Jared, an overworked-looking, nervous Apprentice Whisper arrives, following Bliss.

Darren sits on the throne of the North, his bearing regal as he watches the Great Hall slowly filling up. The ceremonial coronet of the Redrain High Lord is on his head, and Darren is in full fire as the proud Northern ruler for this occasion.

Arik stands beside Darren's throne evidently today is a special day because as Darren is wearing a coronet, Arik is adorned in flame red armor and a bearskin cloak with one hand on the pommel of Frostfang and a wolfish if proud smirk on his lips.

Princess Isabeau Valardin arrives in the company of her High Lord, Prince Edain, who in turn appear to have tagged along with Princess Marian to witness the woman's passing of the Sword, in both title and item.

The Prince of Sanctum is here as a guest, standing quietly on one side of the hall, alongside his cousin, Voice and his Ambassador to the Crown. He is dressed in the leather brigandine that while died blue and white, his family colors is otherwise fairly modest. In fact if you didn't know the Prince you might not know who he was if not for the coronet he wears. He is here to support the woman he still thinks of as a sister in spirit if not in blood.

Giuseppe, a kindly old man arrives, following Luca.

Jordan arrives just in time to see the changing of the guard for the House Sword of Redrain, clad in his mismatched armor under the surcoat bearing the insignia and colors of House Ashford. He bows towards the High Lord's dais, and then steps off to the side, watching.

Cybele is settled in the corner with Rhea (no, not that one), talking quietly and occasionally chiming their staff with a little shake towards Darren and the throne. Watching eagerly, looking for Marian and Morrighan's appearance.

Khanne had rushed to the hall when she heard, which was not much before she arrived. It didn't give her time to change into appropriately red attire, but clothes aren't always the most important thing. She is here, beaming from ear to ear with a smile aimed at Morrighan.

Mingling in with the crowd at the other side of the hall, arms loosely folded over her chest, Morrighan scans the numerous faces that pour into the Great Hall, most recognized and greeted with smiles, though some are unfamiliar. She's garbed in her exotics, sans helm, her leathers well-conditioned to a murky luster - it is a special occasion, after all. Voss sits beside her, watching the crowd, no neverminding the large raven that seems to have perched atop his head because..well, that's how the Brahm do and Voss just doesn't give a damn.

Artur arrived a little early, though for the most part he seems content to linger near the back of the room, leaning lightly against the wall as he watches everyone else arriving. Arms folded lightly across his chest, his expression is somewhat serious today. An occasional look is given toward the throne where Darren sits, though as nothing much is going on there yet it doesn't really hold his attention for long. Dressed all in black leather and fur, an occasional dip of his chin is offered to those he recognizes as they enter.

Sir Jeffeth Bayweather arrives with Bliss, he is definitely not carrying her, and she is definitely walking on her own. Even if every few steps he's giving her a concerned sidelong look. The big man looks just a touch weary, blinking away the sleep as they step into the hall. Stopping short as they arrive, the large knight goes into a deep bow towards Darren, fist pressed to his chest. Motioning with his chin to Bliss, he starts moving over to the side as to not be in the way.

Upon spotting Khanne coming in Arik leans down towards Darren and murmurs something and should anyone know the Halfshav he is almost certainly up to no good because that smirk becomes a reckless grin.

Marian is hanging towards the back of the hall, standing like a Sentinel with a neutral expression on her face. She is dressed in her ceremonial garb, the white Everwinter bear armor that she has worn since joining House Redrain. Demonslayer, the House Sword is on her back, where it has been since the death of her husband, Prince Fergus. She doesn't look at anyone. Her eyes are straight ahead, waiting for her High Lord to call her to his side.

Riagnon finds a seat, childishly bouncing some to get comfortable. Oh, is this not a sitting occasion? He'll just... uh... play it off.

Riagnon has joined the Pass Out Couch.

