𝑻𝑯𝑬𝑪𝑬𝑳𝑬𝑺𝑻𝑰𝑨𝑳𝑹𝑼𝑳𝑬𝑹 ` *.
“ don’t you think you’re being a little too HARD on yourself, discord? ” the words left the pink-hued princess in a soft hum, observing the draconequus as he admired – or rather despaired – at his reflection. they weren’t even back at the academy officially yet, and already she knew she would have her hooves full with him this year. it hardly mattered to her, as his friend, she wanted him to be HAPPY, but truly, he hardly ever helped HIMSELF. offering a faint smile to her sister, celestia gestured for her to go on ahead, before she moved to stand beside discord, observing both of their reflections thoughtfully.
“ i think the silver makes you look rather dashing, ” she offered lightly, a gentle glow of golden magic surrounding his glasses, pushing them up a little higher and more securely onto his face. she couldn’t help but smile at him, amethyst eyes twinkling with an air of merriment. at harmony academy, she truly felt as though she could just be who she WANTED to be, and she was glad to be back.
His frown grows at her flattering comment, tempted to scoff at the notion considering he was beside the very pony who was the definition of the word beauty. They’re complete opposites! What she saw as dashing he saw as imperfect. But he blinks at the warm glow surrounding his specs as they’re fixed over his face, and the gesture makes him smile; his attention briefly caught by the royal as he offers her a kind nod. If Celestia thought him acceptable then that should matter more than his contrary opinion about himself.
Wrong. He hesitates, turning back to the lake with a sigh. There’s more than just the exterior appearance. ❛ I reached out to Starswirl. ❜ he began as he tried another smile but, he just couldn’t seem to keep them today. There’s no sense in hiding his worries now what with another year at the academy. Even if he manages to survive this year he has two years left to face whatever hurdles that may come and would he even be at school then? Oh dear! He certainly wouldn’t want to drop out.
He reaches up to rub his head, ❛ He helped me meditate on my magic and I think I’ve got most things under control now. There’s still a few things that need some fine tuning but they’re not as worse as looking like I should be at an old folks’ home! I do hope your time away from this place has been kinder to you. ❜
















