How could he have misplaced fire dancers? Then again, how could he have been so narrow-minded to have thought that all El’shad’n could breathe fire. Kyn let out a deep sigh and rubbed a hand across his face.

It had been the most stressful celebration he’d ever pulled off, and it was time for the final announcement. The guests had all arrived, they’d all eaten their fill, and now were milling about awaiting the moment.

Somewhere across that field of people stood his best friend—the one he’d just stormed away from. And here he was at a celebration of friends! And not just any friends. No, this was for the best friend of all.

Taking another deep breath, he reached out mentally. Raya, he called.

I’m here. Ben’hyamene’s voice was as strained as his own.

I’m sorry. I shouldn’t… Kyn tried to force his thoughts into a coherent stream, but they milled about, and he was supposed to climb the platform in mere moments and address the crowd.

No, Raya, Ben’hyamene said. Although I have a dragon’s conscience, that doesn’t mean I’m always easy to get along with. I’m the one who knew you were stressed, and I yelled at you. I’m sorry.

It was as if Ben’hyamene clapped him on the back, and some of the burden of the moment lifted from Kyn’s shoulders.

Thank you, he thought to his friend. Can you do your part?

Of course, Raya. The familiar warmth of their friendship flooded Ben’hyamene’s words. Why don’t you start this celebration?

With a nod, Kyn climbed the stairs to where the five top friends of all time and the friend of all friends sat waiting for him. He could do this, even if they didn’t have fire dancers. It just wouldn’t be the same.

As he reached the top, the crowd came into view. He swallowed. It was always hard to stand in front of the youngling challenge, but this was many more than any challenge they’d held.

Taking another deep breath, he mentally nodded to Ben’hyamene. An ethereal, enormous scarlet dragon swooped across the field toward him. When it reached the stage, it exploded into red sparks.

Their guest of honor, Samwise, applauded and said, “Mr. Bilbo wouldn’t have liked that, but Merry and Pippin would’ve.”

Kyn raised his voice to be heard. “Peoples of the worlds, tonight we celebrate friendship. I present to you, the most honored friend of all, Samwise Gamgee.”

The stocky young man shook his head and strode to take Kyn’s place. Kyn sat down in the chair provided for him, satisfied he’d done his part.

“I’m not sure about most honored bit,” Samwise said. “But tonight, I’ll be awarding a silmaril. Those who’ve made it to this platform have proven their friendship by gaining the attention of our voters.” He looked to the sky, as if seeing the unknown people who’d decided the fate of those on stage.

“In fourth place, we have Gurgi of the Chronicles of Prydain.”

A man whose long arms were covered in fur and leaves stood and waved.

“In third place,” Samwise went on. “We have…” He looked down at the paper in his hand. “Sorry. Jo Shanks from The Green Ember.”

A rabbit hopped forward and raised a bow and shouted, “Till the green ember rises!”

There was a small group that called back, “Or the end of the world!”

Samwise waited for quiet, then continued. “Tellie of Moonscript and Pet of The City Between.” He gestured for them to come forward.

A young girl that didn’t appear to look like she could hold her own in any fray stepped forward, but as she did Kyn could sense her courage and determination. The other girl was only a few winters older. The two walked to the front of the stage, and Samwise grinned at them.

“Second place is a tie between these solid friends who stepped up in hard times and showed their true selves.” Samwise nodded to them, and they sat back down. “Now for the winner of the 2025 Silmaril Award.”

A balding man pulled a pipe from his mouth and glanced about. Seeing all eyes on him, he straightened his coat and vest around his wide girth as he stood. “Ah-ho!” He took off his round spectacles and cleaned them with a handkerchief. “As the great Shank Po wrote—”

But his words were drowned in the cheering. Samwise raised his hands for silence, but it was the sun glinting off the green gem he held aloft that brought a collective gasp from everyone.

Samwise nodded. “I present the 2025 Silmaril Award for best friend to Oskar N. Reteep from The Wingfeather Saga.”

A bright light of reds, greens, and blues lit up the sky. Kyn’s head shot up. Fire? But from where? Then he saw them. The dragons of all riders who’d assembled flew across the company raining sparkling dragon courage upon the guests.

Then there was a beat of drums, low at first, but then building, and down the aisle came a man spinning a staff of fire. The crowd parted, and as if on cue, he spewed fire from his lips like a dragon.

Kyn didn’t know how he’d misplaced the fire dancers, but someone had found them, and for that he was grateful. He could relax now. The award had been presented and everyone would eventually head back to their own worlds. All that was left was to enjoy the time with his friend.

Other Ceremonies

Most Nefarious Villain — H. L. Burke
Most Epic Hero — Jenelle Leanne Schmidt
Most Epic Heroine — Marie Shen
Most Silver Tongue — D. J. Edwardson
Most Mischivous Imp — Sarah Taleweaver
Most Faithful Friend — You are hear
Most Magnificent Dragon — J. L. Mbewe
Most Devoted Couple — C. O. Bonham
Wisest Counselor — Grace Tabor