Closing Ceremonies

    It is a brilliant noon sun that shines down upon newly completed ampitheater of Eas. The very last touches were put on it only the night before and in secret the tarps and blinds hiding its construction were taken away, giving the festival goers a remarkable surprise.

    In the midst of this new construction, the people of Eas have set the stage with decorations from around the Fourlands Dukedom, spiced-up with elements of the other kingdoms. Around the banner of Eas that flutters in the steady, chill winds are the standards of the three alliances.

    Not yet upon the center stage, but waiting nearby, the Baroness Wake is positively decked-out for the occasion. She wears a flowing gown of red, decorated with the Rose of Eas in silver filigree. Over this she wears a warm cloak of snow white. As the seats begin to fill with guests and citizens, she raises a hand, waving to familiar faces.

Schneider is waiting in the wings with the other tournament participants. He doesn't feel as bad, now. He lost in the first round, but the person he lost to took second place overall, and he feels he did pretty well, against the second place finisher. And he's got some more ideas about what sort of direction his magic should take. It may involve fire.

He looks around, impressed at the final form of the ampitheater, and will attempt to look dignified. Which is a bit challenging in the gaudy coat and peko riding hat.

Kauchemar lets out a shrill whistle that could very much be checking the acoustics of the structure as it is a gesture of appreciation. "I can't wait for the oppritunity to perform in a proper theater and not the stage corner of a seedy tavern." But tonight is not for that manner of performance, yet at least. Tonight is for ceremonies, capping off her thrilling and honestly surprising results even to her tournament debut.

One might expect the winner of the tournament to show more enthusiasm for the closing ceremonies, but Mikage has always been a bit of a shy creature. She, too, seems to be waiting in the background, her cloak pulled up over her face. Her hand rubs against a metal bracer that looks to match some of the Elemental Machine appearance of her unique weapon, Dawnbreaker.

Nerves still plague her, so, eyes closed, she murmurs to herself, "They don't see you." This sounds like a mantra that she's said many times before. Eventually, Rama nudges her hand, bringing her back to the moment. The Were Fang offers a small smile to her companion, "I'm okay, just..." People. There is a reason that she's an explorer rather than someone who favors time spent in the bustling cities of Yamato.

For now, she lets her eyes rove the new sites of things built up around Eas, trying to get her mind out of the downward spiral it tends to get into at times like these.

    Merek will make a way to the place where people are being rewarded and closing ceremonies are taking place. The knight nods a little bit along while he takes the time to find anyplace he can assist as an aide while he watches the people.

    Fukaziroh seems to have acquired some local fashion. She wears a new fur-lined cloak which seems to only be hiding Fuka, rather than say an assortment of plushies. This may come as some relief to anyone who she had MCed for. It's also mostly for show, being otherwise relatively open instead of tightly wrapped around the sylph for warmth. She's also talking the ear off of a couple of nobles who made the mistake of claiming to be fight fans in an attempt to feed off some of the glory gained by the noble sponsor of the tournament, and by their pained expressions they seem to have regretted opening their mouths near one of the chattiest MCs.

    Wake does not dally long. There are things to be said and done and a champion who, obviously, is very anxious. Still, she does pause to set a hand on Mikage's shoulder.

    "Don't worry, it will be quick and simple. I will introduce you, you will receive your trophy, and then you'll give your critical speech on the importance of peace among the people and we'll be all finished."

    Baroness Wake waits for that to sink in, then laughs gently. "Oh, wait, the speech is my job! Sorry, I get easily confused sometimes."

    With a sigh she turns her attention ahead and ascends the stage. Cheers of anticipation rise and after allowing the ardor of the fans to wash over those who competed (there appear to be plenty of supporting shouts for everyone!) she raises her hand.

    Slowly she turns, acknowledging the entire crowd with four deep curtseys. The locals, clearly used to this custom, return the gesture with bows and curtseys of their own.

    When the Baroness speaks, the skilled craftswork of the builders is heard clearly, for she has no need to strain to project to everyone.

    "People of Eas, dear guests of all the Lands, I thank you for joining us as we recognize the efforts of all those who have given their all in the Tournament. Today, we crown the new Champion of the Tournament and celebrate together one more time. Please, be heard and show appreciation once more for all our competitors!"

    The crowd needs little urging, and aided by the new ampitheater that cheering is booming. The plush toys are in full-force, and it seems special tournament round editions of each adventurer was made, showing their very best moves.

And on Mikage's other shoulder briefly rests the hand of the very person she defeated to be in this position now. "Face me down in battle but now you're nervous, hmm?" But instead of harassing her over it Kauchemar leans a little closer, lowering her voice to a whisper. "Advice from an experienced performer. Don't look at the crowd. Find a point beyond them, focus on that. Don't see them. Out of sight, out of mind." The hand gives a reassuring squeeze before withdrawing again so they continue on with the show and get through the ceremony.

