The soft rumble of wheels to rail. The gentle shaking side to side. The flickers of moonlight through the trees that zipped by the windows. A symphony of a certain kind of peace as the midnight train from Canterlot rumbled it's way down the mountainside towards the country.

StarStep slid from his bench, glancing about the car. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle were snoozing, curled up with each other. He gave a chuckle at the little puddle of drool Sweetie was leaving on Scootaloo's shoulder. Off on the other side of the train-car, Lighthoof was reading a book under a gently swaying lantern. With their new schedules, Star and Light had a much harder time sleeping during the night hours. The entire car was theirs, reserved by Princess Luna for their little trip to Ponyville. He figured they'd reach home by early morning. With his injured wings and Sweetie Belle tagging along, a faster flight wasn't possible. And with the effects of the dragon-flame embedded in his injuries, Luna did not want to chance a mass teleport. Star didn't mind, the quiet trip was soothing. He knew it was going to be crazy when he got home.

The blue-grey pegasus stretched, careful not to strain his bandaged wings before wandering towards the back door. It slid open on well oiled runners, washing him in the sounds of the rumbling train and the cool night air. Gently he closed it behind him as he stepped onto the balcony ledge that marked the end of the train. Princess Luna was there, gazing up at Canterlot above them and the stars beyond that.

The two ponies stood side by side, quietly reflecting on the view. He found it interesting that her mane did not ruffle to the gusts of wind that flowed from the train's movement. Luna caught his examining look and gave a sad smile.

“StarStep, thou knowest I may be unable to return thy ability to fly.” Her eyes flickered to the bandaged appendages before meeting his look. It was less of a question.

“I know Princess.” He gave a soft sigh as she unfurled her massive alicorn wing to blanket his back.

“Thou dost not seem...sad. I've seen mighty pegasi weep themselves to despair at the loss of their wings. Why doth thou not feel as such?”

Star shrugged, lifting up his fore-hooves to rest on the railing. He glanced down at the rapidly moving rail-ties that whipped out from under the train. “I'm more angry than sad. I'd give anything to protect you or my friends. Tartarus, even most of Ponykind.”

The alicorn frowned for the briefest of moments before she hugged the smaller pony tight to her side, “I knowest thou would. It...frightens me, dear StarStep. Yet, mine heart is proud of thy desire to protect others. I only fear, it will lead thee to ruin one day. Already, thy sacrifice may prove dear. A flightless pegasus is...” She trailed off, unable to finish her thought. “Who art thou angry at, pray-tell?”

Waving a hoof upwards at the dwindling lights of Canterlot, he replied, “That pony who burnt down Sweetie's house and almost took the lives of ponies. I'm pretty sure I know who it is, but his file is pretty small. Name is Granite. Seems all the underworld thugs he's worked for have kept him under the radar. The guards still don't know how he got out.”

“Art thou angry because his actions may have cost thee thy wings?”

Star paused, then shook his head, “Honestly, Princess, not really. I mean, a little. But I'm more angry he tried to hurt good-hearted ponies out of spite. Even if he only intended to burn their house down in petty revenge, it's still wrong. And it makes me so angry.” He slammed a hoof down on the rail. “But I don't know where he is yet. My wings were the cost to save two ponies, and I'm ok with that. But this mother-bucker...” He halted and blushed, realizing he cursed in front of his Princess. “Sorry...”

“Neigh, I can understand thy frustration. I felt much the same when Tia and I faced Discord. Twas little we could do to counter his powers. All around us, ponies suffered, and it tore at our hearts.” She leaned her head down to gently rub her cheek with his, “Dear, StarStep, remember to not let thy anger cloud thy judgment, and lead thee to rash action. I did once...the price was terrible.” She gave a heavy sigh.

The colt nuzzled at her affectionately, “Thank you, Princess. For your advice, and forgiveness, and understanding. I know I'm just one little pony, but...I want to be there for you.”

Returning his nuzzle, the blue alicorn gave a little smile before kissing him, “I knowest thou dost desires such.”

______________________________________________________________

The train was slightly delayed by cows herding across the tracks, but eventually it steamed into Ponyville with a screaming whistle and a grind of metal brakes. The group made their way off the last car, the Princess drawing looks of astonishment from the ponies standing around the loading platform. She waved to those who did so first, and informed those that prostrated themselves to rise and go about their business. Scootaloo found the whole thing amusing. She even held the door open with a mocking bow for Luna as they passed through the station. Luna just smirked and giggled when Scoots suddenly yelped. She leaned down to Star's ear, “Seems her cutie mark is a might sensitive to spanks.” The colt blushed and coughed in embarrassment.

