Initiation

Cain is sleeping when he is awakened. It is in the dark of night, ere the sun has risen. He finds two brother Templars awaking him; both wearing strange grey tabards and carrying everburning torches. They also have masks of the sun covering their faces. As Cain starts to speak, they indicate he should be silent. Cain is lead through the sleeping temple and down a set of steps that are not normally there; they are part of a seal of the sun set into the floor of the main temple. Down the stairs, Cain is lead to an altar of Sol that he has never seen before. A slit behind the statue ensures that as the sun rises, it will spill through the slit and seem to wash down over both the statue and Cain. A voice in the darkness says; Brother Cain. Long have you laboured in the service of Sol. Yet a choice lies before you. Will you join our Brotherhood, foresaking all other allegances? Will you be a light in the darkness for those whose need is great? Will you become the man you were born to be? Answer now supplicant and know that should you renounce your Brothers, we shall not renounce you and you can yet dwell amongst us. But know also that you will never be asked again. What say Ye? As the question is asked, you see the sun rise over the horizon. The first glints are caught by the upraised hand of the altar and you are bathed in light. OOC; This is triggered because you have a Renown of 8 with the Rising Sun. You cannot have a Renown higher than 8 as an associate and so you have been offered this chance for full membership.

Syvil is asleep in his room when suddenly his door bursts open and his room is full of men dressed in Blue wearing masks of paper; many of whom also sport tabards bearing a picture of a Mermaid cavorting in a fountain of wine. Syil is hoisted high above the heads of the assembled company and carried above the crowd to loud cheers. As he passes down into the taproom, two huge figures appear; giants who tower over all others. One pulls a lever and suddenly, a trap door in the wall opens and reveals a set of stairs. The Corporals and Sargeants of the Company push the others back and carry Syvil down the stairs and into a darknened room. In the room is an ancient fountain; carved in the shape of a Mermaid cavorting with a man. A voice, clearly Aldolfo's booms out So; who is this ingrate who comes before the Mermaid? Is he worthy of her boon? Is he true and will be accept her kiss and with it our pledge of Brotherhood and Fellowship? Syvil hears a voice in his mind Be welcome Syvil Dernsson; I am the final secret of the Blue Sashes; I was made by the Dwarren for the Naryar, a race of sea-dwellers who passed from the world long ago. During the Great War, I was found in the ruins of this place and given purpose again. I am the guardian of this Company, who have honoured and restored me. If you swear an oath before me, know that you cannot break it, even should you so wish, for I am an oath-stone. An artefact of power used to seal compacts and promises. Speak now Syvil of the Drell Forest, Syvil of the Lykeri, Syvil of Isildra, Syvil of the Avowed, Syvil of the Elvarin. For I know your heart in all its moods as I know the moods of the sea. Will you serve to the last with this Company? Will you join them in Fellowship and accept the Blue Sash? OOC: Syvil also has reached the Renown where he must choose whether to join the Blue Sashes; if he does not, his Renown can never reach higher than 9 with this Company.

Cain gets to his special form of prostration when praying with his hands flat on the ground head pressed against them and speaks. I am a light in the darkness burning with faith for the true sun, Sol, I spread his light where there is darkness and release all evil from it. I do not falter under his light and smite those who wish to bring it to darkness. I belong nowhere else but here in his embrace with my brothers, I accept. 

Syvil gets a mischievous smile on his face as he hears what Adolfo has to say and he replies equally funnily; Oh would that I could; but what will my poor lady say were I to go snogging with the women of the sea? She might think me a man of strange tastes and throw me out!  Tell me does your wife know large man who I have never seen before? That you keep this here statue hidden away for your own "purposes". But forgive me my wits, you have come for an oath and such you will have, though perhaps not the one you thought you wanted... Syvil winks at Adolfo and in his mind he answers the oath-stone: They already have my allegiance and if need be life, but I fear your oath I cannot swear; for I am to be bound to another and her will is not bound to theirs. So it would not be in good faith to swear an oath that might not be kept; but hear this, my promise instead, and judge me as you see fit. After a short lapse into silence Syvil speaks again, and seems somewhat forlorn: Deepest apologies dearly gathered; for I cannot take your oath. My allegiance is already promised to another and ere my oaths conflict I'd be torn in twain, and we wouldn't want such a mess now would we? Nay I cannot swear myself to your banner and command. For a short moment Syvil stands quiet as if gathering courage to speak, and as he does so a warm wind wisps around the room; bringing with it the sweetness of summer berries and flowers of spring; breaking the grip of winter for but a few moments. He seems to draw strength and encouragement from this and his voice is firm as he breaks the noise of soft whispering... But! Hear this! I walk with the lady Isildra and ever will we be your allies ere you stray from your path. For where there is laughter and merry; there is also light, where there is compassion and altruism; there is hope. And I will help you protect this light; this hope, to my very last. My friendship in in summer, my blade in winter and my trust, always. I promise these to you, the Company of the Blue Sash for worthy are thee of much praise and aid. To this swear I, Syvil Dernsson, Knight of Emerald and ally of Isildra. As he says this last a twinkle of green light can be seen as his oaken leaf pin goes from silver and cold metal; to living leaf and plant. He bows before the statue and with a final quirk of a smile he kisses the mermaid.

There is a cheer from the company and much back slapping and not a little exchanging of gold. Adolfo's roars I told you he would kiss the Mermaid, but not take the Oath! Pay up you Rogues!

Syvil is simply lost for words; thinking he had surprised them big time.But joins in the laughter soon enough.

Cain; your Brother emerge from the darkness, each carrying an upraised sword. The anoint you with oils and give you a new Tabard depicting the Sun in Splendour and then you spend a night in vigil before this new altar.

Syvil; Your Renown with the Blue Sashes is frozen at 9. It cannot go higher Cain; You are now a fully fledged member of the Rising Suns and your Renown can go as high as your ambitions.