The Gift That Keeps Giving
A pair of friends were trotting through a neighborhood in Ponyville blanketed with snow. The two creatures were wrapped up in scarves and beanies to keep themselves warm against the chilly air.
“Thanks again for letting me visit your family for Hearth’s Warming Eve, Sandbar,” the changeling spoke.
“Of course, Ocellus, I’m happy to do so. I know my mom and dad are always happy to have company during the holidays,” Sandbar replied.
Ocellus gave a nervous smile, “Really? I just hope I’m not intruding.”
The earth pony gave a small laugh, “Not at all, my parents love having guests, and Hearth’s Warming Eve is more than a perfect time to visit. And not to mention that it’s Coral’s favorite time of the year.”
“Coral is your little sister, right?” Ocellus asked.
Sandbar nodded as he made a turn down a snowy street, “Yup! She’s a ball of excitement this time of year. The only thing she loves more than playing in the newly fallen snow is taking part in our Hearth’s Warming Eve traditions.”
“Ah right. I believe that I remember meeting her briefly,” Ocellus recalled, following Sandbar. She made a mental note to herself. “I do remember you sharing some of your family’s traditions for Hearth’s Warming Eve back at school.”
“Yeah, it’s one of our favorite times of the year, and I’m happy to have you experience it with all of us,” Sandbar happily said, his hooves crunching the snow on the ground. “And honestly, I feel you should experience a Hearth’s Warming Eve in Ponyville.”
Ocellus was a little sheepish at Sandbar’s comment, “I do admit, I have a lot to learn about pony customs.”
“You are a quick-study, so I’m sure you and your family will be celebrating your Hearth’s Warming Eve around the fireplace next year,” the pony commented.
“Is that with a real fire?” Ocellus asked with a bit of concern, “My little sister might not like seeing the fire being an actual fire.”
Sandbar covered his mouth as he chuckled, “I forgot your family had literally built a fire with a hammer and nails.”
The changeling gave a little bit of a sour look before she changed the subject, “Well, I still do hope I won’t be a bother to you or your family. If you would like, I could be just a fly on the wall and not be a bother,” the changeling stated humbly.
Sandbar stopped at the front of one of the houses and spoke, “Nonsense! Tonight, you’re a part of my family and you are welcome to join in the fun.” He turned to the house and started up the stoop to the front door. He also added before he opened the door with a small laugh, “All you have to do is be yourself, so no need to turn into a small insect.”
Ocellus followed up the steps, behind Sandbar. She was going to speak up and say something, however was unable to say anything as Sandbar opened the door up.
The interior warmth of the home hit both of the creatures as they entered the house. Sandbar closed the door after Ocellus entered. The changeling looked all around her friend’s home as she took off the warm clothing. Adorning the walls were festive decorations along with the more permanent family photos (including those portraying a younger Sandbar). The furniture even had some seasonal cheer with wintery pillows, while festive ribbons and cloth adorned the chimney and tables respectively. In the air, the aroma of baked goods and a hearty meal mixed with the scent of a wood fire in the fireplace. It was a very warm and welcoming atmosphere for any creature to come into.
“Is that you, Sandbar?” A voice called from another room.
“Yes, it’s me, mom,” the green stallion answered back, taking his beanie and scarf off, “and I brought a guest.”
Before the voice could respond, a small seafoam-colored filly with a green and pink mane hurried up to greet both Sandbar and Ocellus. “Sandbar!” she excitedly called out.
Sandbar bent down and greeted the little pony, “Hey there, Coral! Guess you missed me?”
Coral jumped into her brother’s embrace and gave him a hug. “I’ve been helping mommy with cooking!”
“That’s great to hear!” Sandbar said, matching her enthusiasm. He then turned to Ocellus, “By the way, Coral, this is my friend from the School of Friendship. Her name is Ocellus.”
Finally letting go of her older brother, Coral stood back down on her hooves and waved happily, “Hello Ocellus! I’m Coral Currents! I’m four years old!”
With a smile, Ocellus waved back, “Hello, Coral! I’ve heard a lot about you from your brother.”
“Are you my brother’s marefriend?” Coral asked with a tilted head.
