In a secluded part of the festival grounds, a small palisade had been erected. Not many, outside the knightly orders, knew what its purpose was. The Knights Council was not assembled often and it had the appropriate amount of guards and security that you would expect. It was not likely that the Knights Council needed it, as many were some of the most skilled knights in the land.

The palisade protected a small camp ground of tents and a small wooden building. It was here that Griswold was summoned for his judgement trial. Inside the building was a curved table that sat eight knights. Near the left end was Grandmaster Hector, with various others representing the different orders. The only other person you recognize is Sir Roderick, placed near the center.

If their livery wasn't enough, each knight at the table had a banner displaying the coat of arms for each order. The six major orders were present, along with two you didn't recognize immediately. With a sudden burst of voice, Sir Roderick began to speak.

"We find this council convened to hear the judgement for knighthood of one Griswold Ortmann, a champion of the festival. He has been recommended for judgement by Grandmaster Hector of the Custodians of the Coin. I, Sir Roderick, acting as representative for the Dragon Legion while Grandmaster Lucio and Lord Marshall Ulfar are on campaign, support the motion," he says in a very professional tone while giving a small grin and wink to Griswold.

"Before he is judged, we shall hear what Knight-Errant Ortmann has to say on his behalf or if he wishes the motion to be withdrawn. Should he wish to hold on his judgement, we shall hear his rebuttal and dismiss if it is deemed suitable for continuation at a later date. Knight-Errant, what say you?"

Externally Griswold tried to remain calm and proper, sticking to protocol.  However, inwardly he was a mess.  So much so that he almost missed his cue.  He saluted in an attempt to hide the deep, shaky breath he took whilst centring himself.

"Thank you...," his voice squeaked.  Clearing his throat, he smiled awkwardly and tried again to remember the speech he'd been working on.  "Th thank you, Sir Roderick.  I will speak.  I, I would like to begin by expressing my gratitude to you all, especially Grandmaster Hector." He acknowledged the great and likeable man with a nod.  "I, was shocked, shocked and delighted, to learn that my trial would be heard. I think, no, I know that I am ready to be a knight.  Though my achievements are few."

As he found his rhythm, Griswold's speech become surer.

"Whether or not you know anything about me, it must be clear that I differ from most whose honour it is to stand here, before you.   For example, I'm sure that my little performance for the crowds the other day did not go unnoticed!  So yes, I neither act, fight nor think like most squires.  And I certainly don't look like them! Whilst it is true that we do share certain similarities, such as: me coming from a privileged background - I wanted for nothing.  I was also handed over for order training by my...father; received a noble's education; and have witnessed Kriegian politics firsthand.  These do not define me.

"What sets me apart, really sets me apart, is not my stunning good looks, nor my lovable roguish charm or outstanding acrobatic manoeuvrability - it is my experience.  Whilst other squires spent their formative years in the upper echelons of society; at court; on their estates; wining and dining with their families, whilst they did that, I lived.  I explored beyond the high walls of my family's estate and I did it unchaperoned.  I was free to meet everyday people.  I talked with them, laughed and loved with them, argued and reconcile with them.  I trod streets, braved dark alleys and tasted its flavours.  I got to see every level of Kriegian society: upper, middle and lower.

"I know People.  Know and love them.  From the highest ranking noble, to the humblest pig farmer.  I would give my all to protect them.  Not that other squires wouldn't of course.  This is not a competition, nor should it be.  But I want you to understand the depths of my devotion to do what is right, for who is right, no matter the cost.  And that is, in my opinion, what it means to be a knight.  I want to be the symbol for, of and embodying the people.

Griswold sighed.  "Thank you for your time  Precious though it is.  Perhaps too precious to be wasted on me.  I hope that is what you wanted to hear and, if you would like, I can address the doubts you harbour, once I have heard them.  My recent actions may have brought me here, but not without controversy.  I know."

The entire table sat and listened, doing little more than nod a time or two. As Griswold finished, a long silence hung in the air. It filled the room with tension. It broke as one of the knights from the two orders you did not recognize spoke. His voice sounded melodic and the accent, as well as his skin tone, placed him as hailing from the more southern climes of Krieghold.

