Maximilian steps into the Shrine of Gloria, a small bundle under one arm. He's not ever been the most god-fearing of men, but the recent year has been enough to inspire a bit of reverence for the power of the gods. Respect for their works. As such, he nods to Ford and Edain and Alis as he approaches, to unfold his bundle, the offering he brought, and lay it out.

Maximilian drops War Banner of the Children of Hunger.

Rohm the Blackguard arrives, following Caelis.

Alis has been milling around near the firepit, talking to her brother and Fiachra as people start to arrive. And truly, the banner Max brings does catch her attention. Enough that she inclines her head respectfully towards him as he places it and then starts edging to the front of the firepit so that she can address everyone that's gathered.

Fortunato walks in steady, his feather stiff on his cap, his shoulders slightly stiff as well. He skirts around the statues of the heroes, adjusting the strap on his bag.

Ford checked dexterity + all against difficulty -81, resulting in 17, 98 higher than the difficulty.

Maximilian finishes laying out the bundle, then steps back from the altar, genuflecting and stepping nearer to Ford and Edain. "High Lord. Marquis."

Esoka steps into the shrine, removing her helm as she passes the threshhold. Shaking out her short black curls. It's tucked under her arm as she approaches the firepit. Her path takes her past Fortunato, who gets an inclination of her head as she settles herself on the edge of the gathering.

Edain is set up by the door, a small table next to him. He bows and greets people as the enter, hear to make certain this goes well for his sister, "Pine needle tea? Maple bacon?" he asks each person as they enter. Gesturing to the table next to him where there are cups, tea pots and a heaping plate of maple bacon. When Maximilian greets him and Ford he bows his head, "Count, Marquis." he says an extra greeting for both men.

Much like Max, Ford brought treats for Gloria too. Wrapped in a simple cloth, he approaches the altar and unwraps the cloth, taking an older looking cutlass from inside and rests it down at the foot of the altar before rising and nodding to both Max and Edain, "Count, Your Grace."

Ford drops The Cutlass of Denholm Kennex.

Caelis enters quietly. She glances around inside the shrine before finding a nice quiet bench near the back. She shakes her hair off her shoulders and considers her hands.

Edain bows his head to the entering Caelis, "Pine Needle Tea? Maple Bacon?"

Maximilian takes the tea - but eyes it skeptically. Still, when in the Oathlands, do as the Oathlands do. Somewhere, a narrator says: The oathlands Nobility drink tea made from shit no self respecting starving mad man would eat. That, is how Oathlaners -do-.

Ford lofts his eyebrows, moving towards Edain and plucks a piece of that bacon up, "You know it's been about 20 years since I've had some of this."

"We have been engaged in an endless series of battles for awhile now, it seems. First, outside of the city. And now inside the city. Nothing is sacred to the Bringers. No street, no ceremony, no ward has been safe. Tempers have begun to flare, and I thought maybe now would be a good time to gather and share stories of honorable combat. So we can draw strength from each other, give examples to those who find themselves in need. And, offer tribute and prayer to Gloria that we may continue to have the strength not to become that which we fight against."

Looking around the room, Alis settles on a bench in front of the firepit, hands grasped around several strips of cloth. "I will start. And note that it need not be stories of our own honorable combat that we speak of today. I have been waiting to find a way to honor the five knights who came with those of us who slew the Beast of Sanctum. And I think today is that day. Even for a seasoned knight, the whispered voices of the tainted woods would be difficult to ignore. Frightening, even. And when we came upon the last known location of the beast, there were... mutated abandoned waiting for us. Fast, strong, and obviously unnatural. And those five Knights with us, they were obviously wary. But when a decision had to be made, and I told them we needed them to stay and fight these creatures to give us time to get to the Beast before it could reach the nearby village, they did not hestitate. With honor, they turned to face the their foe and gave their final battle shout before meeting their fate with heads held high and swords aloft. But they did exactly as they were bid to. They gave us time, and did not falter in their duty. But rather, they dispatched it with honor. And while we had to burn everything, and could bring no battle tokens back with us for fear they might be contaminated, their families have allowed me to take strips of cloth from a piece of clothing owned by each. And that, I consign to the fire tonight in honor of Gloria and all five brave Knights."

