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Order of Athena

Date: 10-06-08
Poster: Maureen McLoughan
Post # 1

Knighting of Maureen and Maeve

Now that Valandil was several months old, Noir had begun to assume her duties again. One of those included something she had wanted to do before she had become Andrew's wife. She knew that there were women seeking to become knights, and that there was a feeling among others that there should be a division especially created for them. With that thought in mind, and after speaking to both Queen Honeee and to Andrew, she sent messages asking for a meeting. They would start small of course, but expand. She waited inside the Spar Hall with her usual patience. Dressed for the cooler weather, she wore a tunic of gold and blue silk over a white poet's shirt. Pants of black were tucked into her favorite thigh high boots. As always, her sword, one of the Empowered ones of Heathfield, hung at her side.


Andrew was wearing a white robe over royal attire. A finely stitched white shirt with embroidery throughout cut in a poet's styling but finer detail and stitching. Same for the dark brown pants and boots that were a perfect fit. He arrived moments after Noir as he'd been to the ethereal planes but wished to be present during this ceremony. Having taught her how to set the empowered swords to one's hand, this would be the first time she made use of the knowledge. In his hands, laid over them, he carried two of the swords wrapped up  in cloaks of silk. A deep purple on the outside and a faint thistle pink on the inside that complimented the darker color well. It was his mother's choosing of the colors representing the female warrior division of Heathfield. The first female knights in true standing of the lands. There had been female warriors throughout the years here but nothing set up just for them. He appeared as per usual for him. Shadows shifted, dispelled with the light as he stepped through an ethereal door, the shimmer of gold over skin, clothing and hair for the few seconds between dimensions. "I came as soon as I could." Normally he would have escorted his wife here but the royal guards stepped in for him. Luckily he was able to make it, more for himself than he felt a need for Noirin's abilities had grown in the time together.


Mo received the request, not something a person set aside and would be prompt as well! Not so much there would be a punishment otherwise but for sheer respect of the woman and of the Crown. She went right to Maeve, attired in her best warrior clothing, golden poet's shirt, brown woolen vest and tailored linen pants with boots lacing up. She wore the knives Aiden gifted her with more out of habit but now they meant even more to her. Maybe there had been a reason more than friendship at the time, for certainly it had been a kind gesture but even with how kind Aiden was, he didn't go around giving others finely crafted expensive knives! The thought flickered but was set aside as she joined up with Maeve and straight to the spar hall. The guards stepped aside, there seem to be a few of the royal ones here this night as she smiled cordially to them in passing within. As soon as she saw not only Noirin but Andrew, she went to a bend of knee before them. Bowing her head and kept the position.


Mikhail knew of the event that would take place this night and having been with a few of the royal guards, joined them in escorting Noir to the hall. He had taken a stance near the back door, arms folded over his chest in one honored to be witness for his own connections under the Crown and of the Queen's sons, Crown of Kildare.


Maeve was surprised to receive the message in some ways but not in many others. It seemed more and more this was the path she should follow and now she felt she had confirmation. She wore a poet's shirt of dark green beneath a sleeveless tunic of black with knotwork done in gold. Black pants were tucked into the well made boots of Elven design. She was glad for Maureen's company as they made their way inside the Hall. She too, went down on one knee, head lowered. There was no nervousness in her demeanor only respect for the Royal couple who stood there.


Noir knew the moment her husband neared, even if he was as of yet unseen. She smiled and turned in his direction, her eyes saying more than words would say. "Just in time, my love." She answered softly before she turned back to the two women. "Maureen and Maeve, you have been called here this night to become the first female knights of this land. You will also be the first of a very important division. Though you will be sworn, as other knights have been to the protection of the lands, your duty will be specifically to protect the Queen and all the Royal Ladies of the realm. This protection will extend to their children as well." She paused and turned to Andrew, hands out to take the first of the two swords.


"Always in time of importance, my heart." Words spoken low with a smile that touched the line of his mouth, more in the piercing blue of his eyes as he set the swords wrapped in the capes on a table in easy access. They were of the one hundred swords but these in particular were of a lighter weight than for the males. Otherwise there was no difference from the exquisite forging of the sword to the finely detailed hilt. He took up the first of the two to unwrap it from the cape, setting that aside for the moment as he unsheathed the sword, the scabbard as well set aside with the cape before he was over, the length laying flat over the palms of his hands to offer Noirin. She could probably read a lot more in his eyes as they met in that moment.


