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Ianthe arrives from the south with drilled precision.
By the Altar
[Relatively Cool] 
  Bathed entirely in light from attenuated crystal chandeliers suspended
from the ceiling high above, this part of the church is wholly illuminated,
no corner left unto the shadows.  In the front, directly north of the
Fountis Major, the altar seems uncharacteristically out of place--
fashioned of unadorned, white ash and reinforced around the edges with
tarnished bronze, the simple, rectangular object seems to have poorly
withstood the ages.  Behind it stands a small tabernacle of solid gold, and
above it a large chalice of the same metal.  Around the altar hang crimson
velvet curtains, allowing one to draw closed the area around the dais;
however, when not in use, they bunch together, tied off and securely
harnessed to the wall.  On both sides of the aisle directly in front of the
room are lavish oaken pews replete with soft cushions, clearly roped off by
thick red cords. Behind them are numerous additional pews, equally
serviceable but lacking any soft comfort. 

Recently:
(The section of the cathedral has be thoroughly annexed by the Knights
Lithmorran for the Knighting.  Proud banner bearing the Crossed Swords on the
Chalice hang from the pillars as the sides of the hall, while Knights in full
ceremonial regalia stand as honour guard beneath each banner. )

[ Exits: south ] [ Air exits: none ]
     A proud blue banner bearing the Crossed Swords on a Chalice is hanging proudly from a pillar. (northern edge) 
     A proud blue banner bearing the Crossed Swords on a Chalice is hanging proudly from a pillar. (center) 
     A proud blue banner bearing the Crossed Swords on a Chalice is hanging proudly from a pillar. (southern edge) 
     A garland of Celeste's Grace flowers decorated with ribbons drapes upon the altar. (northern edge) 
(  2)A vanilla-mint wax candle painted with silver chalices has been arranged in the center of the altar. (northern edge) (off)
     The furthermost back pews typically hold society's undesirables and unlucky latecomers. (northwestern corner) 
     The middle section of pews seats a wide variety of individuals. (northwestern corner) 
     Pews typically reserved for the nobility line the front of the cathedral. (northwestern corner) 
Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak is standing beside the alter, armour gleaming. [App: 4]
Ianthe has arrived.

Ianthe snaps a very sharp salute to Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak as she steps near the altar, and stands at a very very stiff attention. She's dressed in her formal blues, with no armor.

Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak is standing beside the alter, amour gleaming and freshly polished. She's speaking to a Knight, the Knight dressed in ceremonial garb. "...I want a close look on the entrances and exits, standard diamond formation. Anything amiss, let me know as soon as, regardless of what's going on up here." She rumbles out in her thick accent, "Squire!" She calls out, and beckons Ianthe over, she smiles and claps her comfortingly on the shoulder. "How was your vigil? Didn't go crazy in there, did you?" A pause, her eyes washing over the smaller girl. "All ready? The criers will be going out any minute now, just... you know, follow my lead. I'll indicate what you should do. It's not complicated, just stand there all heroic." She claims, and manages to raise another smile.

Ianthe looks as prim and polished as Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak's armor, save for the bags under her eyes. "I never slept alone before." Ianthe says a little eerily, "There were always people snoring or making noises in the barracks and the orphanage, and I've not yet slept in my new bed at home yet. This was a first for me.. I.. well I didn't sleep at all.. did you know there are 432 cobblestones in the cellula?" Ianthe shakes her head, "I'm not ready yet, give me just a minute." sefl starts rooting around in a snowflake-embroidered wool felt pouch tying with a ribbon 

Ianthe gets a honey-lacquered birch hair brush with soft, even bristles from a snowflake-embroidered wool felt pouch tying with a ribbon.

Ianthe gets a tiny rectangular bottle of imported Capuan spring perfume from a snowflake-embroidered wool felt pouch tying with a ribbon.

Ianthe holds a honey-lacquered birch hair brush with soft, even bristles in her hand.

Soft bristles slip through Ianthe's hair, working through her tangles to create smooth, glossy locks.

Ianthe spritzes a tiny rectangular bottle of imported Capuan spring perfume on herself
Theodora op Arcenant arrives from the south with a bit of a waddle to her steps.
A square-faced Lithmorran woman with dark eyebrows has arrived.
A curl-coifed lordling with emerald eyes has arrived.
Theodora op Arcenant slows to a halt.

Ianthe puts a honey-lacquered birch hair brush with soft, even bristles in a snowflake-embroidered wool felt pouch tying with a ribbon.

Ianthe puts a tiny rectangular bottle of imported Capuan spring perfume in a snowflake-embroidered wool felt pouch tying with a ribbon.

