Yule Celebrations in Eskalya

The Barony of Eskalya, Oertha—The Barony of Eskalya celebrated the Yule season alongside the Barony of Selviergard this year as the Selviergard Yule was cancelled due to the large earthquake the day before their event.  Both groups came together with open arms and warm hearts to celebrate the season together.  It was also at this event that the Barony celebrated the reign of Clare Elena and Cynehild as the Sister Baronesses and welcomed in their successors, Gavin and Celestria, as the newest Baron and Baroness of Eskalya.

The event officially opened with the final court of Clare and Cynehild, the Sister Baronesses of Eskalya.  After opening words from the Baronesses there was a presentation of socks and other items gifted to Their Excellencies by Mistress Sorcha Careman, much to the delight of the Baronesses.  There were several presentations and words of thanks given to members of the court and populace for their works and assistance given to the Baroness Clare Elena and Baroness Cynehild during their reign.  The Baronial Court ended with kind words to the populace and then the court of the Prince and Princess of Oertha opened.

Clare Elena and Cynnehilde, the sister Baronesses of Eskalya, thank the populace at the Barony of Eskalya’s Yule.  December 8, 2018.  Photograph by Kolskeggr Ungi.

First received was gifts for not only the Princess of Oertha but the Baron of Selviergard; gifts crafted by Master Fergus mac Thomais.  After the presentation; the Sister Baronesses were called forward and released from their service with words of thanks from Prince Culann and Princess Sefa.  From there, Master Gavin Woodward and Lady Celestria Textrix were then called forward to accept the coronets of the Barony of Eskalya.  With three cheers for the new Baron and Baroness as well as the Prince and Princess; the first court of the day was concluded.

Baron Gavin and Baroness Celestria pose with Prince Culann and Princess Sefa at the Barony of Eskalya’s Yule.  December 8, 2018.  Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson.

After court there was plenty of time to visit with each other and regal all with tales of surviving the great earthquake the week before.  Gifts were given, as is tradition for this time of year, and there was laughter, snacking, and delight in the hall as old friendships were reignited and new friendships forged.

After some time, the kitchen announced that it was time for a great feast.

Delights and wonders were brought out of the kitchen to amaze not only the taste buds but the eyes as well and feast was enjoyed by the populace with family groups sharing tables spaces with each other.  One particular dish, Dragon Scales, was especially popular among the populace and was noted by one historian as an item that had not been for many years in the lands of the Principality of Oertha.  Entertainment for feast was provided by Master Rodrigo de Reinosa and Lord Colum Mac Eoghain ui Neill who regaled the populace with ancient stories and tales from the “Dashing Debonair Squire” Cycle much to the delight of all.

Feast is enjoyed by the populace at the Barony of Eskalya’s Yule event.  December 8, 2019.  Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson.

After the feast it was time for the final court of the day.  It was here in the Principality court that many people were recognized for their efforts or elevated to new positions.  Lord Arnthorr Hesthofdi was recognized with the Order of the Snowy Owl; an award presented for excellence in the Arts.  Mistress Clare Elena de Montfort was bestowed with the Order of the Polaris which is given to those who foster the traditions and teach the customs of the Principality of Oertha.  Afterwards, Master Rodrigo de Reinosa and Lord Colum Mac Eoghain ui Neill were admitted to the Bards of Oertha; a group noted for enriching the Principality through the Bardic Arts.  Last, but not least, Mistress Cynehild Cynesigesdohtor was bestowed with the Oerthan Order of Grace from the hands of Their Highnesses.  Final words from Prince and Princess were then given in which Their Highnesses thanked everybody for attending and wished everybody a Happy Yule.

After Their Highness' court it was time to open the court of Gavin and Celestria, the Baron and Baroness of Eskalya.  It was in this court that members of the baronial court were named and bestowed with items fitting of their new positions.  Additionally, Yule gifts given to officers as well as the children in attendance—a typical Yule tradition not only within the Barony of Eskalya, but within the Principality of Oertha as well.

The last part of court saw the new Baron and Baroness swearing fealty through Prince Culann and Princess Sefa to the King and Queen of the West; thus cementing their role as the new leaders of the Barony of Eskalya and bringing the end of not only the court but the event as well.

The hall was cleaned in record time and people said their farewells to friends and family as they prepared to head home after a memorable event.  Yule is the time that many people look forward to.  It is the time of giving gifts, the time of laughter, and the time to make new friends as we shelter from the harsh weather of Oerthan winters.  Eskalya’s Yule follows the same tradition of many Yules in the past and will be remembered fondly.

The Selviergard Associated Press
Originally published in the February 2019 edition of The DragonTale
Event Date:  December 8, 2018