Image from Huntington Library Ms HM 60, f°7, 15th C.

Letter from the Field
12 October Anno Societatus LIIII
Being 2019 of the Common Era

My Dear friend Kezia,

A most glorious day has arrived! The Falcon Crown is secure! The grand Crown Tournament in the Barony of Forgotten Sea succeeded. Their Most Royal Majesties, Anton and Yseult have found Heirs!

I all but floated through the day!

So many fair folk clothed in finest cloth, gleaming jewels, and thick furs. Flags and pennons fluttering in the brisk breeze. My eyes dazzled and my head spun to find myself in the company of Lords and Ladies and Dukes and Duchesses and Knights and Nobles and Royals! The Banners and bannermen filled the fields. The tents and shields and food and spears and drink and colors and smells and sounds. The cacophony filled every sense.

Ah! I tell you the day out of sequence.

The day broke quietly with the glitter of frost sparkling and our countyfolk emerging from tents bundled against the cold. I remain ever grateful for my wagon and the protection it provides me. Upon completing my toilette, I went to find Cristina just finishing her hair. She proves ever stalwart and braced herself against the chill with boot and cloak and glove. Ever glad I am for her companionship.

After we broke our fast, we approached the field to prepare for the day.

The populace began to gather, setting chair and table and shadefly, jostling for positions round the listfield for best viewing of the Tournament.

While Øyríkr prepared for the day Mistress Giraude and her good husband Gianlupo invited us to share their shadefly with friends and Their Excellencies Uldin and Sung. Sir Uldin fought in the Tournament as well. We found ourselves in such good company and readily agreed.

Cristina, ever caring for the needs of others, set a fine table of toothsome and elegant and exotic foods, to share with our companions and many others who gathered for the excitement of the day.

When the time came, all the fighters and their consorts organized to present themselves to Their Majesties. I found myself in the company of so many grand and noble inhabitants of our kingdom. I scarce believed my stars had so aligned. Each in turn presented themselves.

Five of our kinsmen and women walked behind us, carrying our flags and banners, Freya and Mor and Ivarr and Vashti and Cian all followed us onto the field. Such support and kindness they show for us. My heart verily swelled with the knowledge.

I walked on Øyríkr’s arm and knelt before the King, who handed me a rose. The Queen tied her favor onto Øyríkr’s shield arm before we bowed to Them and moved to join the other couples on the edge of the field.

When all the combatants and consorts had been thusly introduced, the Tournament began. I stood in awe! Such prowess! Such might! The sound of sword on shield, the sun glinting off helms, the cheers from the assembly. Each fighter in turn battling for the win!

At each of Øyríkr’s fights, I stood at field’s edge to incourage him on. Between each fight we cheered our companions with words of confidence, sharing food and drink and laughter. Her Ladyship Roise honored me by bringing me sustenance while catering to all in her purview.

The tournament continued from morning into the afternoon. Alas, poor Øyríkr! He fell to an injury! He fought well and long, alack, the stars in the heavens are not yet aligned for his kingship, though it shall come to pass when the Gods allow. Øyríkr perseveres in the knowledge he shall live to fight another day!

And fear not, my friend! Glorious news indeed, as I have mentioned! Sir Lucian won the day! Ere the afternoon grew overlong He and his consort Mistress Tamar were crowned Heirs of Calontir! Our kingdom is secure!

Not long thereafter, Øyríkr found his way to his wagon with the ever present assistance of his devoted lady, Freya, and his faithful kinsmen. They sought out warmer shelter and aid for his injury. With him away, I therefore loaded my wagon and also departed for my journey home.

Ever am I grateful for the knowledge of friendship and love from our kingdom and those I hold dear.
Many of our kinsfolk stayed for the evening festivities, to feast and sing long into the night.

I look forward to when next we meet. My head yet spins with the happenings of the day and I long to share them with you o’er our needlework.

As ever, I remain your friend,
Nesscia