Misfires from my synapses

Queens Rapier Champion

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 18:51:24 GMT

Good Gentles all, please assit me in spreading word of this event far and wide. I want to ensure that all those who may wish to participat have the information necessary for them to do so!

Thanks!

From Talhoffer or Marozzo, Agrippa or Viggiani to Silver, Saviolo or de Grassi. All of these Masters of Defense took advantage of opportunities to test their mettle and skill. So too should the fencers of AEthelmearc. To the end, a grand tournament will be held to to choose the next Queens Rapier Champion. This event is scheduled for Oct. 3rd at Coopers Lake Campground within the Shire of Sunderoak. Site opens at 10am and closes at 10pm. The Champions tourney will begin promptly at noon. The tourney format will depend on the number of fencers who participate in the tournament. Pomp and pageantry are the order of the day and heraldic displays and personal heralds are highly encouraged. If you have questions, please contact your Autocrat, Sir Aengus MacBain (David Hassinger, 344 Wagner Ave., Butler PA 16001, 724-283-7984, siraengus at zoominternet.net).

Please make all reservation checks out to: SCA Inc., Shire of Sunderoak and send them to THLady Gabriella d'Asti (Karen Murdick, 164 Jamisonville Rd., Butler Pa 16001, 724-285-3409 after 6pm please, gabbyasti_at_zoominternet.net). Site fees for the day are $6 for adults and $4 for children 13 and younger. Feast fees are $10 for adults and $8 for children 13 and younger. The non member fee will be collected as necessary.

After Court, a delicious 3 remove feast, prepared by our own THLady Katla Ulfhedinn will be served to the first 50 paid reservations, so reserve early. Please contact her directly regarding any dietary concerns (katla_at_zoominternet.net).

While Fencing is the focus of the day, Heavy fighters, fear not! You too will get a chance to test your mettle. THLord Vlad (two swords) Mechnik will be running a William Marshal tournament to challenge any who would stand the field. Armor inspections will start at 1pm on the main battlefield. Make sure you bring your troll token with you if you wish to fight in the Heavy Tourney.

Last, but certainly not least, an A&S challenge will be held for the artisans of the Realm to showcase their skills. Artists are being asked to create a token or favor for Their Majesties largesse chest. The entries will be judged by Their Majesties and the winning entry will be given to the Queens Rapier Champion. All of the remaining entries will be given to Their Majesties to use during Their Reign.

Directions:
Take your best route to I-79 in Pennsylvania.
Take Exit 99, for Route 422 West.

Exit is between I-80 and the PA Turnpike.
Turn left
Proceed approximately 3/4 mile to the sign for Cooper's Lake Campground and turn right onto Currie Road.
Watch for a sign for Troll, as it is located near the bottom of Runestone hill as opposed to it's customary location.

1000 bouts et al

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:36:11 GMT

So Rouland did it. He fought 1000 bouts at the great Pennsic War. I was there for almost all of the bouts and I am proud to say he fought with honor, prowess and skill. His body paid a price, but he is young and recovering far more quickly than his old man would ;-)

I don't think I can articulate how proud I am of him. I was able to help him achieve one of his dreams by offering him a squires belt, which he accepted and he even went so far as to swear fealty. I have him as squire until he reaches his 18th year at which time I will release him for his fealty to choose his path as a free man. After all was said and done, milady shared a conversation Rouland had had with her a little over a year ago. Apparently, he had been talking with milady about what he wanted to do when he started fighting heavy. The subject of taking a squires belt came up and he told milady there was really only one knight who he really wanted to squire to. Unfortunately, that will never be an option for him as fate has made that impossible. I hope to be able to seperate the father from the Knight and provide him the base he needs to succeed in his SCA goals.

Then TRM's Knighted my friend Thorgrim. What a great day. I was proud to have been asked to speak for him. I hope my words truly said what my heart was feeling. He is a good man and will make a fine member of the Chivalry. BTW, he and Sir Olaf, the second Athelmearc Knight made at Pennsic, brough beer to the Chivalry meeting. Both an ale and a porter. Well done gentlemen!

Lastly, Maynard and Liadian chose me to be Their Jewel. Wow. I am still a bit overcome by the whole thing. I will never understand why they did what they did, but I thank them and I will continue to value our friendship for years to come.

Okay, enough dribble...I'll post again in a month or so.

Officer, why are you in my yard with an assualt rifle?

