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The Fifth Rose Royal Invitational Tournament (Summer's End)
by Duchess Dorinda (July 20th 2003)

On Saturday, the people of AEthelmearc gathered to witness the last of the five Rose Royal Invitational Tournaments scheduled for the reign of Christopher and Maurya.

Those taking the field included HRM Christopher, HRH Henri, Duke Morguhn Sheridan, Viscount Bear the Wallsbane, Viscount Haakon Oaktall, Viscount Edmund Dracator, Sir Otto of Westphalia, Sir Maynard Von dem Stiene, Sir Kadan Chalkilgan, Sir Isenwulf Thorolfssone, Baron Hamish MacLeod, Baron Tristan Sexwulf, THL Aengus McBain, THL Graedwyn Mab Terynon, THL Geoffry Fitzgerald, THL Kai Saer Prin, THL Khalek Shrugad, Lord Tigernach Mag Shambrain, Herr Wolfgang Won dem Schwartzwald, Lord Marduke Inchmeyrton, Lord Duncan Von Halstren, Lord Vladisla Nikulich, Lord Dominic McMorland, Lord Drugaur Mensch, Lord Angus the Bull, Lord Caelan O Ruairc, Lady Althea Eastriding, Lorenz Butterman.

Many wondrous things occurred on this day, and I can (as usual) remember but a few. But some of them included:

- Listening to the introductions of twenty eight fine fighters and their consorts and watching the entire list field be encircled by gentles wearing their finest armor and clothing.

- Again seeing THL Jullietta (who has attended every one of the Rose Royal tournaments) lead a legion of skilled heralds who were again dressed in their finery. They have added a great deal to every tourney.

- Noting the number of galleries that encircled the field. As always, Aengus and Yvianne and Isenwulf and Rosalinda had their galleries. Sir Morguhn again had his. House Kyngesbridge not only had a gallery again, but it was filled with people - both of their household and others who needed shelter. And Baron Fridrikr and THL Matilda debut a new structure with the arms of all in their household.

- Sharing my gallery with Duchess Anna. And causing trouble with her. And watching Kadan pretend that he didn't notice.

- Watching Lorenz receive a good-luck kiss from his consort - his daughter.

- Hearing beautiful speeches on a variety of topics. Wolfgang discussed why he became a squire. Aengus and Vlad told us why they attended every tourney and received tokens from HRM for their answers. Althea talked about the lady who was her Knight and Her Pelican. And Baron Hamish spoke about the peerage and one who he respected. There were more, but I fear that my memory can not remember them all, and my storytelling can not reproduce the words that so often reduced our Queen to tears.

- Watching Lord Dominic fight his best and defeat Sir Maynard even though the Knight had been requested to fight with his best weapons form.

- Seeing HRH Henri win the first of the grand melees from his knees. And watching Viscount Edmund do the same in the second. And having Viscount Bear note afterwards that this time people actually engaged him in battle!

- Standing by as Sir Rowan figured out how to fix Tigernach's helm without the use of power tools or a blow torch (options many of us had considered).

-Watching Sir Kadan suggest that he and his kneed opponent rotate - not because of the sun, but so that Her Majesty would have a better view of the bout.

- Sort of watching as THL Khalek defeated HRM in a great show of skill. (Sorry, I blinked.)

- Listening as HRM, HRH, Viscount Edmund and Sir Bear all withdrew from the final part of the tourney so that someone else might have a chance at glory.

- The spectacular best-two-out-of-three bout between Tristan and Isenwulf that bested even their past bouts together. It was brilliantly fought and went to the third fight before Tristan finally prevailed.

- Receiving a hand made rose pin from Baron Tristan.

- Watching as Duke Morguhn gave his rose to HRM as a token of thanks for providing these tourneys - and seeing her tears as every other fighter followed suit.

There is undoubtedly much much more, but I fear this missive must be sent before the news grows old.

At the end of the day, Duke Morguhn Sheridan was again named the winner by Prowess - as had happened in both of the prior tournaments he had entered. He chose from the prize box a small chest of spices which he then gave to THL Aengus for all joy he had brought the Duke in the tournaments.

