This was my account of the knighting of my Squire Strongbow in the days leading up to the First Kort Joust (PvP Tournament).
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Friday, June 30, 1995

Twilight at the stronghold.. Brothers and Sisters begin to gather in
the Main Hall.. ...spirits are high as preparations are made to welcome
the valiant Strongbow into full guild membership.

Around one table, several knights pass a parchment detailing the
Joust regulations and first round pairings. Jovial and laughing, they
chide one another as to who might first find themself brushing off the dust
from the arena floor. The list of opponents it truly formidable. No
surprise considering the impressive seventy-and-two pearl prize which
Duke Orion has proffered the victor of the Competition.

Stepping upon the raised platform at the end of the hall, Augustus raises
his hands and calls the boisterous knights to order. The crowded hall
falls silent as Strongbow steps forward and the solemn ceremony begins...

As those familiar words are spoken and the ceremonial sword is drawn,
the minds of those in attendance drift back to their own inductions. Eyes are damp as Strongbow is sworn unto allegiance to the Round Table...

As Strongbow arises a full knight, the assemblage surrounds him in
a joyeous congratulation. Toasts are raised in his honor. The name
of Dagron and hopes for his rapid return are toasted as well; this
occasion having brought thoughts of his warm presence to the minds
of all who know him...

Among the commotion, a voice rises above the celebratory din.
"My Brothers and Sisters...! Please..! A moment of your attention..!"
Sir Sestin, normally of quiet speech and genteel manners, demands
the attention of all present. Stepping upon the raised platform, all
eyes turn to him. The knights know this must be a truly important
moment as they regard his solemn visage.

He turns his gaze to the lovely Allsfaire and extends his hand to her.
Her deep blue eyes meet his in a moment of uncertain anticipation.
Taking his hand, she steps upon the raised platform before him.
His gaze unbroken, he lowers himself to one knee, helm in hand...

"Lady Allsfaire, our time together has shown me that we share something
very special; an understanding and a caring which I have never felt
with anyone else. Allsfaire, my love, would you marry me..? "

Allsfaire smiles and her eyes turn away for a moment,Face flushed, softly she replies, "My dear Sestin," ...a pause.. ...all present are silent, hardly a breath is heard.
She turns her gaze back to him, looking deeply into his eyes.
She speaks in a clear voice, "Of course I shall my love.
Nothing would please me more than to be your loving bride".

The room erupts in a joyeous cheer as the assembled knights rush to
embrace and congratulate the new couple... ...the only two who remain
still are Allanon0 and Augustus... no doubt reticent in the absence of
their own companions... Allanon0 muses quietly to himself "but were
my beloved here, I would surely ask the same question of her."
Noticing his brother's somber distraction, Augustus steps over and says...
"Take heart my dear brother. She shall return to us one day, and ye shall again have the chance to show your valiant love for her." Augustus places one arm firmly around his brother's shoulders as Allanon0, through teary eyes, looks stoicly up at the happy couple embracing before him.

Then of a sudden, a voice rises above the raucous celebration...
"Have we not some golems to attend...???"
"Yes...!!!! To the sewers...!!!" Is the unanimous reply...

The a quiet voice of a squire in the corner... "But, I don't have a badge..."

All eyes turn to the squire. He pauses silently at the raised eyebrows turned toward him.

And then, Augustus... remembering the immortal words of the dear Sir Dagron, raises his flail in defiance and proclaims to the heavens...

"***We don't need no STINKIN' BADGES....!!!!*** Heh heh."

A raucous cheer of agreement rises among all present. "Huzzah..!!!"

As the knights rush for their weapons and shields, nearly falling over one
another to get to the doorway, they form a joyeous throng of revelers
which exits the great hall on the way to yet another triumphant
and celebratory sewer crash.

The hall is now quiet. Only Sestin and Allsfaire remain. In
this peaceful moment, Sestin brushes his fingertips along her blushing
cheek and says... "You make me very happy, M'Love."
"As do you, I, dear Sestin. More than you could ever know."

Rising upon her tiptoes, she gently kisses his rugged cheek then says...
"Well... aren't we joining the others..??"
Sestin seems not to hear... lost in a reverie of Allsfaire's charms...
"Sestin..!!" "Shall we...??"
"Oh... Oh... Yes... I suppose we should..."