A Hearth's Warming Patrol
Author's Note
A Hearth's Warming story in July, because why not!
A Hearth's Warming Patrol
Private Sword Glitter was walking along Hayseed Street, with her spear slung across her back. It was only early December, but Canterlot already had its first snowfall, as it was clearly visible on the streets and rooftops. Just as it was written in the weather schedule.
As Private Glitter was walking along, she appreciated the cold, fresh air, and the weak, but still bright winter Sun. She took a deep breath, and let it out audibly.
'Ahhh yes, it's gonna be a great day!'
She didn't know why she felt that, yet she couldn't imagine anything could ruin this feeling. The private was just simply of the mind that every day is a bliss in the Royal Guard. And she couldn't, wouldn't ditch it for anything else.
But while the snow was still a heavenly white on the rooftops, on the streets it has already turned into a greyish muck. No wonder, as Canterlot is a busy place, with many ponies hurrying left and right, trying to mind their own business.
Especially with Hearth's Warming around the corner. Commoners and snooty aristocrats, earth ponies and unicorns, guards and rascals alike roamed the streets with a little bit of everything else thrown in. And Sword Glitter, a brave guardsmare of this great city, had the noble duty of keeping everything and everyone safe, always staying vigilant, not losing sight of anything. Of course, she wasn't alone, there were thousands of her fellow Royal Guards keeping watch too, ensuring the city stayed safe even during the bit chaotic holiday rush.
In other words, Sword was enjoying this winter patrol. She had the orders to relieve a fellow guard on Silver Tack Avenue, and therefor, she was heading in that direction. But she was going to have a break first, because yes, even the noble guards of Canterlot city get their due rest during shifts.
As Sword usually opted out from returning to the Palace's barracks for breaktime, she could spend it basically anywhere as long as she could resume her designated patrol route in time. This time was no different, and although going for a hot tea sounded really enticing right then, her standard issue canteen still had plenty, and as these are insulated, it must have remained warm. She checked it out, just in case, and after a chug, Sword constated to herself that it was indeed not cold yet.
With the tea situation taken care of, something different came to Sword's mind. She smiled at the thought, and suddenly took a turn to the left, taking the road that lead to the Northwestern Platforms. Somepony was in for a surprise...
❄❄❄
"I gotta fine you for that, sir." said Private Glitter in her confident, Official Guardsmare Voice™.
The large, burly stallion stopped backing up his carriage, and looked back slowly. He had a somewhat scared expression, although Sword was not sure if she indeed fooled him, or he was just playing along.
"Hey kiddo!" he said, as Sword finally got in his field of view "Visiting your old stallion at his workplace, huh? That's quite nice of you, I have to say!"
"Hello Dad!" Sword answered, in her normal voice "Good thing I caught you. You're aware this place is off limits to carriages, aren't you?"
Sword's Dad undid his harness, and turned to fully face her daughter.
"Oh come on, Sword! Where should I park this old thing, then? The company just bought five new taxis, and there just isn't anymore space in our courtyard."
Meanwhile, he hugged Sword warmly, but she was unusually reserved about it.
"And what was THAT?!" he asked, with some faked anger in his voice "Gimme a proper Sword-hug, dangit!"
"Sorry dad, armor's cold! Wouldn't want you to freeze right up."
Sword stepped back a little as she said that, and also let out a giggle at her father's poise. He answered, bumping his own chest with a hoof.
"Nonsense! You're talking to the toughest taxi stallion in all of Canterlot! Some cold armor does nothin' to me!"
With that, he pulled in the guardsmare for another hug, now the two bodies touching properly. And although he didn't say a word, Sword felt a shiver going through his dad's body. No doubt, the years sitting in an office didn't favor him. As he moved up in his taxi company, he did more and more administrative work, and less pulling a carriage. But Sword had to give it to her old stallion, he took this like a champ. She even patted his back with her horseshoes on, and he didn't say a word.
"So, are we set?" Sword's father asked after they released each other.
"Not really." Sword chuckled "You still have to do something with that carriage."