Schneider will parade out in the rank somewhat behind Wake and Mikage, basking in the crowd's adulation and eating it up, as much of it as is for him. Maybe a bit more, because it's not neatly divided. Who can tell who a 'hooray' is directed at? But Schneider, used to crowds cheering at high school sports, is not uncomfortable at all.

He has no problem looking out at the crowd, he might even meet the eye of a pretty Lander or player in the audience. Becuase who knows? But for now, he raises his fist and shakes it victoriously as the crowd cheers, and he grins widely.

Oh, that expression that Mikage gives towards the Baroness is one that many would find comical. It's as if her eyes grow wide and what little color remains in her features drains from it. The poor Were Fang really does have some social anxiety. Thankfully, Wake reveals that it's a joke before Miki can flee the scene to avoid public speaking.

As Wake goes out to do the real talking, the Ranger ends up looking at Kauchemar, offering only a faint shrug as explanation, at least at first. Then, when the advice is offered, she replies in a soft tone, "In the real world, I wasn't... normal."  She doesn't go into the details, but adds, "People stare, they judge." She pauses, as if considering how to explain things, "When I competed in Angelic Layer, Piffle made sure people only saw me at a distance. So people saw me for how I fought, not based on... what was wrong with me."

Glancing side-long at Kauchemar, she shrugs in a somewhat helpless manner. "It still feels like people can see me, the real me, even if I've lived in this body for over a year now." Which might explain where some of her nerves come from. For now, she simply joins in the clapping, showing her appreciation for the other combatants who took part in the tournament.

    With a raised hand, silence is immediately restored to the ampitheater. Wake is not in a rush to lift it, though, allowing the people to cheer for quite some time. It's clear that Eas has no lack of enthusiasm and no desire to hide it.

    "The Tournament is more than exciting matches and brilliant strategies. It is more than a Champion. It is more than a place. It is a pillar representing what brings prosperity to our realm. We engage in competition here of the most intense kind and in so doing, we perpetuate the beautiful peace between the alliances and the lands that are our homes."

    More cheering rises, but Wake presses on.

    "When this celebration ends, it falls to all of us to remember this and to nurture it. There are forces that threaten our affections and if these are allowed to fester they could bring ruin upon all that we have achieved together. Eas is a symbol of our best potential and a promise for our future, but it is not alone."

    Turning to the matter at hand, Wake continues, "Nor do champions stand alone, for they must be tested. In a crucible do they find and forge a better version of themselves. Inside and outside of battle they face what they fear and master it. With that in mind, I ask our competitors to join me on the stage together."

    There's a pause as Wake makes eye contact with someone near the stage and flicks her fingers in a brief sign. She's clearly just pulled an ad lib that has altered some plan. It lasts only a second or two and then magical 'fireworks' start shooting into the sky. These are not flowers of color, but instead draw sketches upon the pristine sky. Like a web of constellations, every competitor is drawn there. They linger together in the bright sky until everyone has come on stage.

Schneider listens to Wake's speech, surprised to find out that the tournament was a pillar the entire time. And he never knew it. He's not sure how blowing people up and trying not to get stabbed perpetuates a beautiful peace, but as long as the audience is buying it, it's probably OK. The speech is for them, not for the participants.

Then fireworks.

Those are actually pretty cool, Schneider muses, and he will look up and watch them while they last.

    Fuka listens, a rapt expression on her face. Some of what's said speaks to her, but not necessarily in the original meanings. "Champion." she mutters, doubtless drowned out by the crowd. "Prosperity. Competition... potential... promise... forge a better version..."

    She oohs and ahs at the magical fireworks, as something coalesces in her brain. "Oh maaaaan I gotta talk to the Baroness!" she says aloud, perhaps startling someone nearby. Fortunately she doesn't seem like she's intent on jumping on up and interrupting the ceremony to do so!

"There's someone that understands why I play the Rival role," Kauchemar muses outloud at Wake's speech. And then it's time to take to the stage. She gives Mikage a helpful nudge forward, then follows her out. Only fitting she walks behind the Champion that defeated her. Also a larger Were Fang is harder for her to get cold feet and back up past. Or something.

Kauchemar on the other hand eats up the attention like one would expect of an experienced center of attention, raising a hand to wave to fans in the audience and give her mane one of her familiar dramatic hair-flips.

As the Baroness begins to speak in earnest, Mikage quiets, turning her attention to the Eas leader. There is a great deal of respect offered towards someone so well spoken, who can form ideas into words that have a real impact on those around them. Those words can mean far more than skill in a fight.

When they are invited out to join Wake on stage, Mikage is nudged by Kauchemar. A nudge that is followed by Rama passing by her legs, leading the way out and forcing his companion to follow. If nothing else, while the girl isn't particularly comfortable with crowds, she can put on a nervous smile and face those fears much in the same way that she faces any foe on the battlefield.

