Evaristo has joined the Commoner Pews.

Gwenna has joined the Side Alcove.

Evaristo has left the Commoner Pews.

Hamil has joined the Noble Pews.

Evaristo has joined the Side Alcove.

Icelyn has joined the Side Alcove.

Kastelon is here. The Keaton huntsman has been here for the past hour, waiting in silent contemplation in the noble pews, and for once is absent his faithful bloodhound. Resolute must have been left at home.

Raymesin has joined the Side Alcove.

Filshiar has joined the Commoner Pews.

Darren has joined the Noble Pews.

Of course Icelyn is here; she wouldn't miss such a service for her life. She arrives quietly and ghosts up the aisle towards one of the side alcoves where a few others have already gathered, opting for a quiet and out of the way space to watch and pray.

Prince Victus arrived only ten or so minutes ago. Being rarely unattended by any animal companions, while his retinue has dispersed among the crowd. He's dressed in a mix of leathers and ceremonial plate, his hands clasped together at his waist as he watches the altar with muted interest.

Rysen enters the Great Cathedral with Lygeia at his side, followed by Leonce and a pair of Crovane warriors, carrying in their arms an elaborate carved blackwood box inside of which lie numerous broken axes. The Knight of the Northlands drifts to the pews assigned to nobles, while Lygeia exchanges some words with the disciples nearby. The guards pass their carved box to the clerics, and they, along with Leonce take their place in the commoner pews.

Raymesin lurks his way into the Cathedral, resplendent in black leathers. Rather than find himself a spot near the front and centre, he makes his way off to the side to find a seat.

Rysen has joined the Noble Pews.

Lorenzo enters the Cathedral at the side of his lovely wife Gwenna, giving nods and friendly smiles to friends and family members he spots in the crowd. Goodness, he's wearing armor today, finely made leather that creaks a b it when he moves. As well as it fits him, it seems it still needs to be broken in.

Alessia checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 2 lower.

Silently stepping into the Cathedral is Thea. She's dressed about how she feels regarding the serious, all while displaying her House colors. Taking her seat amongst the other nobles, she bows her head. Greeting everyone with a bow of her head.

Gwenna enters alongside her husband, to no one's surprise surely. "You look as handsome as the day we wed," she tells Lorenzo, a warm smile at the corners of her lips. She is adorned in the colors of a bold sunset, jewelry done in the recently created cupridium worn to compliment the seasilks. Espying her cousin and a couple of familiar faces at the side alcove, she gives a cheerful wave in that direction while making her way there to join them.

Filshiar makes his way into the Cathedral, carefully shouldering his way through the crowd until he's made his way to the commoner seating. He sits with a faint creaking, armor and all.

Evaristo hasn't bedecked himself in any different manner than usual, but he's pretty much always a model Harlequin with that outfit - there can be no doubt what godess he is a disciple of. He looks with some awe at everything, eyes widening - then he lazily makes his way over to the side alcove and finds a seat, after bowing to the nobles there.

Marquessa Teagan is //child free//. In multiple ways. She's no longer pregnant nor did she bring the babe with her. That's what //nannies// are for. Dressed in light and airy aeterna, she looks... bright. Brighter than usual, really. The woman who often wears dark hues has opted for much lighter ones today as she leads a few members out of the Cloudspine into the Cathedral. Some of them carry their own offerings to the clergy and Templars, some disperse to the commoner seating, and the raven-haired Marquessa herself makes her way to the noble pews to find herself a seat.

Helena arrived early to quietly find a quiet spot in the side. When Lorenzo and Gwenna enter, she beams at them and edges over for Gwenna to sit beside her for a good view of the ceremony. "You look radiant," she says, eyes wide at Gwenna's cupridium attire. "Your husband looks pretty handsome as well. So proud of him." Her voice is a soft murmur and her dark blue eyes shine when she casts a glance in Lorenzo's direction. She smiles and nods to each of the others who enter the little alcove she's tucked herself in.

A Valardin princess among many, Adrienne moves down the aisle with pensive grace. One by one the banners call her attention and she pauses to study the various sigils - while rather oblivious to anyone behind her trying to find a seat. Finally, she joins her family and other peers with a muted smile.

