Royal Army Promotions and Inductions

Eighth Day, Fifth Moon,
Twenty-Third Year of Recent Awakenings

In accordance with the will of Her Majesty and in upholding the duties charged to me as Senior Chronicler, I hereby submit the account of Royal Army Promotions and Inductions.

The tenth late bell rang on the seventh day of the fifth moon as then-Lieutenant Vessa lead the members and recruits of the Army on the first steps of what would be an important journey.

Dame Eeva and Sir Alrik met with the other members of the Army and their witnesses. Gathered at the exit from the safety of the Castle. Dame Eeva explained to those present that she had been out earlier that day to clear the path. She suggested everyone stay close, especially those not martial to keep safe from any rogue undead.

The group made their way through the dangerous paths, guided by the more senior members of the Army. They traversed through a maze of paths, as well as a bridge made of ice before coming to the small and ancient village located along the side of Mount Ardan. As the group continued through the razed village, it was noted that small and rustic decorations had been placed in anticipation of the evening.

After some time recruits, witnesses, and Army all arrived at a Meeting House near the center of the village. A blazing fire warmed the group as elegant strands of ivy and pearls decorated the walls. Serving trays filled with rustic and tasty food lined one of the several long tables within the space. Sir Alrik and Dame Eeva welcome the group to get comfy as they and Leuitenant Vessa had a brief discussion.

The trio turned once more to the room as Sir Alrik called for attention, telling the members of the Army to form up. They all gathered in a line at the center of the room. Dame Eeva explained that this evening was about inducting the rangers. She expressed that it had been something that had been in the works for some time.

She shared with the group, “For me, all of them have centered around this place, this village, as the staging area from which the Rangers would take their oaths and start their path. They have centered around the Royal Army, and protecting the Keep in a way we have not been allowed to do before - or at least in these awakenings. We are one heart, with one goal, to protect the Keep, its people, and the Crown, and as such seeing everyone here, despite the various paths and differences we have endured along the way speaks volumes to the resolve of those in the Army and those joining the Army tonight."

She bid Masters Aratan, Nexian, and Tristan join her in the center of the room. She spoke about each of them as she explained the severity of the evening and its vows. She started first with Master Tristan, who was bedecked in lovely accents of evergreen and hazel tartan. He matched Mistress Auriela who had shown up in support of him that evening. Dame Eeva explained to the room, "Master Tristan has been one of the most steadfast and patient recruits for the Rangers. He has not wavered in his dedication to this path and I believe that he is cut from the forest itself and I look forward to seeing him grow in service to the Army."

Master Tristan bowed his head with the weight of the honor the Dame moved onto Master Aratan. She shared about their relationship, "I have known Master Aratan in one form or another for some time, and I was surprised he took me up on the offer to join the Rangers, and even more so when his feet led him here once more with the changes. The group will benefit from his dry wit, sharp observational skills, and pragmatism, and hopefully, he can benefit from us as well."

Dame Eeva then moved on to the final recruit of the evening. She stepped to Master Nexian, who had brought this chronicler as his witness. She shared some of his histories within the Keep. She also shared future hopes for him, "Master Nexian has been a fixture of the Keep for some time as well, a veteran as the other two of our fair Castle. He has had a distinguished position with Lord Sicard and boasts a deft hand with the blade. Though quiet of nature, it is my hope he will soon be carousing with his fellow comrades at arms and we will be trying to find ways to shut him up."

Sir Alrik and then Luitneant Vessa watched on with intention. Dame Eeva continued, starting with the more formal oaths. She explained to those present that these were Oaths of Eternal Service. The recruits taking them today would be doing so not only to themselves. But also each other, and Her Majesty, the Queen. She started her words, "Upon this day, the Royal Army has cause to induct worthy recruits into our ranks, to protect the Denizens, the Keep and Crown. Let those who would join our Cause be acknowledged."

Dame Eeva cast her gaze upon the room, asking if any present had cause to refute the oaths that were about to be taken. A silence weighty with the severity of the evening overtook the room. None spoke in defiance so Dame Eeva drew her blue steeled schiavona. The Dame bid those swearing their oaths to kneel.

The Dame spoke of the tenets that those present would need to adhere to. She spoke of their obedience to the Queen and the laws of the Castle. She bid them swear to defend both Queen and Court from all Perils, using all of their strength, wit, and skill. She had them swear to defend the lives of their fellow officers and to follow the chain of command. She gazed at all three recruits with confidence as she asked for their affirmations.

Master Tristan was the first to do so, honorably swearing himself to that which he had so waited to do. Master Aratan’s words followed with the weight of the ceremony as his fingers graced the Dame’s blade. Finally, Master Nexian’s voice was steady and sure as he too swore to all the tenets the Dame had expressed.
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Dame Eeva asked once more, for those swearing and witnessing, "You have sworn your firm and timeless oath. Let the terror of utter abandonment engulf any who would trifle with or break it. Signify that you understand and accept with one final and firm 'Aye'."

