My friend, Seigne (Jenn) was elevated to the order of the Laurel. I had the great honor of boasting her in. This is not even a fraction of what I think about her, but this is the < 1 minute I was allowed to have to show off my friend! Video attached.
All in attendance, tremble before the Harper, Seigne Ruadh Frizzel. Pray heed this ethereal being with a harp song that claims a listener’s heart as truly as her hunter’s shot claims a stag on the fly. With fingers that dance on strings, she weaves melodies that captivate while her arrows wing true. Like Apollo, who excelled in both archery and music, this harpist-archer seamlessly blends the elegance of her melodies with the precision of her aim. Warm is her heart as is the hearth of her home. All are welcome and so we celebrate Seigne.
Pennsic 51 was not as full as I would have liked it to be, but maybe it was what I needed. This year was weird and between the weather and a less than full schedule, I don’t know how I managed to still have an over full schedule to not spend much time in camp.
Pennsic this year was hot but manageable. Much more manageable than GNEW by a good 10 degrees or so. Spouse creature and I took 2 days to drive down instead of 1 which seemed to be a solid plan. We got there at a good time when there was no rain, which was huge! He doesn’t mind setting up in the rain, but alores alons, I am a princess.
Before we got to site, the vehicle above was spotted. This brought me a silly amount of joy. It became more joyful when I realized I knew the humans -inside- the vehicle. We were messaging directly for about 30-45 mins. It started to get the hype up for Pennsic in a way that it was going to feel like HOME.
This year we chose to camp topside with our Barony, Stonemarche. I have to give a huge shoutout to camp moms Julienne and her Excellency Dierdre. Camp was perfectly laid out, spacious and felt again, like home.
These flag-a-dos were great and our footprint was laid out for us. That was super nice. However, as mentioned before, I am a princess and do not enjoy hear. Can you tell by my face?
The rest of the day was uneventful. This was also the first year that we would be cooking all of our own meals for the whole 8 days we were there. In years past, I had camped with a group that had fed us the whole week so the only thing I needed to worry about was my medications, snacks and breakfast. I am picky about brekky and don’t really do solid food. Also, to be fair, there were snacks, but I have a specific diet I try to keep to while I am away at events. It helps keep me hydrated as well as within my needs for protein… which are high. However, none of you came here to read about my dietary needs. You can here for the tea on Pennsic and TEA I shall bring… or coffee. Hmm. I could use some coffee right about now…. anyways!
Saturday was my OMGWTFBBQSAUCE rehearsal day. I had 3 rehearsals and a performance today. Sleeping in is not a thing on the ‘getti. I learned this the same way I learn everything… sheer brute force and stubborness. Which… didn’t help. I was up-ish with the sun and spent a lazy morning in camp, drinking coffee out of “Mine-ick”. The cousin of Yorik. Rehearsals started at about 12:30 with my Laurel, Sabine. She is always warm and willing to work with my less than focused brain. We played through duets, trios. It was nice to just -play- with no judgement. My recorder site reading is rusty as I focus more on voice. We picked some pieces which we were going to play for incidental music for the Runnymeade dinner the next day and then off to my next rehearsal I went.
Just down the block, off I went to meet with my Apprentice “Niece” Adelissa. She plays a plethora of strung instruments and so I had asked her if she was willing to accompany me for one of my solo pieces that I was choosing to do. She’s is very good and a fast study. So we worked through that and then off to my final rehearsal with Amalie. She is another classically trained opera vocalist who I have been -dying- to make music with. If you have not heard her sing, you absolutely should. It was like we had always sang together. We blended well, our timbre’s were well suited for one another and we seemed to make good choices around breathing spots in a way that would not effect the music.
From that rehearsal it was time to look cute. Off to Opening ceremonies! I love the pomp that it brings. It really helps make the event for me. However, not much time to stick around as I was heading off to perform at the EK/MID Bardic Showcase.
This year the showcase was centered on stories. I don’t often tell stories because when I do I become a very different persona. Solveig the singer is very demure, well behaved and serious. Solveig the story tell is well? A goblin. I don’t know what does it to me, but telling stories, I want to get down on the ground, play with levels… tempos… emotions. Also, these days, when I tell stories, I tend to dress in more masculine presenting clothing. I can’t tell you why, it’s just what triggers in my brain. My Apprentice “Nephew” Phillipe is also a fantastic story teller. However, he was helping me “Run” this from the background perspective and wasn’t up for telling a story this year.
Thus ends my public post for Saturday.
