The Hearths Warming Woodcarver

by DakariKingMykan

Rating: everyone
Tags: Drama, Original Character, Spike, Princess Celestia, Main 6, Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Length: 7524

A woodcarver finds he has much to live for.

An elderly woodcarver who is down on all hope, slowly embraces the spirit of Hearths Warming, and finds he has a lot more to live for than he believes.

Published 2022-12-07 04:10:01 UTC
Last updated 2022-12-07 04:10:01 UTC

Intro: Holiday Time

Author's Note

I do not like this trashy fic at all...

and I DO NOT wish to be praised for it!

Intro: Holiday Time

INTRO

Hearths Warming was upon Equestria, and all the ponies and other creatures were busy helping each other decorate, shop, bake goods, and even collect donations for the poor and the homeless.

Rarity was hard at work knitting scarves and mittens, which she intended to donate to charity, or put on display in her store.

Pinkie Pie and Applejack were running a bake sale, with fresh made pies and pastries from the farm and the bakeshop.

“Happy Hearth’s Warming, Every-Pony!” Pinkie announced. “Come on and buy yourself a nice treat for the holidays, and every bit we collect goes to feed the homeless.”

She picked up a tart and chomped it all down, “And you won’t regret it; they taste super sweet.”

“Pinkie!” snapped Applejack. “How are we supposed to sell the stuff if you keep eating it like a hungry hound dog?”

Pinkie smiled sheepishly through her teeth full of food, and backed down.

Rainbow Dash and the Wonderbolts were rehearsing for a special flight show they were going to perform at a celebration which was to be held in a few days… which was Hearth’s Warming Day.

Spike and Twilight were watching the rehearsals, especially since it was Twilight’s request that the show be done.

She watched as the Wonderbolts flew in awesome formations, and made colorful streaks across the sky, followed by colorful explosions like fireworks, and all topped off with Rainbow’s signature Sonic Rainboom.

“Happy Hearths Warming…!” Rainbow shouted as she added the final explosion, which lit up the fields.

“Wow!” Twilight remarked. “Spike, are you seeing this?”

Spike seemed a bit more preoccupied-- lost in his own thoughts.

“Huh? Oh, yeah, yeah-- real nice… cool even.”

Twilight sighed, and it didn’t take much to know what was on his mind.

Spike was doing his hardest to think of a gift to give Rarity this year, as part of his obvious affections for her, but he didn’t have a lot of money, and it really bummed him out.

“Spike, I told you, I can help you with your gift.”

Spike shook his head. “For the hundredth time, Twilight, I want to do this myself. I get that you’re trying to help, but I really want to get Rarity something nice.”

He fiddled with the scarf that was around his neck. “When winter started, and she gave this to me…”

He remembered it so well, at the start of winter.

“Here you are, Spike.” Rarity said, giving him a beautiful blue scarf, with tiny little sapphires embedded on the front. “Oh, don’t you look ever so handsome.”

Spike’s eyes practically filled with tears, “Rarity…! I… I just… I don’t know what to say.”

Rarity smiled, almost lovingly at him. “Well, I just want you to keep nice and warm this winter, darling.” and she gave him a peck, which made him faint in a shower of hearts.

The flash back ended, and Spike was still gazing at his scarf. “That’s why I want to do this,” he then sighed “Makes me wish I had saved up my allowance. Why did I have to buy so many comic-editions…?!”

Twilight sighed, but her offer still stood.

Rainbow Dash came up to them, all psyched and hyper. “Ah, yeah…! That was so awesome! We’re going to be a blast at the show on Hearths Warming.”

Twilight agreed.

Then, as the three friends walked through Ponyville, they enjoyed seeing all the sights of ponies helping one another, and the decorations looking so beautiful.

They met up with Fluttershy as she was just coming out of a wood-carver’s shop, with a wrapped up gift.

“Hi, every-pony.” she said cheerfully.

“What’cha got there?” Rainbow asked.

“Rainbow!” scolded Twilight. “It’s not polite to ask what a gift is.”

Fluttershy giggled and didn’t mind telling the friends, “It’s a carrot-shaped little cuckoo-clock.”

The friends looked at her with wide-eyes.

“A what?” asked Spike.

Fluttershy explained, the shop she just came from was run by an elderly wood-carver, named Woody, and just looking in at the window displays would tell anyone enough, he was incredibly gifted.

He made the most fantastic looking figurines and statues and even talismans all carved from wood.

The best feature was the clocks, and music-boxes with marvellous designs and paintjobs.

-One clock was a duck on its pond, and the duck would cheerfully flip over and quack every hour.

-Then there was another one, with a beautiful ballet dancer on a stage that would constantly rotate, and instead of making a cuckoo-call, the stage would light up and a glittery music-box theme would be heard.