They followed the road that circled Ponyville, not wishing to stir up downtown with Luna's presence. In due time, the little group arrived at StarStep's home. His father was up on the roof, tapping new tiles into place, wearing a wide-brimmed hat to keep the early morning sun out of his eyes. The dark-grey pegasus looked up at Star's shout, then beamed a grin as he holstered the hammer in his belt. Fluttering down into the yard before them, he gave his son a mighty hug. There was a questioning look at Star's bandaged wings, but he said nothing. Instead, he turned to give a respectful bow of his head to Luna.

“Well now, isn't this a surprise? My son said he was bringing friends over, but I didn't expect royalty.” He gave a lopsided grin. “Welcome home, Princess Luna.” He gestured with a hoof towards the simple house.

The alicorn gave Star a curious expression before she accepted his father's invitation and led the group inside. The ponies filed into the living room, Star's dad ensuring everypony had a comfortable seat before calling into the kitchen. Shortly, Star's mom wandered in, a tray of lemonade filled glasses, floating in her magic to settle on the coffee table.

“Oh, I'm so glad you could all come for a visit, I...” Her voice trailed off as she noticed Star's wrapped wings, “OH, Star, what happened?!” She bit her lip as she hesitantly reached out to touch the white bandage.

“It's ok, Mom. I'll explain later.”

Princess Luna cleared her throat as she gestured with her crystal shod hoof towards Sweetie Belle, “Thy son rescued this young unicorn and her friend, Dinky, from a most terrible fire. A truly noble act, thou should be proud.”

Star's mom blinked, noticing Luna for the first time and gave a shaky bow, “Thank you for visiting our humble home, Princess. And letting us know about our son's bravery. I wish I'd known you were coming.” She shot her son a quick glare, “I would have set out the good china and made this place spot-less.”

With a wave of her hoof, she cut off the mare's worry. She smiled as she looked about, “Neigh, tis quite fine. It feels lived in, and comfortable. Tis truly a loving home.” She looked down at the glasses of cold lemonade, “May we partake in thy refreshments? The trip was most lengthy by train.”

“OH, oh, yes, of course, where are my manners. Please everypony, enjoy.” She scurried off to the kitchen to fetch an extra couple of glasses to accommodate the extra ponies. When she returned, they all helped themselves to the ice-chilled treat. Soon, everypony was sipping their cool drinks and settling into the well used couches. “So um, did you come all this way to tell us about Star's heroics, Princess?”

At that, Star shook his head, holding up his necklace of feathers. “Scootaloo, the Princess, and I, are dating, Mom.”

Her eyes bulged, much to her husband's amusement. He stood and laid a comforting wing over her back, “Haha, dear. Deep breaths. You have to breathe.”

The silver unicorn nodded, eyes still wide as she sucked in air. “You...and Scootaloo, AND the Princess?” She blinked, “But...what about Miss Cheerilee? Star, oh, what have you gotten mixed up in?”

The blue-grey colt gave a soft sigh and laughed, “Miss Cheerilee has Twilight. It's...not like that between us. It'll be alright, mom. I'll explain everything later.”

Nodding, she walked up and gave Scootaloo a bone-crushing hug, then hesitated before giving Luna one as well, “I know you're not family yet, but, welcome. Our home is yours.” Scootaloo giggled, Luna gave a warm smile.

“Speaking of family.” Star began, putting a limb around Lighthoof. “Remember what I told you about in my last few letters? This is Lighthoof.”

The parents shared a look, before trotting over to embrace the surprised Lighthoof. He blinked and smiled awkwardly, looking over their shoulders at Star for help. At last they released him and Star's mom brushed some of Light's bangs out of his eyes, “Hello, Lighthoof. Star told us how you wanted to be part of the family. I regret we couldn't give Star a brother, so I'm glad you've become like one to him.”

Star's dad patted Light on the shoulder, “We'll need to chat a bit. But, I don't see a reason why we can't adopt you. You've been family to my son while he's been away. It means a lot to us.” Lighthoof blinked, there was a long pause before he choked out a thanks, then there was hugging all around and smiles.

_____________________________________________________________

Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo walked on each of Star's sides, as they trotted towards town. Luna had stayed to help Star's mom bake dishes for a welcome party they were throwing that evening. Most of the town was invited, thanks to a slip of the tongue around Pinkie Pie. But Star didn't mind. The gathering was a great way for more ponies to get to know Luna beyond her being their Princess. Lighthoof had stayed behind to help Star's dad finish the roof, and to have a colt to colt talk about joining the family. He was certain the two would get along just fine.

The trio made their way into town, stepping into Apple Bloom's shop, her door bell heralding their entrance. The yellow earth-mare looked up from an order form, smiled to Star and Scoots, then blinked as her eyes lingered on the white unicorn.

“Oh my stars! Sweetie!” She bound over the counter and tackled her friend in a flying hug. They laughed and rolled about as Scoots gave Star a gentle nudge. At last the earth-mare relented her loving assault to bound up, flicking her eyes between her three friends. “I reckon a CMC reunion requires that I close up shop early, what y'all say?”