The choice of the gallery at the last of the Rose Royal Tournaments was none other than the Gallery's Choice from the very first of the tourneys - Baron Tristan Sexwulf. He chose a small, brown box that he thought his lady might like. Hidden inside this humble box was a most beautiful necklace donated by Duchess Meirwen, and seeing it caused HRM to remind us all of the importance of the virtue of humility. She noted that just as this beautiful necklace was hidden inside a somewhat plain box, humble people might also be hiding wondrous qualities.

TRM's then gave out several remaining prizes from the prize box - to Aengus and Vlad who had entered every tourney and to THL Julietta and THL Lenora who had worked at every tourney. To Sir Isenwulf who had fought honorably and chivalrously at several tournaments and who had won several of the grand melees. To Baron Fridrikr who had shared words with HRM that touched her heart. And finally, to three new people who were on that day attending their first event.

In court that evening it was announced that Ladies of the Rose had a very difficult time choosing one person to recognize overall for the tournament series. At that point HRM called forth Baron Tristan Sexwulf and THL Aengus MacBain. Baron Tristan was given one of the rose banners to display proudly wherever he might go. THL Aengus was then awarded the tournament box for his fine performance in all five tournaments.

Fourth Rose Royal Tournament (Honor and Chivalry)
by Duchess Dorinda (July 20th 2003)

The people of St. Swithin's Bog were most gracious hosts as a large crowd gathered for the Fourth Rose Royal Invitational Tournament. The galleries were located within the horse ring in a small circle. Baronesses Genevieve and Aelfra provided cookies and roses for the Royal gallery which was lined with banners and filled with chairs and thrones. In addition to TRM's, His Royal Highness, Their Excellencies of St. Swithin's Bog, Their Excellencies of the Debatable Lands and His Majesty of the East were all present. The sun was shining and it was a beautiful day.

This tournament boasted the largest list of any of the Rose Royal tourneys to date. Participating were:

HRM Darius of the East, HRH Henri, Duke Sir Cygnus, Viscount Sir Bear the Wallsbane, Sir Kadan Chalkilgan, Sir Isenwulf Thorolfssone, THL Aengus McBain, THL Georg Eisenfaust, THL Jacopo Diniccolo, THL Graedwyn Mab Tieryrnon, THL Geoffrey FitzDavid, Baron Tristen Sexwulf, Lord Marduke Inchmertyn, Lord Havoc the Wild, Lord Vladisla Nikolich, Lord Caoilean Seanchaid (now THL), Lord Geoffry Ravenscar, Lady Talishar of Long, Lord Cynwrig Wyn, Lord Griffin Fraser, THL Tarl Shadowraven, Robert of Worcester, Robert Greywolf, Lothar Hugelman, Corwyn the Dirge, Kjott, and THL Ciaran Foxy.

Because of the large number of entrants, everything from introductions to the actual fighting took a long time, but there were many special moments. Too many in fact for me to have a hope of remembering. But those few that did stick in my mind include:

-- Seeing the number of fighters who came out for their first Rose Royal Invitational tournament - and performed well for their consorts and the gallery.

-- Listening to THL Aengus introduce his lady by noting that it was their wedding anniversary - and giving her a beautiful card on the field.

-- Watching THL Jacapo take the field in his very first tournament at an age where many are retiring. He noted that as Captain of the Queen's Guard, he wished to be able to protect her, and if she was going to take to the field, then so was he.

-- Listening to Kjott introduce his consort by saying "all I have to offer is my two hands and the love of my beautiful lady." And seeing tears in everyone's eyes as HRM noted that that was more than enough.

-- Watching the ladies and lords of the gallery hold the beautiful ribbon roses made by a Lady Katerina De la Marne.

-- Noting that several fighters also requested roses so they could honor their fellow fighters during the day.

-- Again watching the hard work of the Heralds and Marshals, including Sir Mord of the East who shared many thoughts with the gallery and taught us his preferred crowd response to salutes. (yes, Mord, I remember, "wrist, wrist, elbow, elbow, touch the pearls, sweep . . . ") Connor MacGregor and Count Rurik also marshalled all day with barely a break. In addition, we were blessed with water bearers and our tireless MOL (who has attended every tourney). And I personally would have had no gallery if it were not for Baroness Liadain, THL Georg, Lord Havoc and his Lady, and Sir Kadan who put up my pavilion.

