Philomel, the Nightingale arrives, delivering a message to Madeleine before departing.

Alban arrives with Lisebet on his arm and he seems to be explaining to his cousin the particulars of what is going on as he leads her towards the noble pews. "The last Grand Master of the Templar fell at Stormwall." He murmurs to her, "So, tonight, we acknowledge the promotion of a new one. It is not something that happens often, and hopefully something that will not happen again for many scores of years." He helps Lisebet down onto a pew and then takes up space beside her with an absent adjustment of his sword so he can sit comfortable. "Prince Ardoin Valardin was asking about you." He notes conversationally, perhaps, /too/ conversationally.

Sir Alren arrives, following Bianca.

Alejandra, a snowy white hound, 2 Grayson Guardsmen, Planchet, an unrelenting valet, 2 Iron Guardsmen arrive, following Ainsley.

Brigida has joined the an ornately decorated large table with tiers and votive candles.

Ainsley has joined the Commoner Pews.

Ainsley clank clanks on in, scans the crowd, and then shuffles over to sit down next to Calaudrin. Uninvited like.

Bianca stepped within, moving toward the large table of votives with a few others.

Bianca has joined the an ornately decorated large table with tiers and votive candles.

Into the Cathedral drifts Mae. She's dressed in dark colors, as ever, but at least her hood is back. She drifts over towards the commoner's pews, takes a moment to look around, then settles.

That this is a solemn ceremony does not mean it is without its luxuries. As people file in, there are disciples in robes waiting to take any hats or other accessories they may wish to offer, and more disciples with the symbol of Gild emblazoned across their mantles circulate the pews with cut crystal glasses of the best vintages from the South, as well as small porcelain plates of finger food, freshly cooked, and slices of imported fruits. This is honor of Gild's militant order, after all, and the Church's generosity is in full display. As well as its shiny metal bits. So many shiny metal bits.

Orazio remains at the altar, his hands folded across his stomach. The Legate looks older than he did not too long ago, and his once black hair has gone almost entirely white, with only a few shadowed streaks of dark to mar the silver. He smiles at those who file in. There is a place for Thena, but it is at the end of the long Cathedral - she is definitely going to have to do a Walk of Triumph up the middle of the worshipers, Elysia help her. "Ladies, Gentlemen, People of the Faith - the Church welcomes you tonight to witness a solemn duty, and a joyous one, for all it is born from sadness."

Ven has joined the Commoner Pews.

Calaudrin is sitting down and Ainsley sits down next to him. He doesn't object.

It's a slow march that Daemon makes into the Great Cathedral. Not much different than how he may have been seen coming down the roads of Stormwall. Today is a mix of something joyful and things that require a dutiful, stoic face. The Knight of Solace calmly makes his presence known with a soft dip of his chin to Jeffeth, and of course one to his soon-to-be Grandmaster as he passes by. For now the man would find a quiet place to observe the ceremonies, out of the way of any disturbance.

Aureth is sitting in the commoner pews with his feet crossed the ankle, near members of his former family. He is dressed in all his Archlector's finery and wears an expression of easy warth as he watches the altar.

Clad in Crimson Blade tunic, Tobias is sans his bodyguards for the occasion. The mercenary general takes a seat in the noble pews as he gives a look around. Once at the pew, he takes a graceful seat as he gives a nod to Alban and Lisebet, already there.

Magpie isn't far behind Mae, having stopped to briefly speak to someone before he hurries to catch up. The man looks scratched up, and a little acid-burned, but energetic enough as he slips into the pew and squeezes between Mae and Aureth.

Madeleine's not wearing shoes. No one can make her. But nonetheless, she enters with all solemn gravitas and pomp in her silken robes of white and sea-trimmed shades. The Archlector of the lady of Wind and Wave bows to the altar and then takes her seat with the others of the Faith.

Esoka strides into the Cathedral. She wears the Twain - the twin scimitar heirloom swords of Riven - peacebound at each hip, along with fine leathers. She elbows into a place directly next to Calaudrin, offering Ainsley a quick smile while she situates herself.

Esoka has joined the Commoner Pews.

Brigida makes her way down the center isle of the Cathedral with the help of a gnarly old walking stick that is very much a contrast to her pristine priestly robes. It taps audibly with each of the old woman's laborious steps. Taking her place (very eventually) with her fellow Blesseds, she gives Aureth a stern look of matronly disapproval for his own choice of seating before turning to speak quietly with the other women at the table. Probably not about Aureth, even.

Steve, an ungainly pelican arrives, following Niklas.

Narses, 6 King's Own Guardsmen arrive, following Leona.

