A Hearth's Warming Game

A Hearth's Warming Game
By Wanderer D
Chapter 2: Games

Hearth's Warming morning was, across Equestria, one of the most wholesome events anycreature could witness, and the Crystal Empire was no exception. Merged in part with older celebrations from forgotten times (as well as the euphoria of still being free of Sombra), the Crystal Ponies partied hard the previous eve, then celebrated with a good feast on the day itself.

Shining Armor, Cadance and Flurry Heart had embraced this and had spent the previous night at the large party the palace had hosted for nobles, merchants and dignitaries in the palace itself, with the grounds open to the population in its entirety providing free food, music, performances and fantastic decorations for the visitors.

That night, exhausted, they had all gone to bed, Flurry cuddling into her collection of stuffed animals and creatures, while Shining and Cadance had stayed up for just a bit longer, talking about the empire, or reading the letters Twilight and the others had sent them before also cuddling into bed together and letting the warmth of each other and their blankets carry them into Luna's realm of dreams.

The next morning started early, despite their hopes. Flurry Heart had burst into their room carrying a pair of presents in her telekinetic grip, one for each, and something they had never seen her shop for. Shining had gotten a new scarf, and Cadance a new set of winter saddle-bags. Simple gifts, but with so much love behind them the pair had struggled to hold back tears of joy.

After that, it was Flurry who opened her gifts next to the Hearth's tree, finding everything from a set of winter clothes for herself, boots, wing warmers and even a knitted cap, to more practical items for her own studies as a princess.

Although the Crystal Empire's magic prevented the sheer cold from the North to consume the city, it allowed enough weather to have a healthy carpet of snow covering the roads and roofs. The decorations glittered and shimmered as wind blew through the tree leaves and the sound of little bells could be heard here and there.

Cadance and Shining walked alongside Flurry Heart down the main avenue to take pictures with their subjects around the statue of Spike, then they went down the street to the shopping district, following their daughter as Flurry jumped from window-shopping one store to the other, gasping and grinning at the new things they had set up on display.

Once their visit was over, they had returned to the castle for a small lunch. Nothing fancy, and easy to reheat, as Cadance had insisted the staff visit their own families.

All in all, it had been an idyllic day. A wonderful Hearth's Warming for them all.

Now, however, they had finished their meal, and were relaxing when Flurry Heart spoke up.

"How about that game we've been planning?"

Cadance felt her smile strain, but then she reminded herself to keep calm. She had trained. She had learned. She had forged her way through the gauntlet of dice, mazes, monsters and dubious plot lines. She knew how to play now.

This was for Shining and Flurry. It was her offering to them, an effort to join them in something she didn't particularly like, but they were passionate about.

And really, what was more in the spirit of Hearth Warming than stepping up for others? Embracing the unknown and valiantly confronting her fears? Besides, what was there to fear?

So, her smile relaxed a little. "Sure thing, honey. Let's do it."

"Yay!" Flurry gave her a quick hug and used her magic to quickly set up the table.

"Wow, mom, you're playing a lamia?"

"That's a bold choice," Shining agreed.

"Of course it is," Cadance muttered, thoughts of punching a certain bug crossing her mind.

"And an exotic dancer…" Flurry tilted her head. "What's an exotic dancer?"

Thoughts of murdering a particular bug crossed Cadance's mind until she was handed her sheet to fill up.

The day had been very, very boring for Chrysalis. Oh, the party last night was fine. She had strolled around, slowly seeping love from all creatures present, even other changelings. None of them had even noticed her.

She had eaten, laughed, drank, flirted, drank some more, stuffed herself with more love, and even danced with Cadance just for kicks. The fact that Cadance knew who she was was the best part, because her face when Shining had taken a turn dancing, and then young Flurry had been priceless.

Still, she was a guest, so after their respective dances, she had politely excused herself from the ruling family and made a beeline for the chocolate fountain. If there was a way to create an eternal chocolate fountain, there would be no need for feeding off of love, for that right there was enough to keep her giddy and fed without issues forever.

Sure, her mother had advised against eating too much chocolate. 'Dangerous' for changelings, when consumed in large quantities, but really, who was she trying to fool? Live by the chocolate, die by the chocolate!

