She had raided Aislinn's closet for the occasion tonight - why not? Aislinn wasn't here to complain. She had come in silently and now wore a bright smile for those being honored tonight. Pressed back against the wall, she stood as a mere observer, a spot of darkened teal and auburn tresses against the stone wall.

Aiden finally allowed a smile to appear . He would wait for the ladies to step forward to congratulate the men before adding his good wishes but he did start to clap for them. Had this been a public ceremony, there certainly would have been applause. And if not, it didn't matter. Two were his friends, the third known and admitted to a brotherhood not all could join.

Andrew made his way over to Cole first, extending his hand. "Congratulations Sir Cole," knowing well his choice for reasons of his own. "I hope to one day soon set a sword to your hand. When you are ready you need only express the desire to myself directly or to Peter to get word to me." Peter knew how to contact him. He felt Cole deserving but knew that it had to come first within. He might noticed the low tremor of energy when hands met to shake briefly.

Cal was over to clasp each on the shoulder, big huge grin. "Welcome into the brethren, I am honored to have each of you at my side." Once done sight sought Cara out, Fae green eyes touching as he waited for her to join them in congratulating the three.

Feeling the gaze touch her, she took that as her cue to join Calhoun and offer her best wishes to the three knights. Approaching with a smile, she playfully curtsied to them. "We're surrounded by the knightly types now... but what fine specimens you make. Congratulations, both of you." Whiskey-brown eyes gleamed at Gabriel and Ian with the tease. She was in too good a mood lately to be serious.

Accepting Andrew's hand for a clasp and a shake, Cole inclined his head in thanks for the congratulations, though he was wise enough not to remark to the comment on the sword. He doubted that he would ever be worthy to wear one of the swords. "Thank you, Your Highness. I will keep that in mind."

Gabriel took the moment to shake both Cole's and Ian's hand. "Congratulations," then Calhoun as he was over. "I couldn't be more honored in the company I am to keep." Feeling like he finally had solid footing again. He gave a bow to Cara as she joined them and would each of the ladies in turn. "Aye, lucky you have a man to keep your eyes from straying to our knightly selves." Teasing her right back. Noticing Morgan against the wall, "Morgan come join us."

"Thank you," Ian replied warmly, proudly, to Calhoun. "I am reminded of something that I read once, and I hope that I don't butcher it as I try to recite it. 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; for he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother.' " That said, handshakes and brotherly embraces were given to any within immediate reach, save for the ladies, of course.

Lancely was over to give a clasp to each of their shoulders. "Congratulations, I'm pleased to call you brother." Touching off a smile before stepping aside so the others could congratulate them.

Noirin stood as the ceremony was finished and she too clapped for the men before joining her husband. Depthless eyes of oceanic blue looked at Cole as he spoke and then she offered her hand. "Time brings many things, Sir Cole. I'm certain you will also find your way. Please accept my congratulations and good wishes." There was an energy that surround the Crown Princess that came not only from her but from the child she carried. She would stay with Andrew to offer her congratulations to Gabriel and Ian as well.

She did not follow Cara directly, for the three would be well swamped with well wishers and congratulations. It was to Peter she went first, the better to greet him with a smile and a hand reached for his. "That went well, I'm thinking?"

There were refreshments brought in and set up in the back. At this point they could stay or leave anytime they wanted. Peter had also talked to Gabriel the day before as he requested an audience. The matter didn't change a thing but he would speak with him further on it and giving names of others he could talk to of like. A hand touched upon the small of Michaela's back as she joined him. "Indeed it did, I am very pleased in the men and of the ceremony." Words quiet as eyes met. There was a lot more ahead of them and though it might seem a long time, it too would be done soon enough. That reassurance was there without words before taking the step then as the others finished congratulating the three that she might as well. His hand taking up hers as fingers laced.

Feeling a bit unsure of herself because she didn't know everyone here she stepped forward at Gabriel's behest. "I am very happy for those newest knights, and honored that I could be here to share in your joy." Reaching to those nearest to her, she clasped each of their hands in turn as she congratulated them, her smile warm and sincere. Brushing errant strands back from her face, she stepped back to make room for the other well wishers.

