Knighted and Confused

How had it come to this? The three couldnt help but wonder as they stared across the adoring crowd, the people of Atalants cheering and roaring their names while the Queen loomed ahead. Flurry, Snowshoe, and Oboe had come down here on a mission. For Flurry and Oboe, it was to discover the source of these new plants, and for Snowshoe it was to rediscover home after an unfortunate encounter led her to bumping her head and losing her memory. It had been tough for them in Atlantis at first- no one had trusted them, and they had all but been thrown to the sparring pits to show their prowess. Working together, they had done it- taken down an iguanadon warrior without hurting them. With their display of strength, they quickly won over the Atlanteans and now they were here to accept the offer of knighthood.

Flurry led the way down the long hall, Oboe hopping behind and Snowshoe nervously trailing after them. The hall rang and echoed with the cheers of bellows of those watching- warriors, court members, scouts, all of them shouted their approval of this plan- just what the plan was, the trio was apprehensive about.

And there, at the end of the hall, stood Queen Rhys. The noble and elegant queen stood tall and firm, her benevolent presence both soothing and frightening. “Wecome, our esteemed guests.” The queen spoke, voice echoing. The crowd quickly fell silent. She turned to Snowshoe, the oviraptor letting out a small eep as the powerful gaze swung her way. “And welcome home, scout. I knew you would return in time. You are once more welcome back in our home. Now, please tell me. What has been the reaction on the surface to our jungle?” 

Snowshoe cleared her throat, stepping forward awkwardly. “While some took the appearance of the plants fairly well, such as my companions here.” She nodded at Flurry and Oboe. “Many seek to destroy the source- that being Atlantis. Many scouts have already perished, and many large, powerful creatures are making their way down. I had to return to warn you, my queen.”

A murmur of fear swept through the crowd behind the trio, but Queen Rhys made no outward reaction except to hum. “They seek to stop us… but they will find Atalantis ready to defend. Both flora and fauna will rally to protect our home.” The massive herbivore then turned to Flurry, Snowshoe, and Oboe. “Do the three of you accept temporary knighthood? Just until out kingdom is no longer in active danger, do you swear to protect Atlantis and its inhabitants from those who seek to hurt it?”

Snowshoe cast an anxious look back at Flurry and Oboe, who were having some kind of silent conversation. The white and blue albertosaurus was likely the member the queen was most interested in enlisting the service of- she was nearly as big as the queen herself, and quite skilled in combat. Oboe, while small and frail, was a flyer- and no flying dinosaurs existed currently in Atlantis. Oboe would serve as a great scout or courier, able to fly above the jungle even faster than the monkeys that served the queen. 

For Flurry and Oboe, the choice was hard to make. Both of them grew up on the surface- they knew many up there, and it was where their families were. They couldn't help but wish to return. But, something stopped them from leaving. They knew what was coming. They knew who was coming. And while the Atalantians had skills and the ability to fight and defend, they were heavily outnumbered. Those on the surface had no ruler- they did not hesitate to fight and kill, and they did not take prisoners. So many would die… and they had the ability to stop it. Oboe looked at Flurry and nodded, the albertosaurus returning the action. “We do.” 

“Excellent.” Queen Rhys nodded, before flicking her tail. An oviraptor courier ran over from the side, a long sword-like object clutched in his claws. He quickly dropped it near the queen, before bowing lowly and walking away. A lemur jumped down from the queens back, quickly dashing over and dragging it towards the arm. Flurry couldn't quite make out what happened, but there was a clicking sound and the monkey jumped away. Queen Rhys raised her gauntleted arm, revealing the sword had been attached. Her thumb spike was now as long as a sword, metal and gleaming sharp. She nodded at Snowshoe, and the oviraptor quickly sunk into a bow- she had seen a few of these ceremonies before, and it would be best to show the other two how it was done. Oboe and Flurry quickly mimicked it, bowing the best they could. One was better at it than the other.

Queen Rhys stepped forward towards Snowshoe, lowering the sword to tap the dull ends on both sides of the oviraptor. “Snowshoe, oviraptor. Do you swear to protect Atalantis, and all those who dwell within?”

“I do.” The oviraptor replied, attempting to keep the nervous waver out of her voice. Fighting would be tough for her… but she could do it. Maybe she would even get some cool armor.

“Then rise, Knight Snowshoe.” The oviraptor quickly rose to her feet. Huh, she didn't feel much different. Maybe it would come in time.

The process was repeated with the other two. The queen had no restraints about knocking Flurry with the sword, the albertosaurus not even flinching, but she was clearly nervous how to do it for Oboe. Snowshoe couldn't blame her- the black and white flyer was so delicate in comparison. Eventually, the queen managed the softest of touches before commanding Oboe to rise. 

“Now, let's hear it for our newest knight, Atlantis!” Queen Rhys spoke to the crowd, and they delivered. The bellows and shrieks of joy almost shook the halls from how loud it was. 

Flurry turned to Oboe and Snowshoe, a mischievous look on her face. “Hey, do you think this means we get armor?” 

“Thats what I was wondering!” The tapejara let out a delighted laugh. “I wonder if they have anything my size…” Doubtful.