<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD W3 HTML//EN">
<HTML>
<HEAD>
<META content=text/html;charset=iso-8859-1 http-equiv=Content-Type><!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD W3 HTML//EN">
<META content='"MSHTML 4.72.3110.7"' name=GENERATOR>
</HEAD>
<BODY bgColor=#ffffff>
<BLOCKQUOTE
style="BORDER-LEFT: #000000 solid 2px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px">
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><B>-----Original Message-----</B><BR><B>From:
</B>Brian <<A
href="mailto:magikian@cwix.com">magikian@cwix.com</A>><BR><B>To:
</B>Elfsea <<A
href="mailto:elfsea@Ansteorra.ORG">elfsea@Ansteorra.ORG</A>><BR><B>Date:
</B>Sunday, April 11, 1999 7:09 PM<BR><B>Subject: </B>ES - Missed
SpringFaire :-(<BR><BR></DIV></FONT>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT color=#008000 face=Garamond>Alas, the event that I had
heard so much about passes, and I am forced to miss out on the fun and
activities. Hopefully all who attended will post accounts so that I
may at least glean some essence of what transpired.</FONT></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT color=#008000 face=Garamond></FONT></STRONG> </DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT color=#008000 face=Garamond>I hope to be more involved
once the semester is at an end. I really mean it this time
:-)</FONT></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT color=#008000 face=Garamond></FONT></STRONG> </DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT color=#008000 face=Garamond>Ian</FONT></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV></BLOCKQUOTE>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000>WOW! </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000>I heard from so many people about how much they enjoyed
Springfaire in years past that I knew it would be a special event. However, I
have had so much fun at recent events I could not imagine how Springfaire could
compare to them. I've learned. My expectations were again exceeded and I count
Springfaire as one of the most enjoyable events I've ever attended. If you did
not have fun at Springfaire, you must not have been there. My hat's off to the
event stewards, Lady Tanwyn Aniera and Lady Ceinwen ferch Rhoul, who's
tremendous efforts were apparent to all in how smooth this event went.
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000>Some highlights from my perspective:</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000>Morning Court:<BR>During morning court, to their great
surprise, Her Majesty Sara Penrose awarded Siobhan O'Neil and Ameline du Bois
their Award of Arms for services rendered to Her Majesty and the Kingdom. Lady
Siobhan and Lady Ameline had helped Her Majesty with a dress at the beginning of
her reign and have both been very active with service in the short time they
have been in the Society. Many more awards and recognitions were given, but as
'Lady' Ameline is my ladywife I seem to have lost track of any
others.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000>The Consort's Ransom Tourney:<BR>In a word: Fantastic.
Vivat, Lady Allesandre for a rounding success. While it's good to try new
things, I would love to see this type of tourney repeated in the future if not
made a tradition akin to Lyonnesse. For those who do not know how this
tournament was run, please look at it's description on the Springfaire web page.
(<A
href="http://home.earthlink.net/~dmmerlick/sprheavy.html">http://home.earthlink.net/~dmmerlick/sprheavy.html</A>)</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000>The consorts and combatants gathered on the list field
to hear the tournament rules when suddenly Her Majesty Sara Penrose briefly
interrupted the proceedings with an impromptu court there on the field. At which
point Daniel Stewart and Armand Dragonetti were given their Award of Arms amidst
the vivats of those on the field. Immediately following this, Sir Galen of
Bristol on this day did add Lord Daniel and Lord Armand to his household as each
swore fealty and became his two newest squires. Each were presented with an
exquisite battle axe and their squire's belts were placed on them by Lady
Siobhan and Lady Ameline, assisted by HL Allesandre. I was indeed overwhelmed.
What more could distract me in the upcoming tournament? What indeed. No sooner
had I squired to Sir Galen than the Captain of Elfsea's Baronial Guard, Lord
Connor na Mara, approached and announced that 'Lord' Armand had a warrant for
his arrest for the grave crime of 'Public Envy'. (I had been seen earlier in a
new green tunic and hat, hand-made by my lady for the frugal garb competition.
As I also wore a green tights and shoes I commented that I was 'green with
envy'.) At this, Lord Connor was about to say that he had already paid for my
crime, when Her Majesty, having overheard the charges, again returned to the
field and granted a Royal Pardon on the spot. I was speechless. I can't begin to
put into words how much all this meant to me.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000>As the tournament got underway, I was still in shock
from all that had happened and as a new fighter I did not expect to last too
long. Imagine my despair upon learning that my first round would be defending my
Lady Ameline from Centurion Timotheous and challenging Sir Alaric Drake for his
Lady, HE Kayleigh. Alas, it would be a short tournament for Lord Dragonetti. But
to my surprise, a slight fake to the legs brought Sir Alaric's shield down just
enough and my shot found his helm. I was stunned and exhilarated because I have
the highest regard for HE Kayleigh and sincere respect for Sir Drake. However,
Centurion Timo made quick work of me and Lady Ameline was to be seen no more.
