[NR] Favorite Things (was Sword/Spear)

[Darin K. Herndon]

AEthelstan wrote (in part):
>as far as fighting one on one in tourney with short spear and shield, I
>remember a few Samhain's years ago when Michael brought out round center
>grip shields and 6' spears....that was fun!!

I've been quiet lately dealing with family stuff but this kind of hit
me at the right time and got me thinking about Robert's post about
Favorite Things and People.  I fought in that tourney and it was a
special tourney for me.  Not because I won or anything that amazing
(I've yet to win a tourney and as out of practice as I am now it will
be awhile yet).

You see, when you got to that tourney you were formed into teams that
competed in the different events; someone heavy, someone A&S, etc.
By the time I, new as I was, got to the list field and inspected, all
of the teams were full and I was alone.  There were no open spots and
no other contestants to make another team; I was alone and I was not
going to be able to play.  That however changed radically within
about 10 minutes of King Michael finding out.  Michael of
Monmouthshire asked me if I wanted to participate and when I said
"yes" he declared that a two-person team consisting of myself and His
Majesty would be facing the other five person teams.

The tournament was single elimination and it was Alrek (Bunny) who
took me out in the first fight.  It did take awhile though and I
fully credit all discussions of how difficult a fightling style it
can be.  We would both choke up and fight close and then we'd back up
and fight from a distance.  And you know, I had fun.

Then Michael called me up at the Eldern Hills court and gave me a
brooch for having fought with him, though we didn't win.

At Northkeep's elevation, the populous brought forth treasures to lay
at the Crown's feet.  Rosamund Blaunchflur (my lady), Seamus of
Stanhous (at least I think that's how he did his name back then), and
I brought Michael a kilt and a leather vest and Michaela a cloak
lined in the same material as the kilt.  I still have a piece of the
fabric of that kilt wrapped in the brooch for when I wear it.

Other favorite memories or things:

Going to the Society 30 Year celebration in An Tir and fighting in a
Lady of the Rose tourney and being the last Ansteorran standing
(though I was hard to reach behind that six foot spear, not from
skill).  At 30 Year meeting Godwin and Lyssa from Stargate, who made
Rosamund and I feel so welcome so far from home.

Northkeep hosting Crown Tourney and getting to field herald a crown
list.  Thanking all those who helped herald the tourney in court and
getting yanked back as I was leaving by Sir Pendaran (who was
heralding court) and being presented my AoA by Kein and Alisha.  I'll
never forget that Kein's eyes never left mine while that scroll was
read or what Alisha said when she gave it to me.  Seeing Sir Kief
called to the Pelican and Godwin (whom I met at 30 Year) called to
the Chivalry in that same court just rounded it out for me.

The camaraderie of traveling to Grey Niche, Bordermarch, Gothic War,
and Gulf War with the best of friends.  Getting my first melee kill
at that war between Grey Niche and Three Rivers.

Heralding court.  I love teaching others to do it as much as I love
doing it myself.  I love it when it goes right and I will always
remember the little mistakes as treasured memories (like hitting
puberty in the middle of VIVAT ANSTEORRA at the first royal court I
ever heralded).  My first royal court where the first order of
business was Balvin's knighting and I got to read Thorgrim's and
Sigen's Sable Crane scrolls.  And Michelle's Star of Merit and
Andreas' baronetcy.  But I will always treasure working with others
through their first courts, baronial or royal or shire, and the joy
they have after completing it.

Being asked by Alaric to herald Grand Court at Lilies War for the
treaty between Ansteorra and Calontir.  And his surprise that that
was my second royal court.

Getting asked by the (then) Star Principal Herald if I could help
with a text for an Augmentation of Arms and then getting to hear
Lucais read what I wrote for Galen of Bristol at Daffydd and
Octavia's stepping down court.  It was the end of a very special
reign.

Hosting a couple from Calontir for a wInterkingdom collegium and
forming a wonderful friendship with Modar and Brianna.

There are too many memories to write more now.  Thank you Robert for
last month's post.  I hope this thread continues sporadically for a
long time.

Seigneur Etienne de St. Amaranth
Barony of Northkeep, Ansteorra