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Post by Kisaiya on Feb 13, 2021 3:09:41 GMT
Months had passed since Kisaiya had finally unlocked her Embodiment. The voice of Samshiel still spoke to her from time to time, but these days, her focus was on understanding what Embodiment and her newfound abilities truly meant.
The sun had just set when the Priests found her in her room, a book in hand. They were quick to usher her out with no real explanation... Then again, that was normal. If they gave her the opportunity to ask questions, she never stopped. The scarf tied around her waist, her bare feet, and the necklace of coins and bells were the only things of her culture that Keza had managed to hold on to, at least when the Priests were around. Other than that, she was dressed like any typical 17 year old tomboy. Groaning quietly, she allowed the Priests to lead her into the courtyard behind the Church, where they formed something of a wall, restricting her escape.
Probably smart.
She stood there, her arms crossed, and glanced around. What on earth was this all about?
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Post by Dymtre on Feb 13, 2021 3:18:24 GMT
Dymtre would already be standing there, tall and proud with his signature smile his walking stick collapsed and hanging on his hip. One of his prized possessions, a gift from his Fiancee's caravan. Though one may not perceive it from his passive expressions he was eager and excited!
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Post by Z Stradivari on Feb 13, 2021 3:25:07 GMT
Z would be waiting in the courtyard, standing beside A'moni and facing Dymtre with his normal goofy smile. Almost looking sleepy with his eyes closed as they always were. He would alert the others to the new arrival before she was in eyesight, proudly and excitedly exclaiming "Lady Kiki is here!!!"
He would hop excitedly with his shield, not at all looking the part of a knight. This made all the more apparent by his goofy nickname and animated gestures as he pointed to the empty space she was about to occupy.
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Post by Amon'i Generation on Feb 13, 2021 3:38:28 GMT
Amon'i stood by patiently, prim and proper like she always was, idly tapping her fingers on the pommel of her sword. This was the day, the day everything was going to change. The moment Ki began jumping around, Amon'i shifted slightly and swatted her free hand at the back of his head.
"Silence. Front and proper. Remember why we're here." She murmured to where only he would hear, and although he couldn't see, he would definitely feel the daggers she was staring into the back of his head.
Then, as Kisaiya emerged, she shuffled her feet in the grass and resumed her perfect poise, her eyes following the priests as they led the Embodiment over to her to-be husband.
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Post by Kisaiya on Feb 13, 2021 3:44:36 GMT
Keza stood beside Dymtre, careful to keep space between them, and stared at the two Pages. She knew them... of course she knew them. But she spent as little time around them both as she could.
The Head Priest moved to the center of the courtyard, between the Pages and the Angels, with a sword gripped in one hand. The tip dragged ever so slightly across the ground, until he came to a stop, facing the Pages.
"Here. Come. Zadkiel, kneel, and speak. May the Angels favor you, and hear your words."
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Post by Dymtre on Feb 13, 2021 3:46:15 GMT
Dymtre would tilt his head in interest to hear what Oath the first of his friends would make!
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Post by Z Stradivari on Feb 13, 2021 4:17:33 GMT
He would quickly straighten up after A'moni hit his head. Posture perfect and proud. He held his breath the entire time until he was asked to approach. stepping forward and letting out a deep breath to remove the purple from his face.
This was it. The moment Z had waited for his entire life was before him. All of his life's training, everything he had ever worked for now before him. Today was the day he took his oath as a knight.
True to himself, he kept his easygoing, goofy smile as he took a knee. His shield arm to his side and his other fist over his chest, fist on heart.
First step... pledge loyalty.
"My sovereign angels, I pledge my undying loyalty to you. I promise my service as a protector and ally to you for as long as I live. I am your armed servant, and whenever danger arises I swear to be your first line of defense against whatever may rise against you. No matter how dangerous or daunting your opposition may be. Night and day I will be your vigilant watch and attend you as long as my presence is needed."
Good, now make an oath. One that is both a demonstration of loyalty and will help you better preserve your sovereign and your order. Something that is ultimately for your betterment as a person.