It seemed that this evening her travels had lead Grace to a town called Heathfield. Her small feet moving along the walkway of the town admiring the buildings and such. It seemed like a very pleasant place, and also a very populated one. She had little desire to sleep at the moment so decide to wander the streets. As she did she happened to come upon the hall to which everyone was adjourning tonight. Slipping silently inside the dark auburn haired lady took a seat in the back not wishing to be a bother but only to watch what was happening.


Being Mikhail was near the back door, he would silently gesture to the lass to take one a seat there on the benches if she wished to stay and watched the event taking place.


Turning her eyes to the man at the door she nodded her head to him in thanks and undid the clasp of her white cloak as she watched everything.


Mo's sight was upon the floor of the spar hall, a place many days had been seen since she came to these lands. Every word was committed to memory as her heart pounded in her chest, a realization of many long hours of training, practicing, and showing her worth as a female warrior amongst men.  Finest skilled men at that she had ever encountered. Diverse as well. She would keep this position until Noir or the Prince told her otherwise. She was aware of Mikhail here and another that had quietly arrived.


Maeve was as still as the marble statues that had graced the courtyards of her homeland. Though she was sad that none of her family was here, there was joy too. She was part of a larger family now and knew her father would have been proud. She was pleased that she was about to receive this honor with Maureen, her friend and sister in arms.


The smile that graced her lips when her eyes met his, faded but still glowed in ocean blue eyes as she turned back to the women. She approached Maureen first, her gaze dropping to the woman.. "Maureen, do you swear by your honor and your life to be faithful to the Crown and her sister lands? That you will serve the Queen of Heathfield, and myself, as your Commander, with fidelity and the Kingdom of Heathfield first and foremost? To uphold justice, your word, your honor, to show valor in combat to the best of your abilities, to guard and protect the Queen, the Royal women of the court, and their children from harm, and to become a sister to those who will serve with you and under you as my Second, and to follow the codes of old that many have followed before?"


"I swear on my word of honor, I will be faithful to these lands of Heathfield and all her sister lands to my last breath if needed. I will serve Queen Honeee and yourself as my commander, fidelity in words and deeds. I will uphold justice, to fight with valor and courage in defense of those here I am sworn to in guarding, the Queen and all royal women of the court, adhering to the codes of old." Eyes lifting with the tip of her head up in all due respect so Noir could see it in her eyes, her words meant. She remained kneeling.


Noirin smiled slightly as she continued. "Maureen McLoughan, I commit you into the service of the Queen, and myself, and the lands of Heathfield and her sister realms by your acceptance." She lowered the sword to touch lightly upon her left shoulder, lifting up and over to next touch the right. "Please rise, Dame Maureen McLoughan of Heathfield.." Once she rose, the first of two pages who were standing near, was over to present a finely tooled leather sheath, embossed not only with the Dragon, Thistle and Cross that symbolized Heathfield but with an owl for the Order. A second page was over with the cape, weather resistant cloth of deep purple lined with thistle pink, the crest  of Heathfield embroidered for all to see. The lad, folded the edges over her shoulders as the third came forward with a shield, finely polished brass finished layered with the crest of Heathfield embossed. "I will now set the sword to your hand."


Though she kept her head lowered, Maeve was listening closely. This was all new to her but every moment would be kept in her memory.


She rose with a bright smile. Wishing for a moment Sir Aiden and Sir Gabriel especially could be here but she knew they were seeing to duties elsewhere and this ceremony meant to be kept small. They might not even be aware of it for the arrival of the request this very night. Most likely due to when the Princess and Prince could be here for their duties of the extraordinary kind. She glowed in the honor as she let the page affix the cape around her shoulders, helping him so it went quickly and smooth before taking the scabbard to affix around her waist to sheathed the sword once set to her hand. She couldn't help admire the beauty in craftsmanship as well. She was fully attired at this point and felt a true warrior knight for the first time in her life. Oh how she wished her brothers could see her now but unfortunately she didn't even know where they were in the Colonies, that being their last destination she knew of. She was ready for Noir to set the sword to her hand, right handed so the shield was held in the left.

