"Woah,"

Autumn Blaze's breath turned to mist as it passed her lips, the chilly air breezing lightly by her elicited a shiver despite the bundles of clothes that shielded her coat from the cold.

All around her was light. Strung up along posts and fences, spiraling down trees, blanketing the bushes. Everywhere they could be put, there were gentle lights of blue, white and gold. More lights had been strung up in the Ponyville park than the Kirin had even known existed in the first place, and their gentle twinkling was mesmerising. It was splendid. It was grand. It was magical.

And, it was all for the Pony Holiday of Hearth’s Warming.

And if that wasn't enough, there was snow. Pure crystalline flakes falling from the heavens above to rest upon the earth and blanket it in layers upon layers of fresh white powder.

Giggling, she stuck out her tounge to catch the falling flakes just as she saw the fillies and colts around her do. Oh, the snow was more magical than even the lights! And she knew a thing or two about magic. This was Equestria, afterall.

Autumn, having come from a totally tropical rainforest, she'd never fully experienced the true joys of winter, or cold weather, or even snow. The closest encounter she’d had with it was the white-capped peaks of distant mountain tops that were white almost the whole year round. In her months-or was it years?-of isolation from the tribe she would ponder the ause of the white tipped mountains. Surely her home cliffs hadn't undergone a similar phenomenon. It remained lush and green as ever. Nevertheless, the cool sensation and glittering of the ice up close, the knowledge she acquired of this magical snow, was far greater than she ever could have imagined.

Each step as she traversed the garden resulted in a satisfying crunch, leaving behind craters that would yet be refilled. It was this peaceful wandering that led her up and down every pathway ahead of her, through every other corner of the garden and back to the center again and ultimately, to a weeping willow. Her hooves had led her, and now she stood before a majestic tree, gorgeously decorated with frozen dewdrops. The teardrop pieces of ice attracted the eye and caught the surrounding lights, refracting them to the snow below and creating the faint illusion of twinkling stars. She had never, in all her years, seen a sight more perfectly picturesque than this and she doubted she ever would again. It was like something out of a fairytale. She couldn’t help the gasp that escaped her in her awestruck state, this was just… wow. That's all she could think. Wow.

Gently brushing the hanging vines of the willow aside resulted in a merry tinkling as she stepped under the canopy of ice and allowed it to carefully fall back into place behind her.

Beneath the tree was quite spacious with a ring of earth surrounding the arching trunk. This earth remained protected from most of the snow, patches of green peeking from within. Running her hoof along the trunk she circled the area and quickly realised there was enough room for a pony to set out a blanket on the snow, to bundle up and relax, maybe even spend a peaceful evening creating art. Here somepony could spread out, exist, take up space, and still have room for another. Autumn simply knew, because that’s exactly what she saw under the canopy, on the opposite side from where she entered: a pegasus stallion with a rich brown coat and messy mane, propped up by a hoof, sketchbook propped open wide in front of him.

Stopping in her tracks, she stilled every movement to avoid being noticed immediately. Then she debated a long moment on whether to linger and interrupt the pony in his creativity or just leave him in peace.

On one hoof, he seemed in the zone, and Autumn knew first hoof what that was like, and what it was like to be torn out of it-or even gently nudged out of it. On the other hoof, she was curious. Curious of the fellow artist before her, the work he was creating, how they had both happened upon the spot that night. Or did he not happen to happen upon the spot. Perhaps he had known of the spot for quite some time and just so happened to be there tonight… Either way she clearly wasn't the only one drawn to the spot. Would it be so bad to offer company?

No, she thought, not at all, and if he doesn’t want company, okay but it’s worth offering.

In the end it was the strong pull of curiosity that held her tight and drew her in, tempting her to stay a little while.

With gentleness in her eyes she approached the stranger.

“Sorry if I’m interrupting, but,” His ears flicked at the melodic hum of her voice, “Mind if I join you?”

Lowering his hoof, he turned to face her, curious to the pony who had stepped into the found secret trove with him. To his surprise, it wasn't a pony at all, nor any other type of creature he’d encountered in Equestria. Either way, he smiled at her friendliness and felt compelled to grant her request.

“If you’d like,” He offered, “I don't mind at all,”

Her ears stood a little taller, her smile broadening as she seemed to lean in just a bit closer.

