|
Gleann Abhann’s First Crown List Barony of Small Grey Bear May 20-22, 2005 AS XL Written this 15th day of June A.S. XL being 2005 Gregorian by Barun Rory ua Riada The New Year of the Society brought change to the Kingdom of Meridies. The fortieth year began with Mother’s Day falling on the first weekend of May. This has happened about six times in the entire history of the Kingdom, the last being May 1994 when hosted by the Barony of Thor’s Mountain on the 14th of the month. As such the Meridian Crown Tournament was delayed. Instead of being held the first weekend of May it was held the second weekend of May. *** As reported by Yves de Fortanier from the Barony of South Downs and Iohann se pipere from the Shire of Glaedenfeld, nine gallant warriors and their prospective consorts sought the title of Heir to the Meridian thrones. The final bout of the list was between Duke Boru Aelwyn, whom Lady Deirdre O'Tierghnan graciously allowed to honor her this day, and THL Johann Brotamoar, who fought for THL Elizabeth Rae. Duke Boru and Lady Deirdre hail from the Shire of Sol Haven, while THL Johann and THL Elizabeth are citizens of the Canton des Forges, canton to the Barony of Iron Mountain. In recognition of his prowess and chivalry during the tournament, HRM Lethrenn II asked His Lordship Johann to serve as Her Champion. The format of the Crown Tournament was double-elimination, each contest being the best two out of three bouts. Notably, with the restrictions on shield size, many bouts saw one of the fighters losing a leg, and often, though not always, the bout as well. When Baron Borgar the Bright, Baron of South Downs, faced Lord Sanzio Sansovino from the Shire of Arenal, Borgar won one of the bouts with a low thrust followed by a high chop. The contest between Sir Artos and Lord Sanzio began with three double kills! Mistress Wuennemon die Naherin ran the list. Mistress Alicia Readyman organized the procession and Yves announced both the procession and most of the list. HL Morfydd ferch Bronwen also announced some bouts in the list. As Queen Lethrenn had found her champion, the Queen's Champion tournament that was originally scheduled after the Crown tournament became an open field for sparring. Never getting enough of the joy of combat, it would seem Duke Ailgheanan mac Sithigh from the Shire of the Rising Stone and Count Seth of Newcastle from the Shire of Wyrmgeist were still on the field long after everyone else had stopped. The Shire of Beau Fort hosted the tournament at the Woodmen of the World I.L. Knight Youth Camp in Gainesville, Georgia. The weather was mixed for the weekend. It was a typical sunny spring day next to a lake with the high of 79F and average humidity 78%. Despite any hopes to the contrary, the rain came in the middle of the afternoon. Those attending scrambled to break down tents and pack up sundry items and both Curia and Court were moved to the hall. The site had opened at five o’clock Friday May 13th. Lord Stephen Greyhawkes and Lady Allegranza Maria di Rossi were the stewards (another name for autocrats). THLord Cuhelyn Cam vap Morcant was in charge of reservations. Lady Bebinn ingen Brain was the feastcrat, known as the chief cook on site. Seigneur Guy du petit Egypté, the local constable, also served as the merchant steward. Event attendance was around 240. Lady Aine ingen Comyn of the Shire of Owl's Nest provided traveler’s fare consisting of beef stew, potato cheese soup, bread, cornbread, sweet and unsweetened tea Friday night from seven-thirty to ten o’clock. On Saturday May 14th the wake-up call began at seven. Breakfast by Lord Cian O'Madadhain from the Barony of South Downs was served from seven-thirty to nine. Armor inspection then began on the field while the first session of children’s activities started in the screened pavilion. Near ten o’clock the procession was held with the Crown Tournament starting thereafter. At noon a fundraiser lunch to raise funds for the royal lodging at Border Raids was held on the field. The meal was prepared by Lady Marie De Ceo from the Barony of South Downs. The lunch was five dollars per person and consisted of bread and butter, pasta salad, fresh fruit and cheese, grilled chicken quarters, Digby cakes, and sweet, unsweetened tea, and lemonade. A sugar free dessert was also made available for those on a restricted diet who could not eat the Digby cakes. At the same time in the hall a fundraiser auction, also to raise money for royal lodging at Border Raids, was held. This was coordinated by Lady Miramah of South Downs. The Companions of the Rose Luncheon was held on the back porch of the hall. The meal was prepared by Lady Aine ingen Comyn. The afternoon was filled with meetings. A Knight’s meeting was held during the lunch break followed by a Great Officer’s meeting. The second session of children’s activities was held in the early afternoon. The Order of the Bough and the Order of the Velvet Owl held overlapping meetings from two o’clock to three-thirty. Due to the weather a curia followed by court were held inside the hall.
