Movin' on Up

Today I traveled to the College of Silva Vulcani, hosts of Æthelmearc's Fall Æcademy, part of a bi-annual educational event in the Kingdom. The journey was just under three hours, but I left early enough to account for it, and it was a pleasant enough drive. 

I love a learning event more than anything, and this one did not disappoint. I took classes on the English Reformation, calligraphy, and the Bayeux Tapestry. I also managed to attend one of two dance classes and do some additional dancing before court. Additionally, there was a choral singing class where we learned an original song in honor of HRH Queen Kallista III, which we would later perform with the Debatable Choir from the Barony-Marche of Debatable Lands at court during the procession. The day was an absolute delight, filled with friends, learning, fun, and growth. 

Her Majesty joined us for some dancing before court and asked if I could Vanna White the awards signs at court, which I was more than happy to do. At court, I checked over the list of awards to be presented, and I noticed the name of a friend of mine in the scribe's section of the list, which struck me as unusual, because I didn't know she did scribal work. That said, I readied myself for honorees to begin being called by the herald, and the first one, to my surprise, was me! 

I was presented with my Award of Arms (AOA), which means that I can display my arms (which have already been designed, submitted, and approved/registered), I can wear a circlet, and I can use the title Lord, Lady, or another similar title that is more applicable to my persona's culture. That said, I am simply changing from 'brother' to 'Brother'. 

I was presented with a scroll, created by my Shire friends, Baroness Antoinette, with wording by Master Jehan. The wording was inspired by The Friar's Tale from The Canterbury Tales, and the artwork depicted the Chaplet of Bones I designed for my A&S Champs entry at Haunting in the Hollow. All of that, paired with receiving my first big boy award, was very touching. I was also presented with a circlet made by Baroness Antoinette. 

After court, I joined a group of friends at the local Chinese restaurant for some delicious food and great conversations before heading back home. 

So here I am, Brother Valentine Garnett, ready for what's next. And my arms; Per chevron ployé lozengy bendwise gules and argent and azure, in base a heart within a wreath of ivy Or.