Ocellus’ face grew flushed quickly at the statement. She quickly responded, “Oh, I’m just Sandbar’s good friend from school!”
“Are you sure?” Coral asked another question, “‘Cause Sandbar has said there was a friend he really liked at school?”
“Coral, there’s no need to keep asking about something like that!” Sandbar tried to step in before Coral could keep pushing the subject. His words were a bit quick and panicky.
Ocellus couldn’t help but smile at Coral’s questions, “It’s alright, there’s nothing wrong with being a little inquisitive. You actually remind me of when I was little, always curious about everything around me.”
Coral took a closer look at Ocellus, “I haven’t seen a pony like you before. Are you a unicorn?”
“Not exactly,” Ocellus answered. Using her changeling abilities, she turned her body briefly into Sandbar and then back into herself, “I’m what’s called a changeling. I’m a bit like a unicorn in that I can use magic, but I can turn into other creatures.”
“Whoa! That’s so cool! Turn into me!” Coral’s eyes grew wide as she jumped up and down.
Coming through the doorway to the kitchen, an older yellow mare with a pale pink mane grinned widely. She was wiping her hooves with a dishcloth. “I see you’ve met our little ball of energy,” she said with a small chuckle. She drew closer and offered the hoof without the dishcloth to Ocellus, “I’m Sandbar’s mother, High Tide. Welcome to our home.”
Almost tripping over her words, Ocellus shook hooves with High Tide, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, ma’am. I’m your son’s friend, Ocellus. Thank you very much for allowing me into your home to observe Hearth’s Warming Eve.”
High Tide gave a small laugh as their shaking of hooves stopped, “No need to be so formal, Ocellus. The way we see it is that the moment you enter our home, you’re already a member of our family. And there’s always room to accommodate family, especially during the holidays.”
“Speaking of family, where’s dad?” Sandbar asked, as a giggling Coral was climbing on to his back.
“He should be back in just a moment with our Hearth’s Warming tree,” High Tide stated, “But while we wait for him, I’m going to need help in the kitchen. I wonder where I can find a little filly to help me?”
“Ooo! Me! I can help, mommy!” Coral happily waved her limbs from her position on Sandbar’s back. High Tide trotted up to pick up Coral from Sandbar’s back and placed the small pony on her own back. Together, she took them both back to the kitchen.
Sandbar turned to Ocellus and smiled, “Told you my folks wouldn’t mind you stopping by for Hearth’s Warming Eve.”
There was a knock at the door behind them. Sandbar opened the door, revealing a green stallion with a faded-seafoam mane, “Hey there, Sandy. Mind helping me with the the Hearth’s Warming tree real quick?”
Sandbar’s face lit up, “There you are, dad! I was wondering where you were!”
“Just finishing up my yearly rounds. You know how it is. Lend me a hoof, will ya?” he then looked next to his son and saw Ocellus standing nearby, “and could you help as well? Many hooves make light work.”
“Y-Yes, of course!” Ocellus quickly agreed as she pieced it all together. She then muttered to herself at what she had just heard, “Sandy?”
Together, Sandbar, his dad, and Ocellus moved the tree into the living room of the house. With a little maneuvering and some assistance with Ocellus’ magic, the pine tree went up with little issue.
“Thanks for your help, youngsters. It’s always tricky to get the Hearth’s Warming tree in no matter the home,” Sandbar’s dad stated as he looked at the tree before turning back to Sandbar, and then Ocellus. “By the way, I’m Sandbar’s dad, Beachcomber. What’s your name, grommet?”
“Oh, right,” Ocellus reached her hoof out to shake, “I’m Ocellus sir, Sandbar’s classmate and friend at the School of Friendship.”
Beachcomber looked at Ocellus’ hoof for a brief moment before giving a smile and giving the changeling a big hug. “Welcome to our home, Ocellus! I’m sure High Tide already told ya that you’re basically family now!”
The sudden hug surprised Ocellus to the point of her body turning from her normal cyan blue to a flowing mixture of different colors. Upon the release, they each saw Ocellus’ rainbow colored body mixing around. With a little focusing, Ocellus finally turned her body back to the normal blue hue.
“Whoa, sorry about that, grommet,” Beachcomber apologized.
“Yeah, my dad’s one of those ponies who gives affection freely,” Sandbar said with a laugh.