"You are correct, young man. You have come to your trial swept in controversy. You embarrassed not only yourself but a member of court with your shameful display. You...",he was saying before the voice of Sir Hector cut him off.

"Yet he did so not of malice or politics, but of genuine concern for the other group. A group that Lady Inara allowed to progress to far due to Lord Kilquist's influence," Sir Hector pointed out.

The southern man huffed but did not retort. Instead, a man with the look of a northerner spoke, hailing from the Spring Order. "Sir Roderick, it is my understanding that you met this man before, summoning him because your were to face him in the tourney. What is your judgement of that interaction?" ,the man asked in a serious tone.

Sir Roderick nodded and thought for a long minute. When he spoke, his words were very measured. "He treated me with the proper respect and courtesy. I suspect the incident, my notice of him claiming to be a knight undeclared, not to be of his own doing but his companion attempting to either prank or advance Errant Ortmann without his knowledge. He admitted the mistaken identity and confessed to it, shielding his companion. As I have not seen this companion since, I assume they parted ways. In any case, Errant Ortmann conducted himself in the manner of a knight," Sir Roderick finished.

As he did, the man for the Ashen Order, who you recognize as the Witch Hunter that had rode with Lady Inara. His voice sounds like he has been smoking a pipe constantly since he was a teenager. "He knowingly shielded a sin-eater from my order. He has protected her since the beginning. I think this shows disloyalty to the Empire. How could he hold such information from us?", the man said with obvious contempt.

The knight from the Guardians of the Quill spoke, her chuckling dismissing the somber tone of the Witch Hunter. "Oh lighten up, Gustav. He likely didn't know what she was and even if he did, despite your order's best efforts, being a mage or even a sin-eater is not illegal," she said with a dismissive wave. The Witch Hunter, Gustav, glared daggers but said nothing.

The Guardian shook her head and gestured to Griswold. "I think there are no obvious flaws in his character as yet testified. I know he has the support of Sirs Hector and Roderick. He may count himself an ally of mine if he can answer my question truthfully. What was your plan with the girl?"

OOC: Trying to use more colors to help with reading. Let me know what you think.

Griswold listened to the back and forth between his judges.  When the conversation turned back to him, by way of the quill guardian, he nodded at her with a charming half smile.

"Her name is Farrissa. And I only meant to free her from Lord Kilquist's service.  Through no fault of her own, she's forced to work off her Grandfather's debt.  But, thanks to some generous friends, I think I've raised enough money to help.

"Though I admit to being told that she could use magic, I didn't believe it. She's a mute after all and I had never heard of a mute mage before!  I have always been told that it is best to gag or wind them.  And I have never seen her actually do anything of the kind. So, this whole sin-eater thing - awful name by the way - is news to me.  I'm still unclear on what exactly it is.  Back then I was more concerned about the strange collar that had mysteriously appeared around her neck.  If anything, that's what I would have been investigating, had I not been so worried about people's lives during the event.

Griswold paused, then turned to address the southern knight.

"I apologise for my conduct, Sir, but I'm not one for politics.  I leave that to wiser men.  And as for shame well, that's simple: I have none!" Griswold cracked a toothy grin, forgetting himself for a moment.  "Uh, that is to say, I do not believe pride, politics, or procedure should stop a knight or, in my case, a squire from doing what is needed.  If running naked through the streets, covered in muck, singing 'The Emperor's Other Wife,' is required to protect even a single innocent, so be it."

OOC - Its really helpful having different font colours for the various characters in a scene. :)
This message was last edited by the player at 19:19, Fri 19 Jan 2018.

Brother Sul watched as the trial went on, The only thing showing that he was more than a statue of a guard were his eyes, slowly moving between each of the knights one by one, trying to determine their experience and merit for their orders.

His left hand lightly traced the pommel of the sword that was strapped to his side as his mind wandered on what he would have done, given a change in circumstance. In all likely, he would have been a knight of an order most of these veterans would never have heard of. And yet, he would probably also have fallen in the attack, and none would know the knowledge he carried.

A light frown adorned his features at that as his eyes seemed to begin to gaze past the trial. With a shake of his head and a light cough, he rolled his shoulders before giving his full attention back to the matter at hand. It wouldn't do Griswold justice if he wasn't paying attention.

