Tag: Original

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Boast for Keziah Planchette, OL

My dear friend, Kiaya, was being elevated to the Order of the Laurel. She has been a peer to me in so many ways since I met her and her family. I was asked to boast her in. I asked her what type of boast she wanted. Her prompt was “Channel Ryou”. Challenge accepted. My original creation was 350 words… which… was a bit lengthy. This is what I was able to shorten it to and still have it capture their essence.

Good gentles, peers and nobles all …Behold the illustrious Keziah Planchette, Baron of Stonemarche, Member of the order of the Maunche, Member of the order of the Silver Crescent, Tygers cub, Recipient of the Consorts order of Courtesy, whose valor echoes through the annals of history! Who  stands as a beacon of hope in the darkest of times!

With quill in hand, she is swift as lightning, eye as sharp as the keenest blade. 

With brush, conjures visions of unparalleled beauty, capturing the essence of life itself! 

Keziah fearlessly defends the innocent and upholds justice in the face of adversity. Her valor knows no bounds.Therein beats a heart, overflowing with kindness and empathy. Known far and wide as a champion of the unseen. From the newest babe to the highest crown, all find solace in the benevolence of Baron Keziah.

let it be known throughout the land that Keziah Planchette is not merely a Baron, but a paragon of virtue. inspiring generations yet to come to strive for greatness and embody the virtues of bravery, kindness, and creativity. Long may her legend endure!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=IPXY_KltNds%3Fsi%3D8a58oFWEHk1i_-g8
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Tyger’s Cub for Genevieve of Lochleven

There is nothing period about the way I composed this piece. However, I knew I wanted to make this scroll special for this little velociraptor. I wanted it to be whimsical and also capture who this mighty cub was. I was so lucky to work with this blossoming scribe, Octavia. Enjoy

In the Barony of Smoking Rocks, amidst cobblestone streets and whispered legends, there resides the charming Genevieve. She waltzes through life’s melodies, her heart tuned to the rhythm of society’s gatherings. With a twirl and a flourish, her laughter echoing across the lands.

Yet, beneath her graceful steps, Genevieve harbored a whimsical spirit, one that found joy in the simplest of pleasures. Amidst the bustling events, she immerses herself in finding any way she can help. Her favorite activity is tending to the children’s toybox. She makes sure no youth is left empty handed. 

But Genevieve’s kindness knows no bounds. While others revel, she slips away, sleeves rolled up, to aid in the tidying of the village square and counting points. From battles to challenges, she does this with diligence and a smile. For her, happiness lay not just in the glimmer of the dance floor but also in the warmth of community and in the satisfaction of a job well done. 

With this, we Matthias and Aesa Feillinn, Crown and Consort of the realm, with the power vested in our hands, do induct Genevieve of Lochleven into her rightful place as a member of the Order of the Tyger’s cub. We do so with joy March 2 AS 58 at East Kingdom Arts and Science Championshop.

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Silver Wheel- Trian O’Brudair

By THL Solveig Bjarnardottir

Based on Pangur Ban

Traveled wanderer, Triann, devoted Servant,
‘Tis a like task we are at;
Hunting work is his delight,
Hunting work through day and night.
Better far than praise of men
Laborious is he, his time given
Triann bears none ill-will,
He, too, plies his simple skill.
‘Tis a merry thing to see
At our tasks how glad are we,
When at large we often find
Entertainment to our mind.
Oftentimes duties will go astray
In the hero, takes arms, Triann’s way;
Oft’times with joy his songs are set
Merrily competes tasks within wide net.
‘Gainst all odds he sets his eye
Full and fierce and sharp and sly;
‘Gainst the odds of difficulty spied
Completes all acts and duty tried.
When a job appears and then,
O! how glad has Triann’s been;
O! what gladness do we prove
When he solves the doubts you route.
So in peace our task we ply,
Triann, loyal servant, and cry;
In our arts we find our bliss,
We have ours, and he has his.
Practice every day has made
Triann perfect in his trade;
We achieve play day and night,
Turning darkness into light.
So ordered, Triann, servant sent,
A wheel placed around your neck
Order to join with hearts a-glow
Birka AS 58, with silver we do bestow
King and Queen demanded now
Placed from the hands of the crown

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Baronial Brewing Champion- Speed Scroll

A little background on this scroll. I was assisting at a demo in the fine lands of Bhakail and ye olde Pax Unplugged. I had been chatting with a Scribe and they had mentioned that their wordsmith was MIA. I mentioned I was a smith and if they ever needed assistance, I could bust out a scroll for them. Well, bust it out I did. I had maybe 3 days total to finish the assignment with a limit of 100-150 words. I completed this in about 8 minutes… after a whole weekend of working Pax Unplugged for the event and some for the SCA as well WITH con crud (but not covid). Here is the result!

