Reinventing Trixie

“Darlings! I'm so very glad you could make it! Come in, please- it's bitter cold out there!”

You gesture for Trixie to go in ahead of you, and she gives you a grateful smile before doing so; you quickly follow her in, with the below-freezing wind giving you a not-so-gentle push. “Brrrr,” Rarity shivers. “Earth's weather is just as interesting as Equestria's, I've learned.” She smiles. “So how are the two of you? It's been so long!”

“It really has,” Trixie agrees. “It's great to see you again, Rarity. We're doing well, thanks. How are things with you?”

“Oh, splendid! But let's save the catching-up for when everyone's together, shall we? It shan't be long now. In the meantime, feel free to hang up your coats and warm up by the fire!” The unicorn gives you another smile before trotting off; you shuck your coat and hang it from the rack, while Trixie does the same with her parka. “I'm glad you warned me about the weather up here,” she says to you. “Feels like a Trottingham winter out there.”

“You aren't kidding.” You can already see others seated on the wide couch and love seats positioned in a semicircle around the large fireplace. “Wow, this place is something else,” you comment, looking around at the wide-open den.

“Indeed! A beautiful place. Come, let's sit by the fire... my legs feel like ice cubes!”

You certainly don't need to be argued into it, heading towards the couch. Already seated on it are Fluttershy, Antonio, Applejack and Big Macintosh. You note how strange it is to see Big Mac without his customary yoke. “Oh, hey, good afternoon t' you two!” Applejack exclaims, giving you both a wave. “C'mon over, plenty'a warmth for everyone.”

You and Trixie take seats with the small group. “It's nice to see all of you again,” Trixie says. “Applejack, we've not seen each other in some time. How's your farm doing?”

“Pretty good!” the farmpony replies. “Just bought another fifteen acres an' hired three extra workers t'help keep up with demand. It's great bein' busy, but when me an' th' family got th' invitation to come on out here fer this combination Hearth's Warmin' Eve and Christmas party, we jumped on it. S'great to take a little break, an' Colorado's a beautiful place.”

“Have you been to Earth much?” you ask her.

“Me? Sure, bunch'a times, though it's usually business-related. It's Mac's first time over, though.”

“And how are you finding Earth, Big Mac?” Trixie asks.

The large stallion seems to take a moment to think. “Ain't a bad place,” he says. “Kinda... hard t' get use to, some ways, though.”

“Oh, I completely understand,” Fluttershy replies. “But there's such wonderful people to be found here, so many lovely things... it's really worth it to open up and experience it all.”

Big Mac nods slowly. “Eeyup.”

“So, hey, AJ,” Antonio puts in, “I saw Applebloom earlier, but did Granny Smith manage to make the trip?”

“Yep! She's takin' a nap in one 'a th' guest rooms upstairs. Long trips like this still tucker her out, even with that newfangled replacement hip she's got. She'll prob'ly be down in an hour or so, I reckon.”

“Awesome. I hope I'm still kicking around as lively as her when I hit her age.” Antonio grins as the two farmponies chuckle and nod in agreement.

You look over at Trixie and find that she's taken on a thoughtful look. “Something on your mind, hon?” you ask.

She blinks. “Hmm? Oh... sorry. I'm wondering when our parents and my brother will get here.”

“Well, our parents are renting a car at the portal station, so they shouldn't be too long... have you heard from Lightflare recently?”

“No....” She frowns slightly. “I've told you how he is about technology, haven't I? He doesn't even like wearing a watch, let alone carrying a phone. He's probably got no way to tell us if he'll make it, let alone when.”

Applejack blinks. “What's this about yer brother, sugarcube? Somethin' wrong?”

“Oh, no, it's... well. He's a Royal Guard stationed all the way out by Horseshoe Bay. He had a problem securing leave, and now there's a huge snowstorm going over Baltimare that's playing havoc with the rails, and that's not going to help him get to the Phillydelphia portal station.” A frown crosses Trixie's face as she looks down at her hooves, and you put your arm over her shoulders. “I haven't seen him in years; I was hoping he'd be able to make it here to see everyone....”

