The next day dawned cold and clear, the sun appearing from behind the slate grey clouds of the previous night, driving back the blue shadows of that dark hour before sunrise, and turning the previously threatening clouds into a beautiful patchwork of pinks and golds, the light from which reflected off of the snow and ice on the ground below. Two mares sat together, drinking from the same simple pot of tea, and watching the castle beneath them wake up.

“It’s beautiful.” Twilight said simply. “Every little thing is covered in frost.”

Tarantella nodded. “It’s not often winters get this cold, is it? This is normal for me and my family, but I believe that the southern climes are warmer than my home.”

Twilight nodded. “This winter is one of the colder ones I have seen. Though most of my previous winters have been in areas where the weather is controlled. All of them, actually.”

Tarantella shifted closer, taking warmth from her. “You have never experienced a true winter, then.”

“I suppose not.”

Tarantella picked out a new feature of the castle with her excellent vision. “Cara Mia, what is that opening in the trees? The one out near the edge of the fields?”

Twilight followed her partner’s line of sight. At the sight of the gap in the foliage, she lit up. “That’s the way to an apple orchard. All the trees are bare right now, of course, but in the spring they’ll flower, and in summer and fall they’ll bear fruit. We can have jam and pies and cider, all sorts of wonderful things.”

“That seems to please you to no end, Twilight.”

“Yes. Living in Ponyville, before…before everything, there was a very special time of year. Cider season. It was sort of my way of telling myself that fall was there. My frie- one of the ponies I knew, Applejack, she made it with her family. I was there for some of the process for her special batches, the alcoholic cider. It was simple to make, but she had some kind of magic about it. Spices, apples, a pinch of earth for luck, apple yeast, and honey were all that went in, but the very best drink I have ever had came from those barrels. Shared with others, of course, served at room temperature against the chill in the air. I developed quite the appreciation for apples while I was there.”

Tarantella placed one wing over her lover. “You miss them terribly, don’t you?”

Twilight was silent for a moment. “More than I know right now, I think. But that is not an issue. We have ponies to tend to, you and I.”

The pearl grey Pegasus shifted. “I suppose…before we do so, however, might we take a walk to your orchard? I should like to see it.”

Twilight Sparkle drained the last of her tea. “Of course. If we leave soon, we can avoid the morning rush of ponies. Expect quite the welcome when we return, however.”

Tarantella smiled. “I look forward to it. Come, let us go.”

The route to the orchard was not, in fact, a long one. A scant mile and a half of winding trail, covered by thick boughs overhead and muffled by new fallen snow led the two ponies, who had fled through a side gate, greeting the Lunar Guard standing at his post in the cold, and cantering across the empty fields towards the path and the orchard. It was only when they had rounded the wall of the castle and began their movement to the forest that Twilight noticed Spike was absent from his usual early morning perch atop the aviary. He was certainly not accountable to her, however, and Twilight trusted he would be able to handle himself.

The hooves of the two ponies crunched on the fresh layer of snow as they trotted through the forest, scarves around their necks the only ward against the cold as they chattered and talked, each discussing what the other had missed in their absence. Laughter rang through the trees, Tarantella’s glowing bursts of honest mirth lying under the silver bell tones of Twilight’s laughter, as each took comfort from the fact that their holiday would not be spent alone. The pair reached their destination soon enough, a grove of bare trees, dark bark sharply contrasting with the world of white around them. These, too, were covered in snow and ice, frost residing in every nook and cranny available.

Into the grove they strode, as Tarantella looked around appreciatively. The trees themselves grew in a circle, around a small boulder in their center, a proud lump of stone that occupied a small hillock, the only high ground in the area, as if daring the forest to take it. Twilight trotted forward, leaning against it as she surveyed the potential source of food.

“This will be one of the more beautiful spots around come spring. Apple blossoms, birds chirping, green grass…a quiet spot if not for all the Earth ponies that will surely be around here. I’d volunteer to work here if it meant spending time in this place.” The unicorn said, hopping on top of the rock. “Come on up! You can’t exactly see the tops of the trees here, but you can see a lot further.”

