A week. That’s how long it had been since Twilight had defeated Tirek, and that’s equally how long it had taken Pinkie Pie to plan a Twilight-lost-her-house-and-gained-a-castle-and-now-she’s-a-proper-princess-and-so-are-her-friends party, or as everypony else called it, Twilight’s Housewarming Party. It seemed like everypony was to be there, even some she didn't know; everypony except one, that is.
Discord sat atop a tree some ways away, watching the party intently, his forepaws around his eyes as if they were binoculars, which – considering his shape-shifting abilities – they actually were. He had been invited of course, but he didn't feel like he deserved to go, not that he would admit it out loud. For one thing, he still had a lot of enemies – not exactly a surprising turn of events, he had after all gone with Tirek on his reign of terror. But that wasn't the reason for his reluctance, he had long since learnt not to take hatred to heart. No, it was the fact he had betrayed his only friends, and for what – a useless trinket?
Okay, so it wasn't exactly useless; to be fair, that gift he’d received had been the final key needed to unlock the box and release the Rainbow of Light. But the point still remained, he’d betrayed his best – and only – friends, and despite the fact they’d all forgiven him (some a little more reluctantly than others) Discord had yet to forgive himself.
“Alone again, Discord?” To the Draconequus’ surprise, Luna was suddenly at his side, her mane and tail glistening like a million tiny stars upon the background of a dark nights’ sky – such was her name. The natural-born Alicorn was quietly observing Discord as she sat upon the tree beside him, an unreadable expression on her face. For a time, neither of them spoke, before Discord finally broke the silence.
“What are you doing here, Luna?” Discord asked, a tinge of curiosity in his voice. “I thought you’d be partying with Sparkle-Butt, Solar-Flank, and Love-Tush.” Naturally, he was referring to the other princesses – Twilight, Celestia, and Cadence. For some reason he had never given Luna a nickname. Luna simply shrugged.
“Partying is not what thou would call ‘my thing’.” Luna stated after another silence. “I should be asking thou the same thing, Discord. Is this not your area of expertise?”
“Well, I wouldn't say expert.” Discord grinned, looking smug. “But I suppose you’re right. Laughter is, after all, my personal favorite Element.”
“If that is true, why has thou not chosen to join the others?” Luna queried lightly. “Is this tree really more fun than a party?”
“Why not?” Discord chuckled. “Who wants to deal with boring old ponies anyway? I’d rather have my own fun.” Clicking his paw, he conjured up a cotton candy cloud above the princess’ head, complete with chocolate milk rain, but just as quickly, Luna had conjured up a barrier. “Oh you’re no fun.” He pouted lightly.
“I never said I was.” Luna countered. “Nor did I say I was your personal toy.” She added pointedly. Discord simply rolled his eyes. “Now, thou cannot tell me that having an entire room filled with ponies one can mess with is a lot less fun than sitting alone, just watching them.” She spoke casually, but Discord saw through her innocence immediately; Luna was trying to console him.
“And how would you know what I think?” Discord raised a thick, bushy brow, staring in boredom at his talon as he began to float off the tree. “You may be able to see my dreams, dear Luna, but I doubt you understand my thoughts.” He paused to chuckle. “It would take a rather chaotic mind to understand them.”
“Oh?” Luna responded. “I would not say ‘chaotic’, rather misunderstood. I believe I may have a little more insight than thou seems to realize.” For a time, Discord only frowned in confusion, before he remembered the Nightmare Moon saga and nodded thoughtfully. If anyone knew what it was like to be trapped- But wait, she was frozen in that entire time she was trapped.
“I think you and I have very different ideas on this topic.” Discord pointed out in a bored fashion, but he could tell Luna saw through his demeanor. “After all, you are loved by everypony.” If it was anyone else, Discord wouldn’t have been so blunt, but he knew Luna understood him better than most, and wouldn't take his words the wrong way.
“Oh?” Luna replied. “Is thou so different? Or has thou forgotten that I have also had my fair share of trials? Remember that the night does not shine as brightly as the day, Discord.” Despite the fact the lunar princess was no longer speaking figuratively, Discord couldn't seem to understand her. What did Nightmare Moon have in common with what he went through? Seeming to realize the Draconequus’ dilemma, Luna explained. “Thou does not think that I have asked for forgiveness?”
“Oh contraire, Luna.” Discord crossed his arms with a short bark of laughter. “You are a princess, everypony forgave you in an instant. I still have a lot of enemies myself.”
“I was not talking about everypony, Discord.” Luna responded simply. “I did a lot of harm to Equestria, and that is not something one can forgive so easily.” Discord looked at the princess of the night in surprise; he never thought that she would've had the same problems forgiving herself, but in hindsight it seemed very obvious. And that’s when he finally understood what the feeling was; guilt. He had never felt guilty before, and now that he knew what the feeling was it only appeared to worsen. “This feeling does not leave one’s thoughts easily, but with time anything could happen.” And with that she disappeared in a brief flash of light, leaving Discord on his own.
“I’m not having guilt issues.” Discord spoke to nopony. He supposed he was only saying it to make himself feel better. A slight smile crossed his face; he wouldn't admit it, but he always did like talking to Luna – she was one of the few ponies that could keep up with his witty banter. A small chuckle erupted from his lips, and then another, and before he knew it he was in fits of laughter. “Oh Luna.” Discord smiled to the empty air. “You really have a way with words. I can see why laughter is your element.” He didn't know why, but talking with the mare always had a positive effect on him.
“What am I doing out here on my own?” Discord spoke suddenly. “I should be at that party already. I’m sure my dear, sweet Fluttershy will be missing me.” With a click of his paw, Discord disappeared, leaving behind only a lingering sound of laughter.
