Bisland Knighting of Lady Joslyn has started at Arx - Ward of House Grayson - Bisland Manor - Great Hall.

Watching another join the ranks of Knights in the realm is one of life's pleasures for Alis, and it went without saying that she would most definitely show up for the knighting of a friend. She takes the time upon entering to admire the splendor that's been set up, lips curling upward at the mesic and decor. If the woman of the hour is there already, she will lift her hand to wave before finding a place from which to watch the proceedings. Smol Knights, Unite!

Samael stands at the front of the great hall greeting Bisland cousins, vassals and allies. "Good evening," he says with his Samael smile. "Thank you for coming." He is holding a red wine glass and servants around the hall have glasses of Tor wine. Servants are diligent and attentive to fetch anything anyone wishes from the kitchen.

Hana slips in /just/ before the proceedings start, taking a seat in the audience as inobtrusively as possible and folding her hands in her lap.

Erasyl, a sharp-eyed thick-billed raven arrives, following Eshken.

Erasyl, a sharp-eyed thick-billed raven have been dismissed.

In strides Dame Esoka Greenblood. The twin scimitars of the Twain, Riven's heirloom weapon, worn. One on either hip. There's a drawn, worn look about her eyes. Hard days, these are. There's pride in her eyes as she takes in the pomp and circumstance that's been arrayed for Joslyn, though, all the same.

Room Mood: The great hall is set up in regal splendor as to be expected at such an important event, its vaulted ceilings hosting countless banners of knights who have stepped through these halls before, a testament to the great men and woman who have risen to greatness under the banner of Bisland. A warm buzz of those gathered to witness and laud the minting of a new Bisland knight fills the room as soft music falls upon the notable guests from the minstrel balcony above. A row of stunning candled grand chandeliers hang above casting the space in a golden light that creates a warm and intimate glow that reflects off the large bay windows that look out to the neatly manicured grounds outside. Guarded on each side by two life-size stone lions, a great fire fills the hall's large hearth keeping the chill at bay.

At far end of the hall, the raised dais where the Bisland lords and ladies hold court is draped with purple and green silk and long swaths of gold fabric, echoing the decor around the hall, and dozens of extravagant bouquets of the last of the summer roses decorate the banquet tables to each side. On the wall, two tapestries of a regal roaring golden lions on a silver field, fierce and regal in countenance, embrace an elegant banner that depicts a purple mountain with three dark green trees in front of it.

Alexis has arrived on Viviana's arm, the knight wearing bright white and gold, from aeterna dress to silken cloak and her gold and silver jewellery. Her swords are strapped more ceremonially across her back and anything else. She bows to Samael, of course, and accepts a glass of wine, leaning against Viviana. "Do you see Lady Delilah or Lady Joslyn anywhere?" She asks of her date, as she gives bright smiles and little waves of greeting to Alis and Esoka and Hana.

Eshken strides in with a soft step, taking in the grandeur of the decorated hall as he does, a moment taken to admire each banner as he makes his way to the side of Esoka, giving her a little nod in greeting. Samael receives a similar one, should Eshken catch his eye.

The woman of the hour is indeed present, standing in the back of the room, allowing everybody to assemble, and she casts a nervous smile towrads Alis, dipping a head as she clasps her hands before her, drawing a deep breath as she looks to Samael, listening to his words. She's opted to dress herself in fine seasilk, the sheer dress trailing behind her elegantly, modesty protected by a shift she wears beneath. Her hair has been done up in an elegant rose bun, held in place by a single hairpin, the Rose of Stonewood. At her side, Joslyn reaches out, clasping Delilah's hand in hers, squeezing tightly, sharing quiet words with her companion, as that nervous smile grows as she takes in the crowd.

Viviana, for her part, lingers with Alexis... dressed in a green gown, and with her own weapon strapped to her hip. Not the most practical combination, but somehow the occasion doesn't seem a fit one for her to be unarmed. She takes one of the offered glasses of wine, giving Alexis a little smile. "Looks like she's hiding in the back" Viviana comments lightly.

