[RGM] A Hearth's Warming Patrol


                                            >you are Private Sword Glitter, city guard

                                            >it's only early December, but Canterlot already had its first snowfall, as it's clearly visible on the streets and the rooftops

                                            >just as it was written in the weather schedule

                                            >as you're walking the streets, you appreciate the cold, fresh air, and the weak, but still bright winter sun

                                            >you take a deep breath, and let it out audibly

                                            >yup, you feel like it's gonna be a great day!

                                            >you don't know why you feel that, but you don't think anything could ruin this feeling

                                            >because let's be honest here, every day is a bliss in the Royal Guard

                                            >and you don't think you could ever ditch it for anything else


                                            >but while the snow is still a heavenly white on the rooftops, on the streets it has already turned into a greyish muck

                                            >no wonder, Canterlot is a busy place, with many busy ponies hurrying left and right, trying to mind their own business

                                            >especially now, with Hearth's Warming around the corner

                                            >commoners and snooty aristocrats, earth ponies and unicorns, guards and rascals alike roam the streets with a little bit of everything else thrown in

                                            >and you, a brave guardsmare of this great city, have the noble duty of keeping everything and everyone safe, always staying vigilant, not losing sigth of anything

                                            >of course, you're not alone, there are thousands of your fellow Royal Guards keeping watch too, ensuring the city stays safe even during the bit chaotic holiday rush

                                            >right now, you are tasked with relieving a fellow Guard on Silver Tack Avenue

                                            >so you are going to go there, but not before your break

                                            >because yes, even the noble guards of Canterlot city get their due rest during shifts


                                            >you're hurrying towards your destination, and something comes to mind

                                            >you're well off regarding time, you don't have to be on duty for another 25 minutes

                                            >with a sudden idea, you turn left and take the road leading to the northwestern platforms

                                            >you smile to yourself

                                            >somepony's in for a surprise...


                                            "I gotta fine you for that, sir" you say in your confident, Official Guardsmare Voice™

                                            >the large, burly stallion stops backing up, and begins to look back slowly

                                            >he is clearly aware he's trying to park his carriage in a forbidden place

                                            >he has a somewhat scared expression, although you're not sure if you indeed fooled him, or he's just playing along

                                            >"Hey kiddo!" he says as you finally get in his field of view "Visiting your old stallion at his workplace, huh? That's quite nice of you, I have to say!"

                                            "Hello dad! Good thing I catched you. You're aware this place is off limits to carriages, don't you?"

                                            >your dad undoes his harness, and turns to you

                                            >"Oh come on, Sword! Where I should park this old thing then? The company just bought five new taxis, and there's just isn't anymore space in our courtyard"

                                            >meanwhile, he hugs you warmly, but you try to make sure your cold armor doesn't touch his naked body

                                            >"And what was that reserved hug?! Gimme a proper Sword-hug, dangit!"

                                            "Sorry dad, armor's cold! Wouldn't want you to freeze right up"

                                            >"Nonsense! You're talking to the toughest taxi stallion in all of Canterlot! Some cold armor does nothin' to me!"

                                            >and with that, he pulls you in for another hug, now your bodies touching properly

                                            >and although he didn't say a word, you felt a shiver going through his body

                                            >no doubt, the years sitting in an office didn't favor him

                                            >as he moved up in his taxi company, he did more and more administrative work, and less pulling a carriage

                                            >but you gotta give it to him, he took this like a champ

                                            >you even patted his back with your equally cold horseshoes, and he didn't say a word


                                            >"So, are we set?" he asks after releasing each other

                                            "Not really" you chuckle "You still have to do something with that cart"

                                            >"Come on, officer! It'll be just ten minutes or so. The guys will start to roll out for the rush hour, then I can bring this one into our courtyard"

                                            "No deal, citizen! This place is clearly off limits. There's even a sign telling it"

                                            >dad snorts

                                            >he most probably didn't expect your intervention

                                            >he leans in closer, and lowers his voice

                                            >"Say... You're a Royal Guard now... Couldn't you maybe use your influence as such, and relocate that signpost just a few houses further down?"