Ocellus was still a bit startled by the sudden hug, “It’s quite alright, sir.”
Beachcomber laughed, “Sir? No need to be so formal, grommet. So what brings you to our humble abode?”
“I’m still new to a lot of pony traditions, and Sandbar offered to have me visit and observe Hearth’s Warming Eve at your home,” Ocellus explained.
“Ah, I see, I see,” Beachcomber nodded.
Pulling a notebook out of a bookbag, Ocellus continued, “And, if you don’t mind I do want to ask you a couple questions about Hearth’s Warming Eve. Like, what does Hearth’s Warming signify to the average pony.”
Beachcomber thought aloud, “What does Hearth's Warming Eve signify for the average pony? For that matter, what is ‘Hearth’s Warming’? What is the ‘average pony’? What is ‘does’?”
Ocellus was thoroughly confused, “Sir?”
Sandbar chuckled a little, “Oh, he does this from time to time.”
“Hey Sandbar, how about you go get the ornaments for the tree?” Beachcomber asked. Sandbar nodded and left the room, leaving the older stallion with the changeling. “You know, Hearth’s Warming is a special time of year. It can bring the best out of all creatures.”
“That is something Sandbar has told me before,” Ocellus commented.
“I’d imagine so, because I taught him that,” Beachcomber smirked. He looked at the pine tree as it stood tall in the room, “Every year on Hearth’s Warming Eve, I deliver these trees to ponies all over Ponyville. This includes helping move the trees inside, and even decorate them. It’s become a tradition in its own right.”
“They are certainly large and beautiful trees. I’m a little surprised they are pine and not oak.” Ocellus wrote down a few things in her notebook, and then added, “And since it’s right-side up, it’ll be much easier on my father’s exoskeleton.”
“On his what?” the pony said with a small puzzled chuckle.
“Oh, it’s nothing!” Ocellus insisted.
With a casual shrug, Beachcomber continued, “However, despite how nice the trees are, they aren’t the reason why I like this time of year. Rather, I love the effort that goes in to make this holiday happen. As I said, I like to help others decorate for Hearth’s Warming Eve. From the extravagant set up in Ponyville Square to simple home displays that might just be a star on the top of the tree. Each is lovely in their own right.” He paused for a moment then spoke again, “You asked about what Hearth’s Warming Eve signifies for the average pony, yes?”
Ocellus nodded, “Yes, sir.”
“Well, for me, Hearth’s Warming is the time of year I like to reflect on the entire year and look at what I could have done differently. I want to do better, and I always try to do so.”
“Reflect upon the year?” Ocellus asked as she wrote down in her notepad.
“Yes, because it's a wonderful time of the year, where peace and joy reign, and it makes me want to spread that throughout the year. Not everyday will be like this, but that just means we have to try our hardest to keep these kinds of days around. It’s one thing I try my hardest to remember throughout the year. That’s why we should help build one another up, for if we try to tear others down, we only tear down ourselves. That’s why we must help each other shine.”
Ocellus stopped her writing for a moment, “To help others shine? I guess I never thought of Hearth’s Warming Eve like that.”
Beachcomber had a small laugh to his words, “Well, to be fair, Hearth’s Warming Eve has different meanings for different creatures. But that’s the beauty of it; no two celebrations are the same, but they all came from the same beginning and from that beginning we have come to where we are now. We are the sum of everything that has come before us, good and bad. The history of Hearth’s Warming may not be as good as we might have hoped, as it began with different pony races at odds with one another. However, from this, we have the happy holiday we all have come to celebrate together. And that’s the main thing: celebrating together.”
“So that’s what Hearth’s Warming means to you?”
“Perhaps? I guess I never put all that much thought into it,” the old stallion admitted, “But while I don’t really know if what I do will ever have a major impact or a lasting effect on much, I feel that, even for a little bit, I know I made a positive impact on others. That’s what I always want to try to do. Not just during the season, but always. Guess that’s what Hearth’s Warming means to me.”
Ocellus wrote a little more on her notepad and spoke with a smile, “I believe you’ve given me a lot to think about, sir. Thank you very much.”
“I’m honored to have helped a bright young mind as your own. My son is lucky to have you as a friend,” Beachcomber nodded.