Tesha arrives wearing crimson, but that's her usual color. Maybe the woman was in the Redrain ward for other goings on. She is standing quietly and respectfully off to the side and gives a dip of her head to Isabeau and Edain when they are seen. She gives a smile and a nod of greeting to the others as well, but stays a bit quiet so that she doesn't interrupt anything.

Finally, an appropriate place to show up with a half-finished bottle of whiskey in one's hand. This happens to Luca so often that, given enough time, he was bound to arrive at a place where it wouldn't get him leered at. He doesn't even look like he meant to show up, by the way in which he pushes open the doors of the Great Hall to peer inside, noticing there are people with a vague widening of his dark gaze. He must just be following the steady stream of people who all looked as if they were headed toward something interesting. Here he is, and just inside he stops to tip back that bottle for a long, healthy swallow of strong fire, before he proceeds to mingle.

Bliss removes her hat as she steps into the hall, dipping her head toward Darren as she does so, and seeming mostly amused by Jeffeth's concern over to her, whispering something to the man with a soft smile. But then she's looking out over the hall, the crowd gathered, and there's a solemnity to her expression that is very, very rarely there, the extremely talkative duelist instead lost in her own thoughts even as she is physically present here.

A hush falls over the assembled people of Redrain as Darren rises gracefully to his feet and steps forward to the edge of the dais. His left hand rests on the hilt of his redsteel falchion as his cool blue eyes scan the faces of the crowd. They pause on Edain, a brief nod of respect given to the neighboring High Lord. Those standing close to the Prince of Farhaven can hear him cough quietly to clear his throat, and then he proclaims in a ringing and carrying baritone: "Princess Marian Redrain, Voice of Redrain, Warchief of Redrain, Sword of Farhaven. Dame Morrighan." He pauses briefly while the ghost of a grin tugs at one corner of his lips. "Approach the throne."

Marian steps forward as she is called to bring the sword to High Lord Darren Redrain. There is clear confidence in her step as she walks up the aisle with Morrighan at her side. Her ceremonial white armor shines in the candlelight, the hilt of Demonslayer gleems as if it's brand new. The scabbard that holds this sacred sword is black against her back as she moves with deadly grace. Her face bears no expression other than reverence for the solemn ceremony in which she will be handling over the sacred sword to another.

Arik straightens up from his murmuring with Darren as the High Lord attends to the function at hand. Remaining where he is behind the man and notable to his left and not right. The Halfshav seems intent on the duo approaching, moreso Morrighan though who gets a grin from the man despite the solemnity of the event.

Laurene, a military adjutant arrives, delivering a message to Edain before departing.

Leaning down some to listen to Bliss the large Knight of Solace just gives a slow look down to the Whisper, one hand coming up to gently envelop her shoulder for a moment giving a soft squeeze before lowering. Jeffeth then folds his hands behind his back to look towards the ceremony.

Cybele stops shaking their staff. Canting their head, watching the proceedings intently. They aren't giving Morrighan a thumbs up, but the sentiment is there. Glancing over to Jeffeth and Bliss, giving a small satisfied nod to the Whisper, especially as she's not bleeding out and falling over.

Riagnon gets an icicle shaped stick of hard candy from a simple yet fashionable black leather belt.

Riagnon produces a hard candy from the pouch on his belt, clearing it of its wrappings before popping it half-way into his mouth. He audibly sucks on it, eyes nearly buggin' out of his head as he watches the ceremony. Seriously, who gave that to him?

Glancing at Luca, Jordan offers a respectful bow of his head to the Prince, straightening as the ceremony begins. There's a smile flashed at the Grayson champion before watching as Marian approaches the dais, bearing Demonslayer, looking around for Morrighan. He nods to the Dame, flashing her a quick, bright smile.

At the rather loud noise of the wrapper, Jeffeth is just slowly half turning to look over to Riagnon. The big man's eyes flick to the wrapper then to the sound Riagnon is making with the candy, then back down to the wrapper, then back up to the candy.

Jeffeth has joined the Pass Out Couch.

