4 King's Own Guardsmen arrives, following Leona.

Leona has joined the Side Alcove.

Lucita makes her way into the Great Cathedral, pausing momentarily to admire the murals. She makes her way down the marble aisle and takes a seat in one of the pews.

Daemon is slow to arrive but certainly not slow to find his seat. Pale green eyes slowly scan across the room until they connect with his fellow Sister in Arms of the House of Solace. With Greyhound following and practically nipping at his boots, he strides carefully over to the Side Alcove and takes a seat beside Vesper. A fond smile is offered for his fellow.

Although the knighting ceremony lacks the extravagant grandeur common to Church events, it would probably not be accurate to call it ‘modest’. Early spring flowers, mostly buds and spring green vines, are twined around tall candle sconces, and sacred incense fills the air. There are Knights of the Silver Order here, lining the central aisle. They’re in very shiny armor, and Thena will almost certainly be required to walk through them. Especially as there is an acolyte waiting for her arrival to place her, yep, on the other side of the knights with their stern yet proud expressions. Swords will probably be raised. Orazio is before the altar, in his formal robes, a tome open on a podium before him. In one hand, he holds a ceremonial mace, a shining thing engraved with Gild’s seal. As people begin to file in, he offers the pews a warm smile. “Welcome, all, to a most glad occasion, as we grant a worthy soul a place among Gild’s blessed Order.”

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Calaudrin before departing.

Silas, Thena's former boss, steps into the cathedral with little fanfare but plenty of clunking. Being still on duty meant he was clad in his rubicund armor. Behind him is the tiniest and furriest Iron Guardsman, Dash, and a pair of regular-sized and non-furry guardsmen carrying what appears to be an armor stand. He offers a nod to those he recognizes before quickly sidling off into an area where he won't distract from the proceedings.

Leona walks into the Great Cathedral, her footsteps unnaturally quiet on the marble floor, not drawing attention to herself as she does. The other King's Own who follow her make their way around the Cathedral finding quiet places from which to observe, even as Leona slips into an alcove that will give her a view of the ceremony without disturbing it. Blue eyes scan those assembled, smiling here or there as she catches the gaze of people she knows, but when Orazio speaks she turns her attention respectfully to the Legate and listens.

Rymarr, Marquis of House Deepwood, sits within the pews set aside for the nobility. Rubicund helm balanced precariously atop his knee and an alaricite gauntlet atop that, his cold blue stare rests fixed ahead. Chin high and his usual grim demeanor locked into place, the former Lord Commander waits patiently for the ceremony to get underway. An unblinking stare soon turns throughout the cathedral. Then Lucita's there and it would appear that a quiet exchange begins. A glance is cast around, as though Rymarr were taking an opportunity to ensure that the coast was in fact clear. Then, ever so slightly, he leans to one side and his lips part somewhat in order to murmur a rasped response to Lucita. The former bodyguard's mouths twitches, the threat of a smile evident as he leans away once again. Orazio's words draw his attention however, which results in Rymarr's expression being schooled into it's usual stern manner soon enough.

Fortunato arrives, loosening the buttons of the overcoat as he does. Something about the cathedral seems to make him tense, his shoulders a little high, his arms bit cramped against his side, but he's here and seeking, paying over-attention to every member of the Silver Order in attendance, at least until Orazio speaks.

Esoka arrives dressed in her full armor, shined up for the occasion. Surcoat bearing the herons of Riven worn over it, and the twin scimitars of the Twain at either hip. She slips (as much as a trompy person dressed in metal can slip) into a space amont the crowd, finding a spot to watch near Silas. "Baron," she greets him softly.

Enter Arx's most celebrated and most beloved couple. The King and Queen? Nay! It's Mr. and Mrs. Magpie Grayhope. Known more commonly by their celebrity couple name... Magmae? Maepie? Maepie. Mae is holding Magpie's arm through her cloak, which is oddly shimmery, in a shade of gray very near black. She has her hood up. There's really no telling it's her, save for the always-there blue messenger bag strapped across her body. That and who else is perpetually cloaked in darkness? Also, who else wants to hold Magpie's arm? And Magpie? Well he's probably wearing... seasilk underthings. And probably clothes over that. After entering, the pair start over towards the commoner's seating.

