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Report: Meridies Crown List - May 2000 Updated: 24 Mar 2002

Friday night
As they did at Dreamstone which was held at the same site but three short weeks earlier two generous ladies from Bryn Madoc, Lady Wyn and Mistress Signy, decorated the hall Friday night with lights and hangings and rugs. The ambiance was marvellous.

Herr Maximillian Racheengel stood vigil Friday night to be knighted the following morning before the list. Sir Rodger and Sir Kytte with several men-at-arms on guard and a table with fine meat, cheese and pastries greeted those who would visit and counsel Max on his vigil. I regret that I missed the knighting ceremony else I would tell you more of it. (HELP!)

Crown List
There were 22 fighters in the list and three more bye fighters were employed. Two outstanding knights met in the finals. Baron Simon MacLeod inspired by his lady Baroness Katherine Radford of Dreywick (at the time, both were from Sol Haven) led the winner's bracket. His opponent was Iarla Ailgheanan (from Rising Stone) fighting for Duchess Ilissa the Nightwatcher (Grey Niche area). The second bout of the best two out of three finals was rather spectacular: after Simon took Ailgheanan's arm, Ailgheanan spun clockwise around his back to strike Simon in HIS back. However Simon was steadfast and struck true - the bout was a double kill and was re-fought. In the end Ailgheanan was victorious.

Finishing behind them in the list were Sir Nikolai Falassievich Ostetrov, Sir Gunther von der Aachen, and Lord Caedmon of Jorvik (a notable young fighter who fought with two swords rather than sword and shield; local chatelaine Lady Emma of Woodborough reports that he is also a superb dancer!).

Baronial Court
In a brief Baronial court, Baron Conmaol and Baroness Ximena had their herald call for the beggar Albert Grozan. Sir Robert Greenheart accompanied by his squire Lord Muredach Dail Riata (who was in charge of Albert that day) came up and on his behalf accepted an appropriate gift for Albert's service(?)** to the Barony - the rommel pot that Conmaol had made some dozen years ago. A rather happy Muredach was seen much later that night rubbing the rommel to the amusement of those around him. Strangely, Albert was nowhere to be seen.

** Albert's contributions include preparing some dishes of, shall we way, questionable merit at several feasts hosted by the Barony of the South Downs in the past such as 'Rat on a Stick' and 'Kitty Litter'.

Also, members of the South Downs Sewing Circle were called up to receive largesse and recognition for their work on the new field tabards worn by both the heralds and marshals on the field that day.

Bard and Poet Laureate competition
The new Kingdom Bard is THLady Morgan Rowanwaif and the new Kingdom Poet Laureate is Lord Ambrose Tallis. Both gentles are from Grey Niche and won out over excellent entries in the competitions held earlier in the day. From the song she wrote and sung it is apparent that Morgan has a good idea of what all a smart person should take to Gulf Wars. Ambrose served as the herald in the opening procession for those fighters who traveled from Grey Niche to compete in the list.

Royal Court
Baroness Irina of Bryn Madoc celebrated her natal day at the event and was called into court to receive a gift but I know not what it was - and a young man from that barony known as Donn MacRoy (sp) was awarded Arms.

Master Cathal took as a protege Shair Fiachna's lady Myrte mac Alpin.

Isabeal (sounds like 'mac Sweeney') was recognized by Her Meridien Majesty for service unto her queen.

The leaders of the Band of Peach Curry, Chandani bint Razi and Sabah ibn Qadir, were made Companions of the Meridien Cross in recognition of their contributions musical and otherwise.

Lady Molli Rose Kekilpenny from the Shire of Sol Haven and the South Downs reeve Miramah oversaw the goslings' (children's) activities for the day. In court Miramah's lord husband Guillaume de Pyrenies (known for his love of games and egg decoration) accompanied Molli along with several children to make a presentation to, as Guillaume puts it, the "various luminaries". The gifts were goose eggs painted gold and decorated with the recipients' personal devices. Credit for the idea goes to Miramah. Molli then presented the enthroned nobles with the latest copy of Penfeathers, the kingdom pages' newsletter, which just happens to include an article of mine on heralds at events.

Lethrenn Bikkisdottir (Sir Maximillian's lady wife) and Stephen of Forth Castle both of the South Downs were inducted into the Order of the Velvet Owl. Lethrenn quietly teaches horn carving and embroidery while Stepheni is known for a near-obsession with the study and production of maille. Max was called up to receive his peerage scroll (another superb work by HL Padraig O'Seachnasaigh) and was then stunned (in a good way) when King Gareth chose him to be his Champion. Later in court Queen Sabine chose Sir Gunther to be her Champion.

Shair Fiachna (leader of the Southern Consortium) was appointed Royal Cobbler having paid the appropriate brib... err, fees. He declared that he wants to make shoes for the Queen. His ability to do this is somewhat questioned (at least by this scribe) because he rarely wears them himself. King Gareth quipped - and if he can find a cow big enough, Fiachna can make shoes for him too!

Sir Gunther's fiancee Kora was appointed as ... Royal Assassin! If that weren't shocking enough Cecily du Chinon (from Rising Stone) was then brought out from the entourage to be appointed ... Kingdom Tart!!

Feasts and revelry
All would agree that the four-course feast by Lady Caitlin and Fra Niccoló was ambitious and filling. (This scribe could not get enough of the meats and desserts and bemoans that he does not have the appetite he once had in youth.) Many good gentles helped with its preparation and presentation.

I understand Mistress Erina's feast of Persian dishes for pilgrims was also extremely good. I regret that I missed that too as well as the Red Rose Ball.

The ball was held way down on the fighting field, which is a bumpy walk of several minutes downhill from the feast hall (and back UPhill after you're done dancing and have tired toesies!). When dancing there has been done down on the field, they have it illuminated by torchlight. It would not surprise me to learn that, as at other events at that site, in the wee hours, the die-hards started it back up in the feast hall for more dancing!

The band Peach Curry hosted a hafla that run past midnight. (We play 'Middle Eastern' music, people do 'Middle Eastern' dance. It's a great system.) Her Highness Ilissa graced us with her presence and, with many others in attendance, enjoyed our music.

Help - send me your memories of this event.

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There is also a local edition of this article.

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