...To Let Be

[helblonde]

I wonder some times how much people pay attention to the oaths that they take during the invocation of the lists.  I have spoken with some fighters who don't think that the oath that the fighter and consort are prepared to reign ("And do you swear that you and your consort can and will fulfill the duties and obligations of a King or Queen of the West...") is important if the likelihood is that they aren't going to win. (Not that I don't think my champion is going to win. He is certainly capable. But so are a lot of other people and there can be only one victor at the end of the day.)

I'm glad that  moriven is not the kind of fighter who makes light of the invocation oath. He knows that when he takes that oath he is committing both of us in honor and conscience to upholding his word.

Upholding my honor in his actions on the field is important to him. He demonstrates this most often by doing his best to be a righeous and honorable combatant. This weekend, though, he showed it by not fighting in the main tournament*. Should he have been granted victory over the field, I would have had no way of upholding the oath, because I will not be able to travel to Oertha for Purgatorio.

As a consort, I am pleased that moriven decided not to compete in Crown. I am sure that it is a hard thing for a healthy fighter to decide not to join the lists. There is only the satisfaction of knowing he is doing the right and honorable thing.

Well, usually, there is just satisfaction. Yesterday evening after the feast, I was pleased to be able to present my champion with this token of my esteem, crafted by acanthusleaf :






* He did win 12 straight roses fights when he walked on the field. Yowza.

Comments

[falzalot.livejournal.com]

oh wow, that's gorgeous! I wish I had known you were doing it last night -- we would've stuck around a bit later!

[madbaker.livejournal.com]

I agree completely.

I don't fight, but the one time that a lady asked to fight for me I was honored and consented. But I was stepping up as a greater officer, and I had to ask her not to fight for me while I held that office.

[rustmon.livejournal.com]

wooot!

and yes. an oath is a serious thing.

[dame-cordelia.livejournal.com]

It always makes me happy to learn that people feel that giving their word is meaningful.

That is a handsome ring and I am sure he was thrilled to receive it from his lovely wife.

[shutt3rg33k.livejournal.com]

Yay! The ring is beautiful and you both are made of win.

Taking the oath seriously

[etaine-pommier.livejournal.com]

I couldn't agree more! And you have the *best* of all reasons.

This is why neither J! nor I has stepped up for an office - as soon as one of us does, we won't be fighting for the term of it. We both believe very strongly that you should give your all to what your are doing and fully keep your commitments to the principality/kingdom.

Re: Taking the oath seriously

[bonacorsi.livejournal.com]

i totally agree with you on this. It is one of the reasons I haven't had anyone fight for me for decades. I did once as a newby, but I was young and it was before I discovered my spine. I'm happy to say it was quickly found after two tourneys with a fighter that was treating me as if he was doing me a favor. I won't let a fighter i don't know and am not willing to reign with fight for me. Nor, will I allow anyone fight for me while I'm in an office.

I also have trouble with anyone who does, especially if they competed for the office, no matter what the sitting Royals say.

[mendylady.livejournal.com]

Dang I miss the West. And you guys. An Tir is... very different. And I still barely know anyone. :/

Huzzah for honor and paying attention to oaths!

And happy birthday to one of my favorite sisters. :)

Katie

[naadhira.livejournal.com]

Huzzah to you and hubby for all the reasons you stated.

I'll add that taking an office is equally binding as an oath on the field!