(The abbreviated version)
Who
would have thought that a Science Fiction magazine would lead to the founding
of an entire Barony?
Tired
of just reading and dreaming about such exciting things, Bob LePine (now known
as Master Aaron of the Black Mountain in the SCA) wrote to a California-based
role-playing group. They sent him literature, which included a copy of “The
Pale” which informed him of an event soon to be held in Toronto. So he
convinced some friends from his Dungeons & Dragons group as well as the
local St. John Ambulance Brigade to fashion what they considered “medieval
garb” and head off to the University of Toronto. To this day those role-playing
buddies swear that it was the spectacular sights and sounds that greeted them
in Toronto that colourful afternoon that had them hooked.
The
actual event Aaron and his merry band attended was the Coronation of Hugo and
Caitlin, 23rd King and Queen of the Midrealm, held on May 2, 1981 in the Canton
of Eoforwic in the Barony of Septentria. Soon thereafter, the Canton of Rising
Waters was formed with Aaron as its founding Seneschal. The other original
members were: Anthorea Black (Dale Wright), Rowena of Bristol (Lynda Stricker),
Peregryne (Stephen Stricker), Carl, and Valentina Althea (Judith Strader).
Their enthusiasm was so great, as the story goes, that these five gentles
strode into Hugo and Caitlin’s court in Starleaf Gate one winter’s day in 1982
and demanded that their group be made full status. Whether they stormed the
court, or politely asked for the Crown’s approval we may never know for sure,
but the Canton of Rising Waters was indeed granted full status.
From
there, the Canton quickly began to grow and thrive, adding to its numbers such
gentles as Eriu, (known then as Cassandra), Mary Campbell (Mary Ivey), Fiona
Averylle (Avril Brass), and her daughters, Dagian Alexandria Ivez de Minstead
(Dawn Ralph) and Theophania (Gayle Brass), Byron Mikhail Woodroffe (Brian
Woodrow), Wulfric of Daneland (Rick Pain), Brenna of Stavenger (Helen Pain) and
Meyer Wulfram (Terry Burnett). The first
event held in Rising Waters was Septentria’s Baronial 12th Night
which begat the Feast of Bacchus later that year. Rising Waters was considered
unusual because it began as an Arts and Sciences oriented group with one and
only one fighter for its first years. That August, Aaron and Eriu attended
their first Pennsic, Pennsic 11 and continued traveling to far distant lands
when they departed the War.
1983 The Canton
had another insurgence of new members and growth when Alyssa Blundell (Lisa
Boyd), Genevieve Chastellain (Jennifer Thompson), and Francis (Chris Peskett),
joined the SCA. Lady Valentina was the Seneschal and our numbers grew to around
15. With Francis (Varus) and Genevieve attending Brock University that year,
the Canton became involved with the university, providing us with free meeting
and practice rooms. This was also the first year we participated in the Niagara
Grape & Wine Parade in St. Catharines. The Feast of Bacchus II, autocratted
by Lady Valentina, was held at the Armouries on Napier Street in St. Catharines
on November 5th and was quite the success.
Dagian
(now Amyfelyse) became the first Chronicler. She published the First Edition on
September 25, 1983 (A.S. XVIII). The cost was 75 cents per issue. But it was
yet to be named. Several names for the newsletter were bandied around such as
“The Tinkling Brook”, “The Vinery”, “The R.W. News”, “Rising Tide(s)”, “Rising
Tidings”, and “The Cataract”. When Genevieve submitted cover artwork for the
next issue’s cover, she had drawn a waterfall being purified by a unicorn and
just for layout’s sake, in a very beginner’s calligraphy hand, the title “The
Cataract”. Dagian liked it so much, she decided then and there that the name of
the newsletter would be “The Cataract”.
