A Day in the Woods (Beaver Troup Demo, May 4, 2002)

By THLaird Colyne Stewart

Ardchreag had been invited to put on a demonstration of our chivalric fighters by the leaders of a young girl’s association within the borders of Greenhithe. Ardchreag, with Greenhithe’s blessing and assistance, set out on a sunny Saturn Day morn. In attendance were Mahault van der Eych, Berend van der Eych, Teah van der Eych, Thorfinna gra’feldr, myself, Brandt das Lederwerker, Ivanna the Oblivious, Ivanna’s son Joe, Eirik Andersen, Iolanda de Albornoz, William the Younger, Alex (a friend of William) and Aldred and Wulfwyn from Greenhithe. Mahault, Berend, Thorfinna, Colyne and Brandt suited up and sparred for over an hour in the woods of Camp Samac (not Camp Sarnac, as I was calling it) while we awaited the Beavers. The Beavers, who were partaking in a Medieval themed weekend long camping trip, were on a quest, walking through the woods in search of a treasure chest. Ahead of them suddenly they could hear the sounds of combat. A score of excited youngsters ran out of the wood to see Ardchreag’s fighters in action. Brandt sat them down in a row and explained about our armour and how our mode of combat was run. Eirik then began to herald the battles. The Beavers would call out who they wanted to battle (“Red and Black!” “Green and White!”) and then cheer their chosen champions on to victory! The unarmoured SCAdians were also called on to battle with boffers. As a finale, Berend and Mahault faced off against Thorfinna and I, with Brandt prepared to come in to replace the first fighter to fall. Happily, this chronicler can report that he and his Lady emerged victorious, though it was a hard earned win. Wassail to all Ardchreag’s fighters!

The Beavers then invited us back to their cabin. As the fighters removed their armour, Eirik, Aldred and Wulfwyn taught the Beavers the SCA Maltese Bransle. Eirik and Alex then set up a boffer field for the kids. Songs were sung, armour bits were tried on, the Holy Grail was uncovered, and there was much merriment.