Disclaimer: Don't own and never will. Are we clear on that?
AN: This chapter has given me a lot of grief. RL has been getting in the way, I've been involved with the Quidditch League on here and the muse has been sulking with this story (probably because I seem to have written myself into something of a corner.)
The palace was beautifully set up. Banners were streaming from the towers and a stage of white and gold stood in the centre.
The Courtyard, such as it was, was packed with people from all social classes and backgrounds. In the balconies, wealthy loyal nobles and merchants were looking down at the stage and the City Watch kept a steady eye on crowd below.
Hidden behind the stage, a certain redhead swordsmistress was fiddling with her uncomfortable ceremonial kimono, a white robe tied with a thick red belt and a glowing sphere at the centre, and cursing the person who designed it.
"Remind me why I have to do this?" Will grumbled and Taranee shrugged her shoulders nonchantly.
"It's basic politics. The people of Meridian need reassurance and our allies and foes need a show of confidence," Cornelia said impetuously as she frowned at Will's fussing. "Will, you're about to go out in front of hundreds, maybe thousands of people. You can't go out looking like a buffoon."
"Easy for you to say Corny, you're a lady," Irma drawled as she laconically sat back. Cornelia frowned, looking down at her long flowing green and brown dress, decorated with vines and leaves alike. And on the back, a large Aku (evil) kanji character was printed in black.
"Some people know how to carry themselves. Others," Cornelia paused and looked pointedly at Irma. "merely resort to mocking sarcasm."
Irma simply laughed. Her clothing was just as ornate as Cornelia's, but far more practical. A heavy green jacket laced with ornate golden waves trimming the sides and navy blue trousers.
"That's rich, coming from a woman with the word evil written on her back," Irma said and Cornelia growled.
"We wear it as a symbol. A memory of the Sekiho army who were betrayed and forced to wear the mark," she said with a frown. "Unlike you, my founder was not a pirate."
Irma just laughed and Cornelia rolled her eyes.
"Oooh, you can see lots of people out there!" Hay Lin squealed excitedly as she peeked through the curtains. "And all sorts of dignitaries and important people and-"
"Lots of people?" Taranee asked turning slightly pale and swaying slightly on her feet. "Lots of people? We need to go out in front of a huge crowd of people?"
"Well duh," Cornelia said and Taranee abruptly sat down. "What were you expecting? We saved Queen Elyon and the kingdom. The least they can do is offer us a bit of recognition."
"It's nice to be recognised for being awesome," Irma added with a smirk, before looking at Cornelia. "Of course, some of us are less awesome than others."
"Thank you for acknowledging my superiority over you," Cornelia replied and Hay Lin gave them a smile.
"Oh shush you two. We all look great!" Hay Lin said before Irma could reply. She twirled around, letting the light blue streamers attached to her wrists flow around her. This effect was enhanced by the light blue floaty trousers and purple long sleeved baggy top she was wearing that gave a slightly ethereal look to her. Embroidered on her arms was a series of twisting wind patterns inscribed in silver, as if to remind onlookers that she was there.
Taranee's dress was a vivid contrast. Colourful reds and yellows rising up her skirt as though it were on fire and a vivid orange short sleeved top only added to the effect. As if that was not enough, in her hair was a fiery red ribbon that danced with glittering hints of fire.
"I don't see what all the fuss is about Taranee," Irma said laconically. "You can face down terrifying monsters and men alike, but you're scared of a few crowds?"
"I'd rather take the monsters right now. They're simple, easy to understand. People like this…"
"Don't worry Taranee, you've got us with you," Will said with a smile as she finally made herself comfortable in her kimono. Taranee smiled and nodded. The trumpets began to sound.
"Here goes nothing," Will said with a weak smile as she led the girls out onto the stage. In a line, they matched out, Will, Irma, Taranee, Cornelia and Hay Lin. Queen Elyon stepped forward to the podium.
"People of Meridian, friends and allies from across the world and all others I bid you welcome," Elyon's voice, magically enhanced, could be heard across the courtyard. "In recent years, times have been tough for Meridian. A kingdom torn asunder civil war and then the rise of the murderous Nerissa and her minions.
But now, a new dawn is rising. The dark times are over and the kingdom is blessed with five heroes who have saved us all. Five heroes who have risen to the challenge. Five heroes who have faced Nerissa and won. And five heroes for whom I owe my life and my freedom," Elyon paused and stepped towards Will. "Swordsmistress Will Watsuki, I hereby bestow upon you the lands of the Duchy of Cavigor, now and in perpetuity in recognition of your services to the Crown."
"I accept," Will replied with a bow. Elyon turned to face Irma.
"Swordsmistress Irma Lair, I hereby bestow upon you the lands of the Duchy of Barbucci, now and in perpetuity in recognition of your services to the Crown."
"I accept," Irma replied in an unusually serious voice with a bow.
"Swordsmistress Taranee Cook, I hereby bestow upon you the lands of the Duchy of Endarno, now and in perpetuity in recognition of your services to the Crown."
"I accept," Taranee said with a bow, barely missing a beat.
"Swordsmistress Cornelia Hale, I hereby bestow upon you the lands of the Duchy of Folkner, now and in perpetuity in recognition of your services to the Crown."
"I accept," Cornelia replied with a bow and a small smile at her old friend, who gave a small one in return.
"Finally, Swordsmistress Hay Lin, I hereby bestow upon you the lands of the Duchy of Isben, now and in perpetuity in recognition of your services to the Crown."
"I accept," Hay Lin said with a bow, her eyes twinkling with excitement. Elyon turned and stepped forward.
"Let us thank the Gods for these fine swordsmistresses. They are a credit to their disciplines and their teachers. Join me in saluting these women!"
The crowd erupted into a deafening loud sound of applause and cheers. The Guardian's looked at one another and then at the crowd and bowed as one, before stepping back and leaving the stage.
Hidden in the shadows, a figure in dark watched and waited.
"Enjoy your moment Guardians. In time, you will face me and when we do, I assure you that you will beg for Nerissa to return," the figure whispered, before vanishing in a puff of shadow.
AN: The names of the various Duchy's I used are all derived from the W.I.T.C.H series. (Spoilers ahead for the comics.) Cavigor is a prison in the cartoons. Barbucci is from the name Alessandro Barbucci, who was one of the writers of the W.I.T.C.H comics. Endarno is a member of the Council of Candracar in the comics who is later possessed by Prince Phobos in the saga Trial of the Oracle. Folkner is a character from the Ragorlang saga who went bad. Ibsen is the primary villain from the Ragorlang saga.