On 24 April, my new supervisor called and we talked about various Air Force related topics. I took a long-shot in asking if he knew anything about any Middle Ages re-creation groups, when he asked if there was anything else he could do for me. He asked "Do you mean the Society for Creative Anachronism? I got a contact number and finally found the Shire of Rudivale.
The Shire of Rudivale sounds quite active, and well established. I'm not sure whether or not it was a let-down or relief to have found the group. I will not be able to do the things I set out to do without much politicking, and that, I wish to avoid, but I will certainly strive to uphold my oath as a member of the Brotherhood of the Phoenix.
I sent two letters to Rudivale's seneschal. As of yet, I know not her SCA name. The letter I sent on 25 April is as follows:
From the scriptorium of Lord Ognyen Fenlander, C.C.S., C.L.M.
Greetings unto the seneschal and to the populace of the Shire of Rudivale!
It is in the last days of the first month of A.S. XXX, that I and my family will be arriving in Rudivale. We shall depart Calontir late on 26 May or early on the 27th, and will overnight in Nordskoggin. We plan to arrive in Rudivale late on the 28th. It brought me joy to finally find my new friends. It is with eagerness, that I look forward to meeting you.
I was a bit surprised at the manner by which I located you. Two letters (with SASE enclosed) were sent to the Middle Kingdom's seneschal in the past 3 months, and I had received no response. The few contacts I had in your area knew of the Renaissance Festival in Nordskoggin, but could tell me nothing of any local group. The Grand Forks Herald revealed nothing to me over the last months of my subscription. Calontir nobility told me only what I had already assumed: with such a population in the area, there should be a branch. The only Pale copies I had, were given to our local seneschal for ideas sources, and were 5 years old anyway. In late April, I was contacted by my new Mundanian Air Force supervisor, and after talking a bit about camping, he asked if there was anything else he could do for me.
I asked if he knew anything of any local Middle Ages re-creation groups. He asked if I might mean the Society for Creative Anachronism, and my spirits lifted. He gave me the work-number for (mka) Sylvia Bertot, and she answered several questions for me, and gave me (mka) Lynn Knickerbocker's number, who answered yet more questions, and gave me her address and another contact number. (I apologize for mis-spellings and for not getting your SCA names.) Enough about my hunting expedition.
I, Ognyen (O'-gen) Fenlander, am a late 11th century Anglo-Danish fenman. I am active in the resistance against our Norman invaders, and dislike anything Norman or French, though I try to tolerate these people here in the Current Middle Ages. I am a non-fighter, but I have an interest in becoming a warranted marshal. I have experience in, and enjoy: cooking, woodwork, chainmailing, jewelry-making, brewing, herbal arts, recorder music, cold-steel knife-making, and have taught calligraphy and illumination to the Mundanes through my local military Community Activity Center. I did not, by any means, list all my interests, due to space and your impending boredom.
I have held offices in service to my local group: 3 years MoA&S, a year as seneschal, 6 months each as chronicler and castellan, and have tracked group history as historian/archivist since my discovery of the Society in December of A.S. XXIII. If you have a need, I enjoyed and am a volunteer for castellan, or would much like to work as a book-herald.
I am quite conservative, and feel that the SCA should be geared for children as well as adults. Heavy partying and debauchery, in my opinion, are not what our Society is about, and should be saved for private post-revels, if indulged in at all. After this is said, I am not your typical uppity stick-in-the-mud.
I do have a sense of humor. I need one, as I have a family. I have been married for 14 years, and to the same lady. Becky is her name, and she tolerates well, my SCA activity. I have 3 children: a foster daughter, Erica, 6-years-old; a biological daughter, Renee, 9-years-old; and a son, Nicholas, 12-years-old. The 2 eldest kids have an SCA interest.
Nick's into merchanting and is fascinated by the crafts and the weapons. (He's also into Nintendo, basketball, fishing, music, sports card collecting, and drawing.) Renee's eyes lit up when I said Rudivale is active in dancing, though she has no experience in the art. (She's also into outdoor activities like fishing, plants, and is into toy animals and Polly-Pocket-type toys.) Erica hasn't really found any specific areas of special interest, and acts similar to a little-girl-version of Calvin, of Calvin and Hobbes. She's not yet dependable enough for much SCA activity. Becky has an interest in needle-work, sewing, and accounting, but little to no interest in the SCA. I am in pursuit of a bachelor of science degree in history, and am within 2 years of separation from the Mundanian Armed Forces. Now that we're all introduced, I shall pose some questions and make some requests of you.
