Chapter 10.
Warmest Hearth.

That frigid summer night carried on long after the herd had gone to sleep. Looming high in the sky, Luna’s bold-faced moon shined down with a comforting and surprising brightness illuminating the snow-speckled night. Dinky sipped carefully at the tall and slender glass provided to her, sparkly and fizzy fire running over her tongue and zapping her with a unique thrill. The filly was far behind in the latest game of “Widgets and Fencposts,” one of the many, many thousands of boardgames The Princess of the Night had in her collection. She pensively scanned over the pieces arranged in a diamond pattern, encroaching pieces of an opposing color slowly surrounding her.

“More wine, Miss Dinky?” Luna offered with the bottle hovering about their heads, one politely wrapped in soft linen to keep its frosted glass from dripping onto the board. As well, the opaque shroud helped conceal that the so-called “wine” Dinky had been so deviously allowed to try was nothing more than sparkling grape juice. The Mistress’ young foe nodded silently and moved a piece carefully, instigating a strategic bluff that Luna had seen countless times before.

“Thanks, Miss Luna.” She replied with a somewhat victorious smile, sipping her delicate confection with a pampered haughtiness. The entire evening had been spent in Luna’s hotel room where there was plenty to do and even more to see. The Princess certainly didn’t travel light, as Dinky came to find out. Board Games, books, scrolls, writing supplies, her own personal entourage of silky bed sheets and pillows and even live creatures kept in spacious tanks. Your little girl supposed that transporting them was much easier with magic, as she couldn’t imagine the nocturnal creatures reacting well to their tanks jostling and moving about in pony hooves.

“Mh. Interesting move, Miss Dinky.” Luna commented gently as a fluffy and pudgy rat nestled against her shoulder, one of her many pets exemplifying the population of the night. One of her less understood hobbies by both her Sister and the public, for many of the beasts that called her realm their home were quite undesirable in the common palette. Spiders, frogs, rats, mice, possums- whatever braved the inky blackness of the evening she had at least one. Dinky was particularly enticed by her skeleton-patterned tarantula, Rattles. The Princess marveled at such a young filly so casually lounging with a hand-sized and hairy spider crawling across her back. None of her pets would even dream of harming a pony, but the very sight was enough to put many ponies off their dinner.

“How about… We counter with this?” Luna carefully moved her peace into a mercifully foolish position on the board that simply invited a clever counter-attack. Dinky scrunched her snout and narrowed her eyes, deep in thought as she examined the strange game over and over again.

“Hm… but that means…” Yellowish magic took hold of her piece and moved it forward, striking down Luna’s knight and moving forward through the gap it left behind.

“A fine advance, Miss Dinky.” Luna smiled and sipped her bubbly drink once again, finding her eyes lingering on the door to the room.

In her thoughts- if only for the briefest moment- she imagined someone were stepping through that door. A tall and heavy figure of muscle and cotton clothing unlike anything else in the world. One who carried himself with honor and respect, but still wore his vulnerabilities where all could see. In between the crackles of the fire and soft chittering of her rodent companion the princess could hear the distinctive padding of feet against the zircon floor of the hall, a chorus of approach that would signal to all what mighty creature came her way. But in all reality the door was fixed shut and expected no company. The great chamber of her luxurious accommodation was lucky to see two within its walls. Three was but a far off and desperate dream.

Dinky couldn’t quite understand what kept Princess Luna so occupied whilst they played. She needed every last bit of her concentration to participate in this match between the minds, yet her azure opponent often distracted herself staring off into space or toward the chamber door. Initially somewhat irritating, the young mind took quite a bit of time to unravel exactly what might be disturbing the seemingly invincible monarch sitting before her. Dinky still resided in a state of mind bereft of romance. She was still unhindered by the burden of longing for another, realizing the incompleteness of one’s self and madly chasing after the final piece.

But she knew from her Mother and Aunty when a mare was needy. A mare in need of company always displayed the same symptoms of searching, antsy posture and desire for distraction. Perhaps that was why Dinky was invited to indulge in games and pets in the first place. As the Princess lightly fluttered her wings and sighed to herself, the filly knowingly sipped her forbidden drink once again.

“You know, Miss Luna?” Her soft and high-pitched voice broke through the veil of thoughts clouding Luna’s mind, inviting her to rejoin reality and engage with the diminutive guest. Her eyes betrayed how empty she had become that evening, for the sea-colored rings peering into her soul reflected nothing but pale reality.

“Even though Aunty Umbra says you’re a no good, smelly royal… I think you’re a good mare.” Dinky said with no smile and not a hint of condescension. Her words were spoken with surprising measure for a child, as if an adult were hiding behind her mouth and speaking through her. Luna couldn’t respond initially, pinning her ears back and waiting on the potential insult that would almost certainly come after. After several seconds of pensive staring, all Dinky offered was warmer ambition. She smiled in the sweet and toothy manner only a child could, convincing Luna to do so herself.