    Vesper arrived earlier, found herself an alcove to tuck herself into. She's dressed in her armor, with tabard and peace-tied sword that have the sigils of the Goddess Gild and the Faith upon it. She's standing tall, proud, and she keeps her mouth shut just in case she starts to curse when it's time to cheer for Thena.

Calaudrin has /definitely/ been here for awhile. His gear looks moderately more shiny than it normally does, which is to say, it's shiny. Very shiny. When people begin to take their seats, he finds a place next to Silas and Esoka. "Fancy meeting you too here." He mumbles with a slanted smile before settling down and falling silent as Orazio begins to speak.

Silas turns to the Sword of Twainfort when he hears himself addressed and smiles. "Dame," he greets back with a respectful nod of his head. The smile turns a touch more wry when Calaudrin joins them. "And Cal. Glad to see you here. I don't feel out of place, for once," he says as he notes how many other people came dressed in armor.

Who is scampering off after the most beloved couple in Arx, sort of behind them but maybe got out the door a bit late but it totally wasn't his fault? Mayir Grayhope! The sailor manages to catch up to Magpie and Mae and slips into the seating next to them, for Grayhope pride.

Mayir has joined the Commoner Pews.

"Aaaah, shit, we're late." Magpie murmurs as he comes in with Mae. That doesn't stop him from waving to a couple of people he knows, grinning. "Oh, there's Fort. Let's sit with him." The commoner says, blowing a kiss to Calaudrin as he spots him. when they reach the pews he drops down with a sigh, lazily draping one arm around Mae's shoulders.

Tarik quitely makes his wave into The Great Cathedral and looks around for a sit.

Fortunato has joined the Commoner Pews.

Once the occupants of the Cathedral have settled more or less, and at the urging of another acolyte, Thena emerges from a tiny chapel at the back and steps silently into the aisle. She's in stark black, her ceremonial leather armor, and her long black hair has been braided and pinned in a severe coronet. Those close enough can see her take a deep inhale and close her eyes, then open them and head towards the altar. Thena's posture is ramrod-straight and her chin as lifted as she makes the long walk, past her friends and family and associates and shiny knights and the lifted swords, and finally arrives where Orazio is standing.

Tarik has joined the Commoner Pews.

As Thena makes her way between the knights, they indeed raise their blades, forming a series of shining peaks for her to walk beneath. When she reaches Orazio, he tells her, “Kneel, Sister Thena, and let us begin.” A warm smile breaks through his professional demeanor for just a moment. His eyes look beyond her, to those at the pews. “The Knights of Solace have pledged their lives to the service of Gild, goddess of civilization and charity, protector of pilgrims, lady of eternally generous heart. The oaths every Knight takes reflect that.”

Esoka offers Calaudrin a warm smile, sidling up next to him with a clank. After that she makes an effort to be as still as possible. To avoid interrupting the ceremony with more clanking. "Oh, look, it's Master Magpie!" The kiss blown Calaudrin's way gets a low cackle, and she waves brightly to both him and Mae. When Thena emerges, all her attention goes to the young woman. Expression growing more serious, though the smile remains.

Mae settles in easily enough, right beside Magpie, leaning against her husband. She reaches up one hand and flicks back her hood, to expose near black hair, faintly tinged with red. Mae offers a soft, warm smile to Esoka, and then stays quiet otherwise. At least, quiet until her cousin-in-law emerges. Then her big, big eyes go wide. "Oh, she's so pretty!" Mae says, almost surely too loudly.

"Oooo. She is. So she's my cousin?" Mayir says to Mae and Magpie, confirming. "Yeah. That makes sense. Everyone's my cousin." But he leans forward, looking at the ceremony with great interest.

Fortunato raises his hands as Thena arrives in black, his smile canting, and his hands drifting up toward a clap. He stops himself just in time. He notes to Mayir. "She's excellent. You'll love her."

