//------------------------------//
// Silent Night 
// Story: On the Road to '63 
// by niBBoi 
//------------------------------//

Twilight Sparkle trotted down the stairs and walked along the dark halls, a festive tune echoing throughout the house. She stopped and craned her neck to take a peek around a wall. Bright, warm light spilled out onto the hallway, and the sound of cheer and merriment wafted in the air.

Red curtains were draped around every window in the living room, and glowing crystals of various colors added to the already lively atmosphere. Luna was chatting with Applejack by the fireplace at the center of the far wall, the Princess of the Night nodding as the other mare talked. A Hearth's Warming tree by the left corner at the back provided a nice backdrop for Starlight, Trixie, and Sunset as they traded stories with each other while Cadance and Shining Armor cuddled on the couch nearby with cups of hot cocoa tucked between their forelegs. A phonograph played music on the small table beside them.

To the right, Spike was sat on the floor by the coffee table with Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle, cards placed along the table's surface. A smug smile was on the dragon's face as he raked in a large pile of bits and holiday sweets with his claws and added it to his already massive hoard to the sound of whines and groans.

Suddenly, there was a flash of golden magic. Pinkie Pie appeared in the middle of the room along with Flurry Heart, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity. Hooves scuffed along the carpet as Pinkie and Flurry balanced stacks of goblets and mugs atop their back and wings respectively.

Rainbow and Rarity followed close behind with the unicorn holding bottles of wine and liquor in her magic. She wore an elegant midnight gown while Rainbow donned a stylish flight jacket, hiding the scar across the side of her barrel. Judging by the half-empty glasses in their hooves and the rosy tints that graced their cheeks, it looked like they had already indulged in a little bit of drinking not too long ago.

"Hey, everypony! Look at what we found while raiding the kitchen!" Rainbow glanced down at the glass of leftover bourbon in her hooves and loudly hiccupped. "This stuff's pretty good..." she slurred and mumbled with an easy grin.

Rarity raised her glass with her magic and lightly tapped it at the back of the pegasus mare's head. "Yes, it is. And we would all be very grateful if you don't drain half of our haul right under our noses before the night ends. Honestly, Rainbow."

Rainbow winced and smiled, cheeks just a little bit redder. Pinkie and Flurry bore witness to Rainbow's chastisement and looked at each other with stifled giggles while others in the room either rolled their eyes in amusement or joined in laughing before quickly returning to whatever they were doing.

At the sight, a small smile graced Twilight's lips before she silently slipped away.

Soon, she was outside. Twilight had ended up at the front porch, a cold breeze gently lapping at her coat. It was a quiet evening outside, that night, and Twilight was looking for someone. Her gaze quickly landed upon a tall, white figure sitting completely still other than its long pink and blue pastel mane flowing lazily against the wind.

Twilight sat beside Celestia, staring out into the vast snowfields before her without a word. The moon peeked above thick clouds in the night sky, and small dots of light flickered in the distant horizon, framed by hills and dark woods.

A few moments passed where neither said anything until Celestia broke the ice. "What brings you here?" She glanced at Twilight, but her head remained still.

"I came out for some fresh air," Twilight replied, looking back at Celestia. "Also, I wanted to see how you were doing."

The taller alicorn smiled. "Well, thank you for the company," she said before her horn lit, and the soft chime of magic filled the air.

Twilight flicked her eyes down and raised an eyebrow at the previously unnoticed flute of sparkling wine now encased in golden magic.

Celestia took a sip. "Oh, don't worry. It barely has any alcohol."

"What about the bottles Rainbow and the others found?" Twilight asked.

It was Celestia's turn to raise an eyebrow. "Really? That quickly? It's still a little early." She chuckled. "I bought them recently, Twilight. They're not for me."

Twilight relented and nodded slowly. There was a momentary pause, and then she spoke.

"So," she started. "You're a farmer now?"

Celestia snorted and then broke into a laugh. "Yes. I guess I am."

"What will you grow?"

"Oh just some apples and peaches. We'll start planting saplings in a few months." Celestia took another sip of sparkling wine. Her voice lowered. "But really, Twilight, why are you here? You should go back inside with Luna and the others. I'll be right behind you in a bit."

"No, it's fine. I just-" Twilight took a deep breath. "I just wanted to be with you for a while." She eyed Celestia. "Why are you here?"

"Thinking, like I always do."

"About what?"

"Things." Celestia drained her glass. She set it down beside her.

Silence reigned once more. For a while, the only things Twilight and Celestia heard was the cold wind kneading snowdrifts on a sea of white.

"I forgive you, you know? For Daybreaker. For everything."

There was a quiet moment, then a soft whisper. "No, you don't."

"No." Twilight shook her head. "No, I don't. But I can try."

Celestia didn't say anything. Instead, she simply lifted a wing and draped it over her former student. Twilight winced, but she accepted. After a while, Twilight nuzzled her former mentor, and Celestia nuzzled back.

"Happy Hearth's Warming." Twilight closed her eyes. They were wet. "I love you, Celestia. I still do."

"I know. I love you too."

They stayed embracing each other for a while, and no more words were said.