Ha! If that was a way to go, that would be her choice anyway.

Unfortunately, the fountain was not eternal, and after the festivities ended, she had to abandon the delightful contraption and abscond to her guest room, which Cadance had arranged for her.

All things considered, this deal with Cadance had worked out pretty well for her, so she was less annoyed than she would have otherwise been when the Princess of Love knocked on her door with something akin to desperation at around the time she was supposed to be playing her game.

"Well," she said, languishing at the entrance to the room. "Isn't this a sur—"

"It's a different game!" Cadance hollered, barreling through and dragging Chrysalis by the tail into the room.

"What?"

"It's different than what you showed me!" Cadance roared, shoving a bunch of papers into Chrysalis' face.

Shaking the Princess off, Chrysalis took a couple of steps back and took a look at the pages. "Cadance, this is just O&O 4.1, we played 4.2."

"Why is it so different?!"

"It's the layout, look, the stats are here, they work the same way, and the page is organized a little different, that's all."

"Why didn't you use this edition to teach me then?!" Cadance said, grabbing the pages back and frantically going over them again.

Chrysalis gave her a deadpan look. "What? Why wouldn't I get the new edition when you're paying for it?"

"Chrysalis…"

"Hey, chill, Princess," Chrysalis droned, borrowing a word she had heard someone use last night. "Chill. I like that word. Especially here, in the middle of the North where stepping out of the city changes that from, 'calm down' to 'you're dead.'" She laughed.

"What am I supposed to do?"

Chrysalis sighed. "It's the same game, you'll be fine. You haven't played in a while with Shining, right? Or rather, I haven't. If he asks, just mention that you're a bit out of practice if you find yourself struggling to find something. You know more than enough to pull through."

Cadance was already doing her breathing exercises. "Fine. Fine. I'll be okay."

"Yes."

Nodding a bit more forcefully than was necessary to project confidence, the Princess strolled out of the room.

Chrysalis sighed and walked over to where the small coffee set for guests was. "Better prepare some of this. It's going to be a long one."

"Dad, I think mom might still be sick, this is the fifth time she's gotten up to go to the restroom."

Shining nodded, pensive. "It's odd…"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, she seemed okay at first, if a little rusty, but she's really having a hard time, isn't she?"

Flurry put down her sheet and started picking through the miniatures, trying to find a good fit for her griffon character. "Didn't you two use to play all the time?"

Shining chuckled. "Not really. Cadance wasn't much into gaming until later on, around the time we got married."

"Huh."

"No."

"Come on, please?" Cadance begged. "Just for tonight!"

Chrysalis rolled her eyes, then grinned. "All night?"

Cadance paused to consider it, then immediately shook her head. "No, of course not. Seriously?"

"Hey, can't blame a mare for trying, he might be slightly older, but he's still fit."

Cadance smiled goofily. "Yes, he is."

"Anyway, I don't really have anything to gain from doing this."

"Please, Chrysalis…" Cadance closed her eyes. "I-I… I promise I'll bring it up with Shining and if he wants…" she trailed off when Chrysalis put a hoof to her mouth.

"Enough." She sighed. "He'll say no anyway, let's just do this, but after this, I'll need some cuddle time with you to replenish my energies so I can get going."

"Me?!" Cadance gasped.

"Oh, don't pretend you're not fond of your little love bug," Chrysalis intoned mockingly. "A few hugs will do."

"...fine." Cadance sighed. "In fact, I have a counter-offer."

"Do you think we should cancel tonight's game?" Flurry asked just as the door to the room opened and her mother walked in, levitating some snacks and a drink.

"Never!" Cadance said. "I realized what I was missing, I was missing the snacks!"

Flurry's eyes widened. "Oh my gosh, I forgot the snacks!"

"Not to worry, Flurry, dear, I have them right here." Cadance dropped several bags of chips, pretzels, cookies, and other munchies on the table. "Now, let's get started."

-o-

"And with a cackling laugh, the death knight launches himself at both of you," Shining declared, imitating the crazed laughter of his villainous NPC and the motion of a slashing sword in their direction. "What's your AC?"

"Did he just charge straight at us?" Cadance clarified.