“And... I think you’d be a great Aunty too.” Between the tiny creature of such a tiny life and the infinite glory of the majestic Princess, a connection formed. Like lightning in the night that healed all wounds and brought comforting illumination to the thundering dark. The Evening Mistress felt a tear jerk at the corner of her eye and just barely suppressed it under her crushing will.

“It… it means much more to Us than thou couldst know, Dinky. That you would comfort us in this time brings us much relief.” Dinky grinned and set her hoof atop the Royal’s, patting it with unbelievably assuredness.

“Thou art a model daughter. Great things no doubt lie in yon future.” The two clinked their glasses together in the light of the fire, returning to their game with their furry friends astride their necks, the cold of the outside beaten back by the radiating heat of friendship.

“It’s good you two didn’t tie the knot, though. It would be weird if you were fucking my Dad.” Dinky added, prompting Luna to spit her drink across the floor.

The memories of that night many years ago washed over Dinky as she sat on the train toward home, its rumbling bangs and rattles against the icy tracks so common and muffled they couldn’t disrupt her intricate thoughts. So much time had passed since then, at least from her perspective. For an adult a decade was quite a long time, but for a child it was a life and a half proceeding forward at a blistering pace. Now a young mare trusted to move about the wide world by herself, Dinky couldn’t believe just how it all had happened.

Her two brothers still felt like brand-new additions to the family, the same as her sister. When they were born the entire town became a stomping ground for journalists and travelers wishing to see the “first human ever born in Equestria.” So much buzz was made about Umbra’s child, though that curiosity sadly turned to disgust on too many occasions. Not that they could be blamed, a human child had never been seen in this world and chances were good that one would never be seen again. But with time, the town came to appreciate the little fireball you and Umbra had created, accepting him as one of Ponyville’s many strange citizens before too long.

Ozymandias bore a name many found quite the mouthful to say, thus most who knew the boy just called him Ozzy. Even in his early years he looked just like you, the shape of his jaw and eyes and features eerily similar to his hyper-masculine father. The soot-colored skin and fang-like teeth were certainly Umbra’s doing, along with his dark hair that grew so fast and so thick you had to cut it with hedge clippers. Dinky suspected he would still be a manic little monster when she returned from her latest semester at Canterlot Academy, running himself to exhaustion outside everyday whenever the boy could get away with it. Ozzy had always been a handful to care for, as the flow of corrupted, poisonous magic naturally imbued into him afforded him several unusual traits for a human.

At a young age your boy was incredibly strong, lifting rocks above his head and mantling trees with incredible grip strength. At ten years old he was built like a marathon-runner and hauling sawn logs on his shoulder like a machine. His adoration for toy swords and shields made him quite dangerous to play with as well, as one swing with a stick could crack the shin bone of a full-grown stallion. Given how rowdy and energetic and defiant the young demon could be, it was often the case that he was hauled back home by some displeased citizen complaining about a broken window, market stall or wall accidently smashed by the titan-like child.

Thankfully however, there was only the one rambunctious and unstoppable child in the family to worry about. Derpy’s earth-pony son Dusty was just as thick and well-built as his brother, but nowhere near as wild. Dinky had known him to be a bit slow ever since he was a toddler, as the poor kid could just about barely read now at ten years old. He stood on stocky legs and sported a stocky body, his stocky neck holding up an usually empty head for such a dense stallion. Sometimes the town worried he might be blind, simply standing in place and staring at the ground for an hour at a time. But, whenever questioned as to what exactly he was looking for, his answer was always the same.

“Dirt.” Dusty sure did enjoy his dirt. And digging. The colt kept a jealous guard of a dirt collection behind the house, sorting it by grain size, water retention and fertility for plants. How he ever examined the fine details of soil when his curly and squash-colored mane hung over his eyes, Dinky couldn’t quite figure it out. But his unusual obsession also led to Derpy’s garden exploding into one of the most productive in the village now that she had a dedicated groundskeeper to monitor her topsoil.

Finally, her understated sister. Daisy wasn’t a marvelous creature of demonic birth, nor was she a burly, indestructible dirt savant, but a simple mare with very little composure. There was Fluttershy, then there was her main rival Daisy in the “Most Easily Frightened Mare” competition. Long-legged and skinny as a rail, Dinky’s sister never enjoyed loud noises, scary bugs or voices raised above polite conversation. No matter how she thought about it, the young mare couldn’t imagine how such a bow-legged and whimpery little thing could be spawned from a human as stalwart and brave as her father. She was often called names at school for her total lack of a spine, but her secluded and patient nature made her quite the introspective and complex individual.

The frail filly busied herself with books and poetry and music, most of the time. And despite Dinky’s upbringing, Daisy showed herself to be the model Aunty’s girl in the family. She adored Umbra more than any creature on Earth, taking all her lessons in music and literature and the fine arts as if she were the highest priestess in the land. Even at the Academy, Dinky hadn’t met many pegasui like her sister who could play the harpsichord, read sheet music and compose sonnets. Especially ones that were still learning to properly spell.

