It was the night before Hearthswarming Eve, and all throughout Canterlot Castle, a festive joy filled the air. Decorations were hung, feasts prepared, carols rehearsed. But now, the castle had settled in for a good night's rest, with the promise of the gifts tomorrow would bring. Outside, a bat-winged unicorn stallion flew toward the windows of the Lunar Tower, bearing a gift in his hooves.

Princess Luna, watcher of the night, did not rest simply because it was a holiday. She stood watch from her tower, keeping an eye on the sleeping cities. Spotting a familiar figure winging his way toward the tower, she opened the large glass doors. Smiling, she called out, "Welcome, dear Orion! How art thee this fine Hearthswarming Eve?"

Orion smiles and sails through the doors, landing easily on the balcony and embracing the blue aileron in a hug, "I am splendid, dearest Luna! It's so good to see you again! How are things with you and your sister?"

"Things are well, dear friend," Luna says, giving Orion the Royal Canterlot Hug (reserved for special occasions and ponies). "All appears peaceful, as it should this night, but we will watch as we do every night. Pray, what brings thee out on such an evening? Dost thou not desire to be with thy family?"

"There will be time enough for that in the morning," Orion says, after he's managed to recover his breath from being hugged so tight. "I came to give you something." He lets go after a while, "May we adjourn to your chambers?" The gift wrapped box has been transferred to his back by now, supported by his wings.

"Of course, we may retire to our chambers for a while. Please, walk with us." Luna leads the way to her spacious chambers, and closes the door after the two enter. "We were not expecting thee to grace us with thy presence so soon, Orion. Nonetheless, we are quite happy to see thee. What dost thou wish to give us?"

Orion Shadow smiles and presents the box toward her, "I think you'll like it… I called in a few favors from Trottingham." Inside the box was a silver necklace, with a round centerpiece. Inscribed on one side was Luna's own cutie mark, and on the other side, Orion's. There was also a card, which read: "Dearest Luna: Your friendship has meant the world to me these last few years, especially in light of Raven's passing. Without you, I probably would have either destroyed myself out of sorrow, or become a bitter shell of my former self. You saved me from my inner demons, and you've been as loyal as any friend can be. Happy Hearthswarming, Luna. Always, Orion."

Luna gasped in surprise, reading the card and studying the ornate necklace, before slipping it around her neck. "Orion ... this is truly the best gift we could have hoped to receive!" She moved to Orion and gave him another hug (normal this time, but with extra nuzzles). A box floated over to the two. "We hope thou likes our gift to you ... it is not as fancy as thine, but it is from our heart." She presented it to Orion.

Orion gives her a hug back, nuzzling too, before tilting his head in curiosity as he says, "For me? Oh thank you, Luna… I'm sure I'll love it!" He opens the box dramatically!

Inside the box was a simple scarf, or so it would appear. Crafted from the finest wools, in a variety of colors, it seemed to never end when Orion removed it from the box. A card inside, written in fine calligraphic script, read as follows: "Dearest Orion, Thou hast always been a loyal friend and a true companion to us, and we shall never forget thy kindness and caring. We made this scarf for thee with as much love and care as thou hast shown us in our association, and it is our fervent hope that thou will remain our closest friend. Happy Hearthswarming - Luna."

Orion gasps and holds the scarf close to himself, nuzzling it. It even smelled like Luna! And it was so soft, and warm! He wraps it around himself, or at least as much of it as he can, before wrapping the moon princess in a hug of his own, "Oh Luna… thank you… I will treasure this until the end of my days."

"Thou art most welcome, dear Orion," Luna said, holding her friend in a tight hug. "And we promise thee, after thou hast passed from this world, we shall always remember thou and our friendship."

"And I promise to look down on you from the afterlife, maybe pop in every so often as a ghost." He grins a bit. "You wouldn't mind if I stayed here the night, would you? It's a long flight here from Ponyville, even with the scarf…"

Luna smiled. "Of course, Orion. Thou may rest here until the morn, at which time thou shouldst be with thy family." She led Orion to her bed. "Thou may sleep here tonight while we watch over our ponies." A flick of her magic pulled the covers back. "Please, make thyself comfortable."

Orion Shadow climbs into bed, snuggling up with his scarf and pulling the covers over himself with magic, "Happy Hearthswarming, Luna. And goodnight."

"Sleep well, dear one," Luna said, giving Orion a quick tuck-in and a peck on the forehead. "We shall see thee in thy dreams."

Orion blushes as he's kissed, then eventually falls asleep, as a snow outside begins to fall.