Rymarr's attention shifts away from Lucita with the arrival of Thena. He studies the leather armor which she wears. He goes so far as to crane his neck to one side in order to attempt a different angle to view it from. For a moment his armored shoulders shift with a show of amusement as he restrains a chuckle. Again the Marquis goes still and Rymarr's hard stare shifts toward Orazio, then back to Thena, and finally to Lucita.

Magpie twists when he hears his name, throwing Esoka a grin, then looks on to Thena. "She looks.. serious. So so serious." He says with a chuckle, but keeps his voice low. There's a nod to Mayir, "Yeah, that's Thena."

Silas gestures for the men behind him to quietly set the armor stand down. He fixates his attention on Thena when she emerges and sends a proud smile her way. Other than that, he remains attentive and quiet.

"This is a fancy affair. For armor." Calaudrin grins towards Silas before leaning over to kiss Esoka quickly. Then he settles down. Because this isn't exactly a good cuddling outfit. "I saw him." He mutters and makes a great big show of frowning sternly at Magpie when he blows him a kiss.

Dash tilts his head in doggish wonder. Perhaps wondering why there was a distinct lack of treats...

Vesper has left the Quiet Alcove.

Thena is, alas, too serious to return all the smiles and waves and all as she goes, but she does face the crowd briefly and sweep her dark gaze across those gathered, a sober but grateful acknowledgement of their presence before she turns to face Orazio again and kneels gracefully, head bowed.

Lucita exchanges quiet introductions with Rymarr in a low tone pitched to not interrupt the ritual in progress. Her attention primarily on the proceedings.

Orazio looks back at Thena, studying the bowed head. “Sister Thena. Do you, with a heart absent of hesitation or deception, swear from this moment forward that you shall give your life to the protection of the pilgrim, the healer, and the traveler? That you shall uphold the honor of the Faith in word, deed, and your own behavior? When the Faith calls for your strength and your blade, do you swear that you will offer them without hesitation, and without expectation of personal reward? That you shall love your brothers and sisters in the Order and the Faith, and that you shall give unstintingly of your wisdom and your courage to aid them, and that you shall never behave with injustice or cruelty towards any member of the faith, nor shall you treat the poor and the destitute with disdain? In word and deed from this moment forward, will you strive to fulfill your duty as the gods command?” He waits for her answer, his expression stern and remote as he studies her.

Leona is always serious. Except when she's not. Of course, knighting ceremonies are generally a time for seriousness, and so she keeps her eyes on Thena, watching the woman progress through the raised blades to the altar of the Pantheon. Her expression is approving - of Thena's armor or the steps she's taking or the knighting itself who can say? But quietly she watches from the alcove, though when Thena bows to acknowledge those assembled she raises fist to chest in a returned salute.

Nisaa has joined the Commoner Pews.

Rymarr's attention briefly turns away from the noble pews and off toward Esoka and Calaudrin. He watches for a long moment, his jaw set and his lips drawn into their usual flat line. He stares and is rather open about his apparent scrutiny-of-a-distance. Though if attention turns his way, unsmiling he lifts an armored hand up and with a lone alaricite wrapped digit he uses it to slowly curl a few times in Esoka's direction; as though that lone finger were offering a hello to the Greenblood knight.

Nisaa slips quietly into the Cathedral, eyes wide and full of excited curiosity. She tries to be as unnoticed as possible, slipping into the back pews where the commoners are welcome. She speaks to no one, but sets her eyes on Thena, watching her progression to Orazio and subsequent kneeling.

Thena checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 14 higher.

Mae watches Thena until she's all the way to the front, then she settles in to listen. And be bored. As one is meant to be in church. That is, at least, until she spots Dash. Her eyes flick from Dash to the man that tends to Dash. Is Silas paying much attention? Mae starts to rummage through her bag, ever so quietly, until she pulls out a chunk of peanut butter cookie. Now, just to get the dog's attention... "Tsst!" It's a quiet, sharp little sound. No one will notice, right?!

Orazio notices. His eyes flick towards the sharp little sound, and the Legate's stern expression becomes a stern, /frowning/ expression.

Silas checked command + animal ken at difficulty 15, rolling 27 higher.