Esoka notes Alexis and Viviana together. A smile, albeit a tired one, is flashed to the both of them. "Dame Alexis. You're looking very well today. As is your companion. Hello, Lady Viviana." Her eyes follow Viviana's comment to the back of the room, trying to meet Joslyn's to offer her an encouraging dip of her chin. As Eshken joins her, she claps his arm fondly. "Cousin. Good to see you here."

With a tight squeeze to Joslyn's hand, Delilah inclines her head towards the other woman as she shares a few whispers with her. The Inquisitor rarely wears frilly dresses and pretty gowns out, but today is definitely an exception -- As is that bright smile that she adorns. Her cobalt irises set on a few friends slowly spilling in, and she offers them a polite wiggle of her fingers hello, should they return the gaze.

Samael smiles and greets Alis. "Welcome," he says. Hana gets the same. To Esoka he especially lights up. "Dame Esoka, my friend, welcome. So good to see you." He smiles and welcomes Alexis and Viviana. "That's right, they're over there," he says pointing toward Joslyn. He regards Joslyn with a fond smile and then turns back to welcome Eshken.

Mia arrived as she so often did -- briskly, purposefully, her gait the sort that tended to prompt most pedestrians to remove themselves from her path. And this time, on Thesarin's arm. (Perhaps she'd simply grown used to walking that way as a means of keeping up with the man's long stride.) Her face was a bit drawn, but she'd arrayed herself in white wool gown with intricately embroidered flowers in bright shades of blue. Dark eyes swept the room. She was looking for familiar faces.

Alis inclines her head towards Alexis when she sees the greeting, and being a quite typical Oathlander today she eschews the offering of wine until after the knighting ceremony has taken place. It's a thing for her, though it doesn't seem to register that she may be the odd one out there. "Thank you, Lord Bisland, for the invitation. I am very pleased to be here." Being that there is not an overabdundance of familiar faces though, she finds herself a seat and watches things quietly.

Thesarin is dressed as little like a woodland shav as he can manage--which isn't much, but he's putting the effort in. High collars and tight sleeves, hair pulled back and straightened. He walks in at Mia's side, nodding to greetings given and responding in kind.

Eshken smiles as his arm is clapped. "And good to see you. I would hate to miss it," he murmurs, glancing to Joslyn and Delilah and giving them another slight smile. Seeing Mia enter, he gives her a bow of his head, rolling his shoulders in anticipation at the sight of an approaching Thesarin.

"Countess Mia and Count Thesarin," Samael says with a smile. "Thank you for coming." He looks toward Alis and smiles. He seems cheerful but it's not hard to notice a bit of his sorrow peeking through it all.

From Delilah's side, Joslyn nods, accepting some wine as Samael continues to greet others. She still smiles, if a bit of nerves never quite leave her sight. She bites her lips and sips the wine. Continuous sips until eventually the glass has been quite summarily drained, to which she hands the glass to another passing servant, squeezing Delilah's hand once more. "Thank you all for coming," Joslyn says, smiling towards the group, her voice ringing loud and clear in spite of the color rushing to her cheeks. "It truly means the world to me."

"Thank you, Lord Samael." Alexis bowws her head to the man, then smiles and nods to Viviana, giving her arm a squeeze and an encouraging smile to Delilah and Joslyn - opting to steer Viviana towards where Alis has seated herself, as she continues giving little nods of greeting to people she may or may not recognise. "Princess Alis, have you had the pleasure of meeting Lady Viviana Pravus?" - And at Joslyn's words, she pauses, and raises her glass high to her.

"Well, hello" Viviana offers to Esoka cheerfully. "It's good to see you again" she offers lightly to the woman, before letting herself be steered away by Alexis. She offers Alis a little smile, commenting lightly "I don't believe I've had the pleasure..." before her attention is drawn away by Joslyn's comment, and she gives the woman her own little playful raised-glass salute.