The
first warranted Pursuivant was none other than Fiona Averylle. Lord Byron
Woodroffe was the first Minister of Sciences. The Minister of Arts was Lord
Wulfric of Daneland. Genevieve was the first Dance Mistress of the Canton, and
Francis (now known as Varus) quickly became a fighter and the Minister of the
Lists. From there he became the Canton’s Marshal. Plans are made for the first
inter-kingdom event between the Cantons of Rising Waters and Beau Fleuve in the
Rhydderich Hael. By the end of the year there were 28 active members of the
Canton. This is about the time when word gets around that the Baronies of
Septentria and Skraeling Althing are looking into becoming a Principality and
so the members of Rising Waters start talking about working towards becoming a
Barony. (So, the seeds were sown quite early in our history!)
1984 In January
the Canton receives notice from the Dragon Herald that its name and device were
accepted, as well as Fiona’s name and device! Lord Myr Wulfram takes over as
Seneschal. The new Lt. Archer is Thomas Arbalister (Chris Hanlon). Alyssa is
voted in as the new Exchequer. Lord Byron institutes the new position of
Charges d’Affaires. There are about 40 active members now in the Canton. New
members include Nikolas Blackmoor (Niko), Miriel LaJueler (Yvonne Plantinga),
and Isabella St. Kevern (Virginia Crook). In April at an event in Eoforwic,
Fiona received her Award of Arms! In May, the Cataract changes format from 8 ½
by 11 page to a folded booklet. Also the first Canton Picnic takes place on May
19th at Thomas’ parents’ farm on Erion Road. (This will be the
precursor to the Day in May event.) On May 27th the Canton helped
out Ben Dunfirth at their demo in the Royal Connaught Hotel where a copy of the
Magna Carta was being put on display.
There was yet another change of officers as Amyfelyse took over as
Seneschal from Meyer in July. At the Feast of Bacchus III in November, Genevieve
received her AoA from HRM Queen Fern, for her service as Canton Dance Mistress.
1985 Fiona’s
basement where everyone tended to congregate was affectionately known as “The
Elecave”. The Canton got involved in CCA Community Club Awards – collecting
cash register receipts to earn money.
In
April at the A&S Fair, Fiona accepted the office of Trillium Herald for
Ealdormere. From Her Majesty Fern’s hand, Fiona and Meyer each also received
the Order of the Purple Fret. Other
awards presented that day included Awards of Arms to Thomas, Nikolas,
Theophania, Tostig and Isabella. Lord Nikolas also went before the Crown to
present a gift of 60 AoA scrolls from the Canton. Francis (Varus) placed First
in the Pottery Competition. Fiona was also awarded with the Cauldron of
Ceridwyn from the Baron and Baroness of Septentria.
The
Niagara College demo event, Day in May, was to take place on May 4th.
Then disaster struck - two days before the event, the College decided to cancel
the hall booking! The Autocrats, Alyssa and Genevieve had less than 48 hours to
scramble together a new site for their very first event. As the fortunes would
have it, Genevieve’s cousin who was a minister at Welland Avenue United Church,
allowed the Canton to use their church hall. It was a stunning wood-trimmed
room with a surrounding balcony, which overlooked the main hall. The event was
a success and everyone had a great time. One of the highlights (or should we
say heart attacks) of the day was when the resonant tones of “Sweet Georgia
Brown” could be heard throughout the hall as Lord Byron played on the church
pipe organ! He didn’t realize the outside speakers were turned on and
apologized to the autocrats, but not for playing the Toccotta in D minor or
House of the Rising Sun. To this day, Byron has not heard the end of it!
The
Canton’s numbers were again increased by such gentles as Katrina, Galiena
Michelina, Ariadne, Reynard, Frewen and Tostig. Genevieve started the Chalice
Calligraphers Guild. In November Lord Thomas resigns as Seneschal and Lady
Theophania picks up the reigns. Genevieve takes over as Chronicler. Lady Alyssa
says farewell to the Canton in December
to move to Eoforwic.
