Aiden was already in the shrine, reflecting over the firepit, dressed in leathers and woolen clothing overtop. He looked prepared to head out somewhere, at least, go wandering and ranging. At present, with Severa his black and white shepherd at his side, where his fingers were lightly ruffling over her head that had leaned into his leg, he wasn't going anywhere for a while. He was here to witness the rites of affirmation, though his sterling silver eyes catch movement and stiff movement at that. He gestures a greeting to Leola, in any case.

Eirene is a military commander of one of the greatest martial houses in the Compact and their Voice, so it's not totally unusual that Eirene Malvici and a few of her soldiers enter to psh their respects and perform the Rite. Her hand stays resting easily on the tied hilt of her longsword as she strides in confidently.

Leola moves into the Shrine proper, looking decidedly ill at ease in the martial setting. She remains close to the door, standing stiffly with her hardened mask under her arm, her back straight and paying attention, witness to those present. Aiden gets a small smile, Ailith another, and Eirene a deferential nod.

Orazio arrives early with his Templar escort, all formal robes and solemn air. He bows to Aiden and Eirene, and offers others a smile and a nod, before moving to take up a position to the side of the shrine, taking a seat with his entourage.

4 King's Own Guardsmen arrives, following Leona.

Esoka strides into the shrine. She's dressed in the mix of leather and steel that she usually dons for her daily work as a knight. And a surcoat bearing the twin heron sigil of House Riven. A deep inclination of her head is offered to those assembled, and she shoulders politely into a spot in the crowd for the rite.

Preston steps into the Shrine of Gloria from the outside, his helm held under his arm which allows his youthful features to be seen. Several of the Templar squires are busying themselves preparing for the rites, small pieces of parchment and quills are readied and the firepit has been stoked, both so it can burn but also to take the chill out of the air. Preston unfastens his sword belt and hands it to one of the squires before he smiles at some of those who are coming in "Welcome to Gloria's shrine. Please, we will begin the rites shortly. Do consider, if you have any vows you wish to rededicate yourself to, or charges yet unfulfilled. And, ah, the squires should be circulating with the warmed spiced mead in case the fire does not stem the chill."

Aiden shifts quietly over toward Leola, his young puppers happily following along and wagging her tail like it was the best day in the world. The Prince pauses once to nod back to Orazio, murmuring, "Father Orazio," in passing to not keep Orazio from taking a seat. Sterling silver eyes land upon Esoka and he nods to her as well, but Leola was his present target and he keeps his voice down as he greets her.

Ailith skirts the edge of the Shrine to stand alongside one of the pews. Those she knows are met with a bow and smile in greeting before quietly taking a seat.

Alarissa moves in from outside, a pinch-faced guard with her of the older variety in her wake who moves to take up a spot out of the way while the Valardin Priness makes her way further in. There's a smile to Aiden, a dip of her head to Orazio when she see's him, but otherwise, the dark haired Princess opts to take a seat near the front of the pews with just a pause to murmur a greeting to Ailith and take a seat.

Ailith has joined the Shrine.

Leona steps in, armed and armored. Her helm is on still even, and she surveys the room. Her eyes pause at Ailith and Leola before she looks over at Orazio. Taking a seat to one side, it's clear she has no intention of being a large part of this ritual, but she is in attendance.

Eirene lifts her chin in greeting the the priest and those who greeted her but otherwise keeps to herself. Leola, however, gets a hand-raise in reply. Her gloved hands fold behind her back in a military rest as she finds a place near the flames to stand.

"Your Highness," Orazio says, gravely, in return to Aiden. He nods to Alarissa and Leona as well, but otherwise, seems content to listen, and perhaps think on his own vows and oaths.

Esoka meets Aiden's gaze when it falls upon her and gives him a short, respectful bow. Her attention is then directed to Preston, eyes growing thoughtful as he begins things. She will certainly take some of that spiced mead that's being passed around. However effective the fire may be, she'll enjoy a cuppa.

Eirene has joined the Firepit.

Orazio has joined the Firepit.

