorite part of the year. She adored Hearth Warming decorations. Their bright colors and glittering lights flashing around her always made her smile. She walked past Hardware & Lingerie and considered if Cheerilee might need a new rake or shovel. The teacher like to garden, right? She wouldn't mind a gardening tool. No, that wouldn't work. Cheer probably had all the tools she could ever need and would return the stupid thing for store credit. That would be embarrassing. Lingerie was out of the question of course. What kind of friend gave that? It would also give the wrong impression. How about a gift card? No, she couldn't do that. It was the most impersonal thing possible. Setting aside Hardware & Lingerie, for now, Raindrops moved on. Raindrops passed several other stores and brightened when she spotted a shop with a sign that read antiques. How odd. Wasn’t this lot an old unused building the last time she’d seen it? Somepony must’ve finally moved it. The building had been empty for many years. Antiques would be a excellent shop to look through. Cheerilee loved history and old things so it was worth a browse at least. Raindrops bet it had all sorts of interesting things to buy. The door chimed with a bell as she entered. “Greetings my lady.” The shopkeeper said from behind his counter. “How may I be assistance?” “Just looking.” Raindrops looked around the shop boggled by the variety of objects on display. It had more stuff than Raindrops expected and covered the room in a system of no particular order making it almost impossible to walk around. Many of the things here had to be at least a hundred years old. There was a shield that appeared to be from Commander Hurricane’s age. Some of these objects appeared to be from other lands and Raindrops spotted a tribal mask that had to be from Zebrica. “Wait!” The shopkeeper yelled as Raindrops exited the shop. "I can't afford anything here." Raindrops replied. Just with a glance, she could tell many of these objects had to be worth at least a few hundred bits. “No, no.” The shopkeeper said. “Don't be so hasty my friend. I am sure we have many items well within your price range. Feel free to barter for none of these prices are fixed." That’s a relief. Still, well, I suppose it won’t hurt to look around. "Is there anything, in particular, you are interested in?" The shopkeeper asked. The shopkeeper was a short plump earth pony stallion with an emerald green mane and burnt orange coat with a wild unkempt mane. What struck Raindrops the most was his piercing intelligent red eyes. They looked at her assessing her with an uncomfortable keenness. “Just looking for a Hearth Warming gift for a friend.” Raindrops gave him a forced smile wondering if it was such a good idea to stay in here after all. “Ah, just as I thought.” The shopkeeper replied. “I could tell when you entered here that you were lost looking for a gift for another. Worry not. I have just the thing for that special somepony. I am sure she will love it." The shopkeeper left to look behind his counter leaving a confused Raindrops. Wait, I didn’t mention I was shopping for a girl. No, I must have and don’t remember it. Yeah, that has to be it. “Ah, here it is.” The shopkeeper returned with a box in his hooves made a rich dark wood. Inside was a small hoof mirror. It took Raindrops’ breath away. Despite its obvious age, the mirror was something of beauty made of pure gold. The ring had floral designs carved into it and on the top was a proud and shining sun that bought light and warm to all it touched. Raindrops looked at her reflection mesmerized. She stared at herself for several long moments. Did she always look this good? Her mane looked like the best stylist in the world had designed it. “Do you like it?” The shopkeeper asked. It took a minute for Raindrops to answer. “Uh, yeah.” “Truly captivating isn’t it?” The shopkeeper grinned. “It brings the beauty out of anypony that looks into it.” "I can't afford this." Raindrops said dejectedly. It took an effort to pull herself away from her reflection. “Nonsense, my friend.” The shopkeeper replied. “You see it is made of gold, yes. These days, it is considered a worthless metal out of fear and hatred of the Sun Princess. A silly superstition. I find it hard to give away items made of gold. The price will be a minimal one I assure you.” “Still…” “How does 30 bits as an opening asking price sound?” She could afford that especially if she could get the price down a little and Raindrops knew Cheerilee would love this mirror and it appealed to Raindrops' sensibilities. It was a simple and practical item Cheer wouldn't throw away or forget about in a week or so. “15 bits and no higher than that.” Raindrops said. “15? Ha! You insult me, friend! 27 bits.” They argued for 20 minutes and they eventually agreed upon 19 bits for the mirror and the shopkeeper even throw in gift wrapping for free. Raindrops waved the stallion goodbye as she exited the shop. A sudden urge to tear open the package and take the mirror for herself hit her causing her to stumble. Raindrops shook her head and pushed the gift out of her mind. It wasn’t hers to take. What was she thinking? Raindrops raised an eyebrow when stallions and a few mares turned their gaze towards her as if a supermodel walked among them. It was a strange feeling. Most ponies avoided her and Raindrops blushed from the attention. “Excuse me miss.” A stallion said as he approached. He was a pegasus with a strong lean body obviously a trained and skill flier that used his skills for more than just getting from place to place. “Sorry, I have to go to work soon!” Raindrops flew away from the street embarrassed and mentally kicked herself when she flew down on her doorstep. Stupid, why did I do that? The attention threw her off balance and she didn’t like that. Raindrops walked into her house and trotted back to her room. She passed a bathroom mirror and froze. Dull and gray. That was how she appeared in the mirror. Ugly too and Raindrops had to turn away in disgust. Was that how she looked? She thought back to the hoof mirror and remembered how it showed a pony that sparkled and was full of life not anything like that boring lying mirror in her bathroom. Again, the urge to tear open her gift and take that wonderful beautiful mirror for herself tempted her. Why shouldn’t she own it? It showed everypony the true beautiful that she really was unlike that ugly filthy pony that showed up in her bathroom mirror. There was an almost irresistible desire to smash that lying mirror that dared showed that filthy lie and her face contorted into a snarl. No, that would be silly. It’s just a mirror. Just ignore it, and its lies! She went into her room and locked it and held the package in her hooves stroking it lovingly. She didn't have to tear open the package per se and only take off the tape holding it shut and put it back later. Cheer would never know. She would kill for just another peek into that wonderful golden hoof mirror. No, it’s a gift for Cheerilee. It wouldn’t be right! Her hooves shaking, Raindrops placed the gift on her nightstand and froze as she looked into yet again another false reflection. Her nightstand mirror lied to her too showing her a truly disgusting pony. How could anypony bear a face like that? It was a good thing that wasn’t her real face. Why was it that only the hoof mirror showed the truth and every other mirror lied to her? She stroked the package again unable to help herself. Would she be stuck looking into fake reflections her entire life and only this one hoof mirror able to tell her the truth? Why not take it for herself? She used her own money to buy it. It should be hers. Nopony was around so who would know? Then she could spend hours and hours and hours looking at her wonderful beautiful face. Everypony would love and admire her no matter how she dressed her hair or how old she got. She deserved it after being scorned by others for being scary her whole life. That Cheerilee didn’t deserve this mirror. How dare that repulsive mare think she could take the mirror away from her? And that mare called herself a friend? Lies! She just wanted the mirror for herself! If Cheerilee got within ten hooves of her precious mirror, Raindrops promised there wouldn’t be much left of the teacher after Raindrops finished with her. Raindrops looked up again and stared at her reflection in her nightstand’s mirror. What was that thing looking back at her? So much anger. The thing looked back at her enjoyed hurting ponies. Selfish and vain and it only cared about itself. Is this my face? No, it couldn’t be. She was beautiful beyond words and yet… The face in the nightstand haunted her. She didn’t want to be that pony. She loved her friend. No, everypony. She didn’t want to be that twisted pony. Why did the mirror show her that face? It wasn’t her face, was it? That face wanted to hurt Cheerilee somepony Raindrops loved and admired. It couldn’t be her. It couldn’t be her. Raindrops put her face into her hooves. What was going on? What was wrong with her? She didn't want to hurt Cheer, but a voice in her told her she should and protect her new hoof mirror. No! No! No! Raindrops refused to hurt Cheerilee or anypony else. Why would she ever do such a thing? To protect a hoof mirror? That made no sense. Her mind flashed to the wonderful dazzling face in the hoof mirror, then back to the ugly repulsive face back in the bathroom mirror. Mirrors didn’t lie. Which was her true face? Was she beautiful or ugly? Her mind drifted back to the face that hated and wanted to hurt the ponies she cared about. All to protect a silly little hoof mirror. Who cares if I am beautiful or ugly. That mirror isn’t worth it. Not if it means hurting my friends! Raindrops grabbed the package and threw it to the ground. There was a satisfying crack when she smashed it with her hoof. The package had been crushed in two. Shards of glass could be heard in the box. Raindrops breathed in and out her mind clearing. When she looked into her nightstand’s mirror, she saw herself and nothing more. Just plain old boring Raindrops. Good, just how things should be. What was that thing? Raindrops shook her head deciding it didn’t matter. She wanted it gone and the broken package made a satisfying crunch as it landed in the garbage bin. She stomped over the antique shop to give the shopkeeper a piece of her mind for selling her a dangerous magical item without warning her first. Just one look into that mirror made her loopy. Who knew what it would have done to Cheer if she kept it and used it everyday? When Raindrops got there, however, the store was gone and back to the empty lot it was before. There was no sign of it ever being occupied with a thick coat of dust layering everything. Raindrops was annoyed, but was glad he was gone. If that shopkeeper knew what was good for him, he’d never show his face in this town again. A sudden thought struck her. Wait, now, what am I going to give Cheer? Ah, I've got it! “May I help you, mam?” The Clerk at Hardware & Lingerie asked. “May I have a 20 bit gift card please?” Raindrops asked. Sure, it was a little impersonal, but it would allow Cheer to get whatever she wanted and there was nothing wrong with that. Hearth Warming was about showing your loved ones you cared and a gift card was as good as any other gift. The Party (Talon and Thorn, RK Striker JK 5, Rainbow Double Dash and Rixizu)‘Twas the night before Hearth’s Warming, when all thro’ the residence Many ponies were partying, enjoying their decadence Their dollies were hung by the chimney with care Much to the excitement of each present giving mare “Happy Hearth’s Warming,” cried Trixie as she welcomed the last of the guests to her party. “Sorry I’m late,” said Ditzy brushing a sprinkling of snow from her wings. “I had to make sure Dinky was settled in at the foals party at the town hall.” “No problem, if you have to leave to pick her up later just go. Raindrop’s has to leave for work in a bit anyway and Lyra has plans with Bon Bon.” “I should have a few hours at least. I brought these!” she said holding up a baking tray full of muffins. “They look great, put them with the rest,” Trixie gestured to a table set up by the door which was covered with a mixture of edible treats, and a good selection of drinks as well. Ditzy trotted over to it and, after a moment's consideration, poured herself a shot of gin before topping it off with what Trixie considered an over generous amount of tonic. The grey mare took a sip of her drink and sighed. “It’s good to get a chance to relax occasionally,” she said taking another sip. “Oh,” she reached into her saddlebag and retrieved a small grey plushie with an untidy mop of yellow wool on it's head. “I remembered to bring this,” she passed the Hearth’s Warming doll to Trixie who levitated it onto the ledge above the fireplace where it joined representations of the other element bearers. Trixie admired her work for a moment, it had been her idea to ask everpony to bring their own doll, it made them seem like a family. She looked around the room and smiled. She’d spent quite some time decorating her living room to make it as festive as possible and with the fire burning bright it was comfortingly warm compared to the cold outside. Her friends were gathered in groups around the room. Lyra was sprawled on the settee chatting with the newly arrived Ditzy who had taken up a seat next to her. Cheerilee, Carrot Top and Raindrop’s were standing to one side, the school teacher had apparently just told a joke judging by Carrot Top’s giggling, even Raindrops was smiling. Trixie took a moment to drink in the ambiance, despite all the things, many of them bad that had happened to all of them in the year since they met each other it was good to know that they could all spend time together like this, just enjoying each others company. “My fellow element bearers!” she called out levitating her glass in the air. The talking died down. “My friends. I’m glad that we could all make it here today. Hearth’s Warming is the celebration of the three tribes putting aside their differences and working together to become something greater. Looking around here I see such a mix of different ponies. A year ago there was no way I would have thought that I would have been friends with a school teacher, a mare wise beyond her years and always ready to help her students, young and old. Although the less said about her shady past the better.” “Who told you about that!” exclaimed Cheerilee looking shocked, “I’ve been a regular flutterpony all my life.” She grinned. “Well maybe I’ve been more like a Tartarus spawn once or twice, but only when asked!” “Or a skilled potion maker,” continued Trixie ignoring the interruption, “and farmer who made most of the fantastic food we’ve been eating all night.” She levitated up a carrot stick and dipped it in mustard before popping it into her mouth. “Délicieux!” she exclaimed making Carrot Top blush. “A pony who lends a hoof to anypony who needs it.” “Or the strongest, but most gentle pegasus I’ve ever met.” Raindrop’s looked away a mumbled an embarrassed thank you. “A mare who, despite her tough exterior, shows how much she cares about her friends in her every action. “Or a postmare who shows a mothers love to not only her own adorable foal but to everypony who needs it. Who knows and is respected by everypony in town, but still managed to deliver me a bag full of Apple Trust correspondence!” Trixie concluded pointing an accusing hoof at Ditzy. “That was only once!” she exclaimed, “and they got the postcode wrong!” “Or," continued Trixie turning to Lyra, "a magical minty mare who plays the most beautiful music I can imagine and will go to any lengths to help her friends when they need her. If she can be bothered to get out of bed!” “But it’s so cold out at the moment!” moaned Lyra, “and Bonnie’s bed is so warm and snuggly.” “And,” said Cheerilee, “none of us could have imagined that we would be friends with somepony so obnoxious and full of herself," her voice softened, "but who’s trying so hard every day to be a as good a friend as she can be. Some pony who can truly be described as great and powerful.” “Well, um, thanks,” said Trixie her voice sounding a little wobbly. All of them raised their glasses into the air. “To us, to Friendship!” toasted Cheerilee. “To Friendship!" echoed everypony. “Anyway,” said Trixie levitating her hat from her head using the movement to disguise her using a hoof to wipe her eyes. “Now onto the part of the evening you’ve all been waiting for,” She withdrew a brightly wrapped parcel from the hat. “The presents!” Trixie had meticulously folded the wrapping paper around her gift to Lyra, and folded the bow around it with precision that Twilight Sparkle might have envied. But ever since then she hadn’t been able to resist touching it, turning it over in her hooves and flicking idly at the bow. Part of it was just that she liked to keep her hooves busy when she had something in them, but part of it was nervousness. Or something like nervousness, anyway. The Great and Powerful Trixie, apprentice of the Princess Luna Herself, did not get nervous! But she could feel...trepidation. Yes, that was the word. Trepidation at the thought of whether or not Lyra would like her gift. Friendships could be made or broken over gifts, after all. Lyra has never liked how Trixie had used to try and help her out financially over the belief that Lyra needed the help, as a struggling musician, until her fellow unicorn had finally sat Trixie down and shown her that not only did Lyra not need aid, but she actually made more bits per year than Trixie, and had a much lower overhead to boot. Lyra might have actually been the wealthiest of the six of them. And what had Trixie gotten her for Hearth’s Warming? A second-hoof book. Worse, a second-hoof book about lyre music. What if Lyra thought it stereotypical? Took offense to the idea that Trixie didn’t know Lyra outside of her music? Would she believe that Trixie had tried to get her a hat but Rarity had been sold out? Or worse, what if Lyra has been the original owner of the book?! Or... “Uh…” Lyra’s voice came. Trixie started a little, and saw The mint unicorn staring at her. “So...at the risk of sounding greedy…” Trixie recovered quickly. “Of course!” She proclaimed, lifting the gift in her aura and holding it forward. “Your present!” She set off some illusory fireworks. Figments and ghost sounds always hid trepidation. Lyra was by now more than used to her quirks, and only smiled as she took the present in her own aura, using her hooves to tear open the paper and bow. Her eyes widened a little at the cover of Timeless Tunes for Harmonious Harps & Legendary Lyres. “Do you like it?” Trixie asked, shifting one hoof to another nervously. “I mean, if you already have it...or if you’d prefer something else that wasn’t music related, I did try to get - ” “I love it,” Lyra said, casting aside the wrapping paper and opening the book, running a hoof across the music sheets inside, each accompanied by a history of the piece and it’s meaning and significance. She looked up at Trixie. “I’m guessing this is the one on sale at the library? I was eyeing it, but trying to get Twilight to reasonably price a book…” Trixie stopped herself from letting out a sigh of relief. “No problem,” she said, and smiled. Finally, a straightforward win for her. “Happy Hearth’s Warming,” she said, hugging Lyra. “You as well,” Lyra said, returning the hug. She laughed a little when she drew back. “It’ll be great to read this with the new gramophone I got Bon Bon yesterday going in the background, I actually grabbed the last one in town, I think, right after we met up…” Trixie was a mature pony, and so kept her reaction to that to just a single hind-leg buck to the floor. “So, who goes next?” asked Lyra looking around. “How about you? Whoever gets the present gives their’s next?” suggested Trixie. “Works for me,” said Lyra moving over to her bags. “What happens if the pony who gets the present has already given out a present?” asked Cheerilee. “We can sort that out when it happens,” said Lyra waving a dismissive hoof. “So I got Carrot Top,” she turned to the mare in question. “I’ve actually got two presents for you. This one’s from the Farmers union,” she levitated over a long thin parcel with a bulge at each end. “I bumped into Grape and the