1986 The
Canton hosts Septentrian Baronial Twelfth Night with Fiona and Byron as
autocrats. The feast tokens were ceramic chess pieces that were hand made by
Fiona and others in the Elecave. In court, Francis (Varus), Tostig and Alyssa
receive their Awards of Arms from the Crown Prince Palymar and Lord Byron
receives a most deserved Purple Fret. William Angus MacKenzie, the resident and
self-proclaimed Canton Fool, forms the “Giggling Toad’s School of Idiots”. Lord
Byron takes over as Exchequer.
That
February, Lady Mary becomes very ill. The Second Day in May on the Third is
held to celebrate the Canton’s 5th anniversary. A forge and anvil
are purchased for the Canton with donations from the members. In May at the
Society’s Twentieth Year Celebration, Fiona is initiated as protégé to Master
Charles Stewart O’Connor, who was Dragon Herald at the time. At Melee in the
Meadow, TRM Palymar and Katherine award lady Fiona the Dragon’s Heart, and
Dathi receives his Award of Arms.
At
Simple Day in the Country in Indianapolis, Lady Fiona takes on the office of
Dragon Herald for the Middle Kingdom. In order for her to be able to
accommodate all the Dragon files, her basement, the Elicave, had to be made
watertight. What ensued was a Herculean task: On the outside of the walls of
Hunter’s Moon Hall (Fiona’s house) a trench had to be dug, roughly six feet
deep and thirty feet long. The whole of the exposed wall had to be scrubbed
clean, tarred and plasticized before the trench was refilled. Inside the house
a similar expanse had to be cleared of paneling, fiberglass insulation,
detritus and several partitions has to be removed, replaced, extended and
rebuilt. This monstrosity of a job was lovingly undertaken by Lord Byron,
Hroderic, Antony and Archibald.
September again heralded the Grape & Wine Parade
and we came in 2nd Place in Miscellaneous Unit category partly due
to the 7 lovely horses plus carriage we rented from the Rose City Riding Club.
At Bacchus V on November 1st, many of our members received their
Award of Arms: Ariadne, Reynard, Anselm, Katsu, Otaka, Moria, Tarl, and
Antonius. Lord Francis changed his name to Lucius Aurellius Varus, and he and
Cailin (Tzitzakion) were married. (Not that changing his name was integral to
his wedding!)
By the
end of the year there are approximately 50 active members in the Canton with
the addition of such new faces as Miranda Skilton, Andrea Schutz (Leokadia),
the Publicovers - Eric (Ealdred), Linda, Michelle & Alan (Orin), Kevin Hall
(Kenelm) and Carl Wellenreiter.
1987 On April
1st, Genevieve takes over as Seneschal as Theophania leaves for Vest Yorvik to
pursue her studies. At the Day in May event, the Canton held its first
unofficial fencing tourney in which Lord Madog won, with Lord Niko and Thorgrim
Ulfson tieing for second place. In the rattan tourney, Lord Bear the Wallsbane
came in first, with Lord Belgar in 2nd place, and Lord Varus in third. In June, Cailin Bawn Ceara volunteers to take
the office of Chronicler. Heraldic news:
Varus’, Genevieve’s and the Canton’s names and devices are all passed at
Laurel. Her Ladyship Fiona receives a Grant of Arms from Talymar and Eislinn.
Lady Ariadne and Lady Isabella entered the Arts & Science Tourney &
Display in Eoforwic in June and both placed first in needlework and glasswork,
respectively. New members include Tinne (Peter McQuinn), Eleyna (Lidia
Tremblay) and Ermengarde (Heather Stading) Melee brings more excitement as
Genevieve authorizes as a fighter - the first lady fighter for the Canton. In
September an impromptu mini event is thrown together in four days when the
Canton gets word that the King, His Majesty Talymar will be visiting. The potluck
revel is a success! Katrina receives an Award of Arms, and Genevieve receives
the Order of the Purple Fret. We win “Best Walking Unit” in the Grape &
Wine Parade.
