It is but a few days until hearth's warming eve, and lately Nicholas has been feeling restless. Haunted by dreams about a Crystal Star, Nicholas and Applejack travels north to find answers. It is time for Nicholas to find out who he is meant to be.
Nicholas is the resident human of Ponyville, accepted and loved by all the ponies, especially the foals. Every year on hearth's warming eve, Nicholas makes toys for every foal in town.
However lately, Nicholas has had strange dreams about himself, about a crystal star, and about an Alicorn. Every night he feel more and more restless, and somehow he feels he must go. Nicholas has always had questions about who he is, and why he is in Equestria.
Without knowing why, he has a feeling that this year he might find answers. Of course, that feeling is only made stronger when eight reindeer come for him during the night, asking him to travel with them to the far North.
It is time for Nicholas to face his destiny, and be who he was always meant to be.
Story Inspired by: Life and Adventures of Santa Claus
Well come on in, wipe your hooves, and come and sit by the fireplace. It has been quite a while, and I did promise you all to tell you all about what happened the time I forgot my train ticket. What a story that was, and I had a big meeting in Canterlot. Well you see, it all started when I-
What? Oh, you haven't come over to hear that story? Well what story would you like me to tell you foals?
Aaaah, so you want to hear more about Nicholas do you? I guess I shouldn't be surprised, ponies often forget he was once living right here in Ponyville, and the little details that he was not a pony, he was human.
I suppose you remember all that, do you?
Well last time you all got to hear about his childhood. How he grew up in a caring home of his adoptive parents. How he befriended Applejack, and how he first came to deliver the first of his toys to all of Ponyville.
Quite the story, no?
Well, there is so much more to tell! Like how he met ponies like Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and the others. How he moved deep inside the Everfree forest to make his home among the elves that he befriended. How he made his workshops, and how he became the local legend of Ponyville.
All of that is just details, and far less important than what happened when Nicholas turned twenty. His life as he knew it would change forever, and it would transform him into the Nicholas we all know and love today. The jolly stallion that sweeps across the sky with his loyal reindeer, delivering presents to every good colt and filly in Equestria.
This is a story about magic, friendship, love, adventure, windigos, and of course, destiny.
So sit back, make yourselves comfortable, and sip on the hot coco you have been so kind to help yourself to from my kitchen apparently. Oh well... It is the season of giving I suppose!
Let us get started.
It all began a week before hearth's warming eve. For everypony in Ponyville, it seemed that hearth's warming would be pleasant, peaceful, and uneventful like always. Only, for a certain human that was far from the case. You see, lately Nicholas had been having these dreams at night. Strange dreams, about himself, and a certain crystal star...
Nicholas found himself walking across a desert of snow. There was nothing as far as his eyes could see, hills and plains covered in untouched snow. Above him was the dark blue sky, with hundreds of sparkling stars. He wasn't cold, nor was he tired, he simply kept walking, step by step, making a path through the snow.
When he stopped to look behind him, he could see his footsteps stretch into the horizon, as if he had been walking forever. He didn't know where he was going, only that he needed to keep moving. It was important, but he couldn't remember why. So Nicholas continued forward, up the snowy hills, continuing North as far as he could possibly go.
Then suddenly, he fell down, tripping, falling and rolling down one of the snowy hills. The snow was soft, and he wasn't hurt, but nevertheless he fumbled around until he could get up on his knees. It was then that he saw it, something, no, some pony, standing on a snowy hill above him. The pony glowed brightly, yet the light was also gentle, and warm.
The light kept Nicholas from seeing any real details, but there were some things that stood out. The pony was tall, taller than any average pony. It had wings, and a horn... An alicorn?
The alicorn spread its wings, and Nicholas could tell it was looking at him. For a moment, it felt like their eyes met, even if he could not see them. Then suddenly it got up on its hind legs, and the glow became so bright Nicholas had to cover his eyes. When he felt the bright light fade, he dared to look once more.
His eyes widened, because instead of an alicorn, there was a large crystal star, floating maybe a meter above the snowy hill. It glowed that same light as the alicorn, its warmth seemed to reach Nicholas, like a gentle embrace. The wind picked up a little, the loose snow following the breeze up the hill, as if trying to lead him towards the star.
At first he was too mesmerized to move, but then like a whisper carried in the wind, he heard his name being called. It didn't come from a specific direction, neither did it seem male or female, in fact, it sounded like a lot of ponies he knew. His mother, his father, his brother, his friends, Applejack, and others. The whispers seemed to call his name over and over again, beckoning him to go to the star.
Nicholas got to his feet, and it was as if the wind tried to help him, push him up, then suddenly change to push him forward. Step by step he slowly made his way towards the crystal star, the wind picking up as the snowflakes seemed to fly up around the star and Nicholas, shielding them from the world around them.
He came to a stop, only within arm's reach of the strange star shaped crystal. The light seemed to be facing in and out, bathing him in its warmth. Now everything became quiet, everything from the voices to the wind. The only sound was this strange ringing, or a hum. Nicholas held up his hand, he felt compelled to touch it.
Slowly he reached out, and the closer he got, the more pulled in he felt. Then as soon as his hands touched the smooth crystal surface, he felt something strange. Like a bolt of lightning passing through him, but instead of deadly electricity, it was like something his mind simply could not decode.
There was a strung tug in his gut, and with one final breath, Nicholas opened his eyes...
Nicholas opened his eyes, he felt his heart galloping as if he had just been running for his dear life. The human sat up, ran a hand through his light brown hair, while trying to regain control of his breathing. When his heart calmed, he let out a tired sigh, mumbling to himself. "The same dream..."
"Nicholas, a dhuine uasail, an bhfuil gach rud ceart go leor?" A small voice suddenly said. Nicholas looked towards where the voice had come from, and he spotted a tiny pointed eared creature make its way towards him.
"Yes, everything is alright, Mina. Thank you." He assured her, and watched as the little creature climbed up onto his bed.
She was tiny, about the same size as a cat, or a small dog. She had white fur, big eyes, pointy ears, and had the resemblance of a cat almost. She wore a red tunic, and long pointy hat with a tiny bell at the end of it. This was Mina, an elf, and the first one Nicholas ever befriended when he first met her in the Everfree long ago. She was now his head elf, his number one assistant so to speak.
She gave him a concerned look. "An raibh an bhrionglóid sin agat arís? Tá an chuma ort go bhfaca tú taibhse." After years getting to know her and her fellow elves, the language had stopped being gibberish to him.
He smiled a little, and reached out and scratched her ear. "Can't hide anything from you, can I? Yes... I had that dream again."
Mina thought for a moment, scratching her chin. Then she looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "B'fhéidir gur cheart duit stopadh ag ól an oiread sin seacláide te tráthnóna."
Nicholas chuckled lightly, and patted her head. "I don't drink that much hot chocolate in the evening."
"Cad faoi roinnt tae le do bhricfeasta?"
Again he let out a chuckle. "Thank you, Mina. Tea would be good, I'll be out in a minute." The little elf nodded brisky, and jumped off the bed, and went to a little elf sized door in the wall. Nicholas turned in his bed, and stood up in the small bedroom.
The room was not like any cottage back in Ponyville. Nichola's home, and workshop, was built into the trees and hills of the Everfree forest. If you looked at Nichola's home from the outside, you would see a normal grassy hill, but with round windows, a smoke stack, and a door on the side of the hill.
His room was small, but comfy. Wooden floor, thick and wide tree roots acting as beams above his head, holding the roof and ceiling up. Nicholas's whole house, whole workshop was like this. Hidden in the hills of the Everfree. It was a humble and peaceful life, and he enjoyed it very much.
The elves had taught him much about the Everfree, and despite its chaotic nature, Nicholas seemed to thrive here. In Ponyville he was mostly known as the local human, Santa Claus, jolly Nicholas. However he did also make a living taking care of the forest, keeping tending to it, and selling wood, mainly to his adoptive father.
He had a loving family in Ponyville, friends, and a purpose. Even so, lately he had begun to feel restless, as if something was not right with his life as it was. It had all started a few weeks ago, when he first started to have this strange dream. It had changed little over the weeks, there was no alicorn at first, nor any crystal star. These recent days though, they had all been the same. He would wander in the snow, fall down the hill, look up, see the alicorn, and then the star. It has been the same for five days now.
Nicholas wasn't sure what it all meant, but he knew it was not nothing at all. He needed to figure out what to do, and lately he had begun to get an idea what he needed to do. He had thought about it for the entire week now, but if he was going to do it, it needed to be soon.
Before hearth's warming eve...
He didn't know why, but he felt it was important, deep within his heart. Looking into the large mirror on the wall, he looked into his deep blue eyes. He was a grown man now, a human living in a world that is not his own. Nicholas had never found out who his real parents were, how he got to Equestria, or why he was here.
But he felt that the answers he sought might be out there. Somehow he knew it was connected to the dreams he had, he just knew it. Straightening a bit, he nodded to himself. "Right, you snooze you lose." He smiled a bit. It would be a waste of such a lovely morning to worry, and there was plenty to do.
It was late afternoon as Applejack made her way through the Everfree forest. Something that she would have once done with trepidation, but now did with the same calm as if she was heading out into the apple orchard. The place was still strange, and had a wild and chaotic energy to it, but she had grown used to it over the years.
Nicholas never had a fear of the Everfree, and ever since moving into the forest, he had learned quite a lot about it. It was knowledge he gladly shared, although many ponies still kept well away from it. Applejack on the other hoof, she had grown more accustomed to it, and was now frequently making trips through the forest to visit her old childhood friend.
Applejack and Nicholas had always stuck together as kids. He had been there on their first day of school, and he had been there when she lost her parents. Applejack had been there when Nicholas started his gift giving project, and helped him prepare for it. On that very first night, she had waited for him outside on the porch of her farm, ready with a hot cup of coco. That had become a yearly tradition now, year after year, when he had finished delivering the last gift, she would wait for him at the porch, always ready with a hot cup of coco.
Of course their lives had changed quite a bit since they were kids. She had grown up to look after the family farm, alongside her two siblings, and her grandma. Nicholas had moved into the Everfree, which was something Applejack could understand on one hoof, but then again couldn't. She could understand he valued some privacy, being the only human in the world, it had to be hard to get a reminder of that each day. Then again, he had never been ridiculed, feared, or disliked for not being a pony. Everypony in Ponyville accepted him as who he was, that was the whole reason for Nicholas to make presents for them each year.
Still, Nicholas preferred to live as he did, so who was she to fault him for it? Smiling to herself, she made her way down the path, over the little river, and arrived safely at Nicholas's house. Already she could see the smokestack sticking out of the hill, and the round windows. He had really made his home cozy over the years.
She was just about to trot up to the door and knock, when she heard footsteps walking across the snow. Applejack turned towards the sound, and noticed her good friend coming her way. Nicholas wore a thick woolen coat that kept him warm, even from here she could see his breath steaming the air.
"Well howdy there, Nicholas!" She greeted cheerfully.
Nicholas stopped and looked up. When he was who it was, his whole face lit up, and he smiled brightly. "Applejack!" He laughed, making his way towards her. "How good to see you again, how's Ponyville?"
Applejack chuckled. "You would know if you showed up more often." She teased, nudging him with her hoof. "This kind of hermit life seems so lonely."
Nicholas waved the comment off. "I know, but I'm not alone, I have the elves, and my family is only a short trip away, and let us not forget that you have a habit of visiting me."
"Well you're lucky I even made this trip, mister."
"It's because you love me." Nicholas teased, and Applejack laughed. "You want some tea?"
Applejack smiled, "I would love some."
Smiling back, Nicholas took Applejack to the front door of his home. Like the windows, it was round, but just a lot bigger. Applejack had been here many times before, but somehow she was always in awe of Nicholas's home. It had been built into a hill, the tunnels that made the home's hallways were lined with wooden floors, walls, and ceilings.
The rooms were a mix between big and small, but there was always a sort of mess to it. Not that the home was dirty in any way, the elves kept the place really clean, but there were always drawings laying around, or half-finished models, or toys. Had Nicholas been a pony his cutie mark would likely have been one about making toys, or being quite the clutterhead.
Still, even the little piles of tools, drawings, and toys kind of had a charm to them. His home felt like her own, it was a home, it had personality, and it felt like the whole place was giving you a warm hug as you entered. Smirking, Applejack looked over her shoulder at him.
"Still as messy as ever, hm?"
Nicholas blushed, scratching the back of his head. "Well, I've been busy." He said as he took off his large overcoat, and hung it by the door.
"Busy?" Applejack repeated. "Thought you had everything ready for hearth's warming eve?" She asked, and followed him into the living room.
The living room was probably the biggest room in his home, not counting the secret workshop of course. It had a small couch and armchair near the fireplace, which was crackling and casting the room in an orange glow. To the far side there was an opening in the wall, leading into the small kitchen. Already Applejack could smell freshly baked cookies, and the smell of cocoa and chocolate.
"I am," replied Nicholas as he gestured to her usual seat on the couch. "But I have had a lot on my mind." He vanished through the entrance to the kitchen, and she could hear him move around, and get the kettle and the cups.
Applejack in the meantime sat down on the couch, and held out her hooves towards the fireplace, enjoying the wave of warmth that washed over her. Then suddenly, a white elf jumped up beside her, Applejack recognized her immediately. "Hello there, Mina." She greeted with a friendly smile.
"Applejack, cé chomh deas tú a fheiceáil!" The elf greeted.
The mare chuckled. "It's nice to see you too." Applejack had gotten much better at understanding the little elves over the years, although she wasn't as fluent as Nicholas, but he also lived with them, so he had a lot more practice time. Still, she could understand most of what they were saying without too much trouble.
Glancing towards the kitchen, she saw her friend move around, preparing a tray with tea and snacks. Leaning closer to Mina, Applejack spoke softly. "Is Nicholas okay? He seems a little distant." She wasn't sure if distant was the right word to use, but she had always been good at reading Nicholas whenever something was bothering him.
Apparently she had been right on the money, because Mina seemed to share her worries. "Tá na brionglóidí seo aige le déanaí. Tá mé beagáinín buartha..."
Applejack frowned. "Dreams? What kind of dreams?"
"What are you two whispering about?" Nicholas's voice suddenly sounded behind them. Sitting up quickly, Applejack watched as Nicholas made his way over, and placed the tray on the wooden coffee table in front of the couch. Looking at his old friend, Nicholas let out a small defeated chuckle. "Guess I should have expected it..." He said as he let himself sit down on the soft armchair.
Applejack blushed a little. "Well, I've known you long enough to know when something is on your mind, Nicholas." She said, smiling sheepishly.
Mina looked down, trying to look more innocent. Nicholas just smiled at her. "It's okay, Mina, she was bound to figure it out anyway." He held out a hand, and Mina instantly hurried over the back of the couch, and leaped into his hand. Chuckling, Nicholas held her close, and scratched her behind the ears, earning him a satisfied purr from the little elf.
"Mina says you've been having dreams?"
Nicholas let out a small sigh, nodding a little. "Yeah, the same one each night for the entire month." He held his hand to the floor, and Mina jumped down. He looked at Applejack, shrugging a little. "The thing is, it doesn't feel like a dream. I swear I can wake up in the morning, and I can still feel the wind on my skin."
"Tell me about it."
And so Nicholas did. He told Applejack everything he could remember, from him walking through the desert of snow, to falling, the unknown Alicorn, and of course the crystal star he kept seeing. Applejack was no stranger to odd dreams, they even had a princess who had the ability of entering dreams, if anypony could help, it would be princess Luna.
When Nicholas finished explaining, she aired this idea. "We could go visit Twilight tomorrow, she can write a letter to princess Luna and ask for advice." Then Applejack grinned. "Twilight has also been dying to meet ya."
Nicholas smiled a little. He had never actually met Twilight Sparkle, although he had seen her around quite a few times. "You think she would be willing to help?"
Applejack rolled her eyes. "Of course she will, sugarcube. Just try and stop her." Nicholas let out a laugh, Twilight had quite the reputation, just like the other mares she had befriended. They were quite the celebrities now, and their adventures always amused Nicholas greatly. "Don't you fret, we can go see her tomorrow if you like?"
"That would be great, if you are sure I won't be a bother."
Again Applejack rolled her eyes. "I promise, you won't be a bother. Twilight will be excited to meet you, she only recently found out you actually existed."
He raised an eyebrow. "Really?"
Applejack nodded. "She was very excited to meet you, and the others missed you a lot as well."
Nicholas chuckled a little, leaning over towards the coffee table, and started to serve the tea. "Well it has been some time since I last saw any of them. How are they doing?" He asked, pouring some tea for Applejack, who gratefully took the cup as he offered it to her.
"They are doing great. Fluttershy has some time to relax, as most of her animals are hibernating. Rainbow Dash is still practicing some of her new stunts. You know her, crazier than a rattlesnake in a rolling barrel." The two shared a chuckle. "As for Rarity, she is out looking for a tree this year."
"I thought she only got those plastic ones?"
Applejack shrugged, taking a sip of her warm tea before continuing. "I think Sweetie Belle managed to convince her. Oh, speaking of which." Applejack put down the cup, and reached up under her hat, pulling out three envelopes. "From the Cutie Mark Crusaders."
Nicholas let out a jolly laugh, and reached over to take it. "Another one? Must be the fourth one this month alone. What did they do this time?"
"Long story." Applejack grinned, and waved her hoof. "Let's just say they learned their lesson."
"Well, you can tell them I overlook whatever they are begging for forgiveness for this time." Nicholas chuckled, and put the letter down for late reading.
"Pinkie is, well, Pinkie. She is busy baking all sorts of treats for this year." She continued, smirking a bit as she noted the expression on Nicholas's face when she eluded to pastries. "You're as bad as Pinkie Pie."
"Sorry..." He sheepishly took another sip from his cup.
"It's alright, hon." She put the cup down. "Now, how about you? Other than your dreams, how are you doing?"
The two started talking about this and that. Nicholas told her about finishing all the presents for hearth's warming, and how many foals had been writing to him this year compared to the year before. He also told her about the new toys he had made, and his future ideas. Applejack in turn told him about how things were going at home, how Granny was doing, and how Big Mac was getting on. She didn't need to talk much about Apple Bloom, Nicholas was well informed thanks to his elves, but he liked to hear it from Applejack's point of view.
The two talked for a long while, enjoying the tea, taking a walk around the workshop, and later making dinner together. Nicholas always felt time flew whenever he was with Applejack. After dinner, and after they had done the dishes, the two found themselves on the couch, sitting beside one another, enjoying the warmth of the fireplace.
Applejack found herself leaning against Nicholas, while his arm was around her, almost protectively. The two didn't speak much, just enjoying the moment, both full well knowing Nicholas would have to escort her back home. Not that either of them minded, they had always enjoyed their walks back to the farm, especially on a night like this. Quiet, a night sky filled with stars, a moon bathing the glittering snow in its gentle light.
Applejack scooted a little closer, letting out a relaxed sigh. She bit her lip, glancing up at Nicholas. She considered for a moment, then looked at the fireplace that was still crackling, with its flames dancing around. "Nicholas?" She said softly.
"Mm?"
"I was just thinking, if you didn't have other plans, I would love to spend hear-"
"Wait." Nicholas interrupted, sitting up a little. "Do you hear that?"
"Hear what?" Applejack asked, sitting up as well. Her ears stood up straight, and for the first few seconds, she couldn't hear anything, but then. "Wait... Is that...?"
Nicholas finished, looking back at her with confusion. The two listened for a minute, hearing the sound was coming closer and closer, until there was a loud thump on the roof, and the sound of something sliding down the side of his house. The sound of the bells had stopped, but Nicholas could hear movement outside his house.
Before he could even look out a window, there was a soft knock on his front door. Nicholas stood up, glancing at Applejack who looked back at him. "Did you expect company?"
Nicholas shook his head. "No..." He started to walk out, with Applejack following right behind them. There was another knock, this time just a little louder. The two stopped, and Nicholas reached out, took the door handle, and slowly slid the door open.
What he saw surprised him, it was certainly not what he had expected to see. Eight reindeers stood outside his front door, all looking at him expectantly. "Good evening." A male that stood in the front said. "You must be Nicholas Claus?"
"Uhm, yes?"
"Sorry for bumping in, but could we come inside for a quick moment. We need to talk."
"Uhm..." Nicholas hesitated, his eyes looking over the height reindeers. They were all smiling in their own way. One with calm, another with childlike excitement. They didn't seem threatening, or even the bearer of bad news. All of them however did seem pleased? "I'm sorry, who are you, and how do you know my name?"
Applejack came up by side, looking with what could be described as astonishment. The male in front of them inclined his head, like a small greeting to the mare, then looked back at Nicholas. "It is kind of a long explanation. If it isn't too much trouble, could we talk inside?"
Once again, Nicholas looked at all the reindeer, then back at the lead. "Sure, but it is going to be a tight fit." He told the reindeer, stepping aside to allow the eight to trot inside his home.
One by one, the eight reindeer made their way inside Nicholas's home. He noted they were all glancing at him as they passed, almost as if they were inspecting him. For now he decided it was just his imagination, and as the last reindeer made it past him, Nicholas closed the door and walked into the living room along with Applejack.