The Pegasus Flapped he wings gently, landing lightly beside the unicorn, who took a step to the side in order to accommodate her. The added weight of the Pegasus, light as it was, was enough to cause the previously heavy-seeming boulder to shift and wobble precariously. Twilight’s natural instincts, to shift in the opposite direction, only served to dislodge it further, and the unicorn’s hooves flew out from under her, tipping her into Tarantella, who flared her wings in order to steady herself before both of them tumbled off of the boulder, landing in a heap of feathers, fur, and hooves.

Twilight groaned. “Ow. My head…are you alright, Tara?”

The Pegasus’s reply was muffled by snow, but Twilight managed to catch the words “move” and “can’t breathe”. She rolled off of her marefriend, lying in the snow and staring up at the sky as Tarantella rolled over, giggling softly to herself.

“I’m quite alright, Altro Ala Mia. Though I think that rock is a bit less solid than it would appear.”

Both ponies got to their hooves slowly, examining the boulder. It had shifted loose, whether from Tarantella’s weight or some strange effect of the cold they did not know, but both of them saw what the boulder had concealed. The corner of a wooden trapdoor gleamed wetly in the winter sun. Even from a distance, Twilight saw the preservation runes painstakingly chiseled into its surface. The Pegasus and unicorn looked at one another excitedly. Who knew what could be concealed underneath? What had some pony paid dearly to preserve in the middle of an apple orchard?

Twilight gently lifted the boulder to one side with her magic, depositing it gently at the bottom of the rise as Tarantella ran her hooves along the wood, searching for a catch or clasp. “I cannot open this,” she said, befuddled. “Some secret switch, perhaps?”

Twilight peered at the runes. “It looks like this can only be unlocked with some fairly advanced magic.” Her horn lit up. “Stand back, please. I don’t know what will happen.”

Tarantella moved to stand beside her, crouched low and ready for trouble. Twilight’s horn began to pulse with magic, as a gentle beam of light played over the unusual door, causing the runes to glow softly. Twilight’s face screwed up in concentration as she pushed a bit harder, causing certain runes to light up and others to diminish. Gradually, a pattern began to emerge ,that of a sun and moon, and they both heard a *click* from inside the trapdoor, which raised itself a few inches off of the ground, revealing a gap large enough for a hoof to fit under. Tarantella wedged hers inside of it quickly, before pushing the solid slab of wood open.

The door swung open silently, and the couple looked down into the small space below. What they saw filled them with wonder, and no small amount of joy. There, on shelves below, lay rows and rows of barrels and boxes. It wasn’t enough to keep them fed for long, especially considering that there was an entire castle to feed. A meal maybe, possibly a bit left over. But what a meal it would be! The boxes were emblazoned with the old Royal Seal, clearly a reserve for the Princesses themselves. Excitedly, the two pulled them open, giggling like schoolfillies as they uncovered sweets, rich bread, jars of fruit, candied nuts, and more. One box was nothing but lovingly wrapped cheeses, another full of bright red berries in glass jars. The rich smell of chocolate came from another box, and Twilight gasped to see containers of marzipan, thick with honey and almonds. Then came the barrels, and there were at least as many barrels as boxes. Twilight read the labels carefully. Bees, indicating mead. Grapes for wine. But fully one half of the barrels were marked with a stylized apple. Cider. And each box and barrel was stamped with the mark of the Princesses, meaning that it was of the highest quality.

Twilight spun to face Tarantella. “Tarantella, do you know what this means? We have something to give those ponies back at the castle. Something to celebrate with them. Tara, even if it’s false, we still have…we still have…”

The Pegasus kissed her mare. “Hope, Cara Mia. We have hope for them.” She walked to the trapdoor. “Come. We will need strong backs for this.”

The ponies assembled in the main hall of the Regia were confused as to the reason for the meeting. As many as possible had been packed into the room, accounting for about half of the population, at standing room only. They knew only that they were about to be spoken to by Twilight Sparkle, and that it had something to do with the holiday and the rationing situation. Many expected some sort of admonishment, or news that they would be running out of food before the holiday. Because of this, the mood was a grey one, not exactly bad, but definitely lacking in cheer.

The door located near the podium opened, and the unicorn mare who led them stepped out carefully, proceeding to the small rise above the crowd and standing very still, waiting for them to quiet down. It took only a brief moment for the ponies to notice her and cease talking completely. Twilight Sparkle was something of an orator, believe it or not, and listening to her speak was always an enjoyable experience, regardless of what she had to say.