                                            >you chuckle again

                                            "No game dad. I'm a Royal Guard, not a member of the city council. I have no influence over such matters. And besides, be glad it was me who called you out on this. Any other guard would have just fined you outright"

                                            >dad hangs his head momentarily, but then cheers right up

                                            >he knows too you can't just let it go like that

                                            >"Fine, fine. I understand. I'll pull over somewhere else. Besides, do you know if you'll be home for Hearth's Warming yet? Mom's gonna go all out on this one, she'd be really sad if you couldn't make it"

                                            "I don't know yet. And I told mom to don't arrange things as if I could -surely- make it, all I said was a -maybe-. But duty first. She has to understand that"

                                            >"I know, I know. But you know mom..."

                                            "I do. But I'mma go now. Tell her when you get home that I love the scarf. Just don't tell her I don't actually wear it!"

                                            >"I will. And I won't! Goodbye then, little guardsmare. Have a good patrol!"

                                            >he winks at you, as his habit

                                            "Thanks dad! See ya!"

                                            >you begin to move out, in the direction you came from

                                            >but only after ten meters or so, you peek back

                                            >this rascal of a stallion just began to move inside!

                                            >you clear your throat, and point at the main topic of your previous conversation

                                            >you call him out in your sweetest voice

                                            "Dad! The cart!"


                                            SOME DAYS LATER...


                                            >you swing open the door to your place, and quickly get inside

                                            >compared to the cold winds outside right now, the warmth and comfiness of your home is pure bliss

                                            >you're off duty for the rest of the day, and for the next day too, but it's back to business after that

                                            >back to business for Hearth's Warming...

                                            >you drop your heavy saddlebags, and shout

                                            "Mom, Dad, I'm home!"

                                            >"Hey Sword!" Dad shouts back from somewhere within the house

                                            >you can also hear somewhat muffled clip-clops on the carpet getting closer

                                            >it's a welcome change after the clankering of your armored horseshoes on the streets

                                            >as usual, your mom feels the need to see you in pony as soon as you enter

                                            >"Swordie! I'm so glad! Come 'ere!"

                                            >mom reaches in for a hug, and you gladly receive

                                            "Hi Mom! How are things?"

                                            >"Oh, things are coming along wonderfully!" says the orange mare, letting go of the hug "Imagine, your Auntie Calamity will be here for Hearth's Warming Eve! Isn't that great?"

                                            >you look at the ground for a bit

                                            >you know Mom's not gonna like this, but dang

                                            >duty is duty, and she should finally understand that

                                            >you also know Auntie Calamity's husband died recently, and that you're her favorite niece

                                            >and that she would feel great if she could spend the Eve with you too

                                            "Sorry Mom, but I can't make it. I was assigned for nighttime patrol for Hearth's Warming. Auntie Cal just have to make do without me"


                                            >"But-but you said you're going to be off duty for Hearth's..."

                                            "No" you interrupt "I said -maybe- I'll be off duty. And "maybies" include "totally sure I'll be on duty during Hearth's Warming" too"

                                            >Mom's ears droop

                                            >her excitement turns into sadness

                                            >"Aw Sword... I feel so bad for you. And times like this when I really don't understand why you choose this kind of...profession. Such a rough and tumble way of life. Especially now. Roaming the city streets in this cold... Alone... You could do something that befits you. You could have continued your sports career! Or become a coach. Or anything..."

                                            >you furrow your brows

                                            >Mom is at it again with the "comfier job" blah-blah...

