We were so excited for the past two weeks to attend our first SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism) event. The week before I spent sewing and putting together our middle ages outfit. It was held in a park building in Wausau, Wi. The troll gate opened up at 9 am Sat. morning. Kudrun, our seneschal/president from the Shire of Rokecliff (LaCrosse) met us there and we found a place along the outside all of the arena to park ourselves along with our stuff. The Shire of Falcon Keep (Wausau) was hosting the event.
The middle of the arena was roped off for the combats with the rapiers/swords and armored combatants, who were dressed in helmets, chainmail protection, shields, and they used rattans for swords. The fighting began about 11am.
Pavillions were set up for the Royals ie King and Queen, Prince and Princess. Men and women were starting to put on their battle gear. Yes, women!! One woman was shown to us who was the first female knight of the Northshield Kingdom which included WI, UP of Michigan, Minnesota, the Dakotas, Manitoba and part of Ontario.) Another woman, Angelina, was a skilled combatant with the rapiers/swords. The Barony of Windhaven was parked right next to us.
We watched two young college age gals putting on there fighting gear. We introduced ourselves to Mave and found out this was her first fight and she had to be authorized first ie meet approval by the marshal that she passed the safety test. She passed and came to me and gave me an orange flower. I was surprised! This meant she favored me and I was now to be her cheer leader. So I stood on the side lines to watch her personal bout/match. Within 5 seconds she received a blow to the top of her helmet and was dead from the kill blow. All told she played in three matches.
The matches lasted all day until about 3:30. We spend our time meeting people. There was another room where the merchants were selling their wares and we bought two wooden plates for the evening feast. They had four classes ie beginning sewing, love herbs, chain mailing, and leather making. We took love herbs and leather making which were very educational.
But the most fun was all the wonderful fancy outfits!. As I met people I asked what period of time and country they were representing. Everyone was friendly and willing to explain things to some green horns. At the front of the room were set up four throne chairs and whenever you passed this area, you'd bow or curtsie to show your respect for the sovereigns.
Kudrun is a barb and has been involved about 20 years and knows alot of people. She introduced us to Shavasue who is the unofficial court photographer. She has gone for 30 years and was one of the original people who started the Northshield Kingdom. She now has a new toy, a small one hour video camera. She was going around and recording singing barbs to put on her u tube site. She wanted Kudrum to pick a song for her to record.
A couple of hours passed and when I came back Shavasue told Kudrun that it was now time to record her song. She picked out a song and asked this other lady to come in on the chorus. They went outside to record and Kudrun pressed me into service on the chorus. For giggles I went along. I didn't know the song, the tune, or words. A passing thought was ..I must be crazy to be doing this. She had a small book which was shared by the three of us. I only knew I was to join in repeating the last 3-4 words of each verse. The song told a story and Kudrun was doing an excellent job! I began to see the humor of the song and had all I could do to contain my own laughter. The other lady was in the same position as I. The ending took a surprise twist and after the recording was finished we all broke down in hilarious laughter!!
The matches ended about 3:30 and the area was cleared and set up with chairs for the court to began about 4pm. The contestants had changed their battle gear and were now dressed in their court dress. The Royal Court marched down in great fanfare and Queen AEsa Drothing and King Kitadate-tenno and the Prince and the Princess were seated on their respective thrones with their court behind them.
The court heralder announced each court business that needed to be conducted. Awards of the Kingdom were given out. The biggest award of Service is the Pelican award which was given to Angelina. But first the populace stood and gave witness why she should receive this award. During court time we saw good humor and jesting with a great deal of laughter. Court lasted about 1 1/2 hours. Than the site was cleared for the feast.
The head table for the royalty was decorated and set up with the tables for the other 50 feast festers set up in front of them. I just have to describe this feast. Each one brought their own eating utensils. The theme was French and mildly aphrodisiac. Each course was first announced with the head table being served first.
Appetizers--Faux Escargot..butter and garlic with bread, served with Syseros which is chick peas (like hummus), and later Potage d'oignons (onion soup)
First Remove- chicken with fennel and parsnips, carrots, and onions fried, and french bread
Second Remove- Roast pork with coriander and garlic, sweet potatoe/apple pie, and sliced oranges
Sweet- coeur al la Creeme- soft cheese with raspberry sauce
What a culinary experience!! Toasts were suggested and made and it lasted about 2 hours. One shire put on a long day feast which was normal back then. I noticed that Mave was sitting on the right hand of the king and afterwards I asked her about that. She said that the King wanted to invite a first time fighter to his table and he asked for her. What a special treat that was for her!!
There was hand kissing and great chivalry by the gentlemen of the realm. I am sure the evening passed great for everyone since the menue explained how each food was so aphrodiaiac which I excluded in this report.
This is the last week for the reign of the current King and Queen. Next week is the coronation of the new King/Queen.We be traveling to their realm to partake of that grand event. I wonder if I should make some new outfits as befitting the occasion.? Until then...
Patricia and Michael of Pine Haven
