//------------------------------// // The Warmth of Starlight "Hearth's Warming Tail" // Story: Starlight's Adventures Through Season 6. // by EclipseSight //------------------------------// “I am so glad you both managed to convince me to join the party,” Starlight panted, flopping down into a convenient chair. Her face was flushed and her sides heaved. Rainbow Dash had challenged her to try and beat Pinkie Pie in a dance competition. The result had been a landslide, and not in her favour. Still, she found herself enjoying the night much more than she would a night locked in her room. “I'm glad you decided to join,” Twilight said with a smile, nudging a mug of cider over to the mare. “Yeah,” Spike chortled. “Besides Applejack you're about the only one who'll take Rainbow's challenges seriously.” “I'm stubborn like that. I'm not going to back down just because something seems impossible,” Starlight answered, closing one eye for a flutter of heartbeats and winking at the young drake. Spike just continued chuckling, “Doesn't make it any less funny to watch.” “Fair enough,” Starlight relented, taking a long swig of the cider. As the smooth liquid soothed her parched throat she took a moment to look over the party. Everyone was coming together to have fun. Ponies of all kinds, ages, occupations, lifestyles and interests were just having fun as if it was the most natural thing in the world. Suddenly, her gut twisted, and the taste of cider turned to ash in her mouth. Resisting the urge to cough she stared down into her drink, hoping that the sensation would pass. Instead, a slow ripple passed across the golden surface, warping her reflection. For a single moment her old self sneered back at her, before the liquid stilled and she was once again looking at her own reflection. 'Yeah... I forgot didn't I?' she muttered. 'For a short while I was able to forget. Thanks for that at least Twilight.' This holiday represented all that she had almost destroyed. Friendship, togetherness, acceptance, all of it she had once stamped out. Even with all of her friends here, this holiday was just too much. Snowfall Frost had tried to get rid of the holiday in a story...Starlight Glimmer had almost succeeded in doing the exact same thing without even trying. She had drawn the wrong parallel. Twilight had wanted to pull her into the holiday by showing her its importance, but the story now sang a different tune. That it was something easily destroyed and warranted better ponies to preserve it than she. 'I should just excuse myself before this gets any worse,' she thought, rising to do just that. Before the words that would excuse her from the goings on could escape her however, Spike spoke up. “Hey, do you want to help judge musical statues?” he asked. He could sense something was wrong, and was not about to let Starlight retire to her room just yet. This holiday was for everyone, whether she believed it or not. “A few of the younger ponies have been asking for it.” “Me?” Starlight asked, raising an eyebrow. Inwardly, she almost screamed. Why did he have to ask? Why could one thing just not go simply for her for once? “Yeah. You have a good eye for the small detail stuff and it'll help you get to know more ponies.” She wanted to say no, she really did. She wanted to go into her self imposed exile and let everyone else have their well deserved mirth but could not bring herself to flat out deny his request. With a phoney smirk playing at her lips she said, “Sure. I'll give it a shot. I am pretty strict though. Think everyone can handle that?” Spike nodded in return. “Fine with me.” “Let's go then,” Starlight replied, leaving behind the mug of cider. Right now she would rather avoid looking at herself. “Have fun,” Twilight called after them, almost pleading with them. The alicorn had slowly begun piercing Starlight's walls. It was getting easier for her to tell when something was amiss. That last smile had been forced, not reaching her saddened eyes...maybe this holiday had been too much too soon. “Nope. Diamond Tiara, you moved.” Starlight called, pointing a hoof at the young filly. “Your tail flicked.” “Awww,” Diamond huffed, face settled into a pout as she took her place just outside of the game. “Better luck next time,” Starlight said, trying to soften the blow for the defeated filly before flipping open the ornate music box to commence the next round. She had cast a magical bubble that would allow the younger ponies to play without interference from the rest of the party. Diamond flopped down at the edge of the bubble so she could continue to monitor the game. The old Diamond Tiara would have raised a