Her queer little family brought a smile to her tired and youthful face as the familiar view of her home village came into focus through the falling snow and the blustering winds. The simple village of ponyville painted white, a great spire of crystal rising from the middle like a beacon. It had grown a lot since last summer, the friendship school bringing in hundreds of migrants and workers and interested parties that settled in the town. The masses ruined much of the quiet and quaint nature of the tiny town, but such an influx of money didn’t hurt the village-folk. Had it not been for the steep rise in demand for logs and Umbra’s paintings, the family wouldn’t be able to give Dinky such an aristocratic and high-profile education in the first place. Luna’s scholarship helped quite a bit as well.

The train station was thus a much larger complex than the days before Dinky’s siblings were born. A single terminal was no more efficient than a dirt road for the waves of tourists and business ponies making their commutes into the village. Great glass panels hovered over the rails to keep the passengers dry and warm, polished granite and elegant wood structures surrounded Dinky on all sides as she sauntered off the carriage with her suitcase in tow. Dozens of ponies funneled through the crowded halls and passageways of the place, Dinky’s guide standing a full head above them and frantically waving his arms. The citizens of far off nations and towns stopped and gawked for a moment whenever they saw him around here, so much so that Twilight initiated a poster campaign to alert visitors.

”Just be aware when coming to our fine village that there are indeed two humans that take residence here. They are a kind and understanding race, but very unusual! Please do your best not to stare! They are citizens just like us.” It didn't do much good with your goofy son always making a scene, but it helped to keep him out of trouble. Dinky couldn’t care less if griffons and yaks and ponies were staring, for he was still her little fireball and in need of a hug on this bitter afternoon.

“DINKY!” He shouted far too loud, snatching the lithe little mare in his arms and embracing her tight. Dinky returned the favor, hoisting her things in her magic far above her head so their reunion wouldn’t be interrupted.

“Ooooh goodness! There you are, Spaz!” She giggled and squeezed about his jacket-clad body, the dark purple wool coat a gift from the town’s accomplished seamstress.

“Who let you out of the house, Ozzy? I thought Daddy was supposed to meet me?” Her bipedal brother stole the suitcase and the school bag from her magic, gladly carrying them himself in a boisterous display of his strength.

“Don’t you remember? Dad broke his leg at the mill. Momma said I should do it instead.” Dinky didn’t buy a single word he said, as Ozzy was one to jump head-long at any opportunity to leave the house. Most likely Umbra had suggested it gently that he take her father’s place, only for him to immediately burst out the door with assumed permission granted. He could be trusted to do some errands on his own, but there was always the possibility he would come back with forest debris tangled in his hair or a new bruise on his face. Umbra hated pulling twigs from his mane and Momma Derpy would simply ball everytime one of her children was hurt.

Dinky was happy to see him regardless. Sometimes a little insanity was a precious commodity when one spent all their time in books and schooling and studying. Academy life suited her, but the unicorn’s roots would always be in simple Ponyville.

“That’s right, that’s right. Things get mixed up when you’re away for so long.” She caught him staring at her with a mysteriously eager expression, as if he was waiting for something. The purplish mare grinned as they walked, feeling his eyes burn into her saddle bags like a soldering iron.

“Well… if you’re good and keep carrying my stuff? I might just have something for you.” Immediately the boy lit up like a firework, his smile shooting from ear to ear to show off the gaps in his jagged teeth. Now the two were running home rather than trudging, Ozzy demanding such a quick pace. He plowed through snow like Big Mac plowed through the freshest loam, leaving Dinky to trot after him with satisfaction and victory painted on her face. He might’ve been a difficult creature to control, but Ozzy was always a simple heart to sway. Before too long they were home doused in frigid water, powdery ice pouring from the sky and melting against their warm bodies. To her surprise Dinky found someone else out in the frigid drift, a stable and unmoving creature much like a familiar rock planted in the ground.

“Dusty? You good in there?” She hummed into the young colt’s ear, patting his bare shoulder. The dark-colored stallion didn’t stir, only turning his brick-shaped snout to face the voice.

“Huh? Oh. Hi Dinky.” He replied simply, his voice almost entirely bereft of inflection. If he was looking at her, Dinky knew he was glad to see her. She eagerly embraced the little bowling ball of a pony, pulling him up and onto his hooves in the rising frost.

“What’re you doing out here, goofball? You’re gonna freeze yourself to death.” Dusty was indeed cold sitting around and letting the snow pile several inches high on his head. But there was simply no way to tell how he was feeling just by looking at his unmoving features.

“Uh… Ozzy told me to wait here. Been waitin’ just like he said.” His studious sister could only roll her eyes, using her magic to dust off the blistering cold heaped up on her sibling.

“Said he was gonna get you for me and bring ya back. And I just ‘sposed to wait here.”

