And Then I Saw Her Face, Now I'm a Believer
We set our story on Hearh's Warming Eve in the ballroom of Canterlot Castle. It was Princess Twilight Sparkle's first Hearth's Warming and, much to the surprise of most, she had managed to throw quite the extravagant event. She had even managed to get catering from her favorite businesses from Ponyville; desserts provided by Sugarcube Corner and wonderfully savory pastries courtesy of the Apple family at Sweet Apple Acres.
The party was attended by a colorful cast of creatures from all over. Gathered together were Equestrian nobles, the Former Elements of Harmony, Princess Cadence and the Crystal Empire's royal family, the former princesses Celestia and Luna, and ambassadors representing Equestria's greatest allies. Even Discord was there as Fluttershy's plus one. He was entertaining with pantomime and gags that livened the mood even further.
Starlight Glimmer was keeping to herself by the refreshment table. She would say the occasional "hello" or exchange a few words with acquaintances when they'd walk by, but she was overwhelmed by the whole event. The dress she wore, colored a nice purple that complimented her mane, was one Rarity had made her ages ago that Starlight never had much of a use for. Still, she was there, enjoying seeing her friends happy. She levitated the punch ladle to her cup once again to refill it as she continued to observe the party from afar.
Across the crowded room, Celestia was exchanging idle chatter with nobles and ponies of status. This was always her least favorite part of being Equestria's princess, dealing with the upper crust and attending such noisy events. She made an exception for this party, however, as it would mean seeing her beloved student once again. Celestia was wearing an ornate pale blue dress made of a comfortable silk that Celestia loved wearing to these occasions. She wasn't a party-pony, but at least she was going to look good while doing it. The retired princess excused herself when the conversation hit a new low of unbearably dull and set her sights on the chocolate fountain on the refreshment table.
As Celestia stepped through the crowd exchanging nods and smiles with those she passed, she noticed a familiar mare who seemed to be having just as much fun as she was. Celestia deviated from her path slightly, the chocolate fountain would be there later anyway, "Good evening, Starlight Glimmer," Celestia smiled down at the lilac unicorn before her, "How are you?"
Always the poor conversationalist, though her time at the School of Friendship helped, Starlight responded awkwardly with a bow, "Your Highness. I'm doing well, how are you?"
Celestia chuckled lightly and lifted Starlight's chin so their eyes met, "Please, just Celestia is fine. I'm retired now, there's no need for the pleasentries."
Starlight gave a half smile and blushed slightly. She had never interacted with Celestia past formal occasions and during emergencies like the invasion of the Legion of Doom. She had forgotten the aura of warmth and safety Celestia radiated around her, like the sun on a cloudless afternoon, "Good evening then... Celestia," she said with a gentle smile. Starlight could already feel the other mare's gentleness seeping into her and relaxing her.
"Having fun?" Celestia asked, floating a plate off the refreshment table that she began to fill with various treats.
"Eh, you could say that," Starlight gave a hearty chuckle as she glanced over to the floating plate that was almost overflowing with sugary dessets, "This isn't really my thing," she looked over the crowd, "I've never been a fan of crowds that I'm not in control of."
Celestia giggled, "If history has taught me anything, it's that nopony is truly in control; just ask Twilight," Celestia began to nibble on a square of deliciously rich fudge, "You can plan and coordinate all day, but then things like that happen," Celestia pointed a hoof to Discord who was dancing with a decorated pine tree, much to Fluttershy's delight who was watching him with a smile, "To your credit, you're doing great! Twilight tells me that your school is accepting its first Diamond Dog student."
Starlight blushed once again, this time deeper; she had no idea Twilight still told Celestia about her, "I hope I'm making her proud... making you proud... making everypony proud"
Celestia put a hoof to Starlight's shoulder, "I assure you, you have nothing to worry about, you are doing great. Now, this is a party, Starlight! Don't worry about that right now, go have fun! As for me..." Celestia gained an impish smile as she glanced at her plate of confections, "I'll be satiating my sweet tooth. And then I think I might show off on the dance floor."
Starlight smiled up at Celestia, it was refreshing to see such a laid back mare behind that regal exterior, "Well, I hope you have fun then!" Starlight raised her punch glass.
"You as well, Starlight."
With that, the two parted ways: Celestia to find a quiet corner to devour her dessets in, and Starlight back to her observing. Though, a bit of that warmth Celestia seemed to radiate lingered in Starlight, it made her feel a bit better about the occasion.