The strips are tossed into the flames, one at a time, a name spoken with each. "Gloria, I pray we will have the strength of will to give you your due in our upcoming battles. I will not falter in front of the enemy. I vow I will face them with honor, even if it be my last act." And now, the princess looks to the next volunteer. She hopes for many more tales to honor the Goddess.

Fortunato gives Edain a faint "No thank you," for the maple bacon and the tea, and returns Esoka's nod. He opts to settle near her, also on the edge. He's got no canvasboard today, and his hands are perhaps a bit twitchy once he sets them in his lap. Otherwise, he's still to listen.

"You know the maple caramelizing makes for a good preserving process, and it is a high energy food. This would be perfect for long voyages." Edain points out. But then his sister greets people and he picks up a piece of bacon for himself to nibble quietly as he fads back to the wall to watch.

Eirlys gives a nod to Ford and others before slipping to stand near Alis and Edain, she is watching quietly for now, also occasionally looking around. When she sees Edain's treats she gives a muffled chuckle.

Esoka helps herself to the refreshments on offer. Both the pine tea and the maple bacon. A thanks is murmured to Edain, along with a short bow before she takes her food and drink. The tea is nosed, the scent of it inhaled as she listens to the tale Alis begins with. "Honors be," she murmurs, with a dip of her head.

Edain bows his head in reference at Alis's story of the 5 knights t hat gave their lives so the Beast of Sanctum might be killed.

Accepting some Pine needle tea, Caelis offers Edain a quiet smile. "I'll spare you the stories on the virtues of pine." She jokes quietly and listens to Alis' story, looking at her. She nods to her and resumes sitting out of the way, pondering what tale she wants to share.

Eirlys takes a moment to say a silent prayer for the five knights, head slightly bowed before returning to looking around mostly.

Alis has had her cup of tea nearby of course (and a plate of bacon), so when she sits down on the bench those are picked up for her to savor while others can tell their stories. "Thank you." is mouthed at Caelis. Cause you know Alis has heard plenty from Edain all the time about the virtues of pine and pine needle tea right?

Maximilian steps forward, one hand drawing down his mouth. "I saw an act of combat that moved me. It's simplicity. It's glory. My task group was following behind Ford Kennex's scouting Squadron. Ships of Stormhold and Grahiems point, Darkwater and South Port. We were taking the stronghold of Sunspire point. It wasn't anything important.. just a strategic fortress in a shipping lain that the Children of Hunger.." a gesture with his chin to the banner.. "Had taken and were raiding from in the name of the gyre."

"Fords people had pulled back to let my task force make our landing. He scouted, we hit. Thats the way it worked. Still, Caelis and ford brought their marines with us, while the fleet spread out to prevent stragglers from getting away. Those were the standing orders. No man or woman who raised a blade to defend the Gyre would be spared. It was a firm line... though I am keenly and... heartsickeningly aware how some moved, pushed or erased that line."

He pauses a moment here, then continues.

"A man of the Children came out, his sword aloft. He charged Caelis, but Caelis sidestepped. Ford was there with his blade, and he parried the quick mans blow. The Garrison came out now, and battle was met."

"In the Chaos, I saw a young boy - probably 8.. come out and pick up a mans sword. He didn't attack my men, but he held it aloft like he would, for any who came close. He stood in the doorway to his hovel. His family had been kept like thralls, and... yes. Thats probably a detail for another time, but this boy lifted that sword, and all three of us could tell he would use it if pushed past his terror."

"It was Caelis who got him to put it own, speaking soothing words and showing him that we were here to liberate, not to hurt. Ford came next, talking of freedom and security for his people in the compact. He put that sword down, the boy did. But that - that moment? That boy with his sword, holding it to defend his family? That.. was the most goddaned honorable thing I ever saw in my life. I bring this banner in honor of him."

Alis looks towards Count Darkwater when he speaks, expression solemn as he starts to recount his tale. She's already heard some stories from the scouting part of that mission of course - she inclines her head towards Ford for a second there. And then Caelis when her name is mentioned. Mention of the boy and his sword capture her attention next though, her expression vacillating between sorrow for the boy's plight and grim expectation. In the end, the tale brings a tear to her eye though. "Truly an honorable act. What a brave young man. Thank you, Count Darkwater. That was a perfect example. Just perfect."