                                            >by now, Dad has appeared too

                                            >he looks at Mom from the doorway with a mostly neutral expression, mixed in with only a little hint of bewilderment

                                            "Mom, we've been through this so many times. I wanted to become a Guard to become a part of something bigger. To do what many ponies can't do for themselves. But I can. I can be there for anyone when there is danger. I couldn't be content just sitting idly, or cowering in fear if trouble strikes. I wanna be the mare who makes a difference"

                                            >"But in this city? Sword, Canterlot is safe. There is barely anything dangerous out there. You don't have to fear when something bad happens, there wouldn't be anypony to help, cause there is already enough"

                                            "Um, Changeling invasion of Canterlot? You remember? We hid under the dining table. Together. And I don't want to hide ever again"


                                            >"That was a one-off, happens once-in-a-lifetime thing. You don't have to fear of it happening again. Seriously though, I still can't come to terms with this. You? Not being at home for Hearth's Warming? Why? Why you? What is there to guard anyway? Everypony will be at home, celebrating with their families"

                                            >you put a hoof on your face

                                            >you love Mom, but she can be such a hardass

                                            >especially when your well-being is at stake

                                            >but she just doesn't understand

                                            >also, Dad has walked up to Mom, and is listening to the argument

                                            "That's exactly the reason" you answer "Ponies with their own families usually get the holiday off, so they can celebrate it together. And the young'uns, like me, have to fill in for them. Simple"

                                            >"But you..."

                                            >but Mom cannot finish her sentence, as Dad puts a hoof on her withers, and starts to speak himself

                                            >"Dear, Sword is an adult mare now. She made the decision to become a Royal Guard. We have to respect that decision, don't we?"

                                            >"I just want the best for her, Honey" she says, touching Dad's hoof "Really. Nothing else"

                                            >"You can't protect her until the end of times. Heck, I think it is SHE who does the protecting now!"

                                            "Just listen to dad!" you say, trying to cut this short now "Everything will be okay. This Hearth's Warming Eve will be spent without me. But I still won't be alone, so don't worry about me. There will be my fellow Guards, AND you'll be there, too. In my heart!"


                                            >Mom cannot help it, but tear up a bit

                                            >this kind of talk always worked with her, heh

                                            >she slides out from under Dad's hoof

                                            >serious tactical situation, she's moving in for the hug!

                                            >you're not defenseless though, and counter with a snuggle

                                            >as you're embracing each other, you wink at Dad

                                            >he is pretty smug, he understands what you just done

                                            >he winks back

                                            >although it's not like anything you said was untrue

                                            >you just worded it in the most effective manner

                                            >"Sword, you know I really love you, right?" she says as she releases you

                                            "I love you too, Mom! And nothing will change that. As nothing will change who I AM. I am still the Sword Glitter you know and love. I just happen to be a Royal Guard too, now"

                                            >Mom cannot say anything, and just smiles at you

                                            >you smile back, then slip past her

                                            >you're going to you room, you need some rest

                                            >but stop in the doorway...

                                            >you look back at your mother, still dazed a bit by her own emotions

                                            "And don't you EVER question a Royal Guard, citizen!" you yell back, in your assertive Guard™ voice

                                            >poor Mom startles, and looks back angrily

                                            >"S-sword! I told you to don't do that!"

                                            >your dad chuckles

                                            >now she looks angrily at him

                                            >you also let out a little laugh

                                            "Sorry, but I just couldn't miss out on this one! Had to break the sappy atmosphere somehow... You know, a rough and tumble mare like me just can't stand it!"

                                            >"You cease that sort of talk, young lady! I claimed nothing like that about you!"

                                            >you could answer, but you know Mom's not genuinely angry

                                            >so you just giggle, and move on to your room


                                            ON HEARTH'S WARMING EVE...


                                            >it's Hearth's Warming Eve in Canterlot

                                            >finally for most ponies, as it's a time for some rest, and celebrating together with family

                                            >not for you though, as you are assigned for nighttime duty

                                            >even earlier this day, Garden Boulevard was a little winter wonderland

                                            >cheery ponies running around, perhaps getting that last minute present, or just visiting the stalls selling baked goods or spiced wine

                                            >now, only the lights and decorations on the houses indicate some former pony presence

                                            >otherwise, the streets are dead, the stalls are closed, and everypony is at home with their loved ones

                                            >even if only in heart...

