The man of the hour has arrived. The first notable thing about Tomwell this evening, is that he's dressed in only a set of layered white robes. The second notable thing about Tomwell this evening, is that his hair is currently behaving itself. Some degree of effort must have gone into this feat, but the typically unruly curls have been tamed into neat submission. The final thing to notice about Tomwell this evening, is that he looks a little bit wide-eyed from the moment he steps into the Cathedral. Still, with purposeful steps he makes his way toward the front and Aureth. Though he does pause, at the commoners pews, to murmur a few words to a certain Whisper.

Etienne has joined the Side Alcove.

Monique has joined the Side Alcove.

Harlen arrives, following Duarte.

arrives with a brisk pace, Templar at her side. Taking a spot in an alcove with shoulders and back straight, she straightens her tabard and robe while preparing to watch the ceremony.

Aureth has joined the Altar.

Tomwell has joined the Altar.

Aureth murmurs his excuses to those he was speaking with prior to the ceremony, and then strides up towards the altar in the flare of the candlelight. His smile is warm, and his stance is all stage presence as he looks out across the assembled. "Ladies, gentlemen; brothers and sisters. Thank you all for coming. Today, we are gathered in joy and honor. Lord Tomwell Leary of the Leaholdt has petitioned to join the ranks of the Faith of the Pantheon. Thank you all for coming to bear witness, with solemnity and grace, as he takes his first steps upon this new path."

Duarte slows from a trot to a walk when he enter the Cathedral and takes the nearest seat available.

Duarte has joined the Commoner Pews.

Fairen has joined the Noble Pews.

"Is that my robe?" Aleksei blurts just loud enough to be heard beyond his immediate pews, and then he looks /faintly embarrassed/ to have accidentally said it louder than he intended, /and/ in the moments that Aureth has started the ceremony. He sinks down low into his seat. Way to go.

As done up and pristinely pampered as Arcadia is right now, she's still the same overly-energetic and twitchy Leary. Her fingers fiddle and tug at the hem of her gold-dusted gown as she lingers there beside the Marquis. "Sit -- Yes, alright," she says in a distracted murmur, slippered feet carrying her towards a pew. She stops halfway, turning on her heel to look back at Fairen. "Oh! Is there wine, or hors d'oeuvres?" she wonders, glancing about, "And will there be dancing after?" A pause as Tomwell arrives, and as Aureth begins to speak. She politely quiets herself, and plops down into a seat. Her toes tap restlessly againt the floor.

Arcadia has joined the Noble Pews.

Without so much as batting a lash, Lumen's dainty little hand flits out from where it had been folded in her lap and quite audibly, hits flat at the center of Aleksei's chest. With force.

Stepping his way towards the Noble Pews, Fairen sits himself down on one side of the pews, so he is as close to the exit as possible while he watches Aureth prepare the ceremony. The smile on his lips is deep and genuine, watching everything contently. Of course, he also sees Tomwell arrive, which only sees his smile to grow more deeply. All of the questions Cady has for him, he politely ignores, just enjoying the ceremony.

Harlan moves quietly and takes a position not far from Fairen. He gives Tomwell a warm nod as he passes, not seeming to be confused, concerned, or anything else. It's Tomewell's decision, and he'll support his vassal's blood in this.

The question erupts just as Towel has walked away from that very pew. His steps falter for a moment, before he glances over his shoulder with a crooked grin at Aleksei. His eyes are sparkling as he raises a finger to his lips. Shhhhh. Then he smoothes his hands over the robe in question and continues on his way. Arriving at the alter he catches Aureth's gaze with a flicker of a smile and then turns to face the gathered crowd. He finds his family first, acknowledging them with a lift of his brow.

"To join the Faith, in service of the Church before the gods and before men, is to remove himself from the bonds of his previous fealty, his responsibilities to his House, and to no longer provide succor or shelter save as the Faith might provide succor or shelter to any other." Lifting his chin very slightly, Aureth asks the room at large with a broad sweep of his hand, "Who is here to speak for House Leary?" as if he doesn't know the answer.