Unfortunately,
that Fall, a cloud of grief overshadows the our happy land as the Canton mourns
the loss of one of our oldest and dearest members, Lady Mary Campbell of
Inverary who passes away on October 24th after a brief illness. This
Lady of quiet dignity and regal bearing treated all, be they King or peasant
with a kindness, generosity and warmth that will continue to be an inspiration
to those who remember her.
1988 With her
second child on the way, Cailin (Laura) had to resign as Chronicler. Tinne
picks up the torch in March and brings a certain special flair to the
newsletter. It is decided that the Canton will definitely apply for Baronial
Status. Preparations are begun and all the information required is collated by
the Seneschal, Genevieve to be ready in time for the Curia Regis meeting in
October. The merry month of June brings the First Lady Mary Memorial Tournament
held at St. John’s Anglican Church in Thorold. The Autocrats were Varus and
Genevieve, Yasinaga (Etienne) was the Feastocrat. The event was a roaring
success that paved the way and initiated the traditions for future tourneys for
years to come. During the Baronial Court of Aiden and Kaffa, Rising Waters was
presented with the Award of the Bear’s Heart - the first time that it was ever
presented to a group.
On
November 26, 1988 the Canton’s hard work paid off and our dreams were realized!
At the Christmas Event in Afon Araf during Kingdom Court of Their Majesties
Reynard & Brynhildr, Rising Waters was granted Baronial status and Byron
& Fiona were invested as Founding Baron and Baroness. The commissioned
coronets were going to be ready in time, so Byron spent the night before the
event, knocking out makeshift coronets out of brass kick plates and fishing
lures! The original boundaries of the Barony consisted of the mundane
territorial boundaries known as the Regional Municipalities of Niagara,
Hamilton-Wentworth, Haldimand-Norfolk and parts of Halton and Brant Counties.
Bounded by the Niagara River on the East, Lake Erie to the South, and Highway
#24 in part on the West, the Barony reached as far North as its neighbours in
der Welfengau, Trinovantia Nova and Bryniau Tywynogg.
1989 The
first Rising Waters Baronial Twelfth Night is hosted by the Canton of Ben
Dunfirth in the Dundas Town Hall. The Autocrat is Lady Tabitha and the Troll is
Lord Logan of Silver Seas. During their
court, the Baron and Baroness are presented with their first regalia,
red velvet and white satin cloaks. These were made and presented on behalf of
all the populace by Lady Eleyna and Lady Tegerian. In a Regency Court, Eleyna,
Cailin, Childeric, Aurora and Baldric amongst others received their Awards of
Arms. Lord Reynard received a Purple Fret, Lady Isabella given the Order of the
Silver Oak and Lord Tynne was give the Order of the Willow. All Canton Officers
are now elevated to Baronial Officers. Lord Tarl is selected as the new
Baronial Marshal and Their Excellencies Rising Waters chose a Warlord, Duke Sir
Hasdrubal. New members to the Barony include Tina Black and Wayne Schaeffer..
The Kingdom makes a request of the Barony to undertake a major project of
producing ceremonial capes for the Crown of the Middle. Baroness Fiona
spearheaded this endeavour with the assistance of Ariadne, Gwendolynne, Eleyna,
Moria, Cailin, Lauren and others. The target date for presentation was set for
the following Pennsic for presentation to Katharine and Palymar. At this time
the Baronial Awards Committee was formed to create a set of awards for the
Baron and Baroness to bestow upon the populace. A unique demo is held on June 2nd
at St. George’s Church in St. Catharines where a selection of medieval brass
rubbing plates were on display. The Barony provided everything to create a
period atmosphere for the church members to enjoy a feast as well as the brass
rubbings. In July Lord Tynne leaves the Barony to join the Military and passes
the Cataract over to Lord Yasinaga for a short time then onto Lady
Eleyna, then finally settling with Lady Ariadne. The second annual Lady Mary
Tourney is held on June 3 and autocratted by Baron Byron and Baroness Fiona.
The rattan tourney is won by Lord Michel d’Arques and the Most Chivalrous
Fighter was Lord Tristam of Gallidor.
