The stars shone brightly across the land; the most mystical night of the year was at hand. Not a ray of starlight was blocked from its purpose, and for tonight the gleaming diamonds were in surplus. As the light pierced through the cloudless night, it illuminated the ground, and oh, what a sight. Virgin snow lay upon the soil, unmolested by the foals that only sought the play that would unfortunately spoil.

The most perfect of nights for the best sort of worship, the love of each other, and the chalice of love, where each one, in turn, would sip. No notion nor princess deserved the reverence of that sort, for it was one that could not ever be bought. No matter how high or low down along the social ladder we go, the priceless object, so ready in supply, is ready for those we are yet to even know.

All around the land foals were safely tucked into bed; lying down to rest their weary heads. They had lost the battle that all foals fight: the one to attempt to stay up all night. So with each other’s company, couples and groups would sit; awaiting the proper time, when the Hearth’s light must be lit. Because as midnight strikes dawn, the time will be ripe; it is tradition to admit the magical Hearth’s flame spirit into the communal family’s life. Even those who are stricken with strife, the Hearth’s warming spirit meets all on this most sacred of nights; none are left alone in woe, the spirit brings all together; into each other's care; into each other’s love, and away from despair.

But not all things go as expected, and neither is the expected the best, and we see this here, with six young mares yet to be sleep soundly in rest. With their friendly dragon blissfully unaware, it was an opportune time, some thought, for one mare to let down her hair...

***

“Oh c’mon Twi, y’all know you want to. I bet it’s even in one of those book of yours!” Applejack said with a slight undertone of annoyance.

“Indeed, I must agree with Applejack on this occasion. Really, you’re not normally one to withhold information.” Rarity

“Took a while to tell us she had a brother though. B-but that was okay! Oh... this is why I don’t drink... I’ll just shh now, my mouth is talking before my brain”, said Fluttershy snarkily, before quickly covering her tail with a timid excuse before hiding behind her mane in the hopes of it being overlooked.
“Well, yes, there was that little... overlook. But you’ve never outright, and so blatantly, denied to tell us anything. Is there something wrong dear?” Said the well-spoken mare in a voice laced with care.

“Really girls, it’s nothing much. I don’t know why you’re all making such a fuss about it, everything's alright.” Twilight responded resolutely.

But that wasn’t enough for Rainbow Dash, who promptly flew over to the stubborn mare, saying, “Because it’s fair Twi.” Using a prod to the chest to enunciate her assertion. “We’ve all shared our Hearth’s Warming stories; now you have to!”

“No I don’t, Rainbow Dash”, she sternly said, before letting out a sigh of uncertainty. “I-I just don’t know what to say girls. I normally do, but this isn’t about something objective, it’s about me. I don’t know how to talk about me...”

“Sure you do sugarcube, you talk about you all the time; we all talk about us all the time. Everytime we say something, we’re saying something we believe in. Believe me girl, we all hear about you all the time, and we love hearing about you.” Astutely observed the farm-mare; with a wisdom few would guess at. And the room reflected that; every pair of eyes were looking at the reluctant mare with tolerance, affection and adoration: there was no denying the love.

“Really? You all think that?” Asked Twilight, every pair of eyes in the room once again returning the feeling of love; breaking down the barrier of uncertainty that the previously unsure mare now thought silly. “Okay girls I’ll do it!”

A gleeful cheer, and a timid ‘yay’, were let out from the assembled group; it always felt good to convince someone they were loved.

The only mare left to tell her story cleared her throat before starting, “It was the night before Hearth’s Warming...”

***

I woke up as Celetia was raising the sun with the dawn’s halo shooting up into the sky to meet me, painting the clouds in the colour of past dreams. The time for sleep now gone, the my consciousness beckoned in the day’s reality, and I couldn’t have been more elated.

At the time it was a fortnight to the day since I became Celestia’s student; the reality of that still surreal in my mind, I almost felt that I never awoke from the land of dreams. Although, I knew it was so, and I welcomed each day as a gift; I even went as far as to think that each day was brighter since then, and that the reason why they were brighter was because of me. However, I was too embarrassed to inquire if my thoughts held any truth, and so I dubbed the notion fantasy. Although this didn’t stop me from indulging in that thought from time to time, especially in my weaker moments.