The reindeers had done their best to spread out, trying not to make the living room too crowded. The male from before stepped forward, and gestured to Nicholas's armchair, as if inviting him to sit down in his own home. Nicholas sensed Applejack gearing up to tell the reindeer off, but Nicholas placed a calming hand on her head, and smiled. She looked up at him for a few seconds, then took a deep breath, and let it go. If Nicholas didn't mind, then she wouldn't make a big deal out of it, even if she found it rude.
The interaction didn't go unnoticed by the reindeer. "Sorry," the male said. "I didn't mean to insult you..." He said, sounding a bit embarrassed. "We've just come such a long way, and there is so much to tell."
Nicholas shook his head, moving to the chair and sat down, while Applejack stayed by his side, almost protectively. "It's alright, but you seem to know who I am. I have no idea who you are."
"Oh! Oh!" A female reindeer bounced a bit in place, seeming excited. "Introductions! Introductions!"
Another female reindeer, one with a more calm, yet playful expression put a hoof on her friend's shoulder. "No, no, Prancer, not in here. We have a lot to talk about, and it is too cramped in here."
The reindeer, apparently named Prancer, considered her friend's words, her eyes looking around, then nodded. "Oh, yeah." She let out a giggle. "Whoops, sorry, sir."
She had looked at him when she said sir, it surprised Nicholas a little, but he figured it she was just trying to be polite. He smiled kindly in return. "Don't worry about it." He assured her, then returned to look at the first reindeer.
The reindeer smiled gratefully. "I'm Blitzen," he said. Blitzen had chestnut colored hair, blue eyes, and a light brown coat. There was a calm energy about him, as if he had everything under control, and everything was going according to plan. "It's nice to finally meet you, Nicholas."
"Uhm, likewise." Nicholas said, a bit unsure about the 'finally' part.
A more thin male stepped forward. He wore reading glasses, and a calm knowing smile. His hair was dark brown, and his eyes were like Blitzen's, blue, only darker. His coat was also brown, the classic version you would color a tree with in a coloring book. "It is truly a pleasure to meet you, sir. My name is Donner."
"Yeah, yeah, step aside." A female with almost blazing light purple eyes said, as she nudged Donner to the side. Looking at her, Nicholas could only think of one thing, or rather, one pony. However, it was Applejack that said it out loud, apparently thinking the same as him.
"Rainbow Dash?"
"What?" The reindeer asked, her voice not as raspy as Rainbow Dash's, but definitely the same sort of energetic attitude and dare. "No, I'm Dasher! The fas-"
"Fastest reindeer alive, ain't that right?" Applejack asked, a small smirk forming on her lips. "You remind me of a friend of mine."
Dasher looked confused. "There's no one like me, reindeer or pony!" She declared, which only made Applejack chuckle into her hoof. Dasher had a more beige colored coat, and her mane seemed to be a very light shade of brown, maybe. Nicholas wasn't sure which color described it best.
"Alright, enough already, Dasher."
A soft and smooth female voice said. The reindeer that had stopped Prancer stepped closer. She had her brown hair down, it was long and looked very soft. She had a brown coat, and a lot of chest fluff. In her antlers she had tied one snowflake ornament to each, and looking at her eyes, Nicholas could tell she wore a bit of make-up. She smiled at him, and Nicholas got a feeling she liked a bit of innocent mischief.
"My name is Vixen, it is thrilling to finally meet you, honey."
Blitzen stood a little straighter. "Vixen!" He hissed. "Show some respect, you know who he is!"
Nicholas was about to ask what he meant, but Vixen interrupted. "I'm sorry, Blitzen dear. I just can't help myself." She winked at the two other male reindeer, and Nicholas could tell they were blushing. Even Blitzen was blushing, although he tried to hide it behind a mask of discipline.
"My turn!" A big bulky muscular reindeer stepped forward, smiling confidently. Unlike the others, his hair was dark blonde, and his coat had a sort of reddish color, his eyes purple, and he had an air of supreme self-confidence. "Nice to meet you, Santa. I'm Comet, and while Dasher may be the fastest, you won't find a reindeer stronger or braver than me!"
"Pfft..." Dasher rolled her eyes.
As Comet went back, another female reindeer stepped forward. She was very beautiful, elegant, and with the most unique coat and mane color Nicholas had ever seen. Her hair was a sort of light pink color, her coat the same, just in a darker shade, just like her eyes.
She reminded Nicholas and Applejack of Fluttershy, but unlike Fluttershy, she did not seem overly shy. She had the same spark of kindness, but also an inner daring streak. She smiled, sweetly. "My name is Cupid, and I am very happy we finally got to meet you, Santa." She bowed her head a little, then stepped back.
It hadn't escaped Nicholas' notice that they referred to him as Santa, something only the elves and the foals of Ponyville called him. However before he could ponder or so much as ask about it, the final male reindeer stepped forward. His hair was dark blue, he wore sunglasses and a massive grin. He had a brown coat, and Nicholas was pretty sure he had green eyes.
"This is so cool!" He said. "Truly epic! The name is Dancer, and trust me, I earned that name. You want music, I'm your reindeer, and if you want the latest sick moves!" He let out a laugh, and made a strange wiggling movement Nicholas could only imagine must be some sort of dance move.
Prancer giggled, then bounced forward, almost playfully pushing Dancer to the side. "Hi! I'm Prancer, but you already knew that." She said with a big smile. Like so many others, she had brown hair, but she had hers tied up behind her head. Her coat was light, not brown, perhaps closer to the color of caramel. Her eyes were very unique, amber colored. "I'm so excited to finally meet you, and be on the flying squad, but most of all to finally meet you, Santa Claus!"
She seemed to be ready to squeal in excitement, but kept it back as she moved back to her spot. The reindeer named Blitzen then stepped in front of Nicholas again. "Now you know who we are, and as you know, we know who you are."
"But, how, why?" Nicholas asked, his head spinning a little.
Blitzen looked apologetic. "Well, it is not really for me to tell you, not here at least. Aurora, Bori and Alice told us to travel to Ponyville, and take you to see them at the grove."
"The grove?" Applejack asked, raising an eyebrow.
"It's a place far to the north." Cupid said. "We've all been working very hard to prepare it."
"Who's been working hard, and to prepare what?" Nicholas asked, leaning forward in his chair.
"Us and the other reindeer of course." Comet said. It seemed like he was about to say more, but Blitzen cut in before he could say anything else.
"We know you have a lot of questions, and I wish we could answer them all, but I don't think you would believe us." He said, sounding apologetic. "If you come with us we could tell and show you everything, but this isn't really the place."
"Now hold on just a minute." Applejack said, taking a step forward. "I don't like to sound rude, but how do we know you ain't just spinning up some funny tale to trick Nicholas here?" Applejack didn't want to sound like a suspicious type, but this was her oldest friend in the world, she didn't want him to walk into trouble. "We don't know anything about you." she looked around at them all. "Any of you."
"Applejack..." Nicholas tried, but Applejack shook her head.
"I'm sorry, Nicholas, but better safe than sorry. Why should we trust you?"
Blitzen nodded. "It's a fair question," he admitted. "I guess you can say you have to take a leap of faith, but really, we don't mean Nicholas any harm." Blitzen said, and found himself looking into Applejack's deep green eyes. There was a long drawn out silence, only the fair place breaking it with occasional crack of a log.
"Well," Applejack said after some time. "You ain't lying, but that still doesn't mean you are not up to something." While Applejack had only known Twilight Sparkle for a year, well, barely, in her time as her friend, she had come to expect the unexpected. From dragons, to swarms of musical hating insects, Applejack wanted to be sure Nicholas was safe.
Blitzen looked to his fellow reindeers, as if asking for their opinion. Cupid sent him an encouraging nod, and so Blitzen looked at Nicholas. "We know you have been having dreams about the Crystal Star, and we know what they mean." Nicholas's eyes widened, and even Applejack took a step back in surprise. "We will tell you everything, but this isn't really the place for it. Please, will you come with us?"
Nicholas hadn't spoken since the reindeer went outside. Blitzen and the other reindeer had decided to give Nicholas time to think, having not told him anymore about his dreams until he agreed to come with them. Nicholas could tell they did not like holding it over him, but for whatever reason, it was vital that he go with them.
Applejack was still with him, sitting on the couch, along with Mina, who had remained hidden as the reindeer entered the home. She, like Applejack, had been skeptical of them, and outright worried for Nicholas. However, the fact they knew about Nicholas' dreams changed things. Both of them knew Nicholas was seeking answers, and they both knew he was likely to take a chance on them.
Applejack looked his way, seeing him almost depressed was like a knife in her heart. Finally, she sighed. "Look here, Nicholas. I've known you long enough to know you want to take a chance on these reindeers." He looked up at her, his eyes told her everything she needed to know. "If you think this can give you some answers, well then, shoot. Guess we have no choice but to go with them."
Nicholas raised an eyebrow. "We?"
Applejack smirked. "You didn't think I'll let you go out there without me, did you?"
"Táim ag teacht freisin! Tabharfaidh mé cúpla elves eile!" Mina declared, jumping up from her seat on the couch. She wasn't about to be left behind, and she was not going to let Nicholas go without her and a few more elves by his side.
Nicholas looked at them both in stunned silence, then he smiled. "Thank you, both of you."
Applejack stood up, making her way to Nicholas, and placed a gentle hoof on his knee. He looked into her deep green eyes, and felt his heart beat a little faster. "No matter what you do, you know I will always have your back. Right, partner?"
"Right..." Nicholas chuckled, leaning down and embraced the mare, who gladly wrapped her hooves around him.
It had been twenty minutes since Blitzen and the others had left Nicholas's home. The eight of them stood around, waiting, not really saying much other than a comment here or there. Blitzen looked towards the door for maybe the tenth time since they left, feeling his heart going a little faster.
"Blitzen?"
"Oh, Cupid. Is something wrong?"
She trotted closer, shaking her head with a small smile. "Are you worried about Nicholas?"
Blitzen let out a small sigh. "Is it that obvious?"
She giggled, holding a hoof to her muzzle as if trying to hide it. "Let's just say we've all learned how to read you a long time ago." Blitzen blushed a little, but smiled back. "Don't worry, remember why we are here."
"I know, but what if he refuses?"
"I wouldn't worry about that, Blitzen." Cupid assured him. "Have faith, and let's trust him." Almost like magic, the door to Nicholas's house opened, and out stepped Nicholas. Cupid nudged Blitzen a little. "See?"
Nicholas was dressed in a big red overcoat, and a red cap. Beside him stood Applejack, and on her back was Mina, looking an the reindeer with silent suspicion. Blitzen didn't look at the elf, instead he and the other reindeer approached, with Blitzen leading them.
"So," Blitzen said. "You coming?"
Nicholas let out a sigh, then held up a hand, as if asking them to wait for a moment. "I will, if my friends are allowed to come with us." Blitzen eyed both Applejack and Mina, and after a quick glance at the other seven reindeer, he agreed. "Good, then I will come with you."
Mina smirked, jumping off Applejack's back and turned towards the house. She held up her little paws, then called out in a loud voice, which made the reindeers cringe. "Ceart go leor, leaids agus lasses. Am le dul!" A smaller door built into the human sized front door opened, and a little army of elves started to line up like little soldiers, with Mina proudly inspecting them.
The elves came in varied shapes and sizes, all of them small of course, but all of them very distinct. Some muscular, some chubby, some slender like Mina. Some were male, others female, and all of them were wearing varied colors, clothes and caps. For a moment, Blitzen looked like he was about to refuse, but seemed to think better of it.
Nicholas smiled. "So, where are we going, and how do we get there?"
At that, Blitzen started to smirk, as did the other reindeer. "Oh, you're going to like this." Blitzen assured him. "Over here."
Nicholas, Applejack, and his elves, followed the eight reindeer around Nicholas's home. As they rounded the corner, they got to a small clearing, just big enough for Nicholas to walk around, and work on the wood he chopped. However instead of the usual piles of lumber, he saw a small blue sleigh.
It was just big enough for Nicholas to sit in front, and for Applejack if the two of them squeezed a bit together. The back could hold a small amount of luggage, or in this case, Mina and the rest of the elves. Blitzen and the others moved closer to it, then turned and looked at them.
"This is how we will get to Gift Givers Grove." Blitzen said proudly.
Applejack looked at Nicholas, then back at them. "You intend to pull us there?" Mina let out a string of words, Applejack couldn't really translate, but she figured she was sharing in Applejack's disbelief.
Young Prancer giggled. "Kinda, but not really!"
"Then how?" Nicholas asked, more confused than unimpressed like Mina.
"We are going to fly there." Stated Comet, puffing his chest out, as if expecting them all to be in awe. While Nicholas did look interested, Mina did not.
"Conas is féidir leat eitilt mura bhfuil sciatháin agat?"
Dasher looked at the little elf, eyebrow raised. "What did she say?"
"She asked how you can fly when you don't have wings." Applejack translated. "I would like to know that too."
"So would I." Nicholas said, sounding very excited to find out.
Blitzen grinned. "Alright guys, let's show them." Suddenly their antlers seemed to have a faint glow to them, like the one unicorns had when they used magic. Then to the awe of Nicholas, Applejack, and even Mina, the reindeer started to rise slowly into the air.
Nicholas took a step back, as if better get a view of what he was seeing. "Holy holiday cookie..." He mumbled, his eyes wide as dinner plates. The same expression was plastered on Applejack and Mina, which seemed to please the reindeer.
Vixen couldn't help but make a small friendly jab. "Satisfied?" She asked Applejack and Mina with a smirk.
Both of them nodded. "Good!" Smiled Blitzen. "Then let's get moving. Reindeer, take your positions!" Blitzen ordered, and all eight of them flew down, two by two, standing in front of the sleigh. Standing side by side from right to left was Dasher and Dancer. Then left to right again, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid and then Donner and Blitzen.
Their antlers got this faint glow again, and the leather reigns moved up, and secured themselves to the reindeers. Blitzen looked at Nicholas, then gestured with his head towards the sleigh. "Come on, Santa. We need to be off!"
"Don't be scared, we won't drop you!" Dasher promised with a big grin.
Looking at Applejack, who looked back at him, the two sent one another a nod, and then moved towards the sleigh. Following them were the elves, who were not even half of the ones staying behind and looking after Nicholas's home and workshop.
Nicholas climbed into the front seat, scooting over as much as he could in order to make room for Applejack. She followed, but while they tried to make room, the two could not help but sit very tight, so much so Nicholas had to move an arm around her, just to make sure they could both be comfortable. Applejack blushed, glancing up at him, which in turn made Nicholas blush.
"Uhm... Hello..."
"H-howdy..."
Mina rolled her eyes, having seen their puppy love grow from they were just kids to now. "De réir na gcloigíní, ach póg cheana féin..." She mumbled, then jumped into the back along with the other elves.
"Now don't you worry!" Blitzen called back at them. "This will be an easy trip, so just leave everything to us."
"Just be sure to hold on!" Dancer called, grinning.
"Alright squad, let's get in the air!" Declared Blitzen, and they all seem to stand a little taller.
Then suddenly the reindeer called out their own names, one by one. "Dasher!" "Dancer!" "Prancer!" "Vixen!" "Comet!" "Cupid!" "Donner!" "Blitzen!"
"Who are we!" Blitzen called suddenly, with the others responding in unison.
"THE FLYING REINDEERS!"
Their antlers glowed once more, and with a great tug, the eight reindeer started to move, pulling the sleigh with ease. For the first few seconds, Nicholas could hear the sleigh glide over the snow, but then something happened, the reindeers started to rise into the air, and only a few seconds later, the sleigh followed suit.
At first Nicholas thought the sleigh would fall, hanging down limply in the air as the reindeers pulled, but that was not the case. He quickly noticed that when the reindeers sort of bounced forward in the air, light seemed to emanate near their hooves. It was like glowing dust in multiple colors, gliding beneath their hooves, and under the sleigh, which seemed to keep it up, as if it was gliding on snow.
Despite what little momentum they had gained from what little space they had to use as a runway, the sleigh rose, following the reindeer as they quickly and skillfully guided the sleigh between the tall trees and suddenly up into the open sky!
Applejack let out a yelp, her hooves wrapped around Nicholas. The sleigh kept ascending far above the Everfree, far enough that even from this deep within the forest, they could see the lights of Ponyville, and even Sweet Apple Acres. The cold winter wind brushes through their hair, and Nicholas had to place a hand on his red cap so it didn't flew off. In The back, the elves, held onto one another, and whatever else they could so they didn't flew off in the strong winds.
Soon enough they leveled out, and they glided across the sky with ease. Both Nicholas and Applejack let out a few easy breaths, with Blitzen and the others chuckling to themselves a bit.
"First time is always the worst!" Blitzen called back. "Don't worry, sir. You'll get used to it!"
"I don't think I will, thank you!" Nicholas called back with a small smile, trying to calm his heart.
"Nicholas!" Applejack suddenly called, looking at him.
"What?"
"I just remembered..." Applejack said, looking like she was about to burst out laughing or crying. "I forgot to tell my family I'm leaving!"
Nicholas took a moment to absorb what she said, and then turned towards the front. He was just about to ask Blitzen if they could stop by Applejack's farm, when suddenly Blitzen called out to the other reindeer.
"We're clear! Dash away!" A spark seemed to mix in with the light under the reindeer. "Dash away! Dash away!" Blitzen repeated, and suddenly more sparks mixed in with the light. Nicholas tried to ask Blitzen what they were doing, but Blitzen let out one final, "dash away!"
Nicholas felt like he was being pushed back in his seat, as the air around them seemed to grow thicker, and their speed seemed to both increase, and yet slow down. He could feel the force of the speed, but for maybe two seconds, maybe three, it seemed like they were not moving at all. A single spark ahead of them was all that happened, and then they were surrounded by light.
They moved again, flying faster than Nicholas had ever seen any Pegasus fly. It was like flying through a colorful tunnel made of red green and blue lights. Nicholas couldn't describe the feeling, he didn't really feel the force of the speed they were moving at anymore, but he knew in his gut they were moving faster than anything he had ever known. He imagined if ponies from below could see them, they would take them for a shooting star.
Nicholas and Applejack looked around, their eyes wide, and neither of them knew what to say. Mina and the elves were the same, their eyes sparkling as they saw the beautiful colors. Blitzen looked back, and an understanding smile crossed his lips.
"You alright back there?"
Nicholas nodded, looking at him with awe. "What is this?"
Blitzen grinned. "Magic, a special kind! We are moving across the world faster than any creature can see." He chuckled. "We'll be there in just a moment."
"Captain!" Dancer called from the front.
"Speaking of." Blitzen looked back. "Get ready!"
A few seconds later there was another flash, and the lights vanished around them, revealing, well nothing. They were flying above a desert of snow and ice, above them nothing but Luna's moon, and a sea of bright stars. Nicholas, Applejack, and the elves all looked around, and after that spectacular intro, they all expected, well, something.
Okay, it wasn't nothing, there was snow, and ice, and a whole lot of cold! Applejack scooted closer to the more warmly dressed Nicholas. "Is this it!?" She asked through clattering teeth.
"Almost! We just need to pass the veil!" Donner told her.
"The what?!" Nicholas asked, but before Donner could reply, something happened.
One moment there was nothing but open air ahead of them, and then suddenly, as if having jumped a pebble into clear water, the air seemed to make waves. The air seemed to change color, the same they had been in just a few moments ago, red, green and blue. It only lasted for a moment, but both Nicholas and Applejack felt they had passed through something.
Nicholas looked at Donner, who nodded back to him. "There it was!" He confirmed, smiling.
"Nicholas, look!" Applejack said, pointing ahead of them.
Maybe a few miles ahead of them, there was a collection of lights. As they got closer, they could see a whole town! The moon was the only thing giving light, so it was a little hard to see, but ahead of them was a town, perhaps as big, or a little bigger than Ponyville.
The landscape around it seemed to be a sort of valley, with mountains, pine forests, and small rivers. The buildings were cottages, and there were other wooden buildings that were much larger. Nicholas tried to see more, but it was simply too dark to see any real details. What wasn't too hard to see, was the massive collection of decoration lights, all sparkling around the streets and homes. It was most beautiful.
They flew closer and closer, lowering their altitude little by little. Nicholas could see a large building, which seemed to be a mix between a sort of castle and an estate. "Blitzen, are we going to-whoa..." A sudden tiredness came over Nicholas, and he felt himself sink a bit lower in his seat.
"Nicholas? Nicholas, are you alright?" Applejack asked. Blitzen looked over his shoulder.
"I'm... I'm feeling kind of funny..." Nicholas mumbled, trying to keep his eyes open, a fight he was clearly losing.
"Let's step it up!" Blitzen called, looking forward again, increasing the speed.
Nicholas saw the stars move above him, he could feel the Applejack tugging on his coat, but only faintly. Her voice seemed to become more distant. He was so tired, he just wanted to sleep. That was the only thing on Nicholas mind, he couldn't even focus on the fact he was flying in a sleigh, and probably shouldn't fall asleep so high up.
