Photos from Syr Ariel’s Ceremony.
Ariel’s Knighting
It is not merely prologue to state that earlier that morning we made my Huscarl brother Sheridon a Knight, and that Calontir does not make more than one Knight a day… Indeed, Sheridon is a paragon, a phoebus and a source of wonder. Also to be done that day was Comyn’s Pelican ceremony, so the surprise factor in Ariel’s elevation could not have been any greater. So forgive me slighting my friend Sheridon’s Knighting, and since I was a part of Ariel’s party, I will concentrate on that ceremony.
My former squire, His Grace Sir Valens, came to me that morning to make me aware of the days schedule.
He also told me that he wanted all three generations of the household (my household, Caerleon) to participate, and would I crave the boon for Ariel… I thought that maybe the heat was affecting my hearing. You should understand, Ariel is the kind of person who engenders great loyalty and friendship among her close associates. I was astounded by the gesture, so great an honor was it, and so freely given by my son. So I, Valens, and my Grandsquire Count Sir Gilligan (who had to beat me in the finals of Crown…smile) were to be the vangaurd of the boon.
Since it was known that she preferred a field Knighting, the vigil proper was forgone; the King arraigned to interrupt a Huscarl Challenge melee (Huscarls are a GOA level fighting award (I believe the first such in the KW) in the form of a Saxon “werode”) and His Majesty Sir Thjo and Her Majesty Yrsa called the Calontir court open. I was called forward by the Falcon Herald into the royal presence.”Your Majesty, I beg a boon of you.” “Is it the matter of which we have spoken?” “Indeed it is, Your Majesty. Our Order is not complete. I beseech Your Majesty to offer the accolade of Knighthood to Ariel of Glastonbury Tor.” slight, but audible gasp “Herald, call forth the Candidate!”
And Ariel came forward from the press on giddy feet and kneeled in the Royal Presence. As she kneeled, she seemed to become more resolute. Her stature seemed to grow under the weight of the moment, and I sensed the size of her resolve. Though small in frame, she kneeled there, a fighter in harness, eager for strife, not fearing harm. I saw again the eaxlefera above whose shield my axe had so often danced. This was the friend who always had safeguarded my life in time of battle. This sort of joy is not given to us everyday, indeed, we could not endure life’s hardships, if this were our daily lot. Had I the mighty voice of Langland, or the honesty of Chaucer, I could, no doubt do this moment justice. Alas, instead my meager skill will fail to convey the truth of a moment that will resonate in my memory for all my days.
His Majesty asked the traditional question. “You have reflected on whether you desire the title of Knight, or the title of …”
Her nod at the word “Knight” was so insistent that he trailed off the sentence saying: ” Then from now on you shall be known as Sir Ariel of Glastonbury Tor.” There was a collective chortle from her brother Knights, and her friends among the populace. The presentation of the Sword was made by her house cousin Count Sir Joe Angus, who stopped to clasp her on the shoulder.
He recited the blade truth and the skillfully wrought Spurs were presented by Count Sir Martino and Sir Behemond of the Outlands, both of whom spoke eloquently, not content to utter formula.
Then she was spoken for by her party, during which Gilligan hugged her tearfully, unable to contain his joy.
Her Majesty brought forth the Belt, and her Husband Sir Rolf Eichman and her son Matthew came forward to gird her, Rolf’s tall frame kneeling improbably low to hold Matthew between his arms, as he gird the belt around her, finishing with an embrace. My camera recorded this far better than I, as I was experiencing a bit of difficulty seeing clearly at that moment.
Valens came forward with the chain: “Since I first saw her fighting, I have been holding this chain. Today, after sixteen years, I am finally placing it where it has always belonged.” And he put the plain, forged strong chain around her neck.
She swore her oath of fealty, was dubbed a Knight by both Their Majesties as is our wont and rose to receive the buffet from a King fully a foot and a half taller than she. “Let this be the last blow you receive unanswered” WHAM! His Majesty slammed a mighty blow into her chest, her still in her harness from battle, with the same staggering ferocity that he had imparted to Sir Sheridon earlier that day. Ariel withstood the blow, pushed backward, but still standing. She was presented to the populus and her brother Knights amid great joy and many glad embraces. Thus was made Ariel of Glastonbury Tor a Knight of Calontir. May her puissance ever increase, and may honor follow her all her days.