-c-


Maureen McLoughan (Mo)
From Mail-Order-Bride to
warrior-knight in training,
Life ever-changing

Date: 10-06-08
Poster: Maureen McLoughan
Post # 2

"Know that each Sword is different with an energy all their own but the core always remains here with the Master Sword. If you leave these lands and service, the power will drain out, leaving it as any well made sword and nothing more. You will find the powers it has to be as individual to your hand as each is to the hand of those to whom they have been given." She placed the hilt in Maureen's right hand, before covering over with both of hers. As Andrew had shown her, Noir's essence surrounded Maureen in a deeper peace set by the universe's song. A song that came in colors that leaped along the outline of her hands and fingers and danced along the blade until all turned to a blue-white then a pure white. Maureen would feel the vibration with the blueprint of her life force added to that of the sword. "This sword belongs to you and you belong to the sword. It will come when you call, it will be the light to fill the darkness in the void." With those last words, all light swallowed down along the sword and into the hilt as Noir's hands left hers and she stepped back. "You shall practice this sword only with those who have the same. They must not be used in regular practice with others for the unfair advantage and possible harm. Always keep it on you so none happen upon it accidentally for it is not friendly to others unless allowed by you. Congratulations, Dame Maureen."

Andrew was smiling as he watched Noirin, she had learned well. It pleased him as could be seen in his eyes while he continued to watch silently.


Fingers curled around the hilt as she could feel the energy far from the norm. Her look was one of awe. It was one thing to know about these swords from the other knights that possessed them but this, this was a whole other experience. She felt the peace and the song of soul as well in the hold of this special sword. She watched the colors dance around their hand and fingers before sliding up the blade, becoming one with her. Much like a child that awakens to new stimuli of life; in this the higher part of life than the ordinary mundane most got caught up in, leaving this area to starve. It was awaken in her. She was soaking in all the information as well that which went with the sword. "Thank you," feeling her words fell short of the emotion filling her but it was in her tone, in her eyes, "I am very honored this day and will make you as well the Crown of Heathfield, proud." She was determined to live up to her word for her word was her honor. She bowed before them both before stepping aside, wonder over the sword before it was sheathed so that they could continue with Maeve. She was so proud for her comrade as her smile would continue.


Smile hinted then came fully as he watched a new knight of the lands be born, in a sense. Both ladies held that kind of honor in their hearts and in turn had his greatest respect.


Noirin smiled fully with Maureen's words, eyes sparkling like sunlight on water. She once more turned to her husband to accept the second sword from him. The pride in his eyes made her heart swell.


The second sword had been unwrapped from the cloak which was handed off to the squire waiting before unsheathed. The scabbard handed off to the second squire before he was over, blade over the one palm of his hand while the hilt laid upon the other as it was offered. There was a connection of all these swords directly with him and in such, wearing the Master Sword, all those who were honored being knighted with them, were also all connected through the swords and through him. Noir might catch the quick wink as she took up the sword and he to step away so that she could continue.


The smile would show him that she had as she stepped back and then turned to stand in front of Maeve. She looked down at her and began to speak once more. "Maeve, do you swear by your honor and your life to be faithful to the Crown and her sister lands? That you will serve the Queen of Heathfield, and myself, as your Commander, with fidelity and the Kingdom of Heathfield first and foremost? To uphold justice, your word, your honor, to show valor in combat to the best of your abilities, to guard and protect the Queen, the Royal women of the court, and their children from harm, and to become a sister to those who will serve with you and under you, to follow the codes of old that many have followed before, and to serve Dame Maureen as Captain of the Order?" She cut a quick glance to Maureen, smiling before looking back.


Noir would see her smile which hadn't faltered one bit, only growing as she kept her silence otherwise.


Maeve's eyes lifted when she heard her name, her expression serious. "I do swear by my honor and life to be faithful to the Crown and her sister lands, to serve the Queen and yourself as Commander, to serve with fidelity the Kingdom of Heathfield first and foremost. I will uphold justice, my word, my honor and show valor to the best of my abilities. I will guard and protect the Queen, the Royal Women of the court and their children from harm, and become as a sister to those who serve with me and under me. I will follow the codes of old and will serve Dame Maureen fully and faithfully. This I do swear." She felt her own heart soar as she spoke the words.


