[Artemisia] New Laurel

[Elaine]

Greetings, Artemisia,
Please join me in congratulating the newest member of the Order of the
Laurel, Mistress Bianca da Ravenna, Baroness Gryphon's Lair. Her Excellency
was elevated at Gryphon's Lair Twelfth Night, held for a wonder on Twelfth
Night, A.S. 41.

Her Excellency sat her vigil in a white gown based on a portrait by Hans
Holbein, very richly embroidered with blackwork and  gold thread. Then she
came down to witness the finals of her Boffer Champion Tourney, and retired
to prepare for her elevation.

A vision in rose pink silk arrived in court, glowing with pearls and
gleaming with gold embroidery. The ceremony was most moving, with two
medallions presented to Her Excellency, and she swore an oath of her own
preparing. Then Their Majesties presented her to the populace and there was
great cheering.

A great many pictures were taken, and I hope some of them will be shared. I
will leave it to Mistress Bianca to fill in the details as she chooses. I
will only say that it was a wonderful day, a moving ceremony, and probably
the most beautiful and complex costuming project I have ever seen.

I'm sorry for those who missed it.
Best regards,
Caryn