Sunday was filled with a mix of items. My first group rehearsal for the KWP: The Reckoning By Master Lorcan, I was once again playing in the pit. No new faces this year until the slightly later edition of Phillipe. However, I was also serving as the vocal coach for the 3 performers who were in varying stages of vocal performance. I worked with them for about an hour to 90 mins and by the end of our time together, it appeared to me that they were confident enough to bring that piece to life. oh! and lots of rain
From there I hauled tush to a few tents over where I was teaching my Bardic 101 class. This class is so important for newer folks and I wish I had a class like this when I started. When I started in the SCA 14+ years ago, I didn’t really have a path or anyone I could super talk to about Bardic. I found some folks a few years later, but this class would have been a great guided tour and I am glad to keep offering it. I had 12 people attend this class and a few contact me after for more information. That is always a thrill.
Later in the evening I would be orchestrating and performing in the Runnymeade Dinner. This is a gathering of all the landed Baronages of the East Kingdom. I was originally asked to bring “High Italian Aria” like feeling to their Excellencies. I had also recruited Amalie to sing a solo and a Duet with me. She sang “It was a lover and his lass”. As a duet, we did Machaut’s “Je Ne Cuit Pas”. This piece is in Occitan french so additional pronunciation research had to be done. And I finally finished with I’vo’ Bene. by Firenze The below picture captures 3 generations so to speak. My Laurel, Sabine, Myself and my student, Drustan.
This was also a chance for him to be exposed more and people could see him performing more. Covid killed a lot of folks desires to perform and be seen in public. He is working through this. So, he brought his guitar and a goose quill and he did a lovely job of playing for 20 minutes just as background music.
I had recruited about 8-9 performers to play and there was a lot of quick thinking as 1 of my musicians who I was counting on bowed out and the other did not show due to illness. So, re-organization needed to happen and quickly. I tried to make sure everyone had a chance to be seen/heard but of course, things never go according to plan. I think I should have made sure i had more reasonable backup plans besides “You go here now”.
We had only been asked to play until about 8 or so. From there, the instrumentalists packed up and made a quick stop at Bhakail’s boardgame and music night. I premiered my new song for the first time this week and I think it went well. We had stormed into camp like a flock of geese singing “Well Actually” by Her Excellency Emma Macalmone and then hailed Bhakail with a mighty “WAUGHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!”.
As dark o’clock rolled in we then hit VDK Bardic which is hosted by her Grace Caoilfhionn. Which, she, herself also has quite a beautiful voice. If you haven’t listened to the “Sing for the East” CD, she sings with Drake on “We are the East”. Anyways, I rolled in with the Bard Yard and once again, showed off my new song. This is important to me as I am super anxious about sharing my own work. I always feel like it’s never as good as anyone else’s. I know we cannot compare as all music is it’s own creation, but I want this piece in particular to be an anthem for “The Bards”. I can never tell if anything is well received or not, especially when the audience is small. So, I stuck around for a little bit, chatted with friends and again, back to N33 I went!.
Monday was my first instrumental Reckoning rehearsal, followed by running the annual Pennsic EKCOP meeting but nothing too flavorful for the day.
Tuesday was rehearsal, court and retaining and hitting up Silver Oak Bardic. I brought minstrels memory and a story as this was a group of select Bards who were performing for their own love and they were all skilled “Hand Picked” performers.
Wednesday was the same, but replace Silveroak bardic with the Holy Kingdom of Acre Bardic. Acre is a parallel game to ours. I have made many friends in their game and they are a lovely group of people so I try to make it to their Bardics.
Thursday was a big day for me. I would be teaching my intro to 16th century vocal technique and pedagogy. I am passionate about the voice and showing folks that there is more to singing than just opening your mouth. It is an Olympic sport with lots of research. I was only able to touch on a few key factors from key players into the 16th century for performance, who was singing and what ornaments were being used, but I was pleased that I had 6 participants come to my class, Thursday morning at 10:00 am ACROSS the battlefield.
Later that morning I had the joy of giving a private voice lesson from my camp. I had donated an hour of singing for voice lessons to a young human who had a passion for singing. It had been about 10 years since I worked with someone her age and it was really nice. Her enthusiasm and willingness to grow was so fresh and great to see. Her guardian was also a big support in her growth and I really enjoyed both of them. I do hope they continue to pursue voice with kiddo.
Friday Fri-yay! Just the reckoning on the schedule. A few pictures below, stolen from the beautiful Emeline (Phillipe’s Spouse and good friend of mine as well). Our performance was a performance. I don’t have much to say about it because it’s a pit performance. We weren’t meant to be the shining stars. The Stage actors and Actresses were and they did a phenomenal job.
Like I said… not much to report this year. It wasn’t terrible but it wasn’t amazing either. Hoping next year changes that.
