Ainsley is currently standing upon that raised dias. He's dressed in his rubicund armor; the pinksteel shined until it all but gleams. The lamenting grief engraved on it in stark relief. His helm is off and resting in his dark curls is a gold, silver and pearl coronet. He currently stands at a parade rest, waiting for the show to officially start.

When the sun lifts to *just* the right angle Ainsley lifts his hand to call to those who have gathered. He speaks with an ecstatic smile upon his face, which carries through into the warmth of his voice. "Welcome friends, family, and admirers of Calaudrin's /excellent/ beard!"

Wilhelm the Iron Messenger arrives, following Sparte.

Titania comes in a small babe asleep in her arms as she looks around she is not in her armor but a simple and comfortable looking dress, her hair is down her blue eyes look around spotting Orazio she moves over in his direction. "May I join you?"

Grandt, House Leary man-at-arms, Abalene, the Northern Hawk Owl, 2 Leary House Guards arrive, following Fairen.

It's less easy to sneak in the ceremonial armor she's chosen for the occasion but Thena tries it anyway, melting into the gathering crowd and quietly taking a spot as Ainsley begins to speak.

Over the recent months, it has been rare to see Teodoro at such events. Today, then, is something of a break in his routine, a chance to be among new people and witness a truly grand event. On entering, he offers his bows and moves to stand at the edge of the crowd, watching and waiting, admiring the regal dress and looking up to Ainsley when he commands the attention of those present.

"Deputy Minister Magpie," Alaric replies regally, evidently just fine with letting the skulking proceed. "Father Orazio, lovely to see you here tonight before you depart. Thank you for coming," he tells Orazio pleasantly. But then the ceremony is about to begin, so he picks out the closest spot to settle in to observe, which is evidently to hang in the Shining Lands. Again.

Alaric has joined the The Shining Lands, Made of Silver, Gold, and Glass.

Fairen has joined the Assembly of Peers, Made of Wood and Glass.

Alaric is overheard praising Calaudrin for: It is an excellent beard, isn't it?

Sparte slips in with Wilhelm close behind, moving to find a seat before things get under way.

Cambria arrives to Triumph Plaza trailed by her assistants, as well as her ever-dutiful guards. She makes her way towards the designated seating, and there she makes herself comfortable.

Ailys is quiet, with a darting dash here and a step there she'll gather thick cloak around her as wild curls dance wildly about her face as her head turns this way and that, perhaps looking for familiar faces. Or just the right place to sit. A small tamarin monkey is on her shoulder, bundled up in it's own small knit cloak, holding close to his mistress and clinging to curls resting against her neck. As her brother begins to speak she will bite the inside of her cheek, quickly taking the nearest seat available with a quick plop, knees pressing together and hands clasping beneath her cloak, dove gray eyes shining as she smiles.

Cambria has joined the Assembly of Peers, Made of Wood and Glass.

Calaudrin had one job to do, okay, two jobs to do. One of them was to not wear his breastplate. Several minutes prior to the ceremony and before he arrives in the /full/ view of the public eye, he may be witnessed by some individuals as he frantically tries to take this thing off before Ainsley catches him. There is a clean shirt underneath. The other was read over his vows, which he does. So far things are going well. He stands where he's supposed to be and otherwise looks good! Hair clean and cut, beard trimmed. He even looks like he slept recently. As people probably look at him, he nods his head politely but stays quiet.

Fairen strides into places with a trio of guards, taking a mental note of everyone who is gathered.

Ailys has joined the Great Cathedral in Glass and Stone.

Thena has joined the Great Cathedral in Glass and Stone.

Harper slips in, wearing her Iron Guard cloak for once, and stops to look around at those gathering before finding someplace out of the main walkway to stand quietly. Spying Cal, she does give him a little wave and a grin if he looks her way, but hangs in the back just watching all the people start arriving.

Titania has joined the Great Cathedral in Glass and Stone.

Ainsley waits for a moment as people trickle in and find their seats. Then turns toward Calaudrin and beckons him up to the spot right front and center with him. "Calaudrin Estardes, it is my wish today to honor with you Knighthood. Will you accept these oaths to House Grayson, the Crownlands, and the Gods?"

As it turns out, Magpie's skulking is not far enough and he ends up not far from the king. As things are starting, the Grayhope leans over to murmur to the Grayson with a smirk.