rest of them yesterday. You really should have found some time to go to the party, they’re only together because of you.” “Well, I was busy...” mumbled Carrot quickly taking the parcel in her arms and starting to tear the paper off with her teeth. “It’s a tree!” she exclaimed. “A peach tree,” she frowned for a moment before her face took on a rather forced smile. “I’ll have to thank them when I next see them, I love peaches.” Lyra measured Carrot’s rection for a moment then shrugged, that was between Carrot Top and the other farmers. “Right, now on to my present.” She took up her Lyre holding it in her front legs and leaned back onto her haunches. It was almost a pity that she hadn't gotten the book from Trixie earlier, she might have been able to adapt one of the tunes in it. Still she was quite proud of what's she'd written, she just hoped Carrot Top liked it. “A Lyre?” exclaimed Carrot Top in surprise, “but I can’t play!” “Quiet you,” said Lyra with a chuckle. “I’ve composed a song for you. There are so many ponies all around town who appreciate you. I bumped into some when I was out and about and they inspired me to write this.” She began to strum. Are you going to Carrot Top’s farm? Lyra intoned. Lettice, Carrots, Potatoes and Peas Lyra’s gaze flicked to Carrot, she wasn’t actually sure what her friend grew apart from Carrots, they were basically just a mass of green from her perspective. She tends the goodies that grow there She is a true friend to all ponies Carrot Top stood transfixed her eyes wide as she drank in the song. Around her the rest of her friends started to hum along. Have you seen her beautiful mane? Lettice, Carrots, Potatoes and Peas Glowing hair of orange stain She is a true friend to all ponies Are there any who doubt her faming prowess? Lettice, Carrots, Potatoes and Peas Cheerilee and then Trixie started to sing along. Even her rivals respect is boundless She is a true friend to all ponies Have you seen the union she’s made? Lettice, Carrots, Potatoes and Peas All can follow their green hoofed trade She is a true friend to all ponies Are you going to Carrot Top’s farm? The whole group joined in with the final verse Lettice, Carrots, Potatoes and Peas She tends the goodies that grow there She is the truest friend to all ponies “So, um,” Lyra cleared her throat. “How’d I do?” she asked, “some of the rhyming scheme’s a bit ropey and-” she was interrupted as Carrot Top pulled her into an earth pony rated hug. “I loved it!” she exclaimed. “Nopony has ever written a song about me before! I don’t know anypony who has!” “Well actually,” butted in Cheerilee. Lyra raised an eyebrow. "I guess they were more like limericks than songs,” she admitted. “In the new year I’m lined up to get Scratch to help me get it recorded, I’ll get you a copy and you can listen to it whenever you want.” “I know a place where you might be able to get a gramophone, if you don’t have one,” said Trixie, a little bitterly. “I guess it’s my turn now?” asked Carrot Top looking around the assembled ponies. She pulled something colorful from her mane. “It’s not as beautiful as your song Lyra, but I hope you’ll find it useful Ditzy.” She turned and passed the object to the pegasus. Ditzy peered at it curiously. It appeared to be a small booklet made out of card and coloured paper, to be honest it looked like something Dinky might had made in arts and crafts at school. “It’s a book of vouchers,” explained Carrot Top almost vibrating with nervous excitement. “Each one is a favour I’ll do for you.” She took back the book and started to flip through it. “Like look after Dinky for a night, if you ever, well... need a night to do something,” she blushed a bit. “And this one's for me to make a potion for you, and this one’s to help sort out your garden, and this one... well there’s a lot.” She began to falter. “I know it’s not exactly a real present and I’d do most of it if you’d just ask, and you might have preferred an actual thing rather than a bunch of ideas-” Carrot Top was silenced as Ditzy places a hoof over her mouth. “It’s perfect Carrot,” she said. “Thank you. All these ideas, all these things you’re willing to do for me.” She stepped forwards and hugged the earth pony. “It’s all so very you!” “We’ll you know, I had some ideas...” said Carrot Top bashfully. “It’s perfect! I’ve been meaning to tidy up the grass behind my house for years now, but I’ve never had the time and I always need a foalsitter. I can’t just keep asking Sparkler.” She stepped back. “Thank you again. So, it’s my turn now, I got Raindrops.” Ditzy walked over to Raindrops. She held the carefully-wrapped book under her right wing, while the gift given to her from Carrot Top was carefully tucked into a saddlebag. “Here you go!” she said, smiling. Both eyes were focused on her fellow pegasus as she held the gift out. “I think you’ll like this one!” Trixie turned her head, she took a sip of bourbon before speaking. “Quite confident there, Ditzy!” Raindrops leaned to her left. “I’m sure I’ll like whatever it is, Trixie.” She straightened up and took the package from Ditzy. “Thank you very much, Ditzy.” She held the package in front of her with her wings and ripped the wrapping paper off. Raindrops’ eyes widened as the book cover was revealed. “‘The Countess’ Conquests’? In hardcover?” She looked up at Ditzy. “This is so awesome!” She hopped up and down, giggling. Ditzy smiled. “I’m so glad you like it.” She trotted over to Raindrops’ flank, extended a wing, and flipped the front cover open. “Ripped Bodice had an autograph session at Quills and Sofas.” She pointed at several sentences scrawled onto the inside front cover. “She’s very friendly, and even remembered you’re the president of this Everfree Province’s fan club.” She looked up at Raindrops and winked. Raindrops blushed. “She’s good to her fans.” She wrapped a wing around Ditzy and pulled her in for a hug. “Thank you again! This is one of the best Hearth’s Warming presents I’ve gotten!” Ditzy leaned into the hug. “You are very welcome.” After a few moments Raindrops broke away from Ditzy and turned towards Cheerilee. “Here, I got this for you.” She said, taking a red envelope from within her feathers. “Oh?” Cheerilee took the envelope. She broke the seal open with a hoof. Inside was a cute gift card. Two cartoon rabbits were on it, snuggling against each other in a hole during a storm. It read in colourful stylized letters, “You help me weather the worst storms.” Cheerilee opened the card to find a cardboard card inside. It was a 20 bit gift card for Lingerie & Hardware in Ponyville. “Really?” Lyra said with disapproval. “Where you too busy to find anything nice? This is Hearth Warming! I’d hope you’d put more effort into it!” “I don’t know,” Carrot Top said. “Lingerie & Hardware is a nice shop. Cheer is sure to find something she likes there. A new spade, maybe?” Raindrops looked down and blushed. It seemed like a good gift idea at the time. She decided to not tell everypony about that evil mirror she bought for Cheerilee before she got the gift card. Raindrops didn’t want to think about the thing again, worried what would happen if she did. Part of her still felt the thing calling to her. The mirror scared her, and she’d even had some sleepless nights over it. Some things were best left forgotten. “Hush you!” Cheerilee chided. “I think it’s a thoughtful gift! Thank you, Raindrops.” "I guess," Lyra replied, "it is the thought that counts I suppose.” Cheerilee leaned in conspiratorially. "Besides, there is this lacey number I’ve always wanted to get there. It even comes with a saddle!” “Sure.” Raindrops said not sure how to reply to that one. As usual, silence was golden. “So saving the best for last?” said Cheerilee looking around at all the other mares. “Well I got Lyra as my pony and I just got the perfect gift for her.” She trotted over to her bags and started to lever a parcel from them. “Hey! Wait a minute, Lyra?! What about me!” exclaimed Trixie. “I haven't got a present yet!” “Huh, you’re right, I guess there must have been a mix up with the notes in your hat,” Cheerilee shrugged. “Maybe next year?” “But... but...” stuttered Trixie pouting. “Just kidding!” exclaimed Cheerilee turning and presenting Trixie with a box wrapped in blue and white paper. Trixie stared at it for a moment before grabbing it. “The Great and Powerful Trixie was not fooled for a moment,” she grumbled. “This better be a really good present,” she said ripping the paper from the box. She held it up in front of her examining the writing on it. Hey Candle stick! This stuff is really good, and rare! I mean, it’s not bad... not real Neigh Orleans Bourbon but fairly good.” She hugged the box possessively. “Bourbon!” exclaimed Raindrops. “I really don’t like that stuff.” “Don’t listen to the nasty mare Monsure Bourbon,” exclaimed Trixie running a hoof over the box. “The rest of you who appreciate his charms can have a shot.” She carefully opened the box and took out the bottle before using her magic to carefully extract the cork. She took a deep sniff of the liquid. “Yeah, that’s the good stuff!” she sighed before levitating several glasses over and carefully pouring out a measure into each of them. “No planning to save it for a special occasion? Like Corona’s defeat?” asked Cheerilee as she accepted her drink. “Now seems plenty special to me,” said Trixie. “Thanks very much for this,” she said taking a sip. “How did you manage to get your hooves on it? I wasn’t joking when I said it was rare.” “Well,” said Cheerilee, “There’s a story behind that. It’s a story of travel, kidnap and a Hearth’s Warming miracle...” Once the presents had been given out and everypony had eaten and drunk as much as they could the party finally began to wind down. “I’m afraid I’ve got to go,” said Raindrops, “this snow won’t clear itself you know.” “I always liked that as a foal,” said Lyra a little dreamily, “waking up to see that the snow was gone knowing that the Windigo had been driven away for another year.” “Yeah, it is nice, but it’s a lot of work,” admitted Raindrops. “I better go and get Dinky as well, it’s about time to put her to bed,” said Ditzy levering herself out of her chair a little unsteadily. Quite a collection of empty glasses had built up by her. “One last song?” asked Lyra striking a cord on her lyre. “The Heart carol?” suggested Cheerilee. “I was thinking about ‘The closing of the year’” “Ooh, I like that one,” said Trixie, “it, well, it seems appropriate, what with Corona out there.” She glanced over at the mural which made up one wall of the room depicting the battle between Princess Luna and her sister. “Hey,” said Lyra standing and resting a hoof on Trixie’s shoulder, “don’t worry, we’ve got Luna and the Elements. We’ll find her eventually, and sort everything out.” “I guess so,” said Trixie as Lyra began to play. If I cannot bring you comfort, began Lyra. Then at least I bring you hope For nothing is more precious Than the time we have, and so We all must learn from small misfortune, sang the whole room joining together hoof in hoof Count the blessings that are real Let the bells ring this Hearth's Warming At the closing of the year Let the bells ring this Hearth's Warming At the closing of the year Up off your knees and breathe the sweet air, cried Ditzy and Raindrops their voices intertwining Run through the woods with a friend in hoof Silver bells ring out through the morning While we race to the castle over there If I cannot bring you comfort Then at least I bring you hope Now all the winter bells are ringing Hear them echo through the snow And the children's voices singing On the street so far below This is a time to be together And the truth is somewhere here Within our love for all things At the closing of the year We'll walk in a light, sang Cheerilee her gaze moving from friend to friend With all of the pain, said Raindrops And all of the patience, added Ditzy All of the way And all of us right, cried Trixie And all of us same, sang Carrot Top Love one another We'll fly in the wings of Time Walk in the waves, never fall Don't fall (At the closing of the year) At the closing of the year If I cannot bring you comfort Then at least I bring you hope Then at least I bring you hope As the last of the music faded away Raindrops hugged each of her friends before opening the residences door and stepping out into the darkness beyond lit by the many lights of Ponyville. Raindrops sprung to the sky, to the weather team gave a whistle, And away they all flew, like the down of a thistle: But her freinds all heard her exclaim, ere she drove out of sight- Merry Hearth’s Warming to all, and to all a good night. Author's Note This chapter was written by all of us, I wrote the outline and then each author wrote the section with their character handing over their present. As always comments are always welcome.
Hearth's Warming Helper (Talon and Thorn)“Happy Hearth Warming!” Trixie exclaimed, waving at a passing pony. Her target looked startled, but managed to mumble a reply before disappearing into the crowd. Trixie shrugged. Maybe not everypony was in the same holiday mood as she was. She quickly put the thought aside as she stepped deeper into the Ponyville marketplace. The place was packed with last minute shoppers, all bustling from stall to stall. They were looking for the ideal present for friends or family, and Trixie wasn’t any different. Her cousins’ presents had been sent by post almost a month ago, although she still needed to buy gifts for all of her fellow element bearers. She glanced over at a nearby table covered with various works of art ranging from statues, to paintings, to... something made out of spoons. Maybe Raindrops would appreciate a nice picture? she thought. She considered the artworks on display and selected a landscape for further scrutiny. It was attractive, most certainly, showing the nearby woods on a sunny day, but maybe it was a little bland. Raindrops needed something with some depth to it, like Raindrops herself. Maybe not. She tossed the painting back on the table and looked around again before something just perfect caught her eye. A gramophone, one of the latest models, which would make Lyra so... Trixie carefully let go of the price tag and took a precautionary step backwards. Certainly not. She really wasn’t used to shopping for quite so many friends, it was a new experience. She idly checked the price of a nearby wide-brimmed hat which she thought would complement Carrot Top’s mane, and an expensive experience at that. It wasn’t that being a representative didn’t pay well, it was just that windows were so expensive, even when you bought in bulk. “Hey Trixie!” came a call from nearby, derailing Trixie’s train of thought. She looked up to see the smiling pink-coated face of one her friends, who had braved the chill with only a hoof-knitted scarf for warmth. “Hi Cheerilee,” said Trixie, as the teacher pushed her way through the throng. “Shopping for presents?” “Yep. It’s a bit last-minute, but what with the school pageant, Longest Night, and preparing for next terms syllabus, well, things just got away from me. You here for the same?” she asked, cocking her head. “Yeah, I still need to pick up a few things around the market. Have you seen anything you’d like?” she asked hopefully. “Oh, you don’t need to get me anything special,” said Cheerilee, waving a dismissive hoof. Trixie briefly scowled. That didn’t help much. “Any suggestions for Ditzy? You’ve known her longer than me.” “You could just ask her,” suggested Cherilee, nodding over towards the Apple Trust stall where the grey pegasus was chatting with Big Mac. “Looks like she might like an Apple in her stockings this year,” she said, wiggling her eyebrows. Trixie stuck out her tongue in disgust. “I don’t want to think about that.” She considered for a moment. “Actually, maybe I should drop a hint or two that I don’t want anything expensive from her. I know it’s not always easy for her and Dinky. I wouldn’t want her to think she needs to splash out on me.” Cheerilee nodded. “Try to be a bit subtle about it. She has her pride, and she’s one of the best shoppers I know. She probably had all her presents sorted out months ago. Now Carrot Top...” she pointed towards the orange-maned earth pony who was staggering past the shops, weighed down by a large pile of parcels. “She could probably use a hint or two that she doesn’t need to get presents for everypony in town.” “Actually, that gives me an idea,” said Trixie, striding forwards into the crowd and smiling what she considered her most winning smile. “Hey, Carrot. Let me give you a hoof with those.” Her horn glowed as she lifted several packages off her friend’s back. “Huh, oh hi Trixie,” said Carrot, looking rather frazzled. Her normally immaculate mane was sticking out in various directions. “You look like you could use a break,” said Trixie, steering her friend towards some seats next to a stall selling steaming mugs of hot chocolate. “Thanks,” said Carrot Top, dropping off the rest of her presents. “The holiday seems to get busier each year.” “Not a problem.” Trixie sat down next to her friend and motioned to a nearby waiter to get them drinks. “Even the Great and Powerful Trixie can find things a bit hard going at this time of year.” “Everypony feels the stress,” Cheerilee agreed, coming up behind Trixie. “Room for two more?” she asked, nodding towards Ditzy who had also joined them. “I finally managed to pry her away from her shopping. I guess she was really admiring the Trust’s fine products.” Ditzy’s face glowed a bit, and one of her eyes seemed to find something fascinating to look at on the ground. “You’ve all still got shopping to do?” she asked, quickly changing the subject. “We can’t all be as organised as you,” said Cheerilee. “Actually, I’ve still got a few things I need to pick up,” Ditzy admitted, glancing around the table. “Well, I’ve got an idea to make our holiday’s a bit easier,” said Trixie. “Although it might be better if we go get Lyra and Raindrops first, because-” “Hey guys, what you are doing here? Plotting?” came Lyra’s voice from behind her. “Ooh, that hot chocolate looks good!” “Speak of Tirek,” mumbled Trixie as she turned to see her minty friend standing there with a long blue and pink striped scarf wrapped around her neck and a smile on her face. Raindrops stood nearby looking rather more self-conscious. “You want to join us?” she asked as the waiter placed further steaming mugs in front of the new arrivals. “You buying your Hearth's Warming presents as well?” “‘Tis the season to spend money!” admitted Lyra. “I’ve still got a lot to do,” said Raindrops, yawning. “Dash has the weather team running double shifts laying all this snow. This is the first time I’ve had off for weeks.” “Well, I’ve got an idea to make the holiday a little easier on all of us,” exclaimed Trixie. “Rather than everypony buying everypony else a present, why don’t we do a Hearth’s Warming Helper?” “A what?” asked Raindrops, raising an eyebrow. “Instead of the six of us each buying five presents, we randomly pick a name from the hat, and only buy one present for that pony,” explained Cheerilee. “It makes things a lot simpler, and cheaper.” “It leaves us with more time to enjoy the holiday rather than having to stress over the whole thing,” added Trixie. “We can have a party at the residence tomorrow evening and exchange gifts there. Sound good?” Cheerilee quickly nodded, followed by Lyra and Raindrops. Ditzy looked a little unsure, but eventually agreed. Carrot Top finally joined in as well. “I guess it does make things simpler,” she admitted. “Good,” said Trixie, levitating her hat off her head and waving a hoof over it. “Abracadabra,” she intoned, and six folded pieces of paper flew out of it and into the waiting hooves of her and her friends. They carefully opened them and glanced around at each other. “Everypony happy?” she asked. Her friends all nodded. “Good, see you all tomorrow then!” Author's Note So I really liked Best Gift Ever and thought it might be a good idea to carry out a similar story in the Lunaverse. I threw the option out to other writers to see if they'd like to write their own stories about each character shopping for their selected pony and Rainbow Double Dash, Striker and Rixazu agreed. Thanks to Striker and Georg for their editing of this chapter As always comments are always welcome.
