The evening was chilly, but Fluttershy actually found it refreshing after the long day. Her cottage wasn't so distant from Twilight's castle, so she had decided to slowly walk back home instead of flying: a bright, full moon was showing a clear path, transforming the familiar landscape into a mesmerizing black canvas where thousands of silver fragments seemed to dance. Looking around she let her mind wander between recent memories, until a sudden realisation froze her thoughts.
It's been a month now. New responsibilities, some emergencies and a few short trips had kept all of them really busy for the last few weeks. On the other hand, in her spare time she was completely absorbed by the usual daily routine, taking care of her little friends, gardening and, most of all, trying to dedicate enough attention to Angel: she didn't want him to feel neglected, and he was so concerned about all the times she had to leave him. Time had fled and it was more than three weeks since she had heard news from...
Without noticing, she was already in front of the small bridge outside her house, but something about it caught her attention and obliged her to stop. It was impossible to cross, completely covered by what seemed a multitude of little white eggs. Oh my goodness. Can it be snow? No, it's way too early. I sure hope these are not...no, I don't think it's anything...alive. Carefully approaching the closest one, Fluttershy gave it a hesitant look: more than an egg, it looked like a little tulip.
Holding her breath, she gently pushed it with a hoof, but nothing happened. She felt sure enough to lift it from the ground, bringing the strange flower to her eye level. It was incredibly light and felt like paper-thin. She was trying to decide what to do, when a cloud fell like a curtain before the moon. Fluttershy gasped while darkness surrounded her, shivering. She was just about to panic, but suddenly a thin, warm light reassured her.
The globe was flickering as a little firefly awakened inside of it. Soon all the others started to shimmer, enlightening the bridge and the surrounding flowers: amazed by the view, the yellow pegasus couldn't help but smile, but her mouth widely opened after a few seconds. Every glowing bulb began to levitate, floating gently upon her. It felt like being immersed few inches under water, admiring hundreds lanterns dancing on the surface.
When all the lights had reached the sky above the cottage, every one suddenly started to melt, becoming a shining cascade of sparks: a quiet, yet astonishing spectacle of little fireworks, just for her eyes. For a moment Fluttershy forgot to even think but, as soon she regained her consciousness, a name seemed to appear in her mind. A strange peace fell upon her, washing off every concern. It felt like finding something she didn't even know was lost. There you are.
She walked up to the bridge and sat on the top, enjoying the view until the last glint faded. Then the moon reappeared, sweeping away the clouds and the dreamy atmosphere.
"In my opinion, it would have been sooo much better with some explosions in the gran finale. But, to be honest, I didn't want to wake up your rancourous bunny". The voice came from a tree behind her: Discord was comfortably seated in a theatre box, holding a fan and looking her through his opera glasses. "I hope you liked it anyway".
"I loved it" Fluttershy simply replied.
"You know... " and with a loud POP the draconequus was sitting next to her "I was about to write you a letter, but I had so much to tell and it was such a lovely evening to fly and maybe I was missing you just a little bit, so I preferred just to..." Fluttershy stopped the stream of words with a warm smile "I'm glad you came". She gently laid her head on his shoulder, causing Discord a small blush. "I missed you too. And thanks for your surprise, it was truly beautiful".
"Well, I was more inclined to cook you a special dinner, but when I got here the house was empty. I just waited for you and put something together".
"I'm sorry I kept you waiting".
"Oh, it's all right dear, I know I wasn't expected. I suppose I got caught in too many...productive plans...lately and I let too much time pass from my last visit".
Fluttershy gave him a reassuring look "Now it's your turn to stop apologizing. Twilight mentioned something about your role in Celestia's big project: you are really kind to help her".
Discord awkwardly scratched his neck. "Well, I have to make up somehow" his eyes darkened while he turned towards her "for what happened".
Fluttershy put her hoof upon his lion paw and looked him with firm kindness. "We already talked about this. You don't need to be sorry anymore, your actions will speak for you. Besides, everyone has already forgiven you". She paused just for a second before adding "I forgave you".
Discord finally gave her a smile, squeezing her hoof "I know".
They both shared a relaxing moment of silence, then Discord turned to look at her, with just an inch of worry in his voice. "Where have you been until such a late hour anyway?".
Fluttershy stretched her legs and stood up before answering. "Actually, it's a long story".
Discord stood up too, unsure about what to say. "Do you want me to...".
Again, her smile closed his lips. "You know, I'm a little tired, but not sleepy at all. I would love to tell you everything. And certainly I want to hear all about what you did. I was thinking about a cup of tea...if that's ok with you".
For a second, his smile shone brighter than the moon. "Well, the night is still young, isn't it?". He began to fly gently in front of her, leading the way through the front door. She followed him walking slowly. Their gazes firmly bound to each other, forgetful of the wonderful night around them.
