The Celestial Way

Chapter 21.3 - Embracing the Way

As the flurry of activity at Ilsorin continued, one day Kiana and Nightsong announced they were going to become soulkin officially. The news was received with much cheer from the Radiant Knights, and they even decided to make Kiana and Nightsong members of the Order.

The ceremony was swiftly prepared, and events were to take place in Ilsorin's largest public hall. All of the Radiant Knights – even the renegade dragons – came to attend the ceremony, and thousands of refugees gathered to witness the spectacle. As before, the Knights employed little pomp in the proceedings, the humans wearing their majestic red-gold armors, while the dragons were magnificent by way of their very nature. A variform platform was raised at center of the grand hall, in order for everyone to see the proceedings clearly.

Kiana and Nightsong emerged from the crowd decorated as Radiant Knights, the Conduit wearing a red-gold uniform and the fledgling dragon carrying a glowing star-shaped pendant around her neck. They ascended the stairs leading to the top of the platform, where Lylana waited for them. Again she was leading the ceremony, and as she began her commemorative speech the noise died down.

Lylana remarked on the accomplishments of Kiana and Nightsong, noting their bravery, dedication, and honor. She then spoke about the duties of the Radiant Knights, the difficulties they faced, and the great responsibility of being one. At last, she declared that the Order accepts Kiana and Nightsong as Radiant Knights, and asked them if they wish to take upon the duty as such, her clarion voice carrying across the hall. They responded in kind, saying solemnly they were ready to be knighted as part of the Order.

"As you enter this fateful moment of your lives, you step fully into the brilliant radiance of the Fire Eternal, and become the sacred defenders, protectors, guardians, and wardens of All That Is," Lylana intoned. "To complete your initiation, there is one last step you must take: you must pledge the Pure Vow, the fundamental, sincere belief which makes a Knight who they are. Repeat after me."

Lylana spread her arms wide, lifting her head skyward, and said:

"No matter darkness, I am light.

No matter fear, I am love.

No matter death, I am transcendent.

Even in failure, I accept the beauty of All.

Even in defeat, I prevail in my soul.

Even in despair, I walk fully aware the Celestial Way.

I am an exemplar to all who seek the light of the Great Cosmos.

I am a beacon to all who yearn the embrace of the Fire Eternal.

I am the shining star, the guiding light, the undying champion.

I am a Knight hallowed in Radiance.

And I vow to bestow my flame, my heart, and my soul to any and all."

"I am a Knight hallowed in Radiance, and I vow to bestow my flame, my heart, and my soul to any and all," Kiana and Nightsong uttered in unison, finishing the Vow.

Lylana lowered her head and smiled.

"You are now Radiant Knights," she said warmly. "Welcome to our Order, dear sisters."

The crowd exploded with cheers. The dragons roared in approval, and the human Knights applauded. Zuckeroff used an air-horn. Yeoman Cloud played an uplifting instrumental piece over the audiosimulators.

Lylana made a gesture for silence.

"And now," she said, once the hurrahs settled, "these two Knights before us desire to pledge themselves into the most holiest of unions: they wish to become soulkin."

"By tradition," she continued, "such a union is always blessed by the leaders of our Order, whose brightest of lights add their everlasting shine to the joy and love that rests within and springs from such a sacred bond."

Lylana turned toward Airo, who was standing with Veralla at the front of the spectating Knights, and beckoned. "Commander Airo, until the vow we have given you is fulfilled, you are the leader and example of our Order. Please, come forth, and bless these two souls into oneness, so their kinship may last eternal."

Airo stood dumbstruck, while the gathered host of people watched him expectantly. He didn't know what to do. He never... had done such a thing. What was he supposed to do?

"Come on, Airo! Go!" Veralla exclaimed and nudged him forward with her snout.

"But I... have no idea of the proper protocol," he said with a quiet, urgent voice.

"Just wish them to be happy!"

He nodded, and turned, surprised at the sudden lump that formed in his throat. He straightened, gathering his resolve, and walked toward the raised platform. He ascended the stairs under the gaze of thousands, nervous and composed at the same time, joyful and pained in the same instant. He never felt himself a hero, not even before Zenassa's death. He never felt as an honorable champion. He never thought he would be the one others looked up to.

Yet he felt determined not to let them down.

He reached the top of the platform. Lylana made a respectful bow and stepped aside. Airo stood before Kiana and Nightsong. Kiana looked at him and smiled, nodding. Nightsong was practically radiating with joy, her nascent control over her Æthereal powers causing her to glow faintly.

Airo looked at both of them, and took a breath.

"For you to want to become soulkin, it means you two must love each other very much," he said. "As one person taught me long ago... love is the greatest gift in the universe. So I give your mutual gift my blessing, and may you live long, happily, and in harmony. Congratulations!"

The cheers abounded anew, nearly drowned out by the deafening roars of the dragons. Kiana and Nightsong embraced, smiling to each other. Airo searched for Veralla and found her among the Knights, fully upright on her hindlegs with outspread wings and a joyful expression. Their gazes met; he saw the warm light in her purple eyes, and felt his soul sing.

Suddenly, the massive double doors of one of the entrances slid open with a crashing boom. The thunderclap cut across the chamber, killing every other sound in an instant.

Magus Dei stood at the threshold, his regal figure looking foreboding in the backscattered glow from the hallway beyond. Airo wondered how he hadn't noticed the old man's absence until now.

"Arcolant went off the grid," Magus said. "Ferrtau is on the move."