Author's Note

So this is my first fan fiction ever (Yay) and I would like to thank you so much for taking time to look at it :)
I plan to write more chapters but I wanna see if people would like me to continue the story first :)
Would love to hear criticism on this too
Thank you

Chapter 1: Another must take his place (Introduction)

I wondered out on to the balcony of the Canterlot Castle dragging my new, long robes behind me. Well they were new to me, but in actual fact these robes were at least twice as old as me. They all keep congratulating me and saying how I look just wonderful in this outfit. I swear the word wonderful in that sentence must be surrounded by some pretty large quotation marks because if it isn't I'm gonna love hearing what they say when/if I actually feel like I should be wearing them. There still way too big for me and when I was first given them they were still warm which immediately put me off wearing them, but I'm told that it is tradition for the Arch-Mage to wear them at all public appearances and during all meetings with other nations.

I've had this title for no less than one day and already I'm sick to death of hearing it uttered. I leaned my head on top of the railing and looked out up at the stars. I think he must of known that he was going to leave, because he left the sky with beautiful display. Never before had there been a night which the stars glowed just as bright as the moon. This truly was one of his master pieces, And unfortunately his last.

"I knew he was able to make amazing entrances and exits at meetings but this just blows everything else out of the water."

My ears flicked up as I turned so that my eyes could meet with the mare standing behind me. My eyes meet with a tall and slender earth pony who's coat shimmered with a light shade of pink. Her mane had also caught my eye as while it was still white she had it done instead of down like she liked it but I just guess cause it was out of respect. And last but not least was her dress. Made with the best fabrics and more care than any other in all of world. All this added up to one thing, Fern Heart, Queen of Equestria.

"But I'm actually a little surprised." She went on to say.

I looked at her confused, "Surprised?" I respond.

"Yes. In fact I dare even say that I'm both disappointed and happy at the same time."

"About what might I ask?"

She smiled deviously as she threw her hooves up into the sky and began to talk with a think melodramatic accent.

"Why the sky my dear Greylight! The sky! O woe is me! He has missed the perfect opportunity to make one last pun."

I began to chuckle as I finally clicked, "You mean, this pun."

I closed my eyes and concentrated. My horn began to glow a bright white. It had been a long time since I had attempted to move the stars since usually dad was the one doing it, though I had learned how to do it with his help and I even did it once by myself. No matter what thought I knew I was going to be rusty. I could feel a few beads of sweat drip down my face as I strained to grip them all. There were so many of them I was worried I wold miss one. Finally I had them all and once I did I heard Fern's unavoidable moans of anguish.

I opened my eyes to see the stars spinning around both each other and the moon. There movements like a waving dance. But Fern's moans didn't make for great accompanying music.

"You really made them swirl! You just had to make them swirl didn't ya? You and your father sure do go a long way to annoy me."

"It's not our fault that your not a fan of our puns, but not too worry," I said between large breathes, "You won't have to suffer much longer."

As I released my grip I forgot that while I had them the grip was also the thing keep me on my hooves so you guessed it, I go tumbling back no less than five feet.

Fern roared with laughter, "Serves you right!" Her laughter was loud enough to reach the royal guards standing just inside, who as you might expect had to come out and check on her, make sure if I was not bothering her and blah blah blah. I swear they must all be either robots or extremely close.

"Sorry to of been a bother your majesty." I heard one say as the two of them bowed there heads.

"It's quite alright," Fern replied, "You were only doing your duty and I thank you for it."

They then bowed again and returned to their posts as Fern returned to my side, she held out her hoove "Need some help?"

"Please and thank you." She helped me up and we returned to the railing. "If I had a bit every time you and the guards had that conversation I'd be richer than everyone in Equestria."

"They have to do their jobs Greylight, but I must admit you would be a rich Stallion indeed."

I nodded and looked up again at the sky.

"Are you sure your ready as you said you were to be the Arch-Mage?"

I look up at her and was met with her gaze. She knew I was going to bullshit her and I could tell that she didn't want any of that. Not toady.

I sighed, "No.. of course I don't.. but dad believed in me so I've gotta make him proud."

Fern placed her hooves around the back of my head and rest them on my shoulders. "You can't make him proud, he's already way to proud of you."

"I guess he was.." I placed my hoove on hers and she began to rub it "It won't be easy though will it?"

She exhaled "Unfortunately not. Rasing the sun, lowering it and its the same with the moon. Not to mention you have to wear those funny robes."

"Ugh, the one thing I never under stood about dad was why he designed these robes and this hat with all these annoying bells!"

Fern chuckled, "They are a bit of an overkill."

She then proceeded to kiss me lightly on the head the same way a mother would as if she were kissing her young ones goodnight and tucking them in for the night. I felt her hooves recede and heard them trot away back to the door. "You should get some sleep," I heard her say, "Tomorrow will be tasking of you and you'll need to be well rested for it." With that she was gone, most likely back to the reception to entertain the guests.

She was right though about tomorrow. It was tradition for the new Arch-Mage to be tested on his skills in all aspects, from magic to leadership. I have no idea why they choose too make the day after dads funeral the day in which I was tested but in all honesty I didn't mind. Hopefully it would take my mind off this day.

As I walked back into the castle and down towards my room my mind turned towards Fern. She had been putting on a brave face for me and her kingdom but I could feel her sorrow. She wasn't one for hugs unless she desperately needed one. Even though she made it seem as that hug was for me it was just as much for herself.

I pushed open my door and headed for the manikin that tailor had set up for me. I took off the robes and hat and placed them on the plastic pony then lay back on my bed. I thought I wouldn't be able to sleep tonight but after awhile I felt my eyes grow heavy and I eventually dozed off. That night my dreams weren't filled with happy memories of dad but they weren't filled with sad ones either. No, the only thing that I dreamed of was a starless night sky.

END CHAPTER ONE