In the heart’s abyss where shadows dwell, Amidst the veils of selfish yearning, A soul ascends, its tale compelling, In selflessness, its virtues swell.
Through realms of doubt and worldly spell, A journey vast, its essence burning, In light of love, its manifested yearning,
To serve, to give, its purpose well.
In Tessa’s work, where idle hands quell, And all sing out in realms discerning, The altruistic soul finds grace, returning,
To realms where selfishness expel.
In charitable, true greatness lies, Beyond the self, where spirit flies, In service to the greater good,
A journey marked by all she stood.
Thus, let us strive, like Tessa’s work, To rise above those who tend to lurk, And in philanthropic ways, find our truest light, Guiding us through the darkest night.
Thus Royals Tindal and Emerson, noble hands do we, Raise Tessa Martini D’Agonstino up with glee To the ranks of Pelican we grant At the Great Northeastern War XXX VI, now and forever we chant
A member of the flock, never diminished or title scant.
Based off Dante’s Divine Comedy, 14th Century Italy
Calligraphy and illumination by Nataliia Anastasiia Evgenova Sviatoslavina
Based -VERY closely on Chaucers 2nd speech from “A Knights Tale”
Video courtesy of Arlyanna van Wyck
Your Majesties, Your Highness, And everybody else here NOT sitting on a cushion:
Today, today, you find yourselves equals.
For you are all equally blessed.
For I have the pride, the privilege, nay, the pleasure Of introducing to you a woman about to be elevated, sired by generations of Pelicans before her, A woman who can trace her lineage back to before the founding of the Society! Or, at least, to Master Harold.
I first met her atop the snow capped lands of Stonemarche, Palio if you will, Working her hands in soil, mud, sweat and blood Never asking for help, asking only for forgiveness that her flesh and bones could not labor beyond the bounds of human endurance.
Next, she amazed me still further at Harper’s When she saved a lame duckFrom the would-be demolishment of a multi-remove feast. Bashing away forks, knives, spoons all utensils with her bare hands This duck? It may have been her own
At Birka, she spent a day sitting still, never moving an inch, or clattering an item Just to better understand what stillness felt like.
And so, without further gilding the lily, And with no more ado,
I give to you the Seeker of Service, The Ambassador of Aide , The Matron of Maintenance The One — The Only — Tessa Martini D’agnostino!
Mighty King Tindall and King Consort Emerson demand all in attendance to lend their ears!
On the swan-roads and fields of glory the bladesong of Desimir is spun from wind to earthen warrior . Shield-breaker, helm-seeker, Desimir is the storm’s fury and the sea’s embrace. He is iron-borne, unwavering in prowess and conviction against all odds. With a spear-gripped stance and raven’s flight, he honors ancestors in the clash of metal and breath. In the heat of combat, he forges his saga, wielding this ancient dance of steel. With each thrust, he carves the runes of victory upon the battleground, where the echo of each who had trodden before resound. Rapier, silver gleaning, rests upon his neck today. Wars of the Great North Eastern land marked in the annals AS LIX.
Calligraphy and Illumination/Cutwork by Ciaran Ua Meic Thire
In the 14+ years I have been playing in the SCA, I have yet to miss a GNEW.
This year was emotionally tough to get motivated for. Had I not had prior commitments, I had thought about skipping. It has nothing to do with the event itself as it is a wonderful event. It had nothing to do with the offerings or the people. It was simply “It’s hot, I’m tired and I don’t wanna”.
The weather until the day before had predicted rain. LOTS of rain. If you are not from New England, a lesson you should know is that, “If you don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes”.
So, I waited. The weather cleared for the entire weekend and that was grand.
Wolfgang, Child and I arrived on site about 3 hours later than I had planned, which worked out with the weather (heat).
We set up camp, but I was already full of anxiety. There were some things in my personal life plaguing me, but I won’t get into them here, plus the anxiety of teaching a new class, running an ensemble with very litter external direction from the coordinators and a performing a boast which I had written for a dear friend.
Thursday evening, we sat in camp and wandered about to see friends. Much of my memories for the evening was a blur, but I suspect it was due to my busy day ahead of me on Friday.
Friday am came too quickly and it was rehearsal time. 9:00 am is not my favorite, but it’s when we were all available. The rehearsal was for playing in the Deed of Arms. If you read my blog last year, we did the same thing.
This year we played an assortment of Duets and Trios from the Rosenbeck books (1 and 2) and some other gems I grabbed off the internet. All of the pieces we played would have been heard in the 14th century (So, 13th and 14th century pieces).
