Courtesy Circle Meeting:
The 28th of April


[Being an edited transcript of that event.]

The Lecture Hall

A large high-ceilinged room, its walls painted white. A
square window, with glazed panes, is centered in the east wall.
At the front (north) end of the hall is a wooden lectern, the
wall behind it covered in a board of soft cork. The room is
filled with rows of seats facing north.

Mistress Ermengarde arrives through the west door.

[Lots of people stand and curtsy.]

Mistress Ermengarde distractedly pats her long silver hair,
"Good eve."

Anabeth asks Mistress Ermengarde, " may we be seated"

Punzel tells Mistress Ermengarde, "We are very grateful to you
for taking time to come talk to us."

Mistress Ermengarde gestures vaguely, "Of course you may sit. I
am not Her Majesty."

Mistress Ermengarde smiles bemusedly.
[Everyone sits.]

Punzel respectfully introduces Mistress Ermengarde, "In today's
meeting, we are honored to have with us Mistress Ermengarde,
the Royal Seamstress. She has generously offered to speak to us
about appropriate dress in the Outer Bailey."

Mistress Ermengarde neatly pats her long silver hair.
Mistress Ermengarde smiles warmly at the lecture hall.

Punzel gestures gracefully to Mistress Ermengarde, "I will yield
the floor to her now. I ask that everyone please show
appropriate respect, and save questions until she invites them.
Mistress?"

Mistress Ermengarde walks to the wooden lectern.
Punzel moves from the lectern to a wooden seat.
Punzel sits down on a wooden seat.

Mistress Ermengarde smiles warmly at Punzel, Cassandra,
Gretchan, Dove, Drusilla, Lontyrin, Anabeth, Consuela and
Chorus, "It is good to see that so many wish to learn about
appropriate attire."

Mistress Ermengarde busily pats her long silver hair, "I have
been occupied with my tasks in the Inner Bailey for some
months, and have not been here to offer the needed advice upon
appropriate dress. I hope to remedy that today."

Mistress Ermengarde frowns slightly, "It appears that many
Outer Bailey guests are confused regarding the special formal
clothings that were made available for them to wear to the
Winter Ball."

Mistress Ermengarde explains patiently, "These clothings were
never intended for everyday wear, but were made available to
those with invitations to the Ball, so that they might be
appropriately attired to appear in the presence of Her
Majesty."

Drusilla bites her sensual lip.
Cassandra glances worriedly at Drusilla.

Drusilla is a delicate woman with with a full head of silky
raven hair, long and combed, and pale skin. She is carrying her
scroll, her burgundy pouch, her tea-filled mug and her large
wicker basket. She is wearing a black brocade overdress, a
black brocade gown, black slippers, a wooden ring, a green leaf
and a gold ring.

Mistress Ermengarde frowns slightly at Drusilla's black brocade overdress.

Mistress Ermengarde neatly pats her long silver hair, "Overdresses
and trunkhose, for example, are appropriate garb for members of
the Court, or for Honored Guests on special occasions. But others
should only wear such garments for attendance at formal events in
the Inner Bailey."

Mistress Ermengarde smiles warmly, "That is why they were made
available for the Winter Ball. They were appropriate attire for
that very formal occasion."

[Lots of people nod understandingly.]

Mistress Ermengarde explains patiently, "There are also fabrics
which are considered more formal, and therefore are worn
primarily by members of the Court. Those who are not courtiers
should not wear brocade and lawn, for example, except on
special occasions."

Mistress Ermengarde glances at black slippers, Drusilla's black
brocade overdress, Drusilla's black brocade gown and Drusilla's
white lawn chemise.

Mistress Ermengarde slowly shakes her head.

Mistress Ermengarde smiles reassuringly at Drusilla, "I am sure
you did not know, sera. That is why I am speaking today."

Drusilla blushes lightly.
Drusilla glances.
Drusilla nods to Mistress Ermengarde.

Mistress Ermengarde advises the lecture hall gently, "Wearing
garments or fabrics which are customarily reserved for those of
higher station shows a lack of respect for those of higher
station. Dressing too formally shows a lack of respect for the
Court."

