Atlantic Roleplay Community Boards

[Aurelia Bretane]

---

Aurelia slid the sword from its metal sheath slowly, unaccustomed as she was to handling such dangerous weaponry. Light from the stately tall candles that illuminated the tiny church glinted off the polished steel in a flash as she lifted the sword and looked up the blade, wide-eyed. She swallowed, slowing her breath in an effort to calm her nerves.

With a flourish, she inverted the sword and lifted the pommel, the blade now pointed downward as she studied the quiet man who stood before her. She spoke softly, with conviction. “Place yer ‘and with mine ‘pon the sword.”

His movement was swift, and seemed far more sure than she felt. Corvus placed his hand upon the pommel with hers and lifted his gaze to meet hers directly for the first time since his arrival. His hair was tied up carelessly, and dark tendrils fell down about his face and neck. His dark gaze was deep – somber – conveying complete faith and loyalty.

Aurelia fought back a shudder as the gravity of the moment penetrated her to the bone. This was so far beyond anything she’d ever known or experienced in the noble homes of Minoc. It was thrilling, electrifying – and almost terrifying. Again she swallowed hard and took a deep breath.

“In accordance with th’ ideals ‘pon which Ashencrosse is founded, I ask only that th’ virtues be upheld by her citizens. Of you, however, I ask more.”

Corvus kept his gaze fixed on hers as she recited the oath by memory as she had repeatedly for three days in front of the mirror in Eclyse’s cottage. Eclyse had sat silently, stolidly, for each rehearsal, save for a correction or suggestion now and again in the course of her speech. Now the gravity of each word fell heavy upon Aurelia as she began to realize what she asked of this darkly-clad gentleman before her.

“In times o’ war, ye agree t’ be called to arms by your Countess in defense o’ Ashencrosse an’ her allies. At all times, ye will uphold the virtues an’ defend them, in demeanour an’ in action. This is Ashencrosse's Oath o’ Knighthood. D’ ye willingly accept an’ take this oath, an’ swear t’ defend yer land an’ yer Countess?”

Corvus’ hand did not flinch from the pommel of the sword as he spoke quietly and evenly. “With all my heart, aye, I will.”

Aurelia nodded and smiled gently. “As ye ‘ave sworn allegiance t’ me, so do I unto ye. Please kneel ‘pon the step before ye.”

Corvus did as she asked, head bowed, as Aurelia lifted the sword and allowed the flat of its blade to fall upon each of his shoulders.

“By my vested faith in th’ virtues an’ in service t’ Ashencross, I dub thee ‘Knight o’ Ashencrosse.’ Arise a knight, Sir Corvus.”

[Eclyse Christian]

---

Her stomach churned, empty and aching as she watched from the darkness just beyond the church’s threshold. The candlelight painted only her face as she leaned against the archway and watched silently.

Aurelia had come so far since the wilder and more rebellious days of their youth. Eclyse couldn’t help smiling to see what had become of her best friend since childhood. Aurelia spoke the oath, line for line, never faltering. Eclyse envied her conviction, at this moment.

The scant witnesses present smiled as Corvus spoke. “With all my heart, aye, I will.”

With all his heart…

Eclyse blinked away unexpected tears as he knelt before his Countess. The blade’s first fall upon his shoulder struck a blow through her being that she neither expected, nor understood. But it was more than she could take. She had stripped the ceremony to barest essentials, but it cleaved her soul all the same. Before the blade could fall upon Corvus’ other shoulder, Eclyse tore off blindly into the night, allowing the darkness of Malas to conceal the heat of fitful tears. Her faith divided, all she could do now was run.