All I want for Hearth's Warming is my Sanity
'Choo Choo' The train goes. “All Aboard” the conductor says aloud to a mostly barren train station.
More of a platform with a booth one fellow who's about 10 years overdue to retire staffs.
On the platform with color luggage stands a cream coated kirin with orange mane and green scales squees as she levitates her luggage and gets onto the train.
” Oh boy, it's finally happening, A Ponyville vacation, oh what to get as souvenirs?” She asks herself.
” Don't worry you're horn off Autumn” the mare's cloven googly eyed hoof 'says' “Applejack surely will be of help there.”
“Why you are appositely right Mrs. Clef. What am I even worrying about” She goes laughing it off, before noticing the conductor looking at her unblinkingly” Uh” Autumn goes before the conductor politely says” Tickets please”.
Autumn gives off a chuckle” Of course” and produces the requested item, which the conductor inspects and then punches” Have a happy Hearth's Warming Ma'am” he says before walking off
” Oh I plan to, and the same to you” she says to them as they walk off. 'I wonder what Applejack is doing right now' Autumn wonders as she hums to herself.
.
Applejack sighs to herself as she's tending the house 'This his a gosh darn disaster' she thinks as she looks around. Big Mac and Sugar Belle are still in their 'honeymoon phase' meaning every time she sees them together they're smooching each other, much to her annoyance.
Applebloom is at that phase where she's either slacking off on her chores, spending all her time with her friends around town or just being irritable towards Applejack.
All the meanwhile Winona seems to have taken to preferring her dog bed over running around outdoors, though she can't entirely blame the old girl for that, the first snow was last Tuesday and now Hearth's Warming is around the corner.
Sighing to herself as she lays the broom handle on her shoulder she looks at one of the photos of Granny Smith, recently put up.
“ It's gonna be hard Granny, but I know you'd want us to keep trucking on.” After finishing sweeping the floor for what feels like the umpteenth time, she hears a knock at the door.
” Well nobody go racing to get it now” Applejack mutters as she walks toward the door.
Opening it she's a bit surprised to see Miss Hooves, manager of the Ponyville Post Office.
” Ah evening Applejack” the normally cheerful mare goes a bit sheepishly.
” Something wrong Miss Hooves, did Applebloom get into a fight with Dinky?” she asks.
Miss Hooves shakes her head “Oh no no, this is more 'professional' “ then she holds up a letter” Seems this mail fell under the mail sorter a week or so ago and we didn't notice until we were doing some cleaning earlier, on behalf of the Equestrian Postal Service I'd like to extend my apologizes, along with some complementary stamps” She goes, holding up a small roll of the mentioned stamps.
Applejack sighs” Well gee, no need to sweat something like that, these things happen, but on behalf of the Apple Family let me say we appreciate the personal touch in helping make things right.” Applejack says, taking the letter and the offered stamps” Have a Happy Hearth's Warming Miss Hooves” Applejack says to her.
Miss Hooves tips her hat with her wing a bit” And a Happy Hearth's Warming to you Applejack, Good night then.” she says before flying off.
“Good Night” Applejack says to the retreating figure. Back inside she looks over the envelop” Huh, A letter from Autumn Blaze, wonder what she's up to.” Applejack says to herself before opening the letter and reading it.
Reaching the bottom it feels like someone pulled the rug out from under her “ Whoa Nelly” she goes as she reads of Autumn's holiday plans to her.
The train whistles as it comes to a stop at Ponyville Station “ 7:20 Canterlot To Ponyville has arrived” the station PA system blares, just as Applejack arrives in time, about out of breath
. Taking a moment to recuperate herself Applejack looks around the somewhat busy Ponyville train station for the familiar Kirin, but not able to spot her.
“What are you looking for” Applejack then hears behind her, spooking her mightily.
After nearly jumping in the air she turns and faces the Kirin” Dang Nabbit Autumn don't do that, You about scared me half to death” Applejack nearly shouts at her.