"Please, officer! It'll be just ten minutes or so. The guys will start to roll out for the rush hour, then I can bring this one into our courtyard."
"No deal, citizen! This place is clearly off limits. There's even a sign telling it."
Dad snorted. He probably didn't expect intervention from law enforcement, let alone her daughter's. But not being a stallion who gives up easily, he leaned in closer to Sword, with a wry smirk on his face.
"Say... You're a Royal Guard now... Couldn't you maybe use your influence as such, and get that signpost relocated just a few houses further down?"
Sword raised an eyebrow, and smiled at her father's silly attempt at encouraging nepotism.
"No game, Dad. I'm a Royal Guard, not a member of the city council. I have no influence over such matters. But even if I had, I wouldn't do you such favors. Rules are rules. And besides, be glad it was me who called you out on this. Any other guard would have just fined you outright."
Sword's father hanged his head with yet another snort, feigning disappointment, but then cheered right up. He knew her daughter, being a Guard, can't just let it go like that.
"Fine, fine. I understand. I'll pull over somewhere else. Besides, do you know if you'll be home for Hearth's Warming yet? Mom's gonna go all out on this one, she'd be really sad if you couldn't make it."
"I don't know yet." answered Sword, shaking her head "And I told Mom to don't arrange things as if I could surely make it, all I said was a maybe. But duty first. She has to understand that."
"I know, I know. But you know mom..." replied the big stallion, rolling his eyes.
"I do. But I'mma go now. Tell her when you get home that I love the scarf. Just don't tell her I don't actually wear it!"
"I will. And I won't! Goodbye then, little guardsmare. Have a good patrol!"
Her dad winked at Sword, as it was his habit ever since she was an itty-bitty little filly. Sword regarded that as funny and quirky back in the days, but her father kept doing it, as a little in-joke between them. Sword smiled at him, and waved his goodbye.
"Thanks Dad! See ya!"
The young guardsmare began to move out, in the direction she came from. But she barely walked a dozen yards on the mucky street, she peeked back. Her rascal of a father began to move inside, with the carriage still being in the same spot he left it in. Sword cleared her throat audibly, and pointed at the initial topic of their conversation. She called him out in her sweetest voice:
"Daaad! The carriage!"
❄❄❄
THREE WEEKS LATER...
Sword swung open the door, and quickly got inside. Compared to the cold winds outside, the warmth and comfiness of her home was pure bliss. It was afternoon, and she was off duty for the rest of the day, and for the next day too, but it was back to business after that. Back to business for Hearth's Warming...
Sword dropped her heavy saddlebags, and announced her presence:
"Mom, Dad, I'm home!"
"Hey Sword!" Dad shouted back from somewhere within the house.
Aside from her father being at home, Sword could tell Mom felt the need to see her in pony as soon as she entered the house, indicated by her muffled clip-clops on the carpet getting closer. It was a welcome change after the clanking of her armored horseshoes on the streets for days before.
"Swordie! I'm so glad! Come 'ere!"
Sword's mother reached in for a hug, and the guardsmare gladly received.
"Hi Mom! How are things?"
"Oh, things are coming along wonderfully!" said the orange mare, letting go of the hug "Imagine, your Aunt Calamity will be here for Hearth's Warming Eve! Isn't that great?"
Sword looked at the ground for a moment. She knew Mom wasn't gonna like it, but dang! Duty is duty, and she should have finally understood that. She also knew Auntie Calamity's husband died somewhat recently, and that she was her favorite niece. And that she would feel great if she could spend the Eve with Sword, too.
"Sorry Mom, but I can't make it. I was assigned for nighttime patrol for Hearth's Warming Eve. Auntie Cal just have to make do without me."
"B-but you said you're going to be off duty for Hearth's..."
"No" Sword interrupted "I said maybe I'll be off duty. And "maybies" include "totally sure I'll be on duty during Hearth's Warming" too."
Mom's ears drooped, and her excitement turned into sadness. That was the one thing she didn't want to hear.
