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Yes, Theo, I had bigger hair
Sunday, Mar. 07, 2004
10:04 PM
So there I was Saturday morning, wearing my balzo, chatting with Robear, minding my own business... and out of the corner of my eye I notice that Royalty has appeared. Looks like a Frosted Mini-Court is about to happen. Then I notice that many people are gathering around, forming a circle - and they're all looking at me. The next thing I know, I'm being put on vigil to contemplate entering the Order of the Laurel and whisked off through the rain to the magnificent vigilino waiting outside.
I'm sure I should have something more profound to say at this point, but everything started happening really fast.
Thjora and Aislynn took me into the vigil tent and helped me change into the vigil camicia that Thjora made for me. Had to take the hat off, not fifteen minutes after I put the silly thing on! Oh well. =) Then back to the hospitality area for the hand-washing ceremony. Baroness Margret wove the most beautiful linen towel for me - it was incredible! Then Kyneburh and Ragnarr escorted me back to the vigil tent to give me their advice and counsel.
I feel as though I'm rushing through this, but I think I haven't had time to properly absorb it all just yet.
I had a steady stream of visitors through the whole day. I was so touched and humbled by this outpouring of love and happiness from so many wonderful people. I got lots of good advice, and I think I remember everyone who came in, though I'm afraid I don't always remember who said what. It's becoming a blur already, as I knew it would. But I won't ever forget the kindness and sweet emotion of the day. One thing I will treasure most is sweet Susie's gift of a song.
My friends worked so amazingly hard to put all this together for me. The banner that Sorcha made is so unbelievably cool! It's silk fabric, with quilted pieces and fringe and BEADS! This is the coolest banner I've ever seen. Kevin put together a lovely spread for the hospitality tent and I even got to eat a little bit of it. Colin and Clare brought the vigilino and helped set it up while Aradd and Izzy kept me distracted in the morning. The scary thing is how devious my friends are. In a good way, of course.
The day went by really, really fast. Before I knew it, it was time to get dressed for court. Thjora had made me a green silk gamurra and Aislynn dressed up my hair. I wrote down my oath of fealty so I would stand a better chance of actually remembering what I wanted to say when the time came.
I was the first piece of business in court. I was escorted in by the four Peers of the Consortium Turrium, Liam carrying my banner, Thjora and Corby, Izzy and Clare and (I think) Gen and the de la Flamme squires (most everybody was behind me so I'm not sure who all was there). Thankfully I didn't trip over my skirts or anything like that. Sir Andrew spoke on behalf of the Chivalry; Mistress Theodora spoke on behalf of the Pelicans; Countess Brigit spoke on behalf of the Ladies of the Rose; and Mistress Jessamyn spoke on behalf of the Laurels.
Sir Andrew Grey for the Order of the Chivalry
Mistress Theodora Delamore for the Order of the Pelican
Countess Brigit of Mercia speaks for the Ladies of the Rose
Mistress Jessamyn di Piemonte speaks for the Order of the Laurel
I was so touched and honored to be commended by these wonderful people - I'm still not certain I'm worthy, but I guess it's too late for that now! Maestra Francesca gave me her beautiful medallion (OK, so I'm still wearing it right now). Thjora gave me the second part of the outfit she'd made me, a gorgeous silk giornea embroidered with laurel wreaths and my fleurs-de-lys. And sleeves! Sleeves with laurel wreaths embroidered on them. They are so cool! I swore my oath to Their Majesties and even remembered all of it without having to look at my notes. Floated off the stage to greet my new brothers and sisters, stunned to hear such loud Vivats for my name.
A certain irony of the day became apparent later in court, when the lovely Mistress Thjora was inducted into the Order of the Pelican (most deservedly so). I had the honor of making her Pelican cloak, to everyone's amusement when this fact became apparent. So she was distracted by preparing for my ceremony and I was distracted by preparing for hers. Another honor to share this special day with a gentle lady and a good friend. I have to say that was one of the coolest Peerage ceremonies I have ever seen. Hooray Thjora!
Oh, the excitement's not over yet. My sweetie and I were invited to sit at high table for feast with Their Majesties and Highnesses. We had a lovely time and I was struck by the appropriateness of listening to the Rencester Singers during dinner, since I first discovered the SCA at Rencester. And THEN my wonderful friends converged on me and presented me with yet another gift, one that damn near made me cry. They had gotten for me a ring, one that is a replica of a fifteenth century Medici ring. I am also wearing it as I type this. It is truly amazing. I am so lucky and so blessed to have this second family in my life.
I am still really overwhelmed with all that's happened. I don't think I am really able to convey with words all that's in my heart. What a wonderful day - thank you to all of you who made it perfect for me. I feel a little nervous about living up to my new responsibility, but I will give it my best shot.
La vostra in servizio,
Maestra Giuliana Salviati