A few seconds later, Sandbar returned to the living room with a couple of boxes, “Sorry about the wait. Here are the ornaments.” The stallion placed the boxes at the base of the tree.
The moment Sandbar set the boxes down, Coral rushed in from the kitchen. “Ornaments! I want to help with the ornaments!” the small filly started to chant as she rushed in.
“Coral, shouldn't you be helping your mother?” Beachcomber asked with a bit of a chuckle.
“But I want to help you and Sandbar decorate the tree!” she said, opening up one of the boxes.
Ocellus spoke up, “It’s okay, I can go help in the kitchen. It seems Coral is eager to help out here.” The changeling went towards the kitchen.
Passing through the threshold and entering the kitchen, Ocellus saw Sandbar’s mother working away at the kitchen island. She was using the rolling pin against cookie dough. The rest of the counters in the kitchen included a collection of cranberries soaking in water, a large bowl of punch, and a collection of fresh mince pies that appeared to be cooling.
“Oh, hello there, Ocellus!” High Tide greeted the changeling as she rolled the pin against the dough. “Do you mind lending me a hoof? It seems Coral heard Sandbar digging out the ornament boxes.”
“Of course, ma’am!” Ocellus nodded, “Where would you like me?”
“If you could roll the cookie dough just like this, I’ll get the oven ready,” High Tide explained.
The changeling moved to where the mare was and began rolling the dough as High Tide was. “Like this?” Ocellus started rolling the pin against the dough that was spread out. It was a bit of a challenge for her, but she did her best to flatten the lumps.
The earth pony mare watched Ocellus as she moved to another part of the kitchen, “Perfect! Just get the dough flat and even. It never hurts to go over it again.” After turning the oven dial, High Tide turned to the refrigerator. Opening it up, she carefully trotted to the bowl of punch on the counter and gently placed it in the reserved spot inside. “Goodness, moving that never gets easier.”
Ocellus waited until she had finished moving the glass bowl to ask her question, “Is that the punch for Hearth’s Warming Eve?”
Closing the refrigerator door, High Tide nodded, “Yes, it is. It’s a special cherry-lime that my family has made for years. It’s become a bit of a tradition in our Hearth’s Warming celebrations. I do hope you enjoy it.”
“So….you don’t literally dive into it?” Ocellus paused in her rolling for a moment.
The question caught High Tide off guard for a moment, “I mean, you could.”
“That’s good, my little brother does enjoy swimming in it.”
High Tide couldn’t help but giggle at Ocellus’ statement, “I remember Sandbar did say you were still learning about a number of pony traditions, I guess a Hearth’s Warming Eve dinner is one of those things.”
Ocellus was a little bashful as she resumed rolling the cookie dough.
“Oh, I’m sorry, I don’t mean to laugh at you. Rather, it is a bit humorous to imagine any creature swimming in punch. Though to be honest, I can imagine Beachcomber and Coral doing such,” High Tide explained as she trotted back toward Ocellus. “Those two are very like-minded and it just makes me love them both even more.”
With a sigh, Ocellus stopped using the rolling pin again, “Oh, I’m starting to worry if I’ll ever fully understand pony customs.”
“Hey, hey, no need to fret, little one,” High Tide said with concern, “You can’t expect to surf inside of a barrel on your first time on the water. Every creature takes time to learn things. And you mustn’t worry so much; it’s bad for your stomach and your heart.”
“It is?” Ocellus was surprised to hear such a thing.
High Tide nodded, motioning for Ocellus to pass her the rolling pin, “Mhm. Stressing and worrying about things you are unable to control can only cause problems. And this certainly isn’t the time of year to be worrying about things. No, this season is all about doing what you can for those you love, that’s my favorite part of the holidays.”
“Your favorite part of the Hearth’s Warming Eve? What is that, if I may ask?” Ocellus asked as she passed the rolling pin back to High Tide.
“It might seem a bit naive for me to believe, but I like to think a little homemade meal or treat can help wash away the worst in the world,” the pony explained as she used the rolling pin to flatten a few remaining lumps of cookie dough. In no time, the cookie dough was all even. “It’s why I put so much time and effort into my cooking. I might not have some big restaurant or catering business, but for a brief moment, I know I improved the day for some creatures with something I enjoyed making for them. But even more so during Hearth’s Warming Eve. It’s a feast to celebrate the year’s end and to give us hope for the new year.”
