Lightstar Family/Xarnelf/Roleplay 84
~V~ Hero of the Path
Xarnelf had heard of the legendary Hall of Blood and Battle, of course, as most nobles his age had; however, he never did find an occasion to learn more of this guild of a past era. Perhaps he might make new friends by inquiring at the new guildhouse in Azros, and, at the very least, it would provide more open lines of communication between the reckless hero bent on vengeance, and those former Nighthelmians intent on destroying Soliferum once and for all...
(Roleplay from Alpha Enodscopia)
Torches cast light on the assembled brothers seated at the long mail-clad tables of the Phoenix hall. The walls were decorated with murals of war, and combat. The men were adorned in armor emblazoned with a ~V~ on their chests, they were, in their truest form, warriors. The blades of the newly inducted hung on one wall, and on the opposites hung the guild swords of the brothers who had fallen in combat.
Alpha sat at the head of a table, speaking little, for this ceremony. Like masters before him he would he would initiate the seekers of the path. After everyone was seated, Alpha stood and unsheathing his blade, motioned for initiates to come forward. It was not often that so many were inducted simultaneously, but there was much to be done in C’thonia.
As a token of your trust, I request that you surrender you sword to me. This will be the last time you wield this blade. This is a gesture of brotherhood towards your peers of this Hall of Blood and Battle. Do you respect us enough to have faith in our decision to take it? Your sword has served you well, and has a history of its own, but its history does not end now. It will remain here, in this hall, where tales of your exploits will be told to all that shall listen.
After being given the sword, Alpha gave it to the hall’s steward to be placed with honor on the wall. It would now remain, there now, with the blades of those whose footsteps you now follow. Alpha turned and moved towards the great fireplace, there, facing the Seekers stood eight men. Each man, dressed for battle, held a sword extended in front of him across his hands. When each Seeker was in place, the hall stewards moved forward, and presented the gifts.
You are gifted a masterwork, it is a sword carried by all those who have walked before you. It was forged with secrets few know. Never has a ~V~ battle been broken in battle. The sword is yours, and your own never to be given to another of other blood. I present you also with an emblem to adorn your breastplate, so that you may always be known on the field of battle.
Your blade and crest are emblems that show you are one who values honor in battle. Wear them always, and proudly so all, friend or foe, may know that you are of this brotherhood.
Do you, accept the laws of our Hall, namely:
~ Respect for warriors is a must. While at the guild, all warriors are welcome. It is our chance to show what true honor is. Save your Taunts for the battlefield.
~ The art of a Taunt - Taunting your enemies is acceptable as long as it is without emotion. To taunt before and after combat is good, yet never during. To taunt during battle is a dishonor. It verges on pride and provides nothing but hate.
~Drink and enjoy - Ale is served in large amounts in the hall. It is the medium which builds friendship and respect.
~Arms will not be sheathed in the hall; yet bloodshed will result in your removal.
~The Fallen in combat, no matter which side they served, deserve a pyre in which to burn. Those with Honor will rise to feast and war with the gods, while those without will lose the body they would otherwise use to return as undead and search for the honor they never found and can never attain.
Alpha waited for an affirmative response and when it was received , the atmosphere around the small gathering changed greatly, smiles now showed on the Brothers faces.
Then join us now, Brother, of the Hall of Blood and Battle, and drink in honor of those who have fought and died as well as those whom have fought and lived on!
With a fair deal of reluctance, Xarnelf slowly drew his sword to be presented to the steward facing him. His gaze moved down the length of the blade, from the fine point at the top, down the blood groove to the simple crosspiece, before it lingered on the single star sapphire encrusted in the hilt. It had been a family heirloom, once wielded by his very grandfather, who had received land for his glorious deeds in battle to be the first Lightstar recognized as a noble of Aenilia.
The entire ceremony, and especially Alpha's speech, induced an almost dreamlike state in the hero, and he marveled at the rich history of this brotherhood. He felt rejuvenated after the formalities ended, as if he was a new troop leader, naive and young. Soon after leaving the Hall though, the spell wore off, and Xarnelf reminded himself of his resolve to see justice served.
