I've gotten off to a rather slow start today. Blame it on that big, cuddly prospector. I lose all sense of time when we are together.
Thankfully, I was at the barracks, in my training gear, and managed to get the horses seen to before the day was too far gone. I approached the Sanctuary hall afterwards, intending to change out of my sweaty, smelly garb, when I noticed a familiar, but surprising figure standing in the yard. As I got closer, two more figures were spotted in the distance, standing just outside the door of the hall, and beckoning the visitor closer, so I followed.
I recognized the face of Bleon quickly, but beside him was a woman I didn't know, red-haired and fairly reeking of my kin's blood. Facing them was none other than Leonnie, the gentle soul I've encountered in Bree several times now, who has shyly told me that I look like her mother (in her younger days, I presume!). I came to stand alongside her, though not too closely, not wishing to appear disrespectful to any of them. Bleon greeted us, and introduced the woman beside him, whose name is Brywyn, and she is apparently a member of the High Nine of the Order, which I found quite impressive, if not a bit intimidating. I recalled that Bleon had spoken with Leonnie about our company a few nights prior, in the Prancing Pony, and he had apparently extended an invitation to her to join us if she so wished.
I could not have been more pleased! Being of a rather quiet and inward sort myself, I sometimes feel like I've struggled to find a place with the Knights. They all knew each other and had established friendships and camaraderie, and though they took me in graciously and generously, I felt very odd and misplaced at first. I could see a similar look in Leonnies' eyes, and I had to smile, seeing the same shy nervousness. Bleon and Brywyn spoke with her about her reasons for approaching us, and when they were satisfied, I had the honor of leading Leonnie to the ceremonial site. My two superiors joined us shortly after, dressed in their official garb and looking very smart, I must say. Brywyn seems a rather brusque sort, very reserved with her words and manner. Leonnie stood before them, I took my place off to one side, and Bleon read aloud the vows of a squire, which she repeated back to him. The whole scene was very moving, and perhaps I dabbed away a tear or two. Ina came upon us just as we were finishing up, and there was fresh tension between her and Bleon. I don't quite understand the reasons behind it all, but I have a feeling my lack of understanding goes back to me not having the history and experiences with these folk, that others do. I could sense offense on both sides, and I hope that it can all be worked out, as we are all on the same side, in the end!
As for Leonnie, I am thrilled to have someone that I consider a friend - and I hope that isn't too bold a statement - joining us! Not only because I am no longer "the new girl", but because I genuinely enjoy her company, and hope to get to know her better in the days ahead.