In court Johann Brotamoar was recognized
as the Queen's Champion. Magdalane Von
Harten received an Award of Arms. Caspar
Krieger received the Meridian Cross.
Allegranza Maria de Rossi, co-autocrat of the event, received
the Guiding Hand. Feast began shortly after seven o’clock. Bread with plain and herbed butter, salad of fresh greens, roast pork loin, roast chicken, little meatballs, a variety of sauces for the meats served on the side, ruddy rice, peas, cabbage for a meat day, tart of greens, almond applesauce or apples in spiced syrup, and a dessert completed the menu.
The Red Rose Ball saw no
members of the Order of the Rose present. Even so, those remaining
enjoyed a table full of fine desserts and live music from members of
the Minstrels Guild (you know, the usual suspects from
Thorngil -- Kevin,
Signy, and Gareth -- and Iohann
from Glaedenfeld) who were joined for
the first time (and we sincerely hope, not the last) by Lady Patrice
from Forth Castle. Baroness Mariona
Dolores Ruiz de la Costa from the Barony of Bryn
Madoc was the dance minister. Dancing
went on until about midnight and stories were shared for hours after
that. A few days later Prince Janos of Atlantia sent a message of congratulations to the new Heirs of Meridies. * * * The third weekend of May brought the biggest change to the land of Meridies. On the third weekend the first Crown Tournament for the future kingdom of Gleann Abhann was held at Camp Couchdale near Malvern, Arkansas, hosted by the Barony of Small Grey Bear. The winners of the tournament would become the first King and Queen of the new kingdom in October, completing the separation of the lands of Gleann Abhann from the lands of Meridies, known as the Mother Country. An over thirty year history of being part of Meridies would end during AS XL.
Iohann se pipere provided much
information from the tournament. Upon this auspicious occasion, 31
brave and noble gentles sought the title of King, Gleann Abhann. The
final contest for the Crown of the Incipient Kingdom fell upon
Viscount Sir Michael of the Mace (who honored Viscountess Brenna
inghean Fhionnlaoich, called Brenna of
the Emerald Isle) and Graf Sir Tar Radu (who chose to represent
Bann-Iarla
Broinnfhionn inghean uí
Chatháin, called Bri). Their
Excellencies Michael & Brenna call the Barony of Grey Niche their
home, while Their Excellencies Radu & Bri claim citizenship in the
Barony of Axemoor. *** The site opened at five o’clock Friday May 20th. Gwyneth Cearr was the autocrat assisted by Alliessa Wallace. Elena de Cordova, the local exchequer, handled reservations. Arianna d’Oueste from the Shire of Lagerdamm was the feastocrat. Troll was located in the upper hall as was the soup kitchen Friday night as traveler’s fare. The cooks used the stone pavilion located between the upper and lower halls for preparing and serving all of the meals. Over 500 gentlefolk attended the event. Site tokens were made by THL Conor the Black and featured a ram’s head caboshed on a disk, all in metal (pewter or silver). The event’s program book had a color cover, the front being the design for the First Gleann Abhann Crown List t-shirts on a red background, the back being a regal ram woodcarving gray on black. The inside of the booklet gave the schedule, site rules, map of the site, Kingdom Laws regarding children, and a list of four fundraisers, three meals and one t-shirt. Two of the meal fundraisers were luncheons. The first luncheon fundraiser was by Clann Fhinn Mhoir for the Gleann Abhann Regalia Fund. For three dollars a meal of bratwurst, bread, cooked onions and peppers, chips, condiments, and bottled water would be provided. A very limited supply of hotdogs was also on hand. They were set up under a pavilion near the fighting field so that all could get lunch and return to watch the tournament. Lord Saran mac Imair and Lady Alina nic an Bhaird coordinated this fundraiser meal. The second luncheon fundraiser was by the Ladies of the Diamond and the Rose as a lunch basket silent auction. Baskets were prepared by many of the noble ladies and were bid upon by a great many gentlefolk. The baskets ranged from the practical to the decorative, including toys, to the romantic, including wine. Viscountess Gabrielle von Strassburg coordinated the silent auction under her pavilion set just behind the Calontir Kingdom’s pavilion. The proceeds raised were for the new Gleann Abhann Consort Fund. The third meal