Becoming a Squire
After finishing up at the Bree marketplace, Kirseth and I resumed our journey home to Hookworth.
We were about to head home and rest, but heard voices and laughter at the main hall.
We decided to go over and greet the villagers. We engaged in small talk and enjoyed a few drinks together, but I began to realise we had not changed since coming back from the Barrow Downs. I quickly excused myself and Kirseth - explaining that we are rather foul-smelling and need to clean up before continuing the merriment.
This raised a few eyebrows, so I explained our story of the Barrow Downs before heading home to wash and change.
At home, we removed our grime covered armour and, after a good wash, put on some clean clothes before heading back to the hall. I still kept a hidden dagger at my waist - and I was sure Kirseth would do the same.
Once again, we found ourselves at the hall, drinking around a fountain with friends. We shared more stories and were asked about ourselves, as there were still some who were unaware of our journey.
Around the fountain were Kirseth and myself, Alfmaer, Arenborne, Beongarn, Eterunan, Inayat, Oronir and Thalidir.
I had never seen Thalidir before, and unlike the rest of us, he appeared to be wearing an armoured hauberk rather than day-to-day clothing.
I explained that we were trying to find our way back to Gondor, and the events that lead us here. I couldn't help but sense a change in the demeanor of the man, Oronir, after our story. I couldn't help but feel I had offended him somehow.
Alfmaer gestured towards a large table, filled with food and ale and we made our way to the great looking feast. We all sat around the table, like a family. I was sat between both Kirseth and Oronir.
We all enjoyed the food and ale over stories and talk. Thalidir seemed uneasy; he did not say much, and I do not recall ever seeing him around Hookworth before.
At some point during the festivities, Alfmaer must have disappeared, as she was nowhere to be seen.
Unexpectedly, Thalidir began addressing Beongarn - stating he had something for him. He reached in to his hauberk and had what appeared to be a letter. Nobody seems too phased by this and continued to talk and enjoy the feast.
After Oronir and Inayat finished discussed training techniques, I decided to discreetly talk to Oronir - so I leant over and quietly asked him if I had caused any offense earlier. He shook his head and assured me that this was not the case. I detected a Gondorian accent from him. I asked him of this, but did not want to press too much - but he responded by saying he wishes to talk to me another time and learn of how things are going in Ithilien.
After some more feasting, Neremnes arrived to join the table with a basket of apples. Oronir beckoned her over. Neremnes sat with a smile, between Kirseth and myself, putting the basket on the table.
I could not make out the whole conversation, but it was clear there was some history between the two - Beongarn did not seem happy with Thalidir. I heard mention of Belidir, but I had never heard the name before.
Eventually, The two walked away from the table and began talking in a harsher tone. Those at the table began to take more notice, but continued with the feast - but it was clear that everyone was keeping an eye on them both.
I continued to join in the feast, engaging in conversation and ale, whilst staying alert - a hand firmly at my hidden blade. I could overhear mention of killing, and the death of the one they called Belidir. I was unsure on what was to pass.
Kirseth seemed equally confused. I noticed she was equally on edge and she, too, had one hand on the hilt of a dagger. She asked Neremnes if this was a common occurrence but she replied, stating she had no idea what their strife was about.
The argument seemed to go on for some time, until eventually the tension seemed to pass, once Beongarn said the words : "a friend of Belidir is a friend of mine."
After some more discussion, and what could only be described as some inside jokes - Beongarn headed towards the hall to read the letter he received, and Thalidir sat at the table with the rest of us. It was rather awkward. It seemed I was not the only one left rather puzzled by the whole affair.
After what seemed like an eternity of awkward eating and drinking, Beongarn returned from the hall and filled a mug of ale for Thalidir, who then raised the mug in a toast. I, and most at the table returned the gesture, awkwardly.
After a brief silence, Beongarn relayed the contents of the letter. Apparently it was the will of the recently deceased Beladir - and it offered Thalidir in service to the 9522 - at which point, Inayat burst out laughing, spitting water everywhere, which certainly lessened the tension.
Surprisingly, Thalidir then knelt before Beongarn and accepted the terms - a very surprising outcome, I finally removed my hand from the hilt of my blade.
Thalidir seemed genuinely sincere as he explained that he knew full well the weight of an oath.
The feast continued, and it was a lot less tense. After some time, Oronir bid farewell, and said he would visit in the coming weeks as we have matters to discuss, as we shake hands. I look forward to this.
Beongarn began to go in to detail, explaining what it is 9522 do and stand for.
Neremnes made a joke about slaying twelve apples with her bare hands, and I had dubbed her : "Neremnes, Defender of Breeland, Slayer of Apples." It was good to laugh again and feel at ease once more.
We all went around the table, making introductions, with jokes and stories, Thalidir included - ending in a large toast.
After some more grim topics of war and dark times approaching, Beongarn stated he wished to introduce Kirseth and I in to the order, officially. Most honoured, I agreed - as did Kirseth.
Beongarn proceeded to the hall, and after some time, returned in what appeared to be a very formal uniform. He lead us to a beautiful monument, which he explained was a sacred ground of The Order. It really did fill me with awe.
Beongarn began to show us each stone that circled the monument, explaining their meaning - as Thalidir began tapping a large halberd against the stone, making a sort of rhythmic sound.
Generosity, Courage, Faith, Mercy, Justice, Loyalty, Hope.
These are the virtues which 9522 are expected to live by. Beongarn also explained that the wooden horse statues represented The Order's diversity, as they were gifts from Rohan.
We were then asked a very important question - how do we wish to join the order? As a commoner, or a swordsman. We both expressed our wishes to aid as swordsmen, giving our aid through battle and protection.
We, then, repeated the sacred oath.
By sword and steel, by bow and shield - This oath I swear to thee.
My hand to guide, my steed to ride - My will to help guide ye.
Guide my sword, brothers in arms - whether sword or man or field.
I swear to thee, to guard from harm, with all that I may yield.
Orc or shade, bow or blade, my shield shall keep ye safe.
And guide the lost into the light, a sacred hallow place.
All that wander shall be free, by hammer and by mace.
This is my oath, I swear to thee, Loyalty and Grace.
Beongarn then handed us matching uniforms, similar to the one he had donned himself - the only difference being the colour of the cloak, which was coloured according to rank.
After quickly changing in to uniform, we began to celebrate - feeling extremely happy and proud to have joined The Order. We spent the rest of the night drinking in celebration - until Kirseth and I eventually retired to bed, exhausted from the eventful day.
I can already feel my eyes getting heavier as I write this entry.
We are now Squires of The 9522 - a great day, indeed.