Magpie just relaxes, watching quietly and absently scratching at his beard while Orazio delves into the ceremony. He flicks a glance to Mae beside him, but mostly he's watching the ceremony. That is until Orazio is glaring in his general direction. The man is briefly confused until he realizes it's Mae that's getting the glare. He nudges her.

Thena lifts her head to meet the Legate's gaze, and even though she's facing away from the crowd, her answer is strong and clear and unhesitating. "I do." Cathedral accoustics are cool like that. She sees his eyes flick and turns her head ever so slightly to try to see what he's looking at; a slight curve of her lips is barely visible in profile before eyes ahead again.

Dash finds at least one human in attendance who is willing to gift him a treat! Unfortunately for him, as oon as his ears and bunnybutt perks up in excitement when he looks in Mae's direction, the noise grabs both Orazio's and his owner's attention. Silas makes a disapproving click of his tongue, and with a soft whine he slumps and puts his head between his paws in defeat. After the ceremony, perhaps!

There’s a short, grave nod from the Legate at Thena’s answer, and then one in approval of Silas' control over Dash. He continues, with the slightest clearing of his throat. “As you so swear, let this oath be witnessed by all assembled, including the people you shall serve, your siblings in the Faith, and the eyes of the Pantheon themselves. May the gods smile to see a new and noble heart to take up the sword in defense of the Faithful.”

He raises the mace, silver and gold gleaming in the lamplight, and brings it down gently on her right shoulder, the cool weight of it resting there as he says, “By my hand and authority as the Legate of Concepts, Shield of the Faith, and by the recommendation of the Grandmaster of the Knights of Solace, and with the permission of the Most Holy Dominus of the Faith, Closest to the Gods - I do hear your oath, and induct you into the honorable Silver Order of the Knights of Solace. Let all witness your courage and commitment, and may nothing come between you and the Faith you have sworn your life to. Rise, Dame Thena of the Knights of Solace.” He moves the mace away so that she can do so.

Spotted! Mae's eyes flick to Orazio and go wide once more. She quickly fires a hand to the side, to deposit the chunk of cookie into Mayir's lap. Then she's back to sitting up straight, paying attention, gently leaning against Magpie. Nothing! She's done nothing! Look how innocent that face looks! And look how she doesn't start cheering soon as the knithing is officially done. So reserved and well behaved!

Fortunato leans stiffly forward as Thena makes her answer, as Orazio makes his induction. He clutches the bench on either side of him as if for balance.

Thena checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 6 higher.

Orazio is overheard praising Thena for: The very model of a modern Knight of Solace!

Rymarr checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 4 higher.

Magpie just smiles as Orazio brings that mace down, proclaiming Thena a knight and asking her to rise. There's no tension from him, just a comfortable contentment as he waits for the woman to stand.

Silas is overheard praising Thena for: Congratulations! Well-deserved!

Mayir is overheard praising Thena.

Tarik quietly watches the event and stands up to join in the praises of Thena.

Calaudrin is overheard praising Thena for: You make a better knight than a guard!

Rymarr is overheard praising Thena for: I like her armor. Who is she again?

Tarik is overheard praising Thena for: She started from the Lower Boroughs, and now she is here!

But what of Dog? Thena's hulk of a mastiff was supposed to be restrained by her personal aide Pyotr...but he's fallen asleep at the back of the cathedral. And so the beast pads quietly up the aisle, snorking softly, and stops by Mae expectantly.

Thena inclines her head again as the mace touches on her shoulder. She doesn't rise immediately when Orazio says she may, but it's not long before she stands nimbly. She doesn't turn around yet though, does she get to turn around yet?

Calaudrin is silent throughout the actual ceremony, minus a little chuckle that's shot in Esoka's direction for no reason at all. Thena gives his answer and he brings a hand up to rub something out of his eye. It's itchy.

Magpie is overheard praising Thena for: Who would have thought a Grayhope would be a knight?

