[Ansteorra] Elfsea Springfaire was so much fun (long)

[Armand Dragonetti]

Greetings Elfsea and friends of Elfsea!

We want to commend everyone who worked so hard at Springfaire this weekend. 
Unto Don Valentyn, the autocrat and all of his staff, a hearty "Vivat!"

Thank you to Lady Genna for coordinating the gate, Lady Maria for 
coordinating and securing many fine merchants, Lady Colete for arranging for 
our youth lists, Lord Kerrick with the Archery List, Sir Timo on the 
Chivalric field, Lady Jocelyn with Rapier, Master Philip with the Children's 
activities and Fools Competition, HL Siobhan as our Chiurgeon in Charge. (No 
injuries...woo hoo) And to the many water-bearers who kept everyone hydrated 
and electrolytes balanced. To Lady Aislyn and Giliana for list mistressing, 
Thank you. Also, special thanks to Teraesa and Elsbeth, who kept us 
comfortable throughout the day.

A most enjoyable event indeed and we are confident that those who were there 
would agree. The site was beautiful, as was the weather. Friends from near 
and far were treated to a superb sideboard lunch, delivered directly to the 
populace, wherever they were, be it the archery field, the chivalric or 
rapier list fields, observing the arts & sciences competition in the hall, 
or preparing for the bardic competition at the gazebo. We are unaware of any 
other group who delivers this level of hospitality. Well done, HL Medb, Lord 
Gustav & crew, House FalconRose and all who assisted them. We were also well 
pleased to honor the memory of Sir Terans and Don Benedict with a toast in 
court and a peaceful setting near the gazebo to reminisce and record our 
thoughts of them. These journals will be available again at Steppes Warlord 
and will ultimately be conveyed to Sir Teran's & Don Benedict's loved ones.

Many memories of this day will live with us long. The sounds of swords upon 
armor ringing from the list. Of Colorful kites filling the sky. (Thank you 
Don Valentyn, Jhan Xu, HL Arabella and everyone who assisted with the kite 
expo.) Lady Deanna and Sir Romanius' amazing boneless cow, complete with 
corral, offered as payment of overdue taxes, accumulated during Sir 
Romanius' absence while away with studies. Exquisite arts & science entries, 
described in depth by extremely knowledgeable artisans. Thank you, HL 
Vincenzo, for organizing our titled A & S competition and your exquisite 
gift of a silver Portcullis adorned with pearls. *Very* nice. And to our 
former artisan, Mistress Julianna, for helping with the difficult task of 
judging. And especially to all of those who put forth tremendous effort to 
prepare, display and compete to be our titled artisan. Special thanks also, 
to Lady Nuala for donating your entry of the Artisan Champion's scroll for 
the winner. We hope many will have a chance to see her fine work.

Thank you Master Robin of Gilwel for conducting our titled bardic 
competition. Our three bardic competitors touched us more than we had 
expected. The first performance was delivered by a young man, Jason, who was 
attending his first ever SCA event. He was the first to perform and 
therefore had no prior example to follow. Such courage, the spirit of a true 
Ansteorran to be sure. Then came Stephanie Wolffe, who so greatly honored me 
with a marvelous poem about the Baron of Elfsea, reminding me of what a 
tremendous privilege it is to serve these lands and it's populace in this 
capacity. Thank you, my dear. Then Jhan Xu delivered an impressive song, 
written this same day, which told of many notable bards who have taught and 
inspired her over the years. Such a delightful piece that we hope more will 
hear it in the near future. The King of Fools competition brought some 
rather memorable images, a "Surge" in a kilt tumbling about, a spry "young" 
bard (Master Robin) cart wheeling into court, and the somewhat disturbing 
image of Baroness Dana's proxy, (Lord Duckie in drag), who could have used a 
bit more "support". And of course, No-Count Crandal and the Queen-Mother, 
Irina that evening. It was not lost on me that the title is that of King 
*OF* Fools, as opposed to King Fool, Thank you, No-Count Crandal.....I 
think. Hmmmmm. Thanks to Master Philip White, who having disposed (deposed) 
of Raimond and Charles, previously appointed by His Travesty, Duck Wormy, 
was anxious to shed his title of Virgin Fool. (By having another one named, 
silly.)


We are quite pleased to announce our newest:

Elfsea Artisan - HL Lyonnette von Laden
     and
Elfsea Bard - Jhan Xu (the correct spelling of this lady's name has been 
packed away, but will be relayed as soon as we find where it is hiding)


The youth combat featured Robert and Caitlyn deftly felling Centurion Louie 
and Lord Daire, who graciously afforded combat to our young competitors. 
Thank you, all. And to Alexis "Don Slayer" who polished her blade with Don 
Edward Mercer's blood in the youth rapier list. Again, thank you both.
For the adults, Lady Irina was victorious on the Archery range from amongst 
a talented field of 22, Sir Romanius defeated Lord Justinian in the finals 
of the chivalric list and Don Edward Mercer claimed the day on the Rapier 
field.

The following individuals were also recognized, either at morning court or 
the afternoon court:

Lord Justinian of Elfsea - Award of Arms
Lady Eithne the Healer - Portcullis
Don Valentyn Drake - Portcullis
Lady Janie of the Tor - Sable Crane
Arcarius Fearghus MacKenna - Sable Comet (Dragonsfire Tor)
Lady Irina Moreskaia - Sable Thistle (Brocade work)
Lord Eoghan Mac Cinatha - Portcullis
Lord Gustav alf Blitzgarten - Portcullis
Master Philip White - Azure Keystone

Also, HL Siobhan and Teraesa presented the barony with a set of fine cloaks 
with which to adorn and identify members of Elfsea's baronial guard. These 
ladies have our heartfelt thanks! We also heard words of fealty from Lord 
Justinian of Elfsea and Sean, who both joined the roster as members of the 
Elfsea guard. There was also a "fight-like-Timo" competition and we were 
serenaded by Three Happy Lads, Lord Iames, Don Ingve & Don Brendan. And on 
and on, too much fun. We look forward to next year and seeing you all again 
very soon. And we intentionally left out a few thank yous, just to see who's 
paying attention and has read this far. If you noticed, please let us know 
so we can highlight you in the next, much shorter, but more prominent 
missive. :-) There is much business from Springfaire yet to be concluded, so 
be sure to watch for further announcements and make plans now to join us at 
Highland Games if at all possible! Until then, stay safe and have fun!

In the service of kingdom, crown & barony, we remain,
Armand & Ameline
Baron & Baroness of Elfsea