Queens of Love and Beauty

[femkes_follies]

I do a lot of memes, but I've never really tried to start one. However, I recently asked on a list for the Milwaukee area SCA group for some general advice on visiting and/or relocation. Among many kind responses was one from Guenievre du Dragon Vert. She commented on various things, and wondered if she might have met me at some point...

I smiled. And told her she holds a special place in my memory as the first SCA Queen I really took note of. As the first "Queen of Love and Beauty" that I had any contact, she'll always be a significant part of the Dream for me. She wasn't the woman who was Queen when I first joined the SCA. Nor at my first event. But others I only saw from afar - not even getting a chance to sit in Court since Anneliese was often a cranky baby by that point in the day.

So, in honor of Valentine's Day -

Tell me about the first Queen who drew you in. While it was all still new and magical. While the people in the Crowns were lofty and sparkling Presences who would glide past while you were bowed, studying your very un-period shoes. Before the internal Society Politics invaded. Before you were aware of rumors, hearsay, or personal experience with the Crown that may have tainted the Awe.

Who will always be Gueneviere to you? (Even if she spelled it differently)

Post your answer here, and the question in your own blog, to see who others remember in that still-rosy light.

Comments

[campagnella.livejournal.com]

There have been many "Queens of Love and Beauty" to me.

Duchess Garlanda was the first Queen I had the honor of retaining for. It was at Estrella 9 and I was one of the only other midrealm women out there. I was so tickled to be able to follow her around and carry stuff for her. I was probably only a couple years into the sca and still very much a newbie. I was in awe! She was so regal and elegant, it was a very WOW for me. Later, maybe their next rein (?) she gave me an AOA, with that she talked about my retaining out there for her and she gave me a set of blue glass beads as a thank you. It was the start for me of many reigns retaining and helped shape for me what I wanted to do in the SCA.

[gwacie.livejournal.com]

I never much paid attention to the King and Queen before I became a scribe (and then I mostly was just interested in correct spelling of names, heh.)

I think the first Queen who really had an impact on me would be Duchess Katerin. Their third reign I think it was. She came to a local event and attended a dance class I taught (beginning English Country dance) and gave me a beaded necklace which touched me deeply and I wore that necklace until it broke and I've still got the pieces in a little baggie all beloved :)

[mistressarafina.livejournal.com]

The first queen I remember knowing of is Arabella Silvermane. I believe that Kateryn is the first queen that I met and she gave me my AoA at the first event I autocratted. Guenievre's coronation was breath-taking and transported me back in time. Lately, I've been friends with most of the queens recently and helping them make the dream happen for someone else.

I don't know if I really answered your question, but it was fun to remember. :D