Sydney's entrance is unremarkable, which is in itself a remarkable thing. The young pugilist meanders in quietly and slides her eyes briefly over to where some familiar faces reside in one of the alcoves, but it looks positively claustrophobic already. As such, she drifts on over to the Commoner Pews and seats herself, one leg folding neatly over the other, a gleaming hair ornament keeping some of her fiery locks out of her eyes.

Hamil checked dexterity at difficulty 15, rolling 9 higher.

Sydney has joined the Commoner Pews.

Adrienne is not the only one in a bit of wonderment at arriving at the Cathedral. Hamil's own arrival is marked with the wide-eyed stare that is probably on the faces of those that have seen the structure for the first time. He manages to avoid colliding with Adrienne as the princess stops to look at a sigil and he offers a soft apology before he moves to take a seat as well.

For once Preston is attending a large event outside of his armour. Instead a seasilk priest's robe is tied over aeterna clothes, his robe cinched closed with his sword belt carrying his blades. As the hour of the ceremony comes, Preston leads the cadres of Templars into the Cathedral, an ornate gilded censer swung as they walk through the cathedral. The smoke is perfumed with flowers and other aromatics from the Isles. Preston moves to the front of the Cathedral, allowing the others to peel away to their seats, and giving everyone time to settle. As he passes a few of those he knows he gives them a pat on the shoulder and a flash of that warm smile.

"It's a strange day." As Preston begins, the voices of the choir dampen away "One of hope, of joy, of thanks. But also one of remembrance. It was not so long that we gathered in this Cathedral before we went to Sungreet, the standards you see around you each dipped and blessed by the Most Holy's own hand. And now we give thanks to the Gods, and to their values which each of us strive for, and the victory it brought us, despite the cost we paid." There is a moment's pause "As you know, the Templars did not stand alone - the Great Houses stood here. Lord Rysen Crovane, Count Philippe Blanchard, Marquessa Teagan Blackram, and Lady Tescelina Wyrmguard were each named Defender of the Faith for their actions. But. I would recognise one other, who embodied the values of Gloria. Lord Lorenzo?"

Gwenna sits up a bit straighter as Lorenzo's name is called by the Carnifex of the Faith. Her smile broadens a moment and she looks rather proud as she looks from Preston to her husband.

Rysen's grey eyes follow Preston's procession throught the Great Cathedral. A somewhat sad smile touches the features of the Knight of the Northlands as the Carnifex speaks, and when his name is mentioned, he glows with pride. When Preston mentions the Redrain Prince, Rysen smiles, and glances to Lorenzo.

Lorenzo gives his wife's arm a gentle squeeze as he parts from her and then goes to stand before the Carnifex. His expression is uncharacteristically somber for one so often good-natured, though perhaps it is an expression seen often at Sungreet. "Yes sir," the prince of Redrain says, going to stand before the man.

"Prince Lorenzo Redrain led his peoples navy to Sungreet, a navy we needed to move our people in haste. The Northlanders are not - if Prince Darren will forgive me - natural naval people. But they answered the call. Gloria judges us on our intent, on our motivation. As we fought on land, so Lord Lorenzo fought on sea. If all should fail, as it so nearly did, the navy was our only retreat. Prince Lorenzo kept that path open. When his boat..." Preston pauses to correct himself "Ah, his /ship/, was sunk? He did not stop. He swam to another, took command and continued the battle." Gesturing for Lorenzo to kneel, Preston carefully draws Crusader from its scabbard "'With the grace of the Gods stand your ground, and channel Their light until no darkness stands against righteous intent.' The words of Crusader." The blade is lowered and held so Lorenzo can place his hand upon it "Prince Lorenzo, do you swear to Gloria that you shall always remain honourable, that you shall defend the weak, protect the innocent? Do you swear to Limerance to honour and obey all your oaths, to defend what is righteous and true, to hold by your Fealty, your Faith and your people?"

Shard is a little late, really. She prowls into the Cathedral in a way that seems not entirely appropriate for a religious ceremony, but it's more or less standard for her, and once she's inside, and out of the way of anyone else who might be slipping in late, she regards the seating with faintly narrowed eyes. And there's...a strange sort of expression that passes across her features. Subtle. Darkly challenging. She heads immediately for the noble pews, and she sits right down on the end of one.

Shard has joined the Noble Pews.

