Zecora had always considered herself to be a self-sufficient mare. She knew what roots and berries were edible in the Everfree Forest, she was a master at brewing a good kettle of tea, and she was renown by the locals as a credible source for information on cures for illnesses, both common and uncommon. She was fluent in four languages, and could recite—by memory alone— the recipes for more than fifty types of magic potions.

Despite her accomplishments, knowledge, and ability to make do with very little, there was one thing she always had difficulty in dealing with: the cold.

It was, in part, the reason she continued to reside in the Everfree, aside from having easy access to numerous rare and exotic herbs and plants for potions. The trees helped block out the harsh winter winds that blew across the snow-covered land surrounding Ponyville. She could endure snow, but bone-chilling winds were something she had little tolerance for. So as long as she was out of the wind, the long winters of Equestria were not so bad for the zebra mare.

So, as you can imagine, she was less than thrilled to venture outside on the day of Twilight Sparkle’s Hearth’s Warming Eve party. The Castle of Friendship was just north of Ponyville, only a three minute walk down a small road. Unfortunately for Zecora, Twilight’s residence was on the complete opposite side of the small community of Ponyville, not to mention she had a good twenty minute walk through the Everfree to clear as well.

Still, Zecora considered Twilight to be a good friend, and she felt it was only right that she pay the young alicorn a visit for once instead of the other way around. Besides, she had a few small gifts to give to friends of hers that lived in town, and now was as good as any to deliver them. With any luck, she would see most of her friends at the castle as well, and be able to give the gifts to them personally.

Currently, Zecora was wrapping herself in a thick wool scarf that Granny Smith had made for her as a thank you gift after helping the Apples last year with a particularly bountiful crop of Zap Apples. She had insulated winter boots on her hooves, and a heavy cloak to shield her body from the winds. With a determined nod, she picked up her heavy, gift-filled saddlebags, slipped her insulated flask of piping hot tea in one of its pockets, and made her way out of her hut.

She let out a sigh as the cold hit her, puffs of warm air lifting escaping her lips as she began her long journey through the snow-laden path leading out of the Everfree.

“Perhaps I should have put on another layer or two. I fear that what I have on right now just will not do.”

Stopping abruptly, she turned around and made her way back inside her home. A minute passed before she exited her hut once more, now wearing a bright blue knitted hat, courtesy of Rarity, who insisted on giving it to Zecora a week before the first snowfall, stating that no friend of hers should go without something to cover their heads in the winter.

That and, according to Rarity, the hat’s color matched the color of Zecora’s eyes perfectly.

Along with the hat, she was now sporting a wool sweater that made her body itch a little, but provided more insulation than her cloak had by itself.

With a renewed sense of determination and the reassurance of keeping warm, Zecora once more started down the familiar path leading out of the forest and towards Ponyville. She was immediately thankful for her foresight in putting on her, for she had only gone a minute down the path when some snow had sloughed off a branch and plopped noisily onto her head. Grumbling a few obscenities in her native language, she shook off the cold weight from her head and continued onward, wishing she had purchased some of those snowshoes that she remembered hearing about.

Her trek through the forest took her twice as long as it normally would have thanks to the snow. By the time she had made it out of the forest into the fields and hills surrounding Ponyville, she had drunk more than half of her tea and her legs were feeling more than a little stiff.

Still, the sight of Ponyville in the distance warmed her heart a bit. She was glad to see that somepony had decided to clear a small path leading into town from the forest’s edge, and made a note to herself to find out who had done so that she could properly thank them later.

As she entered the town, she was greeted by the sight of decorative candy canes, wreaths, festive lights of all colors, and ornaments that covered windows and trees throughout town. While she didn’t know the significance behind some of the decorations and their relation to this time of year, she did enjoy the atmosphere they seemed to bring. Much like her home country, Equestrians had a love for bringing life and color into their celebrations, and Hearth’s Warming was no exception to this.

“Happy Hearth’s Warming, Zecora,” called out a voice.

Zecora turned to the voice, a smile crossing her lips as she saw Mayor Mare approaching her. “Hello, Mayor Mare, and a Happy Hearth’s Warming to you as well. You and the townsfolk really outdid yourselves on the decorations, that much I can tell.”