Esoka is here. She strides out of Heron Hall, a distracted air about her, but there's a big, toothy grin on her face when she spots Calaudrin. She might snort at the sight of him dealing with his breastplate. But it's a loving sort of snort.

Patsy arrives, following Rymarr.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Verity before departing.

Calaudrin might have just glanced at this wrist, which he carefully covers when Ainsley speaks directly to him. Then he steps forward on cue and listens to the question, "Yes." He looks around briefly, checking to make sure that wasn't the exact moment to begin speaking his oaths. It doesn't seem to be, so he nods again before repeating the words and adding, "Yes, I will accept the oaths."

Ainsley is not exactly regal in this. He's far, far too excited to be regal. But he does manage not to bob his head eagerly, and instead only nods once. His right hand crosses his hips and he slides Threnody free from its sheath, it's held downward, however. "Kneel now as Master Estardes and take your oaths."

Harper spots Esoka and moves over to her, offering her a grin in greeting. Turning back to watch Cal, she watches everything with wide eyes and rapt attention as she soaks in the experience of it all.

For his part, Teodoro stands casually upright toward the rear of the crowd, hands folded in front of him, gaze steady on the proceedings ahead of him. There's a soft smile across his features that might be construed as him not taking things seriously, but he's polite, quiet, and otherwise appearing to enjoy the event so far.

Watching Ainsley and Estardes carefully, Fairen remains silent as he observes the knighting ceremony.

Sparte grins as he watches and bouncing silently, just a little, as he listens.

Marquis-Consort Rymarr Deepwood makes his way from abode of House Deepwood, though the gathering of a crowd in Triump Plaza causes the armored man to gradually draw himself to a stop. For a moment he considers the plaza and they way beyond the plaza, but he takes note of some of those lingering among the gathered population. He does not move to join with the throng of people, but instead watches from his point of entry. An armored hand lowers to rest atop the unadorned pommel of the blade worn at his side, while the other works the thumb of his gauntlet beneath his sword belt. There he stands, there he watches.

Calaudrin is stoic in the way that someone perpetually grouchy expresses anxiety at being in full view of the public eye. He's quiet and reserved and keeps his focus trained on Ainsley when he isn't periodically breaking eye contact to glance down. He takes a knee when it comes time to say his oaths. There's a pause where he takes a deep breath before beginning. In a loud and clear voice:

"I, Calaudrin Estardes, swear upon my honor to uphold these oaths:

I swear to faithfully serve House Grayson a Knight of the Griffins.
I swear to uphold the ideals of chivalry and honor Gloria sets before us.
I swear to uphold the ideals of charity and civility Gild calls of us.
I swear to show devotion to fidelity and fealty as Limerance asks.
I swear to be merciful and just in turn where they are called for to honor Lagoma and the Sentinel.

I will protect the innocent and uphold justice.

I will look after those of the Crownlands who cannot look after themselves.

I, Calaudrin Estardes, will stand as a Griffin Knight under the Banner of House Grayson.

Dame Marra, a limping fennec fox, Disciple Ismay, Gaspard arrive, following Ailith.

Ailith has joined the The Shining Lands, Made of Silver, Gold, and Glass.

It is when Calaudrin finishes the last word that the gleaming alaricite blade flashing upward, twirled briefly in a display of deft swordmanship. Then the tip dips downard to lightly tap first Calaudrin's left shoulder and then his right. "Rise, Sir Estardes, Knight of the Griffins."

It is this point that Planchet steps forward, sweeping a bit of silk off of the rubicund cuirass he's been holding so it can be present to Calaudrin.

"First... two tokens of appreciation for your oaths, Sir Estardes." Ainsley grins.

Ainsley drops a griffin knight's rubicund cuirass.

Magpie lets out a low whistle. "Damn. I guess that's one perk of getting knighted... " He says from where he's sitting. As Ailith rushes in and joins them, the Grayhope looks her way and gives a little nod before turning his attention back to the ceremony.

Teodoro's brows lift as he watches the impressive weapon offered to the new knight. His gaze flicks over to Magpie's whistle and his grin widens at what he hears spoken. He doesn't, however, make any comments of his own, instead returning his focus back to the ceremony.