                                            >right now, you are making your way along Garden Blvd, named for the Castle Gardens it runs paralell to

                                            >the Gardens are part of the outer castle, and usually closed to the public, but they are opened at times, like around Hearth's Warming

                                            >there isn't much interest though right now, but it's no wonder

                                            >Princess Celestia's traditional midnight speech is still hours away

                                            >until that though, you don't predict much activity on the streets

                                            >or anything interesting happening at all...


                                            >you're doing your third round today, and you're back on Garden Blvd

                                            >you're basically alone, as your platoon is spread evenly along the patrol route

                                            >so each and every guard can cover a small portion of it

                                            >you might as well be entirely alone, as nothing happened at all during the patrol so far

                                            >at least you could have been paired up, so it'd be less boring

                                            >but it's Hearth's Warming, so there aren't that many Guards available

                                            >hence, such luxury as pairng up guardsponies is not permissible

                                            >oh well, doesn't matter

                                            >a great guardsmare such as you can operate alone!


                                            >you look up at the towers of Canterlot Castle one last time before walking into Sol Street

                                            >one day, you will guard Princess Celestia herself, inside the castle!

                                            >but of course, you'll have to do many-many more rounds in the city before that becomes even a faint possibility


                                            >as you're walking along Sol Street, and looking around for any unlawful activities or potential crime, you notice something curious

                                            >there is something under one of the arches of the building you're passing...or someone?

                                            >it's in the shadows, so you stop to check it out better

                                            >as you approach, you can clearly see: it's some sort of strange, bipedal creature

                                            >you get equally startled and interested

                                            >you reach out with your magic for your regulation spear, but eventually keep it on your back

                                            >on one hand, this creature could be dangerous

                                            >but on the other, you don't want to appear as one ready for battle

                                            >that can be seen as provocative for some

                                            >so you just walk up to it, and give it a good look

                                            >it appears to be male, thin and tall, much taller than you

                                            >he could easily see Celestia in the eyes, or even look down on her a bit

                                            >by the looks of it, he is some troll, or ogre, but of the really scrawny kind

                                            >which is unusual

                                            >or alternatively, it's a huge goblin

                                            >either way, all these are known to be often agressive towards ponies, so you are at the ready again

                                            >although this one just stands here, somewhat slouched, leaning against a stone pillar using one hand

                                            >and he also rests his head on this hand, thus covering up his face

                                            >he's shivering a bit, despite being fully clothed

                                            >maybe that's because he doesn't have any fur or coat covering his body

                                            >at least, her bald green scalp is indicative of that


                                            >now that you observed him for a bit, you decide to speak to him

                                            >strangely enough, he didn't notice you so far, despite the clamoring of your armor being pretty audible

                                            "Um, excuse me sir..."

                                            >"Uh...huh??"

                                            >the creature gets startled a bit, and it seems he understands speech, and can speak himself

                                            >he's rapidly looking around, then settles at you

                                            >and now you see it...

                                            >this creature doesn't have any eyes!

                                            >he doesn't even have eye-holes, green skin is simply covering up the place of his eyes

                                            >you recoil a bit

                                            >you're sure every ogroid creature has eyes

                                            >or...do they?

                                            >that, or this one doesn't belong to that family of beasts

                                            >but either way, his presence here in the middle of Canterlot is strange at least

                                            >why didn't you see him earlier?

                                            >or any of the other guards?

                                            >so returning from your little initial shock, you steel yourself, and decide to simply follow protocols

                                            >that is, finding out who (and what) he is, and what does he want

                                            "Good evening, Sir. Could you please identify yourself, and tell me what you're doing out here at this late hour?"

                                            >the creature now turns to you, holding himself with his arms

                                            >yup, he is clearly cold

                                            >overall, he looks pretty miserable


                                            >"G-good evening" the creature begins, shivering "M-my name is Anonymous. And I'm just s-simply lost..."

                                            >Ah great! He can form coherent sentences, and at first glance, seems to be civilized enough

                                            >that's a better start than you expected

                                            "Good evening then again, Mr Anonymous. I am Private Sword Glitter of the Royal Guard force of Canterlot. My responsibility is to keep this city safe, and all its citizens. So let me ask: what do you mean by lost?"