So the four ponies soon found themselves settled on a hill, overlooking the Apple family pond. Near the site of Apple Bloom's new construction. She had a foundation laid, and the early skeletal frame of the humble cottage finished. She excitedly told her friends about what she had planned, lots of bedrooms for guests, a big covered area for projects and such. As she finished, she asked about Star's injury, and he gave a short telling of the fire. She grimaced and wished him well, and thanked him for rescuing Sweetie and Dinky. As they swapped stories, Star gave Sweetie a light nudge and gestured with his head.

“Apple Bloom, Scootaloo...” She began, their eyes turned to her. “I'm...so very sorry I stopped talking to you. I...got so overwhelmed, and I thought I could handle it all myself. Can you forgive me for being such a jerk?” The pegasus and earth-pony grappled her up in a hug. It was clear they held no hard feelings towards her.

“Oh, Sweetie.” AB began, “I figured you done got yourself in trouble. You are as bad as my sister about not askin for help. I forgive yah, just...don't forget we're yer friends. We wanna help if we can.”

The orange pegasus nodded in agreement, “She's right, Sweetie. We've been friends a long time. If you can't come to us for help, who can you go to?”

Sweetie's eyes turned to StarStep's beaming smile. She matched it. “It took our moon-struck colt friend to help me see.”

AB and Scoots looked to the blue-grey pegasus. AB grinned, “I right reckon so. Thank you, Star. For knockin' some sense in her fool head, and pulling her flank outta da fire, literally. At this point, I'd normally yell 'pony-pile' like old times, but account of your wings...well...”

Star surprised them all by shouting, “PONY PILE!” and pounced the hugging friends. They tumbled about, laughing and squirming under the pegasus colt as he playfully tickled them all. In fairness, they did not retaliate, respectful of his injuries, and he soon relented his assault, happy to sprawl out in the close comfort of his three friends. As the four looked up at the clear blue skys, cuddled together, Star felt oddly nostalgic and warm inside.

_______________________________________________________________

The party music was being DJ'd by a young colt from town. A prodigy of Vinyl Scratch, he threw down a nice mix of music that was easy to dance to, and not so loud the ponies on the other side of the yard couldn't converse. Almost the entire town mingled around StarStep's house. Most clustered in small groups of friends, or the buffet table. The rest either danced or wandered from spot to spot. Princess Luna was at his side, sharing a tasty blackberry muffin with him. Occasionally ponies would wander by to pay their respects to the Princess, and she would politely chat with them till they moved on. Lighthoof was off tearing up the dance floor, impressing the fillies. The CMC were clustered off at the edge of the yard with Rarity, Applejack and Pinkie. There seemed to be some sort of deep discussion going on. Sometimes he would catch one of them looking in his direction, though it was too dark to make out the expression.

“Thy family is quite loving, dear StarStep. They do not bow or stumble over their hooves to please me. Of this I approve. I feel most welcome in thy home.” She leaned down to give him a nuzzle.

Star leaned into it, “I'm glad, Princess. Mom can get a little...overwhelmed at time.”

The alicorn laughed softly, giving a polite nod to passing ponies. “Indeed. Though we had quite a splendid time making baked goods. Tis been ages since Tia and I hath done such. I shalt have to remedy that when I return to Canterlot.”

“Are you sure it's ok that you took time off Princess?”

“Oh, yes, tis fine. We do not need to be at the castle to raise and lower the moon and sun. Tis only the day to day governing that keeps us there. Tia assures me she can handle it while I take time off. She insisted after she heard of thy offer.” She gave a soft giggle. She looked about, “So many new faces to mine eyes. Seems Ponyville has grown well since mine last visit.” There was a slight sigh, “I remember when this was but fields and forest. A time when we lived in the old castle, so long ago. Tis always startling to me, when I look upon the world with eyes of ages past. Remembering a castle that is but shadowy ruins. Or a landscape carved by rivers and rain.”

“I would think it would be interesting, Princess.”

“Oh?” She glanced down at her colt-friend. “How so?”

“Well, if I could live long enough, I'd love to see the world changing before me. If everything stayed the same, I figure it'd get pretty boring.” He smiled up at the alicorn.

“I wilst not change in thy lifetime, dost thou find that boring?” She smirked down at him.

“No, Princess, no. I...yikes, caught in my own words, huh?” Luna laughed at his stammering.

“Worry not, I know what thou means. Tis true in some respects. To know the land is ever changing, and there will always be new ponies to meet. Though, as thou reflect nostalgically upon things from thy childhood, I do so upon an entire life-time of ages.” She caught his attention and kissed him briefly, “But let us not speak upon the sadness of passing time. Tis joy and delight at this party, let us enjoy the moment.”

