Calontir Family News

In Memoriam: The Passing of Aine nic Taillieur

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The words of Mistress Kristine nic Taillieur:

Courtesy of the Knowne World Memorial Shield Project

On September 3, 2019, Annette Barker (nee Taylor,) known to many as Aine nic Taillieur, passed from this world to the next. Lest any question her might, let all know of her story. Though unusual, a clan of Draugr arose in her homeland which called themselves Cancer. A strong warrior woman, she fought bravely for two years, wounding and destroying members of the clan through guile, knife, and even resorting to a poison which pained her deeply and caused the loss of her locks.

After battling fiercely, however, it soon became apparent to Aine that the war could not be won without great cost. Knowing that, without a home base, the enemy could be stopped, she planned one final tactic. She pulled the Draugr into a false sense of security, allowing them to believe they had won and drawing them into a tight circle around herself. At the last moment, she set the land about her ablaze, trapping the Draugr within. Alas, she too, was trapped.

Thus passed Aine Nic Taillier from this world, her battle cry screamed across the land and the sounds of Savage Daughter ringing in her ears.

Such was her love for those around her, to protect them from the enemy. Such was she a mother, who nurtured all who met her. Such was she loved that, upon hearing of her passing, cups were raised across the meadhall to toast to her victory and to the memory of such a great woman.

Skol, for the hero Aine nic Taillieur, who chose to fight until the end, taking the enemy with her

 

 

 

 

Sing Non Nobis!

Aine nic Tailliuer in Hospital

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Mistress Kristine nic Tailliuer shares on Facebook:

The time we hold with our friends is precious, even more so when we find that the end of that time is drawing unexpectedly nigh.

Such is the case for Annette Barker, known by many who love her as THL Aine Nic Tailliuer. The time she has left is short, likely anywhere from a week to a couple weeks.

We know that she is beloved in her community and kingdom and her family, chosen and biological is large. Her husband and children are working with her and her care team to ensure she is comfortable for as long as possible.

Please refrain from coming to the hospital without first reaching out to the family to ensure she is able to accept visitors.

She has requested that Aston Tor, The Broken Harp, and her friends in Axed Root work together to hold a celebration of life for her at a later date.

We will continue to update as we have more information.

 

Memories of Master Eadweard Boicewright

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Nearly a month ago, my lord husband told me that Master Eadweard Boicewright, one of my dearest mentors and friends, had passed away. He said that he had suffered a cardiac event.

It broke my heart.

Papa, as those who learned from him call him, was a pillar, not just in our kingdom, but in the Society at large. He was a keeper of our memories, he dispensed wisdom to kings and peasants, and he gave of himself whenever and where ever he saw a need, without any expectation of praise or reward.

The first time we met was at Valor, in 2011. I was mending a friend’s trousers when he sat down across from me at the table. We talked about my SCA name, about trouser seam stability (he told me how his trousers were split when he was called into court to receive a Calon Cross), and mundane things. In retrospect, I see now how he was sizing me up and getting a feel for the kind of person I am.

I guess he liked what he saw because a few months later, he sponsored me in my first Queen’s Prize Tournament and introduced me to Marcella (Mama), his lady wife. She taught me how to make cloth buttons, finger loop braid, lucet, and heddle weave.  It became a habit during my first year in the SCA: I’d go hang out in Papa’s wood wright shop and make tools then go upstairs and ask Mama to teach me how to use them.

Since I moved away, I’ve missed that bond and rapport. Not many people will drive twenty-thirty minutes to take a broke college student out for a nice lunch because she spent the bulk of her much-need Spring break bedridden with Strep Throat, but Papa did. Not many laurels would steer apprentices that could be stars in their belts toward other peers because they see how they could flourish in that relationship, but Papa did.

To be clear, Papa was not the sort of man who brandished his title. I still remember the grin that spread across his face when he finally told me he was a laurel and saw my face pale as I shrunk away a little. I was still new enough to have Peer Fear and had been talking easily  with him for over an hour at that point, so I was a more than a little intimidated. More importantly, though, what he said to me about being a laurel gave me the first inkling that it was something I could aspire towards. He told me that being a laurel meant being a teacher and teaching is something to which I have always been drawn. That seed has remained with me eight years later.

Papa was also one of the most insightful people I have ever known and the most honest. He was the man he always aspired to be, like the Kipling poem he was fond of quoting: a man who talked with crowds without losing his virtue and walked with kings without losing the common touch. I wasn’t done learning from him and I’ll always miss our talks.

Master Crag’s Histories Now on Calontiri.info

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Master Crag Duggan approached me a few months ago about creating an online repository for his historical material; a collection of interviews and stories he made and collected as he researched and documented the early history of Calontir. After discussing with Crag and with Mistress Sofya la Rus, we determined that the Calontiri Wiki would be the best platform.

Sofya has completed uploading the first tranche of material, and it is available now at Category:Master Crag’s Histories

We hope you enjoy them.

