//------------------------------// // Act 2: Dropping in // Story: One Last Hearths Warming // by DakariKingMykan //------------------------------// ACT TWO Three days later, Hearths Warming was only four days away, and more cheer and joy was bustling about than ever before. Pinkie Pie baked her special Hearths Warming cakes. Applejack was hauling a wagon full of hot apple pies to sell. Rainbow Dash was leading children into playful snow-fights now that school was out for the holidays, and they were sure having loads of fun. Twilight, Starlight, and Spike were still gathering donations as they passed by the house where the father lived, and what did they see but loving reunions of family... Sun Grin was a lovely yellow pegasi with a long flowing mane of bright orange, and her cutiemark was that of a sun with a smiling face. She had two cute little kids with her. Her oldest daughter: a 4-year old red unicorn with a pink mane: Lily. Her young son: a 3-year old beige Earth Pony with a brown mane: Woody. The kids hugged their grandfather, and then their grandmother, Bookcase-- a Librarian unicorn with a grey coat and a faded brown mane-- Pony came out too, with big lollipops treats she had made for her sweeties, and they gave her a huge hug. The father, whose name was Steel Pipe-- he was a plumber-- saw Twilight and co and invited them over to meet his daughter. “Say hi to Princess Twilight, kids.” Sun said to her children. The cute little ponies waved at her so cute, Twilight couldn’t help but giggle. Then Sun approached the trio and bowed respectfully to Twilight. “It’s an honor to finally meet you, Princess.” “Please… just “Twilight” will do.” Sun chuckled nervously. This was her first time being in Ponyville, especially since her folks moved from Canterlot to settle down into a quieter life. “She’s the finest any parent could have.” said Bookcase. “Plowed her way through school, found a job as a teacher in the royal palace, married a royal guard…” Spike and Starlight were impressed. “Sounds like a mega success.” said Starlight. Spike nodded… …And even Twilight was astounded. “It must be an honor to work in the royal palace.” “Oh, it is…” agreed Sun, “But I have to admit, it’s nice down here in Ponyville too.” Twilight and co had to be on their way, and bid their goodbyes. “Feel free to stop by anytime.” called Steel “We like to keep our doors open to friends and those in need.” “I’ve noticed…” said Twilight “And you do a wonderful thing; it helps promote friendship and good-will.” Lots of homes around town did the same thing Steel and Bookcase did; leaving their doors wide open for hungry or lost strangers. Nobody deserved to starve or freeze to death, especially around the holidays. Of course, the royals guards and sentries remained on constant vigil to ensure no crimes were committed. As for folks letting the cold into their homes, it was nothing compared to special, magical device… By placing special electrodes along the door rims, they would produce special heat-trapping barriers. This way, ponies could still enter and exit homes normally, but they could leave their doors open and not worry about the cold coming in. Then, that very night, Steel and Bookcase had just set down a nice warm dinner for everyone, when they received a knock at their door. “Looks like we got a hungry stranger.” said Bookcase. The children squealed for joy as they bounced in their seats, until their mother calmed them down. “Mind your manners you two.” The children tried to contain themselves as their grandfather answered the door. He almost recognized who was there almost at once-- Coin Jangles. “Good Evening…” Jangles said kindly “You have an extra seat for a hungry pony.” “I know you, from the charity drive at Rarity’s shop.” said Steel. Jangles nodded. “May I join you? That’s why your door is open, yes?” Bookcase came up to the door, and took one look at the pale and semi-disheveled looking pony at the door. “Oh, my!” she gasped “Steel, what’s wrong with you?” and then she extended her hoof to Jangles “…Please, come in. You poor dear, you look like you haven’t eaten in days.” Jangles let out a small chuckle, “…In a way I haven’t.” Bookcase was now more insistent than ever to let this pony dine with them. She first led him to the kitchen so he could wash up, and then she brought him to the table, where the kids went crazy. “Hi!” “Hello!” “What’s your name?” “How old are you?” “Are you staying with us?” “Will you play with me?” …Their mother calmed them down again and approached the