"Aw Sword... I feel so bad for you. And times like this when I really don't understand why you've chosen this kind of...profession. Such a rough and tumble way of life. Especially now. Roaming the city streets in this cold... Alone... You could do something that befits you. You could have continued your sports career! Or became a coach. Or anything..."
Sword furrowed her brows. Her mother was at it again with the "comfier job" blah-blah...
This was the moment Sword's father appeared too. The big stallion, his size belying his quiet approach, stopped in the doorway to the hall, and didn't say a word. He looked on with a mostly neutral expression, mixed in with only a little hint of amusement. Sword knew what his father was thinking, but she deliberately didn't acknowledge his presence. She wanted Mom to play through round one with her.
"Mom, we've been through this so many times. I wanted to become a Guard to become a part of something bigger. To do what many ponies can't do for themselves. But I can. I can be there for anyone when there is danger. I couldn't be content just sitting idly, or cowering in fear if trouble strikes. I wanna be the mare who makes a difference."
"But in this city?" the concerned mother waved a hoof around "Sword, Canterlot is safe. There is barely anything dangerous out there. You don't have to fear when something bad happens, there wouldn't be anypony to help, cause there is already enough."
Sword rolled her eyes. Her mom tended to have selective memory in cases like this.
"Um, Changeling invasion of Canterlot? You remember? We hid under the dining table. Together. And I don't want to hide ever again."
"That was a one-off, happens once-in-a-lifetime thing." Mom flicked her hoof dismissively "You don't have to fear of it happening again. Seriously though, I still can't come to terms with this. You? Not being at home for Hearth's Warming? Why? Why you? What is there to guard anyway? Everypony will be at home, celebrating with their families."
Sword put a hoof on her face. She loved Mom, but she could be such a hardass. Especially when her daughter's perceived well-being was at stake. And although she knew Sword well, she just couldn't get the whole Royal Guard thing.
At the same time, Sword's Dad walked up to Mom, still being very stealthy, waiting for the best opportunity to intervene. But not yet.
"That's exactly the reason" Sword answered "Guards with their own families usually get the holiday off, so they can celebrate it together. And the young'uns, like me, have to fill in for them. Simple."
"But you..."
But Mom couldn't finish her sentence, as Dad put a hoof on her withers, and started to speak himself.
"Dear, Sword is an adult mare now. She made the decision to become a Royal Guard. We have to respect that decision, don't we?"
"I just want the best for her, Honey" she said, touching Dad's hoof "Really. Nothing else."
"You can't protect her until the end of times. Heck, I think it is SHE who does the protecting now!"
"Just listen to dad!" Sword said quickly, trying to cut the argument short "Everything will be okay. This Hearth's Warming Eve will be spent without me. But I still won't be alone, so don't worry about me. There will be my fellow Guards, AND you'll be there, too. In my heart!"
Sword's mother couldn't help it, but tear up a bit. This kind of talk always worked for her, and Sword could barely stand to don't let out a small chuckle. But she had to stay on her guard, as Mom slid out from under Dad's hoof, and moved in for the hug! Such a serious tactical situation needed a counter, so the guard let the hug connect, and answered with a snuggle.
As the two mares were embracing each other, Sword winked at her father. He winked back, fully realizing it was now Sword who disarmed his wife, he merely made the first step. And it's not even that anything Sword said was untrue. She just worded it in the most effective manner.
"Sword, you know I really love you, right?" the older mare said as she let go of the hug.
"I love you too, Mom! And nothing will change that. As nothing will change who I AM. I am still the Sword Glitter you know and love. I just happen to be a Royal Guard too, now."
Sword accompanied that with the best reassuring smile she could muster. And her mother couldn't help it, but return the expression, even if still a bit pained from the unchangeable facts. The young mare, having won the battle, slipped past her, heading to her room. But she stopped in the doorway, and looked back at Mom. She was still dazed a bit by her own emotions.
"And don't you EVER question a Royal Guard, citizen!" Sword yelled back, using her assertive Guard™ voice.
Her poor mom almost jumped out of her own skin, but regained her composure in a few moments, and looked back angrily.