“Oh, well, we try to get into the spirit of the holidays as best as we can,” she noted Zecora’s heavy saddlebags and smiled sympathetically. “Looks like you’re a little overburdened for this kind of weather. Are you alright carrying all that weight?”

Zecora chuckled, “Thank you, but you need not worry, for they are not as heavy as they may appear to be. In fact, I can lighten it a little right now with a gift for you, made personally by me.” She dug into her saddle bag, producing a ceramic mug made of a brilliant emerald clay and covered in a fine gloss finish. What was unique about it was that it had a matching ceramic cover to go along with it, attached by a hinge so that it could be flipped open. “I remember you saying how you enjoy your morning brew before work but never have time to finish before it gets too cold for your taste. I crafted this this clay mug so that it will insulate your drink better, and keep it warm longer so that it won’t go to waste.”

Mayor Mare smiled brightly at that. “Oh, Zecora, you shouldn’t have!” She studied the mug, and her smile widened as she noticed her cutie mark etched into the side. “This is truly generous of you, thank you!” Her smile slipped a bit. “I feel a bit ashamed, though. I don’t have a gift to give you in return…”

“Think nothing of it, that is not what the holidays are all about. I am happy with or without a gift, that you need not doubt.”

The older mare smiled softly and pulled Zecora in for a hug. “We’re lucky to have a wonderful mare like you living here, Zecora. If you should ever need anything, do not hesitate to ask me for help.”

“Well, I suppose you could tell me who was responsible for clearing a path from the forest’s edge to the town, then? Without it, I cannot imagine how hard travelling the hills and fields would have been.”

“Ah, yes, that would have been Fluttershy’s idea, if I recall correctly. She said something about you taking that path whenever you go into town or head back into the Everfree. She suggested that the town keep a path clear so you wouldn’t have as much trouble.” Her smile wavered a bit. “Going into the forest itself was something I’m afraid nopony was willing to do, unfortunately.”

“No need to apologize, I appreciate what has already been done. I’m not a fan of the cold, and two feet of snow to walk through is not much fun.” She laughed a little as Mayor Mare gave her a sympathetic nod while shivering. “I’m afraid I must be on my way now though, for as you can see, I have many other gifts to give in tow.” She gestured to her saddlebags.

“Of course. Take care, Zecora, and stay warm. Happy Hearth’s Warming!”

Zecora continued through town, her heart a little lighter and a little more spring in her step. She even felt a little warmer in the chest, and it wasn’t from the sip of tea she had shortly after her conversation with the mayor.

She stopped at a brightly colored building with a cupcake adorning its roof. She smiled, and gently opened the door. She scraped her hooves on the thick mats before the doorway, and sighed contentedly as the warmth of the building wrapped around her. The smell of cinnamon and nutmeg wafted through the air, along with a variety of other welcoming smells. While she didn’t visit Sugarcube Corner that often, she did indulge in a sweet or two on her rare visits to Sugarcube Corner while in town.

Mrs. Cake poked her head in from the kitchen, carrying Pumpkin Cake on her back. The co-owner of the sweet shoppe and bakery beamed at the sight of Zecora standing in her doorway. “Oh, well hello, Zecora! I didn’t expect you to be here.” She looked at the clock. “Can I get you anything? Carrot Cake and I are taking the twins with us to see some relatives in Fillydelphia in a few hours, but we still have an hour before we close up.”

Zecora shook her head and dug into her bags once more. “I only wished to stop by to give you and your family these gifts, so I shall not be too long.” She produced two books and set them on the counter for Cupcake to see. “This book has many baking recipes from my homeland, and this one contains many nursery rhymes as well as some fairy tales and songs.” She glanced at Pumpkin Cake as she continued, chuckling as Pumpking gave her a wide smile.

“Zecora, I…” she gave the mare a soft smile. “Thank you. Here, hold on a moment.” She disappeared into the kitchen once more, and a few minutes later returned with a steaming cup of hot cocoa. “Carrot Cake loves having a kettle of cocoa ready at all times around this time of year, so I don’t see the harm in sharing with a friend like you.” She set the mug on the counter. “It’s not much, but consider it on the house. Oh, here, have this, too.” She placed a large loaf of sweet bread on the counter and began to cover it in some wrapping paper used for clients taking sweets on the go. “It’s not too sweet, so I’m sure you’ll like it. It’s a spiced sweet bread that my mother taught me to make when I was a filly. If you want, I can share the recipe with you some time, too.”