When, and of what type, are your regular group activities? (such as a monthly feast, fighter or dance practices, calligraphy groups, etc.) Please describe your kingdom-level events. What is the Middle Kingdom's award structure, and do you call it the Midrealm, Middle Kingdom, Kingdom of the Middle, or something else? I'd like a description of Rudivale's device. If possible, could you tell me something of the classes offered on base, and of UND's history program? Any other information you could provide would also be appreciated.
We look forward to hearing from you.
In service,
10 May, A.S. XXX: I finished the writing, "The Culmination of the Viking Influence on England" last night, and this morning, turned it in for final grading. I am hopeful for an A. Today, I received a call from Lord William, who is still in the homeland of England. He is in good spirits, despite getting on poorly with 2 members of his shire: a viscount/knight, and a viscountess. She sounds much like a lady from my last home. I hope he can resolve differences, or just strive to tolerate them, as he cannot make people vanish. William mentioned a lady who has Phoenix qualifications. I'll perhaps be hearing more about her. I shall be writing to the author of a book William sent me, to inquire of another book he wrote. I hope I receive a favorable response.
16 May: I received a letter from Lady Alys, seneschal for my new branch, and read it many times. She enclosed a list of up-coming events, and a copy of Rudivale's device. Today, I incorporated it into the cover of this history. Two demo's are coming up in June and July; I hope I am settled by then, so I have my wares and can participate. I went to Westheart's university this morning to find out about my grade on the above-mentioned paper. It was just high enough for my scores to average an A for the course. I am pleased.
17 May: Rudivale seems to be one of four branches in the remote northwest of the Midrealm, who are a bit frustrated at the distance from, and apparent apathy shown by the Crown and It's administration. I have written two letters to the Midrealm seneschal, and though ample time has passed, I have yet to hear any response. I am not pleased, but must consider the possibility of a delay in our messenger service.
Our seneschal, Ly Alys, shows signs of burn-out, without yet showing bitterness. She wishes she had more time to pursue dance; seeks a replacement for her office; and is displeased with service from the Crown's administrators, after dealing with them for four years. Perhaps more assistance in such tasks as writing reports and handling other correspondence might lighten her load. I wouldn't mind seneschal, if it weren't such a politically-involved office.
As a former seneschal, MoA&S, and politician, I shall now attempt to look at a potentially negative aspect of Rudivale. the shire is active in dance, but I may be seeing dance-heaviness due to whom I have been receiving information. The contacts I've been given all seem to have a dance interest. I'm hoping I don't come to a dancers versus non-dancers shire, as I experienced performance artists versus non-performance artists in Lost Forest. The factionalization is most frustrating. "If I can ever find a replacement for seneschal" implies, going on past experience, that there may be some people wishing for the office but Ly Alys wishes not to leave it in their incapable-for-whatever-reason hands. Other meanings may be that: none wants the job, none feels qualified for the job, the potential opening hasn't been well advertised, those qualified feel uncertain enough about their futures that they don't want to undertake the responsibility, the populace may be apathetic, or the populace may simply like the way things are going.
8 Jun: -Arrived Rudivale on 28 May. -Made contact with Ly Caitlin of Greenwood and found out about fighter practice on 5 Jun.
Last night, Nicholas and I went to fighter practice and we met 6 of the populace. Since it was cold and rainy, no practice was conducted, but we talked a bit. Brendan wishes to look over my library when I regain possession of it, to learn calligraphy, and for me to make a stamp of his device. I'll try to comply on all counts. I met a knife-maker, Ulrich. We may likely swap techniques and work together from time to time. Tomorrow, I will be getting the remainder of my SCA & craft supplies, so I'll be able to get back into doing SOMETHING besides pacing my empty home.
On 13 Jun, Renee and I went to our first Rudivale feastmoot. We discussed much business: 24/5 Jun demo, 4 Jul demo, 8/9 Jul event in Wisconsin, 13 Jul mead-making, 14 Jul calligraphy, 23 Jul dance practice. The letter I sent earlier had a small amount of calligraphy, and now I am being looked at as the calligraphy person in the shire. (I don't think my work is all that great, and my wife tells me that she's tired of me saying that.) Ld Ian and I will be doing the calligraphy group. I don't know if we'll be teaching, guiding, or otherwise.