"S-sword! I told you to don't do that again!!"
Dad chuckled. He also got a bit of the angry look in return. Sword laughed, muffling its volume with a hoof.
"Sorry" she said "But I just couldn't miss out on this one! Had to break the sappy atmosphere somehow... You know, a rough and tumble mare like me just can't stand it!"
Mom turned to Sword properly, answering with a leg pointing forward.
"You cease that sort of talk, young lady! I claimed nothing like that about you!.... You hear?"
Sword could answer, but she knew Mom's wasn't genuinely angry. So she just let out a final giggle, and moved on to her room.
❄❄❄
ON HEARTH'S WARMING EVE...
It was Hearth's Warming Eve in Canterlot. Finally for most ponies, as it's a time for some rest, and celebrating together with family. Not for a Royal Guard like Private Glitter though, as she was assigned for nighttime duty in the city.
Just a few hours earlier that day, Garden Boulevard was a little winter wonderland. Cheery ponies running around, perhaps getting that last minute present, or just visiting the stalls selling baked goods or spiced wine. Later, only the lights and decorations on the houses, and the standing Hearth's Warming trees indicated some former pony presence. Otherwise, the streets were dead, the stalls were closed, and everypony was at home with their loved ones. Even if only in heart...
Sword Glitter was making her way along Garden Blvd., named for the Castle Gardens it runs parallel to. The Gardens are part of the outer castle, and usually closed to the public, but they are opened at times, like around Hearth's Warming. There wasn't much interest though at that moment, but it was no wonder. Princess Celestia's traditional midnight speech was still hours away, and until that, Sword didn't predict much activity on the streets. Only the snow was falling, and an owl was hooting somewhere in the distance.
Sword was doing her third round that night, and got back on Garden Blvd. once again. She was basically alone, only the crunchy sound of her hoofsteps in the fresh snow keeping her company. Her platoon was spread evenly along the patrol route, so each and every guard could cover a portion of it. She might've been entirely alone as well, she thought, as nothing happened at all during the patrol up until that point.
'At least we could have been paired up. It'd be less boring.'
But Sword knew being Hearth's Warming, there aren't that many Guards available. Hence, such luxury as pairing up guardsponies was not permissible. But ultimately, it didn't matter to her. She was convinced a great guardsmare such as her can operate alone!
Sword looked up at the towers of Canterlot Castle before walking into Sol Street again. One day, she would guard Princess Celestia herself, inside the castle, she was sure of that! But of course, she'd have to do many-many more rounds in the city before that would become even a faint possibility.
As Sword was walking along Sol Street, and looking around for any unlawful activities or potential crime, she noticed something curious. There was something under one of the arches of the building she were passing... Or someone? It was in the shadows, so the Private stopped to check it out better, then made a few steps towards it. Sword could clearly see then: it was some sort of strange, bipedal creature.
Sword got intrigued, but also had some sense of dread. So she reached out for his regulation spear, but eventually kept it on her back, letting go of her levitation spell. She knew this never-before-seen creature could mean danger, but also, walking up to it with a weapon drawn would be seen as provocative. So Sword just walked even a bit closer, and gave it a good look.
The creature appeared to be male, thin and tall, much taller than the average pony. Actually, he could easily see Celestia in the eyes, or even look down on her a bit. Sword surmised that by the looks of it, he is some troll or ogre, but of the really scrawny kind. Such a fragile build isn't very common in these creatures though, so she also thought it could be a really huge goblin. Either way, all these are known to be often aggressive towards ponies, so she was ready to defend herself, would this one make a move.
Although this one just stood there, somewhat slouched, leaning against a stone pillar using one hand. His green face was covered up by this hand, and he was visibly shivering. No wonder, if his bald scalp was any indication, he didn't have any fur covering his body, which explained why he wore clothes.
Now that Sword has observed the creature for a bit, she decided to speak to him. Strangely enough, he didn't notice her, despite the clamoring of her armor being pretty audible.
"Um, excuse me sir..."
"Huh... What???"