Thena must have been tucked away in one of the alcoves near the entry to the Cathedral; she is suddenly there, in black leather armor with many, many Faith-related shiny metal bits on it. Her diamondplate dagger and a white and gold one are peace-bound at her waist. She waits there, eyes on Orazio at the front, waiting for the signal to come forward.

Lisebet listens to her cousin, her head tilted bit due to height differences, and she nods where appropriate as he explains the situation. And then her brows arch gently at his last conversational gambit. She smoothes her skirts as she makes herself comfortable, before she says, "I've met him a couple times, he seems to be quite a genuine person. Might I ask what it is that he was asking about?"

Mayir has joined the Commoner Pews.

Alban lets his conversational volume drop as he answers Lisebet.

Ainsley looks over at Mae, alarmed. Before returning his eyes to the ceremony.

The singing starts. It is a lifting prayer to all thirteen gods, sung in harmony. It begins soft, almost whispers that nonetheless can be heard in the back of the pews, thanks to the building's acoustics. It grows louder bit by bit, though, as the pews fill, rising louder until it soars - the prayer includes key phrases of Canticles to honor each god, but as the volume rises, the Canticles focus on heroes of Gild, both on the battlefield, and those whose great charity and generosity proved worthy of the god. It rises, rises...and cuts off abruptly as Thena enters.

Into the silence, Orazio says, "It is Lagoma who teaches us that everyone must change, and that change - where it is of the gods - should be embraced and learned from. Death, too, is a kind of change. One that sends us back into the arms of the Queen, and to rest with the gods, perhaps to take up life again some day. Death, often, gives birth then to new life - for both the world, and the people who live within it." He gestures towards Thena, encouraging her forward. When she approaches, swords will be lifted for her to step beneath, and then lower as she passes. "We have lost a Grandmaster, a guiding light for the Silver Order of the Knights of Solace. But even as we mourn, we embrace change, and allow a new Grandmaster to rise. One who has given her heart and oaths to the Order, one who has fought, bled, and led them to victory time, and time again." When Thena reaches him, he says, sternly, "Dame Thena, kneel."

Lise too lowers her own voice, murmuring briefly to Alban, and then she turns her attention to the investiture.

Jeffeth has joined the Side Alcove.

One of the knights lining the walls, Sir Jeffeth has his large arms clasped in front of him, watching the goings ons without much expression. His eyes locked on Thena, towering over most of his fellows, but lining the wall with his other big knight friend, Sir Daemon.

Tobias has joined the Noble Pews.

Leona steps in quietly with six knights splayed out behind her. She is sober and somber, there in full armor, carrying the weight of command of the Silver Swords as she does, and as Thena is called to the front, she steps to the side. She is in gray counterpoint to Thena's black, and she watches the progress of the Knight of Solace from the back, not interrupting the ceremony nor calling attention to herself.

Bianca's smile swelled at mention of Thena's ascension, watching the knight kneel with no little show of pride and appreciation worn on her face.

Thena definitely has, it must be admitted, an 'oh shit' sort of look on her face as the line of knights before her start lifting their blades so she can pass under. Surely there was a rehearsal or something? Or maybe not. Still, despite a mild deer-in-the-torchlights she makes the walk with measured step and drops gracefully to her knees on reaching the Legate at the front.

Alban straightens up and grows more somber once the investiture actually starts. No more conversation with Lisebet, even if they are some of the only ones in that section of the Cathedral. He watches the ceremony with a sort of grim determination, but a small smile curls the corners of his lips at Thena's expression.

"Dame Thena," Orazio's voice fills the Cathedral with the ease of long practice - wherever the gray in his hair came from, or the lines in his face, it hasn't taken his resonant preacher's voice, "You have served the Knights of Solace. You have walked with your brothers and sisters, you have fought with them, and together you have defended the innocent, the wounded, the healer. But not every knight is called to do more than this. To lead is a solemn undertaking, an oath that you swear to be the guiding light of your people, to never waver, to never lead them astray. I ask you not to accept a privilege, but a burden. In the name of Limerance, in the name of Gild - will you serve the Silver Order as Grandmaster, and give your oath freely and without hesitation, here in the sight of the gods, the Church, and the Compact?"

Madeleine rests her hand over her heart and bows her head, embracing the solemn moment.

Lisebet smiles as someone else (Tobias) arrives near her seat with Alban, but she quickly turns her attention back to the ceremony.

Brigida furrows her brow and nudges her chin upward as if in an effort to help bolster Thena's resolve.

Duarte plucks an overlong hair from his eyebrow with his thumb and forefinger. He looks at it casually before flicking it away to let it drift to the floor and then he rests a neutral, passive gaze on the ceremony.

Thena's voice carries, despite the incline of her head as she speaks the words, and despite any discomfort she may have shown on her walk through the honor guard. "Yes, I will."