He decided he liked the order of the Quill as the representitive seemed to not make uninformed decisions...

His mind continued to wander, twisting along the path of knowledge as he remembered his studies on the Ashen Order and these sin-eaters...

The southern knight gave a sharp look at Griswold's last statement. His tone sounded just as condescending as before. "Hardly the image that a knight should strive for. The knightly orders command respect and dignity. Despite you not believing in these, you must still adhere to them. That means not disrespecting a ranking member of court in public. You are lucky that the auspice of winning the contest has protected you thus far from reprisal. Do not think your actions have been forgotten," he finished in a much more serious tone.

The Guardian interjected on that point, not letting a silence settle. Her tone was much more level than that of the southern knight. "A fair point. You represent not only an order, but the Empire. You must be able to conduct yourself accordingly. But political savvy is not what this trial is for. I believe your intentions were noble, if not your execution of them. I have heard enough and put his judgement to a vote."

Sir Roderick banged a gauntlet on the table. "I second. How votes this Council?"

"Aye," said Sir Hector.

"Aye," announced the Spring Order knight

"Nay," came the expected from the Witch Hunter.

"Nay," said the southern knight.

"Aye," said Sir Roderick.

"Aye," replied the Guardian.

"Nay," spoke the other minor order knight.

"Aye," said the Argonaut, who gave Griswold a broad, adventurous smile.

Sir Roderick nodded, while those who dissented gave various looks of disapproval or disgust. He cleared his throat loudly and decorum returned to the room. He looked at Griswold before inclining his head towards Brother Sul. "As you have been judged worthy to bear the title and privilege of a knight, you are allowed to declare for an order. Though you have one year to decide, I assume that won't be required. Seeing as how Sir Morton, the Knight of the Rose, has been granted, and since given, the Order of Delius an approved charter from the Emperor, that is why your companion is here. An order of one man is not really an order, but I will let you declare as you will now. Whichever you select will be required to see your acceptance formalized by this council," he finished. He motioned for Brother Sul to step forward. It was apparent by his tone that the hard part was over and Sir Roderick was not enjoying the formality of it.

The other seemed disinterested, save for the Guardian and Sir Hector. They seemed to be holding out hope that Griswold would declare for either one of their orders. The three nay voters seemed to have joined in a conversation away from the table.

Sul kept his posture straight as he stepped forward, nodding his head towards Sir Roderick once he reached the designated spot. He gave a brief look to the rest of the council before resting his eyes on Griswold and bowing his head.

He wasn't sure on the formal way to say anything, but decided that since he was new to such anyway, it would perhaps not be truly frowned upon. "The Delius Order would welcome you, should you choose to join. Your loyalty to your fellows and honor to the cause i have seen myself. You are a kindle of hope to the people of the land that you serve, and i would be honored to see that flame grow brighter."

If Griswold was upset by the naysayers, it didn't show.  He even politely smiled at each as their verdict was announced. Still, once his knighthood was certain, he beamed with happiness.  A moment of silence followed, as he once again had to compose himself.

"Thank you all.  Even those of you who do not believe in me because, without you, there would have been no trial at all.  Those that do, however, I promise to never let you down and to make believers out of everyone.

"Sir Roderick, thank you for your kind words...and good memory!  Our Lady of the Quill, thank you for your generosity.  Sirs of Spring and Golden Thread, thank you for your trust.  And Sir Hector, thank you for your friendship.  In the past, present and, hopefully, the future too.

"For as long as my training and perhaps longer, I have always dreamt of being a knight.  And more than that, of being part of a certain order.  One whose knights exemplify everything that I strive to be.  Heroic, selfless and inspiring.  I therefore choose...the Rose."

Griswold's pauses to let his outrageous declaration sink in before continuing.

"Now, despite the Knights of the Rose being subject to the same rules as other orders, I understand that entry is by special invitation only.  So, until I receive mine, another Order!

"First, I have to address the two most generous offers I have received from the Grandmasters of their Orders.