Khanne stands with the others, watching with a quiet reverence, though there is obvious merriment upon her features. She seems to be ignoring a lot of the little nuances around her at the moment, perhaps, but remains focused on Darren, Marian, and Morrighan and the ceremony at hand.

When summoned, the Redrain Knight slips her way through the crowd of people with relative ease, joined by Voss and Brahm, though they trail behind at a bit of a distance. The split tails of her coat flutter lightly at her feet with every step taken, her gaze set forward upon Darren and the throne, expression neutral. Respectful. Upon standing next to Marian, there' that similarity with their red hair, but their armor is one of contrasts. Beside the white, Morrighan is murky black, her leathers iridescent, shifting in color - much like the plumage of her feathered companion. Her gaze shifts briefly to the Warchief, head tipping forward in a nod, extending it to her High Lord, politely.

Isabeau leans in lightly to murmur something into Edain's ear as the ceremony proceeds. She cannot help but to smile while Marian prepares to pass on that beautiful sword to Dame Morrighan. Still, there is a subtle sadness in the cast of her countenance and she looks just on the verge of a soft sigh.

Luca sort of drifts through the gathered people until someone catches his attention, Jordan's bow of his head doing the trick, and so he negotiates the path over toward the knight, though his dark gaze hardly strays from the ceremony that is taking place. There, close, he leans in to murmur something to the other man.

When Jeffeth moves toward the couch, Bliss stays standing, her eyes riveted to the ceremony in front of her, a very distant look to her gaze as she watches both Marian and Morrighan approach the throne. Her eyes move to the blade which Marian carries briefly, and she sighs softly to herself.

Jeffeth is definitely still standing because this is serious. His hands clasped behind his back, eyes on the ceremony. He's just standing /near/ the couches. Occasionally looking over to frown at Riagnon ever so slightly.

Tesha gives a look towards the loud noise, but she doesn't say anything when she sees Jeffeth is already looking like he's going to handle it. With that being done, she turns her head back to the proceedings and gives a bit of a smile as Marian hands over the sword to Darren.

Darren continues speaking once Marian and Morrighan are both standing before him.

"The course of our lives and deeds will always shift and flow with the actions we take and the personal growth we experience. This sometimes means that as we grow to take on greater influence and responsibility, some duties and honors are outgrown. Such is the case with Princess Marian, who has now earned herself a place close by my side as Voice of Redrain as well as Warchief. We agree that the honor of Sword of Farhaven is a duty better suited to someone who can put themselves into it heart and soul, without distraction.

Dame Morrighan has been a tireless and valiant servant of all Redrain and myself specifically all the days of her life. Her courage and tenacity have staved off disaster and defeat on so many occasions, I have come to refer to her as my personal hero. It is therefore only fitting that she be the next to wear the mantle of Sword of Farhaven and bear Demonslayer in my name.

It is therefore my distinct pleasure to announce that effective immediately, the title and object of Sword of Farhaven are now to be held by Dame Morrighan. She will bear both until such a time as she becomes incapable of or unsuited to carry them."

There's a chime of approval, and then it sort of becomes more of a jangling, as Cybele shakes their staff in applause at Darren's proclamation. There is also a sharp and loud whistle, and a cheer from Rhea (not that one).

2 Crimson Blades Private arrives, following Gwenna.

Marian looks at Darren, "It has been my honor to serve as Sword of Farhaven." She turns to Morrighan, takes the scabbard that holds Demonslayer off her back, holding it with reverence. She tells Morrighan with a clear and ringing voice, "When you take this Sword, you take the place of those before you who have stood true for the good of House Redrain. Who have held strong against overwhelming opposition. Who have remained vigilant outside the fire's warmth. Who have given their blood and sweat to keep our liege safe from harm."

She passes the sword to Morrighan's hands, "I give great thanks that you have agreed to take this Sword. I pray to the gods and spirits to help you on the guardian's path. May they grant you the sense to see our enemies clearly." She gives Morrighan an intense look with her green eyes, "While we all walk the path of peace first, know that in these dangerous times there will be times you will be called to draw Demonslayer in defense of House Redrain."

