The following missive was sent to the Excellencies from the hand of our Rapier Champion Richard Thomas, reporting on his experience at the Mermaids Tourney this past July.
| To their kind and gracious
Excellencies: Baron Hrollaug Nilsen and Baroness Murakami Tsuruko Sensei Thursday found your humble servant, Richard Thomas, and his inspiration Mugain, along with Christopher MacEveaney (the winner of this years Dragon Claw Tourney), on the road and headed for Mermaids Tourney on False Isle, near Powell River, BC. After a three hour drive we stopped to play at the Rapier practice in Surrey BC (Lions Gate). The practice was quite fun. We met with several other Rapier Fighters from Madrone and had the opportunity to play with a dozen or so of our Canadian fencing friends, as well as getting to work on some cut techniques taught by Kingdom Rapier Champion, Maestro Guidobaldo. We represented ourselves and our Baronies well, garnering many compliments for our fighting abilities and style. We spent the night in Vancouver and departed our resting place at 6:00 AM Friday, headed for Horseshoe bay and the BC ferry system. Friday afternoon (after two scenic ferry rides and an hour or so of drive time) our campsite was established overlooking the ocean beach at Powell River BC. The view from this event site is incredible, mountainous tree covered islands, and calm ocean beach, nothing but the sounds of the event, the waves lapping the shore & the calls of ravens can be heard. What was left of Friday was spent napping, socializing, attending court and well...more socializing. Saturday had two rapier tourneys: One, a cavalier challenge format, in which we were trying to acquire the most evidence (scrolls) to convict the spies of Cardinal Richelieu. All fencers started with a single scroll and proceeded to challenge all other fighters to acquire their scrolls (encouragement for verbal challenge heartily suggested). Scrolls could also be acquired through performance of feats of whim made by wandering "helpless maidens" & "gentlemen". If performed to the pleasure of the maiden or gentleman the result was the acquisition of another scroll. I shall endeavor to dispel any rumors regarding my noble efforts to satisfy the helpless maidens and gentlemen of False Isle by providing the following forthright explanation of my endeavors. (True witness may be found in Mugain) First, I found myself engaged by a certain gentleman to clear certain bushes of a creature rumored to be frightening local children. I did so with great poise and aplomb by emitting a harsh and yodel like scream at said bushes. Clearing them of the monster, and reducing Mugain to an uncharacteristic giggling fit. My efforts were rewarded with a scroll. Mugain also received a scroll - I think for not dying of fright. The second instance which I would put rightly before you, lest you hear from doers of mischief, was my engagement to rescue two maidens from oppressive boredom. These maidens requested an entertaining song. After some coaching from Mugain as to what would be an appropriate song and a quick rehearsal of the lyrics and tune, I was prepared. I sang my song, but alas, the maidens were much saddened by the tune (not its execution) and requested that something be done immediately lest they swoon in a fit of depression. I quickly composed a good and most proper silly dance which I executed in fine and high-kicking style. This dance, ably executed, cheered up the maidens and I was again awarded with a scroll. As was Mugain, I believe for not falling down as she laughed. Please be sure to note that whatever doers of mischief may say, the honor of the Barony of Dragons Laire was never in doubt. It must be said at this point that I acquitted myself most effectively on the eric, fighting well and with good cheer, as did Mugain, and Christopher. Much of our fighting was done on the beach, which was great fun, very romantic, and made for some excellent photos. All of which was much enjoyed by the Fighters, the gallery and the good gentles watching. The second tournament was an accolade tourney. While fought similar to a cadets style tourney with multiple combatants on the field at the same time, it was held entirely for the fun of fighting, no points were scored for wins or losses. At the end of the designated time, in this case ½ hour, each fighter voted for the fighter they felt gave the most fun fight. Thus the winner was the receiver of the most accolades. It is my understanding the accolade tourney was tied between Pierce O'Brian (the provider of the "We Like Battle" song (of Lions Gate), and Rory Woulfe (of False Isle). Also on Saturday, one of the A&S contests was to illuminate the result of an...um interlude...between Bunny and Duck. Bunny & Duck are the stars of a series of mimed stories performed by his Excellency, Baron Gerhard. Bunny & Duck have had a great many adventures, the most recent of which would seem to be the development of their... relationship... Mugain entered this contest and, in between fencing bouts on Saturday, created and colored a Celtic knot work pattern of Bunny-Ducks. She learned after the event (actually, as we were in the ferry terminal) that she had received a prize for her entry during last court. The prize was delivered and graciously accepted at the ferry terminal. Saturday came to a late close, with the casting of several hundred moon bags (floating luminary bags) into the bay by the gathered populace, and with volleys of flaming arrows shot into the ocean, again by gathered populace. Watching volleys of flaming arrows arc out into the ocean with the backdrop of a small flotilla of moon bags floating out on the star lit current is a most incredible sight. We returned to Seattle, Sunday evening having spent a wonderful weekend. Yours In Service Dragon's Laire Rapier Champion, Richard Thomas, Cadet to Don Tyrus |