Aiden was over to Gabriel first, clapping a hand to his shoulder and offering his hand. Not a word spoke, but much said in dark eyes. Brothers that were lost then found, and now part of a new life. Cole was next to receive the same, pride for him as well. Next he stepped over to Ian offering his hand. "Well said. It suits this night." And now that the ceremony was complete, he would speak to Peter on a name for the brothers.

Andrew had congratulated Ian and Gabriel already when setting their hands to their swords. Leaving them to their kinsmen he was over to Noirin. Her time was near and concern grew on her comfort. "Shall we retire my love?" Peter knew he was ready to help when Michaela was ready.

"This man has his eyes set on her so that hers do not wander," adding into the tease as once they had both congratulated the three, he would escort her to the refreshments to have a drink. Leaving the three to see to the others.

"Congratulations, Sir Cole." Now that he was not occupied with Andrew, she smiled gently at the too-somber knight before laughing as Calhoun led her away, a wave at Morgan as she retorted to him, "I have eyes for only one knight and you know it, Calhoun Quinlan."

Cole returned the clasp from Aiden in kind and thanked Cara for her congratulations with a nod as Cal whisked her away. To Noirin he was not certain what to say, so opted to say except, "Thank you, Princess." Tonight was not a night to indulge in brooding.

"Thank you Morgan, I'm pleased you could come." Giving a clasp of her hand as dark eyes met the moment then a clan hug given Aiden ending with a clap to his back before stepping away. They had been through a lot recently besides their ties from childhood onward. "I'm glad I never gave up in finding you." There were a few times he nearly did or thought he might not survive long enough for situations that occurred. "Thank you Lady Noirin," for her congratulations too as he gave a respectful bow before giving Lancely a clasp to his back. "I need a drink for any that wish to join me," heading straight for the refreshments and a glass of potcheen in mind.

"Thank you... brother," Ian offered, Aiden's hand accepted and given a firm shake. Now that the ceremonies were over, he allowed himself to relax a bit, and the usual lighthearted grin that he seemed to perpetually wear emerged. An orphan and later a restless traveler, Ian now had something that had been lacking in his life... a sense of family, and of  belonging. Warm thanks were then given to Morgan, Andrew, and the Lady Noirin. "I think that I'll join you," Ian called to Gabriel, and then he excused himself to make his way towards the refreshments.

He raised one glass to them in a saluted toast which he kicked back the whole of it. "I will see you later in the knight's hall. I've got a few things to attend to." He would drink with them then. Giving a bow to Peter, Noirin and Andrew before taking his leave.

She smiled again as Andrew spoke to her and nodded. "Yes, I'm ready." Her answer came softly. "Good night to you all, and once again, congratulations gentlemen." She then waited for Andrew to lead her out and back to their own rooms.

"Bonne nuit." Michaela called to those departing ere she smiled to Morgan and added her wishes to those already given. "Oui, congratulations to you three. The honor is well deserved by you and I am proud of you all."

"The man is ever on the go with his latest invention," more under his breath in a chuckle as Lancely took his leave. He would probably see them all later in the knight's hall too. Once Michaela had given her congratulations, "would you care for a drink?" He knew tea was brought in as well as cider, punch and potcheen. There was also a nice vintage wine and some brandy.

Watching some prepare to leave for the night, she made her way towards the refreshments, giving a wave to Cara as she meandered and mingled, gaining ground on the wine being offered. Looking up, she saw a face she didn't recognize and proceeded to introduce herself to Sir Ian. "Good evening, sir knight. I am Morgan Murray, the local soap maker of Heathfield. I don't believe we've met?"

Brother. He approved. Chuckling as Lancely left, he joined the others in having a drink. There would be more in the hall definitely, and other knights joining in. A bow was given to the royal couple as they left.