Leola murmurs a response to Aiden, nodding slightly, as she turns her attention to Preston, listening to him talk. Her dark eyes in that sunkissed face tighten a little, and then drop. She nods once more to the prince by her side, before she gives Leona a wan smile

With the fire dancing, Preston hands his helm off to a squire and turns to face the assembled group. The young Templar's voice lifts, so he can carry it over the crackle of wood, but also loud enough that conversations can continue under it "Brothers and sisters under the Faith, from our most noble to the most common. Every year we come before Gloria, under whose gaze we maintain our honour on and off the field of battle. We acknowledge our failings, and we pledge ourselves anew and ask her for the strength to hold to the path we believe right." There is a pause from Preston as he breaks from old practiced words "It is fitting this year that we ask others to join us here. This last year, these last years, have tested many of us. It has asked great sacrifices of the living and those no longer with us. It has tested our resolve, it has tested even the Faith of some."

Leona has joined the Shrine.

"Down to every last son of a half-blind pig-fucker," Eirene curses creatively under her breath. "Nobody got out untried and untested..." she does nod gruffly to Preston in general agreement of his words.

Orazio gives Eirene a sidelong look from where he is sitting. The Legate's expression is a bit pained, but he doesn't chide her, not now, at least. Instead, he turns back to Preston, and smiles with encouragement and agreement.

6 Thrax Elite Guards, Dog, an oversized puppy arrive, following Donella.

Leona looks over at Eirene as she curses loudly and her expression is cold, but then she returns her attention to Preston.

Aiden catches the respectful bow and awards Esoka with an acknowledging tilt of his head to return the respect, a moment later he seems at least, finished with a quieter conversation he was carrying with Leola, so that his attention can focus on the front. He notes that is where his cousin in and gives Alarissa a quick lift of fingers to wave at her before he settles his cloak around him and takes a seat. Severa, his shepherd puppy, plops her head on his knee and her tail thumps repeatedly on the floor, unattentive to Preston's words where as Aiden is trying to listen while being distracted enough to pet his guard dog.

Jiacomo arrives, following Eleyna.

Eleyna arrives, following Talen.

Talen and Eleyna arrive late - not even fashionably so, unfrotuantely. Even so, they don't look particularly pertubed by this, should anyone point it out. The Sword of Lenosia's expression is levelled into a vague curiousity for the ceremony underway, his helmet tucked under his arm that opposes the one laid out for Eleyna to rest hers within. "...before the gods," is his final few words on whatever was being said to his wife, as they find a place amongst the congregation.

Esoka's gaze flicks to Eirene. There's no disapproval, though her eyes are a touch wide. Perhaps in admiration at the show of profane creativity. She takes a gulp of her mead and directs her full focus back to Preston.

Donella can't really bring Dog into the shrine with her. Not because she doesn't want to, but because he's teething. People could loose boots, and belts, and anything attached to them. You just never know. So she has handed him off to the Goons, and joined the congregation also, on a flank near to the Foxes, her arms crossed.

"But, even without these hardest of tests that have been placed in front of us, so oathes made in a moment of clarity can find that other more urgent events push them to the side. Life does not allow us always to persist in our clarity, but will press upon us duties and obligations." Preston continues. There is a warm smile that comes to his lips before the next part "Gloria does not blame you for this. She knows your hearts, she knows your intent to fulfill all those promises you made. And that is why we gather now, to ask for her strength to hold us to the path. To ask her for the resolve to see things to their conclusion. And for her blessings on our endeavours, and the honouring of our intent. For, though I am sure many oaths and commitments taken may seem in conflict, we know that any good person makes those commitments intending to improve our world, intended to make lives better for people."

Eirene is either oblivious to the looks given or she simply doesn't care. She continues to stand ramrod straight at rest, hands in the small of her back as she watches the officiant solemnly. His speech draws a slow nod out of her.

Preston speaks, even as others filter in for the rite and Alarissa remains up near the front as she listens to the man speak. Ever with the squared shoulders clothed in navy blue, she listens with the reverence that having resided in Valardin instills in one. Though there's a glance and dip of her head for DOnella as well as Talen and Eleyna. But then back to the front.