“Really? I mean-uh, Cool,” She chirped, happily stepping the rest of the way to his side of the willow as he gestured beside him: an empty chunk of blanket where she could sit off of the snow. “Y’know, I just saw you here and felt like I really should say… hello,”

Not waiting for a response, the kirin hummed pleasantly as she spun about once on the empty expanse of fabric, before setting herself down gracefully and tucking her hooves beneath her.

For Warmth she thought pleasantly looking back at the Pegasus and offering a grateful look.

“Thanks,”

“Of course,” He smiled in return, turning back to his artistic project.

Once again called by curiosity, she snuck a glance at the page on which he worked. He was decorating, at the present moment, a wintery landscape in which hung the vines of a weeping willow, a work undoubtably inspired by the winter scene around them.

“Oh, oh wow, that’s gorgeous,”

When he looked back at her, her eyes were fixed on his book, all her attention on what he was creating.

“You think so, huh,”

“Of course!” She readily affirmed, “You captured the scenery around us so perfectly. I can see the lights hitting the ice and how you made them glow. You even did tiny little snowflakes. It looks so realistic, even for a work in progress. Everything about it is peaceful and beautiful,”

He chuckled lightly, his breath misting into the still air, “You’re too kind,”

“Am I?” She smirked, “Or am I too honest?”

This time he laughed at her clever remark, she was intent on ensuring her praise was received, and he was happy to accept it. So, he admitted, “You’ve got a point there.”

“I know,” She winked, “You know, I’m an artist too, I know the time and effort it takes to create something you love,”

“You got that right,” He glanced at her again and asked, “What sort of artist?”

“I suppose I’m not the traditional pencils and paints on a canvas sort of artist” Autumn admitted, “No, my medium is words. I work in bringing stories to life, especially with the sweet melodies of music,”

“So that makes you…?”

“A composer and a playwright,” She answered his implied question, “Sometimes I’m an actor too. But only sometimes,”

“Thats cool,” He said, his interest in the mare quickly growing, “A talent like that is no small accomplishment. I personally could never, but that’s alright cause I’ve got my paintings, and sketches, and my sculptures,”

The last statement piqued her interest, “You’re a sculptor,”

He nodded, “My greatest passion, I have a whole workshop up in Manehattan dedicated to sculpting,”

“Manehattan? Is that where you live?” She asked, continuing to watch his hooves at work.

“Yep, good old Manehattan,” He replied, “It’s further north and much colder than Ponyville, but nowhere near as as gorgeous, in my opinion,”

“Oh I get that,” She chortled, “I’m from a tropical forest, and don't get me wrong it’s gorgeous but, it doesn’t snow out there like it does here. It really doesn’t snow at all,”

“Tropical weather sounds nice, especially now, compared to this cold,” An involuntary shiver raced through him.

“It is nice,” she nodded earnestly, “but, oh, I just love the snow, I haven’t ever seen it up close before. And the way the light catches it perfectly? It lights up the night with such a peaceful beauty. I never knew before that each snowflake was individual and unique, but that alone reminds us all of our own perfect imperfections how none of us are made alike. It gets you thinking. I could watch the snowfall all day,”

He hummed in agreement, there was no denying she was right. But she was also thoughtful and observant, like she constantly pondered on the details and wondered about the mysteries of life.

As Autumn watched him work, she couldn’t help but notice his wonderful ability to be thoughtful in a conversation and yet involved in his art so fully. As a musician and writer, she had not yet acquired that skill, and she doubted she ever would. It made her wonder if he even knew how wonderful the skill even was.

“You know, you have a talent with words,” His hooves paused as his eyes slid closed, his voice gently speaking her praises, "I've seen the snow fall a million and a half times but never has it been as beautiful as just now, with how you described it,"

“Oh,” Her face grew warm as she considered his compliment, a sheepish smile gracing her lips. While she didn't know what to say she offered a simple thanks for his kind and sincere words.

“I-what’s your name?” He inquired gently, fully setting down his work and turning to meet her gaze, “I realise now, I never asked,”

“I’m Autumn” She said, lifting her gaze from his art and to his shining violet eyes, “Autumn Blaze,”

A gentle smiled tugged at his lips, “Nice to meet you Autumn, I’m Stellar Blaze,” He blinked and scrunched his nose, that didn't sound quite right…

“Eclipse!!” he gasped, flushing in embarrassment, “Stellar Eclipse,”

Autumn giggled uncontrollably, “I was going to say…” She gasped between breaths, “‘What are the chances’?”

