May Crown...a weekend to be remembered
so....so many things this weekend.
Mary and I took the extra day off to not have to rush or panic about traveling the 6+ hours to Crown, the plan was to leave early, beat the rush and the traffic. Well...left 2 hours after we wanted to...sigh. Border was a breeze, everything good till...well...as always...Seattle, then Tacoma, then passed the army bases then Olympia...the Portland...if there was traffic jams...we found it. Finally roll into the Crown site with maybe an hour of sunshine left and threatening skies behind us (though nothing other than wind came)
So, usually I fake together an outfit for Friday....but no, it's Verith's vigil for his White Scarf, sloppy dressing won't do. Off we go...and man...those friends of his truly like him, he had quite the spread laid out and his vigil tent and keepers all organized. Put my name on the list and get my chance to pass on what little wisdom I had and all the congratulations I could.
Then off to the White Scarf last huzzah party....well...we are a pretty lot...but we aren't good organizers. Off in a darkened corner was a circle of people milling about...we can't have this as our last toast....off to somewhere that's happening and exciting....VERITH'S VIGIL! Seemed appropriate and well...less sad and lonely that what we were doing.
So, as we are standing around enjoying all the good food, fire and company...the Royals appear...my thoughts being here to say a few words to Verith and off to one of the other Vigil's happening that night.
But then...
Their Herald announces the opening of Their Royal court.... oh?
And he calls for me to come forth....oh....oh....really? All my suspicions were coming true (my loving wife made me a new pants and doublet without me having to ask...let alone beg and plead for it as per usual)
And the words begin the bleed over...I hear most of them....especially the important ones "Master", "Defense" "would you"
Quick...before for anybody comes to Their senses and changes Their mind
"YES"
There was much hugging, hand shaking, congratulations and overall cheer. Then private words of wisdom from Their Majesties and from my soon to be fellow Peers.
The rest of the night is a bit of a blur...trying to take it all in.
Saturday morning...Cadet tourney! I gets to fight! The best part of any day! Also finally remembered to bring the Claw of An Tir Garter to an event...of course I'm accosted immediately...three challenges through out the day. First Don Andrew Crowe (always a good challenge...but today I'm on my game and I make my first defence of the Garter). The second...Don Sebastien de Caen, my soon to be fellow MoD and not a fighter to be dismissed...thought I was truly going to lose the Garter...but our last and final fight...the moon/stars/planets aligned for a perfect attack and once again...defended the Garter. Later in the day...Don Victor De Guerse...he and I are from opposite sides of the Kingdom...we don't fight often...I haven't a clue what he's going to bring to the fight...and again...almost...ALMOST lost the Garter but squeaked out a win to once again defend the Garter for the final time that day.
So, in amongst all this...I tried my hand again at Cut and Thrust fighting...bring my kit and and get out to the field...late. I have to run the gauntlet of fighters as I'm the last one there....fine. My first, Don Luciano Foscari, and we do a couple of quick passes before he dispatches me...about to set up my next fight...hey...my rubber tip is missing...hey...HEY....the whole tip of my sword is missing?!?! So, Luciano lends my his blade and I quickly get stomped down by the rest of the field of fighters (I have so much to learn about C&T) and then go a sit and contemplate my broken sword...hmmm....what if we just file off the end and put a new blunt on it? Well, we test for flex at the new shortened length...all is good! Get it all fixed up and back on the field for pick ups I go! The fact that I was looking to shorten the blade anyways...all bonus.
So...at some point...my loving wife reminds me it's time to get cleaned up for court (I've got first shift with the Royals on retinue) and start getting myself presentable for that and my elevation as well. So...my wife is sneaky...not only has she made me a new doublet and pants...but also the decorative jerkin and panes and a blackwork embroidered shirt as well. It's perfect...I love it. I look damn good in it. I love this woman and I know she loves me. She is more than I've ever deserved. Ok...no weeping in the tent...get dressed...get going.
So...doing my bit behind the Thrones when the MoD order is reintroduced to the populace...and they say that their order is short a member (hmm...I'm later in court...this is too soon...plus I was supposed to come forth with my friends and all) and then they call forward Luciano Foscari! Oh happy day! A man truly deserving of the Title, Master of Defense.
So...soon...soon it was my turn. I go to my friends and compatriots and get organized for the walk in...it's all kind of surreal...you know it's happening but you are kind of watching it 3rd person....and then my name is called.....and we progress forward...and again...the words blend together...people I know and respect say wondrous things about me...my friends pass along punches...and my wife near makes me cry....and then the Royal words...and time for my buffet...
It's a weird thing we do in the SCA...we celebrate great things by hitting each other...and we actually want it to happen...it makes it all real...and literally smacks us back into reality. Plus...I think the Royals get a kick out of doing it.
SMACK...then a hug...then the final dubbing with An Tir's rapier...and....I'm it...it's done...I'm a Master of Defense...I'm a Peer of the Realm...
And again....there is much hugging, hand shaking and congratulations....
And then soon after that...Verith is brought forward and made the final White Scarf of An Tir...final...ya. A great honour for a great group of people. He deserves it all.
The night is filled with celebration, hilarity, friends, food and good times.
Sunday...much like my wife said...I fight...she organizes the take down of the camp and...well...I fight. Had some really good fights (and a pratfall...) and was taken out by that dastardly Don Armand Castille who went on to win the day. And after a second day and a second try, Sebastien wins the Garter....I will get it back...one day.
wink emoticon
So...a weekend of win. Totally win. I couldn't have asked for a better weekend (well...except less traffic...)
