 Summer’s End
This is always a nice, relaxing event to enjoy the beautiful weather and some martial activities outside after unpacking from Pennsic. Katja very much enjoyed cheering on Vettius in the Seven Pearls Thrown Weapons Tournament with its typically… inventive… targets. (See the cool photo of him with a leprechaun!)
In Court, Jared was recognized by the Barony of the Rhydderich Hael for his prowess in thrown weapons (with Baron Caleb claiming him since he was born in the Hael...). Jared's father, Athos, was congratulated for attaining the rank of Huntsman in thrown weapons, then inducted into the order of the Keystone for his years of service to the barony and kingdom. Decimus was awarded a Golden Alce with arms for his prowess in rattan and service as Baronial Rattan Champion.
Finally, Meadhbh sang the song she wrote for Khalek & Branwyn, with which she won the 7 Pearls Bardic Tournament at Pennsic…, after which they surprised her with an Award of Arms. The look of joy on her face when the audience exploded into applause was only surmounted by the shock when she realized she was receiving an AoA. Priceless, as the phrase goes!
Fall Coronation
First of all, we were completely thrilled to witness Katrina being inducted into the Order of the Millrind. Bob Reaf, Your Ladyship!
It was bittersweet to see Khalek & Branwyn step down – they made a marvelous effort throughout their reign to “take the roads less travelled” to all areas of Æthelmearc, as well as acknowledge lesser-known activities – but we wish them a well-deserved rest! Vivant, Count Khalek and Countess Branwyn!
Vivant to all those Thescorreans who worked multiple jobs in the past year supporting the reign, and thus were recognized with Sigils: Saleem, Sadira, Nezhah, Peter, Sigvaldi, Peregrine, Caradawc, Collette, Fridrikr, Orianna, Ingridr, Myklos, Alessandra (Yasmina), Aine, Thomas, Bryn, and Olivia.
After we swore fealty to Their Majesties Christopher and Morgen, Eric joined the members of RavenSong and the Debatable Lands Choir to perform after Court; vivant to Caradawc, Eilionora, Collette, Yasmina, Orianna, and Fridrikr for their ever-lovely singing.
Special thanks to Bronwyn, who stepped in as herald to announce us in Court for us to give our fealty oath, when Fridrikr was needed elsewhere. This was her first heralding experience. Vivat!
It was exhausting -- as always -- but great fun -- also as always -- to cook another feast. We had a great time in the kitchen all day with Katrina and Eilionora, as well as Branwyn and Talia, who joined us after Morning Court, and Sabrina, Olivia, and Padraig popped in as well. Caradawc was a lifesaver -- he made breakfast both mornings for the staff (as I am NOT a morning person) and was instrumental in aiding me pack up the leftovers and sort through the shire's, the site's, the barony's, and my personal equipment at the end of a very long day. Marguerite, the extremely supportive autocrat, helped a great deal in figuring out what equipment belonged to what group, and finished cleanup on Sunday morning.
Eric and I are deeply grateful to the wonderful Shire of Heronter for providing great equipment and taking over cleanup when we were all fried, and we thoroughly enjoyed cooking yet another meal-that-didn't-suck with friends in a really great site.
But most importantly, we are very honored and proud to work with the amazing Cauldron Bleu cooks of Thescorre. You all completely rock! Bob Raef!
Death… and new life
Just days after the excitement of cooking a feast, we learned about the awful news of Duke Sir Morguhn’s fatal accident. Like many, we were shocked, stunned, horrified, numb. This man was an icon, an inspiration, a friend.
We spent the Monday night after the announcement at the Recreation Center, hugging Thescorreans and sharing stories of how he touched us – the last time someone got a bear hug, the first time someone beat him in a fighting or fencing practice, the time he gave that person an award in court or washed dishes in one of our kitchens.
That weekend, many of us drove out to Utica and paid our respects to Rowan and Meirwen. I truly do mean MANY. It seemed like the entire kingdom was there… several kingdoms, in fact. Visitors spilled out of the funeral home, across the lawn, down the street to the pizzeria, the bar, and the Masonic Temple. (Several gentles estimated that we doubled West Winfield’s population that afternoon.)
Nearly all of the current and former landed barons & baronesses of Thescorre and Delftwood were there, as well as quite a number of former royalty. We saw faces not only from throughout Æthelmearc but also ones from the East, Ealdormeare, and even Atlantia. We saw gentles who had moved away from Æthelmearc – Aine, Hamish, Svan – and some faces we had not seen in years – Yoshina, White Feather. We hugged, we swapped stories, we offered help and solace to Their Graces, we cried when Haakon sang Born on the Listfield.
We were all hurt. We’re healing.
In the midst of that week of numbing confusion and loss, we learned some beautifully happy and positive news: Caidin will have a sibling come May…
Not only are we very happy for Caradawc & Collette, we thank them for the sweet reminder that the circle of life turns ever on.
Romanov art exhibit
Since Eric’s mom was in town this weekend, we spent time with her rather than go to Harvest Raids. Based on a glowing recommendation from Bryn and Honnoria, we opted to see the Russian icons at the Memorial Art Gallery. (See exhibit description at http://mag.rochester.edu/exhibitions/index.html#Icons.) We marveled at the beautiful gold leaf work and tiny brush detail on the icons, as well as the enameling, jewel work, and tooled silver & gold framing. Most of the icons are from the 17th to 19th Centuries, but several of them date back to 1550 or the 1600s. There’s even a large St. George and the Dragon that may be as old as 1300s!
Seeking nominations for baronial orders
We will be polling our baronial orders soon in preparation for College of Three Ravens. Thus, we are seeking nominations for the Black Talon, Broach, and Raven’s Feather. Please share your recommendations with us, as we hope to begin polling soon so there is plenty of time for the scribes to make scrolls.
Eric & Katja |