Orazio's solemn expression breaks into a smile as Thena answers, softening from its usual stern lines to something fonder. He reaches out a hand. "Then rise, Grandmaster Thena of the Silver Order of the Knights of Solace. I entrust your knights to your care, as Legate of Concepts, and as the Voice of the Dominus, I give the gods blessing to you now, and for so long as you act in accordance with your oaths and the ideals of the Order." He will help her up to the extent which she allows, and then will attempt to gently turn her to face all of those people. "Address the Compact as the new Grandmaster, and allow the Faithful to welcome you into their hearts and their lives." He sounds proud, now, regardless of attempts to hide it behind solemnity.

Leona steps forward now, steps ringing. "As the ceremony ends, if you will permit me one indulgence Father," she says to Orazio with a bow of reverence.

Ainsley shifts, looking toward Leona when she steps forward toward the end of the ceremony. He looks curious, though an occasional glance is given toward Thena-- somewhere between a smile and a solemn expression on his face.

Bianca's brow hitched slightly and she stilled her applause, attention drifting aside and up the aisle to Leona.

Magpie has been snickering to those around him, but as the ceremony is underway now the man is shutting up and watching quietly, grinning. He looks like he's about to cheer, but Leona's interruption stops him.

Orazio gives Leona a look from beneath a highly arched, silver eyebrow. "This is...unusual, Lord Commander." And his tone suggests he does not /like/ unusual. But after a moment, he bows his head. "But in respect to the King's Own, it is permitted."

Madeleine ohs softly, glancing at Leona as she steps forward. Her head keens.

Thena probably looks way too young to be taking this on as she lets Orazio help her to her feet and turn her around to face the crowd. Her eyes sweep over those gathered, perhaps stopping briefly on where the Grayhopes are no doubt doing their thing, before lighting on Leona in surprise. She cuts a look to the Legate, then back to Leona, puzzled, as Orazio grants permission.

Leona approaches Thena then, standing tall and strong and proud as she looks the other woman in the face. "I imagine Lord Commander Dayne did this when Grandmaster Armel was invested. We forget, sometimes, that the Silver Swords and the Silver Order were once part of the same mission. And this mission has not yet ended. And so I give you this charge as we have done for centuries, Silver Order to Silver Sword, and back again. We have safeguarded Arx, and the Compact for all these many years." She smiles at Thena. "And I charge you to carry the burden with us as we have done - to protect all its people. I know you don't forget but on this day, sister to sister, I bid you remember these vows and keep them close to your heart."

Mae looks ready to clap! But, then... what? Leona is standing up? She holds her hands up but separated, and watches curiously. Tormenting Ainsley is, momentarily, forgotten. And then she's smiling big and bright, and now she claps! Because commoners just don't know when to be quiet.

2 King's Own Guardsmen arrives, following Felicia.

Ainsley also looks ready to clap... and does so at the right time!

Niklas glances around after walking in late, grimaces and quickly moves to sit with the only people he recognizes.

Niklas has joined the Commoner Pews.

Felicia has joined the Noble Pews.

Bianca's smile re-lifted to her lips as Leona completed her words, her applause joining Ainsley and Mae's though something pulled her attention aside.

Daemon is frozen. Not literally, but he may as well be. He's stopped still in a pose with both hands outstretched, ready to be smacked together just up until Leona's words. Now he's just staring, stiff as a statue as he waits... and waits... and waaaaits... and there it is! Clang clang clang go his metal mitts as he breaks out in applause himself, as soon as it's proper!

Thena listens solemnly to Leona's words, then takes a slightly awkward little breath and replies, "Silver Order to Silver Sword, sister to sister. I will carry this burden with you and remember my vows always." A faint smile curves her lips, even if she still looks ever so faintly puzzled.

Madeleine awwws. It's... lovely. Even if there's a lot of mention of swords and vows.

Leona leans forward and murmurs something softly to Thena, and then claps her on the shoulder before retreating.

Orazio leans juuuust a little to murmur something to Leona, and the response he gets makes him chuckle under his breath as he straightens up. "Thank you, Lord Commander, for those words." He glances back to Thena, offering her a smile as applause starts up. "/Now/," he says, very firmly, "you may address the people. And then go get a hug or two, as you like. In the gods' names."

Alban stands to clap after Thena announces she will share the vows of the twin Silver organizations. He doesn't cheer or shout or anything of the sort, but he does clap and bow his head in respect.

Brigida does not rise from her place but does lightly rap her fingers against the heel of her hand. A light clap to join everyone else's. She's just as surprised as anybody not to be scandalized by the momentarily secular distraction.