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:40:06 GMT

So, I woke up around 7:30, got my coffee, and sat down to watch the morning news when a loudspeaker starts blaring outside my house "STATE POLICE SEARCH WARRANT, STATE POLICE SEARCH WARRANT" followed by the sound of breaking glass, flash bangs and a multitude of voices shouting orders. I immediately told the wife to get to the back of the house, then ran upstair to tell Robyn the same. I looked out a window and saw a half dozen officers on the porch roof of the duplex across the street. All three windows had been broken out and the apt. was teeming with BDU clad officers. My adrenaline immediately spiked, and I wanted to run outside and get involved, but my brain took over and I stayed in the house. The assualt lasted less than 5 minutes and when it was over, the police had taken 3 suspects into custody. After it was over, I asked the officers if this was a single entry or if this was one of the coordinated strike force senarios. He just smiled, nodded and said the news would be interesting tonite.

Hell of a way to start the day. Makes me kinda miss my law enforcement days.

War Practice pt2

Wed, 20 May 2009 01:41:02 GMT

Garath was being baptised on Sunday at 10:30am. Hector and his lovely wife Sarah had honored me by asking me to be one of Garath's godparents. I actually went ahead and got my pasport just so I could be there for the ceremony.

So, off to Coopers for a morning of fishing with Yvianne and Creador, then run back home to get Rouland, beer, and my entries (not necessarily in that order). Back to camp, put everything where it belongs, explained my impromptu trip to Toronto to Yvianne and headed out to the Youth Field to see if any Youth rattan Participants would show up. No youth rattan participants, so back to camp and started to consume the beer ;-) Around dark-thirty TRM's came by to thank the Shire members who provided largess to them via thier Art Competition at Coronation. They stayed around to witness me take Kiren MacRae as a man-at-arms. Poured myself into bed around 11

Saturday, up early to prepare for the days festivities. After Jenna left, we started to transform the encampemnt to accomodate her vigil/reception. Since we were unsure of the weather, we planned on using our tent for the food. We divided it in half longways and had our stuff in the back and the vigil stuff layed out in front. Cori, Yvianne and Mahin were indispensible as were the rest of our campmates, be they Lion's Tower, Singing Stone or Thorgrim & Katla's houshold. Without all the help,we would not have been able to pull it off. Thanks to all of you! Went to the barn and submitted my entry for the wooden pin. Headed out to the battlefield for the Meet & Greet on the Youth Field so Jenna would not be suspicious. Hung out till TRM's called Jenna and put her on Vigil. Ran back to camp and set everything in motion. The next few hours were a blur, but involved alot of fetching and carrying. At 2pm I got the plate from my entry and spent some time looking at the Artisans forum. Had an interesting conversation with Bastiano and was impressed by Bovi's work. Had to run home to get the car so I could leave the van at camp to be loaded while I was motoring to toronto. Spent some time getting ready for court as well as locating and preparing the video equipment. Jenna asked Yvianne and I to speak for her as Laurels so we we had to spend some time preparing our thoughts. Just beat TRM's into Court, Rouland had saved us seats. Set up video and settled in. Rouland was called into Court. He thought it was for one of those embarrassing birthday moments, but he ended up getting his AoA. Vivant! The competitors for the wooden pin were announced and I ended up winning (I warned you Rowan! ;-). Jenna was elevated without a hitch, and the rose colored glasses went over pretty well.

When we got back to camp, the celebration party had already started. Hot dogs and potatoes were being cooked int the fire, and there was still plenty of vigil food to eat. It did not take long for the booze to start flowing. It started on the way back from Court, when I ran into Rowan who shared a congratulatory hit off her bottle. It ended with me getting to bed way too late for someone who had to get up at 5am. In between, there were lots of laughs, a birthday cake and singing for Rouland, a display of cake eating prowess, lots of friends and good company.

5am came way to early. I drug my ass out of my bed and threw on my baptism clothes, put the sport jacket in the car and headed off. Traffic was light and the directions were good, and I got there with 15 minutes to spare. Its a good thing the directions were good, as my Garmin GPS did not have maps for Canada loaded. The baptism went well and I got to met Hectors mom, who is one amazing lady. I see now where he gets some of his personality ;-) The bonus of this trip was that I got to witness Callum, Hectors first child, get baptised as well. Kinda like a two for one deal. Meanwhile, back at camp, yvianne and the household had all gotten together and made sure she was being assisted in tearing down the camp in my absence. From all accounts, everyone there pitched in and really made the job go smoothly. I can't thank everyone enough for looking out for milady while I was otherwise occupied.

I finally got home at 8pm. I backed the trailer up the driveway, unhooked it and parked it till Pennsic. I moved the van into the driveway, and went inside. I gave Yvianne a kiss and grabbed a bite and a beer. All in all, not a bad weekend, but it sure was hectic!