Mathurin
Non Nobis Solum

 

Funeral for Sveinn Njalsson

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From Ragnheiðr:

The funeral for Lord Sveinn Njalsson (Duane Nelson) will be held this Tuesday, March 13, at 11 AM, at Memorial Park Cemetery in St Louis. We will hold the service in the lovely Victorian faux-medieval chapel, right at the entrance to the cemetery. With our Kingdom at War, I do not expect to see the chapel full of friends in garb — but if you do attend, garb is always appropriate.

We will also hold a memorial celebration sometime in April.

Please do not send flowers! Instead, consider setting aside a donation for the upcoming Sveinn’s Shieldmaiden Fund, to assist and encourage the women of Calontir who wish to take up arms. (If you would donate to a registered charity instead, please donate in his memory to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.)

The Passing of Sveinn Njallson

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Courtesy of the Knowne World Memorial Shield Project

Lord Sveinn Njallson has passed after a valorous battle with cancer. He is survived by his lady wife, Lady Ragnheiðr Refsdóttir, and his son Kristian. He is preceded by his first wife, Dagny Vigunnsdatter, of blessed memory.

Sveinn was squired to Syr Duncan Eardstapa.

Svein joined the SCA in 1979. Though he could not travel extensively, he was a constant and stalwart member of the Kingdom of Calontir and of the Barony of Three Rivers. He served in the baronial guard for a time, also receiving the Order of Three Rivers Silver and the Baron’s Order of Gallantry.

His Kingdom awards include the Order of the Iren-Fyrd, Order of the Leather Mallet and Order of the Torse.

While he is remembered as a stalwart brother in arms, Sveinn is also remembered as being kind, helpful and welcoming to newcomers, always willing to share his knowledge of Norse lifestyle.  Not seeking the spotlight, he nevertheless worked behind the scenes, quietly and competently, to insure thing ran smoothly.

 

Sveinn also participated in equestrian activities. From Sir Sato Jiro:

Sveinn, before his cancer was diagnosed had been coming to B3R equestrian practices regularly and was learning to do mounted combat on our mules. After he was diagnosed and had begun treatment he continued to come to practices and continued to ride for some time even while on harsh Chemo treatments. His refusal to give up doing things he loved (like riding the mules in combat) even when feeling unwell was an inspiration to many of us equestrians in Three Rivers.

In origin, the term chivalry means “horsemanship”, formed in Old French, in the 11th century, from chevalier (horseman, knight). Sveinn showed me he was a horseman and he was full of Chivalry with his bravery.

 

 

Finally, here is a story shared by Lady Pádraigín an Ein i gh:

Not many know this, as I officially joined SCA later in my life – but I’ve known a very special, wise, clever and amazing man known as Sveinn (Duane Nelson) for a while now.
I was 13 when I met him and his first wife at a NYE party hosted by Jennifer Llewelyn. The funny thing about SCA people is they don’t see a teenager or a toddler, they just see smaller humans and treat them with respect and inquire and show genuine interest. I was f—ing shy when I was 13, and I remember reading this book at the start of the NYE party and Duane came up to me and just started to inquire about the book and talking to me like an adult – a new thing for me to experience. He recommended some authors I might like and to this day, they are some of my favorite authors.
I will never forget heading to my first(ish) event (I was there a total of 3 hours, so I don’t really count it) that same year and every time I saw Duane, he’d always ask how I was doing, was I enjoying myself, had I drank water, you know the typical SCA hospitality questions.
When I officially joined the SCA 6 years ago, I walked up to Duane and asked if he remembered me and he gave me the biggest hug and said, “Welcome Back, of COURSE I remember you.” He was, in part one of the reasons I decided to jump in feet first with the SCA. He was a familiar face in an unknowing crowd and that was always comforting.
A few months ago my goddaughter and I met Duane and Rebecca at Central Reform Congregation for an evening service. Rebeca was walking my goddaughter through the service, as she is planning on converting.
Afterwards we went out to dinner at Ari’s. And I will never forget what Duane said after her ordered the lamb chops: “Always order the lamb chops. Our own lives are fleeting and precious if you want the lamb chops, order the damn lamb chops.”
May Vallhalla greet you with songs and mead a’plenty.

 

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help with final expenses.

Sir Mar in the Hospital

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Reposted from Facebook:

Good afternoon, everyone,
For those of you who already know, I would like to thank each and every one of you for the love and support you have sent me, the shire, and above all, Mar’s lady, Amethyst.

For those of you who don’t yet know: On Monday, 1/1/18 around 9:30 pm, my knight, Sir Mar, had an aneurysm in the left side of his brain. This caused the right side of his body to lose all function and feeling.

Amethyst flew down on Wednesday afternoon. She, and Mar’s mom, have been with him around the clock, sometimes in shifts.

On Thursday, 1/5/18, Mar went into surgery to relieve the pressure caused by the clot re-absorbing into the brain. It’s an extremely routine procedure that the surgeon has done many many times and has a 100% survival rating. They went in to remove the clot and cauterize any potential bleeds, helping release the pressure. He went in at 7 AM, and got out around 10 AM. The surgery went textbook, much to the relief of everyone.