“Oh my” Autumn goes” I'm sorry, I just thought it'd be a little funny if I greeted you similar to the first time we met, well a little bit anyway” she says.
Applejack sighs then shakes her head” Nah nah, I'll be fine, I suppose it'll get a bit more humorous later on.” she remarks.
“Hopefully, um, why are you a bit sweaty, seems a bit odd to be sweaty when it's this cold out” Autumn shivers” I mean, gosh it's cold, it's never gotten this cold at Kirin Grove, well not that I've felt anyway.”
“Well that's because around here we have a more temperate climate, with weather that's also scheduled like clockwork, so the seasons more stand out from one another, and right now here, Winter, we have scheduled cold, snow and what have you.” Applejack explains.
“Ok, well putting the unnaturalness of 'scheduled weather” Autumn says, while Applejack mutters 'unnaturalness?' under her breather “ What is snow exactly?” Autumn asks.
Suddenly the two hear a loud gasp in the distance then a set of thundering hooves coming towards them” Oh brother” Applejack says, much to Autumns continued confusion.
Soon enough though a pinkness appears before them in a flash and once it stops it starts to regain focus in front of the pair” Oh hi Pinkie Pie” Autumn says to her.
” It's nice to see you again Autumn, but what was that I heard you say 'what is snow?' “ Pinkie asks her.
Autumn nods” Indeed I did ask Applejack that, I've never heard of it before.”
“Apparently Kirin Grove doesn't get winters like we do” Applejack comments.
” Well sheesh AJ, I was able to infer that from what she said, along with how you and Fluttershy described Kirin Grove, along with a basic knowledge of the climate areas of the Equus continent, still though with how much you've traveled Autumn, I'm surprised you've not heard of snow before.” Pinkie Pie goes, leaving Applejack a bit confused.
“Well I prefer more warm areas to travel, or travel to places when it's warm, this is the first time I've been somewhere when it was....cold” Autumn shivers.
“Well then Autumn it's your lucky day!” Pinkie exclaims.
“It is?” Applejack and Autumn asks, the latter more enthused than the former.
” Of course it is silly, because now you get to be the first Kirin to hear my new song explaining all about Winter and it's wonders” Pinkie says excitedly.
” Oh My Gosh” Autumn goes” You've a song?” she asks.
“She has songs for everything, and I mean everything” Applejack says.
“That indeed I do AJ; Learning ABC's, Laughing Your Fears Away, Smile Smile Smile, Everyone Loves Slinkies” Pinkie says.
“Uh Pinkie” Applejack interrupts” While a song about winter sounds...merry, I need to get Autumn back to Sweet Apple Acres so I can help square her up at those house while she's on vacation here in Ponyville” Applejack says as she starts putting some of Autumns luggage on her back.
Pinkie's eyes turn into pin pricks “ You're here on vacation, For Hearths Warming?” she gasps and smiles.
Autumn nods” Indeed, this time of year is rather, well not cheery for us kirins, so the thought of having a holiday here during a holiday, one that I hear is quite full of cheer, sounded like the best idea.”
“Oh my GOSH, This is Amazing” Pinkie vibrates with joy.
” It is?” Applejack asks.
“It's not everyday you get to show somepony err some kirin in this case, the joys of Hearth's Warming, I've so much to show and teach you” Pinkie excitedly goes “But as AJ said, let's get you squared up at SAA” Pinkie smiles.
“Uh SAA?” Applejack asks.
“Well obviously that an abbreviation for 'Sweet Apple Acres' Applejack” Autumn goes.
“Ah, right” she replies.
“Indeed, now then I can sing the Snow Song while on the way there.”
“That sounds superb” Autumn goes.
Applejack sighs as they start Moving “OOOHHHH Way up high, in the sky” Pinkie starts her song.
“Wow” Autumn goes as she and Applejack reach the farmhouse at Sweet Apple Acres” Pinkie's song was so informative, exhilarating, not to mention catchy” she goes, starting to hum the song a little.
