The Autocrats of the event, Lady Ciara der Alcan and Mistress Elspeth Buchannane had plenty planned for the celebrants of Yule—a full schedule of interesting things to do and witness, but they also allowed plenty of time for visiting and whimsy. Upon arrival, visitors to the Eskalyan Yule were welcomed not only with glad greetings but also with a small tabletop gnome of their very own as a site token.
Lunch was provided for all to enjoy. The food table was set with Boolochky-Chanezhky, a type of Russian sweet roll (along with a selection of jams and jellies) as well as a delicious mushroom soup that was a delight to savor. The lunch was a welcome addition to the event and devoured readily by those in attendance.
After lunch there was a demonstration of period rapier techniques from the Historic Recrudescence Guild, a group of living historians who educate and perform at a few select events in Alaska; the most notable being the Three Baron’s Renaissance Fair. With these welcome visitors the assembled populace was able to witness a wonderful demonstration that was filled with useful information and provided entertainment for those witnessing the display.
Members of the Historical Recrudescence Guild demonstrate period fighting at the Barony of Eskalya’s Yule event. December 9, 2017. Photograph by Yamano Yuki.
After the demonstration; an array of appetizers were presented for the populace to enjoy. Period foods such as Salmon and Rice Pirozhkis and decadent Blueberry Piroshkis were available. Yalta, a sweet and slightly tart fruit salad, was also provided alongside Springtime, a delicious Russian-style salad.
There was a series of Arts and Sciences Competitions based on the theme for the day. One of the competitions was Decorated Eggs in both children and adult divisions. Additionally, there was the Russian Clothing or Accessories Competition where items based on Russian artefacts or styles were entered. Last, but not least, was the traditional Ambrosia Competition—a much anticipated contest in the Barony of Eskalya every year. The winner would be named the Master or Mistress of Ambrosia for the coming year in the Barony of Eskalya.
And of course, there was dancing!
Especially popular in the Barony of Eskalya is the act of dancing. This year; the instructors took a good look at period Russian dances and two different dances were taught and then performed by various members of the populace. The dances performed were a great way to exercise but also evidently great fun to perform as well as witnessed by the smiles and the sound of laughter from the participants.
So…much…dancing! at the Barony of Eskalya’s Yule event. December 9, 2017. Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson.
After the dancing a formal dinner was brought out. The final meal of the day consisted of Black Bread, a traditional Russian dinner bread, along with Beef al a Stroganoff and Shchi, or a cabbage soup. There was also dessert provided as well, which included Medivnyk, or a honey spice cake, and Gruievskaya Kasha, a creamy wheat pudding.
Toasts were given, stories told, and laughter rang throughout the hall during the feast. Baroness Cynehild of Eskalya continued her tradition started last year by providing refreshment to the populace in her dual role as both baroness and servant of the barony.
With the plates cleared off it was time for closing court.
Baroness Cynehild of Eskalya welcomed and thanked all for attending her Barony’s Yule celebration including Duncan and Violet, the Prince and Princess of Oertha, and her noble Cousin, Baron Halfdan of Selviergard. Her Excellency continued her court with some baronial business. Yamano Yuki-san was called forward and bestowed with the Amicus Eskalyae, an award given to those not of the Barony but who have extended their friendship and provided support for Eskalya. From there the Autocrats were called forward with their announcements. The Autocrats named Lord Sevastian Agafangilovich Golytsin the winner of the Russian Clothing and Accessories Competition for his helm that he entered and Lady Angela of Eskalya was proclaimed the newest Mistress of Ambrosia for her traditional shortbread. With the final announcements given, the Baroness of Eskalya thanked the Autocrats for their work. From there, Master Gavin Woodward was called forward and recognized with the Order of the Sable Riband, a baronial award given for consistent display of chivalry and grace.
Master Gavin Woodward is inducted into the Order of the Sable Ribband by Baroness Cynehild at the Barony of Eskalya’s Yule event. December 9, 2017. Photograph by Yamano Yuki.
From there, the Officers of the Barony of Eskalya were called forward and paid for their services for the year with gold coins and thanks from the Baroness herself.
It was also here, in this court, the Baroness Cynehild made the announcement that it was time to look for successors to the thrones of the Barony of Eskalya, and noted that she and her sister Baroness would be working with their Seneschal to start the process of finding worthy heirs to continue the traditions of the Barony.
After Baronial Court the Court of Prinz Duncan and Prinzess Violet took place. It was here in this court that Their Highnesses thanked everybody for a wonderful event. The children were called forward and given small gifts for the season much to their delight. From there, business commenced as Lord Kolskeggr Ungi was brought forward and officially protégéd to Mistress Elspeth Buchannane. Sir Kenric Maur was then called forward before Their Highnesses and was bestowed the Order of the Polaris for his works in fostering the traditions of the Principality of Oertha. Lord Guðleifr Bjornòlfsson, who would be traveling overseas with the military, was released as Princess’ Guard in court but also bestowed an Oerthan War Banner to fly until such time as he made it home safely. Additionally, it was announced that Arnþórr Hesthǫfði was greatly deserving of recognition and bestowed with an Award of Arms—he would be recognized in person at Selviergard’s Yule where he would be in attendance.
After some discussion with Baroness Cynehild during court; Prinz Duncan of Oertha made an official decree that through the duration of his reign potatoes would be considered period. The proclamation was requested to be made far and wide throughout the lands of the Principality of Oertha.
With the final cheers still ringing throughout the halls it was time to end the event.
The hall was quickly cleaned and well-wishes for the upcoming holidays were freely given. From there, attendees safely made their way back to warm homes with fond memories of the past activities of the Barony of Eskalya’s Very Russian Yule.
The Selviergard Associated Press
Originally Published in the January 2018 edition of The DragonTale
Originally Published in the January 2018 edition of The DragonTale
Activity Date: December 9, 2017
No comments:
Post a Comment