“No, no,” He mumbled burying his face in his hooves, “Sweet Celestia, I can't believe I just said that,”

“Oh, don't worry about it,” She nudged his shoulder, her giggles turning to full laughs with each word, “It was a silly mistake, happens to all of us,”

Her reassurance would have been more reassuring if it hadn’t been accompanied by her snickerings.

A small puff of laughter escaped him as he shook his head, fighting not to laugh more, “Stop laughing, it’s contagious. Just let me die of embarrassment in peace,”

Her small bit of laughter grew till she was howling and rolling on the floor. Stellar’s reaction was what made the whole experience more amusing. The stallion’s shoulders shook as he took considerable effort to fight back his laughter. Alas, the attempt was futile as his voice soon joined hers in full-bellied laughter.

“Alright, alright, it was silly,” He admitted laughing into his hooves, “Let’s just pretend I didn't ever say that,”

“Okay,” She gasped for air between laughs, wiping away a tear, “Okay,” Another deep breath to calm her fit, “Okay, were good,”

Their laughs had been reduced to light chuckles and beaming smiles as they settled down back to the peaceful state that had previously been in. The kirin finally managed to pick herself up off the ground, this time settling in closer to Stellar.

“Man you are one heck of a… actually, what are you?” His curiosity was clear as he finally got a moment to ask what he’d been thinking all night.

“Oh me? I’m a Kirin,”

His eyes widened as he leaned in closer, “A kirin? Like in the legends?”

“Legends?” She scoffed, “I don't know about any legends,”

“No. no. no.” He insisted, reaching for a saddlebag that had rested beside him and rummaging through its contents, “Im sure there’s something, right in… here!”

He cheered triumphantly pulling out an old, well used book. Taking care as he flipped through the pages, he easily found the exact passage he was looking for.

“Here,” He pointed at the image and began to read the passage beneath it as Autumn leaned in for a better look, “according to legends from ancient times, there were once two tribes that resided on the infamous Peaks of Peril, the Kirin and the Nirik. The Kirin were a peaceful tribe who thrived in light and happiness while the Nirik were vengeful creatures of fire. No pony knows if either of the tribes still exist on the Peaks, or if they were simply a legend to frighten ponies away from the dangerous mountain tops,”

“Woah,” She breathed, examining the gorgeous rendering of the kirin and nirik circling each other in a yin-yang sort of pattern, “That’s a myth?”

“Yeah,” He nodded, “Is it true?”

“Pretty much, actually,” She smiled, “Though the Kirin and Nirik aren’t exactly two seperate tribes,”

“No?” He asked, tearing his gaze from the page back to her.

“No,” She affirmed, “See, the Kirin and Nirik,” Her horn ignited in a blaze of pink and blue fire, as the same fire spilled from the edges of her eyes, “Are one in the same,” The flames extinguished in an instant before she could melt anything, leaving behind a residual warmth.

His jaw dropped and eyes glazed over as he stared into the distance, “Even better,”

Before Autumn could ask why, or add any sort of comment he blinked back to normal.

“You would not believe how many Equestrian myths have been proven real in the last several years,”

“How many?”

“Too many to count!” He exclaimed, “I mean, ever since the Elements of Harmony, myths all on their own, were taken up it’s been one after another! And the legend of the Kirin and the Nirik? That was one of my favorites growing up, right along with the tales of Discord… but to actually meet a Kirin?”

“You like Mythology then?” It was an understatement and she knew it, but she enjoyed hearing him share his passion, seeing how it so naturally came out.

He smirked, “Mythology is what inspired me to start art in the first place, my first sculptures, though they may have been overly ambitious, were of great things of mythology. Everything I do, professionally at least, is inspired by these Equestrian myths. There’s so many to work with, even if a good chunk of them aren’t myths afterall. Heck I could write a book about the myths and how they’ve ‘come to life’,”

“You’re a writer too then?”

“Heh, no. Not by a long shot, but I’d write for that,” He calmed, finishing his inspired tangent and once again returning to his art, “What made you want to start writing and composing?”

