[MR] Peerages and Ceremonies

[Sarah Toich]

Unto the Populace of Atlantia from Duchess Marie-Simone de Barjavel
Greetings,
    
    Since His Majesty Ragnarr has requested my opinion on the note from
Kiri-san and his response I am moved to offer it in this public forum- one
that I would not normally choose.

    I am personally dismayed at the attitude between our Peers and Crowns
concerning 'secrecy' where Peerages are concerned. I have expressed my
opinion to their current Majesties and to several Crowns when decisions were
obviously being made about a candidate and the Order was apparently not
going to be informed - in order to keep the 'secret' or for other reasons. I
believe that the Order should always be informed in some manner. I can speak
personally to the painful feelings it provokes in some members of the Order
when a candidate is elevated or they find out at the event it is occurring.
I made this mistake once as Queen, in my case, it was a genuine oversight. I
called the significant other and made the arrangements all without informing
the head of the Order. When I arrived on site that day she came to me
privately and asked why she had not been informed- why the order had not
been informed - and I was forced to admit that in the excitement of the
decision (and the short time available) I had forgotten to call her so she
could inform the Order. I was deeply embarrassed.

    In recent years there have been issues raised about the Orders being
unable to 'keep' secrets. While this is true of some individuals, I do not
believe it is true of ANY of our Peerages as a whole. The Peerage should be
informed of the leak - track down the problem person - and address it. But I
do not believe the Orders should be excluded from the opportunity to
celebrate the elevation with the new Peer. His Majesty mentioned that he has
already been approached by a Pelican about a Laurel candidate. I don't know
under what circumstances this occurred so I can't speak to the actual
incident. I can think of a few scenarios in which a person who is not a
member of an Order MIGHT be told that someone is on a watch list. But it
would have to be for a 'darn good' reason. And there are people who end up
on more than one Order watch list at the same time and both Orders may be
discussing them and have crossover conversations.

    Why has this issue become so divisive? I think that the most recent
ceremony truly hit a nerve with the Order of the Laurel- because Mistress
Elspet is so admired and beloved. I was thrilled that I was there and
prepared - just in case- because I so hoped it would be soon. But I did not
attend Coronation to celebrate her Elevation to the Peerage, instead I
attended for three reasons: I received a hint at Pennsic that my son might
receive an award, Aelfred had promised his Majesty that he would be there to
marshall, and most importantly I was there to celebrate the creation of a
new Peer of our Realm- Anneke. For that is what Coronation was- her
elevation ceremony to the Royal Peerage. It was a ceremony that you, Your
Majesty Ragnarr, and she were able to plan months in advance. You were able
to invite friends and family to attend. You planned the details, the food,
the celebratory tourneys and other activities. All to make this a special
day for Her to remember. And it was. You will never forget the thrill of the
ceremony  the two of you planned, you were able to have your friends around
you, to be together and share the moment. Many others attended for the same
reason- to see her Crowned Queen - whether they knew her personally or not.
To see her receive Her Peerage and share the moment.

    I was blessed to be able to plan all of my Peerage ceremonies. I invited
out of Kingdom friends to speak for me on the day. I was surprised at two of
them- Both my Laurel and Pelican announcements.  Especially the Pelican, for
when King Cuan had me called into court I was focused on the Laurel vigil
that was set up for that day, and I had no idea what he wanted with me. My
brain was frantically searching for a reason- since I didn't THINK I was
supposed to part of the sneaky vigil plan. As he spoke I was frantically
thinking of what I would say to lead into the plan for the candidate. And I
couldn't understand what the heck Cuan was rambling on about.. Where was he
going with this? It didn't have anything to do with the Laurel??? Duh! And
then after the shock he told me the best news - it would be done two months
away at Twelfth night so I might have time to invite friends and family. I
was thrilled to have them share their wisdom at my vigils, and for me to
have time to plan ahead and not be distracted by small concerns at my
vigils. For me this was the best plan. I don't believe we need cookie cutter
decisions on how ATLANTIAN TRADITION is to be done. I think it must be what
is right for the candidate and with time and planning it can be done. I know
that there are candidates who want to be surprised, such as Mistress Olwen,
and that is what should happen for them, but there are others who would long
for the chance to plan.

    In conclusion, I ask that your Majesties remain open to your Orders-
treat all as equals- and respect each candidate with the choice of
ceremonies. 


Sincerely,
Simone

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