A Heartwarming Hearthswarming
Full Story & Author's Notes
1
The chilly morning air shimmered as the warm sunlight reflected and refracted off of the snowflakes that drifted down through it. Every gust and breeze caused the thinner tree branches to shudder and shake, letting small piles of gathered snow atop them to fall to the ground with the fluffiest of 'piffs'. Few wild critters stirred outdoors as many were busy with hibernating this long into the winter, though there were still a hooffull of squirrels and other rodents scurrying about hither and thither to get by.
The citizens of Ponyville, on the other hoof, were quite busy! Hearthswarming Eve was nearing ever-so-quickly, and there was still so much to do! Decorations were nearly complete, but so many meals still needed preparing, outfits needed tweaking, plays needed rehearsing and pathways needed constant shoveling what with all of the snow that was being dumped upon them.
Alas, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy weren't among the townsfolk making their final preparations for the celebrations that were to take place in just a few days. Instead, they had been summoned to the "Great Questing Table" (as Spike and Shining Armor like to call it) and were being directed to some chilly-looking mountaintops far, far away! A series of mountains even further beyond the range of mountains the girls were familiar with traveling about, in a direction less-traveled.
When queried, Twilight couldn't help but regale them about her studies, and that the location in question was known as "The Mountains of Fire & Ice." Such a name is quite apt (if a bit uncreative) due to the still-active volcanoes and "frostcanoes" that littered the area, frequently spilling out lava and ice floes. As if the dangerous environment wasn't enough to worry the pink and yellow ponies, Twilight also reports that dragons are the only peoples that would tolerate living in such harsh conditions, especially during this time of the year.
"Unless there is some sort of new, undiscovered monster there that may be causing whatever issue the you're being sent to solve. One can never be too sure! It's best to prepare for everything!", echoed Twilight. It had become a bit of a mantra for her after dealing with the uncertain nature of the table for so long.
"But there's no way we could possibly pack for -everything-, Twilight! We need to talk to a dragon", Fluttershy worried aloud.
"Yeah! So.... I guess we just gotta do our best, and maybe talk to Smolder? She's a dragon, so she's GOTTA know SOMEthing about the dragons that live there!", Pinkie Pie speculated as she tapped her hoof to her chin.
Bidding Twilight a hurried farewell, the pair of Friendship Questing ponies hurried to find their draconic student. Dashing through the snow, two colorful ponies on their way, they only barely managed to catch the orange dragon youngling about to take off to join Princess Embyr for their yearly Feast of Fire.
Unfortunately, all that she had to offer was little more than a shrug, "Oh, them? I dunno... They kinda kept to themselves, mostly. The Mountains of Fire and Ice are quite large and dangerous, so they have a whole huge territory to themselves. Apparently, the volcanoes belch out lots of gems, so they don't need to search for them as much as other dragons do. I heard they don't even celebrate the Feast of Fire! Pretty weird, if you ask me!"
After yet another farewell, the girls were left alone with their thoughts and worries, once again. With nervous apprehension, Fluttershy nearly whimpered, "I-i guess I'll go home and pack up some things for the trip! Hopefully, we can solve this Friendship Quest in time to get back home for Hearthswarming!"
Pinkie perked up a bit and gave a few springy bounces as she nodded, "Mmmhmm! And just in case, I'll pack a few gifts, just for funsies! Who knows what sort of shenanigans we'll get up to out there?" And with that, the girls parted ways to pack quickly, before meeting up at the train station to head on out!
2
Tiny parcels of gifts, cupcakes, cookies, confetti, a manebrush and even several bandages were all packed by the girls, along with other various accoutrements for their travels. Once each piece of potentially productive preparation was properly and promptly packed into the perfect places in the pouches of the ponies' Hearthswarming-decorated saddlebags, they plotted and planned their possible courses of action, post-haste. Much to their chagrin, the railway wouldn't take them all the way to their predetermined destination, so they would be forced to hoof it for the better part of a the day, wrestling with the cold and blistering snow along the remainder of the way.
Thankfully, they managed to find seats on the train amidst the hustle and bustle of Hearthswarming travel, though their trip was far from boring. So much chatter and excitement echoed throughout the cars, which lifted Pinkie's and Fluttershy's spirits. This, accompanied by the joyous music (and a bit of bumbling as some foals played about, bumping into passengers every-so-often) reminded the girls of ponies from Equestria's past, and the challenges they faced! Surely, a hoof full of grouchy dragons should be manageable, right? They've defeated and even turned the Draconequiis of Chaos to the side of Friendship! Surely, they will find a way to restore peace and tranquility to these interestingly-named mountains!
