Chapters Applejack yawned.
It was late, and outside the snow was falling ever so gently. That, combined with a warm fireplace, and a comfy couch, meant it was the ideal place for a good long nap. but She wouldn't, not right now at least. Soon enough she would be in her own bed, cuddling up to her husband.
Husband, Applejack looked up from the paper she had been reading twice now. Her green eyes landed on the Alicorn stallion laying next to her, his ice blue eyes going over the names on part of the long list he had brought up with him after his work.
She smiled gently, watching as he went over each name, checking each name twice before he put a mark next to each name with his quill. Both the list and quill were floating in the air, a faint blue aura around them. Nicholas's magic. It still amazed Applejack how quickly Nicholas had gotten used to using magic, and his new body.
Despite the change, whenever she looked at him, Applejack could still see the little boy she had known as a filly, and later when he became a man.
So much has happened over the years. Thinking back to her first meeting with Nicholas, she went over the events of the life they had shared. Them meeting on the first day of school. Nicholas carving a wooden pony with her as a model. The birth of his younger brother, and her younger sister.
The loss of her parents, and her leaving for Manehatten. She got her cutie mark, and Nicholas met Mina and the other elves in the Everfree. Then of course there was the first night Nicholas ever went on to deliver presents to all the foals of Ponyville.
Even to this day, Applejack still had to admire what Nicholas did then. He had wanted to give back to all the ponies he saw as his family. Haven grew up knowing he was different, it had bothered Nicholas more than he had let show. But it also fueled his gratitude to all the ponies of Ponyville who had accepted him.
That simple gesture became a yearly tradition, and that tradition had led to his first workshop, and later to all of this. Now he was something more, serving the whole world, spreading good cheer, and the spirit of Hearth's Warming. It made Applejack proud that she got to share that with him, to stand by his side.
But to her, he was still the human boy she knew. That jolly loyal friend who liked to make toys, and eat lots of cookies. Glancing to the table beside Nicholas, she spotted a cup of hot cocoa, and a plate with cookies.
She couldn't help it, she giggled a little.
Nicholas looked at her, smiling. "What?"
"Oh nuthin." Applejack said, hiding her giggle behind a hoof. "I just thought about how adorable you look."
Nicholad chuckled, leaning in and gently pressed his nose against hers. "Silly mare," said Nicholas. "But that's why I love you."
Applejack raised a teasing eyebrow. "That's the only reason? Nicholas Claus, I expect you to at least also love me for my cooking as well."
Nicholas let out a small laugh, and nodded, waving a hoof defensively. "You're right, you're right. That too." He leaned in and kissed her again. "And so much more." He added, making Applejack blush.
"That's better." She said mock sternly. With a small tired yawn, she looked down at the pile of letters she had read, and then back at the massive sack still full of them. "You're getting even more than last year."
"And the year before that." Nicholas chuckled, levitating the list and quill to the side. "Perhaps we should turn in for the night. You probably need some rest too." He said, looking not in her eyes but further down.
Applejack turned her head, looking at her side, seeing the still small growth of her stomach. She smiled, running her hoof over it a few times. "Only a few more months." She said in almost a whisper. "I still can't believe it, we're going to be parents."
Nicholas chuckled, leaning in and nuzzled her. "I can hardly wait."
Applejack looked at him and grinned. "Oh I know, don't think I haven't noticed you making all kinds of new toys. If ya keep going like this, we'll run out of rooms!" She laughed, and Nicholas did too, although blushing a bit as he did so.
"I'm sorry, I'm just excited."
"I know that, sugarcube." She said in a more gentle tone. "I'm excited too." She looked back down at her barrel, smiling as he kept gently rubbing it. "We have been through so much. I sometimes wonder what my life would be like if you hadn't come knocking."
Nicholas placed a hoof on hers. "I know my life would have been less without you. Without my family, or Ponyville."
She smiled, and gave a nod. "I think mine would have been less too." She said, scooting a bit closer so she could lean against Nicholas. "All the times Twilight and my friends needed me. I'm glad I was there for them and my family. But I always looked forward to coming home to you."
True enough, the adventures she had with Twilight and the others had certainly been eventful. Nicholas hadn't been around for it, he had been busy enough getting himself established here. Applejack however, she had lived here, but also in Ponyville, she had friends and responsibilities she could not, and would not ignore. Nicholas understood that.
But now life seems to have calmed down. Things had changed. All of Applejack's friends were living their own lives now, like Applejack, their responsibilities had grown. They still visited of course, and saw each other whenever they had time for it. If they could not, they would send frequent letters, so they never felt far apart.
It was like that for Nicholas and his family too. They would often visit, and often send letters. Nicholas liked to pop in for a visit now and again, and so while they lived far apart, they never really felt distant.
He was brought out of his thoughts as Applejack started to chuckle, and he looked at her with a smirk. "What now?"
"Remember the first night when you introduced yourself to the princesses?" Applejack asked, and Nicholas could not help but chuckle too at the memory.
