To my dear comrade, HL Figimund of Faraway, Counsel to the Meridian envoy, Eoin, a squire of the household of the Earl Benen Mactire, greetings and a ready will to do his pleasure.
My lord, many apologies to you for my lack of correspondence in the most recent period. The summer months have been dreadfully busy here and the fall has shown us no respite. It took the winter months and the blowing of the northern winds to calm our chaotic spirits to the point that allowed for such rewarding activities as letter writing.
My last missive, I believe, was in the spring after the Iris Faire event held at the nearby Barony of Glaedenfeld. Much has happened since then, as you can imagine. To that end, I will attempt to summarize for you the events of the latter half of the year so as to make you current with the state of affairs here.
I spent the remainder of spring in the Shire. The shire had a good spring with our breeding stock providing us with an abundant swell in the numbers of our herds. The plantings proceeded well into the early summer and there was much hope for a fruitful harvest later in the year.
At spring coronation, my lady wife, Ellen, was announced to Order of the Pelican. A high and well-earned honor awarded at the start of the new reign of Sebastianos and Morgan. She was put on vigil and elevated at the Royal University of Meridies later in the summer. Many came out to share wisdom with her and the whole Shire pitched in to support her through the deed. It was a grand affair. You would have enjoyed it. I am so proud of her recognition. She wears it well.
I did not attend Crown List this Spring, but Ellen did. The list was won by Boru with Mistress Fianna as his consort. Ellen and I offered our service as entourage and were accepted. We have provided service when able and have found these heirs to be very good gentles worthy of our attention.
In the high summer, the call to attend was received by messenger for all good Meridians at the Black Axe event in the month of June. Ellen and I went on behalf of the Shire, feeling the gravitas of the summons. Add to that the extreme heat that settled this summer, it almost felt as if some deity of old was dispensing punishment to the lands. The meeting itself, was a minor spectacle, as I understand things. Many important personages from far off lands as well as officials from Rome herself were in attendance. I sat and listened to the proclamations and commentary with interest. The messages varied from person to person but I was able to pull a common thread from the woven tale. Our people have not been effectively communicating. People are talking but not listening. Assumptions are being made without firm footing. The populace (in general) is upset. The officials present recommended a course of action to solve the crisis and the meeting adjourned. In our return to the Shire, we haven't heard any rumblings since. I hope that people are finding a better way forward. If not, I suspect that we may find more visitors from Rome in our midst. On a good note, there was a charity tournament there that raise a considerable amount and was well attended.
The shire held its annual gathering (Warden's Challenge) late in the summer (August). It was well attended. We had archers from all over the region there as well as many scholars holding classes for those who came. Our new princess, Fianna, came and held court. We built upon our previous successes and represented well. Easaraigh is a good shire with many fine people.
As harvest approached, it appears that the summer heat had taken its toll on the crops and livestock as well. Our yields were not as we hoped. After paying our tithes to the Kingdom, I believe the shire will be OK for the winter but we will have to be miserly and wise with our stores.
As fall arrived, the heat did not diminish and may have even intensified. The fall tourney season was upon us, so no man-at-arms, squire or knight worth their salt would falter or fail to stand tall in the face of the sweltering air. I tell you that there were times when I had spent all I had in the hot trials of combat that followed, but I continued to push every last ounce of effort I could will to the fore. If I were a Greek, I would think that someone had slighted Dionysus herself and that deity's wrath was upon us. Regardless, I did attend many fine tournaments and found enjoinment in spite of the conditions.
Almost all of the Shires Fyrd attended Tourney of the Foxes at the start of the season. We even managed to field a team with in the Shires name along with the Shires of Crimson River and Nantyderwyddon. You would be proud to see the northern part of Meridies field so many stalwart fighters. It was a good day of combat. All the Shires fighters did very well.
Following Foxes, the Meridian Grand Tournament called all to the field under the challenge banners of honor and chivalry. I must tell you good friend, this was the largest tournament I had ever participated in. There were over 6 score combatants in the list. All were of the utmost caliber and of good standing. In the end, the skillful Jarl Ailgheanan won out as Grand Champion as daylight made way for dusk and torches were lit. This day was long and hard fought. I had not known exhaustion like this since my days on crusade with the king in the east. It was a good day.
I attended Bacon Bash not long thereafter. An excellent event hosted by our neighbors in Crimson River. A regional affair, I saw many well-known friends. The feast here is renowned for its excellence, and this years was no different. I had an average performance in the tournament there with no real answer (in my mind) as how to improve.