"Grant us the courage to rise to every challenge," a glance towards Alarissa, "and not to surrender to despair," Orazio says, in quiet agreement. Seeing Talen and Eleyna filter in, his professional resolve warms, and he smiles to them both, before turning back to the front.

The Velenosan princess arrives on Talen's arm and gazes around with mild curiosity, though even that is forgotten as she responds to whatever Talen is currently murmuring to her. Eleyna's pale brows lift and a smirk tugs at one corner of her lips as she nods and offers a faint murmur in reply. She turns her head away, glancing at Donella as she offers her a nod and a faint grin, indicating that she should sit with them should she choose. As Alarissa glances her way, Eleyna offers a nod in return before glancing toward Preston.

Leola bows her head to Talen, Eleyna. The young disciple is stood near the door, not intruding terribly in the rite; present, attending and attentive to the display. Her lips move as Preston leads the rite; saying her own silent words along with it; but she remains out of the way

"Your highness, how do you do. Come to renew any interesting vows, or swear new ones in particular?" Talen throws toward Donella as he spies her nearby, the nod and grin given by Eleyna hardly supported, yet he nevertheless indicates with a taloned hand for a space at their bench-- or the floor they're standing on-- or whatever! The prince ticks his chin up, spine straightening as he stares forward toward Preston, his pale grey-blue eyes holding on the knight-faithful with unwavering scrutiny. He does not, however, seem to have anything contrary to say. One might even believe for a moment he's on his best behaviour and -not- out to be smited by Gloria herself. For those others nodding and otherwise acknowledging the royal pair, there's polite, simple replies as one expects but for the moment nothing more overt, as they get settled within the chamberholy .

Aiden is reflective of the words spoken, his head bowed and his lips moving as if to murmur along with the rite. His gaze lifts at the noise that others make upon their entry, which holds his interest only momentarily before he quiets again to a further recant of words spoken for Gloria's sake. Severa starts to get squirmy though and nudges under his legs to pop through them, so that she's sitting between them and clearly taking advantage of his distraction to use him as a leaning post, panting openly and licking her chops from time to time.

"We would now invite you to either recommit to an existing oath or pledge should you wish, or to make a new one, here in the sight of Gloria and seek her blessing. If you would like to keep your oath private, you may use the parchment and quills and write down your oath and cast it into the flames. If you would share with the others your oath, and perhaps a story of any troubles you have faced, please form a line (OOC: +line/getinline)" Preston then takes a deep breath, before he reaches over to his squire and takes Banisher from its scabbard, holding the diamondplate sword in his palms, one hand under the hilt, one under the flat of the blade, and he lifts it up.

Preston then exales, a long sigh before he gives his talk "I will share my story. Mine is a familiar one. I was prideful, and in my pride I nearly caused harm. I believed I was right. I believed I knew best. And I was going to use this blade, which I wield in the name of the Faith, in duels over the actions of a man. That was wrong. It was beneath me, beneath those challenged, and beneath my oath. But. I grow. I learn. And with the guidance of the Gods, I know that to defend the faith, I must unite our people and not divide, and I must always seek to understand even those I disagree with, even those I know to be wrong. For if they are not evil, then their intend must be good and that must be understood." Preston lowers Banisher, and hands it back to the squire "And so I rededicate myself to oaths I took long ago, on my knees in the Rectory. To defend the Faith and her people from all threats, to serve faithfully the Dominus and the Compact as a Knight, and as a Templar of Gloria. And I ask that Gloria permit me the honour to serve her, and the strength needed to do so."

Eirene offers a salute to the Velenosa, hand to heart and head swiftly nodding. She seems to be pondering her own vows, the less colorful ones probably. "Better lives for all peoples," she echoes softly.

Eirene has joined the line.

Aiden has joined the line.

Orazio has joined the line.

Talen checked composure at difficulty 10, rolling 22 higher.

Eleyna has joined the line.

Talen has joined the line.

Esoka has joined the line.

The still-Thrax princess Donella remarks softly, "Just to ask for what I need to keep those promises I've already made, highness." She nods to both Talen and his wife, and coughs once gently into her fisted hand. "I need positive examples, they tell me, so that I don't continue to be a bad one." Whatever else she might say falls below the level of a whisper, and she reaches for a stylus and writing material.

