How I Came to Spend A Day in the Country (A Day in the Country 2002)

Lady Naja Kesali

I was invited, one day, to come spend some time with my friends from Greenhithe. The Hounourable Lady Aurelia Gabraina and her Lord husband Graem de Liste de Cherbourg had invited many friends to their home in the country for a relaxing day of friendly competition. I had offered to entertain the children that day and was honoured to make the acquaintance of but three. So I found myself wandering the grounds with not much to do.

I spent some time within the food pavilion speaking with the hard-working Lady Wulfwyn of Greenhithe and Aurelia's lady mother (forgive me, I know not your name) and I watched Lord Aldred at work, maintaining the pig which was roasting on a spit for the grand supper planned while he prepared the rest of the meal. I wandered over to a thrown weapons range where a Lord gentle was testing his newly bought throwing axes. (It seemed that a goodly merchant or two had also dropped by, having seen the gathering.)

I wandered further and found the fighters of the gathering competing with one another and just up from the list field a pair of fencers were battling with grace and style. I wondered at the variety of contests that took place that day and was directed to the archery range, just beyond a pavilion full of the works and studies of many talented artisans and scholars. I stopped to admire the many works displayed, which included a hand-stitched Viking dress, a hand-carved wooden chess set of remarkable detail, a helm of some beauty, and some very impressive chain mail. It was there I learned of the day's theme.

It was all based on a sharing of skills and talents within a team. The teams consisted of fighters, fencers, archers, artisans, and those with all manner of skills. Each team consisted of five members, each competing in a single category (categories consisting of Arts, Sciences, and any three of the following: Heavy Combat, Fencing, Archery, and Thrown Weapons. The competitors would be awarded points for their accomplishments and the team with the most points would win some rather lovely prizes crafted by the fine people of Greenhithe. The prizes (which numbered five, to be distributed within the winning team) were: a hand embroidered circular cloak (made by Aurelia and Wyn), hand made ceramic feast gear (Aurelia's own work), a rimmed drinking horn (a joint effort between Lord Graem, Lord Serion d’Ivri and Lady Corrina Rensealer, a hand made wooden chest (skilled Graem's efforts) and a tooled leather pouch (Aldred's work and contribution). The participating teams were named "The Royale Citie of Eoforwic", "Petrea Thule 1", "Petrea Thule 2", and "The Team Without a Name".

The day was, by most standards, a leisurely one and the guests all had a great time. It was a casual day as there were no visiting royalty, and, while we missed their presence, we had fun in our own, more homely way. Supper was announced—the pig we had all admired on the spit was ready with much more besides. The meal was a great success! During our meal the winning team of the day's competition was announced and they went off to split their booty.

A short bardic circle followed the meal, mostly lead by Lord Justinian Clarus. Duke Sir Roak shared a tale of a great Rozakii bonfire that took place at Pennsic one year. I had the honour of singing with young Miss Elizabeth and she also danced for us.the night ended earlier than some gatherings might, it was only because these were country folk after all, with work awaiting the early morning. All in all, my day in the country was an enjoyable, and educational day. I do believe that if I'm fortunate enough to be invited again, I shall be delighted to accept! 

A Day in the Country (Sep 9, 2006)

By THLaird Colyne Stewart

A summons had arrived at our manor, carried by a messenger sent by my lord knight, Sir Evander MacLachlan. He demanded my presence in the Canton of Greenhithe, upon the celebration of a Day in the Country. And so, though the sky was overcast and rain fell from the heavens, my lady Þorfinna, my brother Snæbjörn and I set off on a loaded wagon into the wetness of the east.

We were among the first to arrive, though archers and throwers were already setting up their ranges in the rain. We found a spot to park our wagon, and erected four shades we had brought to protect us and our friends from the weather. We were soon joined by many friends from Bastille du Lac, Petrea Thule and Ramshaven who had braved the weather. We soon had a long stretch of shades and a change tent set up across from the list field. A sea of chairs, chests, armour bags, tables and benches spread out under the shades, and a pleasant morning was passed in conversation and camaraderie.

