Cadet

[19:23] Another uneventful outing. Aeolus and co had found themselves back in Nysea with nothing to show for their travels, the trio still a band of complete newbies when it came to combat though upon reaching the village's square there was one silver-lining.

A man stood radiantly before the fountain, glimmering with brilliance almost as though he were to signify a light at the end of a tunnel,

It was King Petrakis.

Steps were taken to approach the kingly man who towered over Aeolus' still-growing figure before he'd give a bow. That's how people were meant to address one such as him, wasn't it?

"Excuse me your majesty...

I'm not very strong-- rather I'm weak and a beginner when it comes to combat but even so I'd like to serve the crown just as my parents did.

Please, I'd like to know how I can become a Knight."
(Aeolus)
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[19:24] Brave. That was one thing. The group of children had just came back from seeing a woman murdered in cold blood, Atlas himself was still recovering and chose not to say anything for the moment. His eyes looked dull as memories of their parents being wiped out due to the war on Osrona plagued his mind.

He looked between Aeolus and the King, wondering what his response would be.
(Atlas)
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[19:27] The Petrakis King looks over Aeolus silently. Alexander stood tall despite the burden of his Crown, dressed in regal royalty, and with armor that showed allegiance to the Order of the First Light.

Where the young boy, still a growing teenager bows and addresses him with proper respective, there is a scrutinising look that lasts but a second.

"A respectable endeavour, one of honour and loyalty. What is your name?"
(Alexander rei Petrakis)
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[19:31] As he were addressed the boy would raise his head, a determined set of blues meeting with the Petrakis' own eyes. Truthfully there were feelings of worry as their gaze met as well as intimidation.

Here he was, but a mere commoner hoping to grow worthy of the title of Knight as well as dawn the brilliant armor of The First Light. It would likely be more strange if the boy hadn't been faced with this uncertainty and nervousness.

It wasn't time to falter however, he had learned from his late parents that first impressions were important.

"My name is Aeolus, your majesty!" He'd chirp in response.
(Aeolus)
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[19:32] Kendri would fold his arms across his torso as he watched Aeolus and Alexander's conversation, an eyebrow rising as they did so.
(Kendri)
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[19:33] "Already do you show respect, more than most. Kneel before me, Aeolus," the King of Esshar orders. There he stands, eyes steady on the boy as he awaits them to kneel.

There is little judgement in Alexander's gaze, for he rarely did, though, that Petrakis gaze was stern and focused. Intimidating to most.
(Alexander rei Petrakis)
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[19:37] Already do you show respect, more than most.

Such praise had caught the boy off guard and before he knew it a grin found itself spreading across the boy's visage. No verbal response was given to the Petrakis' command to kneel, nothing other than a silent nod followed by the boy's right knee touched against the ground below, his left leg found itself in a crouching position as Aeolus kneeled before The King of Esshar and dipped his head.
(Aeolus)
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[19:51] "To become a Knight you must first serve as a cadet. A three year tenure and if you prove capable, you will reach Knighthood. Those three years will be more difficult than most cadets before you. You will be put to the test here during these uncertain times of war and you will be expected to step up to the standards we hold," he explains, stressing the gravity of what Aeolus was about to undertake.

"If this is not something you are prepared for, turn back now. If you can rise to this difficult challenge then you will swear an oath. You will say this oath twice in your life. Now and once you are knighted.

Do you swear to serve the lineage of Mikhail Petrakis unquestionably? To never compromise the safety of individuals in selfishness, to uphold the law but not to be over it.

In times of peace you will be the shield, in times of conflict, the sword.

Do you swear to this, Aeolus?"

King Petrakis looks down upon the boy now,silent and awaiting the boy's response. Whether he would cower here, before his very first challenge or if he had what it took, the courage to become a Knight of the First Light.
(Alexander rei Petrakis)
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[20:01] As the blue-haired boy kneeled he'd remain focused and listen intently to each and every word King Alexander had spoken. This was it... the moment for him to take the first step in following his father's path should he not fold under pressure.

The three year tenure as a cadet was of course something he had heard of and so it was of no shock. None of the Petrakis' words were, really. As young and inexperienced as Aeolus was he understood just how hard the times were after all it was the current state of the world which had robbed the boy and his brothers of their parents.

Silently, he'd continue to listen and though the option of turning back was given it was not a choice the lad could ever see himself taking.

Both eyes closed as the boy envisioned his father, a man who had seen nothing more than the rank of 'Knight' within his lifetime, a man who did all that he could and selfishly sacrificed himself in battle for the sake of not just the crown, but Osrona as a whole. To turn back now would be akin to him turning his back on his own father's ideals.

"I Aeolus swear to serve the lineage of Mikhail Petrakis unquestionably, as well as to never compromise the safety of individuals in selfishness and to uphold the law but not to be over it."

Each word was spoken in a tone that re-laid the conviction which Aeolus felt in every fiber of his being.
(Aeolus)
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[20:10] He had taken the oath. Aeolus would be a knight in due time if his period as a cadet didn't go south. Atlas questioned how this system would work with the current state of Osrona but the King likely had a plan. Atlas himself considered becoming a knight but he couldn't quite commit to it. He had doubts about the First Light after they failed in this war, regardless of the circumstance he thought they could pull through. Instead their home was destroyed, the most he could give was props that they managed to evacuate the common folk.

Atlas looked onto the scene intensely, his gaze shifting between Aeolus and King Alexander.
(Atlas)
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[20:11] "Rise, Aeolus," words spoken once the boy dutifully recites the oath and rite of passage.

"Now you will start as a cadet under the tutelage of the Lightbringer Lloyd Durages. Your day will begin at four in the morning, training for the majority of the day. Drills. Practice. Then in the evening there will be a time to rest. You are encouraged to practice Faith, to pray and seek advice under the Keepers and Priests," the king explains.

A leather tunic is gestured from one of the nearby guards and handed over to Aeolus. "If you use a blade, or a staff, we will look to provide that in the future. For now, you are dismissed, cadet Aeolus."
(Alexander rei Petrakis)
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[20:14] Athanoti says, "....huh."
[20:14] Athanoti says, "...Guess I got a new friend,."
[20:15] Alexander rei Petrakis says, "Ser Athanoti, I expect you to help cadet Aeolus with training."
[20:16] Athanoti says, "Of course."
[20:19] With the order to rise, Aeolus would. His body coming to a stand and stretching up to his full height of five feet and three centimeters.

Of course the daily training beginning at such an early time as four in the morning would be a bit grueling at first, especially for one who was accustomed to waking closer to the hour of nine, but there was no sort of complaint given.

He'd simply have to find a way.

"Thank you, your majesty. I promise that I will do all that I can so that you don't come to regret this decision." He'd state, trying his best to hold back a smile and instead look to the King with a more serious visage.

The leather tunic would be accepted from a guard with a dip of his head as thanks.

"I plan to use a blade but don't worry about providing one your majesty. I've already worked to be able to afford one on my own and went ahead and bought it."

Though it wasn't much, purchasing his own blade was an accomplishment that Aeolus took great pride in. With his dismissal, the newly appointed cadet would look towards Athanoti.

"I look forward to training with you!" He'd state happily, before returning to the side of his brother.
(Aeolus)
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[20:21] Initiative. Alexander says nothing of it but silently, behind that kingly expression. Behind the face of royalty he is impressed. There is little more said and the king turns off, making leave.
(Alexander rei Petrakis)