Mistress Ermengarde smiles at the lecture hall, "Wearing
clothing appropriate to your station and situation shows
respect and courtesy. I will now talk about which clothing is
appropriate for sers and seras of the Outer Bailey. Are there
any questions at this point, or shall I continue?"

Punzel glance at Cassandra, Gretchan, Dove, Drusilla, Lontyrin,
Anabeth, Consuela and Chorus.

Cassandra raises her hand.
Dove raises her hand.

Mistress Ermengarde smiles at Cassandra, "Yes, sera?"

Cassandra says respectfully, "Is there a difference in what an
Honored Guest may chose to wear as everyday wear?"

Mistress Ermengarde nods to Cassandra, "Indeed. I will discuss
courtiers, including Honored Guests, in a few moments. First I
will talk of garb appropriate for those of lower rank."

Cassandra nods.
Mistress Ermengarde neatly pats her long silver hair.
Mistress Ermengarde asks Dove, "You too had a question, sera?"

Dove blushes shyly, "yes..."

Dove asks meekly, "will we be going over *exactly* which
fabrics, colors, garment types, etc, are appropriate?"

Mistress Ermengarde nods, "Indeed, sera. I will not list all,
but will give examples."

Mistress Ermengarde suggests, "Perhaps you might ask additional
questions afterward, if you like."

Dove nods thankfully, "If you have a few minutes, I'd like to"

Mistress Ermengarde smiles patiently, "Are there more questions
now, or shall I go on?"

[Silent pause.]

Mistress Ermengarde nods briskly.
Mistress Ermengarde pats her long silver hair.

Mistress Ermengarde begins, "Appropriate everyday wear for men
of the Outer Bailey consists of pants with a shirt or tunic.
Vests might be worn over shirts, and it is sometimes
fashionable to wear tunics belted. Appropriate footwear
consists of short boots or sandals."

Mistress Ermengarde says, "Appropriate everyday wear for women
of the Outer Bailey consists of either a skirt and bodice or a
dress. Each of these is worn with slippers, and with a chemise
beneath. A dress or skirt without a chemise is most inappropriate!"

[Lots of people nod agreeingly.]

Mistress Ermengarde continues, "Corded or braided girdles are
often fashionable, and are worn loosely knotted about the waist
of a gown to emphasize the line of the wearer's hips. The ends
of the cord are left dangling, sometimes nearly to the hem of
the gown."

Mistress Ermengarde neatly pats her long silver hair, "As it is
inappropriate to wear a scabbard with a skirt or gown,
swordswomen of the Outer Bailey might wear pants with a blouse
and bodice or with a belted tunic. Slippers should never be
worn with pants."

Punzel smiles ruefully to herself.

Mistress Ermengarde adds, "Various optional garments are also
appropriate for wear by sers and seras of this rank, including
cloaks, caps, scarves, and mittens. Those who work in crafts
might wear aprons and leather or canvas gloves. Scholars might
wear robes."

Mistress Ermengarde smiles at the lecture hall, "Fabrics
appropriately worn by Outer Bailey sers and seras for everyday
occasions include linen, gauze, worsted, broadcloth, flannel,
and wool, among others. Colors tend toward the earthy tones,
with an occasional blue or purple."

Mistress Ermengarde explains, "For special occasions in the
Outer Bailey, sers and seras of this rank might wear these same
garments in finer fabrics, such as lawn, brocade, leather, or
tweed."

Mistress Ermengarde asks patiently, "Before I discuss clothing
appropriate to Honored Guests and other courtiers, are there
questions?"

Mistress Ermengarde smiles warmly.
Cassandra raises her hand.
Mistress Ermengarde asks Cassandra, "Yes, sera?"

Cassandra says, "I was wondering about the color black... so
many seem to favor it"

Mistress Ermengarde pats her long silver hair, "Yes, black is a
color that seems quite fashionable in the Outer Bailey."

Mistress Ermengarde asks Cassandra, "What did you wish to ask
about it, sera?"

Cassandra frowns, "I was always under the impression that black
was either for mourning or for formal occasions?"

Mistress Ermengarde gazes confusedly at Cassandra, "Why?"
Mistress Ermengarde listens curiously.