The creature got startled a bit, and it seemed he understands speech, and can speak himself. He was rapidly looking around, then settled at Sword. And then, she could see it... This creature didn't have any eyes! He didn't even have eye sockets, green skin was simply covering up the place of his eyes. Sword recoiled a bit at the strange sight, but quickly regained her composure. She was sure every ogroid creature has eyes. Or do they...? That, or this one didn't belong to that family of beasts.
Either way, the creature's presence in the middle of Canterlot was strange at least. Why didn't Sword see him earlier? Or any of the other guards? Returning from her little initial shock, Sword steeled herself, and decided to simply follow protocols. That is, finding out who (and what) he is, and what could he want.
"Good evening, Sir. Could you please identify yourself, and tell me what you're doing out here at this late hour?"
The creature turned in the general direction of the voice, holding himself with both arms. Clearly, he felt cold, and to Sword, he looked pretty miserable.
"G-good evening" the creature began, shivering "M-my name is Anonymous. And I'm just s-simply lost..."
Hearing the answer, Sword got mostly relieved. He could form coherent sentences, and at first glance, seemed to be civilized enough. That was a better start than she expected.
"Good evening then again, Mr Anonymous. I am Private Sword Glitter of the royal guard force of Canterlot. My responsibility is to keep this city safe, and all its citizens. So let me ask: what do you mean by lost?"
Anonymous made a frown, which underlined Sword's thought about him being miserable. He answered slowly, but a bit less overtaken by the cold.
"I was on a walk with my caretakers late afternoon, taking in the holiday sights. Not much of a sight for me, of course... After heading home though, I somehow got separated from the group, and I was left behind"
Sword got intrigued by the answer, and she instinctively put an armored hoof to her mouth, but then she quickly took it away from there. She forgot just how cold these could get in winter! And also got an idea just how cold this "Anonymous" could feel...
"What caretakers? And do you imply you're actually blind? I mean, you probably are without eyes, but..."
Anonymous waved with one hand dismissively.
"Ah, long story. But let me explain myself in short, noble Guardsmare. I came to this world a few months ago. It was a freak accident, I'm not even sure how it happened... My former home is called Earth, a completely different planet, and I'm a human by the way. Upon ending up here, my eyes were gone, and my skin turned green, as I was told. And it wasn't that color formally, it was..."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, wait" Sword interrupted, feeling the amount of WEIRD information starting to get overwhelming "So you're not even from our world? How that can be??"
Anonymous looked up at the sky, and answered.
"Well... I think it happened after I wished upon a falling star. I wished that I was in someplace better. Much better... Earth isn't a very nice place, you know? After that, I somehow ended up here. I dunno if my wish came true, because most ponies weren't too kind to me so far."
Sword gave this some thought. So, a falling star? Then it must have been a Class-II magical singularity, as first explained by Starswirl the Bearded. And Anon's world must be brimming with magic if it just happened spontaneously. But this was only a flimsy theory in her mind, as although Sword was pretty good at Basic Magic in high school, this topic was only skimmed. She was actually a bit surprised she remembered this particular thing, as she was more preoccupied with fencing than learning about magic back then.
But wait, ponies not being kind to a harmless stranger? That's preposterous!
"Who are your "caretakers", Mr Anonymous?" Sword asked, while looking around a bit nervously. She should've really went back patrolling, but this creature, this "human" clearly needed help. And it was Sword's duty to help citizens, pony or otherwise.
Anonymous, still under the stone arch, covered from the increasing snowfall, answered.
"When I arrived, I was really scared. Not having eyes, well... I was just lingering in my place of arrival, until a very kind pony found me. She asked about me, and after I explained my situation, she took me in. It was nice for a few days, but she said I cannot stay, as duty calls her. She was military too... But she set me up with an orphanage where I could stay, and I've been living there since then. But the caretakers there are cruel. They don't take kindly to me not being a pony. But honestly, they aren't kind to the kids there, either. Oh, and besides, just call me Anon."