"Yeah, it isn't something I'll forget any time soon." His chuckle became more of a laughter as the events replayed in his mind. "Remember Twilight's reaction when I finally met her?"
Applejack laughed, leaning a bit more against him for support. "Twilight's jaw almost hit the ground!"
They both laughed heartily as the memories of the last ten years came back to them.
Ten Years Ago. First Sleigh Ride.
Luna let out a small, yet satisfied sigh. Dinner had been great, Celestia had made sure all of Luna's favorites had been made, along with several new dishes, and of course some of her own. To her amazement, Celestia had actually cooked all of it, and it had been fun seeing her sister dance around the kitchen, listening to Hearth's Warming music on the radio.
It had been her first Hearth's Warming Eve since her return, and while many traditions had changed, the spirit of the traditions was still very much alive.
Now Celestia wanted to share one of her own traditions with her, which was why Luna sat alone in their shared living space, admiring the calmly falling snow. She had a great view of Canterlot, all the houses with their lights, and the street decorations made the city look like something out of a story book.
The door to their cozy living room opened, and Celestia trotted inside, carrying a tray with two steamy mugs of cocoa in her magic. She wore the red scarf her secretary had given her, and her smile was warm and full of love. Luna couldn't help but smile back, it felt so good to be here with her.
Neither spoke up, as they both just sat there, enjoying the warmth of the cocoa, the calm and peace. Yes, this felt right, this was home. After a moment, Celestia looked at Luna, opening her mouth to speak. But before a single word could even be uttered, both felt a strange sensation wash over them. Both looked at each other, trying to see if the other had felt it too.
Luna stood. "What was that?"
"I have no idea." Celestia said, standing too as both sisters felt some sort of strong magical presence.
Everything was quiet, as they both tried to locate the source, but they couldn't quite pinpoint it. Luna looked at her sister, "perhaps we should call the gua-"
Before anything else could be said, their attention was drawn to the fireplace, and the fire flickered, and waved. As if the wind was coming in from above. Several tiny stars came flying down the fireplace, it almost looked like loose snow being guided by the wind.
It concentrated in front of the fireplace, and quickly made a shape of a tall pony. With a small warm flash of light, and a final poof , a male Alicorn stood before them. He was dressed in red, his white mane and coat almost glowing. Both sisters stood there, gawking in amazement and shock, their mouths almost hanging open.
The Alicorn looked at them, smiling, almost shyly. "Good evening, Princesses." He said respectfully, and bowed. "It has been some time."
Celestia recovered, blinking a few times in confusion. "Have we met?" She asked, trying to place him, but nothing came to mind.
The Alicorn chuckled. "We haven't seen each other for years, and I didn't exactly look like this the last time. In fact, I wasn't even a pony."
Then it clicked, and Celestia's eyes grew even wider. "Nicholas?"
Nicholas's smile grew a little. "Yes, it's me."
Luna looked from Nicholas to her sister. She knew the name of course, Celestia had told her all about the human infant that had somehow made it into their world. But, he was supposed to be human, right?
"A lot has happened these past few weeks." Nicholas admitted. "And, I will have to tell you everything in due time. But sadly, I have a long night ahead of me, and I cannot afford to stay for very long." He trotted forward, bowing to Celestia once again.
"Long ago, you gave me the biggest gift I could ever hope to receive. You accepted me with open hooves, and allowed me to stay with my family." He looked up at her, his gentle eyes meeting hers. "It is out of your generosity and kindness I got to have so many things. A family, friends, a home, love, and now, my calling."
Celestia was at a loss for words, and he could see the question forming before she even thought to ask it. "I now know why I am here, and it is thanks to you I can gladly fulfill my duty. Every year, on Hearth's Warming Eve, I will deliver presents to all the children of the world. To bring them cheer, hope, and kindness. To share in that kindness you showed me many years ago. To share in the selfless act of giving, in the spirit of Hearth's Warming."
Nicholas bowed once again. "Thank you."
Celestia smiled gently, and to his surprise bowed in return. "My dear Nicholas. I don't know what to say." She said, giggling a little. "You really have both me and my sister stunned."
Luna nodded. "My sister spoke about you, but I have also heard about you in dreams." She smiled a little. "You have delivered presents for a long time now."
Nicholas nodded. "I wanted to give back to everypony who had accepted me, I thought bringing them presents would be a good way to give back. Or at least, show them some appreciation for what they have done for me."
Celestia's smile seemed to brighten. "I'm very proud of you, Nicholas. Are you happy with how your life has turned out so far?"
Nicholas nodded. "I can't imagine any other life, Princess. With Applejack and my friends by my side, I think I can overcome whatever the future holds for me."
Celestia tilted her head. "Applejack, the element of honesty?"
Nicholas nodded, blushing a bit as he looked away with a sheepish smile. "She and I have become really... Close."
Celestia and Luna exchanged glances, and both smiled a knowing smile as they looked back at him. "Congratulations, Nicholas." Celestia said. "I'm glad you have found somepony special. Are you going to see her after tonight?"
