In a kingdom far distant from the relatively peaceful land of Equestria, a huge event is taking place. A young warrior is about to become a full-fledged knight.

This powerful female horse is waiting behind a curtain. She has huge wings, with both wings and body covered in hawk-like markings, some dark and some russet. She has a dark falcon perched on her shoulder, very content to be there. The bird is preening its feathers, for it can sense it needs to look its best for what is to come.

"It's almost time," the mare whispers to herself, "The moment I've been waiting for all my life! Soon I will be called, and then- oh Merlina, isn't this exciting?!"

The falcon screeches softly in agreement, then returns to preening.

"Oh, I can hardly wait! Soon-"

"Princess Falcona," comes a voice, "It is time."

The mare moves the curtains aside and steps into the throne room of the castle, forcing herself not to go charging in like a little filly.

I must keep my demeanor. I can't embarrass myself in front of this audience. I must keep calm- excitement can wait until the solemn event is over and the audience is gone.

"Daughter, have you passed your tests?" asks the queen as her foal comes in. The queen is another winged horse, again with dark hawk markings, as well as a black falcon-like mask marking.

"Yes, Queen Falcon, just as you insisted. I'm not sure if I'm ready, though..."

"I know you are ready, my little one. Even if you don't know yourself. All will be well, trust me. King Tercel?"

A winged stallion with kestrel-like markings, russet body, and slate blue wings turns to face the young princess.

"Daughter, you truly know your falcon now, yes?"

"Indeed I do, Father. Merlina is ready for battle, and she knows me as well. She is ready, I know she is."

"Very good." He turns back to Falcon. "My eagle, will you do the honors?"

"Of course, my hawk."

The queen turns to her audience of other winged horses, lion-tailed, deer-like unicorns, and wild-looking horses.

"My loyal subjects, it is with a heavy heart I must bring you this news. My king and myself are older now. Our muzzles are turning gray, and we are no longer the powerful warriors you knew when we were young. We can no longer lead warriors to victory, no longer fight as well as we used to. I am afraid the time has come for us to retire."

There is a groan of dismay from the audience.

"But we also have good news," says Tercel. "Our eldest daughter, Falcona, is now fully trained for battle, and she and her falcon truly know each other. She is the best fighter of all our foals, and she is to be your new queen. She will take my and King Tercel's place."

The audience cheers, some of the horses even rearing up from excitement.

"Hail the new ruler, Queen Falcona!" say the king and queen together.

"All hail Queen Falcona!" echoes the audience.

"May the Great Hawk guide our daughter's wings," says Falcon.

"And may you lead the warriors of Avia to victory in all their future battles!" adds Tercel.

Falcon and Tercel leave, and there is another cheer from the audience as Falcona sits down on the throne.

"As your new queen, I shall try to be as good a leader as my mother. I will try to make alliances with others for trading in times of peace and for help in times of war, and I will do all I can to keep Avia strong." says Falcona. "That's all I have to say. You may leave."

Another cheer, then the different equines disperse.

Once everyone is gone, the young queen gallops around the throne room, kicking up her hooves like a filly and whinnying with joy and excitement.

"I made it! Oh Merlina, I made it! I passed the test, and now I'm the queen! I can't believe I made it!"

The falcon screeches again in a questioning tone.

"Sorry, Merlina. I got too caught in the moment. But you're right. Before I can start leading battles and making alliances, I'm going to need a sword and armor. Father says the unicorn Ironhoof is the best smith in the kingdom. You're right, I should go talk to her about making me a good sword, one I can use to fight but keep my balance and be light enough so I can still fly. Shall we go?"

Merlina trills in agreement, and the new queen heads to the blacksmith.