Hearth’s Warming was coming up. Snow was everywhere outside on the streets and rooftops, while houses were decorated with wreaths, lights, and all kinds of red and green things.
Moondancer wasn’t one for parties, that much was obvious. The only time she had thrown one was when Twilight hadn’t even shown up. But she couldn’t really blame her—Twilight had been busy saving the world after missing her birthday party. That hadn’t stopped it from hurting, though.
But this time, she wanted to try again. A Hearth’s Warming party for her and her friends. Surely Twilight wouldn’t have to fight another ancient evil on Hearth’s Warming?
Then the doubts crept in. None of her friends would be free—they would all be celebrating with their families. Minuette and Twinkleshine had mentioned elaborate family dinners during their last catch-up, and Lemon Hearts had joked about juggling three different family parties in one day. Maybe Moondancer could host the party earlier? No, everypony would be busy preparing for the holiday. Fine, she’d throw it after Hearth’s Warming. It wouldn’t really be a Hearth’s Warming party then, but she could just call it a New Year’s party and call it a day.
Moondancer sat down at her desk and grabbed a quill and a piece of parchment. This time she’ll show up. That’s what everypony says, right? Best friends always find a way. It should be the same for her.
Her quill hovered uncertainly over the page. The words didn’t come easily. After crossing out a few lines and crumpling up at least three drafts, she ended up with:
Dear Twilight,
It’s Moondancer, from back in Canterlot. I was hoping if you could join me for a party for New Year’s on Friday? You were too busy to come to my birthday party, and I was hoping that maybe you will have the opportunity to join us this time? Minuette, Lemon Hearts, and Twinkleshine will be there too, and you can bring Spike along as well.
Yours truly,
Moondancer
Satisfied, Moondancer carefully folded the letter, sealed it, and stared at it for a moment before she started her walk to the post office.
“This time,” she said under her breath. “This time it’ll be different.”
“Spike! Wake up! It’s Winter Wrap Up day!” Twilight called out from downstairs, her voice echoing through Golden Oaks Library.
A loud groan came from the bedroom above. “Do I have to? It won’t kill any hibernating animals if you let me sleep for five more minutes...”
“Come on, Spike. Nopony’s going to delay cleaning up winter just because you’re tired!”
“Fiiine, I’m uuup,” Spike grumbled as he dragged himself downstairs, rubbing his eyes. Twilight was already zipping around, gathering her things.
“Do you think I’m forgetting anything?” she asked, glancing over her checklist.
“Warm clothes... and maybe a little patience,” Spike mumbled.
“What was that?”
“Nothing.”
He walked toward the kitchen, but Twilight caught him in her magic before he could reach it. “We’ll eat later! We need to go!”
Before Spike could protest, there was a knock at the door. The mailpony stood outside, holding a letter.
“Letter for Miss Twilight Sparkle,” the mailpony said in a bored tone.
“Uh, thank you,” Twilight replied, levitating the letter out of his hoof.
Spike took it from her. “Oh, it’s from Moondancer!”
“Moondancer...?” Twilight blinked, tilting her head.
Spike gave her an unimpressed look. “You know, one of your friends? From Canterlot?”
“Oh, right. Right. Huh.” Twilight shrugged. “I’ll read it later.” She placed the letter on her desk without another thought. “Come on, Spike, we’re going to be late.”
As the two left, a cold breeze blew in from the open window. The letter was swept off the desk, landing in the wastepaper basket without a sound.
Twilight was going on about improvements she could make to the Winter Wrap Up schedule as she and Spike entered Golden Oaks Library once again. “Yeah yeah, I for one can’t wait to eat something.”
Twilight rolled her eyes but didn’t say anything to him, they really hadn’t eaten anything all day. She walked up to her desk. “Uh, Spike? Have you seen Moondancer’s letter here?”
Spike shrugged, “I dunno, it was for you.”
“Uh... maybe it wasn’t about anything important...”
Moondancer had spent all day decorating her house for the party. Streamers hung from the ceiling, a small table was covered in snacks and drinks, and a banner reading Happy New Year! stretched across the room. She adjusted a few things, stepped back to examine her work, and nodded.
There was a knock at the door. Moondancer hurried to answer it, finding Minuette, Lemon Hearts, and Twinkleshine waiting outside.
“Hey, Moondancer!” Minuette said brightly. “I hope we’re not late!”
“Hi,” Moondancer replied. “No, you’re not late. The party can’t really start without everypony here.”
“So... let me guess,” Minuette said as she walked inside. “Twilight and Spike aren’t here yet?”
“She said she’d come,” Moondancer said, her voice just a little too quick. “She’s probably just running late. The train from Ponyville might’ve been delayed. Maybe there are still blizzards going on around there.”
“Blizzards? Winter's basically over.”
The others exchanged knowing looks before they couldn’t help but burst out laughing. “Oh, classic Twilight!”
“I bet she’s buried in a book or something,” said Lemon Hearts, “Especially since we aren’t there to drag her out of the house. Spike doesn’t usually have much luck when it comes to that.”
“Sorry Moondancer, but I don’t think she’s coming.”
The others then changed the subject, chatting about their Hearth’s Warming plans.
Moondancer tried to join in on the laughter, but her eyes kept flicking to the clock. Half an hour passed. Then an hour. Then two.
“Are you sure she’s coming?” Twinkleshine asked.
Moondancer hesitated. “She... she said she would.”
Her friends didn’t push the subject, but their laughter grew quieter, and eventually, they said their goodbyes and left. Moondancer waved them off with a forced smile, closing the door behind them.
She turned back to the empty room and started cleaning up, stacking plates and tossing napkins into the trash. As she reached for an uneaten cupcake, she paused, staring at the table.
Best friends always find a way. Maybe Twilight wasn’t her friend.
She tossed the cupcake into the trash as well and dimmed the lights.
Author's Note
Emotional stuff is not my best work, definitely. But I've done my best and hope you enjoyed reading it!
