Squiring Is A Relationship, Not A Rank

Wanting to update His Grace with my first foray into armor (and how dismal my performance was), I called him.  The ensuing conversation lasted about an hour, and as my wife can attest, I never remember much of anything after I get off the phone.  So, the thoughts I lay out here are my recollection as best I can reconstruct it; any errors are, of course, entirely my own.

Squiring is a Relationship Defined, not a Rank

Although a squire wears a red belt and chain, they are outward signs of an inward journey.  The squire has accepted a position of service in return for training, not only in the martial arts, but also in what it means to be a contributing member of the Society.  This give and take is a relationship formed around an oath of fealty - sworn to perform services for one another, the Knight and his squire enter into a very specific type of relationship.  The squire offers his services in whatever form his Knight chooses to make use of them, and in return, is provided with a level of education that would take many more years of self-discovery, if such things could be learned at all independently.

After a while, the conversation turned to the outer accoutrements worn by members of the Order of Chivalry, and by squires, and indeed other Peerage-learner relationships (proteges, apprentices).  If you're looking for information on the arts martial, asking someone wearing a white belt is a reasonable first step.  The belt, among other things, is an outward sign of the knowledge, skills, and experiences that a Knight possesses, some of which relate to the combat arts.  The red belt of the squire represents a decision made by the wearer to make themselves available to serve, not just their Knight, but the Society at large.  It's an outward sign of a mindset, of a commitment, and of a journey begun.

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