-- Watching Marduke defeat several skilled fighters in multiple weapons to protect a patch of flowers within the list and thus be named "Lord of the Daisies".

-- Knowing that at least one fighter, who noticed that his opponent was about to step on the daisies and be declared dead, stopped the fight and warned him rather than take the victory in that way.

-- The victory of Sir Isenwulf in not just one grand melee, but two.

-- The generosity of fighters in letting others have the chance to play. Sir Kadan dropped out of the tournament early so that a gentle who had to work the morning could still fight. Duke Cygnus gave up his spot in the invitational portion of the tourney to another who had impressed him.

-- Hearing THL Georg and HRM Christopher sing "Born on the Listfield" for one and all to hear. A second song was also presented to the galleries I believe by Corwyn the Dirge.

-- The beautiful bout between Tower and Graedwyn that ended with each of their consorts presenting their rose to the other fighter.

-- Witnessing Lord Cynwrig Wyn receive an Alce on the field.

-- Tristen Sexwulf laying down his sword before fighting HRM Darius and HRH Henri and refusing to pick it up without Their permission.

-- Watching Sir Bear, left alone on the sidelines again during the grand melee (as no one heeded my advice from the last report) wade into battle and force the younger fighters to meet him.

-- Sir Isenwulf noting that he wished to fight at a disadvantage so that he might always present himself with a challenge and prove to his lady that he did not take her for granted now that they were married. To prove that the "courtship was not over", he fought at least his first bout to "first blood" and would take any wound as a killing shot.

-- THL Jacopo declining to fight Lady Talishar until consulting with his wife to whom he had long ago made a promise to "never hit a lady". His lady did allow that as this was in the spirit of friendly competition and not anger, that he could strike her, which he did. Unfortunately for him, she struck him back twice . . .

-- Watching several of our fighters, including Baron Tristen and THL Aengus perform their best against HRM of the East.

-- A brilliant five bout fight between HRH Henri and Duke Cygnus. In a lightening fast exhibition that saw HRH knock the armor right off of Cygnus, the duct-taped Duke did come out victorious in the end 3-2.

And finally,

-- Listening to Baron Tristen Sexwulf speak of how much he missed his lady and his desire to rush home to her as soon as he could. While the temptation to hold his armor for ransom was quite strong, I can not think of a better reason for him to have left it behind, and you should all rest assured that it was sent with someone who lives close to him, and he should be fully prepared to stand on the fields of Pennsic and defend his Crown. (But the next time . . . . )

It was very difficult to see this field of fine people narrowed to only a few, but the final eight included HRM Darius, HRH Henri, THL Aengus MacBain, Baron Tristen Sexwulf, Sir Isenwulf Thorolfssone, THL Caoilean Seanchaid known as Tower, and Kjott who was given a spot by Duke Cygnus. This left only one spot, and the ladies and lords of the gallery could not bring themselves to decide between the deeds of Lady Talishar, THL Jacapo, and the "Lord of the Daisies", Marduke. Thus HRM asked each of these three who should take the final spot. Marduke spoke immediately and asked that THL Jacapo receive the final spot as he was touched that the gentle would take up arms just to protect his Queen and thus deserved the spot. Lady Talishar quickly agreed. THL Jacapo then said that he did not feel this was right as both of the other fighters had better earned the spot, but that if forced to choose only one, he would pick Lady Talishar as she had already bested him once on the field that day. After listening to their words, HRM asked THL Jacapo to take the final spot, but asked that Lord Marduke and Lady Talishar fight an exhibition bout for the entertainment of the gallery, which they did.

The day ended with HRM Darius named the winner by Prowess and Prince Henri named as the galleries' choice. In addition, many fighters were given roses by the gallery and Baron Tristen Sexwulf, THL Aengus MacBain and Sir Isenwulf were invited back to the invitational round of the last Rose Royal Invitational Tournament. We hope to see many of you there to share in the last of these special tournaments. Duchess Dorinda

Third Rose Royal Tournament
by Leonora of the Willows (July 12th 2003)

I do not have the wonderful words that Her Grace, Dorinda, has, but as she was not present, I will try to describe some of the day. The weather was beautiful, with the sun shining and a slight breeze blowing. A perfect day for fighting!