Begrudgingly leaving the warmth of my bed but welcoming the prospect of the sunrise, I hopped off my bed onto the stool beside it, still a filly at the time, I couldn’t gain access without it. That and at the time I was a little shorter for my age.

Rubbing my eyes with a hoof and taking a deep breath I smelt the unique scent that could only be pancakes. Just what I needed to wake me up. After all, it was the first day of the holiday that Celestia gave me off to ‘share with my family; enjoy the warmth of love and company from others, and to warm my heart’s hearth with the love of friendship.’ Just what I intended to do. After all, the princess knew best.

Opening my bedroom door and walking into the hallway I found my brother’s door open; surprising since he normally slept in, you know, being a colt and all. Although I didn’t ponder it for long as I was anxious to eat breakfast.

Walking down the narrow stairs of a typical Canterlot house, I eventually arrived at the foot, with only the banister on my right forming a barrier between the steps and still narrow corridor leading off into different parts of the house. A simple cloak room occupied the door to my left, and the living room occupied the space immediately opposite that, its wide window promising a clear view of dawn’s bright orange wonderland. Everything outside was draped in an elegant layer of virgin soil, crisp, pure, yet to be trodden down; resisting the passage of time with beauty alone.

But I could not resist for long; the pleasant wafting smell of pancakes permeated the air around me and it drawed me deeper through the narrow corridor; with only its scent to captivate me, I was compelled to find the origin.

I was not disappointed; every member of my family, including my extended family Cadence, occupied the humble table in the kitchen. There they waited for me patiently, and I distinctly remember my thoughts becoming occupied with the possibilities they had in store for me.

“Twiley! How are you?” Exclaimed my brother, he seemed especially happy to see me today; I wondered why.

My mother, her front hooves perched upon the kitchen top to wash some cups for morning cocoa, turned her head to give me the warm smile only love could heat, “Twilight, dearie, good morning. Please, sit... I made your favourite!”

And she certainly had; the pancakes stood proud on a plate barely big enough to surround them. Butter and syrup glazed its surface, melting in with tantalising slowness. However there was no room for it to go any further, as the food could only saturate so much.

As I stood there absorbing the sight, my jaw slack, it challenged me with its size; a behemoth for the purpose of the taunt. Not for long, not if I had anything to do with it.

They say that one should never attempt to eat anything bigger than their head; I was determined to disprove that notion on that day if I could help it.

***

“Ohhhhhhhh...” I groaned, flailing my hooves upward in a futile endeavour to shoo away the discomfort. At that point I was full, not ‘that really filled me up!’ full, no, ‘I’m going to burst’ full. Or at least that’s what I claimed at the time.

Shortly after I attacked the vast breakfast I found myself quite out of my league; and despite having larger eyes in contrast to other animals, my eyes were still relevant to the phrase ‘eyes bigger than your stomach’. However, I persisted, and so there I lied, on my back, still kicking my hooves slightly in the air beside the cosy warmth of the fire that caressed my right flank. It’s gentle crackle providing a wonderful backdrop to the scene that I found myself in the midst of: Cadence and my brother laid down together on the sofa opposite the fireplace; snuggling into each other to share a warmth that a fire could never provide, and my parents laid down upon the sofa behind me in a similar fashion; although their personal fire seemed gentle-but no less potent-in comparison to the bright and raging inferno that occupied the former couple. I however was content to lay back down on the rug in front of the fire, content to allow my limbs to ease with my fore-hooves perching on my chest. Content to allow every sense of warmth to ease myself to the bone, I found myself thanking Celestia for insisting I take a holiday.

I slowly rolled onto my right flank to allow the fire to warm my tummy; it was most pleasant. I stared into the fire for a moment, watching it, mesmerised by it: dancing, spiralling, and pirouetting in a show of apparent chaos. The licks of flame breaking free for a moment to bask in the liberty it promised, only to have it snatched away by the whim of another that took its place; chained by their futility, yet blissfully unaware and timeless in every moment. If ever there is a thing that lives in the present, it is fire.

And for the future, there is water; ever patient, biding its time in a cycle that seems to be perpetual to a finite being. I looked out of the window from over the crest of my fore-hooves and I saw it all, still serene and calm; still a virgin veneer to an otherwise worn city. I wanted to explore it, to be amongst it and enjoy it before it moved on; if not out of its beauty and my respect then just because I haven’t frolicked in the snow before; always too occupied in my magic studies. But now that was going to change; it was what Celestia wanted, and I was certainly inclined to agree.