stink until the judge had relented, or she would have simply demanded a biased judge be used. However, that was not the pony she was any more. Also, something told her that Starlight would not be an easy mare to sway to her whim if she was so inclined to try. Though now that she had turned her attention to the unicorn she could not help but notice that Starlight was troubled. Hiding behind a mask of joviality yes, but troubled all the same. As the game wore to its climax, Starlight found herself under Diamond's scrutiny. She bore it as long as she was able but when Spike eventually won the game thanks to his years balancing books for Twilight, it became to much for her burning curiosity. “Is something wrong?” she asked, striding over to the pink earth pony. “Not really,” Diamond replied gently. “Sorry I'm just wondering why you're here if you aren't enjoying it.” The question had weight behind it, yet beheld all the innocence of a young mind. Immediately retreating behind her guard, Starlight said flatly, “What do you mean? I'm enjoying it fine.” “Uh huh,” Diamond snorted, standing her ground. “So why do you look like you just swallowed ash?” she asked. Colour drained from Starlight's face despite the warmth of the room. That was exactly how she felt. Perturbed by the accuracy of the statement, the unicorn floundered for a response. Diamond had to hold back her delight. Her talent for understanding ponies could be used for more than simply making them do what she wanted. Maybe it could be used to help others as well. “It's complicated,” was all Starlight replied with, recovering from her momentary lapse in composure. Keeping her tone flat and empty she continued. “It isn't something I want to discuss with you. Sorry.” “I wasn't expecting you to,” Diamond said softly. “But if you don't want to be at the party then you have no reason to be here. I'm sure your friends wouldn't mind. If you do want to be at the party, then you're here... so there's no reason to be so glum. Sorry if that sounds simple but it's just how I see it. If I'm wrong then I'm sorry about that too. I hope you figure it out.” Finished with her speech, Diamond rejoined the party, leaving Starlight to ponder her words. Now she was being tugged in two directions. One half of her wanted to stay and enjoy herself, forgive herself. The other half wanted to leave, to punish herself for deeds that could never truly be atoned for. Caught between the two pulling halves, Starlight retreated to the one place in the party where ponies would think twice before interacting with her. She needed the time to just think. Let go of the past, the words of her song that haunted her. For one small blink in time she had been able to, but now it felt as if eternity was stretched out before her. With good friends by your side, something she definitely had. Her friends meant the world to her. It was their happiness that meant everything to her, not her own. If her presence somehow ruined this party, as it had almost ruined Equestria, then she really would never be able to forgive herself. For half an hour she was a shadow, watching from a distance through the dull haze of melancholy. Listening to the throbbing of her aching heart, she wished for it to end. She wished that her mind would stop lashing her past at her, like the frigid winter air would bite at her cheeks. Every time she felt a lapse in her self torment it came back stronger than ever. “Darling, is there a reason you are standing alone? Under the mistletoe?” Starlight sighed. Of course her solution would only be temporary. Sooner or later one of her friends would wonder why she was not joining in. All of her bets had been on Pinkie Pie but it seemed Rarity had stepped up to the plate. Secretly she wished it had been Pinkie. While hyperactive and hard to follow, the pink pony generally accepted when she wanted to be alone. Rarity was much more stubborn and adept at wriggling under her defences. “No. I'm fine. Just taking a break is all. Ponies tend to keep their distance under mistletoe.” “Yes that is fair enough dear, but you have been standing here for quite a while. Would you rather retire to your bedroom? Twilight did say that you were not feeling up to the holiday.” Here it was, the choice she always had to make. To hide behind her mask or be honest. Progress would dictate that she be more honest, as Twilight had proven again and again that she had no reason to hide. However, it was almost reflex for her to hide behind her walls, to protect herself even if there was no need. Though apparently she was no good at that either any more. The ease with which that young filly had