21 Jun fighter practice: Renee and I attended. I worked on a staff and talked. Renee socialized.
24 Jun Demo: I attended this two-day demo on Saturday only. I was impressed at the motivation of my new shire. A dozen or so showed in support, and all remained gainfully employed without the slightest trace of bickering. All worked together as a happy family. We had fighters, bardic entertainers, chainmailers, calligraphers, spinners, a chatelaine table and more. I had a great day.
28 Jun Fighter Practice: about 7 fighters were present, with about 5 others. I found out who the MoA&S is, and got recommendations on several bookstores. I nearly finished a chainmail gauntlet. The practice was held in western Rudivale because of the parents of Ly Alys being in town. Alys wanted them to see some of the stuff we do.
I received word from Ld William of Friedrichsburg, that his shire in England has become ill.
Unto the Shire of Flintheath, from Lord Ognyen Fenlander, brother in the Dream, Greetings!
It has come to my attention, that you may be faltering in population and in spirit. It brings sadness to hear of anachronists with such problems. Many branches of our Society suffer unpleasantness as you suffer. Oft' times we endure, yet some groups allow hardship to crush them. To you, who wish for betterment of your Shire, I say you must endure. Giving up on the Dream lets a part of it die for us all. I hear you are plagued by three monsters; Politics, PCS, and Divorce. I shall meddle now, without your asking.
In dealing with Politics, hide negative attitudes without being two-faced, and without behind-the-scenes gossip. Watch your wording, particularly when speaking to new members, as the new member to whom you speak may be the person your shire needs to right-the-wrong. Don't put them off with ill-feelings toward other members they may not have even met. Each is capable of forming his or her own opinions. Be discreet if you feel you need to voice a negative opinion. Rather than saying "Lord Obnoxious is a back-stabbing, untrustworthy, sorry-excuse for the existence of the SCA," say "We've been known to have our differences, but we try to get along," even if it's just you making the effort - and you MUST make one. If an individual or group is seen to be disruptive, politely remove all support. It is difficult to make a point without backing from others. DO NOT form mutual-hate cliques. In any dealing, avoid anger, as IT will be seen more than the idea you wish to convey. A quotation I find quite meaningful is: "If you're right, you have no reason to be angry; If you're wrong, you have no right to be angry." (I know not the source.) Another tip is to never conduct business nor make decisions impacting on the shire at any time other than whole-shire moots, well-advertised as such. If your stress is being caused by other than Politics, bear with it, and recruit aggressively.
One of our members, our seneschal Lady Alys Von Schaack of Lynnenncorre, seems familiar with your shire, and saw that one problem might be that the local populace has not been tapped for members as well as it might be. Lord William tells me that there are some very dedicated members in your shire who might be able to generate new interest. Stay dedicated! One motivated individual can re-vitalize a frustrated group if you allow it. Though perhaps a bit hyper-active, and at times hasty to act upon a rumor or idea, I've found no anachronist who is more highly dedicated and motivated than your own Lord William of Freidrichsburg. Work with him; he is most capable of holding a shire together. (Sometimes you might tell him to slow down a bit.)
I hear tell that PCS and Divorce are trying to wreak havoc on your populace. You can't do much to satisfy PCS, other than recruit. On the other hand, the divorce monster can, at times, be controlled. Remember that there is more to life than our Society. Take a break from the SCA, rather than allow it to destroy relationships. Do all things in moderation. Use one another for support. We're all family and should love all members as fellow human-beings, regardless of what they may have done in the past. And now, I bring up the "R" word. Religious organizations can immeasurably fight the divorce monster.
Look beyond Politics, PCS, and Divorce, to the good and fun that our Society is all about, and you'll see it's worth fighting for.
In service to the Dream,
signed
11 July brought a business meeting and barbeque at Ld Berwyn's home. Ly Alys received an Order of the Willow after we discussed Wulfgar's chirurgeon apprenticeship and use of shire medical supplies; the purchase of material for fighter tabards; the up-coming un-named event; Northshield New-comers seminar, and next spring's Arthurian event.
Up 'til now, it has not been the stereotyped COLD for which North Dakota is noted. We've had two straight weeks of high 90's with two or three days over 100. These were followed by a week of nice weather, with a couple days of long-sleeve and jeans conditions. It's now back over 90, and I'm glad we got air-conditioners (the base doesn't provide them in housing), despite all the people who said, "Oh you'll only need air conditioning for 3 or 4 days out of the summer." Grand Forks is about the size of Columbia or slightly smaller. It's just about right - big enough without being too big. One of the furniture salesmen said that it's small enough to meet the neighbors if you want to, and big enough that you don't have to. Friendly is what I've found so far.