"...I thought there were 428." Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak rumbles out, a frown coming to wiggle across her features. "Bugger." She breathes out a sigh and continues, "Well, try to stay away Squire, you don't want to be the first one in recorded history to fall asleep at their own Knighting, do you, Daughter?" She queries, smiling again, a gauntlet raises and taps the fingers gently on Ianthe's cheek. "Let me know when you're ready." She smiles down at the smaller woman, seemingly quite amused with how she preens herself in preparation for the ceremony. [Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak]

A tall young man with blue eyes arrives from the south.
A tall young man with blue eyes slows to a halt.

Theodora op Arcenant waddles her way into the Cathedral trying to keep up with the far youthful and excited pace of a curl-coifed lordling with emerald eyes who tears his way down the centre aisle until a sharp tut between the woman's teeth makes him consider his little lordly stride.

Ianthe nods to Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak, a little hesitating at first, but then more committed, "I am ready, My Lady Earl Marshall."

A tall young man with blue eyes sits on a pew among the back rows.

Action set to:
Ianthe stands at attention in front of the Altar at the head of the cathedral

A tall young man with blue eyes watches attentively, taking in the glorious details on the Knights' banners with a hunger only found in the gaze of the young and idealistic.

Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak summons a messenger and pays them to make a delivery. [Message]

A person wearing a chalice-trimmed ivory linen mantle sporting an ample hood arrives from the south.
A person wearing a chalice-trimmed ivory linen mantle sporting an ample hood slows to a halt.

Priestess Raylene ab Almassin opens a chalice-trimmed ivory linen mantle sporting an ample hood, revealing her identity.

Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak nods quickly at Ianthe, "Right- Deep breath, look heroic and don't fall over." She rumbles out, smiling at the Squire with pinched lips. "You'll do fine, I'm here with oyou." She offers, and looks aside to one of the Knights standing close by. "Send out the announcements, Sir Gideon." She orders, the Knight smacking out a salute against his chest plate before marching off into the wings to follow it through. She moves forwards, and stands beside Ianthe as they stack up before the alter, eyes peering out over the pews, noting those who have already started to filter in.

Theodora op Arcenant starts to move towards the north and west.

Theodora op Arcenant sits on a pew among the front rows.

Theodora op Arcenant rests.

A curl-coifed lordling with emerald eyes starts to move towards the north and west.

A curl-coifed lordling with emerald eyes sits on a pew among the front rows.

Theodora op Arcenant slips into a seat in the front in the noble section and seats a curl-coifed lordling with emerald eyes next to her.

Marisa dul Damassande le Orban arrives from the south.
A stocky, sandy-haired bodyguard with a square jaw has arrived.
A tall, slender manservant with light brown hair has arrived.
A lithe male chevalier with wavy blond hair has arrived.
Marisa dul Damassande le Orban slows to a halt.

A town crier passes nearby!  "Criers move out into the city, "Here ye, here ye, the Knighting of Squire Ianthe Meadows is about to begin at the Cathedral by the alter! All citizens are invited to witness."

Marisa dul Damassande le Orban gives a small nod of greeting to those she passes, moving along the side up towards the front pew.

Marisa dul Damassande le Orban sits on a pew among the front rows.

Proconsul Raynne Canem arrives from the south.
Proconsul Raynne Canem slows to a halt.

Ianthe stands tall and still, and as heroic as she can manage. She'd look like a statue at the head of the cathedral if she weren't breathing a little too heavily.

Proconsul Raynne Canem moves in along the long pathway of pews, heels clicking just barely on the stone, a hand resting casually on her belt. Some cursory glance haunts around the chamber, noting faces, though the girl stays towards the rear set of pews a moment, finding herself a seat.

Proconsul Raynne Canem sits on a pew among the back rows.

Ianthe is as clean and well dressed as she's ever been. Uniform freshly starched and everything. She looks just as a Squire should on their most important and last day in that position. Everything except for the dark circles beneath her eyes. [Hidden]

Priestess Raylene ab Almassin steps inside and sweeps off her hood, eyes passing upward toward stray strands of hair as a result of the gesture. There is a brief pause as she sets everything to rights before she ventures to move farther inside, her own footfalls muted as she passes amongst the familiar pews. Her attention soon finds Ianthe near the front, and a warm smile is offered toward her, along with a faint nod.

[Action: Priestess Raylene ab Almassin is making her way inside. ]

At first, the Cathedral seems to be laden with a respectful silence common to this reverent place. Only the noises of quiet conversation bouncing off the stones, and the muffled tap of shoes walking here and there as witnesses shuffle into their pews. A sound of creaking as bums find their places, a few jostles here and there, a gaggle of children spewing noises under the baleful eyes of their guardians- swiftly silenced by a cuff at the back of the head.