“Aw, sugarcube, I'm sorry t' hear that. I know how important family is- I hope he makes it.”

“Thank you, Applejack.” Your wife gives AJ a smile.

Things go a little quiet for a bit until there's another knock on the door; this time, Antonio gets up to answer it. “Oh, hey, Twi!” you hear him say. “Spike, my man! Get on in here, it's way too cold out for a reptile.”

“Th- thanks, Tony,” Spike says as he rushes inside. “Twilight used a spell on me to let me maintain my own body heat for a while, but still- this is lousy weather for a dragon!”

Twilight giggles. “Hello, Antonio. It's nice to see you again!”

“You too. Couch is right over that way; go ahead and warm up! Hey, Shy, want to help me make up some cocoa?”

“Oh, I'd be delighted to!” The pegasus flitters off of the couch and over towards the kitchen, pausing to give Twilight and Spike a nuzzle each along the way. The unicorn and dragon come up to the couch and make themselves comfortable. “Hello, everyone!” Twilight says cheerfully. “I'm glad you could all make it!”

“Well, Rarity's invitation was so utterly generous, we felt it impossible to refuse!” Trixie answers, giving the other unicorn a hug and Spike a gentle hoofshake. You shake Twilight's hoof and Spike's claw as well. “How's things in Ponyville?” you ask.

The librarian and her assistant give you a brief recap- aside from a second parasprite infestation, this time easily handled by Pinkie, things have been quiet in the small town. Not so much the case in the Crystal Empire, though, where events required the attention of Twilight and the other Bearers a total of three times; thankfully, all three ended peacefully. “I've heard it's really beautiful up there,” you say.

“Oh, it absolutely is,” Twilight replies. “Tourism is still a little restricted while the citizens adapt to being a thousand years out of the loop- but, you know, if you and Trixie would like to see the place, I'm pretty sure Princess Cadence would authorize a magic show.” She grins.

“Hmm... I think we could find room on our schedule for that.” Trixie returns the grin with one of her own, before glancing over at the grandfather clock that sedately ticks away over by the wall. “Hmm... I wonder when....”

knock knock

“I'll get it!” Rarity trots back up to the door and opens it. “Ah, hello there! Come in, please. Oh, Donovan, Trixie- your guests have arrived!” She steps back to allow four figures in out of the cold. “Hey, now, where's those kids of ours?” comes a boisterous voice.

Trixie laughs. “Over here, Father,” she calls out.

The four figures step into the hallway. Your parents, Michael and Debra Trellis, and Trixie's parents, Wand Weaver and Starlight Lulamoon, all grin at you and Trixie. “There they are!” Starlight exclaims in that deep voice of his.

You and Trixie leave the couch to greet the new arrivals. Your mother still hardly looks her age, and you wonder if that'll ever change; your father has a couple of new grey spots in his hair, but otherwise looks pretty good for his age as well. His hug is as bone-crushing as ever, that's for sure. You're careful when Wand rears up for her hug; you know she still has a back problem- but that doesn't stop her from trying to duplicate the strength of your dad's hug. “So how have you two kids been doing?” your father asks once all the hugs have been exchanged.

“We've been doing quite well, Dad.” Trixie smiles. Your parents love it when she refers to them as Mom and Dad, just like hers prefer you call them Father and Mother. It's a really close family you and she have gained. “How about you two? Is Neighbraska treating you well?”

“Oh, absolutely!” Mom says. “We found this beautiful place just a few miles from where Wand and Star live, which means we get a lot of guided tours of the city.”

“Which is an absolute delight!” Wand puts in. “Especially seeing the paintings Mike does afterwards. We have two of them on the walls at home.”

“And Debbie's absolutely livened up our bowling league,” Star adds. “The woman is an ace at the lanes. 286 average!”

You can't help but laugh. “I knew you two would love it there,” you tell your parents. “Hey, where's my manners? Let me introduce all of you to our friends.”

The Apples, Twilight and Spike are delighted to meet your folks, as are Antonio and Fluttershy when they come back into the room with a tray full of hot cocoa and mugs. Trixie leans over towards her parents as hot drinks are being poured. “Mother, Father, have you heard anything from Light recently?” she asks.