The populace of the shire of Rudivale is quite a warm. They're friendly and very open. They are excited about the SCA and VERY motivated, and I've heard no sign of internal dissention or bickering. They seem to recognize the importance of all interests and I have yet to hear anyone belittle someone else's interests - and NO CLIQUES! Their biggest interests are fighting, dance and story-telling. The bards drum up enthusiasm from demo-crowds like the pro-bards at the Renfest. I'm impressed. I've been to 3 fighter practices, which are social gatherings for the non-fighters; 2 shire moots, which are similar to our monthly feastmoots; (I still say "our," though I must admit that I am physically part of Rudivale, and part of Lost Forest in spirit only.); and a wondrous demo. We got PAID by the Grand Forks Parks and Recreation department for the demo: $200.00. Our 4th of July demo got rained out, but we've got 3 more scheduled. The GF P&R department is gonna pay us another $100 for a demo at the end of July. I don't know if I'll get used to this demo-for-pay policy, though Rudivale doesn't ask for money. This seneschal actually requested permission from the shire to make tabards for all the fighters, saying "You know we're not hurtin' for money." This is also something to get used to. This is one big happy group of anachronists! I think I'll like it here. Renee is garbed now, and Erica is soon to be garbed. The kids want to go to EVERYTHING, including fighter practices and moots. There are a few kids in the group and they seem to enjoy Society life. Becky even volunteered to make the kids' garb. Maybe someday I'll get her to go to something. At my first Rudivale moot, before being introduced by the seneschal, I overheard an impressed fighter who'd been to Pennsic say, "...and if you see that purple shield-wall with the gold falcons, you better hope they're on your side and you don't have to mess with 'em." I liked hearing that though I'd never seen the Calontir wall in action. I'm rambling.
If you could, might you find it in your hearts to write to Lord William over in Drachenwald? He's seneschalling for the Shire of Flintheath, and is going through some political strife with a viscount and viscountess in his shire. (I don't know how much he brings on himself, but he's a Lost Forest brother, and would like to hear from all of you.) He mentioned, also, the need for contact with people in the "States" by other members of his group.
His family address is: ...
(I wouldn't mind hearing from Lost Foresters too.)
I'm not volunteering for any offices here, as I plan to busy myself with making things. Thus far, I've made a tourney table from the Known World Handbook pattern, an 8-in-1 steel gauntlet, several stamps of devices for various Rudivalians, a shire stamp for the seneschal, a few chains and another staff, carved all over it with Rudivale stuff, Lost Fen stuff and much interlacing. It's a poplar staff, so it's soft enough for easy carving. I've taught some of the chainmail people the inverted rolled 4-in-1 chain, and have gotten Nicholas into making some nice chain earrings. At my first moot, about 6 folks were discussing the need for a calligraphy group if only there might be someone who could provide some guidance, and they looked at ME. I hastily wrote a letter in early Gothic to the seneschal before I went north and decorated it just a bit. I guess they were impressed. Our first group meeting will be this Friday at another member's house. He too, has a little experience, or at least some books that have gotten him enthusiastic about it.
I found a most dangerous establishment about an hour and a half away. In Fargo is a Barnes and Noble Bookstore. Throw about 5 B. Daltons-worth of books together, add a coffee shop for reading, and you might start to imagine it. It's about the size of Whiteman's BX without the coffee shop. The kid's section is about the size of the whole Warrensburg Books store. In their discount books section, I found Bede's History of the English Church and People, written about 735 a.d.; The Normans and the Norman Conquest, truly a scholarly work and not just popular writing; Medieval England, a collection of writings by English historians; and The Anglo-Saxon Age c. 400-1042. Into the Minnesota side of Fargo, which is Moorhead, we visited the Hjemkomst Heritage Center, which houses a replica Viking ship that was sailed from Duluth to Norway and back. The ship was impressive. Needless to say, I picked up a few books there as well. My library's growin' almost faster than the kids. I won't even mention the numerous books acquired at the GF used bookstores. I guess with the long winters here, reading is a big pastime.
Again, I ramble. I'll close until I get some REAL news. Oh yeah, our event is the 4th annual "Un-named Event" and will be held on 30 September. It's a mere 16 hour drive, so I'll expect a good Lost Forest entourage! (My excuse for not drivin' down there is that it's too far and a big hassle with the kids. you can use that one too if you like.)