Maximilian bows his head and steps back, casually (not casually) filtching some bacon.

Ford slowly dips his head to Max as he steps down, and steals some bacon.

1 Saik Guard arrives, following Estaban.

Eirlys listens to the new story and a sadness slides into her eyes. She looks at those there and mimics Alis by giving them nods before she steps forward. "Is it alright if I tell a story?"

The bacon is freely offered and thus cannot be stolen.

Alis thinks they better not have taken it from her plate!!

Fortunato shifts in his seat, his attention straying to the nearest statue. Seems primarily content to listen. Restlessly.

Alis gives Eirlys a bright smile, and a nod. "Of course you can, Eirlys."

Esoka is silent as Max speaks, blue eyes considering and difficult to read, red lips drawn in a line. When the tale is done, she bows her head and murmurs, "Honors be," again. Only when he's done does she sip at her tea. "It's not half bad," she says to Fortunato. Who she's decided to hang out nearby. "Woodsy. Compliments the bacon. And I //love// bacon." Who doesn't? Eirlys is regarded, and offered the slimmest of smiles, as she puts herself forward.

Unless it is the bacon that Edain is eating right at this moment. Then there is going to be fight.

Still his expression is somber as Max tells his story and steps down the Prince bows his head to him, "And inspiring story Count Maximilian." he bows his head to Caelis and Ford, impressed with both of their own roles in the tale.

Edain dips his head to Eirlys, in encouragement to share her story, until finally looking to the Prodigal Knight, Esoka and says, "THank you." he says to her compliment of the tea.

"I don't altogether understand tea," Fortunato admits in an undertone to Esoka. Sidelong. He finally, "Honors be"s, since that seems to be appropriate.

Eirlys pulls something from a pouch on her belt, it looks like a strip of blanket. She probably brought it just in case she could tell a story. She nods to Alis. "I was at the battle of PrideHall. It was the first time I had seen the Bringers and so many other things." She says before taking a deep breath and letting it out. "I was fighting by Prince Edain's side. He could have stayed behind. No one would have said anything about a highlord not going into the Fray. Despite all of that he rode into battle knowing he was a target. Knowing they were after him. The night before he rallied the troops and he gave us, hope. Something hard to come by sometimes. I was there, listening to him speak and I know that others felt the same way. That we had a chance, that we could do this. Then he rode into the middle of the battle as if he were a soldier not a highlord." She smiles a little. "Afterwards he actually asked me not to think of him as foolish. I explained to him then what I feel now. For a leader to ride with their people is the most honorable thing they can do. It shows they care not just about what we are doing but about their people." She puts the small piece of cloth in the fire. "He fought bravely that day. No one really talks about it but I saw it. I will always remember it."

Maximilian grunts his approval for Eirlys' tale, then casually (Not casually) tips his glass of pine needle tea to Edaine.

Esoka grins at Alis, broadly. And then nibbles on her bacon. As if to make a point of her enjoyment. Enjoy it, she does. "I prefer coffee, but I rather like the taste of this. I'm not sure I've ever drunk pine before." It's to Fortunato and Edain both. Savoring the novelty of the tea-experience. She falls quiet again as Eirlys speaks, eyes going to Edain again as the tale is told. Another sip of her tea, this time in a little toast to him, and Eirlys as she concludes.

Alis could not possibly be more proud of her brother, of course. And she unabashedly lifts her cup of tea in his honor at the end of the tale, nodding towards Eirlys too for the telling of it. "Honors be." she echoes others.

Caelis offers Eirlys and Edain small smiles, nodding to the both. "Honors be." She offers and sips her tea.

Ford brushes his hands together after finishing his bacon and listening to the stories being presented before stepping forward, "This isn't your typical story of Honor, but I think it applies."

Fortunato glances over at the refreshment table and shrugs light. "Perhaps I'll try it," he says, then lowers his voice toward Esoka. His expression is all mild question as he watches the firepit.