Zecora, who had happily began to sip her cocoa, offered Cupcake a nod and a cheery smile. “A warm brew and a something sweet from you is always a welcome treat. To be honest, I’m a bit sore, would you terribly mind if I take a seat?”

“Oh, not at all. We’re already packed, but the train to Fillydelphia doesn’t leave for a bit, so we’re not in any rush.” Cupcake adjusted Pumpkin Cake on her back as she went on. “Carrot Cake is just doing some last minute deliveries in town before we head out, and Pound Cake is still napping, unlike a certain little lady.” She gave Pumpkin Cake a smile as the unicorn foal began to suck on her hoof.

“Little Pumpkin has grown quite a lot since I last saw her, I’m really surprised.” Zecora gave Cupcake a knowing smile, and added. “Has she got into any mischief yet, or at the very least tried?”

Cupcake let out a weary sigh, but her smile never left. “Yes, yes, she and her brother seem to have a fascination for getting into our bags of flour. They like to dump it onto their heads for some reason, and find it amusing to no end.” She chuckled as she gave her daughter a nuzzle. “If it didn’t create such a mess everytime, I’d find the sight of them giggling like that adorable. Isn’t that right, my little Pumpkin?”

Pumpkin Cake replied with a string of babbling before lovingly hugging the nape of Cupcake’s neck.

“Pumpkin, sweetie, why don’t you say thank you to Zecora for the gifts?”

Pumpkin Cake looked to Zecora, and held out her hooves towards her. Cupcake giggled and looked to Zecora with a soft smile. “It looks like she’s in a hugging mood today.”

Zecora chuckled in turn before walking around the counter and allowing Pumpkin Cake to give her a heartfelt embrace.

“Suh-cora…” Pumpkin said, returning the nuzzle.

Zecora’s eyes widened as she looked from the filly to Cupcake.

“Well, I’ll be…” Cupcake whispered, letting her smile grow.

“I…” Zecora found herself speechless for a moment, surprised by the unexpected display of affection. She managed to come back to her senses and chuckled softly. “I am happy you like my gift. Seeing you smile makes my journey here worthwhile, through the chilly winds and snow drifts.” She gave the filly a final nuzzle before giving her back to her mother.

The next few minutes passed with Zecora enjoying her cocoa while Cupcake looked over the fairy tale book with Pumpkin Cake, the little filly studying the pictures on the pages with wide-eyed wonder all the while.

“I’ll have to be going now if I wish to not be late for Twilight’s party tonight. I had best hurry, lest I lose what little remains of the waning daylight.” Zecora sighed while giving the mother and daughter a fond smile. “I do hope you and your family have a wonderful Hearth’s Warming, Cupcake. The next time I’m in town, I’ll be sure to stop by and visit for a short lunch break. This sweetened spice bread smells heavenly, and I may indeed have to take up the offer for your mother’s recipe.”

“Alright, Zecora, I’ll be sure to have the recipe ready for you when you next visit, then. If you see Pinkie Pie at the castle, be sure to let her know we’ll be back in town before the end of the year, would you?”

“I’m sure I will be seeing Pinkie Pie at the party, so I’ll be sure to let her know.” She turned towards the exit and let out a heavy breath. “Wish me luck, Cupcake, for I must once more go out and brave the treacherous snow.”

Cupcake laughed. “Take care, Zecora. Have a wonderful holiday!”

The cheerful atmosphere of Ponyville was palpable to her as she passed through the center of town. She couldn’t help but let a smile form across her chapped lips whenever she greeted a friend, be it Lyra and Bonbon taking a walk through the snow-covered park, Mister Waddle refilling a feeder for the overwintering birds, or greeting rosy-cheeked Cheerilee and Junebug as they enjoyed a cup of eggnog while sitting under the overhang of the former’s front porch.

