The Laurel Ceremony
So, I'd written the framework of a ceremony. To make sure I'd crossed all my proverbial "t"s, I asked Master Andrixos to send me a "default" Laurel ceremony, which he promptly did. He then left for a tour of events (he's a merchant in the Society, selling fabric trim). I took my own sweet time getting a revision back to him. He spent a day or two improving it. This put the document in Their Majesties' hands late in the day on Thursday, and they stayed up till 2:30 in the morning, working with His Grace Martino, taking out parts they didn't think serves Their purposes, including passages They felt needed to be in the document, and so on.
Herald
Within the fellowship of the Society,
three orders of great merit have been created to honor those who have excelled
in arms and chivalry,
in arts and sciences,
and in service to the realm.
A member of each of these three orders is one
whose skills are freely manifested and willingly taught,
one whose efforts on behalf of others are unstinting
and whom above all is an example of courtesy and grace.
The Order of Chivalry honors martial achievements;
the members of the Order are the swords of the Crown.
The Order of the Pelican honors those who have distinguished themselves by their exemplary service to the Society.
In the third year of the Society,
there was called into being the second great order of peerage;
the Ancient and Honorable Order of the Laurel,
to recognize those skilled in arts and sciences who create works of value and beauty.
It is the privilege of the Crown to elevate into this order such persons as Their Majesties see fit. Therefore, the Crown now calls into Their presence the Masters and Mistresses of the Ancient and Honorable Order of the Laurel here present.
The companions assemble
King Ostwald
Mistress Gwyneth, We believe you have business with Us.
Gwyneth
Your Majesties, at Lilies I did beg a boon of You, which you saw fit to grant. Now I ask again that You elevate Christian d'Hiver to the Ancient and Honorable Order of the Laurel, and create him a Peer of Your Realm.
Queen Kaye
As this is right and proper, and in accord with Our will, We are minded to honor your request.
King Ostwald
Has the candidate been properly prepared as befits the customs of Our kingdom?
Gwyneth
Your Majesties, he has stood vigil and been properly prepared as a candidate of this esteemed order.
Queen Kaye
Then let the candidate come forward and be instructed.
I walk from the back of the room and His Excellency Graf Hirsch stands to block my way.
Sir Hirsch
Hold, Christian! As a representative of the order of Chivalry, I would remind you how grave are the responsibilities you would bear. As a knight knows weapons, tirelessly training to the Crown and Kingdom in defense of the realm, so must a laurel know the rigors of his art, devoting his energies to their study.
Baroness Eithni
[Speaks kindly of my work in music]
Master Conrad
[Speaks kindly of my work, serving the dance community]
Christian
However this day might end, I pledge now --to you, to my Liege, and to those people here assembled-- that I will continue my studies, my practice, and my lessons. Music is a great sea, and I have only just set sail upon it. I will not rest till I have seen her every shoreline and drunk my fill of her depths.
This was the important routine, that gets repeated throughout the next sequences: a representative of one order or another challenges me, explaining one of Shadan's six requirements. People testify that I have been addressing those issues, and I pledge to continue to do so, whether I am become a laurel or not.
Mistress Dierdre, standing before me
Christian, as a representative of the Order of the Laurel, I remind you that the laurel medallion is no light trinket. A laurel is called to do more than simply learn and study. He must kindle within the populace an enthusiasm for the arts, and teach other to master his craft as well.
Baroness Giovanna
[Speaks kindly of my work with the Warwick Consort]
Mistress Conna
[Speaks kindly of my teaching in Calontir]
Christian
Whatever this day holds in store, I here pledge my continued work, to showcase all the wonders of music, and to instruct any who seek my guidance and support.
Mistress Dorcas, standing before me
Greetings, Christian. As the representative of the Order of the Pelican, I must remind you that the trappings of the laurel are a considerable burden. Just as a pelican serves her realm through the execution of her office, so a laurel serves the kingdom through the dedicated pursuit of his craft, enriching the Society through the fruits of his labors.
Lady Constantia
[Speaks kindly of any service I may have provided.]
Mistress Alina
[Speaks of service through teaching of mathematics]
Christian
Whatever may happen this day, know that I here pledge to place my skills and efforts in the service of Calontir, the Society, and the ideals that guide them, from this day forward.
Countess Jane, standing before me
As a royal peer, I bar your path to tell you there is more demanded from a laurel than just his art. A laurel is marked with the sign of the order and no longer acts wholly as his own man. With that comes the lifelong obligation to serve as an example of consideration, courtesy, and gentility.