“Aunty Umbra told you to go, didn’t she?” Dusty’s mind ran through the complex calculations of remembering something that happened less than an hour ago, all the while letting his jaw hang open somewhat.

“Uh… yeah. Probably.” The mare’s things had been brought inside before the offending human could get a good tongue lashing for his less-than-clever ruse. Dinky brought her brother inside and dusted him off one last time, unwisely speaking and making her presence in the home known.

“Get some blankets and relax for a bit, Dusty. You’re gonna lose your hooves if you keep hanging out in the snow like that.”

“Oh wow. That would suck.” He said, showing no real concern. Dinky unwrapped the scarf about her throat and adjusted the bags weighing across her back, allowing an unsubtle predator to pounce on her.

“My Baby!” Derpy hollered from mere inches away before smothering the unsuspecting student. Wings and forelegs and neck and kisses all fell upon her unsuspecting form, shutting out all the warm light of the home and filtering it through the Mother’s plumage. It nearly knocked over the lithe young lady, so many smooches and such tight hugs overpowering all the strength her body could muster.

“Oooh welcome home, Dinky! Mwuah, mwuah, mwuah! Right on time, as always! That’s my filly! My pretty baby filly! Mmmmmwuah!” Dinky cringed and wiped a thick helping of her mother’s lipstick off her cheeks, though this only went so far as to smear it across her face.

“Sheesh, Mom! Don’t you ever get tired of that?” Dinky groaned, only half protesting such an assault on her dignity. Her portly and apron-clad mother only giggled at her displeasure, fluffing her wings and emanating a wondrous aroma of ginger bread and cinnamon.

“Everypony loves their Momma’s kisses. Some are just too proud to admit it.” Derpy’s long blonde locks were tied tightly back in a voluminous bun, such a practice meaning she was certainly cooking something festive and filling. Several months of poorly cooking on her own and surviving on academy cafeteria food did endear Dinky to this idea, as the scents of Hearth's Warming were washing over her again in a thick tide of nostalgia. Her Mother might’ve been overbearing, but deep in the teen’s heart she had to admit a part of her missed being so lavished with attention.

“Now come on in, Little Miss Professor! I’ve got sprouts in the oven and mulled wine in the crock. You eat it up all you like so you can pack on some winter weight! It gets cold up in the mountains and I don’t want you shivering all winter!” Dinky was hustled along by her soft and fancy-smelling Mother, popping her saddle bags open in her magic as she was pressed into the kitchen.

“I got it Mom, I got it! Jeez, you’re acting like I can’t even feed myself.” The filly huffed, though her pouting expression could not conceal her desire for such delicious things. The house was so inundated with the sweet and spicy aromas of so many holidays past that Dinky failed to keep her relief concealed. Her usual sneer of teenaged superiority melted away after several short seconds of aromatherapy, cooling her discomfort in being nurtured so carefully. The unicorn seized a small mug and filled it with the deep red ambrosia of her Mother’s hot wine, finding it strong and potent as ever but still deeply enjoyable.

“By the way… I got you something.” Dinky jittered as the burning alcohol ripped through her young body, the rather lax drinking culture of Equestria allowing even the youngest in the family to sample the adult drinks if they had the guts for it. Her saddle bags flipped open to reveal stacks on stacks of neatly organized things. Binders and boxes and envelopes all so perfectly arranged, just how Umbra kept all of her important documents in the office. The matron of the house turned to face her darling, quickly finding a gemstone embedded in silver.

“Oh? Oooooh Dinky! It’s beautiful!” Derpy swooned and took hold of the delightful trinket with great care, removing it from the silky soft padding of its original box. Her eyes beheld a glimmering stone of dark amber polished to perfection, a darker vein running through the ancient sap toward the center where a dancing light continuously thumped against the walls. A rare and incredible piece of jewelry, one most certainly out of reach of her student daughter. Nevertheless Dinky strung it over her Mother’s head and let it dangle from her neck, the silver chain and the yellowish center-piece so perfectly matching her own colors.

“Where in Equestria did you get it? It looks so fancy Celestia should be wearing it!”

“A friend of mine in Material Manipulations made it. A ‘thank you’ for all you’ve done with Aunt Umbra and the like.” Derpy didn’t mind at all that these gifts were usually less thoughtful than something made by her own children. For many, many years now the family was gifted things from the random ponies of Equestria, assorted trinkets and letters of thanks for taming one of the great evils in the land. But this was far more special, as Derpy could immediately feel a connection with her daughter through its tiny links and enormous gem.

“He made the chain and found the amber. I got some help polishing and enchanting it.” Derpy seemed near tears as she embraced her little one and kissed her cheeks, defiantly pushing past her young woman’s resistance.

“You’re so thoughtful, Dinky. Is he a handsome stallion? He has to be smart if he’s in the academy too! Not as smart as you, but still probably worth looking into?” The pinkish unicorn rolled her eyes and sighed, chugging another helping of steaming wine to soothe her nerves.