With her determination bolstered by thoughts of heroic deeds past, Fluttershy finally manages a smile before returning to worry, "Oh... I do hope that every creature is okay, when we get there! I would be so broken-hearted if someone was hurt! It's a good thing I brought some bandages and cream, just in case someone got burned by one of those scary volcanoes"
"Yeah", Pinkie replied, imagining her own nightmare scenario, "I've brought extra gifts and party favors that should help for just about any occasion! Hopefully, whatever wintry holiday they have going, I can add some pizazz to!" She accentuates 'pizazz' with the popping of a miniature party canon ornament she had tactically stored in her mane, just in case of party-fetti emergencies. Of course, this caused several of the other passengers to jump in surprise, and look to her with rather unamused faces as bits of confetti slowly fluttered down atop them all. She sheepishly pardoned herself and shrunk away behind Fluttershy, as if somehow escaping the awkwardness.
The rest of the train ride was filled with ponderings of just what might be wrong with their eventual destination, followed by mentally rehearsing how they would hopefully resolve the issues as they came up.
Was the celebration cake ruined? A song and dance montage could clear that up in a jiffy!
Has a poor wild critter stumbled into town and injured itself? Some first aid and tender loving care, and that little critter could be home by nightfall!
Amidst the holiday cheer and boisterous chattering, the girls plotted as best as they could. Were they truly ready for anything...? Only time would tell.
The ride took them all night and into the early morning the next day, where they would finally reach their destination. Or at least, the first one.
3
The train whistle blew and the train rolled to a stop that nopony got off at... None but Pinkie and Fluttershy. Shining Smile Station seemed like a rather odd name for such a lonely and humble stop that was little more than a platform for loading and unloading, perched on it was but a single rider that waited to enter once the girls exited. Giving one final whistle, the train soon sped off into the distance, and the girls were left in an eerie silence. Taking several minutes to get their bearings and look about, they saw the mountains in question up ahead, and after wrapping their scarves around their necks (that Rarity had so graciously made for them a year before) and tucking their hats atop their heads, they looked to the barely-traversed path ahead of them, and with a deep breath, they trudged onward.
The girls trekked for hours through the deep, unploughed snow, bracing against chilling, blistering snowfall and eerie, howling winds. Despite being somewhat-rested from the night on the train, anypony who has had a long train ride will tell you that even the best sleep on a train full of excited, screaming children, will only ever be half as good as a sleep in one's own bed. Fluttershy rubbed her eyes with a chilly hoof and yawned as she looked up to the mixture of red and blue-topped mountains, each bubbling with lava or ice that dribbled over and down into the ravines deep below them, "I hope these paths aren't too winding, Pinkie. I didn't sleep as well as I could've, last night. Hopefully, the dragons will be kind enough to let us take a quick nap, after we've helped them with whatever's going on up there."
"Yeah...", Pinkie responded with bags under her eyes, "Last night was lots of fun... But even my demi-boundless energy needs recharging overnight, and..." her mouth gaped open as she gave another yawn, "... My heart swam with song and cheer... I didn't get to sleep much, either! Maybe they'll have a cart! I already feel like my hooves are gonna fall off!"
Right as the girls were looking for a place to settle down for an hour to break for lunch, the sounds of distant sobbing caught their ears. Immediately perking up, the both of them dashed towards the sounds of distress, discovering the source to be a stout little green and red dragonling with flecks of white almost akin to freckles. The dragon must've been only a year or two younger than Smolder, and although shorter, it was a bit more stocky and squarish, instead of Smolder's more lanky shape.
Immediately, the girls rushed to it's aid, "What's wrong, little dragon? Are you hurt?", Fluttershy cooed to it before it paused it's sobbing and looked up to the newcomers. Suddenly, it's eyes widened and it stood up... Not defensively, but... In startled curiosity as it leaned forward, "F-fluttershy?! Pinkie Pie?! I... But... H-how...?! The legendary Ultimate Friends! I was just run... Er... Coming to find you guys in Ponyville!"
Taken aback by the sudden, astonished recognition, Pinkie bounced forward and offered a hoof to shake, "At your service, friend! We heard there was a friendship problem, and weeeeee're here to help solve it! A special table told us you were in need, so here we are! Pretty cool, huh?"
The dragonling blinked a bit, still a little in shock that such creatures of legend have come to help with HIS problem. He eventually reached out to shake Pinkie's hoof and vigorously shook it and smiled wide as hope finally began to fill his heart, "Thank you so very much! My town so DESPERATELY needs help! I'm... I'm trying to teach my family and kin the joys and magic of Hearthswarming Eve, but... They're so much like... Well, you know... Dragons...", he looked off to the side as he rubbed his shoulder, a bit ashamed as he spoke, "I-i'm worried that the Windigoes will come and freeze us forever if we don't soon embrace others, as we've lived so isolated up here for so long... Please tell me you can help!"