Shining raised an eyebrow. "Yes?"

"Then, I don't think so, Shinny~" Cadance teased, slurping some of her milkshake. "For you see, I had cast 'Wall of Force' to encompass the area where he teleported into from outside the room."

"That means he can't just attack us straight out, even with legendary skills!" Flurry said excitedly. She reached over and hugged Cadance, who stiffened for a moment. "Mom! You're a genius!"

"Ha!" I saw it coming a mile away."

Shining's eyes narrowed. "Well then, the Death Knight crashes against the unseen wall, roaring in anger. You know this is but a temporary barrier in his way, what will you do now? Flurry you go first."

Flurry muttered and started shifting through her character sheet when she felt her mother's hoof on her shoulder. She looked up to see Cadance grinning. "Honey, you still have a teleport available, right?"

"Yeah?"

"Well, remember that pouch I dropped here?" Cadance indicated the area where earlier in the fight she had dropped her coin purse.

"Yeah?"

"Can you teleport say… that stone slab over there to just above it so it crashes down on it?"

Flurry blinked. "I… think so, but it's the last teleport on my wand, so no more magic from me, if we do that. Can I do that, dad?"

Shining considered them for a moment, then relented. "Sure."

"I hope you know what you're doing," Flurry said. "Or this adventure is over."

"Trust me."

"The slab falls down crashing on top of your purse,":Shining said. "Flattening it."

"Perfect!" Cadance's hoofs came up to clap adorably. "Do you remember what was inside?"

"Inside?" Shining consulted his notes, shifting through a small pile on them. "Oh no."

"Oh, yesss."

"What is it?" Flurry asked.

"I had a spell pearl inside with the spell "Sunburst" in it."

Shining closed his eyes. "Crap."

Flurry could only laugh as her mom started rolling a bunch of dice on the table. "Can your knight take…. four hundred and sixty two radiant damage?" Cadance asked sweetly.

"That was great, mom!" Flurry said excitedly, hugging Cadance tightly before giving her a kiss on the cheek. She went off and did the same for her dad, then headed to her room for the night.

"That was pretty great," Shining said as he approached Cadance. Then his voice grew hard. "So where is my wife, Chrysalis?"

Cadance's eyes widened, and she blinked. "What? No. Not me. I'm Cadancce."

"You're not. I didn't want to say anything in front of Flurry, but if you've done anything to her, I'll—"

"Fine! Fine." Chrysalis rolled her eyes and motioned with her head. "She's just fine. She's in my room."

"Your room?"

Chrysalis used Cadance's mouth to smile widely. "It is now. Better check in on your wife. Come on."

Cadance looked up when Chrysalis, followed by Shining, stepped into the room. Her eyes went wide and she looked from one to the other. "What? You weren't supposed to tell him!"

Chrysalis chuckled. "I didn't. He somehow figured it out all by himself."

The pair turned to look at Shining, who puffed up his chest proudly. "It was easy."

"Oh?" Chrysalis' professional pride came out. "Do tell."

"For one, the thought occurred to me earlier that our roleplaying time together had all happened just before the wedding," Shining said. "Flurry brought up that you hadn't played in a while, and that got me thinking… and then… you returned much calmer than you had left."

"Yes?"

"I became suspicious when the world building, narrative, and combat mechanics all seamlessly flowed together into one beautiful lived experience." Shining extrapolated. "That didn't seem like Cadence at all."

"What?!" Cadance gasped.

"It's true," Shining and Chrysalis echoed.

"I don't believe you two!" Cadance said with an indignant pout. Her face then shone with the light of realization as she smirked at them both. "If it was that obvious, how come Flurry didn't notice, then?" she added, her hard stare daring Shining or Chrysalis to reply.

"I did," Flurry said, peeking from around the door and making the two ponies in the room jump. "No offense, mom, but your gameplay improved so much, I thought I—" She trailed off, looking from Chrysalis to Cadance. "Wow. Two moms!"

"Only one!" Shining and Cadance both said immediately.

"For now," Chrysalis added. Then shrugged when the other two glared at her. "What? A queen can dream, right? Besides, you're both cute, and you did promise to bring it up, Caddie."

"I think… I need a moment with my family." Cadance sighed.