After a long day, Peter finally had time to see to the matter of two new knights. In their case, already being trained as knights in another land, same as Aiden, he would not have to wait as long as others still in training. He had watched them on the field for a good week and they showed not only their skills, prowess, but the ability to learn quickly. Also sharing, like Aiden had, new methods that could be incorporated. He couldn't ask more for such two to proudly become knights under him. Being he spent as much time here, in Heathfield, if not more for a growing other interest as he did in Innis. He would do well with a regiment to serve him in the lands here as needed. He took the time to clean up, fresh clothes of casual wear, russet tunic over a pristine poet's shirt, dark brown pants and boots. Sheathed empowered sword hung at his left hip, always worn. He sent off a note to Aiden to bring his comrades to his office for the long awaited meeting.

Aiden was talking with Lancely and Cal when he received the note from Peter.  Luckily the time on the field was long passed, and he knew his friends had time to clean up.  He sent two squires after both then headed to his quarters.

When he emerged, he was wearing a tunic of dark blue over a lighter poet's shirt and black pants tucked into his boots, and of course, his sword. Moving quickly, he headed first to Cole's quarters and then Gabriel's.  Then he led them to Peter's office, knowing the guard there had likely been informed they would be coming.

The summons arrived as he finished an hour's solitude in music. Glad he'd taken the time to bathe after the day's much-needed and enjoyed training on the field, he emerged to follow Aiden almost silently to the office where King Peter sat waiting to receive them. Unrelieved black and white was his clothing tonight, a sleeveless doublet over a clean linen shirt, trousers and boots. The black hair was in need of a good trim to keep it out of his eyes, but Cole would get to it eventually. For now, he shadowed his brothers and waited to be ushered in.

After the Ball and a good night's rest, having been given the day off but then Sundays usually were for the day of rest if one wanted. He had rested well before taking time to peruse the marketplace then down to the lake where he practiced the bassoon he bartered for. He was going to get with Cole soon in playing together, convince Aiden to play his drums. After a hot bath and dinner he rested in his quarters until Aiden showed up. He couldn't help the grin full of hope as he followed along with Cole to Peter's office.

The guards stationed were expecting them as one stepped to the door giving it the three tap knock before opening it up so they could be received. Once they were within, he would see to closing it off behind them. Peter was standing by the window looking out over the courtyards until the knock came. Hands behind his back returned to his sides as he turned, moving away from the window. "Aiden, Cole, Gabriel. Welcome, please have a drink and seat at the hearth." Preferring the more comfortable atmosphere as he was over to take up a small glass of the potcheen. A few other choices including brandy, cognac, wines and cider were in the offering. He moved then to take up a seat so arranged he could easily talk to them in the semicircle.

He grinned at his friends before stepping inside, his expression once more stoic.  A fisted hand was brought to his chest over his heart in a salute to Peter before he did relax.  Moving to the drinks, he poured himself a glass of potcheen then settled into one of the chairs.  He was far more nervous than he had been when he had spoken to Peter but that would soon pass.

Stepping in behind Aiden, Cole bowed to the King and obtained himself a glass of brandy. He'd acquired a taste for it in his travels, occasionally preferring it to the stronger potcheen before he planted himself across from Aiden, looking calm and cool but inwardly, he was a mass of tightly wound nerves. His future, and Gabriel's, were about to be decided.

He too was getting that coiling in his stomach of good nerves though, like one had the first battle they were truly in. He gave a fisted hand to his chest as he might as well start the respectful gesture and a sign he had great hopes in this matter. A glass of the cognac was chosen as something different and would honor this moment. Positive thinking as he claimed the chair next to Cole and Aiden. He would wait to speak when called to.

He waited for them to settle as a hint of a smile warmed his features from the more stoic worn of habit. "I had good recommendations on both of you," slanting a glance Aiden's way before sparing it between both Cole and Gabriel. "Hence that time I've gotten the proof that your abilities are as stated. I took into account you were both away from daily practice for a few years but watched as that factor was quickly put asunder by the third day on the field. You each have unique styles that are efficient but what pleased me more was your ability to adapt, to learn and not just stand alone." He would start with Cole, "how have you been finding the lands here outside of training?"

He thought over the question for a minute, needing to be sure he fully understood what the King was asking before he could answer. "Since coming here, I've found the lands and the people who live in them to be welcoming and full of difference, but not in a bad way. It's an adjustment compared to Daurenia, but one that gets easier to make every day. There is a great deal to discover here; I hope to continue doing so."

He was listening attentively, full focus on Cole at the moment. "Aside being a knight and all that entails, I feel it is important that one feels the lands they are in as a home. I understand there will always be a spot in your heart for your homelands, I would expect nothing less. I need to see if you both feel that the lands here are of a kind you will proudly call home one day soon, a place that if you should marry would want to raise your family, a place where you will not only serve me as your king but respectfully the royals here. You will have time in Innis too but I'm deciding to station a few knights here. Do you have any questions, Cole?" Before he moved onward to Gabriel to find out the same.

Cole glanced at Aiden for a moment before he replied, choosing his words with the care an honest man gave when he wanted to be clear. "Daurenia was my home, Sire, but that was a long time and a different man ago. If you're asking if I could see myself happy and content here, the answer's yes. All that was dear to me is here." The dark eyes flickered to Gabriel and Aiden as he relaxed back in his chair once more. "Other than that, no... I have no further questions to ask, thank you."

