Chasing Stars

It had been a little more than a year since Seyfert and Europa came to live in Saddleworth and began working at Stardust’s lab. Sey and Dusty’s dates frequent as ever, and each date lasting longer than the one before. With Europa’s graduation from school, she was able to work full time at the lab now, and had been receiving more responsibilities around the place. There had been three new interns hired from her college, and they were all instructed to answer directly to her, much to her chagrin it seemed. All the while, in secrecy, Sey and Dusty had been formulating a plan for the last 3 months to take an extended trip across the world.

Stardust was just packing what things she could at the moment, taking care to keep them stowed away in her closet out of sight. Tonight was a big night. Europa would finally understand why she’d needed to be trained and in charge of all the interns, and Sey promised Stardust a spectacular date. He even had her dress in the same dress she wore on their first date exactly a year ago. She waited upstairs while It was only a half day, so despite it being early in the afternoon, Europa was finishing the last of the paperwork down in the lab below. Sey had gone home earlier to change for the date.

Seyfert found his best suit and placed it on his bed and made his way into the bathroom, he wanted to make sure not a hair was out of place, aside from his crazy mane of course. He put on some of his favorite cologne and made his way back out into his room. He carefully got dressed, making sure every button was secure and everything was in its proper place, after all tonight was a big night and he wanted to look his best. After he was sure he was ready he headed for the door, stopping halfway because he had forgotten a couple things up in his room, he quickly ran up to grab his reading glasses case and made his way back to the door, making sure all the lights were out he shut the door behind him.
Dusty placed a few things in her clutch, draping it across her chest before heading downstairs. Her little shoes made a dainty clacking noise as she descended the staircase, warranting Europa’s attention.

The gray unicorn turned her gaze towards Dusty and gave an approving smile. “I hear Sey has a big night planned for you two.” she said, sitting down in a chair and letting out a tired sigh. “I think I’m just gonna go home and crash, those interns are a pain.”

Seyfert quickly made his way back to the lab, stopping along the way to pick up a nice bouquet of flowers. As he trotted up to her house he decided knocking would be in order here.

Stardust had to admit feeling a little guilty for putting Europa through such rigorous work, but it would definitely be for the better in the long run. “I’m sorry we’ve been wearing you out these past few months. There are just certain things I’ve had to attend to and I needed to be sure you could handle the interns.” She pulled an envelope from atop her desk and trotted over to Europa, handing her the message. “This is a bonus, for all the hard work you do around here. Don’t read it until after Sey and I have left though. But I’ll talk to you about it once we come back.”

There was a knock at the door.

“Have a good rest of the day off, I’ll talk to you soon.” Stardust grinned as she trotted up to the large metal door, unlocking it and swinging it open to see a bouquet of flowers. “Oh wow, these are lovely!”
Seyfert peered through the flowers and planted a kiss on Dusty, “Lovely flowers for a lovely mare.” He said flirting. “I hope you don’t mind but our date is in Canterlot. We’ve got about twenty-five minutes to catch the afternoon train.”
She shook her head as she took the flowers, placing them in a vase by the door, removing some old flowers as she did.

“I don’t mind at all. We’ll be able to start the festivities sooner rather than later, though we better hurry!” She and Sey both waved to Europa and wasted no time getting to the station. They laughed wildly as they rushed onto the platform just before the train pulled off, hopping on at the nick of time. The ride took a few hours, and the sun was setting just as they arrived in Canterlot.

“Right, first things first. Let’s go have dinner, and then I have a little surprise for you afterwards.” He said smiling, “I think you will remember the place we’re going.” He said with a wink. They made their way down the street for a few blocks until Seyfert stopped; pointing to the very same restaurant they went to on that first date.

Stardust smiled wide. “It’s so thoughtful of you to remember what we did on our very first date in Canterlot. I really do appreciate the work you’ve put into this.”
Dinner didn’t take too long, as it was a weeknight and generally not busy. They had a good time of it, laughing and even sharing a bottle of vintage wine. She didn’t dare ask the cost. Eventually it was time to pay the tab and make their way to Seyfert’s surprise destination.