She was beginning to wish that she had involved herself with the town’s from the very beginning back when she had first moved to the Everfree Forest. Though, she was fairly certain that if it weren’t for a certain red-maned filly and a studious unicorn-turned-alicorn and her friends, she may very well still be spending the holidays in her hut, curled up in a warm blanket and just enjoying a good book and cup of herbal tea to chase off the cold.

Truly, she owed Twilight Sparkle and her friends, as well as Apple Bloom, a lot. While the circumstances of their first meeting may have not been a friendly social call, they had quickly wormed their way into her heart, and become some of the first friends she had made since she moved to Equestria.

As her mind drifted towards thoughts of her friends, the wind began to pick up. She tightened her scarf with a firm tug from a foreleg, and squinted as gust of wind kicked up some of the powdery snow into the air. She was now just outside of town, and could see the crystalline castle of Twilight Sparkle gleaming in the waning sunlight. It was like a welcoming beacon to her, and she picked up her pace once more.

She was a bit surprised when the ornate double doors of the castle entrance opened up as she approached the steps, and was greeted by a short, bundled up figure with two bright, green eyes.

“Heya, Zecora! Happy Hearth’s Warming!”

Zecora raised a curious eyebrow, though her mind quickly recognized the voice belonging to Ponyville’s resident dragon. “Ah, hello young Spike, I apologize, but I didn’t recognize you for a moment beneath all those layers. Not that I can blame you; I too am not much of a lover of the frigid winter air.”

The dragon laughed goodnaturedly. “Heh, yeah, scales aren’t good at keeping heat in compared to thick winter coats.” He leaned in, and pulled down the scarf covering his face, whispering just loud enough to be heard over the wind. “I know she can’t help it, but Twilight’s always had a problem with leaving hair all over the place during the winter time and spring when she’s shedding her coat. It’s been crazy-hard trying to keep the castle clean with her fur getting all over the place. I mean, it’s not even spring, why is she shedding fur already?” He paused for a moment to glance over his shoulder, and then added. “Um… could you not mention that I told you all of that to Twilight or anyone else?”

Zecora let a smirk cross her lips. “Your secret is safe with me, Spike, of that you can be assured. I shall not tell another of your confession; not a single word.” She stiffened a bit as a particularly harsh wind blew past. “As much as I do love to chat, though, would it be alright if I come inside? This blistering cold is getting to me, and I fear I may learn firsthoof what it’s like to have a frost-bitten hide.”

“Oh, yeah, come on in!” Spike opened the door fully and ushered her in with a gloved hand. Once she was inside, Spike closed the doors and threw off his scarf. “Twilight’s got the fireplace going, and almost everyone is already here. We were getting worried that you wouldn’t show up, actually.”

“Yes, forgive me, but I was visiting others while passing through Ponyville. During this time of year it’s hard not to stop and share holiday cheer and goodwill.”

“Heh, I hear ya,” Spike replied with a nod as he pulled off his coat and hat, leaving only his scarf on. “Everyone’s in the dining hall. I can take your coat and stuff and hang them up for you, if you want.”

“Thank you, that would be a great help—oh, and here’s your gift before I forget.” Zecora dug into her bag, producing a small box wrapped in festive colors. “The comic book store owner said this was the most popular one in the set.”

Spike took the box, and gave Zecora a curious look. She urged him to open it with a smile, and he did so. His eye lit up as he pulled out a small figurine depicting a mare in a heroic looking costume. “This… t-this is the limited edition Zapp from the Power Ponies Fifth Generation Collectibles Series! You had to reserve one of these like… months before it was available on shelves! H-how did you get this?!”

Zecora smiled proudly. “When one shops around and haggles as much as I do, you tend to develop a very keen eye. I must admit, while I’m not familiar with these comic books, I could tell it was a very good buy—”

Zecora was cut off as a pair of scaly arms wrapped around her frame. She recovered quickly, and gave Spike a hug with a free foreleg.

“Thanks, Zecora. I know it’s kind of silly, but this means a lot. I… I try not to collect a lot of things, because, well… you know how dragons get with hoarding things, but…” He held the figurine fondly. “This is awesome. I mean it. Thank you.” He let go of her, only to gently tug on her leg. “C’mon, I’ll let everyone know you’re here, then I can give you your gift from Twilight and I.”