The changeling absorbed what High Tide was saying to her. “I see. But if you don’t mind me asking, what makes your cooking so unique? Sandbar has repeatedly talked about how delicious your cooking is. And not just your holiday meals, but just about everything you have made.”
“Want to know my secret?” High Tide had a sly smile as she set the rolling pin aside. She then passed a cookie cutter to Ocellus and took one for herself. “I take my time and make everything with my own hooves,” she explained as she began pushing the cookie cutter into the dough.
“Really? Why though? That seems so time consuming.” Ocellus also began to use the cookie cutter.
“It certainly can be, but it’s part of the process, Ocellus,” the mare explained, carefully pushing the cookie cutter into the dough, making more shapes. “The food gives nutrients to the body, but the personal touch gives it love for the soul. And everything needs a touch of love, just like every creature does.”
Ocellus was silent as they finished making cooking holes in the flattened dough. High Tide then began loading the cookies onto a baking sheet.
With a slight singing hum to her voice, High Tide spoke, “A cup of compassion, a tablespoon of tenderness, an ounce of understanding, and mix thoroughly with a good portion of care and kindness. It’s important to every recipe.”
“To every recipe?” Ocellus asked as she helped load the cookies on the tray.
High Tide affirmed with another nod, “Each and every recipe. No meal or treat is truly complete without it. It’s something my mother taught me. She learned it from her mother, and so on. And along with the recipes, I plan to pass it to both Sandbar and Coral, and I hope they pass it on too.”
Ocellus placed the last of the cookies onto the baking sheet, “Goodness, it seems there are traditions about Hearth’s Warming Eve that I still need to learn.”.
“That’s the wonderful thing about traditions,” High Tide smiled as she took the tray of cookies toward the oven, “they are simply customs that mean something to some creature. They can be added quickly or fade away slowly, evolve over time, or whatever. But the fate of those traditions depends on those who hold them dear.” She opened the door and slid the tray of cookies into the oven. “And you are welcome to always take part in our traditions if you’d like.”
“But I’m not a member of your family,” Ocellus said.
A warm smile grew on High Tide’s face, “Ocellus, I’d be honored.”
The changeling smiled back with both surprise and gratitude. She humbly replied, “Thank you.”
“You and your family are always welcome in our home.”
Just then, a very energetic Coral rushed into the kitchen. It appeared as if she was bouncing up and down with each trot, “Mommy! I helped finish decorating the tree with daddy and Sandbar!”
High Tide smiled as she saw her little daughter speak, “Oh really? So the Hearth’s Warming tree is all set up?”
“Yup!” the filly replied happily.
“I think you know what that means,” High Tide said.
“Hearth’s Warming dolls! Hearth’s Warming dolls!” Coral chanted as she hurried back into the living room.
High Tide watched her daughter pass back through the door frame to the main room, “Go ahead back in the living room. I’m sure both Sandbar and Coral are excited for the Hearth’s Warming dolls.”
Ocellus nodded and followed behind Coral into the living room. Inside, she saw the tree that Sandbar, Coral, and Beachcomber had all decorated. A number of different ornaments adorned the tree, including glass bulbs, homemade items (including a couple that appeared to have been made by both Sandbar and Coral over the years), a lengthy garland of white cotton draped around the tree, and a modest but lovely star resting at the top of the tree. At the base of the tree, a number of gift boxes were scattered and pulled the whole festive appearance together.
“Hey, Ocellus! What do you think of our tree?” Sandbar asked with a hint of pride.
“It looks great!” Ocellus replied, “It’s a bit hard to believe that it’s the same tree I helped bring in just moments before!”
Beachcomber had a smirk on his face, “That would be thanks to the craft and expertise of Sandy right here! He has an eye for detail when it comes to decoration and design.”
“Dad….” Sandbar gave an embarrassed laugh at his father’s comment.
Ocellus covered her mouth as she gave a small giggle. She then looked to find that Coral was continuing with her bouncing, still happily chanting, “Hearth’s Warming dolls! Hearth’s Warming dolls!”
