The introduction of the tradition of giving gifts to the Hearth's Warming Celebration had rosy-faced foals huddled together earmuff-to-earmuff at the store windows, envisioning themselves with the great things they would love to have. For some, it was the newest toy, or the biggest book, or the fanciest bow-and-arrow. For me, it was something even more special. My true heart's desire.

It was going to be a long week.