Later in the evening, Starlight stepped out into the Royal Garden. The party was beginning to grow hot and stuffy, so Starlight figured the cold may help to alleviate her discomforts. Of course, she had brought some hot cocoa with her to warm her up on the inside. She sat on a cold stone bench and marveled at the decorated garden around her, "Twilight has to have an entire army of gardeners..." she mumbled while taking a sip of her warm beverage.
"Almost an army," came a warm voice from behind Starlight. The unicorn jumped, nearly spilling her cocoa, she then realized that it was only Celestia. Celestia stepped closer to the bench, "My apologies, I didn't mean to startle you."
"Your Hi- I mean.. Celestia," she was unable to stop herself from giving a small bow, "I didn't hear you approach."
"Yes, you did seem very lost in thought. Mind if I join you?" Starlight nodded in response and Celestia sat down next to her, "The Royal Gardens have always been my favorite place to unwind, that's why I had them planted."
"It's a beautiful place to sit," Starlight said in response, "Funny how we keep running into each other, hm?"
Celestia smiled, "Yes, it seems fate has a strange way of bringing ponies together when we least expect it," she glanced down at Starlight, "I must say, I'm very impressed with how much you've grown since we first met, both in character and in magical ability. It's a wonder you never applied to my school all those years ago."
Starlight shook her head and looked away, "It's... complicated," she said, "When Sunburst left, I figured that learning magic that way would mean leaving behind my home too. I didn't want to leave my dad behind or start over someplace new, so..." Starlight subconsciously leaned against Celestia's side, "I took correspondence courses and did self-study. I had no idea what that level of isolating myself was doing to me... how it was hurting me... and how it was setting me up to hurt others the way I did..."
Celestia wrapped a wing around Starlight comfortingly, "Don't focus on all of that, Starlight. Focus on how you've become better and how you can help everycreature around you."
Starlight let out a sigh, "Thank you," she finally noticed her proximity to Celestia, "I'm not too close, am I?"
Celestia chuckled and shook her head, giving Starlight a gentle squeeze with her wing, "Not at all, we're just two good friends talking and keeping each other warm on a cold night, right?"
For some reason, Celestia's reassurance left Starlight feeling both pleased and disappointed, "Yeah... right," she nodded and glanced back out at the gardens, "Friends..."
The two sat in a warm silence on that bench as they looked out into the gardens. The muffled sounds of the party offered a nice backdrop to the scene. Inwardly, Celestia felt her heart swell as Starlight leaned into her. Smart, talented, and so adorable... Starlight would make a pony very happy one day.
Finally, Starlight noticed the sounds of the party dying down, "Sounds like things are winding down, we should probably get going soon."
"I suppose you're right," Celestia replied, glancing back inside at the dwindling crowd. She gave Starlight one last light squeeze with her wing, which Starlight happily nuzzled into, as the two rose from the bench, "I have enjoyed talking with you tonight, Starlight."
They both walked back into the party, parting ways just past the threshold. Both mares carried a welcomed sense of warmth in their hearts as they returned to their guest suites.
The next afternoon, Twilight held a smaller gathering in her private quarters. Smaller was a loose term, as the party was still filled with the princess' many friends and family. In attendance of this party were: Twilight's parents, her friends from Ponyville, her foalhood friends from Canterlot, the Crystal Royals, Celestia, Luna, and Starlight.
The party consisted of a wonderful lunch, mainly leftovers from the night before, and then a lovely afternoon of board games in Twilight's sitting room. The room was lit by the golden winter sun and the roaring fire in the fireplace that brought a warmth to the occasion. Starlight ended up sat next to Celestia in a game of charades, the coincidence brought a flutter to her heart. Soon, the flutter was replaced by laughter at the antics of her fellow players as they tried and failed at acting out the prompts provided.
Later, after a few more games, everypony sat down in a circle to open their Hearth's Warming Helper gifts. That year, Starlight had drawn Moon Dancer. Now, it was a bit difficult shopping for her intended recipient, as Starlight had never spoken more than a few words to her. With Twilight's advice, Starlight picked up a graphic novel that she'd heard was good; Watchmares. She hoped Moon Dancer would like it.
Twilight levitated the pile of gifts off of a nearby table and passed them out. Everypony took their turns opening their gifts, smiling the whole way. When Moon Dancer opened up her gift, she smiled and looked around for the pony who had given it to her. Starlight raised a hoof and smiled warmly, "I hear it's really philosophical, I hope you like it!"
"Thanks, Starlight. I'll be sure to read it," Moon Dancer replied, flipping the book over to read the back happily.
Finally, came Starlight's turn, she floated her gift into her hooves and began unwrapping it. The box was small, about the size of a book, which is what she thought she was given. When she opened it, however, it was quite the opposite. Inside was a beautiful silver necklace from one of the top brands in Manehattan, "I- Who..." she was stunned. Who would buy her such an extravagant gift?
