The snow fell steadily upon the village of Trotter. Lights were strewn about the village square, as ponies of all races and colors milled about, talking, laughing, and dancing. Good cheer and good tidings were held, for it was the most pleasant time of the year: Hearths Warming. Trotter was no stranger to the holiday. Sure, some pony towns, especially ones that were far out in the sticks, didn’t celebrate every pony holiday. Apparently, Trottingham didn’t celebrate Nightmare Night for some reason. Whether it was a cultural issue, some kind of superstition, or perhaps Nightmare Night simply being somewhat obscure to a certain degree. But Hearths Warming was a celebration that was wildly loved, for it celebrated Equestria’s founding.
And with that founding, a bond was formed that would penetrate even the coldest of hearts; hearts such as the Windigos. It had been years since those icy creatures of cold and wind were seen in Equestria last; back when three villains destroyed the bonds between the three pony races. And one of them currently walked among them.
Chrysalis wasn’t used to the cold. At least in her new pony body. Though she was dressed for the occasion, she still retained memories of the time she, Tirek, and Cozy Glow traveled up the mountain to retrieve Grogar’s Bell. Although she had dealt with the sheer cold, she hated it but dealt with it if only for the taste of ultimate power that was promised. That was the day they had planned their eventual betrayal of “Grogar”. And it had worked, but the ironic thing is she had nearly understood the magic of friendship that day. Of course, it was dismissed as memories of her mother brought her back into evil submission.
Back then, she had thought she knew all there was to know: that friendship was meaningless, and power was everything. She believed she would rule over all, and take revenge on those who had humiliated her. But life was funny in how it could change in an instant. One minute you were on top of the world, then suddenly you were turned into a garden ornament, and then you were in a pony body living among those you would originally view as peasants.
And that’s where Chrysalis was currently.
Chrysalis let out a breath, watching as it appeared before her. It reminded her of when she smoked her pipe. That was another thing she never anticipated herself doing. But what started off as a joke, had turned into a reality. Frankly, she thought it made her look dignified, a remnant of her former royal status. Oh, what she wouldn’t give to be inside, relaxing as she breathed in the tobacco with the fireplace warming her. But today was a special occasion. Tonight was the winter festival, something that was held every Hearth’s Warming eve.
Music, fun, food, and drinks. All of it was here. Chrysalis knew it was very much like ponies to celebrate such as this. Though she had been a pony for a good while, even she found it hard to get used to.
“Whooo! I love this time of the year!”
Chrysalis gasped slightly as Summer Flower let out a cheer. She calmed down as she noticed Summer’s brother Spring Herb walking beside her.
“Having a good time Crystal?” He asked.
Chrysalis smiled as he called her by her chosen name, “It’s...something.” She replied.
“Ugh! Don’t tell me you’re a holiday grump!” Summer responded exasperatedly.
Chrysalis struck a defiant pose, “Well excuse me for not being used to all this...cheer!”
Summer rolled her eyes, “You sure you’re a pony now?”
“That’s enough Summer, why don’t you go get some eggnog?” Spring suggested, clearly trying to get her to back off.
“Fine, I’ll go test to see if it’s non-alcoholic!” Summer giggled as she granted Chrysalis a wink.
Chrysalis waved her off, happy to be without her presence for the moment, “I swear you’re sister has made a game out of testing me.”
“Don’t take it too personally, she only does it to creatures she likes,” Spring reassured.
“If this is how she treats creatures she likes, I’d hate to see what she does to the ones she doesn’t,” Chrysalis managed a small chuckle.
Spring grinned, “Well I see you’re starting to get into the Hearth’s Warming spirit.”
“I suppose I am,” Chrysalis responded.
The former Changeling queen surveyed her surroundings. So much joy was being held, and the light and warmth of the season filled her for the moment, but in that instant, she looked sad.
“What’s wrong Crystal?” Spring asked.
“I’m just thinking about the past,” She replied, “This isn’t the first time I’ve experienced Hearth’s Warming.”
“Really? I didn’t think Changelings celebrated Hearth’s Warming, at least back then,” Spring replied perplexed.
“It was back when I was a small Changeling,” Said Chrysalis, “When I was little, I was forbidden from leaving the castle, I remember feeling so lonely there, but sometimes other Changelings would tell me snippets from the world outside, and that’s how I heard about Hearth’s Warming,” A tiny smile etched on her previously melancholy face, “I gathered what I could and made myself a little makeshift tree, and I was done I went and showed my mother. I thought doing this would make her smile, but…”
“Let me guess, she punished you didn’t she?” Spring remarked sadly.
Chrysalis nodded, “First she destroyed the “tree” burned it down to ashes, then she smacked me something fierce, pulled me by the wings, and locked me in solitary to think about what I did.”
“Solitary confinement! Your mother actually used that as a form of punishment?!” Spring exclaimed aghast.
“It was “family tradition” past queens used to discipline their disobedient daughters. It was a small chamber with no lights or windows, the only sound I heard was my own breathing.” Chrysalis said as she released the tears she formally held back.
Spring let out a snort, so much his breath made him look like an angry dragon, but he composed himself and placed a hoof upon Chrysalis’s shoulder, “Don’t worry, you’re here among friends now, you don’t have to worry about that life anymore.”
Chrysalis let out a sigh, “I know. I may not show it much, but I’m truly grateful for you and Summer. I really feel like my life truly began the day I met you two.”
Spring locked his gaze upon the gray-coated mare before him, “I’d say the same thing, and well that brings me to a question.”
Chrysalis looked at him, “What is it?”
Spring was loaded up in winter gear just as much as she was, and his hoof reached inside his pocket and pulled out a small box.
“What is that?” Chrysalis asked.
Hesitance etched on Spring’s face, “Crystal, ever since I met you, I’ve felt something grow, and it’s been getting bigger every day, and I would kick myself if I didn’t ask you this.”
“Ask me what?” Though Chrysalis received her answer the minute Spring opened up the box.
Within the box itself was a ring, finely crafted, “Crystal Hoof, would you do me the honor of being my wife?”
Chrysalis stared at the ring with wide eyes, and in seconds she found the tears returning again. But they were not tears of remembering an abusive past, but joy.
And with that joy, Chrysalis, nay Crystal Hoof, said the first thing that came to mind, “Yes! A thousand times yes!”
Spring almost leaped with joy, but he settled for a happy breath, but couldn’t contain his jittery hooves. Yet, a mere question from his fiance settled those hooves.
“I know it’s not exactly our wedding yet, but would my fiance honor me with a dance?” Chrysalis replied regally.
Shocked for the moment, Spring shook his head slightly, “Um...sure!”
Chrysalis smiled as she took her husband to be on the dance floor. Ponies of all kinds surrounded them, but the pair were focused on one another. Chrysalis had received her first Hearth’s Warming gift, and it was the promise of a bond of matrimony. And in that very instant, she felt Crystal Hoof truly begin.