A comforting glow of coals in the small fire pit that captured the attention of all who had been invited helped to light the dungeons. Steeped in heavy shadows, the gathering was unusually silent, waiting for the ceremony that was about to begin. Three deep bells rang through the halls echoed.
As their rings disappeared from the halls, Leif spoke up from the hallway his voice resonating into the main room. "A life commitment, cultivated over time is not nearly as marked with achievements over adversity and enjoyment of the good times as that of Sir Glen and his Laurie. Our gathering here tonight is symbolic of all the people they have met in their lifetime to make them the companions they are today. May all their days know that the journey is always the beginning of another. To the Journey." Leif ended with the Order's sacred words, echoed by the guests in the room.
The coals flickered high as an alabaster pedestal arose from the center, with a gold chain in the center of the pedestal. Sir Glen carefully reached over and took the chain as it rose from above the flames; warm from it's nest and presented it to Laurie who was waiting under a blue light only her form was discernable.
A thunderous clap arose as Sir Glen placed his pendant around Laurie's neck, removing the gold chain that held her name. Brazenly, he took advantage of the moment and kissed the nape of her neck, gathering chuckles throughout the halls.
"And now my honored guests, we celebrate!" With a clap, the lights in the came to a reasonable level and servants all came out bringing the guests an assortment of hors d'oeuvres and drinks.
"I see Mr. Leif is still here." Said Mr. Conner casually to Sir Glen as he took a glass of champagne.
"Mr. Leif is welcome here for as long as he need or wants." Sir Glen said pointedly to nip the conversation line in the bud.
"He's the companion of your only free companion left. I'm surprised you let him that close. I'd not let him that close to one so...vulnerable." Mr. Conner took a sip looking at Sir Glen surreptitiously.
"Mr. Leif is the closest friend I have, and I trust him implicitly, as does Taylor, which is the only approval I need to allow them to continue to be companions." There was no mistaking that Sir Glen wanted to end this line of conversation.
"Congratulations Sir Glen, you're Laurie and yourself have made a wonderful choice. And if I might say Sir Glen, there are no companions that I know of that match Mr. Leif and your Taylor, with exception of only of yourself and Laurie." Said Lady Daire as she joined the two men, her new companion hovering near by.
"Thank you Lady Daire. Are you enjoying yourself?" Sir Glen ignored Mr. Conner's attempt to recycle the conversation. Mr. Conner, sensing he had been aptly replaced, faded away.
"Quite so Sir Glen, your gatherings are always so marvelously planned. I look forward to them as always."
"Ah, there's more to come, if you wish to be in the voyeur's room later. Laurie has agreed to one final public display." He announced it with a wicked grin.
"You're a lucky man Sir Glen, so willing to share such a gift. I look forward to it of course Sir Glen. It's time I take up watching your techniques. You've done remarkable things with every one of my companions who have come to you."
As she spoke, Sir Glen nodded and smiled watching with concern as some members of the Order converged on Mr. Leif. It was the first time there had been any gathering of his Order since Mr. Leif's return. Leif escorted the group from the entrance to another part of the dungeons, Taylor followed, but not before glancing apprehensively Sir Glen's way. Glen only raised an eyebrow and thanked Lady Daire for her vote of confidence.
