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<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial size=2>Saturday at Steppes
Warlord was my Vigil and Elevation to the Order of the Pelican. It was a day to
remember and cherish. Through the efforts of many, many people who gave of their
time and energy both before the event and on Saturday, everything went smoothly
with no stress for me (I know many of you absorbed stress so I would not).
</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial size=2>The Vigil tent was
beautifully decorated and comfortable for both me and my guests. The food was
good and plentiful. The gatekeepers and guards did a wonderful job of keeping
things organized. The procession was really well done. I got comments from many
people that it was the best they had seen. The herald was clear and precise. The
readings were well done. The procession was huge (thank you all) and it quickly
dispersed which allowed the audience to see and hear better.
</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial size=2>The ceremony was
more than I had expected. I got to choose people who are heroes of mine in the
SCA to speak for me. They were so lavish in their praise that I was embarrassed
(but very pleased). And I was quite proud to be made a peer by their Majesties
Mahdi and Varleria. </FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006></SPAN><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT
face=Arial size=2>Before I get to specific people who were responsible for
making all this happen, I would like to extend an invitation to all those who
helped in any way with the Vigil or Elevation to join Pyro and I for dinner on
Monday night (June 5th, 2006) in place of the Cook's Guild night. I will need an
RSVP so I can make sure we have enough space and food. I'm sorry some of you who
live far away will probably not be able to attend. I'll try to make it up to you
later.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial size=2>I want to thank the
following people for wonderful things they did. I'm afraid some of that day is a
blur and some of the wonderful things that were done in my behalf were not even
known to me. So if I neglect to thank someone, please forgive me and mention it
to me so I might thank you properly.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial size=2>Master
Richard Fairborn has been my mentor, guide, and representative in the
Pelican circle for several years. None of this would have happened without his
sage advice and extensive efforts on my behalf. He also handled the logistics,
planning, and much of the execution of the Vigil, the Elevation, and the party
afterward. I suspect it was he who absorbed most of the stress of the day.
Though I am now his peer, I expect to continue turning to him for advice and
assistance.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial size=2>Ker Megan of
Taransay (aka Pyro), my wife, who supported me enthusiastically over the years
when I made commitments that required sacrifice from her. She made the banner of
my arms and acted as my gatekeeper throughout the Vigil. As always, I marvel she
has chosen me. </FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial size=2>Her Excellency,
Amaline who spent most of her free hours (as if she had any) for the last 3
weeks working on my Elevation garb. We chose a nice outfit from an Italian
mid-1500s painting and shopped for just the right material. She made the tights
(interesting process), made sample garments for fitting, made the full under
tunic (a wonderful outfit by itself, but only the sleeves show), and the over
tunic complete with trim. The garments were new to her and posed many
challenges. She did a truly great job and I will treasure the garments. Thank
you.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial size=2>Giliana, wife to
Master Richard and friend to me. She organized much of the Vigil and party food,
cooked (including the German potato salad because I said I really loved it), got
the ice cream at the last minute, and made sure everything happened when it
needed to. Thank you.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial size=2>Asyln who worked
tirelessly setting up the Vigil, cooking, and arranging the party. I'm sure I
don't know all she did. I do know every time I came up for air she was very busy
doing something that needed doing. I did not see her stop from early morning
until late evening. Thank you.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial size=2>Treysa worked on the
Vigil area, did much of the cooking, and set up and operated the party area. As
usual, she did it all with a smile and enthusiasm. As I have told them, she and
Arias are keepers. Thank you.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial size=2>Arias set up the
tents and area for the party, assisted in the cooking, and did whatever was
necessary all day. Thank you.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial size=2>Fearghus also set up
tents and the area for the party, organized my guards, and generally did
whatever anyone needed done during the day. Fearghus has been my friend for many
years and has always been there to help whenever anyone from Elfsea, the archery
community, or a friend needed help. Thank you.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial size=2>Daniel and Siobhan
for the use of their tent for the party and for the really nice Pelican horse
brass (over 200 years old). It was a major hit. All the other Pelicans are
jealous. You have been my closest friends for some time. Thank
you.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial size=2>Gerita, Arkell, and
Genvieve organized the Clot of Chirurgeons in the procession. Getting that
many Chirurgeons together with red outfits was a major accomplishment in itself.
