By Magistra Nicolaa de
Bracton
After a year’s hiatus, Eoforwic again
hosted Feast of the Bear, this time in a new site, St. Simon’s church on Bloor St. in Toronto . While nothing can replace the ambience of
Casa Loma, in many ways this new site comes close, while providing amenities
(such as heat, a collocated kitchen, sufficient electricity, and indoor
washrooms) that the old Stables site lacked.
The main hall featured a soaring vaulted ceiling and a large, simple
stained glass window, while the outdoor fighting area benefited from the
church’s gothic-style architecture. There was also ample room for a variety of
activities.
After a short morning court, THLord
Wat of Sarum sat his vigil for the Order of the Chivalry in the upstairs choir
loft, beautifully decorated by his friends.
An ample spread of food greeted his guests.
The large turnout of fighters (both
armoured and rapier combatants) enjoyed several tourneys throughout the
day. The armoured combatants took part
in a plunder tourney, where bouts were decided over various items of
plunder. A speed tourney also took
place. Later in the day, Baron Percival (in armour) and Baroness
Christiana witnessed the successful White Bear Fian challenge of Lord
Rattanicus. Meanwhile rapier combatants amused themselves with a tourney in
which they were both required to hang on to the ends of a rope while fighting.
Inside, Lord Gunnar treated attendees
to a fabulous lunch table spread, with all proceeds benefiting the Eoforwic
winter fight site. Also benefiting the
payment of rent on the fight site was a raffle organized by Lord Gunther
Wahlstadt featuring a number of desirable items, including a hand-made knife
and an armour grab bag.
A&S classes were organized by
Viscountess Morgon. Lady Helena taught
knitting, THL Asa taught Lindesfarne-style illumination and Lady Lyda taught
Runes. In the main hall, Lord Darius and Lady Lynette taught a large group a
number of dances. The children were not
forgotten, with activities organized by Lady Eithne.
Court was held before feast. TRM Etain and Valfreya gave leave to Baron
Percival and Baroness Christiana to hold their court. THL Berend van der Eych was called forward to
receive his Crucible scroll, given in absentia during the previous reign. They
recognized Lady Sara of Swordcliffe with a Bear’s Claw for her baking and
cheesemaking at Pennsic, and then witnessed the transfer of the office of Mayor
of the Royal City of Eoforwic from Lady Joscelyne to Lord Grom. Magistra Nicolaa and the citizens then
completed payment of Eoforwic’s baronial taxes by presenting the completed
embroidered arms of Eoforwic.
After
conducting some brief business that saw Bleddyn of Eoforwic receive his Award
of Arms and Lady Alof of Eoforwic recognized with an Orion for her Norse
clothing, Their Majesties then turned to the main business of the day,
the elevation of THL Wat of Sarum to the Order of the
Chivalry. Having released his squire
from fealty in the morning ceremony, Count Sir Cennedi opened the
ceremony. Baron Corwyn spoke for Wat as
a Laurel, Baroness Adrielle as a Pelican, and Duke Aaron and Duchess Rustique
as Royal Peers. The new knight was clad in a new shirt of mail before his lady
Oksana girded him with two belts. Both spurs and a sword were also presented
before His Majesty dubbed the new knight, who then chose to receive the buffet
as a slap to the face (which resounded across the hall). Sir Wat was then presented with his scroll - a stained glass window made by Lady Tarian -
before being greeted by his Order and the cheering populace.
The
evening’s activities were topped by the feast prepared by Lord Ludwig. The food was plentiful and tasty, inducing
what one of the Royals termed a “food coma.” A particular highlight was the
carving of the perfectly-done beef roasts by THL Naga, who first artfully tied
back his sleeves before slicing two huge roasts into portions for every table,
which were then served by Lord Mayor Grom. The lemon sorbet was another
particular favourite. He and his staff
were recognized with a standing ovation from the Royals and all present.
Eoforwic
received a great deal of praise on the beauty of this new site. Mark your calendars - the next Feast of the
Bear will take place May 2, 2009 (with an Icelandic Althing taking place in the
fall of 2009.)
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