analysed her issues still disturbed her. Taking a leap of faith, or more like a shuffle, she sighed, “It's a little more complicated than that...” “I imagine. Do you want to share?” Rarity asked gently, stepping closer to keep their conversation more private. Any closer though and she would be under the mistletoe with the other unicorn and that was the last thing Starlight needed “It's silly,” Starlight muttered, moving out from under the festive plant and closing the distance between herself and Rarity. Loud music courtesy of DJ Pon-3 would keep eavesdroppers at bay. “I just... don't feel like I should be at this party... “ she sighed, fixing her gaze firmly on the floor. After everything I've done. Just, something about the spirit of the holiday being something I almost destroyed...” “Ah... I see,” Rarity said with a nod. Looking around, she quickly and efficiently summoned their six closest friends, before gesturing to the balcony overlooking the main hall. No one would bother them up there. Starlight found herself swept towards the impromptu meeting, offering little resistance. It would only be futile. When everyone was assembled Spike promptly supplied them all with a drink. Starlight rolled her eyes and had to suppress a snort. There was really no need for this. They all did not have to step away from the party just because she was feeling blue yet again. Before she could articulate those thoughts into words, Rainbow's hoof pressed against her mouth. Not even her fiercest glare could convince the rainbow-maned pegasus to release her, so she simply huffed and raised her hooves in surrender. Satisfied, Rainbow lowered her hoof. “Look. We know you don't like all this fuss but it is kind of the quickest way to get things out of you. Whenever it's just one of us you bob and weave more than the Wonderbolt's during their airshow.” “Which at this point would mean I duck and dive more than you,” Starlight said, unable to keep the echo of teasing from colouring her voice. “Yeah, that's true,” Rainbow smirked, then shook her head. “Anyway, what's this I hear about you not feeling you deserve to have fun at a party?” “Not deserve a party?!” Pinkie Pie gasped, her jaw dropping almost to the floor. Aghast, she exclaimed, “Everyone deserves to have fun at a party?!” “That was direct,” Starlight said drily, wishing the ashy taste would leave her mouth. It was really getting to be persistent now, just like her guilt. She continued, trying to get her point across. “Maybe everyone who didn't try to destroy a friendship out of jealousy and almost destroyed Equestria. Or took away ponies cutie marks under false pretences and then tried to force their ideals on another group of ponies who also happen to be the group of ponies who are hosting said party and extended their hoof to me for no reason other than to be nice,” Starlight grumbled darkly, pushing away her drink. “Maybe next Hearth's warming eve, but not this one.” “Sugarcube, if you really don't want to stay at this party, then we won't force you...” Applejack said as the lilac mare stood and prepared to leave. “But think about this for a second okay. We all want you here. It's taken you a lot longer to forgive yourself than I ever thought it would. But that's not what's important here.” “What's important,” Fluttershy cut in softly. “Is that we've all forgiven you... All of us have. I know that forgiving yourself is taking time but until then, can't you rely on us to be right? I mean, you've done a lot during your short stay here. Isn't that enough? Isn't doing positive things for others better than doing negative things for yourself?” “Fluttershy is right darling,” Rarity nodded. “It was us that you had the... umm... altercations with to begin with. And yet all of us are sitting here with you. We're not here to force you to be where you do not wish to be, but we are here to make sure that you aren't missing out on something you want to do.” Starlight felt her knees grow weak. Drawn towards the balcony, she rested her front hooves on top of the banister and gazed with half lidded eyes upon the merriment below. In face of all that, she did sound somewhat silly. A light, jolly jingle caught her attention. Turning her attention to her chest she realised that she was still wearing the bell collar around her neck. Ponies who she had never interacted with before had taken it upon themselves to welcome her into the party with the trinket. Hooves on crystal sounded behind her and a few moments later Twilight rested her forelegs on the banister alongside her student. “Hearth's Warming is all about togetherness and friendship. It brings ponies, of