Alis looks askance at Fortunato. "Have you never had maple bacon?" She sounds aghast, perhaps not realizing he might mean the tea. And even lifts up her own (sacred) plate of crisped pork towards him so he can take a piece.

Edain takes one of the teapots at his table and tops of his own cup of tea, and clearly finishes off as he does. He sets down his tea cup then and holds the now empt pot. It's a simple iron one, blackened from clearly being used over open flame. he just seems to wait. To Eirlys he bows his head, "Thank you for that tale, Lady Eirlys, and again, thank you for keeping me alive that day."

Estaban comes into the shrine looking around and finds a place to sit down nodding to all but quiet for the moment, he was a bit late but better late then never right? His helm is places next to him and his eyes move to each person present then his eeys fall to whom ever is next to talk.

Esoka shrugs and makes an "Eh" sort of sound to Fortunato, before replying to him in a low tone. More audibly, she says, "The bacon is //wonderful//." Some more of it is chomped on, quick, so she's not eating noisily when Ford begins.

"I would like to speak on my men." Caelis speaks up, looking at Estaban and offering him a small nod as he comes in. She eyes the empty pot and her own dwindling cup of tea. "Once Ford has shaird his tale."

Eirlys nods to Edain and obviously looks a little confused at being thanked but slips back to stand near the Prince and Princess.

Glancing to the cutlass leaned against the altar, Ford puts his hands behind his back, "My father, Denholm, was an honorable man, some might say absurdly so. He believed in giving everyone their fair shake, long before he was Marquis. He ran his ships like he ran his March. That earned him a lot of ire, especially in the Saffron, many though he wasn't Thrax enough, he even received it from my mother, Claudia who was." Ford laughs slightly, "The very definition of Thrax, when most of you think of the stereotype of Thraxian ways... that was Claudia Kennex. She was ruthless to him, but he stayed the course, he did what he thought was honorable and right." Another glance is afforded to the cutlass, "That sword never spilled blood. Denholm dueled as if it were chess, when he had a killing blow, that was checkmate. Because it was the honorable thing to do, why sacrifice perfectly good men because they're angry at you. Unfortunately his honor got him killed. Those under his command decided they'd had enough of his honorable unThraxian ways, so they took care of that. The funny part is that, I'm willing to bet that even now, if you were to ask him, he'd still have a fervor and passion for Honor, and Gloria."

Fortunato takes the bacon as if it were, in fact, a slightly foreign object. "I'm not that versed in food beyond stew. Eggs. I might have?" He lets the pork dangle from his fingers, and nods to Esoka with a, "Thank you, makes sense." Then his attention moves to Ford, his head canting.

There is a sad sigh from Alis, knowing an honorable man was lost due entirely to his honorable ways. But, he certainly honored Gloria with his actions. And she gives Ford a crisp nod of approval for his story. "A worthy tale. Thank you, Marquis." is said respectfully, eyes glancing Caelis' way, as she mentioned wanting to speak of her men.

"He sounds like he was a great man, Ford." Eirlys says quietly and smiles at the man, even if there is sadness in the smile. She does look around and say. "Does anyone want honey mead. I was given it. I don't drink mead." She does however sneak some of the bacon if she can.

Looking up at Ford, Caelis nods. "Honor be for your father, Marquis." She catches Alis' glance and nods. "In the battle where the giant fell, my marines marched with me every bit as cool and steady as a winter wind in the sails." Caelis starts, voice steady despite the troubled look on her face. "Men that fought by my side as we faced the Gyre's forces." She pauses to sip her pine tea and take a breath. "Away from home, my men fought with honor. Clean kills and calm heads. I could ask for no better men to fight at my back. I lost a squad of my men here-at home. Men who fought and rallied to my aid on the ramparts when a bringer scaled the Seawatch wall and a score of Shavs overwhelmed me. Those men have made me proud time and again, their lose is keenly felt, and their blades in the battles to come will be missed."

Edain bows to Ford as he finishes his story, "I am I was never able to know your father Marquis."

"Honors be, and may the gods deliver justice," Esoka murmurs of Ford's father. She's quiet as she listens to Caelis, save finishing her pine tea, and bowing her head with respect again as the story of those she fought with is told. "I've a story I'd like to share, when the lady has finished."