Leona watches, and there is tension in the way she sits as she observes the service. As Donella speaks she turns her head, and one eyebrow raises in response to that last remark before she tilts her head and then stands, getting into line.

Leona has joined the line.

Preston inclines his head as the queue forms, and he gestures to the squires who come forth to offer the quills and parchments, while others circulate with the warmed spiced mead and other vittals to keep people warm in the departing winter chill. Preston gestures to the first person in the line to step forward.

It is now Eirene's turn to speak.

Ailith has left the Shrine.

It is now Aiden's turn to speak.

With Preston's words first given, then the indication a line must form to speak and (re)pledge, Talen seems to linger more than he ought to when Eleyna heads in the direction of it. It causes her arm to be lightly pulled before he moves along with her, his attention tracking Preston as they go. Then finally, when they've stilled, he bows his head to the ardent templar. It's not anything overt, though it's clear enough if one watches the prince and his interaction with the one whom leads the rite. Then, tearing his steel-hued eyes away, he murmurs to Donella and Eleyna absently before he sets his hand upon his peace-tied sword, Mirror Blade. A tall, proud stance, as he awaits his calling.

Eleyna doesn't hesitate to move forward, her pale face drawn into lines of determination as she steps into line. She doesn't even allow the slight drag of Talen's arm on her limb to stop her as she takes her place in line, waiting.

The Voice of Malvici stands tall, firelight shining against the salt and pepper of her hair. "I am a warrior of life. I serve Gloria on the battlefield and Lagoma in the medic tents and hospitals. I am of the flame." She draws Flame-Mender and lays it on the back of her hand. "I dedicate myself to the fight. To continue to serve life itself against our foes who would rob all Arvum of life and truth and even rob us of our deaths. May Gloria's fierceness and honor burn bright in me, so I may not fall into that darkness." She salutes the bonfire and adds, "So do I vow." There is no trace of irony in her words, no mocking sneer or scowl. She speaks with a deep dedication to that cause.

Clara, a white-eyed woman with long and wild curly hair, steps into the Shrine of Gloria with a curious look on her face. Perhaps she had just been walking by and noticed an increased population around the place but whatever her curiosity she has found her way into the shrine. She is wearing puple dress that fashionably reveals the chemise below, the cut of the dress otherwise modestly covering most of her flesh. She moves into the Shrine and moves to stand near one of the only familiar faces she sees, Orazio. She's curious but respectful and quiet.

Leola remains back; she does not join the line, but watches those others move and she listens to them speak, nodding slowly, considering their words

Esoka stands and takes her place among those who intend to speak and renew commitments of courage before Gloria. Those that speak of their own vows are listened to with quiet respect.

Parchment and quill for the Valardin Princess, Alarissa taking either and moving to a place where she can write. She takes her time doing so, head bowed as she concentrates on the writing though a glance up when each speaker moves to state thier renwal or a new oath.

Preston nods his head along to Eirene's words, war and fighting is very much his wheelhouse and it is what he understands and can easily respect. As Aiden is gestured up, Preston takes advantage of the chance to obtain a cup of warmed apple juice - for the non-meady of us - to sip on. Which idiot decided to wear armour while standing next to a firepit?

Aiden lifts from where he was sitting and with a touch to Severa, commands her to stay back as he presents himself to the line. Go figure, he's up front. As it happens to be when it is his turn to speak, he looks over the gathered audience and for a moment, it looks like he might change his mind. Until with a step forward, he begins: "I ask first that Gloria forgive me, for I held resentment toward her part in our lives, in my life specifically, for I had to watch my brother endure much under her guidance. I detested conflict and war, never wished to learn the ways of the sword. I was ignorant and held an ideal that was naive to what life has shown me since. War is necessary to protect what we hold dear. Honor comes from selfless sacrifices. Chivalry is a way of life. Of late, I had nearly been brought to challenge a common man for a slight against me, for the misrepresentation that I felt his words gave unto me, and I forgot that I am not here to fight my friends, my family, nor the good people who strive to keep the Arvum free -- free from all that is coming, from all that has come. Nor am I here to even fight those who have been kept from joining us in the Arvum by life and circumstances... I wish to make an oath, today, that when the time comes to do what I must to keep honor, that I act unflinchingly and without regret, not only for my House, but for the Arvum and all her people. In Gloria's honor, I will spend my life fighting as I can, in the ways that Gloria allows me, to keep the Arvum free and fight against those who stand for tyranny, oppression, and our silence." With that he looks to Preston, to see if he's at least on course for a 'vow'...