3 Thrax Guards, Carys, a slight woman with ink-stained fingers arrive, following Caith.

When a representative of Leary is called, Fairen rises to his feet and raises his voice so that everyone in the Cathedral can hear him. "I, Marquis Fairen Leary am here to speak for House Leary." He presents, holding himself in a proud, confident stance.

Forced into silence by at least a sliver of social awareness, Cady is nothing but smiles now, and she basically just stares at Tomwell, swelling with pride. When the lift of the brow comes her way, she waves back at it with a floppy hand, mouthing 'good luck!' toward her cousin like a parent at a school recital.

Jeffeth has joined the Quiet Alcove.

Is she late? Caith comes ruuuuuuning in -- except she skids to a near-stop right by the entrance and slyly walks the rest of the way because she is smooth like that. Never mind the fact that her hair is all WHOA and ignore how her silks are all YIKES and don't pay any heed to how her assistant is all HUFFIN' and PUFFIN' to catch up. Nothing to see here, nothing to see. The Thrax princess slides into the first little set of seats she comes across and then leans out a bit to catch a glimpse of her cousin! Tomwell! Right over there making a HUGE life choice! Oh my gosh, look at him! She waves to him! Hihihi!

The corner of Tomwell's mouth crooks up in fond pleasure, though he doesn't otherwise return any of his family's enthusiasms. Instead, he glances to his elder brother before Aureth has even finished asking the question. His pale blue-grey eyes are fixed upon Fairen with an intensity that's only broken when he flickers a quick look aside to Aureth with a faint nod.

Caith has joined the Commoner Pews.

Duarte has left the Commoner Pews.

Harlen have been dismissed.

Duarte has joined the Commoner Pews.

Originally going over to settle in the quiet alcove, the large figure of Jeffeth Bayweather could be seen looking around and quite possibly feeling lonely. Because it doesn't take too long for the big man to silently shuffle, with a few apologetic raises of his hands to those he scoots by to make his way over onto the pews.

Jeffeth has left the Quiet Alcove.

Jeffeth has joined the Commoner Pews.

Aureth gives Fairen an inclined head nod of acknowledgment, and says with great gravity and solemnity: "Please, approach the altar and take your brother by the hand, my lord." He lifts his hand to rest in benediction upon Tomwell's shoulder, and holds out his other one towards Fairen indicatively. He continues to speak, even as he waits: "Marquis Fairen Leary, will you stand before these witnesses today, and release him from his family? Will you give over your kin to the Faith of the Pantheon, recognizing that his responsibilities to Leary is ended, so that he may take up the yoke of the gods?"

Arcadia shifts slightly, some mild twitch of something-or-other crossing her face as she listens to Aureth. She sinks a little in her seat, pale blue eyes gazing at Fairen now -- hesitant.

As the prompts come to him, Fairen complies and steps out from the pews, solemnly walking down the aisle to the altar. Once he arrives, he extends his hand towards his younger brother readily, inclining his head to him, and then to Aureth. Again, he raises his voice, and lifts his chin to speak to the crowd. "Yes. I release Lord Tomwell Leary from his family to join the Faith of the Pantheon. No longer does he serve House Leary, and he is free to serve the Gods."

Still watching his brother intently, Tomwell accepts his hand with a slight nod in return. Upon Fairen's words, Tomwell's eyes fall closed as his breath holds for a few seconds count, and then he's exhaling in a rush. Alas! As his hand leaves Fairen's, it reaches up to run habitually through his hair, undoing in a moment the work that must've taken ages. Now it is tragically sticking every which way in it's usual unruly manner. The Gods won't mind. Probably.

Aureth stands back for a moment to let Fairen and Tomwell clasp hands, and then when the giving is done, he nods to Fairen and says gravely, "Thank you, my lord." Then he turns his pale gaze to Tomwell and says with a good approximation of priestly sternness, "Then, Tomwell, kneel before the altar and prepare to take your oath."

Harlan is remaining quiet, by and large. He's watching with a faint smile upon his lips -- more just bearing witness to the event that any actual 'doing'. Which is fine, of course.