Spike thought it was so incredibly beautiful; so lovely that Rarity would melt at the very sight of it, but the price made Spike almost scream. “Five-hundred bits?! That’s nuts!”

“Actually, I think it’s very fair.” said Fluttershy. “Woody does such wonderful jobs, and he’s very fair with his prices, considering how much work he puts into it all.”

She then showed everyone a picture of the clock she had requested made as a gift for Angel.

It was a large carrot, with a little rabbit that would hop across and over the top every hour, and the pendulum was in the shape a smaller carrot.

It seemed rather plain, but Twilight thought it was sweet. “It’s nice to see everyone so chipper and happy at this time of year.”

That’s when Fluttershy looked a bit unsure. “I don’t think everyone is happy, Twilight.”

She explained how when she did business with Woody, he was very generous and seemed pleasant with her, but she could tell he seemed rather down and upset.

Twilight began to get that feeling of hers again.

“Uh, oh… here it comes.” muttered Spike.

“I think I’ll have a word with him.” Twilight said, and she headed into the shop.

“Twilight, wait…” Spike called as he rushed in after her.

Rainbow blinked once. She didn’t follow them in, for she had things to do. “I think I smell a friendship mission here.”

Fluttershy agreed.

Act 1: Woody Woes

ACT ONE

Inside the Woodcarver’s Shop, it was even more beautiful than Twilight and Spike expected.

There were so many strange and wonderful objects everywhere. There were even fountains made of wood, with bits of stone carved in so the water wouldn’t rot the wood.

There were some musical instruments too-- fifes, ocarinas, drums, maracas, and even kalimbas.

Twilight and Spike were just mesmerized as they looked all around, until they were snapped out of their trance when a voice called…

“Please, kick the snow off your boots... And shut the door; you’re letting the cold in.”

Twilight and Spike quickly did as they were told, and then wondered who was calling to them.

From the back room behind the cash-out counter came Woody, the carver himself and the owner of the shop.

He was an elderly Earth Pony stallion, with a faded beige coat, and a gray mane with showing white roots due to his aging, along with a matching mustache, and short beard.

He wore a green carving apron with a few visible tools sticking out from the pockets, and his cutie mark was a picture of a chisel.

“Oh, Princess Twilight…” he said trying to sound calmer and polite. “Can I help you?”

Twilight kept looking around admiring his work. “This is all so beautiful.” she said while looking at a wooden figure.

“Thank you…” replied Woody “But I ask again, is there anything I can help you with?”

It was then and there that Twilight could feel the sense of downing in his voice, and then she also noticed the lack of Hearths Warming decorations in the store. Apart from the items, there was a single decoration to behold.

Twilight then cleared her throat. “As a matter of fact, yes… I was wondering if you were coming to the Hearths Warming celebration in a few days.

As Princess of Friendship, it’s my duty to see that the spirit is warm and wonderful for every creature in Ponyville.”

Woody did not look a bit pleased or interested. If anything, he seemed very annoyed. “Every pony who’s come into my shop keeps asking me that, and I tell them all… “No thank you.” I am too old for such things.

I will stay here and work.”

Both Twilight and Spike were flabbergasted.

“You’re just going to sit here, doing nothing but work, all through the holidays?” Spike asked.

“Yes.” replied Woody “I keep to myself, and remain loyal only to my work.”

Twilight now knew there was something wrong. “But you can’t just do that. It’s Hearths Warming. It’s a time to be joyful, to bask in the glories of warmth and peace, and…”

“And presents, don’t forget presents…” Spike cut in, which earned him a stern glare from Twilight. True, presents were nice, but not all that important.

“Sorry.” Spike peeped.

“Princess Twilight.” balked Woody, and then he quickly got hold of himself and softened his tone. “I understand and appreciate your invitation, but I must decline.”

He paused and looked rather depressed. “Maybe you and your friends and others feel joy…

…I do not.”

“But why?” asked Twilight. “Why don’t you feel joyful?”

Woody sighed, “Life… has been very good to you and others. For me: Not been so good. Hearths Warming does not bring me any joy or fun, just the opposite, and that is my own problem.

I am still more than willing to offer my services, but I am afraid I am not the celebrating type. That is all you need know.”

Twilight tried to insist, “Please, I want to try and help you.” but it was Woody who insisted, “Please, Princess Twilight. I have made my decision, and I don’t wish to change my mind.

…That will be all. I am quite busy.”

Twilight opened her mouth to say something, but ultimately it came out, “Come on, Spike. Let’s go.”

Spike followed her towards the door, but he stopped to look at the ballet clock one last time, wishing he could afford it.

“And shut the door please!” called Woody, and with that, Spike left the shop too.

“Wow! Something really is wrong with him.” he said to Twilight.