fundraiser was the Below-the-Salt feast. Clann Marshin Fayne provided fried chicken, bread, salad, and homemade desserts for those whom did not get the main feast. The main feast had sold out by May 15th. Donations were accepted and benefited the Gleann Abhann Discretionary Fund. The fourth fundraiser was the t-shirts. Lord Jon the Tall designed the artwork featured on the front cover of the program booklet which was silk-screened on red t-shirts and sold for fifteen dollars each on-site. The design was of a ram standing in all its glory. At the very top were “Crown List A.S. XXXX” and the bottom “Gleann Abhann”. The money raised was for the Gleann Abhann Pavilion Fund. This was also coordinated by Viscountess Gabrielle. The t-shirts were sold in the upper hall Friday night and during Saturday. The same design on white t-shirts and other items was put on a CafePress store called http://www.cafepress.com/GA_First_Crown. A few other fundraisers were also being held at the event. The Shire of Ardanroe set up a table of ‘unclaimed goods’ and ‘extra Gold Key materials’ for donations only. The purpose was to get rid of all of the items and support the Discretionary Fund. Barun Rory was coordinating this fundraiser. The Gleann Abhann Merchant Fundraiser coordinated by Lord Edrei the Merchant was for the Parks family (Brendan Dudeman and Meredythe McRegan of Small Grey Bear) to help them with recently incurred medical bills for their baby Gabriella. For a donation of one dollar the donor had the opportunity to win gift certificates from seven Gleann Abhann merchants. For five dollars the donor received six opportunities to win. The merchants participating were Lady Alina’s Willow, Pedlars Pack, Fantasy Cutlery, Elaina’s, All the Trimmings, Joysain’s Body Art, Arachne’s Fibers, and T’Ger Toggs. Lord Edrei also was going to shave off his beard if two thousand dollars was raised for the Parks. Much of Friday afternoon was spent on the list field setting up the fighting field and marking out the pavilions. Gwyneth had created a map based on pavilion sizes and numbers of people pre-registered who would be under them. The green and white striped pavilion of Duke Stephen and Duchess Jacqueline was set up as the Meridian/Gleann Abhann pavilion on the ‘fifty-yard line’ of the field. On the King’s left were the Ansteorran pavilion, Calontir pavilion, and then Count Wernherus’ pavilion on the corner. On the King’s right was the herald’s pavilion, waterbearer’s and chirurgeon’s pavilion, and another of the entrant’s pavilions at the corner. Behind the Meridian/Gleann Abhann pavilion was a smaller one where the scribes and assisting entourage could work. The other three sides of the field were lined with the entrants’ pavilions. There was a twenty foot free zone between the list field and the pavilions. This was created to give clearance to watch the tournament without people in the way, space for the fighters to wait to take the field, and for safety. Lady Sarah MacGregor brought the green and white striped pavilion to the site. Sir Artos gathered a crew to set it up. Once it was in place members of the Barony set up the entourage pavilion, herald pavilion, and waterbearers/chirurgeons pavilion. Viscountess Gabrielle was assisted in setting up her pavilion for the silent auction lunch fundraiser and the Barony set up the pavilion that the Shire of Ardanroe would use for its sale. As entrants in the tournament checked in at troll, they were directed to the field to see Gwyneth to find out where to set up their pavilions. Aron the Dane, Baronial constable, had brought the shield tree. He had just repainted it so that the black wood shined in the light of the setting sun. Overall Friday night proceeded smoothly. There were glitches. Elena got sick so many others had to staff the troll table in the upper hall. It was not evident whether a schedule of workers for troll really existed. A few rooms were rearranged so that those attending that wanted to room together could. Saturday would be a long day. Saran mac Imair gave the early morning wake-up calls around six o’clock. Another herald, perhaps Katryne MacIntosh the Strange, gave the six-thirty wake-up call. Breakfast of scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, and juice and coffee were served from the stone pavilion starting at six-thirty. Merchants had or were in the process of setting up their booths behind the swimming pool and