But there was no hurry, the snow was going to be around for a while, and I still needed a little more time to let the breakfast go down; a nap was in order, and a lethargic pace to contrast to my studies would be most welcome.

So I let my eyes grow heavy, fuelled by contentment. The fire lulled me into its hypnotic embrace, the lights dimmed around its captivating core as I turned to look at it once again; lighting my way into dreamland once more.

***

Something was poking at my haunches, slowly but not relenting; determined to reach and pull me from my slumber.

“Twliey...” The poking thing spoke. Amazing that it could, but nevertheless it was annoying. I wanted it to go away most of all.

“Twiley...” It was still at it. “Twilight...”, nope, I wasn’t going to give in.

“Twiley, if you get up I’ll let you stay up extra late...” I was up like a shot!

“Oh wow, really?! Oh, oh, can we read till midnight?! Wow, can we Shining, can we?!” Came the relentless barrage of my excitement; Shining, despite knowing me for the longest time, was still surprised. He should have known better.

“Oh, maybe... but first you have to do something for me...” Shining said, as a smug grin adorned his face.

“Anything!” I replied with poorly hidden haste.

“Oh really? Anything you say? I’m half tempted to get you to let me tickle you, missy!” Said Shining, his smugness increasing.

I gave him a displeased look; I was certainly not amused, “Okay, not anything then...”

“Not anything you don’t like, you mean? Hardly fair... still, that’s not really what I had in mind. I what I really wanted to ask you is: do you want to go outside to play in the snow before dinner?” Shining admitted, his smug smile turning into a genuine smile of love.

“YES! I mean... sure, I’m not fussed...” I gave a shifty look and pawed the rug in an abysmal effort to hide my enthusiasm, before adding in a soft tone, “w-would it be just us two? ‘Cause I would really like that...”

The warmth of his loving smile increased to an intensity that I thought it would melt the snow outside. “Sure Twiley, anything for my LSBFF.” Said Shining, ruffling my mane in a playful way.
“Thanks BBBFF.” I replied, leaning into the gesture with enthusiasm.

Shining Armour eventually disengaged from his gesture to look at me for a moment, give me a smile, then walk off into the kitchen to get some supplies for our short outing.

I was so excited! First time out in the snow; such wonders to discover! Perhaps I would make some new friends? Perhaps I would have some fun with fillies and colts my own age for once? In any case, I was just happy to have my brother there beside me when I experienced it for the first time.

Taking one last look at the fire; hoping that its warmth would follow me and one last look at the white wonderland from the comfort of the home, I rushed off to my room to pack and dress appropriately. Maybe I could make a list?!

Rushing out into the hallway I would have skidded across the landing were is not for the thick carpeting that laid out across the floor, although, despite its deceivingly innocent appearance, it did have the unfortunate effect of throwing me off balance; however, nothing the wall couldn’t help with.

Regaining my balance again, I bounded up the stairs, just managing to stride over two steps at a time needed to prevent a tumble; despite my size. Zero restraint aiding in my excitement, lack of sense, and obliviousness: something that only pure joy can bring. It’s no surprise then that I reached the top of the stairs--in what must be a new Equestrian record--it still seemed to take forever, as in my excitement I become almost disconnected with the passing of time.

I hurried down the hallway at the top of the stairs, although in my impatience my room seemed to be an expedition away: second door on the right, might as well be all the way to the Buffalo Kingdom!

It was at that moment the Teleportation Spell mysteriously took precedence on my learning schedule; however the thought didn’t tarry long as I needed to prepare for an actual expedition!

Hurrying my last steps, I turned, bust into my room and... It was a total mess. Entirely devastated by long arduous study sessions that continued way into the night; the books were strewn all across the room in a seemingly random ordering scheme. That and laziness, albeit more a ‘sleep laziness’, because I can’t clean whilst I’m sleeping, that would be silly!

But there was no time for deliberation and trivial matters such as ‘how in Tartarus will I find what I need?’ and ‘should I bring a notebook to study?’, because I was a creature possessed by fun; and fun things always get their way in a foal’s mind. No practical problems exist to a young mind determined; especially when their big brother (and best friend) asks them to play!

