Templar Knighting: Two rise in the ranks

Areka

A quiet vestibule.

Hushed voices and soft chants of prayers and priests echo from the northern chapel, filling this vestibule with a quiet song of preparation and duty. The stone floor has been covered with a rug to soften footsteps, and benches line the perimeter, for those who wait, or to sit and take a moment of serene respite from their duties. Above the northern threshold, a shield with twin scimitars crossed upon a blue field has been mounted, while a shield bearing the silhouette of a sword, wreathed in flame, has been hung above the eastern entry. Resting on the ground is a cube-shaped silver sigil. A stone bench faces the north here.  Knight Areka Morrog is here. Knight-Aspirant Belania Vondyotl is here. Knight-Aspirant Cole is here.

You see exits leading north, east, and west.

 

Areka gives Cole a respectful salute.

Knight Areka Morrog says, "The two of you, please follow me."

Belania smiles at Cole.

Cole saunters in, seeming to be taking almost painful care with how he walks, attempting to not mess up the uniform. At Areka's salute, he reaches to tug on his hat. Finding it not there, he blinks twice in surprise and then mimes Areka's salute back, falling in line shortly after.

 

Cole and Belania follow Areka to the north.

The Chapel of the Radiant Heart. (Enorian.)

This serene chapel surrounds one with austere alabaster marble. An altar at the end has been draped in white silk, and a great sword stands embedded within it. The steel of the honed blade is stained through with deep azure veins, and the silver hilt is a masterwork of gleaming design. The altar stands upon a small dais, the front end worn into two distinct dips, where Knight after Knight has knelt in prayer and thought before their formal ceremonies. Resting on the ground is a cube-shaped silver sigil. Flickering candles lit by the faithful surround a large golden bowl, comfortably set in an opulent ruby pedestal. Knight Areka Morrog is here. Knight-Aspirant Belania Vondyotl is here. Knight-Aspirant Cole is here.

You see a single exit leading south.

 

Areka leads the two Aspirants to the altar, upon which incense and a jar of oil wait.

 

Voice grave and quiet in reverence of the chapel, Knight Areka Morrog says, "The mantle of Knighthood is heavy and bound in the merit you give it."

(Grawthorg enters and leaves, having gotten lost)

 

Areka twists to light the incense and reclaim the jar of oil, beckoning Cole and Belania towards her. "You seal yourself to it, as much as it to you, for the duration of your service." The Azudim continues, twisting the vessel open and dipping the pad of her finger into its contents. The incense is heavy, but not suffocating, and quickly diffuses in the air. First to Cole, she leans to press her thumb against his forehead, then over his mouth, then by each ear. "May you listen purely, and learn fully, and speak truly in the work you undertake." She states, then turns to Belania and marks her much the same.

With a second pass, Areka draws the light of bladefire upon her hand, and lightly touches each of the marks of oil upon Cole and Belania, the fire pale and warm enough to be felt, but not enough to burn, instead simply leaving smudges of soot to mark its existance. 

Cole is briefly distracted by the shimmering soldier's appearance, then disappearance, but snaps back to Areka after a pause. He grimaces a touch, managing to hold himself still while Areka presses her thumb against his face. He inclines his head after a moment, remaining still and quiet.

Belania bows her head reverently, after receiving her markings.

Setting the oil back upon the altar, Areka cups a handful of the incense's smoke and gently guides and pours it over Cole's head as if a baptism, her body pivoting and broad hands gathering another handful to equally anoint Belania. Content, she takes a step towards the door and states, "Take a few moments to pray and meditate over what Knighthood means - to you, the guild, to the world. I will call you when we are ready."

 

Knight-Aspirant Belania Vondyotl says, "Yes, Ma'am."

 

Areka gives the world a smart salute.

 

Areka leaves to the south.

Cole wrinkles his nose again at the smell for a moment, but then inclines his head towards the departing Troll.

 

Belania fidgets impatiently.

Belania smiles at Cole.

 

Knight-Aspirant Belania Vondyotl says to Cole, "You ready for this?"

Belania gives Cole a tight hug.

 

Knight-Aspirant Belania Vondyotl says, "We'll be just fine I imagine."

With a faint smile, Cole says to Belania, "Yes'm, figure we will."

 

Areka tells you, "Please come into the Assembly Hall when ready."

 

-Movement-

Assembly Hall of the Templar Knighthood.