tennis courts in the valley. The list field and pavilions were on the west end of the valley followed by the swimming pool, merchants row, tennis court, conference center, and ending with parking on the east end. The list marshal’s meeting was held in the marshal’s tent on the tourney field at six-thirty. Armor inspection began at seven-thirty. By eight o’clock the entrants were turning in their shields for the shield tree at the herald’s table. The entrants then needed to check with the procession herald on the field to determine their order in the procession. The procession was to begin at eight-forty. Lord Meradudd ap Cethin, Diamond Herald of Gleann Abhann, was in charge of arranging the procession. The thirty-one entrants with consorts and entourage bearing banners or standards, gifts, musical instruments, and other items processed from one end of the field to the other, presenting themselves to Their Stellar Highness Prince Stephen and Princess Jacqueline and Their Royal Majesties King Maximilian and Queen Lethrenn. The entourage departed back to their pavilions while the entrants and consorts formed two rows within the list field. Following the procession the sword oath was given to the entrants and consorts. Words from the marshals and royals concluded and the tournament began. Thirty-two would have been a perfect list. But with thirty-one there had to be a bye fighter. The tournament was six hours in length starting around ten o’clock and ending around four o’clock. Only one fight was held on the field at a time. Many heralds assisted with the field heraldry, as runners, and with the shield tree. While the tournament slowly progressed along, people shopped along merchant’s row. THLady Adrienne de Montjoy was assisted by Lord Peregrine Fairchild in hanging pennants and banners in the upper hall to decorate it for court and feast. I helped with some of this and was able to quiz Lord Peregrine on his ideas for an all archery event in the future, which Shire members were interested in bidding on hosting. Children’s activities were held in several locations. Some were at a group of pavilions near the conference center. Some were in the upper hall. Some were a quest around the site. Baroness Barbara had a guessing game, some sort of seeds. She also encouraged all to bring bells to ring at the conclusion of the tournament to herald in the gentle who would lead Gleann Abhann into the new Kingdom. If successful, the bell ringing might be a new tradition. Again, over 500 gentlefolk attended the first Crown Tournament of Gleann Abhann. Every local group in Gleann Abhann was represented. Several local groups in what would remain as Meridies, Meridies East or Meridies proper, were represented. These included Rising Stone, Glyn Rhe, Glaedenfeld, and the South Downs. Duchess Caroline and Master Allan of Moffat came to support Count Wernherus and Countess Lailiane. Baroness Gwendolen came to support Count Seth. Iohann se pipere came to record the tourney for posterity. Mistress Gwen, Kingdom Seneschal, whose group I may not have listed, was there, having ridden over with Their Royal Majesties. The new Royal Heirs of Meridies were not able to attend. In addition to Meridies as a Kingdom and the Kingdoms of Calontir and Ansteorra whose royalty had come with entourage, the Kingdoms of the Middle, Atenveldt, and Drachenwald were represented. Master Korwyn Marius Velis Ariannaid (a Pelican and Master-at-Arms) and Mistress Krysta and their son Liam, who ran out onto the list field, were from Atenveldt. Count Elffin O’Mona from Drachenwald, who was the first Count of Drachenwald and is Frederick von Wolfstein’s knight, Frederick squired to him, came to see him fight. Frederick and his family lived in the area of the incipient Canton of Eagle Isle. From Barony Bordermarch Ansteorra came founding Baron and Baroness Count Sir Simonn of the Amber Isles and Mistress Tessa of the Gardens. The Shire of Ardanroe had a great showing at the Crown Tournament. THLord Maximilian von Braun was one of the thirty-one entrants in the list. Lady Sarah MacGregor had brought the pavilion for the royalty and then assisted with heraldry at the tourney. Baroness Medb and Lady Dana were entourage to Viscount Michael, providing food and drink under a small pavilion behind Michael’s. Antonio was able to come and was entourage to Sir Loric under the Gambit pavilion. Viscountess Rainillt did a basket for the silent