//------------------------------//
// Season's Cheers 
// Story: The Cloudsdale Chronicles 
// by Boltstrike58 
//------------------------------//

It was finally time for Swift Wing's first Hearth's Warming in Equestria. He knew about the holiday from the show, of course. How it was a celebration of the first time the three kinds of ponies came together, and banished the windigos, before settling in the new land they'd discovered. It was certainly an interesting take on the Christmases he'd enjoyed back on earth, since it didn't have the whole religious aspect. Not that Swift had ever been religious, but he still participated in the holiday.

Unfortunately, the season came with a lot more work at the factory before his big break. Snow was in high demand all over Equestria, and Swift found himself stuffing tons of newly created snowflakes into clouds, before they were sent to the place they were needed. Thunder Snow also got the chance to show off his unique talent, and Swift had to admit, despite its dubious practicality, he was pretty darn good at it.

That left the gifts of the season. Swift didn't have very many ponies on his list, but he wanted to get special things for those he did. He had a gift in mind for Princess Twilight, though it would have to go through the mail, since his chances of actually seeing her were small. He also wanted to get something for Bow and Windy, as thanks for everything they'd done for him. Thunder Snow and Gentle Breeze were more difficult, as he wasn't sure of their likes and dislikes. Still, they were the ones he was closest to at the factory, and they'd been kind. They deserved presents.

Swift trotted down the cloud streets, heading for the local market. He was wearing a simple beanie hat to cover his sensitive ears, but no other clothing, for two reasons. One was that ponies were so hairy already, meaning most of his body was warm enough on its own. The second was that he'd forgone his pants, leaving his Cutie Mark in full view. Oddly enough, he hadn't been asked any questions about it since getting it. His best guess was that everypony else thought he'd already had it, and had merely displayed that talent when Chrysalis, Tirek, Cozy Glow, and the windigos had attacked. Not that he wanted more attention because of it, of course.

He browsed the stalls of the Cloudsdale market, searching for things that might make good gifts. The market was similar to the Rainbow Falls Hearth's Warming Craft Fair, where ponies came together to sell things for the holidays. Even back on Earth, Swift had never been the best at thinking of gifts, so he decided to simply search and hope to find good things. Bow and Windy were easy enough, as they loved Rainbow Dash more than anything, and loved putting up photos of her. Swift got them some new, artsy picture frames for Rainbow's next Wonderbolts show.

Thunder and Gentle were far more difficult, however. Swift simply didn't have much knowledge of their lives outside of work. He browsed many stalls full of wonderful objects, but he wanted to be thoughtful, instead of simply giving them something effortless. After about an hour of searching, he gave up and went home for the day.  

Swift wrapped the presents he already had, and tried to think of how to find better ideas for Gentle and Thunder. Eventually, he decided to approach Cumulonimbus, hoping the older pegasus knew his coworkers a little more intimately.





The next day, after Swift finished whipping up snow clouds for the day, he set out to find his supervisor. The weather factory was a fairly large place, but Swift had an idea of where he needed to go. Since Cumulonimbus was much higher ranked than he, the older pegasus wouldn't be on his way out yet, and would probably be in the administrative offices. Those were easy enough to find.

Reaching the entrance to the staff room, Swift gently knocked with one hoof before entering. Here, he was greeted by dozens of pegasi, along with the occasional unicorn, all busying themselves with paperwork. Swift asked the secretary if he could see Cumulonimbus, and was granted access to his supervisor's office.

"Swift! How are you doing?" asked the ivory pegasus. "Glad to see you're still working hard this holiday season. Did you need something? There's not another pony getting on your nerves, is there?"

"No, nothing like that," said Swift. "In fact, this isn't even a work-related visit. It's about Thunder Snow and Gentle Breeze."

"What about them? We've noticed you working pretty well alongside them."

"Yeah. See, I've been looking into getting them presents for Hearth's Warming, but I have no idea what they would like. I was wondering if you could give me some ideas, so I could at least get them gifts they're gonna use."

Cumulonimbus brightened up upon hearing those words. "I'm actually really glad to hear that, Swift. Just by observation, we know you're a pretty quiet pony, and you seem to have trouble making friends, so the fact that you're making an effort is a good sign."

Swift smiled in response, trying to ignore the tingling in his chest and the sweat dripping down the back of his neck. He knew the other pegasus meant nothing by it, but it still felt unsettling to hear that kind of praise. Nopony in the factory knew he had to go to therapy just to feel and act normal, and he intended to keep it that way.

"Now, about your question," Cumulonimbus continued, oblivious to Swift's discomfort, "Thunder spends most of his time working. He's usually the first pony to volunteer for overtime shifts, and I think he's still going to school for weather management. My guess is he's trying to get some sort of high-ranking position in this place. Guy doesn't have any other family, so he pretty much obsesses over his work, though not to an unhealthy degree.

"Gentle, on the other hoof, is different. She has a pretty active social life, and apparently she loves puzzles and things like that. Not that she doesn't enjoy her job, she does, it's just she has more outside interests. She's a kind pony who spends a lot of time taking care of her older mom. Honestly, I think that's the best I can tell you."

Swift nodded, his brain already racing to come up with ideas for presents. "Alright, that's a big help. Thanks, Cumulo, I think I have what I need now."

"Good for you," replied his supervisor. "Happy Hearth's Warming!"

"Happy Hearth's Warming!" echoed Swift, as he trotted out of the office.





