Many people from both Selviergard and Eskalya attended the Hunt; new friends and old got together under the sky of a perfect day to have fun, socialize, and celebrate a piece of history from the hallowed past of these lands. Games of skill and chance were brought out with gusto, sun protection put on, and the shade of the large pavilion were enjoyed by all.
Participants at Selviergard's Summer Hunt stay out of the hot sun under the pavilion. June 28, 2014. Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson.
After a brief opening court where the Baron and Baroness of Selviergard welcomed all; both rapier and heavy fighters prepared themselves for a Round Robin Tournament. This tournament would determine, by the attendees, who would be The White Stag and who would be the Great Bear for the Woods Battles.Upon the Eric, the Rapier fighters fought with precision and mirth; often creating fun and interesting scenarios to amuse and entertain those watching. Upon the field the following gentles took the honored Eric: Donna Étaín O'Rowarke, Sir Viresse de Lighthaven, Breock of Whitby, and Brann mac Finnchad.
Sir Viresse de Lighthaven and Master Breock of Whitby during the Round Robin Tournament. June 28, 2014. Photograph by Marjorie de Ffeyrefeld.
After the Rapier Fighters left the field, the Heavy Fighters took it. The Heavy fighters showed gallantry and daring upon the field that day. Upon the field the following gentles took the eric: Baron Fathir von Trier, Viscount Gregor Hawk, and Ulfgar Torkson.
It is important to note that all of the fighters fought with honor, chivalry, and skill. However, in the end there could be only one White Stag and one Great Bear during the hunt.
Baron Fathir von Trier and Viscount Gregor Hawke exchange blows during the Tournament. June 28, 2014. Photograph by Marjorie de Ffeyrefeld.
Those who watched the Tournaments cast their favor upon the fighters in the form of red and white painted wooden tokens. The white tokens were for whom they thought showed great virtue and prowess upon the field, whereas the red token was for who they thought was the most ferocious in battle. The fighter with the most white tokens was named The White Stag while the fighter with the most red tokens was titled The Great Bear.
For the Rapier Fighters it was Sir Viresse who was chosen as The White Stag while Brann mac Finnchad was elevated as The Great Bear. For the Heavy Fighters it was Baron Fathir who was chosen as The White Stag while Viscount Gregor Hawke was honored with the role of The Great Bear. The rest of the fighters then became the hunters.
After the Tournament the Baron and Baroness of Selviergard held an informal court to acknowledge the fighters and proclaim the roles for The Hunt. Afterwards, the fighters were led to examine the woods where the hunters would stalk their quarry. From there, the Hunt was on!
With the aid of hounds, the hunters managed to spot The White Stag and found it to be an honorable challenge to defeat him. Verily, was The White Stag ever brought down? The Great Bear also proved to be a challenge for many hunters, a dangerous foe who was only able to be defeated by a blow to the head.
Ulfgar Torkson battles The Great Bear during the Hunt. June 28, 2014. Photograph by Brann mac Finnchad.
After the Woods Battle, the hunting parties, along with the Stag and Bear, marched back to the encampment in order to regal those there with stories of the hunt. Afterwards, various games were played by many while waiting for the final court of the day. The weather was still warm and spectacular, so there was no rush at all.
During the court, Baron Fathir and Baroness Etain thanked all those in attendance and had the autocrat come forward with his announcements. After thanking those in made it out to the event, he presented gifts to both sets of White Stags and Great Bears. Additionally, the Inspiration of both of The White Stags was given a gift as well.
The gifts for The White Stags, The Inspirations of The White Stags, and The Great Bears. June 27, 2014. Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson.
From there, Her Excellency Elspeth had business and asked to open a court as well. In her court Celestria Textrix stepped down after long service as the Eskalyan Exchequer and welcomed her replacement Isabella Hawke. Additionally, Mistress Anna di Caterina Neri (who was not in attendance but represented by Sir Viresse) stepped down as the Eskalyan Seneschal after faithful service and welcomed her successor Celestria Textrix.
After Court was the feast. People brought out a lot of food to share and a great time was had by all. The various toasts to various people went their rounds, and stories of the Hunt made their way again to willing ears, proof that people had much fun.
I would like to thank everybody who made it out to the event. Without you, events like these are not possible. Thank you to our visiting Royalty, Baron Fathir and Baroness Étaín, Prince Kenric and Princess Dagmar, and of course, Baroness Elspeth. To all of our Eskalyan Cousins that made it out; thank you! To our Selviergardian kin, thank you as well! To all those that were able to help make sure the site was much cleaner than we found it, a hearty thanks to you! And to the person who ordered the perfect weather…I am sure that I do not only speak for myself when I say "thank you so very much!"
Will the White Stag visit these lands again? The future is unknown, and even the best soothsayers cannot say. However, when the Stag does return the hunters will be ready, the hounds will be prepared, the horn will be sounded, and the banners unfurled as we race out to meet The White Stag and share an adventure together.
The Selviergard Associated Press
Published in the July 2014 edition of The DragonTale
Event Date: June 28, 2014
Populace members, dressed in the height of Roman fashion. Photograph by Halfdan Ôzurrson. March 15, 2014.