Evaristo is quite caught up in this display and ceremony, violet eyes taking it all in with obvious awe and delight. One can almost see his brain working to write lyrics and a song to this whole thing.

Sitting up more formally in his seat, Hamil's attention is raptly captured by the ceremony. Is it not the dream of every knight to have Gloria touch their shoulder through Crusader, after all? The Fidante knight folds his hands together, just focused on the ceremony of it all.

As Lorenzo steps forward, Helena quiets from the small murmurs to watch. Her lips curve in a small, proud smile for her cousin-in-law and fellow Redrain, before chuckling a little at the mention of the Northerners not being seafaring people, then reaches to squeeze Gwenna's hand where her cousin sits at her side.

Rysen crosses his arms over his chest when Preston makes his comment about the naval capabilities or Northlanders, and his grin is wry but in good humor. He nods as Preston speaks of Lorenzo's accomplishments on the seas surrounding Sungreet, and watches solemnly as the Carnifex speaks words of a chivalric code to the Redrain Prince.

Thea is listening. Watching. There's a twitch of her lips at the mention of the North and their naval capabilities. But there's a look of--respect as she continues to watch Preston and Lorenzo.

Lorenzo kneels where he is directed and places his hand upon the sword to swear the oath. "So do I swear," he says, his voice clear and loud enough to carry through the chamber. With his hand on the legendary blade, the truth of the words and his promise strike home. Though he might not have spoken the oath before, the behavior is how he has always tried to live his life.

Helena is overheard praising Lorenzo.

Gwenna is overheard praising Lorenzo.

Evaristo is overheard praising Lorenzo: Well, this is a knight to remember!

Alessia mutters, "Pff. ... she's a queen, then I'm an elf."

Teagan is overheard praising Lorenzo.

Darren is overheard praising Lorenzo.

Kastelon is overheard praising Lorenzo.

Alis is overheard praising Lorenzo.

Sydney is overheard praising Lorenzo.

Joy, the advisor of roses arrives, following Esme.

Esme has joined the Noble Pews.

Gwenna bites her lip as she watches, a mix of pride, joy, and relief betrayed on her features. The Redrain squeezes her cousin Helena's hand back and she gives her a warm glance before turning back to focus on the ceremony.

Esme sliiiiinks in and was completely here the whole time.

Evaristo shouts from nearby, "Hooray, well done, Knight Prince Lorenzo!"

Thea is overheard praising Lorenzo.

As Lorenzo makes his words, a Scholar carefully notes them down in a heavy tome "The words spoken this day, the oaths made, are recorded. Each of us lives by our oaths." Preston carefully lifts Crusader from under Lorenzo's touch and taps his shoulders with the blade "Your oaths given and accepted, Prince Lorenzo Redrain, I bid you rise a Knight of the Faith of the Pantheon. An honour we rarely bestow on those outside of our orders, but one earned and which we give as an example to all, of the dedication that is required in the times that come." Preston reaches to offer Lorenzo his hand to help him up, a warm smile on his features.

As Lorenzo gets to his feet, Preston speaks to the others "I could tell you all of the many thanks I owe. Or I could tell you the names of those who paid for our freedom and those of our new, ah, companions from the Eurusi side. I could speak of my sorrow at the loss of Lady Tescelina, who I knew only briefly and now regret each moment I did not get to know her better. But. Templars fight, all of us fight, for what lives here. For home. For our people. And so I'd like to ask you all, from the highest Lord to the lowest orphan boy left outside the Rectory.." the last said with a wry grin "To step forward, and tell us all what you are thankful for, or your memories of the lost."

Adrienne has joined the line.

Lorenzo reaches up and clasps Preston's hand in a firm and friendly gesture as he gets to his feet. His smile to the Carnifex is warm and friendly and he turns and gives a little wave to the friends and family members who cheered for him. Is it appropriate to wave at a knighting ceremony? Well, it's just a little wave, at least. As the ceremony moves on, he steps back and goes to find a seat beside Gwenna and Helena.

Icelyn has joined the line.

Rysen has joined the line.

Brother Chester, Fidget arrive, following Jeffeth.

Gwenna makes room for her newly knighted husband to rejoin them, still looking proud as well as rather grateful. She glances around the cathedral to see who might speak at the Grandmaster's invitation.

Jeffeth has joined the Quiet Alcove.