all tribes and backgrounds, together. No matter what happens in our lives, we're always together. You weren't trying to destroy that, you were trying to bring it together. I can tell you that again and again... but I can't make you forgive yourself, no one can. If you really do not want to partake in the holiday then that's fine, but please...don't punish yourself just to punish yourself. You don't deserve that.” Starlight stayed silent, chewing on her bottom lip. Staying at the party was getting more than more tempting. Everyone seemed to want her there, including most of herself. That meant the little guilty part of her was definitely outvoted. So why was it so difficult for her to just give in to them all? Warm claws gently touched her flank, forcing her to turn her head to look down at Spike. The young dragon had a wide smile on his face. It was almost infectious, and Starlight felt her lips curve upwards slightly. “I'm guessing you have something to say as well?” she asked,flicking her tail absently to brush his shoulder affectionately. “Not really,” he replied, shrugging his shoulders. “It's up to you to decide. But if you don't come to the party then you'll be missed. Whether you believe it or not. Speaking for myself, I want you here. You're a lot of fun. If you want to be here, then stay.” Starlight closed her eyes. Was it really that simple? Thinking back to Diamond Tiara, she chuckled under her breath. She was where she wanted to be... Maybe that really was all there was to it. Twilight's story echoed within her once more. Snowfall had tried to remove the holiday altogether because she thought it was unimportant, only to realise that it was one of the most important days in Equestria. She, Starlight, had tried to warp friendship to meet her own goals, yet was now working to learn about its true meaning. Punishing herself was not going to make understanding friendship any easier and would do her no good. Mind made up, she opened her eyes. They glistened with moisture, which she quickly wiped away. “You're right...” she said softly. “All of you. I do want to be here...and if you'll have me... I'll stay.” “Of course we'll have you!” Pinkie Pie grinned, launching herself at Starlight and throwing her hooves around the unicorn's neck. The reckless tackle almost sent them careening over the banister onto the party below. Thankfully Rainbow was able to dive in and grab the pair before disaster struck. With Pinkie Pie still clinging to her, Starlight pushed herself away from the banister. The brush with such a nasty fall had her heart hammering against her breast. Even so, as the frantic rhythm started to slow, all she could feel was happy. A few bruises would have been worth the heartfelt show of affection. It was something that until now she had never really understood. Keeping ponies at arms length was something she just did. Tackling ponies was something she just assumed Pinkie did, but it was more than that. It was a desire to include someone, to show someone that you cared. After extracting herself from Pinkie's death grip, she chuckled, “Thanks for that. I needed that. More than I knew.” “No problem,” Pinkie Pie grinned. “Though Dash stopped us from falling into the pillow fort I was making down there. In case of hugging emergencies.” Starlight blinked twice, then peered over the banister. Sure enough, there was a perfectly crafted pillow fortress down below. More than enough to break their fall. Berating herself for not noticing such a huge thing before, she chalked it up to Pinkie Pie's crazy sixth sense about just what ponies needed. Just as she chalked up Rainbow Dash being there to save them as just something that would happen. The two preferred action over words when it came to comforting ponies, something she was eternally grateful for every now and again. Smiling slightly, she turned back to them all. Everyone was probably eager to get back to the party but there was something she needed to do first. Something she had been putting off for a long time. “Can you all wait here just a little longer? I need to go and get something.” “Sure,” Twilight replied, while the others nodded in agreement. “I won't be long!” Starlight promised, before running through the door. Twilight chuckled under her breath as she watched the lilac unicorn dash away. Five minutes passed, and the seven friends waited patiently for their newest member to return. None of them even considered the possibility that she would not, as it simply was not a possibility to them. True to their instincts, the door opened once more and Starlight reappeared. Nothing had changed, except now she was