“Thank you for coming, everypony. I have gathered you all here today because I have some good news for you all. However, we will also be putting the outcome of this event to a vote, so I need you all to think this over carefully. Your well-being is what is at stake here, so I feel unable to make the decision without consulting you all. Is that understood?”

A rumbling “Aye” was emitted from the collected ponies. Twilight Sparkle smiled, and addressed the waiting crowd.

“We have found a very small cache of supplies, hidden in the old apple orchard that was recently discovered.”

There was an immediate excited buzz from the crowd. Smiles began to appear on faces, and several of the few remaining Pegasi flared their wings in celebration. Twilight raised her hoof, waiting for the ponies to settle down. Once they had, she proceeded. “Now, when I say very small, I mean extremely small. Enough to feed everypony in the castle, for one meal and one meal alone. The meal, however, is what I have brought you here for. The haul includes quite a few items that would make for an excellent Hearth’s Warming Eve dinner. That decision, however, does not belong to me. It belongs to you all. If you choose, I will have the ingredients parceled out as best as we can get them, things like fruit and nuts and cider and such. You can take them home and share them with your families. Or, if you so choose, we can keep all the ingredients here, and come Hearth’s Warming, we can have one feast together, as a group. I’ll not be having dissent, however, so we must vote. All for the division and release of the food that was found?”

Twilight waited for the “ayes” that would follow. Not a sound was heard in the hall. She nodded thoughtfully. “All those against?” Nearly every single hoof shot skyward. “And those for the Hearth’s Warming Feast?” There was a roar of assent from those present. “Those against?” Surprisingly, one hoof rose into the air, belonging to an elderly Earth pony near the front. Twilight looked at him curiously. “You wish for another option?”

When the Earth pony spoke, his voice was strong and deep, giving the lie to his battered exterior. “It’s not that, precisely, ma’am. I just had a few questions regarding the supplies, is all.”

Twilight motioned for the elder to step forward. “Of course, go ahead and speak.”

“You say that they were found in an orchard nearby? An apple orchard?”

Twilight nodded. “Yes, that’s right.”

The Earth pony rubbed his chin with one hoof. “And you said cider was among that which was found? Hard cider?”

The unicorn looked at him curiously. “Yes. Quite a bit of it.”

“Might we be able to perform a wassailing, for us northern apple farmers?”

Twilight was confused. “A wassailing?”

The Earth pony nodded. “A wassailing, ma’am. The idea is that we use that which was taken from the trees and give some back, it provides them with new life, makes the fruit that much sweeter and more plentiful. Cider is the traditional wassailing piece. We give some back to the trees, and thank the earth for what it has given us. Many of the northern farmers will tell you that they do the same with their apple crops.”

There were a few nods from the crowd. Another Earth pony raised his hoof. “It’s true, Lady Twilight! If there was a way to give back to the trees, we’d be thankful for it.”

Twilight smiled. “It seems to me a wonderful idea. But the supplies are not mine, they are yours. Another vote, then. Who among you wishes for some of the cider to be used in a wassailing?”

At first, only a few hooves shot up. Then a few more, and more still, until every Earth pony, all of the Pegasi, and all but a few of the unicorns had their hooves in the air. Twilight turned to the elder.

“There you have it, then. You will have cider for your wassailing.”

Another cheer rose from the northern farmers, and applause filled the air as ponies muttered in excitement, discussing what could be done. Another pony, a unicorn, raised one hoof. “Might we have permission to cut down a pine from the forest? We could have it decorated as a centerpiece!”

There was a mutter of assent. “Well, I’d have to check with Radiant Zenith. But I see no reason as to why you could not.” Twilight said.

Ponies began to congregate in groups, discussing plans to make chains of colored paper, to thread some of the bright red holly berries growing in patches outside into garlands, to sculpt snow and organize caroling and winter games and concerts and bonfires and much more besides. A Hearth’s Warming Eve pageant was organized before Twilight’s eyes, and soon packs of ponies began to tear out of the hallway, on missions to bring good tidings to all, and to tell them to get ready, to deck the halls in preparation, because Hearth’s Warming Eve was coming in a few days!

Smiling and shaking her head, Twilight exited the room quietly, passing back through the door she had entered. Tarantella was waiting for her along with Radiant Zenith.

“And?” Tarantella asked, waiting on her response.

