A/N: Greetings and Happy Holidays! This was a story I wanted to write a while ago when oh-snap-moron-ballet-mafia wrote her Nutcracker story. (Oh-snap, if you read this, please finish your story! You're such a good and creative writer!) Anyways, I decided now was the time to write it. I will be uploading twice a week, all the way up to Christmas Eve.

Also, I'm trying this idea out where if you want to listen along to the soundtrack in the background, I list the titles of the songs (like this) and say where to stop or pause the music as well. I timed it out as best as I could. Not every version is at the same pace/time for some reason. Plus not everyone reads at the same pace. Hopefully the timing still works. If you finish reading and the music is still going, you should be fine.

Do you need to do this to enjoy this fanfic? Nope! Think of this as a nice bonus feature.

(Overture)

It was the afternoon of Christmas Eve in Gold Crown. A fresh blanket of snow had fallen over the town. No home was busier than the Stanban household at this time. For every Christmas Eve, they hosted a grand party of dancing, feasting and sometimes magic!

At the time, the Stanban children were practicing their dancing in the main hall. Rue, the older sister, had great skill for dancing. Not to mention being graceful and beautiful. Indeed she was the envy of all her peers. Ahiru, the younger sister, though not as graceful as Rue, also loved to dance. While she didn't have as much structure, Ahiru's style of dance flowed with her own cheer and originality.

However, today, Ahiru wasn't particularly cheerful. For some odd reason, Ahiru struggled with the steps and kept falling down. She was overcorrecting her movements or looking over her shoulder to match Rue's. After tripping over herself for the third time, Ahiru sat down with a sad frown.

(Pause)

Rue stopped and looked at her sister. "Ahiru, is everything ok?"

She sighed heavily. "No. I'm not as good as you."

Rue sat down next to her. "When has that ever mattered? I thought you just liked to dance?"

Ahiru sighed, "I do like to dance! I just wish I could be better at it."

Rue was quiet for a bit. "Ahiru, what's this really about?"

Her little sister looked right in her eyes. "We host this party every year, and every year I go almost completely unnoticed."

"I don't see-"

"Besides the fact he's your boyfriend, Mytho dances with you because you're the best dancer. You're the first person Malin draws because you're so graceful. Pique and Lillie listen to you because they respect you. Meanwhile I either get ignored or treated like a child."

Rue looked at her sister with empathy. She could remember a time feeling self conscious. "You shouldn't have to compare yourself to me. Trying to be like me isn't what will get you noticed."

Ahiru looked down at her feet, "Easy for you to say. You're practically perfect in every way…"

Rue took her sister's hands, making Ahiru look back at her. "I wish you could see in yourself what I see in you."

Before Ahiru could respond, the girls' mother walked in. "Rue, Ahiru. What are you doing sitting around?" She clapped her hands hurriedly, "Quickly, we don't have much time left to prepare! Rue, go sweep the parlor. Ahiru, go see if Ms. Ebine needs help in the kitchen. After that you both need to get dressed!"

(Overture cont.)

The two girls got up quickly to follow their mother's wishes. Ahiru arrived in the busy kitchen where the family cook, Ms. Ebine, was rushing about. Ahiru liked helping Ms. Ebine. She was so warm and friendly. Not to mention the kitchen always smelled amazing, especially today!One of her favorite treats that Ms. Ebine would make was her chocolate bonbons. Which it looked like she was finishing the last batch when Ahiru walked in.

"Oh Ahiru!" She said, "Wonderful! Could you be a dear and take these to the dining room?"

"Of course!" Ahiru smiled. She took the tray and made her way to the dining room. She carefully pushed open the door and took a moment to admire the room. Ahiru could see the bright red tablecloth draping the tables, the few lit green candles glowing bright while loose evergreen branches were dotted around. She could smell the intoxicating scent of the fresh food and sweet treats that awaited the guests. It was picture perfect.

(Stop)

But she didn't admire the room for too long. Ahiru quickly locked eyes with a raven perched on the open window seal. Ahiru dropped the tray with a clatter and screamed. Ahiru didn't like ravens, and this particular one looked huge and rather hungry!

Within seconds, the whole household arrived. Ms. Ebine was quick to drive the raven back out the window, while Mr. and Mrs. Stanban comforted their youngest child.

"I'm so sorry about that, dear." Ms. Ebine said, "I'm not sure who left that window open."

"It's alright now." Her father whispered to his child. He looked at Ahiru, "Why don't you and Rue go get dressed? Your mother and I can handle the rest of the kitchen."

Ahiru nodded quietly, then followed her sister upstairs to their room.