***
Luna. The autumn had always been her domain more than any, save perhaps winter. The fading light, the cool breezes and of course the festival dedicated to her all made the season truly her own. Tonight, however, she was standing on Celestia's balcony. No matter how much this season was her own, this was her rival's domain.
"Are you going to stand out there all night, Luna?" A playful voice came from within. Luna flustered, spreading her wings self-consciously. Entering, she found Celestia scribbling something on her desk. No doubt some treaty or other.
"We...I apologize for the intrusion, sister--"
"You shouldn't." Celestia grinned. The sun goddess smiled easily. Somehow that was one of Luna's least favourite things about her sister.
"But I feel there is something we need to talk about." Celestia turned from her desk and sat, as if taking court. Luna knew in that moment her worries were not unfounded.
"I am worried that you may be allowing yourself to develop a blindspot." Celestia raised an eyebrow, urging her sister to continue.
"When you first returned me, your instinct was to check on another, mortal in my place. Left me at our reuniting to mingle whilst you and her spoke. Today you sent her against the Crystal Tyrant Sombra in my place. You..." Luna flicked an ear. "It is unwise for us to grow so attached to such a vulnerable, impermanent part of our domain. I fear that if she takes place in your heart even over me, she could be exploited by an enemy of ours to get to you."
"You know as well as I do that there is a chance she may remedy that particular problem." Celestia probed Luna's reaction. The diarch turned her head, looking at Celestia's notes. She always cleared them away when a friendship report appeared, without fail.
"But we both know that's not really what this is about." Luna straightened.
"Of course that's what this is about. It is worse than I feared. I knew you wished to grant her access to Starswirl's studies, but now?"
"Luna, wait--"
"I can see my counsel will fall on deaf ears. If you'll excuse me." Celestia bit her lip.
"Luna, wait, I--" The other alicorn took off from the balcony, and Celestia let out a sigh.
"I trust her because she doesn't hate me." Celestia finished to herself, eyes flicking back to her parchment. The open window let in some of the autumn cold.