Master Thomas
[Speaks of any time he might have seen me be polite.]
Countess Magda
[Speaks about the importance of making a good first impression, and the weight of the first few words.]
Christian
With such inspiration as I see every day, how can I help but act in accord with the best of our ideals? Whatever should result this day, I hereby pledge to always put the welfare of others before my own ease and comfort.
Baron Dolan, standing before me
Do not be so quick or so sure about your will this day. Others might have spoken on the particulars of the order, but there is more. A peer's behavior expresses his attitude towards his skill, the Crown, and his fellows. Do others view your actions as worthy of emulation?
Master Brendan
[Speaks of my long and storied history]
Mistress Gwen
[Speaks of how background music at feasts has been pleasant and hasn't made life harder for the cooks.]
Christian
Whatever might befall me this day, I hereby pledge to strive to conduct myself with humility and the comportment of a peer, remembering that dignity towards others and respect for our shared ideals are never out of place.
(Footnote: not even at drunken parties.) All right: we've addressed five of Shadan's six standards. The last one is honor.
Christian
Your Royal Majesties, it is I, Christian d'Hiver, vigilant for the noble Order of the Laurel, here to give answer.
King Ostwald
Your Lordship, this is not a choice to be made lightly. Having reflected upon what will be expected of you, are you willing to accept this accolade from Our hands and be admitted into the Ancient and Honorable Order of the Laurel.
Christian thinks it through one last time, for about five seconds
Yes.
Queen Kaye
Christian, should We make you a peer, We put Our own reputation at stake. Are you a man We can trust to do as he says? Can We rest easy, knowing the authority you would wield?
Christian
My Queen, I hereby swear to You, to the companions of this good order, and to the people: to strive to keep my name free from al scandal or disgrace, to be worthy of whatever trust anyone might place in me. I swear myself to the cause of justice. And looking briefly at Her Highness Northshield, may all my strength fail me, and the world turn against me, should I break this solemn oath.
King Ostwald
Christian, is it your wish to enter this noble order and be recognized as a peer of the realm?
Christian
Most fervently, Your Majesty.
Mistress Gwyneth
Your Majesties, it is fitting that the candidate be now invested with the trappings and accoutrements of a laurel, if that be Your wish.
Queen Kaye
Yes. Proceed.
Mistress Gwyneth
[Releases me from the final bonds of fealty.]
King Ostwald
Present the medallion.
Mistress Gwyneth
This is the medallion of a laurel. Its weight is slight but the meaning it carries has great weight. The laurel tree, beloved of Apollo, has ever been the symbol of art and music, truth and victory. It is a strong plant, producing throughout its lifetime. It as savor to meals and provides healing to the infirm, but when used in excess can be deadly poison. As with the laurel, so with the Laurel. This is the last lesson I have for you.
She gives the medallion to the Crown, who place it on me.
Queen Kaye
Present the gown.
Mistress Katrei
This is the garb of a scholar. As it is placed upon you, consider its weight as a mark of your obligation to continue your studies and share the results thereof with both students and listeners. As the yoke allows the oxen to accomplish more work, likewise will these garments remind you that scholarship shall keep you following a straight path.
She helps me into the garment
King Ostwald
Present the cloak.
Master Andrixos
This is the cloak of a laurel, proclaiming to the world the status you have reached today through years of work. It marks you to all who see you, even from a great distance, as a source of knowledge and teaching in the arts. In summer's sun, it may cause discomfort, but in winter's storm equally shall it provide you with warmth and allow you to stay focused on the task at hand. Pause And so, under the heat of this day, we reserve it for such a time as the wearing of it might be a benefit.
Andrixos does not saddle me further with the cloak. For this, I give him a hug, which startles him but amuses the populace.
Queen Kaye
Present the wreath.
Princess Maerwyn
This is the wreath of the laurel, the crown of victory. It ennobles those who wear it, but demands ongoing service and excellence as its price. In ancient days it marked the victors, but likewise the victims of sacrifices. So it is with the companions of the Laurel. Your private goals from this day onward are a sacrifice to the greater good of the kingdom and the Society.
She places the wreath on my head.
Mistress Gwyneth
Your Majesties, Christian has been invested with the ancient trappings befitting a laurel. Would it please You to bestow the accolade at this time?
King Ostwald
It would. Christian, support Our sword.
Christian d'Hiver, do you swear that you will honor and defend the Crown and Kingdom of Calontir?
Christian
I will.
Queen Kaye
Do you swear that you will conduct yourself in all matters as befits a peer, continuing to practice the virtues of chivalry, nobility, and personal integrity?