Around the noon hour the sun broke the clouds, and the majority of the afternoon was sunny and warm. The day’s activities then began in earnest. As the rain had made my wrists too sore for me to don my armour I instead helped marshal, inspecting fighters and assisting in the authorization of Bastille’s newest fighter. To one side a youth combat list had been erected, and under the watchful eye of Sir Siegfried Brandbeorn Ealdormere’s youth did battle with courtesy and honour. A young lad named Cameron authorized that day.

When the pick ups and the authorizations were complete, Sir Evander called on all those present to bear witness as his house was to grow again. My squire-brother Tiberius of Warwickshire, his lady Anne Tinker, my lady, and myself were called to stand with Evander and THL Melusine de la Rose as Lord Cameron MacGregor took a knee before them. (Two of my squire-brothers could not attend: Varenko, as he was in the East, and Brandt, as he was on a quest and unreachable.) With emotion clearly writ on his face, Cameron clasped Evander’s sword and swore fealty to him as his knight. Cameron was then presented with a belt, a chain and spurs. Tiberius gifted a pair of pouches for Cameron and his lady, as a welcome to the House MacLachlan.

When this was done Evander asked his three squires to stand before him, and told the crowd how he had been asked to choose a badge by his dependants so we could show our allegiance on the battlefield. And so he presented us with red houppelandes with black sleeves, bearing on their front the white castle from his device, and on the one shoulder the trillium of Ealdormere. When asked if we approved of this livery we remarked that we did, and that we were happy he had chosen the castle from his device as his badge, instead of the unicorn.

Evander then asked the crowd’s indulgence as he had one more piece of business to attend to. He called before him Ellie of Bastille du Lac, youth combat fighter, and youngest daughter of Kel and Helena of Bastille du Lac. Ellie had long wanted to serve Evander as his page, and today he asked her if this was still her wish. She said it was and he welcomed her into his house, presenting her with a houppelande to match ours. Tiberius also gave her a pouch.

Tiberius, Cameron, Evander, Ellie and I changed into our new livery as the fighting began in earnest. It was an interesting sight to behold my family wearing matching colours, and it brought great pride to me as I saw Evander win all the fighting tournaments (with Tiberius coming in second in most, if not all, of them).

However, the most pride I felt was in watching my brother Snæbjörn, who fought like a demon that day. In a burning house scenario he defended the centre against three opponents before being felled, managing to one shot my squire-brother Tiberius as well as Sir Konrad Mattias Jaegger. In another scenario, where all the fighters were placed in a centre square he was the last fighter to hold said square, until he had to leave it to face Evander in the outer square. Later, when challenges were being fought over a barrier, Snæbjörn was part of a team of four facing another team of four. Very quickly he found himself standing alone as his comrades were defeated, still facing four foes. Fighting well, and managing some impressive blocks, he managed to survive long enough to kill one of his foes.

I am, most assuredly, proud of his progress as a fighter.

While I was marshalling and watching the fighting, Þorfinna and Lady Mahault van der Eych went down to the gate where they and several others were able to paint some ceramic pieces under the watchful eye of THL Aurelia Gabriana.

During a lull in the fighting, Sir Konrad led Lord Ludwig von Eisengrim from the kitchen (where he was preparing feast) to the lists, and before all assembled took him as his man-at-arms, presenting him with a gorgeous belt.

As per usual at Day in the Country, an all around tournament was held, where teams had to have a fighter, a youth fighter, a thrower, an archer and an artisan. (Usually there are also fencers on the team, but no fencers showed up this year.) There were three teams total who partook, and Þorfinna won the thrown weapons division for her team (though her team ended up coming in third over all).

It was around the dinner hour when we departed. My back (which I had thrown out a few days before) was seizing up, and a chill wind was blowing in, so there was no way I could stay for an outdoor feast. Unfortunately, a lot of other folk were also not staying for feast for one reason or another, and so, to support our sister-canton, many of us went to the gate and paid for feast spots even though we could not stay. A benefit to this for us was that we now got to take home feast tokens, which were drinking cups painted in period designs, in either late or early period models.

It was, all told, a glorious day, and I truly feel sorry for those who were frightened away by the weather.

