9:00 pm
The Titans sat at a rather large table in the dining hall waiting for Starfire to arrive. There were familiar faces surrounding the table, ones they had continuously seen throughout the celebrations. Nightwing sat at the left hand of the head with the others seated next to him. Ryand'r sat at the right side followed by Galfore, Karras, and his lieutenant. When Starfire finally came through the doors it was like Nightwing was thrust into the past. She wore her old uniform, the one she fell to Earth in. Although her hair was much longer it was styled just the same. Tameraneans age more slowly than humans, so she looked almost exactly as she did that day. Seeing her this way made him feel like a little kid again, running around in the cape and tights demanding the most out of everyone.
"Starfire." Almost breathless he called for her, completely forgetting about the crowd of people within the room. Again, she required all of his attention, tunneling his vision. She offered him a smile before confidently walking over to her seat. She began a small speech that echoed in his mind but he did not grasp a word. He watched as she smiled through her words, genuinely thanking everyone for their support. Finally, she raised her hands signaling for the food to be brought in and for the feast to begin. Once she had taken her first bite it became madness. The Titans had seen how the Tameraneans ate during celebration before but it was still crazy to them. Everyone fought for the food even though there was plenty to go around. Thankfully, special plates were prepared for the Earthlings so they didn't have to fend off others. Raven sat quietly, watching the crowd, slowly chewing on her meal. Cyborg participated in the Tameranean feast, making friends with those around them. Beast Boy mimicked the festivities while munching on a plate of tofu. Nightwing ate with his eyes glued to the fiery haired woman next to him. Her eyes would wander from time to time to ensure everyone was getting enough food and enjoying their time. As the moon reached its highest point in the sky, the commotion died down. The final desserts were served and fighting was replaced by discussion and camaraderie.
11:30 pm
Everyone filed out of the dining hall, ushered towards the palace grounds that the Grand Ruler suite overlooks. The Titans held back and followed Starfire as she hurriedly made her way to her room to change for the ceremony.
"I thank you for coming with me. I am very nervous about making a mistake during the speech but I always feel much better when you all are by my side." A nervous grin spread across her face.
"We're always here to back you up, Star." Cyborg reassured her with a friendly hand on her shoulders. When they finally reached her door they all piled in to wait for her. She had insisted on having her team at her side during her presentation despite tradition. They all sat on her bed and couch waiting for her. The presentation was by far the most important event happening today but it was also the least formal. Everyone dressed in their everyday clothes for the event because it was highly likely they would soil their clothes. Starfire looked at her friends in their uniforms and smiled, it may be quite some time before she saw them again. She admired how Nightwing's new suit made him seem bigger than what he actually was. The black fabric stretched across his muscles seeming almost too tight. He caught a glimpse of her wandering eyes before she vanished behind her closet doors.
"Guys, how long do we have to wait to tell Star? I'm going crazy over here!" Beast Boy was never good at keeping secrets. The entire tower had learned that it was still possible for Cyborg to get ringworm exactly 11 minutes after Beast Boy was confided in.
"We've been clear to stay for an additional 2 weeks, but I think we should let her know as soon as possible." Cyborg chimed it, eyeing Nightwing's reaction.
"I agree, it's better to tell her now so that the states can plan for the future." Raven's input considered not only their friend but her planet.
"I'm aware. I was actually thinking about talking to her the day after tomorrow as long as Galfore thought it was okay." Nightwing through carefully about this. Would it be best to speak with her privately or with the other present? Quiet snickers brought him back from his thoughts.
"Speaking of Galfore…" Beast Boy started, looking at Cyborg.
"You and Star been having nightly visits hmmm?" Cyborg finished, stifling his laughs. A light blush only noticeable to Raven appeared along with an annoyed growl.
"It's not like that. We just sleep next to each other." He hated that the others knew. Not that Raven would do anything, but he would never hear the end of it from these two.
"Sure, just sleeping." Beast Boy paraded around making kissing faces at him while Cyborg followed. They pranced around the room until they ran into a wall of black.