“Mooooom! I don’t wanna go out with anypony! I’m busy enough with school, I don’t need to date every stallion I meet while I’m at it!”

“Oh hush now, Dinky! Stallions just make everything easier! Never hurts to start thinking about finding a nice, handsome, strong husband to take care of you.” Her little girl cringed at such a sentiment, but stuffed that negativity down quickly as she could. It was neither the time nor the place to start pushing back against her pegasus matron, for there was still an entire house of family to catch up with.

“Hey Aunty, look at me!” Ozymandius broke through the onslaught of Derpy’s affection and stole away her focus with his dripping, sodden jacket. He held his arms outstretched and let his mop of hair hang over his shivering face, the snow from his constant running and rolling piling up and chilling the young lad to the bone.

“My hands look like they’re dead. Look at ‘em!” He presented his unique claws for the pair’s inspection, showing off how lifeless they indeed looked. It was one thing to have such unusually dark flesh, but whenever he was chilled Ozzy’s veins popped outwards with a strange bluish color. Without hardly any body fat to cover them, his body bristled like a starving addict whenever the frigid weather broke through his clothing.

“Oh my goodness! Baby you’re completely soaked!” Derpy fussed and instantly went to work on what she considered her own flesh and blood, her wings disrobing him without acknowledging his morbid appearance. Dinky pulled away and watched with great comfort as Ozymandius was assaulted with this attention. The chubby and fuzzy mother stripped him of his sodden coat and his soaked scarf, quickly peeling off his likewise sopping shirt and tossing them all toward the laundry room without much care.

“Yeah! I buried myself in snow to see how long I could stand it! Like an avalanche.” His pegasus caretaker dabbed him down with washcloths and wrapped one tightly about his head, vainly attempting to soak out the water leaching into his lengthy locks.

“Oh Honey! How many times have I told you? Burying yourself is gonna make you sick and you’re gonna be all laid up in bed! Then what’ll you do? You know Momma Derpy can’t stand to see you shivering like this!” Derpy continued to fuss and fret over him until he was somewhat dry, though his flesh was still clammy and chilled to the touch.

“I know. But I lasted five minutes this time!” Ozzy chirped with little self-awareness, his Aunt narrowing her eyes as he refused to warm up.

“That’s it, little man. I have no choice but to just squeeze all that heat back into you.” Derpy chided him before wrapping her wings about the diminutive boy’s back, pulling him into her forelegs for a tarantula-style pounce. Dinky giggled as he squirmed and whined in the restraint, all the invasive Mother’s body heat flooding Ozzy’s lanky shape like a shotgun blast.

“H- hey! Lemme go! Aunty!” If there was one thing Ozzy didn’t enjoy, it was being restrained. Anything that held back total freedom made him antsy and wiggly and uncomfortable. But if there was one thing Derpy could do, it was hug a human into submission. The boy could be strong and powerful and flexible all he wanted, but Momma still held all the cards in this house.

“Mmmmmh! Mmmmh! I’m just gonna squeeze all the cold outta you!” She giggled into him as he tried and tried to break free of her hold, unable to admit that he rather enjoyed the silky soft shroud of his Aunt’s delightful hugs. Dinky broke away from the carnage once they were thoroughly distracted, pouring another mug of hot wine for a particular person in the house. Unlike hers this mug was tall and thick and discolored from years of use. The white porcelain had long since tarnished to a yellowish beige on the outside and straight brown on the insides, decades of sipping and coffee drinking marking it as property of the man in the house.

She brought it to the living room, finding this man reclining by the window in his favorite chair. A cast wrapped tightly about your left shin as it sat on the ottoman, a fan blowing all your pipe smoke gently out the open window so you could better tolerate the noise inherent to a busy household. You and your girl shared a grin at first contact, Dinky rapidly encroaching on your immobile figure.

“I’ll be a son of a goat! The Professor returns to her old man!” Dinky snickered and set the mugs on the stand by your side, hugging you firmly the moment she was in range. You returned it with a burly grasp around her body, reminding her silently of the days when she was small enough to fit in your hand.

“Hey Poppy! I missed you!” She planted a respectful smooch on your cheek as you pat her lithe little back, the weight of a young mare pressing out an elderly-sounding huff from your chest. She was shrouded in the sweet smell of burning tobacco and masculinity, bringing her back to the good days of being so young and worshiping her father.

“How’s the leg doing?” You shrugged and blew a heavy cloud about your face for the synthetic wind of the fan to blow out into the cold. Since you were both too tired and too crippled to sit comfortably out in the cold these days, this was the only way to relieve your building boredom aside from grabbing an unsuspecting mare and kissing her into submission within the chair.

“Ah it’s alright. I’ve had worse.” You lied. Age had finally caught up with you this autumn, as one lousy plummet from the saw mill’s platform was enough to crack your ankle in three places. An accident that young you would’ve doubtlessly shrugged off without a scratch, but old and gray Anon just barely survived. It was certainly an eye-opening moment for you, but one your sizable family cushioned much of the burden within.