“It was nearly unanimous, save for one pony. We’re having our Hearth’s Warming Eve together. And the one only wanted to set aside some of the cider for a wassailing.” Twilight said, as they walked down the hallway.

“He follows the old ways, then.” Radiant Zenith said. “I’m glad to hear that.”

Tarantella whistled. “They must be old, if you remember them.” There was a brief moment before she realized what she had said. “Wait…”

Radiant Zenith laughed. “Yes, they’re old indeed. They were ancient long before I was born, apparently they came down with the tribes from the north, before Celestia and Luna even manifested themselves. It’s good to hear that the ponies have decided to share in the food. I took the liberty of having the food moved to the kitchens, either for division or preparation.” she said, as they pushed open the doors to the room in question.

Twilight was looking at a scene that could best be described as “ecstatic panic”. Apparently word had gotten out about the decision that had been reached, and every pony in the place was running around on some culinary mission or another. The head chef, a competent old battleax of an Earth mare who went by the name of Au Jus, spotted Twilight through the crowd, bellowing at ponies to remove themselves from her path as she strode towards the trio of mares watching them. Reaching their hooves, she bowed.

“Milady! Welcome! We have a lot to do in five days’ time, so we are a bit busy. However, I’ve heard news that you’ve been sending back my food untouched, so I can have somepony whip something up for you if you like. Oy!” she cried, pointing at a pony who was staggering under the weight of jars of jam. “Drop those and I’ll beat you into marzipan! Carry them proper-like, or get somepony to help you!” Remembering where she was, she spun to face Twilight once more.

“Apologies, Lady Sparkle. Could I get something for you?” she asked.

Twilight shook her head. “No, but thank you. I’m actually here to tell you to reserve some of the cider.”

Au Jus winked. “For a wassailing, right? Did those in Fillydelphia a few times before I left to study cooking in Manehatten. Not to worry, I’ve set some aside for later use. Considering the number of Northerners, I decided fifteen barrels would suffice. They’re fairly large, as well.”

Radiant Zenith cleared her throat. “Exactly how many barrels of cider were recovered?”

The Earth pony offered a hoof to the unicorn, who took it, jumping down to the level of the kitchen. As both ponies walked away, Twilight heard them discussing values and numbers. “Well, we counted seventy eight of cider, eighteen of wine, twenty four of mead…”

Twilight and Tarantella watched them go, chattering amiably about logistics and supply and schedules, before Tarantella turned to Twilight. “There are a few things you’ll need to know before the wassailing.” she said.

Twilight tilted her head curiously. “Such as?” she asked.

“Firstly, it’s an old ritual. Very old. There are a few things associated with it, depending on which version of the wassail you use. It’s a fertility rite involving the trees, and as such ponies expect you to do it right.” Tarantella said seriously.

“A fertility rite?”

“Not the sort of fertility rite you are undoubtedly thinking of. You’ll be singing carols to drive away evil spirits, and pouring cider on the ground to promote growth in the trees. Were it a vineyard you’d be pouring wine.”

Twilight laughed. “You say it like I’m going to have to lead them.”

Tarantella nodded. “Odds are extremely good you will. It’s a great honor to lead a wassail, and if the ponies nominate you, which they undoubtedly will, then it’s the polite thing to accept.” She paused at the look on Twilight’s face. “Cara Mia, relax. It’s great fun, we used to go a-wassailing up north. I led one once. You wear a crown of holly and a cape of white, and carry a lantern at the head of the procession. And it’s really quite informal. Likely everypony will have been drinking heavily beforehand, so you have no reason to fret.”

“But I know nothing about wassailing!” Twilight said. “What makes me qualified to lead ponies in that?”

“What makes you qualified to lead ponies in anything?” Tarantella said, as they trotted up a flight of stairs. “You certainly are no politician. So why do ponies choose to follow you?”

Twilight was silent. Tarantella pressed her advantage. “They do it because they love you, Twilight Sparkle. They trust you, and they look up to you. This is why it is detrimental to them if you are starving yourself. It is good to see you eat, and when you are happy, they are. You’ve seen them, they adore you, and they support you. I promise, you will do a fine job leading the procession.”

Twilight sighed. “I just don’t know how to do a wassailing, is all. What do I say? How do I lead them? What’s expected of me?”

Tarantella laughed. “Do not worry, Twilight. I will teach you. When I am done with you, you’ll know it better than those courtly manners you learned in Canterlot.”