[Mid] [Fwd: In Memory Of Jafar]]

Greetings from Alexis

I am forwarding something I wrote to our Baronial Mailing list. Just
another small snapshot of Saturday's Graveside services...

attached mail follows:

Greetings from Alexis

Ernie sums up much of what happened at the funeral home - what he missed
was that the Knights did not break Jafar's chain - they formed a human
chain of Chivalry (there were about 20 at the graveside services, and
around 30 attended the services, both Friday's visitation and today's
funeral). Duke Dagan spoke of the loss of their brother knight, and
stated that they, as The Chivalry, must now step up their efforts on His
Behalf. Others spoke a word or two, then Palymar broke the human
chain. Then Sir Pieter van Doorn said he had the priviledge of swearing
fealty to His Highness Jafar at the hospital, and suggested this would
be an appropriate time for them to re-affirm their Oath of Fealty to Her
Highness, Kenna. Which they proceeded to do - they all knelt in the
grass and recited their oath. (lead by His Majesty, Palymar) Kenna
began sobbing as they began speaking, and was held up by Mistress Ghita
and Lady Lorelei (who is Kenna's apprentice sister to Catherine de la
Rose). Many who were standing nearby that witnessed this moving scene
began crying (yup, me too). I spoke with Count Sir Ronin (who knighted
Jafar) afterward, expressing my respect and admiration for these actions
by the Chivalry. He told me there were members of the Chivalry who
began to cry, as well, and could not finish reciting their oath, but all
had sworn their fealty in their hearts.

Her Highness, Kenna, was embraced by every member of the Chivalry
present after they had sworn their fealty.

As a side note, I was told that Their Highness of the East, Timothy and
Gabriella attended the visitation Friday night, paying Their respects to
both Kenna and Scott Hall's family. They left for home Friday night to
attend an Eastern event that was held Saturday. (I was priviledged to
meet and work with them during Pennsic 24 when They were King and Queen
- They are wonderful, caring people.)

Thank you Master Erik for your summation of today's sad events. I sat
in the front row with Sir William and Lady Isolde. Perhaps tomorrow I
can write more of what I was fortunate enough to hear of the service.

Regareds, Alexis MacAlister (remembering the fun times we who were
Jafar's Curia were priviledged to have)

attached mail follows:

My wife and I have just returned from Jafar's funeral. I had wanted to
share some of the feelings, observations and thoughts I had. I hope this
helps those who could not attend to feel like they were a part of this day.

* We arrived at the funeral home at 9:35 a.m. and the parking lot was
already about filled. Soon the lot and side street were packed with cars.

* The downstairs lobby of the funeral home had standing room only with
people lined up in the doorway unable to enter. A large group of people
were outside.

* This may have been one of the largest gatherings of Middle Kingdom folks
in mundane clothing in history.

* It is hard to recognize some of the S.C.A. folks in suits and mundane
clothing. The trick was to just look at their face to realize where you
had seen them.

* The ceremony was held downstairs with the Society folk all going
upstairs. Upstairs there was one large room with a smaller room off to the
left. There were 200 people seated in the chairs with about 40 standing.
The smaller side room had 30 or so.

* The sound system that was transferring upstairs what was going on during
the service was very poor. There was only a single speaker in the ceiling.
Some of the loud background hum stopped when some of the overhead lights
were turned off.

* For such a large group of people, you could have heard a pin drop as
everyone strained to listen. Some of the service was heard while some was
lost. Everyone in the room was there for a single purpose.

* Late in the service, another speaker was added to the room, which helped
some. It was a nice speaker but the room was very large.

* The room become very warm until the air conditioning was turned on.
This new noise level didn't help. Folks with normal hearing may have heard
more than me.

* There were so many cars going to the grave site that they ran out of the
purple funeral flags you put on your car.

* The drive to the grave site seemed much longer due to the amount of cars
in the procession. Along the way folks stopped on the street or looked out
from their house at the procession. The line of cars went from as far as
you could see in front all the way out of sight in the back.

* The traffic escort did a fine job trying to make sure the drive there
was as safe as possible.

* I asked one of the traffic escort how many cars were in the procession.
He told me 110 plus. They had been expecting 60 to 80.

* At the grave site the family was in a tent while the Society folks
formed up in a half moon in front. The Society folks waited quietly
outside the tent until the family had said there last good-byes. Then the
Society folks slowly, quietly and reverantly passed by and said their last
farewells. There were flowers given out and folks laid them on the coffin.

* The cemetery was smaller and very old. It had a small river/stream
bordering the one side. It was a beautiful site.

* The day was overcast but not to cold. When the service was over and
folks were walking back to their cars the sun broke through and shone down.
It seemed appropriate.

* I saw all the qualities that I love about the S.C.A. in practice today.
Everyone was helpful, courteous and caring. There was a mix of peers and
older members as well as newer folks.

* Jafar's family treated the S.C.A. as part of his extended family. I had
one of his family come up and just talk with me and express the family's
gratitude for all the Society had done.

* The folks at the funeral home did a great job handling perhaps one of
the largest groups of people they had ever had.

* The handout at the funeral (I started to say flyer) had a picture of
Jafar taken in 1986. He pretty much looked the same now as he did then.
The smile and twinkle in his eyes was there.

* I served Jafar when he was the Earl Marshal as well as King. I will
miss him very much. I am glad I was able to go to the funeral and say my
good-bye. Now I, along with the rest of the Kingdom, must figure out how
to best serve Kenna.

Erik Erikson the Scout Potius Feodari Quam Morti
                                "Better Dirty Than Dead"

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From: ernie@dnaco.net (Ernie Husted)
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From: Beverly Roden <alexis@dnaco.net>
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From: Beverly Roden <alexis@dnaco.net>
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Received on Sun Jan 4 06:04:47 1998