[MR] Re: Secrecy

[Lady Rhiannon of Berra]

As someone who isn't likely to get an award for
sometime, I'd like to add my two cents to the
discussion at hand.

I personally, abhor and detest being surprised.  Since
the next time I am called into court may very well be
my last, I would certainy like to have mroe than fond
memories of the occasion.  I'd like to know that I was
dressed in my "best" not some field garb.  I'd like to
know that my Lord and our close friends were there to
greet me at the back of the Hall, with tears in my
eyes and my scroll clutched in my hands.

Consequently, I'd like to be there for my Lord, should
someone decide to bestow a much deserved award on him.
 He, however, would like to be surprised, but I would
NOT like to be surprised if he was to receive an award
or to be called into the presence of Their majesties.
Often times there isn't much time between fighting and
court, and hardly enough time to make oneself
presentable for Court, I think that if there were such
a thing as a writ, or a kindly and quiet announcement,
there would be that time to make ready, to fetch
whomever needs fetching.

While a few of you have likened Peerages to weddings,
keep in mind that there are very few people who will
make it to the rank of Peer, and for us, the other
awards mean just as much as a Peerage.  We want to
look our best and we want to have our loved ones near.
 That is what makes awards special.  Having those we
care about, and those who care about us present.  That
can't always happen on the spur of the moment.

There are those of us who have friends who live out of
Kingdom who would be just as overjoyed at seeing us
receive a Fountain or a Golden Dolphin as they would
be seeing us elevated to a Peer.  Let's not leave them
out of what is also a monumental event.

Were my husband to be given an award that I wasn't
present for because we were not told due to this this
"secret conspiracy" I can't tell you how hurt and
upset I would be.  To miss something that means so
much to him would be a hard thing to reconcile and
would leave me inconsolable and downright "honked off"
for quite a while.

Rhiannon of Berra



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Gina MacNeill
SCA Name:  Rhiannnon of Berra
Chirurgeon, Exchequer, Weaver, Jane of Many Trades
Azure, bend sinister two unicorns reguardant contorny Or
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