[Ravensfort] The Lysts at Castleton

[Lemoine Beers]

The Lysts at Castleton
a report
by
Lemoine de Gascony
Apprentice to
 Mistress Shanahan the Fey

On April 9, A. S. XLIV being 2010 in the common era, the Lady Rosalia
and myself made the journey to Castleton. Leaving our home in Raven's
Fort we were most excited about what lay before us. The trip across
Ansteorra was nice; I for one enjoy the countryside. We were almost to
Castleton when my good lady informed she was hungry and the wagon
would no go further unless we stopped for food... so we stopped at the
House of the Waffle. The members of this household were happy to serve
us and the food was much needed. Back on the road we made our way to
Castleton. We checked in and found land for Raven's Fort to camp on.
We set our camp up as fast as possible as the mounted list had
started. It was a sight to see. The horses and the fighters were well
mannered and the chivalry on the field was to the highest standards.
Once the mounted list had finished we had started back to camp when H.
E. Master Don Robin of Gilwell took the field with a noble fighter
that I did not get the name of. They engaged in cut and thrust, their
skill was so good that it looked more like a dance the a fight. During
the cut and thrust fighting a wagon came in to Castleton with H. E.
Brian du Val, his daughter, and Lord Eagan. While the latest arrivals
from Raven's Fort checked in Lady Rosalia and myself were lucky enough
to get to speak with H. E. Master Don Robert MacPharland. He told us
the tale of his trip to Castleton, and we all had a good time. After
everyone had finished checking in, Lady Rosalia rode in H. E. Brian's
wagon while I walked back to the land we had claimed for Raven's Fort
camping. We helped with the unloading of H. E. Brian's wagon. While
the tents, shields, armor, and weapons were being unloaded. Lady Runa
of the Thundering Herd had arrived. Once her wagon had been unloaded
H. E. Brian's wagon was moved near to the lyst field and the Raven's
Fort pavilion was set up. We had the honor to be between Barony of
Bjornsborg and the Barony of Loch Soilleir. The Lady Rosalia and I
then went to the grand museum of Don Shamino Salle Dacil. The museum
had wonders for the young and the old alike. If one ever has the time
to visit Don Shamino Salle Dacil's museum one should. After leaving
the museum Lady Rosalia returned to camp and I spent time watching the
Cut and Trust Tournament for the honor of the Ladies of the Rose. This
was a most thrilling tournament to behold. I then returned to camp.
After enjoying the fellowship of the our fellow Raven's Forters we
retired to bed.

Early on the next day we awoke to the smell of coffee that Lady Runa
had made for us. H. E. Brian's daughter had gathered wild onions and
would spend the better of her day gathering wild onion for everyone's
enjoyment. I also had the honor of being asked by H. E. Brian to
herald him in to court as his two loyal and trust worthy guardsmen
Lady Rosalia and Lord Eagan escorted him. It was a proud moment to be
the one to call out to everyone that H. E. Brian du Val fourth baron
of Raven's Fort fighting with the favor of his daughter, a scarf of
purpure upon his brow was entering the field this day for honorable
combat on the list fields of Castleton. Once court had ended the
fighting had begun. We watched as H. E. Brian fought with honor and
great pride in the name of Raven's Fort. We entertained many guests
that day in our pavilion. We were also blessed with a visit from
Countess Elizabeta DiValore della Rosa. Once the fighting had
finished, the list fields were set up for the jousting. It is with
great pride that I say that our own Lady Mirabelis Genevah Zabaneh was
one of the people of great skill on the jousting field that day. I was
greatly honored that H. E. Mistress Suzanne Gabrielle Marie Beraud
took the time out of her busy day to speak with me about the arts and
sciences. To her I am most thankful. Once the sun had set on a
wonderful and exciting day, Lord Eagan took all of Raven's fort to the
tavern and bought a round of drinks, in celebration of the events of
the past day. Retiring to bed we sleep well. I would be remiss if I
did not point out that the weather was nice for camping, a bit chilly
for some but not cold or harsh. When we awoke the on the final day, We
had a very enjoyable breakfast from the Longship Company. Breaking
down camp and packing was the next order of business. Finally, we made
our way home back across the great kingdom that is Anstoerra.


Lemoine de Gascony MKA "L.D. Beers"  loco.cerveza at gmail.com
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