auction. She and Lord Blaec also were entourage, possibly to Viscount Eric. Mathilda came and hung out with Dana and Medb, learning more about what is brought to an event, she having only attended a few Ardanroe events and usually day-tripped. Johannes, Branwyn, and their two children were present. Richard Stewart of Saint Andrews was back but more active in the Barony of Grey Niche due to his job and school. THL Conor and THL Rovena worked the water-bearer and chirurgeon pavilion. THL Charmaine and Altan were acting as entourage to TSH Stephen and Jacqueline, also from Ardanroe. Lady Ruth was there with her children, the grandchildren of Stephen and Jacqueline. Viscountess Christine was the prospective consort to Count Seth, who was one of the thirty-one entrants in the tournament. And Rory (me!) was there. So about twenty-four from Ardanroe, possibly more I did not see or remember, were there. For my part Friday was spent helping put up pavilions on the field and holding local group review of the books meetings in the upper hall. Blackmoor Keep’s seneschal and exchequer were met with at eight-thirty. Small Grey Bear cancelled due to illness. Grey Niche was late so did not occur, though Mistress Alysia did meet with me that night with the new signature forms for their bank account. On Saturday after setting up the Shire’s sale of ‘unclaimed goods’ and ‘extra Gold Key materials’ under the loaner pavilion from the Barony, Smythekepe’s exchequer, Blackwood’s exchequer, Talondale’s exchequer, and Grey Niche’s incoming exchequer were met with in the morning, the former three as reviews of the books and the last as an informal meet and greet. In the mid-afternoon Iron Ox’s exchequer was met with for their review of the books. Shortly after that meeting the tourney reached finals. The sale was a success as all of the unclaimed chairs were sold off and much clothing and knick-knacks. Donations of items to sell were also made by visitors from a far, as I believe Queen Cateau and her entourage came and donated some items and then donated money when they found several items to their liking. The remnants of the Ardanroe items were given to the Barony as they were having a garage sale two weeks later. Thus one or two bags of ‘extra Gold Key materials’ and a box of ‘unclaimed goods’ plus a ‘porch full’ of unclaimed chairs were gotten rid of. The Ardanroe pavilion, on loan from the Barony, was next to the silent auction lunch basket pavilion. As such I bid on three baskets and actually got two. One basket was sealed items (non-perishables) that would be good for the trip home. The other basket was by Countess Linnet. ‘Linnet’s Lunchables’ as her card read contained Pigs in a Pinwheel (ham, cream cheese and a dash of Italian seasoning wrapped in crescent dough), frozen fruit salad (strawberries, pineapple and Mandarin oranges frozen before she left home), sharp Cheddar cheese, dill and bread and butter pickles, chocolate chunk and pecan cookies. The cold fruit salad was perfect for the hot sunny day and I shared everything else with those nearby and a few in far away pavilions. Working at the Ardanroe pavilion I did not see much of the tournament except on brief breaks to walk about. There were surely a lot of notable deeds upon the field. Sir Elesar lost to Sir Michael in their first bout but came in third overall. In the upper hall prior to court starting he was amazed that he had removed so many others from the list. He effectively gave the killing blow to seven of the thirty-one entrants in the tournament. He had thought the number was fifteen but there were two rows of seven battles each that merged for the fifteenth battle to determine who would carry the ‘loser’s tree’ and face the person who carried the ‘winner’s tree’ in the finals. The quarter-finals in the ‘winner’s tree’ were two matches between Sir Rey and Sir Michael and Sir Rashid and Sir Radu. Sir Rey became the sixth entrant defeated by Sir Elesar. Sir Rashid defeated Jon the Tall and then became Sir Elesar’s seventh defeated opponent. Sir Michael faced Sir Radu in the semi-finals. Sir Radu carried the ‘winner’s tree’ while Sir Michael then faced Sir Elesar. Sir Elesar was defeated by Sir Michael and so the finals would be between Sir Michael and Sir Radu, whom had faced each other within the last twenty minutes. In a best two out of three battle, Sir Radu won the first, Sir Michael the second, and Sir Radu the third to be