levitating several bulging saddlebags behind her. “I was planning on saving these for when the holiday was over...but if I'm going to be celebrating then I might as well do it properly.” Opening the saddlebags with her magical grip, she pulled out seven packages. All were neatly gift wrapped, using the colour scheme of to whom they were addressed. With practised ease she laid the presents down in front of their intended opener, then settled down. A light blush tinged her cheeks as she explained, her voice thick with emotion. “I put this together a while ago...but could never really think of a good time to present them. Then as the holiday grew closer I closed myself off. I'm sorry that they aren't really Hearth's Warming gifts. You've all done so much for me. I had to do something. I know this is in no way equal to all you've given me. I don't think I could ever equal that.” For a moment the group was speechless. No one said a word, letting the ambience of the party below hang in the air. Overcome with happiness, Twilight stepped forward. Starlight did not have time to speak before she was pulled into a crushing hug by the alicorn. “Twi-light... can't...breathe!” Starlight gasped breathlessly. Her complaints fell on deaf ears as she was wrapped up in a group hug. For several stifling, cramped, amazing seconds she was enveloped in all her friends...quite literally. By the time she was released, her lungs were empty and her head was full of fluff. Several deep breaths later and the light feeling in her head was gone, but her heart still felt weightless. Twilight and Spike both smiled, staying closer to Starlight even as everyone else backed off to let her breathe. A silent understanding passed between them. “After the party has died down, I think it would be a nice idea if we opened these together. I know it isn't tradition for you all to open presents on Hearth's Warming Eve but this has been a rather different Hearth's Warming for us.” “Works for me,” Applejack grinned. “It would be like a new tradition for us all.” “Yeah! Just like moving Haulder's Boulder! I wonder if they were able to knock it down this year!” Pinkie Pie wondered excitedly, bouncing up and down as she imagined all the ways one could topple a giant egg shaped rock. There certainly were a lot. “Uh... Probably not,” Applejack hoped, shaking her head. Some things were best left as happy accidents. “I'll put these away safe,” Twilight said, once everyone was in agreement. “There's still a lot of fun to be had down there.” With spirit restored Starlight joined her friends in the party. With no reservations she allowed herself to be wrapped up in all the “silly songs and fun”. Her heart was ablaze with joy as she laughed, danced and played with everyone. Eventually, her body forced her to break, and she once again found herself enjoying Twilight and Spike's company. The alicorn was similarly exhausted from the intensity of the festivities. “So, is there a reason you were hiding under the mistletoe?” Spike asked mischievously, unable to stop himself or the sly grin that formed on his face. “Anyone you wanted to walk under it?” Starlight, who was already crimson from once again miserably losing to Pinkie Pie, turned an even deeper shade of red. To hide her blush, she buried her face in her cider. No longer did it taste like ash, instead sweet fire gently lapped at her taste buds. “No,” she stammered, her voice muffled by the sturdy wooden tankard. “I was hoping no one would come under it. That was the whole point!” Spike grinned a little, but interrupted by Twilight. “That's actually a rather clever idea,” she chuckled, sipping her mug of what was now hot chocolate. “To be honest I wasn't even going to put it up. I always find it somewhat silly. But Rarity convinced me it was just for fun, and part of the holiday. I'm glad it was useful.” Starlight nodded, sticking her tongue out at Spike. The young drake just huffed and folded his arms. “I'm still not buying it. If you didn't want anyone to kiss you then why did you go so red?” he pressed, smirking as he waited for her to grow flustered again. Instead Starlight just smirked, causing the same expression to fall from Spike's face. Maybe taking on Starlight had been a little bit reckless. Twilight stepped back from the scuffle, just watching with an amused twinkle in her eye. Fluttering her eyelashes daintily, Starlight leaned across the table. Confused, Spike backed away as far as his chair would allow him. “Wouldn't you like to know,” she purred flirtatiously before grinning dangerously, her eyes flashing. Using her magic she took him in her hold and dragged him over to