She turns to those that are witnessing the passing of the Sword, "Dame Morrighan is a successor that I have endorsed of my own free will because in the past when the needs of the Compact were on the line, she stepped forward to defend our home, to answer the cries of those in need." She makes a bow to Morrighan to show the respect that she has for her, "Thank you for standing here at my side, for walking the path that I no longer can, since my duties lead elsewhere." She gives a smile, her first since stepping into this hall, "My heart is lighter knowing that you are Here. Now. Standing. To the last!"

Isabeau is overheard praising Marian: A blessing to House Redrain, or to any House that she serves!

Khanne is overheard praising Morrighan: She's long been a protector of Redrain, and now bears the Sword to carry with that honor.

Isabeau is overheard praising Morrighan: Congratulations to Dame Morrighan for earning the Sword of House Redrain! To the last!

Gwenna enters rather late, apparently not having gotten word deep in the archives where she was working on the ledgers. Catching sight of some familiar faces, she offers nods and then moves to take a spot quietly beside her brother, Prince Artur. At least she is in time to catch the words of Marian and she near swells with a bit of pride. Echoing the Warchief, she too offers a cheer to Morrighan. "To the last!"

"To The Last!" Arik echoes in his rumbly fashion from behind Darren and the former and current Swords of Fairhaven. He even throws in a metallic clang of gauntlet against breastplate.

Riagnon is just passing Jeffeth a piece of hard candy for the big man to enjoy for himself as the sword is passed to Morrighan. Bluey(tm) teeth clenched to hold his own candy in place, he can be heard letting out a muffled -but no less sincere- cheer. It sounds a lot like, 'To the last!'

Edain is overheard praising Marian.

Edain is overheard praising Morrighan.

Luca needs both of his hands, at this point, so he tucks that half-finished bottle of whiskey between his legs for a moment so he can slap his hands together for Morrighan and for Marian and the ceremonial nature of the whole thing. Then he pulls the bottle up again and brandishes it high, calling out, "To the last!". When in Redrain, right?

Jerome, a bodyguard have been dismissed.

Jeffeth 'handled' Riagnon alright. But luckily when Jeffeth's own sucking sound is made when his own candy is popped in his mouth, people are cheering and it gets lost in the sound. The large knight shuffles a few steps back to Bliss, leaning over to murmur something quietly into Bliss' ear before raising his own fist and shouting. He glances down at Bliss, winces slightly, before shaking it off and cheering again!

Edain smiles as cheers raise up for the Warlord and the new Sword of Farhaven. In the midst of t he cheers the Prince of Sanctum quietly slips out the back of the crowd.

Darren is overheard praising Marian.

Darren is overheard praising Morrighan.

Darren is overheard praising Marian.

Darren is overheard praising Morrighan.

Jordan cracks a quick smile at Luca for that murmur, nodding before murmuring his reply. He straightens again, watching as Marian returns the House Sword to Darren, expression fading into seriousness after that, as if appreciating the solemn ceremony for what it is.

Bliss lifts her own hands in quiet, polite applause, not adding to the cheering or the whooping but with a smile on her face, shaking her head as she murmurs back to Jeffeth.

Watching from near the back of the room, Artur observes the ceremony keenly, eyes flitting from Darren to Marian and then to Morrighan as the sword is handed over. He echoes the Redrain words as they are spoken, giving a hearty cry of 'To the Last' and smiles at the approach of his sister, Princess Gwenna. Leaning in close, Artur mumbles something to her, before placing a kiss atop her head and moving swiftly for the door.

