Events can be whatever you make of them. They
can be a relaxing
vacation from the modern world, time spent
with great friends or best of all a magical experience. I try to make every event a
magical experience,one that I will treasure in memory.
Wars are the easiest to get wrapped
up in. You go set up your tent or
pavilion and get in garb and you are your
persona for a week or more.
Nights at events are the real medieval
experience to me, walking through the torch light encampment in my most comfortable dress
with great friends discussing the moonlight or Sir So and So.'s wrap shot to some poor man
at arms' head! You can only imagine (without actually experiencing) the majesty of getting
dressed up in medieval costume and walking about a medieval encampment, hearing the crack
of rattan on a metal helm in the background while you're having an incredible discussion
with someone you have just met.
So what is a typical event day like?
Well for me a typical event day starts with
the drive to the event
with good friends. Once we get to the site we
all dash off to say hello to those we have not seen since the last event; this usually
takes me until lunch. When the fighting starts I check to see what I can do for the
fighters and then I go shopping with friends, usually there is someone who needs a mug or
more feast gear or we just go browsing. After shopping I finally sit down and hope to
catch a few more glimpses of my lord and my friends fighting. After the fighting is over
we wait to hear what time court will be approximately, then decide if there is enough time
to go grab something to eat in town or not (there is usually feast available, but I
usually end up with the crowd at a local greasy spoon). Then I go with friends to eat or
hang around for court. (The two do not follow a regular order.)
Court is a whole experience in and of itself.
I enjoy sitting through court to see what sort of awards are being given out, and to see
if anyone I know is getting an award. Seeing the joy on a person's face when they are
recognized by their royal majesties is a sight to behold! Sometimes Court is very fun --
the Crown will crack jokes, or someone in the crowd will offer themselves up as the jester
(usually in the form of a one-liner), and announcements are made to the populace.
Sometimes Court is solemn and majestic, such as when a new peer is made and ceremonially
instructed in the responsibilities of that honor.
My favorite part of court is paying homage to
Their Royal Majesties as they
leave, traditionally the cry led by the Gold
Falcon Herald is, "Long live the
King! Long live the Queen! Long live
CALONTIR!"
