by Kelan McBride of Arian, OP, Court Baron, White Scarf of Caid. MKA Gorden Butler.
The Making of a Pelican
I have been asked to put into writing what it was like becoming a Pelican. The following is a collection of thoughts and recollections of how I got my wings.
It was a dark and stormy night… oops, different story.
Actually, there I was minding my own business taking in the sights and sounds of another Crown Tourney enjoying the camaraderie of the Dun Or pavilion when Master Laertes Blackavar McBride informed me His Majesty, Duke Edric Aaron Hartwood, wanted to ask me about some White Scarf business. While I noticed a mass of people gathered in the Royal pavilion, I ignored them to comply with the King’s request.
The next thing I knew His Majesty informed me there was a shortage of Pelicans and I would I consider being added to their number. What could I say? All I could think of was, “If they will have me.” With much nodding and applause I was assured they wanted me and I accepted. Thus began the journey to my plumage.
Now I had to prepare for my elevation ceremony. First I asked His Majesty if it would be acceptable to be elevated at Coronation (He agreed). Then I started to arrange for a Herald, plan for my procession (bless you Dun Or and other friends), getting new clothes and a banner (thanks to my lady, Her Excellency Muiriath, and THL Cassandra Loustaunau), arranging for vigils and tokens and the myriad other things you want for that special day. Needless to say, the time flies by when you’re having fun and it was time all too soon.
My ceremony was the third that day and much of it a blurr. As usually happens, things never quite proceed as planned. My processional herald didn’t show (thanks Laertes for filling in). Then, the simple ceremony I had planned to just get through it quickly and not draw too much attention away from Their Majesties’ day, turned complicated and strange. The previous elevations had used the old tradition of having Peers speak about your worthiness. Imagine my surprise when His Majesty asked me which Royal Peer would speak for me! That wasn’t in my plans!
Fortunately for me, Her Excellency, Contessa Battista de Kie del Goya da Lagos, noticed what the earlier elevations had done and was prepared. From there, to me, it seemed to be almost a free-for-all as many Peers stepped forward to represent the Chivalry, the Laurels and the Pelicans and vouch for me.
I have to say it was a better ceremony than I ever could have dreamed. When things don’t go as planned it is stroke for the ego to see people you respect almost tripping over each other to be the one saying nice things about you. (Thank you to all who spoke or wished to speak on my behalf.)
I wouldn’t have had it any other way. You can plan things to the gnat’s eyelash, but I think it’s special when an event takes on a life of its own. I think that’s when you get a special insight about a person. That’s when it’s truly fun, enlightening (and a little embarrassing – remember, I’m shy – no, really).
So, what could make the day any better? I’m now a new birdie and have new expectations placed on me, but what else could happen to make it even more special? A surprise! THL Eilidh Swann Stralachlan (now Dame Eilidh and newest Pelican) asked me to come out to the lobby where she sang a song in front of everyone written especially for me by THL Mealla Caimbeul. Talk about being floored!
Thank you one and all for making my elevation special and memorable. May each of you reading this have such a day.
Master Kelan McBride (thanks for all the fish)
Art credits: Top: Medallion from Raymond’s Quiet Press. Center: Baron Kelan McBride standing outside of his vigil pavillion. Photo taken by Baroness Arianwen Megan McBride. Bottom: Baron Kelan McBride being elevated to the Order of the Pelican on June 7, 2008 by King Edric V and Queen Faizeh II, with Cormac Mor presiding as court herald. Photo taken by Condessa Battista de Lagos.