Shouldering a Holiday Burden

by Ghost Mike

Rating: everyone
Tags: Twilight Sparkle, Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Gallus, Silverstream, Spike, Rarity
Length: 8707

With Hearth's Warming fast approaching, Silverstream finds something she'd hoped she never would: a friendship problem that can't be solved.

Silverstream can't wait to get home to Mt. Aris for the holidays. Sure, she had no problem staying behind last Hearth's Warming, but it did mean she missed the first ever Three Days of Freedom Celebration. With everything she has planned this year, it's sure to be a hoot!

But when she discovers something about one of her friends mere days before departing, she finds something she'd hoped she never would – a friendship problem that can't be solved.

This story was written as a gift for Jack of a Few Trades as a part of Jinglemas 2020. Happy Hearth's Warming!

Featured on Equestria Daily, December 13th 2021.

Rated ★★★ in Loganberry's Ponyfic Roundup.

Published 2020-12-22 08:40:00 UTC
Last updated 2020-12-22 08:40:00 UTC

A Multitude of Talons

“…And you’ll be pleased to know that Professor Fluttershy gave a glowing evaluation on your End-of-Term Kindness project,” said Twilight. Flipping through several sheets on her desk, she pulled out one with a lovely cursive signature on it typical of writing with one’s wings. With a glow of purple magic, it floated across the desk. “She thought your answer to the best way to approach a manticore was especially top-notch.”

“Really?” Clutching the sheet tightly in her talons, Silverstream leaned forward across the desk. “Because, I wasn’t sure it was the best way. I mean, who can say, I’ve never met a manticore yet, and they’re supposed to be really dangerous! All we had to go on was the trial Professor Fluttershy had us do with Mr. Harry!”

It was at that point Silverstream discerned that she had gotten so close to Twilight that the Headmare was leaning back almost as much as Silverstream was leaning forward. Noticing the beads of sweat trickling down Twilight’s face - that meant she was nervous, or this was a bit awkward, Silverstream recalled - she leaned back into the chair, taking a brief breath to calm down.

“I mean… that’s very kind of her to say.” Twilight giggled at these words, leaving Silverstream puzzled, her beak scrunched up in confusion, until the meaning of what she’d just said hit her. Letting out a little giggle of her own, Silverstream gathered herself as Twilight levitated out one last sheet, floating it across the desk.

“Here’s your report card, Silverstream.” Taking it gently, Silverstream gave it a look over, even though she already knew all her grades. “You still need to work a little harder in Loyalty, but Professor Dash says you’ve shown remarkable improvement this term.”

“Ooh, thanks, Headmare Twilight!” Silverstream almost shot up to the ceiling with excitement, but she somehow managed to keep in her seat. “I can’t wait to show this to my Mom and Dad and brother, they’ll be so proud!” Twilight only smiled warmly across the desk - it was almost as though she still vividly recalled the excitement of sharing one’s school results with one’s family, Silverstream mused.

Twilight started folding the books of sheets on her desk back over. Sensing that the End-of-Term Review was done, Silverstream set her report card down as she gathered up her various papers and projects.

“So, are you looking forward to the Three Days of Freedom Celebration back on Mount Aris?”

“Oh, I am! I really, really am!” Silverstream placed her various Laughter papers at the stack’s bottom, reasoning it made sense to place her longest and thickest reports at the bottom, so she could carry it easier. “Do you know this is only our second year where it’s three days long instead of one? And since me and my friends all spent last year here for Hearth’s Warming, it’s my first time since the defeat of the Storm King!”

“Yes, I remember,” chuckled Twilight, organising the reports on her desk. Presumably for whichever creature was next, deduced Silverstream. “I was there, after all.”

“Oh! Thanks again for defeating the Storm King!” This time, Silverstream forgoed the social norms she has learnt so many of in such a short span of time, and flew across the desk, pulling Twilight into a tight hug. “I know it hasn’t even been two years, but our lives are so much better! We can never thank you and the other Professors enough!”

“No… problem… Glad we could help…” Silverstream felt a soft tug of telekinesis pull her apart and gently set her back in her chair. Despite that, though, other than regaining her breath, Twilight didn’t seem to have minded the breach of personal space at all. Perhaps she really did know how much it meant to them. Letting out a smile, Silverstream quickly finished stacking her papers, and, struggling slightly under the weight, flew out of her seat, hovering towards the door.

“Happy holidays, Silverstream!” Seeing the door open for her in a brief purple glow, Silverstream looked back to witness Twilight smiling as she gave a short wave. “Say hello to Sky Beak, Ocean Flow and Terramar for me! Oh, and Queen Novo and Princess Skystar too!”

“I will!” Unable to respond with a wave of her own, Silverstream instead gave her tail a little shake - happily, Twilight seemed amused by this. “Thanks, Headmare Twilight!” With that, Silverstream flew out of the office, heading back to her dorm.

“Hearth’s Warming Eve is here once again,” sang Silverstream quietly under her breath as she flew through the school’s corridors, laden with festive decorations. Normally, the long distance between Twilight’s office and the dormitories would have dragged, but right now, Silverstream was so happy she was enjoying every moment of it.

School was nearly out! As fun as learning about friendship was, it was nice to get some time off. And the Three Days of Freedom Celebration was nearly here! All those times it had been a meek, one-day affair, where all they had to do was the same activities they did all year round while hiding from the Storm King… and now it was so much more! Silverstream had read the tourism books explaining the new… itinerary, right, that was the word! - of the holiday countless times, but now she was going to experience it for herself!