The girls looked to each other, and a smile slowly crept up on Pinkie's face, "Yes! I have a funny feeling THAT'S why we were sent here! FRIENDSHIP QUEST ADVENTUUUUURE~!" she sang and spun her hooves so fast they became a cartoonish, pink blur before she zoomed off! Moments later, she zoomed back, coming to a screeching halt that shunted a pile of snow on top of poor Fluttershy before sheepishly inquiring, "Uhhh... Which direction is your town, again....?" Little Solstice pointed up the hill and blinkblinked in awe, "J-just that way, follow my talon prints!"
And without a hint or notion, she was off in a flash, yet again.
4
Having been left in the snow-dust, Solstice waddled over and assisted in helping Fluttershy out of the pile of snow that had befallen her from Pinkie's over-excitement. Once the timid pony gave a final series of shakes to throw off the last bits of snow, she was officially dug out, and ready to follow her new little dragon friend to his home. Despite the trip taking a while, having a friend to point out the landmarks help take the edge off of the cold.
"Even though the ice that spills out of the frostcanoes don't look quite as scary and dangerous as the lava bubbling down the sides of their counterparts, they're equally as dangerous! One touch from the liquid ice can freeze you solid, and may just pull you along with the flow, neeeeveeer to be seeeen agaaaaaain!"
A sharp whimper quickly echoed from the fearful pony as she dodged back, as if simply hearing tell of these floes could be enough to suffer their chilling effects, "W... We won't have to go near any of these, in order to get to your home... W-will we?" she meekly inquired.
"Oh, no. Nah. We live near the volcanoes, so it's just the lava you have to deal with!", Solstice helpfully offered, hoping to assuage her fears.
"Ooooh... JUST the lava. R-right. No big deal... Right?"
"Yeah! It's great to swim in! It's great for cleaning stains off of your sca-... Ahhh. I take it ponies aren't immune to fire?"
"I'm afraid not, Solstice. I don't think Pinkie or I will be able to do much swimming there. No offense."
Much to Fluttershy's relief she could take off her hat and scarf, as the final stretch of the trip back to Solstice's home, was warming up as they approached closer and closer to a nearby volcano. The only thing louder than the shouting and banter of some dragon teens playing and wrestling over yonder was the sharp gasp of a Pinkie Pie!
"NO decorations or parties or ANYTHING?!?" she exclaimed in shock before rifling around in her saddle bag, "But... But...! I didn't bring enough spare decorations and gifts for an ENTIRE TOOOOOWN!!"
By the time Fluttershy and her new friend found her in the middle of the "town square" (of sorts) Pinkie wore one of the droopiest frowns Solstice had ever seen! He shrugged his shoulders and gave a rather defeated sigh, "I tried to decorate this tree here at the center of town, hoping it would be inspiring, but..."
"But that sappy pony stuff just doesn't fly here, kiddo!", a rather brash and lanky yellow dragon flicked off the final ornament that hadn't yet been knocked off of the proud fir tree. The shimmering red bauble flew off and crashed onto the craggy ground with the sound like that of a young dragon's heart breaking, "Don't make the Elder come out here and tell you off, Solstice! Come and play some Blazeball, instead!"
The bully waved down a few other dragons nearby and punched one in the shoulder before they all cackled and took off to go play a rather dangerous sport in the lava, leaving the girls in dismay, with poor Solstice sniffling on the ground, doing his best to fight back the tears that so readily wished to flow.
Feeling their own tears welling up, the girls desperately looked to eachother to improvise a way to help this poor child before them, when Fluttershy sees a pile of snow a bit of ways outside of town, "How about we go and build a snowpo-... Er, dragon, while we think about what to do? C'mon, little Solstice!"
"Yeah, little buddy! Don't let that bully getcha down! We'll figure something out, for sure!" Pinkie bounced up and began prancing towards the pile of snow that was just begging to be molded into something festive!
5
After taking some time to breathe and snack on some of Pinkie's delicious gingerbread cupcakes, the unlikely trio began to feel better, and let their inspiration take them. Little Solstice worked diligently on building his first every snowdragon, rolling up blocks of snow to form the various chunks of the tall, draconic visage it would proudly present, once finished. His efforts to continue pursuing his holiday dream despite the untold amount of bullying he must've suffered touched the ponies, only further fueling their drive to help grant this child his Yuletide wish.
"I've got it!", Pinkie shouted as she leapt up and bounced in several circles before expanding, "I'll go talk with those bullies and share some of the more lighthearted and silly memories of Hearthswarming Eve I've had! Everyone loves jokes and remembering silly moments!"