Round two, I was fighting to take Lord Lew's Lady Afan, who did not wish to
leave the 'Heaven' she described as her lord's pavilion. While quick to point
out that no offense was intended to me, she sent her lord to the field with the
admonition, "You BETTER win!" I'm not quite sure if it was out of love
or fear, but Lord Lew did indeed win! (And I have the mark's to prove it.) Next,
I had to keep HE Kayleigh and my challenger was to be fought immediately after
my loss to Lew. Out onto the field steps Sir Wilhelm von Buch. (An observer, who
obviously had mistaken me for some David so and so, inquired to were I had left
my sling.) As the field darkened in the shadow of Sir Wilhelm I tried to recall
the advice given by Cent. Timo and I also wondered if a sling wasn't such a bad
idea. But deep thinking is not for the field and after only a few exchanges Sir
Wilhelm delivered a resounding shot to my helm and my day was done. (He has a
long reach, by the way.) For the remainder of the tournament I was able to
observe some outstanding combat and meet many new friends. Lady Ameline enjoyed
her host's pavilion and remained there until the very last ferocious fight
between Master Pepin and Timo. The tournament was running long and that final
fight was a gruesome best two out of three match of rock, paper, scissors.
Master Pepin proved victorious and named Mistress Muriel his Queen of Love &
Beauty. To her surprise, Centurion Timo presented Lady Ameline with his vote for
most inspiring consort, which gave her two votes. (Lady Ameline had watched and
entertained Centurion Timo's children while at his pavilion.) Two votes created
a tie and at evening court Lady Ameline shared the prizes given in that
category. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000>Evening Court:<BR>The feast prepared by Lady Genevieve
de la Gamba was superb and the volunteers were greatly appreciated as many of
them volunteered on the spot when the feastocrat was found short-handed. Court
itself was long but good. That happens when there are so many people who do so
much. Forgive me if I can't remember or mention all the awards. But I do
remember that Lady Raisa was made a Laurel. The victors in the Light & Heavy
tourneys were announced. The Rapier tourney winner went undefeated the entire
day. The Heavy list winner was Master Pepin. Several more AoA's were given,
including Lord Moerick and Lady Nicolette. Baron Llewellyn received a Sable
Thistle. Lord Padraig sang a wonderful tribute to the first Arthurian Company
which was released from service for the previous year and each member was given
an Ansteorran coin in appreciation from Baroness Zara Zina. All of the members,
then handed them to Centurion Airaklee Wolf for the excellent training and
commitment he had shown as the Company Commander. (I wish you could have seen
his face when he turned around and saw his unit standing there preparing to
praise him.) Lady Ameline was recognized for her entry in the frugal garb
contest. I do not recall the name of the winner of that, but I do remember that
this was only her second event. Well done. (I saw the entries in the frugal garb
competition and they were truly impressive. Anyone who still thinks nice garb
has to be expensive needs to get with one of those competitors.)</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000>After Court:<BR>The Bardic competition, which was well
attended, hosted some of the best bards in the kingdom and was outstanding. I
did not see it, but the Middle Eastern Dance competition was run by Duchess
Willow de Wisp. I was also introduced to Rolling Thunder....., say no more.
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000>Novice Lists:<BR>On Sunday, a novice list for the
Rapier community was held, as was a Heavy novice tourney for fighters of two
years or less experience. There were six fighters in the heavy list, Lord
Daniel, Lord Scian, Lord Caelin, Lord Fearghus, Lord Roberto and myself. This
was sponsored by four of Elfsea's Knights who each awarded a prize they had
brought for this occasion. While there were four awards and six fighters, all
the fighters were winners in this most enjoyable tourney.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000>Final Court:<BR>During the final court, Brighad was
announced as winner of the novice Rapier tourney. Vivat! Ingva presented her
with a piece of regalia that had been given him long ago by a fighter who
thought he showed exceptional potential. Also, Siade the Bard was recognized for
best death (or did they say deaths) but appeared to have fun in so doing. The
novice heavy fighters were all commended and four were given prizes from the
sponsoring Knights. Lord Fearghus, for enthusiasm and rising above any hardship.
Lord Scian for showing skill above that of a novice. Lord Daniel for accuracy of
shots. And myself, Lord Dragonetti for panache and field presence. The highlight
of the final court, however, had to be the announcement of the new King of
Fools.<BR>While there were three contestants for this King of Fools competition,
Lord Raimond seemed the heir apparent. However, just as he was being announced,
Lord Crandall boldly interrupted and reminded one and all that he had agreed to
take responsibility for anything Lord Raimond had done and therefore that he,
Lord Crandall, was the rightful King of Fools. Taking the crown, regalia and
staff he arrogantly sat in the Fools throne. This was indeed a BIG surprise to
all present, but no one could argue the claim. Raimond had been the favorite and
now he was usurped. But wait, His Travesty Crandall stood and as his first
proclamation as sovereign of his domain, conceded that he needed a deputy to
help with his monumental job. He then named Lord Raimond as his new QUEEN of
Fools! The uproar was tremendous and Ld. Raimond was dumbfounded. As he was
escorted (or was it forced) up before His Travesty, several ladies hurried to
assemble the proper attire for the new Queen. Flowers for the hair, a skirt for,
well, the rest. The hoots and laughter were surely heard in Meridies. Whitney
was also made a member of the guard for Their Travesties court. I can hardly
wait until Fools Court!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000>My apologies for being so long, but this was a glorious
event and there was much more than this. Also, I extend apologies if I didn't
mention you or got an award wrong. I do want to again wish Lord Crandall and
Baroness Xene a Happy Birthday, both of which were to be celebrated Saturday,
but which received little attention due to the volume of activities at this
event.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000>In service to Elfsea and Ansteorra,<BR>Lord Armand
Dragonetti<BR>Elfsea Historian<BR>Squire to Sir Galen of
Bristol</FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>