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.
If anyone knows me, they know that music is the number one priority in my life. Whether I am singing or playing instruments or encouraging others to perform. I know the power that music can hold and I want nothing more than to make sure that others have this saving grace in their lives as well.
A few years ago I was very involved in a choral group called “Voce di Sonata”. These were all volunteer vocalists from Malagentia. We would run through pieces and work on them. Eventually we would get to have other performance experiences as well. However, after running it for 2.5 years, it was time for my life to explode and I simply couldn’t organize it again at that stage of my life. Life happens.
Even without formally running it, I would have folks approach me and ask for group singing and soloists to perform at their events (and weddings). I would gather ad hoc groups as needed as well as find appropriate soloists. In addition, those vocalists in the group would come and say, “Solveig, we would really love to sing with you”. My heart couldn’t say no, but I just didn’t know when.
In addition, I was also involved in the Malagentian Players. From a solo member as well as a member of their troupe. However, through discord and life, it too mostly went the way of Ol’ Yeller.
This broke my heart.
A few months ago I moved to the Riding of Giggleswick. It is a small riding but with some fiery and passionate hearts. I have a stable place to live and partner. I love my new job. Emotionally, I am in a good place. It was time.
Last night was the first meeting of the Giggleswick performing arts group. I had 6 people show up! That’s huge for our little riding. There is promise for more to show as well. We had very new performers telling their first story in public, more seasoned performers working on newer pieces. We had rounds. ROUNDS GALORE. Folks who claim they don’t sing, sang with us! It was beautiful and harmonious. We even had a few repetitions of singing through “O Magnum Mysterium” which is no small feat. It was beautiful. The feedback was positive and I am ready to do this again in 2 weeks.
The plan is to have folks perform their pieces. Should they want feedback, they will ask. If not, no feedback is to be given. I am hellbound on making sure this is a safe space for all to perform. There will be workshops and classes to come as well.
For now, a new beginning, like a fresh layer of snow.
I often find that GNE has been my event home since I started playing in 2010, but it wasn’t my first even. It is always one that has resonated with me as a war… a true immersion event for me.
This year was no different. I got to get my hands dirty with Bardic from helping to arrange the Bardic space, advertising and even performing myself.
I spent the weeks prior to GNE helping Gregor set up the Bardic space and quire Bardic Talent. I’ll admit, however, I was a bit preoccupied with my own agenda. This was my boyfriend’s first event and I wanted it to be as magical for him as it was for me.
Friday I spent fencing and showing my boyfriend around the range and doing a little bit of shopping. Saturday, I made sure I was there for the other performers as well. Prior to my own performance, a friend of mine was having a difficult time building up her own confidence. I spent time prior to making sure she knew people would be there and the massive amount of skill she possessed. I even requested she sing a song specifically for me.
When it was time to perform, I took the stage. This would be a casual performance. I really feel it’s important to read your venue. I chose not to sing the songs that made me feel like a million bucks, but ones that my audience would enjoy. This concert was not for me. It was for the audience.
The Friday prior, my good friend, now Mistress Christiana Crane had been sent to vigil. I feel like I only truly have one gift I can give and so this is what I made for her.
When the moon hits your eye, like a big pizza pie!
It was time for me to get off my throne and I don’t mean the porcelain kind. I had the honor of running and judging this years Provincial Bard competition for Malagentia. From the few years I have been entering competitions for Bardic, I learned what I wanted and didn’t want in a local competition. I had been working to build a bardic community wherever I go because my heart aches when I hear people say, “I’m not good enough… I can’t follow HER…. Bardic is hard. This does not make a safe environment for performers. It’s hard enough to get up in front of folks, especially when you never did it professionally or even semi professionally.
This year I made a rubric. It included the following categories:
Were you prepared?
Did you perform well?
Can you be heard?
How well did you know your piece?
Did you fit the theme?
Did the audience enjoy your piece?
Did you provide documentation?
How detailed was your documentation?
I also had a theme “Home is where the hearth is”. I figured it would be a nice and creative way to see how the competitors would deal with it. Also, how they would introduce their pieces and explain how their piece fit into the theme. In addition, the competitors would perform 2 pieces in contrasting styles, 1 piece must be period and documentation is required. This would tie into the SCA as but leave enough leniency that it would be fun.
Before the performances began, our Senechal (Who was one of the 3 additional judges I had asked to help with the judging) interjected for a moment. I couldn’t imagine what she needed to announce, but who was I to say no to this amazing lady. I was bestowed the very first provincial honor for Arts and Sciences for my work in the Bardic field. I was surprised and honored to receive… well, this honor! It was only the very first because I needed to leave early to head to a wedding so I was not able to attend the closing ceremonies where it should have been awarded.
On to the performances! We had 4 incredible performers. All of them were not only incredible performers in all their own ways, but they were also all skilled in a martial activity as well. There were two heavy combat fighters and 2 fencers. I am proud to say I have fought and fenced with each of them. On top of these skilled performers, we had an exceptional young lady perform to compete for the youth bard. I had decided this year to include this category. I find that we cannot support the arts just as adults, we need to hone their skills at an early age. It’s true what they say, the youth are our future.