stranger. “You’ll have to forgive my kids.” Jangles couldn’t help by eye at the mare standing before him, “…You’re… Sun Grin?” he asked with a grin appearing on his face. Sun was most surprised and they touched and shook hooves. “Yes… …Have we met before?” She found herself looking into his brown eyes, and compared them to her own, and how they seemed very similar. Steel cleared his throat, “I… uh… told him about you when he found your old blanket at the drive.” “Mommy was adopted.” chirped Woody “Yeah, she was found on grandpa’s doorstep.” added Lily. Jangles acted as if he were astounded as he gazed at their mother “…We’re you?” Sun cleared her throat, “Yes… it’s true… I am a foundling.” “Aw… I’m sorry to hear that.” Sun nodded almost sadly, but then Bookcase came out with a hot dinner ready for everyone. Everyone folded their hoofs to say thanks, and Jangles added in, “I’d like to give thanks to you fine ponies, for letting a cold and hungry stranger join you.” The family all smiled at him, taking a small liking to his politeness… everyone except for Steel, he had forced his smiles and grins, but he was beginning to feel a little strange about the guest. Suddenly, Jangles gasped as another shot of pain hit him. “Are you alright?” cried Sun. Jangles supressed the pain and it was gone again. “I’m okay… just a small stomach ache… uh… haven’t eaten in a bit.” he lied about that. He didn’t wish to tell anyone that he was sick, fearing they would throw him out-- even though what he had was not contagious. “Come on, let’s eat.” said Bookcase. Jangles got to sit at the end of the table, but near Sun who sat at the bottom right part of the table. Jangles seemed to feel a bit strange sitting near her, but kept up a straight and polite manner. As everyone talked and consumed their meal, Jangles couldn’t help but ask about Sun’s life, which she didn’t mind telling him. “…This is my husband.” she said showing him a small picture of herself standing with him in his armor. “He couldn’t be here today, but he promises to join us when he’s off duty on Hearths Warming Eve.” Jangles grinned almost proudly at the photo. “My, isn’t he handsome.” And then he looked over at the kids and saw they definitely had some of their father and mothers physical traits. However… Sun also noticed that Woddy and Lily seemed to have a slight hint of Jangles style too. “You almost look like me.” said Woody. Jangles chuckled, “You think so?” The family all shared a laugh. “You know… when I was little like you, I think I did used to look like you…” he paused and leaned forth joking “…Only I wasn’t as handsome as you are.” The kids both laughed, and Sun gave a little giggle herself. Steel was still growing suspicious of Jangles, and the way he was seemingly prying into everyone’s lives: particularly Sun’s. “And you’re a teacher and you live at Canterlot Palace?” asked Jangles. “Sure am…” replied Sun “Princess Celestia is astounded by the way I handle the children of the palace staff so well.” “Do you have a job, too?” asked Lily. “Yes… do you?” repeated Steel. There was a note of sarcasm in his voice, but Bookcase gave him a stern look. “Of course he doesn’t, why else would he be so poor and homely looking.” She then felt guilt about what she said, fearing she had insulted her polite guest. “Oh, I’m sorry sir…” “…It’s no bother.” said Jangles. “I get that a lot. It’s… just what happens.” After the supper was all eaten, another shot of pain hit Jangles. “What’s wrong?” cried Sun, and everyone, even Steel was growing concerned. The pain subsided again. “It’s okay…” Jangles lied “It’s just the food going through me. I can’t remember the last time I had such a wonderful meal… or ate with such fine ponies.” Sun and Bookcase were really growing more concerned for him, and the paleness of his coat. “Are you sure you’re okay?” asked Sun “I don’t think you should go back out there… with no home… no place to go.” Her kids agreed with her. “Please stay.” begged Lily. “Stay and play with us!” added Woody. Jangles immediately tried to sweet-talk his way out so he may leave in peace. “I really can’t ask you to do this. I enjoyed your hospitality already… I really… should… go…!! URGH!!” Another shot of pain hit him, and Bookcase put her hoof down. “I think you need a lot more than just a meal… you need medical attention.” Even Steel couldn’t argue with that. “I’ll run and get the doctor.” he offered. “Please… No…!” called Jangles, but Steel had already left, leaving Jangles worried. “I can’t let my cover be blown.” he thought.