Christian
I will.
King Ostwald
That you will further your knowledge of the arts and sciences, and aid others in this endeavor, always maintaining a level of participation that does not sacrifice the well-being or health of yourself or the undertaking at hand?
Christian
I will.
Queen Kaye
That you will be courteous, and honor all peers of the realm and all others with whom you shall have dealings?
Christian
I will.
King Ostwald
Christian, you have been deemed fit for this high estate by your peers,
you have been duly invested with the trappings of the Order of the Laurel,
and you have indicated your willingness to accept the accolade from Us.
Accept from Our Hand that with your skills and devotion has brought to you.
May your skills ever be increased and offered in service to Calontir and the Society.
Queen Kaye
May your comportment ever serve as an example of gentle courtesy and humility.
Crown
And may your spirit forever follow after the goals your heart as set before you.
Christian
Your Majesties, would You accept now my oath of Fealty?
Side note: In his "default ceremony," Andrixos provided a laurel's Oath of Fealty, just a little bit longer than, say, the pledge of allegiance. It was important to me that I have the oath memorized, and I practiced it every day until I'd gotten it down, smoothly. And then, in the final draft, Their Majesties had provided a completely different oath. Which I read from paper.
Here do I swear fealty to the Crown and Kingdom of Calontir,
I herewith give my solemn oath:
to support the ideals, laws, and customs of our Society,
to loyally defend and uphold the Crown and Kingdom,
to champion justice and foster knowledge,
to faithfully fulfill my feudal obligation to my Liege Lord and Lady,
and to ever and always strive to be worthy of the laurel wreath.
By word and deed, thus swear I, Christian d'Hiver
Crown
This do we hear and shall never forget, nor fail to reward that which is given: Fealty with love, service with honor and oath breaking with vengeance.
King Ostwald
Arise, Maistre Christian d'Hiver, Companion of the Laurel and Peer of the Realm.
PART FIVE, A MUSICAL BREAK
Master Dolan wrote the scroll text, intending it to be set to music, which Her Ladyship Kasha composed. She wrote it as a three-part song, in the style of Thomas Campion, and sang it:
Kasha
List now ye folk of Calontir and hearken to Our will.
Look well upon Christian d'Hiver, take measure of his skill.
His music played across the years, through near and distant lands,
At feast or dance in joy we hear each measure from his hands.
When there is need, his strength well known in aid to great or small,
With helpful word or gift bestowed well measured unto all.
His praise be sung this joyous day as leaves are held above
Then Laurel on his brow We lay as a measure of Our love.
Herald
Within the fellowship of the Society,
three orders of great merit have been created to honor those who have excelled
in arms and chivalry,
in arts and sciences,
and in service to the realm.
A member of each of these three orders is one
whose skills are freely manifested and willingly taught,
one whose efforts on behalf of others are unstinting
and whom above all is an example of courtesy and grace.
The Order of Chivalry honors martial achievements;
the members of the Order are the swords of the Crown.
The Order of the Pelican honors those who have distinguished themselves by their exemplary service to the Society.
In the third year of the Society,
there was called into being the second great order of peerage;
the Ancient and Honorable Order of the Laurel,
to recognize those skilled in arts and sciences who create works of value and beauty.
It is the privilege of the Crown to elevate into this order such persons as Their Majesties see fit. Therefore, the Crown now calls into Their presence the Masters and Mistresses of the Ancient and Honorable Order of the Laurel here present.
The companions assemble
King Ostwald
Mistress Gwyneth, We believe you have business with Us.
Gwyneth
Your Majesties, at Lilies I did beg a boon of You, which you saw fit to grant. Now I ask again that You elevate Christian d'Hiver to the Ancient and Honorable Order of the Laurel, and create him a Peer of Your Realm.
Queen Kaye
As this is right and proper, and in accord with Our will, We are minded to honor your request.
King Ostwald
Has the candidate been properly prepared as befits the customs of Our kingdom?
Gwyneth
Your Majesties, he has stood vigil and been properly prepared as a candidate of this esteemed order.
Queen Kaye
Then let the candidate come forward and be instructed.
I walk from the back of the room and His Excellency Graf Hirsch stands to block my way.
Sir Hirsch
Hold, Christian! As a representative of the order of Chivalry, I would remind you how grave are the responsibilities you would bear. As a knight knows weapons, tirelessly training to the Crown and Kingdom in defense of the realm, so must a laurel know the rigors of his art, devoting his energies to their study.