Turning to watch Tomwell for just a moment, smiling at his younger brother in a few seconds of pride, Fairen inclines his head at him. Then he turns to receive the thanks from Aureth, smiling and inclining his head at him. With that, he steps off to the side and sits down at the front of the Pews, still near the altar if he might somehow still be needed.

Grinning now, though trying to repress it to a more dignified and appropriate gentle smile, Tomwell nods once at Aureth. Once he's knelt, he takes a moment to tug his robes into presentable order and then falls still. Solemn, now.

Sir Alren, 1 Templar Knight guards arrive, following Bianca.

Bianca has joined the Commoner Pews.

"Tomwell, who would be priest of the Faith," Aureth booms out with a voice pitched to carry to all corners of the room, "Do you swear, for Gild, to leave behind no wealth in your passing, save to the Faith itself? To support none as a spouse or child might, but only through works of charity? For Limerance, do you freely devote yourself to the gods and put these oaths tonight before all others? For the Sentinel, do you promise to always seek the truth in the grace of the gods?"

"I swear," Tomwell's voice is sure and steady as he speaks. "To Gild, I promise to leave no wealth save to the Faith. To Limerance --" There's a slight pause here, before he continues with a rough strain of emotion in his voice. "I promise to freely, fully, and wholeheartedly devote myself to the Gods, putting those oaths before all else. To the Sentinel, I promise to seek truth and offer justice with an open hand and an open heart."

Aureth has left the Altar.

Binky, an asshole crow have been dismissed.

Gregory, an unassuming disciple have been dismissed.

1 Templar Knight guards have been dismissed.

Arcadia's eyes are wide and attentive, and Tomwell's emotion becomes her own. She's on the edge of her seat, and she might just be on the edge of tears, too. Be it a wedding or a religious ceremony -- there's just something about oaths that get her!

Aureth has joined the Altar.

Aureth continues with similar stern gravity in his aspect, standing tall and straight before his kneeling friend as though he is as remote as any statue in the place. "For Gloria, do you swear to act with honor in all your dealings as a priest of the Pantheon?" he says. "For Jayus, do you promise to seek the inspiration of the gods and let them color your life? For Vellichor, will you, above all else, swear to protect and take up the burden of keeping safe knowledge, tending to the Great Archive and its contents?"

Tomwell's voice smooths out as he continues, taking on a cadence that grants it a musical quality. "To Gloria, I promise to let honor guide my words and deeds." A smile spreads, as he says, "To Jayus, I promise to let the Gods work through me to find truth and beauty in all things. To Vellichor, I promise to uphold knowledge as a gift, and make it my life's work to protect and tend it."

"As Petrichor grants dominion," Aureth answers with a broad gesture of his open hand across the faces watching them, "do you, Tomwell, swear to uphold his ideals and enforce the tradition of Sanctuary for those granted it? For Mangata, do you pledge yourself to the waters, your ministry knowing no bounds of land? And for Lagoma, do you promise to always hold yourself open to change and to new possibility?"

"To Petrichor, I swear to enforce the tradition of Sanctuary with word and body," Towel continues, ever-steady and voice full of warmth. "To Mangata, I promise to take my ministry wherever it leads me, safe upon her waters. To Lagoma, I promise to leave my heart open to change and accept it as a gift when it comes."

"As the First Choice fought for the ability to choose," Aureth says, his voice lifting with emphasis, "do you choose this /freely/, without reservation, to serve the Pantheon now, and will you make the choice again, each day, until your time of passing?" The saccade of his eyes towards a certain row in the pews when he asks this question could easily be a trick of the light. "As the Queen of Endings shelters souls in the realms beyond, do you promise to Death that you will shelter souls in the lands of the Compact, from birth until death? And in the name of the Dreamer, do you swear to serve the creations of Aion and to preserve the Dream eternal?"

There is a brief pause before Tomwell launches into this final set of oaths. "To the First Choice, I promise to choose my service anew every day, and likewise choose to defend every soul's right to do the same. To the Queen of Endings --" There's another pause here. A quirk of his mouth and a flicker of his gaze. "I promise to shelter the souls as I would my own, until they are returned to her care. To Aion, I promise to preserve the Dream."