"Enough." Raven blocked them with her power. "More importantly, you got caught when you didn't intend to. You've never been caught before. If this had gotten out it could've caused problems for Starfire. Be more careful or be smart." Her stern voice came out almost as a threat. She loved all her friends so it would stand to reason any threat, even another friend, would be met with slight concern or hostility.
"I'm aware, Raven." He shot the girl a glare. He didn't need to be reminded that he has almost jeopardized her future as ruler. "It won't happen again." He lowered his gaze, unable to meet her eyes. The door from the closet swung open indicating their girl was ready for her moment. She came out in another purple one piece with no sleeves and high neck. Her boots reached her thighs and her arm bracers reached past her elbows. There was a diamond cut out on the front of her suit showing her lower stomach and belly button that Nightwing's eyes seemed to be drawn to. Her hair cascaded down in waves with two strands in the front tied back to keep the majority held back.
"Hey Star, where are those gem things you use on all your outfits." Beat Boy asked, eyeing her.
"I am to be given new ones upon my crowning. Tradition states that the Grand Ruler is to be completely bare during the coronation. It is after she has been crowned that she is to be clothed and given the solar gems. This is to be sure I am giving my complete self to my people. Nothing more than what I am and nothing less. We must always bare our true selves to the people, no secrets or withholdings. It was the reign before my parents that the nakedness stopped and the gifting of new gems was started. Even still, We are to bare as much as our true selves as possible therefore I chose a suit that held elements of all my past uniforms, even those before I joined the titans." She lightly tugged at her bracers, aware of everyone's gaze. The crowd that gathered outside her balcony was getting louder the closer midnight came. Harsh knocks were heard and followed by Galfore and Ryand'r entering the space.
"My little Bumgorf, how you have grown." He placed a large hand on her head, almost completely covering it. "I wish your parents were here to see this." He pulled Ryand'r in for a strong hug, bringing both siblings off their feet.
"Are you ready sister?" the younger boy asked once back on his feet.
"I am, brother." She took his hand and gave it a squeeze.
"I shall go and begin the introductions. Be at the ready, young ones." Galfore went towards the balcony to address the masses.
"You will do just fine." Her younger brother gave her a reassuring squeeze before following the larger man. She brought her hands to her chest and closed her eyes, praying to her parents. Warmth surrounding her snapped her from her thoughts. As she opened her eyes she noticed all her friends surrounding her. Beast Boy to her left, Cyborg to her right, Raven back to back with her and Nightwing in the front, taking hold of her hands. His hands were much larger than hers, completely engulfing hers. She could map out the lines and calluses even through his gloves.
"We believe in you Star, and we always have your back." Nightwing gave her a reassuring smile and squeezed her hands. He watched as her eyes grew glossy but quickly returned to normal as her resolve hardened.
"Thank you, friends." She huddled between them for a moment longer before going out to the balcony with the other following. Galfore was nearing the end of his speech when they joined. Koriand'r stood near the back, out of view from the awaiting crowd below.
"Now, brothers and sisters, I bring to you the next generation of leaders for the great planet of Tameran." Galfore's booming voice resonated in their chests. "Welcome home Prince Ryand'r who shall serve as an advisor within the council." The crowd awed at the prince as he stepped forward waving happily to the people below.
"I thank you for a warm welcome home. I look forward to serving all of you to the best of my ability." He gave a slight bow before stepping back to allow Galfore to continue.
"Before I announce our Grand Ruler, I would like to thank the Titans of Earth. They have cared for our lady for quite some time. They have cared and cultivated her into a fine young lady. Their protection and camaraderie compare to no other. I thank you from the bottom of my heart." He turned to offer the Titans a small bow and the crowd followed. The team took a step forward, taken by surprise by the act.
"Thank you Galfore. Koriand'r has been a great addition to our team and we've learned so much from her over our years together. As sad as we are to let her go, we are proud to see her return home and follow in her parents footsteps." Nightwing spoke, eyeing their teammate. He meant every word he said as he met her eyes. There was a tinge of sadness hidden within her, but he knew she was where she was meant to be.