July
14-16 marks the first Baronial Border War with the Rhydderich Hael. The main
idea for the event was to settle a long-standing dispute between the Rhydderich
Hael and Rising Waters over Navy Island and the fishing rights in the Niagara
River. Rising Waters proves victorious this first year, so the Hael received
the Island and the fishing rights. (What?) The catch here (pardon the pun) was
that the loser got the rights because who in their right mind would want to eat
the fish out the Niagara River?!
1990 Their
Excellencies Byron and Fiona institute Baronial Taxes, to be set upon the
populace at every 12th Night. The first taxes the Baron and Baroness
set upon their citizens were for every gentle to learn how to sign their name
in calligraphy and set it upon one scroll. Genevieve headed up this project,
and most of the members signed the scrolls. Unfortunately, however, she became
ill just before it was finished, and it remains unfinished to this day.
September 22 – The Barony hosts Ealdormere’s 2nd Coronet Tourney.
1991 Baron Byron
& Baroness Fiona set Baronial Taxes at 12th Night to be a
persona history from every person. Lady Moria takes on the office of Seneschal.
Drachenfaust hosted Baronial Birthday Bash on November 23 but it was almost a
feast less event! All the food for the feast was put into Lord Gratien’s van to
be transported to the site. However, the night before the event, his van was
stolen, feast and all! Due to some quick thinking on the Feastocrat’s part, and
the generosity of others, the feast was replaced at the last minute and no one
was the wiser. Apparently the Police found the van a week later, abandoned in a
ditch. And yes, still full of the food for the feast. Hopefully those police
officers were entitled to harzard pay, or is that “hazardous goods” pay! Yuck!
1992 At 12th
Night, Their Excellencies proclaim that taxes are to be the submission of Name & Device from
everyone. Etienne (Yasinaga) is Seneschal. Catriona is Chronicler. The Barony
has approximately 200 members. The new
Baronial Champion/Warlord is determined on April 25 to be Lord Wolfgang. Some of the members living in St. Catharines
felt they needed to have a name, to give them an identity now that Rising
Waters was a Barony. Plans got underway for a new canton to be formed using
existing members, and possible names were
suggested including Hunter’s Moon and Hedgehog Hollow. That July, Lady
Moria takes over as Baronial Seneschal. At Pennsic during Midrealm Court, the
royal cloaks were presented unto the Crown and are accepted with many tears of
joy. The Barony wins “Best Marching Unit” in the Grape & Wine Parade that
September. The office of Chronicler changes hands again in October to Brianne
(Briend). The Baronial Champion/Warlord position is passed from Wolfgang to
Lord Gratien. By November, a set of Baronial Awards had been decided upon and
sent to the College of Heralds for approval.
1993 - The Barony’s numbers reached 264 members with
116 of those being paid members. Baronial meetings were held quarterly on a
rotating basis throughout the various cantons: Ben Dunfirth, Drachenfaust, Pont
Y Saeth, Dinas Gardd and Wasserstrasse. At 12th Night, Their
Excellencies set the year’s taxes to be personal heraldic banners to decorate
the halls. On April 24th of that year, Ariadne and Reynard were made
Court Barons at the Investiture of Kildare and Lella as 7th Prince
and Princess of Ealdormere. The Lady Mary Tourney was held on May 22 at St.
John’s Anglican Church in Thorold and was Autocratted by Lord Etienne de
Beauvais. His Grace, Duke Sir Eliahu,
won both the tourney and the Most Chivalrous Fighter prize.
1994 Baronial
Twelfth Night was autocratted and feastocratted by Lady Aibhilin and Lady
Rosalind. Their Excellencies set the Baronial Taxes to be a War Banner for the
Barony. Ben Dunfirth starts long range plans for their application for Baronial
Status. Dinas Gardd and Ben Dunfirth discuss plans for a joint event the next
spring for Lady Mary Tourney and possibly Principality Investiture. Lord
Randwulf donated a canvas parachute to be made into a pavilion for the Barony.
