Event Report: Late Winter Shoot, 2004

By Lady Thorfinna gra’feldr

Here do I lay pen to the events of the voyage to Petrea Thule on the 13th day of March, A.S.XXXVIII.

The wind had a bitter bite and the sea was cold and grey when I made ready to sail east once more. The balmy temperatures of the week previous had left us, and prehaps I should 'ave taken the change as an evil omen, for there was danger aplenty awaiting me and mine at the end of our journey. But word had come from the lands of Petrea Thule that there would be a Late Winter Shoot for all those gentles who possessed some skill with the bow, and as archery had been for a me a fond memory from me childhood, I made plans to attend.

So, with me ship, the Clever Wife, loaded to the bulwarks, we set out t'wards the rising sun on that chilling morn. The weather held, as did our luck when we were dogged by the vessel what bore Their Excellencies of Septentria to the Thule. But we managed to fall in with their fleet by flying Ealdormere's colours, and docked without incident behind them.

The tiny inn was packed with archers from all across the Northern Realm, and there was many a face I recognized, both friend and foe within the throng, including our own Mr. Tibbs, and that dastardly constable what bears so striking a resemblance to 'im. I kept me head low, and made meself scarce when the Thuligan authorities were about, and managed to spend quite a while at the range. I scored me a 64 in what they called their winter round, and I was pleased enough wi' that, seein' as how the last time I'd done any serious shooting had been some fifteen or more years gone (and it weren't none to serious back then, either. Har!).

After that, we headed up to get us a bit to fill our bellies, and I discovered that through some lack of wit and forethought all our gear for feastin' had been left back at Drew's End. I was forced to make use of a scrap of paper as me plate, and me fingers as forks! Still, the dining was fine, and the price fair, so there weren't much of which I could complain, save my own foolishness.

When we had broken our fast, the range was opened up for a new shoot, one which they termed 'novelty'. I was floored to me gibbet when I saw what they was up to. It seems they've not yet fergot the last time Cap'n Bloodfox and meself sailed these here seas, and it seems also that we be wanted, men and women both, in this barony! I had me a laugh that such a fuss was made over little ol' me, har! But me grin turned sour when it became appar'nt that Bloodfox and I were t'be the targets themselves! Fortunately for yours truly, in image only, and not in me person. It seems that, to improve the skill of their archers, and their chances of apprehending us pirates, the Thuligans had set up targets four rows by four, with renderings of meself, Bloodfox, Mr. Tibbs and Mr. Andersen hidden amongst those images of more generic piratical fiends. Upon each picture was placed a gaily colored balloon. Those what pierced a balloon could then look to see who's face might be underneath it, with the ultimate goal of striking both a captain and first mate on each target, and clearing the line that they were contained within by dispatching the row of balloons!

They even went so far as to pull some folk from the crowd who bore some likeness to ourselves so that them archers might have an idea'r o' who they was shootin' at.

I kept meself well hidden in the crowd, but when it was said that first prize was to be a booty of gold coinage - well, what else could I do but compete for that gold, seeing as how we was far too outnumbered to up and steal it by force. I thought it would still be rather poetic in justice if I were to take that gold, considerin' what the contest was about! So that's what I did, by tar!

We were divided up by numbers into teams, one team per target. Team Four were my team, and though disconcerting as it was to be firing deadly arrows at a likeness of me own face, the lure of gold was stronger than pride! When the dust settled, a shaft had penetrated my breast, and Mr. Andersen's likeness was shot clear through the mouth, but more importantly, a clear line connecting the two images had been cleared by team four, and we were victorious over all! Yar! And to add to irony, the Baron himself awarded me a few extra coins, none the wiser as to who he was paying! Ah, the winds blow their own way, do they not? Har!

There was more shooting after that, but I was not one to press my luck, and so I gathered up me gear and left to spend my winnings at a local inn of great repute where all were fed to their satisfaction, and none were left wanting. All in all, a day of great adventure!

But now I feel the old sea calling once more, and so for now, I leave me pen for me sword as Cap'n Widow sails again!

