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Friday evening started with a tasty travelers’ fare that was prepared by Pier van der Utrecht and Margarete von Nurnberg.
With the only light that of torches; the tourney was quite a novelty. Save for the heat, one could almost believe the location was (what is now) western France. With the sounds of nocturnal insects and the shadows of a deciduous forest all around a small group of valiant fighters competed (single elimination), with Lord Alasdair MacDonald of Lorne emerging victorious. He earned a brass cast belt buckle for his prowess.
On Saturday, the armor inspection began slightly late (does it EVER start on time? ;-), but the fighters were ready in short order. His Royal Highness Ailgheanan, His Grace Duke Trelon of the Wood, Graf Maximilian Racheengel and General of the Army of Meridies Sir Gunther van der Aachen were joined by Sir Roger van Morvil, Sir Kytte Meliora Stevenson and Sir Morgan Ironheart and a veritable host of valiant fighters looking to improve the kingdom army. In all, sixty-nine gentles braved the hot sun and the threat of afternoon thunderstorms to train and fight with the leadership of the Eastern Cohort of the Army of Meridies.
It was a VERY good practice, covering a myriad of battle tactics and drills which carried it, by momentum, right through lunch time and into the afternoon. His Royal Highness declared himself well satisfied with the days’ fighting, and admonished the fighters to remember those times Meridies is in need of her army. Most notably the upcoming Border Raids.
The Shire of Ravenwood served an excellent fundraiser lunch that competed somewhat with the lengthy war practice, but the populous got fed, many thanks!
The thermometer indicated over 100 degrees but our chief water bearer Lady Meghan of Ravenwood and her staff did an outstanding job of keeping the fighters and spectators well hydrated. The heat still managed to overcome a couple of people at the distant beach, but with the chirurgeon’s help, ice, water, and a little A/C, no one remained down for long.
A goodly handful of IKAC archers bravely practiced their art a short distance from the melee field under equally hot conditions. Aeden Mac Marre won the prize at the targets: a nice bow-and-arrow pendant cast by Syr Raim.
The children, under the guidance of Tibea O'Quinn enjoyed several activities including swimming at the beach. Between the water, the sand, and the beach toys, they had a great deal of fun.
The beach was also enjoyed by some of the adult populace as well, who recommended the cooling nature of the waters.
In the relative cool of the trees, a small Arts and Sciences competition was won by Lady Brunisende Bayarde, while Lord Andrew (our merchantcrat) and Lady Roheis aptly tied for second place.
As physical stamina melted, Lady Miramah administered RUM CLEP tests under the fans in the main pavilion. Several of the populace proved their knowledge of our fair Society this way, thus achieving progress toward the degree of Scholar.
The evening saw His Royal Highness join the wonderfully impromptu potluck feast and revel in the screened pavilion. With a little food from everyone, and the company of friends, much merriment was had by all far into the night.
Special thanks go to Anne of Whitewater, the park superintendent for the terrific support of our weekend activities, and to Viscountess Gwynna Emrys for helping the Autocrat maintain sanity.
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