Lyra (Talon and Thorn)“~Hi Honey I’m home~” sang Lyra as she entered the home she shared with Bon Bon via the back door. As she had expected there wasn’t a reply, the industrial kitchen her mare friend used to make most of her goods was as clean and tidy as it had been when she’d left a few hours ago, but there was the sound of a comotion from the front of the building where the actual shop was. Quickly dropping her shopping off upstairs in the apartment she shared with her marefriend Lyra headed towards the sound. As she opened the door she was struck by the heat and sound of almost a dozen ponies crammed into the small shop front. Bon Bon stood on the near side of the counter filling out orders as fast as she could, trying to keep up with the stream of ponies entering the store, all of whom apparently wanted to be served at once. With a sigh Lyra trotted over to her lover and leaned forwards to give her a kiss on the cheek, Bon Bon didn’t even glance at her, although her white coat didn’t entirely cover her blush. “There you go, one super sized milk chocolate selection box,” she said continuing to serve her customer as she passed over a large wrapped package. “How did the shopping go, dear?” she said turning partially towards Lyra while keeping one ear trained on her next customer. “Got everything on our list, and I put in that bulk order for the ingredients you wanted, your dad will deliver them first thing tomorrow morning. He reminded me that he’s expecting us on Hearth’s Warming morning. Your mom’s threatening to help with the cooking if we’re late. We better leave some room after dinner through ‘cause my dads are expecting us in the evening and I’m sure they’ll feed us as well.” “Thanks, honey. I don’t know what I’d do without you. I’ve never seen things so busy before. There you go, one bag of marzipan bites.” She handed over a bag to the next pony in line and accepted the offered bits. “That’s just because all your stuff is so great,” said Lyra levitating a lump of fudge from a pile and popping it in her mouth. Bon Bon gave her a mild glare but carried on serving. “Me and the girls decided to do a Hearth’s Warming Helper this year so I only have to get one present for them, we’re exchanging them all at Trixie’s party tomorrow evening,” she added. “Tomorrow evening? What about the Ponyville Small Business Ponies party?” asked Bon Bon sharply. Oops, thought Lyra she knew she’d overlooked something. “You don’t want me interrupting your shop talk, do you? Trixie’s thing won’t last that long, we can meet up again after and spend the night together.” she suggested nuzzling up to Bonnie. Lyra wasn’t all that keen on the PSBP, they tended to spend all their time talking shop, literally and figuratively, she found most of it fairly boring, Bon Bon seemed to enjoy it though. “I guess so,” said Bon Bon accepting the physical contact for a moment before gently pushing Lyra aside to continue her work. Who did you get in the hearth warming helper? We have those in White, Dark and Milk chocolate,” she informed the next customer. “Carrot Top. I’ve got just the gift in mind for her, I’m going to write her a song!” “Uh, huh,” said Bon Bon, sounding rather distracted. “Could you do me another favour first?” “Sure Bonny, what do you want?” It certainly looked like Bonny could do with a hoof dealing with the horde of customers. “Could you deliver those?” she nodded to a large pile of parcels behind the counter. “My normal delivery pony didn’t turn up.” Lyra looked at the pile of wrapped gifts. One of Bon Bon’s ideas to increase trade had been to allow ponies to put in orders to be delivered to their homes , for a small fee so they didn't have to drag their purchases around town. “Sure.” she checked the labels, she knew most of the names. “Actually it’ll give me a chance to talk to some ponies about Carrot Top, maybe it’ll give me some inspiration about what to write!” “That’s nice dear - That will be 10 bits - see you later,” said Bon Bon without turning. Lyra gritted her teeth as a strap dug into her flank for what seemed like the thousandth time. The parcels had been more than she could easily carry in her aura so she’d been forced to commandeer the cart which Bon Bon occasionally used to transport her supplies. However, her fillyfriend was rather shorter and more huggably plump than she was, meaning that the worn out old bridle attached to it didn’t fit well. She was gland that one of the parcels sitting around the fire at home contained a brand new set of tack she’d bought Bonny. She didn’t often pull vehicles so Lyra had built up quite a lather by the time she’d dropped off her first few packages. Levitating the next package off the cart and carefully reading the tag she turned to the right taking the path straight towards the library. She hummed as she went trying out another tune in her head. Her idea of composing a song for Carrot Top had seemed a good idea an hour or so ago but it was proving to be harder than she’d planned. Starting a piece wasn’t too difficult but finishing it was harder, as the many half completed tunes on her desk at home attested. She came to a halt looking up at the snow covered branches of the library tree, it looked particularly picturesque with decorations and garlands covering many of its branches, even the bee hive had a small wreath above the entrance. The library’s door was shut against the cold but the sign hanging on it indicated that it was currently open to the public. Lyra considered for a second before deciding it was more trouble than it was worth getting unhitched. Instead she used her aura to give the door a good thump. It was several minutes before there was any response. “We are open you know,” said Twilight a little peevishly as she opened the door. “Oh, Ms Hartstrings!” “Happy Hearth’s Warming,” announced Lyra with a smile. She felt a bit awkward, she hadn’t spent all that much time with the new librarian since she’d moved into town. “I figured you’d prefer it if I didn’t drag the whole cart in.” “Well, yes,” said Twilight, “what brings you here?” “I’m your delivery pony for the day, I’ve got your order from Bon Bon.” She picked up the relevant parcel and levitated it into the library where Twilight stood. “Thank you. Since I tasted Bon Bon’s fudge I just can’t get enough of it! So I thought I’d treat my me and family to a selection box.” “They’re one of my favourites as well.” It was a shame Bonny had to sell it to other ponies, she would have been happy to eat it all herself. “I should be careful, I don’t get as much exercise as I used to, I’m going to get fat!” “I’m sure I can talk Trixie into letting you out a bit more to burn off the calories.” “She did mention I should try the regime Raindrops is putting her through, but I don’t really think training to fight is my thing. Maybe I could help out on one of the farms or something?” “I’m sure Carrot Top could use a hoof come summer,” said Lyra. Twilight smiled. “I think I’d like that. When I first moved in her she left me with a gift basket of her produce. It was delicious.” “Yep, that’s Carrot Top for you, always willing to help anyone who needs it. “She doesn’t come to the library that often but we’ve talked a few times about pest control, it’s quite a fascinating subject you know. She’s made me feel right at home here, a true friend to all ponies.” “Ooh, that might work,” muttered Lyra, humming a quick bar. “Sorry?” Twilight's brow furrowed. “Oh, I’m writing a song about Carrot Top, and you’ve given me an idea.” Lyra wished she had some parchment with her to scribble her thoughts down. “A song about her?” “It’s a present for the holiday!” “That’s an interesting idea, very different, all I normally get are books, jewelry and land.” “Land?” “My mother got me a few villages near Trottingham last year, I visited them once, they’re quaint, but she really only got them for the baronettehood which went with them.” Lyra tried to stop her eyes bulging, her idea of a present certainly didn’t match Twilight’s. “I better head off now, I’ve got a lot of presents to deliver.” “I need to finish decorating, my parents are arriving soon!” said Twilight in an excited tone. “Really?” that was news to Lyra, normally having a viceroy visit would be the talk of the town. “They’re trying to keep it low profile. Just them and a few servants,” explained Twilight. “I hope you have a lovely time,” said Lyra as she started to heave the cart away. “Why thank you, Darling,” exclaimed Rarity as she accepted her order from Lyra. “My parents really are quite partial to these treats, as are one or two rather useful contacts in Canterlot.” Lyra nodded there weren't many ponies who had anything bad to say about Bon Bon’s wares, at least not in her presence anyway. “How’s business?” she asked politely. “Holiday sales are more or less what I expected. Ponies like to dress up at this time of year, much of it is practical wear against the weather, woollen hats in particular it seems, not very imaginative, but it pays the bills. However, the party season is also in full swing which allows much more exciting options. Is there anything you or Bon Bon require?” asked Rarity floating a catalogue out of the beautique and over to where Lyra and her cart were standing. “I think we’re fine thanks,” said Lyra flipping through the pages. It wasn’t like her wardrobe was bulging but she had everything she needed, she even had a few outfits just to perform in. “Wait a minute is that Carrot Top?” she exclaimed looking at one of the pictures in the book. “Why yes, she most generously volunteered to model some of my works. She was somewhat apprehensive at the start, but I think she got into the feel of it.” She flipped through a few pages showing Carrot in a range of outfits. “If she ever decides to give up on the farming business I’m sure she could model full time. She's more, well, healthily proportioned than most professional models but I think that makes the outfits hang more realistically, and her mane is perfect, so much volume and bounce, and the colour! Of course the photographs don’t show colour, but you just know it’s there. Oh I really am quite jealous.” Lyra had to admit that Carrot did look good when she put some effort into it, not that she every looked doudy. Her friend was rightly quite proud of her looks. “Sorry Rarity, I don’t think me or Bonny need any clothes at the moment.” “Maybe something a little more... intimate for a present?” asked Rarity slyly. “I have an ‘after dark’ catalogue as well. Rather better quality than what you can get in the Hardware and Lingerie shop, if I do say so myself. I do socks,” she looked aside for a moment to see if anypony could overhear them, “bridles, saddles,” she whispered. “The service is very discrete.” She levitated a second thinner catalogue over. Lyra was momentarily curious as to whether Carrot Top had modeled for this one as well, but she quickly put the thought aside. There were some limits to what she wanted to know about her friends. “It’s tempting,” she admitted, “but I’m afraid I’m in a bit of a hurry at the moment. So much to deliver.” “I understand darling,” said Rarity standing back. “But if you are ever interested you know where I am.” Eventually Lyra’s delivery route took her out of Ponyville itself and into the farms that surrounded the settlement. She was very glad that she only had a few more stops. By the time she made it to Sweet Apple Acres, her hooves were aching. The Acres looked picturesque under its covering of snow, but even at this time of year there were a number of ponies working on it’s various crops. Lyra spotted her target running one of the work groups. “Hey, Applejack!” she called. The orange mare looked up. “Oh, hey Lyra. We don’t normally see you ‘round these parts.” “I’ve got your delivery from Bon Bon,” she said nodding her neck towards her cart. “That’s mighty kind of you,” said Applejack trotting over. “Granny Smith just can’t get enough of those fancy truffles your marefriend makes.” She picked out several large packages from the cart. “Still busy up here?” asked Lyra nodding to the workers. “Farming don’t stop just ‘cause it’s winter. There’s always something needs doing. It’s not a one mare job.” “Some farmers manage it by themselves,” said Lyra looking towards Carrot Top’s farm just over the fence. Smoke was rising from the chimney, so it’s owner was probably home, maybe she should pop in on her way past? “Golden Harvest is much smaller than the Acres,” said Applejack sounding a bit put out. “Still you got to admire Carrot’s gumption. She might not always be rightheaded but she certainly puts her all into her work. Wants to follow her family's legacy. Ah can respect that.” Lyra was a little surprised by the sentiment, she knew Carrot considered Applejack to be something of a rival but she’d often thought that the Trust pony hardly noticed her fellow farmer, unless she got directly in her way. “Yep, anypony who puts as much effort into her work as she does is alright in my book. Her crops are first rate and she’s always ready to lend a hoof to anypony who asks, and some who don’t too. Maybe she’s a bit too keen, some folks could do with toughening up rather than always asking for help. She might have a few strange ideas, like that union thing, but I think her heart’s always in the right place even if it’s not always running along with her brain. Now if she’d just put aside some of her pride I’m sure she’d have a bright future with the Trust!” Lyra blinked, that hadn’t gone where she’s expected. She wouldn’t really call Carrot all that prideful, but she really doubted she was ever going to join the Apple Trust. “Well, I can’t just stand here all day yappin’,” announced Applejack looking away from Carrot’s farm. “I got work to do. Thanks again for the sweets.” “You’re welcome!” called Lyra as she turned her cart around rolling her eyes as she did. The sun was starting to set by the time Lyra reached the last stage of her journey, delivering to the smaller farms which ringed Ponyville. The first stop on her way was Green Grape’s vineyard. The whole place was blanketed by a thick layer of snow but the house itself was brightly lit and looked warm and welcoming. As she approached she hammered on the door and after a few minutes Grape himself opened it. “Evening lass!” he called cheerfully, “Happy Hearth’s Warming.” “Same to you, I’ve got your order from Bon Bon’s.” “Thanks,” he said accepting his package. “You should come in for a drink, it’s freezing out here!” “Love to," with the setting of the sun the temperature was starting to drop even further, "but I’ve still got a few deliveries to make before it gets dark.” “Whose left?” he asked. “Boxxy, Banana and Acorn.” It wasn’t many, but their farms were spread out, she easily had another hours work before she could head home. “They’re all here anyway! You can just leave the packages with them. I won’t take no for an answer!” He started to help her unstrap herself from the cart and grabbed the contents of the cart before opened the door to the house. The interior was packed, there must have been almost three dozen ponies there drinking and eating and socialising. Maybe a little too much, it wasn’t entirely clear if Lily Valley was nuzzling at Banana Split’s neck, or had just passed out against him. “You’re having a party?” Lyra asked as the door closed behind her. “The Farmer’s Union Hearth’s Warming party!” exclaimed Grape passing her a steaming tankard of mulled wine which she happily accepted. “I didn’t know this was happening!” “It was Carrot Top’s idea, she thought we should all have a get together to celebrate the year.” Lyra glanced around the room. “I don’t see her here,” she said. He sighed. “She dropped off some food this morning then said she couldn’t make it, said she had too much to do!” Wasn’t that just like Carrot Top, thought Lyra. “It’s a shame, we wouldn’t all be here if it wasn’t for her. Not just here at this party, still working as farmers. If it wasn’t for the money she got to refit the farms I swear some of us might have gone under this year.” “Aye,” said Red Onion, “I have to admit she’s helped us all this year. She might not be the best of farmers, but she’s certainly put all she’s got into this community.” Lyra was rather surprised to hear those words from Onion’s mouth, she’d understood that Red wasn’t exactly friends with Carrot. She suspected that the empty tankard in Onion’s hoof might explain her current feelings. “She’s a good friend,” she said. “I’m planning to write a song in her honour. She and the other element bearers are meeting up for a party of our own tomorrow.” “That’s nice,” said Grape, “She’s been a good friend to all of us. Always willing to lend a hoof to somepony in need. Hey!” he yelled, the background chatter quieted. “I’m proposing a toast! To Carrot Top, although she can’t be here tonight. To Carrot Top, one of the finest farmers in Ponyville!” “To Carrot Top!” came a cry as all present raised their glasses. Lilly followed a few seconds later blinking in surprise before slumping to the ground with a giggle. “Actually it’s a good thing you’re here,” said Grape. “We all put a little something aside and got Carrot Top a present. I was going to drop by later to deliver it, but you can save me a trip.” “Sure, where is it?” asked Lyra. “I think she’ll love it,” said Grape pointing towards an unusually shaped parcel leaning against the wall. It was dark by the time Lyra had made it back home and carefully stored the cart in it’s shed behind the candy shop. She was glad to return to the warmth of the upstairs flat that she and Bonny shared. The gas used to power Bonny's kitchen meant that the house had some of the most up to date heating in town. “How did it go, dear?” asked Bon Bon as Lyra entered the living room. Her mare friend was lounging on the plush but battered settee. “You look exhausted!” she struggled to stand. Lyra had to agree, she really wasn’t used to so much physical labour but her marefriend looked just as tired. “You’re the one who got up before dawn to work on today’s treats and then spent the whole day on your hooves!” Really she didn’t know how her marefriend managed it day after day. “I bet your hooves are aching.” “Like you wouldn’t believe,” sighed Bonny slumping back into the seat. “Why don’t you join me?” she asked moving aside a bit. It was a very tempting offer but Lyra had to get down the music and words in her head before she forgot anything. There were so many ponies who were thankful for Carrot Top, she needed to get down all their kind words. “Give me a bit of time, I’ve got to work on Carrot’s song for tomorrow.” “How’s it going?” asked Bon Bon as Lyra pulled out a quill and paper and sat at the piano which took up one corner of the room. “I think I have most of it down now, I just need to polish it a bit and rehearse.” She then proved she was able to multitask by using her magic to manifest several sets of ethereal digits which proceeded to gently massage her lover’s throbbing hooves. “Oh, that’s good!” moaned Bonny as she melted into the chair. “Have I shown you how much I adore you recently? Once you’re done maybe we could unwrap one of your present’s early?” She fluttered her eyelashes. “I bought it from Rarity.” Lyra grinned, this was going to be a great Hearth’s Warming. Author's Note For Lyra I know from the outset what present she was going to give, a song just made sense to me so I decided to make a bit of a tour of the side characters in Ponyville as well as looking into her previous stories a bit and seeing what she means to the town. Hopefully people will actually enjoy the story she puts together in the end. As always comments are always welcome.