It is now Orazio's turn to speak.

Orazio nods briefly to the woman who comes to stand next to him. Then, he stands tall, his shoulders squared, and he moves to face the fire. Where he kneels, aeterna and gold gleaming in the firelight as he bows his head. "Lady Gloria, I pledge to you..." the Legate hesitates. "I pledge to work with my whole heart to protect the souls of the people of the Compact, however great the foes. I pledge to always offer the opportunity for redemption to those who seek it, for honor is found in mercy as much as in strength. I pledge to judge my own actions uncompromisingly, and to continue to seek my own redemption through service to you, and to all the gods of the Pantheon. May the Sentinel grant us truth, may Vellichor grant us wisdom, and, Lady Gloria, may you grant us all the courage to never surrender to despair." With that, the Legate rises and returns to his seat.

Talen is overheard praising Orazio for: Contrary to popular belief, I -do- have a soul and I -do- want to keep it. Bravo.

Preston gives a nod to Aiden and another re-assuring smile "A most fitting pledge, your highness. It is important to remember that the cost of our oaths and commitments is born not just by ourselves but by those we love and share our lives with." Godsworn orphans of course don't have to care about that, but that doesn't mean Preston can't say it. And Orazio stands and Preston goes quiet to listen to the wise words.

It is now Eleyna's turn to speak.

Leona nods once from where she stands in line as Orazio begins to speak, and her eyes warm ever so slightly as she listens. Then she faces forward as someone else steps up to speak, giving each participant her attention.

When it is her turn to speak, Eleyna steps forward, offering a nod as she takes a breath and says in a cool, regal voice, "I was once afraid to become what I must be. I hid in service, but I turned my back on the duty of leadership because I feared that I was not worthy to accept it. Now, I realize that it doesn't matter if I am scared. It has to be done. I am no warrior. I don't carry a blade. I don't carry a shield. So, I vow to make -myself- become a blade and a shield to protect the Lyceum. To protect my people from darkness."

While Orazio does his prayer/oath to Gloria, Clara stands off to the side and simply watches him with the eyes of a curious child. Once he is done and moves to take his seat she follows him and in a soft voice, "May I sit with you?" She indicates a places he might sit next to him.

It is now Talen's turn to speak.

Aiden nods to Preston and slowly marshalls his way back to his seat, so he can listen to the other voices naming their vows. He nods approvingly to Eleyna's words. He fondly places affection upon his puppy who was good enough to stay and listen to his command rather than wander off and crotch sniff someone, like dogs are liable to do.

Eirene murmurs to Orazio, snorting in amusement. "The latter usually, she replies to a quiet question. Clara is given a shrug of indifference and she defers to the holy man alongside Dr.

Orazio smiles warmly at Eleyna's words. His nod is firm, supportive, and there's even a hint of admiring warmth in his eyes as he watches her. He blinks, when addressed by Clara, and he offers her a smile, albeit it a brief one. "All seats at the shrine are open to anyone who would listen and learn."

Talen is carefully unbuckling the sword belt for Mirror Blade as he's next up, watching his wife speak, lips pursed in a sober expression. With a bow of his head, acknowledging her words, he steps forward and lays the heirloom over the altar. "The charm and wit of a Velenosan princess is as scathing and dangerous as any blade but for those moments where that is not enough, let elven steel stand in its stead," begins Talen. "As Sword of Lenosia, as a Velenosan, I will stand by the side of those who lead the south. I re-pledge myself as honour guard to the royal house of the Lyceum, in defense of the Compact's people, through the gifts given by the Pantheon. Gloria, I ask your blessing in this." With that, he waits a moment, says a prayer and then steps away to rejoin his wife.