I am grateful for Ameline (Center) and Richard (Right) for their willingness to play and be flexible… and meeting me at 9am for rehearsal.
After we finished up, I was off to teach my brand new class, “16th Century Vocal Technique and Pedagogy”.
The class was attending by a few people, but their varying levels of background gave me a good sense of what was working and if anything had areas of opportunity for growth. I focus on a very niche topic and I am always concerned that there will be no interest in it. I am excited to present this class at Pennsic. This will be 1 of 2 class offerings that I will be bringing to Pennsic.
From there, I hid back in my tent until it was just time to change for the Deed. Part of the Deed was not only playing 14th century music, but also dressing. Apparently, my performers and I chose an unofficial uniform. GREEN FOR DAYS!
The Deed itself was wonderful to watch and each of my instrumentalists were a delight. Not pictured is our wonderful bagpipe player.
The rest of the evening was spent socializing and prepping for the next day.
The next AM, the true reason I was excited to be at GNEW were my friends, Tessa, was about to be elevated to the Order of the Pelican, Cedric to the Order of Defense and Matt to the Order of the Pelican.
Tessa is my deputy for Harper’s retreat 2024 (COME! IT WILL BE A GREAT TIME). I had been told about her elevation and was asked to boast/herald her in. Who was I to refuse this great honor to celebrate my friend. She and I were doing a site walk and had stayed behind to do some follow-up discussion from the site-walk. I had a stroke of genius… or perhaps just a stroke, but I figured out how I was going to get what she wanted for a boast (Mind you, she has no peer, no ICOP…just friends desperately trying to not ruin the secret).
“Hey Tessa… I’ve got a friend down in Atlantia who’s going to be elevated to Laurel in September. They’ve got a 14th century Italian Persona and they -love music/performing arts. Any idea what they might like for a boast?”
“Solveig, you should do it based on Chaucer from “”A knights tale””. His speeches are *chefs kiss*”.
There… that is what I was going to do. I watched all of the speeches and settled on his 2nd speech. Separate post coming with the boast and information.
After she was taken to Vigil (and I had shot a little archery with Wolfgang) I went to go visit my friend, Tessa. (I did not visit the other two as Cedric lives 2 miles from me and had a mile long list of visitors and Matt also had a mile long list of visitors.) I went in by myself (though, I typically take Wolfgang in with me, I wanted this to be a private moment between us.
I’m not a peer, but I always try to bring some words of wisdom and support to candidates I am talking to. I never rehearse anything and only speak from the heart. It is, however, my goal to make them cry. Cry from being touched, from feels… whatever.
Anyways, I walked in. I shared with Tessa that information. I shared with her that I did the wordsmithing on her scroll (But would not share it at that time) and also that I was who was going to be boasting her in. I gently reminded her of our last Harper’s walkthrough. I explained I wanted to share her boast with her now as she would likely be too wrapped up in emotions to be able to hear the boast (Despite my crystal clear diction and projection ^_~). As I started to read it to her, her face lit up.
“You bitch!” said in the most loving way possible.
We laughed for the last few minutes and I left her with a hug.
From there I ran off to go to practice read through the scrolls at court. Audrye runs a tight and well oiled machine and I am always thankful to work under her. I read scrolls and found out I got to spend some delightful time sitting with Wolfgang and Erik (We share a Peer…actually all 3 of us do but anyways).
It was time for the Silver Wheels to be called up. I knew 5/6 of the recipients. I…. made a medallion for each of them. I care for them all and they have all touched me in different ways that this was just something small I wanted to do for them. I suspect many may be passed down or given away, but I wanted them to feel cared for in the moment.
I had not realized that there was only 1 recipient that I didn’t know. I wish I had so I could have gifted her one as well. The schtick of this court became “Is there a medallion?” “Yes, your majesty” *Hustles up to the front of court* “Is there a legacy?” “Nope…. I made it” and some form of variation for each of the 5 I made.
Finally, it was time for the boast. An adult beverage consumed before hand to “Take the edge off” and then here we go!
This was my first truly “Heroic” style boast. I was trying to channel Paul Bettany but still make it my own.
I could not do a better set of timing because I had a parade of folks behind me, but I still tried to do my best. I feel like I at least nailed the timing for the finish.
I heard some snickers, I saw folks reacting in pictures. I watched the video that Arlyanna van Wyck had taken (Thank you as always, Arlyanna for all your hard work and the gift you give to the kingdom with your videography. You capture so many memories).
It wasn’t perfect, but it was perfect for the moment. I, as a performer, am mostly content with it, but the fact that it did make my friend’s day, is all that mattered.