Eirlys drops A Sparkling Semi-Sweet Honey Mead.

Estaban nods to Caelis when she looks over in his direction, he closes his eyes a moment at Fords tale then opens his eyes again as they fall to Caelis listening to her words as well, "Honor be your father, Marquis." he takes a deep breath at her story then his eyes move to Esoka still he remains silent for the moment.

Eirlys realizes she didn't say what she was supposed to then says. "Honor be your father, Ford."

Ford nods to each of those who acknowledge his old man as he steps down.

"And I." Alis agrees with her brother there, about the late Denholm. And then to CaeliS, her expression is entirely sympathetc. She has learned all too well how the loss of good men can have an impact. And she will, if allowed, reach up to give the other woman's shoulder a light squeeze of camraderie. "They honored both you and Gloria." she murmurs, quieting then so that Esoka can speak next if she wishes.

Esoka takes her place before the firepit, clearing her throat. "I was brought to this city by the war. My count was called to add the forces of Riven to the army against the Bringers, and so I came with that. I still find it a strange place, in many ways, but I have seen many acts in my short time here from which I took honor and strength. There are so many it seems paltry to only tell one, but there is a small thing that sticks out in my mind. A night I stood watch on the walls only a short week gone. I did not know the warriors I found myself beside but, when a Bringer and enemy party rushed us, I found myself fighting shoulder to shoulder with them. A guardsman by the name of Calaudrin, and a high-born lady by the name of Dulcinea, who said it was her first battle. We slew our enemy, and the gates held that night, because we rallied in strength to one another, even though we were strangers. Common cause and honorable intent joins warriors from entirely different walks of life. This is what I hold in my mind as I fight for this city, and I pray to Gloria she guides my sword in defense of it." She takes a deep breath as she finishes and bows before the others in the shrine, before stepping back down.

Nodding to Alis as she squeezes her shoulder, Caelis looks to Esoka as she tells her story for Gloria as well. "Honor be." She murmurs and drinks that pine tea even as it cools. That seems to remind her of something and she rises to refill her cup.

Alis looks incredibly pleased by the tales being told, including Esoka's. The name 'Dulcinea' earning a raised eyebrow as she hadn't heard of the Telmar lady being involved in a battle. Mental note tallied! She definitely must make time to speak to the woman. "Honor be." she recites, her gaze spreading out over all those gathered in the shrine. "Do we have anyone else who wishes to tell a story of honor, for Gloria?"

"Honors be," Fortunato says, low, as Esoka finishes. He eats his bacon distractedly. But it is eaten! Huzzah. He stays where he is, spectative.

Eirlys is trying to you know follow the flow of this ceremony and says Honors Be when she is supposed to and to who she supposed to. At least she hopes she is.

Alis gives people a moment to decide, and when it seems there will be nobody else to step forward she stands in front of the firepit again so she can bow towards all that have gathered. "I am not a Priest, only a Knight who does her best to honor Gloria and the Sentinel each time I ride out to battle. But it's my hope that our tales and examples of honor, and our offerings to the fire have shown Her that we honor Her as best we can. We are imperfect, but we can always seek Her guidance. And pray for her strength and wisdom when it seems as if it would be impossible to remain true to our ideals. I thank you all so much for showing up today; I think we have given each other a bit of strength to face the hordes at our gate with our backs just a little bit straighter."

Ford lifts his chin a bit, "Honor be to us all."

Max isnt quite sure what you are supposed to say at these kinds of events, to tell you true - but he sort of nods along. "Honor be." Yep.

Esoka has reclaimed her place near Fortunato. She does not sit again, but remains standing as Alis speaks to them. "Honors be to all who've fought with us, living and gone, and Gloria guide us to righteous victory."

"Honor be." Caelis agrees and drinks more of that pine tea, looking face to face. She looks to the fire in the center of the shrine, considering it. "It was an honor to hear all your stories." She adds in a clear voice.

Estaban seemed like he was going to stand but then he decided not to, nodding his head to everyone he speaks softly, "Honor be." he looks to one of the statues for a moment then closes his eyes seeming to get lost in his thoughts for the moment.