Before the tournament began, the hounds of Aethelmearc were presented to Their Majesties and the populace, what a wonderful gathering of hounds. There were hounds of all shapes and sizes. It was truly a sight to see.

The participants in the tournament were: Duke Sir Morguhn Sheridan, Duke Sir James Ahern , Earl Sir Yngvar the Dismal, Sir Sextus Plinius Calladus, Sir Murdoch Bayne, THL Kai Saer Pren, THL Aengus McBain, Baron Hamish MacLeod, Baron Daniel Lightfoot, Baron Rian Gortyroyan, Lord Duncan Von Halstren, Lord Vladisla Nikolivich, Lord Wolfgang (sorry, you last name got truncated on my forms), Lord Marduke Inchmertyn, William Fitzwilliam, Alwin the Silent, (Lord) Marcus Van Bergen.

There were many feats of chivalry and honorable bouts throughout. The words were what struck me the most. There was a friendly and entertaining fight between Earl Sir Yngvar and THL Aengus, followed by a question about the joy of the hunt. Duke Sir James and Sir Murdoch spoke on Leadership and Fatherhood. Duke Sir Morguhn and Lord Duncan spoke on Pride and the Lion versus the Unicorn. Baron Hamish and Lord Wolfgang discussed points of honor. Lord Vladisla and THL Aengus fought a bout with words, discussing why the Rose Royal Tournaments are Glorious. Baron Hamish, the warrior poet, spoke on the spirit of the dream. William inpressed the gallery with his skill and enthusiasm in a bout against Earl Sir Yngvar. The winner of the skill portion of the tournament was Duke Sir Morguhn Sheridan, and the winner by acclimation of the gallery was Lord Vladisla Nikolicih. Those invited to return to the next Rose Royal invitational tournamet were Duke Sir James Ahern, Earl Sir Yngvar the Dismal, and THL Aengus McBain.

As the Mistress of the Lists for each one of these tournaments, I have been blessed with a front row seat . (Thank you, Your Majesty, for the pleasure!) I must say that I have been impressed with the skill both in word and action each time. I have been moved to tears by beautiful words, awestruck with the honorable behavior on the field, and left each field with a smile on my face and in my heart. Remember the first portion of each tournament is open to all who wish to participate. The Ladies of the Rose have been gracious and opened their galleries to the consorts and other audience members at each tournament as well. Some of the best questions have come from those who have no consort on the field. I have heard from audience members "This is the way it should be!" more than once. If the opportunity arises, make your way to "Honor and Chivalry" in St Swithins Bog, July 18-20, or "Summer's End"in Beau Fleuve Sept 13 and witness the beauty of the Rose Royal Invitational tournaments!

respectfully submitted,
THL Leonora of the Willows

Second Rose Royal Tournament
by Duchess Dorinda (June 28th 2003)

This past Saturday saw the coming of the Second Rose Royal Invitational Tourney, and it was a beautiful day indeed. In addition to the pageantry of the fighters and the bright smiles of the consorts, we also were blessed with sunshine! Yes, real sunshine, and no clouds or mud. It was a stunning day, and that allowed everyone (well, almost everyone) to put up their pavilion and fly their banners. The Royal Pavilion was decorated not only with regalia of the Crown, but also with the seven virtues banners from the pilgrimage of TRM's last reign, and it was stunning. Their Graces Rowan and Meirwen also decorated their gallery with tapestries, flowers and strawberries, and the good people of Stormsport brought vases of roses to each gallery (along with several trays of cookies). It was in this setting that the tournament was held.

