Once again the chapel of the Spirits is full to overcrouding as the leaders of the Vanir guard join the penitent for services and the special ceremony to follow. This day will see the creation of two more knights of Vanir and the excitement is almost thick enough to cut with a knife. Brother Adam and Sister Eve lead a joyous and moving service. Many of those who have come simply for the knighting seem as taken as those who are regulars at the chapel and if there has more attendees at next week's service than there were at last week's it is easy to see why.
The service concludes and the King rises from his seat and takes his place in the center of the dais. The great statues of the spirits flank him; justice to the left and knowledge to the right. The overcast day splays a muted silver across the hilt of the great sword BärenReißzahn that rests at his hip. The great banner of Vanir hangs behind Shaitan as he turns to the assembled crowd.
Donovan Zoi and gunning1 enter through the great double doors. They walk in lockstep, their faces stolid and serene. They stop as they reach the first step of the dais. Shaitan then begins the ancient ritual that will make knights of these men.
Shaitan: Squire gunning1, do you approach the Crown this day to offer your strong arm in service?
gunning1: I do, m'lord.
Shaitan: Squire Donovan, do you also approach the Crown this day to offer your strong arm in service?
Donovan Zoi: I do, m'lord.
Shaitan: And what shall you ask of the Crown in return?
gunning1: I ask nothing my lord for I am already provided for by your grace and that of Vanir.
Donovan Zoi: My needs are met by the arms I wield for Vanir.
Shaitan: You offer much for so little. Is there no way the Crown may reward you?
gunning1: There is one thing only that I crave beyond what is already mine by service for it will enable me to serve with yet greater effect. Were I to be accepted to the knighthood all would be fit with me.
Donovan Zoi: As with me my liege. As your knight my works for Vanir can achieve yet greater results. This is all I wish.
Shaitan: Kneel down Squires.
The two men kneel down on the first step to the dais and lower their heads. Shaitan unsheaths the great sword of Vanir, it's magnificent length glinting from the candles behind him and the torches on the walls. He rests the naked blade against gunning1's neck and the viewers are impressed by his composure at the touch of the deadly steel. Though it had not happened recently, there had been those who pressed for Knighthood and were regected by the crown in a permanent manner. Shaitan again addressed gunning1 who for his part nodded serenely and authoritatively to each question.
Shaitan: Do you swear by your honor and in front of these witnesses and upon this dais of the Spirits themselves that you will uphold the ideals of Vanir? That you shall defend the weak from the unjust? That you shall protect the people of Vanir and the Crown from all enemies? That you will represent Vanir with due honors and solemnity?
gunning1: I do so swear my liege, on my life and honor.
Shaitan removes BärenReißzahn from gunning1's neck and places it against that of Donovan Zoi. As his peer before him, Donovan does not flinch at the bite of the Bear's Fang. Again Shaitan asks the questions of service and Donovan nods in answer.
Shaitan: Do you swear by your honor and in front of these witnesses and upon this dais of the Spirits themselves that you will uphold the ideals of Vanir? That you shall defend the weak from the unjust? That you shall protect the people of Vanir and the Crown from all enemies? That you will represent Vanir with due honors and solemnity?
Donovan Zoi: By my heart and for all my days I do so gladly, my king.
Shaitan removes the wicked steel from Donovan's neck and holds the blade rock steady between the two squires.
Shaitan (loud): Who will speak for these men? Who will swear to their prowess and fortitude?
Shaitan's shout echoes about the chapel and eventually dies out, leaving a deathly silence in its wake. The silence is broken by the sound of metal shot boots with spurs as an armored knight walks through the doors and approaches the dais.
gonzo_for_civ: I speak for these men. They are young but dedicated and lack for nothing in skill and motive. I would welcome them to the ranks of the Knights of Vanir.
Shaitan: You would die for them?
gonzo_for_civ: Yes, as they would die for me as my brothers in arms.
Shaitan nods to gonzo who removes his spurs and puts one on each of the knights penitent. He then steps up and takes a position to Shaitan's right. Shaitan taps gunning1 on each shoulder and the top of the head with the flat of his blade.
Shaitan: Arise! Sir gunning1, Knight of Vanir! Arise and take your place with your brethren.
gunning1 stands and walks up to stand next to gonzo_for_civ. Shaitan then taps Donovan Zoi on each shoulder and the top of the head as he did to gunning1.
Shaitan: Arise! Sir Donovan Zoi, Knight of Vanir! Acsend the dais and be well with your brethren.
Donovan stands and moves next to gunning1. There are scattered hoots and clapping which quickly stop as Shaitan glares at the crowd. Those who know him well see the twinkle in his eye and a barely suppressed smile as well. He turns to face the three knights and clasps arms with each in turn. When he has finished the three together grab him in a bear hug and the restraing of the crowd finally fails. The cheers and hazzah's threaten to bring down the newly placed plaster as the assembled wellwishers each try to outvoice the next. The King and his three knights manage to move down the aisle to exit the chapel only with difficulty and all 4 are seen to be wearing beatific grins.
