Much of the advice I received during my vigil was spot on. Nothing rings more true than those who told me that "people are watching you now and will evaluate many of your actions, choosing what is good or bad and counting them in baskets of each." Watching this thread has really reinforced that for me. You should continue to do so and be unapologetic. That's my job, in a way. I could have said "No", but I took the belt, spurs, and chain. I accept that.
For those of you who aspire to knighthood, remember this condition of the accolade as you progress. You'll be just like the rest of us - imperfect. You might be the name an encouraging mother whispers in the ear of a suckling infant, or the name a father spits in admonition with a wagging finger.
the iron is really in the heart and soul of the knight and not in his harness.
This really comes to show that True Knighthood and Chivalry is more that just a Code we all live by, it is more than a Philosophy that can be used in debates, it is more than a Title for Valor or for Honor. Whether it may be in HEMA, SCA, Adrian Empire, Markland Medieval Mercenary Militia or other Chivalric Orders, our choices and what we do in the presence of others is how we define Chivalry and Knighthood. It is a Life style and a Path in Life. This is my take on this and I have Faith in the fact that by leading my life in a Knightly Manner, I become myself but ennobled and courageous to take on Life itself and being able to do deeds with a Purpose.
This almost reminds me of the phrase "Deeds themselves are useless unless they are for some higher purpose." (King Arthur)
To me, Chivalry is the Code and Philosophy, the why we do, what we do. Knighthood is the manner, the intention, the will and the rule of thumb for Life and daily choices.
As far as anyone think of me as a Knight, that is their discretion. I have seen people that refuse to believe in Chivalry, I have seen people that say I am crazy, insane or more recently that I am anachronistic. But do I need to pay attention to them or listen to them. I have that choice, or I can do something that is Chivalrous in front of other people and let them decided. They may see one thing that is different from the other, but that will never change who i am as a man, and as a Knight.