Preston nods in agreement with Eleyna as well "It is something I think many would recognise - I know of others, even in the Faith, who resisted their calling. Who felt the burden too great. Thankfully we are not alone and the Gods will always look over us, and in our belief in them we can get the strength we need." The arrival of Talen with a sword does get an amused look from Preston - it was not long ago this would have ended very differently. He bows and listens intently to Talen's words.

It is now Esoka's turn to speak.

Clara's white eyes take in Eirene for a second, they watch her as the Malvici shrugs indifferently and then lets Orazio do the speaking. She looks then to Orazio as he begins to speak and when given the smile she offers one of her own in return. "Thank you." She looks back to Eirene then and offers the woman a bit of a smile and once again speaks quietly, "I'm Lady Clara Crovane." Her Northern accent is thick and Arvani may not be her first language but she manages to communicate well enough.

Donella writes a detailed account of the oath she wishes to keep unto herself. And she signs it, rolls it fitfully, and clutches it close to her for the flames. She glances toward Leona with her fur-trimmed cloak, and nods once.

Esoka steps forward, drawing her blade of diamondplate from its scabbard. "Gloria, goddess of courage, grant me the strength to protect those I love and the heart to fight unflinchingly against foes that chill my blood. Today I rededicate myself as a knight in service of House Riven, who I serve as Sword of the Twainfort, and pray that my arm might ever defend my lieges and those they fight with. I rededicate my commitment to the Compact, which I bent the knee to fifteen years gone, and pray that I might have the resolve to stand against its foes and make it stronger. There are other oaths I would make this year, if I am found worthy, and pray that I can serve them as well as I need to. And I pray that this new blade I have had forged by the good smiths of Arx will be true and unbreakable against the forces of darkness." She salutes the firepit with her sword. "I ask Gloria's blessing for my sword and for my heart as a fighter, and dedicate myself to her virtues again. Thus I pray." That done, she bows and steps aside.

It is now Leona's turn to speak.

Orazio listens to Talen, and then to Esoka gravely. He nods with approval at each of the oaths given, and his lips move, as if adding his own quiet prayers to each person's words.

Leona speaks firmly, her attention fixed on the shrine proper. One hand rests on the pommel of the Lord Commander's sword, that simple, deadly, and legendary blade that passes from one to the next. "Today I make no oaths, for the only oaths I will ever make have long since been given. In times of war or peace I train, I fight, I lead, I stand as guardian that those who do not may be safe and at peace. Today I ask nothing of Gloria, but I do give thanks to her for reminding me of the path of honor. For giving me the strength to shoulder my duties. For giving me the teachers to constantly continue learning, and the opportunity to use my skills to fight the growing dark, and to train those who will come after. And for the courage to keep moving forward when so much that is dear lies behind." So saying she steps back, her movements measured and her back straight.

"I think, Dame Esoka, that all warriors here share your prayers for their blade. But if it is a tenth as strong as your heart and your will, it will cut through stone walls themselves in pursuit of your goals." Comes Preston's comments on that, and then it is time for Leona to be called up. This has Preston looking quite thoughtful "And long may you stand as an example to us all, Lady Commander."

Leona raises one eyebrow at Preston's form of address, considering him for a long moment before she nods gravely in acknowledgement of his words.

Donella has joined the line.

Alarissa finishes writing as well, puttng down quill to read over her words before she too is folding them many times over as if each fold cements into into being and coming up the side, moves to place her own oath into the flames, a moment of reflection before turning back along the side and heading for the foor. .

Eirene says, "Eirene Malvici." She keeps it short in reply to Clara, focusing more on the vows. There's a long string of titles behind it she keeps left out. "Gonna make a vow," she asks the woman curiously. "Yours was good, Razi."

"You are kind, Sir Preston," Esoka says with a warm smile to the templar, as she retakes her place in the crowd. The other vows spoken earn a bow of her head, and she murmurs something unintelligible under her breath to the fire.

"Was your handwriting suitably neat?" Talen asks Donella, not particualrly privately, turning his head. "If not, how will She read it?"