Thank you.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial size=2>Angeal helped with
the Vigil and the procession. Thank you.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial size=2>Ciaus arranged for
the mini Beef Wellingtons that were such a hit at the party. He could not attend
the event because he was working 70+ hour weeks, but he managed this for me.
Thank you.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial size=2>Eleanore, the
Society Chirurgeon and my boss, came from Wisconsin to participate in my
Elevation. It meant a lot to me to have her support. Thank
you.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial size=2>Friar Galen, former
Society Chirurgeon, former boss, and friend before that. He and Countess Alyson
made me a Master Chirurgeon several years ago. He came to watch me become
another kind of Master. He is a Flight Surgeon for NASA and, when the last
Pelican circle was scheduled, he was to monitor an activity in space.
He turned it over to someone else, drove to the event, sat in the circle to
support me, drove back immediately, and resumed his NASA function. He brought
his sons who also helped most of the day. In addition to everything else, they
were a great help in setting up the party. Thank you.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial size=2>Elspeth, Ulric,
Gearhardt helped get the tent up and the party set up and were generally
wherever they were needed. Thank you.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial size=2>Timothy was my
herald. He wrote the words for the procession and it was the best I have heard.
As I said before, I got many, many compliments on the procession and most of
them were about the heralding. He came out of retirement to do the procession
for me. Thank you.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial size=2>Nearly finally, I
thank all the Chirurgeons who went to the trouble to wear red in my procession
and become the Clot of Chirurgeons. You were impressive and, being members of a
group of people who provide a high level of service to the people of the SCA,
your being in my procession meant a lot to me. Thank you.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial size=2>And the people who
spoke for me. You wouldn't think it would be hard to stand and hear people say
nice things about you, but they did it so well that I was a bit
uncomfortable.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial size=2>From the Laurels,
Mistress Stella and Mistress Xene. Both have long been inspirations to me.
Stella was the first Seneschal with whom I had worked and my predecessor in that
job. She is still my idea of the ideal Baronial Seneschal. Xene was the first
Baroness I knew. She became Elfsea's mother figure and led the Barony with
wisdom and compassion. She helped train me as Seneschal and there was much to
learn. I am honored these strong women spoke for me. Thank
you.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial size=2>From the Chivalry,
Master Airaklee and HRH Aaron. Airaklee has been my friend since I first started
playing with Elfsea. I have always thought him to be the image of Chivalry way
before he became a Master. To be even nearly as Chivalrous as he ... The only
thing which could have made my night better than it was would be to have
Airaklee become a Lion. - And it Happened!!! Aaron has been another image
of Chivalry. He fights extremely well (as you would expect of a Count and now
HRH), but more importantly, he fights with honor above all. He will call any
shot that might be good. He holds himself to the highest possible level of honor
and Chivalry. He also is an inspiration in his dedication to a goal and his
stamina. I am honored these great men spoke for me. Thank
you.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial size=2>From the Roses, HRH
Britta. I have admired Britta for many of the same reasons I admire Aaron. She
is a strong person who values honor above winning, but works hard to win. She is
a leader, goal driven, able to make hard decisions, and compassionate. I am
honored she spoke for me. Thank you.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial size=2>From the Lions,
Master Robin. What can you say about Robin? He excels at everything. He cares
deeply about the people around him and acts on that to make their lives better.
The part of his speech about the Chirurgeons was wonderful. I have admired him
for many years and that admiration has grown as I have come to know him
better. I am honored he spoke for me and for the Chirurgeons. Thank
you.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial size=2>In
service,</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial size=2>Master Caelin on
Andrede</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=562131915-02062006><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
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size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
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size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
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size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
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size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
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size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
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