//------------------------------//
// Chapter 1: The Letter 
// Story: A Special Hearth's Warming Eve 
// by Diamond_Emblem 
//------------------------------//

	On the first day of December, a light snow had started to fall in Ponyville. Pegasi were busier than ever at this time of year. Several residents of Ponyville were already awake, decorating their homes and stores. White clouds of smoke puffed out of chimneys, fireplaces being used once again. School was out for the day, and fillies were playing in the street, bundled in warm clothing. In a particular blue and purple crystal castle, a princess was busy lighting it up.

"Come on, Spike!" Princess Twilight Sparkle shook her assistant. "It's the first day of December! That means Hearth's Warming Eve is just around the corner!"

Spike the Dragon only shuffled in his basket. "Five more minutes," he mumbled.

"I gave you twenty minutes, Spike," Twilight said, rolling her eyes. "Don't you feel all festive?" 

Spike's room was already decorated with festive, cheery lights and a small tree was in a corner for Spike to decorate. Twilight had woken up early to buy the trees, decorations, and look for presents for her friends.

Spike rubbed his eyes. "Whoa," he said, shaking his head. "You did all this already?"

"Yes! This is the first Hearth's Warming Eve we're going to be spending in the castle," Twilight said. "It's not the Golden Oak Library, but at least it's home."

Twilight lifted Spike out of his bed with her magic and trotted outside. Boxed lights were waiting to be hung up. Tall plastic candy canes were placed two facing each other every few feet. A sweet smelling aroma was in the air. 

"What's that smell?" Spike asked dreamily.

"That? A friend of Pinkie's is helping me bake some Hearth's Warming treats. I'm thinking of having a get-together before Hearth's Warming for our friends," Twilight explained. She lowered Spike and trotted to the kitchen.

Spike followed close behind. "Sounds exciting!" he said. "Hey, I can finally learn how to make a gingerbread house now!"

"Do you remember the one you tried to make in Canterlot?" Twilight asked.

"Don't remind me," Spike groaned. "It was terrible! It was all droopy and sticky!"

Twilight laughed. "At least we can replace that memory," she said positively. "Besides, you were only four years old! And the first dragon to ever try building a gingerbread house. Remember, I too was only so young. I think my parents still have pictures."

"Hey, do you think we can play outside after making snacks?" Spike asked. "I got a new scarf from Rarity, and I really want to wear it!"

"You mean the scarf you've worn for the past two weeks?" Twilight asked, rolling her eyes.

"No, not that one!" Spike said. "I got a new one yesterday, so I'm taking it out for a spin. Or, uh, a fashion statment or something."

They reached the kitchen door. Twilight opened it and a stream of hot air wrapped around them. The kitchen, as big as Rainbow's house, was busy. There was dough and sugar and flour everywhere. Most of the cooking tools were out. All cooking stations were in use. There was a mare using one of the several ovens. She had a soft cream coat, with cerulean blue eyes. Her mane and tail were the colors of mint, red, and pink. Her mane was in a bun, in the colors of a rainbow. Her cutie mark showed two lolipops crossed in a X above a vanilla cake.

"Spike, meet Sweet Dessert," Twilight introduced. "Sweet, this is my number 1 assistant, Spike."

"Spike! It's really nice to meet you!" Sweet said. She trotted over, taking off her chef's hat, revealing a horn. "Pinkie told me a lot about you two."

"I'm sure she did," Twilight said. 

Spike tugged on Twilight's right wing. "Can we bake now? I really want to make a new gingerbread house."

Sweet laughed. "Looks like someone's eager to bake," she said. "So let's bake!"


About an hour later, the kitchen was messier than before. But standing before the three was a tall, majestic gingerbread house. It was decorated with icing, gumdrops, N&Ns, and rock candy, a courtesy of the Pie family. It was so big, Spike could fit in it.

"Wow! That looks gooooooooood," Sweet said.

Twilight wiped some sweat off her face. "Well, thanks for teaching us, Sweet. You can stay as long as you'd like. Meanwhile, I'm going to check on everypony. Wanna come, Spike?" 

"Sure!" Spike rushed over to Twilight as she exited the kitchen.

"OK! I'll stay and clean this mess!" Sweet called.

Twilight and Spike exited the castle with a scarf, gloves, and hat on. They could see festivity flowing through Ponyville already.

"Hey, Princess Twilight!" a voice yelled. Above them was a gray mare pegasus with a blonde mane and tail, a brown messenger bag and golden eyes that were never in the same position. She had on a red hat and brown boots. She flew down to them.

"I've got a letter for you from Canterlot!" Derpy Hooves said. She gave Twilight a purple envelope with a stamp of Canterlot Castle. "This is my last delivery before my vacation. I'm glad I got to see you, Twilight!"

"Same to you, Derpy," Twilight said. "Have a happy Hearth's Warming Eve!"

"You too!" Derpy said, flying away. As she left, she bumped into a cloud, moving the snow path.

Twilight read the address. She nearly fell.

"Spike, it's from my parents!" Twilight exclaimed. She opened it with her telekinisis eagerly and read the letter inside aloud to Spike:

Dear Twilight,

My wonderful daughter! How are you? It's been a while since you were in Canterlot, ever since your friend Rarity opened her boutique. Anyway, I'm hoping you're able to get this at least before December 2nd. You see, I've invited Shining Armor and Cadence to spend Hearth's Warming with your father and I in Canterlot, and I'd love if you and Spike came, too! It would be the first Hearth's Warming we've spent together for nearly two years! It'd also be the first one we'd spend as a whole family, now with Cadence. Please reply ASAP. But if you don't have the time to visit, I'll understand. 
With love,
Twilight Velvet

"So, does that mean we're going to spend Hearth's Warming in Canterlot? With your parents? And Shining Armor and Princess Cadence?" Spike asked.

"Of COURSE!" Twilight yelled with joy. "I can't wait! I can't wait! I can't WAIT!" She jumped around in a circle. "Spike, pack your bags! We're going to Canterlot!"