"Finally, I announce to you our Grand Ruler, daughter of Myand'r and Luand'r and our rightful leader, Koriand'r!" Kori stepped out into the light of the moon to address her people. The crowd roared as she made her final appearance of the day, welcoming their princess home. Her dazzling smile lit up her face as she admired her people.
"I give my word that I shall lead with the good of Tameran in my heart. I aspire to be as good a leader as my mother and father. I will also look to the future and nurture the upcoming generations for the good of all." Her short speech came out in an elegant voice that left no room for question or concern. Her brother stepped forward and took her hand, raising them both in the air as the people cheered. A handmaiden stepped forward holding a white velvet pillow. On top sat three green gems. Nightwing observed the gems meant for Starfire. They almost looked the same as the ones she always wore, but there was a slight difference not everyone would notice. He had spent so much time staring at the ones on her uniform he could tell these were a slightly different shade of green, most likely a higher quality gem. Instead of a clear transparency, these refracted light through them, causing small rainbows to dance around the inside when certain angles were reached. The handmaiden brought the gems to Galfore who took one, then to Ryand'r who took another, she finally came in front of Nightwing, offering the final gem. He looked up in confusion, he hadn't been briefed on the situation. Ryand'r came to his side and whispered.
"Galfore and I decided that you should help crown her. You are the person she loves most and the person who loves her the most." The look of surprise etched across the young hero's face made the prince laugh. "The people of Tameran feel their emotions more than most others. We feel freely and cultivate our emotions into our powers. When my sister is with you, she is both at her strongest and weakest." Ryand'r took the gem from the pillow and placed it into Nightwing's palm. It was cold and heavy.
"Thank you, Ryand'r." He smiled and gripped the stone in his hands, his knuckles white. A sad smile spread across the Tameranean boy's face.
How tragic it must be to be separated from the one you love because of duty. The need for heroes will never end. The responsibility of a leader will never waiver. Ryand'r turned to look at his sister who was eyeing Nightwing. Longing was evident in their eyes but stifled by their respective responsibility.
"We will now place the ceremonial gems on Lady Koriand'r." Galfore moved to her left side, placing the gem in the empty spot on her left bracer at the top of her hand. "I give this gem in the place of your parents. I have been the one to guide you and prepare you for this world. I shall always be by your side in times of trouble until the end of my days." The low softness of his voice and eyes brought tears to her. The crowd below watched patiently as the ceremony went on. Galfore hugged her tightly before stepping away. Ryand'r moved forward to her right side, giving her a bright smile.
"Dear sister, I give this gem on behalf of myself and our sister Komand'r. We shall always be by your side to fulfill our parent's wishes. Our love can not be broken or tarnished." He gently placed the gem on her right bracer, softly stroking her exposed knuckles. She hugged her brother tightly as tears freely flowed down her cheeks. He placed a light kiss on her forehead before stepping away. Nightwing stepped forward hesitantly.
"Starfire," Her glassy green eyes shone beautifully in the pale purple moonlight. His mouth ran dry and he fidgeted with the gem in his hands. "I give this gem on behalf of myself and the Titans of Earth. Although our paths may diverge, we will always be with you. Hold your head up with pride and remember; you are a Titan." He lowered his voice to barely a whisper. "I believe in you Star. I will always be at your side, no matter the distance. Believe in me the way I believe you will always be there to catch me." Nightwing placed the gem in the empty spot in the center of her chest, prolonging their touch. He took her hand in his and quickly brushed his lips across her bare knuckles before turning on his heel and taking his place next to the team. Starefire bit her lip in a feeble attempt to fight her tears.
"I present to you Grand Ruler Koriand'r!" The traditional crown was placed on her head, framing her face. She stepped forward in full view of the people below. Various starbolts went up and collided resulting in a fireworks display. The noise was almost deafening. Starfire wiped her tears away as she laughed along with her admirers. She took flight over the center of the crowd and released a large explosion of her power above her head. The bolts released from both her hands collided and rained little stars down across the participants. Nightwing watched in awe as the glittering remnants sprinkled around her. She looked like an angel taking over the sky. Raven's head jerked up, a concerned look barely evident as she examined her leader. It was then he realized that when he left this planet he may not see her again and his heart broke a little more.