That made Sword wonder... A cruel orphanage? Such a place shouldn't exist in Canterlot, at least not anymore. Sword felt she had to get to the end of this.
"Tell me Anon, which orphanage is this? Maybe I know where it is, so I can help somehow."
"It's called Honorhall Orphanage. If we're still near Canterlot Castle, then it's quite a walk from here."
"Oh, that one? I know where it is. Although it should have been closed down years ago, after a formal complaint was filed against it. You're not the first who suffers mistreatment from them. Although you're definitely the first human..."
Anon didn't answer. He hanged his head, and hugged himself even closer.
"Are these all your clothes?" Sword asked.
"Yes. These were the ones on me when I got transported here. And obviously I couldn't get more human clothes."
"I see. Then let me escort you back to that orphanage. You might not like it there, but you will get a nasty cold out here."
But yet again, Anon didn't give an answer. He might not had any eyes, but his wrinkled nose and a frown still told Sword heaps about her emotional state.
"Anon?" she nudged him gently "I can imagine going back there is less than ideal, but you really can't stay here..."
"Honestly? I really don't want to go back to that orphanage" he finally answered "I'd rather get frozen, and die out here. There's not much point to living blind, in an alien world, when everyone hates your guts. Even the foals there always tease me."
'Poor Anon...' Sword thought. 'It's really unbecoming of Equestria, that a peaceful creature would freeze out in the cold on Hearth's Warming Eve...'
And that gave Sword an idea.
"You know what? You actually shouldn't. And although I can't escort you to my place right now, I can bring you with me on patrol. That's probably not what you had in mind for the holiday, but at least you won't get frozen if you move around."
Anon tried to look in Sword's eyes, in the general direction at least, and let out a sigh.
"Thank you for the offer, noble Guardsmare, but I don't want to be a burden. And it's probably illegal for you to bring along random hobo aliens on a patrol."
"Nonsense!" Sword said, already grabbing Anon's hand with her magic "A Royal Guard should help a citizen in clear and immediate danger. And I'd say getting hypothermia is pretty dangerous. Now come on!"
"B-but I don't even think I'm a citizen here!" Anon said as Sword began pulling him along.
"Doesn't matter! You can become one! Now let's move!"
❄❄❄
Sword began to fast-walk her patrol route with Anon in tow. Poor thing must've been pretty confused, that the pony just dragged him along on a whim. But Sword thought she made the right decision, and either just leaving him there, or bringing him back to his orphanage would've been equally wrong. Now she could make this into a Hearth's Warming Eve he would never forget. Especially because this'd be his first...
Moving along, she decided to describe what she saw to Anon. If he couldn't see it, at least he should've heard what was around him.
"We're walking along Sol Street right now. It's lined with two storey buildings on both sides of stone construction, typical of Canterlot. Many of them are adorned with shiny light decorations! They're real pretty! Also, the roofs are snowed in, as it's tradition on Hearth's Warming."
"Wait officer, do you mean you can control how snowy it is?"
Sword slowed down with Anon.
"Well, duh. Sure. We unicorns make the weather here in Canterlot. In the other parts of Equestria, it's mostly the pegasi, but wherever it is, we ponies are in full control of the elements. But... Were you never told this?"
"No. I wasn't talked to much." answered Anon, then he put a hand on his chin "But now that I think about it... Hearth's Warming reminds me so much of Christmas."
"Christmas? Is that a holiday in your world? Oh and please, just call me Sword from now on. Officer is really flattering, but I'm not actually one. Not yet anyway."
"Heh... Okay, Sword" Anon answered, with his right hand still in Sword's telekinetic grip "Yeah, Christmas is a human holiday. It's supposed to be about kindness, love and togetherness, but it's been twisted into pure consumerism since forever. When I was a kid, it was cool, because I loved the presents, and I never thought about the serious stuff. But as an adult, I never really...felt it. And it was extra bad, because I was pretty lonely all year anyway."
"That indeed sounds a lot like Hearth's Warming. Except for the pure consumerism part... But didn't you have friends back there, Anon? Or family to spend the holidays with?"