Gunner, the Leary Military Adjutant, Emilie, a slender lady's assistant arrive, following Iliana.

Aureth nods, gravely, finally. "And for Tehom, the Reflection, one final oath: do you vow to channel your passions, rather than being ruled by them."

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

At this, the thirteenth vow, Tomwell closes his eyes and bows his head. But when he speaks, it's with strength of conviction: "For Tehom, I swear it."

Aureth shifts his weight, proffering his hand to Tomwell in offer, as he declaims, "Then rise, Brother Tomwell, priest of the Faith. We welcome you to our family as one of the Godsworn."
The Templars that line the sides of the chamber for the ceremony lift their fists in salute to pound their chests in a noisy, solemnly joyous clanging of welcome as Tomwell is thus presented, and Aureth's stern look melts away into the widest grin of all.

With the vows complete, Fairen smiles widely, mostly focusing his attention on his brother, now a Priest of the Pantheon.

Jeffeth smacks his fist against his chest as well, and rises from his seat. It doesn't make as much of a noise, but it makes a little noise, it probably hurt real bad. He gives a half bow towards the altar, dipping his head to Tomwell.

Tomwell's hand slides into Aureth's and he uses it to pull himself to his feet. A short, bright laugh bursts from him as he gazes around at the crowd with a slightly dazed expression.

Iliana comes in very fashionably late, wearing a skirt and shirt, not dressed up at all. Ah, normal Iliana. She spots her husband in the massive crowd, carefully moving through them to get to him and once she does, she stands somewhat behind him. She's not wearing perfume, her hair is in those braids coiled at the back of her head, and she looks like she walked over here. Shameful, right? Though she does give a smile to Tomwell as she sees him, she otherwise does not even say a word, being quiet and thoughtful as the man takes his oaths.

Bianca rose to her feet as well, fist to her heart and head bowing in conjunction with a soft smile for the newest Brother in the Faith.

Aureth is overheard praising Faith of the pantheon: The Faith will be a little kinder with Tomwell among us.

Lumen only jolts a little at the sudden clanging -and general noising, as in Jeffeth's case. Steadying herself, she pets away what moisture has collected beneath either eye.

Monique applauds brightly for the newest Godsworn, leaning in to murmur something speculative to Etienne at her side, before resuming her cheers.

Aleksei is overheard praising Tomwell.

Aleksei is overheard praising Faith of the pantheon.

Waldemai applauds as well. "Gods keep," he wishes.

Bianca is overheard praising Tomwell.

Arcadia can't contain herself anymore. She erupts in applause, little hands slapping together for Tomwell as her energy propels her onto her feet -- she even releases one single chirping, "Woo!"

Harlan is overheard praising Tomwell.

Etienne stands to applaud as well, his sunny smile beaming for the newest Godsworn, he shoots a look to Monique as she speaks in his ear.

Aleksei rises to his feet like the others, his smile bright as he applauds enthusiastically for Tomwell!

Harlan stands up and applauds as well, smiling for Tomwell . He's definitely approving of all this.

Etienne is overheard praising Tomwell.

Etienne is overheard praising Faith of the pantheon.

Iliana is overheard praising Tomwell: My sweet sweet brother in law will make the faith that much brighter.

Lumen rises in a graceful sweep, raising and clapping her fingers into the heel of her hand.

Cassandra raises her fist in salute, then pounds it into her chest afterwards without flinching, striking robe and tabard with a muffled thump. The Archlector of Gloria's head remains with chin inclined upwards, attention upon Tomwell with an expression of respect upon her stern face.

Caith has left the Commoner Pews.

Tomwell's hand finds its way to his hair again, ruffling through with faint bashfulness. He stands there awkwardly for a moment, as though unsure what he's supposed to DO now, before he's engulfed in a hug from his brother. That seems to break the spell, because then he's laughing at Arcadia's enthusiasm. "Thank you."