As Zecora made her way into the castle with, Spike carrying her cloak and winter clothes in hand, she could pick up the faint sound of laughter and talking. She could immediately pick out several familiar voices, the loudest being a trio of fillies that she had come to associate with preventing Ponyville from ever becoming too dull of a place.

Then, as if on cue, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle poked their heads out of the entrance into the dining hall, their eyes lighting up upon seeing Zecora.

“Zecora!” they cheered in unison, galloping towards the mare to greet her.

“Hello, Cutie Mark Crusaders, I hope you three are doing well,” she greeted in kind. Her eyes widened for a moment as she took in the three fillies’ faces, and bit down a giggle as she added. “It appears you three have already partaken in the holiday treats, from what I can tell…”

“Huh?” Scootaloo asked, voicing the thoughts of her two friends, who shared perplexed looks.

Zecora motioned with a hoof to her muzzle, then pointed a hoof at them.

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle both had dollops of whipped cream on their muzzles while Apple Bloom had some sprinkles flecked across her lips.

“O-oh!” Sweetie Belle was quick to wipe away her muzzle with a napkin she happened to have on hand while Scootaloo and Apple Bloom merely wiped their faces with a hoof. “Yeah, that was from the hot cocoa,” Sweetie Belle replied.

Apple Bloom stepped forward. “We’re so glad you could make it, Zecora! C’mon, there’s a whole bunch of food you gotta try!”

“Rarity says we can’t drink the eggnog though. Something about it being for grown-ups only,” Sweetie Belle added.

“Yeah, I don’t get it, I’ve had eggnog plenty of times before and never got in trouble for it,” Scootaloo said with a pout.

“That’s because this eggnog has brandy in it. Applejack said so,” Apple Bloom explained.

“What’s brandy?” Scootaloo asked. “Does it taste good?”

“I don’t think so, since only adults can drink it.”

“Yeah, most adult things don’t taste very good,” Sweetie Belle agreed. “There’s still lots of other things to eat and drink, though!” she added with a hop. Before Zecora could get another word in, the three fillies dashed back into dining hall, likely to announce her arrival.

Spike, who had been trailing behind Zecora, sighed loudly. “You’d think after they got their cutie marks that they’d mellow out a bit…”

“Now, now, Spike, there’s no need to be so moody,” Zecora said, giving the dragon a light nudge with a hoof. “Especially not during the holidays, wouldn’t you agree?”

“Heh, yeah, I suppose. They’re not so bad, I guess.” Spike hung up Zecora’s cloak and winter attire on a coat rack by the door. “Wish they’d stop trying to hang holly over my head, though. I mean, it’s not even the right plant! Mistletoe has white colored berries, not red!”

When the two finally entered the dining hall, it was like stepping into a whole other world. It was as though someone had tried to cover every possible inch of available space in decorations. There was tinsel hanging from the crystal chandeliers, the windows had been covered in what appeared to be decorative paint meant to mimic frost, and there was pine tree branches hanging from the ceiling, tied together with long red ribbons, holly, and lights.

“Zecora!”

The zebra mare looked towards the crowd gathered in the dining hall, immediately spotting Twilight Sparkle amongst them.

“Tell her the sweater looks nice,” Spike whispered to Zecora.

Zecora gave him a confused look.

Spike just nodded.

Zecora turned back to Twilight, and immediately understood what Spike was talking about. Twilight was wearing a colorful sweater. While most of it was red and white with festive images of snowflakes and candy canes, the front depicted what appeared to be six ponies standing in front of a colorful green tree. Upon closer inspection, she was able to make out the six ponies to be none other than Twilight Sparkle and her close friends.

“Oh,” Twilight beamed happily as she noticed Zecora’s gaze on her sweater. “Do you like it? Princess Luna gave it to me as a Hearth’s Warming present yesterday when I visited Canterlot!”

“It…” Zecora chose her next words carefully. “It is a rather unique, festive design. Y-yes, indeed, I think it is quite fine.” She offered Twilight a weak grin.