“I guess I just, found my place with music. In the darkest, loneliest years of my life music saw me through. It gave me hope, brought rainbows to cloudy days. I found it everywhere. But, there were times when I couldn't have music, and I never felt like myself,"

“Isn’t it amazing what art does,” He mused, “It can make you see how the world could be, in spite of the way that it is…”

Her ears twitched at the hum in his voice, “So you’re a singer now too?” She teased, “We’d make a good duet I’d think,”

“You sing?”

“Of course I do, and I’m a total Musical Theater buff,”

“What are the odds,” He chuckled, “You’d love Manehattan then,”

“What’s in Manehattan,”

"Oh, there’s this street, runs diagonal through the city. Bridleway. Cuts through the perfectly gridline streets of Manehattan the same way it’s theatres cut through the mundane days of life. Just picture it, packed with building after building, each one lit up every night with gleaming lights and flashy posters telling you what sort of musical is to be played behind those doors. A whole new world on the stage within, waiting to be seen,"

The Kirin’s eyes slid closed and the vision she saw was better than a dream. The very thought of theatres lining the streets, each one bursting with song and dance, the energy that came from the audiences… all brought a smile to her face.

"Oh, now I just have to go,"

With a gentle smile he finished his artwork, closing his sketchbook and fixing his gaze on the Kirin beneath the canopy of shining crystalline dewdrops. There she sat peacefully daydreaming of a world yet unknown to her.

“You could always come up and visit me sometime,” He offered, his enthusiasm for the idea evident, “I can show you the best sights, take you to the greatest shows Bridleway has to offer, you name it, we’ll do it,”

Her amber eyes once again met his gaze, “That sounds amazing Stellar, I’d love to,”

Her gentle and sincere acceptance of his invitation washed him with happiness. He found himself truly enjoying her company, feeling like he had found a magical spot there within the Ponyville gardens and Autumn, she found it too. Each moment reminded him of his firm belief in destiny, and if destiny meant for the kindred spirits, these enthusiastic artists, to meet, then who was he to argue with that.

Maybe it was the way her eyes shone with wonder at each new detail she found in the world around her, or how readily and happily she listened and conversed with him, despite how he was a practical stranger. They talked so easily, as if they were old friends catching up. There was no denying he was entirely drawn in by her radiant spirit and… her beauty.

He daresay the whole experience was almost romantic, the lights dancing around them, highlighting her perfect smile, the snow, the blissful peace that surrounded their chatter. All that was missing was…

His ears perked, picking up on the faintest strings of music wafting through the winter air, quietly he asked her to listen.

"Do you hear that sound?"

Her lashes brushed against her cheeks as she listened and pondered, waiting, turning her ears about to find the sound he’d heard. In and out cane her steady breath before a warm smile spread across her face.

"Music," she sighed happily, "The first strings of music as the orchestra tunes up for an evening of performances,"

Though her eyes remained closed, he nodded in confirmation, "There's a concert tonight."

“What sort of concert,” She wondered aloud leaning in closer to him.

“Just some music in the park. A Hearth's Warming concert put on by one of Manehattan’s acting troupes, my personal favorite,”

"Ooo, you actually go watch musicals,"

"Yep, my favorite is this beautifully tragic retelling of the Greacian myth of Orpheus and Eurydice," He explained, " the original cast had Hearth's warming off, so they decided to do a travelling tour across Equestria," Geeking out just a moment more, "the best part is, they call the program 'If the Fates Allow, on account of the major role of the fates in their show, they're also the primary singers in the concert. It's also a line from a Heartshwarming carol…"

"Wow, clever," Autumn grinned, once again loving his enthusiasm for his myths.

A sly smile appeared on stellar muzzle, “What do you think? Should we check it out? I was going to stay here all night and listen from afar, but if you want to go…”

“Would I ever,” A squeak escaped her, “I’ve only heard a few of your traditional Hearth's Warming Carols, but if they’re singing them then I’ve just got to go,”

“Alright, it’s settled then,” Stellar lifted his books and supplies from the blanket, tucking them neatly into his saddlebag and setting it aside, “If you could do me a favor and pass me my wheels,”

By his gesture, her gaze shifted to the trunk of the tree where a pair of wheels had been propped up, a detail she hadn’t noticed when she’d first entered. Granted all her attention had been on him and his art…

Happy to help, she levitated them closer to him as he pushed himself to a sitting position with his front hooves, using his wings to steady himself.