The Baronial War Banner, made by the citizens of Ben Dunfirth, was given to
Their Excellencies in the Rising Waters camp on the Thursday evening of Pennsic
War. Bacchus was held on September 24th in conjunction with the
Grape and Wine Parade. Malik was able to borrow a transport truck and trailer
so we had a float for the first time for the Parade, upon which a throne for
Her Highness, Joleicia, Princess of Ealdormere, was placed. The autocrats of
the event were Lady Briend and Lady Genevieve.
In October, at the Investiture of David and Elina, Lady Moria was made a
Court Baroness, and Baroness Fiona was given an Augmentation of Arms, which
created the first quartered device ever in the Society.
1995 Twelfth
Night - Their Excellencies Byron & Fiona announce their intent to step down
as Baron and Baroness and set their taxes to be the search for a new Baron and
Baroness. On April 29 the Lady Mary Tourney/Investiture X3 was held - Her
Majesty Queen Rebekah was in attendance as it was the Investiture of Roak &
Tarkwyn, Prince and Princess of Ealdormere. Their Excellencies Byron &
Fiona relinquished their coronets and Malik & Genevieve were invested as
new Baron and Baroness in a ceremony full of pomp, grandeur and a plethora of
regalia. The Canton of Ben Dunfirth was granted Baronial status and Tarkatai
and Thyrra were invested as the Founding Baron and Baroness. In a flash of
inspiration, the new Baron and Baroness of Rising Waters presented the new
Baron and Baroness of Ben Dunfirth with a rare and valuable piece of Rising
Waters history - the Baronial Bird in the Gilded Cage - affectionately known as
“The Duck”. This artifact became the focal point of much shtick between the two
Baronies.
In
July, the Barony took part once again in the Friendship Festival in Fort Erie.
Here is an account of the highlight of that event by one of the Barony’s
closest neighbours, Lady Biotta of Otterskeep from the Rhydderich Hael:
“My
fondest memory of Rising Waters occurred during the Friendship Festival in 1995
when Rising Waters and the Rhydderich Hael put together a medieval encampment
demo for the weekend tourists.
Genevieve
& Malik were Baron and Baroness at the time and Baroness Fiona Averylle was
in attendance with her wonderful motorized cart covered with her device. Well it so happens that on the last morning
of the event, which was a Sunday, this group of able but slightly tired SCAdian
folk from both Baronies were having a bit of breakfast and conversation around
the fire when someone mentioned that “wouldn’t it be great if we could possibly
arrange to do an event involving Fort Erie” which we were camped down the road
from. When another person jokingly
blurts out “yeah, let’s just storm the fort this morning and see what happens”
as Baroness Fiona was making her way towards us in her cart. In hearing this statement she replied “that
sounds like a lovely idea” and that we should muster up a proper contingent and
process to the fort and lay siege. So we
figured “why not” and got as many of our people together that could leave the
open camp as possible.
“Now
picture this if you will if you will; about thirty garbed SCAdians, banners
waving, piper piping, drummers drumming marching towards the front gates of
Fort Erie with Fiona leading the way in her cart. What a wonderful sight! As it happened, there was a crowd of tourists
including OPP officers waiting outside the fort for it was just before opening
time when we decided to do this. Well,
all the onlookers including the OPP thought our procession was part of the
festival activities and just watched on.
When we
reached the gates we loudly cried out “Open the Gates!” When our cries went unheeded, two brave
SCAdians dressed in traditional highland kilts actually climbed over the walls
on either side of the front gates and waved a banner from each Barony from the
top of the wall proclaiming the fort had been seized to the delight and
applause of the crowd, that had gotten even larger then when we first started.
When
the soldiers inside heard the noise they opened the gates and we pelted them
with grapes from two small wooden catapults we had brought just to make it
official. They were not amused, but we
had a great time doing it and no one got into trouble. In fact, a festival committee representative
suggested we do it the following year as part of the actual festival, but the
fort would not hear of it. To this day, the Barony of Rising Waters and the
Barony of the Rhydderich Hael have a treaty stating joint ownership of the
fort.”