declared victor of the tournament and Lord Heir of Gleann Abhann. Sir Radu had fought for his wife, Countess Broinfinn, who was seven months pregnant. She spent a great deal of time sitting and in shade with fans. When the two prospective consorts were brought to watch the finals from the royal pavilion, she needed to sit. Viscountess Brenna, Sir Michael’s wife, stood. I do not know the names of all of the entrants in this first Crown List Tournament but a few I can name. Surprisingly several local exchequers fought or were being fought for. Elena de Cordova the outgoing exchequer of Small Gray Bear was a consort as was Genevote Villeneuve de la Fleche, incoming exchequer for the Barony. Sir Rashid ibn Hilal fought for Genevote. I don’t recall the name of Elena’s husband. And even the autocrat, Gwyneth Caerr, was a consort to a former exchequer of the Barony, Martin von Augsberg. Albion of Rook’s Haven, that incipient group’s exchequer, fought in the tourney. Danielle de la Roche was consort to Caillin Mac Leoid. Alysia Gabrielle de Fougeres, outgoing exchequer of Grey Niche, was a consort to Caedmon of Jorvik Grey Niche . And Anna Genevieve of Ancyra, exchequer of Iron Ox, was entourage to Big John Wittcombe, who was fighting for Muirgen of the Mists, the Gleann Abhann Chatelaine, and to Sir Radu, who was fighting for Broinfinn. Lady Muirgen was not the only Gleann Abhann officer being fought for. Viscountess Kenna nic Aherne von Ziemer, Minister of Children, was being fought for by Viscount Uther von Ziemer the Youth Combat Marshal. Mistress Eilidh nin Choinnich, Sheriff, was fought for by Lord Edward of Lyonsmoor. Lady Luca Sacchetti, Webminister, was fought for by Mikail Al-Rashid "Dex". Countess Lailiane Asenina, Sardonyx Pursuivant, was fought for by Count Wernherus Rudemann. All thirteen of Gleann Abhann’s Viscountesses were at the event and eight of them were prospective consorts. These included Lady Randalin Kirchendahl, Susanna Eisenrose, Christine O’Neill of Cork, Brenna inghean Fhionnlaoich, Miriel MacGregor (du Bois), Kenna von Zeimer, Broinnfinn inghean uí Chatháin, and Marion Leoncina da Susa. At least nine out of the eleven Gleann Abhann Viscounts were present. Seven were fighting in the tournament. These were Viscount Eric of Chester, Michael of the Mace, Rey Ribeaumont, Caillin Mac Leoid, Uther von Zeimer, Tar Radu, and Elazar of Northumbria. At least eighteen knights residing in Gleann Abhann were at the event of which perhaps twelve were in the tournament. Those competing included Sir Caillin Mac Leoid, Elazar of Northumbria, Eric of Chester, Loric Silvestris, Michael of the Mace, Padruig Dubhchlogad, Rashid ibn Hilal, Rey Ribeaumont, Robert Gethin Albret, Seth of Newcastle, Tar Radu, and Wernherus Rudemann. The Barony of Small Grey Bear fielded several fighters in the tournament. In addition to Sir Rashid and THL Martin, there was Lord Cohair O’Dunn, THL Brandr Wyborne, Jon the Tall, and Wilhelm von Drachenmoor, and someone who fought for Viscountess Susanna whose name I know not. The Barony of Grey Niche in addition to fielding four royal peers in the list also included Mikail Al-Rashid "Dex" and Caedmon of Jorvik fighting for Alysia Gabrielle de Fougeres Mistress Anna Nikolaevna Petrakova was celebrating the discovery that she and Master Damiano Elie Bellini would be expecting a baby in seven or eight months. Court was to be at five o’clock but by the time the tournament ended and the heir’s ring and coronets given to Radu and Broinfinn it was four-thirty. Prince Stephen was on time and tried to get several people to entertain the masses until the rest of the royalty appeared. TRM Meridies were center stage with TSH on the King’s right followed by HRH Ansteorra and TRMs Ansteorra. On the King’s left were the Lord and Lady Heir of Gleann Abhann followed by HRM Calontir. The Meridian court was very long with many presentations and recognitions of the populace. Gifts were given to the royal visitors and the royal visitors in kind gave gifts. A challenge was made in the continuing war between the Baronies of the Three Rivers and Grey Niche crossing the Kingdoms of Calontir and Meridies, though in the future would be Calontir and Gleann Abhann. HRM Tristram was thrilled that former residents of his kingdom would be the first Crown of Gleann Abhann and presented a shield bearing the arms of the future kingdom to Sir Radu the Lord Heir. The Crown of Ansteorra