I threw open drawers and cupboard doors, all in a bid to find a few select items; of course that didn’t help with the issue of my untidy bedroom, but that didn’t matter because before I could rethink the strategy I found the first item hanging on the doorknob of the wardrobe, my scarf: bright yellow and dotted with ferns, a little nerdy, but Granny Sparkle made it for me so there was no way to get around wearing it. Not that I didn’t want to, mind you.

Levitating it up in front of my face I found that it was all in order. So, binding it tightly around my neck I melted into its cosy fabric, allowing it to guide me into a promise of a memory I would never forget.

Looking over to my bed--having forgotten that I wore my hat to sleep--I saw it lying on the covers. It was made mainly of a crimson red fabric, and sporting a hem and bobble of white imitation fur: this was my favourite hat because I thought it went nicely with my mane; providing a clear, but not overly brazen, contrast to purple and pink.

Just beside the bed were my boots. They were matching to my hat in the sense that they were mainly red with a white hemming. However, there were four; four to cover all my hoovsies. Using my magic I pulled them all on one by one; lying on my back to grant easy access to all four at once. Once they were all on I jumped up and trotted a bit on the spot to make sure they were on properly, and everything seemed fit nicely, from the rubber soles to the fluffy top of the boot warming my leg.

The only thing left now was my coat... which would be in the cloak closet, obviously.

Rolling my eyes at overlooking such an obvious deduction, I traced my steps back downstairs to rendezvous with my brother; only this time, at a calmer pace.

Reaching the bottom of the stairs once again I went straight for the kitchen to see how Shining was, but he wasn’t there. He wasn’t in his room either because I would have known when I was upstairs. So where was he?

“Shining! Where are you?” I called out, but no reply came. “Shining!” I called out again as I trotted through the kitchen into the living room, but there was still no reply.

At this point I was getting a little frustrated due to my eagerness, and for once it was to get outside, not study. Trotting over to the window I decided to take a peek outside, where now other ponies gathered to either play in the snow or toil over it in an attempt to remove it from their property. One of these new ponies, thankfully, included my brother as he shovelled the snow off the porch; using a heating spell to warm up the shovel in an attempt to allow it glide through the white pest with further ease. Cunning as always, I thought.

Walking over to the door I took one last look at myself to check whether I had missed anything else other than my coat; deciding that I hadn’t, I opened the door to the closet and levitated down my fern-nettle green puffer jacket and put it on. Now it was time to greet the frigid air that only waited to chill me. Opening the front door for the first time today I left the tender warmth of the house to brave the maliciously frosty outside.

After I closed the door behind me, I noticed the air around me feverishly attempt to gain access whether it could; and Sisters was it cold, oh was it ever. Damn pegasi, being effective!

After shivering in a similar fashion that a cat would to show its annoyance, I then made my way over to my brother who had only just finished his chore. He had worked both quickly and efficiently, and I knew even then that he would make a fine Royal Guard. With pride in my heart I approached him so that I wouldn’t have to raise my voice; making sure to only step on the cleared path for the moment. when I was close enough that he would hear me without me raising my voice I said “Hey BBBFF, are you ready?”

Taking one last sweeping scoop he replied, “Oh yeah Twiley, I sure have!” Setting the shovel down to lean on the fence he then turned to me and said “I’ve got some hot cocoa as well, y’know, in case we need to warm up.”

My face quite literally lit up at I pulled him into a great hug with my magic. “Oh Shining, you didn’t have to...”

“I know; that’s why I did it for myself as well!” Rebutted Shining with a playful wink.

Rolling my eyes for what I knew would not be the last time today I said, “Yeah, should have known... although you better cut down on all that sugar if you want to pass the guard physical!” Walking around him to give him a light nudge on the side of his stomach as to reinforce my point.

“Hey!” Exclaimed Shining, feigning hurt.

“What? You should know better than to battle wits with Twilight Sparkle: Student of Celestia!” I repaid; holding a hoof to my chest as to replicate snobby loftiness.

“Oh yeah? Then what does the Almighty Sparkle think about this?!” Said Shining though a smile and a little dart of the eyes for warning; something that came too late to me as I suddenly tasted snow. “HAH! Have you been messing with mum’s make-up again, or did I just get you right in the mush with a snowball?” Hollered Shining through a fit of laughter.