Orazio smiles at Eirene. "Thank you. They all have been good - including yours, Lady Eirene. Every one of us has our own code of honor, and it's good to be reminded that we must remain true to it, and look to the gods to help us measure it against the right." His eyes turn back to the vows.

Clara considers Eirene's words for a second than she shakes her head. "Not today, no. I don' know the Pantheon very well." She also mostly keeps her attention on those taking their vows. "I just thought I'd come in and see what was going on. I hope no one minds my bein' here."

With the line of people exhausted, Preston moves to the centre once more and he spreads his arms "We have heard much today. And I hope we understand and see the similarities in our struggles, even if our goals seem different. We understand that honour unites us, and binds us. When the enemy comes we do not care if the man next to us is sworn to Grayson, to Lyceum or to Thrax. What we care is that he is sworn for Good and not for Evil. And for as long as you hold with Gloria, and the Faith, and with Good, so should we hold with you." Well. It /is/ a monolithic faith based organisation. Preston smiles at the assembled "Please, those of you who wish may cast oaths into the flames, do please eat and drink - and if you have questions on any matter, I am sure Father Orazio will also grace us with his fine wisdom, or you can settle for my humble musings."

Reese slips in very late to the event, having just arrived for some reason or another. She is adorned in a pink gryphon skirt and a pair of oiled leather pants. She comes in just in time though to hear Preston speak. She turns to the Templar, listening to his words with close attention.

Orazio adds, with amusement, "Sir Preston is the priest in charge of this ceremony. I am here only as another worshiper. Thank you, Sir Preston, for this opportunity to praise Gloria."

Esoka is overheard praising Preston for: A dedicated servant of Gloria. Fine ceremony!

Orazio is overheard praising Preston for: For an excellent ceremony and opportunity to allow the Faithful to praise Gloria.

Donella comments, "I made an oath in the House of Limerance not long ago, which I knew would be hard for me to keep... because I would be fighting my nature. I promised to remember that people are people, whatever their origins, and that most of the threats I have been taught to see are creations of suspicion, misunderstanding, and fear. I promised not let my baser self govern me, and work to be slower to anger, faster to discharge a grudge, and offer apology when I give unwarranted offense. And I am finding as difficult as I thought. Particularly in the holding down of temper. I hope that Gloria will show me some way, when my anger builds too far, to give me a harmless vent. As for the scroll... I do not know if she cares much for handwriting. But I will apologize for that." She feeds the roll of writing to a brazier.

Aiden rises from his seat, his eyes linger on the firepit for a moment watching a few quietly make their vows. Then with a bestowing of a final gesture to the god, Aiden turns to head out with a brief flap of his cloak and an eager guard puppy trailing along with her tail flagged out behind her.

Aiden is overheard praising Preston.

1 Grayson Guardsmen, Severa, the Guard Shepherd leave, following Aiden.

Leola is overheard praising Preston for: The Templar can talk. The hind legs off a donkey. Still, he makes a stirring speech for Gloria

Eirene is overheard praising Preston.

Leona looks over at Donella, and as the ceremony ends she drifts over to her cousin. "Ella," she says informally. "I'm very glad to see you here." Looking around, she adds, "I should have known that if any Thrax were to show, you would." Her voice is warm as she greets the other woman. "You should stop by the tower if you have a temper problem that needs releasing. I'm told I have a way with helping that very cause."

Alarissa is overheard praising Preston.

Reese is overheard praising Preston for: Templar of Gloria with honorable and strong words.

Preston takes his sword belt back from the squires and begins to wrap the sword belt back around his waist. Listening to Donella, Preston looks quite thoughtful "That sounds like no small task, your highness. We are emotional beings - and without those emotions, I am not sure what we would be. But, to rule them and not to be ruled by them? I am young, but I have been trying for years and failing. I wish you the best on that journey though, and if the Faith, and the Shrine of Gloria can ever help, you need only ask for us." There is a lopsided smile "And I have been known to spar if you would rather beat your anger out safely, your highness."

