Companion of the Troubadour

So today was East Kingdom coronation in our second home, Barony of Concordia of the Snows. Their much-loved Majesties Brennan and Caoilfhionn returned to the throne, and there was much rejoicing.

It was a beautiful day. My teacher, Mistress Zsof, had come out from the Midrealm to celebrate our coronation with us (or so I thought).  There was a delicious day board, and at their Majesties’ first court, I got to see my friend Magnus Hvalmagi receive a well-earned writ of elevation to the Order of the Laurel.

…And also I was called up. Her Majesty Caoilfhionn had some extremely kind and warm words about getting to know me as a performer, and the Order of the Troubadour was invited up to welcome me as their newest Companion. Zsof passed on to me her Troubadour’s cup, which is the sign of the (our) order. The cup has an honorable history: She received it from Mhari, who had it from Aife, who got it from my patroness Brid Nic Shearlais. (Brid explained to me later that while she is not a member of the order, she was bequeathed it by Thomas the Tinker, since she served as his caretaker during his fight with cancer…he had charged her to pass it on to a worthy Troubadour when the time was right.)

My friend Katrusha Skomorokh created my Troubadour scroll, and selected Olivia Baker to compose the words for it. I was particularly pleased that Olivia agreed to work on my scroll, as she has been an invaluable advisor and teacher to me of late: she was my vocal coach, and one of my small circle of critical advisors during the late production stages of Hidden Gold. It is a vibrant piece of work, and I’m deeply honored at the time and effort that went into it. (I should mention at this point that Katrusha did this work with a broken arm.)

The Order of the Troubadour is an East Kingdom award for singers and musicians, and it’s something I have dreamt of earning for some time now. To have received it from Brennan and Caoilfhionn on their first day back on the thone, and surrounded by my beloved Concordian friends, was a privilege beyond anything I dared hope. Likewise having the Order assemble to welcome me in court, which is rarely done, since the Troubadour isn’t a polling order (meaning the order doesn’t vote on who will be admitted). I am still flooded with delight and gratitude at everyone who went to the time and effort that made this moment so memorable for me. Thank you all.