Associate
An associate is a person who is in a formal squire, apprentice or protégé relationship with a peer, usually with an exchange of fealty.
Members of the Order of Chivalry take squires.
Members of the Order of the Laurel take apprentices.
Members of the Order of the Pelican take proteges.
See also: student
Being a fealty relationship, this involves some kind of contract, devised and agreed on by the two concerned parties. This often takes the form of the associate agreeing to take on whatever tasks his/her master/mistress sets before him or her, and the master/mistress pledging mentoring, sharing of knowledge and skills, and welcoming that associate as one of his or her family.
Unlike associates, who may be made only by Peers, anyone, regardless of personal rank, may take students.
Arlys
(A "keeper" posting from the Steps, June 2006.)
[...] if you are in direct fealty to a Peer, that peer can swear fealty to the Crown for both of you -- the fealty trickle-down effect.
The other facets may be a bit more subtle. A good part of a Peer's job is to teach and guide their associates and give them lots of opportunities to shine. This may or may not exist in a student relationship. Both Peers and teachers like challenges, and to challenge themselves as well as those they work with.
Fealty contracts can be made; they can also be broken by mutual agreement to dissolve the relationship, or by one person not fulfilling their end of the contract. It's important to note that contracts are reciprocal. Contracts may also have time limits. In a fealty contract with me, you become an important part of my family or household--you do your best regarding your interests, you accept such tasks as are set before you as are reasonable for you, and you uphold the honor of us both. For my part, I challenge you, present you with opportunities to show your knowledge and skills and invite others to partake of them, and uphold the honor of us both. If you need protection, I am your shield; if you muck up, I expect others to tell me FIRST so we can discuss and resolve the issue at hand. (Woe betide the person who picks on my brother--that's MY job! ;) )
Arlys
(A "keeper" posting from the Steps, June 2006.)
My laurel [Master Hector of the Black Height, Ealdormere] states that a peerage is the "crown's stamp of approval on an individual taking on dependants for the purpose of guidance, mentorship and mutual growth". Having a dependant is part of the job description of peers, and being a dependant gives that person the knowledge that there is someone they are accountable to and who is in their corner when the chips are down.
Essentially, any of the bestowed peerages are expected to take dependants and teach them. The coloured belts worn by Peers’ dependants signify bonds between Peers and non-Peers.
I would not define any of the three dependants any differently, except in the flavour of peer they are attached to. They are all engaged in a formal mentorship relationship to some degree or another. That relationship is as unique as the individuals in it, but the formality of the relationship is recognized and respected by the Crown and the other members of the peerage.
Morrigan
Avacal
(A "keeper" posting from the Steps, Feb 2006.)
I am somebody's protege. Sometimes, that relationship is on the back burner because we are not romantic (though we are affectionate) and he lives a bazillion miles away; if he suddenly said that he will never return to the SCA, we would still be friends. And yes, the strength of our fealty is equally matched by our friendship.
Sometimes that relationship is on the forefront--usually, when he wants me to do something. Sometimes we have to talk our way through it, and sometimes life gets in the way and I can't do what he wants, and sometimes he has to invoke his feudal rights to remind me that I *can* do whatever is needful. (That doesn't happen very often...) He is not omniscient, but he does care about my growth and learning experiences.
When we gave each other our oaths before witnesses, we did so as equals, for we have (even now!) much to learn and teach each other, and others.
When I do something *excellently well,* it reflects on him. Likewise, when he does something fabulous, I get to be proud of him.
He is the peer. Lucky him--he gets to advise the Crown, advise his peers, and attend meetings.
I am the peer-in-training. Lucky him--he gets to hear what *I* think the Crown should be doing. In my capacity as protege, I am expected to think and advise and listen and learn from my liege lord--he has to hear from me. (And lucky me, I don't have any meetings...!)
While I could agree with you that there are some distinctly un-peerlike behaviors occuring among the peerages, I am also the first to say that I can't fix *it*.
Instead, I can point to myself, to my family, and even my peer and work on those behaviors that would enhance those around me. I'm not talking about peer-like qualities (a misnomer, and worthy of another post entirely). I am talking about becoming a better woman, a better mother, a better friend. This is well within my sphere of influence. I can teach, I can share, I can do.
I'm not out to fix the world. I'm not even out to repair the kingdom. I can leave a place better than I found it--even if it's picking up cigarette butts off the ground. Or leaving a room.
[...]
With respect to you all, I remain
Laurin, Protege to Steffano