Calaudrin breathes out on the last of the oaths, relieved. He didn't forget any words or mess them up terribly! He's glancing upwards and catching Ainsley twirl his sword (is he giving him the eye? He definitely is) before resuming the forward stare again. It's time to rise again and hauls himself to his feet, when Plancett reveals the cuirass, his eyes widen in surprise and there's a quietly murmured. "Thank you."

There are parts of that oath that bring a look of gravity to Esoka's eyes. A low, thoughtful grunt. But her smile doesn't dim throughout it. It's flashed to Harper, and she mouths softly, "Watch." Ailith is noted, and offered a boisterous wave. For a moment. Mostly, she keeps her eyes on the ceremony, and the new knight.

Standing next to Esoka with her chin held high, Harper grins proudly at Calaudrin as he takes his oath, every inch of her face beaming with pride. She nods aside to Esoka, then looks back and doesn't tear her eyes away from Calaudrin and Ainsley as she watches every detail.

Titania smiles watching and listening to the oaths spoken and looks to her baby whispering to the sleeping child.

Rymarr is overheard praising Calaudrin for: Congratulations, Sir Calaudrin Estardes. Through repeated selfless acts of service, you have earned this.

Rymarr is overheard praising Calaudrin for: He'll look quite fetching in that cuirass. While he's fighting for truth and justice, of course.

Ainsley steps off to the side as Planchet steps forward. The valet smiles toward Calaudrin and says, "Sir Estardes, I'll help you into this." It's said lowly so it might not carry to the back, but the young man then steps forward to hold up the pieces of the rubicund cuirass to the newly minted knight.

While Ainsley has picked up a bundle of silk that *decidedly* looks like it might be covering a sword of some sort. It's held in his hands as he waits for Calaudrin and Planchet to finish.

Sparte is overheard praising Calaudrin for: You didn't mess it up! I'm shocked and proud!

Orazio is overheard praising Calaudrin for: Congratulations! It is well deserved!

Samantha is overheard praising Calaudrin for: I always knew he had it in him.

Calaudrin picks up a griffin knight's rubicund cuirass.

Ailith is overheard praising Calaudrin for: Congratulations, Sir Calaudrin!

Titania is overheard praising Calaudrin for: Congratulations, sir Calaudrin!

Volare arrives, following Jordan.

Volare leaves, following Jordan.

Teodoro is overheard praising Calaudrin for: Congratulations, Sir Calaudrin!

Sparte is overheard praising Calaudrin for: Sir Calaudrin, GRIFFIN KNIGHT!

Harper is overheard praising Calaudrin for: Way to go Uncle Cal!

Alaric is overheard praising Calaudrin for: Sir Calaudrin's knighthood is well deserved. Congratulations!

Ainsley is overheard praising Calaudrin for: Definitely the knight with the most fabulous beard. Also one of the best men I know!

Magpie is overheard praising Calaudrin for: Twenty-one Banjo Chord Salute!

Calaudrin looks relieved when he offers to help him into his cuirass. This was going to get ugly really fast without help. So he works with him, moving this way and that until he's wearing the piece of armor and not just awkwardly holding it.

Rymarr nods his head once at nothing in particular and continues on his way, a newly formed smile now tucked away beneath his beard, and a little extra pep in his step. Good things are infectious.

Patsy leaves, following Rymarr.

Fairen has left the Assembly of Peers, Made of Wood and Glass.

Grandt, House Leary man-at-arms, Abalene, the Northern Hawk Owl, 2 Leary House Guards leave, following Fairen.

When Planchet steps away Ainsley steps forward. The silk is once more unwrapped and swept away. Resting now in both of his hands is a sword with a gleaming rubicund blade, and a matching griffin medalion upon the hilt. It is offered out to Calaudrin and he says, "Sir Estardes, may this serve you well in your pursuit of truth and honor."

Grandt, House Leary man-at-arms, Abalene, the Northern Hawk Owl, 2 Leary House Guards arrive, following Fairen.

Ainsley drops an elegant griffin knight's redsteel longsword.

Cambria has left the Assembly of Peers, Made of Wood and Glass.

5 House Mazetti Guardians, Possum, Marie leave, following Cambria.

Ailys has been watching with rapt attention, elbows on her knees, hands cupping her cheeks, tiny Max settled on a knee now and partially covered by her cloak as they both watch. The monkey for the chance of dropped nibblies by those around him, 'Lys for her brother and Calaudrin.