Event Report: Feast of the Bear 2002

Lady Thorfinna gra’feldr

Reprinted from The TankArd #57

It was with the usual lethargic feeling that I arose to prepare for the day’s event. My lord and I were both feeling tired and drained from a lingering illness and had this day’s event been something other than the return of the once lost Feast of the Bear, we might have chosen to remain at our keep – especially considering the deluge of rain that we awoke to. But this was Feast of the Bear, hosted in the Royal Citie of Eoforwic at Casa Loma, a Septentrian tradition revived at a long sought after site. And it was the event at which my lord wished to challenge into the White Bear Fian.

So, I searched through my garb for something to wear, and considering that it was raining heavily and that I had heard the stables at Casa Loma were usually cool and somewhat draughty, I went with layers – an under tunic, over dress and Viking apron, with my wool cloak along just in case it was really cold. But first, I had to be sure I had all my fighting gear assembled, for I planned on entering the buckler tourney – my first ‘one on one’ style of tourney - and participating in the ‘White Bear Fian Action’. Of course, I didn’t have my own buckler (though admittedly, my centre boss round isn’t much bigger than a buckler) but fortunately I just happened to know that Lord and Lady Van der Eych had received one as a gift at their recent handfasting and was able to borrow theirs. I felt the smallest twinge of guilt at being the first one to use their gift, but it went away. <g>

Then, once my lord and I were both prepared, our ride arrived. We were traveling this day with Sir Evander, who had an inside man at the event and a guaranteed parking spot right next to the stables. This was an offer we didn’t want to refuse! Not only would we only have to drag our armour a short distance, but I didn’t have to drive! I have decided that I like being a passenger.

So we arrived at the stables, which looked marvelous and very castle-like for being only the stables, and then discovered that the reserved parking had actually been reserved for a lot of people. A trek across muddy grass amidst a sea of cars in the pouring rain brought back memories of Pennsic, but at last we snuck into a corner and unloaded our gear.

Because of the rain, everything naturally had to be indoors, which meant a very small and crowded room full of armour bags. My lord had decided very quickly upon arriving that he was not going to be able to fight, as the damp was inflaming his tendonitis and experience has taught him not to fight when his arms are sore. So it was just going to be me. I was nervous about fighting to start with, but now I was even more so. But I had already arranged to borrow the buckler, and I had come to the event with the intention of fighting so darn it, I wasn’t going to let myself wiggle out of it! And I am so glad that I didn’t.

I armoured up right away and added my name to the buckler tourney list. As I saw the names above mine – Sir Seigfried, Sir Ed the Red, Sir Roak, Baron Konrad, and many others of high caliber - I knew there was no hope in Eoforwic of me winning a fight. But I had come to have fun, and realizing that I didn’t have to try to win but just try my best against all these great fighters was very liberating. I suddenly felt better about fighting all these guys and decided to take something positive from the experience. I was ready. And then, oh ironies of ironies, our own Lord Wulfgang joined the tourney and naturally we ended up facing each other first. It always happens, or so I’ve been told. Wulfgang didn’t have a buckler, but I ‘arranged’ for him to borrow Sir Seigfried’s. Lucky for me or else I wouldn’t have had a chance against him.

We faced off and traded blows until we both had four hits each in what was a five counted blows tourney. It all came down to who would get the fifth blow first. In what was probably more luck than skill, I snuck the fifth blow in and thus had my first ever win in my first ever tourney. Then, during the second round, I was called to face Sir Ed the Red, and though I lost to the tall knight, I managed to score one hit against him, and several good blocks that he said he had not expected me to make, so I was very pleased with my performance.

After the buckler tourney it was time for the ‘White Bear Fian Action’ which consisted of the three members of the Fian present holding the field in a bear-pit style tourney of three counted blows. After one cycle through however, it was decided to play it out as a regular fight instead to make the line go faster. I faced all three Fiana – Sir Evander, Sir Ed the Red, and His Excellency Baron Konrad – and though I didn’t win any of the fights, I felt I did well for my first time out and was proud of my effort. I received several positive comments from friends and onlookers, especially on my shieldwork, which I have been working hard at improving. So, all in all, a good fighting experience.