"That is exactly what I wanted to hear for it is important. I ask of no man to forget his roots but if his roots call to him more than another it is best not to get into service under new lands." He turned to Gabriel next. "What of you Gabriel, how do you feel of these lands in making them your home, your honor and protection under me and Innis Daingneach? Sister castles here are as one." Being at this point in time they would be stationed here, as was Aiden, it was why he approached the matter as he did.

Gabriel had been listening intently, the cognac already enjoyed as the glass was rolled between his palms in a forward position he'd taken on the chair. The motion was immediately stopped when Peter addressed him, setting the glass to the table near them. "Cole speaks what I feel but I will say them in my own words too. I've come to like these lands, there is a draw here and I would honorably serve them under you and all the sister castles with my brothers. In that, it is already home be I accepted as your knight or not. The hope, of course, has been that I can be allowed to serve." That would have been hard on him not to be accepted as knight but he would not be going anywhere else.

Full focus turned on Gabriel as he expressed himself much as Cole had, both sincere in their words and this strong bond the three already shared was very evident. "It is what I wanted to hear before we proceed," turning then to Aiden. "Are you willing to help school them off the field in any differences in protocol you've learned from your homelands and here in the days to come?" Knowing well he was already helping them as he could on the field. "To introduce them as the opportunities arise to those families and individuals respected in the lands and so on and forth?" gesturing with his hand as he was sure Aiden knew fully what he meant.

"Yes, Sire." He looked at his two friends then back. "We attended the Ball last evening and I've seen that both still hold what they learned in our days of training to heart. They do well when meeting both nobles and commoners and I know all will be treated with the respect deserved.  I'll be honored to introduce them and to show them the way of things here." Not so different from their homeland save there were times when one could be less formal.

He took Aiden's words in adding to all reasons to have them knighted. "As it is important in how you conduct yourselves on the field, which I got to witness firsthand, so it as important in how you conduct yourselves off the field. There were be days where patience will be very stressed as I found out myself. Each of you will be different for each of you are individuals but there is an underlying protocol to be held. Never hesitate to come to me if there is an issue I can help you to resolve. I may well be your king but even a king I do not wish to separate myself as untouchable. Know that I spent most of my years on many battlefields as a warrior than in courtrooms." He might at some time relate those years for he was not ashamed of them, circumstances had it that way and in the long run would make him a better king. "I will contact Andrew for you will be knighted with one of the hundred swords of Heathfield. It is one of the highest honors here. I hope it to be done by the end of this week. The Druid Prince will need to set each your special sword to your hand." Looking back between Cole and Gabriel to see how they felt on this.

Cole shifted uncomfortably in his chair with the mention of the unique swords. Remembering what Aiden said on the matter, he'd had plenty of time to consider what his response would be if one were offered. Clearing his throat, Cole glanced to the man who was now his king. "I speak only for myself in this, Sire, when I ask that one not be granted to me. It is an honor I neither have earned nor deserve at present and I would not feel right in accepting one. If this will alter your decision, then certainly I will respect that as well."

He wanted to leap up for joy but managed to contain it as he sat more on the edge of his seat looking to Aiden then Cole in turn before upon Peter. "I am overjoyed and honored." Extremely and found himself at a lack of words for those elated emotions. He would be a liar if he turned down this offered honor feeling that if Peter felt he wasn't ready it would not be offered. "As my friend expresses and I can have apathy with, I will pledge to earn this honor with this particular sword, growing with it." For he had a good idea of its unique difference from any sword.

He studied Cole a moment before addressing his stance, "it does not change my offer. If you feel more comfortable waiting then when you are ready I want you to contact me and a sword will then be set to your hand. These swords were made by the Druid Prince in an extended effort to help protect these lands by men not only of valor but of honor. That code I feel you live your life by as your brothers, Aiden and Gabriel. Still, I understand what you are saying and will respect it. There are highly wrought swords made for the royal guards and those men in training. It will be a good sword, just not made of the alloys in the other and special properties." He lifted his glass as he stood. "I salute you in becoming knights of Innis Daingneach."

Aiden wasn't surprised at Cole's words, or Gabriel's.  Both men held to high ideals, and he knew well Cole would feel he needed to earn the right to wear such a sword.  In Aiden's opinion, he was on his way to that point.  He nodded slightly then looked at Peter again. Aiden stood as Peter did, holding his glass toward his friends. "Welcome, brothers-in-arms."

He grabbed up his empty glass, it had a few drops left as he stood to receive the toast. "An honor I'm looking forward to."

Cole rose with the others to raise his glass and nod towards the group, "And we are grateful to be received in service once more. It will be good to get back into harness."

"Here, here." Then kicking back what remained in his glass. Once done he was over to set it off to the tray. "I will see you all on the king's field at dawn." Which would give them time to do what they wanted before seeking their beds.

"Thank you, Sire." He saluted Peter once more, fist coming to rest over his heart briefly. "At dawn." As always.

"Good night, Sire." Cole echoed Aiden's salute, adding a half-bow. Some habits were going to die hard.

He kicked back the few drops left as it was symbolic anyway before he followed suit to set his glass on the tray. He fisted his hand to his chest. "A good night Sire and thank you." Those two words encompassing quite a bit but knew that was known at this point. Once done he headed out with his brothers. 

Continued...