Twilight nodded, and she still couldn’t understand. “How can somepony not be excited or happy about Hearth’s Warming? Just sit there alone and work?”

She really wanted to dig in deeper to Woody’s troubles and hope she could help him, but Spike reminded her “We’ve got too much to.” he held up a clipboard of the many appointments they had and places to check out for the festivities.

Twilight could only sigh, and try to put it out of her mind while she worked. “I just wish I knew what was bothering him so much.”

If only she had known…!

Woody spent the entire day in the backroom of his shop, carefully chiseling and carving wood to make more items to sell.

It got dark pretty fast, but he just kept working by candlelight until he could work no more.

Luckily his home was just above the shop, so he didn’t have to go too far.

The poor pony was deep in despair as he climbed the stairs to his home above. To him… it seemed there was nothing left to live for, and this was part of the reason behind his refusal to share in the joys of Hearths Warming.

As he entered his single room apartment, he looked all around the place, and his eyes fell upon a certain area in the corner, where a beautiful woodcarving hung on the wall. It was a beautiful heart-shaped picture frame, with white painted doves around it, and a family portrait placed inside the heart.

This was Woody’s family, and the sight of the picture drove him to tears, as he backed up against the wall, and slumped miserably to the floor.

Many, many years ago, as a young stallion, Woody lived for his family. They were the most important things in life to him.

While still an apprentice woodcarver, his wife died of hypothermia on Hearths Warming Eve-- figuring skating upon the ice, and falling through-- leaving him with a baby filly to care for.

He did his best to care for his daughter, but as soon as she became old enough to help her father with the chores, she fell ill with a fever, and she, too, died… on Hearths Warming Day!

Woody had long since turned his back on Hearths Warming; cursing the holiday for taking his family from him, and only saw the holiday as a constant reminder of his sorrows.

He never told anyone really about this, not wishing they be involved, not wanting to be a burden, and believing that nothing could be done for him.

So he kept mostly to himself, remaining only faithful to his work. It kept him alive and going, but now as he was growing older; his hooves were growing unsteady, and his eyes dim.

His only Hearths Warming wish was the same that his wished every year and all year long-- that he would soon die and put an end to his misery.

Woody managed to get back onto his hooves, still lost in his darkness.

He turned a small key to a music-box he had made, many, many years ago when his daughter was born. It played such sweet and soft music for a pony in despair, and poor Woody fell miserably upon his bed as the candle went out, leaving him all alone in the dark of his home.

Act 2: The Book

ACT TWO

The next day, Twilight woke up, and she felt a little beat from not sleeping well in the night-- too busy thinking about Woody and how he acted the other day.

She then went to Spike’s room to get him up. “Rise and shine, Spike.” she called through a yawn, but when she used her magic to open all the curtains to let the sunlight shine in, she found Spike’s basket bed was empty, with a note attached to it.

“Twilight…

I’ve gone out to make some extra money so I can buy Rarity that music-box clock I saw at the woodshop yesterday.”

I’ll still help you with your stuff… if I can.

--Spike.”

Twilight chuckled, “Aw, Spike…” she couldn’t help but feel proud of him for trying to show maturity and responsibility.

She just wished she knew what exactly he was doing for work.

Suddenly, there was a knock at her door, and a voice calling for her, “Open in the name of her majesty, Princess Celestia!”

Twilight nearly leapt up to the celling. “Princess Celestia, here…?!”

She immediately got hold of herself and teleported to the doors of her castle.

Soon, the two princesses were walking merrily through town.

“I was surprised to see you at my door this morning.” said Twilight.

Celestia nodded, “I apologize for not writing ahead to you, but there’s just so much going on with the holidays, you know. I came here to Ponyville on a little side mission, and thought I’d take a moment and drop in with you.

After all, Hearths Warming is about good friends.”

Twilight blushed. “So, what exactly do you need done here?”

Woody had been awaken since dawn, and was already hard at work in his shop.

Beautiful, soft-hearted music was playing on a record-player while he worked…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4Ua79-Xm_E

He carved, he chiseled, and he dusted, and even engraved on his works to make things just right. Then he took time to smooth the wood down and varnish it to make it all smooth and even.

He had finished making a beautiful statue of a pony figure skater, which looked so lifelike, he almost swore the figurine winked and smiled at him.

Woody sighed happily, but then his sorrows began to catch up to him, as this figure once again reminded him of his deceased wife.

His sorrows were interrupted by the sound of his shop door bells jingling. “Coming…! Coming…!” he called, and he was most surprised to see, “Princess Celestia?” and he almost fell into a stammer. “Forgive me, but what brings you here?”

“I was told I would find an expert woodcarver here in this shop.”

Hearing her call him “expert” made Woody feel honored, and he bowed to her saying, “That you have, majesty. Please, come in.”