Trixie (Rainbow Double Dash)With a flourish, Trixie levitated one of the pieces of paper from her hat. She hadn’t peeked, but from the way it was folded she instantly knew who’s name she had picked without needing to open it, since she had after all done the folding – though she made a show of opening the piece of paper anyway and letting her eyes widen a little so that she could look suitably surprised. Trixie also did her best to not look at what everypony else had picked…or tried to, anyway, but she really really really wanted to know who got her. Unfortunately Lyra, Cheerilee, and Ditzy were quick to hide their own pieces of paper, and neither Carrot Top nor Raindrops had hers, so that would have to remain mostly a mystery. C’est la vie, she thought to herself as she turned her attention back to the piece of paper in her telekinetic aura. A golden lyre stared at her – she was going to be getting something for Lyra. She brightened at that. She already had the perfect gift in mind! “Everypony happy?” She asked as she put her hat back on her head. At a confirming nod from her friends, she adjusted her cape and turned around. “See you all tomorrow then!” The trot away was for show, of course, since she’d be coming back in just a few minutes, once she’d confirmed that Lyra had gone off to do her own shopping for whoever she’d gotten, and so wouldn’t see Trixie’s return. Now that she was only shopping for one mare instead of five, the gramophone she’d been considering had fallen within her expanded price range. Sure, Lyra probably had one already, but you could never have too many gramophones, could you? …could you? Trixie stopped in her trot as she considered. Well, actually, you probably could. Lyra lived with Bon Bon above her candy store, a single-story apartment to themselves where the one gramophone they may or may not have already had, but probably did, would be more than enough to project through the whole thing. Though then again perhaps Bon Bon would like a gramophone for the store downstairs? Something to add a little ambiance? Hmm, but then that would be a gift for Bon Bon, not Lyra. “Zut,” Trixie cursed, though quietly, as she resumed her trot through Ponyville’s marketplace, thinking this problem over. On the other hoof, if Lyra already had a gramophone, then she would need records to play on it, non? So perhaps some records would be better. But on the third hoof, if Lyra didn’t have a gramophone and Trixie got her records, then that would basically be a waste of everypony’s time… Aha! But, Trixie’s budget for buying something for her friend remained expanded. So, all she had to do was get Lyra a gramophone and some new records, something released recently that she probably didn’t have yet. Then Lyra would have a shiny new gramophone to play some shiny new records on, and even if she had an old gramophone, that gramophone could be moved down to Bon Bon’s Bon Bons. Or the Confectionarium. Or whatever the candy store was called this week. Also at some point over the last several minutes the word “gramophone” had stopped seeming like a real word to Trixie, due to the repetition of it through her head. “Stop turning into Pinkie Pie,” she said, knocking a hoof against her head. “One’s more than enough.” With that particular conflict settled, she turned around and started heading back to the market at a leisurely pace, confident in her line of reasoning and her choice for what to get Lyra. …where was the gramophone. Trixie stared, rather intently, at the spot where the gramophone had been. It had been a rather lovely gramophone, a big wooden…case-thingy with brass bits that curled around each other nicely and into heart shapes, a wonderfully pointy needle for playing records, and a very large...gramo-thing, whatever the speaker was. She was not an expert, or even an amateur hobbyist, in the construction or details of gramophones, she just knew that she had wanted a gramophone and now there wasn’t a gramophone here. (The word “gramophone” was starting to insist on itself in her mind, some part of Trixie noticed with a degree of worry). “Excuse me,” Trixie said, trotting over to the store’s owner, a somewhat portly earth pony stallion with a cutie mark of a trombone. “There was a gramophone over there just a few minutes ago.” “Sold it,” the stallion replied, “just a few minutes ago.” Trixie put on her most sincere, beneficent of smiles. “Do you have any other gramophones?” “Nope.” Trixie’s next smile was still sincere, but not nearly as beneficent. “Do you know anypony who might?” “Ah’ve got one,” the stallion said. After a moment, just as Trixie was opening her mouth, he continued. “Upstairs in mah home. S’ mine. Good gramophone, really high sound quality.” The smile that Trixie put on now was notably lacking in sincerity and had all the natural beneficence of a hungry Lunesianan alligator. “I meant,” she said, “do you know of anypony who might have a gramophone for sale?” The stallion thought a long moment. “Nope,” he said, though at least he had the decency to add “sorry” after a few moments. Trixie suppressed a sigh. “Alright, fine…” she groaned as she stepped from the store and back out into the cold. Well, there went that brilliant plan, destroyed at the first touch of reality before it could even really begin. As per usual, really. But it was fine, she could think of something else for Lyra…maybe a nice hat? Lyra didn’t wear a lot of hats, but she should. Everypony liked hats. And a friend like Lyra deserved only the finest hat! Trixie grinned to herself and took off for Rarity’s Boutique, surely the finest purloiner of fashionable hats in Ponyville. “How could you possibly be out of hats?” Trixie demanded. Rarity’s eyes narrowed a little bit as she tidied up around her store, having finished up with her previous customer. Her boutique had several other ponies in it as well, all eagerly waiting their turn for her attentions. “Dame Trixie,” Rarity said in as polite a voice as she could muster, “it’s so close to Hearth's Warming it’s a genuine miracle that I have anything left at all,” she swept a hoof over her store. Indeed, the boutique was as bare as Trixie had ever seen it, many racks empty, and most ponies there to pick up commissions rather than window-shopping. Rarity nodded her head towards one particular shelf, where everything was marked down considerably. “I should say rather that I am not completely out of hats, nor indeed any article of clothing…but what’s left are…” she suppressed a slight shudder and continued in a lower voice, “last season’s styles.” Trixie actually suppressed her own shudder at that. Broadly speaking, she prided herself as being a mare of the ponies, a pony who had come from commoner origins herself, a middle-class working family at that. Well, sort of, with her grand-père’s income as the greatest stage magician who had ever lived; nevertheless that was still work. But at the same time, she’d lived ten years in Canterlot under the tutelage of Princess Luna, and certain social mores were picked up as a result. One of them was “you do not give away last season’s styles as a gift”. You don’t even consider it. “Fine,” Trixie said, putting a hoof to her mouth as she thought. “What are the odds that you could put something together on short notice?” “I couldn’t possibly,” Rarity said, regret in her voice. “Between running the boutique and finishing up the last of my already-commissioned articles I’m afraid I’m rather booked through to Hearth’s Warming itself. I do apologize.” Trixie nodded in understanding, sighing and waving as she trotted from the building, letting Rarity get back to customers she could actually help. Well, there went another plan… “Alright, Trixie, think,” Trixie mumbled to herself as she looked about Ponyville, trying to find inspiration. “Lyra! Musician…but gramophone is out. Candy-lover…but I’m certain Bon Bon will have that covered already. Maybe a book? I’ll get her a book. Everypony reads, everypony likes books. But what kind would she like…” she didn’t want a repeat of the minor debacle of the birthday present she’d once gotten for Ditzy, a book on power-politics that as far as Trixie knew was gathering dust in Ditzy’s apartment somewhere (in Trixie’s defense, she’d only recently moved to Ponyville). Well, regardless, the town’s library would be her next stop… Trixie threw open the door to the library, eyes already looking towards where she knew Twilight Sparkle would be. “Sparkle – ” Ponyville had two possible places to buy books: Quills and Sofas, or the Golden Oaks Library. Quills and Sofas tended to get the new releases, while the Golden Oaks Library maintained a small book shop that had both used and new books for sale to supplement the library’s budget. The usual problem was that while Twilight was a good librarian in most respects and something that Ponyville had badly needed to run and organize Golden Oaks, she was a bibliophile first and foremost, and trying to get her to actually sell a book in the library rather than simply loan it out (specifically, because of the implicit understanding that the book would be returned on time and in the same condition it left in) often involved a little cajoling and convincing. That was not the problem Trixie faced. No, the problem Trixie faced was that sitting by the library’s desk was not just Twilight Sparkle, brightest magical mind of her generation, foremost expert on teleportation magic on the continent, and only in Ponyville because Trixie had goaded her into committing a crime and subsequently played a role in convincing her to turn herself in, resulting in her house arrest in Ponyville. No, there was also Vicereine Twilight Velvet, heir of the House Starlight, Descendant of the Grand Dukes of Latigo and the Royal Family of Ancient Unicornia, Vicereine of Latigo, Equestria’s largest province and one of its wealthiest. Twilight Sparkle probably more commonly referred to her as mom, however. In the letters that she sent home to Latigo. From Ponyville. That Twilight was only in because of Trixie. Because of the previously alluded to goading thing. All this ran through Trixie’s mind in less than second, and that was all it took to convince Trixie to turn and run. Or she started to, at least, and even made it almost half a step, but a violet light surrounded her, there was a snap-pop sound, and suddenly she was face-to-face with Twilight Velvet, held in her magical aura a few inches off the ground. “Wow,” Twilight said, glancing between Trixie and her mother. “That was incredible, mom! Where’d you get reflexes like that?” Velvet smiled. “The mare can leave the Night Guard, Twilie, but the Night Guard never really leaves the mare,” she said. Oh, great, and there’s apparently that too. Is the entire House Starlight made up of overachievers? Part of Trixie’s mind asked. The other part wondered if Twilight Velvet would allow her to at least start composing her own obituary. “Um…” Trixie said aloud. “Oh! Sorry,” Velvet said, setting Trixie down. The older unicorn laughed a little, not unlike Twilight might. “Sorry, you threw open the door and said my daughter’s name, then tried to run. Instinct kicked in. I’ll assume that I misinterpreted the situation.” Trixie blinked a few times. “Uh…um, yes, your excellency,” Trixie’s political instincts kicked in, then mentally kicked her a few times for her phrasing. “I – I mean, not that I blame you, your excellency! Oh, and, um, let me introduce myself – wait, bowing, forgot to – ” Trixie felt a hoof on her withers. “Mom, this is Trixie Lulamoon,” Twilight said. She’d come out from behind the desk. “Trixie, this is Twilight Velvet, my mom. Vicereine of Latigo, yadda yadda yadda.” Velvet looked Trixie up and down. “I see,” she said. Then one eyebrow raised. “I do believe she’s not breathing.” “Huh?” Twilight asked, looking at Trixie. Trixie looked between them, confused as well, then realized that Velvet was right and let out a breath she quite literally hadn’t realized she was holding, then waited a few moments, then was forced to hit her own chest a few times to get herself to breathe in. After a considerable amount of effort, she got her breathing under control. “Are you okay?” Twilight asked. “F-fine,” Trixie lied. Transparently. Fortunately Twilight was never quick to spot those. “Just, um…Hearth's Warming shooooh…” she trailed off at the mention of the holiday that was centered around family and togetherness and things that Twilight couldn’t do because she was under house arrest in Ponyville. Twilight stared in confusion as her horn lit up, a pale nimbus of lavender surrounding Trixie. “Are you okay? Your heart is racing and you’re sweating…do you have a cold?” “That might be it.” Velvet put in. She didn’t look fooled, unlike Twilight, but was at least giving Trixie a little respite. “You’re here for Hearth's Warming shopping, then? A book for one of your friends, I’m guessing?” Trixie nodded, remembering to breathe again. “F-for Lyra. Lyra Heartstrings. Dame Lyra Heartstrings. Element of Loyalty Dame Lyra – ” “I know who Lyra is…” Twilight droned a little, still looking concerned for Trixie. “Um…why don’t you start looking, I’m going to go upstairs and see if I have anything for…whatever you’ve got.” It took a moment for Trixie to register the words, and by the time she did and started to ask Twilight to please not leave her alone down here, there had already been flash-pop, and Twilight had disappeared in a burst of teleportation magic to her home in the library’s upper levels. There was some painful silence, followed by a small amount of laughter. “Honestly, it’s a wonder my daughter walks anywhere anymore, isn’t it?” the currently most powerful pony in Ponyville asked (by political metric, anyway; Twilight Sparkle had her mother and, really, everypony beaten by a mile in terms of magical ability. Her help would have been phenomenally useful against Grogar at the end of last summer). Trixie had no idea how to correctly respond to that. She sensed a trap in all possible answers or reactions, though she did force herself to look at Velvet. She took in a deep breath, let it out slowly, took in another, and then spoke. “Vicereine Twilight, I am so sorry for what I did last Eventime,” she said. “I’m sorry for fighting with your daughter, I’m sorry for goading her and nettling her, I’m sorry for everything. I wasn’t the pony I could have been. I’m sorry.” Twilight Velvet did exactly the last thing that Trixie would have expected: She smiled. It wasn’t much of a smile, a tiny thing, but it was there. “Of course. I accept your apology, Dame Trixie.” Trixie managed to keep her mouth from dropping. “Oh,” she said. “Um…thanks. Thank-you, your excellency.” She then winced, bracing herself for the other hoof to strike, as it surely would. Velvet seemed to notice her unease, however, and shook her head. “Trixie…I was angry. Of course I was angry. I was angry with you, but I was angry with my daughter, too. But that was almost a year ago now. You shouldn’t have goaded her. She shouldn’t have leashed an Ursa Minor and brought it into town. She’s paying for her mistake now, and I’m proud of her for it, even if she won’t be in Latigo this Hearth's Warming.” She let out a long sigh, then looked back to Trixie and stood up a little straighter. “If it makes you feel more at ease, you can think of it this way. You’re her designated escort. It’s your job to make sure that my little Twilie doesn’t get up to any other trouble, and that she is comfortable in Ponyville for as long as she’s here.” Her head tilted to the side. “Can you do that?” Trixie nodded without thinking, though once her thoughts caught up she knew it was something she would have done anyway. “Of course,” she said. “I volunteered to be Sparkle’s escort, actually, though I think Luna would have asked me to do it anyway. I owed Sparkle at least that much.” “Then as far as I’m concerned, the matter is settled,” Velvet said, making a cutting motion with one hoof. “You won’t be getting any Hearth's Warming cards from me any time soon, but otherwise, that’s that.” To say that was a relief for Trixie was beyond an understatement. She had…less than exemplary run-ins with Twilight’s brother and father after the whole Ursa Minor incident, Night Light in particular. Sure, she’d patched things up with both of them, but that hadn’t changed that she’d been expecting round three to begin with Velvet. Either Velvet was less emotional than her husband, though, or else enough time had passed for the wounds to heal over. Regardless, Trixie would take it – There was a flash-pop from right beside Trixie, and Twilight reappeared, several bottles in her aura as well as two more in each hoof. “Okay, I’ve got – Trixie! Are you okay?” Trixie looked up from where she’d landed on the floor, one hoof at her chest as her heart hammered, far too much excitement and terror and so on having happened over the past few minutes. “F-fine. I’m fine,” she said. “Do you have any books on lyres for sale?” Twilight blinked. “Um…well, there’s a second-edition copy of Timeless Tunes for Harmonious Harps & Legendary Lyres in the store, though I haven’t read it yet so I can’t guarantee its quality…” “How much?” Twilight paused. “Thirty bits,” she said, taking up a slightly defensive stance. It was an outrageous sum for what was probably a lightly-used book. “I’ll take it,” Trixie said anyway as she stood, taking off her hat to get to her bits. “I think I’ve aged more in the last five minutes than I have in the last five years…” Twilight looked like she was about to suggest something else, something that she’d already read, and also Trixie was clearly ill and so shouldn’t really be buying books right now. But from nearby, Velvet chuckled, taking the bottles from Twilight. “Twilight, you have to sell books, even ones you haven’t read, it’s your job.” The younger mare looked a little petulant at that for a moment, but then sighed and nodded, using telekinesis to reach across the library into its store section and pulling over a large, only slightly worn tome with a cover that depicted several lyres arrayed around a great harp. She collected the bits, wrapped the book in cloth and strike to protect it, and hoofed over the tome. She even let go after a few moments. “Maybe Lyra will let me read it,” she said. “I’ll ask,” Trixie said, then turned to Velvet and genuflected, as was proper. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Vicereine Twilight,” she said. Velvet lifted a hoof, giving Trixie leave to rise and leave. “The pleasure was mine, Dame Trixie.” She was quiet as Trixie went to the library’s door. “Oh, though perhaps you could stay just a few minutes, my son and husband should be arriving…” Trixie opened the door, and found herself staring at two stallions, one with a blue coat and black mane, the other with a white coat and blue mane. They looked rather like Viceroy Night Light and Captain of the Royal Guard Shining Armor. Or as Twilight probably referred to them, dad and big brother. “Nope,” Trixie declared, horn glowing bright blue as she teleported, something she was singularly awful at. She ended up buried in a six-foot tall snowdrift, but it was worth it.