Reconstructed of new and old stone, this enormous hall has been fashioned into an auditorium. Rows of glossy oaken pews on either side of the hall form a single aisle down the center that leads to the pulpit, austere and sturdy. A mahogany podium with twin candles on its edges stands at the central edge of the pulpit, commanding attention, while a glass case has been set upon a marble dais along the northern side. In contrast to the somber architecture, tapestries of bright red, gold, white and blue add an enlivened brightness to the space, each bearing symbols of weapons, divine Orders and various historical milestones. Resting on the ground is a cube-shaped silver sigil. A glittering golden case, meticulously crafted, stands out on the northern wall. Resting atop a pedestal in the center of the hall's raised platform is a large, aureate tome, book and pedestal both gleaming in the lamplight. A bright-eyed missionary serenely patrols the streets of Enorian. Page Xilonen is here. Saybre sits cross-legged on a frontal pew, his hands clasped together in his lap. Knight Areka Morrog stands before the gathering in the front-center of the hall. Soldier Grawthorg, Blade of Saybre is here. Lady Jami Siarani is here. Executor Ayaeva Entwiste is here. Knight-Aspirant Belania Vondyotl is here. Knight-Aspirant Cole is here.

You see a single exit leading west.

Areka gestures to Belania and Cole as they enter, beckoning them to come forward and stand before her at the hall's front.

Jami settles in beside Ayaeva, gazing upon Belania as she enters the hall.

Grawthorg quietly clicks his tongue against the roof of his mouth.

Knight Areka Morrog says, "We are gathered here to witness the undertaking of words, pledge, and mantle, as these two Aspirants enter the Order of the Radiant Heart."

Cole's thumbs hitch into his belt as he strolls in through the hall, eyes flicking towards the others in the room. His stroll comes to a halt in front of Areka, taking up a post beside Belania.

 

Grawthorg pats Belania in a friendly manner.

Ayaeva offers Belania a warm smile as she enters.

Belania strides forward, stopping in front of Areka with a nervous smile.

Her coarse voice clearly sounding, Knight Areka Morrog says, "Knighthood is not a title, though we mark it with such - it is a whole living of our Ethos, and willful acceptance of our duty to each other, this city, the Cycle, and the world, to ensure that the Light may withstand the dark with integrity."

Grawthorg sips from a gold and azure vial of the Beacon of the venom voyria.

Bright gaze shifting to Belania and Cole, Knight Areka Morrog says, "Are you prepared to undertake this mantle?"

Belania nods and says, "I am."

Grawthorg smiles at Belania.

Cole tongues his cheek for a moment, then nods firmly. "Figure I put doin' this off long 'nough - ready m'self."

 

Knight Areka Morrog says, "Where there are the weak, the helpless and the broken, will you raise your shield and defend them?"

Grawthorg looks upwards, searching for something.

Belania stands straighter, nodding firmly. "I will."

Mirroring Belania's posture change, Cole says, "More'n happy to, yessir."

 

Knight Areka Morrog says, "Where those who are lost, seeking redemption, or in need of aide, will you raise your voice and guide and teach them?"

Knight-Aspirant Belania Vondyotl says, "I will."

After a pause, voice quieting some, though it remains firm, Cole says, "Yessir, I will."

Her own voice levelling to keen, precise notes, Knight Areka Morrog says, "Where there is chaos, conflict, and temptation to stray from our paths, will you endeavor to stay your blade to listen, and raise it to pierce through the webs of Artifice?"

Knight-Aspirant Belania Vondyotl says, "I will."

Relaxing ever so slightly, nodding again, Cole says, "Yessir."

Knight Areka Morrog says, "It is customary that the Aspiring offer something of their own, and so witnessed and held by those gathered here. Do you have words to speak?"

Belania grins mischieviously at Areka and says, "I swear to obey our laws, and not be an utter shit."*

Heaving a sigh, Grawthorg applies his face to his palm.

Areka's stoic expression falters with a crooked upturning of her lips, which she quickly smooths away with a pass of her hand.

Saybre smirks.

The corners of Belania's mouth turn up as she grins mischievously.

Cole clears his throat for a suspiciously long time, maintaining his stance and decorum, more or less.

Cole falls back on tonguing his cheek for a moment, glancing over to Belania as if to confirm she is done speaking.

 

Belania nods at Cole with a small smile.

Cole blows out a breath, then shrugs his shoulders. "Ain't s' good with pretty words. An' don't figure 'm goin' t' top miss Belania here, so jes'..." He shrugs his shoulders, "Been tryin' t' speak with m' actions, not so much m' words. An' plan t' keep on doin' that." He pauses, glancing again to Belania and sums up, "Swear t' uphold th' ideals an' represent th' guild. Reserve th' right t' be a shit at times."

Belania snickers under her breath.

Ayaeva's eyes sparkle with amusement.

Soldier Grawthorg, Blade of Saybre says, "Wonderful."

Knight Areka Morrog says, "Both of you, kneel."

Belania kneels onto one knee, demonstrating her humility and respect.

Cole sinks down to a knee as well, blackened right arm resting on the ground beside him for balance.

