Chasing Stars

Fall had come and gone just as quickly as that summer, and winter was well underway. The streets were alight with festive garlands and lights and there were holly bushes it seemed on every corner. There was a different kind of atmosphere this time of year, not just seasonally, but there was a special kind of aura surrounding everypony.

Dusty had long since forgotten about the 'lost' gems chalking it up to fate and convincing herself they probably weren't real anyway. Bundled in thick coats and scarves, she and Seyfert cantered down the snowy street toward's Aurora's house, a small sleigh of gifts in tow. They talked of the last few months they'd spent together, almost in disbelief that before they knew it, the new year would be upon them.

"So, you said Europa was going to be joining us, right?" She asked.

"Yep," Seyfert answered. "I hope you all don't mind but she is bringing Worm along, his family is away and I hate seeing those two alone." He added. His mind went to the two, they had known each other for so long but never got serious. Seyfert guessed it was probably because Worm was more of a brother to Europa than anything.

Stardust nodded "Are you kidding? All our family get together invites include a plus-one for significant others! Or friends I suppose, in Europa's case. She seems really set on not dating anyone since that last breakup. It was really rough on her, huh?" They were nearing Rory and Storm's shared abode, a big gust of wind blowing past for a moment sent a chill up Dusty's spine. She very much disliked the cold. "Oh I can't wait until we get there. I'm hoping she has a fire going." Dusty grumbled.

"Yea," Seyfert replied his head dropping a little. "That last break up of hers hit her hard." He added. He worried about his sister, she never seemed to have luck when it came to stallions. That's mostly why he hoped Europa and Worm might get serious. He pushed the thought of Europa's bastard ex out of his mind; it was meant to be a night of happiness and fellowship.

Dusty hadn't been informed exactly how bad the situation was, and was surprised by Seyfert's sudden grimace. She tried to change the subject. "Well, we should be there soon, it'll be good to see some friendly faces. I'm sure Rory will have all kinds of things to tell us about the upcoming wedding too." She smiled. "I'm a little sad mom and dad couldn't make it this year, but it's to be expected when a blizzard locks you in."

"Indeed it is." Seyfert replied with a smile. "I'll be glad out of this cold, I think my ears are about to fall off." He joked.

When they finally arrived, Stardust opened the door to let themselves in, giving a shout to let folks know they made it. Seyfert lugged the tiny sleigh in, shutting the door quickly so as not to let out more heat. They were greeted by Aurora, who had left the kitchen briefly to say hello. "Stardust! Seyfert! I'm so glad you could make it!" She embraced them, hovering slightly so as not to get her messy apron on them. "I know the weather has been really bad, I wasn't sure if the trip would be too much for you." She smiled, as Arc walked in behind her holding what appeared to be a thermometer. "Oh hey guys!" He cheerfully greeted. "We were just about to set the table."

Rory sauntered back into the kitchen to check on her acorn squash, while Arc stood there stirring the soup, as instructed. Dusty set to placing various dishes, mugs and glasses on the table when there was a knocking at the door. Just outside stood Europa with her date for the night; her dear friend Book Worm. In their saddlebags were cards for everypony, and a special surprise for two ponies in particular. "Thanks for coming with me tonight." Europa smiled. "It's nice not to have to be alone for things like this."

"Don't mention it. You and your brother have always been there for me, it's the least I could do." He said, though he still secretly worried if he was imposing on Dusty's family.

Stormbringer came downstairs to answer the door this time, a half-hearted smile adorning her lilac face. "Hey Europa, nice to see you again. Who's your friend?" She asked as she stepped aside, allowing the two ponies entry from the frigid weather beyond. Europa and Worm dusted the snow off their coats as they took them off.

"Hey Storm." Europa finally said. "This is Book Worm, he's an old friend of mine, and Sey's former assistant."

Worm stepped forward to shake hooves with the pretty pegasus who'd answered the door. "Pleased to meet you."

Storm nodded with a gesture suggesting she'd take their coats to hang up. "It's nice to meet you, Worm. I'm Dusty and Rory's sister, Stormbringer. Dinner should be just about ready, heh, Rory's been running around like mad! Just make yourselves comfortable." She motioned for them to follow her to the living room where Sey had set up the pile of gifts.

The dark blue stallion turned at the sound of his baby sister's voice, smiling. "Hey, Europa! You made it alright! I was a bit worried the weather might get too bad." Europa replied with a smile, and Sey hugged her tightly before turning to shake hooves with Worm. "Hey Worm, how have you been?"

