Of Coronets, Jewels, and Bounce Houses

I really don’t even know where to begin in my description of this past weekend. Suffice it to say that it was a heckuvalot of action compacted into a very tiny window of exhaustion.

For me, the weekend really began as I sweated away on the cardio machines at the gym. After a very stressful workweek, I appreciated having my ipod on, and having the chance to sweat and achieve my zen because let’s face it – the weekend was going to be even crazier than the work week! Getting home from the gym, I had enough time to grab a bite and then pack for Saturday morning. While my honeybear was feeling recovered enough from back surgery to get around and mostly function, packing is not something he is allowed to do at the moment – meaning that the lifting and schlepping for two was on me.

The next morning, we got up extra early so that I could take a leisurely shower, make breakfast, and pack. Sure enough, when I woke up, it was pouring outside. “Oh loverly,” I thought to myself. “Another Unbelted that is kicking off to the site of Armageddon.” Even though I know that Unbelted is typically up against questionable weather, things always manage to turn out for us. The gods watch over, I guess. But still… cold, rain, ick.

By the time I had everything in the truck, I was pretty wet. But there was no time to worry about that. We had a trip to make, as Saturday was going to be an exciting day. Arriving on site, the Baronial pavilion was already mostly up, as many hands made for little labor. Of course, that didn’t keep my papa-Baron from yellin’ about me for showing up late. (He’s SUCH a massive brat, for those of you who haven’t met my dear papa). But, I helped pitch in with the last bit of schlepping and toting and setting-up, trying to avoid the mud-puddles along the way. Sure enough, not long after we finished setting up in the rain, the sky began to clear, and the field began to drain. WooHOO! The Unbelted Gods were watching out!

Helping Paul to maneuver, we got all of our stuff set up, and it was time to dress the part. With my new outfit in tow, I headed off to the changing rooms. Mucky field or not, I wanted to dress for court! I finished my new outfit, the one from the Master of the St. Bartholomew altarpiece in the Getty. Having never worn it before, I had to wonder how well it would keep me warm throughout the day. As it turns out – CANDYLAND – it worked perfectly!

Shortly after getting myself all accessorized and to the field, opening court began. Gulp! Showtime! And as our names were called and we processed forward, my heart started to race. I honestly don’t remember a lot of the ceremony, as I was just trying to not panic. “I can do this! I can do this!” I kept saying to myself, trying to force away a minor panic attack. One thing did manage to register in my head, though – the beaming smiles of the Royals and the Baronial nobles, which came through in spades in all of the photos. I really do love them all, and hope more than anything to do them proud. Because the whole gender-thing has been a hot topic in the SCA as of late, I cannot help but feel a lot of pressure. But to me, this isn’t about what Giles and I are going to do for the same-gender community. This is about what we are going to do to serve the people of the Barony of Gyldenholt – no more, and no less – just like any other person or couple chosen for this office.

One subtle thing we requested during our ceremony was the way in which the coronets were placed on our heads. The Baron and the Queen placed Giles’, while the Baroness and the King placed mine. A mix of genders was a key point – and an important one. As we took our seats in court, the cheers were truly humbling. Our task now is to live up to the expectations set upon us by the people.

The rest of the day was nothing less than an absolute delight. I loved everything I saw – from the worker-bees taking care of gate and list, to the fencers hosting a coffee/hot cocoa bar, to the upper crust sponsoring lunch, to the happy faces in all the pavilions, and all of the wonderful fighters who put on a great show, and demonstrated very publicly that honor and courtesy stand at the forefront to each and every bout.

By the time final court ended, and the event drew to a close, one would think the day’s activities would be waning. But no…

After finishing with the packing and final schlepping, we headed off to dinner before going to the Baron and Baroness’s house for the afterparty, which just happened to also be my husband’s surprise 50^th birthday party. We had people. We had pressies. We had cake. And, in meeting with his several-years-old desire, we had a magic castle bouncehouse! Because my honey could not bounce, we arranged a lazy-boy chair out front and center for him to watch people bouncing. And for an added bonus, Bart prepared for him his own special $3 bill Baron Bucks to tip those who put on the best bounce show! But did the festivities end there? Oh no…

I finally got to give him his birthday present. I don’t mind bragging because it isn’t my work. I commissioned for him the most exquisite double-peerage medallion I have ever seen – hand-made by Master Roulant in Trimaris. Modelled after the Queen Elizabeth jewel from the Pelican portrait, it is a pure work of art made from giraffe bone, golden sea scallop and citrine.

All in all, one helluvaday, and one that I am not likely to forget any time soon!!!!!!!!!!