Cassandra sighs, "Perhaps it was a memory of a custom..."
Cassandra says, "I thought I read somewhere though"
Cassandra finishes, "That black was for mourning?"

Mistress Ermengarde nods bemusedly, "Many in the Outer Bailey
seem to favor black and black-like colors. There is no
limitation on the wearing of them."

Cassandra nods.

Mistress Ermengarde asks patiently, "Are there more questions?
Or shall I continue and discuss appropriate attire for courtiers?"

Mistress Ermengarde continues, "Courtiers, including Honored
Guests and Acolytes, might wear more formal clothing on a daily
basis, as they may venture to and from the Inner Bailey as they
wish."

Punzel nods enviously.
Cassandra smiles covertly.
Anabeth gazes wistfully.

Mistress Ermengarde explains patiently, "A male courtier below
knightly rank might appropriately and commonly wear a doublet
with hose or pants, or a fine brocade tunic. Some doublets are
sleeveless, to show the sleeves of the shirt beneath."

Mistress Ermengarde says, "Chemises in lovely lawn and gowns in
brocade or velveteen are appropriate for those female courtiers
below knightly rank. They might also wear overdresses and
snoods or circlets for special occasions."

Anabeth raises her hand.

Mistress Ermengarde smiles warmly, "I recommend that those who
have access to the Inner Bailey make appointments to speak
individually with me, that I may advise them more specifically
regarding appropriate garb for their station and for specific
events."

Mistress Ermengarde suggests, "Hold questions until I finish
and invite them? That was what I requested in my scroll to sera
Punzel."

Mistress Ermengarde glances at Punzel.
Anabeth nods to Mistress Ermengarde.
Punzel smiles sheepishly.

Mistress Ermengarde pats her long silver hair neatly, "Where
was I?"

Mistress Ermengarde ponders.
Mistress Ermengarde nods briskly, "Oh yes. Courtiers."

Mistress Ermengarde explains, "Courtiers below knightly rank
have a wider variety of colors and fabrics available to them,
including such colors as crimson and lavender."

[Jaxson enters and begins talking. Many people shush him.]

Mistress Ermengarde distractedly straightens her long silver
hair, "Those of knightly rank or higher, of course, have access
to a wider variety of garments, fabrics, and dyes. They might
commonly wear the most formal clothings, such as trunkhose,
overdresses, and veils."

Mistress Ermengarde neatly straightens her white apron, "That
is the end of my planned talk. Are there any remaining questions?"

Anabeth raises her hand.
Mistress Ermengarde nods, "Yes, sera?"
Mistress Ermengarde smiles at Anabeth.

Anabeth asks Mistress Ermengarde, " I was often wondering, are
overdresses to be worn over chemises or dresses or both?"

Mistress Ermengarde smiles reassuringly, "Either one. It is
more formal to wear an overdress over a fine gown than to wear
it over a chemise."

Dove raises her hand shyly.

Mistress Ermengarde adds, "Also, overdresses are not worn over
gauze chemises. That is considered quite inappropriate."

Dove pauses politely.
Mistress Ermengarde asks Dove, "Yes, sera?"

Dove blushes timidly, "I would like to know precisely which
fabrics and colors are appropriate for each rank, if you have
the time."

Mistress Ermengarde raises her pair of ordinary eyebrows.
Dove softly explains, "I wouldn't want to offend anyone"
Dove blushes shyly.

Mistress Ermengarde tells Dove, "To some extent, sera, that
depends upon how much that person has pleased me. Those things
that are readily available are generally in appropriate colors ..."

Serefina arrives through the west door.
Dove nods slowly.
Serefina sits down near the south wall.

Mistress Ermengarde explains, "My seamstresses were careless
for a time, giving folk cobalt brocade, when that is quite
formal, but you may be sure that the gowns in less formal
fabrics are fine."

Mistress Ermengarde smiles reassuringly.
Cassandra gazes at Serefina's cobalt brocade gown.
Cassandra sighs softly.

Dove embarrassedly explains, "I'm afraid I'm rather ignorant of
fabrics, I'm not sure what you mean"

Serefina smiles happily at her cobalt brocade gown.