Still, he didn't feel sick, or bad. In fact, Nicholas felt very comfortable, warm, but not too warm. Aware of it or not, Nicholas smiled a bit, closed his eyes, and fell into a deep slumber...
Nicholas felt warm all over, it was like he was in a big tub filled with warm water. Slowly he floated around, his mind totally calm. A gust of wind blew past his hair, and so he opened his eyes. He didn't see a ceiling as one might expect, nor did he see an open sky. Instead he looked up at the roof of a large ice cave.
Letting out a groan, Nicholas sat up, feeling his head with his hand. He wasn't hurt, nor did he feel bad in any way. The air should have been cold, maybe it was, but it didn't bother him. He turned a little, his eyes scanning his surroundings for any clues where he might be. There was nothing but icy walls, untouched snow, and a tunnel leading to who knew where.
An echo of something sounded throughout the cave, it gave Nicholas a jolt. Quickly he stood, looking around once more. It was strange being all alone, if he indeed was. "Hello?" He called, half trying to see if anybody was there, and half trying to see if his voice worked. Thankfully it did, evident by how it echoed through the hall and seemed to vanish down the tunnel.
Then he heard again, the sound, it was, a belle? Nicholas frowned, why would he hear a bell in an ice cave? Then again, what was he doing here to begin with? "Hello? Anybody there?" He called, but no reply came. Instead he heard the sound of the bell again, this time it sounded fainter, as if it was moving.
Seeing no other option, Nicholas walked towards the tunnel, and made his way down its passage. The bell sounded again, seeming fainter again. He started to walk faster, trying to catch up with the sound, but each time he heard it ring, it seemed to become fainter and fainter.
"Hey, stop!" Nicholas called, starting to run. He was convinced someone was ahead of him, someone trying to lure him, or maybe even get away. "Wai-Whoaaa!" Nicholas screamed, suddenly feeling the ground under him vanish. He found himself falling for a brief movement, then starting to slide down the ice like a slide on the playground, just faster, and much longer.
Soon enough the slide opened up, until he suddenly dropped into a massive chamber. Nicholas shook his head, trying to regain his balance as he stood up and looked around in awe. The chamber, or hall, was huge! The size of a palace tower in Canterlot. The chamber was the shape of an egg, if you cut it in half, because the floor was flat. It was like the icy roof was a dome, protecting the inner chamber from the elements. Great ice columns rose up from the floor, seeming to have been carved out by someone.
In the center of the great chamber was a star shaped platform, carved out of more ice. In its center, hovering two, maybe three meters above the platform itself was a large glowing crystal star. Nicholas was stunned over its beauty, even though he had seen it in his dreams, he had never really been able to study it in detail. Slowly he walked towards it, and even though he wasn't close, he could feel a sort of warmth emanate from it.
The star glowed gently, and casted what looked like rivers of lights from it, which vanished down tunnels carved into the ice. The rivers of light started out small, then as they traveled further from the star seemed to grow. The light seemed to wave, like a flag moving in slow motion. Its colors were the same red, green and blue that he and Applejack had traveled through just...
When?
Just how long had he been out, and how did he get into an ice cave to begin with? He was just about to look for an exit, when he heard the well known sound of trotting. Nicholas turned. "Applejack?"
Only, what he saw, who he saw, wasn't Applejack. Instead he saw a white coated male pony. Only, he wasn't a pony, he was an alicorn! A male alicorn!? He was tall, at least a head taller than Applejack. His coat and wings were white, and his mane, tail, and large beard was even whiter. His beard, mane and tail seemed to glitter a bit, like new fallen snow. His eyes were ice blue, and there was a certain twinkle to them. He looked old, kinda, he was still clearly in his prime, but the large beard did give an air of age.
The alicorn smiled, seeming amused. "Applejack?" He questioned, his voice sounding almost musical. "Young man, I've been called many things, but Applejack is not one of them. Ho-ho-ho..." He chuckled lightly, trotting towards the platform, but didn't go up on it. "I'll be honest, I didn't expect to see you so soon, but perhaps it is for the better."
Nicholas frowned. "Uhm, do we know each other?"
"I certainly hope so." The alicorn replied, smirking a bit. "But let's leave names out of it for now, it doesn't seem you are quite ready yet."
"Ready for what? What am I doing here? Why do I keep seeing you in my dreams? And this?" Nicholas said, sounding more impatient than he meant to. "Why do I keep seeing this star?"
If the alicorn was annoyed by his tone, he didn't show it. In fact, he seemed more understanding. "Son, when you have lived as long as I have, you'll come to understand the importance of patience. You've made it so far to get answers, yes? So you just have to wait a little longer. When you get your answers, I am certain we will talk again. For now though, it is time for you to wake up."
"What? Wake up, what do you mean?"
"I mean what I said, you're not really here. So let's get you back to reality, we'll meet again in due time." The alicorn winked. "Now, wake up."
"Mmm..."
Nicholas let out a tired grunt, feeling himself sensing the world around him again. Slowly his eyes opened, revealing a wooden ceiling above him. His body felt both heavy and warm, but as he started to feel around, he found himself in a big bed, thick covers, and a burning fireplace nearby. He couldn't see it, but he could hear the crackling of the logs burning.
There was the sound of hoof steps, and before he had a chance to turn his head and look, he heard the familiar voice of Applejack. "Nicholas?" She asked, sounding relieved. "You're awake." Looking to his left, he saw Applejack had trotted up to the side of his bed, smiling tiredly.
"Hi, sorry, Applejack. I don't know what happened to me..."
Applejack shook her head. "You just fell asleep, or passed out." She explained. "Blitzen and the others had you brought here as soon as we landed."
Nicholas closed his eyes for a moment, as if trying to remember the events of yesterday. "Right," he nodded, then looked at her again. "Where are we?"
Applejack looked unsure for one moment, then said, "I think it's better if you see for yourself." Nicholas raised an eyebrow, but then nodded and started to sit up.
It was the first time he was able to see the room in its entirety. It was much bigger than his own bedroom back home. The bed he was sleeping in was made of dark wood, it looked heavy and really sturdy. The sheets and blankets were of different shades of red, green, and golden.
The room itself almost seemed like one of those apartments in Canterlot. There was a massive fireplace to the right side of the room, with two red arm chairs, and a small table between them. At the right side of the room, there were large windows, with a glass door leading out to what Nicholas imagined was a balcony.
The bedroom was made of light and dark wood, giving the room a cozy feel to it, as the colors balanced well, even in the morning light, making the room light up almost. Around the room was placed several hearth's warming decorations, making it look all the more festive.
Nicholas's head flooded with more questions, but there was one that stood above the rest. "Where is Mina and the elves?"
Applejack chuckled. "Where else?" She leaned forward, and took one of the pillows with her teeth, then flung it over Nicholas, landing on the far left side of the bed with a small thud. Almost instantly there was movement beneath the blankets. One to begin with, then several, it reminded Nicholas of boiling water.
A small bump in the blanket moved away from the rest, until it came to the end of the blanket, revealing Mina. She was rubbing her eyes, mumbling something under her breath. Then she saw Nicholas, he was awake, and her eyes lit up like hearth's warming candles!
"Nioclás! Tá tú i do dhúiseacht!"
She exclaimed, and leaped from her spot into Nicholas's chest, her tiny paws taking a hold of his tunic. He laughed, placing a caring hand on his little friend, carefully hugging her back. Soon enough more bumps made their way to the end of the blanket, revealing several more elves. They all had the same reaction as Mina, and all of them leaped forward, all of them hugging Nicholas. Both he and Applejack laughed at the display of affection. He tried his best to hug them all back, but with the sheer number of them, it was impossible.
"It would seem our guest has woken up." Said a female voice.
Nicholas, Applejack, and all the elves went quiet, looking towards the end of the bedroom. There was a pair of double doors, before they were closed, now they had been opened, and in trotted three female reindeers. Unlike Blitzen and the other reindeers, these ones had their own colors going, not a trace of brown on them.
One was on the older side, she reminded Nicholas of Granny Smith. Her coat was light opalish gray, with a lighter underbelly. Her mane was light cherish, with some splashes of gray here and there. The second one seemed to be around the same age as Nicholas's mom.
Her coat reminded him more of what Cupid had, a light grayish rose colored coat, with a gray underbelly. Her mane was a mix between light and moderate rose colored. The last one was the youngest, a little older than Apple Bloom, but younger than Applejack. She was still well within her teens. Her coat was a pale grayish olive, with a pale greenish underbelly. Her mane was short and moderate turquoise, with some aquamarine splashed in there.
The three trotted inside, and came to a stop maybe one and half meters before they would have reached the bed. "When Blitzen told us what happened, we were afraid the trip had been too much for you." Said the oldest.
"But thankfully that doesn't seem to be the case." Said the middle reindeer, the adult.
The youngest, who stood to the far right, smirked. "But you will get used to it pretty quickly!"
"How are you feeling?" Asked the adult reindeer.
Nicholas stared for a moment, then Applejack cut in. "Nicholas, they are the ones who had you brought in here." She told him gently.
"Oh, uhm, thank you so much for your hospitality." He said, inclining his head. "You didn't need to put me in such a nice guest room." The three reindeer shared something of an amused look. "Did I say something funny?"
"No, no, dear." The middle one said.
"It's just," said the youngest. "This is your room, or it will be!"
Nicholas frowned, Applejack did the same. The oldest one waved her hoof. "We know you're worried, and you have a lot of questions, but don't you worry, we brought you here so you could get some answers!"
Once again, Nicholas looked confused, but he decided to just go with it for now. "Who are you?"
The three reindeer smiled to one another, and the oldest one bowed. "I am Aurora." Then the middle one bowed. "I am Bori." Then the third and youngest did the same. "Alice."
Nicholas wasn't sure how he felt about them bowing, he mostly wanted to bow back in respect, but it was a bit difficult when in bed. The three Reindeer stood up straight again, and Bori continued. "And you are Nicholas Claus."
Aurora's smile widened a bit. "The human child that sailed between worlds."
"The one that will bring joy to ours." Finished Alice.
"Wait, brought?" Nicholas turned, getting out of bed. The elves tumbled around a little as he moved, not able to cling onto him. "What do you mean?" He asked, stepping closer to them. Thankfully he was still dressed, although be it in his pants and tunic only.
"You weren't born in this world, Nicholas." Aurora said. "You were brought here by destiny. Raised by good parents, who taught you the value of hard work, and showered you with unconditional love and affection."
"It was foretold many years ago that you would be the one to spread cheer in our world. The protector of goodwill, and the defender of hearth's warming." Alice continued.
All of this was a lot to take in for Nicholas, it felt like his head was spinning, like he could feel the planet itself turn. Bori was the one to speak next. "But let us speak of this later." She said, sending Nicholas an understanding look. "The past and the future can wait, let us remain in the present for now. How about a nice walk around town?"
A walk sounded nice, Nicholas could use it after the news he just received. After getting dressed once more, he, Applejack and Mina left with the three reindeer. The rest of the elves stayed behind in the bedroom, all happy to be allowed to sleep under the thick warm covers of the bed.
While what the reindeer had told him weighed on his mind, he was sure nothing else could surprise him. However that certainty was put to the test as he was introduced to the splendor of Gift Givers Grove. Aurora, Bori, and Alice had taken him out into a large hallway, and let him down some stairs. While the woodwork was very impressive, it did nothing to prepare him for the grand entry hall.
The room was large, with big wooden pillars holding up the roof far above them. They were walking down the stairs from the right, which led down to the platform in the center of the far end of the room. At the platform there was a pair of big double doors, while at the sides were two stairs leading up to other hallways, one of which they were walking down from. The last wide stairs left led down to the floor of the entry hall.
Nicholas glanced at the double doors. "What's in there?"
"We'll get to that in due time." Bori assured him, trotting down the wide staircase leading to the floor. Nicholas and the rest of them followed her. A thick red carpet covered the stairs, and led down to another pair of double doors, acting as the front door to this place. "There is a lot to show you, a lot to explain."
Bori and Alice moved to the doors, pushing them both open to reveal the town of Gift Givers Grove!
Nicholas and Applejack stepped forward, with Mina sitting comfortably on Nicholas' shoulder. As they stepped forward, and the town came into view, their eyes widened with wonder. They had of course seen the town late last night, but the details were less than ideal, and now seeing it doing the day time, they were sure it could not compare.
The town in many ways reminded them of Ponyville, in size, and scale. When the doors opened they were greeted with a large round town square. In the very middle of this plaza, there was a large pine tree, decorated with lights and other ornaments. Of course on the top was a gold and silver star.
The square and the roads around the town were cobblestone, masterfully placed, without the danger of one bumping a foot or a hoof on a stone sticking out, thus falling. Even from here, Nicholas could tell it was a nice mix between nature and town life. Instead of ponies trotting around, like back home, it was deer, and reindeers. Many stopped as soon as they spotted them at the entryway to the grand house, or castle.
Some pointed, others waved and clapped their hooves on the road approvingly. Alice leaped into the air, flying down onto the plaza. "Alright, alright, deer, there will be time for that later. We are on tour, please continue your daily activities!" She called with a large smirk. Although a bit reluctant, the deer all started to move along, returning to whatever they were doing before.
"Sorry about that, Nicholas, but they are all very excited to have you here." Aurora smiled, starting to move down the stairs.
Nicholas and Applejack followed after the three reindeer. "But why? I don't understand any of this."
"We understand all of this is confusing." Bori said, "but as I said, we will explain everything soon."
"Let's show you around town, then we will take you to see it." Alice finished.
"What?"
The three of them looked at him. "You know what." Bori said, a playful smile crossing her lips.
"The Crystal Star, sonny!" Aurora declared.
"But that's for after, now come on, I know you are going to love this!" Alice let out a squeal, and started to trot along with her two companions further into town.
Applejack and Nicholas glanced at one another, both unsure, but both also knowing they could not stop now. A silent agreement was made, and the two started to follow the three reindeer further into the town Gift Givers Grove.
The town of Gift Givers Grove was an enchanting place. Everywhere Nicholas looked he seemed to see cheer, magic, and strange things. There were shops filled with candy, baked goods, and all kinds of treats. Shops filled with tools, colorful clothes, and yes, even toys.
Everywhere they walked there were deer and reindeers alike, all going about their daily life, shopping, talking, and enjoying their day. Each time they passed someone, they looked awestruck at Nicholas, some pointed, some whispered, some even bowed. The three reindeer, Aurora, Bori and Alice, explained the history about the town, and came with fun facts here and there.
"But of course, it all started with just one cottage." Aurora explained. "When we first got here, we never expected our community to grow into a full town."
"Why did you build your town so far from everything?" Applejack asked, looking with fascination as they passed a street vendor selling caramelized apples.
"Well, that is a long and complicated story." Bori replied.
"But," Alice continued. "It was where we needed to be."
"Away from all sorts of prying eyes." Aurora finished.
They continued to walk the streets, passing a few small parks, a school, and the farther they got away from the center of the town, the more spread out the cottages became. All around there were decorations of all sorts, and the whole place had an air of festive cheer and good times. The tour ended as Aurora, Bori and Alice took them back to the town square.
The three of them turned to Nicholas and Applejack, smiling brightly. "So, what do you think of our town?"
"It's beautiful..." Nicholas admitted. "Really beautiful, but I still don't understand what all of this has to do with me..."
Once again, the three reindeer exchanged glances, then with a nod, they looked at him once again. "Well then, sonny." Said Aurora. "Let's go inside."
"Let's speak of what is." Said Bori.
"About what will be." Continued Alice.
"And what was." Finished Aurora.
The reindeers turned, and trotted towards the great estate once more. The doors opened again, this time seemingly on their own accord. The three led Nicholas and Applejack inside, and as the doors closed behind them, Aurora gestured around the hall.
"This house, this town, the grove, all of it, it was made for you, Nicholas Claus. Although we didn't know it at the time." Aurora said, her voice sounding heavy with memory.
"You are Nicholas Claus, the human who is accepted among the ponies, the one who delivers gifts every year. Your kindness and gratefulness never waver." Bori explained, pointing at him with an almost proud motherly smile. "Your name, Santa Claus, has become known even outside of Ponyville."
Alice took a step up the stairs, smirking. "It is you all this is for, the one who will become not Ponyville's Santa Claus, but the whole world's."
Nicholas opened his mouth, but no words came out. "Now hold on just a minute." Applejack said, sounding more shocked than outraged. "What do you mean by all of this? How do you know all this?" She looked at Nicholas, a sort of desperate look Nicholas hadn't seen for many years. "He lives in Ponyville," she stated, then looked back at the three reindeer. "His family and friends live there, do you expect him to abandon them?"
The reindeer didn't react much, instead they had an understanding look about them. The expression wasn't happy, nor sad, but more patient, as if they had expected Applejack's outburst, and understood it. They just inclined their heads, moving a little up the stairs.
"This way." Bori said, and the three continued.
Nicholas followed, still no words leaving him. Reluctantly, Applejack followed, dreading what they would hear. Nicholas expected the reindeer to go through the double doors ahead of them, instead they turned left, moving up the stairs to the side. They followed without a word, both of them wondering what they would tell and show him next.
They entered a grand hallway, like the one on the other side, which they had walked when leaving the bedroom. They started to walk, passing doors, and other hallways. On the left wall they passed several large windows, some of them with stained glass like the ones you saw at Canterlot palace.
Aurora stopped by one of them. "It started in the days of old, before the first hearth's warming eve." Nicholas and Applejack looked up at the stained glass, seeing depicted the dreadful creatures known as windigos., and a frozen landscape below them. "You see Nicholas, ponies were not the only creatures affected by these creatures. When the three tribes of ponies came together, it wasn't only them who found friendship and understanding but so many more over the whole world. It was and still is a night of hope, selflessness, giving, and love."
Aurora moved to the next window, showing a glowing star, and reindeer looking up to it from below. "The Crystal Star..." Nicholas said almost soundlessly, but Aurora heard it.
She smiled. "That's right! The amount of love, care, giving, cheer, and understanding one moment in time was so strong, it created a special kind of magic, and created the star here in the far north. It called to us, and so we came here."
"To do what?" Applejack asked, her eyes never leaving the window.
"To protect the star, to keep its magic alive." Bori replied.
"You see, it is in this cold land where all windigos come from." Aurora stated, causing both Nicholas and Applejack to give her a startled look. "The star was born from the powerful emotions of that night, and it is that, along with the goodwill of all around the world that keeps the windigos here."
"I thought it was the friendship between one another that kept them away?" Nicholas asked.
"It is." Assured Alice. "And that love and friendship feeds the star, which keeps the windigos here."
"And keeps the grove safe." Bori quickly added. "You remember the veil?" Nicholas thought for a moment, and yes he did remember them passing some sort of barrier. "It keeps our home hidden from the outside world, and keeps anyone with evil intent, like the windigos out."
Applejack looked at the windows, then Nicholas. Alice looked at her, then smiled. "You want to know what this has to do with Nicholas?"
Applejack blushed, nodding. "Yes..."
"Well," Aurora said, moving onto the next window. This time the star was in the middle of the window, with a depiction of a town below it, and above it a depiction of a stallion and a human?! "You see, the Crystal Star didn't just guide us here, it granted the three of us the abilities to look to the past, present, and future, at least, when it came to gift giving, and events related to our community." Aurora explained.
"It also granted us the gift of a long life, we have been here since the very first hearth's warming!" Alice proclaimed proudly.
Bori nodded. "The Crystal Star made us its instrument of guarding it, and bringing cheer to the world!"
"In a sense at least." Aurora cut in. "As it turns out, our powers and immortality are tied to the star, and to the grove."
Nicholas frowned. "You're trapped?"
"Nicholas," Bori said in an almost motherly tone. "Living here is a privilege, the Crystal Star has granted everybody who lives here a spark of magic, but with that privilege comes responsibility. "We can leave whenever we want to, but in doing so would mean there is nobody to guard the Crystal Star. The windigos would break through the barrier, and hearth's warming would be in danger."
"But it also means spreading cheer is kind of hard..." Alice said sheepishly at first, but then she grinned. "That was until we learned about you! The Crystal Star prophesied that a chosen one would come to us when he was ready, and take his place here in the north as the guardian of the Crystal Star, of the grove, and of hearth's warming itself."
"Me?" Nicholas asked, looking out the window again. "Then what about the stallion?" The pony depicted next to the human didn't have any features, he had a horn, and wings, but there was no detail, just his outline, with the glass tinted white, as if he was a vision.
"We are not sure of his role, but we have seen him in our dreams now and again." Bori admitted. "Sometimes we see him as a young stallion, other times we see him as aged, but still energetic alicorn."
"Then how do you know it is me you're looking for?"
Alice giggled. "No other human is in this world. The Crystal Star brought you to us, Nicholas. No matter what we see, you are always in the middle of it."
Nicholas froze, his mind seeming to go blank for a second. Then it seemed to flood with even more questions, but the one standing above them all was this. "Why did it bring me to Equestria? Away from my world, my real family?" The words sounded a little desperate, and he didn't mean for them to sound so.
Images of his adoptive family back in Ponyville flashed in his mind. To him, they were his family, and he loved them with all of his heart, but Nicholas had always wondered. Why was he the only human? Why did his adoptive family find him at the edge of the Everfree? He felt Applejack reach out, placing a comforting hoof on his hand.