A small smile tugs at one corner of Morrighan's mouth while she listens to Darren's speech, head deeply bowed to the High lord before turning to Marian, head held high. Her eyes drop for a moment to Demonslayer when it's extended towards her, looking upon it with respect, not only for it, but for those who held the blade and title before her. She listens intently to the Warchief's words, nodding, gloved hands reaching out to accept the House Blade, reverently. "I vow an' promise, with everythin' tha' I am, I will serve th'House an' th'fealty well as Sword. I will guard an' protect Redrain, those within it, from those tha' seek tae bring harm tae its people. Thank you, both," she pauses, glancing between Marian and Darren, "For this great honor, I will do you proud, an' know tha' any o' our enemies tha' come tae stand before me will fall. I will give it my all, until I nae longer draw breath. Tae th'last!"

Teonia Redreef, Aryka Wyrmfang, 3 Thrax Guards, Marquessa Pudding, a pudgy puppy arrive, following Sorrel.

Swiftwing, a sharp eyed, red-tailed hawk leaves, following Artur.

Darren bellows "To the last!" at the top of his lungs with an upraised fist, the reverberations of the call echoing through the Great Hall from his position on the dais. As the echoes fade, he steps back to settle down once more on the throne, applauding wildly.

Jordan is overheard praising Morrighan.

Tesha gives applause when the sword is finally passed and she's all smiles for it. She gives a look about and she doesn't see a few other swords that she would expect to be here, but that is noted for later. For now, there is just celebrating the two ladies up in front and Redrain.

Marian takes a step back now that Morrighan has taken the Sword of Redrain, giving her that moment to shine as the mantle is passed to her. She takes her place with Arik, as a Voice and Warchief. She looks very proud as others in the crowd call 'To the last.'

Chantilly, the demure companion, Lille, the dauntless companion, 2 Crimson Blades Private arrive, following Elgana.

Jordan is overheard praising Marian.

"To the last!" Khanne exclaims, loudly, very loudly, then applauds with a smile once the ceremony is complete and Morrighan has been named Sword of Farhaven.

As Marian takes up stance beside him the white ceremonial armor and red halfshav armor seem quite the pair and the Sword of Whitehold leans in to murmur something to Marian even as his gauntlet clad hands begin clapping with the crowd still cheering.

Cybele cheers loudly. "To the LAST!" Grinning bright, and clapping their hands, jingling their staff some more

Elgana manages to make it - barely - in time to at least take up the call. "To the Last!" she adds her voice from the back somewhere before she slips deeper into the crowd of people toward Bliss.

Gwenna gave a small nod to her brother before his departure and then adds her cheers once again. Moving even further into the room now, her smile is bright at Morrighan's words, the new Sword of Farhaven. Again, the princess looks quite proud as well as pleased.

Murmuring quietly down to Bliss, Jeffeth straightens up and seems to be done with cheering. Half turning to smile over at the approaching Elgana.

Sorrel enters herself a bit late, but she claps and cheers and takes up the call. "To the last!" she says brightly, standing proudly to applaud.

Ugarte arrives, following Fortunato.

Whatever is being murmured between Marian and Arik gets the Halfshav to stop clapping and make a chuffing expression at the other Voice. Then he idly ticks his head towards Darren and continues murmuring.

Fortunato slides in, stuffing his (currently featherless) hat into the pockets of his longcoat. Word travels fast. At least, fast enough to draw out the little artist to go looking for Morrighan in the front of the gathering.

Marian shakes her head and smiles at Arik before once again giving her attention to the crowd as they clap for Morrighan. She lifts her hands and joins them, celebrating the new Sword of Farhaven. She murmurs soft words to the new Sword that only she can hear.

Scabbard with Demonslayer in hand, Morrighan lightly smooths her gloved fingertips over the sheathe, solemnly admiring the blade before glancing up to Marian. She keep a protective hold on the weapon as she leans off toward Marian to murmur softly to her in response, and gradually eases back with a small smile. Movement out of her peripheral catches her attention, briefly, gaze slanting askance towards the entrance to the Great Hall, spying a certain artist meandering in, and gives him a broad grin.

Riagnon has left the Pass Out Couch.