“Oh, I'm afraid not, dear,” Wand answers. “The last we heard was that he'd be trying to get to Phillydelphia ahead of the storm- but the weather report we heard on the radio on the way up here said that the pegasi crews had accidentally gotten the storm moving faster than normal and couldn't really slow it down much. It's possible he's gotten caught in it.”

“I hope not,” your mother says. “I'd like to meet my son-in-law. I've heard a lot about him!”

There's another knock on the door, and this time you excuse yourself to go answer it. Outside you find Rainbow Dash, Gilda and Scootaloo. “Oh, hey there!” you said. “Great to see you. Come on in out of the cold.”

They do so, and you shut the door against the frigid winds outside. “Brr!” Gilda says, shaking herself. “Reminds me of growing up in Aerie Mesa. How you humans manage to get along in this kind of weather without even a single feather to keep you warm is something else.”

You chuckle at that. “Hey, Scoots, long time no see,” you say, reaching down to give her a fistbump; she taps her hoof against your knuckles. “Hey, Donovan,” she replies with a grin. “Nice to see you too.”

“We've got cocoa in the den, but it's going fast. Better hurry if you want some!” You smile as the filly- no, she's old enough to be called a young mare now- rushes off to get her share of the cocoa; next to you, Dash laughs. “You found one of her weaknesses, Donovan,” she comments. “That girl can't resist hot cocoa on a cold day.”

“So how's things been with the three of you?” you ask, as you walk with them towards the den.

“Pretty darn sweet, but busy,” Dash says. “I kind of miss the days where I could just lounge on a cloud in Ponyville. In between heading up Bravo Squadron, coordinating with the Blackwings, scheduling appearances and keeping up with merchandising contracts....”

“ 'Blackwings'?” you repeat.

“Oh! Yeah, the news for that is probably just getting out now. We've finally reached an agreement with the Gryphon king for joint exercises and exhibitions with their elite fliers, the Blackwings. I didn't think too much of those guys until I saw them in action... then they totally wowed me. I think it'll be awesome to see what the Wonderbolts can learn from them.”

“Sounds interesting. Think you can score Trixie and I some tickets to a show if you end up performing with them?”

“Pfft. Like you even need to ask.” Gilda grins. You still don't know how she does that with a beak. “You know we'd do that for you.”

You give the griffin a smile. “And how about you, G? How's family life treating you?”

“It's been an adjustment,” she admits. “But... lemme tell ya, Scoots has really surprised me, and not just because of how well she manages our on-the-go lifestyle. She reminds me of me, back when I was a fledgling, only with less bad attitude. It's like I'm gettin' to teach her all the stuff I had to learn the hard way. I kinda like how that feels.”

“Heh, I never figured you for a mother hen, G,” Dash teases. “But Scootaloo adores you. I knew going through with the adoption was an awesome idea.”

You find upon returning to the den that Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle have convened with Scootaloo at the cocoa tray and are joyfully catching up with each other while the adults chat; it's rather amazing how much the three girls have to say, considering you know for a fact that they all have cell phones and likely call each other constantly just like any other teenagers. It's getting a little crowded in the room, but you're all close enough friends to where it's not a bothersome thing. “So did Rarity actually tell anyone what this whole thing's about?” Gilda asks. “I mean, I ain't complaining about the invite, and this is a seriously swank place she's got, but I'm really curious about this announcement she wants to share.”

“I shan't keep you all waiting much longer!” Rarity sticks her head out from the hallway. “I'm just hoping for a few stragglers to show up soon. Then dinner and information will be served!”

You and Trixie find yourself standing with Twilight at the far end of the den, a little away from the others. “So Twilight,” you say, “what about your brother? Do you think Shining Armor and Princess Cadence will be able to make it?”

“I'm afraid not,” she answers with a slight frown. “Much as they both wanted to come, there's Hearth's Warming Eve celebrations in the Crystal Empire and it's important that they attend to form a closer bond with its citizens.”

Trixie puts her hoof on Twilight's shoulder. “I'm sorry to hear that! But after all that's happened to the Crystal Empire, I imagine it's for the best. I'm sure your brother will be here in spirit.”