The elevation of Boru and Fianna occurred in the north on the Baronial lands of Glaedenfeld. It was an excellent affair that was well attended and finally, in the auspices of a semblance of fall weather. The cooler temperatures made it so much more enjoyable. There was a small tournament held that I was able to participate in. But my real memories of the event are of the changes initiated there to my fighting perspective. I confess, that I have been struggling in my effectiveness. In poor reflection of the good and sound counsel and tutelage of the Earl Benen, I had not been much of a challenge on the field for many opponent. My tournament prowess has been sub-par. I spent some time after the tournament with Duke Thorstenn and Duke Caillin in pickup fights late that afternoon as well as in converse with Sir Hrothgar. The effect of these encounters in combination with the advice of my esteemed peer, while subtle, has spurred me into a change in my approach to combat.
Wine Brawl came with these new 'ideas' sprouting in my mind. I did not fare extremely well in this tournament either, but my academic mind was starting to perceive some things differently. Additional counsel from knights present at the event (Eric, Earl Mordan, Conal, Hrothgar, Malachi, and others) was received along with some sound advice from His Majesty Boru. All of these things started to come together in a synergistic change of how I thought about fighting. Like many things in my nature, none of this was occuring suddenly or with speed, but as I look back on these moments I can see and recall specific things that have contributed to an 'awakening' of sorts.
These things culminated in a local practice in Easaraigh. Earl Benen was present and providing much of the same advice and support he has been. This time around though, I think that some part of me finally heard what was being said. I must say that the effect, was startling for me and I might add for others as well. At this practice, a change was started in my fighting style and approach that has been very rewarding.
I provided my service to the Kingdom at the fall Crown List that followed soon after. It was an excellent and well fought list. I enjoyed the spectacle immensely. Earl Timothy came out as victor with Countess Ysmay as consort. These Meridians are champions of honor, chivalry and grace. They will do good deeds in the months ahead.
I traveled south to Castle Wars after Crown List, as entourage to HRM Boru. I did not get to stay on the field as much as I would have liked due to a commitment to help run an IKCAC range there, but I did manage to join some melee late in the afternoon before the rains came. While I stayed busy, I had a good time and fun with my comrades on the field.
I continued to work on my new tournament mindset and finally got a chance to put into practice at the Barony of Glaedenfeld event, Mercato Invernale, held in December. My new found aggressiveness in tournament was evident and noticeable (even shocking) to everyone. Much remains to be worked on, but I have definitely found something worth pursuing and possibly an avenue to success in future tournament appearances.
In January, after a very wet start to winter here, I again presented these new concepts to tournament at Menhir sponsored by the Shire of Rising Stone to our west. I found myself fighting at least 30 bouts that day in the list. I did not keep track of wins or loses, as is my nature. But, I recall several moments of clarity where things just worked. I also recall laughing in my helmet all day long. I haven't had such a good time on the tourney field in recent memory. Early Benen formally brought a new squire (Ronan of Axebridge) and man-at-arms (Aerinndis Grikkfara) into his house there. It's good to have a fighting family to share with again. The last big surprise of the day was when the Bears of the Order of the Legion Ursi, had me called up by HRM Boru and Fianna to be inducted into the Legion. I did not and still don't have the words to share for this honor bestowed upon me. Its an accolade that I never thought I would receive to be honest. Yet, it happened. When I expressed my doubts to my new brothers and sisters of the order, the response has been an unanimous, 'You did this!'. I am still shocked by this happenstance.
In February, I made the trip south to my first Knight's Gambit event hosted by the Shire of Thorngill at Dalwhinnie Fields. Overcoming a poor start in the tournament there, I did have a good day fighting with several good bits of advice from more knight's that I can name to travel home with. I am still struggling a bit with the mental preparedness, but it's coming along. Trying to get all of these new concepts to become second nature has not been easy, but they are starting to fall in line more and more as I adopt the concepts and apply them. Again, the shock of surprise made contact with my person in court there. As I was preparing for some passes with Sir Kail, I was called to a attend HRM Boru. Not only had the Legio Ursi taken notice of me but also the Order of the Bough. Dismayed. I don't know how much good fortune a person is allowed in a given year, but I fear that I may have spent my allotment. Being struck wordless twice in as many months has me at a loss. But, it’s a good 'loss' and I shall recover and find my words again.
So, my dear Figimund, I believe this brings you current on events of import in Meridies, the Shire of Easaraigh, and of me. Now it seems, I need to get on to some baking as both of the orders I have been inducted into require pie (Ursi) and cookies (Bough) as an offering of admittance to the newly inducted. I will let you know how it turns out.
Good health and fortune upon you, dear friend!
Well met friends. Safe journey to thee!
THL Eoin Mac Cana called 'Clyde', CBM, MLU, CACM, CKP2, CAS
Warden of the Northern Plateau
Squire to Earl Benen Mac Tire, KSCA, OL, OP
Knight Marshal, Shire of Easaraigh
Kingdom of Meridies