“Been itching like crazy. But your Aunt has been helping me with that just fine.” Dinky smiled warmly and presented you with the hearty helping of drink, simultaneously opening her saddle bags to retrieve another gift.

“Aw thank you, Sugar. Momma’s been so busy fussing over the boy that I ain’t had a chance to get me one.” A heavy sip beat away some of the cold building on the side of your body, rejecting the icy winds that blew in when your smoke was blowing out.

“I saw this at the Canterlot Carnival and I knew you had to have it, Daddy.” Your baby girl presented perhaps the fattest cigar you had ever seen in your life from her school bag, one so carefully shrouded in preserving wax paper that it rivaled the finest factory job you had ever seen. Immediately you were staring in surprise as such a beast levitated into your hands and settled its tremendous weight against your palm.

“Goodness gracious! How in the world did you get a hold of something like this?” You huffed in both surprise and scorn. Your girl was far too young to be buying things like this, but the scale of such a treat distracted much of your parental mind from that little fact.

“Oh griffins will sell to anypony with the cash. They didn’t even ask for my school card or anything.” A furrowed brow couldn’t conceal how pleased you were with such a rare treat and Dinky knew that. All you could do was accept another hug and embrace the increasingly rare opportunity to be with your daughter.

“As a father I don’t want you buying any more of this.” You grunted into her ear, tickled by the reverberating giggles in her throat.

“But as a man… maybe I can look the other way every now and again.”

“Happy Hearth's Warming, Daddy.” Much as you missed being called “Poppy,” apparently such a term wasn’t fitting for a young woman like Dinky. There wasn’t much time to dwell on it, as your boy came stumbling in with crimson marks of kissy warmth painted across his face. His expression was nothing short of utter displeasure, as Ozzy hated getting smothered.

“Pfleh! Egh!” He gagged, wiping off his Aunt’s copious kissy marks and finding that most of her glossy makeup only smeared across his wrists and knuckles rather than disappearing.

“Boy, I know you didn’t make poor Dusty stand out in the snow so you could leave the house.” The dark-haired child snarked back and showed his teeth like a dog, still feral as a beast in his young age.

“Hey, I might be crippled, but I can still give you a wallop if you act like a fool!” Dinky giggled and retrieved his gift in the mean-time, her downtrodden half brother sighing in defeat.

“Sorry, Pop…” Such a lashing was made better in a flash when Dinky gifted him something heavy and wet wrapped in similar wax paper to your gift. His nostrils flared at the salty and savory wall smashing into him, for it was his favorite thing in all the world.

“Here ya go, crazy-colt.” Dinky hummed sweetly, watching as her rapid little sibling ripped apart his gift and immediately set upon it with a startling hunger.

“Heck yes! Thanks, Dinky!” Most ponies couldn’t stand the potent aroma of smoked meat, especially of the griffin’s cured variety. Hardened by age and shelf-stable for up to a year in the proper conditions, vendors took great pride in their individual family recipes and their legacy of providing nourishment for armies and explorers. Their shops in Canterlot lingered around train stations and other depots for travelers, providing almost entirely for their own kind moving through foreign lands. But if a little mare came in and wanted to buy some of the leather-like snack, they would happily sell it to her as well.

Disgusting as she found it simply because of her herbivorous nature, it was always worth watching her brother and father devolve into wolves for their protein. Ozzy just barely held back from biting his own fingers off chowing down on the delicious strips of jerky.

“All yours, Ozzy. You don’t even gotta share this year.” Her psychotic little helper threw his arms around her neck and embraced her tightly, cracking her back in a somewhat satisfying manner before a voice badgered him from the floor above.

“Ozymandias! Where in Equestria have you gone off to?!” The unicorn’s heart soared at the deep and matured tone of such a voice. Feminine notes bounced down the stairwell to punish her brother for his insolence, but even the harsh belting couldn’t wipe the pleased look of satisfaction from his feasting face.

“I’m coming, Momma! Just a minute!”

“You will come now, young stallion! Your mother is calling you!” Just as she remembered, Dinky found her Aunt to be a demanding task-master. Given how energetic and wild her son was, Umbra worked quite hard to keep him busy and tamed and educated whenever she could. Just as she did with Dinky, every child in the house was subjected to her teachings and rigorous “exercises” for the purposes of enrichment. Ozzy was far stronger than his pudgy and fuzzy mother, but magical spanking ranked highly amongst the greatest pains in his tiny life.

“But Mooooom!” He complained, greedily holding his gift close to his chest like a starving animal.

“Go on, Boy. And take your sister with ya.” You commanded quietly, grinning at his childish anguish.

“But I don’t wanna take lessons today!” He complained with an increasing pitch, simpering as if he was commanded to his own execution.

“If ya get it done quick, then you’ll still have some daylight to go outside and play. So quit belly-achin’ and listen to your Mother.” He deflated with quite a dramatic huff, comforted only by his sister taking him in her magical grasp and leading him up the stairs.