I Coulda Used Some Apple Sauce, When I Had Brand for Dinner (A Day in the Country II, Sep 7, 2002) (TankArd version)

By THLaird Colyne Stewart

On a pleasant sunny day, Thorfinna and I drove from our new keep in Greenhithe territory to the Disputed Border where the Ealdormerean army had so recently met before marching south to War. There the members of Greenhithe were having a feast to celebrate the completion of the harvest and to celebrate life before the cold snows come.

We set up our shade where two months earlier we had camped and were soon joined by others from the Cliffs: Eirik Andersen, Berend, Mahault, Rhiannon and Teah van der Eych, Brandy das Lederwerker, Raffe Scholemaystre, Fursto de Robnye, Ivanna the Oblivious, Siegfried Brandbeorn, Qadanchin Bayar and newcomer Louis Reyes. To our left was the fencing field, to our right Vest Yorvik. In front of us was laid out the List field, and across from it was the Eoforwic contingent. Our glorious Baroness this day sat with Vest Yorvik and it was in their presence that a small Baronial Court was later held.

The fighters that day numbered six, being Brandt, Lady Isotta, Lady Dwynen, Lord Aldred Ravenshagh, Lord Tormod of Kirk Andreas and Berend. They were split into two teams, and were moved on a playing board by Gaerwen and Mistress Kaellyn. When two pieces met they had to battle, the loosing piece removing itself from the board. Many games of this were played until the Baronesses considered themselves satisfied. At the end of the day Brandt was given a drinking horn as fighter of the day, and Tormod had authorized in great sword.

A call had gone forth that this day would see a fencing tournament to decide the Fencing Champion for Septentria. Four good gentles met on the field and fought long and hard. Lord Gareth of Eoforwic, that Royal City’s Sheriff, did win the tourney, though the winner of Septentrian Championship Tournies are not always those selected to actually be the Champion. When court was called all four fencers were called forth and Gaerwen delayed the announcement of her choice while the fencers fidgeted and bobbed on their feet and pleaded with her to name her choice. Finally, Gaerwen announced that Gareth, winner of the tourney, would indeed be the Champion. He was given a gorgeous cape of office to wear to proclaim his station. Wassail!

Thrown weapons were also in evidence that day thanks to Lord Gunnar Truthsinger of Skeldergate. When it was time to eat, and for court, it was very hard to pull the thrown weapon enthusiast away, especially Gunnar and Thorfinna.

Those who did not fight, fence or throw spent the afternoon in pleasant conversation, sharing drinks and wandering from one shade to another. A haggling contest, an Arts and Sciences table and merchants also helped pass the time.

Many personal baronial tokens were awarded during court. At courts end, Serion d’Ivri was sworn as the newest member of the Isengesitha.

Master Hector arrived at a fortuitous time, just as the call went out that it was time to eat! The main coarse was a pig roasted on a spit, which had been turned all day by various attendees and event staff. In honour of our friends in Ben Dunfirth the boar was called Brand, though I cannot seem to recall just who made that suggestion. With the pork there was stuffing, roast potatoes and corn on the cob. It was truly a grand feast with none going away hungry. Lemon water was served to drink and for dessert pears in a raisin-rhubarb sauce was served to many cries of joy.

When the foodstuffs had been cleared away Eirik lit a fire (this time not lighting himself in the process) and those good gentles who still remained sat down for one of the most intimate and enjoyable bardic circles I have yet been to. As Ursine Bard I opened the circle with my poem ‘Septentria at War’, for which Isotta presented me with a ring that had been given to her by THL Aeneas Oakhammer in recognition of her own bardic talents. This ring is now in my trust until such time as I see another whose talents inspire me. Other performers included Master Hector (of course), Thorfinna, Brian Goodheart, Isotta, William the Younger, Ivanna the Oblivious and Gunnar Truthsinger. Even Raffe got up and told a tale. Brian engaged us in one bardic art that is not oft performed in the SCA: that of the riddle.

During the circle we were treated to a true display of nature’s beauty as the northern lights blazed across the night sky. It was a remarkable event and I could not help but think that the spirits were looking down on us in approval of all the words of praise that flowed from the bards that night. Words of praise for Septentria, and for those that call it home.

