The Knighting of Seren. (Open to Altins)

[MARKUS SEREN]

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He could hear the speaker through the door. The king was likely to be announced soon, as well as Lady Falter. Then he'd walk out there.....

He was terrified, but standing tall; thankful he'd used the chamber pot before he'd been girded in the armor.


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template:[/b] nyx, kasana & OMG ITS KATE ?!
image credit:[/b] Google (Nikolaj
clothes:[/b] Altin Knight's Armor. (As image)
words:[/b]
notes:[/b] King Xavier Calixte, Kiena Falter, (Open besides) [/quote]

[KIENA FALTER]

So this was to be it.

The first proper engagement she'd attended as more than just Kiena, since Xavier's coronation. That had been a hurried time though. Yes, great thought had gone into the ceremony, but Kiena had felt like she'd blinked and he'd suddenly been King. Which, she supposed, had been what happened. And with the war with Xaranth looming, there hadn’t been any real feasts or such to speak of.

Now Kiena fiddled a little nervously with her dress as she waited just beyond the entrance doors. She knew the man that was to be knighted here today. Markus Seren. He’d accompanied her on some of her rides.

He was pleasant enough, even if, though she’d never tell anyone for fear of him being reprimanded over her, he had made her feel slightly inadequate in her role as future queen. But she had to thank him somewhat. He had made her realize she needed to be better than she was. That she needed to improve herself. And she would, she’d sworn it to herself.

At least one good thing she could think of would come from today’s ceremony. Markus would be knighted. He’d told her something of himself and she had felt bad for the man who seemed to be a point of shame for this household, though it was unfounded in her mind. So he wasn’t legitimate? He was still a part of the household, and by extension, the royal family. He deserved better than to be relegated to shadows.

Pushing aside those thoughts as someone approached her, Kiena schooled her features. It seemed like the time was fast approaching.

[XAVIER CALIXTE]

Xavier had a terrible, splitting headache. To make matters worse, this was his first knighting ceremony ever. Sure, he had watched them when his father was king. But now he was king. A servant stood by with a scroll listing the steps of the ceremony, and he anxiously reviewed them.

Then, with a slightly trembling step, Xavier stepped out into the audience chamber, as the trumpets sang, and his people bowed. That was all he needed to give him confidence. He sent an aide to find his Lady, and hesitantly sat on his throne. The servant knelt, and Xavier read the first part of the scroll aloud:

"We are met here today to solemnly enroll the Squire, Markus Seren, in the order of the Knights of Altin."
He paused for applause, which was, of course, forthcoming. The people loved ceremony, and knighting especially. Especially in these dark times, where they knew that every knight might well give his life to defend theirs. For everyone knew that war loomed ominously all around them.

"Let the Squire approach!"
The trumpets sounded.

[KIENA FALTER]

Kiena was escorted into the ceremony and up to the front by one of the attendents. She was shown to her seat, next to the King's chair of course, and she sat down as the attendent hurried away. Most of the court was gathered here for the knighting it seemed. The young woman was not yet crowned Queen, but the entire court knew that was only a matter of time. The war came first, even Kiena had agreed with Xavier's decision on that.

The young woman was brought from her thoughts as the trumpets sounded, and she stood as the King entered, a smile on her face. She reclaimed her seat when Xavier did and he spoke before the trumpets sounded once more, this time to signal the entrance of Markus to be knighted.

Kiena reached across and took her beloveds hand to lend him her support as the squire was shown in. She could see something was weighing heavily on his mind and hoped she could somewhat ease the burden on what was supposed to be a happy occasion. When Markus was set in his place for the knighting, Kiena gave Xavier's hand one last squeeze before she released it so he could continue with the ceremony.

[MARKUS SEREN]

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[XAVIER CALIXTE]

Kiena had arrived, and she instantly brought a smile to Xavier's face. Her support strengthened him always, but especially now, in his public speaking (which he was less than fully confident about).

Then the doors swung open, and Markus stepped out, walking easily but confidently towards the king. Xavier marveled for a moment at the situation; he, a nineteen year old, barely crowned king, was knighting a 23 year old, the bastard son of his older brother. His nephew, even!

But Xavier tried to shut these thoughts from his mind, and focused on the task at hand. He had memorized the Knight's Oath, for he was to prompt Markus in what he was to say. The Squire approached, and indicated his readiness.

Xavier took a breath, and began to speak: "If it is your intention to seek the honor of Knighthood, speak now the Oath which shall bind you to Us with an indissoluble tie."[/color]
He opened the scroll, rolled it open, and held it for Markus to read:

"I here swear fealty and do homage to the Crown of the Kingdom of Altin;
to ever be a good knight and true,
reverent and generous,
shield of the weak,
obedient to my liege-lord,
foremost in battle,
courteous at all times,
champion of the right and the good.
Thus swear I, _______"

Xavier smiled warmly at the squire before him. He was sure the man would be an able and apt defender of the crown. And they needed every one of those that they could find.