“That’s a neat contraption,” Autumn commented getting a better look at the construction of the thing, “I’ve never seen anything like it, do ponies ride around on wheels like this often”

His head tilted to the side, “No not really, its actually a wheelchair, but I'm guessing the Krin don't have anything like it,

“Nope, nothing by that name either. What’s it for?”

He smiled as he used his wings to lift his hooves into a resting position on the ‘chair’ a band supporting his stomach from beneath, “I need a little help walking is all, I was in a bad accident as a kid,” He leaned to expertly fasten the thing to his waist with something like a belt, “It left me with my back hooves paralysed and minimal use of my wings,”

“So you use a wheelchair to get around?” Stellar nodded, seeing her sweet child-like curiosity, “Thats, really cool…”

“Think so,” He beamed, checking over everything to be sure it was in place.

“Of course,” Her insistent nod was enough but she continued anyways, “You ponies are clever, it seems you have solutions for everything! I mean you, you lost something precious, but you made the most of it, you found a way to make it work,”

We really aren’t so different, are we, She thought to herself, thinking of her own years of loss, and the foal’s breath that was her salvation. “You just keep getting more amazing,”

They both froze.

“Did I say that out loud?” She flushed in embarrassment. He couldn't help but laugh. It seemed neither was immune to misspeaking.

“Autumn, you are something else,” In truth, he felt she was becoming more amazing by the second. It had been something in the back of his mind all night, wondering how she would react to his paralysis, but she’d proven sweet enough he didn't mind sharing it with her. He just didn't quite expect such a wonderful reaction. Every question she’d asked was out of her pure desire to understand, her comments had come from a place of joy. There was no pity or apologies for something a long time ago that she had no part in, just joy for whatever had gotten him comfortable as he was, joy for what made life normal for him. Autumn had proven enthusiastic, earnest, caring… Their few precious moments together left him light and wanting for more.

Picking up his saddlebag and blanked, he tossed them over his back to carry, then extended a hoof to the lady fair, “Shall we?”

“We shall,” She lifted her own hoof to his and he led her to the edge of the tree’s protective circle. With a flicker of magic the vines parted as they stepped out into the open air. Autumn paused a moment to allow Stellar to move to her side before the two of them would begin their journey through the gardens.

Like much of the evening the walk was filled with conversation, smiles, and laughter, as the two basked in the other’s company and got to know the other better. Each step brought the music closer to them, crisp and clear in the night.

Excitement was bubbling up in her, manifesting itself ’self in random outbursts of excited squeals. Stellar couldn't help but think of a foal just days before Christmas… or Princes Twilight Sparkle with her favorite book. There were squeals for miles and a smile wider than the face. He was practically convinced a moment longer and her face may be permanently stuck like that, he didn't know one could have such a big smile.

Autumn Blaze was left awestruck for not the first time that night, and certainly not the last. A stage had been set up in one of the clearings of the park, the perimeter decorated with lights of red and green. Holly and garnishes hung on every post, fence, and even the front of the stage. Every detail was attended to, to ensure maximum festiveness. Even the orchestra members wore matching attire of black coats or dresses and red scarves and bowties. They handled their instruments with care as they and the cast warmed up for the night.

While Autumn admired the sight, Stellar laid out the blanket once more for the two to sit.

Setting down his saddle bag he surveyed the various booths around them selling treats and festive souvenirs. It might be nice to get a little something to keep them warm, and he knew just the thing.

"Want some hot chocolate?"

"Did you say hot chocolate?"

"Yep," figuring she hadn't heard of it before, he took the liberty of explaining it to her, "A cup of rich and creamy chocolate, melted in a cup of warm milk, perfect to warm the soul on a snowy winter day," The Kirin's eyes went wider than saucers, salivating at the mere description of the delectable treat.

"Ooooh ho ho, sign me up," she singsonged, excitedly following after him.

The pegasus happily trotted up to the hot chocolate stand, smiling merrily at the pony behind the counter.

"Two hot chocolates please," a few bits clattered against the wooden countertop which the mare took up with a cheerful smile.

“Coming right up, sir,”

“You didn't have to do that Stellar,” Autumn said, referring to the drink he’d bought for her.