And the best part was, she’d be experiencing it all with her family! In between the Celebration’s activities, Dad would regale them with all the stories of him and his buddies in the Hippogriff Navy. Silverstream knew Mom had no shortage of funny and embarrassing gossip she’d picked up from the other seaponies. And as for Little Terramar - Silverstream gave her head a little shake, remembering he wasn’t so little anymore, causing a passing pegasus student to look at her oddly - Silverstream has plenty of gentle teasing planned there.

And lo! The things Silverstream had planned! Her smile stretched so wide her beak threatened to split from the pressure. She would tell them more about her friends, and the things she had learnt from them. Then there were all the new things about friendship and Equestria - in the last year, Silverstream has become a big fan of the Wonderbolts, and while Rainbow Dash had kick-started that fascination, Silverstream knew it endured because of her own interest. A group of ponies who made a career out of flying and doing cool stunts? No wonder Rainbow Dash had wanted to be one her whole life!

And last, but certainly not least, thought Silverstream as she reached the door to her dormitory, there was how she was doing in classes. Oh, Mom and Dad would be so proud when she showed them her report card -

Silverstream had only just nudged the door open and hovered in, when she realised what she had just thought. Surely she hadn’t… Setting down the stack on her bed, she flipped through it frantically. Honesty homework, Loyalty questions, Generosity fieldwork, Kindness report… It was only as Silverstream finished with the Laughter papers, setting them on her bed by the rest, that it hit her.

“I must have left my report card in Headmare Twilight’s office!” Sparing only enough time to close her door gently - the hippogriff knew from experience how the neighbors didn’t appreciate the loud sound of a door slamming echoing through the walls - she flew back through the corridors with undue speed. Silverstream found that by telling herself this speed-flight was early practise for her Wonderbolts tryout years down the line - which was a very comforting half-truth, as things go - she was able to keep her focus off of the fact of having left her report there in the first place.

In barely a quarter of the time, she’d finished the return journey, landing by the closed office doors. Approaching it with a swift gait, she raised her leg, about to knock with the knuckles of her talon, when something caught the attention of her ear.

“Here’s your report card.” Pausing slightly, Silverstream leaned closer. By angling her ear close to the wood, she could just about make out the distinctive sound of Twilight’s levitation cutting out. “So, any holiday plans? My brother, sister-in-law and niece are coming all the way from the Crystal Empire!”

Silverstream almost smacked her head in frustration. Of course Twilight would still be conducting more End-of-Term reviews! Silverstream made to double back, intent on waiting by the corner, but before she had gotten more than a pace, somecreature else spoke up.

“Eh, not really.” The sound of a familiar avian drawl made Silverstream pause in her retreat, leaning closer to the door again. “Things haven’t changed much.”

“They haven’t?” Twilight sounded unusually stunned at these words. “But I’d heard the griffons were getting along a little better.”

“Things get exaggerated,” came Gallus’ voice. Silverstream could picture him doing a dismissive wave of his talon with those words. “I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’ve been trying to use what I’ve learnt here to get everygriff to get on better back home, but progress has been slow. The Blue Moon Festival isn’t going to be any different.”

Before Silverstream had time to process this, Twilight was speaking again. “I remember. That’s why you wrecked the Hearth’s Warming Tree last year, so you could spend a little more time with your friends before they all went home.”

“I’m still sorry about that!” Even without anything for her eyes to pick up, Silverstream could picture the panic in Gallus’ face as he said that. “I know it was the wrong thing to do, and I should have just talked about it, but…”

A pause followed, during which Silverstream could hear the steady clip clop of Twilight walking a few paces. “It’s okay, Gallus.” Was the Headmare holding Gallus’ talon? Silverstream supposed it was possible. “We all forgave you back then, and that still stands now. All ancient history.”

These words put a smile on Silverstream’s face. She supposed it was normal to still dwell on your mistakes a little, but it sounded like Twilight had this all in hoof. She turned to leave again.

“…It’s not ancient history to me.” Silverstream barely noticed that she'd stopped and returned to pressing her ear against the door. “Headmare Twilight?” There was a brief pause. “Can I tell you something, if it’ll never leave this office?”

Silverstream didn’t even register Twilight’s response, though it was probably a positive affirmation of some sort. Every muscle in her legs and wings twitched with a desperate urge to leave, to not hear whatever was coming next, but she seemed to have forgotten how to move.

“I’m really grateful to my friends for staying behind with me last year. But, even though they said they were all okay with it, I could tell they still really missed celebrating their own traditions with their families back home. And I know it’s wrong, but a part of me wishes they could stay with me again this year.”

A loud silence followed. “I can understand that,” said Twilight softly. There was no anger in her voice, just pure concern and understanding.

“But, the thing is, I’ve been watching them the past few weeks. They’ve all been talking about their holidays at home so much. I’ve never seen Smolder so excited, and that’s saying something. I could never ask any of them to miss it two years in a row.”

“What have you told them when they ask about your holiday plans?”

“Eh, I’ve just said the griffons are getting on better. They’ve heard the same things you have, so they buy it. I know it’s not totally honest, but I don’t want them worrying about me again. They all deserve to celebrate their traditions to the fullest. It’s like, um, what was it Professor Rarity said? Something about, ‘Sometimes being generous to others means putting up with something you yourself would rather avoid, darling.’ She mentioned something about when she got dirty cleaning a garden so she could borrow a flower. Sounded kind of silly, to be honest. But I think the generosity here is more important than the honesty.”

This declaration was followed by one of the loudest silences Silverstream had ever heard. She probably wouldn’t have heard anycreature approach right up to her. Thinking quickly, she glanced over her shoulder, but the corridor was still deserted.