Preston is overheard praising Lorenzo.

Turn in line: Adrienne

Gwenna is overheard praising Preston.

Helena is overheard praising Preston.

Helena has joined the line.

Esme is overheard praising Lorenzo.

Bree has joined the line.

A silence follows Preston's announcement and in that silence, Adrienne Valardin rises, the quiet clink of chainmail carrying in the stillness. She moves to the front of the cathedral and then turns, taking in the room with a pale, serious gaze before she speaks, in a voice comforable with the projection of command. "For those who went to Sungreet and returned to us, you have my undying gratitude. For those who went to Sungreet and died to stop tyranny and treachery both, I pray you find peace in Elyssium or return on the Wheel to a life of peace - or to fight anew. You are honored."

"To Prince Damik'uhl'daja's people," she continues effortlessly over the Eurusi name, "I owe a very personal thanks. The war is not over, and we will be singing Gloria's praises for some time, I think. But at home and here, I think of Limerance and of Gild and the generosity of those taking in the lost and the displaced. May they find peace and welcome in Arvum, as well." She stills, watchful, before moving to allow the next to speak.

As people begin to line, Preston steps to the side to allow them centre stage - well, centre dais? While people arrange the choir starts up, a relaxing melody that helps time pass. As people arrange, so Preston bows and gestures to Adrienne who has ended up first in line and beckons her forward, bowing his head as he smiles warmly as she gives her thanks "Your highness. It is perhaps appropriate we hear first from the Oathlands. The cradle of our Faith. And, you are right to remind us - the war continues. Eurus sails still. This is respite, not rest." He claps for her even as he beckons the next

Turn in line: Icelyn

Teagan is overheard praising Preston.

Thea is overheard praising Preston.

Darren is overheard praising Preston.

Alis is overheard praising Preston.

Alessia has joined the line.

It looks like it takes Icelyn effort to pull herself away from her little group of friends in the alcove and proceed towards the front; she takes the short walk with her eyes fixed on the symbol of the Pantheon carved into the ceiling. She pauses for a moment before turning to face the gathered worshipers.

She takes in one deep breath, and lets her words come out on the exhale. "I was not at Sungreet," she says, voice carrying to the back of the room thanks to the silence alone. "But the news I heard as I came back to Arx is still in the back of my mind. I am grateful every day since to know that so many of the Eurusi were moved to join us. That so many have already been freed. I know this will not be over soon. But I thank the living and the dead and Skald himself for the part they played to bring freedom to these new allies."

One more deep breath. Then she nods and slips away, moving at about three times the speed with which she came up, to hide herself back in her alcove.

Turn in line: Rysen

Esme is overheard praising Preston.

Raymesin has joined the line.

The Knight of the Northlands stands from his place in the noble pews after Icelyn returns to her seat, and says in a clear voice, "I thankful for my family, and for all those who lent their support to stop our enemies at Sungreet. I am thankful for the unbreakable spirit of Sir Preston, whose leadership and valor held us together amid all the horrors of war. I am very grateful for the time spent with Lady Tescelina. I learned much from her, and I miss her dearly." Rysen pauses a moment, and says in a softer voice, "And I am thankful for the gods and spirits who sustained us in our darkest moments." He touches a fist to his heart in knightly salute to Preston, and resumes his seat.

Turn in line: Helena

"Mmf. Yes. There are many paths to virtue, many paths within the Faith." Preston can't help but twist his lips just a little at the mention of spirits, yet his smile breaks out again "But, you are both quite right. Our Gods, our people, they are a beacon to those enslaved. Those held hostage by chains, and by ignorance. We provide hope. And we light that beacon and lift it high." There is a moment's pause "The Orthodox are not alien to doubt, even as we do not worship it in public. Each of us will have moments where we are unsure of ourselves. But we should listen to the commands of the Gods, and if we falter in our confidence in ourselves, we should redouble our confidence in their values. Hold the line of light against the dark."

When Helena steps forward to speak, the slim and fragile-seeming Redrain princess lifts her chin, her clear voice projecting across the Cathedral easily -- despite the faint flush of rose across her pale cheeks.

"Northerners are often known for being fierce warriors, and since I was a child, I have looked up to and envied those with martial skills. Those who know me well know that I am often distraught over my lack of strength and skill in weaponry or military strategy, that I often feel useless when times are hard, as they have been," Helena says.

