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// Not Alone Anymore 
// Story: Not Alone Anymore 
// by Level Dasher 
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Hearth’s Warming. It’s a truly wonderful time of the year. A time for family. For gatherings. To share the strongest love ponykind has to offer. It’s the day that celebrates the whole history of our nation. A time when all the pony species come together to appreciate their similarities and forget their differences.

For the longest time, I despised it.

Of course, I never let anypony know. Nearly a millennium of ruling alone helped me create the mask that everypony saw. The guards, the castle help, the citizens of Equestria… nopony knew. Frankly, I don’t know how they didn’t figure it out— who did I have for family? The professors at my school? The Royal Guard? I always told them to go home to their own families. Who was I to prevent them from doing so? For all those years, I sat in front of a crackling fire in my chamber, ruminating on the past. It really was all I could do.

Then there’s Twilight.

Twilight Sparkle, so eager to learn, to gather knowledge that even some of my school’s professors find difficult to grasp. To have her by my side has been a blessing. It’s only been a few years now, but I feel like she’s been with me for centuries, forever young and energetic, never losing her drive to become the best pony she can be. Of course, she has her flaws—everypony does—but what foal wouldn’t? No matter what anypony says, I see great potential in her. She will go on to do marvelous things. I know that for a fact. I can see it in her smile, feel it in her steady breaths as she sleeps beside me against my barrel, tucked under my wing as if it were a blanket. Yes, she will do great things, possibly the best of things… but for now, there’s only one thing on my mind.

I’m not alone. 

No longer have I felt alone during the holiday season. Even when the holiday break begins at the school, Twilight refuses to leave. She knows. She may not know about… her… just yet. But she knows. Last year I had to pick her up off my back with my aura and place her in Velvet’s hooves so she would spend Hearth’s Warming Eve with her own family. The first year Twilight was with me, they invited me to join them in their festivities, but with great power comes great… height. Height enough to prevent me from comfortably entering and remaining in a normal home. I gratefully thanked them for their invitation, but because of the clear circumstances, they understood why I had to decline.

But it didn’t matter. Because the day after Hearth’s Warming Twilight came galloping right back to me. Velvet and Night Light knew there was no stopping her. And of course, I didn’t discourage her; I enjoyed the company. I always have. I think when she’s old enough to be on her own, I’ll offer her the observation tower as a living quarters—there’s enough room that we could build her own library—but for now, right by my side is where she’ll stay. Where she should stay.

Where I want her to stay.

Look at me. I really shouldn’t be awake. Creators know I have a full day tomorrow. Court, public appearances, paperwork… Twilight… but it’s such a wonderful winter night outside. Hearth’s Warming trees aglow with lights and their reflective ornaments, the falling snow is nice and calm… I’ll need to commend the weather service. Though she was always a better constellation designer, I think I did a decent job with the stars tonight, if I do say so myself. It would be such a shame to sleep through this. It’s just so beautiful to look at. 

Well, now I understand why she was so upset… but she’ll be back. My little protégé here will bring her back to me, I can tell. And I’ll make sure she gets the attention and respect she deserves. For now, though, I have this lovely little filly sleeping beside me. Yes, my eyes may be drooping a bit as well, but I really can’t tear my eyes away from the window. The spirit of Hearth’s Warming is everywhere.

It’s something that I’ve always admired about my little ponies: no matter the circumstances, everypony comes together for Hearth’s Warming without fail. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a pony that spent Hearth’s Warming alone. Whether it be with family, friends, or even just colleagues, everypony has somepony to celebrate with.

Well… aside from the obvious.

I put both of our dolls on the mantel every year. Hers has nearly fallen apart. Time has worn it down to its threads. I’m not exactly good with a thread and needle, but I’m considering making a new one. If not that, then at the very least I can put in a little extra stuffing and try to close the edges. The same had happened to mine; it’s still hidden along with hers. Except there’s one clear difference.

I’ve been given new ones. My students have made new dolls for me over the years. I must have hundreds now. I’ve asked the art director multiple times if she’s made it an assignment—it would certainly explain the sheer number I’ve received—but every time, she’s told me no. The students do it of their own accord, no matter what age they may be. So every year I have a new doll to put on the mantel. They only have their place once. Then I lay them gently in a box with the student’s name and they spend the rest of their days as keepsakes. I wouldn’t dare throw any of them away.

But of course, there’s always an exception.

The one Twilight made for me has sat on my mantel for the past three years. Yes, perhaps it was a bit crudely made, and she may have only used one color for my mane and tail—it may have been a lucky guess, or simply a stereotypical choice that she used pink—but it was the gesture that mattered. It’s always the gesture. That will never have an exception. I’ll put Twilight’s on the mantel before she goes home tomorrow, so she knows I really have put it there again. Of course, she never doubts my word, but seeing is believing.

It’s after midnight. I really should lay my head down. Twilight was a good filly and went to sleep when I asked; I really should listen to my own body and do the same.

Oh yes— after midnight. Twilight frequently tells me when things are ‘technically’ true or 'technically' right. I guess I can do it as well. 

Happy Hearth’s Warming Eve, Twilight.