DISCLAIMERS
1. This is a fan fiction based on characters owned by DC Comics. I DO NOT OWN THEM. This is just for fun.
2. I've probably got Tamaranean culture, and names, COMPLETELY wrong in this story. But I did read up on it, so if it is off the mark, blame Wikipedia and ComicVine...
PART 4
"Princess Koriand'r, it is truly an honour to see you again!"
Kory nodded at her fellow Tamaranean as she and Dick exited the shuttle. They had landed on Tamaran IV to a hero's welcome. As the Graysons stepped off the shuttle's docking ramp, the envoy who had first alerted the Titans of Tamaran IV - named Eronin'o - was waiting for them, bowing reverently. Already Kory felt uneasy - she had not been treated like royalty for a long time. She was about to ask Eronin'o to relax, when she glimpsed their surroundings... and gasped.
There must have been thousands of Tamaraneans, all fixated on their upcoming queen's presense. Kory knew there were more than enough of her people still alive to sustain the race, but even she was surprised at the number there to greet them. The sea of people seemed to go on forever. Though in the back of Kory's mind, she wondered if she was just overwhelmed by the situation. She felt humbled.
"My Lady... is everything alright?" Eronin'o had clearly noticed her pause.
"Yes... yes, thank you," she said slowly.
"Kory... ?" Dick asked, placing his hand on her shoulder.
She instinctively reached up and held his hand. "So many people... "
"Indeed, My Lady," said Eronin'o. "Not a soul wishes to miss the arrival of the rightful queen." He raised himself up straight and motioned to the huge gathering behind him. "But evenso, this is but a fraction of our populance. Come your coronation, the entire colony will be present."
Kory's eyes widened. More people? "X'Hal... " she breathed.
Eronin'o nodded knowingly. "She is truly blessing us with your return." He then looked at Dick. "Along with your consort. Welcome, Lord Dick."
Dick held the back of his head. "Please don't call me that," he stammered. "This is overwhelming as it is."
The envoy nodded again. "We understand. But please, you need not feel so. Our home is now yours. As the queen's husband, you are now considered a Tamaranean."
His eyes bulging, Dick was speechless. "Er... thanks," he eventually said.
Sensing her lover's unease, Kory realised she had to stamp out her own awkwardness, at least for now. Dick needed her. Resolutely, she knew she had to start acting like a queen. She took Dick's hand and motioned for him to move from behind her to her side. He needed to know they were equals, even here. "Forgive us," Kory said to Eronin'o. "It's alot to take."
"Of course," said Eronin'o. "Please, this way. The captain is waiting." He was referring to Captain Bokan'd, who had discovered the habitable planet during the Tamaraneans' long wandering. He had become de facto leader of the people once the rest of the Tamaran ships had arrived on the planet. It was Bokan'd who would oversee the ceromony that would crown Koriand'r. Eronin'o led the Graysons away from the shuttle towards a large vessel docked several hundred yards away. The path was laid out seperate from the people, so as to avoid the upcoming queen being accosted. Even so, Kory could hear words of praise, thanking her for coming.
Kory almost cried. After so long...
She was home...
TO BE CONTINUED