Esoka is wearing her leather armor, though she's cleaned and styled it up for the occasion. Between that and the heirloom sword she looks her usual, if more formal, bashy self. Save the topaz haircomb she wears in her curls. /That's/ just for pretty, not for bashing. A bow of her head is offered to Samael. "Thank you, my lord. The ceremony is very grand. Lady Joslyn is well-done by." She turns, as Mia and Thesarin make their entrance. "Countess. Count. It is good to have something to celebrate today." Does her tired smile quirk at Thesarin's high collar? Maybe a notch.

As Samael had beckoned others to look in her direction, Delilah straightened out her back and shot the man a warm smile. Her eyebrows raised slightly as she watched Joslyn down the drink rather quickly, so she turned to face Joslyn more neatly and took the shorter woman's free hand within her grasp, leaning in to whisper once more as she squeezed at both hands affectionately. Afterwards, Delilah released both hands and turned back towards the rest, dipping her head politely, "I'm so glad you all could make it. Thank you."

"Dame Alexis. It's always a pleasure to see you." Alis reaches over to her protege to give her hand a quick squeeze, and then leans over just enough to see Lady Viviana a bit better. "I don't believe we have, no. Lady Viviana, it's nice to meet you." she offers, before Joslyn speaks and captures her attention. "I couldn't possibly be more happy for Lady Joslyn. She's worked hard for this."

"Of course, Lord Bisland," Mia replied, curtsying to their host. "It seemed only fitting that so grand a ceremony held in so dark a time be well-attended -- even if the walk across the plaza does seem so much more daunting, these days." It was a grim sentiment, that, but.... she'd meant well, surely. Her lips pressed into a thin line. It wasn't a smile, no, but she did nod her head towards Esoka -- and towards her topaz. "A lovely touch."

Samael continues greeting and welcoming people into the great hall. There is some seating around the banquet tables but mostly there is standing room only. The hall is packed to the brim with a large crowd. The music is soft music is growing more and more difficult to hear over the hum of the chatter.

After a few minutes Samael gives his empty wine glass off to a servant and walks with his assistant Anya toward the other end of the hall near Joslyn. He walks over toward Joslyn and Delilah and leans in to whisper a few things.

"Lord Bisland." Thesarin gives the man a nod as he moves to the spot. "Thanks for having us here. I wouldn't miss it." Esoka gets a faint, if somewhat sad, smile and another nod. "It's well, yes." And, yes, Eshken gets an overly-hearty clasp on the shoulder and a nod.

Viviana smiles a little as she glances between Alis and Alexis. "It's a pleasure to meet you as well" she offers cheerfully to the woman, before she moves to take a seat near Alis, perhaps intent on claiming one before they are entirely gone.

Giving a squeeze to Delilah's hand as she moves to depart, she looks to Samael as he approaches her and Delilah both, she smiles as she nods towards him, reaching for Delilah once more she takes her hand, quiet murmers between the pair before gently leading Delilah towards the front, to stand with Anya, Joslyn surveying the crowd a bit more. "You love lovely," Joslyn says to Esoka as she passes by, Mia gets a nod and Joslyn manages to smile. "Thank you so much for coming," she adds. Passing the trio of Alexis, Alis and Viviana. "Thank you as well," It's when Joslyn passes by Hana that she pauses and gives a little smile and a murmer to Delilah before she moves to the Smith, and wraps her arms around her in a tight and short embrace. "So glad to see you here," she says fondly, releasing her with a small nod as she returns to Delilah to resume their trek to join with Anya.

As Samael approached Delilah and Joslyn, Delilah lifted a palm in an attempt to drown out the noise as she leaned towards to the man. There was a small nod to his words, and as her hand was scooped up by Joslyn's, she quietly followed along the other woman. Delilah took in a deep breath as she studied Hana for a short moment, an expression of concern clear as day on her face, though she chose to remain silent, allowing Joslyn to do her thing. Before long, she took Joslyn's hand once more, joining Anya at the front in preperation for the ceremony.