“Gallus, that’s a wonderful thing you’re doing for your friends.” The sincerity in Twilight’s voice was tangible. “But it doesn’t mean you have to be lonely for the holidays. You can stay with me and my family instead. The more, the merrier!”

For the first time since she’d gotten there, Silverstream felt like smiling again. It was all going to be okay! Gallus’ bizarre decision to keep this from them didn’t matter, he’d be happy with Twilight and the other Professors!

“Sorry, Headmare Twilight. I can’t do that either.” Faster than a candle being blown out, Silverstream’s smile was gone.

“Don’t worry, it’s no trouble -”

“No, it actually is trouble. You said you had family coming, didn’t you? Not only will you be celebrating with them as well as your friends, you’re all going to be busy catching up with each other, right?” With an audible strain in his throat, Gallus continued. “If I was there, you’d be dedicating time you could be spending with one another, just so I wouldn’t be lonely. I couldn’t ask you, or the other Professors, or especially your family that doesn’t even know me, to do that. It - it wouldn’t be right.”

This time, there was no response. Silverstream was sure of this, as she could feel her heart thumping in her chest at a speed she hadn’t felt since a close escape from some Storm Creatures several years back. Since then, she’d never ventured near the surface until their defeat.

“Don’t get me wrong, I don’t like it, but it’s the way it has to be. It’s like you always say. ‘Friendship isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it.’”

“Gallus…” It took Silverstream a moment to realise that had been Twilight, and not her own thoughts inside her head. Silverstream had had no idea. Looking back, it all made sense - Gallus hadn’t sounded all that enthusiastic when the subject of their holiday plans had come up, and especially when, now Silverstream reflected on it, he had brushed their questions off. Was he really willing to have a miserable time, and not tell them, just so they’d have a great time and wouldn’t be worrying about him?

“Thanks for listening, Headmare Twilight.” There was the distinctive sound of several papers being stacked together. “I needed to say that to somecreature, even if nothing can come of it.”

Silverstream felt the color drain from her face as the unmistakable sound of Gallus’ wings beating grew louder, loud enough that she would have heard it even without her ear pressed against the door. Scrambling backwards so fast that her limbs almost got tangled together, she took off at an even greater speed then she had come here, zipping around the corner just as Twilight’s magic opened her office door. Silverstream didn’t stop flying even as the distance between her and Gallus grew so great, and it was crystal clear she hadn’t been spotted. She was so focused on distancing herself from what she had just overheard that nothing registered in her vision. That is, until she flew into something very solid.

Landing painfully on her rump, Silverstream stood up, shaking her head. Once her vision had settled, she saw a light grey and arctic blue changeling in front of her, looking very dizzy, a few papers and books scattered around her.

“Ocellus! Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry!” Silverstream quickly gathered up a few sheets around her, handing them out as the changeling got up.

“That’s… okay, Silverstream,” groaned Ocellus, taking the papers. Seeing this, Silverstream hastened to pick up the rest, darting around with an undue wing speed. “What were you flying so fast for?”

“You’re not going to believe this!” As soon as Silverstream had handed over the last sheets, she hovered back, throwing her talons to the air. “I just heard that -”

She felt something catch in her throat. As Ocellus stood there, cocking her insectoid head, Silverstream heard a familiar voice inside her head.

I don’t want them worrying about me again. They all deserve to celebrate their traditions to the fullest.

“Yeah? What did you just hear?” Diverting her attention back to reality, she registered that Ocellus was still there, looking up at her, waiting for an answer.

“Oh! I just heard that, um…” Silverstream’s eyes darted back and forth, thinking of something suitable. “I… just heard my final grades!” Surely that would stick, it was the truth, after all. “Yep, got really high marks on my Kindness project. Can’t wait to tell my family back home! Anyway, gotta dash, want to get a start on packing. I’ll see you later!”

Before the confused changeling could say anything else, Silverstream darted off, blood still pumping in her ears.

Silverstream found herself pacing listlessly back in the direction of Twilight’s office. She still needed her report card back, after all. But she barely noticed where she was going, as her thoughts were still racing, even now.

It was such a… complex thing Gallus was doing. Feeling lonely about spending the holidays alone and wanting his friends to enjoy their holidays, that was easy to understand. But keeping it secret so they wouldn’t be worrying about him? So he wouldn’t be worrying about them worrying about him? And not wanting to stay with Twilight so her holidays wouldn’t be compromised? It was enough to make Silverstream’s head spin.

The worst part was, she had no idea what to do. Silverstream couldn’t think of anything she could do without talking to him, and she wasn’t even supposed to know! And she couldn’t ask any of their other friends for help, or it would be their burden too. She already suspected this would be weighing on her conscience all holiday, but much like Gallus, she didn’t want it to become any other creature’s burden. Looked like she would have to bear it out. Maybe they could do something for Gallus in the new year. That was all she had.

All too soon, Silverstream was back at Twilight’s office. She limply raised her talon to request entry, but paused when she heard a voice that was making no trouble to keep itself down.

“He really said that he didn’t want to stay with you either because it would mean you, me, our friends and your family would have to accommodate him rather than focusing on each other?” Silverstream’s ear perked up, drawing her to the wood again.

“Yes,” came Twilight’s slow reply. “And get this - he attributed his choice to something from your lessons. He said, ‘Sometimes being generous to others means putting up with something you yourself would rather avoid, darling.’” Silverstream’s mind almost reeled from processing the reality of Twilight’s dulcet tone imitating Gallus’ scratchy voice imitating Rarity’s cultivated dialect. In any other context, it would have been hilarious. “You used the time you fetched Mistmane’s flower as an example?”