"Oh, that does sound like a good idea, Pinkie." Fluttershy chimed in, "I wouldn't be very good at helping with that, so instead, I think I'm going to try and spread the joy of kindness, and share some gentle Hearthswarming songs to see if I can warm their hearts!"
"Great!" Solstice replied as a sparkle began to shine in his eyes. His heroes were about to take serious action, and show his brethren the joys of Hearthswarming! "With the Element of Laughter, and the Element of Kindness hard at work, this should be easy!" he cheered.
The girls looked to each other with gentle smiles, as the dragonling's confidence was beginning to rub off onto them, inspiring them further to help this poor creature out. They both knew what they had to do, and each pony took off in a different direction, eager to give it their all!
A single screen transition later, (along with several minutes of time passing) and the girls return, a little worse for wear. Pinkie, covered in scorch marks and a kazoo that is somehow on fire pouts, and Fluttershy is covered in mud splotches, "Wh-what happened? D... Did it go well...?" poor Solstice asked, knowing that things clearly could've gone better....
"Apparently", Pinkie grumped aloud, "Being joyful and trying to spread holiday cheer through laughter and silly stories is frowned-upon in this establishment, and is a fire-breath-catching offense!"
"Oh no... I'm so sorry to hear that, Pinkie! Sadly, I too was met with... Shall we say... Bullying mischief. They threw mudballs at me each lullaby and song of softness I shared with them! I fear we may have our work cut out for us, Pinkie..."
"No kidding! These dragons are rude dudes!" Pinkie shook her head, "No offense, little Solstice. It's nice to know that at least SOME dragons happily embrace the joys of the season."
"Yes. You and our little friend Spike have a lot in common! We should introduce you to him sometime!"
"Spike? THE hero of the Crystal Empire?! Oh boy! That would be so cooooool!" and he returned to his snowdragon sculpting as the girls took some time to ponder a new course of action.
6
With his snowdragon's bottom half loosely shaped out, he still had more work to do.... As did the ponies that felt determined to help this poor little guy out. He begins collecting more snow to begin putting together the rough shape of the top half as he looked over to the girls with eyes still sparkling in admiration and hope, "Have you guys thought up something new to try? Maybe something super-epic or mega-colorful and amazing? I heard that thing you do with the necklaces sure is spectacular!"
A determined grin grows across Pinkie's jaw as she smirked, "Alright! Pinkie's not messing around anymore! It's time.... For the PARTY CANNON! Nopony can resist the party cannon's excitement!" and from absolutely nowhere in particular, she pulls out her trademark tool of party-making, with such gusto, Solstice's eyes widen as he fanboys just a little more, gazing over it in awe.
"Ooooh, it always makes me jump and squeak whenever it goes off. I think I have another idea as well! Taking interest in another's hobbies is a great way to make friends! I'm going to go learn about Blazeball and see if we can bond over that."
"Whooooaaa! Those both sound like such amazing ideas! You gals really ARE the Ultimate Friends!", Solstice stood there, a child filled with wonder as those sparkling eyes shimmered in the fading sunlight.
Filling the girls with determination, his sparkling eyes glimmered in what was left of the sun's light, and after giving a hug to each pony, he returned to his snowdragon, with a bounce in his step.
Minutes pass and a scene transition follows, hearkening the return of the girls, this time much worse for wear! Although Solstice's snowdragon now has a roughly defined pose and detail, it seemed as though he didn't have much further to go, but some fine details for his creation: A stark contrast to how the girls felt about their own mission.
Fluttershy collapses to the ground, this time with singe marks on her flank have joined the ensemble of her suffering, she gave an exasperated query, "Why does the ball have to be on FIRE?! I-i don't think it's at all necessary!"
Pinkie waddles on-screen with comic proportions, returning with her party cannon somehow shoved into her mouth, seemingly to shut her up (along with some confetti stuck in her mane!) She joins Fluttershy on the ground with a comical 'Thud' before spitting out the cannon, "Ho man... I guess they REALLY don't like my pony party premiere!"
The girls laid there, splayed out on the cold ground, panting and wallowing a bit in their failure.
7
Despite all of this, the little dragon boy's eyes yet still sparkled with hope! "You girls are two of the six most magical, most amazing and most awesomest creatures I've ever dreamed of meeting! I know that the Heroines of Friendship will save the day!" He confidently beams pride for the girls' past accomplishments, "I know that at the end of the day, you'll show my family and kin the true power of friendship, and the Hearthswarming spirit! Even in the worst of times, you always got back up, and try, try, tried again! Out of all of the impossible odds you've faced before, surely a talonful of grouchy, party-pooping dragons won't get the best of you!"
