[SP]Thus Spoke Alchemist (Att:Strong Copper - Spearmint Souvergin)

[Ciraxis]

'Jade' had to admit, she always preferred Equestrian holidays over any Long Guo ones - with sole exception of Lunar Festival. Perhaps it was because most of eastern celebrations had root in Longri-La manipulations, and thus was overly focused on few things: reverence of your ancestors/elders, contemplation of the past, and tradition.

'Beaker' had nothing against elderly - in fact being able to reach your autumn years implied a certain level of competence, something she approved.

She wasn't disapproving of pondering and studying the past either. Why, her own overarching goals meant restoring many things lost to sands of time, to their former glory. It was only when one focused on it exclusively: neglecting the future, and - more importantly - the present, such thoughts became the problem.

But tradition, oh the accursed tradition.....

It was good until it became bad, and it became bad quickly. Long ago, when travelling to Aquelia she heard one of the nobles calling it 'A guideline for wise, and rule for fools.'

'Jade' regretted not coining this phrase herself. She also regretted that such words came from the beak of such hypocrite. So she decided to end his 'tradition' of existing for over 50 years. After all one should practice what they preached, right?

 

And yet...despite all her enmity for 'tradition' , unicorn mare couldn't help but actually like Hearth's Warming Eve. Perhaps it was because the holiday evolved throughout the years? Equestrian's overall willingness to try to twist and shake up formula meant that almost every decade the celebration was at least a little different. And one couldn't forget about it being a boon for country's economy, in otherwise dead winter season.

 

As such she couldn't miss the chance to interact this winter with some interesting ponies; hung Tiger Blood, cute Midnight Oil, and funny, soft and overall pleasant Berry Punch.

Ah, but she should do something well received to get even more into their good graces. The presents for them was one thing of course, but if Equestrian's were suckers for anything, it was altruism and kids charity.

So 'Jade' signed up for this 'Secret Princess' thing. While being paired with any of the Three was attractive, it was also counterproductive to what she wanted to do. At the same time, being paired with some nopony wouldn't do either.

So after carefully examining the kids around town 'Jade' found a colt that seemed to be a perfect candidate for her generosity.

A lonely, confused colt that was orphan in all but name. And most importantly, his talent made him physical manifestation of half Remembrance Stone powers. If would be a shame if such potential was to wane due to some silly ideas spread in School of Friendship. Perhaps she should thing about opening educational establishment herself? She was collecting a lot of pupils lately.

 

So she sat at top of the waterfall above School main entrance, garbed in appropriate red coloured hat and vest with white trim, while humming seasonal songs.

"....Padoru Padoru ♪ !"

'Jade' decided to go after him first. After all, she might not be in most clear minded state after visiting Berry establishment.

And what's this? It seems that green colt finally decided to end her field of vision.

"Today should be better isn't it?" she asked him, leaving it vague for him what exactly this 'better' was. Good Doctor knew of course, but it was better to make him guess at the moment. After all, she was stranger for him, at least for now.