He led her tenderly towards the counter, while the guards kept close to her to ensure no trouble.

“Now then,” asked Woody “What is it Your Majesty had in mind?”

Celestia levitated a book out from her royal saddle bag. “My royal woodcarvers are all terribly busy with their work for the season, and I would hate to give them more. Therefore: I ask this of you…

…This book has been passed down in Canterlot for many generations, which details stories and histories of Hearths Warming.”

Hearing this began to trigger Woody’s sadness again. He looked at the cover of the book almost grimly.

There were woodcarvings across the covers showing pictures of a decorated tree and very large star above it, along with tiny flakes of snow, but the book was so old, the carvings were rotting away.

Celestia had asked, “I was hoping that you may be able to restore the cover to its former glory.”

Woody looked up at her with a look of remorse in his eyes, and he spoke calmly, “I am deeply honored, Your Majesty,” he paused “…But… I fear I cannot help you. Hearths Warming and I don’t get along very well.”

He tried to give her back the book insisting, “Please, take this to someone more worthy than I.”

Celestia would hear none of it. “Now, now… I’m certain you are more than worthy and will do a fine job…

…But tell me… Why is it that you don’t like Hearths Warming?”

Woody almost teared up, “Oh, Princess…” he murmured “…I dared not say to anyone but…” he hesitated and finally confided “…I am a pony with no hope, and failing strength. All that I ask this Hearths Warming is that my life may end!”

The guards felt shocked to hear such a thing, and could barely maintain their stance. Celestia also felt hurt to hear such things…

The shop door was open a crack, and Twilight stood by it, listening to every word said, and her mouth hung open in shock too, and it began to make sense to her now why Woody acted how he did yesterday.

Celestia, having centuries of seeing things like this, could see through to Woody’s despair. “…Perhaps you feel this way because you live only for yourself.”

Woody looked up at her miserably and asked, “…What else have I live for?”

Celestia chuckled and smiled, “There is much you have to live for. You just need to discover it.”

She told him to read the book, “…It may help inspire you. I will return for it in a few days.”

She took her leave, but not before wishing him, “Take care, Friend. You are more loved and appreciated than you believe you are.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Celestia left the shop, and Twilight looked up at her anxiously.

“Well?” Twilight asked, sounding desperate.

Celestia gave her a strange expression…

Twilight had told her about Woody-- which did help Celestia’s need for a carver anyway-- and she was hoping she could talk to him and find out his troubles, knowing her respect and honor as Princess, who would object to her.

“…I think he’ll be just fine.”

Twilight felt her paranoia creeping up on her. “How can you say that? What if he doesn’t get better? What if he does something crazy?”

“Twilight Sparkle…!” snapped Celestia, which instantly calmed Twilight down.

“Don’t deny you, it’s possible he may do something bad to himself, but we can’t judge people from a future that is unclear-- that we can’t see, and I don’t think he will do himself in.

…I sensed the goodness in him, and I know he will be fine.”

Twilight still wasn’t so sure.

That night, as Woody was finishing his work and ready to retreat to his upstairs home, when he was actually feeling a bit overwhelmed by heat from pushing himself too hard, and the heat from some of the hot carving tools.

So he decided to stick his head out the window for a few seconds of cool air.

The second he opened the window, the strong winter winds billowed inside, prompting him to shut the window at once.

Some of his things had blown off his workbench, including Celestia’s book, which lay open on the floor.

He relit a candle and found himself drawn to the words and pictures within.

He read a story about a poor and lonely merchant, whom people took advantage of, and would offer him very little pay or compensation for his services, and yet the merchant had a heart of gold-- still offering his services even to those who shamelessly treated him, especially at Hearths Warming…

…He would only give, and give, and give, regardless of not being paid well, or even paid at all for his kindness.

Woody was positively amazed. “How could he do that?” he wondered. “He would offer so much, and keep offering, even to those who were bad to him.”

He thought about his own business, and wondered, “I offer good services. I give to my community. Is that not enough?”

Meanwhile, at Twilight’s Castle. Twilight and the other ponies were sitting around the friendship map table, sipping hot cocoa, and talking about their days and how much progress they had made with their charities.

“We would’ve sold more goods,” groaned Applejack “But somepony couldn’t stop licking her chops!”

Pinkie nervously wiped the crumbs from her face. “I said I was sorry, and we’ll have loads of more goods tomorrow.”

Applejack rolled her eyes, “Well alright, but don’t you be eating another crumb.”

Pinkie double-promised, and did so by putting tape over her mouth… which rendered her unable to eat, talk, and even sip her cocoa, much to the hilarity of the others.

