Our series of 5 questions for members of the Æthelmearc Order of Defense continues this week with Master Po Silvertop.

1. Of all the things you could have done in the Society, why did you choose fencing?

For me it was the other way around, the SCA didn’t lead me to fencing, fencing led me to the SCA.

I first held a fencing blade (an Olympic sabre) at a performing arts camp before I was even in my teens. I was already an avid science fiction and fantasy reader, in addition to loving Dumas, Scaramouche, and other swashbuckling novels and movies. I started sport sabre and stage combat that summer and continued them for years, adding foil and epee along the way. Years later, I encountered local SCAdian fencers while I was choreographing the Scottish Tragedy. They invited me to the local practice after they joined the theatrical production.

2.  Why do you still fence?

I still very much enjoy it. It makes my heart sing. Not just the ‘tactical chess’ aspect, but the ‘poetry in motion’ aspect, and the ‘zen mindset’ aspect.  Plus I’ve always loved the camaraderie of the community.

3. If you could go back in time and give the “new” you advice what would it be? 

Hmmm…  “Enjoy the moment” more… Overthink less.

4. What is your most memorable moment as a fencer?

Oh my…   I’ve been blessed with a staggering number of personally memorable moments both on and adjacent to the rapier field… Great bouts at practices and events, fun tourney finishes, wonderful teachers and students, unexpected court ambushes, the Pennsic tourneys… Even being the “Susan Lucci of the fencing community”… How can I narrow it down to one?

5. If you were to start all over again would you do anything different?

No, I don’t think so… Even the missteps were educational (and entertaining) – and helped me to become the SCAdian I am today.