“Well, I suppose that’s… quite flattering,” said Rarity after a pause. “And I am very glad he’s taken what he’s learnt in Generosity class to heart. I may have to give him extra credit!”

“Uh, Rarity,” came a third voice, accompanied by the distinctive sound of a dragon’s wings beating to keep afloat - Smolder had been in Silverstream’s life too long by now. “We’re getting sidetracked here.”

“Oh, yes, of course.” A clearing of the throat followed. “Well, good thing you called me, if it’s my lessons he quoted.”

“Yeah,” chuckled Spike. “We certainly don’t need a repeat of the time Pinkie Pie met Cranky Doodle.”

“It’s amazing he’s doing this,” continued Rarity, “and were I in his hooves - ah, talons - I would completely understand, but truly, Twilight, I don’t know what we can do. It would be unfair to disrespect his wishes and let this leave this office, and he clearly doesn’t want our help. From what you told me, he seems set on just enduring this alone.”

The pause that followed these words was enough for Silverstream to realise she was overhearing something she shouldn’t be. Drawing herself back up to full height, albeit with a slouched stance, she finally knocked on the door sharply.

Following a trio of surprised grunts, the door opened, Spike floating there. He cocked his head in surprise, as did Rarity, standing beside Twilight’s desk. Twilight herself looked slightly less surprised, but still surprised nonetheless.

“Oh, uh… hey, Executive Assistant Spike, Professor Rarity,” grinned Silverstream sheepishly, waving a talon, before she turned her attention to the alicorn still sitting behind her desk. “Headmare Twilight, I think I left my report card behind.”

“Oh, yes.” Clearly Twilight had noticed this herself, for she promptly levitated it from her desk’s corner and across the room in a flash. “I was going to send Spike along with it later.”

“Thank you!” Flashing what she hoped was a warm appreciative smile, Silverstream took the report card, turning to leave through the open door.

“Wait.” Rarity’s gentle, yet firm, declaration made Silverstream stop in her tracks. Very slowly, she turned around to find all of the room’s occupants looking at her, concerned. “Darling, is something wrong?”

“Wrong? With me?” Silverstream doubled her efforts on her false smile, moving back and forth with a wobbly gait. “Nothing’s wrong! Why would anything be wrong?” But it seemed Applejack’s Honesty classes were working too well, for her flimsy attempt wasn’t fooling any of them.

“If something’s wrong, you can tell us,” added Spike, floating over and resting a claw on her shoulder. Miraculously, Silverstream could feel herself calming down already just by his touch. Clearly this wasn’t new for him. “There’s nothing worse than having to shoulder the burden of a problem alone.”

Oh, if irony could maim. Silverstream paced on the spot, glancing around, racking her brains for what to do. Her eyes darted from Spike’s gentle look, to Twilight’s soft patience, to Rarity’s outstretched hoof. Feeling their gazes piercing her, she looked around, preparing to make an excuse and backpedal out. As she did so, Silverstream’s eyes caught her back talons, standing on the thin line separating the office from the outside corridor.

With the same serenity as resting on the beach back home, all the problems weighing on her mind seemed to dilute, enough for her to focus. Slowly, she stepped forward two paces, moving her back legs fully inside the office.

Everything seemed so much clearer now, if only for the next step.

She barely even registered herself moving sharply to close the office door, nor Spike scooting back to avoid getting knocked sideways. Nonetheless, they waited patiently, sensing she was about to tell them.

“The thing is… this isn’t the first time I came back for my report card.”

“Is something wrong with it?” An unusual level of panic settled over Twilight’s face, and before Silverstream knew what had happened, her report card had levitated across the room, stopping under Twilight’s watchful eye. “I was sure I transcribed everycreature’s grades perfectly -”

“No, no, it’s fine! I’m very happy with it!” The frantic waving of her talons seemed to be enough to calm Twilight down. It had the opposite effect on Silverstream, with all of them watching patiently again, waiting for her to speak.

“Headmare Twilight, when I came back earlier, I…” Silverstream felt something catch in her throat again. “I…” She leaned forward, trying to force it out, an avian caw squeaking through her neck. They all leaned forward too, equally eager.

“I… overhead you and Gallus talking!”

It only took a moment for these words to sink in, but it was among the more nerve-wracking moments in a day already full of them. Spike scowled, while Rarity’s mouth hung open, looking slightly hurt, which made Silverstream feel even worse. But it was Twilight’s tight frown that really pierced her feathers.

Thus, Silverstream was surprised when, just as Twilight opened her mouth to speak, she found herself cutting across her. “I didn’t mean to hear! Once he started talking about the holidays and how he was feeling, I couldn’t stop listening!” Maybe they sensed how distraught Silverstream was, or it showed in her face, because she could see the frowns fading. “And I haven’t told anycreature! I remembered what Gallus said about not wanting this to be any other creature’s burden. It may be mine now… but I won’t make it any other creature’s burden.” Hoping it would help, she stood up tall, trying to look dignified like those hippogriffs in the Royal Navy.

Silence reigned, though compared to the previous bouts outside the office, this was tranquil. Spike and Rarity turned from Silverstream to Twilight, whose expression was still static. Slowly, she got up, pushed her chair back, and walked around the desk. Every clip of her hooves on the polished floor echoed in the silence, until she was only a foot away. Nonetheless, Silverstream kept her noble stance. Surely it would help?

“Silverstream.” In a moment, Twilight was smiling proudly. “I can’t say I agree with you having heard, but given that, you’ve done the right thing since.”

“Indeed, darling.” Either through being teachers or being best friends, the pair must have had an unspoken agreement to let Twilight start before chiming in, because now Rarity moved up as close as Twilight. “Respecting a friend’s desires is always very important.”