Give greetings to Ferogain and his household, Justinian and Dorenn, Miguel and Leandra, the Wulfgar/Brecanni household, John of King's Point, the two Duncans, Greiggor, Manfred, Nicolette, and all other Lost Foresters. I think of you often.
In Service,
On 29 July, we appeared for a Mundanian great-event, Forx Fest. My contribution was mainly craft display, though I did have some small items for sale. Summerthing is more of a merchant event than Forx Fest, as Forx Fest is a family fun day. My display consisted of: chainmail necklaces, pouches, pattern-samplers and earrings; carved staves, boxes and figures; knives of various shapes and a demo-blade showing how hammering alters the shape of a steel bar; and much miscellaneous. I'm somewhat happy that it was too windy for calligraphy. I've not felt motivated in that area for some time. I hope it comes back. I need to take more time to wander and socialize with the other Rudivalians and to see their works. When Nicholas is at the table he can handle things while I wander. He's been good at helping out with marshalling, and it even got him some television exposure. Marie Ognyensdottir was to be seen in the background of the telecast.
5 August: On 1 Aug, another business moot was held at the home of Ld Brendan and Ly Caitlin. Marie attended with me. Business, to include demos at UND, was discussed, and I was asked if I would assist Wulfgar with the office of historian. I accepted the offer, and Wulfgar did likewise. Brendan mentioned again, his interest in herbs and I offered to take him on a field trip to find some of the local wild plants. He will schedule it at his convenience.
23 August Fighter Practice: 12 were in attendance. Ulrich showed Pennsic photos, and told many stories of the war. Siobhan told of her trip to Sturgiss in the southwest of our great principality (biker convention). I worked chainmail while the fighters sharpened their skills. Ulrich tried out his new axes. After the practice, Basarab told about up-coming demos. He also requested of me, 5 each, 5"x5" cards showing the numbers 1, 5, and 10. These will be used for the February New-comers orientation.
Not many things excite me, but finding someone with an interest in the Middle Ages and Renaissance is most definitely one of them. After my 13 months in England, Becky brought an Air Force base newspaper article to my attention. Little did she know, that I'd find such an involving hobby.
The Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc. (SCA) is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to the study and re-creation of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, concentrating on the period from a.d. 600-1600. "Re-creation" is different from re-enactment in that we don't re-live past events. We rather re-create our own society as it should have been. That's to say, we leave out the plague, lack of hygiene, robberies and such, which gave the period a bad name, and stress the honor and chivalry which have oft been romanticized. It's not fantasy, but it's definitely not the way the Middle Ages truly was. The structure of the Society is based on, but does not mirror, the feudal kingdom hierarchy of the early Renaissance. SCA Inc. has a mundane corporate structure, but the kingdoms and principalities scattered throughout the world are ruled by royalty who are chosen by tournament combat and reign for 6 months. There are many groups within a kingdom, but I won't go into them here. To run a kingdom, people are needed.
We all pick something or someone we would like to have done or been, and go with it. Personae are chosen so we can detach ourselves from the mundane 20th century. Personae must be people who could conceivably have lived in the period, but did not really exist in fact, in literature, movies, etc. My persona is Anglo-Danish from the late 11th and early 12th century, known in the SCA as Ognyen Fenlander. Ognyen makes his living through his crafts, hunting and fishing, as any fenman from the period would have done. He despises the Norman presence in England and loathes anything French. His king, (from 1042-1066) Edward the Confessor, did much to alienate the loyal Saxons, or true* English when he brought a great Norman influence to the island. The influence culminated with an invasion in 1066 by the most foul Duke William of Normandy. Ever since then, William has been replacing Saxons with Normans in positions of significance. Ognyen has been trying to make life difficult for the Normans so they might consider going back to France. This is definitely a shortened version of this fascinating (at least to me) period in English history.
I've been studying a lot in conjunction with my pursuit of a BS degree in history, and the SCA has been helping me to stay focussed - it's been lots of work, but it's fun too. I've held offices of seneschal (branch president), minister of arts and sciences (branch coordinator of crafts and research), chronicler (branch news publisher), historian (tracker of branch history), and castellan (branch recruiter and publicity officer). I enjoyed serving in these positions, but like being office-free as well. In addition to service, opportunities to involve one's self in combat and in the arts and sciences abound.