“So are you going to give me any hints?” She asked coyly.
“Remember how we said seeing Luna’s personal observatory would be amazing?” He said, “Well I pulled some strings and called in a favor and we have permission from Luna herself to view it.” He said, puffing his chest with pride. “Figured with this trip we are planning next year, we won’t get another chance.”
Stardust stopped dead in her tracks, they weren’t far from the castle. In fact, you could see it plainly from where they stood.

“Princess Luna HERSELF? How did you manage to talk with HER?” She asked incredulously.

Seyfert laughed, “Remember I used to work at the Canterlot University? Well, with her being the most well-known astronomer in the world, we have met a few times.” He said. “Princess Luna would often make special appearances at the university, and would make it a point to be present for the Astronomy Majors’ graduations every year. ” He smiled and turned to Stardust who still looked like she was in shock. “I suppose you won’t believe me when I say she’ll be the tour guide?”

Dusty was still speechless. She simply hugged the stallion, and they stood there for a long time. She gave him a kiss on the muzzle. “This is… unbelievable…”
Seyfert returned the kiss, “You deserve it, you have no idea how happy you’ve made me in the past year.” He said looking into her eyes, “And I still have another surprise saved up.” He chuckled, “Let’s not keep the Princess waiting.”

Before long they had made their way up the castle steps and into one of the long passageways leading to the observatory up at the highest peak of the castle. Stardust was giddy with excitement. She had her suspicions at what the last surprise might be, but she quickly pushed all thoughts from her mind, trying to just enjoy the moment. As they reached the top of the stairs Seyfert knocked on the door, and stood back waiting for an answer. Immediately, a Noctral guard opened the door, peering down at them with Yellow eyes, pupils like that of a serpent.

“State your business.” He bluntly commanded.

The two astronomers seemed to shrink back until they heard a female voice from behind them. “Stand down. These citizens are in my company this evening.”
Stardust was afraid to look back, but in the corner of her eye she saw a flowing nebular mane. She turned around to see none other than the Princess of the Night, smiling warmly at her. “Welcome Miss Stardust. Your companion has told me much about you. Come, let us start with the grand tour.” Dusty felt her jaw drop.
Luna sauntered past them and the guard, entering her private study. Seyfert also stepped into the room, then stopped and turned to escort his date in. “You coming?” He asked. She snapped out of her daze, realizing she’d probably just made a really poor impression.

Luna turned gracefully, her luxurious mane flowing about her. She gave a small smile at the two ponies before her. “This, as you can see, is my study. I chart new stars and constellations here as I create them. You both are in for something of a treat this evening, as I’ve made plans to reveal a new constellation this very night.”

Stardust just gaped, then embarrassingly realizing it was the second time she’d done so, simply bowed in gratitude. “Your highness, thank you so much for this opportunity. I am honored you have taken time from your busy schedule to accommodate us.”

“Not to fret my subject.” Luna smiled. “It is the least I can do for some of the most accomplished astronomers in our kingdom.”
Seyfert just blushed, “Heh I would go that far your highness, I do my job like anypony else.” He chuckled. Stardust smiled giving a gentle nudge to Sey. Luna paused, turning to face the open lab around them, using her magic to light a few well-placed candles.

“My main instruments are to your left, and my desk to the immediate right. You are more than welcome to explore the facility for yourselves, and I shall have my guard notify you when I prepare the new constellation. In the meantime, I must take leave.”

Stardust bowed, thanking the princess, and then looking around the lab. Her eyes were wide with excitement, hunger, and curiosity. All these ancient relics; in perfect condition. Precise instruments of star charting.

“Amazing isn’t it?” Seyfert mused as he looked around the room, before turning his attention back to Stardust, “C’mon why don’t we take a look around, then we get to see that new constellation.”

“Absolutely.” She couldn’t stop smiling, her eyes alight with wonder.
She took her time wandering around the room, carefully examining each object, being careful not to mess anything up or intrude on any of Luna’s studies. She felt it somehow disrespectful. After some time, she made her way back across the room to where Seyfert was. Within moments, the same Noctral from earlier approached them. In his gruff tone he announced that the Princess was on the balcony ready to start the demonstration.