“Thanks, Trixie.” Twilight smiles. “And I hope your brother gets to be here in body.”

“So do I... I haven't seen him in so long.” She looks up at another knock at the door, which Rarity answers- it's her parents, whom she and Sweetie greet enthusiastically. “Still,” Trixie amends, “I should be thankful for everyone who was able to make it.”

You gently rub Trixie's neck. “The day's young yet, sweetheart,” you tell her. “We'll see what happens.”

“Indeed.” She lets out a soft sigh and leans against you. “In the meantime... let's go enjoy ourselves.”

And that's what you do, as Rarity lays out some snacks for everyone and puts on some cheerful holiday music over the sound system. You recognize the Canterlot Quartet's “Snowfall Symphony”. “Is this a live concert recording?” you ask Rarity.

“You've a good ear, darling!” She smiles. “Indeed it is, recorded at the show the Quartet put on at Rockefeller Center two years ago. Truly a splendid performance it was! Octavia was gracious enough to personally sign the cover of my CD afterwards.”

“She's a class act, absolutely.” You're happy to tell Rarity about the time the Quartet performed for one of your acts in Trottingham. Octavia had been a consummate professional, working with you and Trixie every step of the way to coordinate her group's music with the various parts of the act, and everything had gone together perfectly- the act had sold out every last showing. “Ah, I can't say I'm surprised at all,” Rarity replies. “But I didn't know you'd done a show with them! I'll have to remember to find the video on your website later.” She takes a look at the clock. “Hmm... I suppose now is as good a time as any to make my announcement! I'd hoped Pinkie Pie would have made it by now, but I suppose she's running late. Donovan, please have a seat with the others. I'll be back momentarily.”

You do as she asks, returning to Trixie's side as she chats with your parents about Neighbraska. You find it heartwarming to see just how well they get along; your parents absolutely adore Trixie, and she loves them just as much in return. Of course, your own in-laws are very much the same- you hit it off with Wand Weaver and Starlight almost from the moment you met them, partly because of Trixie's renewed relationship with them after her personality change from being with you, and their appreciation for you only deepened when they found out how you'd helped her follow her dreams. “She's always been our wayward filly,” Star had told you once, “and we're both glad you helped bring her back to us.”

After a few moments, the music quiets down. “Everyone!” Rarity calls out as she enters from the hallway. “I'm so very glad you could all make it up here to this lovely place. I'd hoped to make it somewhere I could entertain friends ever since I bought it, but then I became so busy I could never put it to proper use! Tonight I'm glad to have rectified that by giving all my closest friends a chance to get together in celebration of the season.” She pauses, just for dramatic effect. Rarity will never change, you think with an inward chuckle. “And, I do admit, this is a bit of a celebration for myself as well. May I assume that all of you are familiar with Rare Earth?”

You certainly are; Rare Earth, just as the name implies, is Rarity's Earthside fashion business for humans, as well as those ponies and others living on Earth who want to follow human trends in their own ways. It didn't take her long at all to become as big a name in the fashion world here as in Equestria. The others are also apparently acquainted with the name. “Well,” Rarity continues, “it is my great pleasure to announce not only that the Rare Earth fashion line has been chosen to appear in the Spring-Summer fashion show in Milan- one of the biggest and most prestigious fashion shows on Earth- but that yours truly is a special guest correspondent for the Two Worlds of Fashion show!”

Your applause is matched by that of the others. You're not exactly “up” on the fashion world, but the Two Worlds of Fashion television show is huge in the circles Rarity travels. This twin boon of publicity and exposure can only help her business and her prestige. “Congrats, Rare!” Dash exclaims.

“Oh, yes, congratulations, Rarity,” Fluttershy agrees. “You deserve it for all your hard work.”

“Oh, dears, thank you so much.” Rarity blushes. You know it's not an act- as much as she seeks the appreciation of others, she's honestly thankful when she receives it. “I daresay that the new year will find me even more busy than the last- so I chose to bring all of my friends, whose support has made all of this possible, together so that I could express my gratitude to you all, and... just spend time with you, as friends should. I'm truly fortunate to have such good friends in my life.” She gives all of you a broad smile, and you can't help but feel warmed by it; it's a wonderful gesture on her part, a reminder of how she earned the mantle of Bearer of the Element of Generosity.