As more and more people cram into the Cathedral, the Knights, about a dozen or so lined up as an honour guard along the pillars- each one standing beneath a proud banner of the Swords on the chalice. The Knights begin to hum a Knighty chant, their deep gravely voices echoing off the Cathedral walls in a religious reverence as the ceremony seems to start.

"...The swords in the dark,

The shields of the Order,

It goes on few a few minutes as people still begin to arrive, and the Knights begin to clank their steel sabatons on the ground in a rapturous chorus as the display continues. [Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak]

Justiciar Lyonie dul Acatsia arrives from the south.
Justiciar Lyonie dul Acatsia slows to a halt.

Priestess Raylene ab Almassin sits on a pew among the middle rows.

[Action: Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak is standing steadfast before the altar beside Ianthe, directing the ceremony, armour gleaming. ]

Ianthe still stands firm, tall, silent and still, while the rest of the company of Knights chant and stomp. The noise reverberates and echoes through the immense stone building.

Priestess Raylene ab Almassin slides into one of the center pews after making her way down the aisle, her hands folding into her lap. There is a small cant of her head toward the sound of the entering knights before she centers her attention forward again, looking between Ianthe and Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak. 

Theodora op Arcenant leans down to whisper something to a curl-coifed lordling with emerald eyes and settles her hand on his knee as he excitedly kicks at all the chanting and she shakes her head back and forth.

Journeyman Aukanaii Tualani steps in quietly, slipping towards the backmost pew with a careful quiet step, head slightly ducked as he settles into a spot, using the distraction of the event to mask his lateness.

Journeyman Aukanaii Tualani sits on a pew among the back rows.

Journeyman Aukanaii Tualani coughs violently for several moments.

Statuesque as ever, Proconsul Raynne Canem spares a little glance over to Journeyman Aukanaii Tualani as he slips into a seat nearby. The coughing bears some pause, but then a tiny nod, barely there, extends before the girl swings attention forward again. The glacial intensity of her gaze stays squarely on Ianthe at the front, intent and unblinking as she listens to the proceedings. [Proconsul Raynne Canem]

Prime Medicus Saniya Fahri arrives from the south.
A robust male bodyguard with hardened features has arrived.
Prime Medicus Saniya Fahri slows to a halt.

Everett Benson arrives from the south.
Everett Benson slows to a halt.

Justiciar Lyonie dul Acatsia starts to move towards the north and west.

A tall young man with blue eyes opens his mouth and immediately closes it again, unwilling to speak during such a sacred ceremony. He glances sidelong at Journeyman Aukanaii Tualani, brow furrowed with concern.

Justiciar Lyonie dul Acatsia arrives similarly late and slips in quietly near to Journeyman Aukanaii Tualani and rayne near the back, after lingering on her feet to let the initial wave of sound wash over, settling as speech begins. [Join]

The Knights continue to hum, and stomp their steel sabatons on the stone ground. It fills the Cathedral with a reverent reverberation as their voices vibrate and beat, almost putting the bards to shame with their baritone, steadfast voices and sharp notes. An honour guard, they are. It continues for some time more, until the voices get quieter into a low hum, the stomping sabatons quieting to a slow patter. It ends fully when Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak steps forward, armoured entirely with gleaming, inscribed steel plate- her head without helmet. She has a serious, intense cant to her Vandagan face, sharp, icy blue eyes peering out over the crowd as she squints those serious orbs. She begins to speak, sparing a quick glance over her shoulder towards Ianthe, a nod there. Armour clacking as she affirms her gaze back over the masses.

"Citizens of Lithmore, Freemen and Nobles alike. The Knights thank you for attending this auspicious ceremony, the Knighting of a Squire is a battle hard fought for most of their life, the culmination of years of training, blood spending and terror fought." Her voice is accented thickly with her Vandagan heritage, loud enough and elevated with the echoing acoustics of the Cathedral. "In times like these, Lithmore, how many times is it now our fair city has been upon the brink of annihilation? The cusp of darkness? And yet, here we stand- together, united in celebration." A pause as she takes a breath, "The Knights, broken by the traitors of the so called restoration, are still strong- we are still here, and we are still vigilant against the darkness that assails our Kingdom so." (repost for newcomers) [Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak]

Theodora op Arcenant looks up at Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak as an intense expression slips onto her pert Vavardi features. She looks aside to a curl-coifed lordling with emerald eyes who excitedly clutches sword and listens and gives a soft smile as she kisses into his mop of curls.

Journeyman Aukanaii Tualani gestures at a pew among the back rows

[Action: Prime Medicus Saniya Fahri is just arriving, lingering near Everett Benson ]

Ianthe still remains silent and still as a stone, even when coughing echoes from the back of the cathedral. Her arms are held tight against her sides, chin up, eyes and ears open towards Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak. 