Hail and well met to all in attendance. Mighty Baron Muin demands wassails to be praised and brews to be imbibed. In the fine and proud halls of Bhakail did we have a competition. One that bears the same gravity as the bacon that fills our lands. A competition that could not be taken lightly…or darkly…or amber-ly. Many a fine beverage were sampled and in the end there could only be one who would take up the mantle of Baronial Brewing Champion. We sing out with merriment to celebrate the superior skill of Lui Wing-Ken who warmed our insides and souls this chilled day, December 9th, at Bhakail Yule AS 58.

Words by THL Solveig Bjarnardottir

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Song for Corotica

*Recording forthcoming*

Pray heed to brave Corotica
Who burns with valiant flame
Gave a voice heard through the realm
Weighting words the same

Reborn in eastern mountains
High above the lands
Warrior unlike all the rest
A cryptid who demands

Oh lift your voices
And share their fame
Eastern folk, Eastern kin, we will fight fight fight
For honor of our consort
For the rose and of their name

Raven ringlets encompass
Eyes Sylvan and wide
Champ of arts and blade they wield
Fiercely by your side

Gathered cloths of the fabled
lands of Saxon plants spun
Coiled bands of spiraled bronze
for the chosen one

Oh lift your voices
And share their fame
Eastern folk, Eastern kin, we will fight fight fight
For honor of our consort
For the rose and of their name

Now rest dear Corotica
Your battles come to an end
A rose emblazoned on your heart
A kingdom you did tend

Your words spoke volumes for candor
Your deeds spoke louder than words
Cobalt tygers you did raise
Power now transferred

Oh lift your voices
And share their fame
Eastern folk, Eastern kin, we will fight fight fight
For honor of our consort
For the rose and of their name

Oh lift your voices
And share their fame
Eastern folk, Eastern kin, we will fight fight fight
For honor of our consort
For the rose and of their name

Oh lift your voices
And share their fame
Eastern folk, Eastern kin, we will fight fight fight
For honor of our consort
For the rose and of their name

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Elevation Speech for Corotica-Rose

The Coronation of Brennan IV and Caoilfhionn IV

When I met Corotica, they had barely set foot into our kingdom and yet, it felt like they had been here since its inception. I walked into their life and they bounded into mine. They shared themselves, their art and their shoulder. I would see them soaring from working on their art to adorned in full armor as if invisible wings would carry them effortlessly, but with expediency. I saw fire in them around them. The true passion of the artist and the fire of a fighter, emblazoned in battle. The fighter that is the protectorate with the playfulness of a goblin… nay… a cryptid paladin, ready to fight for the downtrodden, the ignored and forgotten. They were ready to fight the good fight.

However, I am not here to speak of Corotica and how truly amazing of a human they are. I am here to speak of the inspiration that Corotica has bestowed. I would be remiss to only speak of my experiences. When you stand on the dias with other champions, you start to build new bonds. One of those bonds is with the person we are championed to. Inspiration is not just about words, it is about actions as well. Ryan MacWhite shares the story of an arrow. It was a super heated match, if you had not had seen it. The only noise was the sound of bows loosing and arrows making contact with the target. Ryan’s second to last arrow shattered into what felt like 1000 pieces. Only a small section survived. When the round was decided, he took the arrow fletching, which had survived, to her Excellency, Indrakshi and the tip to Corotica. He stated “This is just the first of many arrows I would break in your name”. The finals came and another arrow was shattered. This time, Ryan had presented the fletching of the arrow to Corotica to make their arrow whole, so to speak. Corotica advised how this moment of the event had made their day. Later, after safe travels home. Corotica sent a picture of the arrow parts in a vase in their home. Most folks would say “oh, a broken arrow” and throw it in the garbage but it MEANT something to them and that’s just rare and special.

I bring words from the co-populace, Lady Seigne Ruadh, Woman of the SCA, Archer, artisan and friend. Seigne spoke to me as a woman of the SCA. She spoke, with joyful tears in her eyes, of Corotica, who is female presenting. Seigne spoke of Corotica as a fighter who is a voice for women in the SCA. Corotica has  spoken out for the underprivileged genders and continues to speak out for them. Corotica has made it known that things need to change for women and those who do not fit the mold for the male gender. Corotica has spoken publically about how male presenting fighters were treated and the disparity of the treatment Corotica received when they said the same thing just a moment before. When Corotica became consort, they stated that a change was coming. That our world would change. That is influence. Seigne states “ I am not a fighter, I but am an archer and I am a woman. I think it’s really important that Corotica made it known that you need to listen to people, not a gender and I appreciate them for doing that. I was inspired to create a coat to make them stand out. I did a large documentable piece of research because they had a stunning personality, a warrior and who would appreciate a warm gift.” This is power. This is inspiration. This is the voice that Corotica has given the populace.

