Courtesy Circle Meeting:
The 24th of February

Punzel smiles, "Welcome to this week's meeting of the Courtesy
Circle. If any here know me not, my name is Viola, or Punzel if
you prefer ..."

Punzel explains, "I am Mistress of the Courtesy Circle, and will
be leading this meeting. I would like this to be an open forum
for discussion, but to avoid chaos, please raise your hands and
wait for my nod before you speak."

Punzel smiles slightly, "Well, each of you need raise only one
hand at a time, of course. Those pesky plurals. You needn't
raise both hands."

Punzel shakes her head.

Punzel continues distractedly, "At any rate, I thought first I
would ask if any had questions of courtesy, before I raise my
own questions for the meeting."

Punzel glances at Morte, Alecsiel, Santlar, Goryan, Mintle and Hibiki.

Punzel smiles, "Well, then, I thought we might return to the
issue of courtesy in courtship, then."

Morte says, "I was under the asumption that this week, we would
discuss the courtacy of the duel, in all its forms.. I must
admit, I had forgotten to mention an entire side of deuling."

Punzel smiles at Morte, "Ser, we discussed that last week, and
our thoughts have been publicly posted."

Morte blinks.
Morte nods understandingly.

[Several more people arrive and find seats.]

You see Punzel, Alecsiel, Myrth, Apophis, Drusilla, Watchman
Jarrod, Hibiki, Ravelyn, Morte, Santlar, Goryan and Mintle.

Punzel continues, "Ser Morte had just asked a question about
courtesy in dueling, but since we did discuss that in detail
last week, I will request that his additional thoughts be sent
by scroll ... or posted publicly as well, if he thinks them
crucial to such courtesy in the castle."

Punzel smiles apologetically to Morte.
Morte nods.

Punzel admits, "All in attendance at last week's meeting did
agree on the guidelines that were then posted, and so for now
we will consider those to be the standing guidelines."

Punzel explains, "I had hoped to return to the topic of courtesy
in courtship, which we discussed briefly at a previous meeting,
but had not decided upon guidelines for."

Punzel adds ruefully, "Despite the frequent requests for such
guidelines."

Punzel continues, "In our previous discussion, five stages of
courtship did seem to emerge:"

Punzel lists, "Friendship, pressing suit, official courting,
betrothal, and marriage."

Punzel adds, "The first and last are not strictly stages of
courtship, of course, but are listed for clarity's sake."

Punzel asks, "Does anyone have thoughts on what might be
appropriate at these various stages, or what lengths of time at
each stage might be most courteous?"

Hibiki asks, "What does betrothal mean?"

Punzel admits, "I find the betrothals of folk who have known each
other but two weeks to be ... somewhat disrespectful of the
solemnity of such a path."

Santlar says, "Well, I can think of a number of things that are
inappropriate..."

Punzel tells Hibiki, "Betrothal is the agreement to seek the path
of marriage, ser."

Santlar says, "It seems most improper to me..."

Santlar holds herself properly, "The way some sers and sera
seem to publicly display their affections..."

Watchman Jarrod nods agreeingly to Santlar.

Santlar says, "I mean...you do not see the nobility hanging off
of each other.."

Drusilla nods agreeingly at Santlar.
Santlar says haughtily, "Most improper"
Ravelyn nods approvingly to Santlar.

Morte says, "To address sera' santlars opinion.."
Santlar glances at Morte.

Morte says, "She is correct, the most a noble may do in public,
in my home, is a chaste kiss.."

Morte says, "such as, but not exceeding, the ones sealing
marrage vows."

Morte says, "But.."

Morte says, "This is only the nobilty.."

Morte says, "The lower classes, are much freer with thier
passions.."

Punzel nods slowly.

Morte says, "And at gatherings, parties, the local tavern,"

Morte says, "Much more is permissable, and indeed,
appropriate."

Ravelyn considers.

Morte says, "So, While I agree with Santlar, I respectfully
point out, that this is a question of class, and wealth, in sooth."

Santlar shrugs, "I suppose, I'm sure in my past life I did not
spend quite so much time in a tavern as yourself, I yeild to
you greater experience."

Punzel admits, "I do not think that all here must necessarily
refrain from all public displays of affection in order to be
courteous ... but I do believe that they should respect the
opinions of those around them."

Langsho nods agreeingly.

Punzel continues, "I think that if any around them seem to be
uncomfortable, a couple should take their ... displays ... elsewhere."

Morte says, "Sera santlar..."
Morte says coldly, "Two things..."
Santlar gazes steadily at Morte, "Ser Morte."
Morte says, "First, such a low born insult, is not becoming of you.."
Punzel requests, "Might we have no petty bickering, please?"
Morte says, "And second, raise your hand to speak."
Santlar waves dismissively.
Morte nods politely.