[Action: Priestess Raylene ab Almassin is seated with her attention forward. ]

[Action: Justiciar Lyonie dul Acatsia sits watching the proceedings. ]

Perelle ab Symons arrives from the south.
Perelle ab Symons slows to a halt.

Prime Medicus Saniya Fahri is completely quiet when she and Everett Benson step into the altar room, taking a small step aside to watch the proceedings at the front of the room from her standing position near the back.

Perelle ab Symons arrives in all (un)fashionable lateness, quietly stepping to one side and folding her hands to observe, standing toward the back of the gathering.

Ianthe is almost as still as one could possibly be, though she her chest does rise and fall, showing she is breathing a bit heavier than normal. And as clean and ready as she looks, there is a hint of shadows beneath her eyes. [Hidden]

"And now it comes to pass," Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak continues, her loud voice booming into the Cathedral with her thick, Vandagan accent. Her icy blue eyes washing across the pews, spearing various people through the forehead with her intense gaze. Her arms are at her sides, one palm rests upon the pommel of her sheathed sword at her belt. "Squire Ianthe Meadows, an orphan with few prospects." She shakes her head, the armour about her neck clacks. "The Knights Lithmorran took her in to our family, our protection. She joined us as a Page, and has been my squire for several years. She has never faltered in the face of darkness, she has proven her worth many times over. She has become my daughter in all but blood, and I am proud of her, and her accomplishments." She orates at length, "All have a place within the Knights Lithmorran, orphan, Freeman, gentry- noble. We do not discriminate, we do not turn those away that wish to fight for the cause of the Just, the cause of Righteousness."

"It is customary for a Squire to prepare their vows, and make their promise in public to witnesses. An oath they are held to for the duration they wear their spurs." She takes a single step back, and turns her eyes to Ianthe, "Squire Meadows, you may announce your vows." She rumbles, and raises a comforting gauntlet to rest lightly on the smaller girls shoulder. [Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak]

A tall young man with blue eyes pulls closed his cloak, hiding his garments.

A tall young man with blue eyes flips an asymmetrical, heavy woolen cloak, pinned at the shoulder back over his shoulder.

A random passerby replies to a bit of gossip, "Did you see?  Some of Prisca Connor's mercenaries are being arrested for covering up the criminal's escape!  I hear her lover, one le Tavari, is going to be taken to Ahalin too!  ".  [Rumor #15]

That particular random passerby is summarily ejected by one of the Knightly honour guards, with a swift shove against the shoulder and a steely, wrathful gaze. Quiet as possible. [Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak]

Ianthe pivots in one sharp motion to turn her gaze and body from Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak to the audience of the cathedral. When a pair of calf-high leather boots with side rows of buttons meet again, there's a swift thud. The movement is performed perfectly, as though she'd drilled that simple movement a thousand times before. She looks out upon the vast cathedral, and its pews, brimming full of Lithmore's Davites. Her mouth opens as suddenly as her pivot, and her eyes open a bit wider too as she takes in all the faces staring back at her. But no sound leaves her lips. She stands there frozen in front of everyone, not uttering a sound. The small bit of color she manages to retain on her face vanishes.

Prime Medicus Saniya Fahri's gaze ticks from Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak to Ianthe, to whom she offers a warm and encouraging smile from the back of the room, otherwise remaining patient and still.

A curl-coifed lordling with emerald eyes seems to get rightly confused on the proper timing of things and rather excitedly claps for Ianthe and gives her the biggest smile.

Priestess Raylene ab Almassin pulls in a breath, her attention turning from Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak over to Ianthe. There's a faint furrow of her eyebrows as the woman goes silent before her expression softens a little. She shifts just a bit in her seat, hands smoothing over her robes, before she offers Ianthe an encouraging smile and a small nod. The gossiper, and the subsequent ejection of said gossiper, are ignored by the blue-robed priestess, attention remaining frontward.

Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak squeezes Ianthe's shoulder comfortingly as the Squire seems to freeze up before the wash of citizens witnessing. She stoops over slightly, and whispers something into her ear for only her to hear. Done, she straightens up, her gauntlet still clasped lightly on the Squire's shoulder.

Everett Benson watches the proceedings with quite a bit of interest, seeming rather fascinated with it all. As Ianthe takes the spotlight, he beams a cheery grin, likely lost among all the other faces nearby. He attempts to look encouraging anyhow, for whatever it could be worth.

Journeyman Aukanaii Tualani turns to watch the procession, eyes flitting to linger on Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak as she speaks out, looking over her carefully from his seat in the back, then flit to Ianthe with a faint worry, before he, too, joins the serious of people smiling encouragingly to the soon-to-be Knight.

Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak leans down towards Ianthe, and whispers, "You can do this, Daughter. I believe in you. This is nothing, you've had worse- just look up, eyes above the crowd. Stare at the doors, and speak as if you are speaking to me." [Hidden]

Perelle ab Symons folds her hands and fixes her eyes up to watch Ianthe, shoulders rising with a slow, deep breath as she watches. Her expression is a slight, cordial smile, waiting and watching.

A tall young man with blue eyes leans forward slightly, watching with rapt attention and a smile.

Ianthe's voice is all but a whisper at first, "The Order has.." Ianthe coughs quietly, closes her eyes, takes a deep breath and then begins reciting her vows in the manner she's excpected to. She projects her small voice with greater and greater volume as she gets into her groove, though it never meets the force of Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak's 

Ianthe states, "The Order has rescued me, raised me, trained me, and showed me the paths to salvation, and given me purpose when I thought I could find none. I will always be grateful for that and will serve the Order completely, for I owe everything to them, and the Lord. When I think of all the church has done for me, I'm reminded of Saint Francis, who gave his life to save orphans from a fire of witchcraft."

Ianthe states, "I shall prove my Valor, and keep it in my heart, even at times of deepest peril; when my bones quake and knees knock, I will persevere and never give up the mission to cleanse the world of sin and taint. Even in my final moments. To that end, I will remember the example set by Saint Miriam, who feared not even the Pyre, knowing it was her only path to Salvation. "

Ianthe states, "I shall always remain Humble, even if, however unlikely, glory descends upon me. I am still just an orphan freewoman at heart, and shan't let the position I've earned, nor the advantages it affords me, allow me to forget where I came from or who I am. To remind me to remain humble, I will remember the example set by Saint Bacca, who never sought glory, only to bring joy and kindness to others."

Ianthe states, "I shall strive to be Honorable in my every action, to become a beacon and example for others to follow. I hope that others will see that, in this world with sin and temptation around every corner, it is possible to remain virtuous. And it is necessary. In this endeavor, I will strive to be like the example of Saint Jaridan, an Honorable example of what it means to be Lithmorran Davite. One that he spread across the Duchies and to people of every background so that their souls could be saved as well."

Ianthe says, "I will work to achieve true Wisdom in my pursuits, in so far as my intellect allows. To do so, I will meditate on the example set by Saint Remiel, who was gifted with great intelligence but honed it into wisdom through study and maintenance of holy knowledge. "

Ianthe states, "I shall always protect my Purity, in thought, in deed, and in heart. There is and will be no better example of this virtue than Saint Celeste. I think about her experiences often, because as an Orphan, it is easier to understand what it is she gave up to become closer to the lord."

Ianthe says, "And I will seek to promote Divine Justice for the good of all. I will remember the example of Saint Ahalin, who brought justice to so many mages in this city. I will also not allow myself to be driven by hate or vengeance, as easy as that may be when fighting against pure evil. Never shall I forget that my purpose as a Dame is to protect the innocent and save the tainted. Love will drive me, love for my fellow citizens, love for the Order, and even love for the tainted who've lost or forgotten their way. And ultimately, Love for the Lord."

Theodora op Arcenant leans a bit forward as she listens to the delivered oaths of Ianthe. 

Proconsul Raynne Canem maintains her immobile self all the way through the vows, save the tiniest crease between dark brows, interest splaying more apparent in her gaze as it remains locked on Ianthe. 

Priestess Raylene ab Almassin's expression finds a smile as Ianthe begins, again nodding as she pulls in a deep breath. Her attention lingers on the woman throught the recitation, straying only once she is done to look back toward Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak. 

A beaming smile snakes across Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak's face as Ianthe begins to speak her vows, a rare smile that shatters the ice on the Vandagan's face. She looks quite proud in his moment, her eyes not on the audience, but firmly fixed upon the Squire as she recites her vows. She has to pinch her bottom lip with her teeth for some unfathomable reason, apparently in awe of the smaller girls extensive, meaningful vows. A silence seems to linger in the air once Ianthe finishes, the Earl Marshal missing her cue to continue on, as she just stares at the Squire for a moment more.

A pointed cough comes from the crowd, causing the Earl Marshal to snap herself back into gear. "Mmhm." She rumbles, and takes her eyes away from the squire to pierce them back into the crowd. "A Squires vows are a promise, a divine oath shared between the souls we protect, and the Lord we serve. A binding in blood, and soul both." A hand moves towards the pommel of a damascus steel bastard sword with an incise floral motive, as it draws from her scabbard with a metallic zip of metal on leather.

"Squire, kneel." [Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak]

Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak bares her sword.

Perelle ab Symons listens attentively, grin on her face growing wider - and perhaps more sincere - as Ianthe delivers her oaths.

Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak says OOCly, "In this moment*"

Ianthe turns and kneels before Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak with the same precise military-dill movements she had been doing prior to her oration. She holds her chin high, waiting for the next stage of the ceremony.

Ianthe, once her face is turned from the crown and towards Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak exhales slowly through pursed lips. [Hidden]

Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak's smile still beaming down at Ianthe, proud as anyone could be. Her immense sword rises up into the air, the flat pressing against her own nose as she performs a Knightly salute. In unison, the Knights stationed at the pillars at each Banner throughout the Cathedral draw their own swords in a rapturous symphony of metal, the flats pressing to their noses as they salute the Squire knelt before the Earl Marshal, with each of them turning bodily towards the alter in respect.

The Earl Marshal lowers a damascus steel bastard sword with an incise floral motive, resting the flat of the blade now against Ianthe's left shoulder. "Squire Ianthe Meadows, do you promise to uphold the oaths, vows and codes of the Knights Lithmorran? Do you promise to defend the weak without hesitation, to bring the corrupt to Justice wherever they lay? To defend the Church, the people and the Kingdom with your life?"

Journeyman Aukanaii Tualani watches with the smile on his face growing into a wide one as the shing of metal fills the cathedral, and Ianthe kneels, his face alight as he watches, silent, drawn into the ceremony as only the audience can be.

Rain Reed arrives from the south.
Rain Reed slows to a halt.

A tall young man with blue eyes sits on a pew among the back rows.

Ianthe holds still, especially with Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak having her sword drawn before her. "Yes, My Lady Earl Marshall, I do.", Ianthe answers loud enough for the pews in the back to hear.

"Then rise," Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak bellows out as the ceremony continues, a damascus steel bastard sword with an incise floral motive resting with the flat on Ianthe's left shoulder. "Then rise, I name you as Dame Ianthe Meadows, a Knight Lithmorran in name and body." The sword lifts and waves above her head to press against her right shoulder, before she raises it up and away from the kneeling Knight to slide back into the scabbard at her belt.

In the same motion, she turns away and retrieves something from the altar, "Accept your garb of Knighthood, your spurs- and belt." And holds them out for Ianthe to take. [Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak]

Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak gives a set of gilded Knight's spurs with silver yokes and rowels to Ianthe.

Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak gives a fine, double-wrapped sword belt of midnight-black leather to Ianthe.

Ianthe has gained the role 'Knight' for Order!

Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak sheathes her sword.

[Action: Rain Reed loiters unobtrusively in the back. ]

Ianthe rises as instructed, and only wobbles just a little bit. Her face, which has so far been stoic, save for that brief moment of terror earlier, is now beaming as brightly as Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak's. She turns to face the crowd again as she dons a set of gilded Knight's spurs with silver yokes and rowels and a fine, double-wrapped sword belt of midnight-black leather, the signifiers of her new position.

Ianthe wears a fine, double-wrapped sword belt of midnight-black leather about her waist.

Ianthe stops using a set of argent Squire's spurs with silver yokes and rowels.

Ianthe wears a set of gilded Knight's spurs with silver yokes and rowels on her ankles.

A curl-coifed lordling with emerald eyes claps again for Ianthe bouncing up and down in his seat rather excitedly.

As Ianthe raises Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak swings out a hand to clap her on the shoulder. She mouths the words 'Well done' on her pale lips, and turns towards the crowd. She raises her gauntlets, and begins to clap, the metal of hands clacking together in a loud symphony, hopefully to encourage the crowd to join in. The Knights at the pillars do too, their swords now sheathed, their gauntlets clacking together. A few Pages and Squires lingering in the wings even shout their applause with loud WOOPS and HOLLARINGS no doubt earning them latrine duty for the foreseeable future, but they seem not to care in this moment proud as they are of their sister earning their spurs of Knighthood. [Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak]

A tall young man with blue eyes stands up and cheers.

A tall young man with blue eyes stands up.
A tall young man with blue eyes leaves a pew among the back rows. [OOC]

There's a moment of silence as Journeyman Aukanaii Tualani lets the gravity of the ceremony come to it's conclusion, and then he's one of the first to start clapping, slapping palm against thigh. Rather than whoop, he brings his other hand up to his mouth and gives a loud two-tone whistle that echoes in the cavernous space of the Cathedral! [Journeyman Aukanaii Tualani]

Priestess Raylene ab Almassin stands as she releases a breath, her own hands coming together to applaud for Ianthe, though it is muted by her gloves. She glances aside to the loud disruptions from the knights off to the side, amusement touching her expression, though she soon returns her attention to the front.
Priestess Raylene ab Almassin leaves a pew among the middle rows. [OOC]

Marisa dul Damassande le Orban joins in with the applause, a pleased smile touching her lips from her place in the noble row of the pews, though she does maintain more decorum than the excited pages and squires.

