[MR] A Small Request for Prospective Crowns

[Elspet]

Snip Finally, I would ask that Mistress Elspet Byndelaise please post here
her opinion of the day. I would like to know if We have cheated her or in
some way lessened her day by keeping it a surprise from her so that We may
apologize to her if that is the case. If that is not the case then I expect
that any future expressing of the need not to surprise a candidate will not
reference Mistress Elspet's elevation. If Mistress Elspet is not on this
list can someone make sure she sees this, because her good and honest
council in this matter is important to Us. Snip

Your Majesty,
I apologize for not responding more quickly.  I am an infrequent reader of
this list and had not someone forwarded Your request to me, I am afraid it
might have gone unnoticed.
My intent was to send the following message to You and Her Majesty
privately.  However, being an indifferent writer and unsure of the protocol
involved, I was slow to send it.  I think it may in part, answer Your recent
request. 

Right Reverent and Worshipful Majesties,

I am touched beyond words at the care and honor You showed me on the
occasion of my elevation to the Order of the Laurel.
My memories of the day are a wonderful swirling montage of excitement, my
friend's faces and beautiful pageantry.  Particularly vivid is the part You
both played.  Your elegant ruse to get me into court, Your support as I made
that long walk to the vigil tent and the kind, heart felt words You shared
with me as I sat trembling inside.  That You announced Your intent to put me
on vigil as one of Your first orders of business was a great honor. 

The gift of that day is something I will always treasure.
Thank you.

At Lochmere this Monday, with the hand of your truest servant,

Elspet Byndelase.

This 11th day of September in the first year of the King Ragnarr III


As to whether my day was lessoned because it was a surprise, absolutely not!
For me, it was made more memorable because I was surprised.  I had requested
above all NOT to know if, when, where it would happen.  I love good
surprises!  Beside, I have horrible stage fright. Had I known ahead, I might
have had time to make myself sick with worry. Throwing up at your feet is
not a memory I wish to carry in perpetuity.

My opinion Your Majesty, is that it is the wishes of Crown and those of the
candidate that should decide the day. Some candidates may want time to
prepare; others like me prefer the surprise attack.  

In service,
Elspet