"Maeve NiCasCorach, I commit you into the service of the Queen and myself, and the lands of Heathfield and her sister realms by your acceptance." She lowered the sword to touch lightly upon her left shoulder, lifting up and over to next touch the right. "Please rise, Dame Maeve NiCasCorach of Heathfield." Once she rose, the first page was over to hand her the embossed sheath. The second then followed with the cape, adjusting it as he had Maureen's, folding the edges over her shoulders to show the thistle pink lining. The third came forward and handed her the shield embossed with the crest of Heathfield. "I will now set the sword to your hand."


Maeve was still solemn as she accepted the sheath from the lad. She place it on her belt, removing her old sword and handing it to the lad. The cape and shield were accepted with the same serious look though she did glance at Maureen, allowing a hint of a smile to appear. She then looked at Noirin and nodded.


"Know that each Sword is different with an energy all their own but the core always remains here with the Master Sword. If you leave these lands and service, the power will drain out, leaving it as any other well made sword and nothing more. You will find the powers it has to be as individual to you as each is to the hand of those to whom they have been given." She placed the hilt in Maeve's right hand, before covering over with both of hers. As it had with Maureen, Noir's essence surrounded Maeve in a deeper peace set by the universe's song. The colors once more leaped along the outline of her hands and fingers and danced along the blade until all turned to a blue-white then a  pure white. The vibrations would be felt by Maeve along with the blueprint of her lifeforce added to that of the sword. "This sword belongs to you and you belong to the sword. It will come when you call, it will be the light to fill the darkness in the void." With those words, all light swallowed down along the sword and into the hilt. She stepped back again and continued. "You shall practice this sword only with those who have the same. They must not be used in regular practice with others for the unfair advantage and possible harm. Always keep it on you so none happen upon it accidentally for it is not friendly to others unless allowed by you. Congratulations Dame Maeve."


Maeve had been around magic all her life but this ... this was unlike any she had seen or felt. She could have laughed out loud as she felt the energies of the sword. Eyes bright, she looked up at Noir and allowed the smile to finally appear. "Thank you. I too am so honored and proud. I can't begin to express how I feel." She then took her place beside Maureen.


She smiled at the two women, continuing. "You have set a precedent for those to follow. Know that few receive one of the Hundred Swords of Heathfield. They are made of alloy that is a combination of those here and those not here, forged in the fires of these lands and each empowered through the Master Sword, by Andrew. They will never be taken from you by another unless you allow it. The blade will cut through stone without dulling, it cannot be destroyed by normal means. It will shatter only if you try to use it for selfish purposes or that of malicious, evil intent. Only then will it become as brittle as dry clay and turn to dust. It is a symbol, to be worn with pride and it shows that you have earned the right to wear it. Congratulations to you both."


"Congratulations to you both, Dame Maureen, Captain in the Order of Athena. Congratulations to you Dame Maeve NiCasCorach, Commander in the Order of Athena, Heathfield's new lady knights." Giving them a respectful bow of his head before the pierce of blue eyes turned on Noirin, one always sought by him.


As a Gypsy warrior he applauded them both. "Congratulations, I'm honored to be in witness of this ceremony tonight."


"Thank you," she was a little choked up giving them both another bow before she was over to hug Maeve, this day would be forever shared and a connection between them both.


"If you will excuse me, I have some duties to attend to." Ones that were not pressing that he couldn't have them wait so he could witness the knighting. Giving them a bow, he was around on a booted heel and heading back out into the night and up to the castle.


"Diola lle. Thank you." She repeated in both Eleven and Common before she bowed as well. Mo's hug was returned and she grinned, happy that she had been knighted with her. When she saw Mikhail again, she would thank him too. The man was quick!


"Ladies, please go enjoy yourselves as I have some things to see to myself." Mainly his wife as the touch of a smile would be one she recognized.


"This is your night. Enjoy it knowing you need not be on the field tomorrow, unless you choose otherwise." Her eyes met Andrew's as she held out her hand. How could she resist that smile?


She was not going to repeat herself so her smile said it all as she linked arms with Maeve and was quickly leading her out so the Prince and Princess had time together. She had picked up on enough with the words.


The guards and pages saw to the closing of the hall, and extinguishing the torches while she turned to face her husband fully, ready to leave when he was.


As soon as everyone vacated the hall, he would be whisking his wife away to spend time alone, knowing they would only have a few hours before needed back as the castle and their son. Neither liked being parted for too long even if he was in the care of his grandmother presently who adored the time with young prince Valandil.

-e-


Maureen McLoughan (Mo)
From Mail-Order-Bride to
warrior-knight in training,
Life ever-changing

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