Awards
See: Category:Awards
(A short "keeper" exchange from the North Road, posted Aug 2006.)
Recognition takes on many forms and doesn't always have to be an armigerous award. Sometimes a thank you and a token gift from someone means a lot more to some people.
Baron James Llewellyn ap Gruffydd, OP
I can echo such sentiments.
Ran into a situation back when I was on a royal retinue. A brand newbie--his first event--was visiting friends, and at one point had a spear shoved into his hand and was told to "stand here and let no one pass."
Because of my duties, I smiled at him as he made a move to keep me from my royals. Afterwards, I asked him what he was doing, and he told me (somewhat woefully) that he didn't know--and explained his situation to me.
We had a quiet chuckle together, and I took the time to talk with him about a few things--things that anyone could explain to a newbie--such as what the royals were, and who they were and what they looked like (he didn't know), and other aspects of the SCA.
I thought of him long and hard at that event. The following morning, I went shopping and found a pretty ribbon, and gave him the Chivalry Token that someone had given to me for my actions long ago.
I told him the history of that little green malachite heart on a ribbon, and how I felt honored and moved to give him such a token in honor of his courtesy, chivalry, and service--and he glowed. It was such a little thing, coming from my hands. I was blessed to share with him in that way. I was told later on that he had committed to returning and finding out more about the SCA.
I hope he's doing well.