Suddenly, the doors flung upon, and Spike came in, looking exhausted and all covered in snow, and a few icicles dangling from his red snout, while he dragged a small plowing shovel behind him.

“Spike!” cried Twilight.

“Oh, darling…!” Rarity wailed as she rushed up to him, and felt his spines which were all stiff and cold. “You look as if you’ve been through an avalanche!”

Spike sniffed, “I was helping clear snow away from sidewalks and in front of stores all day.” He let out a sneeze.

“Oh, precious pants.” said Rarity. “You’d better get warmed up before you catch a cold.”

“My thoughts exactly.” agreed Twilight.

Soon, Spike was all wrapped up warm in his basket by the fireplace, but he was still a little chilly, and Rarity could see he needed more warmth.

So she walked over to where the tree and presents were setup, and un-wrapped a gift which was her gift to Spike. Inside was revealed to be a large, and beautiful blue quilt was more tiny sapphire embedded into it.

“What are you doing?” asked Rainbow.

“Spike needs this now, more than ever.” protested Rarity. “Here you are, Sweetness.” She said while wrapping him warmly with her gift.

Spike felt his insides starting to warm with joy and love. “You made this, for me?”

Rarity smiled at him, “I thought it would go with that scarf I made you, seeing as you loved it so much.”

Spike didn’t know what to say, yet he felt so warm, and was still tired, that he dozed off to sleep.

Rarity couldn’t help but peck his little head.

Spike did feel, but he was too tired to move. Now he was more determined than ever to buy Rarity that clock.

Twilight’s features then changed to concern as she said to herself, “I wonder how Woody is doing?”

Act 3: Give what I can

ACT THREE

Twilight awoke the next morning and went to get Spike up, only to him gone again.

“Oh, no!” she groaned. She already had a big enough schedule, now she was worried for Spike even more. “He better not overwork himself again, he’ll catch a cold.”

She had time before her work started, so she suit up and went out to find Spike.

Meanwhile, Woody was up and working as usual. He had already sold a few goods to customers and made a tidy sum.

He also took time to restore Celestia’s book-- carving out new shapes, gluing them down, and giving them nice paint jobs.

Still, he couldn’t stop thinking of the story he had read the other night.

“I do give to the people…” he kept saying to himself. “I work hard, I sell them my art, and they are happy.

…Why does it not feel enough?”

He was still contemplating about it when he could hear the sounds of a shovel scraping outside.

He looked out his workshop window and saw Spike plowing the snow with his little shovel away from the sidewalk, and the front of the shop.

Woody remembered him from the other day, and remembered how bad he had balked at him and Twilight.

It was finally when Spike sneezed again, that Woody took pity on the little guy, and quickly ran outside.

“Come in…” he called to him.

Spike turned back and sniffled, “…You talking to me?”

“Yes. Please, come in and warm yourself. I have hot cocoa made.”

Spike was confused. Woody, inviting him in, after the way he behaved the other day?

It wasn’t until he sneezed again, that he agreed to take a break and warm up. So he went inside the woodcarver’s shop.

He invited Spike into the back room, where he had a hot kettle of cocoa and cups waiting, which he had brought downstairs from his house above.

Spike felt much better after her had his cocoa. “I don’t know what to say,” he remarked “This is so very nice of you. But why are you doing this?”

Woody hesitated, as if he were asking himself that very question. “I suppose… I wish to apologize for my behaviour the other day.”

Spike felt touched, “Twilight will never believe this.” he said silently to himself.

“Tell me?” asked Woody “Have you been shoveling snow all day?”

Spike nodded, “I’m trying to save up money to buy a gift for someone special.” He didn’t tell him he wanted the ballet clock in the store window; still wanting to work for it all himself.

Spike held up a bag of gold bits he had earned from his plow job. “I’m halfway there already. Another day or two and I should have enough.”

Woody noted how much Spike had made, and also how hard he worked. “The gift you’re looking to buy and this somepony must both be very special for you to do all this.”

Spike agreed, “She is… uh… I mean-- uh.” he felt silly for admitting it was for a mare.

“It’s alright, there’s nothing to be ashamed of.” chuckled Woody. “When a young male buys from the heart, there is usually nothing more noble and loving.

I’m sure your specials someone will be very happy.”

Spike smiled.

He thanked Woody again for the hospitality, and excused himself to get back to work.

On his way out, he stopped at the window and looked at the clock again, just as it chimed nine for the morning.

Woody peeked through the door to the back, and saw him. It didn’t take much for him to understand just what Spike was after.

That’s when another idea happened in his mind.

Pinkie and Applejack were at their bake sale again.

“Come and get it, y’all!” Applejack announced as she placed fresh pies and more goodies on the tables.

Pinkie helped, she tried to say “They’re delicious and yummy!” but her voice was muffled behind the blindfold over her mouth-- still trying to maintain her will to not eat the snacks anymore.