“Yeah,” added Spike, rubbing his neck. “We were just talking about that ourselves.”

“Oh, I know, I heard you outside.” Before she’d even registered their shock, she pressed on - all her previous hesitation was gone. “That’s why I knocked, before I heard too much.” Just as quickly as their frowns were back, they were gone. Smiling a little herself, Silverstream kept pace. “Plus, it's also why I told you I knew! You already know, so I wasn’t making it anycreature’s burden more than it already is. And like Gallus wanted,” she added in an aside, glancing over her mane at the door, “it never left this office.”

This time, there was no tense silence. Silverstream wasn’t sure what she had expected, but both Twilight and Rarity stepped up, each placing a hoof on a shoulder.

“Silverstream, I’ve very proud of you,” said Twilight softly, her eyes sparking with warmth.

“You’ve not only remembered the friendship you’ve learnt in class,” said Rarity, her eyes watering, “you’ve worked out from them what to do in new and difficult situations.”

“Aw, thank you!” Before they could react, she’d pulled the pair of ponies into a hug, using her wing to draw Spike into the tight squeeze. This time, she could feel them all returning the hugs, as sincere as their words.

“So!” Letting them all go, Silverstream rose slightly off the ground. “What do we do now?”

“Huh?” Twilight stepped back a pace or two, socking her head as she looked up. “You… want us to help Gallus together?”

“Of course!” It was such a relief to be knowing how to proceed forward again. Silverstream could feel it making her hovering practically effortless. “It was so tough, thinking about this alone. But with four of us, that’s…” Silverstream paused, counting on her talons. “…four times more likely to come up with something!” Twilight pursed his lips, which shot a small spasm of doubt into Silverstream. Surely she wouldn’t say no?

“Why not, Twilight?” Twilight turned her head, as did Silverstream, seeing Rarity with a contemplative look. “She already knows, and an extra head always helps. Besides which, she’s Gallus’ friend. If anyone knows him, Silverstream would.”

“Well… okay.” Smiling in approval at Silverstream, Twilight returned to her desk. Letting out a squeal of delight, Silverstream approached, with Spike and Rarity moving to its sides.

“The thing is, Gallus is right.” Some luster was leaving Silverstream’s face already at the knowledge of what she was about to say next. “My friends and I, we’re really, really looking forward to our holidays back home!” Perhaps Twilight found some poetic irony in how Silverstream could look so happy at that prospect, talons clutched to her chest, while also downtrodden, given the context. If so, it was lost on Silverstream. “I don’t want Gallus to be alone… but I can’t miss the Three Days of Freedom Celebration again. I just can’t.” Despite being a hippogriff and above land, her cheeks felt wet.

“Darling, it’s okay.” Though Silverstream didn’t look, she felt Rarity gently wiping away a tear off her feathers. “No creature would expect that of you, or anycreature. Even if this is a difficult crossroads, we all have our own priorities.”

“Cross…” Silverstream was sure something snapped inside her head. “That’s it!” Jerking her head up, Silverstream leaned in to Twilight, forgoing the alicorn’s surprise. “Twilight, hadn’t you started teaching us about cross-cancelling equations the other week? They’re, uh…” She really wished Ocellus was here. It was she who was good at this sort of thing, not Silverstream. She pounded her head sharply, trying to think.

“They’re when you list all your problems and use a process of - elimination! That’s it!” Silverstream was almost saddened this was remaining in the office, she’d have loved to tell her parents about this epiphany. “You use elimination to cross out your problems until you have the answer! And I know you were teaching them for math, but Ocellus was researching them later, and apparently they can be used for other things too!”

“Very good, Silverstream.” Springing to life as though a fire had been cooked under her, Twilight got out of her chair, igniting her horn. A blackboard on wheels rolled out of the corner up to them. “Stepping back to gain some objective distance and listing the obstacles is always a good step. Why don’t you start?” Twilight levitated out a chalk, sporting a grin similar to when she was in the middle of a heavy lecture.

“Oh! Okay, um,” hummed Silverstream. Well, might as well start from the top. “Well, first, Gallus doesn’t want to spend the holidays alone at home.” Twilight nodded sharply, scribbling furiously on the board.

“Second,” chimed in Spike, floating up to the board, and picking up a chalk of his own, “Gallus doesn’t want his friends to know, because he wants them to enjoy their holidays without worrying about him.”

“Spike,” interjected Rarity, giving his wing a gentle tug with her magic. Startled, Spike floated back to hover alongside her. “Let’s let Silverstream have a go first, it’s good practise.” Giving a small huff that Silverstream personally thought was adorable, he folded his arms, glowering.

“Third,” said Rarity with a sharp command in her voice, the chalk Spike had previously held scribbling across the board so fast it almost knocked away Twilight’s. “None of Gallus’ friends, especially Silverstream, want to give up their holidays at home.” Rarity angled her head high, looking proud until she registered Spike was staring at her with a gobsmacked look Silverstream felt would have given Ocellus a run for her bits.

“What?” Rarity shrugged, her smile never leaving her face. “Silverstream said so herself a minute ago, she didn’t need a reminder of that.” Silverstream gave a cheery nod to show she agreed. Spike looked as though to protest, but evidently thought better of it, returning his attention to the board.

“Anything else, Silverstream?” Twilight tapped lightly but sharply on the board with her chalk, and just like that, control was returned to the group.