“Nah, it’s the least I could do. You've been amazing company tonight, making this evening absolutely wonderful, consider it my thanks,”

“Well, thank you,” She flushed, a little smile tugged on her lips at the thought of the kind gesture.c

“Here you are,” The sweet salesmare piped up, sliding two steaming cups of hot chocolate towards the duo, “Any whipped cream? Creamer? Peppermints?”

“Oooo, I think I’d like some peppermints,” The mare behind the counter nodded, placing a hoof full of wrapped peppermints next to Autumn’s cup.

“Could I have some whipped cream on top- and just a pinch of cinnamon if you have any,”

“Sure I do!” she chimed back quickly retrieving the whipped cream can and giving a generous dollop on Stellar’s beverage, shaking cinnamon on after, “Now you two enjoy the drinks, and the show!”

“Thanks!” The duo said in unisine, collecting their cups and waving to the mare.

“And Happy Hearth's Warming!” Stellar called behind them, receiving a cheery echoed response.

Autumn quickly unwrapped a couple of the mints and, after a moment of thought, plopped them into her cup of hot chocolate before covering it with the lid provided. Without thought, hesitation, or notice of how Steller blew on the drink to cool it, she eagerly took a sip, noticing too late her grave error.

“Oh, hot, hot, hot,” She exclaimed in surprise, sticking her tounge out to cool the burn, “Oooo, bad idea,”

“Did I mention hot chocolate was hot,” He teased before becoming more serious, “But really, are you alright?”

“Yeah, yeah,” She quickly waved off the incident, “It wasn't too bad, caught me by surprise more than anything,”

“Oh good,” He sighed in relief, “Lets go sit,”

Autumn nodded walking back to their blanket, cup in her magic as she abstained from taking another drink before it was cooled.

Once there, Autumn glanced at him, “Would you like help with your chair?” She sweetly offered.

“Thanks, but no thanks, I can sit alright in this, just not lay down,” An easy explanation, “But thank you for the offer,”

“Gotcha,” She nodded, sitting down herself and watching as he eased himself down beside her.

Taking the cup in her hooves her eyes turned heavenwards once again to watch the snow come down, and as they patiently waited for the warm winter drink to cool they spoke again of everything and nothing at the same time, just sweet conversations of the beauties of life and joys of the holidays. The performers had stepped onstage, introducing themselves, the cast, their story, and the purpose of their little Hearth’s Warming tour. Then began their set, various wonderful tunes that would be played that night. Pausing between each song to share their favorite Hearth’s Warming memories or why they had picked certain songs, the members of the cast made the whole thing extra special.

When Stellar and Autumn finally trusted their Cocoa was cooled they sipped from their own cups, Stellar carefully watching as she paused to savor the taste, eyes sliding closed as he noticed they did when she wanted to fully feel a moment, to take it all in. She sighed blissfully.

“Heavenly,” whispered past her lips, disturbing the steam that continued to appear.

“I knew you’d like it," He smirked, taking a sip of his own drink, savoring the hint of spice that accompanied the sweet. Funny how much that reminded him of her, Autumn. She truly was sweet, charming, joyful, her company warm and inviting, but she had spunk, a zest for life. It was that bit of spice in her that drew the attention further.

Autumn sighed again, absentmindedly leaning in against Stellar’s side, "What a wonderful night,"

His initial surprise melted away and became tenderness and he allowed himself to relax against her resting his cheek against her temple as they listened to the calming Hearth's Warming melody that wafted through the air.

Each song, to their delight, had a unique style. Some were festive ballads, others up beat, swinging tunes that had them humming and swaying along where they sat. It wasn't until one particular song, Purple Snowflakes, he believed it was, that Autumn came up with a splendid idea. Eyes glittering as she turned towards her pegasus, she extended a cream hoof to him.

“Dance with me?”

Her sly and insistent smile compelled him to accept with his own smirk.

“As you wish,” He winked, taking her hoof and standing to join her.

They stepped off the blanket and onto the snow covered grass as he led her in something similar to a moderate waltz. They spun to the beat, snowflakes spiraling around them, the music echoing in the night. As he watched her dance and spin, as he held her in his arms, close, smiles bright, he found a deep admiration for her. Possibly even love. And to every part of his mind and heart, the music spake. He soon realized his own thoughts echoed the music.