The deliberating was difficult. Each was unique and powerful. I was blessed to have the judges I had picked along side me to help me pick. I didn’t want anyone to feel like they weren’t good enough. I had asked each of the judges to talk to all of the individuals privately and provide feedback. I didn’t want critiques, I wanted positive reinforcement. One of the largest lessons I have been learning in life is that you never provide unwarranted feedback or feedback that wasn’t asked for be the individual. I sent my words with the other judges and I also reached out to each of them after to let them know where their strong points were and encouraged them to keep shining like the jewels they are. Though, if someone told me that I’d reply, “ I’m volcanic ash! I don’t shine”
Lord Frederick Vanderveer had approached me once again to open my mouth to make pretty noises. It was time to arrange another concert for GNEW. It was a bit harder to wrangle performers this year due to the fighting schedule and the notoriously long pomp and circumstance of Court.
I had lined up a few new acts for the concert. Something about this year filled me with the anticipation of new and exciting talent.
A few days prior to the concert, I began to receive multiple messages from people who could no longer perform. What started as a venue of 7 performers was now down to 4. This would still work, but we all suddenly had more stage time to fill.
Bardic Grove had been moved to Merchants Row, and the stage was now more intimate. The concert was slated for Friday night so it would not compete with Court (besides, some of us like to go to bed BEFORE the thunder parties are over).
Waiting with me to perform was Lady Nuala McKensie, but my 2 other performers never appeared.
I swore I would still make this work.
Nuala and I would weave between pieces. I also had the genius idea to turn the concert stage into a safe space for newer and less confident performers.
Lord Frederick Vanderveer happened to be in attendance. I asked him if he would grace us with a piece. He gladly accepted and entertained the audience with a beautiful melody. It was really nice to see him perform. He doesn’t often get a venue to perform vocally and sometimes the bard factor can be intimidating.
After that, we also had the joy of being entertained by Lord Greger when he told us a humorous tale of one of his many experiences within the SCA.
To round out the night, we had a young woman with a beautiful voice who had never performed publicly before. It was absolutely lovely to have new blood show such bravery as to perform in front of an audience at our show.
We finished with a group performance of “Life Blood”, which has always been an SCA favorite of mine.
The next day, there were to be several courts held. There was one mid day at which a friend of mine would be receiving an award, so I made sure to be present.
There was a hold with the royalty (not uncommon in these situations). They had called for a bard. Typically, in these circumstances the King’s or Queen’s personal bard would be called to perform, however, neither was present for this event. Being noticed by the King, I was called to perform. I did not have my bard book on me, but without hesitation I began to sing. I few verses later, my services were no longer needed and court resumed.
I had never been called on to perform so suddenly and without preparation. This was a huge honor bestowed upon me by the royalty, and I can only be thankful my performance was not preceded by me losing my lunch all over the court attendees.
Who’s smart idea was it to let the bard autocrat an event? Who’s smart idea was it to let the Viking bard autocrat an event? Vikings are known for pillaging, ravaging, and burning, not planning, and organizing, and decorating!
However, this Viking likes food. And I had an awesome kitchen staff. Despite all the hare in the stew.
I spent months planning my first event {Trust me, she did, it’s all she would talk about at fencing practice. (Shut up, Karen!)} And I never took for granted how much work the autocrats put into their events, big or small. I had excel spreadsheets, checklists, and lists for my excel-lists and checksheets. No, wait.
And best of all, the best deputy a Viking could ask for. My deputy found my masterful feastocrats, and also helped to find the perfect location. I didn’t just want this event to be delicious, I wanted the atmosphere to feel like home. If home had servers. And live music. And dancing. And games. And a silent auction. And room to seat 120.
Oh, and two surprise guests I couldn’t even imagine would grace my small event. But that comes later.
Before I had even submitted my bid. I made sure I had beat all my ducks into submission, and they were all in a neat row. I had lined up all my volunteers, and had my menu planned, and waited several weeks anxiously to find out my bid had been accepted.
Once everything had been lined up, I had about a month and a half to complete everything on my checklists. Everything fell into line easily, almost like I had planned it to. Until two weeks prior to the event…
Dun dun DUUUUUUN!
I had received a message on the Tome of Visages from Astrid, head retainer for their Royal Highnesses. “Hey Solvieg, Guess who’s coming to visit?”
I don’t know, Batman and Robin?
Good guess, but think a little bit fancier. With pointy hats.
Batman and Robin putting on a Statue of Liberty cosplay?
Close, but still no cigar.
Their Highnesses!
*insert cursing in my brain*
My heart began to palpate. What are you supposed to do to royalty? Or is it *with* royalty? Do I also have to dress up fancy and wear a floofy dress? Gosh darn it, I don’t wanna! You can’t make me!