It was on.

I spat out the snow from my mouth and gave him a devilish grin, “Oh, but Shining Armour, you’ve made a terrible mistake; it seems you have terribly underestimated my power...” I said at calculated slow pace; gazing at him intently to keep his focus off the mound of snow amassing above him, “you see, for I am now no longer Celestia’s student, no, but Twilight: Marauder of the White Plains! All shall fear me!” I professed as I let loose the pile of now quite substantial amount of snow from above Shining’s head; smothering his entire top portion in a layer of crunchy white frosting. “Oh my, have you been delving into mum’s make-up, again?” I smugly observed; to which the only physical response was a melting of snow around the particular area of his cheeks.

“You said you would never mention that again Twilight!” Shining urged in a hushed tone, his eyes darting around from within small peep-holes in the snow casing.

“Oh relax Shining, no one else is around! Anyway, looks like it burnt off some of the snow already!” I said though a light giggle; eying the melted snow around his face, “but still, let me help you with the rest. I still want to explore you know, and I can’t wait for you to take your time...” I continued, using my magic to heat and melt the snow, then dry off Shining. Not that I gave him much of an option.

After we were dry, Shining and I walked over to the small pile of saddle bags beside the front door: one for me, one for him. Fortunately Shining had taken the effort to carry much of the weight in his own bag; and the effort was not lost on me. I was warmed by his consideration, but ultimately it was unnecessary; he had the tendency of assuming I was, like he did most females, frail. But I knew it was out of reverence rather than pity; so I held my tongue at the time.

Lifting them onto ourselves and making sure they weren’t chafing, we set off down the newly cleared path in the direction of the seemingly untouched park that sat opposite us.

As we walked down the path I noticed there was hardly a soul in sight, and I began to worry whether we would actually meet anyone in the park whatsoever. True that was the one minor reason why I wanted to go, but it still would have been a shame to not play with anyone my own age should they not show.

Clearing the threshold of our property and onto the pavement, we didn’t need to look either way to cross the road; not that at this time of year it would be too busy anyway, but carts and carriages couldn’t manoeuvre properly during the icy weather, and it was convention to not travel using them unless essential during such weather; lest it cause harm.

My boots did well on the slippery ice as we crossed the road; providing traction when I needed it most. Therefore I made a note that I should really thank daddy when I got back, he really does know what to expect.

Eventually, albeit with some slight near falls, we reached the other side of the road. Shining took the lead again and used his magic to unlock the latch on the humble railing fence; allowing us access to the extensive park that lay beyond.

Stepping into the park it became immediately obvious that the snow, for some reason, had fallen harder here. Perhaps it was a friendly gesture by the local weather team, I would never know.
The gate creaked and squealed behind me as Shining closed it; the sound would have been frightening were it not for the comforting presence of my brother, and the inviting brightness of the snow.

The branches of the trees loomed over the path further into the park; forming an arch of skeleton-like limbs that diced the sun’s rays as it passed by them, scattering the sunlight to form a zebra like pattern on the ground; where the light were the stripes.

Once again I found myself slightly afraid, but a nudge from Shining let me know he was right beside me; his presence allowing me to feel confidence in the painted beauty of the scenery that, if he were not there, may not have revealed itself to me of its own accord.

Now that the scenery no longer harbouring any essence of fear, we began our walk into the main pasture of the park, looking forward to what I might find.

***

We walked for about ten to fifteen minutes down the dirt path; meandering to make way for roots that decided to take up residence within the path’s main passage. But, with the trepidation of a rabbit in a timerwolf’s den, we made it through the slippery terrain unscathed. And oh was it ever worth it. The low flat pasture was entirely blanketed with snow; its pale brilliance reflecting the low-lying sun’s dimmed, but piercing, yellow rays off into the trees that surrounded the low pasture. Shrubs and bunches scattered around the park’s floor shot beams of shadow towards us as the sun slowly rose as far as it could in front of us; still obscured by cloud, it painted the heavens the colours of autumn; and a beam of light would rarely shine down over the city to give contrast to the glistening scenery that humbled us. Truly, it was beautiful to behold.