recognized Mikail Al-Rashid "Dex" with a scroll for the Sable Falcon of Ansteorra award he was gifted earlier on the field. The Lord and Lady Heir gave many words of thanks when asked to speak by TRM Meridies. Due to the time TSH did not hold court announcing that they would conduct all of their business at Lugh in July. This placated the masses to some extent though the Barony of Grey Niche did squeeze in a presentation of new red and white ropes which had been used to mark off the tournament field. Gleann Abhann had also received another large gift during the procession when Sir Elesar and Viscountess Marion and their entourage presented red banners bearing many of the Gleann Abhann awards on black poles. The final award given by the Crown of Meridies which did bring great joy to the populace present was the granting of a Court Barony to THLord Brandr Wyborne. The guessing game had been won by Wernherus Rudemann. With court closed before the announcement was made, Barbara Sterling presented the M&M prize to him as he exited court as entourage. It was after eight o’clock when court concluded. The upper hall was already set up for feast and many of those attending court had already set up their feast gear. Three high tables were quickly prepared. One was on the raised platform and was for the Meridian Crown, TSH, and the Lord and Lady Heir. Two were on the floor at angles off of the ends of the platform. The one on the King’s right was for visiting royalty and special guests. The one on the King’s left was for the territorial Barons and Baronesses of Meridies. Lord Peregrine, the hall steward, had hoped that the Companions of the Bough would serve feast and wear the Gleann Abhann livery. Sadly due to the late hour and dangerous conditions outside (being the many uneven steps and pavement and it being dark), turn out was small. Sir Artos with assistance from Viscountess Gabrielle served the Meridian and Gleann Abhann high table. Lady Finna served the visiting royalty and special guests table. Barun Rory served the Baronial table. Seated at the Baronial table were the Baron and Baroness of Axemoor, Seleone, and Small Gray Bear. The Baron of Grey Niche had snuck off to sit with members of his Barony amongst the populace. THLady Adrienne assisted Lord Peregrine at the back of the hall where the vats of tea, lemonade, and water were set up and put into pitchers. Children assisted by serving the pitchers of liquids. The rest of the dining populace was asked to send someone to get each remove from the kitchen, the kitchen being the stone pavilion between the upper and lower halls. Mistress Gwen, Kingdom Seneschal of Meridies, was one of the populace servers and it was so nice to finally meet her. The seating at the baronial table was the three Baronesses and then the three Barons from left to right when facing the table. Brianna and Hrothgar were at the ends being the youngest barony, followed by Daphne and Thaddeus, and Eleri and Merwydd in the center as the oldest barony. We all had a fun time. Hrothgar asked that I entertain Brianna with chickens as she had lost hers. I did the “peep, peep” baby chick, followed later by the adult chicken “cluck, cluck”. Sadly the third remove featured chicken so we evidently went through the life cycle of the poor bird. The feast in the upper hall was delicious. There were three removes, each with two courses. For the first remove the first course was Gnocchi, an Italian cheese dumpling, and Italian sausage. The second course was salad greens with Olive oil and Parmesan cheese. For the second remove the first course was a meat and cheese pie, mushrooms, green beans and rice, sautéed in butter. The second course was bread pudding. By this point all of the toasts had been done and many thought that the feast was over, with the bread pudding as dessert. Many had left by the time the third remove was served. The first course was roasted chicken with strawberry chutney and green peas cooked in milk and ginger. The second course was cream custard flavored with spices and vanilla served with raspberries and blackberries. The feastcrat, Lady Arianna d’Oueste was soundly applauded for a fantastic feast prepared outdoors without a true kitchen. Besides the feast in the upper hall, Clan Marshin Fayne served a below-the-salt meal outside. And many gentlefolk brought their own grills and meats and dishes to cook for themselves. It was after ten-thirty by