ANST - If a tree falls in the woods?

[Alexis]

The mood was festive in the Barony, for word had just been received
that the King had approved the request of the Baron to host a
Tournament.  At once, the finest artisans of the lands were commissioned
to make prizes beyond compare.  Heralds were dispatched with all haste
to the furthest reaches of the realm to announce word of the grand
tournament to be held.  Members of the household were sent to assay the
lands to secure a place to hold the tournament that would impress all
comers with the beauty of our lands.  Others were solemnly charged to
arrange a grand feast that would satisfy the palate and prove that ours
was indeed a land that was well blessed by God.  Challenges were sent
forth to all who consider themselves learned in the Art of Fence, to
assemble a host and display the skills learned from their masters.
	Finally the time had arrived, members of the household sallied forth
and fashioned a spectacle in the lovely woods chosen to host the event. 
The many hours spent by many hands were soon evident on the fields
marked by ribbons gaily decorated with flags and banners which graced
the listfields and the hall.  Pavillions for the Baron and other members
soon ringed the fields.  Scullions were sent to the kitchens to work
their magic, for the Baron had decreed that any who should arrive early
to our tournament should be well received and provided a warm meal to
succor them from their travels, compliments of the Barony.
	Alas, as if to forshadow the events to come, the skies darkened in the
days preceeding the event.  Word had arrived that there was to be
another grand tournament in lands near to ours.  An all too literal
dampening of enthuisiam occurred as some rain fell in our lands. 
Despite these ominous events, the day opened with promise.  There had
been a respite in the rains and the site was looking idyllic as the day
dawned.  Few had arrived the evening before to enjoy the hospitality
that we had prepared.  As we sat at the gateway to our tournament, we
began to greet those who arrived from our neighboring lands.  Soon we
counted many of our neighbors in the Stargate and Westgate, many as well
of our neighbors in the Bordermarch.  We were greatly pleased to greet
many from the Graywoods to the north (including several who have been
acknowledged with a white scarf) and several from our neighbors to the
south in Torre de Brazos.  But as the  people trickled in, an alarm was
soon raised.  It became apparent that our heralds must have been delayed
or set upon soon after their departure, for as our day commenced our
lists showed that with but two exceptions, Gwellian Ferch Meredydd and
Etienne D' Avignon (please accept my personal thanks for making the
journey and excuse me if I butchered your names), THERE WAS NOT A SINGLE
PERSON FROM OUTSIDE OUR REGION who attended our event!  Likewise, as
this forum has recently raised the question of the number of peers,
THERE WAS NOT A SINGLE PEER AT OUR EVENT!  Despite the inclement
weather, we were overwhelmed with a whole 53 adults.
	It is true that the skies did open back up during the day, but the site
certainly held up better than did the fields of Lyonnesse earlier this
year.  With a short break, all the rounds of combat were concluded and
the fighters acquitted themselves very well (21 combatants).  Likewise,
there was an arts and science display (not that there were any Laurels
to see the items).  As well, there were many fine bards wandering about
entertaining the populace.  In fact, I can hardly recall a moment that
the sounds of musical voice or instrument could not be heard throughout
the site (thank you again to all the fine performers).  As the feast was
served (to everyone's resounding approval) and much largesse handed out
to those who earned fame throughout the day, I could not help but think
what a shame it had been that so many of our members had put out so much
work to host an event that could favorably be compared to any event I
have attended this year (including Lyonnesse, Steppes, Squires, Melees,
etc. to name but a few), only to have so few people enjoy it.  I
recalled that it was only earlier this year that I had heard the comment
(when traveling to a distant event) that "the Loch puts on small
events."  Well, even though it I would think it obvious to everyone, the
only thing that members of our Barony can do is to prepare for and host
the event.  The only way that it can become a big event is for members
of the kingdom (and this might even include some of those outside our
region) to attend the event.  If anyone comes to one of our events and
feels disappointed with what we have, or have not, done then I will be
the first to accept all criticism for it and will understand your
reluctance to attend in the future (but please at least let me know so
that we may address it in the future).  But until that time, I would at
least ask you to refrain from passing judgment on our ability to host an
event until you have experienced it.
	After having heard extremely positive comments from those who have
attended our events over the last several years, but at the same time,
seeing the same smiling faces every time, I could not in good conscience
remain silent any more.

Alexis LaBouche
Seneschal Loch Soillier

p.s. thank you very much to the many fine individuals from the Stargate
and Westgate, Bordermarch and Torre who made the trip and endured the
weather.  An especial thanks to the members of Graywood, who have made
me even more glad to have made the trip to the Battle of the Pines and
given me an opportunity to return the excellant hospitality shown to me
there.

ALB
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