"I wish we could tell why, how, and when." Aurora said apologetically. "We do not know, but perhaps you will find out for yourself."
"What do you mean?"
The three reindeer turned. "Come."
Nicholas and Applejack were taken down multiple hallways, up more stairs, until they came to a new set of heavy double doors. Outside of it stood two reindeer guards, lightly armored, and stood as still as the royal guards in Canterlot. As soon as they spotted Nicholas they came to attention, and when they came even closer, they opened the door without being told.
On the other side was not a room, but a new set up stairs going upwards. Nicholas felt himself silently gasp, seeing the stairs made of ice and now. They were not entering a building, but a mountain, the same one from his dream. Although he hadn't seen much of it, he could feel it in his heart.
For the next fifteen minutes they climbed the stairs, moved through hallways, and passageways. Every now and then they would pass a guard to two, stationed through the tunnels. The tunnels were nicely lit, but Nicholas couldn't tell how, there were no lamps or touches, it was like the walls themselves gave off a faint glow.
Once again, they came to the last set of double doors, these not made of iron nor wood, but pure ice. The guards standing outside, pushed them open, like the ones back in town had done it. They entered a massive chamber, one so impressive he could hear Applejack gasp in surprise.
Nicholas didn't gasp, he had been here before. He recognized the pillars of ice, the star-shaped platform, and of course, the Crystal Star itself, floating comfortably in the very center of the chamber. Applejack trotted closer, looking with wide eyes at the stars. "Now that is something..." She said, then turned to Nicholas. "Is this the star you've been seeing in your dreams?"
Nicholas nodded. "Yeah, this is, wait..." Nicholas narrowed his eyes, walking a bit closer. This was the star he had seen in his dreams, but something seemed off. The glow, its light, it seemed much dimmer. "This isn't right..."
"So you noticed." Bori said behind them, and they turned.
"It seems dimmer than what I've seen in my dreams."
Bori nodded. "It's magic, it's running out..."
Applejack turned startled. "But, you said that it was fueled by goodwill and cheer between the tribes."
"We said that what gave birth to the star was the goodwill and cheer between all races." Aurora corrected. "This kind of magic could not have been made just with ponies alone, but with all, who collectively came together in one single moment in time. A magic so powerful it created the star."
"But," Applejack said, looking back at the star. "But hearth's warming, it is the most celebrated holiday in the world."
Bori shrugged. "Ponies celebrate it as the founding of Equestria, many others the time of other great moments in their history. Like the end of the great winter in Griffonstone, or the starvation in Yakyakistan. Everybody celebrated Hearth's Warming for different reasons, and none of them are wrong to celebrate the end of a terrible time in history, but throughout the years, it seems everybody has moved away from the true meaning of Hearth's Warming. Griffinstone doesn't even celebrate it anymore."
"It's weakened the Crystal Star to the point we are worrying if it can keep up the veil, and keep the Windigos at bay." Alice said, looking more serious and worried than they had ever seen the young reindeer.
"This is why you are needed, Nicholas." Aurora said, stepping closer to him. "The Crystal Star chose you to spread the cheer of hearth's warming, bring hope, and the joy of giving."
Nicholas turned towards the star once again. "But, why me?" He said in a low voice. "I'm just, well, me." It wasn't that Nicholas was trying to be difficult, but it was overwhelming to be told he was the chosen one, and the fate of hearth's warming rested on his human shoulders.
"That's why the Crystal Star chose you..." The answer came from Applejack. Nicholas looked at her, startled and shocked she would say that. "It's because you are who you are, Nicholas." She said her voice was firm. She turned to look at him. "I've known you for years, and I've never known a more kind or selfless pony like you, I mean human."
"Applejack, I... You're saying you want me to stay?"
Applejack let out a sigh, shaking her head. "I'm not saying I want you to do anything, Nick. You make your own choice, but what I am saying is that it makes perfect sense to me. You have a good heart, I know that better than anypony. You have been there for me, more times than Big Mac can count." She smiled at him, and Nicholas couldn't help but smile a bit back. "So yes, Nicholas. You are just you, but that's enough."
A strange warmth washed over them, enough so that all of them looked towards the Crystal Star. Aurora, Bori, and Alice bowed their heads in respect. Nicholas looked at the star, and Mina, who had been quiet up until now, felt a strange sensation of humbleness. She leaped from Nicholas's shoulder, onto Applejack back, somehow sensing what the star wanted.
Applejack could feel it too, and she felt the same sort of respect she felt towards Celestia bubble up within her. She stepped back from Nicholas and the star, not bowing her head, but she did take off her hat, just as a sort of reflex. That left Nicholas alone, facing the crystal.
As he turned, he felt the warmth increase, and the glow seemed to intensify just a little. While he could hear nothing, he somehow knew what the star wanted. Step by step, Nicholas approached the platform, stepped onto it, and moved towards the star. He reached up with his hand, and felt how the warmth invited him in.
As soon as his hand touched the surface, he felt the warmth move from around him, to within him. Like the star connected to him in some way. Nicholas felt overwhelmed for a moment, it was like his mind could see glimpses of what the star wanted from him, but none of them were clear. After maybe a minute, he drew his hand back, letting out a disappointed sigh.
"Disappointed?" A voice from behind asked.
Nicholas jumped, then turned around to face the new voice. As soon as he did, he noticed Applejack, Mina, and the three reindeer were gone, and in their place stood none other than the white alicorn. He smiled at Nicholas, looking a little amused.
"I had a feeling I would be seeing you again."
Nicholas narrowed his eyes. "Who are you, and where are the others?"
"Well," said the older alicorn. "You are not dreaming this time, but you are still not really here. Then again, neither am I." He said casually, trotting up onto the platform, smiling fondly at the star. "The star made it possible for us to talk, you're still in the chamber with the others, but your mind is here."
"And where is it, it looks the same?" Nicholas said, looking around a bit just to make sure.
The alicorn chuckled, the same warm chuckle he had heard the first time they had talked. "Ho-ho-ho... We are inside the star itself."
Again, Nicholas looked around. "But, then.. Are you the star?" He asked, looking at the stallion once more.
The stallion let out a laugh, this time louder than a chuckle. "Oh, no, no, it's nothing like that." He smiled warmly. "Come on, you know who I am, you're just scared to ask." The stallion winked.
Nicholas gulped, feeling his heartbeat a little faster. "You're... Me..." It wasn't a question, but a statement. The stallion smirked, giving a single nod. "How...?"
"Call me Santa, it's less confusing that way." Santa replied, stepping off the platform. "As to how, the Crystal Star holds ancient and powerful magic. So powerful in fact, that it can bend time itself."
"So you're my future?"
"Ah, now that that is the question, isn't it?" Santa said, gesturing to Nicholas. "You're my past, you are happening right now." Then he gestured to himself. "As for me, I am a future, but nothing is set in stone."
"I don't understand..."
Santa let out a sigh, but smiled as he moved closer and sat down on the platform. Nicholas did the same, sitting down besides, well, himself. "Time is very complicated, I exist in my now, but you exist in your now. Your choices will affect me. It is like I exist, but not yet." Seeing Nicholas's confused look made Santa chuckle. "Yeah, it gets kind of confusing. Trust me, I would know better than anyone."
Nicholas snorted a small laugh. "So, why are we talking?
"To gain some perspective I think." Santa replied. "You have a lot of questions, and you are unsure of yourself, right?" Nicholas nodded, but didn't say anything. "Sometimes I feel that way too."
"Do I get to know what happened to my parents, my real parents?"
For a long while, Santa didn't reply, he just looked ahead, his eyes seemed far away. Then he sighed, nodding a bit. "I can tell you this much Nicholas, you were never unwanted. Or rather, we were never unwanted. That's all I can tell you I'm afraid."
"But, why?"
"Because if there is something I have learned when it comes to time, don't mess with it too much." He said in a knowing, slightly playful, but also deeply serious tone. "Now," he then said, smiling, his eyes glinting as he looked at Nicholas. "What about you, what are you going to do?"
"I, don't know..."
Santa chuckled. "You don't? Nonsense, of course you do."
"You say I want to accept my role here?"
"Are you saying you don't? Nicholas, we both know that living in the Everfree has been peaceful, but you are feeling restless. Just like I did." Santa explained, then gestured around the grand chamber. "All of this, it's beyond magical, and you get to be part of something great and beautiful." Then he smirked. "Are you telling me you are not the least bit curious?"
"But, my family, the elves, my friends.... Applejack..." Santa raised an eyebrow, and with his hoof he gently wacked Nicholas on the head. "Ow! What was that for?!"
"As far as I remember, there is no rule stating you can't see them ever again, or they stop being your friends, your family stops being your family!" Santa grinned. "This isn't a curse, Nicholas, it's a gift. So, what do you, you want to give it a shot?" Santa asked, holding out his hoof to Nicholas.
He looked at it for a moment, then back at Santa. "Is it worth it?"
Santa's grin widened. "Only one way to find out, sonny. Although it could be so good of you to decide quickly." Nicholas reached up and took his hoof. "Wife is waiting back at home with dinner."
Nicholas's eyes widened, as he looked up at Santa. "What?!"
Santa just winked at him. "See you around, kid."
The world started to brighten, and everything seemed to vanish. "Wait!" But it was too late, Nicholas felt a strange energy stream though him, a power he had never felt before. For a moment, everything went dark.
"Nicholas! Nicholas, are you okay?"
He could hear the voice of Applejack call out to him. Nicholas groaned, feeling his senses coming back to him. "Erghh... What, what happened?" He asked, slowly opening his eyes. He was laying on the platform, Applejack standing above him, along with shocked Mina. Nicholas frowned, then noted the expression of disbelief on Applejack's face. "What..?"
"Uhm, I... Well, you..."
Applejack fumbled for words, but she couldn't get any to start explaining what had just happened. Nicholas let out a sigh. "I'm okay, Aj, I just passed out." He sat up, feeling slightly strange, like his balance was off somehow. He reached up with his hand to steady his head, only, it wasn't a hand he saw approach his face.
Nicholas's eyes were as wide as cart wheels, and now matter how much he blinked, the image before him wouldn't change. His hands were gone! Instead he had hooves, his whole body felt strange, like he had bones he didn't have before, which was the case.
"Nicholas..." Applejack said in awe. "You... You're a... A..."
"An alicorn!" Alice squealed excitedly, jumping up and down.
"What?!" Nicholas started to look himself over for real. Quickly he noticed her had wings, and stuck out of his forehead was a horn!? In hindsight, he kind of should have expected this. After all, he had just seen him as an alicorn. However he had not expected to become one so soon.
"So this explains it." Aurora said, scratching her chin with her hoof.
Bori nodded. "Every time we saw you, we also saw the alicorn."
"Who were you all along!" Alice cheered.
Nicholas felt around muzzle, it felt so strange to have a new skull, new teeth, new everything. The way he saw, felt, and heard, it was all so new. "How do I..?" He placed his han-eh, hooves, on the floor, trying to rise. Already he could feel his mind wasn't ready for it. He had the right muscles, but they were all so new to him. His legs wobbled, and he started to move forward with alarming speed. "Whoops!"
"Gotcha!" Applejack said, moving forward and caught him before his face planted into the floor. "Be careful, Nick."
"Thanks, it's pretty hard..." He mumbled, trying to walk, or trot, or whatever it was called right now!
"That's it, just take it easy." Applejack encouraged, trotting slowly by his side as he step by step made his way forward. "You're doing great, sugarcube."
Little by little Nicholas started to find the right pace, and get used to the way his legs now moved and bent. Soon enough he trotted at normal speed, well, kinda. He was still a bit careful, but at least he wasn't slow. As for his wings, well he wasn't ready to try them out any time soon.
"I think we better go downstairs, lunch should be served soon, and you must be hungry." Bori said with a smile. "We didn't get around to breakfast either."
Now that she mentioned it, Nicholas hadn't eaten anything since yesterday evening, before Blitzen and the others showed up. Thinking about it now, he felt his stomach let out a loud growl, so loud in fact, he was pretty sure the sound echoed in the chamber itself. At least it made Applejack and the reindeer giggle a little.
He was just about to agree, when a tiny little voice spoke up. "Nioclás, an é sin tú?" Nicholas stopped, as well did Applejack and the others. He turned, only to see his most loyal elf standing on the floor, her long hat in her tiny paws, looking very unsure of herself.
Her eyes looked like they were about to burst, something Nicholas had never seen before. Elves were pretty emotional creatures, but Mina had always seemed to have a great handle on herself. Seeing her about to cry, it really broke Nicholas's heart. "An bhfuil tú fós mo Nioclás?" She asked him, wanting to know if he was still him, or now someone else, someone who she did not recognize.
Nicholas, with wobbly legs, managed to lay down flat on his stomach, lowering his head so he could look her straight in the eyes. "Hey, Mina, it's still me, I promise."
Mina hesitated for a moment, but then slowly approached the alicorn version of him. As she walked, she let the hat slip from her paws, as her eyes focused very intensely on his. He could tell she was looking for any clue he wasn't who he said he was, something that would reveal some kind of trickery.
She stopped, only inches away from his muzzle. Slowly she reached out with her paw, slowly, and careful as if afraid of startling him. Her soft paw gently touched his nose, her eyes never leaving his. Then, after a few seconds of silence, she asks for one final time.
"Nioclás?"
Nicholas smiled, his eyes twinkling. "You didn't think you would be rid of me that easily, did you?"
Mina breaks out in a smile, and with a happy leap, she jumps onto him, doing her best to hug as tightly as she can. Nicholas laughed. "That's my muzzle, try my chest!" He grinned, rising a bit, and soon felt Mina jumping onto him, holding onto his chest tightly.
Nicholas chuckled, placing a gentle hoof over his old friend. "I'm still here, Mina..." He assured her, gently stroking her.
Aurora, Bori, and Alice looked at one another, smiling. "Time for lunch." Bori said, a hint of happy amusement in her voice.
The stairs had been a bit of a nightmare to get down off, and took a little longer than what Nicholas would have liked. Still, with the help of Applejack, he managed to get down all of them without any accident. Aurora, Bori, and Alice took them to a grand dining room, with a long wooden table.
It reminded Nicholas of one of those dining rooms you imagine rich ponies had. It was long, and one side had a big fireplace, while the other had big and tall windows with a mix of normal and stained glass. It was very beautiful, No one could deny that. Nicholas was just about to sit down, but Bori stopped him. "You should sit at the head of the table." She told him. He glanced at Applejack, who nodded in return, and so he took his seat at the end.
No one sat down before Nicholas did, was it on purpose? If so, it made him feel a bit uncomfortable. Even if she hadn't said anything, Nicholas could tell Applejack looked at him with different eyes. But could he blame her? Changing into an alicorn, that was a big deal, and the first male alicorn at that.
Before any of them could utter a word, the doors went up, and four reindeers trotted inside, all of them carrying trays with food. As they approached the table, their antlers seemed to give off that same faint glow Nicholas had seen back home. The trays floated elegantly and gently off their backs, and were carefully placed on the table.
"How are you all able to do that?" Asked Applejack, having noticed it as well. "I thought deer couldn't use magic?"
Aurora smirked. "Another great gift from the Crystal Star. We are blessed with many things here in the grove, a home, safety, and of course, magic."
"And flying?" Nicholas asked.
Aurora nodded. "Aurora."
"Although not all of us can fly." Admitted Bori. "It takes a lot of practice to master, lots of training, so not everyone does it."
"Everyone has the potential, but it is not really a sort after skill." Aurora corrected.
"It's why flyers are so popular here." Alice giggled.
Aurora nodded. "Our schools we focus on basic skills, control of magic. When our students graduate, some leave the grove to see the world, others stay and get a job, live their life. Some choose to learn to fly, which can take a long time."
Bori giggled. "But listen to us, we didn't want to overwhelm you. You will have plenty of time to learn more about the grove later, how about we eat first?"
"Gladly! Nicholas said, letting out a sigh of relief. While he was happy to hear more about this place, there was just so much information, and he was still getting around to the fact he had a new body, which he was only reminded of as he reached out for the mashed potatoes. "Oh... Right, hooves." He said sheepishly, drawing them back and looking at them. He looked around the table with an embarrassed look. "How do I, uhm, you...?"
Applejack, who sat close to Nicholas right side reached for a fork on the table. "Like this, Nick." She placed the bottom of her hoof against the fork, then lifted it up, showing him it stuck to it with ease. Nicholas looked at his own fork, then did the same, but unlike Applejack, his fork remained on the table. "You're just not used to it yet." Applejack said with a hint of encouragement in her voice.
She got off her seat, and trotted closer to him. "Try touching mine." She said, holding out her hoof to him. Nicholas looked at her, then did as she asked and placed the bottom of his hoof against hers. Nicholas had never thought about how ponies could do seemingly impossible things with their hooves, like hold objects, play instruments that seemed to require what he had, fingers. Well, I used to have.
To his astonishment, he felt something in his hoof, it was like a connection. Experimentally, he tried to pull back, but he could not, Applejack was holding his hoof in place. Then as if it was as easy as holding a fork, she let him go, and Nicholas felt the connection vanish. Normally this was what and how yearlings taught themselves, but Nicholas didn't have that luxury.
He looked at his hoof, then back at Applejack, which was still held up to him. Nicholas reached out, and pressed it against Applejack's once more. This time, he tried to take a hold of hers, but it was a lot easier than it looked. It took him a good few tries before he suddenly felt the connection again, this time it felt a little different, but it was there, a little weak perhaps, but it was there.
Applejack smiled, and gave her hoof a gentle tug. It didn't budge, so she tried a little harder, and Nicholas could feel his connection struggling a bit, but Applejack still smiled. "You're doing good, sugarcube, you just have to get used to it." Nicholas let go, and Applejack winked at him before she retook her seat.
"Thanks..." He said, feeling his cheeks burn a little.
"There is a lot you have to learn." Alice said.
Aurora nodded. "And you don't have much time."
"But don't worry, Nicholas. We are all here to help you, and we have faith in you." Bori finished, smiling. " Blitzen can help you with flying, although he cannot help you so much with your wings, he should give you some good pointers."
Applejack frowned a bit, but didn't object. "I'll help you with whatever you need, Nicholas." She added, smiling.
"Thank you." Then he glanced up at his horn. "What about this?"
"Magic, there we will all help you, but as we said, you don't have a lot of time before hearth's warming eve. You have to be ready by then." Aurora explained.
"We don't expect you to become an expert in everything before hearth's warming, that would be impossible, but we will show you the basics of everything." Alice promised him, filling up her plate with a bundle of carrots.
"Wait," Nicholas said. "What exactly is it you expect me to do at hearth's warming?"
The three does looked at one another, grinning as their gazes returned to him. "You have the most important role out of all of us." Said Bori.
"You will deli-"
"Ah, Alice, let's not get ahead of ourselves." Aurora cut in. "I think it is better if we eat, then show him the workshop, and then tell him. There is still so much to show and explain."
"Oh, good idea." Nodded Alice.
Nicholas and Applejack exchanged looks, and Mina seemed to perk. Nicholas once again raised a hoof, like a student back at school. "Uhm, what do you mean by workshop?"
Again, the three does grinned. They seemed to love surprises, and to keep their audience in suspense. Bori looked at Nicholas with a friendly smile. "Well, it is just what it sounds like, Nicholas. However, I think we should keep it a surprise for a bit longer, I think you are going to be impressed."
Lunch was pretty uneventful, they talked about this and that. About the Grove, some of the minor history, and a few more details about how they ran the place. Nicholas had to admit he was impressed, at first he had thought they were all trapped, but many actually left. Some who had been here for over a hundred years could leave if they wanted, and live out the rest of their life any way they wanted.
Life at the grove also seemed so very peaceful, like Ponyville in many aspects. They had a school, a market, different jobs, even their own currency, which was these beautiful silver coins, with a snowflake on one side, and a pine tree on the other. It was like a micronation, only in hiding, as nopony from the outside had ever found them, or even could get in.
Outside the protection of the veil was a harsh cold land, and even if an expedition was to come close, they would see nothing but more snow. They could even pass through it, without ever entering the grove. The Crystal Star really was impressive, and the more Nicholas learned about it, the more questions he had.
As for his hooves, it still took a bit of practice, and a few spills, but Nicholas did manage to eat. His clumsy attempts did earn him a few sympathetic giggles from the deers and pony present. Nicholas didn't mind, he chuckled a bit too, and once again thanked his lucky stars Applejack and Mina were with him.
When lunch ended, the three does stood up, to which Nicholas and Applejack did the same. "I think it is time for us to show you your role." Bori said.
"I just know you will get excited about this, Nicholas!" Alice grinned.
Aurora nodded. "He has always enjoyed good craftsmanship."
Having seen the three deers love surprises, and keeping others in suspense, Nicholas decided it was better to see what they meant. However his interest was more than peaked when he heard the word 'craftsmanship', something the three did take notice of, and clearly enjoyed.
"Come with us, Nicholas." Bori smiled, trotting to the large door leading to the hallway.