"I give now an oath of purity. Purity of mind, word, action, thoughts. To keep my body free of hedonistic corruption, speak only the truth, never raise my weapon unless it is to protect you, your interests, and my fellow knights and then it will only be out of absolute necessity. I promise to be kind, charitable, and faithful to all even in the face of overwhelming adversity. To never judge another being by any preconceived biases and always act with mercy and forgiveness in my heart. Finally I promise to seek out complete purity. Become completely free of any corruption to further be of service to you and glorify your names forever."
Finally, make it official, and stay bowed until you are knighted.
"I pledge this to you, my order, and myself. Till death and beyond." Z would remain still, waiting for further instruction. Though this obedience was really just because he was thinking about if he looked like a hella dope knight to A'moni! He learned all of it from her, and he really wanted to make her proud. His smile grew bigger just thinking about it.
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Post by Amon'i Generation on Feb 13, 2021 4:36:59 GMT
Eyes of judgement followed Ki as he took his knee, and Amon'i stuck her head up slightly as she carefully observed him. His frame, his posture, his gaze... everything. Her dancing fingers come to a rest atop the hilt of her blade, and she crossed her other arm across her chest, balling her fist against her heart, as she listened to his words.
She closed her eyes, envisioning the unknown challenges ahead of him, and how his oath would shape him throughout his journey. A slight smile touched her lips, lips that usually remained stiff, on a face that was always expressionless. Despite his childlike nature, he was a damn good knight, when he wanted to be. All in all, he stayed true to himself, and that made him someone worth her respect...and love.
A single tear rolled down her cheek, and she caught it on the tip of her finger, staring at it briefly, before flicking it away.
He had come a long way... but he still had a long road ahead of him. They both did.
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Post by Kisaiya on Feb 13, 2021 4:40:30 GMT
The Priest raised his sword, pressing the flat of the blade against Z's right shoulder. "Your Priests have heard your words, and accept your oath. May the Angels find favor in them as well. Remain upon your knee until they deem you worthy."
With that, he lowered the blade.
"Here. Come. Amon'i, kneel and speak. May the Angels favor you, and hear your words."
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Post by Dymtre on Feb 13, 2021 4:45:04 GMT
Dymtre nodded at Z as he made his oath. It was a good one, strong. He would make for an excellent guardian. Now it was time for his other dear friend to pledge, he was quite curious what Oath she had prepared for such an occasion. She was far more serious in her duties as a Page and fought hard for her place in the Knights due to her family's chosen knight. While they had no relation to Lancelot, there were still whispers that the name itself was cursed or tainted, and Amon'i walked every day with her head held high to prove them all wrong. Dymtre was excited to see how she would prove her worth yet again.
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Post by Z Stradivari on Feb 13, 2021 5:02:48 GMT
Suddenly, with those words alone, he was validated. It was surreal, overwhelming, and sobering. He was always the lesser knight, the embarrassing one of the lot. The one who had to work countless extra hours and endure countless punishments just to catch up. Not that it mattered to him, but for his hard work to actually mean something. To him it meant the world, but not in a prideful sense.
For him it meant he was now really worthy to stand beside A'moni. The model of a knight who was his everything. She had so much to prove, and all the while had to carry him on her back. She was his rock, his confidence, his motivation, and today he earned the right to stay beside her. The person he loved more than anyone else in the world.
Z would remain knelt in perfect form. "Thank you father, and thank you my angels." Tears began to well up in his eyes and stream down his face slowly. Though he still maintained his trademark smile and stayed in perfect form, not going to mess it up now. Holding back the tidal wave of emotion while A'moni got her turn to take her well-deserved post.
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Post by Amon'i Generation on Feb 13, 2021 6:09:42 GMT
As soon as her name was spoken, Amon'i fell to a knee next to her beloved comrade, assuming a picture perfect pose as she crossed an arm over her chest.
She exhaled sharply, reminding herself once more why she was there, and what all she had left to prove. This ceremony was everything she had worked so hard for... and as prideful as she was, this was no time to flaunt it. It had to be perfect, for her, for Ki, for the Church...and for the Embodiments.