“Come on, Ozzy. I’ll see if I can’t talk to Aunty and get you off the hook.” The sharp-toothed boy snapped at his meaty treat again in defeat, following close to his unicorn guardian. Immediately upon reaching the second floor they were greeted by the flowing noise of a harpsichord playing in the distance, muffled by the cool walls where the fireplace heat didn’t reach. Dinky had considered the sound of plucking strings, smashed keys and off-key singing to be incredibly irritating for so long, but now that she had gone months without it the familiar twinge filled her with great relief. A child learning music was always a thing of patience, swallowing the countless hours of ear-grating noise before anything somewhat tolerable could be made. But, much to her pleasant surprise, Daisy had made excellent progress. No doubt thanks to her Aunt’s diligent training the notes flowed smoothly, with purpose and with intent. Chords bellowed together with their combinations expertly rung out key by key, a young mind making what almost sounded like proper and beautiful music right off a fancy Canterlot record.

“One and two and three and four and- very good, Daisy. Remember that alegro on the sixth measure. One and two and three and four- count with me, Darling!” The door to Umbra’s study always remained ajar, even in the coldest of the winter months when every last bit of heat needed to be preserved. It remained a constant beacon of welcoming comfort in the children’s lives, a place they could enter at their discretion and find guidance when they needed it. Dinky saw it now as a beacon of familiarity once again, her young and racing mind shrouded in ease when she pushed it open and found her teacher carefully monitoring her slight Sister’s efforts.

“Very good, Darling. Remember your form. Keep your spine straight and your eyes on the paper. Allow the music to flow through you, Dear. Just like that.”

Umbra had been somewhat fuzzy for all of Dinky’s life. But now, she was positively bristling with thick fur. Her thick sweater seemed entirely unnecessary, given how she kept her naturally dark and fluffy fur longer in the winter, but the sinister matron still prefered a tall turtleneck of dark burgundy when it snowed. The children always adored snuggling with her when they were babies, digging their chilly hooves into her long and feline-esq fur to stay comfortably toasty and warm. Derpy liked to hold and cradle when she snuggled, perfect for long naps in the summer. You prefered to hoist and protect whenever the kids needed someone to lean on, a firm platform much better for carrying exhausted little bodies home from the river. But Umbra’s round and bushy body would always be best for deep and assuring comfort. The profile of Umbra’s billowing mane brought Dinky back to the old days, as her Teacher never trimmed it very much. If it wasn’t in a bun it was cascading over her shoulders and hanging down to her knees in some places, rising high in great curls that seemed to dance and twist together in a rhythmic and natural dance. Some of the black had faded by now and even streaks of gray were starting to form among the nimbus cloud of mane, but it still accented her so perfectly that she hadn’t aged a day in Dinky’s mind.

Narrow as her vision was with all the silky soft strands hanging over her face, she still detected the presence of children in her office, turning to face them with a Mentor’s demanding, yet prideful expression. Her little red glasses fell down her nose somewhat, pushed back up carefully so she could behold every last little detail of her returning prodigy.

“My star student finally returns! And just in time to bring back my most challenging student.” Dinky giggled and rapidly embraced her teacher, squeezing firmly as Umbra did the same. There was no holding back such a relief, for living without her was like living without a leg. The two kept in constant contact through letters, but it simply wasn’t the same as having one’s sage on hand whenever times became uncertain and trying. So many lonely nights of studying for her exams and trotting alone through the Canterlot campus had reminded Dinky just what her family had provided, for every gap left by their absence was a great, dark void in her young heart.

“Ooooh come here, my Gem!”

“I missed you, Aunty! It’s so good to see you again!” They hugged for several seconds before slowly breaking apart, Umbra delivering a single, reserved kiss to Dinky’s forehead. She knew better than to overwhelm a teenaged filly with her affection, something Derpy was completely unashamed of doing no matter the circumstances. Ozzy thought himself clever moving toward the door whilst the mares were distracted, but his Mother’s magic rapidly locked the mechanism to prevent his foolish escape.

“How has the Academy treated my precious pupil? Tell me that you’ve been eating properly and avoiding those wretched colts.” Dinky squirmed somewhat as Umbra inspected her face and figure for any defects, eager to see if the newly independent filly was taking proper care of herself. She squinted through her spectacles to inspect every little facet of her delicate little niece, finding that she was as prim and proper as the day she left. However wonderful as a teacher, Dinky remained consistently aware that speaking ill of anything or anyone to Umbra was a dangerous game. Reserved and scholarly as her dear Aunty was, she still was the most sinister being alive today. Thus it wasn’t beyond her to take a train ride to the Academy and utterly dress down a professor that spoke ill of her most prized student or hang a bully upside down from a tree until they begged for mercy.

“Yes Ma’am.” Dinky replied dutifully as Umbra pat and smooched her cheeks again, pleased to find everything in order. Just as she always had, Dinky only brought back prideful news for the Queen.