the mistletoe in question. He squirmed and protested, guessing exactly what she was going to do, but she just continued to chuckle. If he wanted to tease then she would do so right back. He had asked for this. Planting him down underneath the mistletoe, she took a moment to observe his reaction. He was glaring at her, his shoulders rigid and his face a picture of annoyance. She giggled softly then leaned down and gently brushed her lips against his head scales briefly. “Thanks for everything Spike,” she said softly. Before he was able to formulate a response she grinned again and he was gone in a flash of teal. The flash repeated itself next to Rarity and Sweetie Belle, who took the unexpected appearance of the dragon completely in stride. Satisfied, Starlight made to return to Twilight. However, something caught her eye- a familiar young pink pony, sitting alone. Altering her course, she made her way towards the gloomy table. The filly raised her head to meet the newcomer. “Hi,” she said dully, before staring at the table once more. “Diamond Tiara right?” Starlight asked. “Sorry if I'm wrong, my memory leaves something to be desired at times.” “No you're correct,” Diamond replied, smiling slightly at the changed unicorn now speaking to her. “You seem better. That's good.” “I am thank you,” Starlight nodded, sitting down next to the table. “What you said gave me a little bit of perspective, and more than a little bit of courage. Thanks.” Diamond nodded as well, but the smile dropped from her face. Worried now, Starlight settled down next to the table. “So, what's wrong? You looked like you were having fun before.” “I was,” the filly said earnestly. “I was, it was really fun. But Silver Spoon had to leave early to go and see her aunt. She's my best friend so I'm guess I'm a little bit lonely.” “Oh, I see,” Starlight said gently. “What about all the other schoolponies? Aren't they your friends?” she then asked. Everything had seemed amiable between them before. Diamond nodded again, now looking directly at the older pony. “They are, but it hasn't been that way for all that long. Sometimes I feel like I'm intruding. I did some pretty nasty things to everyone before. I'm trying to make up for it all but I'm just not sure if they really want me there or they're just trying to be nice.” Starlight touched a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. Only a heartbeat later her expression brightened and she stood up. “Would you like to join us?” she asked, gesturing with her head to the table where Twilight was still waiting. “Join you?” Diamond asked, staring at Starlight quizzically. It was an odd suggestion to be sure, though not an unwelcome one. Any company was good company when one was all on their own at a party...with some exceptions of course. “If you want to. It has to beat sitting alone,” the older mare reasoned. Ironically that was exactly what she would have been doing all night if her friends had not intervened. “Sure,” Diamond nodded, enthusiasm flowing back into her. Smiling at her success, Starlight led her new companion back towards the table. Twilight greeted the young filly warmly. Warmth billowed within Starlight as she listened to Diamond excitedly talk with them. Twilight was more vocal, having much more experience with the young pony. Nonetheless just watching the happiness emanating from Diamond, in spite of her friend being absent, made Starlight feel good. The feeling suffused her, like a gentle flame. This was probably how Twilight felt whenever she helped other ponies. 'Now I know why you do it,' Starlight murmured inwardly. 'It's the best feeling in the world.' All too soon, the party had reached its inevitable conclusion. Starlight then took it upon herself to personally ensure that Diamond Tiara made it home safe. The numerous party games had left her a bit foot sore, so Starlight carried the filly on her back throughout the short journey home. Her father was grateful, though looked exhausted. It seemed that he was working hard, even on Hearth's Warming Eve. Now Diamond's loneliness made even more sense. After bidding goodnight to the young earth pony, Starlight turned to leave. With the spirit of the holiday spurring her on, she was inspired to make a quick detour before returning to the castle. Once out of the frigid air and back into the cosiness of the castle, she joined her friends around a crackling fire in the room that Twilight had decorated specially for Hearth's Warming. Each one already had their present sitting in front of them, though they had all waited patiently for her. Spike and Pinkie Pie definitely had the most difficult time of