‘I will always remember this night,
here with you,’

He could never forget all he felt with her, she was real and good. Manehattan had its good points, but it could often be a rough and tumble town. Ponies looked after themselves more than others far too often. Ponyville, Hearth’s Warming, Autumn Blaze, they had all come together in a breath of fresh air, reminding him of all the good in the world. He’d hoped to keep that with his art, but the feelings of tonight would last longer than any painting or sculpture, the memories more impactful and meaningful. iT was all because of her.

Fully lost in the music, they moved perfectly in time, Stellar uninhibited by his wheels, both parties able to forget it was even there at all. All thanks to the many times him and his mother would dance together in his younger years. He pulled her in closer before spinning her out and dipping her as the song’s final notes rang out.

Her eyes were wide, a bewildered smile crossing her features, both breathed heavily as they emerged from the moment waking to the sound of applause as the next number was announced. Their breaths continued in perfect sync as Stellar slowly moved to right her and release her.

“That was something else,” Autumn breathed, “You are an amazing dancer,”

“I had an amazing partner,” came his breathless reply as he stumbled, half dazed, back to a seated position, inviting her to sit closer beside him.

As she attempted to calm her rushing heart she cozied in right back next to him feeling his arms engulf her from the side in a warm hug.

“You are wonderful,”

All she could do was smile and hold him just as close, resting her head on his shoulder and grasping one of his hooves, silently asking for them to stay like this a while longer. They were close. They were together. She realized she wouldn’t have wanted this night any other way.

They felt right.

She found herself closing her eyes again, leaning further into his touch for the remaining concert, his breath tickling her ear every now and then.

When he knew a song he would gently hum it to her, when one of the songs he loved played, she could feel his smile, but never was it as big as when the final song began.

In a gentle whisper he found himself sharing his love for that particular song.

“Have Yourself a Happy Little Hearth’s Warming,” He quietly exclaimed, “My mother always sang it for me on Hearth’s Warming Eve, it was her favorite. Eventually, it became mine too. The cast performs it so beautifully,”

Autumn thoughtfully considered every word, and savored the performance of what she now knew was his favorite song, “I think I know this one, my friends sang a few Carols for me… yes, this has got to be one of them,”

The two found themselves humming along, voices quietly joining those of many other concert-goers and the cast. By the end all voices joined with much love and gusto at the encouragement of the singers, the fates themselves.

Through the years we all will be together,

If the fates allow…

Stellar grinned at the double meaning in that phrase.

Hang a shining star upon the highest bow

And have yourself a happy little Hearths Warming, now

Slowly, as the close of the song came, the two leaned in, eyes sliding closed till they were muzzle to muzzle, lip to lip, in a tender loving kiss. And for a blissful moment they felt completed, as if they finally found something they never knew they wanted or needed. Now they had it. The warmth of their lips spread filling them and warming their hearts from the cold around them better than fire, or chocolate, or blankets ever could.

As cheers erupted they seperated with a gentle click, their half lidded gazes meeting, each feeling more warmth and love for the other as the seconds passed.

“Thank you for the wonderful night Stellar,” Autumn sighed as the strolled out of the garden to the main street of Ponyville, “I’m glad we met,”

“Me too, Autumn, me too,”

While they wanted to keep walking side by side, to never part, it was evident they would have too, it was late in the night and both had to get back where they were staying.

“I’m this way,” Autumn gestured down one of the paths that led to the edge of town, “Staying with a friend, what about you?”

“Ponyville Inn,” He nodded towards the opposite direction.

“What are you up to tomorrow?”

“I’m back to Manehattan first thing in the morning,” He admitted, ears tucking back, “I wish I was staying longer…”

“It’s alright, love,” She placed a gentle hoof on his shoulder, “Nothing could keep me away forever, at least, not before we see where this goes,”

He smiled and nodded, “Will I be seeing you in Manehattan soon then?"

After a thoughtful pause she smiled.

"If the fates allow," she winked, blowing one last kiss as their paths diverged on the cold, snowy night.

Author's Note

Titles come from: Purple Snowflakes and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas from If the Fates Allow a Hadestown Holiday Album. Check it out, it's fabulous!

I absolutely loved writing this story, and when begining it seriously questioned why I hadn't written with Autumn yet. As a musical theatre performer and fellow playwrite I'm glad to have finally written one of my people, so to speak.

Merry Hearth's Warming, and a Happy New Year!

P.S. Cookies to anyone who spots all (or at least most) of the references that managed to sneak their way into this.