While this was going on, the Royalty Regalia Auction was underway. My lord and I had our agents (in the form of Mahault and Berend) planted amongst the gentles assembled, with instructions to bid on the chess table – to a maximum of $50. We knew there was little chance that it would go that cheap, but we had to try. With the opening bid at $60, we were out before we started, and the result was that the table would return to its home with Countess Arlette where it had been residing up until now.

About this time I had kitted down and was lugging my gear back to the ‘wagon’ when I accidentally miss-stepped on my way out the back door and with a crack and a thud I found myself sprawled on the ground, bruised, bloodied and muddied. I’d missed the step when I put my foot down and had suddenly dropped six inches more than I expected to. Overbalanced by the armour bag over my shoulder, gravity inevitably won the fight and I fell, snapping one slat of the skid with the force of my knee (the bad knee, of course), leaving it skinned raw and bloody. Lord Tormod rushed to my assistance and carried my now mud-caked armour bag to the truck for me, while my lord Colyne (who would not have been able to lift the bag without injuring his arms) fretted over me to make sure I was all right and helped me to the truck. I knew there was nothing serious, no broken bones anyway, but days later the bruises began to appear on my hand, wrist, forearms, knees, side and ribs along with an ache that reminded me that I certainly wasn’t a little kid anymore – skinned knee or no.

That aside, the rest of the event passed in conversation with friends and then, during Baronial Court, Colyne, along with Streonwald, made his challenge to the White Bear Fian and spoke very well of his reasons for doing so. Once the challenge is accepted, to enter into the Fian, one must win two of three tests of martial prowess against the member of the Fian chosen. This will take place at an event in the future, decided upon by the White Bear Fian.

We were not sitting feast at this event (ironic no, not to sit feast at Feast of the Bear?) but went instead to the Golden Stone and had some good Chinese food, though it was beyond effort to get a glass of water from them! We returned to site and waited for Kingdom Court to begin… and waited… and waited… and waited still some more. Dancers entertained us until at last the procession arrived from feast and Court began. Several of Eoforwic’s inhabitants received their Award of Arms as did one of our own – the now Lord William the Younger, who is most deserving of the recognition. Lady Rosalia received a Maiden’s Heart and whipped up an impromptu dance session in the middle of Court and Their Majesties were gracious and ‘went with it’. The evening concluded with the Pelican ceremony for Nicolaa de Bracton, and many good gentles spoke well on her behalf.

Afterwards, we mingled for a short while and then made the rounds and said our good-byes. I was quite tired by this point, and was very pleased that I did not have to drive home, but could relax and leave that duty to another. And so the day ended around midnight when we arrived home once again after a grand day in Eoforwic.

Pour Be Damned (Murder Melee, 2002)

Thorfinna gra’feldr

To camp or not to camp. That was the question that many Chreaggers were pondering in the weeks before Murder Melee XIX. Our original plans to go out on the Friday for the weekend we quashed when mundane concerns (namely the purchase of our first house!) took up far more time and energy than we had. So, our three day camping trip was cut back to a five hour day-trip instead.

We arrived in the late morning, having had no trouble finding the new location. The fact that the ground appeared dry as we drove in was encouraging, as we had driven through several bouts of rain on the way to the site. But the sun was trying valiantly to shine upon us as we drove through the back fields and found a place to park. The ground was a bit uneven and I feared for my little car, but she handled it fine and all was well.

We signed in at troll and received a cool little chess knight on a string as our site token. Colyne’s string, however, was too small to fit over his enlarged cranium (read: fat head <grin>). After paying we wandered through the field, past a few merchants and some pavilions, over to the list field (and right past the 1000 litre capacity cistern that was full of fresh water without even realizing it was there). Up until this point, everything about the site seemed great and had exceeded my expectations. However, the same rolling, bumpy ground that we’d driven in on had continued through each field and the lists were no different. Being a person of weak ankles (sprained one really bad and then broke the other less than six months later one time) I was somewhat wary. However, we decided to head back to the car and armour up anyway.