Despite this surprisingly-rousing speech, the girls had still had a rough go of things. Singed, dirtied and battered, they looked to each other, still collapsed onto the ground. They would've hung their heads in acceptance of their duties, despite their troubles, but those exhausted and exasperated heads couldn't get any lower.
Still pressed against the ground, Pinkie grumbled, "Alright... That's it! It's cupcake time!" She rifled through her saddlebags and pulled out a tray of her trademark, surprisingly-undisturbed pink-iced cupcakes.
Fluttershy gave a few more pants as one of her wings twitched in discomfort, "I think I'm going to have to get some help from the local critters to pull something else off..."
Looking to each other for several more moments, as Solstice beamed before them, they looked back to him, then to each other, then back to him. Eventually, the girls each gave a shared, deep sigh, dragged themselves back up onto their hooves, and went off into their respective directions to try yet again, this time, lacking in the vigor and hope they once possessed.
With yet another scene transition and several sounds of pony distress echoing from off-screen, the girls return, one. Final. Time.
Pinkie Pie slides into into view, completely smeared in cupcake frosting, almost ramming into Solstice's snowdragon that had been all-but-completed! The poor pink pony stood up and brushed some frosting from her eyes so at least the burnt, confetti-littered cupcake mess-of-a-pony's eyes were visible.
Off from the opposite direction, sounds of fire-breath mixed with critters screeching, skittering and stampeding away, joined with patches of fur and feathers flying and landing near that cute little draconic snow creation, Fluttershy shrieked and dove behind the snowy visage, shuddering in fear. The poor yellow pony eventually crawled out from behind her hiding place, covered in fur, feathers that stuck to the mud from previous attempts, and several singe marks. Together, the girls collapse onto each other, spirits crushed.
Even that seemingly-endless font of hope and faith seemed to run dry as Solstice's eyes lowered to the ground. He sunk down into the snow and leaned up against his snowdragon, seemingly complete... And yet... Still missing... Something.
Fluttershy pouted, "Even my warm songs, sweetest levels of kindness and animal cuteness couldn't inspire them to join our celebration... I feel like such a failure, Pinkie..."
In response, Pinkie wiped free the frosting from in front of her mouth, "And my very best jokes, antics and trademark cupcakes were met with eye rolls, frowny faces and general meanness! Apparently, Pinkie's just a party pooper on the Mountains of Fire and Ice, Fluttershy..."
Rolling onto her back and looking up at the now star-filled night sky, Fluttershy gave a whinny of defeat, joined shortly thereafter by Pinkie, smearing a bunch of frosting into the yellow pony's mane... Which she couldn't even be bothered to care about, at this humbling moment. They both longingly looked to the night sky, as if searching for some guidance for what next to do.
"We're so sorry, Solstice. We really tried out best. I really did wish we didn't let you down, like this..." Fluttershy sighed again, "I really wish our friends were here to help us... I know that Twilight would have some great plan figured out, and Rarity could've decorated this place so beautifully, ANY heart would be touched."
"Yeah, little fella. I really thought we could do this. Maybe the questing table was wrong....? I wish our friends were here, too! Rainbow Dash and Applejack are so tough, they would've whipped these bullies into shape good and proper, with a zip, and a whoosh, and a good ol' buck to boot!"
Little Solstice felt a tear well up in his eye and followed suit, looking up to the starry sky and wished with all of his heart for a miracle. Right as the downtrodden trio looked to each other, wishing there was more they could say or do, they all looked away, ashamed...
8
Just then, a single star arced through the sky in the very blink of an eye, unbeknownst to the defeated friends below. They wallowed for a few more minutes before Solstice kicked a nearby pile of snow with a disillusioned sigh, "Yeah... I guess us dragons just don't appreciate your guys' efforts. Maybe we just aren't.... Good enough to feel the magic of Hearthswarming, like ponies do..."
Fluttershy reached out and gently caressed a dejected squirrel who had chosen to hide behind a nearby rock after her last failed attempt. She suddenly jolted her ears up, "Waitaminute! I think you're right, Solstice!" she declared, with newfound energy.
Hearing what he thought were his fears confirmed, his (and Pinkie's) frowns stretch even further, "R-really...?"
Fluttershy shook free the small layer of snow that had landed upon her the past few minutes before reaching down and offering a hoof to help up Pinkie, "Yes! They don't feel the same way about Hearthswarming as we ponies do, because dragons have differing values and history than us ponies, right?"
Standing up with Fluttershy's help, Pinkie gasped aloud as it things visibly clicked together in her mind, "Ooooh! Yeah! We've been going about this all wrong! We've just gotta frame Hearthswarming Eve in a way that's relevant to what's special to your family and kin!"