Punzel nods slightly, "And I will agree with ser Morte that the
comment was uncalled for ... and discourteous. But let us move on."

Punzel wearily rubs her forehead.

Watchman Jarrod says silently, "pot kettle black"

Morte slowly stands.
Morte bows respectfully to Punzel.
Santlar stiffens slightly.
Morte says, "PLease forgive my ignorance.."
Morte says, "I had thought this to be the courtacy circle.."
Punzel blinks.
Punzel raises her thin eyebrow.

Morte says, "And those here, wishing to practice it, as WELL as
preach it."

[Lots of hands get raised.]
Morte bows to Punzel.
Morte leaves through the west door.
Punzel sighs.
[Some hands get lowered, others get raised.]

Punzel gestures vaguely, "All who wish to speak, go ahead and do
so. There are too many of you."

Kyle comforts Punzel, "you are one of the most practiced people I
know in the ways of courtesy"

Santlar comments absently, "How pleasant of him to recognize
his inappropriate presense here...and to excuse himself..."

Punzel admits, "Mayhap we should simply discuss meeting etiquette
this week."

Watchman Jarrod tells you, "I am sorry sera, but I merely wished
to point out his own discourtsy in insulting sera Santlar in return."

Punzel rubs her forehead.

Hibiki asks, "Forgive my rudeness but, why is it that I've never
heard of anyone seeing the Queen, except at the Winter Ball?"

Watchman Jarrod tells Punzel, "I did not mean to offend him."
Watchman Jarrod sighs softly.

Punzel tells Hibiki, "That is not a question of courtesy, ser.
Please, let us remain on topic for the guild."

Punzel nods, "Let us go back to the raising of hands, if all have
... vented their emotions now."

Langsho asks, "Would in be approprite to conceal informtion
when asked?.. I have often found myself in the situation"

Punzel shakes her head, "Honesty and courtesy are not the same
thing. One may be completely courteous while lying quite baldly,
I believe. It depends on one's definitions."

Punzel smiles ruefully, "I myself consider honesty to be more a
part of honor."

Watchman Jarrod nods silently.

Hibiki asks, "But isn't it discouteous to lie?"

Punzel shakes her head, "Nay. As I have said, courtesy and
morals are separate issues."

Punzel adds, "As explicitly stated in the official guidelines
issued from the Inner Bailey."

Kyle tells Hibiki, "honesty is paramount to pleasantry"

Punzel requests, "Please, raising of hands?"
Punzel wearily rubs her forehead.

Langsho blushes, "Do not get me wrong I am a sera of morale"

Punzel murmurs, "I really must set some guidelines for meeting courtesy."
Punzel gazes helplessly at the lecture hall.
[Lots of people nod or smile.]

Punzel suggests, "Let us talk of meeting courtesy, shall we? When is it
appropriate to talk, and when not ... and when is it appropritae to whisper,
and when not ..."

Punzel adds, "And when is it appropriate to bring up unrelated topics ...
and how should one behave when arriving late, or departing early ..."

Punzel asks, "Thoughts?"

Ravelyn says softly, "When something calls one elsewhere they
should wait for a pause in conversation and quietly give a
brief explantion before bowing out of the room."

Punzel admits, "I disagree."

Punzel explains, "I think it most courteous to simply leave as
silently as possible, that one may cause the least amount of
disruption to theproceedings, but I am willing to hear other thoughts."

Langsho says, "I have noticed more of a formal atmosphere in
here. so would it would not be good for the meeting if one were
to fidget. it would also call for more respect for those speaking."

Drusilla nods agreeingly at Langsho.
Punzel nods agreeingly to Langsho, "Good points, sera."
Hibiki glances agreeably at Langsho.

Watchman Jarrod states, "While it is most certainly courteous
to leave as quietly as possible, a quick apologetic nod or bow
is appropriate in order to convey the fact that you are not
taking offense at some happening, but rather must leave for
another reason."

Kyle nods agreeingly.
Langsho nods agreeingly to Watchman Jarrod.

Punzel nods agreeingly, "Aye, that is what I myself normally do
... but too many apologies and bowings only cause disruption."

Santlar smiles at you, "Sera Punzel..."

Santlar asks, "If someone is speaking of another person in the
room....as ser Morte was of me..is it necessary for me to raise
my hand and wait to be called upon....when it is a subject that
needs to be addressed quickly?"

Punzel admits, "That is a problem I have much seen in these
meetings, in fact. When someone has a comment upon the topic
already being discussed ..."

Punzel nods pensively.
Santlar nods thoughtfully.

Punzel suggests, "Mayhap those with *new* questions might raise
their hands, while those wishing to talk on the current topic might
speak freely. What think you all?"