[MARKUS SEREN]

Markus noticed Keina standing to Xavier's side. He was glad to see her there. Attending, and alert. She looked more confident and focused.

But his attention to her was but a glimpse. He focused on the matter at hand. He knew the oath, and knew it was custom to expand on what was written.

"I here swear fealty and do homage to the Crown of the Kingdom of Altin;
to ever be a fair knight and true,
honorable and generous,
shield to the people,
loyal to my liege-lord,
Vanguard in War,
Sentinel in Peace
Truthful at all times,
champion of the right and the good.
Thus swear I, Markus Seren"

[XAVIER CALIXTE]

Markus had recited the Oath without fail, and even with elaboration, as often was the custom. With an approving smile, Xavier rose. It was now his time to speak. "Right mindful of your prowess on the field, and responsive to the wishes of your peers, we are minded to make you knight.

Know that to wear the belt and chain of a knight is to hold a sacred trust; that the obligations of knighthood will demand your efforts every moment of your life.

A knight must respect all those who are weak or defenseless, whether because of age, infirmity, poverty, or vow, and be steadfast in defending them.

A knight must love his Kingdom and his province, and fulfill most faithfully his feudal duties to his lord and his King.

His word must be dependable beyond doubt or question. He must never flee from the face of his foes. He must be generous to all. And, always and everywhere, he must be the champion of the right and the good.

The Laws of the people and the customs of the Kingdom require that a knight be prow, as you have demonstrated you are upon the field; that a knight be courteous, as you have shown yourself to be and as these noble gentleman (and ladies) attest; and that a knight be loyal to his Kingdom."[/color]

Xavier took a deep breath, and then, gesturing to an aide, who fastened a belt around Markus' waist. As the belt was being fastened, Xavier said: "Wear this belt in token of your prowess."[/color]

The King received the chain, and as he placed it about the squire's neck, said: "Wear this chain in token of your fealty."[/color]

As the aide knelt and fastened spurs to Markus' heels, Xavier said, "Wear these spurs in outward token of your new station."[/color]

Then the aide brought a sword, and, kneeling, offerred it to Markus.
"Bear your sword with strength, so disposing your heart to goodness that you never use it to injure anyone unjustly, but always use it to defend the just and right."[/color]


Then the King received the ceremonial blade and struck the new Knight upon the shoulders with the flat of the blade, saying:

"Bear these blows and no others. Rise, Sir Markus, Knight of Altin, Defender of the Realm."[/color]

Xavier smiled warmly again at Markus. A new knight. Then the trumpets blared, presenting the new Knight to the people. And they cheered. They too were worried about the future, and knew that each knight was sworn to defend them to the death.

[MARKUS SEREN]

Markus stood as he was required as the boons and burdens were placed upon him. Altin wasn't the sort of nation that lavished gifts on it's knights. The chain was simple, but strong steel. The Spurs had a glossing on them but that would fade to show the sturdy metal beneath it.

The belt was... well it was a belt. Good leather but nothing more.

He knelt as he was bidden, and rose when called. Such was the call for a knight. The applause was genuine from some of the lesser lords, but Markus could feel a few dagger stares in his back. He was a knight, and one who would serve the king directly.

None of the lords with the power to knight him as liege-lords beneath the King wanted him. Perhaps to avoid the chiding of their peers? But his bastardy earned him a saddle of effect.

He was a Knight-Errant of Altin.

"So long as I have breath, I shall protect this land, her people, and those who would stand beside them as friends." His words were drowned out by the crowd but he was sure the king and those beside him, could hear.

[KIENA FALTER]

As the ceremony progressed, Kiena continued looking between Xavier as he spoke, and Markus as he did the same.

She had never seen one of these ceremonies up close before, so she found it all rather fascinating. Yes, naive though she was in the ways of the court mostly, but she was learning. Markus had himself pointed out some of the things she need to work on, and she was doing so now. Studying everything she saw.

Markus was presented with the various items before Xavier said for him to rise. When he did, the young woman's smile widened. He was a Knight. His dream had come true.

She joined in the applause for the newest addition to Altin's Knights and stood from her seat also. She inclined her head to both the men, her smile never faltering. She was happy for Markus, since she now knew his story. Hopefully this would help him think better of himself.

Kiena in no way thought as harshly of him as he had seemed to think of himself.

[MARKUS SEREN]

The applause ebbing, the king was approached by a few courtiers seeking audience. Markus nodded nodded and sent a polite, but level, smile toward Kiena. He was sure one of the lords would waste no time in suggesting a den of wolves to toss Markus into.

But that would only serve to strengthen his drive. He would protect this land, and it's people. ALL of them. Not simply the wealthy and high born.

Every bastard and Beggar, every cripple and whore would know him as their defense.

He stood in the hall a moment, as the people stood around, and made his way out of the hall.

(Exit-Markus)