To all those assembled today, Corotica is a Rose with thorns. They are a defender of the weak, inspiration for the artist, muse for the warriors. They have long since been a peer. I, a member of the populace, was given a voice today thanks to Corotica. I can recommend no one more than I do them. 

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The Spark

You never know where a spark of inspiration will come from. A funny story about the humble beginnings of this song. When Wilhelm and Vienna were on the throne, I had been thumbing through some awards, writing some folks in. I had seen this one award, called the “Gold Lyre” and from that moment I decided I wanted it more than anything. I had this grand plan to compose a song about inspiration and then corner Vienna and sing it for her. This would hopefully spark her to grant me the golden lyre award. Fast forward, I chickened out. However, I still had the humble beginnings of the song.

Fast forward a few years later, I had completely forgotten about this song and it was sitting in the depths of my google drive, never to see the light of day. A friend of mine, Roiberd Mac Neil had just received his writ to join the Order of the Laurel. As part of his “In Case Of Peerage” was to have me make music. He requested that I write a song for the Laurels. He spoke about the knights having “Weight of the Chain” by Aneleda Falconbridge but he wanted something for the artists. Who was I to compose for the peers? I myself simply have AOA level awards. Aneleda is an incredible composer of whom I respect her work immensely. I couldn’t see my work standing up to hers. I, however, would do anything for Roiberd, so I agreed.

I knew what I wanted the subject matter to be, but the words just wouldn’t come out. I sat on this for months before creativity struck. I was digging through my google drive and stumbled upon the above musings. I started to write and rewrite. This went through atleast 9 revisions before I was somewhat happy. Then, the music…. the music just wasn’t flourishing as it should. I spent the next few weeks listening to some of my favorite symphonic metal, folk metal and general Euro metals bands until the melody hit me.

As the melody sank into my soul, it was time to rewrite the words yet again. Below, is the final text:

The Spark– By Solveig Bjarnardottir (MKA Ren Haywood)

All our senses spark the drive
Of A kinship for all to see
A new life blooms, breeds skill to thrive
Which ignite the flames with ease

Passing knowledge, hope all will hear
We press forward, now back to see
The growing paths becoming clearer
All our dreams run wild and free

Each has a muse, a burning fire
Our labors ne’er seems to cease
A moment more drives our desire
The spark that lights the East

We made a path, dragged more along
Surpassing all our wildest dreams
The journey’s harsh, but you’ll grow strong
Your treasured art shines as it gleams

Spent countless hours, late at night
Just to watch each pass our skill
Climbing mountains, reach new heights
A sense of pride, is deep instilled

Each has a muse, a burning fire
Our labors ne’er seems to cease
A moment more drives our desire
The spark that lights the East

Each has a muse, a burning fire
Our labors ne’er seems to cease
A moment more drives our desire
The spark that lights the East
The spark that lights the East
The spark that lights the East

The Recording:

Recording “The Spark”

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Words for Symonne aus Chevaux d’Or- Silver Wheel

Based off an 11th century Troubadour song Bien me deusse targier

One ought to cease making song with words and music
One makes song with one’s deeds
Since she travels quietly, her work speaks for her
She does not boast
But others do
From the lowlands to the high
That she does more for the kingdom than for any lover
Yet she is glad to put her body and soul into her work
Symonne aus cheveaux D’or, proudly rides throughout the kingdom. Event steward with a smile, her heart gifted to all. Officer of the people and a quiet, proud servant. May her work be remembered as do our Consuls Tindall and Alberic do see it fit to have her inducted into their esteemed order of the Silver Wheel this day _.


On devrait cesser de faire du chant avec les mots et la musique
On fait du chant avec ses actes
Puisqu’elle voyage doucement, ses labeurs parlent pour elle
Elle ne se vante pas
Mais les autres, si
Des plaines aux montagnes
Qu’elle fait plus pour le royaume que pour aucun amant
Or elle est joyeuse de se mettre corps et âme à son travail
Symonne aus Chevaux d’Or chevauche fièrement à travers le royaume.
Intendante au sourire, cœur offert à tous.
Officier du peuple et servante calme et fière.
Qu’on se souvienne de ses efforts comme nos Consuls Tindal et Alberic jugent bon de la faire intronisée dans Leur estimé Ordre de la Roue d’Argent ce

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Well, well, well… What do we have here?