I felt that calm excitement (is that an oxymoron?) that I always get as I armour up, and in no time we were schlepping our gear and ourselves back to the lists. We gathered with the other Septentrian fighters, some faces I knew, others I did not, and at last the Baron himself arrived and gave us the once over. Some last minute advice was given, and last minute tokens – since I had no bear on my war door, the Baroness taped one of Eirik’s “We want you for the Septentrian Army” posters, complete with pointing Cynred, onto my shield. Before I knew it we were heading on to the field to face our first opponents.

I honestly can’t recall which team we fought first, most of the time all I saw was the back of my war door, so it made little difference. We faced each team with the same grim determination, and left the field the same way each time – not the victors. Unfortunately, we went 0 for 10 and lost every battle. But for a bunch of people who don’t fight together regularly (and many of whom only just met that day) we worked together not too bad. The theory was there (ie. WIN) but it just didn’t quite come across in practice. Regardless, I had a marvelous time, and was very honoured to have been able to fight for my Barony. And I was pleased to note that my Cynred poster had survived every battle without so much as a tear! (Maybe a little folded here and there, but otherwise intact.)

I fought in three of the grand melee battles after the tournament until I stepped/tripped on somebody and twisted my ankle. So, after the three fights, myself, Colyne (who’d had his knee wrenched around) and Brandt (who’d been stepped on – though not by me <g>) hobbled our way off the field and made our slow way back to the cars to change.

We were planning on heading back to his Excellency Cynred’s tent in the Saxon Village, but just as we finished changing and packed all the armour away, the skies finally opened up and the rain began to fall. For a weekend that had been forecast for thunderstorms and rain, we had a solid four hours of fighting without a drop, until a few sprinkles started during the last battle. But this was heavy rain, and so we climbed into the car and waited for Eirik to make his way back to us (we’d given him a ride that day) and that ended our day at Murder Melee.

So, with the exception of the bumpy ground (which I’m sure, with time, will become flatter each year) the site was pretty cool, and had me thinking of the upcoming Pennsic War. It was great practice fighting there, and even though we didn’t get to camp or stay long, I had a great day!

Ealdormere War Practice V: From the Files of the Skirmisher (June 27-30, 2003)

By THLaird Colyne Stewart and THLady Þorfinna gráfeldr

Court Proceedings, Saturday 28, AS 38

Septentrian Court:       Some offices changed hands. Ardchreag has a new Seneschal, Laird Colyne; and Septentria has a new Minister of Arts and Sciences, Lord Magnus.; and the Barony also has a new Archery Marshall, Lord Geoffrey.

Booty was awarded to the winners of the thrown weapons competition for Baronial Champion. Congratulations to Christiaan van Pietr who placed first and to Gunnarr who was named Baronial Thrown Weapons Champion by Their Excellencies.

William the Younger presented Toby (Son of Thomas) with a golden chalice as winner of the children’s quest.

Cynred and Gaerwen lamented the tired and old regalia of Septentria they’d left to their cousins upon their investiture, and presented Melchior the Carver, who brought forth the new thrones he had crafted for Their Excellencies. (Needless to say, they swapped chairs immediately).

Four new members swore to the Iron Companions.

Kingdom Court:          Their Majesties presented four new nobles to Ealdormere: Lady Ayla,  Lord Serion,  Lord Hans Thorvaldson and Lady Alaani.

Both Graem and Gaerwen were given the Award of the Orion for their great skills in the Arts and Sciences.

Three new warriors were added to complete the ranks of the Custos Regus—Kol for Ramshaven, Iohannes for Skraeling Althing and Eoin of Rising Waters—and each was given a sash and a ‘good Norman spear’ as a symbol of their station, along with Mistress Etoian who was named Kingdom Archery Champion.

Geoffrey Guiscart was made a member of the Order of Thorbjorn’s Hammer.

Her Majesty gave her Queen’s Favour to Lord Berend, Lord Konrad and Lord Trumbrand (who arrived in Court in a manner that delighted many of the Lady’s in the gallery!)

Aeron and Eleanor were welcomed from Ansteora.