The changeling caught the attention of the small filly. “Excited for the Hearth’s Warming dolls, Coral? I thought you’d be more interested in the presents around the tree,” she asked with a smile.
“Opening presents is fun, but I like the dolls much more!”
A realization came to Ocellus, “Oh, so you open the presents. I thought they were just for passing around.”
Sandbar smiled at the changeling, “Yeah, we all get gifts for one another.”
“Well, I guess that means my mother will be disappointed that she’ll have to eventually stop passing the gifts around in a circle,” Ocellus made a verbal note to herself.
“Is it time for the Hearth’s Warming dolls yet, dad?” Coral asked, barely able to keep her excitement together.
“Just need to wait for your mother, Coral,” Beachcomber answered.
Just as he finished speaking, High Tide entered the room from the kitchen, “I’m here, I’m here. Go on ahead.”
Once the entire family were in the living room, Beachcomber pulled out four pony dolls from one of the decoration boxes. He then passed each of the family members the doll that looked like themselves. As they did this, Ocellus carefully observed with her notepad out, ready to record.
First, Beachcomber placed his doll upon the mantle above the hearth. The doll was seated on its hind-quarters and leaning back against the bricks of the chimney. Seated there, the doll looked out onto the living room with its button eyes.
“I am grateful for all the opportunities to help others, for any creature is able to find their true selves in the service of others,” Beachcomber said with a smile.
Next, High Tide took her yellow Hearth’s Warming doll and placed it right next to her husband’s doll. Seated in the same fashion, the doll looked as if it was leaning against Beachcomber’s doll in an affectionate manner.
“I am grateful for being able to help others with my cooking, for a warm meal can be a harbor in a storm,” High Tide spoke as she moved away from the fireplace, satisfied with her words.
Sandbar then trotted up to the fireplace and raised his doll up to the mantle to place his doll next to his parent’s doll. The stallion appeared to take extra care with his placement of the doll, hoping it wouldn’t begin to slide once he moved away.
“I am grateful for Hearth’s Warming Eve and being able to share the holiday with both family and friends,” Sandbar turned his gaze to Ocellus as he was speaking. A light pink tint was in his cheeks as he spoke, and it reflected on the changeling’s face as well.
Finally, Coral Current was bouncing happily with her Hearth’s Warming doll. She trotted up toward the fireplace, but just before she reached the brick layout, Sandbar lifted her up toward the mantle with both of his front limbs. Carefully, Coral placed the doll next to her brother’s doll, joining the rest of the family.
“I am grateful for Hearth’s Warming Eve too! I really like having Sandbar back home with me! And he also brought another friend that I can play with!” Coral happily said as she was lowered back to the floor.
“And we are all happy to have an additional member to join us this Hearth’s Warming Eve,” High Tide said with a warm smile toward Ocellus, “Thank you for joining us tonight.”
Ocellus almost tripped over her words as she spoke, “O-Oh please, I should be thanking you again! I’ve learned so much about the holiday by just observing your traditions! It’s been a great honor just to be here!”
Beachcomber waved it off, “Think nothing of it, grommet. There’s always room for more family, whether it be a holiday or any other day.”
“Speaking of holidays and tradition, I believe it’s almost time for dinner,” High Tide thought aloud, “Beachcomber, do you mind helping me set the table?”
“Of course.” he replied, as the two older earth ponies exited the room.
Ocellus turned to Sandbar, “I didn’t know about the custom you had about saying what you are thankful for when placing your Hearth’s Warming dolls on the mantle. I haven’t seen that in any of the books I’ve read.” She was scribbling a few things down on her notepad.
“Well, that’s the nice thing about celebrations: each one is a bit different, but that makes them all the better. I think it brings us all together a little more, as we all are able to reflect collectively about what we are grateful for,” Sandbar explained.
Coral interjected, “Like how I like having Sandbar home!” She grabbed upon one of his legs.
Sandbar laughed as he lifted up his younger sister, holding her in one of his front limbs, “Like how I’m home with my family, that’s exactly right, Coral.”
The changeling nodded as she stopped writing in the notepad.