Solstice wipes a frozen tear from his eye before looking up, "Y-yeah? And how can you do that?"
"We just need to learn more about dragonkind and see if we can take the lessons taught to us ponies from Hearthswarming, and see how they can apply to things that your kin care about!" Fluttershy explained as the fires of determination began to grow in her heart, and her demure smile returned.
Pinkie dusted off the last bits of snow from her pelt before giving a few more bounces and her trademark giggle, "And I know JUST the dragon for the job!"
Giving a sniffle and wiping his scale-covered nose, Solstice wondered aloud, "Oh yeah? Wh-who?"
Both girls giggled and smiled down to the unsuspecting dragonling and cheered, "You!"
His eyes widen, first in nervousness, but then with excitement as his mouth opens agape, "M-m-m-me...?"
"Yes, you, Solstice!" Fluttershy confirmed with a matronly smile and gentle touch to his shoulder with a hoof, "You already know so much about dragons AND you clearly have a deep knowledge and understanding of Hearthswarming Eve! We couldn't ASK for a more helpful friend!"
Pinkie Pie began to trot in place as her energy levels kept building and building up inside of her. She could feel something wonderful coming on! Her Pinkie senses were all atwitter, and she giggled and danced in place, "Oooooh! I think I smell a montage coming oooooon~!"
9
{Montage begins with Mannheim Steamroller's song "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen"}
Several scenes pass by:
Solstice using a twig to point to a chalkboard explaining several important dragon values: Strength, Courage, Gem-laden cupakes, Athleticism, Family (although subtly, often represented through egg iconography
The girls pool together what's left of Pinkie Pie's decorations, as well as painting all manner of sticks, stones and gems to look like ornaments, often in the style of eggs and flexing biceps
Solstice will convince the townsfolk to see that the ponies have instead made a tree as tribute to the strength of the town
Warily, the local dragonfolk will see what all of the fuss is about, and be cautious about this
Solstice will ask them to show off their own bits of pride and honor, and decorate the tribute with things they cherish and wish to show off to others
The town Elder peeks out of the window of her cave and scowls...
{End Montage}
Looking over the now finely-decorated tree (if not unusually so) and beam with pride. She declares aloud to all present, "Hearthswarming Eve is about seeing beyond our differences and coming together to have a warm night of harmony! Even though it was originally inspired by the actions of historical ponies, every creature has plenty of reason to celebrate it, even if by some other name!"
Pinkie then bounces around several times, this time wearing a makeshift dragon mask and cute wings made of evergreen boughs, "Each and every one of us will have different things that we cherish most about coming together in the name of friendship, family and even strength. Whether it's playing sports, enjoying a meal, or even spending quiet time curled up by the fire (or volcano), Hearthswarming by any name is something that every creature from every corner of Equestria can enjoy, in their very own, super special way!"
Rumblings throughout the crowd echo cautious agreement with the pony duo's proclamations, and little Solstice bounces about as he goes to the tables set up, about to burst with joy. "It's finally happening! Thank you so much, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie! We did it! I can't thank you enough!"
"No need to thank us, little Solstice. We were glad to help!" Fluttershy smiled wide and that same, mysterious squeak could be heard that always accompanies that warm grin of hers.
"No problemo, little dude! The opportunity to share new ways to party is all I need as thanks!" Pinkie Pie bounced beside him, gripping the corner of cloth at the edge of a long table with Solstice, ready for the final reveal.
10
Just then, an echoing roar shot out from deep within one of the caverns of the nearby volcano, and everyone in town froze. Moments later, a large dragon soared into view and landed with a menacing 'thunk!' before the tree, as the fearful townsdragons whispered in fear, "The Elder!", "Oh no! She looks angry!", and "Uh oh! We're in trouble!" Standing several heads higher than any of the ponies, this adult dragon (though nowhere near as huge as some of the mega-sized ancient dragons that have been seen previously in Equestria) was still a menacing sight to behold as she frowned down in disapproval at everyone else. This intimidating dark green dragon had flecks of fiery red littered all about her face and down her back, and the flickered almost fiendishly in the flickering fire light at the center of the celebration.
With a glowering scowl of disapproval, she sharply drew a single breath and blew flames all over the proudly-decorated tree, causing photos, paintings, baubles, ornaments and gifts alight to immediately char and sizzle! Dragon and pony alike recoiled in horror and fear at such a blatant display, and the locals began to whisper amongst themselves again, worried.
"I will tolerate none of this, you insolent whelps! This Hearthswarming nonsense is nothing but wimpy, sappy, pony garbage! It is unbefitting of us proud dragons, and I won't have you all get suckered into going soft like this!" Immediately, several of the dragons begin ashamedly putting down their gifts and decorations, as if trying to distance themselves from the fact that they were enjoying themselves just minutes prior.