“Well, thank you! Princess Luna worked very hard on making it. She was excited to try her hoof at sweater-making after Princess Celestia told her festive sweaters are very popular during Hearth’s Warming.”

Zecora had a feeling that the Sun Princess may have been using the term ‘popular’ in an ironic sense, but seeing how much Twilight liked her sweater, she just didn’t have the heart to say anything to the young alicorn.

“Well, I’m glad you’re here!” Twilight gestured to the fireplace in the far corner of the hall, where everyone was gathered. They made their way towards the others as she went on. “We’ve got tons of food and drink, so help yourself. We were also thinking of going out to do some caroling in a little bit if you want to join us. Rainbow Dash said the wind was supposed to die down soon, and there’s no more snowfall scheduled until next week.”

While Zecora was tempted to simply stay indoors, the opportunity to enjoy time with friends was far more appealing to her. “I’m afraid I’m not that skilled in the way of song, but I would still enjoy tagging along.”

“Oh, that’s silly, Zecora, anyone with a voice can sing!” Pinkie Pie appeared before Zecora, wearing a long stocking cap with bells on the end. “Besides, with how good you are at rhyming, I bet you’ll do fine!”

“Yeah, and even if you can’t sing that well, there’s enough of us here to cover for you,” Rainbow Dash added.

“Rainbow Dash, there’s no need to be rude,” Rarity said with a sniff. “Don’t mind her, Zecora, I’m sure you have a perfectly lovely singing voice.”

“Yeah, and besides, it’s about the spirit of the holiday that matters, not how off-key you are!” Applejack added, walking up to Zecora and offering her a plate of food. “Here you go, Zecora. Got a little bit of everything for you to choose from. Granny Smith made us some apple pie. She’d be here to give it to you personally if she didn’t have to be up early tomorrow. We’re having Pinkie’s family over tomorrow for a big ol’ family gathering, so she needs all the rest she can get, and Big Macintosh needs to be up early to help out. He’s always helped her prepare the big Hearth’s Warming meals in our family.”

In short order, Zecora joined the girls with her plate of food of warm food. As she ate, the girls swapped stories of past Hearth’s Warmings. At some point, the topic of Hearth’s Warming itself was brought up, and Twilight went into an abbreviated tale of the foundation of Equestria and the Fire of Friendship that supposedly chased away the cold and the dreaded Windigoes.

After finishing her meal, the group had a small gift exchange. Amidst the the thank yous, hugs, and laughter, Zecora couldn’t help but feel that sensation of warmth flood through her again, and she was fairly certain it wasn’t from the hot cider she had been sipping.

“Alrighty, everypony, let’s get out and do some caroling!” Pinkie declared happily as she threw on a scarf and boots. “Come on, the sooner we get out there, the sooner we can get to singing!”

Zecora looked out a window overlooking Ponyville. Thoughts of the snow and cold sent an involuntary shiver throughout her body.

“Um, Zecora, are you alright?” asked the soft voice of Fluttershy. When Zecora turned to meet her gaze, Fluttershy added. “I just… noticed you were looking outside, and had a really… serious look on your face.” She took a step back. “Y-you don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to, but I was just concerned. I… sorry if I bothered you…”

“No need for apologies, Fluttershy, I was merely thinking about the cold. I am not very fond of it, as I’m sure you’ve been told.” She smiled knowingly, and added. “I heard that a certain pegasus suggested that a path be cleared between the Ponyville and the Everfree. Now, tell me, who could that pony possibly be?”

Fluttershy hid her face between a lock of her mane as a bashful smile crossed her lips. “I-I just thought that it would be nice to make it easier for you to travel during the winter. I know you’re not a fan of winter, so I figured it was only right to give you some help, seeing as you live in the Everfree.”

Zecora nodded. “Well, Fluttershy, I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness. It was a splendid surprise to receive as I exited the forest earlier today, I must confess.”

“Oh, well, I’m just glad I could help.” Fluttershy’s own smile grew. “Thank you again for those vegetable seeds, by the way. I’m sure Angel Bunny and the rest of my little animal friends will enjoy fresh vegetables from the garden this summer.”

“Hey, you two slowpokes coming or what? Spike’s already done getting his winter stuff on, and he’s wearing three layers of clothing and a coat!”