Three firm and final confirmations followed this statement without any pause. Dame Eeva caught the gaze of each of the recruits, "I, Dame Eeva, do accept your Oath and welcome you to Her Majesty's Royal Army. You have become this day the first Rangers of an ancient and honorable order. Stand proudly and with strength, knowing that each of us is sworn in defense of the other. Stand and be known, Ranger Serjeants Tristan, Aratan, and Nexian."

The three Ranger Serjeants shared a gaze before smiling and slipping to their feet. Dame Eeva presented each of them with their Ranger gear and supplies. She then pinned their new badges to their chest. Applause and cheers went out as the Army welcomed its three newest members into the fold.

The night, however, was not yet over. Sir Alrik stepped forward and welcomed the new members. He touched on how the process would work moving forward and their role within the Army itself. He continued speaking of the training and expectations they would come to know. He explained that there was one more obvious elevation that needed tending. Sir Alrik turned his gaze to then Lieutenant Vessa and beckoned her forward.

As the Lieutenant squared her shoulders and did so, the room erupted into proud and happy smiles. The members of their Army watched the women who had been so crucial in their training step forward. Sir Alrik shared with both Lieutenant Vessa and the crowd, "Through your diligence, loyalty, and service to the Royal Army and the Realm as a whole, you have been found worthy of accolade to join the ranks of the chivalry of the Royal Army. To stand amongst the Royal Army's Knighthood is a sacred honor and tradition dating back to the founding of the Royal Army, only the most dedicated and steadfast amongst our ranks may hold the privilege as well as the honors and responsibilities that come with it."

Lieutenant Vessa absorbed the weight of the Knights' words. He explained that as a Knight of the Royal Army she must swear to uphold the Oaths of Chivalry. He shared these would bind her so long as she remained in service to the Royal Army. He continued with the oaths, swearing her to all of the Virtues. Though he started with Courtesy he continued with all of them. Loyalty, Courage, Justice, Franchise, Fortitude, Prowess, Honesty, Mercy, Gallantry, and finally Charity.

She swore to each one until finally, Sir Alrik began pulling his gauntlets from his hands. As he did so he stated, "Then I, Sir Alrik, Knight and Lord Marshal of the Royal Army of Castle Marrach hear your oaths this day and recognize them to be true." A quick backhand landed on Lieutenant Vessa’s face, as is typical during Knighting ceremonies. He followed with his words ceremonially, "Let that be the last blow you take unanswered."

As Dame Eeva readied the now Dame Vessa’s new badge, Sir Alrik continued with the ceremony. He anointed the Dame Vessa as he directed her to stand and be known by her new title.

Sir Alrik continued to share with the room, "Furthermore, and as I so no reason nor cause for delay; the Regular Army has been without a formal Captain for some time now, even if it has had one in spirit. And so additionally, as Lord Marshal of the Armies of Castle Marrach, I task you Dame Vessa with the Captaincy of the Regular Army. May you continue to serve and lead this noble regiment with all of your heart, ability, and skill."

As the room broke out once more into smiles and applause, Serjeant Tristan’s husky brogue raised above the others. He called out in a cheer that was swiftly followed by every single person present, "Here here, to the new Captain!"

Sir Alrik finished the formalities by telling everyone to eat, drink and be merry. This was taken to heart as the group descended upon the trays. Mistress Auriela commented that the golden honey nectar was becoming a favorite of hers.

As the group mingled with cheer and warmth Dame Eeva explained to the group that Lady Hieronyma had provided her with saplings and that she would be bringing the rangers back to plant them. She shared that this would be so that whatever they might need to take from the forest would be replenished.

The group continued to linger in companionable warmth. The topics of the evening bounced from lore to hopes about the village, and their futures. Everyone present touching on the feeling of happiness and friendship shared by those present. The evening continued for some time until people eventually began to disperse, guided back to the safety of the Keep by soldiers.

Those present included Sir Arlik, Dames Eeva and Vessa, Serjeants Aratan, Ilatai, Kathris, Nexian and Tristan, Yeoman Sigrun, and Mistresses Auriela and Kaira.




This chronicle will be subject to changes and corrections. I humbly ask all readers to please indicate to me discreetly, any falsehoods I may have mistakenly communicated. It is by means of the conservation of the Past that we continue to serve Her Majesty and give substance to those that follow.

In service to Her Majesty Queen Vivienne, The Office of the Chronicler, and the Denizenry of Her Majesty's Realm.

Sera Kaira
Senior Chronicler