it. Something about the way they were practically bouncing on the spot in anticipation caused a giggle to escape her. Twilight patted the empty space beside her, which Starlight promptly filled. Each pony, and dragon, thanked her in turn before diving into the presents. As the fire warmed her still shivering form, she watched intently as they opened their gifts. Twilight, Rarity and Fluttershy left the wrapping mostly intact but as for the others...that poor wrapping. Starlight held her breath, waiting for their reactions. It suddenly occurred to her that perhaps crafting every gift using her magic may not have been the best idea. Their function was not particularly obvious. At the time it had seemed like a good idea, magic was after all a very integral part of her. However, now she found herself nervously biting her hoof as they examined their presents. Maybe if she had put a note in the bottom explaining just what everything did? “I...I should probably explain what they all do huh?” she chuckled nervously, when she could take the pressure no longer. “They do something?” Spike asked, holding up a completely blank comic. Only the title “Spike's Adventure” marked the front page, written in Starlight's elegant, flowing penmanship. “I just thought I was supposed to write in this.” Starlight chuckled lightly and shook her head. “No. I enchanted it. Whatever story you imagine will come to life on the pages. I... hope I managed to get the style of a comic down correctly. I'm not all that versed in them.” Eagerly, Spike quickly closed his eyes to give it a try. Soon he was a gallant knight on his way to save the beautiful unicorn princess from the clutches of evil. Amazed, he looked up at Starlight with a wide smile on his face. “This is awesome! This is the best thing ever!" Relief flooded Starlight and she let her shoulders loosen. Turning to Rarity, who had already placed the light blue, silk scarf around her neck, she said, “I made that scarf from as good a silk as I could find. There's magic in it, no matter what outfit you want it to go with, it will automatically change colour to suit. Umm, I hope. I don't have your fashion sense but in an emergency you should be able to change the colour manually...” “It's lovely darling,” Rarity smiled, and another knot of tension faded away from Starlight. Applejack was still staring down at the flask she had received. It was made of fine hardwood, with a stopper shaped like an apple. Sloshing sounds inside told her that it was already full. Carefully she uncorked the flask to discover crystal clear water inside. When she turned her gaze to Starlight, the unicorn said softly, “If that flask runs out all you need to do is shake it three times and it will fill with water once again. The water will also be kept cool. I know you're not big on magic but I thought this would help with long days on the farm. You always do say it's thirsty work.” “Thanks sugarcube,” Applejack replied huskily, giving a nod of appreciation. “This'll help for sure.” “Fluttershy. That's a light,” she said, pointing to the polished sphere of glass Fluttershy held in her hooves. “Squeeze it gently and it will light your path. No matter how dark it is, that light will illuminate everything around you in about a four meter radius.” “Thank you,” Fluttershy whispered, squeezing the orb carefully and releasing a soft yellow light into the room. Now more relaxed, Starlight focused her attention on Rainbow Dash. The energetic pegasus had already put a quartet of dark blue bands on each of her legs, “Those bands record your speed. The display is on one of them, umm...it's the one you've got at the back. With them you'll be able to know your exact speed at any time. I thought they might be useful so you know just how far you've come.” “Maybe we can test them out tomorrow,” Rainbow grinned as she quickly swapped the bands around so that she could more easily see the display. “You still owe me a race.” “When did I agree to that?” Starlight laughed, only to be greeted by a chuckle for a response. Shaking her head she was about to explain Pinkie Pie's gift when suddenly, “Oh Starlight this is just so awesome!” she yelled happily, holding up a small blue diary. “Now whenever I make a Pinkie Promise it'll be so easy to go back and make sure I live up to them all. Never ever breaking a Pinkie Promise will now be ever easier! Thank you!” “You're welcome,” Starlight giggled, after pushing her jaw back up from the floor. “I'm assuming you just made a Pinkie Promise?” “No the book just started filling up and it's all my Pinkie Promises so I just assumed,” Pinkie replied, winking knowingly. After