Shoppers’ Paradise

Processing in to court.

Peerage ceremonies, whether for Laurels, Pelican’s, Knights or others are colorful, personalized ceremonies. They can be lengthy. So kindly Their Majesties took pity on us. They held a morning court and an evening court, with two Laurel ceremonies in each, along with other things they chose to include.

My friend HL Giraude Benet was welcomed into the Order of the Laurel in the morning court. I took many photos and have a few for you here.

Honorable Lady Giraude Benet  called into court and seated before Their Majesties.

Giraude listening to those coaching her on what it means to be a Laurel.

Giraude outfitted with Laurel’s accouterment.

Giraude receiving a Laurel wreath.

M. Alan of Darkdale speaking for Giraude.

Mistress Giraude swearing fealty to Their Majesties’ Calontir.

The scroll displayed and its words read into court.

Then followed a few details. The first was the presentation of YAFA tokens to Kainen Brynjolfss by Lady Adelaide Sarsfield, the Kingdom of Calontir‘s Minister of Youth.

Kainen Brynjolfss in court to receive   YAFA tokens from Lady Adelaide.

Ayisha seated in front of TRM Damien and Issabell.

Then Lady Ayisha bint Asad was called into court for her extensive work as Their Majesties’ Royal Scribe. For her over-and-above efforts, they made her a Court Baroness.

L. Ayish receiving a coronet from Their Majesties.

The second Laurel presented that morning was to HL Kajsa Nikulasdottir. You might know her as one of Calontir’s best costumers.

Honorable Lady Kajsa Nikulasdottir  called into court and seated before Their Majesties.

Kajsa listening to the speaker.

Kajsa being clothed as befitting a Laurel.

Kjasa officially made a member  of the Order of the Laurel.

A few in the audience, including Kainan.

With morning court over you can go on to other fun things such as …

Shopping

I  rushed out of court to buy two things from Painted Sky Pottery. I was concerned all their wonderful works for presents would be gone already. I bought a mug you might receive as a prize at Lonely Tower’s coming 12th Night. The other I saved for a Laurel present for M. Giraude. 

But there’s so much more you could do during the day.

Taking a selfie.

Talking with people  wanting to visit  with Giraude during her vigil.

There’s sharing stories, socializing, and other happenings. A party within a party. Similar activities go on outside each vigil room while you wait your turn to visit with the new peer. 

Same hall, other direction.

The vigil food and through the window  you can see the tent for Lillian Bowyer’s vigil.

In Calontir along with the court ceremony, peer candidates spend time contemplating the new direction their life will take. To do that they “sit vigil”. A time you visit with them sharing insight, stories or anything that you care to share. Each conversation is in private so each candidate has a separate vigil chamber.

You could be outside waiting to speak with Honorable Lady Lillian Bowyer.

You can talk with even more friends.

You could paint predesigned awards for the coming reign.

M. Thora and her handembroidered bags.

M. Thora Sigurdsdottir is Calontir’s R.U.S.H. Chancellor. But she has an SCA tailoring and hand sewing business. Thora’s Threads. 

M. Rhodri with his books.

M. Conna and her merry recorder band.

You might buy lunch and listen to M. Conna ingen Ui Chearbhaill‘s musicians’ jam with their recorders while you eat. That big thing she’s holding is a bass recorder.

All too soon there’s evening court. With two center aisles in the auditorium, I switched to sit on the hall’s other side. You never know which way people will process in. Unfortunately, where I sat this time kept me from snapping as many quality pictures for you as I wanted. 

Everyone in place for evening court.

First Forgotten Sea‘s Baron Soren atte’ Raven and Baroness Rowan Del Wich held their short court. They presented the Baronial Colors to Solveig Melrakki and Ivarr fotviss. They also gave Ivarr the Barony’s Order of Gallantry.

Ivarr and Solveig in court with Baroness Rowan.

Tamar was challenged and approved.

M. Conna vouching for Tamar.

In the pink dress, you see Teresa Rose fillia Quiteria receiving a Queen’s Chalice award.

I might be wrong, but I think this is Sir Snorri Bjornsson belatedly becoming a member of the  Order of the Silver Hammer.

And the fourth peerage ceremony for the day was HL Lillian Bowyer being welcomed into the Order of the Laurel. Here are the few pictures I took of h
er elevation.

Lillian kneeling before Their Majesties, still dressed in the white vigil tabard.

Lillian receiving a present from her peer.

Lillian kneeling again, wearing a Renaissance-style coat.

Hirsch and Magda kneel before Their Majesties.

Listening to over 30 speakers tell “what they learned” from Hirsch and Magda.

Their Majesties Damien and Issabell presented them with marks of favor for their abundant teaching and caring of the many people in Calontir. Hirsch Ross Eichmann and Magdalena van der Meere were each presented an Augmentation of Arms.  Now you see their new banners have a cross of Calatrava enhancing their heraldic arms.

M. Rhianwen waiting to bring in a new banner.

Receiving their new banners.