True true, but people who do know me call me stupid for buying knight armor, swords etc instead of drugs -__-, kids these days.
Oh, I
get it, don't get me wrong. I've dealt with similar drama since I can remember, since I was a kid, I was always an avid reader, and preferred the likes of King Arthur and Lord of the Rings to cartoons or action figures. It took me a long time to figure out that I was going to be how I was going to be regardless of what anyone else had to say. I had what you'd call a defining moment...and once I'd come to terms with my self-image, I was happy.
Do you remember the first time you ever put on armor of any kind? For me, it was 8 years ago; a mail vest done up in 16ga butted links w/a black cross in the center (using blackened rings)...I remember the first time I put it on and looked at myself in the mirror. It just felt right. Even though I had a cheap, satin, witchy type of cape to finish it off, I still wore it proudly to my very first RF (2004); I was apprehensive at first, even tho my gf at the time (now my wife
) told me I looked great and not to worry. Then I got a few compliments from mundanes who were in attendance. That was it.
As you yourself may have noticed, this calling grabs ahold of you and you're off into the ether and you can't get enough of it. I've gone through a lot of weapons and armor over the years...I can honestly tell you nothing else gives me more pleasure (other than family and video games, I'm a sucker for a good game even now lol)...or draws more glances.
Early on, I used to feel slightly embarrassed, like I was doing something wrong- but again, I had my own internal issues that needed to be addressed...once I'd done so, it has been smooth sailing ever since. Years ago, I would not have stepped forward and sought knighthood...not because I thought it silly, but because I lacked the courage. Being a knight isn't what it once was...we no longer live in a time where life meant so much more because of the very real prospect of sudden death, be it by plague or chevauchee, we no longer train ourselves vigorously in the arts of war or the court; now it is more of an ideal- something worth living up to. That is how I look upon it; and when I was given the chance to be inducted into this Order, I jumped at it. Finally...I get to be who and what I truly am, surrounded by my peers who share the same vision. We are men, who, espousing the ideal of Chivalry, seek to educate our peers not by instruction, but by example.
One day, God willing, you will stand among us as a knight- I will ask you then, how much weight will those words still hold? I'll be surprised if you have anything to say other than 'none at all'. Because they don't.