The tale of the Gift Giver often begins with a mare who wanted to spread the joy and wonder of Hearth's Warming Day, to bring smiles to foals and adults alike. When Aura struggles to make a present for her sister, her Grandmother tells her, "Why not let the Gift Giver make it?" Aura scoffs. "There's no such thing as the Gift Giver, it's a tale for foals." But Granny Verine has a tale for Aura, an old tale that ends sadly. It's the tale of how the Gift Giver came to be...

AN: Story inspired in part of the artwork that is this cover art. The characters are different though, and the story is overarching. Took me a few days to write this. I never actually expected this story to be this long or this bittersweet, but there you go.

Thanks again Midge and Word Worthy for editing this piece.