Pelican Elevation and Vigil

 I haven't posted in almost a month because I have been frantically sewing for my elevation to the SCA Order of the Pelican. I'm delighted to report that the elevation took place on Saturday 29 June, and I actually had new clothes to wear, if not the clothing that I had originally planned!

My vigil had been planned for during the day prior to the feast. A tournament had been planned, but the day before a severe weather warning was issued which meant the tourney was cancelled. Luckily my friends stepped in at the last minute and generously offered their home as a venue. Thank you to Sorcha, Federyc, Linet, Margueritte, Nicolette, Melodia, Steffan, Sharyn and Kate for the venue, foods and all the help and support. The vigil was much smaller than planned due to the last minute change of venue, but did mean that it had more of a party feel and that certainly helped calm my nerves.

Trying out a selfie-stick at the vigil

Sparkly gingerbread biscuits

I had a really nice time at the vigil, and got to relax with friends for a bit before the feast. The time went too fast, and soon we were all departing to get to the feast venue.

The venue was beautifully decorated, and many people that I had not seen for years came to the feast. We were celebrating a Baronial changeover, so it was great to see many guests including past Barons and Baronesses and past Princesses and Princes. The only downside was that I hardly got a chance to chat with anyone because I was organising things, and I also had no appetite due to nerves. Innilgard is renowned for it's feasts and brewing, so this really was a pity.

One of the tables at the feast

The ceremony itself was written for me by talented local herald, previous Landed Baroness of Innilgard and friend, Baroness Annys. She and Lord Gabriel acted as heralds during the ceremony, and friends who are members of the five Peerage Orders spoke words that were very touching and truly humbling. I was honoured to be elevated by a Crown that I truly respect and who endeavour to live out the knightly virtues in their mundane lives as well as their SCA lives. I have never felt so supported and valued by so many people; it was overwhelming and wonderful.

Me cloaked in the Lochac Pelicans' cloak made by the Lochac Worshipful Company of Broderers
Image credit: S. Greig

My friends and banner bearers who helped me so much in the lead up to the event

Being welcomed to the Order by the Crown

Standing with the members of the Order of the Pelican

My heartfelt thanks to everyone near and far who helped, offered support and advice and just sent nice wishes. Thank you!

Invitation to Join the Order of the Pelican

I have some good news to share.

I was recently touched and honoured to be invited to join the SCA Order of the Pelican.

I have accepted, and my vigil and elevation will occur at the Innilgard Baronial Divestiture and Investiture in late June.

At a recent event, Their Majesties asked me to take a photo of their Royal Household. I was focused on preparing for a good shot when they surprised me by asking me to be in one of the photos. (I am not a member of the Royal Household.)

As we were posing, His Majesty turned and made the announcement and invitation. I was more shocked than I think I have ever been!

I owe a debt of thanks to my friends who had my cameras and were there to take photos for me. (Looking at the images, I realise that the 'Royal Household' actually are members of the Order, but at the time I was trying to fit everyone in the frame rather than looking at faces.)

My friends continued to help me later in the day by taking more event photos, as my hands were shaking too much to take any that were not blurry!

I also owe a debt of thanks to the Peers that inspire me to try to do better, and be better, in my SCA and mundane life. I know many who actively try to live the chivalric virtues, and this is truly inspiring.