Mistress Ermengarde frowns slightly, "Were you here, sera, when
I spoke of brocade and lawn as formal fabrics which are worn
only for special occasions, except by courtiers?"

Jaxson smiles at Serefina.
Anabeth glances at Serefina.
Cassandra frowns slightly at Serefina.
Mistress Ermengarde glances disapprovingly at Serefina.

Dove nods slowly, "I was, I..."
Dove pauses shyly.
Dove gazes at her hands.
Mistress Ermengarde gazes curiously at Dove.
Dove softly says, "nevermind then"
Dove blushes embarrassedly.

Mistress Ermengarde asks Dove, "What is it that confuses you,
sera? I will try to explain."

Dove asks quietly, "which fabrics are there, exactly?"
Mistress Ermengarde sighs.
Dove bites her rosebud lip uncertainly.

Mistress Ermengarde explains, "I already listed the fabrics
appropriate for Outer Bailey folk of no rank. They include
linen, gauze, worsted, wool, flannel, and the like."

Dove apologizes softly, "I'm sorry, you did, I remember now."
Serefina raises her hand.

Cassandra frowns, "I have seen many seras wearing brocade gowns
as everyday wear!"

Anabeth nods agreeingly to Cassandra.

Mistress Ermengarde tells Dove, "The more formal fabrics, such
as brocade, lawn, leather, velveteen, and the like are
appropriately worn for everyday only by courtiers."

Ravelyn gently tells Cassandra, "We are learning."
Ravelyn smoothly gestures to her scarlet brocade gown.

Serefina asks Cassandra, "I enjoy looking nice all the time,
tis why i wear my gown"

Jaxson grins at Serefina.

Dove nods shyly, "I understand now, I'm sorry for asking
something you already explained"

Jaxson nods agreeingly.

Cassandra says gently to Serefina, "Yet I outrank you sera"
Cassandra glances at her green wool gown.

Ravelyn courteously shuts her full mouth.

Mistress Ermengarde frowns slightly at Serefina, "Sera, such
shows disrespect for those who have attained the rank that
entitles them to wear such fabrics every day."

Mistress Ermengarde adds, "It shows disrespect for the Court."
Serefina says, "you may, but no matter my rank i like looking nice"
Cassandra politely ignores Serefina.
Dove quietly brushes her olive dress.

Serefina says, "and by wearing this gown i do not feel better
than you or anything like that by any means"

Serefina shrugs.
Jaxson sips from his beer.

Mistress Ermengarde gazes firmly at Serefina, "You disrespect
Her Majesty and her Court. That is your choice, and it will
have effects."

Serefina gazes curiously at Jaxson.

Mistress Ermengarde asks briskly, "Are there other more polite
people with questions?"

Mintle hesitantly raises her hand.
Jaxson winks at Serefina.
Punzel winces slightly.
Myrth raises her hand softly.
Serefina blinks.
Ravelyn coughs slightly.
Mistress Ermengarde asks Mintle, "Yes, sera?"
Serefina rolls her pair of deep blue eyes gently.
Serefina smiles at Jaxson.
Jaxson grins.
Jaxson sips from his beer.
Jaxson listens.
Serefina moves from the south wall to Jaxson.

The wooden doll Mintle is holding squeaks, "Mistress, I have,
in the past, taken to wearing my brocade during the dance
class, which I teach. I do it to show that I consider it a
special and important event, and to show the respect and love I
have for what I do there. Would I be considered foolish and
disrespectful to Her Majesty's Court, if I were to continue in
such a practice?"

Mistress Ermengarde considers.
Mintle hugs her wooden doll nervously.

Mistress Ermengarde nods slowly, "I would think that such an
occasion would be appropriate, sera. Though a lawn chemise
would still be considered quite too formal. As would an
overdress."

Mintle nods understandingly.

The wooden doll Mintle is holding squeaks, "Thank you,
Mistress."

Serefina raises her hand politely.

Mistress Ermengarde adds, "Overdresses are only appropriate for
folk of no rank if they are to attend formal Inner Bailey
occasions."