My heart is full and I feel somewhat revitalized. I am still taking the rest of the summer easy as I have responsibilities at Pennsic and Harper’s and in October, my royals step up and I work more for my Largesse coordination.
Please check out the boast video and the scroll words when you get the chance.
Nothing particularly historically accurate about this scroll. I was given the assignment about 1.5 weeks before the event which meant I had like 3 days to finish the words. Luckily I knew the recipient and was also able to get some last minute research on him, his write up and how I could better attack it. To add a small drop of humor, I had seen the scroll layout before it’s final stage. I had recognized the image the scribe based the scroll off of was their profile picture on social media. I had been chatting with the recipient regarding other things and convinced him to wear the garb he is wearing in the scroll. So, without further adiu, Words, Scroll and Recipient.
In the luminous tapestry of life, there exists a figure of resplendent charm and kaleidoscopic depth. His every movement, a dance of blades, a symphony of precision and elegance. It is as if poetry were etched into the very fabric of his being. This dark creature lives amidst the intricate latticework of pawns, bishops and stones. With a mind as sharp as the edge of his rapier, he dances through nine men named Morris, he battles fox and geese alike and closes the lid, nay, shuts the box with ease. Dark in register and timbre do his melodies shake. With each lyric spun, he conjures worlds of wonder and whimsy and illuminates the world with the brilliance of his spirit. With all the above attributes listed, do we Tindall and Emerson, Royals of the great Eastern lands do see fit to make Sylvain du Soleil a Lord of our court and grant him arms. We announce this to our all gathered at Les Beltaines, AS LIX
Caligraphy and Illumination by CaitrÃona inghean UÃ ShÃodhachaÃn
Another scroll which I was asked to wordsmith for. I didn’t know the recipient at all but I tried to capture a regal form of his service for this scroll. This was for the Baronial Service award
Hear the mighty decree of Baron Muin to his fine flaming salamander kin! Loyal servant to the Barony, Mikael Melrakki epitomizes the essence of service to the Barony, his commitment unwavering, his dedication unparalleled. Offering his home as a bastion of camaraderie, he fosters unity through countless practices, where ranged warriors hone their skills and bonds are forged.
His abode doubles not only as a sanctuary for armaments but also as a repository for the Barony’s treasures, housing supplies essential for events and festivities. Yet, Mikael’s service extends beyond the confines of his dwelling. As the Minister of Lists, he ensures fairness on the field, meticulously maintaining records and overseeing tournaments with impartiality and integrity. His selfless contributions uplift the entire Barony, his passion igniting a flame of inspiration in others.
Let it be known throughout Bhakail and the Known World that Mikael shall be inducted into the Order of the Horse at the Waking of the Salamander, AS 58.
Calligraphy and Illumination done by Gretchen Schroeder
The signet of Bhakail and I have become decently close. Having 2 peers connected to Bhakail, it is a second home to me (despite it being -across- the kingdom. Anyways, Bhakail takes their board gaming seriously. So, to counter that, I felt that a scroll with alliteration was in order. Nothing period about this besides the board games themselves but I have fun writing it.
Bhakail’s board gaming virtuoso, who brings brilliance, boasts breathtaking mastery beyond bounds and battles brainy opponents, is blessed with strategy, which baffles adversaries. They employ bewitching moves that bedazzle both beginners and seasoned players. Today, done by Baron Muin at Bhakail’s Tavern, ______________ is named Bhakail’s beloved Board gaming champion, where they also serve a beacon of camaraderie that binds the Barony together creating a bond that beautifully bridges generations and backgrounds. Brimming with benevolence, the Baronial champion shares boundless board game wisdom, fostering a bustling community of budding board gamers.
Scroll Calligraphy by Gretchen Schroeder Illumination Laura Louise
Back when HRM Tindal was on the throne the first time with HRM Albrecht, I decided I wanted to try my hand at composing a processional. I wanted to capture a piece that captured Tindal, himself.
I titled the piece, “Patronus” which means proctector. Nothing to do with Harry Potter. This was a conscious choice based on Tindal’s 1st century roman persona. It finally got a real performance of it and was performed for it’s intention. I was not there that day, but many thanks to Mistress Deonna von Achen for teaching it and running the group. Enjoy!
Thank you to Angelica Di Nova Lipa for capturing this video for me and Ronan MacCodrum for sending it to me (And always being willing to sing my music either that I compose or teach)
Another recording from Arlyana van Wyck from a different visual/vocal vantage:
Wars, both civil and foreign, I undertook throughout the world, on sea and land, and when victorious I spared all citizens who sued for pardon. The foreign nations which could with safety be pardoned I preferred to save rather than to destroy.
Meddlings of the Minnesinger 