Second Annual Mead Competition

Once again the Canton of Ardchreag hosted a mead competition, the Second Annual Lord Ulrich von der See Memorial Ealdormerean Mean Championship. The blind taste testing took place in the Ardchreag encampment on Saturday after court. A crowd of mead and cider enthusiasts clustered about a table presided over by Lady Mahault van der Eych. Bottles were poured, cups were raised and the competition was on.

The mead and cider was judged by all present, those worthy gentles including (but not being limited to): Uncle Justinian, Lady Seonag nic Thomais, Lady Iolanda de Albornoz, William the Younder, Lady Naja Kesali Orekov, Lord Hereward the Far-Dweller, and Lord Berend van der Eych.

None of the tasters were told whose entrants work they were enjoying during the judging.

When all the mead and cider had been poured Lord Berend van der Ecyh was named winner for mead (for the second year) and Lord Garth III was named the winner for the cider category.

Dependents Taken

Lord Tiberius Justus Brittanicus was squired during EWP to Sir Evander MacLachlan in the Petrea Thule encampment. Tiberius' familiar yellow boots now have silver spurs, and a silver chain graces his neck. Master Allen, who was Evander’s Master-of-Arms, was on hand to witness and take part in the squiring.

At the same time, THL Anne Tinker was taken as an apprentice by Dame Helen of Greyfells. As at her own apprenticing, Helen wrote a contract with Anne, which she then tore in two. One half is in her keeping, the other in Anne's.

Repeat Champions at the Galbraith Toss: Malik and Thorfinna once again win their categories

As in year's past, House Galbraith played host to a party on the Saturday evening of War Practice. The mead flowed like rain, and food was spread out upon the groaning tables. There was singing, talking, shouting and nipple twisting galore. (The nipple twisting was started by a certain Count, and a poor fellow from Sarum ended up being the brunt of much of it. By all accounts, by the end of the party half of Ealdormere had given him a purple nurple. He would cover his chest with his hands, but the second his guard faltered a hand would shoot out of the crowd and the victim was again nurpled.)

There was again a tossing game, where a forty-pound dummy was flung by members of the population as far as they can fling it. In past years the dummy has been dressed as a Viking, or a crusader, though this year's bore a remarkable likeness to His Excellency, Baron Corwyn of Septentria. Shiekh Malik abd al-Raman won the men's category for a second straight year with a throw off over 24 feet. Likewise, Lady Thorfinna gra'feldr won her second straight year in the women's category with a throw of over 10 feet. Kyle, son of Glynnis, won the under-18 category with a throw of around 14 feet. (Please note that all numbers are close to accurate but due to mead ingestion my memory may be a tad fuzzy. The heffalumps and woozles running across the field were also distracting.) Each victor was awarded a prize. Thorfinna won a carved horn, Malik won a belt and Kyle won something I did not see.

The Galbraiths, in a change from tradition, did not hold a scavenger hunt this year. Instead they held a treasure hunt, hiding keys about the site. Only by unraveling riddles could the true keys be found. I never did see what the treasure boxes unlocked by these keys contained, but considering they were donated by the Galbraiths I'm sure they were swanky.

Games Guild Tourney Winners

Lord Michel Wolffauer of the Shire of Hartshorn-dale traveled to the Ealdormere War Practice event this weekend past. He did so to graciously host the Games Guild tents at the event. One of the many things he did was run a day of tourneys on Sunday. Points were awarded for wins and for games played. We are pleased to announce the top seven players, their prizes and the donors of the prizes:

In first place, Stephen Scrymgeour, who won fabric donated by Freya.

Second, Jennifer of Ardchreag, who won a combination backgammon/checkerboard set donated by Lady Iolanda de Albornoz.

Third, Piero di Paxiti da Vincenza, who won a knucklebone set donated by Iolanda de Albornoz.

Fourth, Beth (mundanely of Mississauga), who won a woman's shirt donated by A Step Aside.

Fifth, Thorfinna gra'feldr, who won a nine-man-morris set donated by Fettered Cock Pewters.

Sixth, Serion d’Ivri, who won a glic set donated by Iolanda de Albornoz.

And seventh, Wulfgang Donnerfaust, who won a rune set donated by Ivy Keep.