Applejack shrugs” After hearing around the 34th original song of hers the surprise at her abilities in songcraft fades away.” Applejack says, putting Autumns suitcase down from her back onto the bed in the 'new' guest room.
” Looks a little dusty in here” Autumn comments” Not that I'm ungrateful for you letting me shack up here while I'm on vacation, but it looks like the room has been a bit disused” she comments.
“Well that's because it is. I would of dusted but for one your letter by odd mishap didn't arrive here until a little bit earlier today.” Applejack says.
” Oh my, I didn't know” Autumn goes” If this is a big inconvenience for you I can get a room at a hotel instead.” she goes.
“ No no” Applejack shakes her head” If it was a big inconvenience I'd of told you that it was from the get go. No it's fine, it's nice to have a full house at Hearth's Warming.” Applejack gives a tired smile.
“Full house what do you me- oh” Autumn goes, looking around at some of the stuff in the room.
” Is this” Yup” “So she's” “Yup” “Was it-” “Peaceful, yup” Applejack answers Autumn in quick response.
“Ah, ok” Autumn comments. Next the pair hear the door open.
” Applejack, Big Mac and Sugar are at it in my room...again” Applebloom tells her.
Autumn sees the youngest Apple sister, and instead of the cheerful filly Applejack described to her before, she sees a young mare wearing black lipstick, black eye liner, streaks of black in her mane along with a black hair bow that's patterned with skulls.
Applejack sigh” Those two, I'll deal with them.
” “Please do” Applebloom flatly says, then peers over to Autumn” Autumn Blaze right? The loquacious kirin she meet on one of her friendship missions?” Applebloom asks her.
Autumn nods” That I am, and I must say it is a pleasure to finally meet you Applebloom, your sister had a lot of wonderful things to say about you.” Autumn smiles.
“I imagine she did, well I'll go and finish making dinner, since Sugar Belle is now too busy defiling my bed via embracing our brother” Applebloom says before leaving.
“Um is everything ok with your sister Applejack?” Autumn asks.
“I think so, she says her current 'look' is for 'work' but I'm not sure exactly how.” Applejack responds.
Autumn hmms” That's quite interesting. Well then how about I unpack while you deal with your brother and sister in law?” Autumn suggests.
Applejack sighs” I might as well” she says tiredly as she starts walking out.
Autumn continues humming Pinkie Pie's snow song as she does a quick impromptu dusting of the room.
The past few days with Autumn coming to Sweet Apple Acres have been, at least to Applejack, nothing short of a near disaster.
Applebloom is increasingly moody, she's caught Big Mac and Sugar Belle smooching at least three times, Winona has been throwing up at least once everyday, and to top that off there are mysterious circles in the yard and orchard where snow used to be but is not either mud or ice.
If these were happening by their lonesome she could more than handle it, Applejack thought to herself, however all going on at the same time, it was taking it's toll on her. Not to mention finishing the Hearth's Warming decorating along with the holiday pastry order.
Applejack sighed to herself as she felt pulled in a hundred different directions at once. Then she hears the door open “ So the kirins have a winter festival scheduled after the new year?” She hears Sugar Belle ask. “That's correct, after we observe 'The Solemn Night' we have a days long festival starting the morning after that in old kirin we call the Yuki matsuri shūryō which in modern ponish is called The End of Snow Festival.” Applejack hear Autumn talk about.
“That sounds quite interesting” she then hears Pinkie Pie speak.
” Oh it quite is, the first few days tend to be more about setting things up but the last day and night, it's quite the party, lots of drums, food, candy, games, all the while there's a big bonfire in the center of the village” Autumn goes as the three mares enter the kitchen.
“Whoa there Applejack, having a baking attack?” Autumn asks chuckling at the large amount of apple pastries abound.
” It's nothing, just” Applejack sighs” Working to fill the new order.”
