Amanda Kendal of Westmoreland
Photo by Elspeth Selwoode, at May Investiture, 14 May AS 41.
Founding and long-time Baroness of Lions Gate
Ithra Chancellor
Memories
One of my favorite memories of Amanda and Gerhard were at Clinton where we made them supper one night by candle light and talked through the night. During War week it was always easy to find them in their encampment right next to the bridge. There was always the big blue awning with the kitchen under it and coffee always ready for people who would drop by. I can remember Amanda getting dressed up in court clothing to go and inspire her troops with her words, she never realized how inspired the troops were by her deeds. I have stood by her side many a time when her words brought people to tears. Baronial courts were always fun with Gerhard being so loud and funny and Amanda having a good time and smiling yet being quiet and demure. (if they only knew how much fun Amanda could have when she wanted.) Perhaps someone will tell the story of a certain mideastern figure being kidnapped...at Clinton and held for ransom. --Corynne
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I have long referred to Amanda as Her Grace, though that is not her SCA entitlement, for I have never met anyone who better embodies the Virtue of Grace.
A delicate figure hides a core of such subtle strength that she needs never show it. Always busy, yet always friendly to every person, regardless of status or standing, Amanda is one of the greastest gifts we in the SCA could ever have been given.
A memory: I, a regular attendee at Blatha an Oir's Bardic competitions, was given the task of carrying Gerhard's Declaration of War for Autumn War. This was always a long period-sounding missive well packed with puns and sent in fun. It was always recieved by their Excellencies of Blatha an Oir in the spirit in which it was sent, and I returned home with a response likewise full of puns and silliness and such, to be presented at the next Court of the Excellencies Kendal.
Always, that was, until one fateful year, when a Northern-born King, also in attendance at Celtic Bardic, took offense to one of his Barons making war on another of his Barons. (The schtick factor was apparently lost on this protective Lion). He demanded that I carry back a message from him to my liege lord, to which I responded that I had not been charged with such a task by my liege lord and therefore if I did so it would be as a favour to this King, as I was not his to command. This prompted an in-court display of Royal temper, and an answering display of Bardic right from me.
The court was already bristling with weapons, although my two guardsmen were unarmed (they were the only ones so disadvantaged in the hall, and for the first time in my time in the SCA, I felt in danger of grievous bodily harm by the many spears pointed at me, and the sound of swords being unsheathed at my back, and the raw tempers on display all around. The Baron of Blatha an Oir defused the situation and provided me with a measure of support and comfort, and we spoke late that night about all that had occurred, but it was the response from Amanda that helped me the most after that traumatic event.
When I returned to Lions Gate, I immediately contacted her and her Lord, my lieges, about what all had occurred, and was reassured that my understanding of fealty was correct in the details. Carrying the King's message (stripped of most of its rancour), as well as the punful reply from the Barony of Blatha an Oir, we decided that I would present both replies in Court at the Festival of Colours just a week or so away. I did so, and it was a fine bit of court business, kept on the lighter end of things. Amanda understood, at a very deep level, that fear that I had been exposed to, and the impact it could have on my enjoyment of the SCA. She took the time to make certain I was okay, and checked regularly thereafter. I think that is the moment when my Oaths to the Kendals became real.
And later, at the war in question, which I was loath to attend because of all the bad feelings that had surrounded my presentation of Gerhard's Declaration, I came only because Amanda asked, at Dance the week before, or rather, spoke a simple assumptive, "So we will see you this weekend..." In support of my actions and decisions as their vassal, Amanda had me sit at their side in Opening Court. I had no task, no business there, I was not a lady in waiting or a servant in attendance. I was there solely to show that I was a trusted member of their court, a Bardic emissary and not to be taken lightly.
The trust and the support that she has always shown me have stayed with me over the years, and I believe Amanda knows, there is very little I would not do for her.
- Briana*
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She is a simple woman with simple tastes. And if you believe that, I have a bridge to sell you over in Egypt.
Amanda is courtly love made manifest. She can make grown men fall to their knees and cry with a single phrase. Ears strain to hear her quiet voice as she sat court above her populace. Those that love her, adore her. Those that do not are either too new to know her light or have their own reasons. The adoration that those that love her show her have puzzled the newbie joined among us. Why does she cause such a stir? Why is it that at a word she could call up an army greater than any king in the Knowne Worlde?
She is who she is. She is Amanda Kendal. She treats all like they are worthy of her love no matter who they are or where they came from. She makes everyone feel as if they are truly noble, just as she is. She inspires others to feats of greatness with her gentle voice. She brings out the best in all she comes across. By doing so, she had gathered the loyalty of a thousand goode people about her. She has planted seeds and has watched them grow into a garden of delight.
There will never be another Amanda Kendal, although there will be many imitators. Her grace, her gentleness, her kindness will never be duplicated or equaled. We could all learn from her.
When Amanda and Gerhard stepped down from their baronial thrones, the shoes they left behind to fill were giant sized indeed.
Yolanda de Guelph