First, a pledge of loyalty, as per standard.
"My sovereign angels, I pledge my undying loyalty to you. I promise to stand by your side as your Sword, your valiant protector, primed to swiftly act on your behalf, day and night, rain and shine, whenever and wherever my presence is required. I promise to serve you as your guardian, your armed servant, and to aid you no matter how meticulous or dangerous the task. My life is yours to command. My soul is part of yours."
Then, an Oath to stay true to herself.
"My Oath is one of Devotion, Honor, and Courage. I will not only act as your esteemed knight, but as your mentor. I promise to bestow my knowledge upon you, to guide you through life, through uncertain times, to ensure you reach your fullest potential and ascend in the ways that you aspire. Furthermore, I vow to devote my life to you, to your protection, your goals, to train and meditate with a goal of surpassing my own limits, to ascend as a benevolent force capable of guiding, inspiring, and protecting not only you, my angels, but those who share your light, your will, and your aspirations, to eternally glorify your names. Finally, I promise to never act on impulse, to always obey your word, and to keep a clear mind to act on rational and efficient decisions. May my services prove worthy to your needs."
And then, to officialize it.
"I pledge this to you, myself, my dearest comrade, and the Church, from now until my dying breath."
She raised her head slightly to signal that she was finished, and patiently awaited further instructions.
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Post by Kisaiya on Feb 13, 2021 13:30:26 GMT
The Priest raised the sword once more, pressing the flat blade against the her right shoulder. "Your Priests have heard your words, and accept your oath. May the Angels find favor in them as well. Remain upon your knee until they deem you worthy."
Allowing the blade to drop, he turned to the Embodiments behind him, his gaze passing by Kisaiya briefly before landing on Dymtre. The dismissal made her hair stand on end in indignation, but for once, she managed to keep quiet.
"The Angel of Silence, Watcher of our lands, please step forward. Take this sword," when Dymtre moved forward, the Priest would gently place the hilt of the sword in the blind man's hand. "And place the flat of the blade against the left shoulder of your chosen Guardian. Usher them into Knighthood as your sworn companion, and accept their Oath and their life. Speak to them, and allow them to rise to their feet, so that they may serve you."
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Post by Dymtre on Feb 13, 2021 19:46:03 GMT
Dymtre took the sword and stepped forward twirling the sword in his hand effortlessly for a moment before placing the sword between the two Knights.
"Both of you have made Brilliant Pledges, and Excellent Oaths, you should be as proud of yourselves as we are of you."
He would say with a smile that was bright and warm.
"You've made it difficult for me to choose between you two. For not only will I be choosing the guardian that is best fit for me, but also be choosing the guardian best suited to protecting my Fiancee."
He would fall Silent for a moment.
"Zadkiel, your Oath is one of Purity of Heart, Mind, and Soul. Amon'i yours is one of Honor and Guidance. Both are commendable and full of wisdom."
Dymtre raised the sword to his face and then lowered it Gently onto Z's shoulder.
"Zadkiel, you are whom I choose to be my guardian. Together with your shield and purity we shall stand strong together as an unmovable stone in the middle of the river of injustice."
He would turn his head to Amon'i.
"I expect you to do your best in keeping my Fiancee safe and protected. Guide her well."
With that he would finish Knighting Z and offer the sword to Keza!
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Post by Z Stradivari on Feb 13, 2021 20:07:16 GMT
A'moni's oath was breathtaking as she was. A perfect end to her perfect time as a page. Beautifully and effortlessly delivered, Zadkiel could not be more happy to be a knight alongside her.
Then there was Dymtre. The sweet boy from his childhood. Sovereign and yet a friend the whole time, even to a screw-up like him. He now stood as the one to knight him, regal and tall.
Z was honored to be chosen, and his tears would start really streaming down his face now. He would stand up as instructed with perfect posture, now a real knight. He had so many things to say, but he would wait, it was A'moni's moment now.