Thank you one and all to made it happen and made it fun...and to my wife...all of this and more.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nY6439Z1BLE
Mary and I took the extra day off to not have to rush or panic about traveling the 6+ hours to Crown, the plan was to leave early, beat the rush and the traffic. Well...left 2 hours after we wanted to...sigh. Border was a breeze, everything good till...well...as always...Seattle, then Tacoma, then passed the army bases then Olympia...the Portland...if there was traffic jams...we found it. Finally roll into the Crown site with maybe an hour of sunshine left and threatening skies behind us (though nothing other than wind came)
So, usually I fake together an outfit for Friday....but no, it's Verith's vigil for his White Scarf, sloppy dressing won't do. Off we go...and man...those friends of his truly like him, he had quite the spread laid out and his vigil tent and keepers all organized. Put my name on the list and get my chance to pass on what little wisdom I had and all the congratulations I could.
Then off to the White Scarf last huzzah party....well...we are a pretty lot...but we aren't good organizers. Off in a darkened corner was a circle of people milling about...we can't have this as our last toast....off to somewhere that's happening and exciting....VERITH'S VIGIL! Seemed appropriate and well...less sad and lonely that what we were doing.
So, as we are standing around enjoying all the good food, fire and company...the Royals appear...my thoughts being here to say a few words to Verith and off to one of the other Vigil's happening that night.
But then...
Their Herald announces the opening of Their Royal court.... oh?
And he calls for me to come forth....oh....oh....really? All my suspicions were coming true (my loving wife made me a new pants and doublet without me having to ask...let alone beg and plead for it as per usual)
And the words begin the bleed over...I hear most of them....especially the important ones "Master", "Defense" "would you"
Quick...before for anybody comes to Their senses and changes Their mind
"YES"
There was much hugging, hand shaking, congratulations and overall cheer. Then private words of wisdom from Their Majesties and from my soon to be fellow Peers.
The rest of the night is a bit of a blur...trying to take it all in.
Saturday morning...Cadet tourney! I gets to fight! The best part of any day! Also finally remembered to bring the Claw of An Tir Garter to an event...of course I'm accosted immediately...three challenges through out the day. First Don Andrew Crowe (always a good challenge...but today I'm on my game and I make my first defence of the Garter). The second...Don Sebastien de Caen, my soon to be fellow MoD and not a fighter to be dismissed...thought I was truly going to lose the Garter...but our last and final fight...the moon/stars/planets aligned for a perfect attack and once again...defended the Garter. Later in the day...Don Victor De Guerse...he and I are from opposite sides of the Kingdom...we don't fight often...I haven't a clue what he's going to bring to the fight...and again...almost...ALMOST lost the Garter but squeaked out a win to once again defend the Garter for the final time that day.
So, in amongst all this...I tried my hand again at Cut and Thrust fighting...bring my kit and and get out to the field...late. I have to run the gauntlet of fighters as I'm the last one there....fine. My first, Don Luciano Foscari, and we do a couple of quick passes before he dispatches me...about to set up my next fight...hey...my rubber tip is missing...hey...HEY....the whole tip of my sword is missing?!?! So, Luciano lends my his blade and I quickly get stomped down by the rest of the field of fighters (I have so much to learn about C&T) and then go a sit and contemplate my broken sword...hmmm....what if we just file off the end and put a new blunt on it? Well, we test for flex at the new shortened length...all is good! Get it all fixed up and back on the field for pick ups I go! The fact that I was looking to shorten the blade anyways...all bonus.
So...at some point...my loving wife reminds me it's time to get cleaned up for court (I've got first shift with the Royals on retinue) and start getting myself presentable for that and my elevation as well. So...my wife is sneaky...not only has she made me a new doublet and pants...but also the decorative jerkin and panes and a blackwork embroidered shirt as well. It's perfect...I love it. I look damn good in it. I love this woman and I know she loves me. She is more than I've ever deserved. Ok...no weeping in the tent...get dressed...get going.
So...doing my bit behind the Thrones when the MoD order is reintroduced to the populace...and they say that their order is short a member (hmm...I'm later in court...this is too soon...plus I was supposed to come forth with my friends and all) and then they call forward Luciano Foscari! Oh happy day! A man truly deserving of the Title, Master of Defense.
So...soon...soon it was my turn. I go to my friends and compatriots and get organized for the walk in...it's all kind of surreal...you know it's happening but you are kind of watching it 3rd person....and then my name is called.....and we progress forward...and again...the words blend together...people I know and respect say wondrous things about me...my friends pass along punches...and my wife near makes me cry....and then the Royal words...and time for my buffet...
It's a weird thing we do in the SCA...we celebrate great things by hitting each other...and we actually want it to happen...it makes it all real...and literally smacks us back into reality. Plus...I think the Royals get a kick out of doing it.
SMACK...then a hug...then the final dubbing with An Tir's rapier...and....I'm it...it's done...I'm a Master of Defense...I'm a Peer of the Realm...
And again....there is much hugging, hand shaking and congratulations....
And then soon after that...Verith is brought forward and made the final White Scarf of An Tir...final...ya. A great honour for a great group of people. He deserves it all.
The night is filled with celebration, hilarity, friends, food and good times.
Sunday...much like my wife said...I fight...she organizes the take down of the camp and...well...I fight. Had some really good fights (and a pratfall...) and was taken out by that dastardly Don Armand Castille who went on to win the day. And after a second day and a second try, Sebastien wins the Garter....I will get it back...one day.
wink emoticon
So...a weekend of win. Totally win. I couldn't have asked for a better weekend (well...except less traffic...)
Thank you one and all to made it happen and made it fun...and to my wife...all of this and more.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nY6439Z1BLE