"Thank you all for coming," Samael says standing up on the dais, his mahogany visage visible through the dancing flames of the hearth. He waits for silence to come over the assembly before continuing.

Anya motions for Joslyn and Delilah to stand next to her in front of Samael, moving closer to the front. Samael looks out onto the crowd, with a faint smile. "I'm going to say a few things, but suddenly they mean so much more to me. I'll try to do it with crying," he says, his voice a little hoarse.

"Justice is the most discussed and most important objective of The Compact of Arvum and our society," Samael begins. "It is the foundation of well ordered human living. By nature and against the propriety and decency of our better judgement, we are but slaves to our own selfish desires. Justice demands the regulation of our own selfish actions by securing fair distributions and equal treatment of equals. It is therefore our imperative to propitiate to the gods with our sacrifice for justice. We must sacrifice our own selfish desires to protect the Compact from those who would seek to destroy it. We must break the slavery bonds our own selfishness has on us."

"To accept the oaths of Knighthood in the sight of Gloria, is to break the shackles of selfishness. To devote yourself to the duchy and to champion her ideals and proudly protect her defenseless is to do a fine thing," Samael continues.

"Lady Joslyn Stonewood," he says looking down at Joslyn gesturing toward her with both arms, his eyes glistening.

Esoka lifts her chin slight when Mia compliments her hair jewelry. "Thank you. It was a gift. I think it's pretty." Another soft "Thank you" is offered to Joslyn as the woman passes. "Thank you. And congratulations! You also look very pretty!" She falls quiet as the cermony begins, though, settling in next to Eshken to watch it with proper knightly respect.

2 Kennex corsairs, 3 Iron Guardsmen arrive, following Titania.

Puma, The Stonewood Forest Cat, Titania arrive, following Gailin.

Alexis shoots a small smile to Delilah and Joslyn, then settles with Alis and Viviana as Samael begins his speech. Leaning in against Viviana, and shooting a smile to Alis, glancing over to Hana and Esoka, her eyes lighting up as Samael's speech reaches its crescendo.

Alis appears content, speaking quietly with Alexis and Viviana up until Samael begins speaking of the ceremony itself. Withoug realizing, she will nod her agreement with something he says. And there's a definite and determine blink of her eyes a few times as the speech strikes a chord.

Joslyn takes her spot beside Anya, her hand still clasped tightly to Delilah's as she listens to Samael's words. She draws several deep breaths, her eyes unable to stop from darting around, scanning the gathered faces, free hand nervously bunched up into a fist. She manages a tight smile, but the moment Samael gestures towards her, her cheeks glow bright red, and Delilah's hand gets another tight squeeze, Joslyn exhaling a breath slowly as she turns her attention back to Samael.

Viviana falls silent as Samael speaks, shifting just slightly as Alexis leans in against her. A smile remains lingering on her lips, watching happily as the actual ceremony part of this all begins.

Delilah gave Joslyn's hand another squeeze, giving one last look over at Joslyn as the two stepped up before Samael. Cobalt irises shifted back towards Samael as Delilah listened to the speech intently -- She thought she was done smiling! But her lips curled once more into a bright smile and she nodded along, bringing up her free hand to rest over her heart.

Thesarin stands, stiff as a rod, quiet and respectful and serious, through Samael's speech. A single nod at the end is all the motion he makes

"Lady Joslyn Stonewood was born in Tor, the city of roses," Samael continues looking directly at Joslyn, his face painted in pride in her. "A city much like Pridehall, well known for it's military might. It was there that young Joslyn was taught to fight by her mother, Chiara Manicelli. When Joslyn struck out on her own and arrived in Arx, she did not shrink back from the chance to use her mother-given abilities in the fight against the Bringers of Silence. When they attacked the city, she fought back. Since then, she has fought alongside great warriors of the Compact of the likes of our Princess-General Reese Grayson and the late Dame Zhayla of Old Oak. She helped hold the various points of defense during the great siege of Arx, the final battle against Brand."