Everyone goes quiet when a chime rings out from Twilight's horn. “Oops, hang on a second,” she says; her horn glows, and her phone materializes next to her. “Magical ringtone,” she explains as she looks at the telephone's display. “Oh, it's Pinkie! I'll put her on the speaker. Hello, Pinkie?”

“Hey, everyone!” Pinkie's unmistakable, cheery voice comes through loud and clear. “Just taking advantage of a rest stop to let you all know that I'm running a little late. I had to pick up an extra-special surprise! The nice lady inside the GPS box says I should be there in about half an hour.”

“That's okay, Pinkie,” Twilight chuckles. “Just try not to be much longer than that- there's a snowstorm coming and it's probably going to cover the roads pretty quickly.”

“Don't worry, silly filly! I'm a safe driver. See you guys soon!”

There's a soft click as the call disconnects, and the phone returns to wherever Twilight had summoned it from. “She really is a good driver,” the unicorn comments. “I know she'll be okay, so we just have to wait.” She takes a quick look out the near picture window. “Though it looks like the snow got here faster than they forecasted,” she says quietly.

Thick white flakes are already dropping to the ground out beyond the window. “Wow, more crazy Earth weather,” Dash jokes. “I dunno how you humans have put up with this for thousands of years.”

“Mostly we just complain about it,” Antonio replies with a grin.

Rarity smiles. “Well, let us see about dinner now, and I'll keep some warm for our late arrival. Sweetie Belle, would you be so kind as to lend me a hoof? We'll call the rest of you when everything is ready.”

“Sure thing, sis.” The two Belles trot out into the kitchen as everyone else relaxes- except for Dash, who trots out onto the patio with a thoughtful expression on her face. You decide to see if anything's wrong, excuse yourself and head out after her; the cold evening air hits your skin as you go outside, and you reflexively shiver.

You find Dash standing at the far end of the patio, staring at the falling snow. Of course, her being a pegasus, the cold probably doesn't bother her much at all. “Are you okay, Dash?” you ask.

“Yeah. I'm just thinking.”

“Anything you'd like to talk about?”

“Well....” She seems to consider for a moment. “You're a hard-working guy, Donovan, so maybe you can understand this. Part of me loves being busy, getting so much done, making my mark on the worlds. But... another part of me wonders if I'm pushing too hard.” She lets out a soft sigh, her breath forming clouds in the cold air. “Scoots has been, like, totally awesome at dealing with how much we move around, but lately I've started wondering if I'm keeping her from growing up like a regular pony.” She chuckles. “I can only imagine how tough it would've been on her before the Discovery, without cell phones and Internet and video chat to keep up with everyone she cares about.”

“So long as you don't shake a hoof at her and tell her how rough it was back when you were growing up,” you chuckle.

“Ugh! If you ever hear me say that, Donovan, just stick me in a rocking chair and put me on a porch so I can tell foals to stay off my lawn.” Her grin fades after a moment. “But seriously... sometimes I think I need to scale back a bit, give Gilda and Scootaloo more of my time. At least until we figure out some way to get more than twenty-four hours in a day. But I've got a lot of stuff riding on my withers.” She looks up at you. “What do you think? Do you run into that kind of problem with your shows?”

“Thankfully, not very often. Of course, Trixie and I are lucky enough to be able to set a large part of our schedule according to our own desires, so we're not subject to the same pressures you are.” You rest your arms on the railing of the patio. “Do you know what I love the most about snowstorms, Dash?”

“What's that?”

“The quiet. It's not just a lack of sound, but... it's almost like a blanket thrown over your ears, to where the only things you can hear are the snow and your own heartbeat. Have you ever really listened to the snow like that?”

“Huh... no, I haven't.”

“Why don't you give it a try just for a bit? Sometimes it helps clear the mind.”