Swift returned to the market soon after, this time armed with some rudimentary knowledge of what to buy. He hoped the others wouldn't mind if he bought them things that were inexpensive, but he guessed they wouldn't, considering they worked at the factory too, and were aware he didn't make that much. Still, in the end, Swift found some appropriate gifts that didn't hurt his wallet, and wrapped them himself. During the holidays, Swift had always enjoyed giving presents more than getting, and he was sure this year would be the same.

The next day, the entire weather factory was having a small Hearth's Warming party, with free food for all the employees. Swift decided it was the optimal time to give his presents to Thunder and Gentle. He wasn't expecting any gifts from them, but he didn't care.

Even with his new Cutie Mark, and the progress he'd made, Swift still wasn't comfortable in social situations. Thus, he decided to hang around the back of the party, eating frosted Hearth's Warming cookies and occasionally joining in conversations when there was an opening. It wasn't much, but a few months ago, he might not have even gone to the party, so he took what he could get.

He had the presents for Gentle and Thunder in his saddlebags, and waited patiently for the moment when he could hand them over. The two seemed to mingle with the rest of their coworkers for the duration of the party, never staying in one place for too long. Sometimes, Swift would bump into one or the other, but not both at the same time. Finally, after chugging down some eggnog, Swift saw the two of them together, hanging out by the snack table. Mustering his courage, he went towards them.

"Hey, guys!" he announced, proclaiming his presence. Gentle and Thunder looked up.

"Oh, hey, Swift," said Thunder. "I noticed you haven't been wearing your pants recently. Did you just decide it was time for a change of pace?"

"Yeah, I guess," answered Swift, eager to get away from this line of questioning. "Anyway, I know we're not super close, but I wanted to get each of you something for the holiday." He popped open his saddlebags, before pulling out two carefully wrapped presents. "Happy Hearth's Warming."

Thunder and Gentle both blinked in surprise. Clearly, neither of them had expected this. Still, they couldn't resist, tearing the paper away with their teeth. Thunder's present contained a set of rubber boots, lined with wool on the inside. Swift had thought they'd be useful when messing with storm clouds, as they'd prevent him from shocking himself. Gentle unwrapped a book containing over one-hundred logic puzzles to work on.  

"Whoa," said Thunder. "How'd you know I was looking for something like this? Thanks, Swift!"

"Yeah, thank you!" said Gentle. "These will keep me busy for months!"

Swift smiled. This was the thing he'd loved the best about the holiday. Seeing the people/ponies you loved unwrapping their gifts and the joy on their faces when they did so was enough of a present for him.

"I'm glad you like them," he replied. "I went to Cumulonimbus for ideas as to what to get you guys, and he was really helpful."

"It's actually kinda funny," said Thunder. "We were looking for you, too. We wanted to give you this." He produced a present of his own, bearing Swift's name, and passed it to the crimson pegasus. "It's from both of us."

Swift's eyes widened as he took the present. "You didn't have to—" he began.

"No, but we wanted to," replied Gentle. "Especially after everything you did at the Cloud Colosseum, you deserved something."

Swift carefully ripped away the wrapping paper to find a tray of freshly cooked fudge. He cut away a small piece, and bit into it, finding it very palatable.  

"Thank you, guys," he said, as his eyes began to water. He suppressed it as best he could. He didn't want to cry in front of them, not because he was afraid they'd judge, but because he didn't want them to delve into his past. Not yet.

"Oh, it's nothing," insisted Thunder. "You're a good friend, and it's the season of giving."

Swift kept his smile up, and stepped forward to hug the other two with his wings.  

"Well, here's to another year of friendship," he said, taking another bite of fudge.





Once the party drew to a close, Swift trotted his way down to Bow and Windy's house. They received the picture frames happily, knowing they'd soon have plenty of photos of Rainbow to fill them with. They'd also gotten him a new winter hat for a present, which fit snugly over the tops of his ears. Swift had never been keen on receiving presents, always feeling he never deserved them, but getting some when he'd expected to get none was a pleasant surprise.  

Finally, having finished the majority of his holiday cheer dispensing, Swift went back to his apartment to prepare his present for Twilight. He knew she'd claim he didn't need to get her anything, but he figured that since he wouldn't be spending any money on it, he could get away with it. He set out a piece of paper and a pen on the desk, and sat for a few minutes, thinking. He wanted to get the proper words in his brain before he put them down.

After some more deliberation, he took the pen and wrote, trying to get the words as clean as possible. He hated scratching out mistakes. Eventually, he finished, and read what he'd put down.  

Dear Princess Twilight Sparkle,

	I'd like you to acknowledge this letter as my formal Hearth's Warming gift to you and your closest friends. In it, I formally extend my forgiveness to all of you over that whole debacle where you tried to get me to go back to Earth. I know I already accepted your apologies before, but this time, I really mean it. I understand you were trying to help, even if I think you went about it the wrong way. 

	Of course, this doesn't mean I want to go back. I love life here in Equestria, and I wouldn't trade anything for it. And I'm grateful to you for extending the hoof of friendship to me, even though, with how rude I was to you, I probably don't deserve it. I hope you'll take this letter as a gesture of goodwill from me, and I wish you the best of luck in ruling Equestria. 

	Your Friend,

	Swift Wing

Setting down the letter, Swift ran his eyes over the words one more time, trying to feel satisfied. He guessed he'd never feel one-hundred percent pleased with it, but he was pretty close now. He folded it, put it in an envelope, and stamped it. He knew, as it came from the bottom of his heart, Twilight would be happy to receive it.