"Evening, sister." Luna stepped onto the balcony in the pre-dawn light.

"Morning, sister." Celestia picked up the teapot and poured two cups. Her horn glowed for a moment, and the sun inched into the sky. White-gold sunlight washed the terrace and sliced the streets below into threads of shadow and light.

Luna took a seat and looked out over the Everfree City. She sipped her tea with a quiet sigh.

"Long night?" Celestia asked.

"Mmm."

"You left a mirror in the Hall yesterday. I missed you at sunset."

"I apologize," Luna said. "My court raises no objection to my research."

"You might have more attendants if—"

"No."

"I'm only suggesting—"

"No, Celestia. I may be informal with you, but I rule the night court as I wish. Coddling the rich and currying favor with toadies is no part of that."

Celestia sipped her tea. "I do not coddle them."

"Truly? Battle would leave you more energetic than a day of court. Where is the fire which broke the harpy offensive, scorched the siren islands? You have it in you. Stop serving the pride of self-styled courtiers, put a touch of heat in your speech! They should be seared from your presence like the clots of filth they are. Their pride deserves no less."

"Where is your compassion, Luna? Can we rule like your handsome Crystal Emperor? Have you learned so much from his mirrors you can divine the future, guide your subjects without their counsel? Would you enjoy a throne of black glass and a crown of reddened steel?"

"Theatrics are unbecoming." Luna lowered her spoon. "Your concern is touching, but I could never fall so far at your side. Do you scorn my learning so? The power of this new magic is undeniable. I am sure Star Swirl has reported to you."

"Knowledge is merely a means, but some tools are useless for peace."

"So speaks Burning Mourn, Lady of the Sword, Brightblade!"

"Even my weapons serve Harmony."

"Indeed." Luna turned to look over the city. "Harmony. You burned back the forest itself, and now you grovel before merchants, begging for cooperation, thinking their façade is unity. They pile up empty praise, sneering in private as they heap their problems on you, dream to profit by pitting you against rivals. Your sword would at least inspire respect."

"Is respect worth sequestering yourself, repelling petitioners with your voice alone? Is that what you build by mirror and starlight, sister? A respectable sword?" Celestia's teacup clinked as she replaced it.

"And if it is?" Luna looked back to her. "Perhaps Damareoclese could teach these 'nobles' propriety, reveal the burden of power."

"Burden? Does the Everfree City burden you now?" Celestia sighed. "You laid this building's cornerstone yourself. I thought I saw joy in your eyes when we greeted the first half-frozen refugees, ponies from each race gathering together. Perhaps if you showed your softer side, your subjects would love you more. They didn't raise us here overnight, or build our home into a palace in a day. Throw away your mirrors, Luna. Look to your friends."

"Humble myself."

"Would it hurt you?"

"Less than abandoning my self-respect."

"Please—"

"Is this how you petition them?" Luna waved to the city. "Those demanding your attention, patronage, service, dancing you from silken thread?"

"That isn't fair."

"Is it not?" Luna sipped her tea. "Have you even looked in a mirror, or are you simply parroting that bearded dunce?"

"When was the last time you talked to Star Swirl?" Celestia asked. "He has spoken with Sombra, seen the terror in that land. The King is fell and his power foul."

"And yet, the Empire is united. Surely Star Swirl's leadership of the 'wise council', those who pull the merchant's strings and lobby to embargo the Empire, does not influence your views."

"Do you think me so weak?" Celestia sighed. "As your sister, Lulu. I'm begging you. Abandon this."

"To go that far." Luna chewed the last of her toast. She closed her eyes and the moon slipped from the sky. She stood and turned away from the gentle sun.

"Sister?"

Luna paused with a hoof on the door. "Very well. Tomorrow, on the longest day of the year, I will sever my ties and break my mirrors. We will have peace, and this will be over."

"Thank you."

The door closed. Celestia yawned in the early sun, and looked out over the city. She pushed her empty plate away and rose.

Court was scheduled next.