Cheerilee (Talon and Thorn)Grabbing a scrap of paper as it floated out of Trixie’s hat, Cheerilee quickly opened it. The paper revealed the wand and moon cutie mark of the illusionist herself. She snapped a few glances at her friends, hoping to get a glimpse of who they might be getting a gift for. Catching her gaze, Raindrops scowled and turned away from her. Cheerilee shrugged. Sure, the whole thing was supposed to be secret, but she couldn’t help being curious. A quick look around showed that everypony else was hiding their new secret just as well. Forcing her mind back to the issue at hand, Cheerilee considered what she could get Trixie with only a day or so to prepare. Something relating to magic, either stage or unicorn, came to mind. Although she wasn’t sure exactly what. Trixie had some difficulty learning from spellbooks, so they were out of the picture. And anyway Ponyville, with it’s earth pony majority, had a dearth of such things. Of course Canterlot was only a few hours train ride away and almost anything could be purchased there. She thought over a few other possibilities. Some stage props? Fireworks? Something from Trixie’s hometown? It was unlikely there was much in the way of Neigh Orleans memorabilia nearby. How about something to eat? Trixie certainly seemed to enjoy cooking, including quite a variety of frankly bizarre creations. Or maybe something to drink...? Cheerilee’s eyes widened. She had the perfect idea, if she still had it! “Good luck girls!” she cried out, quickly turning towards her home. “See you all tomorrow!” “Where is it!” Cheerilee shouted, tossing aside a bundle of postcards which narrowly avoided meeting a watery grave in one of her many fish tanks. She flipped aside a colourful sweater with her mouth and started to burrow muzzle first into the pile of assorted junk underneath. During her younger ‘wandering’ days, she generally tried to travel light, rarely having more than a single saddlebag to her name. Still, she tended to accumulate various souvenirs as she went. And whenever she had the chance she’d sent them home to her parents who had generally stored them by shoving them into her room and forgetting about them. Of course when her baby sister had come along, her room had became the new arrival’s home and her stuff had all been moved into storage. Once she made it home and had gotten a place of her own, she collected all of it and ended up shoving it all in a cupboard. She meant to sort it out, maybe make some sort of map of her travels with an item from each town or something. But there never seemed to be the time until now. This particular item had been picked up during her travels, she’d intended to use it to celebrate something or other, but she’d never gotten around to using it. It would make a perfect Hearth's Warming gift for Trixie, if only she could find it! She tossed aside a few books and gave a cry of victory as she found what she was looking for. It was a wooden box, maybe three hooves tall and about a hoof wide. The words burnt into it proclaimed it to be ‘Candle Stick special reserve bourbon, aged twenty years’. Cheerilee took a deep sniff, feeling the scent of the liquor reawaken memories. Gatecrashing a gala held by a noble, discovering one of the servants was embezzling from her master, hiding in the wine cellar to gather evidence. The bottle had been a reward for her work. She still got Hearth’s Warming cards from Salad even now. Good times! She took another sniff, savouring the aroma. It was stronger than she expected and a gentle shake of the case gave the reason why. She quickly pried off the front of the case to reveal the bottle inside, or rather the fragments of what had once been a bottle. At some point in its transport between Salad’s mansion and her home, somepony had been less than gentle with it. She sighed. Well, that was a brilliant idea down the drain. Slumping to the ground. she carefully closed the box and let it fall to her side. She rubbed her face with a hoof for a moment as she racked her brain for an alternative present when her eye caught on a note attached to the back of the box. It gave a brief history of the brand and some frankly rather purple prose extolling the quality and flavour of the liquid which had once been contained within. What caught her eye most of all, though, was a crude map of the place where it had been bottled, the slightly giggle-inducing township of Knob Creek. What was more interesting was that she recognised many of the locations on the map, particularly the Everfree Forest shown on the edge. Standing up again, she rushed into another room and rummaged through a bookshelf to obtain a map of Equestria. Unfolding it onto the floor she quickly compared it with the one on the box. The place wasn’t that far off, not exactly next door but probably less than a half-day’s train journey. And if it exported booze, it certainly had a station. If she left now she could be there and back by tomorrow. Cheerilee considered other options for a moment. She could probably get a decent bourbon from her sister if she asked nicely, but not one as good as the destroyed bottle. And there was something about going on a trip, no a quest, to get a bottle. At the very least she’d get a good story to tell out of it. She quickly grabbed some bits and a warm coat before rushing out into the town and towards the train station. Cheerilee took another deep breath of the chill air and tried not to shiver. Despite her thicker than normal pelt and her winter coat, it was still bitingly cold. Although Knob Creek was less than a hundred miles away from Ponyville as the pegasus flew, no pegasus flew or train ran through the Everfree Forest. So it was well past dark by the the time she had disembarked. Knob Creek turned out to be not much larger than Ponyville. The town was surrounded by fields as far as the eye could see, but given that it was winter they were barren, waiting for the maize to grow again next year. Most of the population seemed to have retreated to the town and were deep in their preparations for the holiday. Cheerilee quickly found that buying Trixie a bottle of bourbon would not be a problem here. It seemed like every shop sold the stuff, even sweet shops had bourbon flavoured confectionery. None of the rapidly-closing shops, however, seemed to stock the same brand as she had inadvertently destroyed. She’d asked and had been pointed towards a distillery a mile or so outside of town. It was on aching hooves that she finally approached the place. It was easy to spot, being the only lit building around. Cheerilee was rather surprised to see a herd of ponies approaching from the opposite direction, exiting for the various buildings that made up the factory. They all seemed to be in rather high spirits, noisily chattering amongst themselves as they approached. “Hey!” called Cheerilee as the crowd drew near. “Oh, hi Miss,” replied a nearby stallion. He trotted over staggering slightly. “I’ve not seen you around before.” His breath suggested he’d sampled more than a little of the distillery’s product. “I’m looking to buy some bourbon,” she explained, “Candle Stick brand.” “We don’t normally sell directly to ponies,” he replied after a few moments thought. “Even one as cute as you.” The other ponies nearby gave good-natured laughs. Cheerilee grinned. It was nice to be complimented, and made it more likely she could wrap him around her hoof. “Are you sure, handsome?” she asked, fluttering her eyelashes. “Sorry, I’d love to get you a bottle or two but we’re shut until the new year now. We’ve just had our Hearth’s Warming party,” a cheer went up from the crowd, “and now we’re taking it into town! I’ll buy you a drink or two there if you want.” “Did you say ‘Candle Stick’?” asked another member of the crowd. “That’s expensive stuff, our best, we only make a barrel or so a year. Most batches are bought before it’s even bottled. Maybe come back in the new year?” she suggested. “I only need one bottle,” said Cheerilee. “It’s for a friend of mine, and she’d really appreciate it.” “Look, why don’t you come with us,” said the first stallion, looking away as most of the rest of the crowd started to shuffle past. “I’m sure we can pick up something in town almost as good. We can get something to warm you up as well.” For a moment, Cheerilee was tempted. She didn’t really need to get Trixie this particular brand, did she? And she was cold and hungry after her long journey. Still, didn’t her friend deserve the best? The unicorn had worked so hard at being a good friend over the last year, that was worth a reward. “No, I really need to get some Candle Stick.” The stallion sighed. “Our boss Jack Bean is probably still working back there.” He gestured towards the distillery. “Maybe he can sort something out? Probably not, but you could give it a try.” He shrugged and started off down the road after his companions. “Maybe see you later?” he called over his shoulder. “Maybe,” muttered Cheerilee, looking over towards the lit buildings. She started to trot ahead, shivering again. “This is our fault, then!” exclaimed a high pitched voice as Cheerilee approached the distillery. “All three of the tribes! We brought the snow to this land by our fighting and feuding! Now it... it...” there was a rustle of paper. Cheerilee’s ears twitched as she crept towards the sound. “It’s destroying our new land as well,” continued the voice, “just as it did the old!” She peeked around the building. There stood an earth pony filly with an untidy green curly mop of a mane barely restrained by a shawl. A brown cape covered most of her off-white coat, completing the outfit. “Smart Cookie?” asked Cheerilee, causing the foal to spin around and drop a pile of papers into the snow. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.” She moved forwards to help pick up the script. “I played her in the pageant when I was your age, too.” “We’re putting on the play tonight,” said the foal after a moment's pause. “I’ve almost got my lines down.” “You sound good to me. I’m Cheerilee, by the way. I’m looking for somepony called Jack Bean.” “That’s my dad!” exclaimed the foal. “I’m Lima Bean.” “Please to meet you Lima,” said Cheerilee, handing over the script to the young thespian. “Do you know where your father is?” “He’s still working at the still,” said Lima, her ears drooping a bit. “But he’s going to see me at the show once he’s done!” “Can you show me where he is? I’ll only need a minute.” “Sure!” exclaimed Lima, rushing off towards a nearby building before Cheerilee could follow. After a moment the foal returned. “Um, this way,” she said, moving at a more reasonable speed. The inside of the building was boiling compared to the outside. Cheerilee loosened her coat as she walked past row after row of copper vessels heated by the fires merrily burning below them. Lima led her surehoofedly thought the maze until they came across a stallion, apparently the only adult pony still present in the distillery. He was a little shorter than average, with a green mane like his daughter that was rapidly receding on the top of his head, and a yellow coat. A bottle mark was embossed on his flank, and he was apparently carrying out his talent as he carefully decanted a barrel into a number of bottles without spilling a drop. “Dad! Dad!” cried Lima, “This mare wants to talk to you. She’s called Cheerilee!” The older pony didn’t seem to react at first, carefully topping off the bottle he was working on before closing the tap on the keg and placing the full bottle amongst it’s brethren. Finally turning, he gave his daughter a smile and Cheerilee a rather more suspicious look. “Good evening Ma’am. The name’s Jack Bean,” he said politely. “What brings you up here at this time of night? I’m afraid we’re closed for the holiday’s now.” “Yes well,” began Cheerilee with a smile, “I was hoping I might be able to buy a bottle of bourbon from you, as a Hearth’s Warming present for a very dear friend.” “I’m sorry, but we don’t sell directly to members of the public. We only sell in bulk to retailers. If you head into town I’m sure you can find somepony who can sell you something from our brand though.” “Actually, I’m looking for something special, It’s called Candle Stick.” “Candle Stick?” He let out a whistle through his teeth. “That’s our rarest, We only make a single barrel a year, and only then if the conditions are right. It’s sold out years in advance.” “Are sure you don’t have any spare?” pleaded Cheerilee. “It’s for Trixie Lulamoon, you might have heard of her? The bearer of the Element of Magic? She helped to defeat Corona!” Cheerilee didn’t like trading on her and her friends fame, but she didn’t want to go home with empty hooves either. “That so,” said Jack uncertainty, “well that sure is something. But I’m afraid I can’t.” “Are you really sure we can’t come to some agreement?” Cheerilee asked, lowering her voice to a purr and flicking her tail. Maybe a little Black Cherry charm would work. Jack’s body tensed He glanced down at Lima for a second before his eyes again locked onto Cheerilee’s. “Now it may be a few years since Gra... since my wife passed, but don’t think I’ll be taking leave of my senses for a pretty face!” Cheerilee blushed and looked away, embarrassed. Maybe she had taken things a bit far. A touch of flirting often helped negotiations, but the stallion’s foal was standing next to her. “Sorry,” she mumbled. “I just wanted to get Trixie a good present.” “Yes, well, like I said you can get all sorts of spirits back in town.” “Why don’t you show her where she can get some when you take me to the play?” suggested Lima, hopping up and down a bit in excitement. “Yeah, I,” Jack looked aside, “I meant to tell you. I’m afraid I won’t be able to take you to the play. With everypony else out celebrating, somepony needs to watch the stills and start on the New Year orders.” “Then we can...” Lima continued until her father's words caught up with her. “But... but you said... you said you’d see me on stage! You promised!” she cried. “Yeah, I, I know I did,” said Jack, still not able to meet his daughter's eyes. “But New Years is one of our busiest times and sales ain’t been what they could be. Maybe we can do something next month instead? Maybe after the wrap up?” “You said that about Hearth’s Warming! I’ve been trying so hard to get my lines right! I wanted you to see me on stage!” The filly stomped her hoof on the ground, her eyes filling with tears. Jack rushed forwards and knelt before her. “Look, yeah, I did,” he said, wiping her eyes. “But bourbon’s in our veins, has been since your great great grandpa’s time. This place,” he gestured around the building, “this is our home, our families home, and well sometimes in order to keep that home you need to work hard and you have to sacrifice some things. I’m really sorry I can’t make your play, but I really am busy.” “I, I understand, Dad,” Lima quietly said after a moment. “I know you do. You’re a good filly,” Jack said, rubbing a hoof through her mane. “And I really will make it up to you in the new year, I promise. Now, I asked Miss Mortarboard to take you to the play in my place. She should be here soon. Why don’t you go outside and wait for her? Have a good time at the play.” “Yes, Dad.” “Love you,” Jack said, kissing Lima on the forehead before letting her slouch away. “Now,” he said, standing and turning back to Cheerilee. “As I said, I’m sorry I can’t help you. I have a lot to do tonight, so I’d like to ask you to leave.” “Is it all really that important,” Cheerilee asked, eyes narrowed, “that you can’t spend one night with your own foal?” “Don’t you judge me!” Jack snarled. “I want to leave her something more than I had. That girl could go far, but schooling don’t come cheap. I’ve got plans for this place, but they’re going to need hard work and sacrifice!” “And are those plans really going to be worth more than the memories of spending Hearth’s Warming with her?” Jack couldn’t meet her gaze. “I’ve got a lot to do,” he said. “Maybe I could...” she began. “Get out!” he yelled. She slowly backed away. “Very well, but think about it. Don’t do something you’ll regret later.” Once outside, Cheerilee took a deep breath of the frigid air. Lima was huddled by the door. “Are you alright?” the teacher asked, hunching down beside the smaller pony. Lima nodded and made a small affirmative sound. “I’m sure you’ll still have a good time at the play with all your friends.” “But I wanted him to see me!” Lima exclaimed. “Why are all the grown up things so important? Aren't I important, too?” She stared up into Cheerilee’s eyes. Cheerilee sighed. “Lots of things seem important when after you’ve grown up, but sometimes we forget the most important things along the way.” “You’re a grown up. Can’t you make him come to the play?” “I’m sorry. Things don’t work like that,” Cheerilee said, grinning lopsidedly. “He really does love you.” “I know but, it’s just not fair.” Lima stomped a small hoof. “He promised. He always promises, but then he’s always busy!” Cheerilee glanced away, and saw an older mare and a small herd of foal approaching, most of them wearing costumes. “Don’t give up hope. I’ll see what I can do to get your dad to come to your play.” Cheerilee stood up, hoping she hadn’t just lied to the child. Her father didn’t seem like the easiest stallion to convince, but she had a few tricks up her sleeves. Jack growled to himself as he started to carefully apply the labels to the latest batch of bottles. He made sure they were even and wiped away any excess glue. Once finished, they could be crated up and be ready for shipping once the holidays were over. He knew it was important. He’d be able to get a day or two’s head start on his competitors, but then he couldn’t help thinking of the disappointment in Lima’s eyes. He shook his head. No, he needed to concentrate. He wanted the best for his little girl, and that cost money. She’d understand when she was older. His ears pricked up as he heard the clink of a bottle striking the ground. He quickly turned, looking for the source of the sound. There shouldn’t be anypony else around the place. Maybe an animal had gotten in and was looking for somewhere warm to spend the night? As he passed one of the stills, he checked the pressure gauge. Everything seemed to be normal. He caught a glance of his reflection in the copper vessel. Something moved behind him. Eyes widening, he started to turn when something was slipped over his head. Everything went black. Panicking, his instincts were to kick out at whatever was attacking him. His hooves met only air, though, and he stumbled. Something grabbed at his flank and pulled him to one side, causing him to flail out again. “Careful,” came a somewhat muffled voice from somewhere near his ears. “Some of the stuff around here looks breakable.” “Get off of me!” he cried, trying to push away whatever was covering his face with his forelegs. Before he could reach it, something wrapped around his hoof, yanking it towards his barrel. The same happened to his other foreleg a second later. With a yelp, he pitched forward, headfirst towards the ground. But his assailant gently caught him and lowered him out onto the floor. He tried to kick with his hind legs, but once again they were tangled in something. He struggled wildly, but found himself entirely immobile. “Huh, fifteen seconds,” said his captor. “Not a personal record, but fairly impressive given I’m out of practice.” “Help! Help!” screamed Jack. “There’s nopony around, I’m afraid. At least it means I don’t have to silence you. I only carry a ball gag around for very special occasions-” there