This past weekend I attended my favorite event in the Kingdom of Atlantia, 12th Night which was held in Yadkinville, NC. This weekend I also experienced the magic of being a member of the Society of Creative Anachronism and I lived the Dream that we hold dear as I was elevated to the Order of the Pelican, a Peerage of service to the Kingdom. I am just now over the shock and will issue my thanks to all that participated in my elevation.

Allow me to lead into the story of this magic as I was originally the Reservationist and Gate Minister for this event, and as all know this is a position I hold dear as we are the faces that are first met by members and newcomers alike to experience the joy that we feel as we welcome them to the event. Do understand that I was oblivious to what would happen next. For a person that is in the know and aware of her surroundings – they “got one up”, on me. I was called and escorted into court and I arrived with cashbox in hand which was transferred to the Kingdom Exchequer then His Majesty asked me how the Gate was at this time and I answered honestly. I was then informed that I was to sit vigil for contemplation of joining the Order of the Pelican. I have received comments and photographs of the shocked look on my face. I had never considered that I would be asked to join this auspicious Order. “We Serve”. The tears began, the knees became weak and I was honored that their Majesties escorted me to the vigil space as the Worthies stated I was their Peer. I sat in vigil where I met so many friends and received some incredible insight and advice. I have just had the opportunity to read my Vigil Book and do know that the tears are still there. I accepted the honor of joining the Order, my beautiful gifts of my position in the Kingdom are beyond belief, so many hands had a part of this allowing me to experience the Dream.

It takes a village to put together a surprise vigil and it was done with advanced counter intelligence ability.

To their Majesties of the Kingdom of Atlantia, Ragnarr Blackhammer VI and Mary Isabel 1, our gracious and supportive monarchs to this fair Kingdom of Atlantia. I graciously thank you. May I serve with delight knowing I serve wonderful Monarchs to this Kingdom.

To their Royal Highness, Adelhait Fuch III and Christoph II, first your Highness, thank you for speaking at my vigil as My Rose and Your Highness, thank you for your honesty and supportive words. I shall always endeavor to meet those goals. I shall always seek to serve you both during your reign.  " Loyalty binds me". 

To my Peer, Haelfdige Annora Hall, Mistress of the Laurel and her Consort Master Robert Shockley of Avonsford, Master of the Pelican, my thanks for always being there to support me on my journey even though at times, it jumped the path to service while seeking the Arts. My heart is full and I shall ever be there for anything you require of me. The vigil space was beautiful and your ability to gather together this wonderful group of individuals amazes me and my Cap of Maintenance acknowledging my period is a beautiful creation by your hands. I am still amazed that the silver was loomed. Your skills are amazing, My Peer.

To their Excellencies of Sacred Stone, the hosting Barony. Alain ap Daffydd and Azza al-Shiraziyya. Our Friendship has maintained over the years since my coming from the Kingdom of Trimaris. You are my friends and I shall always be there to assist you when you are in need.

To their Excellencies of Hawkwood, Edward Godale and Lucrezia Sarta di Napoli. Many need to know that her Excellency Lucrezia was a co-conspirator in this endeavor. Her ninja tactics and skills were amazing and she was the force of nature behind the construction of the Gown that I wore during elevation. She covered this so well, with her prior year of reminding me that I needed new garb, consistently, unendingly. The Barony of Hawkwood is my place of residence and I have always enjoyed the abilities of House Mashburn to bring joy and laughter and will continue to do so over the years.

Next: The list of worthies who spoke on my behalf:

Order of the Laurel: Master Geoffrey d’Ayr of Montalban (Robert Himmelsbach)

Order of the Pelican: Meisterin Jdeke von Kohlburg , thank you for your continued support and love.

Order of the Rose: Her Highness, Adelhait Fuch, thank you for your continued support and friendship

Order of Chivalry: His Majesty of Trimaris – Dietrich von Stroheim, his words present by Sir Vladimir Mechnik as His Majesty was at the Panhandle Skirmish.

Order of Defense: Master Greylond Crow, his words presented by Lord Arias Velarde’de Santillana del Mar.

May I endeavor to meet the words of these individuals and to all of the Order of the Pelican present, thank you from the bottom of my heart for being there.

Next:

To the Kingdom Exchequer – the HL Fjorlief in Rauda – thank you for managing the cash box and being there for the closing of the gate. Between you and Meisterin Jdeke, I knew all would be well.