1996 Twelfth
Night - Taxes are set by Their Excellencies Malik and Genevieve as encampment
wall sections from each canton. Jun 1 – Lucius Aurellius Varus wins the Lady
Mary Tournament.
1997 Twelfth
Night - Their Excellencies proclaim that taxes are as letters of recommendation
to the Crown for deserving gentles worthy of recognition.
1998 At Twelfth Night, Their Excellencies set the
Baronial Taxes to be submissions to the Cataract. April 4th - First
Crown Tourney of Ealdormere. Baron Malik makes it to the finals but is
honourably and chivalrously bested by Sir David who wins the first crown of
Ealdormere for Elina. At the Lady Mary Tourney - Malik and Genevieve announce they are expecting their first baby
to the joyous applause of the crowd. That November, their daughter, Jessica is
born, just one of the Twelve born in Ealdormere in 1998!
1999 At 12th
Night, Baronial Taxes were announced that each member must produce a decorative
banner. BMARC was founded at Brock U.
2000 Lord
Randwulf is Seneschal. There are about 120 active gentles in the Barony. At
Baronial 12th Night, Lord Tancred asked for Lady Rosalinda’s hand in
marriage! Baronial Taxes are for each gentle to write a letter of
recommendation. Lady Mary Tourney is
held on May 27th at St. John’s Anglican Church in Thorold,
autocratted by Lady Catriona. - Malik
& Genevieve announce that after five years of leading the Barony it is
their intention to step down as Baron and Baroness. They set new taxes upon the
populace to search for a new Baron and Baroness.
That
winter the Barony orders a 15x21' rectangular pavilion which is delivered at
Pennsic. Ealdormere’s Crown Tourney is hosted by the Barony on October 14th
autocratted by Lord Randwulf and Baroness Genevieve. October 28th -
Desiree & Jarvin’s Wedding - the Barony caters the feast.
On
November 11 at Baronial Birthday Bash, after a long court of awards, thank yous
and good byes, Baron Malik & Baroness Genevieve step down and Tancred &
Rosalinda are invested as new Baron and Baroness of Rising Waters. Their
Majesties Berus and Marion preside over the ceremony as the Barony applauds and
showers them with gifts. The event is a joyous one, charged with high emotions
and poignant moments.
A mere
week later, on Saturday November 18, the Barony is struck with grief by the
news that Baroness Fiona Averylle O’Connor of Maidenhead had passed away at
8:00 that morning. As per her request, a Memorial Wake was held for her on
November 26th at the Queen Elizabeth Community Centre where several
hundred people came to celebrate the amazing adventure that was Fiona’s life.
It seemed to many of us that the end of Fiona’s life marked
the end of an Era. Having been a part of Rising Waters almost since its
inception in 1981, it was hard to imagine a Rising Waters without her. Like the
Lady herself, it was a time of classical ideals, high hopes, hard work and golden dreams. Perhaps though, it was
fitting that she would leave us at that point, almost like setting the Barony
free to be lead by the new blood into the next millennium.
Herein ends this accounting of the history of the
Barony of Rising Waters thus far.....
Watch for forthcoming installments as the Barony
enters the next Millennium.
Credits
Many thanks to those who helped with this endeavour by
contributing facts, stories or anecdotes:
Master Aaron of the Black Mountain
Baron Byron Mikhail Woodruffe
Baron Malik abd al-Rahman
Lady Briend de Shanacashel
Mistress Aibhilin fra Skye
Lady Ruadh of the Enchanted Forest
Lady Biotta of Otterskeep
and all the back
issues of The Cataract.
Composed and compiled by Maitresse Baronne Genevieve
Chastellain d’Anjou (aka Jennifer
Johnson) for the Barony of Rising Waters, March 1, 2003, A.S. XXXVII.
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