The scroll wasn't fancy; many weren't, in those days, but there were nice seals on it. It's big, 16" x 17.5"
There's a photo somewhere, of me kneeling and taking the oath of peerage, wearing a goldish dress and a veil, and my face doesn't show much, if any. But still, it's a photo of Koris and Leah and of the windy, overcast day, and of the moment. This is probably my identifying rank and award. When people say "Mistress Ælflæd " I think it's the Pelican they're thinking most often. This isn't my favorite honor; being a Walker of the Way is. Premier Russian Thistle is pretty wonderful. But the Pelican is something I've always been absolutely confident in. I never doubted I had earned it or could earn it again, so maybe it's my most comfortable, like a favorite pair of shoes or a beloved chair. And when I think of my duty, it's the Pelican duty I think of first. I did miss using "Lady," because I think "Lady Ælflæd " sounds beautiful, so for a while I had an element of wistfulness. (Oh. I guess I still do!) |