She smiles softly, and looks around at those assembled. "So I simply wish to thank all of those who have fought -- to keep us safe, to fight against oppression and slavery, to uphold freedom and choice. To all of those who have fallen, and to those who stand yet, it is a debt I can never repay. Please knowthat I appreciate all you that you sacrifice, be you family, friend and stranger."

She bows her head a little, and returns to her seat.

Turn in line: Bree

Bree moves from the side alcove to take a place in front of the crowds, dressed simply as she left her Gild-inspired armor at home. "I stand to speak of how grateful I am for the Knights of Solace and what they," a small, somewhat nervous laugh as she corrects herself, "what /we/ did, to ensure the safety of the Eurusi refuges with the assistance of Natalia Whisper." There is a ribbon clutched between calloused fingers, and her thumb runs over the fireweave continuously. "But I also wish to offer my prayers for Lady Tescelina Wyrmguard," she glances to Preston, the man having mentioned her name twice before now, "whose fall at Sungreet I learned about only when I was safely returned to Arx after my own battles. She wrote a letter to be delivered to me in case of her death, with her sword and one other small gift, and I pray she finds peace in Elyssium or her soul returns to the Wheel." A deep inhaling of breath, and she begins to return to the small alcove. But wait! She has another thought, her hand lifting with the ribbon to quickly add, "I-hope-to-honor-her-legacy-in-the-wielding-of-her-sword." The words hastily spoken, the Knight Lieutenant of Solace finally returns to the small alcove, reclaiming her quiet space of reflection. Her public speaking skills are clearly not the best.

Turn in line: Alessia

Approaching the front of the room, hand on her pooling skirts for swift movement, Alessia waits her turn with a faint smile on her lips. Her smile turns fond when it passes over Preston, then she's facing the congregation after stepping onto the dais.

"I'd like to take this moment to give my thanks to Lady Monique Greenmarch, without whom, bringing Prince Damik's forces over to the Compact would have been naught but a dream. She knew it was a risk but her determination and wits saw the plan through. We are lucky to have her among us and I pray that her deeds are never forgotten." Her smile remains, though the emotion isn't far from her expression. "Of course, even she'd admit that no great deed can be carried out alone. I thank Master Ras, for his thorough research into matters relating to our new allies, the Whispers Anisha and Delia for their irresistible charm, Duke Telmar. Prince Sebastian Pravus who fought by my side." Her pleasant demeanor falters at this stage. "Mistress Swift, who gave her life defending him. Gods bless her soul." She turns to the faithful at the dais.

Rysen is overheard praising Bree: There is no doubt you will carry on the spirit and devotion of the Knight of Sunflowers.

Damien Pierce - A Charming Assistant arrives, following Mikani.

"Solace always provide the hope, the shield to our sword." Preston lets out a sad sigh though at Bree's words of Tescelina and he bows his head once more "May each of us find a way to live up to the debt we owe the fallen. I cannot speak for the others who died, those of all the fealties and of none, but for the Templars our last prayer is not for salvation. Our prayer is for the courage to stand, to hold our honour to the end. For meaning in our death. Lady Tescelina, all the others, they had that. And the Annointed Masters will know our sorrow, for it will be carved from their bodies as they watch their slaves freed and their homes given over to them, their shrines to the Abyss toppled to make way for our own." Oh dear, Preston got a bit angry there. He coughs a little and forces his smile back, gesturing to the next, smiling to Helena and Alessia "Prince Damik...ah, I won't try to butcher his whole name...is of course a welcome guest and supplicant to the Compact. And those who convinced him of truth, and all of diplomacy like Prince Niklas and Princess Sabella who sought to avoid blood shed, are perhaps better people than I."

Turn in line: Raymesin

Sirius has joined the Noble Pews.

Sirius has left the Noble Pews.

Sirius has joined the Noble Pews.

Mikani has joined the Noble Pews.

Raymesin steps up to speak, an imposing figure in black with hints of purple, the spiders embossed on his leathers and the skull pin at his throat leaving no doubt as to which deity he serves. He looks out over the congregation, and his voice - with its Lowers accent - rings clear. "There's many as came to Sungreet. Fancy folks with big titles, folks as the gods'd called, not-so-fancy folks, folks as was gettin' paid ter be there, all kinds. There's many as didn't come back, too. But there was many as joined in that fight on the right side who were there ter start with. Without the Thralls as rose up against their masters, there'd'a been a bloody slaughter, an' it wouldn't'a been us as was doin' the slaughterin'."