“Hi Dinky…” Daisy chirped with her long locks of mane tied tightly back, keeping her bright green eyes open for the keys before her.

“Hey, Daisy. Aunty Umbra taking it easy on you?” Her boney and shivering little sister shimmied herself further into a blanket wrapped about her hips, concealing her tiny frame from the cold. Despite pegasuses generally tolerating the cold better, Daisy had no tolerance for anything colder than a stiff breeze. On the bright side it did make her more susceptible to hugs.

“Oh no, no. I- I’m practicing everyday now. I practice right until bed.” She said quietly, making Umbra roll her eyes in exasperation.

“And what have we discussed time and time again, sweet little filly?” Daisy murmured to herself, pressing her hooves together pensively.

“Little fillies still need to take breaks?” She answered with her eyes on the keys, already dreaming up the rest of the song they were rehearsing.

“That’s correct. The love of music grows stronger when one has time away from it.” The black matron carefully closed the cover of Daisy’s instrument, mindful not to let it slap shut and scare the poor thing out of her feathers again.

“So… your lessons for this Hearth’s Warming is to enjoy yourselves. Relax and play as children should.” Ozzy returned to his wild grin, visibly bouncing on his feet in glee.

”However.” Umbra snapped toward him, narrowing her gaze to needle-like points.

“Be prepared to resume Octavia Melody’s second movement next week. One more tardy mark young stallion and you will be practicing until bedtime until I find your performance satisfactory.” Umbra’s voice had the remarkable quality of going from absolutely delightful to frightfully cold in an instant, something entirely necessary when raising a creature as resistant and defiant as Ozymandias. He groaned quietly, but submitted to the overwhelming will of his Mother.

“Yes Momma…” He answered, his little half-sister reaching out for him with both arms.

“Can I have a ride, Ozzy? Please, please?” The older mares beheld one of the most precious things they knew, Dinky mindfully sticking close to Umbra with no intention of leaving her. The human reluctantly cradled the delicate little filly in his powerful arms, blanket and all wrapped up like a bundle. Daisy adored nothing quite like being carried by a human, whether it was her enormous father or her powerful brother. She immediately looked content and relaxed when she was hoisted up so easily, totally uncaring where they went so long as she could just go limp and worry about nothing. Despite how much he visibly seemed to detest such a girly thing, Ozymandias never said no. Just like his father, the boy’s body was a pony chariot whenever it was requested.

“Make sure not to wipe those marks off, Child. I want all the mares in town to know you’re still ours.” Umbra chirped as her dark-haired boy made his leave, snickering when he desperately tried to scrub off the lip-shaped claims of authority again.

Now alone with her mentor again, Dinky turned toward her and felt the need to start yet another hug. Umbra likewise was enraptured by the presence of her grown student, disturbed by her readiness to cry just at the sight of her handsome and maturing girl.

“It’s so wonderful to have you back, my Gem. Never would I have imagined what a lonely place this can be without you.” Dinky grinned and mindfully brushed a lock of hair from Umbra’s face.

“I can say the same, Aunty. It’s been hard without you.”

“Surely a mare of your caliber finds the entire exercise boring? Your marks have been so exceptional this year. We’re beside ourselves watching our little Dinky grow.” Umbra simpered and her voice wavered, simply holding her glowing Gem of a unicorn, idly wiping her snout with a hoof. Dinky grinned warmly and nuzzled her affectionate Aunty. No matter how embarrassing it was to be fawned over by her family, there was still an element of utter bliss in it all. Umbra could not contain herself when she threw her arms about Dinky’s shoulders, holding her close like she was the most treasured creature in all Equestria.

“Aunty… are you crying?” Dinky taunted with a knowing smirk, embracing her nightshade scented-teacher and listening to her quivering chest croak with pride.

“N- no… I am just…” She slid off the young thing and wiped her eyes, her magic encircling the handsome mare her little student had become.

“Nothing in all this long life of mine has made me feel such pride as you do.” Dinky and her shared a long moment of silence, feeding off one another’s joy in the situation. The cold outside bit hard at the wood of the house and earth below, smothering it with the hostility of nature and reality that constantly crept in through every tiny crack and imperfection in the house.

But between them, there was not a bit of cold that could survive their affection.

“Don’t allow me to hold you up, Sweet Dinky. I’m sure your journey home has been a headache after those tiresome exams. Won’t you share some wine with your old Aunty and tell her what you’ve been up to?” The door opened again with Umbra’s magic pressing the lock, filling the room with another frigid draft that crept through the halls.

“All I’ve had to drink up there is tea and mineral water. I’d love some wine.” Umbra walked close to Dinky and squeezed through the doorway with her gem, embracing all that was right and genuine in life. The entire house came together as the sun came down on Equestria on that snowy night, the settling snow outside perfectly smoothed and complete and picturesque in its alabaster brilliance.

The perfect ending to a long year.

Author's Note

It's done. Merry Christmas. Shoutouts to ShadowWolf.