Fluttershy giggled and called out to Rainbow Dash, “We’ll be right there.”

Zecora cast another wary glance outside. “I wish I could be even half as eager as Rainbow Dash and the others. After all, zebras like myself have thinner fur, and lack any insulating feathers.”

“Oh I know how you feel. Most pegasi don’t mind the cold too much, but I sometimes wouldn’t mind bundling up in some blankets and just hibernating with my animal friends.” She giggled at the thought. “Don’t worry, Zecora, we’ll be sticking close together, and Rainbow Dash said the wind should have died down by now.”

Fluttershy had a point, and to be honest, Zecora didn’t mind the idea of being out in the snow too much… so as long as she had her insulating boots and scarf on.

Caroling turned out to be a rather enjoyable experience. While Zecora wasn’t familiar with most of the songs the group sang, the girls made no comment about it, instead just enjoying having her company. It was a wonderful cultural experience for her, at the very least, much like the first Nightmare Night celebration she participated in.

She did feel a little for Spike a little bit. The poor dragon was wrapped up so tight that he had trouble keeping up with the rest. Eventually, Twilight ended up placing him on her back to save him from falling face down into the snow and struggle to get back to his feet.

The other denizens of Ponyville would listen as their group would sing, oftentimes joining in as well. Even as it got later into the evening, Zecora found herself not minding the cold as much as she had thought she would. Perhaps Twilight was right when she said that the weather wouldn’t be that bad.

That or perhaps there was a bit of truth to that old mare’s tale about the Fires of Friendship. Maybe… maybe there was some greater power behind friendship, something that lit a fire in the hearts of those who welcomed others into their lives. Was it just during the holidays that this fire blazed to life, though?

“Zecora, how are you doing?”

Zecora was shaken from her thoughts by Twilight, who had walked up beside her as they made their way through town.

“I am doing well, Twilight, though… I feel I have a question that needs asking, although it is a tad embarrassing.”

“There’s no need to be embarrassed, Zecora. You’re a wise and knowledgeable friend, but nopony knows everything.” She placed a gentle hoof on Zecora’s shoulder. “What’s your question?”

“You mentioned in your story about Equestria’s founding about a friendship that took the form of flame. I noticed while we have been out and about that the cold doesn't bother me anymore… could this warmth possibly be the same?”

Twilight quirked an eyebrow for a second, only for her eyes to widen. “Oh! The Fires of Friendship? Hm… well, I don’t see why not. We’re friends with you, and Hearth’s Warming does tend to bring friends and family closer together. Even Spike’s been telling me that the cold isn’t bothering him as much… though it might just be that he’s trying to look tough in front of Rarity.” She cast a sideways glance towards her assistant, who was currently talking with said fashionista.

“I know much about various types of magic, and friendship indeed possess great power. Still, could such a power really be keeping me warm at such a late, cold hour?”

Twilight smiled. “It’s worth looking into, but for now? I think you should just enjoy yourself, Zecora. As the Princess of Friendship, I can say this much: friendship is something is hard to contain or define in one singular term as far as magical studies go. It varies from individual to individual, but there is one constant that it requires.”

Zecora’s own frown morphed into a smile as she gave a nod. “Friendship indeed only requires one constant to endure. It requires one to have good friends, of that I am sure.”

“Precisely,” Twilight said. “Anyway, I think it’s okay to believe that friendship could very well be responsible for you feeling warmer. In Rainbow Dash’s case, though, I think she’s all warm in the cheeks because she had too much eggnog, but that’s besides the point.” Twilight nodded towards the others. “I know the trip back to your hut is long, so you’re welcome to stay at my castle for the evening, Zecora, as well as anytime you visit. You’ve helped me a lot through the years, and you’ve always been there to provide me with advice when I needed it. It’s the least I can do for you.”

“Your offer is kind, and I accept it wholeheartedly. I’d rather not travel back at night while the paths are cold and icy,” Zecora replied.

The rest of the night passed in a blur of singing, dancing, snowball fights, and general jubilation. Throughout it all, Zecora had come to at least one conclusion: she could endure even the coldest of winters, so as long as she had good friends to share her time with.

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