                                            >Anonymous makes a frown

                                            >he seems to be a sad creature anyway, judging by his base expression

                                            >"I was on a walk with my caretakers late afternoon, taking in the holiday sights. Not much of a sight for me, of course... After heading home though, I somehow got separated from the group, and I was left behind"

                                            "What caretakers? And do you imply you're actually blind? I mean, you probably are without eyes, but..."

                                            >"Ah, long story. Let me explain myself, noble Guardsmare. I came to this world a few months ago. It was a freak accident, I'm not even sure how it happened... My former home is called Earth, and I'm a human by the way. Upon ending up here, my eyes were gone, and my skin turned green, as it wasn't that color formally..."

                                            "Whoa, whoa, whoa, wait" you interrupt, feeling the amount of information is starting to get overwhelming "So you're not even from our world? How that can be??"

                                            >"Well... I think it happened after I wished upon a falling star. I wished that I was in someplace better. Much better... Earth isn't a very nice place, you know? After that, I somehow ended up here. I dunno if my wish came true, because most ponies weren't too kind to me so far"

                                            >so, a falling star?

                                            >then it must have been a Class-II magical singularity, as first explained by Starswirl the Bearded

                                            >and Anon's world must be brimming with magic if it just happened spontenously

                                            >but wait, ponies not being kind to a stranger?

                                            >that's preposterous!

                                            >although, giving it a second thought...


                                            "Who are your "caretakers", Mr Anonymous?" you ask

                                            >you also look around a bit, being a bit nervous

                                            >you should really go back patrolling, but this creature, this "human" clearly needs help

                                            >and it's your duty to help citizens, pony or otherwise

                                            >"When I arrived, I was really scared. Not having eyes, well... I was just lingering in my place of arrival, until a very kind pony found me. She asked about me, and after I explained my situation, she took me in. It was nice for a few days, but she said I cannot stay, as duty calls her. She was military too... But she set me up with an orphanage where I could stay, and I've been living there since then. But the caretakers there are cruel. They don't take kindly to me not being a pony. But honestly, they aren't kind to the kids there, either. Oh, and besides, just call me Anon"

                                            >now that makes you wonder

                                            >a cruel orphanage?

                                            >such a place shouldn't exist in Canterlot, at least not anymore

                                            >you have to get to the end of this!

                                            "Tell me Anon, which orphanage is this? Maybe I know where it is, so I can escort you back there"

                                            >"It's called Honorhall Orphanage. If we're still near Canterlot Castle, then it's quite a walk from here"

                                            "Oh, that one? I know where it is. Although it should have been closed down years ago, after a formal complaint was filed against them. You're not the first who suffers mistreatment from them. Although you're definitely the first human..."

                                            >Anon doesn't answer

                                            >he hangs his head, and hugs himself even closer

                                            "Are these all your clothes?" you ask

                                            >"Yes. These were the ones on me when I got transported here. And obviously I couldn't get more human clothes"


                                            "I see. Then let me escort you back to that orphanage. You will get a nasty cold out here"

                                            >but yet again, Anon doesn't give an answer

                                            >he doesn't have eyes, but his expression tells you he's disappointed and maybe even a bit disgusted

                                            "Anon?" you nudge him a bit with your magic

                                            >"Honestly? I really don't want to go back to that orphanage" he finally answers "I'd rather get hypothermia, and die out here. There's not much point to living blind, in an alien world, when everyone hates your guts. Even the foals there always tease me"

                                            >poor Anon

                                            >right now, you're starting to feel really bad for him

                                            >it's really unbecoming of Equestria, you think, that a peaceful creature would freeze out in the cold on Hearth's Warming Eve

                                            >and that gives you an idea

                                            "You know what? You actually shouldn't. And although I can't escort you to my place right now, I can bring you with me on patrol. That's probably not what you had in mind for the holiday, but at least you won't get frozen if you move around"

                                            >Anon looks in your general direction

                                            >he lifts an eyebrow

                                            >"Thank you for the offer, noble Guardsmare, but I don't want to be a burden. And it's probably illegal for you to bring along random hobo aliens on a patrol"

                                            "Nonsense!" you say, grabbing Anon's hand with your magic "A Royal Guard should help a citizen in clear and immediate danger. And I'd say getting hypothermia is pretty dangerous. Now come on!"