Baroness Eithni
[Speaks kindly of my work in music]
Master Conrad
[Speaks kindly of my work, serving the dance community]
Christian
However this day might end, I pledge now --to you, to my Liege, and to those people here assembled-- that I will continue my studies, my practice, and my lessons. Music is a great sea, and I have only just set sail upon it. I will not rest till I have seen her every shoreline and drunk my fill of her depths.
This was the important routine, that gets repeated throughout the next sequences: a representative of one order or another challenges me, explaining one of Shadan's six requirements. People testify that I have been addressing those issues, and I pledge to continue to do so, whether I am become a laurel or not.
Mistress Dierdre, standing before me
Christian, as a representative of the Order of the Laurel, I remind you that the laurel medallion is no light trinket. A laurel is called to do more than simply learn and study. He must kindle within the populace an enthusiasm for the arts, and teach other to master his craft as well.
Baroness Giovanna
[Speaks kindly of my work with the Warwick Consort]
Mistress Conna
[Speaks kindly of my teaching in Calontir]
Christian
Whatever this day holds in store, I here pledge my continued work, to showcase all the wonders of music, and to instruct any who seek my guidance and support.
Mistress Dorcas, standing before me
Greetings, Christian. As the representative of the Order of the Pelican, I must remind you that the trappings of the laurel are a considerable burden. Just as a pelican serves her realm through the execution of her office, so a laurel serves the kingdom through the dedicated pursuit of his craft, enriching the Society through the fruits of his labors.
Lady Constantia
[Speaks kindly of any service I may have provided.]
Mistress Alina
[Speaks of service through teaching of mathematics]
Christian
Whatever may happen this day, know that I here pledge to place my skills and efforts in the service of Calontir, the Society, and the ideals that guide them, from this day forward.
Countess Jane, standing before me
As a royal peer, I bar your path to tell you there is more demanded from a laurel than just his art. A laurel is marked with the sign of the order and no longer acts wholly as his own man. With that comes the lifelong obligation to serve as an example of consideration, courtesy, and gentility.
Master Thomas
[Speaks of any time he might have seen me be polite.]
Countess Magda
[Speaks about the importance of making a good first impression, and the weight of the first few words.]
Christian
With such inspiration as I see every day, how can I help but act in accord with the best of our ideals? Whatever should result this day, I hereby pledge to always put the welfare of others before my own ease and comfort.
Baron Dolan, standing before me
Do not be so quick or so sure about your will this day. Others might have spoken on the particulars of the order, but there is more. A peer's behavior expresses his attitude towards his skill, the Crown, and his fellows. Do others view your actions as worthy of emulation?
Master Brendan
[Speaks of my long and storied history]
Mistress Gwen
[Speaks of how background music at feasts has been pleasant and hasn't made life harder for the cooks.]
Christian
Whatever might befall me this day, I hereby pledge to strive to conduct myself with humility and the comportment of a peer, remembering that dignity towards others and respect for our shared ideals are never out of place.
(Footnote: not even at drunken parties.) All right: we've addressed five of Shadan's six standards. The last one is honor.
Christian
Your Royal Majesties, it is I, Christian d'Hiver, vigilant for the noble Order of the Laurel, here to give answer.
King Ostwald
Your Lordship, this is not a choice to be made lightly. Having reflected upon what will be expected of you, are you willing to accept this accolade from Our hands and be admitted into the Ancient and Honorable Order of the Laurel.
Christian thinks it through one last time, for about five seconds
Yes.
Queen Kaye
Christian, should We make you a peer, We put Our own reputation at stake. Are you a man We can trust to do as he says? Can We rest easy, knowing the authority you would wield?
Christian
My Queen, I hereby swear to You, to the companions of this good order, and to the people: to strive to keep my name free from al scandal or disgrace, to be worthy of whatever trust anyone might place in me. I swear myself to the cause of justice. And looking briefly at Her Highness Northshield, may all my strength fail me, and the world turn against me, should I break this solemn oath.
King Ostwald
Christian, is it your wish to enter this noble order and be recognized as a peer of the realm?
Christian
Most fervently, Your Majesty.
Mistress Gwyneth
Your Majesties, it is fitting that the candidate be now invested with the trappings and accoutrements of a laurel, if that be Your wish.
Queen Kaye
Yes. Proceed.
Mistress Gwyneth
[Releases me from the final bonds of fealty.]
King Ostwald
Present the medallion.
