[MR] Queen's Corner - Peerage discussion

[richardfitzgilbert at jcsussman.org]

I've never heard of any student of any type (Squire, Apprentice, Protégé,
etc.) being asked to resign their position because circumstances made it
very unlikely or even impossible that they would ever attain the peerage
they were seeking.  I've got squires who have been squires for a long time
who might never become knights, and I find them to be fine squires indeed.
Do I wish circumstances were different? Sure, but if wishes were fishes
etc...

Yours in Service to Atlantia,
Richard Fitzgilbert

-----Original Message-----
From: atlantia-bounces at atlantia.sca.org
[mailto:atlantia-bounces at atlantia.sca.org] On Behalf Of Alexander Gervais
Sent: Sunday, June 22, 2008 12:15 PM
To: atlantia at atlantia.sca.org
Subject: [MR] Queen's Corner - Peerage discussion

One thing I have not seen discussed is what happens to the individual
(especially a squire) who has consistently been striving toward those
Knightly goals but due to real-world health issues would be forced to hang
up the sword and shield.  Is it expected that the person hands back his belt
and spurs to his knight because of that forced retirement, because I'd
guarantee 100% that if a squire isn't out on that field fighting, he won't
get elevated to the Chivalry in any kingdom.

I mention this because I was forced into retirement in Trimaris due to
surgery on my cervical spine.  I could no longer represent my knight on the
field and fight in heavy combat, because if I did I would risk permanent
paralysis.  I sat down with him and talked to him at great length about the
fact I could no longer "do what a good squire does" on the field and I asked
him if he wanted his belt back.  To my knight it didn't matter, because in
his eyes there is A LOT more to being Knightly that prowess on the field,
and he told me even though I could not fight any more, in his eyes I
exemplified the Knightly Virtues and he was proud to have me as his
associate.  I retain my squire's belt (and also retain my Pelican's
protégé's belt as well) to honor his friendship, his virtues and the
mentorship he provided me.  My knight and my pelican honored me by asking me
to become their associate, the least I can do is continue on honoring them
by serving them the best I can as their associate.

Reality says I will never become either a knight or a pelican...after 13
years in the SCA I know the politics well enough to know how those types of
things work.  That doesn't mean I should dishonor my knight and pelican by
returning their tokens of respect.  Peers and Associates need to ask
themselves why they made the commitment they did.  If it was just for the
glory of the award, then was it for the right reason?  Remember, it's not
about the award, but about striving toward the goals the award represents.
You make yourselves Peers by your actions, the award is only recognition
from others.

Just my two pence worth for your discussion...

HL Alexander Gervais le Poitevin (formerly from the Barony of Oldenfeld,
Trimaris)
Squire to Sir Jean Paul Ruthendale de Sylveastan
Protege to Baron Andre Jean Faucon
Silver member of House Rolling Thunder

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