"Hey Boss, I've been doing good." Worm Replied. "I'm really enjoying my new job at the library." He would have kept talking, except there was a bell being rung in the dining room, signaling dinner was ready. Europa quickly took the cards out of her bag and placed them atop the other gifts by the tree, and joined Sey and Worm as they made their way to the table. Seyfert pulled a chair out for Dusty then sat next to her at the end of the table, as Worm and Europa sat on the other side of him. Archimedes sat at the head of the table, standing when Aurora came back from the kitchen with a carafe of eggnog. The white unicorn poured a generous amount into each mug before placing the carafe on the table in front of Stormbringer.

"This smells fantastic, Aurora." Seyfert commented, to which everyone else nodded.

"You sure you got your cutie mark right? I swear you take after dad more every day!" Dusty snickered, eliciting a chortle from Storm. Aurora gave her a playful look of disapproval, as she removed her apron and slung it over her chair next to Arc.

"Alright, there's Roasted Acorn Squash with Wild Rice Stuffing, next to it is the Mushroom and Fennel Bread Pudding and the Onion and Leek Tart. Over there by Seyfert is Dad's Winter soup recipe, Smoked Cheddar Souffle, Broccoli Mushroom and Gouda Quiche, and the Celery Root and Squash Gratin." She finished, sounding quite pleased with herself. "Help yourselves to as much as you want, I've prepared extra and set it aside in the kitchen, and I've got a plethora of pies and cakes for dessert!" She turned her attention to Archimedes, holding his hoof and reaching for Dusty's at the same time. Dusty took note and held hooves with Seyfert, motioning for the rest of those present to join hooves as well. Once the circle was complete with Storm and Arc, Rory cleared her throat to speak.

"I would like to say that I am extremely grateful that you all could be here this evening. This has been such an exciting year for this family, and it feels like everyone here is truly a part of it; blood or not. May the meal be nourishing, and the coming year filled with prosperity." She concluded.

As the various dishes made their way around the table with idle chit chat, Seyfert lost himself in his thoughts. ...and the coming year filled with prosperity. He grinned like an idiot in spite of himself, thinking of all the wonderful things that awaited.

It took a few hours before they all decided they were finished eating, most of them claiming to have eaten too much. Europa helped Rory levitate some of the dirty dishes into the kitchen, where they'd most likely clean them in the morning. Archimedes set to re-kindling the fire in the fireplace, while the others sat in a rudimentary circle in the living room. It was like a scene you'd find on one of those holiday cookie tins; the happy family seated around an open fire, the decorations aglow and the curtains pulled back to reveal a blanket of white outside.

"Alright, let's get to exchanging gifts!" Rory suggested as she and Europa made themselves comfortable. She levitated small gift bags to everyone in the room. "These are from me and Arc. Well, except for yours, hun. That's from just me." She grinned. Everyone opened the beautifully wrapped bags carefully, almost afraid to destroy Rory's work. Inside they found custom made scarves and winter wear for each of them from Aurora, and gift cards to various restaurants from Archimedes.

Dusty and Sey handed out their small pile of boxes next. They were filled with packets of gourmet hot cocoa and other holiday cookies and treats. Storm handed out her cards and gift cards afterwards, leaving Europa and Worm to hand out theirs. Then, after a while, Dusty and Storm both stood and presented Rory and Arc with one final card. "This is from all of us." Dusty smiled.

Raising an eyebrow, Rory lifted the card with her magic and removed it from the bright red envelope. Inside was the ultimate sappy message from her sisters, everyone else's signatures and well wishes on their recent engagement, and...

Rory held up her hoof and gasped. They'd all chipped in to get them a small weekend getaway in Canterlot. Rory and Arc knew they'd never be able to afford a honeymoon with their work schedules, and had simply planned not to take one. The others couldn't allow that to happen. "I don't know what to say..." She smiled, tears coming to the corners of her eyes. Arc placed a hoof around her, kissing her head and then turning to face everyone. "Thank you all so much for your gift." He said.

Dusty laughed. "We couldn't let you NOT have a honeymoon just because you are both busy! It'd be hypocritical of you not to. Especially with Rory's constant nagging that I'm the workaholic." She winked, looking back to Seyfert. He smiled differently than usual at her, and she cocked her head to the side as if to ask what was wrong. He shook his head, waving her over to sit next to him. He buried his face in her mane as he hugged her, thinking once again of what adventures would await them.

((Special thanks to Celebi-Yoshi for the adorable header.))