The realization that the event was a week and a half away, and I don’t know what to do with royals or where to put them, or even where they went on my excel sheets, I did what any insane person would do: reach out to my 50 closest friends who had run events before, and ask for their sagest knowledge. And when that didn’t cut it, alcohol suggestions.
I was blessed with copious suggestions, and my mind was put at ease.
Hooray! The day of the event!
Wait, what is all this white stuff?! Why is it snowing?!
Because it’s January in Maine. Gah.
Thanks to the presence of our Royals, the event was sold out before the doors even opened. I had more volunteers than I knew what to do with for set up. And more kept coming. The hall was beautiful, filled with everything from garlands to banners of personal arms. We even glitter bombed their Highnesses chairs (thanks Karen! {My pleasure! His Highness said I gave him craft herpes, hehe!})
The fragrance of fine food filled the air. (<– see, I made alliteration work this time!) And I had just enough servers for the tables, even with Karen bouncing in and out of the kitchen as needed. We even had a small court, thank goodness for no set up. The removes rolled in, and empty dishes rolled out. Between removes, the Malagentian Bardic Players even performed. When there were no Malagentian Bardic Players performances, solo bards got up to do their own. Some I had pre-arranged, and some were a surprise. I felt almost empty, not having performed up to that point. It was my duty to make sure the event kept running smoothly, however, my deputy advised me that for five minutes, the event would be under control with me {Oh, what a liar!} (Shut up Karen!). She encouraged me to get up and sing, and so I did just that. I performed one piece by myself, and then an improvised duet with a friend.
{Karen even got up with the same friend and sang The Feast Song with her! And Karen doesn’t sing in public!}
As the night came to a close, their Highnesses presented me each with their tokens, which were the first ones minted of their reign. On top of that, the numbers were run for the event, and we made a $750 profit {on an event that usually loses money! Wow!}, and a $450 donation to the Riding of Ravensbridge through the Silent Auction.
The snow continued to fall, though my wonderful volunteers stuck around to help break down the event. I think I made it home in one piece. I didn’t leave site until 11:30. I don’t remember how I got home, I just remember crawling into bed and sleeping until noon the next day. What an exhausting and wonderful experience. The cherry on the sundae was receiving from many individuals about how much they loved the variety of bardic performances throughout the evening. 8.5 out of 10, would definitely consider running again, in a few years at least. As long as it’s not a last minute Royal Progress…
Malagentia, land of the bad people and my home. I am so proud to be one of yours and surrounded by so many talented people. I would make it my mission to amongst you.
Harvest Moon 2016 was the first year Baronial Bard would be re-established since prior to my entry into the SCA in 2010. I decided I would compete in everything I would be eligible for. I arrived on site, early, to see where I could be of service. I also would be as social as possible early on so I could make sure to be social but be a part of everything I could at this small and crammed event. Upon my walk about the site, I had bumped into an individual who i don’t see often, but still try to be polite to. What started as an average conversation quickly turned into a baradement of me for something I apparently had done in the past. I will leave out the gory details (Which I do not believe I did anything wrong) but note that I now felt uneasy. I felt shaken and like I shouldn’t even compete today whether it be in fencing or Bardic.
I wandered over to one of my mentors, Mistress Camille de Jardin (At the time, Dona Camille), and expressed my woes. She, as she often does, with grace, helped to not only provide a Bardic pep talk, but also had convinced me to don my fencing armor and face her in the fencing tournament. This silly and but fun tournament had lifted my spirits. Though the tournament was coming to a close, the heralds had called for those entering the Bardic tournament to come to the Barn. I resigned my spot in the fencing tournament and rushed to the Barn (This is after changing garb, fixing my hair and making myself look like a more presentable viking.
The Barn had a moderate sized crowd (Larger than expected as there were still other tournaments going on). The format was as follows:
The first piece was the performer’s choice. I decided to go with a piece that was well within my repertoire and that I felt confident that I could perform well. It has always been my experience to start off with a bang and start on a strong note so that if your next piece is not as good, you could have something to stand on.
The second piece was a random subject from a hat. We could perform any genre (Song, Story, Poem, Dance) but it had to be from the subject picked and did not have to be memorized. My subject was “Home”. I could think of no better song to perform than my mentor, Mistress Analeda Falconbridge’s, “I am of the North”. It was not perfect, but it was heartfelt and the audience joined me.
As we waited for them to announce the winner, I sat next to friends and the gentleman I had been competing against. There was a child, no older than 6 who decided to get up and perform as well. Between asking that gentleman who competed again me to please continue to teach and perform. Intermittently, I could not help but but be in awe of the bravery of the young lady on stage, performing the heck out of twinkle twinkle little star.
While watching this young lady and waiting for the judges to come back with their decision, It occurred to me that I had been focusing too much on competitions and what judges thought of me. It had been a long performance journey for me since college and feeling validated had been in the forefront of my mind. I watched this child perform for the pure joy of performing and I needed to find this again.
The judges re-convened and I was announced the winner. The win was still one for me to add so I could do more for the Province, but it was at this point I would focus more on the joy than winning.
Meddlings of the Minnesinger 