Mina jumped onto Nicholas's back, and Applejack trotted up beside him as the two followed their hosts. Neither spoke as the does took them down the hallway, and led them back to the large entrance hall. Once again they came to the large staircase, and this time they stopped in front of the large pair of double doors.
Aurora, Bori, and Alice stood in front of it with expecting grins. "Nicholas," said Bori. "As we told you, to live here is a privilege, but it is also a great responsibility, one no one should take lightly."
"We told you that you are the one to protect the Grove, and the Crystal Star." Aurora explained. "But the truth is, your role is so much greater."
Alice had an excited grin plastered all over her face, but she sounded calm as she spoke. "You are to spread cheer around the world, and bring hope, and the joy of giving."
Nicholas looked at the three of them in awe. Somehow, he felt as if he had become very small, or the world had just become that much bigger. "But, how will I do this?"
The three does shared another look of joy. "Easy!" Said Alice. "You have already been doing it every Hearth's Warming Eve."
Then it clicked for the newly ascended alicorn. "You want me to deliver presents at hearth's warming eve for everyone...?" The three nodded in unison. "But, that would require hundreds, no, thousands of presents."
"It's for every kid out there in the world, Nicholas. They are the future after all." Alice smirked.
"But, I don't have that many gifts." Nicholas said a little desperately. "I only have enough for Ponyville."
"Oh, don't you worry about that, sonny." Aurora grinned.
"We have had a while to prepare." Bori added, then glanced at her two companions. "Ladies, I think it is time." A silent signal passed between them, and as one, they turned around to face the large door. With Bori in the middle, the three pushed the doors open, revealing something that made Nicholas's eyes grow as wide as dinner plates.
The does stepped aside, allowing the shocked Nicholas to step into what looked like a MASSIVE workshop!
The place was the biggest workshop he had ever seen, it was at least five stories, with different levels that did different things. They stood in the middle section, looking down at the ground floor, where large tables, and assembly lines had been put up, with hundreds of deers trotting around and working.
Looking up to the different floors, Nicholas spotted a network of stairs, wooden bridges, and even small train tracks with tiny trains running along them. The wagons all carried different materials, paper, wood, tools, fabric, and stuffing for dolls. Despite standing on a balcony and having a pretty good view, Nicholas had a feeling he had barely seen anything.
"This is..." Nicholas said, trailing off.
"Beautiful..." Applejack finished, looking as much in awe as Nicholas did.
The three does smirked. "This way, there is a lot to show."
That was an understatement. While at first glance, it looked chaotic, Nicholas quickly came to realize how well built and organized the whole place was. The workshop had different sections, all working on different things. The ground floor was the main assembly line, and where the products would be taken to the wrapping department.
Nicholas and Applejack were taken between the assembly lines, and tables, watching as deers put the finishing touches on wide selections of toys. Some were putting the parts together and securing them, some were quality control, others painted the toys, or corrected small errors almost invisible to the naked eye.
There was a level that worked with wood, and another working with metal. Some sections of the workshop seemed to specialize in more delicate areas, like sewing, or small toys that required mechanical gears to work, like springs, gears, and other stuff one would commonly see in clocks. There were deers wrapping, transporting, writing, making candy or goodie bags to go with the presents. There was even a small infirmary where deers were being treated for tiny burns, or splinters, nothing a bandage and a mommy kiss couldn't fix.
There was the feeling of Hearth's Warming in the air, with music and even song! The deers suddenly broke into song, something he had only seen ponies do, but here they were, singing!
It's Christmas Town, Christmas Town We're up here in the North Making toys for you until December 24th We're the deers of Christmas Town We fill up Santa's sleigh Making sure that everyone has toys on Christmas day Making sure that everyone has toys on Christmas day
Tap tap tap the hammer Ring ring ring the bell With lots of noise and clamour For Santa's clientele A talking doll that dances A puppet that has strings A rocking horse that prances A music box that sings
The more they trotted around, the more Nicholas noticed more and more deers were slowing down work, looking his way, whispering to one another. That didn't stop their singing however, it seemed they were singing for them, as much for one another.
Oh It's Christmas Town, Christmas Town We're up here in the North Making toys for you until December 24th We're the deers of Christmas Town We fill up Santa's sleigh Making sure that everyone has toys on Christmas day Making sure that everyone has toys on Christmas day
Pick pick pick the candy Pack pack pack the train As deers we're pretty handy With a car or boat or plane We've got the list and counting And checking every name And though the gifts are mounting No two will be the same
Oh, it's Christmas Town, Christmas Town We're up here in the North Making toys for you until December 24th We're the deers of Christmas Town We fill up Santa's sleigh Making sure that everyone has toys on Christmas day Making sure that everyone has toys on Christmas day
As the tour seemed to come to an end, it seemed like they had gained a huge following, with deers whispering excitedly. Some followed them from above, trotting along the many bridges, stairs, and platforms. Some simply followed them on the ground floor, all seemingly excited to hear what Nicholas thought, and if he approved.
Finally they came to stop, and Nicholas looked around him, seeing the work had completely stopped, all the eyes were on him. Nicholas looked around at them all. "This is... This is really amazing..." He said, still in complete awe.
The deers seemed to like that response, and seemed to congratulate themselves, hoof bumping, and nodding excitedly to one another. "Did you hear that, he said it was amazing!" Some whispered, all extremely pleased and proud that Nicholas approved.
Aurora, Bori, and Alice all exchanged pleased looks, when Alice trotted to the side, and gestured with her hoof. "We have one more thing to show you."
Nicholas looked at her, and then with Mina and Applejack, followed the three does to down the large workshop. The other deer all followed suit, trying to get close to Nicholas, but still kept a respectful distance from him. At the very end of the hall, they came to yet another set of huge wooden double doors, something they seemed to be quite fond of here.
This time four workers quickly made their way up to the doors, and with their combined might they slowly managed to open up the heavy doors. At this point Nicholas didn't think he could be more surprised, but once again his eyes widened, and his smile grew.
Inside were huge racks of toys, the racks going at least two stories above the ground floor. Inside were a few deers trotting around, some with wagons hitched up to them, others with what looked like clipboards. As the doors opened they had stopped working, and when their eyes landed on Nicholas they looked very excitedly, even bowed to him.
Nicholas was too amazed to really take note of it, instead he trotted closer to one of the massive racks, looking at the many different toys. Applejack did the same, trotting over to a selection of doll houses, leaning in to see the beautiful work that had been done on them.
Nicholas did the same, looking over the wooden trains, and the small royal guard figures, doing so with a craftsman's eye. "This is beautiful work..." Again there came pleased mummers from the crowd. He then looked at Aurora, Bori, and Alice. "How am I supposed to deliver all of these toys, on a single night?"
The three does stepped forward, while the rest of the crowd became respectfully silent. "The Crystal Star has powerful magic, Nicholas." Said Aurora. "Time will travel will you."
Bori nodded. "The night of the world is a passage for many."
Alice bowed her head, as in respect. "But an endless night for you."
"Until your task is done." Aurora finished. "This is your legacy to the world."
Applejack stepped up to Nicholas, placing a hoof on his. He looked at her, surprised, but seeing her gentle smile made him do the same. He could see something in her eye, was it pride? Looking back at Aurora, Bori, and Alice, then the rest of the reindeer, even the elves who had all seemed to gather without him seeing, he felt as if a huge responsibility had been placed on his shoulders.
All of them were looking at him with smiles, with eyes that spoke of hope. Was this really where he was meant to be? Looking around at the many toys, thinking back on his time in Ponyville, his parents, his little brother, everything. The kindness of this world had blessed him with a life filled with love, friends, and family.
He'd always wanted to give back, and knowing his presents brought such joy to the foals of Ponyville, it had made him feel complete, happy, proud even. Nicholas smiled, looking at Applejack once more. She nuzzled him, and he nuzzled her back. Yes, yes this was where he needed to be, but there was still so much to do.
Only a few days until Hearth's Warming Eve, and he needed to be ready. Looking at Aurora, Bori, and Alice again, he gave a single nod. "I'm ready..."
It had been the first dreamless night in a very long time, well, not dreamless exactly. Nicholas didn't dream of himself, the Crystal Star, or of that frozen wasteland. As he had slept through the night in the first restful sleep in a long time. He felt so rested as he opened his eyes and came back to his senses. Already the sunlight was making it through the windows, revealing to him the large bedroom he had woken up in the previous morning.
Nicholas yawned, sitting up as she rubbed the side of his head before stretching a little. A small knock stopped him halfway, and he looked towards the wooden door. "Come in?"
The door opened, and in trotted a female reindeer, dressed in what looked like a maid uniform, just with a mix of green and red instead of black and white. She smiled, bowing her head. "Good morning, Santa. Would you like some tea before breakfast?"
"Oh, well..." Nicholas hesitated a bit, not sure why a maid was in his room. Well, to give him tea it would seem, but why was there a maid in the first place? "I'm sorry, I don't think we have met."
She sent him an understanding smile, and once again bowed respectfully. "I'm sorry, Santa. I'm Sugar Dust, I'm the head maid of the house." She stood up again, and smiled a little brighter. "I know I speak for the rest of the staff when I say we are very excited to finally serve the master of the house."
"Master?" Nicholas asked, feeling a bit uneasy. "I'm not sure I understand..."
"Well, this is your house, your home." Sugar Dust explained. "The staff and I are here to make sure your home runs as smoothly as possible." Seeing the confusion remained, she quickly added. "I am sure Aurora, Bori, and Alice can explain it much better than I, however to put it bluntly, you're the boss."
Nicholas was starting to get a bad feeling from this. "The boss of what..?" He ventured to ask, fearing the answer.
"Well, everything, the house, the workshop, the grove itself." She answered. "You're the head honcho, Santa." She said with an amused smirk, however seeing his startled look, it quickly vanished again. "Oh dear... I suppose you didn't know?" Nicholas didn't answer, shocked into total silence, he could only shake his head slowly.
"And I guess this must be pretty overwhelming?" Nicholas nodded slowly, still without a word. Sugar Dust got a determined look in her eyes, and smiled pretty confidently. "Don't worry, Santa. I know just the thing to help you relax." She turned around, and was just about to trot through the door again, when she paused. "Oh, I almost forgot." She turned again, and gestured towards one of the armchairs. "We have placed some clothes for you over there, your old clothes didn't quite fit your new you, sir." She winked, then turned again, and vanished out the door, closing it after her.
Nicholas watched her, and for a moment, he could not really get himself to do anything. His mind was racing once again. It seemed every time he started to come to terms with the situation, something else popped up that made the whole thing seem that much more complicated.
He rubbed the side of his head, letting out a tired sigh. "Why does this have to be so complicated..?" He complained to no one in particular. It wasn't like he wanted to be ungrateful, but Nicholas had never seen himself as a leader of anything, much less an entire town! He'd just been handed, or hoofed, a big job, that would seem to put him through what almost seemed like eternal work. Adding to that, he was now also the leader of the town itself?
Nicholas let out another sigh. "Well, guess there is no use moaning about it." He said to himself, trying to put some energy into his voice. "Applejack believes in me, I can't let her down!" The thought of Applejack brought a smile to his face.
She wasn't sleeping here, but in a guest room the staff had prepared for her, or so he had been told. Mina and the elves on the other hoof had decided to look for places to sleep themselves, being very independent like that. Elves were not too fond of sleeping out in the open, and a big room like a normal bed room surely felt like doing just that. They liked smaller, cozy and warm places to sleep. He had no doubt Mina and the others had found a place up in the rafters of the place.
He chuckled a little, thinking about the elves building their own rooms, nests, and homes. Yawning a final time, Nicholas decided he had spent enough time laying around. He pulled off the covers, and tried his best to roll out of bed, only to fail, and tumble onto the wooden floor, his one hoof, catching the covers, and pulling them down onto him.
There was a loud thud, and Nicholas rolled once before coming to a stop. "Ow!" He yelped, having for a moment forgotten about the fact he was no longer human. "Mud snow..." He mumbled, sitting up and untangled himself. Overall, Nicholas would say he had gotten okay used to his new body, but it was kind of hard to wipe a lifetime of habits and reflexes.
As he finally got up, he stretched once, feeling his bone give a satisfying pop here and there before he moved towards the chairs. One his way however, he came to a stop in front of a large mirror. He looked over himself, probably for the first time since he got this new body. Yeah, in fact, the more he thought about it, he came to realize he had never exactly gotten a proper look at himself.
Well, the first thing he noticed of course was how much taller he was compared to the average pony. Having lived his whole life in Ponyville, Nicholas could tell that he looked much stronger than ordinary ponies. His coat was a sort of white shade, he wasn't sure how to place it. As for his mane, it was short, and that color he could place, pure white, like new fallen snow. In fact, it was even glinting a bit, like snow that had not yet been touched.
His eyes were ice blue, and as he looked into them, he thought he saw a certain twinkle in them. Slowly he spread his wings, and he had to say, it was strange suddenly to have a new set of bones to move around, but surprisingly he found them pretty easy to move and navigate. For fun, he struck a heroic pose, giving a confident smirk to his own reflection. The pose did not last long, before he snorted and started to laugh.
He let his wings fold against his side again, and then turned to the side, taking a look at his flanks, or more importantly, his cutie mark. As a child, he had found out that humans didn't get cutie marks, and at the time, he had felt quite disappointed. He'd always wondered what he would be if he ever got one. Well lo and behold, he did indeed have a cutie mark!
It was of the crystal star, with a circle of what looked like decorations lights, and under the star itself were three hearth's warming presents! Looking at it, Nicholas almost felt ready to swear that it looked like the cutie mark was actually sparkling faintly.
"Having fun admiring yourself, sugarcube?" A familiar mare's voice said with a hint of amusement.
Nicholas let out a slight yelp, and quickly turned towards the doorway where a grinning Applejack was standing. "Geez, Applejack. Don't do that." He said, taking a deep breath, although smiled.
"Pardon, I just couldn't help noticing." Applejack said, clearly amused. As she trotted inside, he could not help but notice she was wearing some sort of red and white robe. She'd even let her Stetson hat remain off, something she otherwise rarely did.
"What's that you're wearing?"
"What, this?" She said, looking at the robe, then shrugged. "It's pretty cold here, they said it was probably better if we put something on." She noticed the bundle at the armchair and nodded towards it. "Looks like you got something too."
"Oh, yeah." He turned, and made his way to the armchair. "Did you sleep well?"
Applejack nodded, trotting over to one of the windows, and absently looked out. "Like a log. The bed is nice and soft, and the fireplace keeps the room nice and toasty."
"But?" Nicholas asked, sensing a bit of disappointment in her voice.
Applejack didn't bite though. "But nothing, just so strange to be sleeping at the north pole." she let out a sigh. "I got to write to my family today, let them know I'm okay, that we're okay." She corrected, and started to turn back towards Nicholas. "But with everything that happened yesterday, I just couldn't find the..." She paused, tilting her head in confusion, an amused smirk gracing her lips. "What in tarnation are you doing, Nick?"
Nicholas sat on the floor, his head stuck in the white sleeve of his red jacket. Applejack could see the tip of his horn stick out at the top, his head slightly stuck. "I think I need a little help."
Applejack chuckled, trotting over to help her friend. "You really are impossible sometimes, Nicholas Claus." She sat down in front of him, rolling her eyes playfully at his antics. "Hold up your hooves like a big colt." She teased.
"Very funny!" Nicholas shot back, his voice filled with embarrassed amusement. He did as she asked, and Applejack moved the jacket and shirt, guiding it so his hooves went into the sleeves, and his head popped out of the right exit. As it slid into place with ease, he looked at her, his cheeks burning a little. "Thanks."
"There you are," she teased. "Much better, ain't it?"
Nicholas gave her a look. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"
"A little." She chuckled. "Now come on, we can't stay inside all day. Let's get something to eat."
It was at that moment the door once again went up, and in came the doe Nicholas had met earlier. On her back she elegantly balanced a silver tray, with a mug of something that smelled delicious, and a small plate with- "cookies?" Nicholas said, taking a step forward.
Sugar Dust smirked. "Freshly brewed, and freshly baked this morning, Santa." She said, trotting to the small table between the two armchairs near the large fireplace. "The kitchen is always open."
Applejack raised an eyebrow at Nicholas. "Howdy." She said, smiling kindly to the reindeer.
Sugar Dust turned to her. "Ms. Applejack." She said, with a calm demeanor, then bowed. "So nice to finally meet you. I trust you slept well?"
"I did. Some fancy beds you got in this place." Applejack replied. "And you are?"
"Sugar Dust, head maid." Sugar Dust replied, and bowed her head again. "Santa seemed to be feeling a little down, so I thought some cookies and hot cocoa would do him good. I can bring an extra mug for you, if you like?"
Nicholas let out a sigh. He had thought breakfast would make the whole thing stop, but in fact it had made everything that much worse. As he and Applejack walk the halls, he finally looked at his companion and said, "okay okay, it's not that funny."
Applejack chuckled, shaking her head. "It really is, Nicholas. Your face during breakfast was adorable, and Mina..."
Applejack let out a laugh, shaking her head again. The elf, who had joined them at breakfast, looked particularly miffed about the whole affair. She was Nicholas number one assistant, and to have some doe maid stand so close to Nicholas, and cater to his every whim, it was enough to make the elf want to tear off her whiskers!
Applejack waved a hoof at them. "I'm sorry, but it was just very funny to see you all flustered." She replied.
Nicholas blushed. "I've never had a whole team of servants treat me like I'm some sort of royalty..." He mumbled.
"You're too humble, Nicholas. That's what I like about you." Applejack smiled brightly, moving closer and nuzzled her friend, bringing a smile out from Nicholas. "She was just messing with you, couldn't you tell?"
"No?"
Applejack shook her head. "When you spend as much time with Rarity, and Rainbow Dash, you learn a thing or two about teasing." She grinned. "Don't worry, I think she had her fill."
"I hope so, I'm not really used to all this attention."
Applejack rolled her eyes. "Nicholas, ponies have been looking your way ever since school. I think you are plenty used to the attention by now." Nicholas glanced at her. He knew she was right, but she also knew that wasn't what he meant. "I know what you are going to say." Applejack stated, as if reading his thoughts. "If I am being honest, and you know I always am. All of this is pretty overwhelming."
"I thought you wanted me to accept this?"
"Only if that's what you want, and I can see you do it." Applejack replied. "You love to give, Nicholas. I'm not surprised this is your calling, it is just so, well, you." They continued walking down the hallways, passing guards, servants, and other reindeer, even an elf running along the wall. "I don't really understand what kind of magic all of this is, but I think I understand why the Crystal Star chose you, somehow." She stopped, looking at Nicholas, so he stopped too. "But if you ever want to quit, come back, you know my door is always open, right?"
Nicholas stood there stunned for a few seconds, then smiled gently as he nodded. "Thanks, Applejack..."
She smiled back at him "You're welcome, sugarcube. Now come on, we can't be late for your flying lesson."
At breakfast, only Bori showed up of the three reindeers who had acted as their guides. She had told them that today Nicholas should start practice flying, and captain Blitzen of the Gift Givers Flying Squad, would act as his instructor. Nicholas had to admit, he was feeling both nervous and excited at the same time.
He had never been jealous of the ponies for being stronger than him, being able to fly, or use magic. Although, he had always wondered how it would feel to soar through the sky, and feel the open sky beneath you. As they came to the large entrance hall once again, and made their way down the stairs, they spotted Blitzen again.
As he saw them, he stopped pacing, and smiled. "Good morning, Santa." He smiled. "I heard you saw the workshop yesterday?"
Nicholas nodded, smiling a bit. "I did, it was very impressive."
Blitzen nodded in agreement. "That it is, so I hope you don't mind spending time with us outside, and not go exploring." Blitzen grinned, earning him a chuckle from Nicholas.
"I would like that, but I understand there are a lot of things I need to learn... I only have five days."
Blitzen got a bit more serious, but still smiled a little. "Yeah, that's true. So let's not waste time, come on, I'll take you to the flying field."
"You go ahead, Nicholas." Applejack suddenly said.
"Hm? Something the matter, Applejack?"
Applejack shook her head. "Not at all, but like I told you, I need to write a letter."
"Oh, that's right." Nicholas nodded, suddenly realizing. "Give your family my best, and could you send a note to my family too, telling them I'm okay?"
"Rachaidh mé le Applejack, níl mé ag iarraidh eitilt arís am ar bith go luath." Mina suddenly said, and leaped from Nicholas's back and landed gracefully on Applejack's.
"Oh, didn't know you didn't like heights, Mina." Nicholas teased.
Mina stomped her little foot looking a little annoyed. "Ní bhaineann sé le hairde, Nioclás! Ní maith liom cé chomh tapa agus a chuaigh sé an uair dheireanach. Baineann elf ar an talamh, ní san aer."
"Alright, alright, I get it." Nicholas assured his assistant. "You don't have to fly, or watch me fail over and over again." Nicholas chuckled, then looked at Applejack. "Mind keeping an eye on her for me?"
Applejack nodded, smiling. "Will do, now skedaddle."
Nicholas let out a chuckle, and turned to follow Blitzen out the large doors leading to the outside. As they trotted off, Blitzen looked up at Nicholas and smiled. "You two seem close." He stated.