Mistress Gwyneth
This is the medallion of a laurel. Its weight is slight but the meaning it carries has great weight. The laurel tree, beloved of Apollo, has ever been the symbol of art and music, truth and victory. It is a strong plant, producing throughout its lifetime. It as savor to meals and provides healing to the infirm, but when used in excess can be deadly poison. As with the laurel, so with the Laurel. This is the last lesson I have for you.
She gives the medallion to the Crown, who place it on me.
Queen Kaye
Present the gown.
Mistress Katrei
This is the garb of a scholar. As it is placed upon you, consider its weight as a mark of your obligation to continue your studies and share the results thereof with both students and listeners. As the yoke allows the oxen to accomplish more work, likewise will these garments remind you that scholarship shall keep you following a straight path.
She helps me into the garment
King Ostwald
Present the cloak.
Master Andrixos
This is the cloak of a laurel, proclaiming to the world the status you have reached today through years of work. It marks you to all who see you, even from a great distance, as a source of knowledge and teaching in the arts. In summer's sun, it may cause discomfort, but in winter's storm equally shall it provide you with warmth and allow you to stay focused on the task at hand. Pause And so, under the heat of this day, we reserve it for such a time as the wearing of it might be a benefit.
Andrixos does not saddle me further with the cloak. For this, I give him a hug, which startles him but amuses the populace.
Queen Kaye
Present the wreath.
Princess Maerwyn
This is the wreath of the laurel, the crown of victory. It ennobles those who wear it, but demands ongoing service and excellence as its price. In ancient days it marked the victors, but likewise the victims of sacrifices. So it is with the companions of the Laurel. Your private goals from this day onward are a sacrifice to the greater good of the kingdom and the Society.
She places the wreath on my head.
Mistress Gwyneth
Your Majesties, Christian has been invested with the ancient trappings befitting a laurel. Would it please You to bestow the accolade at this time?
King Ostwald
It would. Christian, support Our sword.
Christian d'Hiver, do you swear that you will honor and defend the Crown and Kingdom of Calontir?
Christian
I will.
Queen Kaye
Do you swear that you will conduct yourself in all matters as befits a peer, continuing to practice the virtues of chivalry, nobility, and personal integrity?
Christian
I will.
King Ostwald
That you will further your knowledge of the arts and sciences, and aid others in this endeavor, always maintaining a level of participation that does not sacrifice the well-being or health of yourself or the undertaking at hand?
Christian
I will.
Queen Kaye
That you will be courteous, and honor all peers of the realm and all others with whom you shall have dealings?
Christian
I will.
King Ostwald
Christian, you have been deemed fit for this high estate by your peers,
you have been duly invested with the trappings of the Order of the Laurel,
and you have indicated your willingness to accept the accolade from Us.
Accept from Our Hand that with your skills and devotion has brought to you.
May your skills ever be increased and offered in service to Calontir and the Society.
Queen Kaye
May your comportment ever serve as an example of gentle courtesy and humility.
Crown
And may your spirit forever follow after the goals your heart as set before you.
Christian
Your Majesties, would You accept now my oath of Fealty?
Side note: In his "default ceremony," Andrixos provided a laurel's Oath of Fealty, just a little bit longer than, say, the pledge of allegiance. It was important to me that I have the oath memorized, and I practiced it every day until I'd gotten it down, smoothly. And then, in the final draft, Their Majesties had provided a completely different oath. Which I read from paper.
Here do I swear fealty to the Crown and Kingdom of Calontir,
I herewith give my solemn oath:
to support the ideals, laws, and customs of our Society,
to loyally defend and uphold the Crown and Kingdom,
to champion justice and foster knowledge,
to faithfully fulfill my feudal obligation to my Liege Lord and Lady,
and to ever and always strive to be worthy of the laurel wreath.
By word and deed, thus swear I, Christian d'Hiver
Crown
This do we hear and shall never forget, nor fail to reward that which is given: Fealty with love, service with honor and oath breaking with vengeance.
King Ostwald
Arise, Maistre Christian d'Hiver, Companion of the Laurel and Peer of the Realm.
PART FIVE, A MUSICAL BREAK
Master Dolan wrote the scroll text, intending it to be set to music, which Her Ladyship Kasha composed. She wrote it as a three-part song, in the style of Thomas Campion, and sang it:
Kasha
List now ye folk of Calontir and hearken to Our will.
Look well upon Christian d'Hiver, take measure of his skill.
His music played across the years, through near and distant lands,
At feast or dance in joy we hear each measure from his hands.
When there is need, his strength well known in aid to great or small,
With helpful word or gift bestowed well measured unto all.
His praise be sung this joyous day as leaves are held above
Then Laurel on his brow We lay as a measure of Our love.