                                            >"B-but I don't even think I'm a citizen here!" Anon says as you begin pulling him along

                                            "Doesn't matter! You can become one! Now let's move!"


                                            >you begin to fast-walk your patrol route with Anon in tow

                                            >poor thing must be pretty confused, that you just dragged him along on a whim

                                            >but you think you've made the right decision, and either just leaving him there, or bringing him back to his orphanage would've been equally wrong

                                            >now you can make this into a Hearth's Warming Eve he will never forget

                                            >especially because this will be his first...

                                            >moving along, you decide to describe what you see to him

                                            >if he can't see it, at least he should hear what's around him

                                            "We're walking along Tacky Tack Street right now. It's lined with two storey buildings on both sides of stone construction, typical of Canterlot. Many of them are adorned with shiny light decorations! They're real pretty! Also, the roofs are snowed in, as it's tradition on Hearth's Warming"

                                            >"Wait officer, do you mean you can control it?"

                                            >you slow down with Anon a bit

                                            "Yeah, sure. We unicorns make the weather here in Canterlot. In the other parts of Equestria, it's mostly the pegasi, but wherever it is, we ponies are in full control of the elements. But you were never told this?"

                                            >"No. I wasn't talked to much" answers Anon, then he puts a hand on his chin "But now that you told me about the decorations, and I know that we're in December... Hearth's Warming reminds me so much of Christmas"


                                            "Christmas? Is that a holiday in your world? Oh and please, just call me Sword from now on. Officer is really flattening, but I'm not actually one! Not yet anyway"

                                            >"Heh... Okay, Sword. Yeah, Christmas is a human holiday. It's supposed to be about kindness, love and togetherness, but it's been twisted into pure consumerism since forever. When I was a kid, it was cool, because I loved the presents, and I never thought about the serious stuff. But as an adult, I never really...felt it. And it was extra bad, because I was pretty lonely all year anyway"

                                            "That indeed sounds a lot like Hearth's Warming. But didn't you have friends back there, Anon? Or family to spend the Holidays with?"

                                            >"No. I had a...pretty lonely existence back there. I think that's why I wished to be in a better place. But I guess you better be careful what you wish for... And I had a family, I just didn't feel like going home for the holidays after I moved out. Wouldn't have felt the same. So I spent the last few Christmases alone"

                                            >you think for a bit

                                            >Anon wished for a new life, in a better place

                                            >and although now he feels disappointed, that shouldn't stay that way

                                            "Anon? I'll make sure this will be the first day of your new, better life here! And I will make you FEEL the holiday, however you may call it!"

                                            >"Sword, you're kind, but I don't think my problems can be solved so easily. There's a whole lotta issues with me"

                                            "Nonsense! We'll iron them out! I'm a Royal Guard, Anon, I'll walk on water if I have to! Now let's go, there are still many holiday sights you need to see!"

                                            >and off you go (and Anon doesn't even know there is actually a spell for waterwalking!)


                                            >but you don't even make a few meters before you feel Anon pulling out his hand from your magic aura

                                            >you look back

                                            "What's the deal Anon? What's wrong?"

                                            >"It just feels kinda weird getting pulled around like that. I'm blind so... I should FEEL the presence of something"

                                            "Right..."

                                            >you begin to think

                                            >telekinesis can indeed feel a bit weird, especially to someone who didn't experience much of it before

                                            >and especially if that someone is blind

                                            >and both are surely true for Anon

                                            "You know what? Grab a hold of my mane. Gently! This sort of helmet makes it into a crest, so it should be at a comfortable waist height for you"

                                            >Anon at first grabs into thin air, but then you stand closer right next to his leg

                                            >now, with physical contact, he guides his hand into your silky-soft mane

                                            >"Ahhh..."