Correction

When reporting the names of the new Lords and Ladies recognized by the Crown at Kingdom Court one name was accidentally left off our list. Congratulations to Lady Corrina von Rensealer, of the Canton of Greenhithe, for receiving her Award of Arms.

It was also announced that during Septentrian Court four people swore to the Iron Companions. They were: Baroness Gaerwen of Trafford (archery), Lady Robyn O’Connor (archery and thrown weapons), Lord Yvon de Bois (armoured combat) and Lord Agustyn of Thule (archery).

Rain Can’t Dampen Singing Spirit 

A religious debate exploded on Sunday afternoon between early period and late period personas. During a terrible downpour that battered tents and made the sky turn yellow, Lord Thorulfr smithr and Lady Rosalia dei Querini quarrelled over the source of the storm. Thorulfr was convinced that Thor was showing his power by trying to flood the event site, while Rosalia asked God to forgive her pagan companion's heathen beliefs. Some folk muttered that Sir Sarnac Ba'adur had said "AElthelmarc" again. This could not be confirmed, but his squire, Herr Wulfgang Donnerfaust, had been heard mentioning that kingdom's name. Some things are genetic, and it would appear that the father has passed this peculiar gift down to his son.

Whatever the cause, there was rain. A lot of rain. To be blunt, we got soaked. However, the storm was short lived and the sandy soil quickly slurped up all the rain and puddles were scarce. A rainbow burned through the clouds, one end of it rising from the tent of thegn Cynred Broccan. When a group of us ran over and demanded his gold he told us he was a gnome, not a leprechaun.

Their Excellencies Septentria returned from off site looking very dry. Lord Brandt das Lederwerker therefore gave Her Excellency Domhnail a bear hug to share the gift of being damp. When I spread my arms and approached Baron Corwyn he stuck out his arm to hold me back, but did not see Brandt who caught him from behind.

People asked if the bardic circle would still occur, and seemed eager for it to do so. Therefore work crews were set out to gather all available shades and bring them to the Galbraith encampment, which had been vacated earlier that morning. The shades were set in a semi-circle and three fires were lit. (Luckily the wood had been stored in a trailer and was dry.) As the sun sank the bards began to sing and the circle lasted well into the morning. I know it was still going when I finally succombed to sleep at 2:30 am.

I know of at least three tokens given during the circle. The first was given to THL Eleanor Fairchild of Ansteorra (that's Texas, y'all) by Dame Tsivia bas Tamara v'Amberview. The second was given by Eleanor to THL Gwerydd verch Rhys, which consisted of three flavours of American Mountain Dew (can you say caffeine?). The third was a ring passed to Lady Thorfinna gra'feldr by Lady Emer Nic Aidan (which had originally been given to her by Lord Ivhon Thorne).

There were songs, stories and poems performed by various bards from about the known world. (We had visitors from AEthelmarc, the East, Calontir, Ansteorra and Northshield attending EWP.) However, I think my favourite moment of the night was Master Garraed Galbraith singing his song "Sons of the Dragon" which praised Calontir, Ealdormere and Northshield, all children of the Middle Kingdom. (The Principality of Northshield has recently voted to move to kingdom status and is moving through the process.) Lord Rhodri from Calontir was called on to perform many times, and Master Owen Alun pleased the crowd with renditions of "Doom and Gloom" and his Beowulf song ("He was hairy, he was scary, he was very, very tall...").

Armoured Combat Tournament Winners

Being that the event was a practice for war, there were many fighting activates during the weekend. Fencers fenced, archers arched and throwers threw.

Upon the armoured combat lists there was an unbelted practice and a barony versus non-barony melee.

There was also a Royal Tournament and a Newbies Tournament. The winner of the Royal Tournament was Sir Aaron Preslee Worgansson, while Donovan of House De Taahe was undefeated in the newbie's tourney. Thorfinn of House Blacksword came in second place in the newbie’s tournament..

