h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

*enters wearing a full length gown of goo velvet with iridescent ribbon trim, and eighteen-button gloves also in goo, topped by her Duchess-of-Munchkinstein tiara. She is wearing her magic healthstone as a brooch, and she pauses to fasten one of Marv's bracelets around her wrist before heading toward the refreshments*

*Lil is followed by Chloe, who bears a lumpy parcel wrapped in brown paper*

Isn't this fun? You all look wonderful!

*looks around to see who is present*

*tinkles quietly in the h2g2-quakes*

*hoots quietly*

*smiles*

.....strangedude notes that the food is rather fine, and people have taken a lot of trouble to dress up...and wonders if this is the full hog Knight Of The Garter knighting?

*Lil moves to the middle of the room and addresses the crowd*


When Marv volunteered to scribe yet again during the last thread, I knew I was going to have to do something special. In spite of the work load which prevented him from completing the task, Marv saw a place needing to be filled and stepped forward, because that is the nature of his character.

Marv is one of the longest-lived, continuously attending members of Hootoo and the Atelier. Some of us remember that he arrived to fill the post of Archbishop of the One True Brownie, but that he resigned this post after certain schisms in the sect. He gave up the title, fellow Salonistas, but retained all the virtues of an eithical entity.

Marv does not lead from the front but by example. He has been steadfast, always helpful, and loyal to those principles of intelligence, netiquette and continuity on which the Atelier was founded. That the atelier persists and flourishes today is due in part to Marv's strong shoulder.

And so, without further speechifying, let us get on with it. Step forward, Marv!

----------------

By the power invested in me, Asteroid Lil, Sage of Continuity, Doyenne of Netiquette, Duchess of Munchkinstein, by the collective virtual consent of the Atelier Community, I do hereby name you Sir Marv the Grate, Knight Exemplary of the Atelier. This knighthood gives not just serious props but also the right to issue backlog exemption coupons and cattle prods. You will also organise the bouncing of trolls as needed.

*standing next to Lil, Chloe hands her a red ribbon to be worn diagonally over the chest, a medallion on a golden chain to be worn around the neck, a coupon book in a pouch of mithril, and a sword of Japanese design in an ornate scabbard*

*Lil in turn gives each of these totems to Marv, with suitable intervals for him to stash them about his person*

Salonistas, I present to you Sir Marv the Grate! Three cheers for Sir Marv!

*enters from odradek's commandeered room, wearing a crisp, black suit with a black dress shirt and an attractively orange tie. between the cuffs of the pants and the suede pumas, bright orange socks can be seen*

Mmmm... shortbread biscuits...

*fails to notice any lettering or design as he is currently trying to figure out how to horde a majority away for himself, taking the time to sniff haughtily at the idea of putting ice in a drink*

Hip ...

Hip...

Hip...

Hurrah!

*golf *



*speechless*

Hurrah!


Sorry if that seemed rushed, Marv -- earthquake conditions mean fitting everything I can into one post!!

*for the second time today there is a look in David's eye which defies anyone to ask how such an action is possible with his avian physiology*

Speech!

Yes, Speech!

Cheers are hardly needed. It's an honour to live and play amongst the denizens of the Salon. In a time of polemic misanthropes, ignorant busybodies and uncouth savages this is an oasis. You, my friends, make this a place worth investing time. If I have been a leader by example, it is because those that came before me were Men and Women of worth.

I accept the bage of office and will strive to uphold the values of the Atelier.

At this time, I propose some toasts. To old friends who are no longer with us, you are missed and we wish you well. To new friends, you add to the value of the Salon by your presense. To Friend yet to come, May your contributions be as excellent as what we have today.