The day opened with a Baroness’ Tea; held to celebrate the reign of Elspeth as Baroness of Eskalya. The Tea had many delights and delicacies offered to the participants as they enjoyed each other’s company while waiting for the opening court of the day.
With the arrival of the King and Queen of the West, as well as the Prince and Princess of Oertha, the opening court began to take shape as heralds were consulted and the populace was gathered to start the day.
King Alfarr and Queen Eilis watch the proceedings of the opening court at the Barony of Eskalya’s Yule. Photograph by Rainna Fathirsdottir. December10, 2016.
In the opening court, Baroness Elspeth took the time to thank everybody for attending the event. The autocrat was called forward with her announcements, and the royalty addressed recent law changes for the Principality. From there, the populace was released to partake in the activities.
The Barony of Eskalya hosted two tournaments for the day. Entrants to the list field for both Heavy and Rapier fighters were tasked to bring an item that could be used in the Society for Creative Anachronism in which were offered up as prizes—many, if not all, were handmade. The winner of each tournament would have first choice of items and so on down the list so that all combatants received something. The tournaments were well attended, and with each fighter taking the opportunity to show off their grace and style, it was a marvel to behold.
The autocrat of the day’s event contacted two of the historians from the Barony of Selviergard to see if they would be able to take some posed photographs of the celebrants of Yule. Armed with lights, cameras, and a beautiful backdrop, Baron Halfdan of Selviergard and Yamano Yuki-san took time for group photos. At first, the poses were quite tame, but with the addition of His Majesty, Alfarr, the photos soon became a wonderfully fun part of the day with people laughing and having a good time.
King Alfarr and Prince Kennric lift up Viscount Fergus mac Tomais during the Photo Shoot activity at the Barony of Eskalya’s Yule. Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson. December 10, 2016.
Throughout the day, people took the opportunity to visit with friends that they do not normally see except a few times a year. The sound of laughter in the hall was a delight to listen to as stories were passed around, food was shared, and the bonds of family and friendship were renewed once again.
In the final court of Baroness Elspeth of Eskalya her Excellency took the opportunity to award several members of the populace with Eskalyan awards for merit and service. From there, with kind words from the King and Queen of the West, Baroness Elspeth stepped down as Baroness of Eskalya. After her release from the baronage, Elspeth walked under an arch of swords provided by members of the Barony as a sign of esteem for her faithful service rendered to the Barony.
From there, Clare Elana de Montfort and Cynnehilde Cynesigesdottir were called forward to accept the baronial circlets at the Sister Baronesses of Eskalya. Witnessed by the members of the Barony and all those in attendance at court, King Alfarr and Queen Eilis transferred the station and duties, and passed the circlets according to the wishes of the populace of the Barony of Eskalya.
Many awards and recognitions were given by Their Majesties after the baronial court. Elspeth Bouchanan was awarded a Grant of Arms for her faithful service to the Barony of Eskalya and the Kingdom of the West. Cynehild Cynesigesdohtor was awarded the Western Lily; an award bestowed for teaching the arts, sciences, and other activities that strengthen the Kingdom as a whole. Leaves of Merit were given to Bartram Sinclair, Ciara der Alcan, and Kolskeggr Ungi for their various good works and constant service. Yamano Yuki and Rin McCray were honored as well with the Rose Leaf for their artistic works. Additionally, Leonia the Mouse was recognized for her target archery skill and awarded the Queen’s Arrow. Other notable honors bestowed by their Majesties included the inclusion of Clare Elana de Montfort , Ana di Caterina Neri, Angela of Eskalya, and Cynehild Cynesigesdohtor as Queen’s Treasures, Joanna of Oertha as a Royal Page of the West, and Ally of Selviergard was honored with an Award of Arms.
One of the many reasons for the visit to Mighty Oertha by Their Majesties was to elevate Gavin Woodward to the Order of the Pelican. In a beautiful ceremony, Mistress Elspeth released her protégé from his oaths to her and prepared to welcome him as a Peer. As Gavin’s Spokesperson, Mistress Elspeth cited the many good works of Gavin Woodward in the Principality of Oertha. From there, the King and Queen of the West bestowed great honor to Gavin and elevated him to the Order of the Pelican. Master Gavin Woodward was draped with the Oerthan Pelican cape and given Gronk, the Oerthan Pelican, to hold until another Pelican was elevated in these lands.
Gavin Woodward is inducted into the Order of the Pelican at Eskalya’s Yule. Photograph by Rainna Fathirsdottir. December 10, 2016.
After court, feast was celebrated by all in attendance. With the scrumptious delights created by the Feastocrat and her talented team and brought out by faithful servers, the wonders of the kitchen were enjoyed with enthusiasm. Toasts and poems and songs were presented to the populace as they dined on the delicacies from the kitchen.
After feast the hall was cleaned up for the end of the first day of activities.
The second day of the event, while smaller, was quite enjoyable to attend. The historians from the Barony of Selviergard again set up the photo booth for those who did not get an opportunity to have their photos taken while King Alfarr conducted a Fighter Class outside in ‘warm’ Oethan weather. Inside the hall, finger foods and other snacks were laid out while those in attendance waited for the Peerage meetings to start.
The Yule season is always a wonderful time of the year when we take the opportunity to spend time with friends from around the Principality of Oertha. Gifts are usually given, kind words exchanged, and bonds renewed. The Barony of Eskalya’s Yule was no different this year.
The Selviergard Associated Press
Published in the January 2017 edition of The DragonTale
Event Date: December 10, 2016
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