was a sigh “-and it’s been a while since one of those. Unless one of the girls gets me a stallion for Hearth’s Warming.” Jack tried to calm himself and return his breathing to a somewhat normal rate. He had to think! What was going on? Why were they doing this to him? The voice of his attacker sounded somewhat familiar, but he couldn’t pinpoint it. “There’s nothing here for you. I don’t keep much money on the premises, ” he pleaded. “If you want our stores, just take them! Please don’t hurt me! I have a foal!” “I’m glad you remember her now! I guess just taking something would be an option,” the attacker said. It sounded like she was moving around the room. “But I think Trixie would prefer her present to not be stolen.” “Wait, Cheerilee!” he exclaimed, finally pinning down the identity of his captor. Who was this crazy mare? What was she going to do to him? “Now, is there anything around here which is going to go boom if nopony looks after it for a few hours?” “What?” “Well, there’s all these stills and things bubbling. Is there anything likely to go wrong without you?” Jack tried to swallow through a sudden dryness in his throat. “Um, well no, probably not. Everything's just ticking over at the moment. I was just planning on putting labels on bottles for an hour or so,” he babbled, before cursed himself internally for his honesty. “Good, then you and me can go on a little trip.” He felt something nudging at his belly. It felt like a head. His eyes widened in shock before he felt himself levered into the air and onto his captor’s back. He rocked around a bit as Cheerilee apparently staggered under his weight. “Why did you have to be so heavy?!” she complained. He bit back a retort. There was no need to antagonise his foalnapper, and he had let himself go a bit over the last few years. “Right, off we go then,” Cheerilee exclaimed. he started to trot, causing Jack to groan. “If you hurl onto my mane I’ll drag you instead,” she threatened. Jack’s mind raced as he tried to figure out what his captive was going to do with him. She hadn’t hurt him, yet but there was no guarantee she wouldn’t. He had no idea where Cheerilee was taking him, either. Judging by the temperature, they were outside. He tried to count her steps, but quickly lost concentration. They couldn’t have travelled more than half a mile. Surely somepony would notice, even with most of the local population being inside celebrating. He tried to remember what they said in plays about being foalnapped. Were you supposed to make a connection with your captor, or keep quiet? “So, do you do this often?” he tentatively tried. “Once or twice,” came a cheerful reply. “Do you often let your daughter down?” Was that what this was about? Was this some sort of demented punishment for how he treated Lima? There was actually a part of him that agreed that he deserved it. “More often than I want to,” he admitted. “Look, when Mom handed the distillery over to me, we were almost broke. I had to work till my hooves bled to make that place a going concern. There’s no way I’m going to make Lima do that, no matter what I have to sacrifice!” He struggled at his bonds again, causing Cheerilee to stagger a bit. “Stop that!” she exclaimed. “If I drop you, you’ll land on your thick head! Has it occured to you that there might be some things just too important to sacrifice? More important than just making money and being successful?” “Sometimes,” he mumbled. “Glad to see you’re not entirely lost then.” She sighed. “Sure, I understand wanting the best for your child.” “You’ve got foals?” he asked. “No, not exactly,” she said with a hitch in her voice. “I’m a teacher. I know it’s not easy to try and balance things, but I don’t think raising a child is meant to be easy. I have a friend. She’s raising her daughter alone, too. She works so hard and she’s got so little, but she still manages to be there when her daughter needs her.” “She sounds like a regular flutterpony,” Jack bitterly said. “I know I’m not that good a father, but I do what I can to make sure Lima gets what she needs!” “Have you asked her what she really wants? Do you think she’d prefer you to get her more Hearth’s Warming presents, or for you to come to her play?” “I... I don’t know,” Jack admitted. He could make out the sound of various voices in the middle distance. Were they getting closer to the town? “She’d probably prefer I come to her play, but she’s just a kid. She doesn’t know how important the things I can get her are. I’m sure I’ll be able to see her next year. We’ll be less busy then.” “Yeah, now she’s just a kid. You turn around in a few years and she won’t be any more. You’ll have missed it all.” Jack tried to stop himself from shuddering as Cheerilee’s words echoed some of the thoughts he’d recently had. Lima did seem to be growing up so quickly. “Why are we talking about this, anyway?” he asked. “You’re my foalnapper. What are you planning to do with me, anyway?” “Stop you from making a terrible mistake. Now which one is it?” she mumbled, coming to a stop for a moment. “Which one is what?” he asked, confused. The sound of nearby ponies was getting louder. Should he shout for help or something? “Never mind. It must be this one. So you’re happy to just abandon your child so you can make more money?” “It’s not like that! I’ve made some decisions.” Was it his anger, or had it suddenly gotten warmer? “Maybe bad decisions, but it’s too late to change my mind now!” “Funny you should say that,” Cheerilee said as she suddenly slumped to the side. Jack braced himself as he expected to drop to the floor, but instead found himself on some sort of bench or seat. “I guess this is just a Hearth’s Warming miracle then.” The hood was jerked from his head, and he blinked at the sudden brightness. He shook his head, trying to get his eyes to adapt. He was in a crowded room. Many of the ponies were staring at him, but they looked away in apparent embarrassment as he met their gaze. “What? Where am...” He looked around. Cheerilee sat to one side, holding her coat in her mouth. That must have been what she had used to cover his head. Tossing it aside, she held a hoof up to his mouth. “Hush, it’s about to start. Be nice and I’ll untie you at the intermission.” He looked around in confusion. He noticed a raised platform at the front of a room covered with a curtain, which was suddenly pulled aside. Behind it stood a number of wood and paper constructs which, if you squinted just right, looked a bit like trees. The grey-maned figure of Miss Mortarboard appeared to one side and cleared her throat. “Once upon a time, long before the peaceful rule of the Princess, and even before ponies came to our beautiful land of Equestria, ponies did not know harmony,” she proclaimed. “It was a dark and evil time. A time when the tribes were torn apart... by hatred!” A number of foals began to shuffle onto the stage. Jack’s gaze was immediately drawn to Lima in the costume she’d put so much effort into, while he’d had to work. His daughter looked downhearted, her hooves dragging as she moved to her place on the stage. She looked up into the crowd and her gaze met with his. A smile instantly filled her face. It was like the sun rising after the darkest night. He realised it had been so long since he had last seen her completely happy. If he hadn’t been bound, he would have waved a hoof at her. She straightened and readied herself for her lines. “Thank you,” Jack whispered to Cheerilee, unable to drag his eyes from the stage. Cheerilee couldn’t help but smile as she saw Lima gallop from the back of the stage over to her father now that the play was over. The filly practically leapt over the intervening crowd to get to him, her mouth running a mile a minute as she tried to express her excitement. Jack knelt down to hug her while. Cheerilee turned away, feeling that she shouldn’t interfere any further with the touching reunion. She trotted out of the town hall where the school play had been held and glanced up at the clock tower above. The last train for the day would have left by now but she could probably find somewhere to rest for the night before she caught the first one back to Ponyville tomorrow. “Um, Miss Cheerilee,” said a voice from behind her. She turned to see Jack Bean standing there, Lima more or less attached to his hind leg. “I’d like to thank you for what you did for me earlier,” he looked back at his daughter. “For both of us.” His voice hardened. “Although foalnapping me might have been a step too far.” Cheerilee winced. Maybe she’d let things get a bit out of hoof. It had seemed a good idea at the time. But now, thinking back on things, well there was a fair chance she could have spent Hearth’s Warming in jail. She still could. “Yes well, all’s well that that ends well?” she suggested with a painful grin. “Yes, I suppose you're right. I was stubborn and didn’t have my priorities straight. I don’t think anything else would have turned me around.” He reached back and rested a hoof on his daughter's head. “I’ve talked to Lima and we’re going to have a real big Hearth’s Warming party together this year, and I’ll take more time off so we can do things together.” He tousled her mane. “We’re going to Whinny World next year!” announced Lima. “That’s nice,” Cheerilee said with a grin. “I hope you both have a good time. Do you know if there’s a good hotel in town or a guest house?” she asked. She should probably leave them alone to reconnect. “There’s one, but don’t you want to pick up a bottle from the distillery first?” “A bottle?” “The Candle Stick you asked for?” “Oh.” She’d actually forgotten about her present for Trixie. “I thought you said you didn’t have any?” “Well, I keep a special collection, one bottle from every batch we make. My mother did the same and her father before her, got almost a hundred years worth,” he said with pride. “I can’t break up that tradition,” she said, holding up a hoof. “Can you recommend something else?” “No, you can have the Candle Stick. You’ve taught me a lesson about what’s important,” he glanced back at his daughter, “and what isn’t. It’s just some booze, and if it makes a friend of yours happy then I think it will be a good cause. Besides, once you’ve got what you came here for and I’ve put Lima to bed,” the filly pouted but she was clearly starting to flag, “I thought we could try a few samples from the other batches as well. Maybe do some talking?” Cheerilee smiled. “That sounds like a perfect Hearth’s Warming present.” Author's Note The idea of Cheerilee getting Trixie some booze for Hearth's Warming was the first idea I had for this story. Then I decided I needed some blocker in the way and that's where Jack Bean came into the story which then went a bit off the rails with the kidnapping, I'm sure it all make sense to Cheeriliee at the time. Thanks to Striker and Georg for editing. As always comments are always welcome.
Ditzy (RK Striker JK 5)Ditzy flew along her mail route, going more by rote than anything else. One eye was on the path before her, the other turned to the side as she thought about what to get Raindrops for Hearth's Warming. On the surface, it should be easy. On one hoof, Raindrops' love of rain, puddles, and romance novels were almost common knowledge among their friends. On the other hoof, such gifts would almost be too easy to get. Ditzy let out a nicker as she approached the front door of Quills and Sofas, the last stop on her route before lunch. She smiled as Davenport, the store owner, opened the front door at her approach. “Hi, Davenport.” She opened her saddlebags, pulled out several letters, and one package. She then extracted a clipboard. “Sign here, please.” Davenport barely nodded to her as he signed his name at the bottom. “Thanks,” he mumbled, before looking back at the main showroom and frowning. Both of Ditzy's eyes turned forward. She followed his gaze. Instead of the usual array of furniture placed at strategic spots along the showroom, most of it was empty, save for a long table set up near the back. Posts with ropes tied between them formed an easily-recognizable path for a line to snake its way through. “What's going on?” Davenport looked back to her. “Oh, it's a book signing. Ripped Bodice's latest work, 'The Countess' Conquests', is coming out.” He turned and pointed out two freestanding shelves flanking the table. “Her agent got in touch with me about it. Normally I wouldn't do something like this, but Tinny thought it'd be a good little bit of publicity, get Quills and Sofas' name out a bit more.” He smiled slightly. “Ah, that stallion can talk me into anything.” Ditzy stared at the table and shelves. Her eyes crossed as she thought, dredging up half-remembered conversations and snippets that she had overheard. Raindrops is working overtime tonight with weather duty, if I remember correctly. She won't be home until late. And she'll be bone-tired, too. She slowly turned her head, glancing out at the street from the corners of her eyes. Ponies had already begun to gather around the Quills and Sofas' storefront, despite it not being open for another hour. Several of them had books tucked into saddlebags, but all had some form of writing implement clearly visible on their body. “Davenport, how much would one of those books cost? And can I buy one now, please? I think I've got the perfect idea for a Hearth's Warming present for a friend.” A slow smile crept over Davenport's muzzle. “Hardcovers are twenty bits, paperbacks are nine.” He stepped aside and let Ditzy inside the store proper. “One of the first things I do when coming down is setting up the till.” he trotted across the showroom to a cash register on a counter near the back. Ditzy, meanwhile, floated over to one of the bookshelves. She pulled out a purse and opened it up. “Thank you for the early Hearth's Warming bonus, Silver Script!” she crooned out as she pulled out a twenty-bit coin. “And thank me for getting all the rest of my shopping done already, Hearth's Warming or otherwise.” She grabbed a hardcover off the shelf with her primaries and walked over to the register. She placed it on the counter. “Thank you so much for this, Davenport.” Her brow furrowed in thought. “Wait, how long does the signing go on for?” Davenport deftly pressed the buttons on the register. It chimed and the drawer opened with a clang. “Well, technically five o'clock, but Ripped Bodice insisted that anypony in line at five get an autograph, no matter how long it is. She's very appreciative of her fans, you see.” He tilted his head back and forth. “She's a pretty nice mare, overall. Do you want a bag?” Both of Ditzy's eyes wobbled as she went over her schedule for the rest of the day. “Oh, oh yes! Silver Script said I could knock off early when the post-route checklist is done. Maybe a few more things, let Dinky know what's going on, but I should be able to make it here in plenty of time.” She looked at Davenport as he stood there. “Oh, and yes. I'd like a bag, please.” Davenport chuckled as he slid the book into a bag. “Lyra told us about the gift exchange you six were doing tomorrow. Sounds like a fun idea, if a bit short-notice.” A sigh escaped Ditzy. “Yeah, I know. Spur of the moment and all that, I guess. What's your family doing? Any traditions or anything like that?” There was a pause before Davenport spoke. “Oh, yes. We like to open one Hearth's Warming present the night before. Sort of a warm-up to the main event the next morning. Lyra gets so giddy, I swear. Skyla's in town, too. She's visiting Curry and Honeydew today. I think she's even more excited than Lyra, if that's possible.” He looked up at Ditzy and smiled. “Anything else, Ditzy?” Ditzy glanced up at the ceiling with one eye, the other locked firmly onto Davenport. “All set for now, Davenport. See you later! And Happy Hearth's Warming!” And with that, she flew out and back to her route. ***** Silver Script slid one more manila folder into a filing cabinet. “And with that, we're done.” He turned and looked to Ditzy, standing near his office door. He chuckled and waved a hoof at her. “All right, all right! We're all done, Ditzy. Get going, and Happy Hearth's Warming.” Ditzy flew over and wrapped her forelegs around his neck in a hug. Thanks, Silver Script! Happy Hearth's Warming to you, too!” With that, she let go, turned, and sped off, sending up a breeze as she flew up a set of stairs near the back of the building to the second floor and the apartment she and her darling daughter Dinky lived in. She opened the door. “Dinky?” she called out, both eyes going all about. Dinky walked out of the kitchen. “Hi, Mama!” She trotted over. “Is work all done?” Ditzy dropped to the floor and wrapped a wing around Dinky. “Yes, but I have an errand to run. I'm not sure how long I'll be.” Dinky leaned into the hug. “That's fine, Mama. I'll be here.” She glanced to the side and pointed at the book sticking out of Ditzy's saddlebag. “Is that part of it?” Her eyes narrowed slightly. “'The Countess' Conquests'.” She turned back to Ditzy. “Is it for Raindrops?” Ditzy let out the most imperceptible of sighs. She's growing up too fast. “Yes, muffin. I'll–” “Explain when I'm older?” Dinky said, looking up at Ditzy and smiling ever so slightly. Ditzy nickered. “Yes, Dinky. I shouldn’t be long, but don’t stay up too late if I am long. I love you.” She gave Dinky another hug before turning and flying out of their apartment. She left the post office proper. Within minutes she was on Mane Street, making a beeline for Quills and Sofas. She glanced up at the clock tower above City Hall. Only Three-thirty. Plenty of time, for once! She looked ahead, spotting a small line snaking out of Quills and Sofas' front door. She touched down behind Rarity. “Hi!” Ditzy said. Rarity turned, smiling. “Darling, hello!” She leaned forward. “Are you here for the book signing? I didn't know you read Ripped Bodice's work!” Ditzy shook her head. “It's a gift for Raindrops.” She pulled the book out of her saddlebag. “My friends and I are doing a gift exchange this year.” Rarity grinned. “Trust me on this, darling. She is going to love it!” The line slowly but steadily moved along. Several others took their place behind Ditzy. Inside, she spotted a violet-coated unicorn sitting at the table, with the cutie mark of a typewriter. She nodded, said a few words to the pony standing in front of her, signed a book, then repeated the process. Each meeting took only a minute or two. Very quickly, Ditzy stood in front of Ripped Bodice. She looked up at Ditzy, smiling warmly. “Hello, darling.” Her horn glowed as she gently took the book from Ditzy's wing. “Who shall I make it out to?” Ditzy blinked. “Oh, my name's Ditzy, but this isn't for me. It's a Hearth's Warming gift for a friend. Not that you needed to know that...” She blushed. “Sorry, Miss Bodice.” Ripped Bodice chuckled and waved her off. “Not a problem at all, Ditzy! This is wonderfully thoughtful of you.” Ditzy let out a breath. “Thank you. And it's for my friend Raindrops.” Ripped Bodice's brow furrowed. “Raindrops? Pegasus? Three raindrops for a cutie mark?” Ditzy's ears folded against her skull. “... Yes?” Ripped Bodice grinned. “She's the president of my fan club in this province. An absolutely wonderful mare, that Raindrops.” She opened the book and wrote, the pen traveling down almost the entire length of the inside cover. She then floated it back to Ditzy. “Please give this to her with my thanks, Ditzy.” Ditzy took the book back with her wing and slid it back into her saddlebag. She waved a good bye to Ripped Bodice before literally skipping out of the store, head held high and mission accomplished.
