[Bordermarch] Armuin's Ren Day

[tessa]

"The Queen of our Hearts" was toasted at noon feast, July 25, 2009.
~Observations by Tessa

HE Baroness Armuin told me over and over today how she was so glad that members of the barony and friends came to her new home at Sabine Assisted Living. AT 11:00 AM, several of us paraded the length of Armuin's hall, your servant calling out "Make way, make way for Her Excellency Baroness Armuin of Dunvegan!" Rounding the corner of her hallway [herself in her wheel chair], upon seeing the courtyard for the first time this morning (all decorated with banners, list field markers, arts tables, a place setting for her, the whole dining room set in feast array), Armuin decreed, "Oh, my!  Oh, my!"  She was attired in her favorite brown and yellow motif 12th century garments. Many thanks to Lord Connor and his Lady Theresa Fox for organizing the demo event, setting up, and to all who provided ambience to honor our intriguing, inspiring friend whom the Crown named as a Court Baroness a decade ago when she was in her octogenarian years.

The Sabine staff, all in garb, and many of the residents bowed for her, spoke her title, and applauded her repeatedly throughout the day. The Chef had prepared for the residents roasted chicken, carrots, new world potatoes, green salat, individual breads, sparkling punch, and bread pudding; and for the guests, a sideboard of melons, grapes, cheese cubes, or veg dip. We gathered around the dining room tables with goblets in hand for the traditional feast toast, this time to the "Queen of our Hearts." During the noon feast, several area merchants also presented door prizes. 

HE AmberLea and Lady Jillian burst forth in song as a number of us joined in. The senior residents were swaying or clapping in joy. Armuin was consumed in memories of delight. There was also a silent auction of several baskets donated by Orange merchants, filled with modern niceties, with proceeds going to the Sabine Home.

Their Excellencies Santiago & Elisabeth at last became acquainted with HE Armuin today and agree with all the heroic, larger than life stories that they have heard about Armuin, who, incidentally, insists on keeping her sca membership card current. She brought out some of her sca pictures from distant years including her court. Lord Phocas brought Trumpeters for her, and those issues were found interesting to many of the on-lookers.
Any number of the residents' visitors as well as some staff members desire to learn more about the sca. We had business cards and printouts to provide.

One period merchant did sell some wares as well as one artisan's pewter dragonfly, sentimental symbol to one of the resident gentlemen and his wife, resulted in the gentleman's request to purchase it. A mini rapier tourney was participated in by Lord Cretian, Lady Padraigin, Lord Connor, Don Simonn, and Lord Zain, with Lord Zain victorious. A mini chiv tourney was participated in by Lord Connor, Lord Zain, and Sir Simonn, with Sir Simonn victorious. Lord Phocas assisted on the field, and we have learned now that Lord Cretian has a fine voice for heralding!

Armuin was moved to see her green man artifacts again and her chapel artifacts which had all been safely stored away within the barony. She was amazed at the castle stories and pictures. We had opportunities so serve Lady Jillian's cookies to the senior citizen's and refresh their luncheon drinks. Many residents were intrigued by our stories, clothing, armor, and courtesy to them. They seemed to enjoy our personal interest in them and thanked us repeatedly. Lord Vaclav was quick to help with ice. HE Valencia of course was smiling to share historical information. Lady Nora Birdsong and her children were a delight for the residents to watch, adoring her Lord and keeping the children entertained with their Pup.

The hours passed from 11 into 3 with Armuin continuing in clever conversation, ever teaching us of her life's excursions through her sparkling eyes which do no longer see as well. She was the first one during any ceremony of the day to proclaim, "Vi-VAT!" Now at years numbering ninety-one, the darling "Queen of our Hearts" may be losing her eyesight, but Her Excellency Armuin has certainly not lost her *vision*! 

Vivat to senor citizens!
Vivat the Dream!