His arm sliding around Noirin as he spoke up. "I wish you all a blessed night. We need to take our leave," the reason obvious. The pierce of blue eyes touched upon Peter, Michaela, Aiden, Calhoun, Cara, Cole, Ian, Gabriel and Morgan in turn with a slight bow of his head before escorting his wife out. They would have time to spend together before weariness took her over as it often did these last months.

Which pleased him greatly he found. "As I have eyes only for one certain lady," words quiet as he poured her a bit of punch for the occasion and a glass of the potcheen for himself. Saluting the new knights before taking a drink. "You should get down to the field behind the spar hall, Lancely is starting the construction of his new contraption."

Taking the glass, she shook her head, trusting all of the knights, including the new ones, would begin sharing Lancely's obsession. "If you do that thing, I swear I'll never see you. Any of you."

Seeing that everyone was distracted, Cole eyed the door speculatively, wondering if he could make a clean escape with no one the wiser until it was too late. He didn't move yet, not wanting to betray his thoughts or intentions, but needed some time alone to contemplate the newest step in his life.

"Thank you Lady Michaela," easing into a lean with his drink having taken one with each silent saluted toast. Brows lifted as he Cal mention Lancely's latest invention. Dark eyes then shifting to Aiden, Cole and Ian as they would know he would be down to help the man out and see what he was up to soon as he could.

"Good evening, Miss Murray," Ian said, responding to Morgan's greeting with a cordial smile. "And you're quite correct, I don't believe that I've had the pleasure of your acquaintance until now. Something to drink for you?"

"A drink would be lovely, thank you." She nodded her agreement to Peter, keeping close to his side for listening and watching. "You are welcome, Sir Gabriel. Do you intend test your skills on Sir Lancely's invention?"

"It's not as it sounds, Lady Cara. This one will be fun for everyone." Lancely had been tight lipped about this new contraption so it was more a surprise but it was not a Beast like the other, well not in that way. They would eventually find out. He'd not spoil it on the man and tell. Pouring Michaela a bit of the flavored punch for the occasion which he handed off then took up a glass of potcheen. Like the others he offered the silent saluted toast being words were already spoken to each of his knew knights. Kicking it back and adding a spot more to his glass.

"Just some wine, please. Thank you." She was trying to mind all her P's and Q's as royalty was in the room. That always made her a little nervous, but they seemed a nice sort and so she stuck it out to chat rather than fleeing to the more comfortable surroundings of the Thistle. "Are you from the same lands as sir Gabriel and Aiden? Or are you from the same island as Elaina?"

He finished his drink and placed the glass on the table. "If you'll excuse me, I think I'll venture out and see if Lancely needs a hand tonight." He bowed to the three ladies and saluted Peter by bringing his fist to his chest over his heart. Then he was headed for the door.

Lancely was keeping tight lip indeed but there were some hints about, just not certain yet what kind of Beast this one would be. It had bets going around the knight's hall and he wondered if any would be close. Smile tipped a bit wicked for Cara's words but he only lifted his glass to kick back the drink. Setting it aside, "would you like to take a walk with me in the garden?" Giving them a little bit of time together before turning in.

"Good night everyone," having gotten the itch to not wait in at least seeing what was started. He finished off his drink before heading out with this destination to the spar hall field. Giving a wave in taking his leave.

"I think I would. Good night, everyone!" Called to those still present, she reached for his hand to let him lead her out.

No better time to make his exit, and Cole was gone before anyone could stop him.

"Good night," noticing Gabe was quick to leave too. Chuckling more to himself as he offered Cara the bend of his arm before taking their leave, escorting her properly.

She blinked as she watched everyone file out, surprised it was over so quickly. Maybe royals needed to get more sleep than the regular folk?

"Well, perhaps I'll be able to give you the answers to your questions, should we meet at the Thistle sometime. I'm keeping a room there, for the nonce. But for now, I'm afraid that I must take my leave," Ian replied genially to Morgan.

Peter was still there talking quietly with Michaela as the others took their leave. He would all be expected on the king's field tomorrow as well a few others, so yes, some would need some sleep, not just the royals. Once the others left he would see to taking Michaela back to her quarters.

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