2022-04-05

Clyde's Travel Log - Meridies Spring Coronation

Meridies Spring Coronation of Lochlainn and Paraskova

Dalwhinnie Fields
Marion, AL
April 2, 2022

Photo Credit Carol Cotton Blicknstorfer

In the evening hours of April 1st A.S. LVI, His Excellency, Earl Benen, and I took the journey south off of the plateau through the Sequatchie Valley into the primordial, subtropical woodlands of the southern kingdom for the Coronation Event of Lochlainn and Paraskova. The event was held at Dalwhinnie Fields, which is a popular location for kingdom activities in the southern region. We opted to stay at an inn for the evening due to the lateness of our arrival caused by the over 5 hour journey there.

The inn, owned by a man named 'Hampton', was clean and quiet. They provided ample stabling for our carriage and horse as well as a hot meal as we broke fast the next morn before we departed for the site.

The trail to site was short and the camp was awake with voices of preparation for the coming festivities by the time of our arrival. We unloaded our baggage and took a brief walk around Dalwhinnie, as my liege had not visited before now. I marveled at the advances made to the site and all of the new structures there. The masons and carpenters had certainly been busy with saw and hammer. I also noted what appeared to be a permanent Dane encampment on the opposite shore of the waters near the keep. The lord of Dalwhinnie must have turned his small camp into a thriving place for trade, else we would have made war on the Danes for being so fool hardy to camp so close. The place is a spectacle to behold.

From here, my mentor and I went mostly on our own ways.  I had duty to perform for the Crowns Heir's having pledged service to them as well as a tournament to attend. His Excellency would be making rounds rekindling many southern trade contacts for goods produced on his lands on the Plateau other things that men of his station do.

I was attending to their Highnesses when dreadful news was delivered. Their Majesties, Wulfstan and Thorkatla, as well as many of their retainers had been poisoned that morning at the end of their court! If not for the quick hand of their champions, the dastardly villains that performed the deed may have sent more citizenry to their demise. With grave concern, Lochlainn and Paraskova took the news. 'The King is dead, long live the king!' was heard. All eyes when to the heirs and heads were bowed.

With a determined stride, Their Royal Highnesses, led retainers and soldiery in tow to the field where the Kingdom Seneschal, Mistress Zayn al-Munajjima, and the Kingdom Earl Marshal, Duke Bryce MacLaren, along with the kingdom's assembled chivalry stood guard over the now vacant crowns of the Kingdom of Meridies.

Being part of the retainers in tow, the following events are mostly what I gathered from being slightly out of earshot (wish my hearing was better) and a bad lip reader. The kingdom officers exchanged some official sounding commentary then called forth Paraskova. Who, with determined word and confident response answered their inquiry. It was then that Lochlainn and his warband came up the aisle toward the officers and her Highness. I heard pride and regret at the loss of the worthy, Wulfstan and Thorkatla. I hear stern admonition for the enemies of the kingdom and I heard him lay claim to his birthright. That was how things appeared to me anyway. As most people were nodding and smiling in agreement at this point, I think it must have all been great words and grand testament.  It was then that the crown was placed on Lochlainn and Paraskova and they assumed the monarchy of Meridies. Vivat! Meridies!

Next followed the oaths of fealty and some brief words from the assembled baronages and their Majesties Meridies. Court was adjourned and I prepped for tournament.

I participated in two tournaments. The first was a single elimination speed tourney. The second was a bear pit to 56 points, 1 point for a win and 1 point for 3 in a row. 

So, once in armor, I lost all track of time and number of fights. We went on for hours. I think there were around 20 of us give or take. Many well know fighters from the realm. I'm pretty sure I laughed the whole time. It was a great day. While it was a tad warm, the weather was great. I had many fun fights but only remember a few details. There were the many, many, many fights with Dukes Timothy and Garick. There was that fight with Master Edward when I got my sword stuck in his Corazina. I got to laughing so much fighting Lord Jurgen that Duke Kenneth called hold to check on me. It was a good day. Much fun was had.

I fought until my body said stopped then I bowed out of the tourney field with a salute to my brothers and sisters in arms. A very good, fun day indeed.

Shortly after retiring from the field, I found my Earl deep in negotiations with several peers of renown. He was having a good day as well. So, awesome for all.

With the ravages of the plague receding, the beauty of the event, in my mind at least, was the complete lack of meetings! If I was of such power as needed to mandate laws of the land, I would definitely consider a proclamation for no more order meetings at events unless it is absolutely necessary. In this time of recovery and rebuilding our society finds itself in, it was great to see so many people just enjoying time with each other in discussion and soaking up a day in the sunshine. The populace needs more days like this. Pure joy. This will go down in my mind one of the very best of Coronations for the kingdom.

My thanks to the Barony of Iron Mountain and all the many hands that made the day possible. You made this and it was made well.

Well met friends. Safe journey to thee!

Baron Eoin Mac Cana called 'Clyde'
Squire to Earl Benen MacTire
Warden of the Northern Plateau
Knight Marshal, Shire of Easaraigh
Kingdom of Meridies


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