Carrot Top (Talon and Thorn)Carrot Top carefully unfolded the piece of paper she’s just retrieved from Trixie’s hat, it revealed a collection of circles, or more accurately bubbles. She’d picked Ditzy! She glanced around the rest of her friends, they all seemed deep in through presumably deciding what they were going to get the pony they’d just chosen. Carrot Top wracked her own brain, she had planned to get her mailmare friend a nice warm scarf and hat for Hearth’s Warming. Ditzy’s current one was looking a bit tattered and the mailmare’s job required her to be out and about in all weathers. Generally Pegasus’ didn’t feel the cold the wet all that much but there were limits to their abilities. She’d managed to find one which nicely complimented her friend’s mane, it was currently in one of the many packages piled up next to her. But now she was only getting a present for one of her friends it felt like it wasn’t enough. She’d already bought something for most of them, but those could be repurposed as birthday presents or maybe redirected to somepony else. Self consciously she rested a hoof on her nearly empty coin pouch, she didn’t have much left to spend on a new present for Ditzy after what she’d already spent on her family, neighbours, the farmers union and everypony else she knew in town. Dragging her mind away from her finances she tried to turn back to the situation at hoof, what could she get for Ditzy? Maybe she should try to track down Dinky? If anypony knew what Ditzy wanted it would be her daughter, but she didn’t know where the foal was at the moment, probably playing in the snow with all her friends but there were miles of foal friendly environments around Ponyville, it could take all day to find her. Biting her lip Carrot Top noted that most of her friends had already started to go their own ways. She should gather up her parcels and get back to shopping, maybe another quick tour around the market would give her some inspiration. Carrot Top slumped back into her worn couch in her cozy living room. Her hooves ached after a day of dragging her presents from stall to stall. The bags containing her purchases were stacked in the corner for the moment she’d need to spend most of her evening wrapping them all, on top of that she'd found a bundle of cards in her mailbox, that meant she’d have to write more cards of her own as well. There never seemed to be enough hours in the day. She’d tried to save money by buying some colored pencils and drawing her own winter scenes on plain cards this year, but her artistic skills hadn’t turned out to be as good as she’d imagined, so she’d ended up buying pre made cards as well. She glanced up at the clock, the Farmers Union Hearth’s Warming party was taking place today, she’d been invited but she really didn’t have the time to go. It was a shame, but she had so much left to do today. For a start she still hadn’t gotten Ditzy anything and after a few more impulse buys she had even less left to spend. Still one advantage of this time of year was that even though her normal crop wasn’t being sold her various potions and ointments did sell well. Her hangover cure was popular for those who partied a bit to hard and her other cures and cosmetics were often purchased as presents. Now that was an idea! Maybe she could just mix up Ditzy one of her grandmother’s potions. The shampoo was selling well, a few bottles would make a good present, but would it really be something special? The same applied to a crate of her carrot juice. Maybe she could bake something instead? Since the competition she’d tried to keep her hoof in as much as possible and there were a few recipes she thought she’d more or less perfected. But she was already bringing food to Trixie’s party, would it seem too much like an ‘extra’ rather than a real present? Food was nice but once it was eaten that was it, maybe Ditzy would prefer something which would last a bit longer? She considered for a moment what else she might be able to produce for her friend. She knew that Ditzy occasionally got bad headaches, maybe due to her eyes. They weren't that frequent but when they did occur then they almost incapacitated the poor mare, all she could do was tuck herself up in bed in the dark until the pain passed. Carrot Top had been reading up on a pain relieving potion and had a batch of the poppy seeds it required. Still it quickly lost its power once mixed so she couldn’t just give her friend a batch right now, she might not need it for several months after all. Maybe she could promise to make some up when Ditzy next needed it? What else could she do to help her friend? She knew how busy Ditzy could be, how little time she had to herself what with working full time and raising her daughter. Carrot Top certainly knew what hard work was like, around harvest time she pulled sixteen hour days and longer, but at least she had quiet periods when she only needed to spend a few hours a day to keep the farm going, Ditzy always had draws on her time. Maybe she could get her a pass for the spa? But it would cost money she didn’t have, and when would Ditzy have the time to use it anyway? She needed to look after Dinky. Maybe she could take her daughter with her? But no matter how well behaved the filly was it wouldn’t really be free time for Ditzy then, would it? Oh! Maybe she could offer to foal sit! That would give Ditzy time to go out and do what she wanted for a few hours. Sparker was happy to look after her sister when she was available, but that wasn’t always possible. Maybe that was it! Time was the perfect gift for Ditzy! She was always so busy, so anything that would give her a bit more free time would be perfect. Was there any other chore she could do for her? She could just offer to clean her house or something, but anypony could do that. Was there something that she alone could do? Carrot considered for a moment, it wasn’t like Ditzy needed someone to help her plow a field or something... actually... Ditzy had mentioned in passing that the flat above the post office had come with a small garden around the back. She’s said that she’d meant to plant some flowers there to brighten up the place but hadn’t had the time. Well she could certainly help with that! Maybe add a few vegetables as well, anything edible would help reduce her friends food budget, you couldn’t beat good fresh produce to feed a growing foal after all! She hadn’t actually seen the space but it couldn’t be all that big. She could probably get it ready and planted in a day, two at most, it would be nothing next to running the Golden Harvest! She had other skills she could use to help Ditzy with as well, she wasn’t just a farmer after all! With all the time she’d spent keeping her archaic irrigation system functioning she’d picked up a bit of plumbing knowledge as well. She knew the pipes at Ditzy’s house were just as old, if not older, she’d complained about them enough. Big Mac was her friends first choice when it came to household maintenance, and although she wasn’t quite so easy on the eyes as the hunky stallion, she was sure she could help out if he wasn’t available. She clapped her hooves together in excitement. Then her ears drooped a little, now she had too many idea’s instead of too few and most of them aren’t the sort of thing she could just wrap up and add a bow to. How did you give somepony a favour? She glanced over at the pile of cards and the coloured pencils next to them and was hit by inspiration. She started to dramatically sweep the table in front of her clean, but then realised that some of the bottles on it were breakable and instead carefully put them aside before laying out the paper, card, string and pencils ready to get creative. This would be the perfect Hearth’s Warming gift! Author's Note This was probably the hardest of the chapters I wrote, I couldn't come up with a present for Ditzy. Then I started to think of foal sitting Dinky and that grew into all the other favours Carrot Top could do for Ditzy and it exploded from there. I do wonder if I overdid CT's generosity and doormat-ness here. Her feeling obliged to get a card for everypony who gave her a card feels very in character for her, as is overspending and just putting aside presents she's already bought, I'm sure she has some cupboards full of stuff she meant to give away but never got around to it. It's what helps keep her poor. As always comments are always welcome.
Raindrops (Rixizu)“How about a book?” Raindrops paced in her room trying to think. A skill she she didn’t consider herself adept at not being a very smart mare. This particular puzzle vexed her. What to get Cheerilee for Hearth Warming? A book seemed too boring. It would be something Cheer would use once and forget about. Raindrop wanted to give her friend something practical that would have some everyday use. Or was she overthinking this and a single ornament would do? All this thinking is pointless. I should just go out and get her whatever I think she would like. A straightforward plan, just how she liked it. Raindrops grabbed a black scarf, wrapped it around her neck and headed out into the town square. A smile came to Raindrops as she soaked in the festive scene around her. Hearth Warming had always been her favorite part of the year. She adored Hearth Warming decorations. Their bright colors and glittering lights flashing around her always made her smile. She walked past Hardware & Lingerie and considered if Cheerilee might need a new rake or shovel. The teacher like to garden, right? She wouldn't mind a gardening tool. No, that wouldn't work. Cheer probably had all the tools she could ever need and would return the stupid thing for store credit. That would be embarrassing. Lingerie was out of the question of course. What kind of friend gave that? It would also give the wrong impression. How about a gift card? No, she couldn't do that. It was the most impersonal thing possible. Setting aside Hardware & Lingerie, for now, Raindrops moved on. Raindrops passed several other stores and brightened when she spotted a shop with a sign that read antiques. How odd. Wasn’t this lot an old unused building the last time she’d seen it? Somepony must’ve finally moved it. The building had been empty for many years. Antiques would be a excellent shop to look through. Cheerilee loved history and old things so it was worth a browse at least. Raindrops bet it had all sorts of interesting things to buy. The door chimed with a bell as she entered. “Greetings my lady.” The shopkeeper said from behind his counter. “How may I be assistance?” “Just looking.” Raindrops looked around the shop boggled by the variety of objects on display. It had more stuff than Raindrops expected and covered the room in a system of no particular order making it almost impossible to walk around. Many of the things here had to be at least a hundred years old. There was a shield that appeared to be from Commander Hurricane’s age. Some of these objects appeared to be from other lands and Raindrops spotted a tribal mask that had to be from Zebrica. “Wait!” The shopkeeper yelled as Raindrops exited the shop. "I can't afford anything here." Raindrops replied. Just with a glance, she could tell many of these objects had to be worth at least a few hundred bits. “No, no.” The shopkeeper said. “Don't be so hasty my friend. I am sure we have many items well within your price range. Feel free to barter for none of these prices are fixed." That’s a relief. Still, well, I suppose it won’t hurt to look around. "Is there anything, in particular, you are interested in?" The shopkeeper asked. The shopkeeper was a short plump earth pony stallion with an emerald green mane and burnt orange coat with a wild unkempt mane. What struck Raindrops the most was his piercing intelligent red eyes. They looked at her assessing her with an uncomfortable keenness. “Just looking for a Hearth Warming gift for a friend.” Raindrops gave him a forced smile wondering if it was such a good idea to stay in here after all. “Ah, just as I thought.” The shopkeeper replied. “I could tell when you entered here that you were lost looking for a gift for another. Worry not. I have just the thing for that special somepony. I am sure she will love it." The shopkeeper left to look behind his counter leaving a confused Raindrops. Wait, I didn’t mention I was shopping for a girl. No, I must have and don’t remember it. Yeah, that has to be it. “Ah, here it is.” The shopkeeper returned with a box in his hooves made a rich dark wood. Inside was a small hoof mirror. It took Raindrops’ breath away. Despite its obvious age, the mirror was something of beauty made of pure gold. The ring had floral designs carved into it and on the top was a proud and shining sun that bought light and warm to all it touched. Raindrops looked at her reflection mesmerized. She stared at herself for several long moments. Did she always look this good? Her mane looked like the best stylist in the world had designed it. “Do you like it?” The shopkeeper asked. It took a minute for Raindrops to answer. “Uh, yeah.” “Truly captivating isn’t it?” The shopkeeper grinned. “It brings the beauty out of anypony that looks into it.” "I can't afford this." Raindrops said dejectedly. It took an effort to pull herself away from her reflection. “Nonsense, my friend.” The shopkeeper replied. “You see it is made of gold, yes. These days, it is considered a worthless metal out of fear and hatred of the Sun Princess. A silly superstition. I find it hard to give away items made of gold. The price will be a minimal one I assure you.” “Still…” “How does 30 bits as an opening asking price sound?” She could afford that especially if she could get the price down a little and Raindrops knew Cheerilee would love this mirror and it appealed to Raindrops' sensibilities. It was a simple and practical item Cheer wouldn't throw away or forget about in a week or so. “15 bits and no higher than that.” Raindrops said. “15? Ha! You insult me, friend! 27 bits.” They argued for 20 minutes and they eventually agreed upon 19 bits for the mirror and the shopkeeper even throw in gift wrapping for free. Raindrops waved the stallion goodbye as she exited the shop. A sudden urge to tear open the package and take the mirror for herself hit her causing her to stumble. Raindrops shook her head and pushed the gift out of her mind. It wasn’t hers to take. What was she thinking? Raindrops raised an eyebrow when stallions and a few mares turned their gaze towards her as if a supermodel walked among them. It was a strange feeling. Most ponies avoided her and Raindrops blushed from the attention. “Excuse me miss.” A stallion said as he approached. He was a pegasus with a strong lean body obviously a trained and skill flier that used his skills for more than just getting from place to place. “Sorry, I have to go to work soon!” Raindrops flew away from the street embarrassed and mentally kicked herself when she flew down on her doorstep. Stupid, why did I do that? The attention threw her off balance and she didn’t like that. Raindrops walked into her house and trotted back to her room. She passed a bathroom mirror and froze. Dull and gray. That was how she appeared in the mirror. Ugly too and Raindrops had to turn away in disgust. Was that how she looked? She thought back to the hoof mirror and remembered how it showed a pony that sparkled and was full of life not anything like that boring lying mirror in her bathroom. Again, the urge to tear open her gift and take that wonderful beautiful mirror for herself tempted her. Why shouldn’t she own it? It showed everypony the true beautiful that she really was unlike that ugly filthy pony that showed up in her bathroom mirror. There was an almost irresistible desire to smash that lying mirror that dared showed that filthy lie and her face contorted into a snarl. No, that would be silly. It’s just a mirror. Just ignore it, and its lies! She went into her room and locked it and held the package in her hooves stroking it lovingly. She didn't have to tear open the package per se and only take off the tape holding it shut and put it back later. Cheer would never know. She would kill for just another peek into that wonderful golden hoof mirror. No, it’s a gift for Cheerilee. It wouldn’t be right! Her hooves shaking, Raindrops placed the gift on her nightstand and froze as she looked into yet again another false reflection. Her nightstand mirror lied to her too showing her a truly disgusting pony. How could anypony bear a face like that? It was a good thing that wasn’t her real face. Why was it that only the hoof mirror showed the truth and every other mirror lied to her? She stroked the package again unable to help herself. Would she be stuck looking into fake reflections her entire life and only this one hoof mirror able to tell her the truth? Why not take it for herself? She used her own money to buy it. It should be hers. Nopony was around so who would know? Then she could spend hours and hours and hours looking at her wonderful beautiful face. Everypony would love and admire her no matter how she dressed her hair or how old she got. She deserved it after being scorned by others for being scary her whole life. That Cheerilee didn’t deserve this mirror. How dare that repulsive mare think she could take the mirror away from her? And that mare called herself a friend? Lies! She just wanted the mirror for herself! If Cheerilee got within ten hooves of her precious mirror, Raindrops promised there wouldn’t be much left of the teacher after Raindrops finished with her. Raindrops looked up again and stared at her reflection in her nightstand’s mirror. What was that thing looking back at her? So much anger. The thing looked back at her enjoyed hurting ponies. Selfish and vain and it only cared about itself. Is this my face? No, it couldn’t be. She was beautiful beyond words and yet… The face in the nightstand haunted her. She didn’t want to be that pony. She loved her friend. No, everypony. She didn’t want to be that twisted pony. Why did the mirror show her that face? It wasn’t her face, was it? That face wanted to hurt Cheerilee somepony Raindrops loved and admired. It couldn’t be her. It couldn’t be her. Raindrops put her face into her hooves. What was going on? What was wrong with her? She didn't want to hurt Cheer, but a voice in her told her she should and protect her new hoof mirror. No! No! No! Raindrops refused to hurt Cheerilee or anypony else. Why would she ever do such a thing? To protect a hoof mirror? That made no sense. Her mind flashed to the wonderful dazzling face in the hoof mirror, then back to the ugly repulsive face back in the bathroom mirror. Mirrors didn’t lie. Which was her true face? Was she beautiful or ugly? Her mind drifted back to the face that hated and wanted to hurt the ponies she cared about. All to protect a silly little hoof mirror. Who cares if I am beautiful or ugly. That mirror isn’t worth it. Not if it means hurting my friends! Raindrops grabbed the package and threw it to the ground. There was a satisfying crack when she smashed it with her hoof. The package had been crushed in two. Shards of glass could be heard in the box. Raindrops breathed in and out her mind clearing. When she looked into her nightstand’s mirror, she saw herself and nothing more. Just plain old boring Raindrops. Good, just how things should be. What was that thing? Raindrops shook her head deciding it didn’t matter. She wanted it gone and the broken package made a satisfying crunch as it landed in the garbage bin. She stomped over the antique shop to give the shopkeeper a piece of her mind for selling her a dangerous magical item without warning her first. Just one look into that mirror made her loopy. Who knew what it would have done to Cheer if she kept it and used it everyday? When Raindrops got there, however, the store was gone and back to the empty lot it was before. There was no sign of it ever being occupied with a thick coat of dust layering everything. Raindrops was annoyed, but was glad he was gone. If that shopkeeper knew what was good for him, he’d never show his face in this town again. A sudden thought struck her. Wait, now, what am I going to give Cheer? Ah, I've got it! “May I help you, mam?” The Clerk at Hardware & Lingerie asked. “May I have a 20 bit gift card please?” Raindrops asked. Sure, it was a little impersonal, but it would allow Cheer to get whatever she wanted and there was nothing wrong with that. Hearth Warming was about showing your loved ones you cared and a gift card was as good as any other gift.