“You know, at this point I'm willing to try just about anything.” You and she both fall silent for a few moments, and you watch her ears flick back and forth a few times before they become still. You see her expression relax, her wings flicking just a little bit. “...huh,” she murmurs after a moment. “That's... wow. Okay, I see what you mean. It's like....” She pauses a moment, apparently searching for words. “It's like... I can hear the world breathing, or something.”

“I know.” You smile. “Now... tell me what you think you should do about your workload.”

She doesn't even hesitate. “Reduce it. I want to spend more time with Gilda and Scoots.” She pauses for a moment, her face taking on a surprised expression. “...wow, okay, why wasn't I able to get myself to say that before?”

“Thinking too hard?”

Dash laughs. “Hah, that's the first time anyone's ever accused me of that. But... I dunno, maybe you're right. I should talk to G about it... no, scratch that. I should talk to G and Scoots. She's a part of the family and she deserves a say.” She grins at the smile you give her. “This 'maturity' thing is more complicated than I thought! I'm glad I've got good friends to help me out. Thanks, Donovan.”

“Anytime.” You tap your knuckles against her raised hoof, then look back out at the snow, as does she. After a moment, she speaks again. “Hey, D, do you mind if I ask you something?”

“Not at all, go right ahead.”

“You and Trixie... have you guys ever thought of adopting?”

The question pretty much brings your thoughts to a halt. “Um... we discussed it a couple of times. Never really seriously. We were worried about the same thing you were- not having enough time to dedicate to a child.”

“Maybe it's outta line for me to say this, but... really, you two oughta reconsider that. If a couple of goofoffs like Gilda and me can do okay by Scootaloo, then you and Trixie? You could make some lucky kid really happy.”

“It's not out of line, it's just... we....” You're struggling for words to express your innermost feelings; after a fruitless moment, Dash puts her hoof on your arm. “Hey,” she says. “Listen to the snow.”

You do so, letting the gentle silence surround you, as your pegasus friend waits patiently. You can feel your thoughts settling down, your mind quieting, and after a long moment you open your mouth and let it speak the real truth. “I'm terrified I'd screw up somehow and do more harm than good.”

Dash shakes her head and fixes her rose-colored eyes on you. “No way, Donovan. You? Maybe you'd make mistakes, sure... we all do. But you and Trixie... you're a team. An awesome team at that. I don't believe for a second that either of you could hurt a kid like that, and any mistakes you did make... well, you'd fix them. Because that's the sort of people you and Trixie are, Donovan.”

“You're a wise mare, Rainbow Dash.” Trixie follows her words out onto the patio. “Whereas sometimes I question my husband's wisdom, such as him standing out here in the cold like he's a pegasus himself.” She levitates your coat over to you, draping it over your shoulders. “Silly man,” she teases you with a smile. “I came out to tell you both that dinner is ready... but then I overheard your conversation. Are you truly afraid that you'd somehow 'mess up' raising a child?” You don't reply, but your sheepish half-smile and glance away is answer enough for her. “Well. We shall have a good, long discussion about that later, Donovan, my dear. In the meantime... I'll simply tell you that you are completely wrong.” She rears up to place a soft kiss on your lips, then returns to all fours. “Come, let's head back inside. The others are waiting.”

The three of you head back in, finding seats waiting for you at the table; Rarity and Sweetie are setting out various plates. The elder Belle sister glances up at your entrance. “Is everything all right, dears?” she asks, concern obvious on her face.

“Sure is,” Dash replies with a nonchalant smile, seating herself next to Scootaloo and Gilda. “Great, dinner is served! I'm famished.”

It's a seriously impressive layout of food, and the fact that Rarity is helping set it out- when she could easily have afforded catering- is not at all lost on you. Naturally, all of the dishes are vegetarian... except for what's on the large serving dish that Rarity sets in front of Gilda. The look of surprise on the griffon's face is almost comical. “Steamed Uplands salmon?” she gasps.

“My dear, you didn't think I would invite an obligate carnivore to dinner and expect her to eat plants, now did you?” Rarity gives a teasing grin.

“No, no, it's not just that... this is my favorite dish! I haven't had this since I was a fledgling! It's even prepared the same way Mom used to! How... how'd you know?”