                                            "What's wrong now?"

                                            >"No-nothing. It's actually the opposite. It feels so...good. I didn't realize your manes were so soft and silky"

                                            >Anon hit the nail in the head

                                            >he is very much right

                                            >he found one of your weaknesses

                                            >you always cared VERY MUCH for your mane and tail

                                            >and you always took great pride in them

                                            >you never trimmed them, unlike the Guard Code recommends

                                            >as it's basically optional, you always just used a comb and a few hairpins to make them tidy, like it's befitting a Guardsmare

                                            >anyway, Anon's compliment goes straight to your head

                                            "Thank you! And I might add, not EVERY mane is like mine. But I take great care of it! And it also smells great! Maybe, um...want to give it a smell?"


                                            >"Sure, if you insist!" Anon answers, and bends down to do the thing

                                            >he deeply sniffs into your mane

                                            >he surely gives it a good smell, as it takes a him good ten seconds before he straightens back up

                                            >and for the first time ever, you see a smile on his face

                                            >"Your mane smells great! Hmm, lilac and gooseberries perhaps?"

                                            "Yes, exactly! That's the conditioner I use!"

                                            >"I wasn't a hundred percent sure of the scent, but I guess with your eyesight gone, your other senses become stronger. And how to say this?... It felt great just... Being this close to someone. To someone who cares even a little bit"

                                            "You never experienced that before?" you ask

                                            >"Not really. Not on this level"

                                            "Poor Anon. You know, caring about each other is pretty much a pony tradition. And Hearth's Warming is a culmination of all that! I know your experience regarding that was different so far, but I'm telling you, you're on the right track. And this holiday will be the turning point!"

                                            >"Sword, I don't know if you can indeed solve my problems, but I'm already very thankful for your mere presence. Even if this'll be the only happy day I'll experience in this land"

                                            "Anon, you'll make it, trust me! We'll even look for a place for you to stay, and maybe some job too. I actually heard one of the royal flower pickers had an olfactory overload recently! He's an earth pony, responsible for picking only the most fragrant flowers from the Castle Gardens to place around inside the castle. But now with his acute sense of smell gone, he was rotated into tree grooming. Maybe you could fill in for him? For this job, you really don't need any eyes"

                                            >"Oh, that... That could work out? I guess helping the one in need is also a pony tradition!"

                                            "Yes, of course!"

                                            >as you look at Anon, you can see him smiling again, but then it starts to dissipate

                                            >he's rubbing his hands together, and he's now shivering even more than previously


                                            >you know there is a very immediate solution to this, although it will require you to go greatly against protocol

                                            >but maybe it's Anon's life at risk, and that permits you going against protocols, you think

                                            >you reach out with your magic, and unfasten the belts holding your armor in place

                                            >you slide out of it, and it drops to the ground with a distinctive metallic sound

                                            >Anon looks in the direction, not getting what's happening

                                            >you also take off your helmet, and drop it, as well as your horseshoes

                                            >your mane now snaps back roughly to its usual style

                                            "Anon, could you squat down?"

                                            >"Yeah" he says, and does so "Why tho?"

                                            "Because you know what else is also a pony tradition? Hugs!"

                                            >with that, you wrap your hooves around Anon's neck, and give him a mighty hug

                                            >he also embraces you, and you stay like this for a good minute

                                            >"Ahhh... So warm"

                                            "Do you feel better now?"

                                            >"I do" he says, now nuzzling your mane

                                            "I'm sorry I couldn't give you a gift, Anon. You told me you liked them, but..."

                                            >"Sword? You already gave me the greatest gift imaginable. And for that, I am very thankful"

                                            "Really? Hehe, then... Merry Hearth's Warming, Anon!"

                                            >"Merry Hearth's Warming, Sword!"


                                            And despite the winter chill, Anon felt warm that night. Not so much from the warmth of the guardspony's coat, but from the warmth emenating from her heart. And that warmth was what he needed to find all along.


                                            THE END