Baldanti couldn't bite his tongue as Judina lashed out. His face flared red,
"A nasty attitude from someone who betrayed the Knights and wandered with a murderous fanatic!"Pagni slammed the files shut,
"THAT'S ENOUGH!. I'll not have Knights bickering in the main hall. If either of you intend on demonstrating what it is to be a knight I suggest restraint," he calmed himself as he put the files back behind the desk.
"There has been enough madness and division in the knights and the country already. We should all strive to be better examples of what it means to be a knight and protect the people, myself included. Now then, fall in shoulder to shoulder. Baldanti you are dismissed I can take care of this."Kaz stepped out of the single-file line and moves to stand side by side with everyone. He looked back at Noyiah and grimaced at seeing her own expression. He knew she was having a hard time holding back her anger at the situation and so was he. As they moved to stand side by side, he let his hand touch hers for a moment and nodded with as comforting a smile as he could to reassure her.
Kaz didn't like the way things had gone down and kept a straight face on, but hated the processes and red tape that came along with some aspects of being a knight.
Pagni grabbed another pendant and handed it to Iris,
"Now then Knight Dupage please walk alongside me," he said as he stepped in front of to the first person in line once they were all situated. He purposefully called her Knight to show respect and to avoid calling her page dupage. Not because it rhymed but because some of the ill-mannered knights took to calling her 'page dupage who lives in a cage.' It was something he reprimanded them for if he ever heard it.
"I trust miss Dupage asked you all why you wish to become knights and interviewed you all so we will commence."REGIS
"Regis Karlinius. You come from a strong family. I see you are a melee fighter, there aren't enough of those in the knights that truly stand out anymore. You'll be a welcome addition to the ranks. I look forward to seeing how far you progress," He reached down and took a Pendant from Iris. Most of the knights watching didn't pay it any attention but some scowled at Iris being afforded the right to assist the Captain-Commander.
"By taking this Pendant you agree to serve and protect those in need," he extended the pendant towards him and if Regis accepted then Pagni would shake his hand.
"Welcome to the Knights." JUDINA
He stepped in front of the next person in line.
"Judina Karlinius. You have served the Knights well in the past. You have shown conviction towards helping those in need and have an impeccable record. You played a great roll in always keeping civilians safe during demonic attacks and I thank you. We welcome you back to the ranks. I know you will continue to accomplish great things both for the people and within the organization,"the last part was said with a slight nod. He leaned in to say something to her that only those in the line could hear,
"Your passion to right injustice is well placed Judina. But if I may offer a word of caution. There are those in the knights at all levels who will be watching you and will distrust your return because of the news surrounding Nerva. Tread carefully but do not lose your passion," he spoke with genuine concern. He took a pendant from Iris.
"By taking this Pendant you agree to serve and protect those in need," he extended the pendant towards her and if Judina accepted then Pagni would shake her hand.
"Welcome to the Knights."Kaz
He stepped in front of the wind mage and gave the same speech. He included a word of caution for the wind mage as well.
"Welcome back Kazimir Seiryu. I extend the same caution to you. People will be watching because of your ties with Nerva and the aggressive way you handled your cases before your hiatus." Pagni wanted to know what they had learned from their time with Nerva but would wait for a more appropriate time to ask them.
Kazimir accepted the pendant and shook Pagni's hand.
NOYIAH
He stepped in front of her.
"Noyiah Dashi. Thank you for submitting a resume of your skillset. Thank you for all your service in he city of Era. Your agency as been a great help to the people and the knights in ensuring safety and peace. And I see here that Rune Knight Margret has already put in a recommendation for you were ever to decide to join," it seemed that even with the brief time Pagni had, he was able to acquire or recall a good deal of information from their files and his own memory.
He took a pendant from Iris.
"By taking this Pendant you agree to serve and protect those in need," he extended the pendant towards her and if Judina accepted then Pagni would shake her hand.
"Welcome to the Knights."IRIS
There was still a final pendant that had not been handed out and Pagni looked at the red-headed girl. "That one is for you. Regardless of what situation has befallen you, if you are going to be a Knight you should have that." He left it in her hands to do with what she wanted and he faced the group once more.
"You will all report to training tomorrow. They will asses your skills and for the page's they will give you an assignment. Judina and Kazimir can help you as they know the process," he looked at them and saw something within the group before him. a mix of people that could go either way. Stabilize a sinking ship or let it fall to the depths.
ALL
"Know that as a knight you will see many things. Do not be discourage. We are here to help those that are innocent and in need. We are here to look beyond what some see at the surface and dig closer to the truth. Wherever that may be," he gave a quick sideways glance toward Iris, which could be seen as implying something of a mystery.
"The future is in your hands. I am sure this group will mold it into something worthwhile," he ended with a salute and once they returned it, he would make his way out.