Aureth takes a few steps back, applauding noisily as friends and family swarm Tomwell to congratulate him. "Thank you all for coming to be with Brother Tomwell tonight," he says.

Iliana applauds with the rest, though she's sort of in the back behind her husband, her grin nearly splitting her face.

Popping to her feet, Caith flows forward from her seat and makes a beeline for Tomwell. Once Fairen is done with him? Hug incoming! She tossing her arms around him and gives him the squishiest squeeze ever. "Oh, I am so proud of you, Tomkins," she trills merrily, using his nickname in front of /everyone/.

Tomwell is overheard praising Faith of the pantheon: I am honored to join my Brothers and Sisters in the Faith.

Arcadia worms her way through the crowd to Tomwell's side, her body straight up just wrapping around his and squeezing harder and tighter than she looks capable of -- after Caith is finished, of course. "MMMMNF!" She loosens her grip and peers up at him. "I am going to miss being your neighbor, Tommy! I will visit you when you move, okay! And you must still walk with me in the gardens when you have the time!"

Tomwell is overheard praising Aureth: There is no better man to guide me.

Iliana tries in vain not to snort, she fails. "Tomkins? Oh can I please call him Brother Tomkins, please?" She laughs and puts a hand to her mouth to hide it, but it can still be heard. She grins with mirth and is still chuckling.

Arriving fashionably late, and a look at him would show that he camed from training to the Cathedral. He bows with fist on his chest, as he is accustomed to do. And in a concise way to greet, "Richard Wyrmguard."

"Oof!" Tomwell's arms are suddenly full of Caith. A state of which no one could ever complain. "Thank you, darling," he tells her, dropping a kiss on her cheek before Arcadia can take her place. "Ow, good gods, Cady!" He's laughing, puffing out a breath when she releases him. "You don't know your own strength, do you?" He drops a kiss to her head and pats her hand. "I promise. I could never neglect my cousins."

Harlan walks up towards where Tomwell is, and just waits patiently, in line behind whoever else is ther.

Cassandra permits herself a slight smile at the rejoicing of the Leary family and friends at Tomwell's joining in service to the gods before her fist drops back to the side after the salute.

Iliana sneaks in line, her eyes twinkling as she walks up behind Harlan. Her presence is not so much felt as is she's there, her hands at her sides as she is still smiling faintly as she peeks over the man's head, or tries to, she's a bit short. Her lips are curving though, and she is looking on the point of uttering the dreaded nickname, her eyes twinkling.

Harlan is also fairly tall!

"Am I strong?" Arcadia wonders, eyes sparkling with intrigue at the idea. She looks down at her hands as if to gauge their power, and then she's looking up again, and then -- "CAITH!" Cady, apparently, has just noticed her Princess-ly cousin, and her name comes squealing out of her lips as an impulse. "I have not seen you since. Since! Since the last time I have seen you," she finishes, lamely. "Which was a long time ago!"

Eyes pressed into happy crescents, Lumen lingers on the outskirts of the boisterous familial grouping. Eventually producing her hand and petting Tomwell's arm affectionately, she quietly extends her congratulations.

Waldemai has left the Commoner Pews.

Aleksei has left the Commoner Pews.

Keso, a totally legit assistant, Peanut, an oversized mastiff leave, following Aleksei.

Waldemai slips quietly away from the Cathedral, having born witness.

Despite the crowd of well-wishers, Tomwell spots Lumen linger and reaches out his hand to find hers and he leans aside to murmur something to her before returning to the line. "Duke Harlan," he says with a nod as he releases Lumen. "Thank you for coming. It was an honor to be your vassal."

Richard observes everyone while drinking a mug of fea. The austere man with that constant serious expression, continued to calmly drink.

Harlan smiles and shakes Tomwell's hand, saying, "Congratulations, Brother Tomwell. I'm sure you will do excellent at this. I admit, I was a bit surprised, but I know you are following your calling." He then steps out of the way.

Oh, was there a line? Whispers just must not be beholden to human bureaucracy. Smiling faintly at the exchange and retracting her hand back to her person, Lumen quietly takes her leave of the Cathedral.