"That would be me, dear!" Celestia replied warmly.
"Thank you, it means a lot," Starlight said, clasping the necklace around her neck.
The festivities continued into the evening where everypony enjoyed a delicious Hearth's Warming dinner. After the dinner, some went back to their rooms to hit the hay or relax with some cider, others went into the parlor or library to continue the fun.
Starlight began the long trek through the cavernous castle hallways back to her room. Between the festivities and the large dinner, she was practically falling asleep standing. As she walked, she looked down to the necklace and admired the delicate beauty in each silver loop.
"Mind if I walk with you?" came a voice from behind Starlight. Celesita walked up next to her, still wearing the humorously hideous sweater Pinkie Pie had gifted her.
"Sure," Starlight replied. The two began walking side-by-side through the halls, "Fun day, huh?" Starlight offered, in an awkward bid to make a conversation.
"Yes, it has been," Celestia stretched her wings, "I think I much prefer these smaller gatherings to the lavish parties; Hearth's Warming is about friends and family, after all."
The two walked in silence again, Starlight looking down at her hooves as she walked alongside Celestia, "Thanks again for the necklace," Starlight said, "It's lovely."
"You're very welcome, Starlight," Celestia glanced over and smiled down at the mare to her right, "I'm glad to see you so happy with the gift."
The two walked a bit further, Starlight still trying to think of ways to spark up conversation. Suddenly, Celestia stopped, "Well, this is my suite," she was uncharacteristically hesitant.
"Okay then. Happy Hearth's Warming, Celestia. Sleep well," Starlight smiled and turned to continue her long walk.
"Starlight?" Celestia spoke up, "Would you like to join me in my suite for some hot cocoa?"
Starlight turned back to the taller mare and replied shyly, "Sure," It wouldn't have been the first time they'd been alone together, but this time, it felt a bit more intimate.
Celestia led her inside to a couch in front of the fireplace. Starlight sat down and settled into the comfortable velvet. Celestia pulled a rope by the door that signaled for a member of castle staff. An earth pony mare poked her head in, "Two hot chocolates, please," The earth pony bowed and rushed off to get the drinks. Celestia also settled into the comfortable couch. A minute later, the two mugs of hot cocoa arrived.
Starlight blew over the surface of the beverage as to cool it to her liking. She took a few sips from it and sighed happily at the sweetness, "These last few days have been nice," she said with a slight smile, "hectic, but nice," Celestia nodded at that last part. Starlight glanced over at the mare beside her, "It's been nice catching up again, too. You're really great."
Celestia took a long sip from her mug, "Thank you, Starlight. It's been a pleasure talking with you as well. I also enjoy your company."
"No, I mean..." Starlight blushed deeply as she continued to speak, "I really like being around you. You make me feel so safe and comfortable. You're so beautiful but you don't seem to realize it," she looked up to the mare next to her, "I used to be so mean; evil even! But, you treated me with so much kindness. Even when, I treated you so badly, you still supported it when Twilight said she wanted to take me in..."
Celestia cut her off by wrapping a wing around the smaller mare, "You are very special to me as well, Starlight," her voise dropped to a whisper, "Between our distance and my royal duties, it never seemed to be the right time."
Starlight's breath hitched for a moment, she couldn't believe this was really happening, "So... what happens now?" her voice was suddenly more dry as she stared up into Celestia's eyes.
"If we both feel this way," Celestia began, smiling as she spoke, "Possibly the best Hearth's Warming ever,"
Starlight leaned closer into Celestia's wing which then wrapped around her even tighter. The two then embraced, their hooves intertwining. Their once levitating mugs were now placed on the table in front of them as they entangled both their hearts and their bodies. Starlight had never felt so warm. Perhaps it was the fireplace. Or maybe, it was the roaring fire that was being stoked in her heart.
Author's Note
Yes, the titles are based on stuff from the Shrek soundtrack. It's an absolute banger, sue me!
vren55, though we have never met, I hope you enjoy this story. I'll admit, as with last year, this one was tricky. I thought to myself, "How in the world do I write Celestia x Starlight?" Well, this is my best attempt at doing exactly that. I mulled over the plot for most of the month and am writing this note exactly one week from publishing. I finally landed on parodying a Hallmark movie after hearing "Accidentally in Love" by Counting Crows. A happy holiday to you vren, and to all the readers, and all who proofread, who took the time to read this silly work of fiction about lesbian horses.
- Best holiday wishes,
Aroma