“A lady never reveals her secrets. Fortunately for you, Rainbow Dash is no lady.” Dash snickers and nods in agreement. “She told me your favorite dish when I invited the three of you over. It was little trouble ordering it just to your liking.”

“Wow. I... I really appreciate this, Rares. Thanks a lot.” Gilda's heartfelt smile is returned in equal measure by the unicorn. “You're entirely welcome, Gilda,” Rarity replies. “Now, everyone... by all means, enjoy!”

Everyone digs in; the food is absolutely exquisite, and you know that Rarity spared no expense on it. Still, even as you eat you find your eyes drifting to the two empty chairs at the banquet table, and you see Trixie glancing at them from time to time as well. You reach over and pat her forehoof, getting a slight thankful smile from her in return. “I'm not giving up hope yet,” you tell her quietly. “I know if your brother can at all make it, he will.”

“I know.” She presses your hand to her cheek. “I just... I'd like it if he finally got to meet you and your parents and all our friends here. He missed the wedding, he's missed all of our performances, all because of his duties... can't he just this once get the chance to join us?”

You open your mouth to respond.

knock knock knock

The entire table goes quiet; the timing is just too spot-on. Rarity slowly leaves her seat. “I- I'll get it,” she says quietly, trotting up to the door; the table is positioned perfectly so that everyone at the table can see the front door easily, and everyone is watching the fashionista approach the door almost as if she were a character in a suspense movie. She opens the door- to reveal a snow-covered pink pony with a wide grin on her face. “Oh, Pinkie!” Rarity exclaims. “Thank goodness. I was starting to worry you'd be caught in the snowstorm!”

“Sorry about that! Like I said, I needed to pick up an extra-special surprise. Or, well, more like an extra-special delivery!” Pinkie glances behind herself for a moment. “A delivery for the Trellis-Lulamoon family, straight from Horseshoe Bay, it's-”

“Lightflare!” You can't tell if Trixie teleported out of her chair or just jumped, but by the time you realize she's moved, she's already most of the way to the door. “Hey, how'd you know?” Pinkie asked. “...oh, I guess you can see him peeking around me! Silly billy.”

A tall, cobalt-maned unicorn in a sharp-looking Royal Guard dress uniform steps around Pinkie and holds out a foreleg, catching Trixie in a tight embrace as she practically dives into him. “Hello there, little sister,” he says, in a voice that would befit a Shakespearean actor. “I've not seen you in a long time.” He leans his head back to look her in the eyes. “Now what is this I've heard about you being married?” he asks with a grin.

Trixie's parents quickly come to greet him, and you and your parents get up to introduce yourselves as well. He's obviously a little dubious about you at first- not because of your being human, but from typical big-brother protectiveness- but when he hears about how you and his sister met and became close, and how your career together took off, you can practically see the metaphorical frost melting. “Hmm. Well,” he says quietly, looking you over with all the razor-sharp precision of an officer on inspection, “I always wanted my sister to meet a proper gentlestallion and settle down. I suppose a proper gentleman is a fine alternative.”

The grin that spreads across his face is quickly matched by your own, and you shake his offered hoof heartily. Introductions all around come quickly as everyone returns to the table, and the rest of the meal is accompanied by Lightflare relating the story of how he'd managed to make his way through the snowstorm. “I had finally arrived at the portal station after the train had diverted due to the storm, thanks to the friendly bus driver who stopped along the road I was galloping down. And then I found out that I was, in fact, not registered in the Portal Network database, and my military ID was insufficient for registration... so the station employees called my superiors to verify my information.” His horn lights up, and a bright, shiny new Portal Registration Card pops out of one of his dress shirt's pocket for a moment. “I had finally made it here to Earth, only to find that another snowstorm impeded my path! I had truly thought for a moment that the storm in Equestria had followed me!

“Well, to be honest, I found myself lost and unsure of what to do next. Earth is... disconcerting, to those unfamiliar with it. But there were a number of wonderful people who stepped up to help me when I needed it. There was a taxi driver from the nation of...” He pauses a moment. “Forgive me, the name escapes me at the moment... but it sounded much like Saddle Arabia.”