Tomwell's attention turns upon Iliana as Harlan steps away. "Hello, darling," he greets with a warm smile, opening his arms for a hug. "Thank you for being here."

Lumen has left the Commoner Pews.

Zoraida, a dead-eyed Apprentice Whisper leaves, following Lumen.

And he reveals Iliana, who is still smirking as she says, "Tomkins." in a sing song voice, her eyes twinkling as she raises her hands to him. "My sweet darling. Val couldn't come. She was asleep, but I will extend her baby congratulations to you." She doesn't hug Tomwell, not yet, and her eyes are twinkling as she moves to stand right in front of him.
"You are going to make the faith so much brighter, love." Iliana says, and is that a sparkle in her eye? She reaches up a hand and swipes at it, her eyes blinking a little. Finally, she does hug Tomwell, and her arms wrap around him as she kisses his cheek three times. "I'm going to miss you."

Etienne rises from the alcove, bidding farewell to Archlector Cassandra and dropping in a word of congratulations to Tomwell, "Welcome Brother." He offers an arm to Monique and sets about moving through the cathedral to the exits.

Etienne has left the Side Alcove.

Monique has left the Side Alcove.

Kit, the grey fox, a tiny man with a BIG unpronounceable name, 1 Greenmarch Guard, Q, a very tall man with a very short name, a very average man leave, following Monique.

Dandy, the red fox, 1 Templar Knight guards, Monique leave, following Etienne.

Tomwell reacts so little to Iliana's use of Caith's nickname, that it's as though he hasn't even noticed it. "Aw, come on now," he scolds Iliana gently. "If you cry, I'm going to cry." He enfolds her in a warm hug and receives his kisses with a smile. "I won't be far," he promises as he steps back. "Thank you."

Iliana grins at Tomwell and says, "My sweet brother... Brother tomwell. Don't be far. I'm not crying." she says quickly, blinking her eyes. "No tears. That was the trick of the light I'm not crying." She sniffs. "Damn it."

Like his cousins before her, Tomwell leans in to press a fond kiss to Iliana's cheek. "Go cry on your husband," he instructs. With a pat, and finding no one else waiting to greet him, he moves off to find Aureth. "Well. That's done, then."

Duarte has left the Commoner Pews.

Harlen leaves, following Duarte.

Harlan has left the Noble Pews.

Relic leaves, following Harlan.

Aureth smiles faintly, and assures the newest priest of the Pantheon, "Not really. But it _has_ begun." Gods, Death priests are annoying.

Richard, who remains rather stoic as well as having that austere look that he has, "I give my congratulations to you, Tomwell, for becoming godsworn."

Iliana may be the only woman that curses in a church. May lightning not strike her head. "I am not crying." she says, glaring after Tomwell as she sniffs again. "It's ... It's an alergic reaction to the sweetness in this room." She moves to stand behind her husband. "Tell him I'm not crying." she tells Fairen, expecting him to parrot her as she wipes moisture from her cheek, it looks strangely like those unbidden tears.

"Isn't that just a different way of saying the same thing?" Tomwell counters with a crooked grin. Richard draws his attention and he offers a warm smile. "Thank you."

Astraea comes in late, cheeks flushed as she walks in. She gives little waves here and there until she gets close enough to congratulate Tomwell,"Welcome to the Faith! I was caught up with unexpected...life...but I wanted to say that and so I have." She smiles widely and offers a nod to the Archlectors.

Huffing at Tomwell, she gives a sigh. "Right." Iliana murmurs with a soft smile as she raises a hand to her cheek, before she turns toward the doors of the church.

"Thank you," Tomwell tells Astraea with a little nod. "I'm quite happy to have joined your ranks officially."

Bianca has left the Commoner Pews.

Sir Alren have been dismissed.

1 Templar Knight guards have been dismissed.

"Cousin Brother Tomwell." Cady puts that together in a quick breath of realization. She crinkles her nose as she says it; finding it both amusing and horribly stupid at the same time. "My... cousin-brother."