Orazio considers Donella in silence. His expression is controlled and thoughtful, black eyes giving nothing away as she speaks. In the end, though, he bows his head, acknowledging her words and, perhaps, approving of them. Maybe. If you squint.

Eirene slides her sword back into the scabbard as things come to a close. "Princess Eleyna," Eirene calls out to the Velenosa. "Feel free to use the Malvici training centers should you ever wish to improve your personal swordsmanship. Your husband too."

"I would suggest you rescind that offer, before every blunted sword and stunted dagger is instantly broken by effort of my wife," Talen calls to Eirene. "Bladework is not her speciality."

Eirene's words seem to snap Eleyna out of a moment of somber, considerate silence. She chuckles and calls back, "I'd have to start at the beginning, I think. The only thing I know about swordsmanship is that you stab them with the sharp end. Besides, if I learned the sword, what reason would I have to keep Talen around?" She slants a glance at her husband, smirking.

Talen says, "Hey."

Talen is overheard praising Eleyna for: -Too- sharp.

"You may fin' me over that way soon." Clara offers to Eirene when she mentions the Malvici's Training Center. "Yer Duke an' I go way back. Prince Fergus is like a brother to meh and so I was around Anze a lot. Plan on tryin' to get the man to fight with me some ter see if he can't help me improve me skills. Perhaps I'll be askin' the Duchess Malvici as well. Hear she is a force to be reckoned with."

Reese looks over to Donella as she speaks, looking a bit confused. She slips closer to the shrine. "I should probably say and oath before this mission, but I need to get the words right." She says to Preston and Orazio, almost as if seeking their input ont hat.She then then looks over to Eleyna, giving her a smile. "If you ever need training from Luca and me tooo..." She offers.

Leola bows her head, smiling stiffly after the rite is done, and she slips on, away, silent.

Esoka plucks a rolled bit of parchment out of her pocket and offers it to the firepit, muttering a soft, "Honors be" over it as the flames eat it. She then slips into the background to find a place to sit for quiet contemplation.

Eirene scoffs. "I'll just send Duke Niccolo a bill." She sniggers at the married pair before looking back at Clara. "She's out at sea, but happy to try to find time for people. Try her in a few days or so?" The lady bows to the priests as the ceremony breaks up. "Nicely done. Gloria grant we get to keep these bloody flaming things, right?"

"Words are for mortal ears, Princess Reese. What the gods hear are our hearts, our intent. They know us and will respect that. Perfection and beauty in words is only required by our peers, thankfully." Preston mentions over to Reese with a smile before he inclines his head to Talen and Eleyna "Your highnesses, if you have a moment after, may I steal a quick word?"

Donella offers Leona her hand, warmly, forebearing to kiss her cousin's cheeks. Maybe because she does look so forbidding in the trappings of her order and office. The darker girl murmurs, "Sometimes it is hard to make the steps of the journey, if you are sure of what welcome is waiting at the end. But is it a hidden talent, perhaps, Lee? I hope it doesn't involve a solid clouting to the ear... or trying to drain the poison out of me like a snake. Hard on the fangs." Only a little joke. Its a reflex. Donella says to Preston with a little bending, "I wish I could take you up on that. Words, though, are the only weapon I have ever had, and I am not sure people in Arx know how to train with a gig. Which is all I have on hand. But I thank you."

Reese smiles over to Eirene. "Lady Doctor." A girl who gets hurt as often she does can't forget to greet the healers after all. "Thankfully. I am not the best with words." She says and then nods to Preston. "Oh, of course you can. I would be happy to speak with you."

"Sir Preston is right, Your Highness," Orazio says, rising again and smiling at the pink Princess. "You don't even need to say anything at all, if your heart speaks." With that, the Legate bows to those remaining, and then moves away, his expression contemplative. Perhaps there will be a round at some of the other shrines before he makes his way home.

Orazio has left the Firepit.

Talen's eyes flick toward Preston, then after a moment, a nod of assent. "Of course, Sir Preston," he says plainly. While he waits for his wife to finish with her socialising, he adjusts his sword belt, squaring up his armour - diresnake and rubicund - before he leads the Velenosan princess towards the knight templar.