“Saudi Arabia?” Twilight suggests.

“That! Thank you, my dear. He was a delightful fellow, and gave me a ride that would have cost me thirty dollars for free, simply by allowing him to take a picture of us together. He had a good many pictures of non-humans on the dash of his vehicle, and asked me quite a few questions about myself and life in Equestria. And once he had taken me as far as he could, I accepted a ride from a wonderful family heading in this direction. More questions! But they were exceptionally polite and friendly, so I had no trouble with answering them all.

“Their destination was still a few dozen miles away from here, so we parted ways. They offered to drive me the rest of the way, but by then the snow was falling heavily and I would not have had them risk a round-trip in it, so I sought an alternate mode of transportation. Alas, nothing seemed to present itself, and I was just beginning to despair when a certain pink mare appeared from seemingly nowhere and asked if I was Trixie's brother.”

Trixie blinks at Pinkie. “Don't tell me you have a Pinkie Sense twitch for wayward brothers,” your wife says.

“Of course I do! I don't have any brothers of my own, only sisters, but plenty of my friends have brothers, and sometimes they go all wayward and stuff and need help getting where they need to be! And so, two twitches of the left hind leg, three flicks of the right ear, twitch-a-twitch tail... someone's brother needs a lift!”

Trixie can only laugh at that. “Thank you so much, Pinkie Pie,” she says quietly, giving the pink mare a broad smile. “I can't tell you how happy I am that my brother finally managed to make it to something he was invited to.” She gives him a playful grin.

“Hey, family is important!” Pinkie returns a smile with a broad grin. “That's one of the biggest things Equestrians and Earthlings have in common, after all. Well, that and belly buttons. Oooh! What if we had a holiday where we celebrated belly buttons with our families? That'd be great!”

Everyone at the table breaks out into laughter. “Ah, Pinkie,” Trixie giggles.

Dinner goes absolutely wonderfully after that, with Lightflare sharing stories about the time he's spent stationed in Horseshoe Bay- and the crazy things that went on there every time he tried to get leave to visit family or relax- and listening to everyone else's stories as well. Eventually everyone is too stuffed to eat another bite, and your parents, Trixie's, and Rarity's, as well as Granny Smith, all insist on helping with leftovers and dishes. You hear them chatting away amicably in the kitchen amidst the clinking of plates and silverware. “So it is not just our parents who do that, then?” Lightflare wonders, scratching his neck with a hoof.

“No, I think that's one of those things that's universal.” You chuckle. “I'm glad we finally had the chance to meet, Lightflare.”

“Oh, come now, call me Light. You are my brother-in-law.” He smiles. “I am also pleased that we finally had this opportunity, Donovan. I think it a lucky event that my sister met you.”

“I'm definitely not going to argue that,” you reply with a grin, gently laying your arm over Trixie's neck; she leans against you.

“Ahem! Everyone, may I have your attention?” Rarity speaks up from the front of the den. “It seems that the snowfall has been even heavier than expected, and the roads leading out from town are closed until plows can get to them in the morning. It seems we will greet this holiday snowed-in.” She smiles. “Fortunately, I've planned for this possibility- you'll find my little home-away-from-home quite spacious, and I've all the necessities to make an overnight stay pleasant and relaxing.”

“Hah! Crazy Earth weather strikes again.” Dash chuckles. “Well, it keeps you on your hooves, at least. You need help with setting up anything, Rare?”

“Oh, no, dear, you needn't worry. I have everything well in-hoof.”

“Ah, but Lady Rarity, please,” Light says, bowing his head a little. “I would feel derelict in my duties as an officer and a gentlestallion if I did nothing to assist.”

“Oh! Um... well.” Rarity blushes straight through her alabaster coat. “If... if you insist, good sir.”

You watch as your brother-in-law and the fashionista trot off together, and you can't help but chuckle to yourself; you hear Trixie do the same. “And they say Earth doesn't have any magic,” she murmurs, leaning against you as the two of you look out at the heavily falling snow. “Tonight has certainly felt magical to me. Is this that 'Christmas magic' I hear so much about?”

You smile at her as you run your fingers through her mane. “It just might be.”