Raymesin's pale eyes, from the shadows of his hood, sweep the faces in front of him, and his hand rests comfortably on the hilt of one of the knives at his belt. "They risked everythin', an' a whole lot didn't live ter see their freedom. They ain't gonna be forgotten while I live. I commend 'em all - an' all of Arvum's fallen, an' the Eurusi fallen - to th'Queen of Endin's an' Mother'a Beginnin's. An' I extend that to our enemies, too, 'cause we're all 'Er children, an' if we forget that we lose ourselves." He pauses, then clears his throat. "Um. Thanks, Carnifex." And with that, he's heading back to his seat with a brisk stride. Long legs can truly carry a man fast when he wants to get out of the limelight.

Shard is overheard praising Raymesin.

Sydney is overheard praising Raymesin.

Evaristo is overheard praising Raymesin: Damn right!

Darren is overheard praising Raymesin.

Icelyn is overheard praising Raymesin.

As the end of the line is reached, Preston bows his head to Raymesin as he steps back "Ah. Perhaps one of the most interesting thanks for last. The former Thralls. Ones I owe my personal thanks to, and the Faith owes as well. Those who had nothing, those who were most excluded from our society yet within it....and they saw what Duke Ivan was doing and rose up, along with his son. Ivan sought to assault a shrine, to kill all within. Thrall. Commoner. Noble. And a Mother of the Faith. The Thralls stopped that. And their sweep helped us hold the line long enough for the Eurusi under the Prince to switch sides." Preston pauses in his talk to look around "And that is what I hope each of us will remember. We are not isolated. But each of us is part of something greater. And where individually we may be weak, together we can be strong. Even the smallest stone can topple a wall if you have enough of them in the right place." Looking around the Cathedral "Are there any others who wish to speak, if not I shall offer a prayer, and allow you to feast upon the food at the back and enjoy company."

Evaristo has joined the line.

Turn in line: Evaristo

Keski, a nervous disciple of Petrichor, Aletta, an even more nervous disciple of Petrichor, 1 Templar Knight guards, Oswald, the war pig, a lively Ostrian gelding, Daisy, the overly enthusiastic Keaton pygmy goat arrive, following Brigida.

Evaristo suddenly stands up - he was lazing about like he had nothing to say, and then as if suddenly remembering it, he shoots to his feet. "Oh, I just want to thank Seraph Prism," he says, smiling wide and charming around the Cathedral. "She was fighting for all of our freedom." He touches his cheek, and looks a little lost in some memory for a moment. "Ahem. I give thanks to Skald and free choice - and that we chose to stand up for freedom." He nods, then sits back down.

Gwenna has joined the line.

Turn in line: Gwenna

Gwenna tugs her scarf around her shoulders as she stands and makes her way up to speak. "I am so very grateful to all of those who had a hand in the successes of Sungreet. While we may be hard-pressed to feel it a success, with so many dear to us lost, and so many others who did not leave there, I remain very thankful. We were lucky, the small group of us that went as the Crown's diplomats, surrounded by members of the King's Own to try to keep us safe. The skirmish we encountered was nothing as terrible as what other faced, and faced with such heart and courage," she says, her voice only raised enough to be heard within the cathedral.

"As well, I am grateful that one of our own, a prince of our house, returned. Kidnapped around thirty years ago and sold into slavery, his rejoining us speaks so much to me, at least. None of us might escape chains, no matter our place in this life. Any one might be sold away if we do not keep vigilance and continue to fight for freedom. Every person has it within them to take up this fight, and I am glad I did so, even if in such a small way. Others gave so much more, and selflessly at that. Thank you does not truly do it justice, but I hope to remember those sacrifices and continue to aide those who continue this war." She gives a dip of her head and makes her way back to her seat.

Brigida enters quietly and, for once, with minimum of fuss and settles into a pew, squinting as she watches and listens, her thumb rubbing at a spot on her staff as she appears to be thinking deeply.

Brigida has joined the Noble Pews.