“Oh Shining, thank you. This is amazing, I’m so glad you asked.” I said with reverence in my voice.

“I know Twiley, I know...” Shining trailed off; reflecting a similar sense of awe. He looked ahead into the distance for a moment before turning his attention to a gate on the south-west side of the park, and saying “Twilight, are those your school friends Lyra and Colgate?”

I turned my attention to the direction of Shining’s gaze before adding “Uhh... yeah! Yeah, I think it is! Oh, do you want to go say ‘hi’?”

Shining gave off a small chuckle. “I think the question should be ‘do you, Twilight Sparkle, want to go meet them’? I’m going to go get some things for mum in town; you can stay here till I come find you; it doesn’t seem dangerous. Just, keep out of trouble, alright? I don’t want to have her nagging at me...”
This time it was my turn to give off a chuckle. “Sure, anything for you Shining. I would never do anything like that.” I said, giving a wink to emphasize the playfulness.

Shining snorted. “yeah, right... anyway, I better be off. Have fun Twiley!” Said Shining with a smile, before dashing off towards to the east to town.

Now I was all alone, and there was a palpable sense of tension within the air now that Shining’s familiar presence was absent. Still, it didn’t serve any purpose, other than awkwardness, to stand there in worry, so I set off towards my school friends that I hoped would welcome me to play.

As I continued to walk towards them, they eventually noticed me approaching; giving me a wave and a smile, they too approached me, to meet me halfway. The relief was instant: they wanted to play; I must admit that was worried that they might try to ignore me in a poorly concealed attempt at feigning ignorance. However, that was obviously not the case, and for that I was glad; it seemed that for all my introvert mannerisms, they still wanted to play with me. Ponies constantly surprise.

“Twilight, how are you girl?! I heard you got picked by Celestia herself!” Shouted Lyra, almost skipping the last couple of strides.

“Uh, yeah, I did... the lessons are fantastic.” I said, giving a blush to the ground.

“I bet!” Lyra responded with enthusiasm.

However, Colgate, who stood to Lyra’s right, looked apprehensive and doubtful, “you don’t seem too convinced Twilight. Why, don’t you like Celestia?”

“Oh, no, she’s amazing!” I quickly rebutted; quashing that notion, “but...”

“But what Twilight?” Responded Lyra with clear concern, “why don’t you tell us about it? We’re all ears” said Lyra with a wink; Colgate looking on with a nod of assent.

“Really? You would listen to me?” I replied in a bashful way.

“Sure Twilight, we might not know you as well as we would like, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be friends!” Said Colgate with a confident tone designed to instil confidence; a tone that worked, as I found myself breaking into a smile when, this time, Lyra gave a nod of approval.

“Thanks, girls, it means a lot.” I took a deep sigh, “I guess I should be upfront then, because I wasn’t too sure what you would say. Frankly, I’m worried about what other people might think of me now that I’m Celestia’s student.”

“Why?” They both asked curiously.

“Well, I was half expecting you to ignore me, if I’m honest; I’ve been treated differently now that she accepted me. Guards bow, and adults treat me like glass, but I’m still just a filly...”

They both gave me a sympathetic nod, “We get it Twilight. We get treated differently by other foals just because we go to Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns; they call us ‘nerds’ and ‘posh fillies’, but we’re just like anyone else.” Said Lyra with an undertone of sadness.

“Really? I’m so sorry to hear that. Although... I’m relieved that I’m not alone. Does that make me bad?”

“No, not at all Twilight, it makes you a pony; we all deserve to be loved. In fact, we thought that you might have grown arrogant since she accepted you as her personal student; it’s such a relief to know that’s not the case. It just goes to show how terrible assumptions on other ponies’ character can be.” Said Colgate.

“Yeah, it does, I guess” I responded.

We all stood there for a moment to absorb what had just been said before Lyra, in classical quirkiness form, exclaimed “Hey! We’re not allowed to me miserable so close to Hearth’s Warming Eve! Let’s make a Snowpony!”

Bursting into laughter, we erupted into a playful snowball fight; every one of us looking to demonstrate the magical dexterity we had learnt; eager to express it in the tolerant environment that we feared would soon evaporate. But like all foals, we would make the best use of the time we had by ignoring the passage of it.

