//------------------------------// // Twas the Night before Hearth's Warming // Story: The Night Before Hearth's Warming // by defender2222 //------------------------------// Twas the night 'fore Hearth's Warming And down at the Apple's farm Everything was peaceful No need for alarm Applebloom was nestled asleep in her bed while visions of cutie marks danced through her head Big Mac wore his harness and AJ her cap and both were quite ready for a long winter's nap When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter They raised to the window to see what was the matter While inside it was toasty Outside the wind did blow The temperature kept dropping with trees caked in snow Applejack gazed out What she saw, fillies and colts was a great red sleigh pulled by the Wonderbolts! They snorted and bucked Those pegasi so quick performing maneuvers and all manner of tricks Applejack was breathless 'Could this be a dream?' That's when she saw her The mare guiding the team! She was energetic and happy and had a certain buzz But Applejack was confused and didn't know who it was More rapid than capricorns those Wonderbolts came And the mare giggled out loud and called them by name "On Spitfire and Soarin' On Fleetfoot and Sky Beam On Blitzwing and Skywarp Thundercracker and Starscream!" Mac heard new noises clear up on the roof and realized it was the stomping of many a hoof! Down the chimney the mare came with a groan and brushing her mane said "Hey AJ, nice home!" She was wearing long coat with flour all over and AJ smelled the scents of peppermint and clover She had a pink mane as poofy as could be and her smile never broke for she was quite happy "Pinkie!" AJ shouted startled by her friend "What are you doing? Have you gone off the bend?" "Do not be silly!" The mare said without pause "I am not Pinkamena I'm the one and only Pinkie Claus!" And with that the pink mare reached deep in her sack and said "Let's see what I got Your big brother Mac!" "You work awfully hard bringing in your yield. And your back must ache after a day in the field. "Those aches are common and have become the norm To soothe you I got a blanket that is toasty and warm!" A deep blue blanket was pulled from that sack And Pinkie draped it across his great back Macintosh gave her a smile and a kiss on the cheek for this present was perfect and had just made his week "Next is little Applebloom, always off on a lark. So to her a book on ponies who took long getting a cutie mark! "I know finding her talent has made her greatly moan But seeing these famous ponies wiill make her feel less alone!" The next present was metal and it was a dandy Applejack admired it: a new walker for Granny "Now don't worry Applejack! I haven't forgotten you For here are some fluffy coats and some new bowls too! "The coat keeps you toasty even as the winds make you quake and the bowls are for the kitchen to make yummy apple cake!" Her task now completed Pinkie Claus made to go But Applejack stopped her for she needed to know: "Why did you do this? Why do this for us? You went above and beyond so why all the fuss?" Pinkie just smiled "It's simple, you see You aren't just my friend You're also family. "I can not do magic But for once, on this night I can do something amazing To make your season quite bright!" And with that she ambled off heading towards the old door But AJ leapt in front of her to tell Pinkie more. "You're also my family, sugar And if you're headed the girls' way I'd like to join with you if there's room in that sleigh." And believe or not this is what they say Pinkie's brillant smile grew three sizes that day! The two leapt in the sleigh pulled by eight Wonderbolts and they raced up skywards without any jolts They would visit each house and see each precious friend who in turn would join them and be together at the end For this the merry season and best believe the boast Tis better to be with those that love you the most Forget all your presents trees, tinsel and the rest For love and friendship are truly the best Racing away, Pinkie called out: "Our next stop: Twilight!" "Happy Hearth's warming" AJ echoed "And to all a good night!" "Luna, are you ok?" Princess Celestia asked, ambling over to her little sister. She had heard some strange sniffling sounds and had grown afraid that Luna was feeling down again. However, when the solar princess found her sister, Luna was not at all in a blue mood. The night ruler was, in fact, gazing down from her balcony, a small smile on her face as she watched her little ponies. "We are very well, sister, very well," Luna said, quickly wiping away a tear and hiding the poem she had been working on based on the events she had just witnessed. "Well, I am glad to hear that," Celestis said with a yawn, rolling her wings a bit to work out the kinks. There was a reason she didn't stay up past sunset most nights. "I will see you in the morning." "Goodnight, sister," Luna said, turning her attention to the moon and making it just a bit brighter. After all, Pinkie Claus would need plenty of light to complete her run. To all of you reading, happy Hearth's Warming Day from the ponies of Equestria. Thank you for your love, respect, and attention. Good night.