The Chapel of Spiritualism at the Marillion is once again packed to overcrowding as the friends and relations of CivGeneral, the Count of Ankh Morpork and Stuck_As_a_Mac, the Baron of Coctys, struggle to fit into the confines of the chapel. The eager attendees line the walks and aisles and spill out into the corridors. Once again, lords of noble houses will swear fealty to the great house of Vanir and it is a sight welcome to the eyes of many.
Donovan Zoi, the Prince of Klein Vanir performed the ceremony as proxy and heir of Prince Shaitan. Shaitan himself was forced away on state business unexpectedly and did not wish to delay the knighting yet again. Donovan stood at the top of the dais, surrounded by the five lesser lords of Vanir. The spectators hush as Brother Joseph lights a ceremonial fire to the great spirit Pyra. He is then joined by Brother Adam and Sister Eve, recently returned to Vanir, and the three spiritualist hold an involved service to the spirits with particular emphasis on that fiery protector and avenger who had become adopted by House Vanir.
Heads turn and mutters begin as footsteps begin coming down the central aisle from the back of the chapel. The two knights penitent stride towards the front of the chapel and the assembled lords of Vanir. They stop a pace before the steps to the dais.
The assembly quiets again as Donovan steps to the edge of the dais and begins the ancient ritual that will accept the fealty and service of these two lords.
Donovan (to CivGeneral): Do you approach the Crown this day to offer your strong arm in service and your shield to protect us?
CivGeneral: I do, my lord.
Donovan: And what do you ask in return?
CivGeneral: Nothing, my lord. I have horse and sword and shield. What more does a warrior need?
Donovan: The weight of a mantle and the love of those he serves.
CivGeneral: It is true, my lord. I do indeed wish to be made a Knight, that I may join my strength to those worthies upon the dais and hold the banner of my adopted land.
Donovan: Kneel down, CivGeneral.
CivGeneral kneels down on the first step to the dais and lowers his head. Donovan turns then to Stuck_As_a_Mac.
Donovan: Do you come to offer your strength and fealty to our great house?
SAAM: I do.
Donovan: And what would you have in return?
SAAM: I need nothing, my lord, save my mount and my arms and my armor.
Donovan: These things are already yours, and well used to boot. Is there nothing with which we may reward your service?
SAAM: It would give me the greatest pride to bear the surcoat of Vanir so that my works and deeds may be seen as those of this great house.
Donovan: Kneel down, Stuck_As_a_Mac.
SAAM kneels next to CivGeneral on the first step of the dais. Donovan unsheaths BärenReißzahn, the great sword of Vanir. The masterwork blade seemingly shines with its own light and the eyes of the twin bears of its pommel glow brightly. He rests the naked blade against CivGenerals neck and the spectators note that he does so with the same calm assurance shown by Shaitan. CivGeneral does not flinch in the slightest at the icy touch of the razor sharp sword. He repeats the process with SAAM, who could well be a stone for all the reaction he shows to the touch of the blade. Donovan then holds the blade between the two penitents, one deadly edge inches from each exposed throat. He then addresses them both. He pauses between each question and they nod their heads solemnly.
Donovan: 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? (Knod from the penitents.) That you shall defend the weak from the unjust? (Knod.) That you shall protect the people of Vanir and the Crown from all enemies? (Knod.) That you will represent Vanir with due honors and solemnity?
CivGeneral and SAAM (together): I do so swear.
Donovan (loud): Who will speak for these men? Who will swear to their strength of spirit and body?
The echoes of Donovans shouted demand slowly fade until there is utter silence in the Chapel.
Padma walks the few steps down the dais and stands behind the two penitents.
Padma: I speak for them. They are well known to me and righteous.
jdd2007 follows suit, parting from the semicircle of knights and taking a similar position behind CivGeneral and SAAM.
jdd2007: I speak for them as well. I attest that they are warriors of renown who have shown their honor and bravery.
One by one the other knights, naervod, gunning1 and gonzo_for_civ, each leave their positions by Donovan Zoi and join their brethren in support of the two men. Donovan takes BärenReißzahn from between the mens throats and holds it above their heads. At this signal, naervod and gunning1 each remove a spur and attach it to one of SAAMs upturned heels. Padma and jdd2007 then do the same for CivGeneral. Donovan then touches the flat of the blade to each side of their necks and then to the tops of their heads.
Donovan: Arise, Sir CivGeneral, Knight of Vanir! Arise, Sir Stuck_As_a_Mac, Knight of Vanir!
The new knights are helped to their feet by their companions and then subjected to a traditional good natured pummeling. The crowd erupts into loud huzzahs and shouts of congratulations. The Chapel slowly clears and the newest Knights of Vanir are carried to their celebration feast.
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