Participants in the tourney included Duke Sir Morgan Sheridan, Viscount Sir Bear the Wallsbane, Sir Isenwulf, Sir Kadan, Sir Maynar, Baron Tristen Sexwulf, THL Graedwyn, THL Geoffrey Fitzdavid, THL Ciaran Faxi Ullson, THL Aengus MacBain, Lord Dominic McMoreland, Lord Tigernach MagShamhain, Lord Vladisla Nikolivich, Lord Roderigo de la Vega, Lord Stevynle Reven, Lorenz Butterman, Lothar Hugelman, (Lord) Maximillian, and (Lord) Ammchaido Mordha with bye fights fought by HRH Henri, and Sir Sextus Plinius Callidus. Each fighter was asked to have a consort present at the tournament who was then presented to TRM's during introductions and given a rose and a place in one of the galleries.

The tournament again began with fighters challenging each other for the first round. The second was chosen randomly and was followed by a Grand Melee. The third round was again by random draw. After this, those already invited to hold a spot in the finals (Duke Morguhn, Sir Maynar, Baron Tristan, Sir Kadan, and Lord Dominic) were joined by THL Aengus, THL Graedwyn and Sir Isenwulf to fight in the final single elimination tourney. There were many special and interesting things that happened during the day, and I can only remember a few, but highlights included:

- The ceremony where Sir Christopher Rawlins took THL Geoffrey and Lord Stevyn as squires.

- Once again seeing many of our most talented heralds travel long distances just to add to the pageantry of the day.

- The high level of attention to appearance on the field from the most experienced of our fighters to the newest. Each and every fighter was well dressed (as well as courteous and chivalrous).

- Watching Sir Morguhn and Sir Bear stand back and watch as the other fighters killed each other off in the Grand Melee that was eventually won by His Grace, Morguhn. (Hint: don't let them do that).

- The opening banter between Baron Tristan and Lord Dominic as they negotiated their battle of counted blows - and watching as Baron Tristan tried to sneak in an advantage but was caught by Lord Dominic.

- The many stories and answers shared by the participants including a duel of prose between HRM Christopher and THL Graedwyn followed by one between HRH Henri and Lord Stevyn. Questions were also answered on many topics including why one fights for another instead of oneself, the meaning of being a squire, and more.

- Watching Lothar challenge another in defense of his Knight.

- The generosity of the people of Stormsport who provided one and all with food and drink as well as roses for our enjoyment.

- Watching the impromptu theatrical performance of some strange mix of "Star Wars" scenes by Sir Bear and Sir Kadan. It wasn't Shakespeare, but it was entertaining. (And polearms are not bad substitutes for light sabers).

- The increased heraldic display including new silk banners for Sir Kadan and Mistress Aleea that were perfect in the breeze (and provided shade for those in need), matching red and white outfits for Lord Steven and his lady, Duke Morguhn's arming pavilion and banners, yet more banners including those of Sir Bear and Sir Maynar, the heraldic tabard of Lord Tigernach, the heraldic tabards worn by the heralds and, of course, the gallery decorations - especially the Royal pavilion.

- Watching to see if Lorenz would really have to face all the chivalry by himself and wondering if the risk would make him stop growling. (The answer was "no" on both counts).

- Sharing my pavilion with a lady at her first event (who none the less spent her morning setting up and decorating and her afternoon helping to clean up) as well as with some old friends (who set a new world record for tearing down and packing a pavilion for which I am very grateful). (On a personal note, I would also express my appreciation to Lord Tigernach, Lord Sergius, Duke Morguhn and everyone else who helped set up the pavilion in the morning as I could not have done it by myself.)

- Witnessing two of the fighters who performed well that day receive AoA's later that evening in court.

In court that evening it was announced that Duke Sir Morgan Sheridan was the prowess winner of the tourney while THL Graedwyn was the galleries' choice. They were both invited to a spot in the invitational portion of the next Rose Royal Tourney. Others who were given this honor included Baron Tristan Sexwulf for his prowess and THL Aengus MacBain and Lothar Hugelman for their comportment on the field.

It was a beautiful day and a lovely tournament, and I wish that I could remember and share every special moment. Hopefully others will step in to add to what I have been able to remember. I also hope that people will make an effort to attend the remaining three and share in the experience.