rolling her eyes, Starlight rounded on Twilight. This had been the most difficult gift to make, though thankfully was probably the easiest to explain. The alicorn flicked through the pages of the heavy tome slowly. Every word was written in dark blue ink, bold and brazen against the white pages. Twilight recognised the writing immediately. “It's... a book of every spell I've learned. There wasn't really an enchantment I could create that you couldn't do just as well or better. So I thought this would be more appropriate,” she said, wishing it sounded less lame, but it was the truth. “This must have taken a while,” Twilight stated, closing the book for another time and looking up at her student. “A little...” Starlight said non-committally. “I just felt like I had to do it for you all.” “You didn't have to, but you did and that's what matters,” Twilight chuckled. A nod passed between the group. Unbeknownst to Starlight they had already set up their own little surprise. Spike procured a package from underneath the small Hearth's Warming Tree. “Twilight and I usually open our presents tonight. But I think yours will keep me entertained until tomorrow. Though with that said. We all do want you to open something as well.” Starlight took the package carefully in her magic, rendered utterly speechless. Trembling slightly, she gingerly peeled away the wrapping and opened the box. Inside was a large dark blue book bound in velvet. Joyous faces of herself and all her friends smiled back at her as she pulled the book from its box. “It's from all of us,” Spike explained, helping the shaking mare open to the front page. Several photos of her time in Ponyville greeted her and the other pages only had more. All of her happiest times were now immortalised on the pages. “Now I'll never forget,” Starlight murmured, before squealing with delight. “That's amazing!” The group chortled merrily at her excited reaction. A camera flashed suddenly, capturing the moment of mirth. Pinkie just shrugged. “Seemed like a good idea.,” she said sheepishly, passing the photograph to Starlight. Smiling, Starlight laid her new photograph on a blank page. The first of many, she was sure of that. A loud yawn caused everyone to turn. Spike had slumped against Twilight's side, blearily rubbing his eyes. Starlight felt her own eyelids droop as the lateness of the hour struck her. Today had certainly been eventful. Twilight giggled and carefully placed Spike on her back. “I think we should all retire,” she suggested, standing up. “Tomorrow is another pretty long day and a good night's rest will allow us to enjoy it more.” A murmur of agreement rose from the weary mares. Soon only the residents of the castle remained, as the rest departed to their homes and families. Starlight and Twilight now stood outside of Spike's room, ready to go their seperate ways and join the young drake in slumber. “Thanks for everything,” Starlight said gently. Twilight only smiled and softly nuzzled the unicorn's cheek. For a long moment they simply stood enjoying each other's touch, before retiring to their rooms. Placing the photo album on her bedside table, Starlight gave the smiling faces on the cover one last look before turning off her bedside lamp and slipping into bed. Several hours later, in another part of Ponyville, there was one more surprise in store. Diamond Tiara awoke to discover a small box and a note laying next to her bed. Bewildered, as her presents were always waiting downstairs for her, she picked up the note and began to read. “Hello there, It's me, Starlight. From the party. I had to use a teleportation spell to get this to you. If it ended up somewhere weird forgive me. It's a little difficult to do that spell blindly. Anyway, I'll stop rambling and get to the point. I just want to thank you for all your help. Your words helped me see that I was being silly. Something I am very good at. So I thought I would get you a Hearth's Warming Gift. I'm sorry if it's a little generic, it was a bit short notice and I'm not good at this kind of thing. Happy Hearth's Warming! Your friend, Starlight Glimmer” Diamond read through the note three times before turning her attention to the box. Inside was a small personal mirror, crafted from pure silver and decorated with small glistening diamonds. As she was admiring the beautiful craftsmanship, a small imperfection caught her eye. Bringing the mirror into the light she peered closely. Small words had been carefully etched into the handle. “Never forget what you're friends want you to be,” Diamond recited, as she gazed at her reflection. She smiled, and the reflection smiled back.