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Post by Kisaiya on Feb 13, 2021 20:21:40 GMT
Keza took the sword a bit awkwardly. She knew what was expected of her, here, but the thought of accepting some sort of lifelong oath still didn't quite sit right with her. Slowly, she stepped towards Amon'i, holding the sword in her left hand. She stared down at the woman for a long, agonizing moment. Even the Priests held their breath: Keza was an outsider, and she had done everything she could for the last four years to avoid all of this.
When she raised the sword, there was a collective sigh. So she wasn't going to reject Amon'i after all. However, in a strange twist of fate, she first placed the flat of the blade against the side of the woman's neck. There was no aggression or violence in the gesture. She leaned forward and whispered in the woman's ear, low enough that the priests couldn't hear.
"You deserve true Knighthood... Sir Amon'i," she murmured, her Romani accent still as thick as it had been as a child.
Then, standing up straight, she twisted her wrist and placed the flat of the blade against her left shoulder.
"I accept you," she murmured, rather anticlimactic. "Rise to your feet."
With that, she scrambled backwards rather quickly, and handed off the sword to the Head Priest.
He smiled at her as she retreated, obviously relieved that she hadn't gone out of her way to ruin the ceremony. "Rise now, Knights of the Round Table, and join your Angels!"
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Post by Dymtre on Feb 13, 2021 20:28:53 GMT
Dymtre was the first to start clapping, as the Knights joined their Angels. He wasn't worried about Keza trying to ruin the ceremony. He had come to trust her, and while she didn't like it here it wasn't in her nature to ruin things out of spite. Especially if since the ceremony itself was for the Knights, and the Angels were just Obligatory parts of the ceremony. Still, he was happy.
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Post by Z Stradivari on Feb 13, 2021 21:04:06 GMT
Everyone seemed so concerned about Kiki. Z could feel their heart beats getting more intense, their bodies tensing. Even she seemed uncomfortable. He wasn't going to even waver in his expression though. He just vowed to never make a judgment of someone out of bias, so he trusted her completely.
When she was knighted, and everyone stood up and clapped, he immediately turned to A'moni, holding back his urge to glomp her so hard he was shaking. Instead he would just let his tears flow out completely.
"We did it. Your oath was beautiful Mon mon"
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Post by Amon'i Generation on Feb 13, 2021 21:19:13 GMT
Amon'i embraced the feeling of the cold steel rubbing against her neck, duly noting the more traditional gesture, before smiling faintly at the feeling of the blade against her shoulder, and the words Kisaiya murmured into her ear.
True Knighthood. Sir Amon'i.
The words rang in her ears, and pure ecstasy ran through her body. In that moment, she couldn't stop the toothy smile that painted its way onto her face. Her eyes shot open at the sound of applause, and she dropped her arm to her side as she returned to her perfect, formal posture. First, she turned to Ki, extending a hand to rest on his shoulder. The grin on her face grew even wider, and though he wouldn't be able to see it, he would certainly feel her finally making a genuine expression, after all those years of carrying around a cold, void, visage.
"Kocham CiÄ™."
She murmured in his ear, before turning to join Kisaiya and Dymtre.
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Post by Kisaiya on Feb 13, 2021 21:23:59 GMT
The Priests followed Dymtre's example, all applauding with an obvious enthusiasm as the two newly appointed Knights joined their charges. The Head Priest turned to face the small group of four, a smile across his face. He held out the sword and one of the other Holy men came to take it from him. He approached, slowly, and held his arms out in a gesture of acceptance.
"You four are a team, now, bound by Destiny and by Oath. Each of you knows your duty, and we wish you all the blessings of the Angels as you prepare for your journey."
"J-j-journey?" Kisaiya finally spoke up, straightening a little at that. She saw the Priest give her a sideways glance before he continued.
"May the world know Salvation and Peace, by your hands, and by God."
Each of the other priests murmured a soft, "By God," before they began to disperse, leaving the courtyard and returning to the church building. The four were the only ones to remain.
With that, Kisaiya turned to look first at Dymtre, then at the Knights. Her red eyes were wide, and she reached up, grasping the necklace of coins and bells she wore without thinking. "What did he mean by journey?" she asked.
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