Rose Royal Tournament (Sylvan Crusade)
by Duchess Dorinda (May 30th - June 1st 2003)

I am not blessed with the voice of a poet, but the Rose Royal Tournament this past weekend went very well (despite the weather!) and held some great moments for me. During the day, there were more special things than I can possibly remember, but I wanted to share the few that did stick in my mind. I hope some of the rest of you who were there will consider doing the same. Perhaps then someone skilled in the bardic arts can turn the tale into poem or song. (Or a better told tale!) Things that stood out for me:

- Watching two dozen of our fighters - from the very new to the very experienced - fight some of the cleanest, prettiest and best bouts that I have seen in a very long time. There was not one fighter who did not add something to the experience of the day. Those who fought that day included: Duke Sir James Ahern, Viscount Sir Bear the Wallsbane, Sir Sextus Plinius Callidus, Sir Maynard, Sir Kadan, Sir Isenwulf, Baron Tristen Sexwulf, THL Aengus McBain, THL Graedwyn, THL Georg Eisenfaust, THL Jarius, THL Ciaran Faxi, Lord Caoilen called Tower, Lord Vladisla, Lord Cailean, Lady Kalen Nienna, Lord Domenic McMoreland, Lord Marduke, Lord Daffyd Macnab, Lothar, Lorenz, Alwin, Leah of Newcastle, and HRM Christopher.

- Seeing no less than five our most talented heralds, from as far away as Delftwood, introducing the combatants, making challenges and otherwise lending to the pageantry of the day.

- Listening to heartfelt speeches from the ladies. Not only did we hear the words of our gracious Queen, but we also were treated to wonderful words from other ladies including some who had no fighter in the tourney. The ladies were attentive and appreciative of the valorous deeds of the fighters.

- The first round fight between Baron Tristan Sexwulf and HRM, Christopher. We saw a blazing round with single broadsword as they fought to nine counted blows. (Well, actually HRM was "on a roll" and made it to 11 or so before noticing he could stop.) It happened very quickly - and was a beautiful and entertaining fight.

- Listing to His Excellency, Syr Bear, the story teller.

- Watching Lord Marduke meet his King and his Knight on the field - and walk off victorious in the best two of three fights.

- Helping to choose the weapons with which Sir Maynar would fight each bout, watching as Baron Tristan tried each time to convince us that "dagger" was the best choice, and the inevitable dagger fight that ensued with Sir Callidus. The following "slow motion instant replay" was also quite entertaining.

- Watching as both Sir Kadan and Duke James both volunteered to withdraw from the final eight so that others might continue on. (Duke James ended up being the one to retire as there was one spot too few for all those who fought well in the early round.)

- Watching the gentlemen help the ladies and their voluminous skirts through the mud and the rain.

- Enjoying (for quite some time) the rather lengthy bouts between Baron Tristan and THL Aengus and then Baron Tristan and Sir Kadan.

- Noting that Lord Marduke was the only fighter smart enough to carry a tray of cookies through the gallery. The others should watch and learn!

- Watching even the littlest ladies of AEthelmearc bestow their token on the fighter of their choice.

Although the day was cold and wet and muddy, the warmth and brightness from the list made the day one that I will long remember.

Vetr Thing ok Veida (Winter Assemby and Hunt)
by Dagonell the Juggler (February 7th-9th 2003)

Saturday morning, I was up shortly after sunrise and on the road at 7:30, having packed the car the day before. I finally arrived on-site at 12:45. I had been under the mistaken impression that the event was roughly an hour North of Pittsburgh, instead of approximately an hour South of the Iron City.

I dumped my camping gear where I wanted to set-up my tent, parked the car, quickly changed into Viking garb and entered the building to check in at troll. I was greeted by Ellisif, an old friend from BMDL who had dropped her Viking persona a few years ago to become Sha-herah, a European Jew. She was back in her Ellisif Viking persona for this event. Rufina thought this was so amusing that she took a photo of her for a second Peerage collectable card. This makes her the only person besides Grendl to have more than one card. :D

I hadn't seen her since War Practice the previous year. We spent over two hours catching up with each other, when the autocrat announced that the outdoor games were beginning. I declined to indulge in the "hide-pull" (tug o' war) despite the fact that the autocrat had replaced the traditional firepit between teams with a snowbank, I threw the spear a few times, and then joined a game of 'medicine ball'. The autocrat used a volleyball that had been filled with ten pounds of sand. The vikings boasted in their sagas of playing with animal skins filled with a hundred pounds of hot wax. The strategy behind the game is simple, catch it if it's thrown at you, and try to fake people out by not looking at the person you throw it to. Being half full of sand, the ball was heavier than it looked and the center of gravity was not the center of the ball. This made for some interesting visuals as people threw the ball and it rotated around the sand inside it.