[Action: Priestess Raylene ab Almassin is standing near the center pews, applauding. ]

As the ceremony comes to a peak, Proconsul Raynne Canem does in fact move with the crowd, rising to her feet as crisp applause rejoin around. Still, her expression rests mostly neutral, fixed on the new Knight as after a few seconds a hand rises, fingers between her lips for a piercing, Tubori style whistle in the din. [Proconsul Raynne Canem]

Perelle ab Symons erupts into applause, a beaming smile plastered on her face. Upright and proper, she's restrained enough not to explode into whistling or cheering, but her loud, enthusiastic clapping is certainly well beyond what might be expected for a stereotypically reserved gentrywoman's clapping.

Ianthe 's rubescent face regains its color and then some. She smiles to the crowd, to the hollaring Knights, to a few familiar faces in the crowd, like Perelle ab Symons, Priestess Raylene ab Almassin, and finally to Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak again. She looks proud, embarassed, and exhausted. 

Justiciar Lyonie dul Acatsia stands slowly but she's already applauding as she does, a scant turn of her head is spared for the large doorway, a lingering distracted moment before she redoubles her efforts, actually joining Proconsul Raynne Canem for a long loud whistle and a long enthusiastic whoop, she's in the back, who's going to know.

Theodora op Arcenant tries her absolute hardest to manage to keep a curl-coifed lordling with emerald eyes seated in the midst of the din of excitement but she's not exactly in her best fighting shape and the little lord slips off his pew to join in on all the celebration.

A curl-coifed lordling with emerald eyes stands up.
A curl-coifed lordling with emerald eyes leaves a pew among the front rows. [OOC]

"Now- If any of you have words of support, encouragement or praise for the young Knight, you may make them known now if you approach." Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak rumbles out above the din of the clapping the whistling from the masses in the pews. "Or wait for the celebration afterwards." She raises that gauntlet again, resting down on Ianthe's shoulder. Slowly, the whistling, whooping and clapping simmers down- if only slightly. [Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak]

Politely enough, Proconsul Raynne Canem continues applause for only a few seconds longer until Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak speaks. Finally, the girl subsides, coming to sit again quietly with a small, private hum of satisfaction. Finally, the glacial flat her her attention breaks from the front, skimming along to those gathered, noting faces again briefly. [Proconsul Raynne Canem]

Ianthe seems a little surprised at Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak's announcement. She falters and doesn't step down from the front of the church as she had just started to a moment before Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak invited the attendees to come and approach her.  So she waits, still cheerfully tohugh, for anyone to take Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak up on the offer.

A random passerby replies to a bit of gossip, "Did you see?  The Poet Laudate and that Journeyman, Tua, were going about town putting up flyers about a Spring Awakening festival.  There's going to be a fashion contest!  ".  [Rumor #1]

Perelle ab Symons ratchets down her enthusiastic applause to a quiet, restrained golf-clap of sorts when the applause begins to simmer. Appearances and all that.

Priestess Raylene ab Almassin remains in her place, at least for now, though she does turn a little to look to the several surrounding in the other pews. Her applause silences, hands tucking beneath a chalice-trimmed ivory linen mantle sporting an ample hood. 

Journeyman Aukanaii Tualani gives a little laugh, quieting at Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak's raised hand. He continues to beam up to the two, but the enthusiasm that he's likely to bring is held in check for something less restrained.
Theodora op Arcenant stands up.
Theodora op Arcenant leaves a pew among the front rows. [OOC]

Prime Medicus Saniya Fahri joins in with the applause, but soon enough quiets again to listen, standing patiently at the back of the room.

A robust male bodyguard with hardened features sneezes loudly.

Theodora op Arcenant puffs a bit as she leans forward to stand up not without a bit of effort and she makes her efforts to approach Ianthe. 

"Very well, then you are all dismiss-" Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak is about to say, just as Theodora op Arcenant raises with some great effort to start approaching. An eyebrow raises, "My Lady." She rumbles out, and stands aside. A glance towards Ianthe, and fires off a wink to the newly made Knight. [Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak]

Never really standing easily here, when the half-finished dismissal reaches Rain Reed's ears in the back, the brunette turns to slink away. She does toss a wave out though, meant for Ianthe who she can see once in a while through the throng of people. [Rain Reed]

Ianthe gives a hesistant wave and smile to the occasional person who send them her way from across the room, including Rain Reed, whom she some how manages to catch site of before she leaves.

Everett Benson looks around himself as the applause begins to die down, peering at nearby faces. He picks Rain Reed's face out in the crowd at the back, a considering look passing over his expression. Should he make eye contact, he just grins and offers a small wave before returning his attention to Ianthe and those that approach the front of the altar.