You don't have to be a fighter to get into fighting-related activities. There are armor and weapons to make, shields to paint, and fights to marshal. A fighter marshal is a safety official. Archery is another way to get into combat arts. To be a competition archer, you don't have to go through the authorization process on sword and shield that combat archers endure. Scouting is another to get involved in combat without being a fighter. Scouts are the field spies. The authorization I mentioned earlier is a sort of safety test for fighters.
Arts and sciences is my favorite area, since crafts and research are included here. I teach calligraphy and illumination (page decoration) and chainmail. I am a wood-worker, knife-maker, brewer, recorder-player, and participate in other divers crafts. There is also dance, cooking, garb-making, equestrian activities, period religions, alchemy, herbal medicine, and much more to do and study.
Oops! A big rule in recruiting and talking with potential anachronists is to avoid boggling them with an information overload. I just wanted to get you interested and don't want to miss something. The SCA is not confusing nor is it difficult to enjoy.
At your first few gatherings, you'll just want to wander and take in the sights and sounds. Find some interesting crafts and ask about 'em. Chances are quite good that the craftsperson will want to enthusiastically tell and show you more than you bargained for (as I might be doing here). You'll find that just about all anachronists are quite friendly, helpful and chivalrously polite. An event is about the only place you'd be able to see what the SCA is all about. Events include, but are not limited to: full-blown wars (8000 at a 1992 war in Pennsylvania), tournaments, arts and sciences competitions, feasts, revels, and university sessions (each kingdom has a degree-granting university).
You might ask "What do I get out of all this other than fun and an opportunity to study and practice history?" Work and activity does not go un-noticed. We have a fairly elaborate award structure. No titles or awards are self-proclaimed. One does not simply join the SCA and call himself a knight. Knights and Masters-at-Arms go through literally years of training before being granted the title. Masters and Mistresses in their fields all go through years in apprenticeship under another more senior in the selected field. I have been in the SCA for about 7 years and have only earned the right to be called "Lord" Ognyen, and to be called a part of 2 orders for my work in arts and science. To receive an award from a king or queen is a feeling that can only be experienced to be appreciated. It sounds silly if you haven't seen a Royal court first-hand. On the 16th of September, I plan to attend an event near Lake Elmo MN. This event features many archery contests, merchanting, and a German feast. "This event is not just for archers, but will have activities for those who choose not to shoot": best Landsknecht garb, he-man strength contests, best display by a 3-member team, bonfire, dance, birthday cake for the baron, etc. It's based on 1570s Germany and is called Schutzenfest. Imagine the Renaissance Festival and you are a part of it, rather than just a spectator. You might just be watching, but you'll be a real part of it. The cost for this event is $6.00 (+ $3.00 if you're a non-SCA Inc. member). You'll need some sort of an attempt at Middle Ages clothing as well. The feast is an additional $8.00, so I'll be bringing my own eats. I'll probably be merchanting if I can build up a worthy inventory, and bringing Nicholas and/or Renee along to help. If you might be interested in attendance, let me know so we can work something out.
Take care, yer cousin, Paul
(letters editted out
5 October: Ah! yet another gap in time! I've been busy, and neglectful. Many things have happened, as is evidenced by the pages following, with letters, flyers, articles and the like. Our demo at UND went quite well. At first, I thought I'd not be able to attend, but due to my taking a leave of absence from the Mundanian Armed Forces, I was. I got a chance to speak with many Rudivalians, and got to meet a vast array of Mundanians. I hope some are gathered into Rudivale. As usual, I worked on my crafts.
Our event, "The Un-Named Event" went nicely. I arrived at around 8:00 am, as I was told that we'd be starting set-up between 8 and 8:30. Around 9:00, Kenric showed up and we began. The hall was lined with banners, and tables and chairs were counted. Much to the dismay of Kenric, we were going to be short for feast. This was remedied later, by a run for more seating. Feast was full, and I and Nicholas were first on the waiting list. All were there, so we feasted at home. I came back later, to help in the kitchen and with serving. I was most impressed with the dragon loaf of stuffed bread which was created by Ly Alynne. The head was beautifully fashioned from papier mache', and the body was of bread loaves made to resemble a dragon body, legs, and tail. The body cavity was hollowed out and stuffed with a wondrous beef creation (I forget what it was called). It was to have flaming brandy at its mouth, but alas, the brandy would not ignite. A candle was used instead, and even with this minor set-back, it was met with applause and compliments. Ld Berwyn sang a fun tune of feast disasters. I wished I hadn't eaten so much at home, as there were ample leftovers, and I was encouraged to eat my fill. All that I tried, was most delicious.