After well over an hour of game playing, I decided that I was not only quite warm, but actually overheated and this would be a very good time to set up my tent. Since I hadn't planned on opening up the sides as for a demo, I only brought six boards and three poles. The tent went up in minutes. A pair of tiki torches, my Sylvan Bard banner, a cot with blankets and deerskins and my encampment was complete ... and period looking. I've been teaching myself to cure hides with the occasional roadkill deer that gets dumped on my property. I'm getting better, but I'm still not satisfied with the results. The deerskins were good enough for a winter encampment, however.

I wandered back inside. The sideboard was entirely Viking and Scandinavian dishes; smoked salmon, pickled eggs, herring, flatbreads, soups and stews, etc. It was very good and very filling. I spent the rest of the afternoon wandering the hall and schmoozing. The flyers for our demo had been dropped off at troll as soon as I got on site. They were very popular. Anyone willing to drive for hours to play at Vikings and camp in the snow would be perfectly willing to drive for hours to play at Vikings at a free event! I answered a lot of questions. Several gentles from the south were on site attempting to gather crew and workers to help them build their own longboat. When I mentioned that a group who had already done so were invited to the next Scandinavian Festival they were very interested in talking to someone who had already done it.

Baron Lem taught a class on being Viking. There was another on making snowshoes. I was more interested in the boardgames that were being played. If I have the time, I want to make several for our demo in the fall.

Court and feast were also to be handled in the Viking style. The Baron and Baroness, as hosts, welcomed the King and Queen to their feast hall and gave them seats at high table. Court was held during the first course of the feast. Prizes were given to the winners of the various competitions (which is itself another Viking tradition) and awards were given out as gifts from the Crown. Mistress Margaret was called into court and given a Court Barony.

During the feast, I finally gave the performance I had originally planned for Kingdom Twelfth Night when I got hit with 18" of snow overnight. I asked Christoph the Pathfinder to take a photo of me performing. I forgot he has ambitions of being a professional photographer. He took eight; portrait, distance, from his knees, etc. I had one of the event organizers announce me and I walked into the hall in a flowing green robe with white trim and a wreath of holly on my head. I started singing the "The Boar's Head Carol" with a prop boar's head apparently on my left gloved hand. When I got to the chorus, the boar spit out the apple and started singing the chorus! I apparently floored a number of people who didn't realize it was a puppet until I did that. 'He' completed the chorus and started on the next verse when I stuffed a tomato pin cushion in his mouth to stop him. He turned to me and I said "My line." and started singing while he tried to dislodge the 'apple' from his mouth. When I got to the chorus, he spit out the 'apple' at my head and sang. I stuffed another apple in his mouth and did the final verse. He spit it out and sang the final chorus. When I bowed to acknowledge the end of the song and people started applauding, he popped up and called out "Chicken!!! The *ONLY* white meat!" which got a round of laughter. I had been practicing my ventriloquism and isolation of movement (so we appeared to be two separate individuals) for weeks! It was worth it. As far as I'm concerned, the performance went off perfectly!

Bardic circle after the feast lasted until midnight. I went out to my tent, laid down in my cot and the fabric ripped from head to foot dumping me on the ground. I gathered up my bedding and returned to the main hall. A woman saw me and said, "A Viking with sense???" I replied, "Odin decreed! He tore my cot asunder." She laughed. I slept in the main hall with a dozen other Vikings.

Breakfast was almost another feast. In addition to leftovers, the kitchen was bringing out additional hot foods. After a very leisurely packing, interrupted by seconds and thirds on the food and much story telling, I finally hit the road for home. All in all, a wonderful event.