They sold some pieces, and soon, Twilight came along calling out for Spike.

She stopped to talk to her friends, “Have either of you seen him?”

Pinkie shook her head.

“Got to admire the little guy for pushing himself to do it all.” said Applejack.

Twilight sighed, “That’s not what I’m worried about. He’ll catch a cold if he keeps this up, and I could use some help with my own schedule.

Fluttershy and Rainbow are already busy, and I see you two still are.”

Pinkie spoke to Twilight, with her mouth still covered.

“Pardon me?” asked Twilight. She couldn’t understand, but Applejack could translate. “She said “I wish I could help you, but we got more goods to bake.” and she’s right.”

Just then, Rarity came up to the stand, and she was looking pretty grim. She was even snivelling too.

“Um… Rarity…?” asked Twilight “Is everything alright?”

Rarity, doing a weak job of covering up, tried to keep her face steady. “Oh… uh… everything is, splendid. Just peachy…”

She purchased a single cupcake, and shakily raised it to her lips, when she finally broke down in one of her wailing sob, “…No-ho-ho-ho! Everything’s a disaster! An absolute catastropheeee-hee-hee-hee!”

“What’s the matter?” asked Applejack. “Didn’t your charity drive go well?”

Looking up from her sobs, Rarity admitted. “Everything went wonderful. I sold every single piece I gave away.”

The others were confused.

“And how is that a bad thing?” asked Twilight.

Rarity confessed as she fell to the ground in shame, “I just told you! I’ve sold and given every single thing I have away, and I don’t have any mo-ho-ho-hore!”

She remembered that just after she had given away her last piece, a homeless mare and her little baby were cold from the winter, which broke her heart to see, but not nearly as much when she had nothing left to give, nor anymore material to make anything with, and she forced to turn the mare and her baby to someone else.

“Oh, ho, ho, ho, woe is me-he-he!” sobbed Rarity.

Pinkie wiped a tear from her eyes and muttered behind her covers, forcing Applejack to translate, “That is just so sad, I can’t bear it.”

Twilight couldn’t bear this anymore herself, and perked her up. “You still made a lot of money which you donated to charity, and you can help me. I’m working in soup kitchens today to help the poor and homeless.

Maybe that’ll help.”

Still feeling shaky, Rarity got up onto her hooves. “Okay… I’ll try.”

Meanwhile, Woody was taking a break from his work, and enjoying some hot soup and tea.

Suddenly, he could hear the sound of a baby crying outside his shop.

He looked out the window, and saw a poor and seemingly homeless Earth Pony mare, with a faded yellow coat, and a long brown mane, in need of a good brushing. She wore ragged clothing, not quite fit for cold weather.

The cries were coming from her baby colt, which was cold and miserable due to having just as ragged clothes, and a musty old blanket, which couldn’t keep him very warm either.

The mother tried to rap him up with her scarf, but it didn’t help.

Woody couldn’t bear to see this. “That poor mare!” he cried to himself, and he quickly ran outside and called to her…

“My dear! My dear…! Please, come inside the shop and get warm.”

The mare desperate for warmth for her child decided to take the kindly-looking carver’s invitation and came into the store.

Soon, she was sitting in the backroom, enjoying some of the soup Woody had made, and some tea, while her baby was all warmed up and stopped crying.

Woody fed him small bits of soft bread which pleased the mare.

“Tell me…” Woody asked her “Have no nothing warmer to wear?”

The mare sadly shook her head, “I was forced to pawn my coat last week for food. I tried to visit a clothing driver earlier, but they had nothing left.”

She was the very mare whom Rarity was unable to help, and Woody couldn’t help but take more pity on her.

In a trunk in the corner were some things that once belonged to his wife, including a large, warm pink coat, and big white blanket that belonged to his daughter. He only kept them as memories of his loved once, and he could see the mare now needed them more.

He also put some gold coins from his earnings in a small sack to give her as well.

“Please, take these. They are not much, but they will help you and your child. It is the least I can give you.”

The mare broke down in tears, sobbing softly. “The angels bless you! I had nearly given up hope. My baby would have frozen!

The spirit of Hearths Warming is truly with you.”

Woody felt warmth in his heart, and he smiled, “Yes… you could say it is with me.”

Overwhelmed by his generosity, the mare pecked the elderly stallion on his cheek, thanking him again before leaving with her child.

Woody just stood where he was, feeling his cheek. He hadn’t such of warmth, or anything like it for so many years.

He looked on his workbench where Celestia’s finished book lay, and it made him wonder “…Is this what she was trying to help me see?”

Act 4: Thankful Heart

ACT FOUR

By the end of the day, Twilight was on her way home to her castle, and she suddenly remembered, “Spike!” She hadn’t seen him all day, and was so busy with her schedule and helping out around town, she had forgotten all about him.

