Elevation and Reception
My Journey: Elevation
Everything started moving fast, from getting ready to being escorted to court by my friends and guard, to waiting patiently for this to be put into motion; it was all a blur. My Family (Mom, Dad, and brother) all came to support me, and of course, my SCA Family was there too.
Then it started. Baroness Ximena Yannez de Talavera was called before the crown and was my sponsor to the order. Then, the Royals called the order of the laurel up, followed by calling me into court. I was honored to have Thegn Knut Bjornsson serve as my Herald and escort me in, along with my guards: Lord Cianan Carmichael and Dominus Lucius Tacitus.
Ástríðr Stefánsdóttir (Populace), Duke Timothy of Long Bennington (Royal Peer), Duchess Ysmay of Branston (Order of the Rose), Sir Geoffrey MacDhomhuill (Chilverlry), Dame Sibella Denton (Pelican), Maestro Ximon Martillo de Córdoba (Defense), and Master Fynlo MacCane (Mark) all spoke the kindest words on my behalf, and I could not have asked for a better group of Meridians.
Baroness Ximena Yannez de Talavera spoke for the Laurels. Here I am in the dress she made me, receiving a book and candle, and instruction on service, continued growth, and sharing of knowledge.
I had wanted to make something for the ceremony, to do something I had not done before. I made the wreath with glass and copper with the hopes that it would catch the light. It was not everything I wanted it to be. I was aiming for a masterwork, and it fell far short of the mark, but while it was not an example of my finest craft, I do think it reflects a desire to continue to strive, and that there is always work to be done.
And while I gave lots of thought into how to make it, I never considered how to keep such a heavy thing in place, but my friends had me covered. The Honorable Lady Admiranda LeDaye, who did my hair, left two little knots to hold it in place.
Finally, I gave my oaths to the crowns, Duke Lochlainn of Glen Noe, Duchess Paraskova Chemislava, Count Chinua Qadanjin, and Countess Jacqueline Stormé and received my medallion, which was made by Mentor Roibeard Mac Neiil.
Finally, the banner that was crafted by Countess Gwenhwyfar Mwyn. I was absolutely floored by the work.
The rest of the night involved feasting with my Household, being asked to give the test for the Prince and Princess, and completely messing it up, and finishing the evening hosting a reception in the longhouse, partaking in the Scandinavian food and Homemade Meads.
In the morning, I asked Auða Alfsdóttir to join my house. Then we packed and, like the rest of those at the event, we dispersed to the four winds, and just like that, the weekend was over.
I have continued my journey in the SCA and as an artist.
I am collecting quite a few objects that will forever remind me of how much the SCA has given me, and to remind me to strive to bring the dream alive for as many as I can.
My work continues, and I still struggle to keep moving forward to improve and excel where I feel I fall short. I continue to seek inspiration and to follow my dream even when it seems like so many things have slipped away. I look back and remember where I was and what I have survived. That the artist I am is more than my success or failure.
Thank You two every one who supported me and my art who attended and who helped to make the weekend of my Elevation a Dream.
Special Thanks: Duke Barthelemy of Illyria, Dutchess Oda Austrasia, Duke Lochlainn of Glen Noe, Dutchess Paraskova Chemislava, Count Chinua Qadanjin, Countess Jacqueline Stormé, Baroness Ximena Yannez de Talavera, Baroness Mairghread Wilson, Ástríðr Stefánsdóttir, Duke Timothy of Long Bennington, Duchess Ysmay of Branston, Sir Geoffrey MacDhomhuill, Dame Sibella Denton, Maestro Ximon Martillo de Córdoba, Master Fynlo MacCane, Baroness Lykania of Stone Hill Keep, Thegn Knut Bjornsson, Lord Cianan Carmichael, Dominus Lucius Tacitus, Davis Family, Auða Alfsdóttir, Countess Gwenhwyfar Mwyn
Thank You: Castle Wars Staff, Lady Liv Ivarsdatter, Poulace, Mistress Christianna MacGrain, Lord Emeric de Rammesburn, Thegn Knut Bjornsson, Honerable Ælfric Hort, Master Emmerich of Vakkerfjell, Baroness Constanza Consuela Ximena de Valencia, Honerable Lady Admiranda LeDaye, Lord Uilliam Dubhghlas Mac Gille Easbuig, Noble Szekely Ersebett, Red Tower Staff, Royal Court, Baronial Court, Laurels, Davis Family, Charles, Dianna, Jeff, Mentor Roibeard Mac Neiil, Honerable Lady Admiranda LeDaye, Honerable Lord Henry of Stone Hill Keep, Countess Gillian Anna di Lando, Lady Katheran Ann of County Cork, Shire of Movus Matisco, Sam, Lykee, Grymfrost, Henry's Endeavors, Dame Sibella Denton, Linengarb, Tooth & Bone Stone & Glass, Crafty Celt, Crown And Chalace, Mistress Bronwen o Gydwell, Honorable Thorfinn Langskeggr, Leda Sand, Thomas Risom, Rodi Rovner, Magistra Gnaea Celera, Mistress Keely the Tinker, Stone Hill Inn, Lillies War, Stella Nova, Gulf Wars, Red Tower, Castle Wars, SCA, Kingdom of Meridies, Kingdom of Calantier, Barony of Bryn Madoc, Barony of the South Downs, Royal University of Meridies, Meridian Scribel Guild, Meridian Heralds, Wounded Wolf Inn…
And to anyone I missed, Thank You