Fluttershy had had enough! She stomped a hoof down on the ground, interposing herself between the charred part of the tree and the menacing dragoness, "Now you listen here, ma'am! I know you don't understand why we're having fun, but you don't have to be such a big meanie!"
Few a few, fleeting moments, even the large dragoness was taken aback by the sudden, aggressive action of the otherwise quiet, shy and gentle pony before her. She then showed her teeth and squinted her eyes down at the defiant pony beneath her, ready to lash out at the impudent pony.
Then, Pinkie Pie arrived right beside her, stomping down a scorched, frosted and confetti-covered hoof of her own, and matched Fluttershy's determined energy, "Yeah! Stop ruining everyone else's fun! It's clear these dragons WANT to have a good time! Don't ruin it, just because YOU'RE a party pooper! Why not instead take a night off and have some fun with family! I know family is important to you, even if you're not as open about it as us ponies are!"
Again, the massive dragoness squints her eyes further, smoke beginning to bellow out of her nostrils as the rage and flame within her boiled at the sight of these soft ponies and their defiance, "How DARE you!?" she growled, sparks showering out of her red-hot glowing maw with each syllable spoken, "Come into MY town, and then disrespect me! Disrespect US and OUR ways?! I should burn you to a crisp right here and now!"
Suddenly, the tiny Solstice steps forward, interposing his hatchling self between the ponies and the fuming elder, he holds his arms out, attempting to shield the girls from the huge dragon's wrath, "Please... Don't do this! Can't you just let us have this new way of enjoying a little bit of extra fun during the blistering cold season? You know how boring it can get here when everything is hibernating, frozen and all."
Taken aback for a third time, the dragoness stands startled, moreso than ever. For the first time, she remains quiet... Almost unsure. The anger in her eyes softens a bit as something new began to take hold, keeping her rather conflicted, "...." No witty remark, or lashing out... Just her eyes darting back and forth, as if searching for a response.
"Please..." Solstice repeated himself, looking up at her with tears welling up in his eyes as he pleaded with her, "These dragons are clearly having a good time here... Please don't take this away from us! It's so very important to me.... Mom." and the little dragonling leans in and hugs her leg, wiping his teary eyes on it as he gave the most pathetic whimper.
11
"MOM?!" both ponies gasp aloud as they stared at eachother in shock, before eventually regaining their determined demeanor and looking towards the mother whom is scowling again just at the thought of such un-dragon-like things.
Pinkie Pie pouted, "Come ooooooon, Solstice's mom! It would make little Solstice sooooo happy! Just look at that cute widdle face! Can you reeeeaaaaally say no to that?", she squished Solstice's cheeks in and out to make such silly expressions with it.
Clearing her throat, Fluttershy chimes in, "Even if you don't like showing it in the same, overt ways we ponies do, we know that family is important to you. What harm would come from letting your son take what was originally a pony celebration, and making something wonderful for dragons to celebrate in their own, special way? It's clearly incredibly important to him!"
Once he swatted away Pinkie Pie's face-squishing hooves, he looked up to his mother again and pleaded, "Pretty please, Mom? I'll do you proud, and make it a celebration worthy of the great dragons of old! Plus... I-i even made you your favorite: Ruby-dusted chocolate cupcakes!"
Looking all around to a see of pleading eyes and creatures waiting with baited breath, hopeful but nervous about her response, the Elder had a tough choice to make. She had generations and generations of draconic pride to consider, demonstrations of power to recall and laws to abide by, all of which, these little ponies were ignorant of... What would her parents think if they ever returned? What sort of dragon would she be considered when future dragons looked back at her and this decision?
After what felt like an eternity, the Elder drew in a long breath and held it, taking as dramatically long pause as she could before announcing her decision while rolling her eyes and giving the deepest of sighs, "Fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiine!" The town erupted in uproarious cheer as celebratory flames from all over were huffed and puffed up into the cold night air.
"But there had BETTER be a LOT of cupcakes! Dealing with sappy pony stuff always builds up my appetite!" she called out over the din and excitement, hooting and hollering as dragons of all shapes and sizes did their best to organize all of their decorations of pride and strength and accomplishment onto the charred tree.
As the celebration continued and things eventually simmered down to a dull roar, Pinkie and Solstice then yanked off the sheets covering the tables to reveal row after row of cupcakes and other delicious delectables, ready for consumption, "I present to you: the Feast of Sweets! Enjoy!" Pinkie proudly exclaimed before almost getting trampled by a stampede of hungry dragons.
And the night was considered a success by all!