After the surgery, we have seen good improvement. He has very minor control over motor function in the right side. He is able to open his eyes and look at people for a short period of time, the first of which was with Amethyst. He will potentially have the breathing tube removed either today or tomorrow.

At the moment, he is still in the ICU. Because he is still under close observation, we have to keep visitation to a minimum. We need to keep blood pressure down, and the flu is going around, so we have to keep visitation to a minimum.
We do have several Grimfelons that are basically living in the waiting room, making food runs, ensuring the family is sleeping, and generally taking care of family and visiting folk. For those who wish to join us, We are currently at Washington Regional in Fayetteville. I cannot garantee any visitation, due to the already stated reasons. However, I will post another update, once visitation can take place. I will also have a book avaliable for signing and/or writing get well messages.

Washington regional also has a send-a-patient-an-email website, for those who are unable to make it. I have linked it here:

https://www.wregional.com/main/email-a-patient.aspx

We ask that you not come if you have the plague, as it is one of the worst things that can happen at this time.

We also ask that you not message Amethyst about this. – She has her plate full. Feel free to message myself if you have something you need said to her, or something you do not want to leave in the comment section below, I will do my best to respond when I am able.

For those who wish to do more during this time, Countess Belanna is organizing a Norse-themed quilt to be made and given to Mar. It will consist of patches made by those who wish to do participate. This may change, but I believe the general idea is to send you a square of cloth, and you embroider/applicate/magic said cloth, then send it back. Please message her for more information.

In service,
-Thorin

Duke Conn MacNeill’s Albums Available on Google Play

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Unknown Artist. Minstrels with a Rebec & a Lute. 13th c. Manasseh Codex. El Escorial, Madrid. Public domain in the US

Unknown Artist. Minstrels with a Rebec & a Lute.
13th c. Manasseh Codex. El Escorial, Madrid. Public domain in the US

For those Calontiri who remember His Grace Duke Conn MacNeill, the bard king of Calontir, two albums of his songs are now available on Google Play.  The albums, Visitacions de la Muse Polyhymnia and Valor d’Amor, recently became available for purchase and download.

Visitacions contains many songs older Calontiri will recall fondly, and several that remain classics and are sung around the fire to this day. The album was originally a cassette tape, and the recording quality shows it. But for those who want to hear “Rite of Passage” or “Crown and Kingdom” sung by the laurel bard who wrote them, it won’t matter in the least.

Valor is much better technically, and continues to demonstrate His Grace’s talents as a songwriter and singer. “Captive Heart” is an especially pleasant surprise for those who did not follow Conn’s work after his departure.

 

https://play.google.com/store/music/artist/Conn_MacNeill_Bob_Charron?id=Ajdh5ig3gm5oc5tkli7tcis2qdi&hl=en

Unto the grieving populace of Calontir do Their Royal Highnesses Logan & Ylva bid solace

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In this time of Our collective grief, We want everyone to know that We appreciate that many of you may feel conflicted about attending both Our Coronation and the services for His Grace Ostwald, and that We understand if anyone feels they cannot attend Us. Please do that which will give you the fewest regrets.

We have spoken with the event steward for Our Coronation, Her Excellency Nicolete de St Denis, and there will be a time and place for all of Us to remember and appreciate His Grace. Any thoughts you may care to record, or tokens you wish to give will be transported to Her Grace Kay of Gordon to honor her husband.

If We have spoken to you about participating in Coronation, and you now feel that you cannot attend, please let Us know at your earliest convenience.

We want everyone to celebrate His Grace in the manner they feel is most fitting. This is Calontir, and family comes first.

— TRH Logan & Ylva —

ostwald arms

The Passing of His Grace Duke Ostwald Konrad von Riesetoten

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Duke Ostwald Konrad von Riesetoten

Duke Ostwald Konrad von Riesetoten

 

His Grace Duke Ostwald Konrad von Riesetoten passed away on the evening of June 24th, 2016 after suffering a massive heart attack two days previously.  He was 48 years old.

Duke Ostwald is survived by his lady wife Duchess Kaye of Gordon, daughter Dani of Oakheart and son Keldon of Oakheart.

Twice King of Calontir, Thegn and current seneschal of the Shire of Oakheart , Ostwald touched many lives. A respected and valiant knight, he also was instrumental in the growth of both Youth Combat and Calontir Steel. There has been an outpouring on the Kingdom Facebook page of stories and remembrance of his kindness, his teaching, his honor and his chivalry. But most especially, his love for his wife and children, and for this community we all share. For those not on Facebook, Mistress Sofya la Rus has collected many of these remembrances on Ostwald’s Calontir Wikispace page:

http://calontiri.wikispaces.com/Ostwald+Konrad+von+Riesetoten

On a personal note, Ostwald was my brother in service, having received our Cross of Calontir on the same day, and brother in arms on the stile field. I will miss his presence.

A celebration of life will be held Sunday, July 10th at 2:00 pm at Forsyth United Methodist Church, 14399 US-160, Forsyth, MO 65653.

https://goo.gl/maps/eU7VDfddh4F2