Today, I sat on my dear horse Stormwind. I rode through the alleys of Bree and I had for today one destination: The Prancing Pony. Not to drink an ale, or to listen to the bards, or to warm me up by the fire-place. There was an arrangement to meet on the courtyard before the Prancing Pony Inn. Several people were going to come. Yeah, this was nothing else as a real meeting of The Red Company!
I was late, they all stood in a circle, talking to each other, but I wasn't too late. So I entered the circle and joined. I do not remember much of what's told there, since it was not so important. It was just small talk. But I remembered me that Meriya, who has clearly the highest position in the company with the the exception of Adilyr, our leader, said to put on my uniform. I was a little bit surprised, since it was told to me that we were going to make a journey into the Weather hills. I think it was only the leader we were waiting for yet...
Finally he arrived. We all greeted him and we talked a little bit yet until Adilyr said: "Let's move over by the stables somewhat." First, I expected that we were going to the stables of the south gate...Or perhaps the west gate. But to my surprise, the company went to none of them. Instead, they just walked to the nearest stables of the Inn itself. I found it strange...Very strange. The stables are more private and reserved for the guests of the Pony. My surprise became even bigger yet when Adilyr said: Let's get into some semblance of a line here." First, i did not understand what he meant, but quickly I realized and together with the other members of The Red Company we stood in a row. At the moment, i gave a quick nod to Prithbo who asked if everyone found his cloak nice. One of the kinmembers Kathlina answered: "That is a nice cloak indeed Prithbo." "Thanks", said the hobbit. But then my attention was drawn to Adilyr again. He began with a speech: "Alright! We have three things to do first. Firstly... As you know, we in The Red Company always seek to reward and recognise good behaviour...And we wish to recognize those who contribute towards the kin. So, in recognition of all the work that Prithbo put in before Yuletide in organising his house and holding a kin event in the Shire..." Prithbo was happy: "yay! Recogniction!" Everyone clapped in their hands and so did I. Kirkacar grasped. "Thanks so much guys!" called Prithbo. Adilyr followed by: "Come and be gifted you bow Prithbo! I heard someone calling from the line: "Good work Prithbo!" "Thanks! Very kind!" He smiled. "Thank you officers!" Adilyr gave explanation about the bow: "This is a bow of Lothlorien, crafted by the Sindar of the realm. Use it well."
Prithbo stepped now back into the crowd while glancing to his bow. In that meantime, Adilyr continued his speech: "Secondly, as you know, our numbers have grown a lot of late and it is necessary that we adjust our officers slightly. Therefore, Meriya and I have asked Presnor to serve as an officer and he has agreed. I would therefore ask Presnor to step forward and pledge his oath. Are you prepared to serve as officer, serve The Red Company and the North, and are you prepared to ward both kin and Bree with body and Blade?" Presnor stepped forward and bowed for Adilyr. No doubt that he was proud and honoured and he said self-assured: "I am." The leader gave a nod and said: "Then I name you Edlon 'Spear Brother' and give unto you the badges of your office." Adilyr handed over Presnor a cloak which represented a shining star and the background was a kind of red, yet a little bit more dark as crimson red. This is the cloak that only officers may wear and it is an honor to do. At least, i find that. Everyone cheered again. I felt me so happy for his friend. He helped me before and he truly deserves it. Everyone congratulated him and clapped with all our hapiness. Adilyr finished with a respectfull look: "Welcome to our officer ranks Presnor!" and made a worthy sword-salute. And Presnor resaluted him.
"Lastly...There's one more person who needs recognition in the kinship...Someone who worked tirelessly for our cause and who does not the recognition they deserve...But who has been praised to me of late by many of our kinsmen. So I have prepared something, in secret, for the lady Meriya. Lady Meriya, I and a couple of the other kinsman have located this for you, a book from the first Age, and recrafted it for your uses..." And with that he showed here and old book. such a books should normally looks dusty and it had old runes on its cover. Though it looked to be cleaned especially for this event. Everyone cheered now for a third time. What a happy folk are we! Honest, I became a little bit tired and it began to be more a habit than a recognition. "It should serve you very well..." said the leader. By this, she said: "I am very honoured, and thank you."
((OOC: In fact, Adilyr announced that Meriya was going to give a speech as well. This speech is in a certain way never happened. She declared the launch of the website of the Red Company. It was in that website that she put a lot of work and for that, she was recognized.))
And suddenly said our leader: "Alright, it's time to start our patrol. We'll go via the south gate of Bree and then Meriya can lead us from there. Red Company! Mount up!" And with that, we all mounted up. Where once stood a group a men, dwarves, elves and hobbits is filled with horses and ponies. And so a large group, clothed in red rode proudly through the town of Bree. The attention of many was drawn to us and Finally we reached the south gate. It was there that I had to leave. I decided for specific reasons that I could not make the journey with them and after a long time they disappeared on the horizon. I waved to them.
Then I sat on one of the nearby fences. I was so impressed by this special and unexpected ceremony that i took a paper and I began to write. This is was you are seeing here now. I wrote this first because I was really impressed. Secondly because I did not know that the Red Company could realize such a things. Thirdly because this is a milestone in the history of the Company. This must be remembered. Rememberings will be history. History becomes legend.