Preston making way for those that indicate, Preston bows his head to Evaristo and then to Gwenna, nodding along with their words "Yes. Prism is a most interesting person, and her lessons are most enlightening. We are fortunate to have so many wise people alive at once to help us. And of course, the news - the realisation - that for so long the Eurusi have been taking our people, it underlines it is not some distant or foreign war to crusade to liberate all. This war was never far away, we simply were unaware." Preston moves back to the altar, stroking it with his hand for a moment "As we think about those we are thankful for, those here and those gone, let us pray. To the Pantheon, who guide us in all aspects of our life through their values and their laws, who help us be better people, and encourage us to provide that for others. In particular let us pray to Gloria for the courage to stand when the night seems darkest, when the enemy come in great ships, with great hosts, and we think we are so small. Let Gloria harden our resolves. Let us look to our sides at those who stand with us, let Limerance give us hope through their oaths and dedication. Let Vellichor guide the minds of our people to restore what has been lost, to find the answers to our future in our traditions. And for all we must make, let Jayus steady the hand of our craftsmen. But. Lastly. I would ask us to pay special attention to two Gods. To Gild and to Skald. For we must always remember our role as hosts, our need to always look to our kinder side even as we feel needed to suppress it in war. And let us give people the choices that Skald gave us. We must provide them space to be free and make choices. We cannot force answers onto them, but educate them and set them free. Let us be as millions of beacons, our Faith within each of us guiding others along the paths of the Faith."

Sirius Valardin pushes through an assembled crowd at the Cathedral's open entrance, crossing a threshold of faithful either deep in prayer or deep in thanking. Or trying to, before Preston rises up and so everyone's attention centers on him, their bodies stiff. As Brigida comes by, and the multitude parts like a sea being willed away, Sirius quickly slinks behind her and faithfully traces her steps to the Noble Pews, sitting relatively close and in silence.

Sirius has left the Noble Pews.

Sirius has joined the Noble Pews.

"So may it be," Icelyn murmurs, head bowed, from her seat off to the side.

Alarissa has left the Noble Pews.

Maxene, the steadfast ladies maid, 3 Thrax Guards, 2 Thrax Elite Guards leave, following Alarissa.

Victus bows his head in prayer. "Death to slavers." He utters at the end of his breath.

Preston is overheard praising Rysen.

Preston is overheard praising Philippe.

Preston is overheard praising Teagan.

Rysen is overheard praising Preston.

Preston is overheard praising Tescelina(rip).

Rysen is overheard praising Lorenzo.

Preston is overheard praising Lorenzo.

Rysen is overheard praising Raymesin.

Mikani is overheard praising Rysen.

"Death to slavers," Darren echoes after Victus, a wry smile touching his lips as his gaze drags over to the other High Lord. He nods to Preston's words, silent once more.

Speaking a soft prayer after Preston's words, Hamil's eyes widen for a moment at Rysen's display, but the Fidante knight remains quiet.

Rysen, who has also listened solemnly to Preston, glances subtly toward Victus at his comment, and its echo from Darren. The look on the Crovane swordsman's face suggests a whole-hearted agreement with the sentiment.

Lorenzo listens quietly to the Carnifex's prayer, his expression serious and determined. In almost an automatic gesture, he runs his thumb across the hilt of his sword.

Gwenna lowers her head as Preston speaks the prayer. When she lifts it back up, her expression is still a touch solemn as she looks over those gathered. There are a couple of nods of apparent agreement as people offer comments, but the Redrain doesn't add to them.

The look on Brigida's face would seem to indicate that she believes death to be far too good a fate for slavers. Her eyes flit from person to person as they pray, the elder Archlector watching as always.

After a few moments of quiet prayer, Preston lifts his head and gestures to the rear of the Cathedral, which is stacked with delicious noms "Please, help yourself. And mingle and talk. Be merry." And he gestures to the choir who starts singing the canticles as background music. The Templars though do start to file out with their battle standards, because that /would/ get a tad underfoot. Preston himself goes to obtain a small pastry filled with mushrooms. Mm. Tartlets.

Helena is overheard praising Preston.

Evaristo is overheard praising Preston.

Sydney is overheard praising Preston.

Jeffeth has left the Quiet Alcove.

Sydney is overheard praising Anisha.

Bree is overheard praising Preston.

Sydney is overheard praising Ras.