The members who prepared and provided –

My Pendant:

Cabachon by Ingegerd Kastanrazi and my true sister in the art of Bead Embroidery, Helga Vilhjalmskona also known as Elza Gekht. The cabochon is amazing Ingegerd, the colors, the beauty and the Bead Embroidery by Helga is beyond amazing. I knew as soon as I entered the Vigil tent that this was an Elza design. The design is based on an extant portrait of QE1. Eat your heart out QE1 and this shall become a pendant of my household. We have been friends since we first met at KASF. Shall it ever be so.

My Scroll:

It is my understanding that my mouth dropped when I saw the scroll that was made with such love by a Grand Peer I admire beyond belief. Mistress to the Order of the Laurel, Eleanor of Grey also known as Carol Atkins. She laughingly told me she stalked my Facebook page as my Cats and the precious pup I just lost is included in this scroll. The Wordsmithing was done by another favored Scribe, Maistress Philomene de Lys and the calligraphy was done by a member of the Dant-Y-derwyddon Scribal Group, Adela.

My Piper:

Being a Scottish persona and actually Scottish in lineage, it was a dream to be piped in should I ever elevate. The Noble Pelican Mistress Deirdre Fletcher (Leisa Stamey) is well known through the Piper community and I always look for her at Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, did me the greatest of honor by Piping me in with the Herald.

My Herald:

What individual would not be honored to have a Knight of the Realm herald them in. Sir Roland Wodeman, a knight and incredible artisan along with his chosen consort did me great honor. I shall forever be in your service.

My Vigil Book was provided by Her Excellency Azza al-Shiraziyya and Alain ap Dafydd. The words have been read with tears of joy.

My basin and pitcher for the handwashing was provided by Haelfdige Annora Hall and her Excellency Lucrezia Sarta di Napoli of Hawkwood.

My Linen Towel was drawn thread linen as done by Meisterin Jdeke von Kolberg and will become a treasured item of my house. Yep, that just went into a box to keep it safe. And that Linen swan is already under glass. My deepest and gracious thank you.

My tokens to gift to those that paid visit to my vigil tent were done by my Apprentice Sister, Lady Fine (Linda Sears and with support of her consort Brian Sears). I love both of your smiles.

My reception Coordinator was the beautiful and gracious Lady Gwenhwyfar Weale with the assistance of many cooks and bakers to include Patronne Murienne l’aloiere, Baroness Lucrezia Sarta di Napoli and of course my Peer Annora Hall, the ultimate purveyor of Cheese.

The gifts received were so graciously received to include a Blackwork strip from Master Geoffrey, a Blackwork piece with my Heraldry and the Pelican by my father, Master Robert Shockley to make a wauste. There was so many that shall be treasured.

To Lady Kalara of Stormwall and head retainer to her Excellency Lucrezia Sarta di Napoli of Hawkwood. You are the best traveling companion I know and your kindness is above reproach. I thank you for assisting me in dressing and your diligence in making sure everything went back where it should be shall ever be remembered and sitting with me at Troll for your first time.

To Lord Aleksandr Tomasovic and Lady Signy of Hawkwood, thank you M’Lord for not cowering at the look when you told me I was called into court and for not accepting the “No freaking way” commentary. You did great service to your Monarch. Please remind me of the gentle with you Lord Aleksandr so I may issue him thanks.

To Arrias Velarde’ de Santillana del Mar, Franceska of Stormwall and Ari of Stormwall. My deepest of thanks for all that you did in keeping me together and focused and helping at the Gate and unraveling tokens, taking photographs and making us laugh and relaying words. You are all TRUE Stormwallians in all measures.

And to the Populace of Hawkwood and Stormwall, Their Excellencies Mel and Theresa of Caid Joines, Cody Singleton, Kira Bouchonnet, Their Excellencies Veronica Passamonte and Gracia Slay, Mistress Rhiannon Ui Neill, and Lord Johannes (our forever Jack). Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Vivat Hawkwood, Vivat Stormwall, Vivat Haukesgate and Vivat the glorious Kingdom of Atlantia.

To Mistress Nuala inghen Magnusa, thank you for venturing out. You are and shall always be my friend.

And in conclusion, to those that have toyed with the idea of serving as an Exchequer to a Canton, Barony or Shire. Please remember, you are the hidden jewels of the Kingdom and yes, you will be seen.

I will always be in your service,
Baroness Adair of Makyswell, now Mistress.