Birka. If you have read any of my blog posts, you know this German/Viking loves bling. Birka, besides Pennsic is my favorite shopping event. The vendors are always changing and bringing new and wonderful wears.
This was also my newest partners first Birka. “I can show you the world! Shining, Shimmering, Splendid!” Also, his first event. I don’t bring them in gently. He seemed to do well with the 90 million people he met in a half second, including Her Royal Majesty, who had given him his first token in the SCA. You could see the magic happening… as far as you can have in a hotel.
He was excited to show off his first garb. I had taught him to sew the week prior. He’s a quick study and eager to create. HE even made himself a haversack. None of these had a pattern. I showed him how to pattern off his previously made clothes as a gentle way to bring him in.
He met 90 million people in 30 seconds but he was happy as a clam. He is far more social than I am.
First court of the day for us was Baronial court. Although I wasn’t currently living in Barony, Stonemarche has always been my home. I often offer to herald or perform for them.
When court came around, I showed him the joy of other’s getting awards. I was on queens guard, but made sure when I wasn’t guarding he has someone to keep him company or something to do. He was surrounded by those willing to give him information and he was also keeping his hands busy with his newly learned hobby of crocheting. He even got to hear one of my scrolls going out.
This was based off Beowolf
Delight, praise of the prowess of people-kings
of sword-armed Halfdan, skilled in combat,
we have heard, and what honor this Saxon brings!
Oft foes fought with feuded feats,
from a large tribe, Stonemarche, the bear-pits tremble,
the echos called. Since ego laid down
friend, a feat, fables reclaim him:
for he waxed under weights, in western battles fought,
Pennsic, shoulder to shoulder, far and near,
who wisdom was vast as whale-way, heard his mandate,
gave him recognition: a wealth of reason!
To him minds-worth laid before,
a son in battle, an elder to books
to favor Grímnir’s lip-streams, meeting their flights head on
the Wielder of Wonder, with world’s renown.
Mighty Queen Margarita, glory-filled, awards you arms
this day, A market day at Birka, AS 54 in the Barony of Stonemarche
After court was all said and done, I was off to do my most favorite thing at Birka… THE BARDIC CIRLE! This was my 4th year running it and every year I learn new and different exciting pieces and meet amazing new performers. I task myself with trying to support newer performers, performers who are shy and taking others under my wing. This year was no different.
However, these was something new to me. I had always considered a content warning for age restrictions; however, I had never considered a content warning for triggers based on language or images. This was a new idea to consider. I think it’s important to consider our audience. We aren’t stopping our performance, but we are allowing them to have an opportunity to leave should they have triggers to the content. Even my partner, who doesn’t have faith in his own singing was brave enough o perform. We had a wide variety of performers and skill levels. I can’t wait to see what else comes from these folks.
Meddlings of the Minnesinger 