“The order?” Sugar Belle questions before her eyes about bulge out of her head” Oh no the Order” She frantically says before dashing off.
“Ah man, and she didn't get to finish that story about how Big Mac wooed her, and where did she go anyway.” Autum goes.
“The second kitchen I'm guessing” Pinkie goes” If Applejack is working in the house kitchen, must mean the big kitchen is at capacity, Right AJ?” Pinkie asks her.
“Quicker than a rattlesnake that's been spotted by a hawk as usual Pinkie Pie” Applejack comments.
“You know Sugarcube Corner has fulfilled it's own baking obligations for the year, so if my distant cousin but also close friend could use some” Pinkie goes before Applejack interrupts” I appreciate the offer Pinkie Pie but I don't need your help, I'm doing fine on my own even with my sister being oddly moody and my sister in law spending half her waking time smooching mah brother.” Applejack tells her.
” It wouldn't be any trouble AJ, I'd be happy to” I said I'm fine” Applejack about snaps at Pinkie. Then her ears fold down” I'm sorry, things have just been a little stressful this season, since.” but Pinkie interrupts her shaking her head” You don't need to explain anything to me AJ, I know this has been a tough time for you, for all the Apple family. Anyway if you're sure you don't need me here I ought to get going, I hope you and everyone can make it to the Secret Swap at Twilight's Hearth's Warming Eve” Pinkie says cheerfully.
” I wouldn't miss it for the world Pinkie Pie.” Applejack says tiredly.
After Pinkie leaves Autumn approaches Applejack” You know I know a thing or two about baking and stress management if you” Applejack then holds her hoof up” Autumn, you're on vacation here, and I'd be a sour host if I suddenly put you to work.” Applejack says.
“Um ok” Autumn sheepishly replies” Well then I'd ask how your day was but I'm getting the sense you've not left this kitchen much”.
“Well I've also been fiddling in the big kitchen for large orders, but essentially yeah, I've not really left areas of food prep and cooking all day” Applejack sighs” That all aside, how was your day today?” she asks Autumn.
“Oh Pinkie Pie showed me all around town, we went sledding, made snow angels, saw all the pretty decorations, all the while Twilight did....well Rainbow Dash called her ' just her Twilighting' but Pinkie said she was doing various Hearth's Warming stuff to prevent another visit from 'the Hearth's Warming Pixie'” Autumn regales her with her day.
Applejack snorts a chuckle” Indeed, that mare would rather not have an ordeal with that mischievous creature again.”
“Quite apparently, well after watching Twilight set up what she called 'a plethora of lights' Pinkie Pie and I went to see a play, which is where we met Sugar Belle while out” Autumn says.
Applejacks eye twitches” Really?” Autumn nods” Indeed, the students at Cheerilee's school put on quite a show, something one of her students wrote apparently.” “Is that so?” Applejack asks as she pulls some finished pastries from the oven
” Oh yes, it was about a colorful misequine who, in an attempt to have a quiet Hearth's Warming, sneaks into the nearby town on Hearth's Warming eve to steal all the towns ponies stuff to 'prevent it from coming' “ Autumn says.
“That's....a rather curious play for a school foal to come up with” Applejack comments. Autumn just shrugs” Kids can have quite the imagination, but anyway the 'grouch' does take the towns ponies stuff but....” Applejack kind of tunes Autumn out at this point, trying to focus on making more pastries.
” Then so the play ends with all the ponies, the 'grouch' included having a lovely Hearth's Warming dinner together.” Autumn goes. “That does sound like a nice ending” Applejack comments as she rolls out more pastry dough. Then a large thud sound is heard in the distant" OH PONYFEATHERS WHAT NOW?!" Applejack yells before going toward the source of the large sound.
The next day Applejack is in the large kitchen, finishing cleaning up from the 'loud thud' yesterday, which ended up being a 'minor' explosion when the large pressure cooker, which has various uses from large batch cooking of apple filling to large batch canning, having not been properly sealed before it was started.
