[MR] In Praise

[adams at coastal.edu]

	I was not able to be present at the recent Hidden Mountain Baronial 
Curia, but I feel I have to comment on what I understand occurred there.  Of 
course, the main topic of concern was, as required by new Kingdom law, the 
ending of the term of service of the present Baron and Baroness, and the 
process to install their successors.  I must tell you how impressed I am by the 
enthusiasm with which the officers of the Barony have taken in hand the 
numerous details that will be required by the change-over of Coronets.  Their 
willingness to plunge into the task in such a zealous fashion speaks well of 
their knowledge of the great responsibility they have taken on.  Their gallant 
devotion to this service is truly heartwarming.
	It is a pleasure especially to see how appreciative everyone is of 
the contributions of the present Baron and Baroness to the well-being of the 
barony.  This is perfectly exemplified by the courteous and affectionate 
treatment shown by all the populace to Their Excellencies, Luqman and Juliana, 
which is truly gratifying.  Hidden Mountain harbors many loving, generous folk, 
and this same affection and generosity of spirit will surely continue to be 
shown by all to the next Coronets.   
	It heartens me to see that there are so many worthy gentles who are 
willing to step up into the responsibilities of the baronage.  I am confident 
that the new Coronets, whoever they may be, will be worthy successors to our 
beloved Luqman and Juliana.  When we think back to Luqman and Juliana’s 
contributions to the well-being of the Barony, it is clear that future baronage 
will have an enormous legacy of meritorious service to live up to.  I know that 
the new Coronets will continue to contribute the time, the energy, the money, 
and the imagination that will keep our fair Barony at the present level of 
participation, comradery, and service to the Kingdom that it now enjoys.  The 
newly appointed baronage will surely have more time to prepare for their 
investiture than the sixteen days that Luqman and Juliana were given;  I look 
forward eagerly to seeing the spectacular display that will no doubt result 
from the additional time afforded to the new Coronets.    
	It has been my privilege to serve the as Lady in Waiting during the 
term of service of Her Excellency, Baroness Juliana.  It is bittersweet now for 
me to pass on the torch of service that I and the other retainers have tended 
for these 4 years.  It will be a very different SCA for me when I relinquish my 
hours of time spent on the construction of regalia and other baronial 
miscellany, and begin to devote those hours to my own A&S work.  I wish that my 
successors behind the sewing machines get as much personal satisfaction and 
public acclaim from it as I did.  I know that they will enjoy, as I have, the 
privilege of serving those many times backstage at events.  I have frequently 
received compliments and words of appreciation from the populace of the barony 
for my contributions to the pageantry and smooth running of baronial 
ceremonies, and I am sure that my successors will experience the same 
encouragement.  
	I particularly want to comment here on the quality of the support the 
Barony has enjoyed from the Crowns, the Heirs, and the Kingdom level 
seneschaleate in this stressful time.  They have clearly worked tirelessly to 
develop the smooth and effortless mechanisms for the changeover of the 
baronage.  They have taken a situation that held the potential for great 
distress and resentment, and turned it into a celebration of courtesy and 
mutual respect.  Their actions should serve as a model for us all.  The 
diplomatic and gracious hand of the Kingdom Seneschale is clearly visible in 
the background;  although she would never claim the credit, we know that we can 
always count on her to be a breath of calm, dispassionate rationality and 
sensitivity in difficult situations.  Surely all Atlantia will long praise the 
efforts of these highly placed individuals, who worked so selflessly to 
preserve the strength and integrity of one of its smaller baronies in a time of 
great tribulation.
	It is with a full heart that I reaffirm my conviction:  I am, and 
will always remain, proud to be a part of this Barony, and a devoted subject of 
the great Kingdom of Atlantia.  

Yours in Service
Lina St Albans 

























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