“Yeah, Fourth would be,” said Silverstream, pausing for a moment to gather the point coherently. “Gallus doesn’t want me or his friends to make sacrifices in our holidays just for him. Oh, and he doesn’t want you or your friends and family to do that either, Headmare Twilight!” Giving a proud nod, Twilight wrote it up, leaving them with a sizable chunk of points on the board. This was actually kind of fun!

“Fifth!” Silverstream raised her talon, about to leap up. She remained that way for a few moments, just about perceiving their expectant expressions.

“…Actually, I can’t think of a fifth.” She slumped slightly, her posture slouched enough to bring her to Rarity’s level. It was always weird, being taller than your teachers.

“That’s okay, Silverstream, I think we’ve got everything.” Still holding onto the chalk, Twilight levitated up a lecture stick alongside it, jabbing it at Spike’s line. “We can cross this off, as Silverstream’s second point means none of Gallus’ other friends can know anyway.” Twilight drew a thick line through the second point on the board. “As long as Silverstream doesn’t let him know she knows!” While Spike gave a puff of a grunt at his insight being rendered negligible, Silverstream nodded her approval. One problem was gone already. Maybe they were onto something here.

“If I may, darling,” added Rarity, raising a hoof. Smiling, Twilight relinquished her hold on the chalk and lecture stick just as Rarity grabbed them. “As solid as my contribution was, Silverstream’s second point shares a lot of overlap. Gallus wants his friends to have their holidays, and so do they. They’re basically two sides of the same bit!” With that, Rarity drew a semi circular line at both ends of Points 3 and 4, connecting them together. Silverstream could feel her beak straining from her grin again. They were nearly there!

Several minutes later, however, she had to admit the excitement had worn off. Rarity narrowed her eyes while she cocked her head, as though hoping the board’s contents would make more sense that way. Spike was mouthing silently as he flapped near it, running through the points over and over. Twilight, meanwhile, was scribbling small notes furiously at the board’s problem, then erasing them just as quick.

“I’m sorry, Headmare Twilight, I can’t think of anything!” Silverstream threw her front legs up. “How can any of us help Gallus without making sacrifices in our holidays, and without making him think we’re making sacrifices?”

“They do seem to be mutually exclusive,” pondered Rarity, turning her head sideways so much it was a wonder she wasn’t toppling over.

Even Rarity didn’t know what to do? Silverstream buried her face in her talons. All that work for nothing. Now she would have her failure at coming up with a solution on her mind over the break too. And worse, Gallus would still be all alone for the holidays. Ever since the incident in the caves below the school, where he’d given her the confidence to face her fear of the Storm King returning, she’d felt that little bit closer to him. And now… she couldn’t do anything for him.

“Silverstream, some problems can’t be solved in the classroom.” She felt a hoof, not magic, gently prying her talons off, before the hoof cupped her face up, looking into that of Twilight’s. “Even I can’t puzzle this out easily. It’s nothing to be ashamed of.”

“Yeah,” said Spike, throwing his arms up and floating over to the group. “This really is like a tricky math problem.”

At these words, Silverstream wouldn’t have been surprised if somecreature had lit a candle above her head. Now it all made sense.

“That’s it!” Sparing not a moment, She flew over to the board, grabbing a chalk. “Headmare Twilight, remember that division you taught us last year? I couldn’t divide a problem, but then you pointed out that it actually couldn’t be divided! Not perfectly.” She noticed a smile creeping up Twilight’s face, and pressed on, excited, scribbling a division workflow on the board. “But you can still divide as best you can, and get a remainder.” Silverstream floated back, showing the result of dividing twenty by three - six, with a remainder of two.

“If a perfect solution isn’t possible,” concluded Silverstream, taking the lecture stick and, with giddy excitement, pointing at the two-and-a-half problems they still had to solve, “what’s the solution that breaks these problems the least?”

Never has Silverstream felt so happy since all this had started as when she watched Twilight smile, then look to Rarity, who grew an equal smile, before she did the same to Spike. Twilight’s eyes were so starry with delight at her workaround, however, that it fell to Rarity to speak up next.

“Given that stipulation, darling,” she said, taking a step forward as Silverstream landed down again, “should we take it you have a plan?”

“I do, and it’s perfect! Well, as perfect as it can be.” Setting down the stick and chalk, Silverstream jogged excitedly in place. “There's just one difficulty in pulling it off. Headmare Twilight, Executive Assistant Spike?” The pair leaned forward, sporting smiles that could rival those of Silverstream’s, though perhaps not those of Pinkie Pie’s.

“Can you get mail to travel faster than normal?”

Silverstream has been reasonably positive the answer would be yes, but even she wasn’t prepared for Twilight to lean back up with a smug smile on her face. Spike, on the other hand, was grinning more than Smolder on their class trip to the Lava Fields.

“Oh yeah,” smirked Spike as he picked up a quill and a scroll that Twilight had levitated over. “We’re kind of experts at that.”

“You guys go on ahead!” Keeping her beak in a forced smile that she hoped would fool her friends, Silverstream jerked her talon back in the direction of the dormitories. “I just want to double-check my room, make sure I didn’t miss anything.” The group seemed to take this in their stride, turning around and proceeding away.

As soon as Yona was leading up the group’s rear, Silverstream took off, though not towards the dormitories. She instead joined a group of ponies going in the opposite direction, then ducked past them as they reached a fork, flying deeper into the school. As she flew, she glanced everywhere nervously, hoping to find who she was looking for before she reached her destination. She may have been flying fast, but it was nothing compared to the speed of her heart. At the rate it was going, she was surprised it hadn’t burst out through her feathers -

In a sensation that was familiar, she bumped into something very tangible, though this time, she was flying high enough to reaffirm her flight before she hit the ground. Reaffirming her earmuffs that had been lodged loose, she saw that she had collided with -

“Executive Assistant Spike!” Sure enough, the young dragon was floating in front of her, having also steadied his flight quickly - Smolder appeared to have taught him well. Noticing it was her, Spike’s worried look instantly faded for a look of relief. He had been looking for her too.