Mistress Ermengarde asks Myrth, "You had a question, sera?"
Myrth nods softly.
Serefina moves from Jaxson to the south wall.
Serefina sits down near the south wall.
Serefina gazes at Jaxson thoughtfully.

Myrth says, "I twas wondering.. and I apologize if you already
have spoken on this, but I have taken to wearing my cape.. is
that unappropriate? The cloak are not as long as the capes and
I find mine a bit warmer."

Myrth glances at her white cape.
Punzel listens curiously.
Jaxson sips from his beer.
Jurty begins to examine Jurty's bunch of linen wrappings.
Serefina grins at Jaxson.

Mistress Ermengarde nods interestedly, "That is interesting.
Most find the cloaks to be considerably warmer, as they have
hoods."

Jaxson glances smoothly at Serefina.
Serefina waves politely.
Jaxson sips from his beer.
Jaxson listens.
Dove listens politely.
Mistress Ermengarde frowns at Serefina.
Serefina listens gently.
Mistress Ermengarde ignores Serefina.
Jurty mutters cheerfully to himself, "What to do with these?"
Jaxson grins.
Drusilla sighs.
Punzel shushes at Jurty.
Drusilla gazes attentively at Mistress Ermengarde.
Punzel glances worriedly at Mistress Ermengarde.

Mistress Ermengarde shakes her head, "If folk will not be quiet
and listen, I will simply offer my services and advice to those
who wish for private appointments."

Mistress Ermengarde curtsies briskly, "Good day."
Mistress Ermengarde glances annoyedly at Jurty.
Mistress Ermengarde glances annoyedly at Serefina.

Lontyrin bows to Mistress Ermengarde.
Jaxson glances boredly.
Jurty blushes.
Chorus stands up next to a wooden seat.
Mistress Ermengarde leaves through the west door.
Cassandra sighs sadly.
Dove bites her rosebud lip.
Punzel gazes worriedly at the west door.
Drusilla glances at the west door.
Kyle glances.
Mintle sighs unhappily.
Serefina asks, "may I ask what I did ?"
Drusilla shakes her head disapprovingly.

Myrth sighs sadly, "I simply don't understand why being polite
is such a rareity."

Jaxson shrugs.
Jurty says softly, "Sorry."
Kyle bows humbly.
Kyle leaves through the west door.
Chorus curtsies kindly, "Please excuse me"
Punzel glances worriedly at Anabeth.
Drusilla answers Serefina, "You acted disrespectful, sera."
Chorus leaves through the west door.

Serefina says, "being polite has nothing to do what you are
wearing"

Gretchan shakes her head lightly.

Punzel tells Serefina gently, "Sera, she offered you advice and
you quite dismissed it. She has been here much longer than we."

Serefina says, "i was not going against anybody by looking
nice"

Serefina nods.
Cassandra ignores Serefina hurtly.

The wooden doll Mintle is holding squeaks, "Sera Viola, thank
you for hosting this. I greatly appreciate this opportunity you
gave us."

Jurty nods his head ashamedly.

Drusilla says to Serefina, "I think the Royal Seamstress knows
more that you about apropriate dressing, sera."

Punzel walks to the wooden lectern.
Anabeth nods agreeingly to Drusilla.

Punzel smiles worriedly at the lecture hall, "Well, those of you
who behaved courteously, I thank you."

Jaxson walks to the west door.
Serefina sighs.

Cassandra says to Consuela, "Thank you for asking Mistress
Ermengarde sera"

Punzel glances at the west door, "I will send a scroll to
Mistress Ermengarde offering apologies."

Drusilla tells Serefina, "And as she said, your clothes offend
the Court, therefore you should not wear it."

Serefina asks, "then why are they offered to us?"

Ravelyn glances at her scarlet brocade gown, "I think I'd
better change."

Ravelyn curtsies swiftly to the lecture hall, "Excuse me."
Ravelyn leaves through the west door.

Serefina says, "i will change but i do find it ridicoulus"

Punzel tells Serefina, "She explained that they are for special
occasions, sera."

Cassandra murmurs, "Those who show disrespect"
Punzel sighs.
Cassandra nods agreeingly to Punzel.

