[MR] Queen's Corner - Escorts

[E. L. Wimett]

Rhiannon makes an interesting distinction, one worth noting even for those
who appreciate an escort into court.

However, it is also should be noted that some women --- and I am one of them
--- STRONGLY object to "forced escort", since it feels like it denigrates
the competence of the lady in question.

Some of this may be interkingdom anthropology --- or perhaps mundane
regional anthropology.

I do not recall ever seeing this custom before I moved to Atlantia in 1989
though I had traveled widely in the East, the Middle and Meridies.

Indeed, I still remember my shock when the Order of the Laurel was called
into court at one of my first events in Atlantia.  As I proceeded towards
the front of the court with my peers, I was startled to realize that my arm
was being firmly grasped by a gentleman whom I did not know --- and whom I
knew was NOT a member of the Order.

Over the years I have come to realize that most of the gentles who leap to
escort an unescorted lady do so with the best motives in the world (though
there are a few who clearly like the attention that the action draws to
themselves and may be less kindly motivated).

But also over the years there have been a number of occasions on which I
have been forced to physically disengage myself from the hands of a
stranger, to mutter under my breath that I have heralded enough royal courts
to be able to figure out where the front of the room is and even, on one or
two "interesting" occasions, to be forced to point out that I carried a
knife and knew how to use it!!!

Let me stress that I feel it is entirely acceptable for a lord to escort his
lady into court.  Presumably each couple has discussed their preferences in
this matter and I assume that, if a lord escorts his lady into court, thus
drawing some of the attention from her to himself, that this is something
with which she is comfortable.

I am talking here about escort from someone who does NOT have such an
intimate connection with a lady and in some cases may not even have spoken
to her prior to escorting her into court.

If a gentleman gets a clear clue that a lady wishes an escort, something
along the line of the hesitation that Rhiannon mentions, it is certainly
appropriate and courteous to offer escort, though it should be understood
that the lady should be able to refuse by an equally simple clue like a
quick shake of the head if that particular lord is not the escort she is
awaiting.

But, gentlemen, if you see a lady proceeding directly and without hesitation
into the presence, please do not assume that she is only going into court
alone because she does not have a lord to escort her.  Stop and consider
whether or not she may feel that any business she may have before the court
--- for good or ill --- was derived by her own efforts and that she should
stand on her own to receive recognition or retribution.

Alisoun



-----Original Message-----
From: atlantia-bounces at atlantia.sca.org
[mailto:atlantia-bounces at atlantia.sca.org] On Behalf Of Beverly
Robinson-Curry
Sent: Thursday, April 24, 2008 9:53 AM
To: atlantia at atlantia.sca.org
Subject: Re: [MR] Queen's Corner

Heloise wrote:

>I often see gentles going in front of Their Majesties
>with a blade on their belt (which should not happen) and I find it sad when
>a lady cannot find one person to lead her to court when she is called.

Once a person has achieved armigerous status (received their AoA or GoA),
then going armed before the Crown is allowed.  However, another rule of
thought is that this is Their kingdom and Their court.  If They feel
uncomfortable being approached by one of Their own populace (which is highly
unlikely), then they have guards and champions to deal with such matters.
Those guys behind the throne are not supposed to be just for show.;-)

As to escorts, if I am being called in as just myself, I am available to be
escorted, and usually prefer one of the men of my household to escort me
(unless, of course, none are present or paying attention!).  However, if I
am entering court as the Triton Principal Herald, then I am coming in on
official business and should be allowed to go unescorted and under the power
and authority of my position.  This should be the same for any kingdom
officer or ambassador from other kingdoms.

Oddly enough, I find that if you step to the end of the row and pause, any
number of volunteer escorts will suddenly pop up!  It is just as much a
requirement of the lady to make herself available to be escorted as it is
for the escorts to offer.  If you shoot out of your seat like a bull coming
out of the gate, don't expect that a bullrider (escort) is gonna run down
the aisle to catch up.

I'll be teaching a class on protocol and etiquette at Runestone Collegium,
for newcomers and oldtimers alike!  Even some of us who've been around a
while, can stand a refresher course (and yes, I include myself in that)!

Rhiannon

Mistress Rhiannon ui Neill
Triton Principal Herald
House Corvus, Atlantia

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