 

Areka crisply turns upon her heel and approaches the locked display case, withdrawing the keyring at her waist to open it.

Areka unlocks a glittering golden case.

Areka opens a glittering golden case.

Areka gingerly retrieves the blade from within its place, then pivots and carries it back to face the two aspirants, the blade balanced upon the flats of her open palms.

The Ceremonial Sword of the Templars slides out of a glittering golden case with a satisfying steely ring.

Areka takes the Ceremonial Sword of the Templars from a glittering golden case.

Taking a step towards Cole, Areka draws the blade up into a salute with a smooth motion, the metal glinting in the light. With a graceful swing, she draws the blade down to tap against Cole's shoulder and says, "I thus recognize you as Sir Cole, Templar Knight. Bound in duty." The blade moves to tap his opposite shoulder. "And honour." The blade rises and returns to the original shoulder. "Rise, Sir Cole," she finishes, drawing the blade upright and before her in a formal armed-salute. "And go forth, in the calling of Life, so that when you must face the Underking's halls, you may know no regret or shame."

Cole's eyes warily track the blade as it taps against his shoulders, but he remains kneeling until Areka tells him otherwise. In a smooth motion he rises to his feet, inclining his head towards her. "Thank y', sir," he says quietly. "Ain't goin' t' let you folks down."

The blade lowers to rest upon her palm again as Areka side-steps to stand before Belania. "And I thus recognize you as Lady Belania, Templar Knight." The woman's smoky alto airs, the blade rising and falling between the kneeling woman's shoulders in time with her words. "Bound in service, and integrity." As the blade rises into a formal armed-salute, she states, "Rise, Lady Belania. Go forth in the calling of Life, so that when you must face the Underking's halls, you may do so knowing no regret or shame."

With nary a whisper nor a sigh, rosy-fingered dawn creeps into the land, stealing the soul of the night.

Belania smiles and stands. "Thank you, Ma'am. I'll do my best."

"Yay!" Grawthorg exclaims enthusiastically.

Grawthorg claps his hands together merrily.

(Templars): Areka says, "Congratulations and welcome Sir Cole and Lady Belania."

Executor Ayaeva Entwiste says, "Well done, the both of you, and... about time!"

Belania ducks her head and smiles shyly.

Areka steps aside to leave the two in the center of the view, quietly and reverently returning the blade to its case.

The Ceremonial Sword of the Templars fits perfectly into the interior of a glittering golden case.

Areka puts the Ceremonial Sword of the Templars into a glittering golden case.

Areka closes a glittering golden case.

(Templars): Xilonen says, "Well done, Lady and Sir."

Areka locks a glittering golden case.

(Templars): Cole says, "Thank you."

(Templars): Grawthorg says, "Good job!"

Saybre claps his hands together merrily.

Belania's mouth turns up as her face breaks into a smile.

(Templars): Belania says, "Thank you."

(Templars): Grawthorg says, "I'm next, if our pentarch ever lets me!"

Tall form stooping to gather the cloth-draped bundles from their places propped against the podium, Areka turns to stand between the pews once more. "We have new shields to add to the wall!"

Soldier Grawthorg, Blade of Saybre says, "Oh goody."

Grawthorg rubs his tummy contentedly.

Belania's mouth turns up as her face breaks into a smile.

Areka leaves to the west.

Soldier Grawthorg, Blade of Saybre says, "I need to see this."

Saybre shoves Belania rudely.

The corners of Saybre's mouth turn up as he grins mischievously.

Belania giggles happily.

Belania gives Saybre a peck on the cheek.

Sir Saybre Windrayn, The Silver Phoenix says to Lady Belania Vondyotl, "Well done kiddo."

Belania beams broadly.

(Templars): Areka says, "Please come to the Hall of History as you are able."

Lady Belania Vondyotl says, "Thank you."

"Shoo! Shoo!" Saybre says as he waves all those around him away.

-Movement-

Hall of History.

Nearly as tall as the eastern chamber, this room is easily two stories in height. A large fireplace warms the room from the west, paired with a set of austere wooden chairs, and lines of rectangular braziers keep it illuminated in the darkest of night, despite the high windows. True to its name, surrounding the northern entry is an array of orderly plaques, each notating various historic events or listings of individuals. The southern wall, in turn, is a resilient display of war-time service and community. One after another,in columns and rows beside more columns and rows, shields bearing the device of each Knight of the Order have been hung, marking their duty and time with honour and prestige. An azure and gold damask upholstered armchair faces the west. Resting on the ground is a cube-shaped silver sigil. The crackle and glow of a grand fireplace dominates the western wall. A high backed armchair is here, turned towards the west. The southern wall is adorned with shields of honoured Templars. Page Xilonen is here. Sir Saybre Windrayn, The Silver Phoenix is here. Knight Areka Morrog is  here. Soldier Grawthorg, Blade of Saybre is here. Lady Jami Siarani is here. Executor Ayaeva Entwiste is here. Lady Belania Vondyotl is here. Sir Cole is here.

