The Winner of the Most Epic Heroine Award

Madeline: Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, both magical and otherwise, to the Most Epic Heroine Ceremony! I hope you have all been having a good time, seeing the winners of everyone else’s categories, and have been delighted at the outcomes. But I’m sure you’re all ready to see who has won in this category, so without anymore ado I introduce our presenter, Eowyn!

Immense cheers and clapping fill the room as Eowyn approaches, shocked and delighted at the ecstatic noise.

Eowyn: Thank you, Madeline, for hosting this gathering, and thank you, kind people that your are, for your enthusiasm. I appreciate every one of you. I am so honored to be here with you all and am overjoyed that you would think me such a wonderful hero to present this award.

More cheers sound and feet thump joyously on the ground, vibrating the entire room.

Eowyn: *smiles at the crowd, and then clears her throat* If I could have your quiet attention, I would like to list off the contestants who have proved themselves eligible for this wonderful award. First off, we have…Leeli Igiby!

Leeli uneasily gets to her feet, giving the most elegant bow a lady with a crippled leg can, as the crowd claps in excitement for her. Peet excitedly leaps up, clapping his socked hands furiously. Leeli gently guides him back into his seat, and smiles as he murmurs something eagerly in her ear.

Eowyn: *attempts to keep a laugh in while watching Leeli and Peet* A worthy contender, most courageous and compassionate indeed. Next on the list we have…Fern!

Fern bounces from her seat and gives a graceful bow as the crowd claps eagerly. She glances suddenly to her left with a look of apprehension in her eyes. There appears to be nothing there, but Fern smiles with a glitter in her eyes.

Eowyn: A truly lovely young girl, brave in the face of many dangers, not always seen by others. *gives Fern a kind look* Continuing down the list we have…Aravis!

Aravis swiftly gets to her feet and gives a most splendid bow, smiling at Shasta all the while. From the back of the hall, a couple of loud whinnies are heard, as well as some hoof stomping and loud shouts of approval from Hwin and Bree. A few people turn in surprise, amazed to see talking horses, but then realize that anything can happen at a fantasy awards ceremony. Of course there would be talking horses.

Eowyn: A most brave and adventurous spirit, kind to her animal friends, and loyal to her human friends. Next, we have…Cress!

Cress’s eyes dart away from examining the hall in awe, toward the center stage. She hurriedly gets to her feet as uproarious applause breaks out, giving a clumsy bow, and nearly falling on her face. Thorne quickly steadies her and silently urges her to return to her seat. She does so, her face a bit redder than it was before. Despite this, she gives a shy smile.

Eowyn: *smiles back, and continues with a laugh in her voice* A sweet, loyal friend and amazing lady, always there for her friends. Finally, we have…Jill!

Jill rises from her seat and gives a gentle curtsy, while Eustace sits in his seat, stubbornly not clapping, but smiling at Jill all the same. Puddleglum rolls his eyes and shoves Eustace in the shoulder, prompting Eustace to clap like a proper human being. Eustace finally gives in and gives a slow clap or two.

Eowyn: *lets out a small laugh, watching Eustace and Puddleglum* A fiercely loyal friend and brave explorer, most definitely deserving of this award. Of course, all of these wonderful ladies are more than deserving of the title Most Epic Heroine. I’m sure you are all most eager to here the results, so I won’t leave you to wonder any longer.

The winner of the Most Epic Heroine award is…

The crowd murmurs, suspense filling the room…The suspense fills the room, stealing everyone’s breath, leaving everyone unable to move…Contained excitement buzzes in the room, waiting to be unleashed…

…

…

Aravis!

Thunderous applause smashes throughout the room, as people jump to their feet, filling the room with an electric energy that makes the room practically glow.

Aravis rises to her feet, her whole body trembling with excitement, and makes her way to the stage to stand beside Eowyn. Her face is lit up and her heart pounds fiercely in her chest.

Eowyn: On this day, we grant you this award, for your bravery in the face of lions, your loyalty to your friends, your kindness to the Talking Horses Hwin and Bree, your resourcefulness when escaping the Tisroc’s palace, and your unwavering perseverance in the face of troubles and sorrow. Please accept this medal, Aravis, for you surely deserve it.

Eowyn reveals a beautiful gold medallion with a smooth string of pink silk, and places it over Aravis’ head.

Eowyn: Thank you all for coming to this ceremony, thank you for having me, Madeline, and thank you Aravis, for being an inspiration to people everywhere. We could all learn something from you, and I hope your story will live on to inspire many young souls in the years to come.

Madeline: There you have it! The winner of this year’s Most Epic Heroine! Let’s give one last round of applause for Aravis!

Happy cheers and claps fill the hall one last time. Leeli, Fern, Cress, and Jill come up on stage and congratulate Aravis, hugs become contagious, and a grand feast is held afterwards, with Aravis sitting at the front of the banquet table with her dear friends Shasta, Hwin, and Bree.

Send your congrats to Aravis down in the comments! And go read the stories these amazing ladies are in, so you can see them in all their epic-ness! 😀 Thanks for tuning in, and remember to check out the winners of all the other categories as well!