“Did it…?” The only response she received was the dragon holding out a scroll, his expression unreadable. Quivering with anticipation, Silverstream took it, unwrapping it with shaking talons.

The words went into Silverstream’s eyes, but she barely absorbed any of them as a grin crawled across her features, doubly so once she pulled out a small envelope that had been stuffed inside the scroll. It had worked. She couldn’t believe it, but it had worked. Only one step left now.

When she looked back up, Spike gave her a short nod, a polite indication that it was okay to go. Letting out a squee of joy, she swung him around, giving him a tight hug before she took off. Spike’s role in this had been, and still was, invaluable. He deserved it.

On the return flight, Silverstream was lucky. Enough students had already left for the holidays that there were sparingly few winged creatures still in the school, none of whom were flying as high as she was. In no time at all, she has recovered her luggage and was at the main atrium, where -

“Gallus!” Startled, the griffon turned around, just about to fly out the school doors with his bags. Silverstream felt her heart slowing down at a gradual rate as she came in for a landing, panting as she caught her breath.

“Uh, what’s up, Silverstream?” Gallus raised an eyebrow, pulling at and adjusting the red-and-orange headband above his eyes that matched the scarf on his neck. Taking a deep breath, Silverstream grabbed his talon, leading him to the side of the main doors. She knew a question was forthcoming, but before he could ask it, she thrust out the envelope. Time seemed to pass slowly as he took it, turning it over, looking at both sides.

“What’s this?” asked Gallus bluntly, holding it to the side.

“Oh, right,” chuckled Silverstream, stifling the laugh with her talon, “there’s no label on it!” Indeed, other than the official seal, there was nothing on the envelope. No wonder he was confused! “It’s an early holiday present for you!”

There was a moment of pregnant tension, before a smile, small but perceptible, crossed his face. So far, so good. “Wow. Thanks.” Pulling his bag close, he reached to open it and stuff the envelope inside, but Silverstream was too quick for him - she gently took his talon again.

“Yeah, this is the kind of present you should open now!” At this news, Gallus didn’t merely raise his eyebrows, he cocked his head, his mouth hanging open. It reminded Silverstream of nothing so much as the way Applejack’s dog had reacted when first brought to their class, upon seeing creatures she evidently had not come across before. Bewilderment, that’s what Gallus was feeling, she realised.

“Ooh, ooh!” Midday through unfolding the envelope, Gallus looked back up again, and it was almost gratifying to see a familiar, normal eyebrow raise. “Read it out loud!” Gallus paused for a moment, looking around to see if anycreature was nearby, and then shrugged. Flipping the parchment fully open, he began to read, while Silverstream waited patiently. She may have known what was generally inside it, but not the specifics.

“‘In accordance with the newly established tradition of the Three Days of Festival Celebration, Her Majesty Queen Novo, of Mount Aris and Seaquestria, is delighted to extend an invitation to Gallus of Griffonstone…’” At this, Gallus’ words slowed, his flat tone slipping to one of rising surprise. Silverstream, meanwhile, could feel her smile threatening to burst through her beak again. Her mouth felt like Pinkie Pie’s party cannon when it was loaded with confetti and other party supplies.

“‘…to accompany his friend Silverstream to Mount Aris for the festival, and partake in it with her and her family.’” Very slowly, so slowly that every crinkle in the parchment made itself known, Gallus lowered the invitation, looking back at Silverstream with an expression that the hippogriff had to rack her brain to place. Astonishment, she eventually landed on.

“Well?” said Silverstream when the silence dragged on. “What do you think?” Galus remained frozen for a moment, and then sighed, lowering his head.

“Silverstream, this is really something, but… I can’t accept this.” He handed the parchment back, a sad frown plastering his face that he didn’t even bother to hide.

“Oh?” Startled, Gallus looked back up, only for his surprise to double when he caught sight of Silverstream’s skepticism, complete with an eyebrow raised in a manner he needed no introduction to. Undoubtedly he had been expecting her to look distraught. “And why’s that?” She floated slightly off the ground, crossing her front legs, a technique often used by parent hippogriffs and seaponies back home when interrogating their children for answers or information. Judging by the elicited reaction here, it was working.

“Because…” Gallus rubbed his neck, his eyes darting around, to which Silverstream winced slightly. This was the part she most regretted as a side casualty, but the mild discomfort Gallus was feeling now would be worth the end result tenfold. “Because you’re really looking forward to spending it with your family. I can’t ask you all to take extra time to accommodate me.”

“Ah,” responded Silverstream, returning to her usual comfy attitude of unrelenting giddiness, “but this isn’t just from my family, it’s from Auntie Novo herself!” Landing softly, she jabbed a nail at the invitation still clutched in her other talon. “The Queen has everything prepared for an extra guest. If you don’t come, all of that would have been for nothing.”

None of Gallus’ previous surprises compared to this, with his mouth hanging open for a long, prolonged moment - Silverstream hadn’t seen him that stunned since his quick turnaround in Loyalty class late last year. She could almost see the cogs ticking away under the headband and tufts of fur on his head. Just like how Silverstream, with the help of Twilight, Rarity and Spike, had examined all the problems and figured out the solution with the least casualties, now Gallus too was having to make a choice, balancing his desire not to be a burden on any other creature’s holiday against the fact that his presence was expected by the whole Hippogriff kingdom, all the way up to Queen Novo. As Silverstream waited patiently, willing to give Gallus the time he needed, she admitted to herself that, while this was not something she would normally do, there was a certain satisfaction in planning something like this and watching it all play out exactly as she hoped it would.

