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// Winter is coming. 
// Story: The Tale of The White Night 
// by DraconequusMaximus 
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Several weeks passed & the couple had grown stronger each day they spent with one another. It started to get chilly so White used a few of his many bits from Luna to buy himself a new outfit that Braeburn described as: "Flippin' adorable." much to White's chagrin. But White couldn't hate the attention so kept it. For the first couple weeks White had nothing to do until Fuzzy told them he was moving to Canterlot where more ponies appreciated his drink-making skills & asked for more than hard cider. White trained with fuzzy until the move & was now tending bar at The Trough in his stead, When he worked days he merely had to take orders & clean tables which wasn't really to his liking, but he truly shined during the night-shifts were he could show off his new found skills whenever somepony wanted a complicated drink. Braeburn made it a habit to stop by after work every day for a drink to have an excuse to spend more time together.
Eventually it became the off season for the apple-buckers of the small town. Braeburn didn't particularly mind not having a steady gig since the two were financially stable thanks to White's & Braeburn's savings going largely untouched in the bank, coupled with small, but steady income. Thanks to being the new barkeep White became a part of the town before he knew it.Nearly everypony supported Braeburn's newfound love & those that didn't wouldn't say anything because The Trough was the only place in town to get alcohol. 
Eventually December rolled around the corner prompting Braeburn to ask: "Did You have any ideas as to what we should do for Hearth's Warming? It is our first together ya know." 
White nearly spilled the drink he was mixing as he had been dreading this question since mid-November.
"Actually I've been meaning to talk to you about that." He said guiltily.
"Somethin' the matter Angel?" Braeburn asked with a worried tone. While White passed a mare at the bar her drink.
"Well... thestrals don't really celebrate the Hearth's Warming." White said with a down-trodden tone. 
...
Everypony within earshot of the 2 stallion's conversation grabbed their food & drink & found seats elsewhere as this was sure to be an emotional conversation they didn't want to be caught up in. Braeburn was greatly confused by White's words, everypony he had ever known had celebrated Hearth's Warming day. It was the biggest day of the year in Equestria, not celebrating it was unheard of.
"What?" Was all Braeburn could get his mouth to produce. White sighed at this & said: 
"Look I definitely want to spend the day of with you but this time of year is different for thestrals ok? Can we talk about this when we get home?" All Braeburn could do was nod & watch White get back to work. About an hour later the stallions were walking home in the first snow of the year( it was unplanned as Apploosa has only one winged resident & white has no weather control training). The walk was uncomfortably quiet, as neither stallion had much idea as of what to say. When they got home as soon as they turned on the lights they were greeted by an enormous present wider & taller than either of them, it was covered in midnight-blue wrapping paper printed with extremely detailed snowflakes. The whole thing was tied in deep purple ribbon that was most likely real lace. It seemed almost too beautiful to open. But both stallions thanked Faust silently that their uncomfortable conversation was put off for the moment.
"Should we open it?" Asked White.
"I reckon that's why it's here." Braeburn answered. It fell upon White to open it as neither of them could reach to undo the ribbon, but White used his wings to hover up and delicately untie the beautiful topper. As soon as White did this the entire present exploded into a haze of purple smoke and confetti cut to look like holiday items. White's wings folded to his sides from fright and he fell to the floor, As soon as he landed & the smoke had cleared White saw the princess of the night standing before him wearing an ugly holiday sweater & santa pony hat. 
"Greetings to you our dear friends! The princess of the night comes bearing wonderful news!" She bellowed out in the royal Canterlot voice, blowing Braeburn's hat off his head. Both stallions were completely speechless. Luna took this as a sign that she should continue in a softer tone.
"We are bringing you to the spend the holidays with us & our sister this year as neither of thee has immediate family." she stated matter-o-factly.
"We'd be honored Luna but..." White said unsure of how to finish.
"Then thou already has plans?" Luna asked with her head drooping considerably.
"Well... No..." Braeburn said not wanting to lie to his friend/royalty. At which Luna visibly brightened.
"Then it is settled!" Luna said while lighting her horn.
Before either of the stallions could offer so much as a word of protest they were already gone. They appeared in an extravagant guest room in Canterlot castle. White regained his composure quickly as Luna had teleported him many times during his stay with her. He noticed that it was much like the room he had met Luna in on that fateful day. This room however was a bit larger with a grand balcony that gave a view of the entirety of Canterlot. The room itself had a bed fit for a princess in both size & quality. several bookshelves lined the walls. There was even a bathroom larger than the kitchen of their own home attached to the room. As was traditional with everything in Luna's half of the castle the entire room was various shades & hues of blue and purple.
Braeburn recovered slightly faster than the last time he had been teleported & he too began taking in their surroundings. The country stallion had never been in such a luxurious room before. Renting this room would probably cost several times the value of their house per day.
"We welcome to your quarters for the time being my little ponies. We hope you will find them to your liking, Our own rooms are across the hall from this one. Should you need anything there will be a servant in the hall at all times. We invite you to join us in the dining hall on the morrow for breakfast. The servant will show you the way. We would like nothing more than to catch up with you but we hath wasted much time standing in a box waiting for thee." Luna said & then turned to leave them but was interrupted when white asked: 
"What about our friends & my job?" 
"Ah yes we mailed letters telling the townsfolk that you would be absent for the holidays & sent your employer sufficient funds to hire a substitution while you are away. Everything was arranged one week before today. Being a diarch (god-ruler) has its advantages, you were the last to know of the surprise." At this White gaped for a few seconds before hanging his head and sighing.    
Luna taking this time to leave stepped out to attend to her duties. Braeburn moved closer to his angel & embraced him as he knew Canterlot was a major trigger for White's anxiety. White accepted the hug gratefully though his expression was still rather sullen. They broke their hold on each other & made their way to the magnificent bed where they lay together & soon fell asleep. They would need their rest as tomorrow there was much to talk about.