12
With the tree redecorated to (most) everyone's liking, and the decision made that torching part of the tree MUST be part of the opening traditions for the new holiday, the dragons of the Mountains of Fire and Ice were well on their way to making Hearthswarming into a holiday of their very own! Wrestling, Blazeball, lava-swimming contests and even fire-breath shaping competitions were just a few of the new traditions being set as the dragons explore this new time to celebrate, all for their own!
As the night continued on and the celebration was thoroughly enjoyed, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie proudly hoisted up little Solstice as high as their hooves could hold him, and chanted his name, with the crowd of dragons joining in the rallying cry. The entire town celebrated the determination and courage that tiny little dragon held to make this dream come true, and such tenacity is something to be respected by any dragon! As the rest of the town tossed him into the air and celebrated his dedication, one could see a medal that had been granted to him that read, "Official Hearthswarming Envoy" upon it. It took everything he had to hold back the tears of joy as his dream had finally come true!
Off to the outskirts of town, a familiar yellow bully dragon found a lonely snowdragon missing out on the traditions, and decided to diligently carry this snowy sculpture to join the rest of the decorations near the tree. He then looked down at the shattered red ornament from earlier and lifted the two largest shards, still glinting the light of the fire. Upon the snow-white eyes of the snowdragon, this yellow teen placed these pieces of shining red ornament, giving it a new, inspired look and life. Solstice looked down to him from above the town as they tossed him above their heads in celebration, and the ashamed bully looked away, feeling a little sheepish for how he acted.
"Thanks, Sulpher! It's just the touch it needed!" Solstice shouted from above, and the yellow dragon smiled wide as the town joined him and marveled at the simple-yet-meaningful gesture. Another inspired creation was made into a new tradition that day, which would be celebration for years to come.
As the night pressed on and the girls eventually bade their final farewells, entrusting Solstice to lead with his big, draconic heart to handle the celebration to honor his people, Pinkie and Fluttershy both made their way back to the lonely train station, now unphased by the cold winter, as they sang songs of Hearthswarming all the way back.
Back in town, the Elder sat at the table, with empty platters surrounding her. She pounded the table several times to gain the attention of all nearby as she pondered aloud for all to hear, "I guess.... That this holiday might not be soooo bad... But I cannot make my FINAL decision until I get MOAR CUPCAKES!", which earned raucous laughter from every dragon around while the camera slowly zooms upwards and outwards, and eventually, the credits roll!
{Merry Hearthswarming Eve!}
Author's Note
Writing this story was quite the interesting experience for me! I primarily write stories for my TTRPG players to experience, and the rare epic for friends or commissioners.
This... Was something completely different for me, and there's just something about it that really threw me! The story I wrote for last year was incredibly epic and awesome and right up my alley, but looking back, I feel like I failed the "mission" of the celebration, in a way. I totally blew past the suggested word count (by more than double, actually x.x) and ever since, I've felt like I need to do "better" next go around.
This story was a real struggle for me, not because I couldn't think of what to write, but because I KEPT thinking of new things to add, more details to add in to bring those delicious levels of extra flavorful fluff (you know, the stuff most have come to expect in fanfiction), as well as ways to thicken the plot and add more depth to the motivations of the various characters involved. I love being thorough in my writing, to REALLY give the imagination LOTS of foundation to build off of.
Every few minutes, I kept trying to add more, delve deeper and go into fluffier descriptions, and then immediately had to stop myself, and refocus on sort of "Making it a show". This story was my strange attempt at streamlining my writing exponentially, while also trying to give the vibe of it feeling like an everyday episode of the show. Say only what was absolutely necessary, and then move on. This wound up being exponentially more difficult than predicted!
Amidst my constant struggle to keep things short, simple and sweet, I started feeling more and more the need to throw in more meta, to make it feel like the reader was getting a sort of "Behind the Scenes" peek of an episode of the show, instead of just reading a story. Including the description of a montage (and naming the song that I had specifically in mind to listen to for it) really scratched a meta itch that I felt would REALLY give someone a feeling of being more involved with the story on a meta level, almost like they're reading the script of an unaired episode of the show.
So, here I am, offering this weird and wonderful (I hope!) experiment to you, that was borne of challenge taking me out far, far outside of my comfort zone! It was really artsy for me to try and invoke certain feelings of how the story was portrayed on a meta level, so, I'm sorry if that's not really your thing. I did my best to try and keep within the suggested word count, and have learned that I don't think I'll ever be happy with a story I wrote within that limit. My hat is off to anyone who CAN write a full story that feels like an episode of the show, that is under 5000 words!
Either way, Happy Hearthswarming Eve and Merry Yule to all whom read this!