She really hoped he was no longer working hard and pushing himself to shovel snow after she warned him.

She galloped through town calling his name, and suddenly she found him in front of Woody’s shop, just standing in the snow with his head drooped forth in front of the store window.

“Spike…?” Twilight called as she cantered up to him, only to gasp when he turned his frozen, ice-laden face.

“Oh, Spike! What’s the matter?”

Spike only pointed up to the window where the clock he wanted to buy for Rarity once stood-- it was gone!

“I can’t believe someone bought it!” he cried softly. “I had almost saved up enough money too. I did all that work for nothing!”

Twilight hugged him, and shivered by how cold he felt…

…and he sneezed again!

“Come on, we better get you home.” said Twilight.

The next morning, Twilight quickly teleported to Spike’s room, only to find that this time, he was still in his basket.

“Spike? You’re still here?”

She also noted his very long face, especially on today-- Hearths Warming Eve Day.

“Are you still upset about that clock?” she asked.

Spike nodded. “I really wanted to get it for Rarity, and now I can’t.”

He didn’t try to make a big fuss over it. The clock was gone, and nothing would change that, but he still felt down.

“There’s still time.” said Twilight. “You still made lots of money. I’m sure you can find her something.”

Spike agreed it was worth a shot, but he really couldn’t think of what else to get Rarity that was beautiful as the clock.

Later that day, since it was the day before Hearths Warming, you can bet ponies were rushing about to get their last-minute shopping done and to get prepared.

Woody had sold a few things from his shop, and made quite a bundle of money, but then, as he dusted the shelves, he peeked out the shop window.

Then he looked across the street into the field. Some kids were having a snowball fight. When Granny Smith came walking by on her way back to Sweet Apple Acres, with a wagon full of presents.

Suddenly, one of the kids was readying a snowball to throw, by rolling it on the ground, but it suddenly started rolling down the hill.

“Oh, no!” the colt cried.

The ball grew bigger as it continued to roll, right to where Granny was walking.

“LOOK OUT!!” the col shouted.

Granny gasped, and moved out of the way, just as the ball hit her wagon, tipping it over and spilling all her shopping everywhere.

The colt, feeling guilty for what had happened, raced down to try and apologize, but Granny was furious.

“Why ya, dag-nagged holligains!” she roared as she got up. “I’ll get’cha for this!” and she grabbed the colt, planning to discipline him.

The colt begged for mercy, and tried to get away, but Granny was pretty strong for one her age!

“In my day, we paddled those who disrespected their elders!”

“No!! Please!!” wailed the colt.

“Stop!!” called a voice.

Woody had seen everything, and pulled Granny off the colt, and held colt still with his other hoof so he wouldn’t run.

That’s when all the other children came down the hill.

“Cod-flabbit, Woody!” Granny snarled. “What business do you have here? This is between me and them youngins!”

“Oh, Granny!” scolded Woody, and he spoke calmly and reasoned with her. “I saw what happened. It was just an accident, and even if it were not. You were walking where they were playing.

Doesn’t that make it your fault as well?”

Granny felt upset with herself. A pony her age should have known better too.

“I guess I’m just being crabby like an apple with a worm. It’s just that I spent all day shopping for the family, been up since daylight, fighting the crowds, and all this had to happen? It’s more than an old mare can take.”

“Then, let these children make it up to you.” suggested Woody. “We old ones owe it to ourselves to show them better ways, not worse.”

The children agreed, and immediately tipped the wagon back upright, and loaded all the spilled objects back.

“We can even escort you home.” the nice colt offer.

Granny felt flattered, “Well, don’t that be all.”

She walked off with the children helping her, and they waved goodbye to Woody, thanking him for resolving the issue.

Feeling warmer than ever for having done this good deed, combined with other deeds he had already done, Woody went back into his store, and saw Celestia’s book, still on his workbench.

He opened it up, remembering that story he had read.

The merchant would always continue to give to others, and never succumb to greed. He would always remain giving to others, even in his hardest times.

“And always remember…” the words read “Whether or not your giving is appreciated, the spirit of Hearths Warming rests within you. Please the spirit within, and you will be at peace.”

Woody looked up at nothing in particular, as if heaven’s light was shining on him.

Now he understood-- he had no family to live for, so he could live to help and give to others; not just with his work, but with simple kindness and generosity.

“Thank you, Princess Celestia.”

Suddenly, without much warning, there was a glow of light in the shop and Celestia appeared before him. She had come to pick up her book.

“I’m very glad for you, Woody. I believe you will be just fine.”

Woody smiled and bowed graciously to her.