A pony politely cleared her throat as the two parted from their kiss. Star noted Rarity standing posed before them. She gave a respectful bow to Luna and winked at Star, “I do so apologize for interrupting, Princess. I just wanted to take a moment to thank StarStep for rescuing my sister.” She trotted forward and gave him a tight hug, “Thank you so much, dear. For saving her both from the fire, and from herself. I'm going to personally reimburse you for the money you lost when Sweetie's instruments went up in flames.”

“It's ok, Rarity. I'm just...upset she and her band have nothing to play now.”

“Tut-tut. Do not worry that handsome head of yours. A dear friend of mine works at a music store. I am certain arrangements can be made. You've done so much for her already, please allow me to do my part. Oh, before I forget, how did you two enjoy the outfits at the griffon diplomacy party?”

Luna and Star shared a look before the Princess smiled warmly to the unicorn, “Thy outfits were most pleasing. Dear StarStep looked quite dashing.”

Rarity beamed, “OH! How delightful! I'm so glad it worked out.” Spike called out for her somewhere off in the crowd, “Oh, my dear Spikey needs me. Please pardon me. And congratulations, Star.” She winked and wandered off.

Star scratched his head and glanced up at Luna, “I guess word is getting around of our courtship.”

Scootaloo came bounding over to the pair. She carefully hugged Star then Luna. Giving the Princess an affectionate nuzzle. “Hey you two, I'm surprised you're not out dancing!”

Star grimaced, “Sorry Scoots. The pain-killer magic is making me a bit lethargic. I'm not feeling up to a lot of bouncing about.” He gave Luna a playful flank bump, “Princess here is a party animal.”

The orange pegasus grinned up at the alicorn, “How about it, Luna. Care to shake your plot with me?”

The alicorn laughed and playfully nipped the filly's ear, “Oh-ho! Thy offer is most accepted.” She glanced at Star, “Art thou sure thou dost not feel up to dancing?”

Star smiled and nudged her off with his nose, “No-no, you two have a great time. I think I'll enjoy watching you two dance.”

Scootaloo rolled her eyes and ushered the Princess away as she glanced over her shoulder at the colt, “He just wants to watch us wiggle our plots, Luna. Come on, lets make him jealous.” The mares shared a laugh as Scootaloo winked at him.

His eyes followed them as the wandered out to the dance area, chosing a spot where he could watch. Scootaloo was whispering in Luna's ear when a nibbling on his own ear caused him to jump.

A soft giggle and warm breath washed over his the delicate bit of flesh. He turned his head to bump noses with a fuchsia mare. “Cheerilee!”

She laughed and kissed him. He gasped for breath afterwards, both hating and loving her for her ability to do that. He noticed Twilight standing at her side, beaming a happy smile at the two of them. “Hello, Star." Cheerilee greeted him, glanced out at Luna and Scootaloo, just starting to dance. Wiggling about as they found their rhythm. She reached a hoof up to play with the feathers on his necklace. “Am I to assume my advice worked out for you, dear? I heard about what you did for Sweetie Belle. Seems you're becoming quite the stallion.”

He nodded quickly, a hot blush on his cheeks from her compliment. He couldn't seem to meet her gaze and instead watched Luna and Scootaloo bounce about. They really did have cute plots. They shared a laugh as Cheerilee started to nuzzle at his neck. “Uhhh, Cheerilee, I...uh, wait...I'm feeling a little confused. My mare-friends are watching us.”

She laughed and nibbled at his coat, “Oh, I know. Let them.” Twilight giggled at Cheerilee's teasing. Her playful nibbles relented as she lead her mare-friend around so the two of them were facing him. “But, I guess I'll let you off easy this time.” She winked.

“Star...” Twilight began. She looked away awkwardly, shuffling her hoof against the grass, “We, uh, we sort of have something to tell you.” At Cheerilee's affectionate nuzzle at her cheek, she raised her eyes to her lover's, finding the courage to look to the colt. “I guess you could say, we have something important you should know before we tell the others.”

The colt looked between them. He smiled knowingly, “Well, I guess congratulations are in order. Who popped the question to who?”

Twilight blinked as Cheerilee giggled. The fuchsia earth-pony kissed her lavender unicorn, “He thinks we're getting married, Twilight.”

The unicorn blushed, “Oh...um...no...not yet. But...I guess we should...”

Cheerilee raised an eyebrow, “Oh my, Twilight, are you asking me to be your wife? So bold!”

There was stammering as the pony tried to reason out what just happened. Cheerilee silenced her with a long, passionate kiss, leaving her breathless and staggering. “We'll talk about this later, my lovely science pony.” She scrunched her nose cutely before returning her attention to the colt.

“That wasn't what we needed to tell you dear.” She took a deep breath, her cheeks blushing a bit. Anxiety welled up in Star's belly as the mare paused.

“StarStep...you're going to be a father.”