Theodora op Arcenant sets her shoulders and steps forward to hold out a small sparkling bottle of dul Arcenant varietal champagne to Ianthe, "Dame," she begins in her airy twirl, "I was uniquely blessed to have the insider view into the thoughtfulness and study with which you crafted your vows. They were beautiful, this gift is ... a small appreciation from my House to you as you step forward on your journey in service to the Holy Order, and I praise it be a long one with many stories that one day the Troupe will regale my children's children with."

Theodora op Arcenant gives a small sparkling bottle of dul Arcenant varietal champagne to Ianthe.

Rain Reed's hat and feather probably helped! Height of fashion and such. She flashes a quick grin towards the Woman of the Hour, and another wave to Everett Benson before heading back through the cathedral.

Rain Reed begins to move south.

Rain Reed leaves south.

A svelte young lady with curling blonde hair arrives from the south.
A svelte young lady with curling blonde hair slows to a halt.

A tall young man with blue eyes begins to move south.

A tall young man with blue eyes crosses the center of the room.

A tall young man with blue eyes leaves south.

Ianthe blinks when Theodora op Arcenant addresses her as Dame. It's the first time that's happened, save for when Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak bestowed the title on her moments ago. "Th-thank you My Lady Poet Knight. Your input was invaluable." Ianthe smiles graciously to Theodora op Arcenant and turns it down towards a curl-coifed lordling with emerald eyes next who is no doubt at her side. 

Proconsul Raynne Canem holds in her seat a few lingering moments longer. She watches, as she has, with muted interest to the scene at large, but things are indeed winding to a close. With a small sigh, the girl pulls to standing again. As as not to jostle anyone overly nearby, she soundlessly peels away from her pew, pacing out towards the exit.

Proconsul Raynne Canem stands up.
Proconsul Raynne Canem leaves a pew among the back rows. [OOC]

Proconsul Raynne Canem starts to move towards the south.

[Action: Priestess Raylene ab Almassin is standing near the center pews, evidently patiently waiting. ]

A svelte young lady with curling blonde hair arrives for what is clearly the end of the proceedings. She lets a soft sigh escape her, moving off to the side of the entrance.

[Action: a svelte young lady with curling blonde hair is more than late, lingering. ]

Proconsul Raynne Canem begins to move south.

Proconsul Raynne Canem leaves south.

Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak narrows her eyes disapprovingly as Theodora op Arcenant produces the bottle of champagne, her lips pinch into a thin smile. Though, she inclines her head politely, her eyes finding that small boy the same as Ianthe. A fist raises and snaps against her breastplate in salute towards the little lad. Otherwise, her eyes cascade back over the crowd, it seems the ceremony is coming to a swift close, as people begin to filter out the back. "Thank you all for coming." She booms out over the crowd.

Journeyman Aukanaii Tualani moves to stand as Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak booms out her dismissal, eyes still up on the Dames, though, quietly, he muses, "Ah, where is the celebration after going to be?" He murmurs to someone nearby in the hopes that... someone will clue the bard in.

Ianthe echoes Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak, calling our to the departing crowds, "Yes, thank you everyone! Thank you for sharing this important day with me!" 

Theodora op Arcenant nods at Ianthe and says, "Of course, it was my honor," and then she steps away a bit to let others approach or be dismissed for the after-party. She gives her pearly smile at Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak as a curl-coifed lordling with emerald eyes excitedly salutes back.

Marisa dul Damassande le Orban stands up.
Marisa dul Damassande le Orban leaves a pew among the front rows. [OOC]

Priestess Raylene ab Almassin finally takes a step away from the pews as Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak dismisses everyone, moving forward toward she and Ianthe. There's a briefly drawn in breath before she speaks quietly to the pair, "Sir Lans, of course, spirited away all of the pie from his own birthday. But I always, always have cookies. If... cookies are wanted." She clasps her hands behind her back, head tilting a little while glancing between them.

Perelle ab Symons quietly begins her own departure, arms folded. She raises one eyebrow skeptically at an approaching Apprentice bard, who seems to be rather urgently murmuring some request for help or another to her.

Perelle ab Symons furrows her brow in thought, mentally planning.
Perelle ab Symons begins to move south.

Perelle ab Symons leaves south.

"Cookies are always wanted, Mother ab Almassin." Ianthe says with a bright smile for Priestess Raylene ab Almassin. "Especially yours." [Ianthe]

Earl Marshall Vlora von Vashaak snorts out in amusement as Ianthe interacts with Priestess Raylene ab Almassin, "Mother ab Almassin," She raises a gauntlet to tap against her breastplate in salute, "Thank you for coming," She turns aside in the moment to speak with an approaching Knight, "The Celebration will be held at the three cups, I believe." She claims.