"After Lady Joslyn chose to join House Stonewood, she helped the house regain lost land, restore a lost county and raise the silver to support those campaigns. She has tirelessly fought for her liege and loyally sacrificed her own wellbeing on her behalf. She nearly died, in fact, during her service to the Crownlands," Samael says.

"She has proved to be a great friend and loyal servant to House Stonewood, House Bisland and House Grayson. I can think of no other person more worthy of the title of Knight of Pridehall. Lady Joslyn Stonewood, please recite the oath and kneel before the Voice of your liege," he says taking up a long steel sword.

Titania slips in with Gailin beingonly slightly late, she moves to find a place to sit tugging him down next to her. She has a soft smile on her lips looking to Samael as he starts to speak her hands moving to rest in her lap.

Puma, The Stonewood Forest Cat have been dismissed.

Mia listened intently as Samael recited off a list of the soon-to-be knight's accomplishments. Dark eyes narrowed thoughtfully, bit by bit, with each point listed. At the end, she nodded once, sharply. She looked satisfied -- which was no easy feat.

Alexis sits a little straighter with pride upon hearing Joslyn's feats of glory recited in such a fashion. Keeping one arm wrapped around Viviana, leaning against her.

There's a thoughtful look in Esoka's eyes as the ceremony rolls underway. The invocation of Gloria's name brings of fullness to her smile that he expression has lacked so far this day, though. And she looks proud as Joslyn's story is recited to the crowd.

Finally, Delilah's hand is freed from the vice-like grip Joslyn had been maintaining throughout the entirety of the ceremony. She draws a breath, listening to the history of her life told before her draws several more deep breaths, the mention of Dame Zhayla drawing a somber nod from Joslyn. As she's told to step forward, she does, casting a glance back to Delilah, and over several of the faces in the crowd, she then kneels before Samael, arraying her skirts in a pool around her, hands resting on her knee as she dips her head. "In the sight of Gloria, I do so vow: I pledge myself to valor, never shall I desert. I swear to protect the defensless, or fall in the attempt," Joslyn draws another deep breath, voice ringing strong as she projects her words with disticnt pride. "I give myself to justice, my honor will not bend. I shall champion House Bisland. We win glory."

Viviana smiles as she listens to the recounting of Joslyn's deeds, quietly watching the ceremony as it continues to unfold. That smile grows a little wider as she hears Joslyn reciting the words of her oath.

As her hand was released, Delilah neatly folded her hands at her front and shifted slightly, allowing adequate room for Joslyn to kneel as she was pretty close at the other woman's side beforehand. Her eyes /might/ be a little watery and she /might/ be holding in a breath as Joslyn looks back her direction, but she remains relatively still, offering Joslyn an encouraging nod and bright smile which only widens as the oath is recited.

Alis listens to the path Lady Joslyn has taken to get to this moment, watching both the Lady and Bisland's Voice as they walk through the ceremony. And as the vow is spoken she bows her head to whisper a quick prayer to the Gods to support the new Knight in her duties.

Hana smiles brightly as Joslyn gives her oath. For the moment, at least, grief is buried beneath joy and pride for her friend as she watches while, even in the face of loss and grief, one more champion steps up to take her own place among the heroes.

Alexis leans back, instead, raising her head to the skies, as she, too, murmurs a small prayer for the gods to look after the newly knighted Joslyn.

"Gloria bless Dame Joslyn," Esoka murmurs. If she still looks grieved and tired? There's a spark of happiness in her eyes, too.

Samael nods once after the oath and extends the long steel sword, letting it hang in the air over top Joslyn's head. "In my right as Lord Samael Bisland of Pridehall, Voice of Duke Gabriel Bisland of Pridehall, and before all of these witnesses, I declare you Lady Joslyn Stonewood, Knight of Pridehall." As he speaks he touches the cold steel gently on each of Joslyn's shoulders. He pulls the sword and smiles warmly looking down toward Joslyn. "Please rise, Joslyn. My Silken Knight," he adds, signaling the end of the ceremony. He looks toward Delilah and gives her a warm smile too, before looking out toward the crowd as they begin to cheer and clap, the music beginning to play again, horns and strings playing a joyous triumphant song. Flowers are tossed over the assembly as Samael steps down off the dais and leans in close to Joslyn to whisper something.