The Party (Talon and Thorn, RK Striker JK 5, Rainbow Double Dash and Rixizu)‘Twas the night before Hearth’s Warming, when all thro’ the residence Many ponies were partying, enjoying their decadence Their dollies were hung by the chimney with care Much to the excitement of each present giving mare “Happy Hearth’s Warming,” cried Trixie as she welcomed the last of the guests to her party. “Sorry I’m late,” said Ditzy brushing a sprinkling of snow from her wings. “I had to make sure Dinky was settled in at the foals party at the town hall.” “No problem, if you have to leave to pick her up later just go. Raindrop’s has to leave for work in a bit anyway and Lyra has plans with Bon Bon.” “I should have a few hours at least. I brought these!” she said holding up a baking tray full of muffins. “They look great, put them with the rest,” Trixie gestured to a table set up by the door which was covered with a mixture of edible treats, and a good selection of drinks as well. Ditzy trotted over to it and, after a moment's consideration, poured herself a shot of gin before topping it off with what Trixie considered an over generous amount of tonic. The grey mare took a sip of her drink and sighed. “It’s good to get a chance to relax occasionally,” she said taking another sip. “Oh,” she reached into her saddlebag and retrieved a small grey plushie with an untidy mop of yellow wool on it's head. “I remembered to bring this,” she passed the Hearth’s Warming doll to Trixie who levitated it onto the ledge above the fireplace where it joined representations of the other element bearers. Trixie admired her work for a moment, it had been her idea to ask everpony to bring their own doll, it made them seem like a family. She looked around the room and smiled. She’d spent quite some time decorating her living room to make it as festive as possible and with the fire burning bright it was comfortingly warm compared to the cold outside. Her friends were gathered in groups around the room. Lyra was sprawled on the settee chatting with the newly arrived Ditzy who had taken up a seat next to her. Cheerilee, Carrot Top and Raindrop’s were standing to one side, the school teacher had apparently just told a joke judging by Carrot Top’s giggling, even Raindrops was smiling. Trixie took a moment to drink in the ambiance, despite all the things, many of them bad that had happened to all of them in the year since they met each other it was good to know that they could all spend time together like this, just enjoying each others company. “My fellow element bearers!” she called out levitating her glass in the air. The talking died down. “My friends. I’m glad that we could all make it here today. Hearth’s Warming is the celebration of the three tribes putting aside their differences and working together to become something greater. Looking around here I see such a mix of different ponies. A year ago there was no way I would have thought that I would have been friends with a school teacher, a mare wise beyond her years and always ready to help her students, young and old. Although the less said about her shady past the better.” “Who told you about that!” exclaimed Cheerilee looking shocked, “I’ve been a regular flutterpony all my life.” She grinned. “Well maybe I’ve been more like a Tartarus spawn once or twice, but only when asked!” “Or a skilled potion maker,” continued Trixie ignoring the interruption, “and farmer who made most of the fantastic food we’ve been eating all night.” She levitated up a carrot stick and dipped it in mustard before popping it into her mouth. “Délicieux!” she exclaimed making Carrot Top blush. “A pony who lends a hoof to anypony who needs it.” “Or the strongest, but most gentle pegasus I’ve ever met.” Raindrop’s looked away a mumbled an embarrassed thank you. “A mare who, despite her tough exterior, shows how much she cares about her friends in her every action. “Or a postmare who shows a mothers love to not only her own adorable foal but to everypony who needs it. Who knows and is respected by everypony in town, but still managed to deliver me a bag full of Apple Trust correspondence!” Trixie concluded pointing an accusing hoof at Ditzy. “That was only once!” she exclaimed, “and they got the postcode wrong!” “Or," continued Trixie turning to Lyra, "a magical minty mare who plays the most beautiful music I can imagine and will go to any lengths to help her friends when they need her. If she can be bothered to get out of bed!” “But it’s so cold out at the moment!” moaned Lyra, “and Bonnie’s bed is so warm and snuggly.” “And,” said Cheerilee, “none of us could have imagined that we would be friends with somepony so obnoxious and full of herself," her voice softened, "but who’s trying so hard every day to be a as good a friend as she can be. Some pony who can truly be described as great and powerful.” “Well, um, thanks,” said Trixie her voice sounding a little wobbly. All of them raised their glasses into the air. “To us, to Friendship!” toasted Cheerilee. “To Friendship!" echoed everypony. “Anyway,” said Trixie levitating her hat from her head using the movement to disguise her using a hoof to wipe her eyes. “Now onto the part of the evening you’ve all been waiting for,” She withdrew a brightly wrapped parcel from the hat. “The presents!” Trixie had meticulously folded the wrapping paper around her gift to Lyra, and folded the bow around it with precision that Twilight Sparkle might have envied. But ever since then she hadn’t been able to resist touching it, turning it over in her hooves and flicking idly at the bow. Part of it was just that she liked to keep her hooves busy when she had something in them, but part of it was nervousness. Or something like nervousness, anyway. The Great and Powerful Trixie, apprentice of the Princess Luna Herself, did not get nervous! But she could feel...trepidation. Yes, that was the word. Trepidation at the thought of whether or not Lyra would like her gift. Friendships could be made or broken over gifts, after all. Lyra has never liked how Trixie had used to try and help her out financially over the belief that Lyra needed the help, as a struggling musician, until her fellow unicorn had finally sat Trixie down and shown her that not only did Lyra not need aid, but she actually made more bits per year than Trixie, and had a much lower overhead to boot. Lyra might have actually been the wealthiest of the six of them. And what had Trixie gotten her for Hearth’s Warming? A second-hoof book. Worse, a second-hoof book about lyre music. What if Lyra thought it stereotypical? Took offense to the idea that Trixie didn’t know Lyra outside of her music? Would she believe that Trixie had tried to get her a hat but Rarity had been sold out? Or worse, what if Lyra has been the original owner of the book?! Or... “Uh…” Lyra’s voice came. Trixie started a little, and saw The mint unicorn staring at her. “So...at the risk of sounding greedy…” Trixie recovered quickly. “Of course!” She proclaimed, lifting the gift in her aura and holding it forward. “Your present!” She set off some illusory fireworks. Figments and ghost sounds always hid trepidation. Lyra was by now more than used to her quirks, and only smiled as she took the present in her own aura, using her hooves to tear open the paper and bow. Her eyes widened a little at the cover of Timeless Tunes for Harmonious Harps & Legendary Lyres. “Do you like it?” Trixie asked, shifting one hoof to another nervously. “I mean, if you already have it...or if you’d prefer something else that wasn’t music related, I did try to get - ” “I love it,” Lyra said, casting aside the wrapping paper and opening the book, running a hoof across the music sheets inside, each accompanied by a history of the piece and it’s meaning and significance. She looked up at Trixie. “I’m guessing this is the one on sale at the library? I was eyeing it, but trying to get Twilight to reasonably price a book…” Trixie stopped herself from letting out a sigh of relief. “No problem,” she said, and smiled. Finally, a straightforward win for her. “Happy Hearth’s Warming,” she said, hugging Lyra. “You as well,” Lyra said, returning the hug. She laughed a little when she drew back. “It’ll be great to read this with the new gramophone I got Bon Bon yesterday going in the background, I actually grabbed the last one in town, I think, right after we met up…” Trixie was a mature pony, and so kept her reaction to that to just a single hind-leg buck to the floor. “So, who goes next?” asked Lyra looking around. “How about you? Whoever gets the present gives their’s next?” suggested Trixie. “Works for me,” said Lyra moving over to her bags. “What happens if the pony who gets the present has already given out a present?” asked Cheerilee. “We can sort that out when it happens,” said Lyra waving a dismissive hoof. “So I got Carrot Top,” she turned to the mare in question. “I’ve actually got two presents for you. This one’s from the Farmers union,” she levitated over a long thin parcel with a bulge at each end. “I bumped into Grape and the rest of them yesterday. You really should have found some time to go to the party, they’re only together because of you.” “Well, I was busy...” mumbled Carrot quickly taking the parcel in her arms and starting to tear the paper off with her teeth. “It’s a tree!” she exclaimed. “A peach tree,” she frowned for a moment before her face took on a rather forced smile. “I’ll have to thank them when I next see them, I love peaches.” Lyra measured Carrot’s rection for a moment then shrugged, that was between Carrot Top and the other farmers. “Right, now on to my present.” She took up her Lyre holding it in her front legs and leaned back onto her haunches. It was almost a pity that she hadn't gotten the book from Trixie earlier, she might have been able to adapt one of the tunes in it. Still she was quite proud of what's she'd written, she just hoped Carrot Top liked it. “A Lyre?” exclaimed Carrot Top in surprise, “but I can’t play!” “Quiet you,” said Lyra with a chuckle. “I’ve composed a song for you. There are so many ponies all around town who appreciate you. I bumped into some when I was out and about and they inspired me to write this.” She began to strum. Are you going to Carrot Top’s farm? Lyra intoned. Lettice, Carrots, Potatoes and Peas Lyra’s gaze flicked to Carrot, she wasn’t actually sure what her friend grew apart from Carrots, they were basically just a mass of green from her perspective. She tends the goodies that grow there She is a true friend to all ponies Carrot Top stood transfixed her eyes wide as she drank in the song. Around her the rest of her friends started to hum along. Have you seen her beautiful mane? Lettice, Carrots, Potatoes and Peas Glowing hair of orange stain She is a true friend to all ponies Are there any who doubt her faming prowess? Lettice, Carrots, Potatoes and Peas Cheerilee and then Trixie started to sing along. Even her rivals respect is boundless She is a true friend to all ponies Have you seen the union she’s made? Lettice, Carrots, Potatoes and Peas All can follow their green hoofed trade She is a true friend to all ponies Are you going to Carrot Top’s farm? The whole group joined in with the final verse Lettice, Carrots, Potatoes and Peas She tends the goodies that grow there She is the truest friend to all ponies “So, um,” Lyra cleared her throat. “How’d I do?” she asked, “some of the rhyming scheme’s a bit ropey and-” she was interrupted as Carrot Top pulled her into an earth pony rated hug. “I loved it!” she exclaimed. “Nopony has ever written a song about me before! I don’t know anypony who has!” “Well actually,” butted in Cheerilee. Lyra raised an eyebrow. "I guess they were more like limericks than songs,” she admitted. “In the new year I’m lined up to get Scratch to help me get it recorded, I’ll get you a copy and you can listen to it whenever you want.” “I know a place where you might be able to get a gramophone, if you don’t have one,” said Trixie, a little bitterly. “I guess it’s my turn now?” asked Carrot Top looking around the assembled ponies. She pulled something colorful from her mane. “It’s not as beautiful as your song Lyra, but I hope you’ll find it useful Ditzy.” She turned and passed the object to the pegasus. Ditzy peered at it curiously. It appeared to be a small booklet made out of card and coloured paper, to be honest it looked like something Dinky might had made in arts and crafts at school. “It’s a book of vouchers,” explained Carrot Top almost vibrating with nervous excitement. “Each one is a favour I’ll do for you.” She took back the book and started to flip through it. “Like look after Dinky for a night, if you ever, well... need a night to do something,” she blushed a bit. “And this one's for me to make a potion for you, and this one’s to help sort out your garden, and this one... well there’s a lot.” She began to falter. “I know it’s not exactly a real present and I’d do most of it if you’d just ask, and you might have preferred an actual thing rather than a bunch of ideas-” Carrot Top was silenced as Ditzy places a hoof over her mouth. “It’s perfect Carrot,” she said. “Thank you. All these ideas, all these things you’re willing to do for me.” She stepped forwards and hugged the earth pony. “It’s all so very you!” “We’ll you know, I had some ideas...” said Carrot Top bashfully. “It’s perfect! I’ve been meaning to tidy up the grass behind my house for years now, but I’ve never had the time and I always need a foalsitter. I can’t just keep asking Sparkler.” She stepped back. “Thank you again. So, it’s my turn now, I got Raindrops.” Ditzy walked over to Raindrops. She held the carefully-wrapped book under her right wing, while the gift given to her from Carrot Top was carefully tucked into a saddlebag. “Here you go!” she said, smiling. Both eyes were focused on her fellow pegasus as she held the gift out. “I think you’ll like this one!” Trixie turned her head, she took a sip of bourbon before speaking. “Quite confident there, Ditzy!” Raindrops leaned to her left. “I’m sure I’ll like whatever it is, Trixie.” She straightened up and took the package from Ditzy. “Thank you very much, Ditzy.” She held the package in front of her with her wings and ripped the wrapping paper off. Raindrops’ eyes widened as the book cover was revealed. “‘The Countess’ Conquests’? In hardcover?” She looked up at Ditzy. “This is so awesome!” She hopped up and down, giggling. Ditzy smiled. “I’m so glad you like it.” She trotted over to Raindrops’ flank, extended a wing, and flipped the front cover open. “Ripped Bodice had an autograph session at Quills and Sofas.” She pointed at several sentences scrawled onto the inside front cover. “She’s very friendly, and even remembered you’re the president of this Everfree Province’s fan club.” She looked up at Raindrops and winked. Raindrops blushed. “She’s good to her fans.” She wrapped a wing around Ditzy and pulled her in for a hug. “Thank you again! This is one of the best Hearth’s Warming presents I’ve gotten!” Ditzy leaned into the hug. “You are very welcome.” After a few moments Raindrops broke away from Ditzy and turned towards Cheerilee. “Here, I got this for you.” She said, taking a red envelope from within her feathers. “Oh?” Cheerilee took the envelope. She broke the seal open with a hoof. Inside was a cute gift card. Two cartoon rabbits were on it, snuggling against each other in a hole during a storm. It read in colourful stylized letters, “You help me weather the worst storms.” Cheerilee opened the card to find a cardboard card inside. It was a 20 bit gift card for Lingerie & Hardware in Ponyville. “Really?” Lyra said with disapproval. “Where you too busy to find anything nice? This is Hearth Warming! I’d hope you’d put more effort into it!” “I don’t know,” Carrot Top said. “Lingerie & Hardware is a nice shop. Cheer is sure to find something she likes there. A new spade, maybe?” Raindrops looked down and blushed. It seemed like a good gift idea at the time. She decided to not tell everypony about that evil mirror she bought for Cheerilee before she got the gift card. Raindrops didn’t want to think about the thing again, worried what would happen if she did. Part of her still felt the thing calling to her. The mirror scared her, and she’d even had some sleepless nights over it. Some things were best left forgotten. “Hush you!” Cheerilee chided. “I think it’s a thoughtful gift! Thank you, Raindrops.” "I guess," Lyra replied, "it is the thought that counts I suppose.” Cheerilee leaned in conspiratorially. "Besides, there is this lacey number I’ve always wanted to get there. It even comes with a saddle!” “Sure.” Raindrops said not sure how to reply to that one. As usual, silence was golden. “So saving the best for last?” said Cheerilee looking around at all the other mares. “Well I got Lyra as my pony and I just got the perfect gift for her.” She trotted over to her bags and started to lever a parcel from them. “Hey! Wait a minute, Lyra?! What about me!” exclaimed Trixie. “I haven't got a present yet!” “Huh, you’re right, I guess there must have been a mix up with the notes in your hat,” Cheerilee shrugged. “Maybe next year?” “But... but...” stuttered Trixie pouting. “Just kidding!” exclaimed Cheerilee turning and presenting Trixie with a box wrapped in blue and white paper. Trixie stared at it for a moment before grabbing it. “The Great and Powerful Trixie was not fooled for a moment,” she grumbled. “This better be a really good present,” she said ripping the paper from the box. She held it up in front of her examining the writing on it. Hey Candle stick! This stuff is really good, and rare! I mean, it’s not bad... not real Neigh Orleans Bourbon but fairly good.” She hugged the box possessively. “Bourbon!” exclaimed Raindrops. “I really don’t like that stuff.” “Don’t listen to the nasty mare Monsure Bourbon,” exclaimed Trixie running a hoof over the box. “The rest of you who appreciate his charms can have a shot.” She carefully opened the box and took out the bottle before using her magic to carefully extract the cork. She took a deep sniff of the liquid. “Yeah, that’s the good stuff!” she sighed before levitating several glasses over and carefully pouring out a measure into each of them. “No planning to save it for a special occasion? Like Corona’s defeat?” asked Cheerilee as she accepted her drink. “Now seems plenty special to me,” said Trixie. “Thanks very much for this,” she said taking a sip. “How did you manage to get your hooves on it? I wasn’t joking when I said it was rare.” “Well,” said Cheerilee, “There’s a story behind that. It’s a story of travel, kidnap and a Hearth’s Warming miracle...” Once the presents had been given out and everypony had eaten and drunk as much as they could the party finally began to wind down. “I’m afraid I’ve got to go,” said Raindrops, “this snow won’t clear itself you know.” “I always liked that as a foal,” said Lyra a little dreamily, “waking up to see that the snow was gone knowing that the Windigo had been driven away for another year.” “Yeah, it is nice, but it’s a lot of work,” admitted Raindrops. “I better go and get Dinky as well, it’s about time to put her to bed,” said Ditzy levering herself out of her chair a little unsteadily. Quite a collection of empty glasses had built up by her. “One last song?” asked Lyra striking a cord on her lyre. “The Heart carol?” suggested Cheerilee. “I was thinking about ‘The closing of the year’” “Ooh, I like that one,” said Trixie, “it, well, it seems appropriate, what with Corona out there.” She glanced over at the mural which made up one wall of the room depicting the battle between Princess Luna and her sister. “Hey,” said Lyra standing and resting a hoof on Trixie’s shoulder, “don’t worry, we’ve got Luna and the Elements. We’ll find her eventually, and sort everything out.” “I guess so,” said Trixie as Lyra began to play. If I cannot bring you comfort, began Lyra. Then at least I bring you hope For nothing is more precious Than the time we have, and so We all must learn from small misfortune, sang the whole room joining together hoof in hoof Count the blessings that are real Let the bells ring this Hearth's Warming At the closing of the year Let the bells ring this Hearth's Warming At the closing of the year Up off your knees and breathe the sweet air, cried Ditzy and Raindrops their voices intertwining Run through the woods with a friend in hoof Silver bells ring out through the morning While we race to the castle over there If I cannot bring you comfort Then at least I bring you hope Now all the winter bells are ringing Hear them echo through the snow And the children's voices singing On the street so far below This is a time to be together And the truth is somewhere here Within our love for all things At the closing of the year We'll walk in a light, sang Cheerilee her gaze moving from friend to friend With all of the pain, said Raindrops And all of the patience, added Ditzy All of the way And all of us right, cried Trixie And all of us same, sang Carrot Top Love one another We'll fly in the wings of Time Walk in the waves, never fall Don't fall (At the closing of the year) At the closing of the year If I cannot bring you comfort Then at least I bring you hope Then at least I bring you hope As the last of the music faded away Raindrops hugged each of her friends before opening the residences door and stepping out into the darkness beyond lit by the many lights of Ponyville. Raindrops sprung to the sky, to the weather team gave a whistle, And away they all flew, like the down of a thistle: But her freinds all heard her exclaim, ere she drove out of sight- Merry Hearth’s Warming to all, and to all a good night. Author's Note This chapter was written by all of us, I wrote the outline and then each author wrote the section with their character handing over their present. As always comments are always welcome.