"Actually. She is waiting in my sleigh up on your roof." He smiled.
Both Luna and Celestia looked at him, this time their mouths agape. "Your what on our what?"
Nicholas chuckled. "A long story, but I should get back. Before I go though." He closed his eyes for a moment, focusing his magic, and with another poof, a package appeared in front of them, wrapped in a golden, dark blue paper. "Happy Hearth's Warming." He said, and before any of them could say anything, Nicholas vanished into snow like dust, and flew back up the fireplace.
Both sisters just managed to look out the window, to see a sleigh fly across the sky, pulled by eight reindeer, bells ringing beautifully as they vanished in a flash.
Celestia and Luna opened the present soon after. It was a clock, the casing carved with very fine symbols and patterns. But what made it so special was the clock itself. In the round glass, where the handle and numbers were, behind it, was like a window into the outside.
At night, the view would change to a star filled sky, all sorts of colors and patterns a pony could only see using a telescope. It was utterly captivating. A day though, it showed the blue sky, and the horizon of Equestria. Cloud formations, and even at times, a Pegasus or two flying among the clouds.
The princesses loved it, and placed it over their fireplace. forever a reminder of the bond they shared with one another, and with their new friend, who came to visit them once every year from then on.
Dear Santa.
I've been doing my very best to be good this year!
This year, I've tried to take care of the lawn like my dad asks me to, and I have almost always done my homework on time. Please, please, please, bring me a toy!
I promise I will do better next year, and not go out and look for an Ursa Major and bring it to Ponyville.
I really want a new Action Pony, with the new chop action movement. Or maybe a new train? If not that, I really want the latest Power Pony sword!
Please?
I promise I will be even ~~gooder~~, ~~good~~, better, next year.
Snipsy Snap.
Elves are a very interesting species.
Most ponies have not even realized they exist. Certainly they are not even recognized in any official record. The elves we know of all lived within the Everfree forest, deep within, in hidden villages, and secret groves and clearings.
It isn't exactly known how they came to be, or how old their kind are, but it is safe to assume that these little creatures have at least been around as long as the Everfree.
Right now, it is unknown if there are more of them outside the Everfree.
Elves are almost cat-like creatures, and come in all sorts of sizes, or small. They enjoy warm places, and have quite the sweet tooth.
They are very careful by nature, and so have developed an artform never to be detected. This makes them masters of stealth. Only VERY few have ever laid eyes on an elf, and should see one, you can be sure it is gone as soon as you blink.
The elves also have magical potential, although to how far this extends is unknown. But elves have the ability to perform tiny spells, and change the world around them in minor ways. This will be elaborated upon further down.
While elves are not stupid in any way, one could say they can be naive in some ways. They have great capacity to learn a trade, and almost master it. As an example, you could teach an elf to sew, but if you were to ask the elf to sew something they have come up with, the elf would get confused.
Elves are generally friendly creatures, who enjoy playing, and exploring. They have a love for building their home, to make it as cozy as possible. However when elves are bored, or they are unsatisfied, elves have a habit of mischief.
If you have an elf in your home, and it is bored, or unsatisfied, you will start experiencing minor pranks around you. From socks changing color, to milk having gone sour, gravy having been filled in every hole of your cheese, or your clothes have gotten too small, or too big.
If that is the case, your only remedy is leaving snacks for the elves to take during the night. Cookies, or rice pudding. If your elf is happy, it will start to bring you luck, or maybe even make your chores easier by helping in some form or another.
Elves are generally not very trusting creatures, hence why it is even more amazing they found someone like Nicholas to follow. When he asked, they followed him all the way up north, and quickly became part of his community. Excelling in whatever task they decided to take on.
They have thrived, and become as vital to the community as the many reindeers already living there.
We cannot be sure of this of course, but it is rumored that some elves stayed behind, and are keeping an eye on different families. Some rumors even say they report back to Santa, if they spot any troubling behavior, but that is just a rumor.
What is known however, is that elves are kind and gentle creatures, but with a streak of mischief. They are an army of little helpers, and have built thousands of toys already.
It would be an understatement to say they have become vital to Santa's efforts to bring toys to every good girl and boy.
Dear Santa.
My name is Button Mash, and I like to play video games. I live with my mom and dad, but my dad travels a lot. I also have a big brother, his name is Gibson. He goes to school in Manehatten, so I don't see him much, but that's okay. He says he is having lots of fun, and he likes living in the big city.
My dad and my brother comes home for Hearth's Warming, so I am really excited!
I don't have a wish for you, because I'm with my family. But maybe you could give my wish to somepony else? There is this filly I like, but you can't tell her, its a secret!
I really want to give her something for Hearth's Warming, but I'm not very good at thinking of stuff fillies like. My mom says she would be happy with anything I give her, if it comes from the heart.
I forgot to tell you, my mom knows my secret, but nopony else!
I don't know much about giving gifts from the heart, so I thought maybe you knew something she would really like? I don't mind if I have to use my wish for it, I just really want to make her happy.
Thank you so much, Santa.
From, Button Mash.