"Grandmaster Sul, I cannot believe we have only known each other for a few days.  It feels so much longer!  Brothers in arms, you might say.  I would like nothing more than to become part of the new, uh, old? The new-old Order of Delius!  And as the only current member, you certainly need to bolster your ranks!  Which is why - and I can't believe I'm saying this - I must pass up on your invitation.  It seems," Griswold looks around the naysayers, "that my very public actions have been extremely...divisive.  They will put many good squires off of joining the Order, if I am part of it.  More so if I am your first recruit!  And I do not want to make your job any more difficult than it already is.  So, I will stay and fight at your side, whilst perhaps filling in any blanks you have about the knightly orders, under a different coat of arms.

"Grandmaster Hector, you have humbled me.  However, it is with deepest regret, that I also have to decline your offer. I truly wish I didn't, but despite my boastful nature, I must admit to having some shortcomings (few though they may be!).  I am neither an insightful man, nor a good tracker.  Both qualities essential for the Coin.  So I would unfortunately make a poor knight for you.  But I can still be a good friend.  Ask anything of me, whenever you like, and I will try my damndest to be there for you.

"And so, as a founding member of the Adventurer's Guild there is but one choice left to me.  If it pleases the League."  He turns to face the Argonaut and kneels. "In waking, as in sleeping, I dream.  A sound that only I can hear.  Led by a thread that only I can see.  I am summoned.  Summoned to answer:  The call to adventure!"

Sul smiled in understanding and took a step back, wondering if this was perhaps all part of the show that was tended to be put on. Still, it was good to be here and learn some more 'in person' notes about each order. "Understood, and frankly i'm relieved. I don't think i'm ready to lead anyone." He said, his smile still wide. And it was true too. He had other things on his mind that needed to happen before he could focus on leading others.

There is a profound silence, pregnant with tension as Griswold speaks. It is apparent that this was not the course of action that was expected of Griswold. The knights resumed there seats, all paying close attention. Eyes begin to dart back and forth between the Argonaut and Griswold. Even he seems a little unsure of his actions, but as Griswold kneels, his confidence returns in force. As he stands you are able to see the gold inlaid etched ship on his breastplate. He moves forward, standing before Griswold with a wide grin, oddly similar to Griswold's own.

His voice booms, excitement evident. "We Argonauts often consider Jason and his crew the first true adventurers in this world. The went of a noble and epic quest, fraught with a danger and excitement both. When they returned, they were hailed as heroes. We emulate that sense of wonder and daring as best we can, to ensure that it never fades from this world," he said and drew his sword. He placed it on Griswold's shoulder and began to intone.

"We climb the highest mountains,
just to get a better view.
We sail the wildest oceans,
cause we're daring through and through.
We cross the scorching deserts,
a map in our hands.
We explore the frozen north,
deep in uncharted lands .
We are reckless, brave, and loyal,
and valiant to the end.
If you come to us a stranger,
you will leave as a friend.
Like bold Jason that went before us,
we stride forward brave and tall.
To those that stand against us,
prepare to meet the squall!"

"Stand tall, Sir Ortmann, for you have joined a brotherhood of adventure. Welcome to the League of the Golden Thread, Argonaut!", he said and sheathed his sword. He clapped Griswold on the shoulder. He turned with Griswold to face the others. "Sir Ortmann has declared for my order and I, Grandmaster Nurnan, accept it."

There was polite clapping from a few of the council, and a few glares as well, as Grandmaster Nurnan spoke. He leaned in and whispered to Griswold. "I would suggest you not linger here. My actions appeared to have upset a few of the other Grandmasters and they will take this out on you if you stay. Don't worry, we will talk later."

OOC:The ceremony is concluded and you can do as you like.

Griswold stood and addressed his new Grandmaster.  "I will do you proud, sir.  If you need me, I have a place at the The Dragon and Unicorn Tavern.  But first I must find Farrissa and pay her Grandfather's debt."

He then turned, bowed and bid the other knights farewell, before leaving.

OOC: Griswold will try and free Farrissa now.  With Wrenn, if possible.  We don't need to RP that though, unless you want to.  I am happy just to know what happens and if I need to make any rolls for it.  Thank you.

OOC: The thread is now closed. Farrissa is currently being kept under lock and key. You will have to find Viscount Kilquist to negotiate her release and debt.