I Coulda Used Some Apple Sauce, When I Had Brand for Dinner

Event Report: A Day in the Country II (Ursus version)

Colyne Stewart, Sep AS XXXVII

On a pleasant sunny day, Thorfinna and I drove from our new keep in Greenhithe territory to the Disputed Border where the Ealdormerean army had so recently met before marching south to War. There the members of Greenhithe were having a feast to celebrate the completion of the harvest and to celebrate life before the cold snows come.

            We set up our shade where two months earlier we had camped and were soon joined by others from the Cliffs of Ardchreag. To our left was the fencing field, to our right Vest Yorvik. In front of us was laid out the List field, and across from it was the Eoforwic contingent. Our glorious Baroness this day sat with Vest Yorvik and it was in their presence that a small Baronial Court was later held.

            The fighters that day numbered six, being Lord Brandt das Lederwerker, Lady Isotta, Lady Dwynen, Lord Aldred Ravenshagh, Lord Tormod of Kirk Andreas and Lord Berend van der Eych. They were split into two teams, and were moved on a playing board by Gaerwen and Mistress Kaellyn. When two pieces met they had to battle, the loosing piece removing itself from the board. Many games of this were played until the Baronesses considered themselves satisfied. At the end of the day Brandt was given a drinking horn as fighter of the day, and Tormod had authorized in great sword.

            A call had gone forth that this day would see a fencing tournament to decide the Fencing Champion for Septentria. Four good gentles met on the field and fought long and hard. These were: Lord Gareth of Eoforwic, that Royal City’s Sheriff; Lord Albrecht Stamfer; Lady Yvonne of Eoforwic, the City’s Mayor; and Lord Geoffrey Guiscard. Gareth did win the tourney, though the winner of Septentrian Championship Tournies are not always those selected to actually be the Champion. When court was called all four fencers were called forth and Gaerwen delayed the announcement of her choice while the fencers fidgeted and bobbed on their feet and pleaded with her to name her choice. Finally, Gaerwen announced that Gareth, winner of the tourney, would indeed be the Champion. He was given a gorgeous cape of office to wear to proclaim his station. Wassail!

            Thrown weapons were also in evidence that day thanks to Lord Gunnar Truthsinger of Skeldergate. When it was time to eat, and for court, it was very hard to pull the thrown weapon enthusiast away, especially Gunnar and Lady Thorfinna gra’feldr.

            Those who did not fight, fence or throw spent the afternoon in pleasant conversation, sharing drinks and wandering from one shade to another. A haggling contest, an Arts and Sciences table and merchants also helped pass the time.

            Many personal baronial tokens were awarded during court. At courts end, Serion d’Ivri was sworn as the newest member of the Isengesitha.

            Master Hector arrived at a fortuitous time, just as the call went out that it was time to eat! The main coarse was a pig roasted on a spit, which had been turned all day by various attendees and event staff. In honour of our friends in Ben Dunfirth the boar was called Brand, though I cannot seem to recall just who made that suggestion. With the pork there was stuffing, roast potatoes and corn on the cob. It was truly a grand feast with none going away hungry. Lemon water was served to drink and for dessert pears in a raisin-rhubarb sauce was served to many cries of joy.

            When the foodstuffs had been cleared away Lord Eirik Andersen lit a fire (this time not lighting himself in the process) and those good gentles who still remained sat down for one of the most intimate and enjoyable bardic circles I have yet been to. As Ursine Bard I opened the circle with my poem ‘Septentria at War’, for which Isotta presented me with a ring that had been given to her by THL Aeneas Oakhammer in recognition of her own bardic talents. This ring is now in my trust until such time as I see another whose talents inspire me. Other performers included Master Hector (of course), Thorfinna, Brian Goodheart, Isotta, William the Younger, Lady Ivanna the Oblivious and Gunnar Truthsinger. Even Lord Raffe Scholemaystre got up and told a tale. Brian engaged us in one bardic art that is not oft performed in the SCA: that of the riddle.

            During the circle we were treated to a true display of nature’s beauty as the northern lights blazed across the night sky. It was a remarkable event and I could not help but think that the spirits were looking down on us in approval of all the words of praise that flowed from the bards that night. Words of praise for Septentria, and for those that call it home.