New Level Achieved

 In October 2025, I went to the East Kingdom’s Coronation event to celebrate friends stepping up as King and Queen in the Reign of Steel (first Crown won by Rapier).  Little did I know that I would be called into court and given a writ to join the Order of the Laurel.

When I decided to start pursuing the Arts and Sciences in the SCA, I chose to think positively and wrote out an ICOP (In Case Of Peerage) letter.  I truly feel that for anyone who is interested in a peerage should have one.  Give a copy to your partner, your peer, your best friend.

First, I knew that I hate being surprised in Court.  A writ worked best for me so I can be surprised by that but be involved in the planning of the elevation.

My husband and friends truly surprised me with the writ, although apparently Thomas had been running around at Ducal Challenge in September telling friends while I was busy retaining.  After receiving my writ and accepting many hugs/congratulations, my hands didn’t stop shaking for an hour from the adrenaline.

Fast forward to a bunch of emails, phone calls, zoom meetings and mild freak outs and we arrived at East Kingdom’s 12th Night.

I chose to do a Rite of Qualification for the majority of my speakers.  I knew that there were two other elevations that day so I wanted to both minimize the length of my part of court and I hate being the center of attention.

Before court, we gathered my speakers, my friends and family in a room to hear four of my speakers speak for me.

Each of my speakers were chosen because of our relationships.  

Jarl Thorson was my Chivalry and my first choice.  He and I have known each other for so many years and I was happy that he agreed to speak for me.  I was afraid he’d make me cry, but instead I laughed.

Countess Feilinn was my Rose.  She had given me my Maunche when she was Queen and since then we had competed together at Kingdom A&S and the Pennsic A&S warpoint.  I’m so excited that she’s going to be joining me in this Order.

Mistress Alessandra Brucioli, known as Bruce, drove from the Middle Kingdom to speak for me as my MoD.  Bruce and I don’t see each other often enough, but every time we do, our conversations pick right back up from the last time.

Master Erhardt, my first cadet, honored me by speaking as my Pelican.  He says that I’ve taught him but he’s taught me so much too.

Later that afternoon we had court itself.  Mistress Alys heralded me in.  I walked with my two cadets, Mairi and Erhart, and my husband Thomas.  

My dear friend Ryan McWhyte spoke as my Mark and he made me laugh when I saw he was wearing the guard uniform for Andreas and Gabby’s reign where we met. 

Nataliia has been a huge supporter of mine for years and I asked her to speak for me as my Laurel.  I’m glad that my elevation was recorded because that day was a bit of blur and I appreciated the fact that I can go back and watch it again.

Donovan and Meghanta both had nice things to say to me and I’m so glad that two monarchs who I look up to were presenting me with this peerage.

I want to be a supportive and encouraging peer to those around me, both in and out of the A&S arena.

Still pretty weird, but here am I.

Mistress Engracia de Madrigal, Order of the Laurel