Drusilla sighs at Serefina, "If you had listened to the
Mistress when she spoke, you would know that allready."

Anabeth says to Serefina, " you are dressed as if you were
going to a formal occasion"

Serefina sighs softly.

Serefina says, "i'm sorry, but i liked looking this way, and
ser Radorcha picked it out for me, tis why i wore it"

Cassandra says to Serefina, "It spoils the dress by wearing it
too often"

Serefina sighs sadly.
Serefina nods.
Drusilla says softly, "Excuse me..."
Cassandra says to Serefina, "I will explain to Ser Ra'Dorcha"
Drusilla leaves through the west door.
Serefina shrugs.
Punzel suggests, "I guess the meeting is over."
Dove sighs sadly.
Punzel smiles weakly.
Anabeth gazes supportively at Punzel.
Serefina says, "and i'm far from impolite by any means"

Dove asks Punzel, "was I rude? I didn't mean to ask a repetitive
question, I really didn't"

Punzel suggests, "Mayhap those who have other questions might
send them on scrolls to Mistress Ermengarde. She seemed willing
to talk with others who were polite."

Serefina shrugs.

Punzel smiles reassuringly to Dove, "I am sure you were fine,
sera. She is just very busy, and took time out of her work to
come. I am sure she is not angry."

Punzel adds sheepishly, "At you."

Serefina mumbles, "i do suppose everyone is better off ignoring
me"

Dove bites her rosebud lip worriedly, "I hope not. Maybe I'll
write her a scroll apologizing just in case"

Punzel tells Serefina gently, "Sera, it was only that you
dismissed her advice. She is far above us in rank."

Anabeth nods agreeingly to Punzel.

Punzel smiles warmly at Dove, "That is a good idea. I am sure it
can do no harm, in any case."

Dove smiles hopefully at Punzel.
Dove stands up on the floor.

Serefina says, "i think her advice was not something we should
be worrying about, which is not her fault"

Serefina says, "but i will do the polite thing, i best get to
the seamstress"

Serefina leaves through the west door.
[Lots of people sigh or shake their heads.]

Punzel asks tiredly, "Are there other issues of courtesy before
we end the meeting?"

Jurty says ashamedly to Punzel, "Sorry if i was rude."

Punzel smiles reassuringly to Jurty, "The Mistress is just very
busy, and she had requested that we all be quiet while she talked."

Dove tells Punzel smilingly, "I found it enlightening, I'm glad
she came"

Punzel assures Jurty, "You did nothing terribly wrong, but it is
courteous to remain silent while another is speaking in a lecture."

Lontyrin says, "I know how you feel Jurty. I was exploring the
castle and intruded upon a private meeting with Sir Launfal."

Jurty nods to Punzel.
Punzel smiles reassuringly.

Punzel nods gladly to Dove, "I too am glad to have heard her
advice. I will edit my notes and post them publicly, so that
others might read them, too."

Cassandra sighs, "I hope i can get my new dress from her in
time for the wedding"

Punzel smiles, "Are there any other issues of courtesy to discuss
this week, or shall we simply adjourn until next week?"

Punzel admits, "I am feeling rather anxious to write my apology
to Mistress Ermengarde, but we might talk a bit more if there
are pressing issues."

Cassandra says, "Is there anything we should know about the
wedding/"

Cassandra says, "or the reception?"
Anabeth nods agreeingly to Cassandra.

You nod to Cassandra, "I do remember that there were some
comments regarding weddings in the formal post about etiquette,
so many months ago. I will review them, and post what I can find."

[Lots of people look grateful.]

Punzel admits, "I do not remember how much information was
included, but I will look."

Punzel asks distractedly, "Are there other issues before we
adjourn until next week?"

[Many shaking heads.]

Punzel smiles gladly, "Then let us adjourn, and meet at the same
time next week, as usual. I will edit my notes in the meantime,
and also post what I can find about etiquette for weddings."

[Lots of smiling.]

Punzel curtsies gracefully to the lecture hall, "Please excuse me.
I have a guild apology to write."

Punzel smiles ruefully.
Punzel begins to move west.



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