May 17, 2009
We have been busy at Pine Haven this spring. Planting two cherry trees, one peach tree and some shrubs. We also put in a spring garden of onions, potatoes, radishes, lettus, spinach, and peas. We have had a couple meals of stinging nettles and some fresh asparagus out of the garden also. The lovely smells from all the blooming plants is wonderful. The apple, pear, and plum trees have been in bloom and now the lilacs have just started. It was really hard to leave this place of paradise but we did to attend the Royal Crown Tournament of Stephen and Ailleanne.
Morning court occured at about 10 am. Each fighter dressed in their finery was introduced into court surrounded by their attendants. Their attributes were loudly proclaimed and herald. I expected their bouts to be done by lots. But no. The challenged picked out one of the challengers to fight until there were none left.
The tournament began at 11am and lasted until 4:30pm. Each pair had three bouts with three different weapons. Each contestant was sent into battle with hugs and kisses from his favorite. Each winner afterwards knelt before his lady to again receive hugs. Only than would he go forward to claim his win before the tally board members where his shield would be displayed on the tally board.
The tension slowly mounted all day to see who the two warriors would be to end up fighting for the crown. I did not know who the contestants were so I had no favorites. But I began to hear a small rumor. Siegfried had just asked her hand in marriage of Elizabeth and he really wanted to win the crown tournament as a gift for her. Oh, add romance to the mix and now this had my full attention. I quickly learned who he was and even recognized him from other court events.
I checked my recent Northwatch newsletter that I had with me and found out that he was the first king of Northshield five years ago and also the fifth king of Northshield. He also was one of the challenged. He was tall, lean, young, strong, and quick on his feet.
By 4:30 it was down to two contestants with Siegfreid being one of them. They would have 15 bouts with different weapons being used. Besides great skill it also took great endurance. I imagine vision was limited wearing the helmets besides. The field was very silent as the two combatants circled each other looking for the right opening. Many times the jabs were so fast that it was hard to follow with the eyes. In the end, Siegfreid won and fell to his knees exhausted before his lady Elizabeth kissing her hand. She hugged his head to her chest.
Evening court started at 6pm. After the King and Queen came in to court than the new Prince Siegfreid and Princess Elizabeth were announced and they took the royal thrones on the right of the Royals. Through court I saw Siefreid kissing her hand many times and she would give him a sweet, quiet smile. The big announcement at court made by King Stephen was that with all the allies they had about 225 fighting men in hard suit for the Pennsic Wars. On Tuesday Northshield would command the Mid Realm Army following Queen Ailleanne into battle.
At 7pm we had another wonderful feast. We were invited to sit with people that we had met before and that warmed our hearts. We declared it a good day with good folk.