“But the point of the holiday isn’t about getting everything just right. It’s more about celebrating the holiday with those you care about. The holiday is about those you love and even just spending the day with them invites the spirit, even if you don’t have anything fancy,” Sandbar explained.
“And it’s always fun with Sandbar!” Coral chimed in, giving her brother a hug.
Ocellus couldn’t help but smile at the two siblings. “I’m guessing Hearth’s Warming Eve is your favorite holiday, Coral?”
“Yeah!” she happily answered, “It’s my favorite-ist because I get to spend so much time with Sandbar, and we get to play so much! Like when we play ‘find the flag’ on Hearth’s Warming Day! The winner gets to raise the flag up, but I like to have Sandbar help me!”
Sandbar smirked, “She’s pretty good at finding the flag, but not so much raising it up.”
“I’m getting better!” Coral said with a hint of sourness.
“Sure, you are,” Sandbar teased.
Coral gave a playful shove, “Stop it, or I’ll have Ocellus help me when I find it!”
Ocellus was surprised to hear her name mentioned, “Me? You’d want me to help you?”
The little filly cheered, “Yeah! It’d be fun!”
It dawned on her, Ocellus had a question to ask Coral, “Oh, by the way Coral, may I ask you what your favorite part of Hearth’s Warming Eve is? It seems you enjoy just about every part, but what is your most favorite?”
Coral didn’t answer right away. Instead, it looked as if the little filly was deep in thought. However, she answered with a bit of a calm demeanor about her. “I think I like spending time with family most. I don’t get to see my grandparents much, and I often don’t get to see Sandbar because of school, but I like when they all visit for the holidays, because that means we can play together. And I know Sandbar likes to play with you too, he really likes spending time with you! I hope you can come back again soon so we can all play together!” Coral had a radiant smile as she finished speaking
Both Ocellus and Sandbar were flushed pink at Coral’s words. Neither of them were sure about what to say. Thankfully, High Tide called for the filly from the kitchen: “Coral, be sure to go wash up for dinner!”
“Okay, mommy!” Coral said as she gestured for Sandbar to lower her. As he did, Coral trotted off.
After a bit of awkwardness between the two friends, Ocellus finally broke the silence, “It seems Coral really enjoys spending time with you, Sandbar.” Her cheeks were still burning a little.
“Yeah, she’s full of energy, ya know?” Sandbar replied, also trying to hide his blushing face.
“B-By the way, I didn’t get to ask you earlier,” Ocellus tried to change the subject, “what is your favorite thing about Hearth’s Warming Eve?”
“Don’t you remember me telling you that back at school? It’s getting to experience all of this with my family,” Sandbar gave a small laugh.
Ocellus resumed writing in her notepad, “I know, but I still want the raw answer from you in the moment.”
Sandbar gave a smirk, “You’re starting to sound like a reporter or something.” He paused for a moment before he continued, “Maybe it’s not just being with the family, but rather with every creature during this season. The feeling of friendship for all creatures, great and small.”
“Friendship?” Ocellus asked.
“Yeah, friendship. Sometimes, things can be rough for folks, but this season can bring out their best. And, as we have learned, a little friendship and kindness can go a long way.” Sandbar paused as he thought for a moment, “My grandfather told me something when I was little; ‘happy is the one who is able to escape from the lower self and feel the gentle breeze of friendship. The heart is so full of warmth that there is no room for anything else. That warmth flows through every vein and nerve. Every atom of the body is filled with friendship.’ That’s what I think Hearth’s Warming is about.”
“I like that,” Ocellus smiled and nodded, “I like that answer, Sandbar. I guess that means that there is still plenty for me to learn about the Hearth’s Warming Eve, and even more about pony culture.”
Sandbar’s face blushed pink as he spoke, “Well, I’d be honored to help you learn more about my culture.”
The changeling’s face also became flushed as she smiled, “Thank you, Sandbar.””
All of Equestria faded away between Sandbar and Ocellus as the two seemed to be lost in one another’s eyes. Their bodies were warm, from both the fire in the hearth and the warmth of their blushing faces.
Ocellus softly spoke, “I want to remember this night.”
“What was that, Ocellus?”
“I want to remember this night for the rest of my life. This warm feeling. I don’t ever want to forget it.”
“I don’t want to forget it either.”
END
