[MR] Inspiration

[Alexandria Stratton]

When I first started playing in September 1993, I lived and breathed the SCA. Everything else in my life quickly faded away and it was all I knew from then on. It is what I love. It is the extended family I get to choose. It gives me a direction and focus that cannot be attained elsewhere.

Every once in a while, something happens to restore one's faith in humanity.  I don't really have a lack of faith in humanity, but then I live under a rock. I have, however, been losing faith in the SCA for the last few years, increasingly so the last several months. I make myself go to events because I know my husband enjoys it, and he wouldn't go if I didn't. This weekend something unexpected happened. I met our King and Queen. 

In twenty years of playing in the SCA, I have never been inspired by kings or queens. I've met many from several kingdoms. Some are admirable, some are not. Some do neat stuff, perform great public works or carry themselves very regally; some do a good job of 'looking the part' while some let it go to their heads or make playing our game unpleasant for others. If I sound jaded--I suppose that I am. I guess I've seen too much. Folks working their butts off for years and never noticed, while others fly in with all manner of flamboyance and receive awards right away because of their charisma or that they made sure the 'right' people saw them. (The latter really bothers me. I believe that one really needs to have put in some time to fully understand and appreciate the gravity and meaning of the awards...but I digress.) Too much lack of respect in what is supposed to be a chivalrous and honorable society. Folks forgetting basic common courtesies.
 Etcetera...but this past weekend, I was inspired.

Their Majesties issued a summons to a friend of mine, to appear in court. Not only is it a marvelous idea to make sure someone is going to show up, it's a very personal touch. It indicates that the Crown didn't just skim through enough letters to figure this person should get an award, but that they took the time to find out who that person is. They reached out to be sure that person would make themselves available to be in court. It says something about what kind of people our King and Queen are, and what They think about Their subjects, Their kingdom. 

Earlier in the day, my husband and I had just finished setting up our pavilion with the help of some friends who were daytripping the event. The ladies were sitting in front of the tent watching the children play when Their Majesties approached with Their entourage. I was surprised to learn that they were seeking me out to ask about Kisimul, my round pavilion with the dormer windows. (I'm always excited to talk about Kisimul!) 

...[Apparently people talk about Kisimul. I don't get many questions about it though, unless I go to an event in another kingdom. I wonder why? Am I unapproachable? I had come to the conclusion that people don't really care; it's one of those nice things to have in the background but it doesn't really matter any more than the molded plastic chairs and tables or the fluorescent lights.] ...

Their Royal Majesties wanted to see Kisimul. They asked what else I had made. We were camping 'light' so there wasn't much else, but I was very grateful to be appreciated.
Later that evening I enjoyed Their hospitality and conversation. The next day as we were packing out, I learned more of Their views, opinions and experiences with regard to the Crown and Kingdom. It was an insightful, refreshing, and heartwarming experience.

I am inspired. Our Atlantian King and Queen, Amos le Pious and Ysabella Cacemoine, embody and excel what an SCA monarch should be...people who take a genuine interest in the efforts of others and do whatever they can to promote the ideals of our Society. It's pretty freakin' awesome. So with lightened heart, I'm off to go to make more stuff.
 
-- Isabelle LaFar
http://www.HouseBarra.com
Experience is what you get, when things go awry.