Rymarr works himself up to his feet and collects his helmet. He works his way down through the pew that he's chosen as he seat. He pauses for a moment near Lucita, just long enough to lean down and quietly murmur to the lady. Then he's continuing to shuffle down the pew. To do so quietly, is clearly a difficult task as steel, rubicund, and alaricite plates rasp and clatter together. Once he's within the main aisleway, Rymarr's legs spread out and he begins to lightly bound from one foot to the other, with his arms held out and away from his body all in the interest of making a quiet departure as the ceremony begins to wind to a close. He fails. Miserably. As the clattering armored form ridiculously marches out with his elbows thrown out to the sides and his legs bowed out from one another.

Silas seems to beam when Thena's knighthood is granted. It's like witnessing a wedding for him. He won't get misty-eyed... he -won't-. He turns to pet the crestfallen corgi at his feet, and to convey instructions to the two guardsmen behind him.

Rymarr has left the Noble Pews.

Daemon is all smiles as Thena's ceremony draws to its epicenter, with the mace touching her shoulders. He raises the hilt of his blade just a fraction in solidarity with the gesture, his unblemished face sporting a wide grin.

Orazio grins at her, not letting her off the hook to turn around until he turns to an acolyte to hand off the ceremonial mace, then turns back to Thena. "Dame Thena, it is a pleasure and an honor." And now, now he gestures for her to turn around and face the others, and says, "Let us all congratulate Dame Thena of the Knights of Solace." As one, the other Silver Order Knights let out a brief but ceiling-rattling cheer.

Leona never really sat, standing in the alcove almost as though she is a statue there, watching the ceremony, but watching the people in attendance as much as anything else. Something has put a thoughtful look on her face but then the ceremony is over and she seems very like to mingle - up until the point Rymarr makes his incredibly unstealthy egress. Her attention is caught, her head turning in one incredulous moment before she returns her focus to the new Dame with the stoicism needed (frequently) in her position.

Tarik continues standing and applauding for Thena for a few moments, before he departs the Cathedral.

Esoka dips her chin, just a little, to Rymarr when she catches his look. Hello, there. Her expression takes on a thoughtful look as the knightly vows are recited. A mix of pride and quiet deliberation. Like she's turning each phrase over in her brain. But there's just joy in her eyes are Thena rises a knight. She //beams//, joining in the cheering with loud, happy yells.

Tarik has left the Commoner Pews.

Fortunato pauses that beat when the Silver Order cheers, doing his furtive, fervid check-round, but then he stands, and now he does clap. His smile is real and wide, and all for his cousin.

Daemon joins in with the sounds of steel mitts clanging together as he applauds the new Knight of Solace. He even stands to do so, crimson and grey plates making a bit of a racket as he shoots up to offer her a congratulatory cheer! With a look back toward the pews, he sets his face-guard down over his helmet and steadily makes for the exit, as not to disturb the ceremony any further than some other armored souls.

Mayir is all class. So he whistles and hoots and claps for the newest Godsworn Knight of Solace that is his cousin that he has never quite met.

Daemon has left the Quiet Alcove.

Elegance leaves, following Daemon.

Suddenly, there's a very big dog staring at Mae. She turns to look, and then she's wide eyed again. Is this a dire dog? Sure seems dire. "He has it," Mae whispers, quickly, and then thumbs at Mayir. "Not me!" she hisses out. Thankfully, Mae's bartering with a dog is overpowered by the cheering of knights. Which also gives Mae a good excuse to rise up, and also start clapping. All while side-eyeing that big dog.

"Woooo!!! YEAH THENA!" Magpie yells, jumping to his feet and bringing his fingers to his lips to let out a piercing shriek of a whistle. "You did it!" He calls with over the top enthusiasm.

Mae is overheard praising Thena for: Grayhopes can do anything!

Lucita remains for a moment or two more, looking around at those present and the surroundings before she finally rises and makes her way out, following some of the others.

Lucita has left the Noble Pews.

Thena turns to face to crowd and while her head cocks briefly at the spectacle of Rymarr...whatevering...out of the Cathedral, but a real smile dawns on her face as everyone starts making lots of noise and she raises one hand. She'd shake her blade but let's face it, it's a dagger and it would look kinda silly.