"She's my best friend," said Nicholas. "Stuck by me for years..."
"Well, good friends are important. That's how I feel about the flying squad." Blitzen nodded understandingly. "Speaking off, let us go see them."
5 Days Until Hearth's Warming Eve.
Flight Training.
It didn't take Blitzen and Nicholas long to get to the flying field. It was outside of town, making it a bit secluded from everything else. As Blitzen took Nicholas out onto the field itself, he got a good idea how big it was. The field itself was oval shaped, 500 feet long by 180 feet wide. The field itself was surrounded by spectator stands, which seemed to have seating for the entire population of Gift Givers Grove, and then some.
Around the field was scattered different training equipment, tall towers, and so on. Nicholas let out a whistle, really impressed by the stadium. Blitzen grinned. "You like it?"
"It's really impressive, I've never seen such a place before." He said, but then again he seen nothing like the workshop either.
Blitzen however seemed to appreciate the compliment. "Well, this is the place we train, refine our reflexes, and practice our formations, and emergency drills."
"Emergency drills?"
"Well, you never know what might happen when you're out flying. Anything from a strong storm, an attack, or maybe the sleigh somehow breaks." Blitzen listed off, then shrugged. "But what is most important is you being able to take care of yourself. We might be flying you and the gifts, but you need to be able to fly by yourself in case of, well, anything."
Nicholas nodded. "Sounds reasonable. So where do we start?"
Blitzen chuckled a bit, scratching the back of his head with his hoof. "Well, since you're a pony, you have wings... We don't really know much about wings here, but I will try to help you as much as I can." He gestured to the side of the field, and Nicholas followed him. A white line had been drawn on the green grass, which followed the oval shape of the field all the way around.
"We have about an hour before the others show up, so how about we take it easy, and just focus on simple control and landing? We practice your flying, and then follow the line nice and slowly, that way you can get used to your wings, and practice with ease."
"Alright." Nicholas nodded, spreading his wings. "Let's give it a go."
It felt pretty good to stretch his wings, and Nicholas could feel a sort of instinctual desire to fly. Although, it took a few experimental tries before Nicholas got off the ground. As Blitzen instructed, following close by him, Nicholas took it easy, and got a feel for how his wings reacted as he glided a few meters ahead, then landed.
They did this again and again, Nicholas gaining more and more confidence. Blitzen was very encouraging, and gave Nicholas tips on how to move, or how to lean into a swing when he turned. Despite not having wings, Blitzen was an amazing patient and good instructor, Nicholas quickly found himself taking a liking to the captain.
Soon enough they were flying around the field, only about three meters above ground. Nicholas started to understand when to move his wings, and when it was better to let himself glide through the air. Blitzen on his part was very impressed, and let them go a bit faster, but not so much so Nicholas didn't feel in control. Of course there were a few bumps here and there, Nicholas was not the most graceful lander, but Blitzen told him that came with practice and experience.
As the hour got near its end, Blitzen took Nicholas to the side so they could drink some water, and rest for a bit, or Nicholas could. "You did good," Blitzen said as he took a sip of water from the mug.
Nicholas smiled. "You really think so?"
"I do, but more importantly, you don't need to become an expert for Hearth's Warming, as long as we know you can safely land by yourself should anything happen, you should be fine." Blitzen explained. "We can try to go a little higher and faster later today, but when the others get here, we can start practicing with the sleigh."
"Do we? I thought you guys were the ones in control." He asked, slightly confused.
"Oh, well we are, mostly." Blitzen said, "but you're the one in charge, sir. You're the one who has to have the reins, literally." Seeing the concern on Nicholas's face, Blitzen sent him an encouraging smile. "Don't worry, Santa. This is your first year doing this, you will get used to it the more we train, and year after year. Besides, that's why you have me to lean on."
"Thanks..." Nicholas said, a small smile crossing his lips.
It was at that moment several objects flew in high speed right above them, making their way towards the field. Nicholas was shocked, but Blitzen looked perfectly calm. It was then Nicholas saw it wasn't objects, but seven reindeer, flying in a tight formation as they moved along the sides of the field.
"Right on time." Blitzen grinned, turning around as the seven reindeer came back around, slowed down, and then landed gracefully in front of them. "Santa, you remember my squad mates, right?"
Nicholas smiled. "Of course I do." He said, stepping up beside Blitzen. "It's good to see you again."
"Wow, he really did turn into a pony!" The youngest doe said.
Blitzen nodded. "I'm sure you remember, this is Prancer." He said, pointing to the young doe, who smiled excitedly back. "Dancer, Comet, Cupid, Vixen, Donner, Dasher." Blitzen said, continuing to introduce his friends one by one. Then he turned and looked at Nicholas with a cheeky grin. "Are you ready for some real training?"
Real training indeed, before Nicholas knew it, he was in the back of a practice sleigh, flying through the sky as the reindeer pulled him along. Blitzen did his best to direct him, but this was very intense! Nicholas felt lucky that he was working with experienced flyers, who could stay the course, even when Nicholas directed them into a near crash.
None of them blamed Nicholas though, and all seemed to take it all in stride, and with good humor. Apparently none of them were strangers to crashes or accidents, it did come with the territory of being a flier after all, and they all understood this was a totally new experience for Nicholas. They all promised it would get easier with time, and not be too hard on himself.
Their energy and clear comradeship was hard to ignore, and before long Nicholas felt he was a part of the group. They joked around, helped one another, and did their best to support one another. It was hard not to be impressed by their teamwork, and their skills in the air
As they took a break, Nicholas took a moment to relax, and let his gaze drift towards the town, and the large mansion. He thought about Applejack, wondering what she was doing right now.
Applejack let out a sigh as she crumbled up yet another paper, and threw it in the bin next to her. Normally she was good at writing letters to family across Equestria, and beyond, but how was she to explain everything that had happened? It wasn't like she couldn't explain, she had seen strange magical happenings before, and knew her family would trust what she said.
Still, every time Applejack tried to explain, it just seemed overwhelming. Going to the North Pole, seeing the Crystal Star, and learning of its importance. Nicholas's destiny, and him turning into an Alicorn, it was just so much. So far Applejack had managed to be supportive of Nicholas, which she was, but in truth, she was still getting used to the thought.
"Applejack, an bhfuil tú ceart go leor?"
Looking up from the desk she sat at, Applejack saw Mina come over, carrying a new sheet of paper for Applejack to write on. She let out a sigh. "Yeah, I guess I am fine, Mina... I just don't know how to describe it all to my family back home, or Nicholas's family."
The elf placed the sheet in front of her, and then sat down, looking up at the mare. "Ar mhaith leat labhairt faoi?"
Applejack thought for a moment. Mina had a point, maybe it was better to talk about it before she tried to write it down. So she looked at the elf and gave a small nod. "Yeah, I would like to talk about it." She stood up, and started to trot back and forth. "It's just so much, isn't it?"
Mina just nodded, letting Applejack talk whatever was on her mind. "Nicholas has always been different, and although he never complains, I've always known he felt a bit left out." She let out a sad sigh. "I've never treated him differently, he might not look like it, but he is every bit a pony as any pony else I know."
She stopped, looked to the desk where Mina sat and pointed at her. "What do you think about all of this?" Applejack asked, gesturing to the whole room.
Mina looked a little startled to have suddenly been put on the spot. "Mise? Bhuel, sílim go bhfuil sé níos tábhachtaí go bhfuil Nioclás sásta."
"You're right..." Applejack conceded, nodding to herself as she resumed her pacing. "I mean, of course you are right. It is important that Nicholas is happy. If this is where he belongs, then I support him! I just..." Applejack stopped, letting out a frustrated grunt. "I just wished he didn't have to be so far away..."
Mina raised an eyebrow. "Uait?"
Applejack blushed, then nodded. "Yes, from me..." She let out another sigh, sitting down on the carpet as she closed her eyes. "We've known each other for so long, Mina. I smile, and I support him, I really do, but I'm afraid that when I leave that I'll never see him again."
"Cad é?" Mina looked shocked at that statement. "Ní dhéanfadh Nioclás dearmad ort, ná ligfeadh sé d'aon rud tú a scaradh óna chéile."
Applejack let out another sigh, and smiled just slightly. "I know that he will never forget me... I'm just being silly." Her smile grew a little, but it didn't take a master of facial expressions to see Applejack was forcing it. "It's all going to be okay."
Mina rolled her eyes a little. "Ar smaoinigh tú ar insint dó conas a mhothaíonn tú?"
The country mare blinked in surprise a few times, then her blush increased. "Tell him how I feel?"
"Tá."
Applejack shook her head. "I couldn't do that, Mina." She shook her head. "Nicholas has enough to think about with Hearth's Warming so close. Besides, I don't think he likes me that way."
Mina gave Applejack a deadpan stare, her body stunned at that statement. "I ndáiríre?"
Applejack nodded, but it hardly seemed convincing. "Yes, really."
Mina raised an eyebrow, and repeated the question. "I ndáiríre?"
This time Applejack hesitated. "I, ye... Oh I don't know!" Applejack finally admitted. "We've been friends since foalhood, wouldn't it be strange if I suddenly confessed?"
"Capaillíní..." Mina mumbled as she facepalmed. "Applejack, nach bhfaca tú conas a fhéachann Nicholas ort? Is dócha go bhfuil sé chomh neirbhíseach faoina mhothúcháin is atá tú!"
Applejack felt like Fluttershy for a moment, looking away as she suddenly felt a little shy. "He looks at me?"
Mina nodded. "Tá."
"And you really think he is just as nervous as me?"
Again, Mina nodded. "Tá."
Applejack considered. "I don't..." She closed her eyes and let out a grunt of frustration, stood up and almost yelled out. "Tarnation, I love that big dolt!" She panted a little, her heart felt like it was going a million miles per hour. "Whew... It... It felt good to finally say..." She said, with an embarrassed chuckle.
Mina let out a cheerful squeal. "Tá tú ann, anois caithfidh tú a rá leis!"
Applejack nodded, smiling at her little elf friend. "You're right Mina, I have to tell him, or I might regret it." Looking out the window, she could tell it was growing darker. "He has been out for a while, maybe I should see if he is still at the flying field." She looked back at Mina, a small nervous look passed between them. "Do you think he is okay?"
"I AM NOT OKAY!" Nicholas yelled as he looked over the side of the sleigh. He was hundreds of meters above the town, and above the field. He felt as the wind rushed through his mane, the reindeer pulling it with great speed. "Blitzen, is this really necessary?!"
Blitzen looked over his shoulder and smirked. "It's the final test, Santa! If something happens at this height, we need to be sure you can handle it!"
Nicholas frowned, looking over the side. "You really expect me to jump off?!"
"Trial by fire, sir!" Blitzen said. "You can do it! If something happens, we will catch you, I promise!"
Nicholas looked back at him, then back over the side. "Oh..." He hesitated for just a moment longer, then took a deep breath, and leaped off the side.
"Holy snow globe, he actually jumped!" Dasher called, sounding shocked.
"Be ready to catch him!" Blitzen ordered, guiding the team down as Nicholas was plummeting towards the ground below.
Nicholas felt himself hurtling towards the ground below. His heart was pounding, and at first he could do nothing but move his arms in panic. "Okay, okay! You can do this Nicholas! Come on, just spread your wings, and-WHOA!" As soon as he spread his wings, he felt himself suddenly launch upwards, as his wings caught the updraft, and guided him up again.
Nicholas wasn't sure if he screamed or laughed, but he would be lying if he said the feeling was amazing. "Whoa! Ha-HAHA!" Okay, he was pretty sure he was laughing now. "Woohooooo!" He screamed, letting himself fall, then glide up and down, around, and even a loop! the more he flew, the more free and confident he felt!
"WAY TO GO!"
"YOU DID IT!"
"WHOOOO!"
Nicholas heard someone call. He looked to the side, and spotted the sleigh, with the flying squad all cheering for him. Smiling, he moved to follow them down towards the ground. Nicholas flew up beside them, all of them smirking, and giving him cheers as he approached.
Blitzen grinned. "I told you you would be fine, sir!" He laughed.
"This is amazing!" Nicholas laughed. "I feel like I am going to pass out!"
"That's just the adrenaline, you will get used to it in time!" Blitzen said, looking ahead and saw the ground coming closer. "Now, sir. Be careful when you approach, make sure to take some speed off, and try and land carefully!"
Nicholas looked ahead, and understood instantly. "Will do!" He raised his wings, trying his best to take some of the speed off his fast approach. The reindeer of course took the lead, but they were also much more experienced, so that was to be expected. When they skillfully landed, along with the sleigh, Nicholas was still making his way down.
Slow and steady, he finally made his way down, landing on his hooves, although he did stumble a little. "Whew... That was... Crazy..." He panted, and soon found himself surrounded by the flying squad, all patting him on the back, and laughed.
"You did great, Santa!" Prancer said.
Donner nodded. "You are quite the gifted student."
Nicholas felt his cheeks burn a little at all the praise, it was so strange to be in the middle of all this attention. "Thank you, but you were all really patient with me, and Blitzen is a really good instructor."
"Don't you worry, Santa." Vixen smiled. "We all know how good he is."
Dasher rolled her eyes. "Yeah, he can have a bit of a candy cane up hi-"
"Dasher!" Cupid cut in harshly, giving her friend a stern look.
"What?!" Dasher asked. "I was going to say that he might be a bit stiff, but he is a really good captain!"
"Alright, alright." Blitzen said. "Let's all calm down." He trotted closer to Nicholas and smiled. "I think you did really well, sir. I know you won't be in trouble once we are up there."
"Thank you, Blitzen."
Looking around, they all noticed it was starting to grow a bit darker. Nicholas had hardly felt time pass. "Alright, I think that's enough for today."
"Oh! How about we go to the club and celebrate!" Dancer asked, getting two cheers from Prancer and Comet.
Blitzen smiled, and nodded. "That is actually a great idea. How about it, Santa. Do you want to celebrate with us?"
Nicholas thought about it for a moment, but then smiled and shook his head. "Thanks, Blitzen. Though I think I will go for a walk, enjoy the air for a bit."
Blitzen decided not to press the point, and nodded. "Alright, we will see you tomorrow." They all said their farewells, leaving Nicholas to have some alone time, the first alone time he felt he'd gotten since he arrived here.
Despite feeling tired, but physically, but also mentally, Nicholas couldn't help but smile. Today had been so incredible, he felt so great, so, well, alive! Smiling to himself, he trotted away from the field, deciding to take a walk, and enjoy the evening a bit. The field was a nice walk away from town, so Nicholas didn't see anybody as he walked along the small hills, and passed the pine trees.
As he walked, listening to the sounds of the snow being crushed beneath his hooves, he started to think about everything that had gotten him here. His adoptive family, Applejack, their friends. When he first got here, he would have felt pretty lost, but now he found he felt strangely at ease about everything. Of course there was still a lot he didn't understand, a lot he wanted to know, but he was okay with taking it all one bit at a time.
But there was one thing he couldn't overlook in all this... Applejack...
He let out a sigh, trotting down one of the hills, and found himself by a frozen lake. Its surface glinting in the light of Luna's rising moon. Carefully, Nicholas stepped to the edge, looking at himself in a distorted reflection. He was a pony now, an Alicorn for that matter. Perhaps now that he was, he could finally... No, he shook his head, that was just crazy.
"She will want some pony who can be on the farm, someone who can give her the life she deserves..." Nicholas mumbled, not sure if it was his fear, or actual feelings talking. He'd known for a long time how he felt about Applejack, he knew he loved her. Her smile, her eyes, her chuckle, and her kind honest heart. They had been friends for many years, and now that he knew he was to stay here, he felt afraid.
Nicholas knew this was what he wanted, he felt more confident about that with every passing hour. He just felt so at peace here, like everything just clicked. However the thought about being separated from Applejack, it was like ice in his heart. What was he to do? Looking up at the moon, he felt his heart reach out to the stars, and then slowly, he opened his mouth, and sang.
I'm out here on my own To face the day alone I need you To get me through the night.
Slowly he stepped onto the ice, gently sliding forward as he sang his feelings to the stars above him.
I'm lost out in the cold I want someone to hold I feel you're near Though you're out of sight
And even though we're far apart I search the moonlit sky I make a wish to be home with you Can't you hear me cry?
Show me the light Someone to lead and guide me Show me the light A love to stand beside me
Show me the light When I fear the dark A ray of sunshine, a rainbow's arc Show me the light
Nicholas looked up at the stars, finding his heart sink as he slowed down, and felt more alone than he had before. As he stopped singing, he thought that would be the end of it, but to his surprise, another voice joined him in song.
I'm reaching for a star Wondering where you are Where is the love Searching for me too?
He turned, surprised to see Applejack making her way towards him on the ice. He felt his heart sore as he saw her smile gently at him, and he returned her smile, turning to face her as he did so.
Oh, beyond the mountain top The dream will never stop Give me a sign I'm running out of time
Oh, I know someone is on their knees
The two slid closer to one another, lending each other a hoof as they started to skate across the ice together in the moonlight.
Praying forme now Won't youcome andhear my pleas?
Save me somehow Oh, somehow
Show me the light Someone to lead and guide me Show me the light A love to stand beside me
Show methe light When I fear the dark
A ray of sunshine
A rainbow's arc
Show me the light
Finally, the two came to a stop in the center of the lake, pulling each other closer into a warm embrace, gazing deeply into each other's eyes.
Show me the light
Nicholas smiled, not letting Applejack go as the two leaned closer to the other. Without even thinking about it, letting their hearts guide their actions, their lips met for the first time, and their hearts exploded with joy. Who knows how long the kiss lasted, it didn't matter to them, what did matter was that they finally had found each other, found their light. Nothing else needed to be said, well, except for maybe one thing.
"I love you, Applejack..."
Looking up at the stallion in front of her, her dearest friend, she smiled at him. "I love you too, Nicholas." And once again, their lips met in the moonlight.
I know it hasn't been that long since my first letter, and I am not sure this one will reach you in time. But I wanted to let y'all know what has been happening these last few days. I also wanted to let you all know I will be home on Hearth's Warming Eve, although you will probably be sleeping by then. Don't worry about me, I will be there in the morning when you get up.
Last time I told you everything that had happened. I know it is hard to believe, and sometimes I have to make sure my hat isn't too tight, just to be sure I ain't dreaming.
Nicholas has been hard at work, there is a lot he needs to learn. Flying is still a bit tricky, but Blitzen is impressed and has told him he is a fast learner. He should be ready for Hearth's Warming Eve, I don't doubt that for one hot minute. As for magic, well, it is a bit more tricky. Aurora, Bori, and Alice all do what they can, and he is slowly picking things up. I'm sure if Twilight was here, she would be fuzzing all about, with books, scrolls and whatnot. I'm not sure Nicholas would be able to keep up.
Aurora, Bori, and Alice seem to know what they are doing. They kind of remind me of Celestia. Not in the way they act, or look, but how patient they are as teachers. Twilights has talked a lot about her time with Celestia, and I am kind of reminded of those stories when I see them teach Nicholas about magic.
He is doing well, and can start levitating things with his own magic. However, what they are really trying to teach him is teleportation! Twilight would have had a fit, I am sure, but they are determined to teach him. Apparently it isn't like unicorn teleportation, at least that's what they say, and I haven't seen it for myself.
I've done my best to help Nicholas get used to his new body. He is picking it up pretty quickly, and he can finally go up and down stairs without falling. Other than that, I've been getting to know Gift Givers Grove a bit better. It is a lot like Ponyville, and the residents here sure are hospitable, I think you would all like it here.
There ain't much in terms of farming, but they do have a mint mine. I have no idea how that works, but their breaths sure are fresh! They ain't afraid of hard work either, the workshop has just finished the last batch of toys, so everyone is getting ready for some vacation time. It reminds me of the orchard, how we work hard, and when we are done, we finally get to relax a bit. I can respect that.
The whole town is excited for Hearth's Warming Eve, all of them convinced this will be the biggest event ever. With Nicholas here, I am sure they are right.
Nicholas is pretty excited, and I think everything is going well. He is pretty nervous, but in a good way. We will celebrate Hearth's Warming Eve here, apparently they always have a big feast here, and afterwards we will leave. Nicholas wants me to be with him on his first night, and I don't think I want to be anywhere else on that big night.
Our last stop will be back at Sweet Apple Acres, and by the sweetest apple, I have quite the stories to tell you all!
I'm not sure if this letter will reach you before Hearth's Warming, but if it does, just know we are both doing great, and we will be seeing you soon. Give Apple Bloom a big hug from her big sister!
Sincerely. Applejack.
Evening Before Hearth's Warming.
It had been four days of endless practice and lessons, Nicholas felt exhausted, but in a good way. While everything felt so overwhelming at times, he felt pretty good as they ended their lesson on the last evening before the big night. Aurora, Bori, and Alice all smiled to him, all seeming very pleased with themselves, or rather, pleased with him and his progress.
Nicholas had been an excellent student, and while he was still miles and miles behind any normal unicorn his age, he still showed a remarkable aptitude for magic. For now, they had focused on levitating, and teleporting. One spell was easy, the other very complicated, but they had shown him one the unicorns did not know, a spell they were sure only he could master.
