Regner's eyes softened and he smiled at Adelle's excitement; as much as it pained Regner that Adelle's parents weren't here to perform the ceremony with her he was glad that at least Adelle was happy. He knelt down and briefly licked the top of her head before shifting backwards, staying knelt so he was as close to her level as he could. For a moment Regner was silent, his mind searching through memories for ceremonialised words that he had spoken only twice before, and then he started talking, voice solemn and formal.
"Being a warrior is an honour and a responsibility. Your family, your friends, your comrades, at some point any of their lives could be in your hands. A warrior needs strength and courage, but also control; to know when to fight and when to walk away. Though the Broderskab may be gone their blood runs through us and we shall uphold their name." Regner stopped and took a deep breath, "We shall not run from any fight, but recognise that a fight avoided cannot be fled from. We shall shed that blood which is necessary but no more. We shall challenge the strong to hone ourselves, defeat the wicked to curb their excess and defend the weak who cannot defend themselves. Those who scorn the ways of honour shall be resisted with strong minds and strong bodies."
Regner's voice had been growing in volume as he spoke but now it dropped to nearly a whisper. As he spoke Regner raised one hand, running it over the silver rose clasping his cloak together before reaching out to do the same to the pendant of similar design hanging around Adelle's neck. "But more than a Broderskab you are a Vilhelmsen. We protect our own, no battle is worth blood spilt unneeded, no amount of pride worth the death of a precious comrade. These are lessons I have learnt through experience, and I pass them to you."
A moment more of silence and Regner's hand started to drop down to the hilt of the dagger wrapped against his ankle, hand resting there as he asked the question that would seal the ceremony. "Adelle, do you understand what it is to become a warrior?"
Image courtesy of UmbraDeNoapte-Stock
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