***

We played for hours in the snow; every moment was taken as if it were our last. But we wouldn’t have it end before our prank was played out. On Shining of course.

Despite Colgate and Lyra’s trepidation at the start, they eventually submitted to persuasion on the basis that it would ‘aid’ Shining in his guard training.

As we saw him approaching from the same direction that he left, and we ducked behind a makeshift wall we had made to hide ourselves. The time wouldn’t be right until we were close, so we had to appeal to his curiosity enough that he would explore.
He came closer, and closer, until...

“FIRE!” We screamed as one; and let loose the snowballs of war.

His reactions were fast, but the shield he quickly made was weak; it took only a couple of barrages before falling. It was at that moment that time seemed to pass in slow motion, and it occurred to me that a lethargic, solemn piece from the Canterlot Orchestra would accompany the relentless pelting well.

He fell; limbs flailing limply in mock defeat. We had won.

“Hurrah!” We cheered.

But the feast we had planned to celebrate with would have to wait, as regrettably a mumble came from the pile of snow, saying “Twilight, mum said to be home for tea, and we’re going to be late if you keep this up.”

I cursed my misfortunes. But I had made some firm friends.

“Oh... sorry girls, it looks like I’m going to have to go... it was great meeting you though!”

“Yeah Twilight, this was fun; we need to do this again. Don’t forget”, Lyra leaned in to my ear, “we’re both here for you Twilight; you’re not alone.”

Shining, now out of the mess, was waiting impatiently; tapping his left wrist with his right fore-hoof. “I won’t” I said, before we all embraced each other in a group hug to seal our new friendship in a pact that transcended words.

Trotting off towards where we and Shining came in, I gave one last look back and waved before focusing on the path home, and the deliciously warm meal that would no doubt await me there.

***

The trek back turned out to be as uneventful as the trek into the park, albeit the sun was dimmer now and so we had to watch our steps more closely.

It turned out that we didn’t really need the supplies that Shining packed in the end, although, we did treat ourselves to some cocoa on the way back; Shining needed some after all.

As we approached the house, we saw a familiar glow emanating from the front window; surrounding it with an orange halo; enticing us with its warmth and comfort. We couldn’t see through the curtains, however, we were sure that inside would be the embrace of our family as well as the heat of the house; both welcoming, but the former more so.

We walked up to the front door, hearing our hooves clink on solid ground for the first time in hours. The sound reminded me of home, and the journey that had brought me new friends, the time that we spent playing together felt just that little bit more special when reminded that it was finite; that treasured things can’t last forever.

I let out a small sigh, partly out of regret, but mostly because I was looking forward to spending more time with my family. They really were all I could have asked for.

I walked through the door, the welcoming threshold into my home; I felt the satisfying love all around me, and my heart went out to all those who couldn’t be feeling what I was at that moment, for they surely deserved it.

It surrounding me, and eased me; I knew that I would sleep better tonight knowing that I wasn’t alone anymore. Or rather, now that I realised that I wasn’t, and never will be, alone.

This was going to be a great Hearth’s Warming Eve.

***

"There, that's my story. What did you think?" Asked the studious mare with excitement.

"Oh darling, that was simply marvelous. Heavens know why you would be embarrassed." Responded the dressmaker with happiness.

"I agree. That was lovely." Added the quiet mare, before hiding behind her mane again.

"And they all lived happily ever after!" Came the voice from the joyous baker, appearing from seemingly nowhere.

"Hey, Pinkie, where have you been?!" Inquired the only flying pegasus.

"I was helping Princess Luna narrate." Quipped the hyper mare; not noticing anything out of the norm before hopping into the kitchen.

"Pinke." Came the reply from the remaining five, as a wordless understanding passed across all of them.

***

And so it was for the rest of the night; where they would meet the morning before sleeping together, all snuggled up tight. Waking at first light they would celebrate with family and friends, a place for love to sooth all qualms; to make all amends.

"Luna, hurry up, I don't want you to miss our second Hearth's Warming in a thousand years!"

"Okay, coming sister!"

Truly, this is the most wonderful of nights...

Author's Note

There we are; hopefully you liked it!

If you have any issues or notice any mistakes, please don't hesitate to vocalise them. Additionally, if you see any positives, please don't hesitate to show your support as well!

And remember, please, have a merry Christmas.