On the bright side of things, nopony got hurt and the pressure cooker needed no repairs, however on the dim side of things, the explosion resulted in a sizable mess, which Applejack just finished cleaning. Then she hears a knock on the door” Yes?” Applejack goes, near exhausted.
The door opens to reveal Autumn Blaze whom is wearing a horn beanie, curtsy of Fluttershy she reckons, along with a style winter coat and scarf, which practically has Rarity written all over it.” Hey, so I know you're likely still a bit sore about the 'mishap' yesterday.” Autumn goes.
“T'aint your fault sugarcube” AJ replies.
“Well yes but we thought you might still be a bit sore in any case, and since you had barred Sugar Belle from this kitchen 'till her head get screwed back on right' “ Autumn mimics Applejack” Sugar Belle thought the least she could do is finish some things around the house.”
Applejack nods” That would be helpful yes”.
“Right, so talking with her about what we could do, we decided to finish up the decorating for Hearth's Warming.” Autumn tells her.
“Well that's -wait” Applejack goes” We?” she asks Autumn.
Autumn smiles” Yes, Applebloom and I decided to help with that, and now it's done, so me being what you might feel is presently the most friendly face around here at Sweet Apple Acres, I decided to come tell you that we are finished with the decorating, and since it appears you're finished with the cleaning in here, how about you come see the decorations?” Autumn suggests.
Applejack wants to say no but a feeling in her hip is telling her to go do that” Well I could use a little break before working to finish the order.” Applejack goes.
“Splendid, I'm sure you'll love it.” Autumn cheerfully says.
The sight nearly brings a tear to her eyes, nearly.
All the decorations are set up, including some new things which look a bit out of place with the other decorations.
'I suppose Sugar Belle or Autumn picked them out' Applejack ponders to herself.
She looks over the tree, all the ornaments and lights are in place, as is the star on top. Pa's collection of home made nut crackers are on display. The little founders diorama is set up 'Huh thought we lost that a few years ago' Applejack thinks.
Everything looks perfect.” Told you she'd like it” Autumn tells Sugar Belle, who looks a bit sweaty but relieved” Um Applejack I'm...”
Applejack then holds up her hoof “Just...we can talk about that later Sugar Belle” Applejack tells her.
Sugar Belle hmms unsurely but nods ”Very well, now then would you like to join us for lunch?” Sugar Belle asks her.
Applejack is about to decline before her stomach rumbles. “Huh, I suppose I ought to eat a little” She relies embarrassed.
Sugar Belle and Autumn just give her a smile” Let's eat then.” Autumn goes before heading to the kitchen.
Applejack mmms as she wipes her mouth off with a napkin” Boy howdy, I'm not sure what the stuff with the rice was but it was dang good Sugar Belle” she compliments her.
” Don't thank me, Autumn made it” Sugar Belle says.
Applejack looks over to the kirin” Really?” she asks.
Autumn nods” Yup, was nothing really special, just used some things I found laying about your cabinets” she chuckles.
“Did we now?” Applejack asks.
Autumn nods” Yup, the dish is more a process than a recipe, cook the rice in some butter, add seasonings then the tofu, cover it all with vegetable broth, simmer till done, then boom, you got a meal” Autumn goes.
Applejack nods and goes for another bite but then hears Winona coughing loudly. She sighs, knowing what this inevitably means” I'll go clean it up” she says wearily before leaving the table, Sugar and Autumn watching her go.
Applejack nears Winona's dog bed, cleaning stuff at hoof when she passes by something unexpected, a poinsettia.
Her eyes widen seeing the plant before rushing to Winona, whom is coughing a lot” Winona!” Applejack goes” No no no, Please no” she stammers” Winona did you eat any of that?” she points to the poinsettia” Did you?” she shouts.
Winona is unable to give an answer though with all her coughing” Come on girl did you?” Applejack asks her, holding her paw.
