Deep in its cave, the Great White Bear of
Septentria shifted. Outside the November skies were grey and hanging heavy with
clouds. Blinking, the Bear gave voice to a tremendous roar that reverberated
throughout its lair, echoing out into the dawn air, making the bare trees
tremble. So loud was the cry of the gargantuan beast that the very clouds
shook, and from them snow began to fall. The Great White Bear watched as snow
flakes fluttered to the earth and began to weave a carpet of pure white.
Satisfied, it rolled over and went back to sleep.
I tell you truth young one. That is why
on that morning, the morning on which we were to celebrate the twenty-fifth
anniversary of the Barony of Septentria, the land was covered by the first
heavy snow fall of AS 38. For some the snow was a hindrance, as it made the
trek to the chapel in Skeldergate difficult, if not impossible. For others it
was delightful decoration for an important day.
Were you there, young one, on that day?
On a day when legends walked again? When generations of Septentrians stood
together under one roof? When songs of old days were sung, and tales of valour
told? No? Then listen.
The gathering was held in a holy place, a
church dedicated to the Christian faith. In the chapel the thrones of our
mighty king and queen were erected, as well as those of our Princess and our
Baron and Baroness. Throughout the day musicians and dancers and poets filled
its lofty space with the sounds of singing, music and laughter. In a large hall
a list field was set, within which there was a challenge to be held, a
challenge that has not been held for many years. But I will tell more of that
later. Past the hall was a common room where the lords and ladies of House
Fenrir worked tirelessly to provide mugs of frothy ale to all who thirsted,
whilst beside them laboured the Wyrd Sisters of Ardchreag who made sure that no
one had an empty belly. Past them was another room, in which merchants plied
their wares. In this room there was also a table that groaned under the weight
of relics and artifacts from Septentria's past. Upon it sat ancient banners,
tattered tabards, bardic rings and gifted arm rings, hand made platters, horns
and cauldrons, knives and more than I can here recall. Many stopped and looked
upon these artifacts as Septentrian elders related at length upon their
importance to our lands. I must admit I spent much time at this table myself,
and spun many tales. Most of them were true.
Still there was one more room--the
kitchen--in which our Baron and Baroness, Corwyn and Domhnail Galbraith, toiled
to ensure their people would be able to eat their fill when it came time to
feast.
Many people filled the hall, from every
canton within Septentria's borders, and from our cousin baronies and shires. As
I watched proud parents with their new born babes I could see the spirits of
Aedan and Caffa and Gillian standing behind them, bright smiles upon their
faces. The blood of our forebears runs thick in our veins, young one. You must
always remember where we came from. Both Baroness Adrielle and Baroness Gaerwen
could be seen that day, benevolent smiles upon their faces. Oh young one, the
stories that could be told of them. Of a fire-breathing red-head worshipped by
foreign squires, of a ... well, perhaps I'll continue upon that vein after I
have had a few more tankards of ale. Some tales are only for ears older than
yours, young one.
Members of our fyrd, of the Iron Companions,
could be seen walking the halls. Ensuring the peace, carrying burdens, playing
at games and protecting our people. The Companions have a long history, a
history built upon the history of others who came before them. Have you heard
of the Isen Gesitha? Of the Septentrian Guard? We have been blessed to have
such as they, those who filled their ranks, to be our protectors.
Our prince, himself a Septentrian,
organized a tournament in which many participated. At times our great king, Sir
Rory Cennedi the Kid, did hold the field against all the fighters so assembled.
Our king is a mighty warrior, and he displayed his skill with the sword as he
tested the mettle of his subjects. Once His Majesty and His Highness deemed
themselves satisfied, they surrendered the list field to Their Excellencies
Septentria. Corwyn and Domhnail called to them the members of the White Bear
Fian. Do you know the Fian, young one? They are a fighting order, under no
one's rule but their own, who are dedicated to protecting Septentria and all
those who dwell within it. It is a noble and ancient order, that has had no new
members for many years. This day two gentles did challenge members of the Fian
to combat, to attempt to gain entrance to their order. One did not succeed, but
was told that he was worthy to challenge again in the future. The second,
Hlaford Streonwald Wulfesbana, he who had to battle the snow for many hours to
attend, faced Sir Evander MacLachlin, the Champion of His Majesty the king. And
in a display of martial skill and valour, Streonwald carried the day. Later in
court, surrounded by other members of the Fian--Lord Rhys ap Bledri, Baron
Konrad Matthias Jaeger, Sir Evander MacLachlin--he was officially acknowledged
as a Fiana.
After such dancing and fighting it was time
to eat! And eat we did, young one. We ate from the bounties of the sea, and
from the bounties of the land. Aye, we ate as the bears eat. The feast was
acknowledged by many to be superb, and stands as good evidence of why later
that evening both our Baron and our Baroness were recognized for their skill in
the kitchen, as well as their many other skills, by being inducted into the
Order of the Crucible by their Majesties. The final desert for feast was a
wonderful confection formed like a bee hive, complete with candy bees.
During feast the people were entertained
by many bards. By Lady Thorfinna gra'feldr, who is the Bard of Septentria. By
Garraed Galbraith, Olagh, the Kingdom Bard. By Dame Tsivia Tamara bas
v'Amberview, the Bard of Skraeling Althing, and former Septentrian of note.
Master Rufus of Stamford ,
baronial harpist, strummed melodies and sung for dancers. Lord Hydro of the
North, protégée of Master Hector of the Black Height, told many tales. I will
not reiterate the stories they told. If you would know them, ask them to tell
you. I could not do their work justice.
When feast was complete, everyone retired
to the chapel to await court. Ah, what a glorious setting in which to hold a
court, with stained glass windows and arched ceilings, and raised dais. The
king and queen sat in splendour on the dais, with a bear lolling between their
thrones. Her Highness Marion sat to one side, whilst Their Excellencies sat to
the other. Many good gentles were recognized that night young one, and I would
speak of some of them. Their Excellencies called forward Laird Colyne Stewart
and Lady Thorfinna gra'feldr and awarded them with Bear's Hearts, and they did
call Lady Wencendl inigena Jagomus of Rokesburg and gave unto her the first
ever Award of the Golden Bear. This is a baronial arts and sciences award and
was the first of its kind to be awarded. As well, Streonwald was called Fiana,
as I have already related.
Their Majesties recognized the talents
and sacrifices of many, among them being:
Sof’ia Bardeva and Rosalinde FitzWilson receiving Awards of Arms; Sage of
Eoforwic receiving an Award of the Wolf Cub; William Meriic being recognized as
an Ealdormerean citizen; Eoin O’Beirne and Darius the Dancer being granted the
Award of the Orion; Lord Gunnar Halfdan of Lund and Countess Arlette of
Ealdormere were given Awards of the Maiden’s Heart.
When court was over young one, many still
danced and sung and the halls were filled with the sounds of community and
merriment.
It was a day to be remembered, young one.
And so I have told you of it.
Remember.
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