The SCA is an authentic, non-profit, historical research society. Sounds pretty boring and stuffy, doesn't it? But those who are members, and nearly everyone who has ever witnessed an event sponsored by the members of the SCA, would most definitely agree that, "If this is studying history, I like it!" Members of the SCA may be found around the world, even onboard some Navy ships. As part of the background of the tale regarding Lady Kiri, I'll tell you about some of the activities that the members engage in and practice.

One of the first things that SCA members do after joining is to choose a name they will use for themselves. A friend of mine who is a veterinarian had a pair of ferrets and started calling me Kiri, the name of her female ferret. Liking the name, I began using it to introduce myself to other SCA members. However, since everything pertaining to the SCA is kept as authentic as possible, I needed to research the name before I could submit it as my registered SCA name. In fact, the name I wanted to use was "Kyrie Ellyson" meaning "Lord have mercy"; those who know my history, understand the reason behind my desire for this name. However, when it was submitted my request came back denied because "it was too religious"... hmmm... and here I'd thought the people of the early times were quite religious in their use of names. Oh well, on with the search. I finally settled on and had approved for use, the name of Kirien Ellison De Saint Clare. Fancy, no? The name of Kirien was a feminine version of the name of Kiri, which was the name of a 12th century celtic king. Ellison, well, what can I say except to state that my personna's father had wished for a son, and his name was Ellis. The "De Saint Clare" means "from the town of Saint Clare", which was in existence during the 12th century.

Now I had a registered SCA name. The next step is to build a historical background for myself. My dad was Scottish, and the Scots are known for being a wee bit rebellious at times. I chose to have my personna also be a Scot... after all, the Romans had built Hadrian's Wall to keep the "crazy Scots" out of what they considered to be the "civilized world". Ye see, lads and lasses, yon Scots enjoyed a wee bit o' sport called "raid thy neighbor's cattle", and whatever else ye find along the way. Imagine a horde of naked men charging your troops with the pipes skirlling! T'was all in fun, of course! NOT!

Lady Kiri's father and mother lived in Scotland, near the town of Saint Clare, during the 12th century. They were not overly wealthy but, since everyone in the SCA is considered to be a "lady" or a "gentleman", they were also not paupers. They held some small portions of land and as was the practice then, they sent their own children to be fostered by relatives in exchange for them fostering other children. During her journey to be fostered by a sister of her dear mother and her husband, they were set upon by heathens from another clan. Her father's stalwart men promptly dispatched them, and they continued on their way without further incident.

Kiri was raised with love and careful thought toward forming her into a proper lady of the manor, the better to marry her off at the proper time. She learned all the skills needed to run a large household including, needlework, music, ordering supplies as needed and with frugality, equestrian arts, and archery.

Kiri's next project was to produce costumes, or "garb" as they're called by the SCA members, to wear to events. Patterns for 12th century celtic clothing are rather difficult to come by from Simplicity, Vogue, or other makers of patterns, in case you hadn't noticed. With the use of pictures, study of books, taking measurements, and the purchase of material that might have been found in those times, she came up with several costumes for various types of activities. For example a fancy full-length dress for feasts and formal wear, along with a flowing cape to keep the chill out. She also had several less formal tunic dresses with over-tunics for shooting archery and equestrian events, topped by her "plaid", and soft boots to protect her legs. In her travels she acquired some nice jewelry to finish off the "look".