Traditionally during the elevation ceremony there are people to speak for your elevation. Sometimes you get to pick them, sometimes you do not. Depends on a variety of things. Having a writ meant that I could pick who spoke for me. There was some confusion for a moment and a communication snafu that lead to my MoD being the king, but all in all, it was perfect.
There were 2 among my chosen who could not be there on the day and so words were sent and read via a representative. Of the 6 that spoke on my behalf I have the words of 4 of them and I will inscribe them here. The other 2 spoke from the heart in the moment and so I can not add those.
Laurel: Judith, speaks on the candidate's pursuit of beauty
As I mentioned before she is one that spoke on the spot. We will always be joined and I am proud to have been her student. I will take what she has taught me and go forth and teach it.
Knight: Thorvaldr, speaks on the candidate's Honor and Loyalty
Unable to be with us on the day his words were read to the assemble populace by William of Richwood
Greetings unto their Majesties and the assembled nobles of Drachenwald from Sir Thorvaldr. I would speak on the matter of the elevation to the Order of the Laurel of Baroness Magdelena Grace Vane.
Please pardon the rambling nature of this missive but that is merely indicative of the nature of my relationship with Baroness Maggie. I have known Maggie since the beginning of my time within the SCA. She welcomed my children and myself in such an open manner that endeared her to us from the beginning. Oh, and how did that get accomplished? Well, through food naturally!
Maggie's journey to this day has been a long and complicated one. Her time in the SCA has been spent in a variety of levels of play. Her circle of friends is vast and widespread which is a testament to her fun and welcoming nature. Cooking has always been at the center of her activities as long as I've known her. Of all the Arts and Sciences that are wrapped up under the label of Laurel, Cooking must be one of the most difficult to gain recognition in. It is not a very mobile art form and in a vast Kingdom such as Drachenwald it can be many years between one encounter of her cooking talent and knowledge to the next unless you live near her.
I have had the pleasure of having many such meals prepared with Maggie and spent countless hours at her home taste testing or discussing the various permutations of recipes. Much to my waistline's demise I might add. As a Knight we are often asked about prowess and I have always said that it is the prowess that determines the gateway to any Peerage. Maggie has had prowess in the kitchen for a long time but as I said, it takes time for cooking talent to get recognized.
What about the rest of the qualifications of Peerage? I have seen Maggie grow immeasurably over the years. Her kind heart, her giving nature have always been there. Courtesy aplomb forged during her time as Baroness of Knights Crossing and has done nothing but flourish over time. Her service to the Canton of Turmstadt and assistance at all the events over the years has always been there and welcome.
Suffice to say, your Majesties to me Baroness Magdelena Grace Vane has been and indeed is My Peer!
Written nd signed under my hand this 6th day of October AS56
Sir Thorvaldr 8th Duke of Drachenwald
Order of Defence: Aerikr (King), speaks on the candidates Courage and Camaraderie
As before, this was from the heart in the moment. He removed his crown and spoke, as my friend.
Pelican: Duncan, speaks on the candidates Humility and Generosity
Maggie's skill as a cook and her passion for passing on her knowledge is beyond doubt. But I speak for the order of service and the virtues embodied by my order.
During the 14th century, the Duke of Burgundy listed these among the virtues to be prized:
Valour is the willingness to undertake complex, tedious, and unglamorous tasks far rom the spotlight. Maggie does the job because it needs to be done instead of for the glory,. While willing to shoulder the burden of being responsible, Maggie also lets others lead and shine.
Liberality, to give or create freely, is one of the most important skills for any peer. This is shown in every abundant table she has produced. I have never gone away hungry from a feast Maggie has cooked. But just as important is the passing on of those skills to the next generation which makes our society stronger and helps to ensure the stability of the realm and she has done.
This speaks to me as a Pelican and why I call her my peer.
Order of the Rose: Isabel, speaks on the candidates Nobility and Courtesy
Isabel could not be present but sent her words which were read by Baroness Katherina Mernewegh
Your Majesties, assembled nobles, hear my words
I am Duchess Isabel Peregrinus, and these are my words for Magdelena Grace Vane
Having been fortunate enough to witness Maggie's journey in the last 10 years I have been impressed, inspired and always so very well fed.
Maggie's care and compassion for those around her has no limits, she is like a Rose in that aspect, gentle but with an iron will to not only deliver but excel. I will never forget the deep fried ravioli event- or as it was formerly known Drachenwald 25 years and summer coronation- where the feast instantly became one of legends.
Maggie's culinary art goes from strength to strength built on solid foundations of food science -and in my opinion magic
My Queen, my King, thank you for recognizing her worth and stature as She is my peer.
Member of the populace: Erik,
Herald: Drachenwald has many Peers, but many more who are not Peers, and their voice is mighty. To be ignored is the peril of all! Is there a member of the populace here who will speak for Magdelena?
This bit is important for me. I reworded it ever so slightly so it was smoother and the emphasis was put in the places I felt were most important. I said when I was Baroness, 'I am not only the voice of the crown to my people, I am my people's voice to the crown'. For me it has always been a 2 way street where being the voice of a champion has always outweighed that of being the voice of authority. It is said in many places about the crown 'You rule because they believe.' The power lies with the people.
His words were spoken with resound.
Yes, I will, Erik Olavson Haane!
The King and Queen should fear the wrath of the Drachenwald people! At this time though, you don't have to. You have done right and chosen to recognize a worthy peer! She works hard all over the Kingdom spreading inspiration and knowledge! Bringing the Dream to life for the people. Maggie Vane is a worthy peer in my mind and in my heart! And to the people of Drachenwald.
(Do not let it take this long)
As part of my ceremony there was added a presentation of books:
Closed Book (Vigil book) – Brought forth by: Giano
This tome and its words of wisdom and support represent your past. Although closed, look back on it with fond remembrance and never forget its lessons as your path continues forward.
Open Book (blank) – Brought forth by: Ellisif
This tome (holding up book, open, for all to see) remains as yet unwritten, a symbol of the future that you must forge. Infinitely open, fill it with life and new learning.
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