Event report: Flames of the Equinox

[eveglass]

On Friday afternoon, I loaded my wagon with gear and food for the weekend and, stopping only to take on Jeanne de Robin as a passenger, I made my way to the Sweet Estate. Alas, but many others were also taking their weekend retreat at the same time, and the road was clogged with wagons and chariots. By the time Jeanne and I arrived at the estate, the sun had already passed below the western horizon.

Nonetheless, we set up our tent and supped. Once we were done, there was already a small fire crackling near the longhouse and the strains of Cairn's instrument drifted across the field. I sat beside him, and together we made merry music for many hours. As our audience drifted off to sleep or other conversations, Cairn and I sat speaking late into the night. Finally, my eyes shut of their own accord, and I made my way back to my bed.

Saturday dawned and I rose with the sun. Realizing that the hour was so early, I promptly fell back into sleep and awoke again at a more reasonable hour. After breakfasting with some members of House Sable Dawn, I spent the rest of the daylight hours spent in pleasant diversions. I sewed, I embroidered, and I occasionaally watched the progress of the baronial archery championship competition.

In the mid-afternoon, I joined Johann von Dannicus, Gwen, Lyly, and others in composing a new song. Though I cannot take credit for the concept, it was an amusing one, and I hope to perform it at future bardic circles. When we were finished writing, Dannicus brought forth his song-book, and I mine. Within minutes, we had amassed a large circle of performers and listeners, and Master Conrad rightly noted that bardic was beginning early. Again, the singing lasted many hours, and only stopped when the sun had set below the horizon.

Her Excellency Valeria had needed to leave earlier in the afternoon because Her heir, at the tender age of two-and-twenty months, was tired from the day's excitement. So His Excellency called His court to session. Lord Angall announced the new archery champion: Aulric. The populace rejoiced at their new champion. I was bold enough to offer Angall a poem in honour of his position as outgoing champion, which seemed to cause laughter amidst the populace. I know not why, however: the poem is merely about a man with a long bow, and any who feel there might be deeper innuendo within it must surely have too-vivid imaginations.

At court, the populace also cheered the newly-elevated Lady Melodia Makepiece. They applauded as Lady Sciath ingen Chaennaich took Giliana Lyttle as her demoiselle. And then, there being no further business before the court, His Excellency turned to face the Ceileigh Cave and take the first draught. I joined Conrad at the bar and we sang songs together and made merry until he, alas, needed to depart.

Meanwhle, the fencers repaired to fight in a torchlit tourney. Nine combattants fought, while many more gentles looked on and applauded their skill. The tourney lasted well into the night: by the time it was over, many were too tired to even drink! And so, as the bonfire blazed under the care of Mistress Hawise, I ended my night.

Sunday morning, my mind fixed on the tale of Lord Cosmano. He had told me that the day before, the archers had been hunting vicious beasts, called "Spam," in the woods. Hearing of the fierceness of these beasts, I decided to do a service to the barony by writing a song of warning. Again, my performance caused much mirth and more than a few giggles from the audience. But once more, I do not know why. My tale is a dire warning! Beware, travellers, lest you find yourselves in the clutches of the Wild Eastman Spam!

After too short a time, Jeanne and I reloaded the wagon and returned to the town proper. And here I sit, my bags unpacked and my remaining food safely stored. The subjects of our barony now prepare for the harvest and ensuing winter, when the weather turns so cold that it is impossible to set up a tent in comfort. But, though we huddle indoors, barely seeing the sun, we can all take comfort in knowing that we still host a fine event when the weather permits! Vivant to us all!