"I think that will do it for today, Nicholas." Bori said with a smile.
"You have done very well these past few days." Aurora agreed.
Alice smiled. "You will only get better from here on out."
Nicholas blushed a bit with embarrassment, but smiled back at them. "Thank you... I still can't believe I am really using magic."
There was a knock on the door, and Aurora called out for whoever was out there to come in. Blitzen trotted inside, bowing his head respectfully when he came to a stop. "Sorry for interrupting, I thought the lesson would have ended by now."
"It has, captain." Alice said with a smirk. "What's on your mind?"
"I just wanted to invite Santa to a party the team and I are throwing back at the club." They turned their gazes on Nicholas, who looked back at Blitzen in surprise. He had been invited before, and he had heard of this club, but never went. "Applejack is invited too, of course." Blitzen added.
"Oh, I don't know. We have practice again tomorrow, right?"
Bori shook her head. "We don't train on the day of the big night, Nicholas." She said, nodding towards Blitzen. "Go on, I think you deserve it. You have a big night ahead of you tomorrow."
Nicholas smiled, nodding. "Alright, Blitzen. Sounds fun, I will ask Applejack if she wants to come too."
Blitzen grinned. "Great, the others will be so excited to hear that." He then looked at the three others, and smiled sheepishly. "You are all welcome to attend too."
Aurora waved her hoof. "Nah, we'd rather relax back home, sonny. We have a lot to do tomorrow anyway."
Alice nodded. "We've seen plenty of parties anyway, we will catch up tomorrow."
"We will see you tomorrow, Nicholas." Bori cut in, stepping closer to the door, along with Aurora and Alice. "Good work today, have fun at the party."
Nicholas smiled as he waved goodbye. "Thank you, and thank you for the lessons."
Blitzen let out a small chuckle. It was fun to see others be tutored by Aurora, Bori and Alice. "I think they have a new favorite student." The buck teased, making Nicholas roll his eyes.
"Very funny, Blitzen. But really, they have been really good teachers, and amazingly patient with me." Nicholas smiled as he stretched a bit. "But those books can be a bit dry..."
"Tell me about it." Blitzen smiled as the two of them made their way towards the door. "It was like that for me too."
"They taught you magic too?"
Blitzen nodded. "Yeah, they are pretty much teaching everybody here how to use magic. They have years of experience. Alice might not look like it, but she is very old." The two shared a small friendly laugh, when Blitzen eyed him. "So, how has your teleportation magic been coming along?"
Nicholas smiled, showing just a bit of pride in that smile. "I think I got the basics down now." They came up to a closed door, Blitzen was about to open it, but Nicholas stopped him. "Watch this." He focused his magic, and in a gentle flash of light, Nicholas vanished before Blitzen's eyes. The only thing he saw was a collection of sparkling lights making its way under the door, and a few seconds later the door opened, revealing Nicholas on the other side. "Ta-daa!"
"Jingle bells! You really have gotten better at it!" Blitzen smiled.
"I like to think so." Nicholas answered as the two continued their walk down one of the many hallways. "It will make the whole night easier."
Blitzen nodded. "This will be our first real night doing this," he said, sounding a bit more serious now. "I'll admit, I was starting to think it might never happen..."
Nicholas looked at his companion, frowning for a moment, but then put on an encouraging smile. "But it's finally time, and we are going to do great, I just know it!"
Looking at Nicholas for a moment, Blitzen grinned. "Looks like somepony has gotten a bit more confident."
Nicholas chuckled, giving him a challenging look. "Did you ever doubt me?"
Blitzen stopped and came to attention, saluting with his hoof. "No sir, Santa sir!"
"Haha, alright alright, enough of that." Nicholas grinned. "It's so weird being called Santa and sir. Someone even called me my lord yesterday."
"My lord?" Blitzen let out a minor chuckle, shaking his head in disbelief. "Okay, that one might have been a little too much, but otherwise you better get used to it." Once again Blitzen's voice got a little more serious, but there was still a positive tone underneath it. "We've all been waiting for this day for a very long time, we've been waiting for you."
"I understand that, but-"
"No buts." Blitzen cut in, his voice a little firm now. "With all due respect, sir." He then quickly added. "But, we have been preparing this for years, waiting for you so we could finally fulfill our role as gift givers." The two came to a stop, looking at one another with an intensity Nicholas had never seen from Blitzen before. "Everybody expects great things from you, Nicholas. You're destined to do so, and we can't do this without you, even if we wanted to."
There was a moment of silence, with Nicholas feeling a bit out of place. "Sorry, I didn't mean to sound ungrateful... It is just a lot to take in, suddenly being the head of a whole town, and such..."
Blitzen smiled, shaking his head. "Don't worry, Santa. I didn't think you sounded ungrateful, and I know it is a lot to take in. Now come on, my lord."
Nicholas shook his head. "Stop that."
"Sure thing, my lord."
"Blitzen, enough."
"As you command, my lord."
"It's not funny."
"Not at all, my lord."
"Okay one more time and I throw you in a candy cane cell or something!"
"...."
"...."
"....My lord.
Applejack had never been good at sitting still for very long. Sure she liked to relax after a long day of work, but for the past few days she had little to do. Or at least that would have been the case, if not for Applejack's ability to find work for herself with ease. She wasn't a member of the staff, or anything official for that matter, but she managed to find herself places to contribute to the work.
The reindeer didn't complain, and soon found her work ethic and good mood to be quite charming. There was still a lot for Applejack to learn about Gift Givers Grove, so for now she mostly helped in the kitchens of Santa Castle. It was a large kitchen which even rivaled the royal kitchens back in Canterlot. It wasn't that surprising, since the kitchen not only had to cook for the guards around the castle, but for the reindeer in the workshop.
All of that amounted to a lot of food, which required a lot of preparation, and thus a lot of work. While it wasn't apple bucking, Applejack found herself enjoying the work, and got to know several of the staff working there. They in turn got very close to her, and enjoyed having Applejack around, as well as her hard work attitude. Not to mention an extra pair of hooves were always good.
Today however there was little to do, as the reindeer in the workshop had finished all preparations and the clean up. So the kitchen only had to feed the guards, and of course Santa himself, along with Applejack obviously. All of this required much less work, and so Applejack was hardly needed to show up.
So she spent her day exploring the town, enjoying the sights, and doing some reading back at the castle library. She had found a book she knew she enjoyed when she was younger, and brought it back to Nicholas's apartment. She let out a content sigh, smiling as she turned to the next page, enjoying the warmth of the fireplace cracking only a meter away from her.
It was then that the door opened, and in trotted Nicholas himself. Applejack looked up, and smiled. "Well, look who we got here, if it isn't Santa himself."
Nicholas chuckled, rolling his eyes. "Stop it."
"I'm sorry, it's just so fun to tease ya." She chuckled, putting down the book and made her way over to him. The two shared a nuzzle when Applejack looked at her now coltfriend. "How were your lessons?"
Nicholas beamed a bit, his eyes doing that twinkle she always found so endearing. "It went great! I think I am ready for tomorrow!"
They shared another nuzzle, with Nicholas grinning. "By the way, Blitzen and the others from the flying squad have invited us to some sort of club to celebrate."
"Well, there is a lot to be celebrating, that's for sure." Applejack agreed, thinking about it for a few seconds before nodding. "Shucks, why not? It could be a lot of fun!"
"I thought so too." Nicholas smiled, trotting inside. "Blitzen told me to meet him in the entrance hall in an hour."
"That should get me enough time to shine up." Applejack teased, having never been one of those fancy ponies who loved to dress up. However, a nice bath and so on would be good before they left.
So for the next hour the two of them chatted about this and that, talking about tomorrow, and how much Applejack looked forward to seeing her family again, and so did Nicholas. As the hour passed and the two got themselves ready, Nicholas took Applejack hoof, and smiled.
"You know, after all that has happened... I can't say how lucky I feel to have you by my side, Applejack..."
Applejack blushed, shaking her head. "Gosh, you know how to make a mare feel special..." She giggled, then leaned in and pecked him on the cheek. "There is nowhere else I rather be than by your side, Nicholas." The two spend a moment looking into each other's eyes before Applejack winked. "Now come on slowpoke, Blitzen is probably already downstairs waiting for us."
The Dash Away club was the most popular place in the whole of Gift Givers Grove. It was a place for flyers, and other reindeer who had made a name for themselves. There was music, great food and drink, and if you want to dance, the Dash Away is the best place to shake it.
As the flying squad arrived, they were already being waved at, and asked for autographs by the still waiting deers outside of the club. The bouncer of course let them all in as soon as he saw who they were. The flying squad's popularity had only skyrocketed in the last few days, as everybody knew it was tomorrow their first official mission would begin.
"I don't know about this." Cupid said, looking back at the entrance as the seven of them made their way to their usual table.
"Lighten up, Cupid." Vixen smirked, winking to a pair of bucks they passed by. "We are already regulars, and we can't help it if deers find us more interesting than ever before."
"She's right!" Dancer grinned, nodding towards some does, who giggled and shook their heads at him. "We are like those ponies in Equestria!"
Prancer giggled. "You mean those Wonderbolts?"
"Yeah, those guys!"
Dasher snorted. "Wonderbolts, please, as if they could even get close to our speed."
"That might be true, but you forget that speed is not their main function." Donner reminded them. "They are not only meant to be fast, but to respond to emergencies if need be."
Again, Dasher snorted. "So what? We do the same!"
Donner sighed. "Again, true, but I still don't think it's fair to compare us to the Wonderbolts."
"Will you guys cool it?" Comet grunted, leading the way to a long booth, and found his usual spot. "I agree with Dasher, those Wonderbolts have nothing on us."
Cupid let out a sigh, seeing the conversation had taken a whole other direction. "Where is Blitzen anyway?" Dancer asked as he took his seat.
"Oh, he is escorting Santa and Applejack here." Cupid informed them, sitting down too. "They should be here any minute, oh, there they are!" Cupid smiled, seeing Blitzen leading both Nicholas and Applejack inside. Cupid stood up again, waving them over.
Vixen giggled. "Honey, I don't think you need to wave them over, Blitzen knows where we usually sit." With a blush, Cupid quickly sat down again.
Blitzen smiled at Nicholas and Applejack, taking them between the many tables towards their regular table. Both Applejack and Nicholas looked around pretty impressed. The club was as big as a theater in Canterlot, with one section being for dinner tables, and the bar, and the other section being a dance floor. At the end of the great hall was a large stage, with a band playing music for the dancing deers.
As they finally approached the table, the flying squad all bowed their heads in respect, but all of them had a grin on them. "Well, nice to see you finally decided to join us." Vixen smiled at Nicholas. "You too, Applejack. I hear you have been quite helpful at the castle."
Applejack looked at Vixen, and already got Rarity vibes from her, if Rarity was a bit more playful. "Thank you kindly."
"Vixen is right," said Cupid. "It's really nice of you to join us tonight."
"Thanks, Cupid." Nicholas smiled, and took a seat next to Applejack, while Blitzen sat down next to Cupid, making the doe blushing a bit brighter. "So this is where you come to spend your evenings." Nicholas commented as he scanned the large menu.
Dancer grinned. "Yeah! We come here a few times a week, it's pretty sweet. Great music, and great food, what more could a buck want?"
"Then there is the dancing too." Cupid smiled sheepishly.
"Yeah, that too!" Agreed Dancer. "You should all go out and rock out when I get up there."
"You're going on stage?" Applejack asked, looking up from her menu.
Comet rolled his eyes. "He goes up there every few times a week to sing and play... I hate to admit it, but he is actually pretty good."
"Indeed," Donner agreed. "It is quite surprising."
"What do you mean by that?!" Dancer asked.
"Nothing, nothing."
The table shared a small chuckle, and soon enough they had ordered food and drinks. "So," Vixen then said. "Santa, tell us about yourself, it must have been interesting to grow up alongside ponies." She glanced at Applejack. "No offense meant."
"None taken," replied Applejack.
Nicholas scratched the back of his head with his hoof. "I admit, it was pretty strange when I was growing up." He then smiled at Applejack, who smiled back at him as the two thought back to their childhood. "Luckily, I have made a lot of great friends over the years, and everypony accepted me for who I was." He looked back at Vixen, but explained the whole table. "My adoptive parents found me when I was just a baby, they took me in, fed me, gave me a place to call home. Even Celestia herself accepted me, and life just kept giving."
Blitzen nodded, smiling. "So you decided to give back?"
"Hm? Oh, yeah, I started out pretty early."
Applejack chuckled. "He would sneak around every Hearth's Warming evening, putting small wooden carved toys in all the houses that had foals." She shook her head. "Back then we thought we were being really clever about it, but of course everypony knew who had done it."
"But nopony ever said anything," Nicholas chuckled. "We didn't find that out until a few years later. Though thinking back, I probably should have realized when ponies stopped locking their doors at night, and leaving out cookies and milk for me."
"You never could leave those cookies alone, sugarcube." Applejack teased, poking him in the side. Nicholas blushed, and smiled sheepishly.
Soon enough the food and drinks arrived, and the conversation turned to more general things. Nicholas and Applejack learned a lot of things about their companions. Prancer was the youngest of the flyers, and she was much like Pinkie Pie in a lot of ways, although way more toned down. She liked parties, and fun. She had wanted to work in the workshop in the wrapping department, but apparently she was so naturally gifted at flying she had been recruited straight onto the squad for training.
Cupid was also such a case, she had originally wanted to be a nurse, or a teacher, but somehow she had ended up on the flying squad instead. Nicholas and Applejack found out she and Blitzen were childhood friends, having been neighbors when growing up, and being classmates. The two had pretty much stuck together all their life. Blitzen had always known he had wanted to be a flier, and seeing how Cupid was looking his way every so often, it wasn't hard to imagine why she became a flier. She was like Fluttershy in the ways of her gentle and nurturing nature, but she wasn't as shy.
Dasher was, well, she was like Rainbow Dash, a comparison she didn't like. After all, she was over a hundred and twenty years old, so if anything, Rainbow Dash was like Dasher, or so she insisted. She was stubborn, energetic, passionate, and like Blitzen, had always known she had wanted to become part of the flying squad. She was the fastest of the eight, no question about it. Applejack had to admit, it would be pretty interesting to see her race against Rainbow Dash.
Vixen was a whole other caliber, one would think someone like her would have wanted to do something in designing, or showbiz, or at least something more flashy. She was clever, no doubt about it, playful, and such a flirt it would make Rarity blush. However, there was a certain fire inside of her, that told Nicholas she was perhaps the most driven out of all of the reindeer. Even though he wasn't a buck himself, he could easily imagine Vixen be the kind of doe that never had to work if she wanted to. She could have just smiled at some bucks, and she would have been given stuff. Instead, she chose to work her rear off, and try out for the elite flying squad. That was dedication, and she was clearly quite pleased with her achievements.
Comet was the big strong buck of the group, the strongest likely, okay, definitely. He had wanted to be a guard, but truth be told, there was no crime here, and so the prospects of anything exciting happening seemed low for a member of the tiny guard force they had. So instead he tried his luck at getting into the flying squad, and he was lucky alright. Comet, despite the name, was probably the slowest of the eight, and he wasn't as elegant when flying on his own. That being said, he was the muscles that made the whole pulling a sleigh thing much easier for the rest. He was a solid foundation for the rest to build on, and truth be told, he seemed like the guy who would stand by your side no matter what.
Donner and Dancer were actually brothers, which was a bit hard to believe. Donner was the more quiet, and reserved older brother, speaking only when he felt he had something to add, unlike his younger sibling. He mostly listened, but not out of distaste, or shyness, he was gathering information, listening. Dancer on the other hoof was energetic, loved the sound of his own voice, and enjoyed activity, instead of stuffing his head in books like his brother. They didn't really make it clear how they came to join the squad, the details were a bit mixed. Although Nicholas didn't doubt it had to be an interesting story.
That left Blitzen. He was likely the most disciplined of the group, but not in a way that made it seem he had a stick up his flanks. He'd known what he had wanted to do ever since he was a kid, and had devoted himself to study for the entrance exam, training hard, and doing everything he could to get in. He could be flexible, playful, but also stern when he needed to be. He treated the rest of his squad like family, and looking at them all from the outside, Nicholas could tell that they really were a form of family.
It was a good squad, and Nicholas felt safe in their hooves when the night was to come.
The food gradually faded, however the good mood and high spirits certainly didn't. They laughed as they told stories, Nicholas in particular enjoyed reliving his time in Ponyville when he was a kid. While he and Applejack weren't trouble makers, they still got into a lot of troublesome situations.
At some point during the evening, Dancer looked up from their table, and over at the large stage. He smirked, and his brother glanced that way too. "That time already?" He asked his younger brother, and Dancer gave him a nod with this huge grin.
"Time? Time for what?" Nicholas asked as Dancer was making his way out of the booth. The others smiled amused and knowingly.
"Well, this place also allows other singers and bands to perform. Dancer has his own little time whenever we get here." Vixen smirked, leaning back in her sea.
"All right does and stags, please give a your usual warm welcome to our usual flying star. Dancer!" The announcer said from the stage, as Dancer slid in from the side and grabbed the mic. The reindeer on the dance floor, as well at the tables all cheered, and clapped their hooves together.
Dancer grinned. "Alright everyone, I have a special one for you tonight." He glanced behind him at the band members and smirked. "Boys, let's rock!" And just like that, the music began, and Dancer sang as Nicholas had never heard before.
Soon enough all the dancers on the grand dance floor started to swing and dance, it all looked lively and so much fun. Cupid eyed Blitzen Nicholas noticed, and he could tell Blitzen tried to hide a small blush. He coughed. "Say, Cupid, would you like to da-"
"Yes!" Cupid instantly said, and before Blitzen even had a chance to be surprised or answer, his hoof was seized by the doe, and rushed to the dance floor.
The table shared a laugh, before Nicholas eyed Applejack, who looked back at him knowingly. He nodded towards the dance floor, and she smiled at him playfully. Soon enough he and Applejack joined the rest of the dancers out on the floor, having the night of their lives.
The evening came to an end, and a tired, but good spirited Nicholas trotted out of the club, along with his friends. They all made their way down on the roads to get to the main town square. They talked about the evening, and how much fun it was, and how they should all do it again once Hearth's Warming Eve was over.
They had barely made it into the square however, when a strange loud, and eerie sound stopped all conversation. It almost sounded like thunder, but in slow motion. As they looked around for the source, they all noticed other reindeer were also looking around, but soon enough found themselves looking up.
It was then that they saw it. The veil, which had been invisible to them all, had great glowing cracks running along it. The cracks moved slowly, as the veil tried to repair itself. Blitzen frowned, stepping forward a little with a serious expression.
"It's the Windigos, they are breaking down the barrier..."
Nicholas looked startled. "Will it hold?"
Blitzen nodded. "For now. Once the Crystal Star can feel more love and kindness between all kinds, it should regain much of its lost magic." As he spoke, Nicholas and Applejack noticed all of the reindeer, not just the ones from the flying squad, but all who were near, were looking at him. Blitzen turned as well, looking up at Nicholas. "We are counting on you, Santa." He bowed, and so did every reindeer present, from young to old, everyone was bowing to him.
Nicholas felt the huge responsibility landing on his shoulders, as he understood how much bigger this task of his was. Of course he knew it already, but it was like it only truly sank in now. He looked up again at the great cracks, watching as the veil mended itself, fighting a losing battle against the monsters outside. Everybody counted on him, and he knew this wasn't just for their sake, but perhaps the sake of the whole world.
Nicholas steeled himself, and nodded. "We will succeed." He promised them all, and he could see hope sparkle in their eyes. Nicholas went to bed that night, worried about what he had seen, determined to do his duty, and comforted by a lover's warm embrace.
As he laid in his bed, watching the window, looking at the crack flowing across the sky. He felt Applejack's steady heartbeat, and he was reminded he wasn't alone, and tomorrow, she would be by his side, as she had always been. With that soothing thought, he gave the window one last look, and then fell into a deep sleep.
The next day there was a mix of excitement, anticipation, and trepidation in the air. Everyone went about their day with far more reserve than what they usually did, Nicholas's couldn't blame them. It was hard to act all cheerful when the magical veil that protects your home is being destroyed by monsters from the outside.
Despite this, everyone carried on with a determined grit. Nicholas felt almost out of place, having nothing to do other than wait for the big night. He wasn't the only one. The workshop had done its job, the sleigh was ready and packed, and now the only thing they could do was wait, and reflect.
Nicholas decided to go back to the great hall of the crystal star. He was quite alone up there, but it still felt as if he was with someone. Like the crystal star was actually a pony, or a living being. Strangely enough, he felt comforted by it. He spent a few minutes just walking around, talking out loud, letting his voice echo in the great hall.
"It just seems so unreal..." He sighed, kicking at the air absently. "My whole life not knowing who I am, or why I am here. Then suddenly, I am to guard you, and bring joy and hope to all children of this world." He couldn't help but let a small chuckle of disbelief out.
"Feeling nervous?" A familiar voice suddenly asked. This time, Nicholas was hardly surprised as he saw his future self trot out from behind the crystal star. "I had a feeling you might be here."
