//------------------------------//
// Chapter 7: At The Gala 
// Story: Once Upon A December 
// by ThePrinceOfTheNorth 
//------------------------------//

Chapter 7: At The Gala

Six Days Later...

Fanfare resonated through Solstice Square as the Shadowbolts did their fly-by, coloured smoke of blue, white, black and purple in their wakes. This was the sign that this year's Winter Gala had begun. It would normally have accomanied a speech from Prince Winter, be he was dead, but the Gala went on without him.

Snowdrop had gone with Luna back to Canterlot for the seasonal festivities. In a few days it would be Christmas, and after the Gala ended, Nightmare Moon, Moonless Midnight and Crystal Heart were to prepare to go to Canterlot for their festivities, Crystal taking the spot of her former self, Prince Winter.

"I must say, this might be the best Gala in years," said Crystal.

Nightmare nodded. "I must agree with you there. I've never seen the people so happy."

"And to think only a few days ago they were in mourning of my, well, Winter's death."

"Indeed," said Nightmare. "Shall we join in?"

Crystal nodded. "I don't see why not."

With that, Nightmare and Crystal rose from their chairs, showcasing their dresses that had been made by Princess Rarity. Though Crystal had seen her work before, she never expected the Princess to do such fine work last-minute. Still, the dress was beautiful, and brought out her mane. Nightmare's was much the same, although she'd commissioned hers months ago, and the craftsmanship was still the same. The only difference was that Crystal's had been made in less than six hours, a feat that not even the Rarity from Ponyville could beat.

"May I have this dance," a familliar voice asked. Crystal turned to see Stormcry not wearing his armor for the first time...ever. He was wearing a tailcoat-style overcoat, so the skirting split in two, much like one of the costs she'd once worn when she was Winter, but many, many years ago.

Crystal nodded. "You may, Stormcry."

Dancing with Stormcry felt many, many ways. Part of Crystal felt weird for dancing wih one of her oldest friends, and also standing on her hind legs, but at the same time, part of her enjoyed dancing with him and standing on he rhind legs, no matter how uncomfortable.

After a short while the dance was over, and Stormcry kissed Crystal's hoof before lowering her back to all fours.

"I must say, I am flattered," said Crystal as she put a hoof to her chest in a dramatic manner.

"What can I say," said Stormcry, "I know what the ladies and mares like."

Crystal raised an eyebrow before the both began to giggle a little. She had to admit, it was nice to see Stormcry when he wasn't tense or focused on protecting Solstice. To any girl he was quite charming, really. Sadly, he still was her underling, and their friendship was to stay just that.

"I'm sure you'll find that special someone," said Crystal.

"Oh, don't worry about me," said Stormcry, "Ladies like a man in uniform." He gave a chaming smile at a group of young women, who all smiled back and waved. "Of course, stunning looks tend to help!"

Crystal laughed. "Oh, grow up Stormcry."

Stormcry laughed in turn. "Just trying to impress you, milady."

"I appriciate the thought," said Crystal.

The rest of the Gala went quite smoothly. There were no drunken brawls, which was a pleasant suprise, as there usually was one within five minutes of having the alcohol put out. There were no robberies, as usual, and everyone generally had a splendid time, especially Nightmare Moon and Crystal Heart, the VIPs of the Gala. Eventually, the party began winding down, and people began leaving until only Nightmare, Crystal and Captains Nightshade and Twilight, and Marshal Stormcry remained, but they too soon left, leaving only Nightmare and Crystal in the now empty square as the sun set in the horizon. Soon, they too left, heading to their rooms to get out of their dresses before meeting up in the Private Garden.

10 Minutes Later, The Palace's Private Gardens...

Crystal Heart and Nightmare Moon lay staring up at the stars, just like they had when Crystal was still Winter. Still, the changes didn't really change much else, and Crystal was busy pointing out interesting patterns in the stars, and all the while Nightmare Moon listened.

"You know, this is nice," said Crystal.

"What is nice," asked Nightmare.

"Oh, I don't know," said Crystal, rotating to look at Nightmare, "You, me , here under the star...it almost like nothing happened, you know? Like I'm still Winter."

Nightmare nodded. "Indeed it is, talking and all." Both mares giggled at the comment.

"So, tomorrow we head to Canterlot, then?"

Nightmare nodded. "You may not be Winter, but you still have to come."

"Oh poo," Crystal said with a mock pout, making Nightmare giggle.

"I'll see you in the morning, then?"

"Yep," said Crystal as the two mares got up, leaving the Gardens empty while the stars shone brightly above.