Ten Years Ago. First Sleigh Ride.
Luna let out a small, yet satisfied sigh. Dinner had been great, Celestia had made sure all of Luna's favorites had been made, along with several new dishes, and of course some of her own. To her amazement, Celestia had actually cooked all of it, and it had been fun seeing her sister dance around the kitchen, listening to Hearth's Warming music on the radio.
It had been her first Hearth's Warming Eve since her return, and while many traditions had changed, the spirit of the traditions was still very much alive.
Now Celestia wanted to share one of her own traditions with her, which was why Luna sat alone in their shared living space, admiring the calmly falling snow. She had a great view of Canterlot, all the houses with their lights, and the street decorations made the city look like something out of a story book.
The door to their cozy living room opened, and Celestia trotted inside, carrying a tray with two steamy mugs of cocoa in her magic. She wore the red scarf her secretary had given her, and her smile was warm and full of love. Luna couldn't help but smile back, it felt so good to be here with her.
Neither spoke up, as they both just sat there, enjoying the warmth of the cocoa, the calm and peace. Yes, this felt right, this was home. After a moment, Celestia looked at Luna, opening her mouth to speak. But before a single word could even be uttered, both felt a strange sensation wash over them. Both looked at each other, trying to see if the other had felt it too.
Luna stood. "What was that?"
"I have no idea." Celestia said, standing too as both sisters felt some sort of strong magical presence.
Everything was quiet, as they both tried to locate the source, but they couldn't quite pinpoint it. Luna looked at her sister, "perhaps we should call the gua-"
Before anything else could be said, their attention was drawn to the fireplace, and the fire flickered, and waved. As if the wind was coming in from above. Several tiny stars came flying down the fireplace, it almost looked like loose snow being guided by the wind.
It concentrated in front of the fireplace, and quickly made a shape of a tall pony. With a small warm flash of light, and a final poof, a male Alicorn stood before them. He was dressed in red, his white mane and coat almost glowing. Both sisters stood there, gawking in amazement and shock, their mouths almost hanging open.
The Alicorn looked at them, smiling, almost shyly. "Good evening, Princesses." He said respectfully, and bowed. "It has been some time."
Celestia recovered, blinking a few times in confusion. "Have we met?" She asked, trying to place him, but nothing came to mind.
The Alicorn chuckled. "We haven't seen each other for years, and I didn't exactly look like this the last time. In fact, I wasn't even a pony."
Then it clicked, and Celestia's eyes grew even wider. "Nicholas?"
Nicholas's smile grew a little. "Yes, it's me."
Luna looked from Nicholas to her sister. She knew the name of course, Celestia had told her all about the human infant that had somehow made it into their world. But, he was supposed to be human, right?
"A lot has happened these past few weeks." Nicholas admitted. "And, I will have to tell you everything in due time. But sadly, I have a long night ahead of me, and I cannot afford to stay for very long." He trotted forward, bowing to Celestia once again.
"Long ago, you gave me the biggest gift I could ever hope to receive. You accepted me with open hooves, and allowed me to stay with my family." He looked up at her, his gentle eyes meeting hers. "It is out of your generosity and kindness I got to have so many things. A family, friends, a home, love, and now, my calling."
Celestia was at a loss for words, and he could see the question forming before she even thought to ask it. "I now know why I am here, and it is thanks to you I can gladly fulfill my duty. Every year, on Hearth's Warming Eve, I will deliver presents to all the children of the world. To bring them cheer, hope, and kindness. To share in that kindness you showed me many years ago. To share in the selfless act of giving, in the spirit of Hearth's Warming."
Nicholas bowed once again. "Thank you."
Celestia smiled gently, and to his surprise bowed in return. "My dear Nicholas. I don't know what to say." She said, giggling a little. "You really have both me and my sister stunned."
Luna nodded. "My sister spoke about you, but I have also heard about you in dreams." She smiled a little. "You have delivered presents for a long time now."
Nicholas nodded. "I wanted to give back to everypony who had accepted me, I thought bringing them presents would be a good way to give back. Or at least, show them some appreciation for what they have done for me."
Celestia's smile seemed to brighten. "I'm very proud of you, Nicholas. Are you happy with how your life has turned out so far?"
Nicholas nodded. "I can't imagine any other life, Princess. With Applejack and my friends by my side, I think I can overcome whatever the future holds for me."
Celestia tilted her head. "Applejack, the element of honesty?"
Nicholas nodded, blushing a bit as he looked away with a sheepish smile. "She and I have become really... Close."
Celestia and Luna exchanged glances, and both smiled a knowing smile as they looked back at him. "Congratulations, Nicholas." Celestia said. "I'm glad you have found somepony special. Are you going to see her after tonight?"
"Actually. She is waiting in my sleigh up on your roof." He smiled.
Both Luna and Celestia looked at him, this time their mouths agape. "Your what on our what?"
Nicholas chuckled. "A long story, but I should get back. Before I go though." He closed his eyes for a moment, focusing his magic, and with another poof, a package appeared in front of them, wrapped in a golden, dark blue paper. "Happy Hearth's Warming." He said, and before any of them could say anything, Nicholas vanished into snow like dust, and flew back up the fireplace.
Both sisters just managed to look out the window, to see a sleigh fly across the sky, pulled by eight reindeer, bells ringing beautifully as they vanished in a flash.
Celestia and Luna opened the present soon after. It was a clock, the casing carved with very fine symbols and patterns. But what made it so special was the clock itself. In the round glass, where the handle and numbers were, behind it, was like a window into the outside.
At night, the view would change to a star filled sky, all sorts of colors and patterns a pony could only see using a telescope. It was utterly captivating. A day though, it showed the blue sky, and the horizon of Equestria. Cloud formations, and even at times, a Pegasus or two flying among the clouds.
The princesses loved it, and placed it over their fireplace. forever a reminder of the bond they shared with one another, and with their new friend, who came to visit them once every year from then on.