You see exits leading north and east.

With a swift draw of a hand, Areka unveils a cavalry shield from its swadling, holding it up to display it to the room. "Sir Cole." She announces.

Areka displays a black, star-emblazoned cavalry shield for all to see: Plainly designed, this cavalry shield is crafted of thick oak with a band of iron encircling the planks to hold them together. Rounded at the top, the shield elongates to  take on a tapered shape towards the bottom, extending down low enough to protect the leg of a mounted knight. The only ornamentation on this cavalry shield is a white, five-pointed star emblazoned in the middle of the shield, the prominence of the design heightened by the rest of the wood, which is painted black.

Areka affixes a black, star-emblazoned cavalry shield to its proper place upon a towering wall of shields.

Belania's mouth turns up as her face breaks into a smile.

Soldier Grawthorg, Blade of Saybre says, "It's nice."

Cole inclines his head slightly. "Thank y'. Looks a sight better'n I drew it, t' boot."

Areka reveals a buckler with an equally dramatic movement and discarding of a few yards of cloth. "Lady Belania."

 

Areka displays a rustic, hand-clasped green buckler for all to see: With a somewhat slighter build to allow for more nimble movements, this buckler has been reinforced with a plackart of steel along its circumference, to compensate against blows. Its face has been covered with smooth leather, stained an uneven and earthy green so that it bears a somewhat dappled texture, like light filtering through summer leaves. The approachable hue is overlaid with gold-burnished steel, the boss shaped like two hands clasping at the wrist, with the forearms meeting with the shield's reinforcing band. Running a vertical line, the hands are engraved and molded with detail enough to show the comfortable, but firm grip and the pull of muscle in the arms, suggesting that the hands are helping the other in one direction or the other. Surrounding the image, angular knotwork has been engraved upon the reinforcing band, complementing the rustic touch of the leather.

Areka affixes a rustic, hand-clasped green buckler to its proper place upon a towering wall of shields.

Belania's mouth turns up as her face breaks into a smile.

Soldier Grawthorg, Blade of Saybre says, "Wow."

Areka slightly adjusts each as she adds them to hooks upon the wall, then steps back to review how they fit into the tapestry of patterns the collection creates.

Soldier Grawthorg, Blade of Saybre says, "Now let's get some alcohol."

Belania's eyes sparkle with amusement.

Saybre gives a pained sigh.

Lady Belania Vondyotl says, "I'm perfectly content with my tea, thank you."

A little uncomfortably, admitting, Cole says, "Figure I ought t' not drink neither. Don't let me slow y'all down none though."

Knight Areka Morrog says, "Thank you, all, for coming and witnessing this rising in the ranks. You are all dismissed - celebrate, yes."

High and wide, this wall is covered with shields in neat rows and columns, each bearing a different device and image. Plaques have been hung beneath each, marking the name and family of the Knight who once held the shield.

The following items are displayed within a towering wall of shields:

"kite shield6062"         a crimson sun-crested kite shield

"banded shield11646"      a banded shield of the Aalen

"tower shield36534"       a bloodied, edged tower shield

"tower shield36542"       a rampant gryphon tower shield

"cavalry shield71208"     a falcon crested cavalry shield

"kite shield76241"        a silver-inlaid duelist's kite shield

"kite shield77827"        an austere alabaster kite shield

"tower shield85599"       a stout Dwarven tower shield

"tower shield101211"      an aquatically decorated tower shield

"tower shield145672"      a rustic tower shield of conquered demons

"tower shield151590"      a sleek, wolf-guarded tower shield

"buckler199635"           a crimson rose-emblazoned buckler

"tower shield202122"      a falcon-marked tower shield

"kite shield205044"       a white wyrm-cast kite shield

"tower shield205963"      a viper-claimed tower shield

"tower shield209289"      a fiery red tower shield

"tower shield214293"      a ridge-crested tower shield

"tower shield227369"      a resilient tower shield with Trollish engravings

"tower shield227467"      a tower shield bearing rose-entwined swords

"cavalry shield230206"    a crested, crow-guarded tower cavalry shield

"tower shield231764"      a moonlit tower shield

"tower shield231825"      a Trollish, steadfast tower shield

"tower shield232011"      a tower shield bearing light and wings

"cavalry shield187713"    a black, star-emblazoned cavalry shield

"buckler137529"           a rustic, hand-clasped green buckler

Belania

We didn't say unicorns :P

Teani

You should have!