Nicholas looked at his older self for a moment, trying to imagine himself being so at ease with everything. "How do you do it?" Nicholas asked.
"How do I do what?"
"Sorry, what I meant to say was, how do we do it?"
Santa chuckled warmly, sitting down on the steps to the small podium for the star. "You mean how do we dedicate our immortal life to an endless task?" Nicholas hadn't really thought about it that way, but he nodded, trotting closer and sat down beside his future self. Santa smirked a little. "I know its scary now, I remember feeling just as terrified."
"Easy enough, I am your past." Nicholas said, gaining another chuckle out of the older alicorn.
"True enough, but to answer your question, let me just say you will find out soon enough." Nicholas smiled as he looked around a little. "This task of ours, important as it is, it is nothing to the joy we feel when someone opens up a present of their wish." Nicholas looked at him. "Their eyes light up with wonder, and we get to be part of something that will inspire so much good in all sorts of creatures, not just ponies."
Nicholas smiled, nodding a little to himself. "That does sound nice..."
"That's an understatement." Santa said playfully. "You might not be a ruler like Celestia and Luna, but your domain will be just as important."
"I don't like being considered a ruler." Nicholas said, frowning a little.
"Like it or not, they do admire you as such." Santa nudged him. "It comes with a lot of cookie perks."
Nicholas laughed. "Like my power can be bought cheaply." He teased, and the two of them shared a chuckle.
"But hey," Santa then said. "Be yourself, ease into it, and you will do just fine." He winked at Nicholas, who felt somewhat more at ease now. "I better go, I have a big night ahead of me, and so do you."
Nicholas nodded. "Yeah, you're right." The two stood, and shared a look of understanding. Nicholas was going to put his all into this, save gift givers grove, and hopefully save hearth's warming eve!
Later that evening, the entire grove seemed to have gathered in a massive hall in the castle. Several tables were filled with reindeer young and old, and even more was filled with foods and treats of every kind. Nicholas himself sat at the very end of the hall, in the middle of a long table, with Aurora, Bori and Alice on his left, and Applejack and the flying squad on his right. Mina herself pretty much also sat in the middle, but she was so tiny she just sat on the table and ate near Nicholas and Applejack.
The great hall was decorated beautifully, and a band was playing all manners of hearth warming songs, some of which he knew, and some he didn't. Had their circumstances not been so dire, the mood might have been higher, but as it stood, with the enemy at the gates, the mood was a little subdued.
It was only the children, who seemed to find any joy in their gifts, their toys, and forget about the dark reality. Nicholas couldn't help but admire that.
At some point, Aurora, Bori and Alice stood, and the great hall went instantly silent. Aurora smiled. "Tonight, we make history."
Bori nodded. "For years we have been waiting for this very moment."
"And now it is time." Aurora finished.
Alice grinned. "So let us not worry about those jerks beyond the veil. Santa is going to kick some butt, and bring joy back into the crystal star, and save the grove, and hearth warming!"
The hall let out a loud cheer, and Aurora and her companions made their way to Nicholas's side. "It's time, sire." Aurora said. The many guests had not heard her, but they knew it too, and had already started to move outside where the sleigh was waiting.
Nicholas gulped a little, feeling his heart pounding with anticipation. "Right..." He only said, standing himself, and only then found out that the flying squad had already left.
Mina jumped onto Nicholas's back, and Applejack trotted up beside him as they made their way into another room. The room itself was small, there was a small podium, and a big mirror, it reminded Nicholas of the fitting room in Rarity's boutique. Inside stood two maids, one of which was Sugar Dust. She smiled knowingly, and inclined her head as the door closed behind them. "Santa," she greeted.
"Sugar Dust." Nicholas greeted back, "Guess it's time." He smiled nervously.
The two maids giggled, and Nina jumped from Nicholas's back to Applejack's. Nicholas stepped onto the small podium, and the two maids levitated a red coat towards him. He sat back a bit, and lifted his forelegs so he was better able to slip into it. It was very soft, and fit really well. Sugar Dust closed it at his chest, while the other maid got him a red cap. Looking at himself in the mirror, Nicholas was stunned. He felt so warm, open, even majestic.
"I've always said red looks good on you." Applejack said with a big and proud smile.
Nicholas looked at her, smiling back to her. "As usual, you are right..." He admitted, his eyes twinkling.
The two maids walked to the door, "we will see if they are ready, Santa." Sugar Dust said, trotting out, leaving both Nicholas and Applejack alone. Mina too seemed to have snuck out without either of them noticing it.
"Are you nervous?" Applejack asked as she trotted closer, inspecting Nicholas's suit absently.
"A little..." He hesitated, then let out a nervous laugh. "Okay, a lot." Nicholas chuckled. "But also determined, they are all counting me out there."
"You will do great, sugarcube." Applejack assured him, looking up into his eyes. "I know you will."
Nicholas smiled back, leaning closer and planted a soft kiss on her lips. She kissed back, feeling her whole body becoming warm. "Thank you, Applejack. You always believed in me, and stood by my side."
Applejack grinned. "Don't think it was only me who did that, Nick." She said, poking his chest. "You were always there for me too." Her expression grew a little somber, and her smirk shrunk into a sad smile. "You were there for me when my parents died, you were always around to hear me out, or cheer me up." She placed a hoof on her heart, letting out a breath she hadn't known she had been holding. Then she looked up at him, her smile growing a bit. "I knew I loved you way back then, and I knew I would always be by your side."
"Applejack, I..."
"No, don't say it." Applejack said, holding up her hoof. "You don't need to, I already know." Nicholas smiled, moving closer and embraced her. The two stayed in each other's hooves for a few moments before a gentle knock at the door brought their attention back to the present.
Sugar Dust looked inside. "Santa, it's time."
The grand double door opened to the plaza outside. Reindeers were lined up along the path, all of them looking up at Nicholas as he stepped out, with Applejack by his side. No one spoke or cheered as they descended the stairs. At first Nicholas thought it was the rumbling above them, the reminder that the veil could break soon, but as they passed the first reindeer, he noticed they started to bow their heads.
As soon as they passed a reindeer, they bowed their heads in respect. Nicholas's first instinct was embarrassment, however his second understanding. They had waited years for this very evening, so yes, they bowed to him, but also to the symbol he had suddenly become. Meaning to or not, he had given them hope that what they had worked towards for so long had never been a waste of time, or a futile attempt to bring more joy into the world. This was just as much their night as it was his.
Holding his head high, Nicholas trotted along the path they had created for him, all the way to the open plain. There a beautiful wooden red painted sleigh waited for him. Blitzen and the rest of the flying squad were already hitched up and waiting for the time for them to fly. Even Mina was already in the sleigh, waiting dutifully.
Aurora, Bori and Alice were there too of course, but they stood to the side, giving the final word to Nicholas himself. When he approached the sleigh, he looked back, only to see the entire town had come out to watch him, all of them looking at him expectantly. There was another thunder-like sound above them, and a flash of fear and trepidation moved through the entire crowd.
That only made Nicholas more determined, he wasn't about to let them down. He took a deep breath, then felt a strange calm come over him. This was where he needed to be, where he was always meant to be. He smiled, looking at Applejack for a moment, then at the crowd.
"Even though we have many hills and mountains to climb." "And there's no easy road and we haven't very much time."
They all looked confused at Nicholas as he started to sing, but he just smiled back. Looking at Applejack, who started to smile back as he guided her to the sleigh. The flying squad smiled too.
"We gotta stick together, we can hold on forever." "We can make it, we can make it if we try."
Nicholas got in, and gave a confident nod to Blitzen, who smirked and nodded back. A silent signal passed between them all, and soon enough they zoomed down a long snow filled path.
"Even though the snow will come, falling down from the sky." "We can overcome any troubles and towers too high."
They started to rise into the air!
"No matter how the winds may blow," "and though it may be touch and go." "We can make it, we can make it if we try."
They flew higher and higher, above the now cheering crowd. Nicholas smiled at Applejack, and she smiled back at him with a proud look in her eyes.
"There are times when you're down and you've given up on your dreams."
They moved closer and closer to the veil, and the windigos! Nicholas's eyes narrowed in determination, as he moved closer to the side of the sleigh.
"We have to face the storm 'cause things are not as bad as they seem."
He let himself drop out of the sleigh. Quickly Nicholas spread his wings, and flew up to the front of the sleigh, and his reindeer.
"You got to go to extremes!"
Nicholas wasn't sure how he was doing it, but he reached deep inside himself, pulling out every emotion and connection he had. Applejack, his family, the elves, the reindeer, every pony in Ponyville. This was for them! His horn lit up, and a silvery glow emanated from him, seeming to cut its way through the veil, and right into the windigos.
"Even though it's dark, blue skies are comin' your way." "And by tomorrow it'll be a sunnier day."
They cleared the veil, and Nicholas's face grew more determined, as he let out everything he got! A massive display of magic burst from him, like waves upon waves of silvery light pulsed from him, each wave hitting the windigos like the waves of the sea, pushing him away from them, and the veil itself!
"As long as you're by my side, we'll survive this stormy ride!" "We can make it, we can make it if we try!"
Blitzen let out an encouraging cheer to the rest of his squad, and they all gritted their teeth, pushing themselves to stay close to Nicholas and clear the windigos!
"Oh, we have to face the storm 'cause things are not as bad as they seem." "You've got to go to extremes!"
One final push, Nicholas gave it his all, remembering everybody who counted on them tonight! It worked, it felt like every positive emotion he had ever felt went through him. He could see them all, everybody he cared for, everybody who cared for him. It was all the motivation he needed to keep going, and soon enough, the storm of windigos thinned, until Nicholas and the others were clear of them, the sky cleared, and they faced an open and star filled sky!
They had done it, they had made it through, and made the windigos flee for now!
"Even though it's dark, blue skies are comin' your way." "And by tomorrow it'll be a sunnier day."
Nicholas smiled as his magic subsided, and he let himself be overtaken by a cheering flying squad. A little shaky, he still managed to land gently back in the sleigh beside Applejack, and pulled her close with his wing. Not that he needed to, she embraced him as soon as she could.
"As long as you're by my side, we'll survive this stormy ride."
They all sang happily, and determined as they went faster and faster!
"We can make it, we can make it if we try." "We can make it, we can make it if we try." "We can make it."
"We can!"
They all laughed, and cheered, all feeling more motivated now that they had passed the worst of it. They had actually done it! Nicholas wasn't about to let the momentum drop, and neither was Blitzen.
Nicholas took the reins, and gave them a gentle tug. "Let's do this guys! Dash away!"
It was all his loyal flying squad needed to hear! The sparks started to come out under the reindeers hooves, and the air grew thick, as suddenly the world around them seemed to vanish! Maybe it was because Nicholas felt more confident this time, or maybe it was because of his new Alicorn body, but as the world around them turned into pure light, he felt far more comfortable as they raced to their first destinations!
It wasn't very often Lucky Strike woke up in the middle of the night, but when he did it was usually to go to the bathroom, or like tonight, he needed a glass of milk. the colt's parents were already fast asleep of course, it had been a great and long evening for them all. Family dinner, great food, songs, games, snacks. All the while the many presents under the tree had seemed so tempting, but it would still be a few more hours until he and his sister could run downstairs to unwrap them all.
Lucky yawned, making his way down the stairs of their cottage, moving through the living room. The fireplace had almost died out, only a few lightly burning embers made it clear there had been a healthy fire burning inside just a few hours ago. Going to the kitchen, he got himself a glass of milk, and one or two cookies for good measure.
Carrying the glass and the cookies on a small tray on his back, the colt made his way through the living room, intending to get to the staircase. But just as he was making it past the fireplace, something caught his attention. A strange, yet not unpleasant sound. His ears moved around, trying to locate the sound. Was it, bells?
There was a thud above him, like something hit the roof. For a moment he frowned, thinking some snow must have slid off. Then he realized the sound of the bells had stopped. Lucky stayed silent for a few moments, trying to listen closely, wondering where the sound had come from.
Then something else caught his attention, a strange breeze on his cheek. It came from the fireplace, and just as he turned to look in that direction, his eyes widened. Several tiny stars seemed to fly down the fireplace, and move out, gathering in one spot. They seemed to glitter brighter for one moment, and then with a sudden poof, a white male alicorn appeared out of nowhere, dressed in red, and a small velvet sack at his hooves.
The colt was so mesmerized he completely forgot to be startled by the sight. Perhaps he should have been scared, yell out, but when the alicorn looked at him with warm twinkling eyes and a welcoming smile, it somehow calmed the colt. The alicorn chuckled at his openly shocked expression.
"Don't be afraid, Lucky Strike." The alicorn said, his voice gentle and almost fatherly.
The colt hesitated for a moment. "H-how do you know my name..?"
The alicorn chuckled again, a pleasant chuckle. "Oh, I know you have been a really good colt this whole year. I know you have been very brave for your little sister when she was in the hospital." The alicorn said, sitting down. "Your letter touched me a lot, Lucky Strike... Not many foals would ask for nothing more than to make your sister healthy."
Lucky looked confused for a moment, then his eyes widened in realization. "You're, you're.... But I thought!"
"Hoho, yes, I have changed a bit..." The alicorn smiled cheekily. "Your sister is all better now, right?" He asked knowingly.
The colt nodded. "Yeah, much! The doctor said she is all better now."
The alicorn's smile seemed to grow even warmer. "I'm glad. You've done really well, Lucky." Then he winked at him. "Which is why," using his magic, the sack levitated a bit, opened up, and two very large wrapped presents floated out, and landed near the tree. "I think you both deserve these."
The colt's eyes widened, just as his smile did. "Wow, t-thank you so much." He almost dropped the tray as he moved, but the tray was caught by the alicorn's magic.
"Careful now." He chuckled. "You better get back to bed and sleep, I still have a long night ahead of me." The tray was levitated to a small table next to the couch.
"Wait!" Lucky said quickly, then moved to the table, and took the tray with the milk and cookies. He trotted back to the alicorn, and placed it in front of him. "For you, Santa."
Santa grinned. "Thank you so much, Lucky Strike." Taking the glass, he downed it and then ate one of the cookies. He smiled in delight. "Mmhm, your mother makes amazing cookies!" Santa complimented, and took the other cookie. "For the road." He winked at the colt, and he grinned.
Somepony moved upstairs, and Lucky looked towards the stairs, then back at Santa. "Happy Hearth's Warming, Santa."
"Happy Hearth's Warming, Lucky Strike, to you, and your family."
Then, just as suddenly as he had arrived, the alicorn vanished into tiny stars, which proceeded to fly into the fireplace, and up the chimney. Almost instinctively, Lucky hurried to the window as he heard the bells again. He just managed to see a sleigh pulled by eight reindeer race across the sky!
Wow, wait until he told his sister!
Unknown to every creature of this world, except for a select few, Nicholas moved across the entire world. To those who might see him in the sky, he looked like nothing more than a shooting star. Every house he visited, every family of child he saw, Nicholas could feel the joy it brought him. Those who woke as the sun came up to find their presents, their joy made its way back to the Crystal Star.
The veil mended soon after, making the many reindeers cheer, and celebrate, knowing Hearth's Warming had been saved, and so had their town!
Of course, by his side throughout the entire night was Applejack. At this point she had gotten used to flying, and to the speed. She didn't mind sitting in the sleigh, seeing Nicholas vanish into each home, and then come back. With each house they visited, Applejack knew Nicholas had helped make others happy.
Now as they flew across the sky, she learned into him, Nicholas looked at her, smiling. "Its okay if you sleep," he told her gently.
Applejack chuckled, shaking her head a little. "I don't want to miss this..."
Nicholas chuckled. "It's okay, we only have one more stop."
She let out a happy sigh, nodding a little. she could feel his warmth, it was so embracing she could not help but relax even more. Her eyelids were so heavy, and each time she blinked it became harder and harder to open them. That was okay, she was right where she wanted to be...
"Applejack! Applejack, you're back!"
Applejack's eyes shot open as she suddenly felt herself being shaken awake. The sound of her younger sister's voice brought her mind into focus, as she found herself not in the sleigh with Nicholas, but in her own room at Sweet Apple Acres. She looked around confused, and then looked at her sister.
"Apple Bloom?" She asked, almost in a whisper.
Apple Bloom smiled, then leaped into her, her small hooves wrapping around her neck. "We've missed you so much!" She exclaimed.
It took a moment for Applejack to realize she really was back home. Once that settled in, she focused on her sister, and smiled. Her hooves moved around her, and hugged her back. "I've missed you too, Apple Bloom." Of course she had, she had missed her entire family. Still, that didn't take away from the confusion she was feeling.
How had she ended up here in her bed? Where was Nicholas? Had he gone back to the north pole?
Apple Bloom snapped her out of her thoughts as she slid off the bed, and looked up at her. "Come on, Granny is making breakfast, and then we can open presents! There is a bunch from Santa!" Apple Bloom almost squealed in excitement. Applejack couldn't help but smile, and then nodded.
"Sure, AB, be right down." Apple Bloom nodded, and left the room. It gave Applejack time to collect herself, organize her thoughts. What happened yesterday, flying across the world, it felt so real, and yet so vague, like it had all been a dream. Of course she knew it hadn't been a dream, she knew it had happened, but even so, she wasn't sure what to do now.
If Nicholas had gone back to the grove, did that mean he had to stay there until next year?
She heard her family downstairs, and she smiled a little. She reminded herself she could not think like this, not now. She got up, and found her Stetson hat lying where she usually placed it when she slept. Putting it on, she made her way downstairs. The whole house smelled of Granny's cooking, it was a welcoming scent. Granny was moving around dishes, making the table, along with Big Mac, who had chosen to wear a green sweater.
The sight made her smile. Granny and Mac looked her way, both smiling. "Well it was about time fer ya to show up!" Granny grinned. "Glad ya made it back in time!"
Mac nodded. "Eeyup."
"Breakfast is almost ready, Mac, help me set the table." Granny said as she went back into the kitchen. Applejack chuckled, about to follow them when she was stopped by a knocking sound. Somepony was at the door. "Applejack, mind seeing who it is?!" Granny Smith called from the kitchen. "I've got my hooves full!"
"On it!" Applejack called back, trotting towards the front door. For a moment she considered it being one of her friends, but they were all away to celebrate with their own families. Trotting to the door, she slowly opened not sure who it could be. The answer made the mare smile.
Nicholas stood outside, still dressed in the suit he had been gifted, smiling. "Morning," he said cheerfully. "Sorry I'm late, I had to organize my home, and the rest of the elves." He chuckled, but was soon pushed back a little as Applejack leaped into him, embracing him tightly! "Whoa, missed me that much already?"
"I thought you had gone back." Applejack said, letting out a sigh of relief.
Nicholas chuckled. "I did go back, back to my old home. I also went to see my family." He explained, holding her close. "You fell asleep, so I thought it would be nicer if you got to sleep in your bed." He gave her a loving squeeze. "I would never leave you behind." He promised.
"I know..." She nodded, leaned up and kissed him.
The two stayed like this for a moment, and then by reflex moved to the pouch, and sat down side by side. This had been something of a tradition ever since Nicholas started to deliver gifts. Every morning, the two would meet out here for a cup of warm cocoa. They didn't have any cocoa this time, but they had each other, which was even better.
After a moment, asked, "where is Mina?"
"She is organizing the rest of the elves, making them ready to go to the gift givers grove." Nicholas explained. "Took them a while to believe I was, well, me."
Applejack chuckled. "What about your family, how did they take the news?"
"Surprisingly well, actually." Nicholas said. "I mean, yeah, they were shocked to see me as an Alicorn, but once they got used to it, and I explained everything that had happened, they were pretty fast to accept it." He blushed a little embarrassed. "Ma told me she always knew I was meant for great things."
"Well, she wasn't wrong, was she?" Applejack grinned, then let out a happy sigh, and leaned into him. Suddenly, she chuckled, making Nicholas smirk.
"What?"
"You know, I just remembered. Twilight still hasn't met you, imagine her shock when she finds out you're an alicorn."
The two started to laugh. So much had happened over the last week, it was kind of crazy. It had been quite the adventure to be sure. "I wonder if I can relax a bit now." Nicholas mused. "I'm not sure I can handle another adventure right now."
Applejack giggled. "In my experience, there is always another adventure right around the corner."
"Well," Nicholas said, turning to her. "As long as you're by my side, I think I'll be okay with that."
Applejack smiled, nodding. "Always." Their lips met in another loving kiss. "I love you, Nicholas..."
"I love you too, Applejack." He smiled, and the two shared a nuzzle.
"Applejack, breakfast is ready!" Apple Bloom called from inside the house.
"We probably should go inside." Applejack said and stood up. "If you think you're ready to face my family." She grinned.
Nicholas stood, smirking. "You'll protect me, right?"
"Well, you did make me miss our family feast, and you also have to tell them we are together. I'm not sure how much protection I can give you, sugarcube." The two laughed as Applejack opened the door. Then she stopped, looking back at him with a smile. "Happy Hearth's Warming, Nicholas."
Nicholas smiled. "Happy Hearth's Warming, Applejack."
And with that, the two entered the Apple family home. What would be ahead of them? Well no matter what it was, they would face it as they always had, together.