Watchman Jarrod raises his hand.
Kyle nods agreeingly.
Santlar nods agreeably.

Punzel chuckles, "And those with thoughts on this, please speak freely."
Punzel grins.
[A number of people nod or otherwise express agreement.]

Punzel adds, "And raise your hands only if you have separate
thoughts or questions."

Watchman Jarrod adds, "It would still be courteous to have some
degree of restrain when involved in a topic, as to keep from
simply agreeing verbally. Rather, keep to useful comments and
additions to the topic at hand."

[Various nods of agreement.]
Santlar adds, "And perhaps do not..."
Santlar says, "Interrupt if it is clear someone is continuing a thought."
[Various nods of agreement.]

Watchman Jarrod adds, "Or else we will soon have everyone
babbling at once."

Punzel nods, "Aye. Keep your comments to those that contribute something
to the conversation, rather than only agreement or friendly support ... and
do not interrupt when others are not finished speaking ..."

Punzel adds, "And nod or bow only, if you must leave early or arrive late.
Offer no verbal apologies that might disrupt the meeting."

[It was at this point that Punzel did unexpectedly collapse, and so here
her notes on the meeting come to an abrupt end. The following notes
were kindly supplied by Watchman Jarrod.]

Santlar approaches the wooden lectern.
Santlar stands up behind the wooden lectern.
Hibiki asks, "Is it couteous to offer a scarf to someone who says they are cold?"
Santlar nods to Hibiki, "Yes, most courteous...perhaps even gallant.."
Hibiki asks, "What about other items of clothes?"
Santlar nods to Hibiki, "Yes, a cloak would be appropriate I think."

Langsho says, "I consider offering a cloak and a scarf to be the only
clothing to be approprate"

Hibiki asks, "What about a cap?"

Santlar says, "So, what have we covered so far....it is not appropriate to
openly displace affection for a loved one....that is for behind closed door..."

Santlar says, "I think we have covered appropriate courtesy of meetings...so
let us return to the matter of relationships..."

Santlar asks, "There were five levels of a relationship yes? Does anyone
recall what those were?"

Hibiki says, "What would be an appropriate way to court a sera?"

Santlar nods, "A good question, does anyone have any opinion on appropriate
behavior regarding courtship?"

Langsho asks amusedly, "I disagree.. would not the holding of a hand be
approprate? and a small kiss on the cheek?.. if not then Zarak and Linette
or the two most rude people in the castle.."

Langsho says, "It was a jest not a rude remark."

Hibiki says, "You should of couse ask first to do those things."

Goryan says, "I think hugging is fine."

Santlar says, "A small kiss..yes, kissing of the hand...most gallant, holding
of hands....certainly. But beyond that...romatic embraces and such....
continuous kissing...well, I think we can all agree that is most improper."

Ravelyn adds quietly, "In public at least."

Hibiki says, "You should of couse ask first to do those things."

Santlar nods to Hibiki, "Yes, certainly."

Santlar says, "Small gifts are a good means to initiate courship I feel.."

Santlar says, "A flower, a fine piece of clothing, something from the Inner
Bailey perhaps..."

Goryan says, "Also poetry is good."

Hibiki asks, "But what if you have no gifts to offer?"

Santlar nods to Goryan, "Yes, poetry, music...anything so...inspired, is
quite good."

Hibiki asks, "Could riddles be a gift?"

Santlar says to Hibiki, "Oh, I'm sure you could find something. Yes, even
riddles could pass as a gift."

Angron says to Hibiki, "As with everything, it depends with the
circumastance and context of the gift in question."

Santlar says, "Here is my heartfelt advice to you.....when in doubt, ask
yourself this..."

Langsho says slowly, "I believe the gift would depend.. anything would be
approprate if it has meaning to the reciver."

Goryan says, "How about dancing in public places?"

Santlar asks, ""What would someone of higher station do? How would a noble act?"

Goryan says, "Do you think that's fine?"

Santlar nods to Goryan, "As long as it is not too....intense, dancing is
very acceptable."

Hibiki laughs, "Nobles would just stand there."

Goryan says, "Taking a sera/ser to a quiet dinner somewhere in the castle
could be quite good I feel."

Langsho says, "I believe beyond this point anyone who wishes to contuine
would do so privately with each other."

Angron says to Santlar, "A gentle sir of the Inner Bailey once sought the denizens
of the Outer Bailey for aid in the form of a poem to find the heart of his sera, which
he couldst not find the words himself."

Santlar nods to Angron, "Yes, I remember the occasion. I thought I might try
my hand at it...but time did not allow it."

Santlar asks, "Now, on the matter of courtesy, seems the meeting is breaking
up...is there anything else we should speak of?"

[At this point, duty called Watchman Jarrod away from the meeting, which ended
soon afterward.]

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