As suddenly as it started the coughing stops, as does any noticeable breathing from her” Winona? Oh no no NO” Applejack cries out.
Soon the occupants of the house come towards Applejack as they hear her crying.
“Oh no” Sugar Belle says, Big Mac sighs sadly and Applebloom also gets glassy eyed.
Autumn meanwhile stands by in respectful silence.
“Who did it?” Applejack then goes” Who brought a gosh danged poinsettia into the house?” she asks angrily.
“Um that'd be me but” Autumn goes before Applejack interrupts her” You, you brought here, don't you know pets can get sick from those things?”
“Yes but” Autumn says before Applejack starts again” Did you not think before getting it, you had to have seen that Winona was feeling good.”
“That I did but let me” Autumn again is interrupted by Applejack” And Now She's dead, Our Dog's Dead” Applejack shouts, tears rolling down her eyes” And you Killed her.” she says to Autumn, getting a gasp from the others.
Autumn meanwhile just takes a breath” Now then Applejack” she says before again being interrupted by Applejack” Why don't you just Get The Heck Out Of Here, go and ruin somepony else's Hearth's Warming, I think you've done enough here.” Applejack yells, pointing her hoof at the door.
The others look at Autumn, whom merely takes a breath and sighs before going to the door, her horn's aura lighting up to get her horn beanie and coat. No one stops her from leaving.
Applejack, after watching her leave, breaks down into a sobbing mess besides Winona's body.
Sugar whispers something to Big Mac and Applebloom, after which the three share a nod. They then leave to give Applejack a moment alone with Winona.
An hour or so later Applejack is in the industrial kitchen, trying to distract herself a bit with work, putting the last of the pastries needed for the order into the oven.
Out of the corner of her eye she sees Big Mac, Sugar Belle and Applebloom come in and close the door behind them. Applebloom is then the first to approach Applejack” That wasn't cool sis, what you said to Autumn.” she tells her.
“Wasn't meant to be.” Applejack replies.
“It wasn't her fault Winona died” Applebloom goes.
“Yes it was, Winona ate some of that dang gun” Applejack is then interrupted by Big Mac” No, she didn't!” He goes, startling everyone there.
“Big Mac?” Applejack goes.
Big Mac sighs” Winona didn't eat any of that poinsettia, in fact it's not even a real one, it is one of them 'silk flowers' according to Autumn.” Big Mac goes. Applebloom nods” Indeed, she said as much to us as we were decorating, told us she found them being sold by Davenport at the Hearth's Warming market, alongside snowglobes.”
“But Winona” Applejack goes before Sugar Belle cuts in” Has been sick for a while Applejack”.
Applejack shakes her head” No, she was strong, a fighter.”
“And reaching 14 years old sis” Applebloom goes” She had maybe a couple years left in her but her best days were behind her. Although if I'm being honest, I was pretty sure she was going to last this winter.”
Applejack shakes her head” No I don't believe you, let's see what Dr Fauna has to say about this” She goes defiantly.
“Yeah, it wasn't no poinsettia poisoning I can tell you that” Dr. Fauna tells Applejack” What?” the cowmare says stunned.
” Yup all the signs point to heart failure in little old Winona here” Dr Fauna goes.
” But her coughing and vomiting?” Applejack asks.
” Can happen with the nausea that the condition brings. Plus I did check the contents of her stomach and colon, didn't find anything that shouldn't of been in there, but i did find this bit of fake flower under her collar” Dr Fauna points out a red piece of fabric shaped like a flower petal.
” That's not a real flower petal?” Applejack asks.
Dr Fauna shakes her head” Applejack, all the flowers in my practice are fake, to help prevent one accidental poisoning or another, and I switch them out myself, I know artificial flowers from real ones.” She tells her.
“But her last checkup she” Applejack is interrupted by the vet” Was in decent health but I recommended you start bringing her in every 3 months instead of 6, but you never came to that next appointment.” Dr .Fauna tries to say neutrally.