“Well,” said Gallus eventually, rubbing his neck again slowly, “if the Queen’s expecting it, and everything’s ready… I guess I could come.”

Letting out a squeal to rival Pinkie Pie, Silverstream yanked him into a tight hug, spinning him around, barely registering the griffon spluttering for air. “Oh, thank you, Gallus, thank you! It’s going to be so much fun! No time to lose!” Breaking from the hug, she rapidly pulled her bags over, stuffing the royal invitation inside. Gallus barely had time to grab his own luggage before Silverstream yanked him into a fast flight, streaking out of the school doors and into the snowy air.

“Wait!” called out Gallus as the duo flew around one of the spires of the Castle of Friendship, bearing for Ponyville’s center. Silverstream let go of him, allowing the griffon to gather himself, beating his wings furiously to keep up. “I’ve got to send a letter to Grampa Gruff saying I won’t be coming!”

“Already taken care of!” Slowing down enough for him to catch her, Silverstream fingered in her bags for a moment, pulling out a small sealed bottle. “Headmare Twilight gave me some enchanted dragonfire!” Gallus peered close, observing a small green flame inside, darting and dancing all over the bottle. “Isn’t it great? You can write the letter on the train, and then just ignite it with this to send it back to Executive Assistant Spike! He promised to send it straight to Griffonstone - it’ll get there before you would have!”

“Wow,” said Gallus eventually, watching in amazement as Silverstream stowed the bottle away, tightening her red scarf snugly around her neck as the pair soared over town hall. “You really planned this all out, didn’t you?”

Oh, you have no idea, thought Silverstream as Ponyville’s train station merged out of the white blanket that seemed to cover the horizon.

The last few hours had passed in a blur for Silverstream. They’d reached the platform with just enough time to tell the rest of their friends, and to bid Sandbar Happy Hearth’s Warming, before departing. The pair had given a more detailed explanation on the Friendship Express to the others, though per Gallus’ secret desire, Silverstream never let on that she knew of the turmoil he had been experiencing about the holidays. One by one, though, Yona, Ocellus and Smolder had all departed to board connecting trains to Yakyakistan, the Changeling Kingdom and the Dragon Lands.

Now, it was nighttime, and their sleeping car was empty but for the two of them. Across from her bed, Gallus was snoring loudly, occasionally giving a kick with his back leg, but Silverstream barely noticed, watching the endless sands of the Bone-Dry Desert blur by the window as the train made its way further south.

She knew the solution hadn’t been perfect. At some point or another, Gallus would have to know that she knew. It would be unfair to remain dishonest forever. But generosity was more important here, for both of them. Balancing different aspects of friendship like this was hard, but if there was one thing Silverstream had learnt from Twilight and the other Professors, it was that friendship isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it.

Besides which, the solution may not have been fully perfect - Gallus would still feel like a small hindrance, and some minor effort was made to accommodate him - but Twilight, Rarity and Spike had all agreed it was the best possible way, encouraging her to plunge ahead. Gallus wouldn’t be spending the holidays alone, and because he was directly invited and expected, he not only wouldn’t be a burden, but he wouldn’t think he’ll be a burden either. Like he wanted, his grievances never left Twilight’s office. And the best part, mused Silverstream with another beak-breaking smile, was that not only did they manage this without Silverstream or any of their friends sacrificing spending their holidays with their families, but on her first year of the expanded Celebration, she was sharing it with a friend.

“Oh, you’re gonna love Mount Aris, Gallus,” whispered Silverstream, watching the griffon snoring peacefully as she curled up to sleep for the remainder of the journey - it helped when your destination was the last stop. “Griffons’ bodies are so similar to hippogriffs that you’ll have no trouble with all the land activities! And you haven’t lived till you become a seapony, even if only for a day.” She fingered a nail around her purple string necklace, twirling her pearl fragment, watching her reflection gleaming in its surface. “I can’t wait for you to meet Mom and Dad and Terramar and…” Silverstream stifled a yawn, her eyelids drooping. “Cousin Skystar…”

With all the events of the past few days weighing on her mind and body, Silverstream finally drifted off to sleep, while the train hurtled on to Klugetown, with Mount Aris only a few stops further - they’d be there in the morning. And so would a new holiday tradition, all the more special because she was sharing it with a friend who, honestly, needed it more then she did.

Author's Note

Well this is one way to make a Fimfiction writing debut!

Also, apparently writing contests are good for motivating someghost to actually publish his first fanfiction in over four-and-a-half years. Who knew? Considering more might be good.

Writing this for Jinglemas 2020 was a hoot - and not just because its featured characters are both avians. Doubly so once I saw my gift was for Jack of a Few Trades, an author whose work I quite admire and have really enjoyed. Hope you liked it, Jack!

Dedicated Author's Notes for this story can be found here. Because believe me, there's a lot. There's more to talk about regarding this one-shot then in some stories over four times as long. Hopefully that's to your liking!

Regardless, I welcome all feedback, big and small. I think this came out well, as I aimed to not be too frightfully ambitious - better to achieve small success then fumble a large one - but who knows? I'll let you all be the judge. This is a story I am definitely willing to tweak after it goes live, both for Jack, for myself and for the story's sake.

Happy Hearth's Warming, Three Days of Freedom Celebration, Blue Moon Festival and any other holiday you happen to celebrate, everycreature. 2020's been a rough year, let's keep it together for 2021. We got this together, and all that.