Ealdormere Musters its Forces again for TRMs

Once again a military muster/review was held where the military might of the kingdom draws itself up into ranks to display themselves to their majesties. The Barony of Ramshaven, the Barony of Skraeling Althing, the Custo Regius and House De Taahe all had representatives upon the field, but most impressive of all was the Barony of Septentria. Due in large part to the inclusion of House Hrogn, House Galbraith and the Iron Companions, Septentria was a sea of scarlet upon the fighting field numbering into the dozens. Almost every free hand either carried an emblazoned shield or a banner and Septentria's argent bear was displayed proudly by her fighters. Their Majesties Edouard and Genevieve, and Her Highness Sussannah, addressed the troops and were answered by cries of Wassail. The king then called for a Wassail to Ealdormere and the trees shook with shooting.

The muster was planned and executed by Her Grace, Duchess Eanor of Amberhall.

A Pair of Newbies go to Their First Event: Lady Mayor’s Market Day, March 10, 2001

By THLaird Colyne Stewart and THL Þorfinna gráfeldr (MKA Todd and Melanie Fischer, © 2001)

Having only joined the SCA as part of the Ardchreag canton four weeks earlier, we were very excited about going to our first ever event: Eoforwic’s Lady Mayor’s Market Day (March 10, 2001). As amateur filmmakers, we had a few pieces of garb lying around, augmented by fabric bought from the Valu Village across the street and transformed into period outfits by Mel, and touched off with items donated by fellow canton members Marian of Heatherdale and Piero di Paxiti.

So, with Mel dressed as a Norse, and Todd dressed as a 14^th century Scot, we set out for the Market at 9:45 (luckily living only a short distance away from the event). We pulled into the parking lot of the Toronto French School just after ten, and made our first important discovery. Unless you feel like standing around for a while, it’s better not to arrive exactly on time. Only a few people had arrived, merchants were still setting up tables, and everyone was a blur of frenzied activity.

However, that said, as first time event attendees, we took the opportunity to scope out other peoples’ garb, look over the merchants who did have their stock out (Todd managed to grab a decent tankard for a low price) and mingle. We were congratulated on our garb by many people (including the Baroness and Princess, who told Eileen that we were ‘keepers’), and were generally welcomed with open arms.

The event, though the turnout was lower than expected, ran well, with varied activities throughout the day. The clang of heavy fighting resonated from the stage overlooking the merchant tables, where Ardchreag’s champions fought well (though a House Hrogn fighter took the day). Our own Raffe Scholemaystre asked for the privilege of fighting for Mel’s honour and, with her favour tied about his waist, fought bravely (though, as he admitted, a bit rusty). Still, he managed to score a few wins against the better fighters present. Eanor took time out to show us the ‘serving spaghetti’ move, to get us ready for the day when we too strap on armour.

The heavy fighting was followed by fencing, while those who wished to engage in less sweaty pursuits went to the Lady Mayor’s solar to play Italian parlour games, or take part in a dance workshop. The flirting contest was in full swing, and Mel gave her ribbon to a dashing Norseman named Garth.

All the while, wherever you were, you had to avoid the cute little lad in the black and yellow-checkered shirt who would infect you with the plague.

After playing multiple rounds of piggies with Siegfried, Melchior and Emma, court was called. Here, we made another newbie mistake, and sat at the rear of the room. As such we couldn’t hear half of what was said, especially since some of the children present were playing behind us. Many awards and recognitions were handed out, Raffe had to keep London Lil and her bucket of rats away from the royalty, and Elf’s excellent pair of leather bracers were shown off by the Baroness. The eastern bard, known as ‘Bob’, presented the court with a round of “The Gnome of Ealdormere”, a song that is still going about in our heads three days later.

After court (which ran for over an hour) dinner was made available at the food counter, and we discovered our third mistake. We had neglected to bring cutlery. Luckily, Ulrich had an extra set, which he loaned us, and those of the canton who had remained thus far sat together to eat with the Baron. We ate and talked while a group of drummers and a lone bassoon accompanied three dancing gentlewomen. We stayed until we were given the subtle hint that it was time to leave (people began packing away the tables) and left for home, exhausted (we had been there for eleven hours) but refreshed as well. We don’t think our first event could have gone better.