” Granny had just died, I wasn't really thinking about all that” she admits. Dr .Fauna nods “ That's understandable.”
After a few more words between her and the vet Applejack leaves the office, a canvas sack on her back and greets her family in the waiting room” It uh, it was” Big Mac holds up a hoof” We heard everything, is a small building you know” he replies.
“I'm so sorry y'all” Applejack tells them, her eyes tearing up.
Applebloom sighs and goes to get the sack off of Applejacks back” We know, and we're not mad at you, however we ain't the ones you need to really apologize to”.
Big Mac nods “Yup”.
“Well take Winona back to the farm, you just go fine and talk to Autumn Applejack” Sugar Belle tells her.
Applejack nods then before leaving the vet's office, puts her scarf and jacket back on.
After walking out of the vet's office Applejack seems to walk aimlessly, thinking about what she'll say to Autumn when she sees her next, though she's no idea where she might be.
“Whatchu doing?” she hears, startling out of her state.
Turning around she sees Autumn, in her horn beanie and coat, a wry little smile on her face.
She then becomes aware that they're by Ponyville train station” Oh gosh, when I said leave I didn't mean 'get out of town' “Applejack frantically goes.
” Oh I know” Autumn tells her chuckling a little.
“But then why are you here?” Applejack asks.
” To see what they had at their gift shop, which frankly could use some work, it's way to saturated with Princess Twilight merchandise.” Autumn goes, pointing towards the mentioned shop.
Applejack snorts a little” I bet it is.” She then sighs” Look Autumn, I'm mighty sorry about earlier. Things haven't been exactly smooth ever sense Granny passed away. What with all the responsibility and what not I've had to take up since then.” Applejack says .
” Winona dying I guess just ended up being the straw that broke the camel's back and you were just unlucky to be in the line of fire for me to lash out at.” Applejack tells her.
“Indeed I figured that was the case.” Autumn nods.
“What really?” Applejack asks, a bit confused.
Autumn chuckles” Oh come on Aj, I'm a kirin, temper management is pretty much a full time job, not that it pays much, but anyway I knew you just needed some time to 'cool off' from all that, but I do appreciate the apology.” Autumn tells her.
“ Well thank you, I'm not sure what to say, even with you accepting my apology I feel I should make it up to you, but I don't sure how” she tells her.
” Well first, how about we return to the house, get our heads clear and out of the cold, then we can talk?” Autum suggests.
“That sounds like a might fine idea.” Applejack nods.
Back at the house the two find the other waiting for them out on the porch.
Applejack apologizes to her family again and they hug it out. The next hour is spent working on digging Winona a grave, which goes much easier after Autumn lets some 'frustration' loose on the ground they're trying to dig up, surprising everyone with how hot nirik flames can get.
Once they finish burying Winona they return to the house” You know, I think I've thought of something you can do for me to make up for how you behaved earlier” Autumn tells Applejack.
” Yes?” Applejack asks. “ Take a break from 'work' and join all of us for some Hearth's Warming eve merriment tomorrow. “ Autumn tells her.
“That doesn't sound like me doing you a favor” Applejack comments.
“Maybe not, but you could certainly use a favor right now.” Autumn chuckles. “But the order.” Aj goes. “I can handle the client Applejack, you just have a fun day with Autumn, you've earned it.” Applebloom tells her. “Eeyup.” Big Mac replies. Applejack smiles” Thanks y'all.”
The day after was a Hearth's Warming eve that Applejack hadn't had since a wee filly, filled with snow fun, games, a bit of shopping and a large snowball fight, which during the latter Autumn's nirik form proved oddly useful for making defensive walls and later on an igloo.
That evening at the farm house the Apple family plus Autumn all sat down for dinner, where once again all the chairs were filled.
Happy Holidays Everyone
Author's Note
Written for https://www.fimfiction.net/user/520041/Discombobulated+Soul for Jinglemas 2022
Happy Holidays to Everyone 