Oh, he's just in time to applaud. Which Lorenzo does for the new Commander as he spots Felicia in the crowd and makes his way over to the redhead Dame's side. "What did I miss?" Besides everything. Silly Prince.

Calaudrin waits until the formal parts are over and everyone begins to clap loudly from his place in the commoners pew. This includes a shrill whistle, which the people around him most likely greatly appreciate. Or not. They probably don't.

Esoka stands, clapping her big hands together and letting out a loud, battlecry-like yell at Thena. It's a happy, proud sort of yelling.

From the back where she has retreated, surrounded by her guards, Leona bows to Orazio again, her eyes twinkling. And then she's stepping out, giving Thena her time to celebrate and shine.

Narses, 6 King's Own Guardsmen leave, following Leona.

Lisebet follows Alban's example today, standing. She however claps her hands, because well, why not?

Magpie claps, but it's not quiet or polite. He just cheers, "Woo! Go Thena!! GRANDMASTER!" He calls.

Tobias checked composure at difficulty 10, rolling 6 higher.

Duarte slips out.

Mayir is overheard praising Thena.

Felicia joins the others in the applause.

Duarte has left the Quiet Alcove.

Orland leaves, following Duarte.

Mayir is overheard praising Thena.

Jeffeth is overheard praising Thena for: We are here for you, Commander Grandmaster

Lisebet is overheard praising Thena.

Lorenzo has joined the Noble Pews.

Orazio is overheard praising Thena for: She will be be an excellent Grandmaster.

Daemon is overheard praising Thena for: Yaaayyyy!

Niklas is overheard praising Thena.

Thena nods to Leona and watches her go back to the pews, then slides Orazio a mock-horrified look at his suggestion of hugs. But she composes herself again and lifts a hand for quiet, because she does have a few words to shove in before everything's done. And she will get as loud as necessary for her words to be heard. The jury's out on the hugs. "I'm not that good at this sh...tuff, but I want to say a couple of things. We have all suffered losses of late. The world is emptier for those who have died. I didn't know Grandmaster Armel as well as many others did, but he was a great man and I'm not sure I deserve to follow in his footsteps. But I'll try. This is the path the gods set before me, and I'll try. He taught me to walk in the light, and I say it to all of you now. Walk in the Light, and Gild light our paths." She swallows, then tacks on, "All right, I'm done."

Tobias visibly had to stop himself from snorting in amusement at 'go get a hug or two'.

Mae starts clapping anew! She even gives a 'wooo!'.

Brigida is overheard praising Thena for: Kick ass! But like, for the Gods.

The choir starts up again, with more of the Canticles of Gild. The volume is low, not trying to drown out the clapping and cheers. Orazio smiles. "Then, in the name of the Faith of the Pantheon, go forth, Grandmaster, and walk in honor and charity." He steps aside, and makes a very solemn 'shooing' motion at her to go and join her well-wishers.

Alban is overheard praising Thena for: By all the Gods! She can speech!

Bianca is overheard praising Thena.

Lorenzo is overheard praising Thena for: It's no Mae speech, but it'll do, Thena, it'll do.

Madeleine is overheard praising Thena for: Gods be with her for her new posting

"Yeah, Thena! Grayhope pride! You'll be the best Grayhope leader of the Faith ever!" Mayir then looks over. "Co-tied with Aureth!" Good save.

Thena is shooed! She starts to shove her hands in her pockets, catches herself, and takes a few steps towards the pews. The Very Solemn Knight can't help cracking a grin at Mayir's comment.

Orazio has left the Altar.

Orazio has joined the an ornately decorated large table with tiers and votive candles.

Esoka is overheard praising Thena for: Grandmaster T

Calaudrin is overheard praising Thena for: Better Grandmaster than guard! Hurray!

"Thena! You did so well!" Mae calls as the woman approaches. "I think you're also the most beautiful grandmaster that ever was!"

Orazio smiles as he moves away from the altar, and goes to join most of the Archlectors at their decorated table. He speaks quietly to them as he settles down, and at that signal, more food, drink, and music are unleashed. It's a party! Just a dignified one.

Ainsley is overheard praising Thena for: She'll make a great Grandmaster!

Brigida clutches at the fabric over her heart over something Orazio has just informed her of. She's aghast! AGHAST!

Thena laughs outright at Mae, if it's a quiet thing, and leans in to murmur something to her.

"There are drinks!" Esoka informs Calaudrin with an elbow and gesture at them. The 'fetch me one' is implied in a not terribly subtle manner. She eases out of her seat, approaching Thena, though she doesn't press through the crowd around the woman too hard. "All honors to you, Grandmaster," she says with a bow of her shoulders. "You've proven a fine knight and you'll carry this well, I've no doubt."