Vermont! Here I come. One of the smaller, but favorite events I get to teach at is Mimir’s well. This is a Viking descriptive event which is all about classes and an A and S display and contest (some years). I tend to offer up on the Bardic track because there are a lot of folks who enjoy performance but not a ton who teach. That’s ok. Not everyone teaches, but I love doing it. In addition, I was asked to teach a class on pewter casting. I have been making tokens for the last year or so as well as award medallions. The Event Stewards wanted to get more folks into doing it since it was as far spread in this part of the Northern Region. I happily agreed.
I had decided to challenge myself. I have a really big fear of putting my own work for the general public. Not only that, I never feel like my polyphonic works are good enough. I was inspired by their Royale Highnesses to compose them a processional. His Royal Highness crown winner has an early roman persona. I pulled from the texts of Augustus. I used a small portion of the texts that I felt would represent our Royalty

Bella terra et mari civilia externaque tóto in orbe terrarum suscepi3  victorque omnibus veniam petentibus4 cívibus pepercí. Externas  gentés, quibus túto ignosci potuit, conserváre quam excídere malui. Míllia civium Rómanorum adacta sacrámento meo fuerunt circiter quingen ta.
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.

Choir

Below, find  the MP3 and the recording I made during rehearsal. Sheet music to follow. I chose to teach this during the ad hoc choir that I run. It was a dream group because I had a pretty good balance on all voice parts. Everyone learned it quickly and took direction well. Again, everyone was excited to perform this during court while THR processed. TRH were banished from the room while we rehearsed because I wanted this to be a big surprise.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1xSn0BGTbBZfLUvubdQLD7hwQkYXfbw8J
Pewter casting came later. I went through all the different forms of casting materials from clay, cuttlefish bone, soap stone and sand. We went over the materials I use in my anachronistic process (which you can see in my post for making the tokens for Ozurr and Fortune) and then, everyone who gave a donation could bring their own piece home. I had made two molds, one a Mjolnir and one a Viking brooch replica. I wanted to keep with the mood of the event. Also, this is the first time I’ve ever let anyone use my supplies or cast in front of me. I made sure to bring safety equipment to make sure everyone was safe and was ready to have my first vict-.. first student attempt this as HRH walks in. I of course offered him the chance to cast and he took it. A perfect pour! It wasn’t the first time I’ve ever had royalty attend my class, but it was the first time they were ever actively a part of it.

Everyone had gone home with their own, personally casted piece. There were no injuries. Only a few broken rubber bands and my mantra (NO PAPERWORK) seemed to work.Casts

If you’re curious about the site tokens I made (all 200 of them) here is a picture of the completed tokens.

Site tokens

The rest of the day I got to enjoy classes. I had my Partner with me and his son, in matching garb (which was cute as heck!). It was also his son’s first event. He got to calligraph, make an LED lantern, chainmail and even got a token from TRH. You could see the magic in his eyes as he entered our little village and made new friends. He felt right at home. This is a huge deal because he doesn’t have a lot of friends. They say he’s weird (Honestly, he’s a normal kid who really enjoys Pokémon and telling you about it. Also, wicked smart at math). If you have been part of our village, these are qualities we all share.Family
The end of the day was here. Court! My partner loves court and he’s only been to one. It’s not the gift he got (both times) but the celebration of people and the pomp and circumstance that goes with it. I got to explain the awards people were getting, the vocabulary we were using and what was what and who was who.
It was my turn in court. I am one of the officers for EKCoP (east Kingdom College of Performers). I serve as Chancellor as well as Deputy Chatelaine for the Northern Region. I had been given the Travel journal to pass on since the recipient was sick (with the world being like it is right now, we don’t want any of your flu/COVID-19 crud). I asked if I could present it in court. It’s a cheesy way to get the college some recognition and make the recipient feel more special. As I was about to sit down, their royal highnesses told me to hold on.Journal
What had I done? Did they hate my song? Wha I being Banished because I’m an obnoxious and loud Bard? No.. they were doing a thing.

I was inducted into the Order of the Silver Wheel. This is an armigerous level award for those who do community service. I never expect to get awards for what I do. Sure, I dream about them like anyone else, but I do what I do because I enjoy it and want others to enjoy. I was literally dive tackled by 2 of my peers in the order… who also happen to be in the Free Company of the Stella Maris. With teers and joy I entered the order.
Please see this BEAUTIFUL scroll done by the hand of Kenneric Aubrey. Text is based off of L’homme Arme (The Armed Man)

Here is a copy of the sheet music for the processional:

Patronus

 

Here is an MP3 of it, at a fast tempo, This should be performed at a  marching tempo and militantly timed.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hvby7YD2y9oJRj0biix5tQtXn3OoN_Fh/view?usp=sharing

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It’s the most wonderful shopping of the yearrrrrrrr!

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.

Boyfriend
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.

Herald
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

Scroll

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.