Seyfert lead Stardust out onto the balcony to accompany the princess, his heart started to race. “This is going to be amazing, watching Luna herself make a new constellation.” He said with excitement as he looked up to the sky.
Luna cast a sidelong glance at her guests, simply nodding. “Shall I begin?” She asked

“Whenever you are ready your highness.” Seyfert said his excitement growing. He pulled Stardust in close as they waiting for the princess to start. “Once in a lifetime opportunity, seeing a constellation being created.”
Luna nodded as her horn began to glow, casting shadows about the courtyard below. Sparks flew about as in the sky, white lights began to appear in a formation. Stardust leaned on Seyfert as she watched, not moving, not blinking, hardly breathing.

It was miraculous, the creation of whole gaseous giants millions of light years away, yet she was seeing it as it was being created. No delay in time. It was, to put it bluntly, magical.

Stardust tore her gaze from the sky, making eye contact with her coltfriend. “Yes Seyfert?” She asked, her heart racing. She desperately tried to push that thought back from her mind, it was becoming nearly impossible to do.

Seyfert cleared his throat, “This year has been the best year of my life, and I’m so amazingly lucky to have met you, Dusty.” He gave her a kiss, and after a while they parted lips, simply staring at each other for a while. A long while, actually. Dusty felt a little pang of disappointment, but smiled nonetheless.

“Come on, it’s getting late. We should head home.” Seyfert nodded in agreement and motioned for her to step back inside first. Luna stood there awaiting them, it seemed, and they both bowed. “Thank you Princess, this has been an evening I won’t soon forget. We are honored that you would let us take part in your work.”

Luna nodded gracefully,”The pleasure is mine, my subjects. I am thrilled to know this visit has been worthwhile for you. I wish you both luck and happiness on the journey that lies ahead of you.” She winked at Stardust. “For me, the night is still young, and I have duties I must attend to. Good night, dear ones.” With that, she walked silently, almost floating it seemed, to her desk, pouring over tomes and charts. Seyfert and Stardust were escorted from the observatory, back down the long corridors to the Hall of Heroes. This was the main walkway that would lead them back to the castle entrance.

As they stood on the front staircase of the palace, a crisp night breeze blew lightly past them. Sey turned to Stardust, who’s thoughts seemed to be elsewhere. “Been one heck of a night eh?” He asked with a chuckle.

“Yes, yes it has, dear.” She smiled warmly. She began to descend the long stairway down to the road, but after a few steps she realized she didn’t hear Seyfert’s hoofsteps behind her. She turned around to see him holding the case he used to carry his reading glasses in, fumbling to open it. “Seyfert? Is everything okay?”

He looked up sharply, then smiled, tucking the case back into his pocket. “Yes, I was just checking to see that I hadn’t left my glasses on the train.” He said, descending the stairs after her.

It wasn’t a long trip back to the train station, so they headed in that general direction in hopes they’d catch the last train back to Saddleworth. By the time they reached the platform, however, they were too late. “Well, I suppose we are stuck here for the night?” Seyfert grinned sheepishly. “I hope you don’t mind.” Dusty just laughed, shaking her head in fake disapproval. “What am I going to do with you?” She rolled her eyes and began to trot off.

“Marry me.”

Dusty halted in her tracks, eyes wide and heart pounding. “What?” She turned around, unsure if she’d heard right. She saw her coltfriend standing before her with that wild and silly grin, and he was holding something… the case for his reading glasses had been cast aside, and in his hooves, Seyfert extended a silver necklace with two of the blue topaz gems they found at the Hoofington Fall Festival last year in the shape of two stars. He had a glint in his eye, and Dusty had one to match.

He spoke again, his voice cracking as he fought to hold back tears. “Stardust, will you marry me?”

Dusty’s eyes grew even wider than they were before, raising a hoof to her muzzle she let out a small gasp. She looked at the beautiful gift he presented her, then back to him, more tears welling up in her eyes. She suddenly found it difficult to speak, let alone breathe.

“Sey-Seyfert…” She stammered her voice quiet and quivering.”Y-yes.” Was all she could manage to say before throwing her hooves around him in a passionate kiss, nearly knocking the necklace from his hoof.
Seyfert could have cried right there, in the arms of the mare he loved more than anything, and he nearly did. He enjoyed the moment, locked in a kiss under the stars.