the time feast ended, it having started late due to the lateness of court. As such the reception in the upper hall was cancelled. THL Adrienne was in charge of the reception. Decorations in banners and tapestries were brought by the Barony. Music and/or minstrels were asked to come. And she had asked the Shire of Ardanroe to do the desserts and drinks. Barun Rory had coordinated the food and drink part of the reception, making six to eight dozen cookies, purchasing punch ingredients, and serving ware, and getting volunteers from the Shire to bring dishes or foods. Lady Dana brought trays and punch bowls and ladels and punch ingredients. Baroness Medb made rum cakes, chocolate candies, and butterscotch peanut candies. Mathilda made gingerbread and brought a lot of different fruits and dips. Michael of the Harp sent homemade red marshmallows up with Lady Sarah. THL Charmaine donated pretzels and dip. Princess Jacqueline sent silver bowls and silver fleur-de-lis dishes to use as needed. THL Ambrielle donated bags of pretzels left over from the water-bearers work on the list field. THL Conor and Rovena made several dozen cookies. Branwyn made a castle cake. Since the reception was not to truly be, the castle cake was presented to the high table carried by Johannes, Branwyn’s husband. Her Excellency Broinfinn was truly appreciative of the work in making the cake and delighted to meet people whom had lived in the Palatine Barony of the Far West. She was also thrilled that on the tops of the four turrets of the castle the small banners on sticks of Radu and Brionfinn’s arms and that of Gleann Abhann, which they had brought and distributed as part of their procession in the tournament, had been saved and used. The castle cake was then the centerpiece on one dessert reception table. The marshmallows, strawberries and dip, gingerbread, rum cakes, butterscotch candies, and some chocolate candies were laid out on trays. Red napkins and plates and white forks were provided. There was still plenty of tea, lemonade, and water so the punches were not made. The turnout was small, about thirty people, since it was eleven o’clock at night. None of the cookies were put out. There were sugar cookies, mocha balls, nutty chocolate bars, pinwheels, peanut butter cookies, oatmeal raisin cookies, and more sugar cookies. The punches would have been pineapple juice with diet 7-Up or Ginger Ale and Cranberry juice or Kool-Aid. Baroness Barbara from Blackmoor Keep took pictures of the cake. Mistress Isolde, first Baroness of Seleone, was duly impressed and inspired with ideas to take back, as the Barony of Seleone is to host the First Coronation of Gleann Abhann. There was no dancing or music. Those in the upper hall nibbled and relaxed after such a long hot eventful day. The idea for the Gleann Abhann s'more was created. The thought was to take the red marshmallows, white chocolate and black graham crackers to create a s'more in Gleann Abhann colors. Perhaps it will debut at Coronation. By one o’clock a very tired Rory departed for bed. Her Excellency Brianna, Baroness of Small Grey Bear, gifted Rory with a tri-colored candle in thanks for the work done at the event. He in turn gifted it to Branwyn for all of her work on the huge castle cake as the centerpiece for the reception that wasn’t. The site was to close at ten o’clock Sunday morning. Breakfast of castle cake, butterscotch cookie candies, biscuits, coffee, and other leftovers were served from the stone pavilion. Rory and Adrienne with help from others from the Barony cleaned the upper hall. The reception goods were loaded in Rory’s carriage to take back and disperse to those whom had brought them. I was not able to formally meet with Lady Luca, the Gleann Abhann webminister, but did briefly say I would send her things for a future exchequer webpage as materials developed. Copies of all of the kingdoms’ fiscal policies were given to the Lord and Lady Heir to review for the creation of the new kingdom fiscal policy. Warrants for each of the local exchequers was also given to them to sign and return via the Postal Service for distribution to the local exchequers. Surprisingly I was on the road by nine or nine-thirty Sunday morning for the drive home. It had been a great event in which to take part, a once in the lifetime occurrence and a pleasant piece of history. Written this 15th day of June A.S. XL being 2005 Gregorian by Barun Rory ua Riada
|