That night, Twilight’s castle was all decked up and sparkling brighter than usual for her annual Hearths Warming Even party with all her friends, and even her family from the Crystal Empire.

Spike didn’t look very merry. He and Twilight had tried so many stores to find a substitute gift for Rarity, and all Spike could get her was a book.

“Always a book.” he grumbled.

“It’s not just any book.” said Twilight “It’s a book about ancient Hearths Warming garments. It’ll help her find more inspiration for sewing and stuff. I’m sure she’ll love it.”

Spike was not convinced, but it was still better than giving nothing at all.

Soon, all the friends arrived, along with Cadance and Shining Armor.

“Let’s Party!!” Pinkie shouted, while still wearing her face covers.

Applejack didn’t have to translate, but she annoyingly pulled the covers off Pinkie’s face.

“Now, we can party.”

Gifts were placed under the tree, as the friends engaged in playful games, partook in the snacks and food, and then sang carols by the fire, and then they all just sat around telling stories or cracking jokes.

Shining Armor even told them the time “…Twilight got her head stuck in a beaker-- her shrink spell went wrong.”

“Bro!” snapped Twilight, but everyone else laughed.

Spike then gazed over at the gifts under the tree-- at his own gift to Rarity, still worried that it wasn’t good enough.

“Spike, is something the matter?” Rarity asked him.

Spike didn’t know how to answer, and he ended up stammering while trying to find one. “You see… the thing is… I… Um…”

Just then, there was a knock at the doors of the castle.

“Who could that be?” wondered Fluttershy.

Twilight wasn’t expecting other visitors.

She teleported to the doors, and used her magic to open them. She was ever surprised to see, “…Woody.”

He stood with a wonderful smile on his face. “Happy Hearths Warming, Princess Twilight.”

Twilight blinked in confusion. A few days ago, he looked like a pony ready to end his life, and now here he stood with a look of love and light in his eyes.

“I just came to deliver this…” Woody said and he held up a beautifully wrapped present, with a tag on it that read, “To Rarity: From Spike.”

Twilight didn’t remember Spike buying anything, but all of a sudden, she began to catch on, and she could barely believe it.

“Won’t you come in, please?” she invited, and Woody graciously accepted.

Everyone was very surprised to see him as well, having heard stories that he didn’t like Hearths Warming.

“I guess… you could say I’ve had a change of heart.” he said, and then he approached Rarity with the gift. “This is for you. It is from my store.”

“Oh! Oh, my goodness…” Rarity said, feeling a bit speechless. She read the tag, “…And it’s from Spike.”

Spike was most confused, and before he could say anything, Woody suggested “You may want to open it now. There is nothing stopping you.”

Though most would prefer to wait until Hearths Warming morning to open presents, Rarity couldn’t resist, and also she had given Spike his gift early.

She used her magic to gently unfold and un-wrap the gift like a lady would.

She opened the cute box inside, and her eyes lit up like the stars. “Oh, my…!” she peeped, and she levitated out the dancer clock that Spike wanted to give to her.

Everyone gawked at it with awe.

“That is so beautiful.” said Cadance.

“It’s even prettier than the one I bought for Angel.” added Fluttershy.

The clock then struck seven, and it lit up and played that cheery song, illuminating the dancer underneath, wowing everyone even more, especially Rarity.

Then, out of the box fell a receipt which read, “Paid in-full.”

Spike was confused even more, but Woody and Twilight weren’t.

“Oh, Spike!” Rarity said with tears in her eyes. “This is… the most beautiful thing I’ve ever been given.

Of, course, I’ve been given a lot of beautiful things but… oh, darling…!”

“Um… Happy Hearths Warming...” Spike said, and he received a huge peck from Rarity, making him turn pink.

He still didn’t understand, until Woody explained, “Hearths Warming is a time for giving, especially to those who work hard and do their best for others.”

Spike smiled, but he didn’t say anything wanting to continue with this little ruse.

Woody then excused himself.

“Where are you going?” asked Twilight.

Woody turned, and with a happy grin he said, “…To spread the joy around.

…Happy Hearths Warming!”

And he walked merrily through the doors and into town.

“What’s happened to him?” Spike wondered.

“I don’t know…” replied Twilight, but then with a big smile she admitted “…But I like it.”

With a happy joy in his heart, and a newfound purpose in life, Woody went around town merrily singing a song as he greeted ponies in the streets. “With a Thankful Heart”

Along the way, he gave donations to charities thanks to vast amounts of money he made, making the poor and homeless very happy.

He helped people carry heavy loads, or held doors open, and even assisted in a soup kitchen to feed the hungry.

He really had embraced Hearths Warming, just as all beings should.

Author's Note

Ugh!!

-Pony redeems himself
-Twilight Sparkle wins
-Friendship prevails...

...I'm going to vomit!