"No. I had a...pretty lonely existence back there. I think that's why I wished to be in a better place. But I guess you better be careful what you wish for... And I had a family, I just didn't feel like going home for the holidays after I moved out. Wouldn't have felt the same. So I spent the last few Christmases alone."
Sword once again pondered upon Anon's words for a bit. He wished for a new life, in a better place. And although he felt disappointed, that didn't have to stay that way.
"Anon? I'll make sure this will be the first day of your new, better life here! And I will make you FEEL the holiday, however you may call it!"
"Sword, you're kind, but I don't think my problems can be solved so easily" Anon shook his head "There's a whole lotta issues with me..."
"Nonsense!" Sword scoffed "We'll iron them out! I'm a Royal Guard, Anon, I'll walk on water if I have to! Now let's go, there are still many holiday sights you need to see!"
And once again, the Guardsmare sped up, dragging Anonymous along. (And Anon didn't even know there is actually a spell for waterwalking!). But she couldn't make much progress, because she felt Anon pulling out his hand from her magic aura. Sword looked back.
"What's the deal, Anon? What's wrong?"
"It just feels kinda weird getting pulled around like that. I'm blind so... I should FEEL the presence of something" answered Anon, gesturing with his hands.
"Right..."
Sword began to think. Telekinesis can indeed feel a bit weird, especially to someone who didn't experience much or any of it before. And especially if that someone is blind. And both were surely true for Anon.
"You know what? Grab a hold of my mane. Gently!" stressed Sword "This sort of helmet makes it into a crest, so it should be at a comfortable waist height for you."
Anon at first grabbed into thin air, but then Sword stood much closer, actually bumping into Anon's leg a little. With physical contact, he guided his hand into Sword's silky-soft, turquoise mane.
"Ahhhmm!"
"What's wrong now?"
"N-nothing. It's actually the opposite. It feels so...good! I didn't realize your manes were so soft and silky."
And with that, Anon hit the bullseye on Sword Glitter's already sizeable ego. But he was pretty much right, and he just found one of her weaknesses. Sword always cared VERY MUCH for her mane and tail, and she always took great pride in them. She never trimmed them, unlike the Guard Code recommends, but as it's basically optional, she always just used a comb and a few hairpins to make them tidy and practical. In other words, Anon's compliment went straight to her head.
"Thank you! And I might add, not every mane is like mine. But I take great care of it! And it also smells great! Maybe, um...want to give it a smell?"
"Sure, if you insist!" Anon answered, and bent down to do the deed.
He deeply sniffed into Sword's mane, and surely lived up the moment, as it took him a good ten seconds before he straightened back up. And for the first time since they met, Sword could see a smile on Anon's face.
"Your mane smells great! Hmmm, lilac and gooseberries perhaps?"
"Yes, exactly! That's the conditioner I use!" answered Sword proudly, satisfied with her own taste in mane care products.
"I wasn't a hundred percent sure of the scent, but I guess with your eyesight gone, your other senses become stronger. And how to say this? It felt great just... Being this close to someone. To someone who cares...even a little bit"
"You never experienced that before?"
"Not really. Not on this level" said Anon, running his fingers through her mane.
"Poor Anon... You know, caring about each other is pretty much a pony tradition. And Hearth's Warming is a culmination of all that. I know your experience regarding that was different so far, but I'm telling you, you're on the right track. And this holiday will be the turning point!"
"Sword, I don't know if you could indeed solve my problems, but I'm already very thankful, even for your mere presence. Even if this'll be the only happy day I'll experience in this land."
Anon stopped caressing Sword's mane, and put his hands together. He smiled, although it wasn't a smile of genuine happiness. More like a smile of acceptance. But Sword just couldn't stand that, he shouldn't give up so easily!
"Anon, you're gonna make it, trust me! We'll even look for a place for you to stay, and maybe some job, too. I actually heard one of the royal flower pickers had an olfactory overload recently. He's an earth pony, responsible for picking only the most fragrant flowers from the Castle Gardens to place around inside the castle. But now with his acute sense of smell gone, he was rotated into tree grooming. Maybe you could fill in for him? For this job, you don't really need any eyes. And you could stay at the Castle itself while at it."