Eshken breaks his silence and lifts his hands from behind his back to give a round of soft applause to the new knight, smiling.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Alexis lets out a little whoop, bringing her hands together. "A cheer for the Rose of Stonewood!"

2 Kennex corsairs have been dismissed.

3 Iron Guardsmen have been dismissed.

Viviana's smile still lingers as the ceremony draws to a close, her silence finally broken as the applauds and gives a little cheer of her own for Joslyn.

The end of the knighting ceremonies are the best part! Alis jumps up and cheers for the newest Knight of Pridehall. "Many congratulations, Lady Joslyn. And well deserved."

Rising to her feet then, Joslyn breaks into a big smile, though even then she dips her head towards him in a deep bow. "Thank you Lord Samael. This is such a tremendous honor," Joslyn blinks away some tears and hearing his words, she seems unable to hold herself back, she's wrapping her arms tight around Samael, hugging him close, squeezing. "Thank you for everything," she manages to turn to everybody else. "And thank you all. Eat, drink!" she still draws several deep breaths. "I can only hope to continue to honor my new post."

Thesarin puts his big hands together to give a hearty round of applause to Joslyn.

Samael is overheard praising Joslyn for: My Silken Knight. None more worthy.

Puma, The Stonewood Forest Cat have been dismissed.

Alis is overheard praising Joslyn for: Welcome to Knighthood!

Esoka adds her loud voice to the cheering when Joslyn is knighted. There's a solemnity to her yelling, rather than joyful abandon.

Alexis is overheard praising Joslyn for: The Rose of Stonewood will make for a formidable knight!

Mia applauded whole-heartedly as the ceremony concluded; it was neither wild nor raucous, but it was certainly more open in its display of emotion than was customary for her.

Delilah is overheard praising Joslyn for: The Silken Knight of Pridehall and deservedly so!

Delilah breaks into applause as the cheering begins, "You've had a wild journey, haven't you, dearest Joslyn? Show the world, and let them be proud to have you."

Hana is overheard praising Joslyn for: Congratulations to the newest Knight of Pridehall!

Mia is overheard praising Joslyn for: Always striving to be worthy is what makes her precisely that.

Anya had disappeared into the crowd for a few moments before returning to Joslyn's side presenting her with paper covered package. Samael returns Joslyn's hug and then gestures toward Anya after pulling away. "Almost," he says with a grin in references to something she whispered to him during the hug.

Hana offers Joslyn another bright smile, though begins to slip towards the door. She has a funeral to attend, after all -- sadness to chase the joy.

Alexis rises, slowly, bringing Viviana with her and shooting a smile to Alis. "Shall we go offer our congratulations?" She suggests.

"Yes, let's." Alis agrees, standing with Alexis and Viviana so they can go offer their congratulations.

Viviana stands up along with Alexis, giving the woman a little nod. "It would only be polite" Viviana comments lightly, before adding in a less-than-serious tone. "I would hate for her to think that I was only here for the wine"

As the package is delivered, Joslyn gives Samael a curious look and then she looks within the contents and gasps aloud. "Is this...?" she pulls a hand to her mouth and blinks shimmering eyes. "I can't... thank you!" she than throws her arms over Samael, overcome, the silken material with its sheen, apparently the cause of her emotion," she turns towards the rest and wiping her eyes she doesn't quite let Hana escape, darting back in her direction to Hana to squeeze her tight. "Thank you for coming," she says again, making some rounds to give all the hugs she can to all of her friends. Hearty handshakes to the others, and just a polite bow to the rest, as she finally comes to rest, looking to her friends as they begin moving to approach her, Joslyn's hand coming to clasp Delilah's as she rejoins her side.

Samael makes a quiet exit, a faint smile still on his face. A bright spot in his dark week.