While Calaudrin isn't /often/ witnessed using a sword, he does have one! And apparently knows how to properly accept a hand off. He looks the weapon over and looks visibly surprised again, clearing his throat. He's moved, possibly. Maybe. "/Thank you/. I will make sure that it's put to proper use."

Orazio is overheard praising Ainsley for: Generosity and enthusiasm in honoring service!

Sparte is overheard praising Ainsley for: Excellent gifts for a new knight

Ainsley hands off the sword to Calaudrin and once the new Knight has it he breaks out into an even bigger grin. "Welcome Sir Estardes!" He gives a little bounce on his feet and says, "I'd give you a hug but we'd just smash chestplates." He lifts his voice and calls out to the crowd, "Drinks at the Badger are on me! Thank you all for coming and honorng Calaudrin by witnessing his Knighting!"

"Lets hear it for Sir Calaudrin! Ho ho!"

Orazio stands and applauds. "Congratulations to Sir Calaudrin! A knighthood richly deserved." He smiles warmly, and his applause is enthusiastic.

Fairen doesn't get loud in his praise for someone else, he just isn't that type of person. Still, he does clap with enthusiasm, a wide smile on his lips for the newly Knighted Sir Calaudrin.

Someone would have to pay Thena /a lot/ of money to 'ho ho'. But she does stand and give the salute used by the Solace, arm across the chest and fist thump.

Alaric is overheard praising Calaudrin for: Ho ho!

Alaric is overheard praising Ainsley for: Ho ho!

Sparte makes the Iron Guard salute towards Calaudrin, grinning ear to ear.

Alaric is all about the ho hos, evidently.

Calaudrin looks a little confused about where this sword is going now that he has it and opts for holding it until he can find somewhere to put it down where it won't get stolen. He's a guard still, okay. It could get /lifted/. He saw Magpie out there. He's looking at Magpie out there right now, actually. As people are applausing he's looking mildly embarassed, possibly turning red.

Esoka puts an arm around Harper's shoulders. The other is raised up high, so she can boom out a loud cheer for Calaudrin. She's very good at yelling. Happily, right now!

Teodoro lifts his hands and claps them together happily enough, smiling wide as the ceremony comes to a close. His is not a particularly enthusiastic clap, but it's a steady one. "Congratulations!" He lets loose a single shouted word and then drops his hands to his side, turning to view the rest of his surroundings.

When the clapping starts, Harper joins in enthusiastically. Her face is still beaming with pride at Calaudrin as she looks between Esoka and him excitedly, giving Esoka a one-armed hug back.

Magpie is grinning as the cheering flares up, the man leaned over a big giving an earful to the king, but when he spies Calaudrin looking his way the man laughs and just offers a thumbs-up and a mischievous smirk.

Ailys will clap, rising up out of her seat as Max clings to the outer hem of her cloak, little bugger clamoring up the outside of the cloak to rejoin Ailys' shoulder.

Titania stands up and cheers, "Congratulations!" she says out to the man who was just Knighted. She smiles softly her eyes ooking around and they fall onto Ailith a soft smile coming to her lips.

Ailith rises from her seat to join the applause for the newly minted knight, her smile broad, as she regards Calaudrin, then toward Esoka in the crowd. In seating again, she leans toward Magpie and Alaric, murmuring briefly.

Calaudrin picks up an elegant griffin knight's redsteel longsword.

Ainsley grins at Calaudrin and says, "G'on, go get some drinks!" He reaches out to clap the other man's shoulder (hugging isn't possible, and that's so sad). He steps back after a moment and then moves to start descending the platform so he can speak with anyone who wants to speak with him. And let Calaudrin do that ... or escape if the man wants to.

3 House Riven Soldiers, 1 Greenwood Tribe Blood Warriors, white-tailed eagle, Lianna arrive, following Mia.

3 House Riven Soldiers, 1 Greenwood Tribe Blood Warriors, white-tailed eagle, Lianna leave, following Mia.

Titania smiles once everything is done and slipping from her seat she moves to head for where Ailith is, "Seraph it has been some time." she says watching her, "Can we speak a moment." she asks softly.