"Oh, that... That could work out? Huh, I guess helping the one in need is also a pony tradition!"
"Yes, of course!"
And as Sword looked at Anon, she could see him having a warm smile again. But it quickly started to dissipate, and he was rubbing his hands together. He seemed to shiver even more than previously. Sword was concerned. This human might REALLY just freeze to death here. But she had an idea.
"Anon, you will really get hypothermia if we stay here. Grab my mane, and let's keep moving."
"O-oh-okay..."
Anon complied, and they begun moving together. But as Sword wanted to speed up a bit, she felt Anon tugging on her mane.
"Owww! I said GENTLY!"
"I-I'm so sorry. But I simply cannot move any faster. My legs are numb. Maybe just...just leave me."
"Nonsense!" she snapped at Anon angrily "As if I would leave a citizen-to-be in trouble!"
Sword contemplated her options, and considered two obvious solutions to warm up Anon, without resorting to running. Or busting into the castle, risking the wrath of her superiors... The first was making Anon drink something hot. Like nice hot tea. Good thing Sword had some on herself, although she hated sharing her canteen, mainly for sanitary reasons. Oh well, this could be considered an emergency, she shouldn't be so petty. So she took off the canteen from its harness, and gently levitated it into Anon's hands.
"What's this?" he asked.
"Hot tea. Drink up Anon, it will warm you up from the inside!"
Anon screw off the cap, and took a good chug. But right after, disappointment sat upon his face. Sword asked what was wrong.
"Not to sound like an ass in response to your kindness, but... This is just merely warm."
"Oh shoot!" exclaimed Sword, as she took back the canteen. Maybe her tea already wasn't hot when she filled it up at the start of her shift? She couldn't rightly remember. Or... These canteens actually had thinner insulating lining than what the manual suggested. She heard the rumors from veteran guards...
Now Sword had exactly one option left. But she didn't like it, as it required her to go greatly against protocol. But maybe Anon's life was at risk, and that would permit her going against many rules. But even still, she didn't want to explain herself to any of her fellow Guards. Or anypony, for that matter.
"Okay, mane grab. On me."
Sword lead Anon under the stone arches of an adjacent house. Sol Street was full of these kinds of buildings. At first Sword looked around from behind a pillar if any of her buddies caught up to her, but being in the clear, she stepped back to Anon. Then she reached out with her magic, and unfastened the belts holding her armor in place. She slid out of it, and it dropped to the ground with a distinctive metallic sound. Anon looked in the direction, with his mouth slightly agape, not getting what's happening. Yet... Then Sword also took off her helmet, and dropped it, as well as her horseshoes from her front legs. With the armor piece that held her mane a prisoner gone, it roughly snapped back to its usual shape. Now, she was ready.
"Anon, could you squat down?"
"Ye-yeah" he said, with his teeth chattering, but complying anyway "Why tho?"
"Because you know what else is also a pony tradition?! Hugs!"
With that, Sword wrapped her hooves around Anon's neck, and gave him a mighty hug, holding him REAL close. Anon returned in kind, and embraced Sword.
"Ahhh... So warm!" Anon muttered, after a good minute of being entangled.
"Do you feel better now?"
"I do." he said, nuzzling Sword's mane by then. Sword giggled in response. She never experienced that before, except from her mother, and even then, she was still a filly. But strangely enough, it didn't make Sword uncomfortable. She was simply happy the human felt good, finally.
"I'm sorry I couldn't give you a gift, Anon. You told me you liked them, but..."
"Sword? You already gave me the greatest gift imaginable. And for that, I am very grateful."
"Really? Hehe, then... Merry Hearth's Warming, Anon!"
"Merry Hearth's Warming, Sword!"
And despite the winter chill, Anon felt warm that night. Not so much from the warmth of the guardspony's coat, but from the warmth emanating from her heart. And that warmth was what he needed to find all along.
THE END