Her eyes seem to light with the fireworks, the amazement at their way of capturing the fighter's forms distracting her from her own thoughts. Enough so that when she remembers where she is, that Mikage manages to raise a hand, waving with only a hint of her earlier nerves.

    The Baroness steps back as the competitors take their place. She watches them with a relaxed smile. The cheering goes on and on and for a long while, Wake sees fit to let it continue, even gesturing with her left hand for the audience to get louder. Only when she can't quite hear herself think is Wake satisfied.

    The audience is so clearly accustomed to things now that a simple raised hand brings silence in moments. This is allowed to hang over the amphitheater before Wake steps to the edge of the stage and pick up a trophy of silver and gold. The roses of Eas decorate it and 'Tournament Champion' is emblazoned across it.

    "Now, the time has come to recognize our champion. She fought bravely, creatively, and most skillfully. We are all grateful to her and her competitors, who have put on the greatest show we have ever seen!"

    A full pause and Wake simply allows anticipation to build, until a young girl finally blurts out, "Give her the trophy, Lady Wake!"

    A delighted laugh comes from Wake and she replies, "You are so right, Miss Rachel! I can refuse you nothing. And so it is my honor to present our champion, Mikage the Silver Sword of the New World Alliance, with her trophy."

    Wake joins Mikage and offers the trophy, smiling at her encouragingly. More softly, she says, "You have been and will be a great Champion for us all, dear."

Kauchemar politely claps with everyone else for the woman that was able to best her in battle. Despite her sometimes snarky manner on the field there is no hard feelings here. Pushing others to overcome her through both strength and skill is why she's a Duelist in the first place. Taking second place to such a fine competator is still a win for her.

Schneider will join in the applause for the tournament champion. It's earnest and heartfelt, at least, and clearly he sincerely believes the honor and glory due the tournament champion is being correctly placed. His applause is as loud as any as everyone cheers the victor, and he looks pretty pleased with how things have turned out. Indeed, he's been pushed out of his comfort zone, but hopefully he'll be soon finding a new normal.

Taking a breath, Mikage steps forward one step, and then is nearly knocked off her feet by Rama who seems to have decided that all of this is for him. The cat sits down right in front of Baroness Wake, his nub tail waggling.

Thankfully, Miki retains her balance and doesn't go tumbling off the stage, but she is left looking at her companion briefly before laughing. Maybe the cat had done it to ease her tension, or maybe this is just the weirdness that goes on between these two. "I see how it is, you did all the hard work, huh?"

As she joins the lynx, Mikage bows towards Baroness Wake, "Thank you. I'll... try my best." Then, she accepts the trophy before turning to bow to the crowd as well. Then, she offers it to Rama, who proceeds to take the trophy and parade it around the stage as if he had just caught the best prize ever.

For her part, Miki just shrugs and offers as sheepish smile, and then another wave before she steps back, summoning Rama back to her with a hand gesture. The cat sits, still holding the trophy in his mouth.

    Fuka manages to shake off whatever oddness she's currently going through long enough to cheer wildly and inappropriately for Mikage, or possibly Rama. Cats deserve trophies too, even if Fuka's more a general animal lover and not merely a crazy cat lady.

    The Baroness laughs gently, clearly enjoying Rama's performance. She even makes a sweeping gesture to call for applause for the feline. And yes, certainly there is no shortage of plushies of the feline as well, which children wave in the air as they jump up and down in excitement.

    With the key matters now being well achieved, Wake once again speaks, but only briefly. After all, she has kept people from relaxing quite long enough.

    "Friends, I thank you all for coming, and I encourage you to enjoy the festivities of the day. Should you need to remain behind another day or two, we now have a full-service inn ready to receive you. However.." And here, her voice is lifted more clearly, "I, Baroness Wake of Eas, declare that the Tournament has ended. When the next Tournament begins, notices shall be posted. I wish great fortune to those blessed with the good fortune of hosting it next time."

    And just like that, the ceremony is ended, but the celebration kicks right back into full gear. The shops, food, and music go right on, showing no signs of 'ending' a thing.

    Wake slips into the background as much as she can at this point, knowing the fans (especially the kids) will be crowding the stage to meet their heroes. She settles in a seat off to the side, next to Lady Tae.

With the ceremony over, Mikage is quick to take her leave from the stage. While she is a social person in smaller groups, it seems the pale Were Fang will never quite be comfortable in the spotlight. Rama, on the other hand, seems to be quite content to soak up the attention. He ends up surrounded by a group of children who are all keen on petting the pretty cat.

As for Miki? She utilizes her stealth capabilities and her cloak to blend into the crowd and eventually escape the worst of the throngs of people. For now, what she needs is food, drink, and some rest... before the lure of the distant places of Elder Tale leads her back into the wilds once again.

Once everyone else has left the stage Kauchemar smirks. Pulls her instrument out of her inventory.

"Let's see how this place's acoustics really hold up shall we?"

She'll spend the rest of the afternoon and well into the night providing music for the festival.