Nisaa smiles and while others near her explode in hoots and hollers, she claps delicate hands in a respectful, quiet manner.

Calaudrin gets to his feet and begins to loudly clap, hoot and hooler and make an all around ruckus once he's given the opportunity to do so.

The solemn and serious part of the ceremony MUST be over, because Orazio doesn't scowl at all the cheering, but rather steps back and offers applause of his own.

Silas enthusiastically joins the other knights as they cheer, perhaps a bit too raucously for a man of his now noble bearing. "Whoooo go Thea! Dame Thena Grayhope!" It has a nice ring to it, he thinks. When the initial celebration dies down, the two guardsmen step forward and present the armor they were carrying to her: a set of exotic leather pieces, minus the bracers and greaves, along with a... -unique- tentacled helmet. "A gift from the Iron Guard. The, uh, helmet design was suggested by Sparte - who is currently in Maelstrom. The rest of it should still be considered fashionable."

Thena drops a metal armor stand with crosspieces.

Thena glances at Orazio and, seeing him not glowering, hops lightly down the altar steps and into the crowd as Silas and co bring forward their burden. Her gaze tracks over the pieces in wonder and she reaches out to run a finger down the blue brigandine, then there's a short burst of laughter as she sees the helmet and...immediately wrests it from the stand and puts it on. "How's it sit?"

Thena gets a blue leather helm with tentacles dangling from the mouth from a metal armor stand with crosspieces.

Fortunato braces his chin on the light curve-in of his fingers and considers Thena speculatively. "I-- huh. You're like your own prayer-tree, with added spookiness." He sounds approving.

Calaudrin looks at the tentacled helmet with a skeptical expression before finally saying, "That really does sound like something Sparte would suggest." When she puts the helmet on, he stares for a moment and then begins to laugh. "That really suits you. I think you should wear it on all of your journeys out of the city."

Esoka looks the armor stand over with appreciation as it's presented. Though the tentacled helmet gets a blink. And a snort. "Guardsman Sparte has a...fierce sense of humor. But you wear it well, Dame Thena!"

Orazio clears his throat, watching the helmet be tried on. "It's...ah, unique. Very unique." At least he sounds amused rather than horrified. He nods to an acolyte to start taking the tome and other supplies away.

"Oh... my," Mae says, her eyes going wide. "You look like a monster, Thena!" she blurts across the cathedral. Because, well. Tentacles.

"Huh... " Magpie says when Thena puts on the helmet, snickering. "That's pretty neat." He muses, shaking his head. Then he leans over to murmur a question to Fortunato.

Leona is oddly tense, but as Thena is embraced by her adoring fans she collects herself and then states to Thena, "Well done, Dame Thena. The Thraxians you encounter will at least think you one of their own." Presumably she knows a bit about the architecture of Maelstrom, the former Thrax Princess. "And it will add a certain... flair to your memories of the day."

Silas seems a hint relieved when Thena seems to like the helmet, and looks approving when she tries on the brigandine. "It seems to fit you well. That's another worry gone." He chuckles and nods when the others offer their own assessments. "You will frighten or puzzle the enemy before you show them your steel."

Thena looks mightily pleased. Only no one can see it. "Silas. This is too much, thank you so much." At least she pulls the helm off and places it on the armor stand BEFORE she throws her arms around her former boss in a, stop the presses, quick hug. Then she beams at Leona. "Commander! Thank you for coming! Really?" She cocks her head at the armor stand, then looks back at the woman. "That's good news, as I'm supposed to head out to Maelstrom soon."

Leona raises one eyebrow. "Are you? Be safe then in your travels. I think you'll find it to be a very unique city. But it does fairly well explain the casual nature we often have toward the horrors that sometimes appear in the world." She offers Thena a smile. "I'm sure you'll enjoy it there."

Tarik walks back into the Cathedral after sending off a messenger.

Silas gets a hug, and happily returns it! With all the clunkiness that follows someone who hugs while in a set of full plate. "You're very welcome. Good work, Thena. We're proud of you." He jerks his thumb to the armor stand the rest of the armor still occupied. "You can keep the armor stand, too."