War practice

Tue, 19 May 2009 22:10:56 GMT

If I had to describe War Practice in one word I would have to go with hectic. We set up camp on Thursday with help from Thorgrim and Raven. Yvianne stayed, I went home to bake my entry for the Wooden Pin competition. Stayed up till 11:30pm baking, but got it all done.

Friday, I got up at 6:30 and got Rouland off to school. Ran around and packed up stuff I forgot to take yesterday. Started to head out the door around 10:30 when the phOne rang. It was Hector of the Black Heights. He was letting me know that his son, Garath was being baptised on

Proud Papa

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:23:25 GMT

I need to take off my blinders and acknowledge that my little girl is all grown up. Somewhere amid the trials and tribulations, joys and sorrows, successes and failures of everyday life, my daughter has gone ahead and turned into an remarkable young lady.

We sent a shy, reserved, immature girl off to Westchester University 4 years ago. On Saturday, a young woman who resembles that same girl will walk across the stage and graduate summa cum laude with a major in Latin, a teaching certificate and a minor in Philosophy. I could not be more proud of her. She overcame some pretty serious circumstances to achieve this accomplishment. She has matured, found her voice and maintained a level of responsibility and sense of humor that can confuse and inspire at the same time. She has a quick wit and hand speed to match (apparently hanging out with college boys tends to force you to develop certain wrestling/fighting skills as a matter of self-preservation). She has a love of Latin and teaching that brings joy to my heart. She calls us regularly to talk, seek advice or just vent. She has found love and lost it, twice. She has grown as a result of that heartache as well.

College has been a mostly positive experience for her. Even the bullshit she had to endure that is part of every college experience ended up having a positive influence on her. She has developed communication and interpersonal skills that I am envious of. Throughout it all, she has maintained a positive outlook and is is well grounded in her own ideals and ethics. She holds her own and has developed the fortitude to take on all comers. College has actually prepared her for life. I am confident that she will succeed in anything she puts her mind to.

I love you Robyn. Congratulations on your graduation. Now your adventure will truly begin...

The results are in...

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 13:08:47 GMT

I had my follow up with the doctor last Monday. I am cleared to return to normal activities, but still need to wait on the fighting thing. I am felling really good. I have some minor discomfort on the right side of my stomach just to the side of the belly button. I can't say it hurts, it is just a new sensation that was not there pre-surgery. I'll have to be aware of it and see if anything changes once I start doing my abdominal workouts.

I also heard from my set decorator who told me she has a phone interview today with the art director for an incoming TV pilot. If she gets this job, I will have steady work for a while, starting as soon as Monday. YAY!

On a completely different track, I am thinking about going back to school. I am looking into becoming an MRI technologist. I have 60+ credits from my last try at a degree. The volatility and unpredictability of the movie industry has me considering alternatives. Don't get me wrong, I love what I am doing. I just am concerned that I am not going to be able to get enough work to support my family. I know I am probably worrying over nothing, but in this economy, it would not hurt to have something to fall back on if the bottom falls out of the movie business. My only real concern is starting a new field in my mid 40's.

Recovery

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 19:37:30 GMT

Good News - I am healing. Healing is good.

Bad News - Itching is bad. I don't know how women do it. My surgery called for the closest thing to a Brazilian I ever want to get! Nuff said.

Good News - I spent the last 36 hours pain medication free. That is good cause I have a long drive ahead of me for the event this weekend.

Bad News - Can't fight until after IceDragon.

Good News - Can start working out next week.

Post-op musings

Sat, 14 Feb 2009 00:09:31 GMT

I'm sure there are those out there who are better wordsmiths than I will ever be. I am further certain that they have described what I am going through right now far more eloquently than I will.

That being said, you never really pay attention to your body until such time as homeostasis is interrupted. I knew there would be pain involved in my recovery. I did not anticipate that would include urination. Maybe pain is too strong a word. Perhaps discomfort would be a better choice. Either way, I can't help but wonder if this is what having an STD is like ;-)

Aside from that, things are going okay. I am in alot more pain today than I expected. But the vicodan is helping. Between that and my dearest darling wife doing everything she possibly can to make me more comfortable. Have I mentioned that I love her lately? Well, I do!

I can't drive until Monday, so we are all stuck in the house. We did not plan for that as well as we could have. I have my follow up with the surgeon on the 23rd. He will let me know when I can go back to work then.

Aside from that, I will be heading up to the Fighters Symposium in Blackwater next weekend. I won't be able to fight, but I can teach a bit and get the Youth Rattan thing started.

Until next time.

Success!

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 20:43:32 GMT

According to the Dr., my surgery was a success!

I got home a little while ago, and I am still rather groggy. I don't know if it is the anesthisa or the vicodan. Either way, I'm not feeling much pain

Tomorrow...

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 01:01:17 GMT

Well, tomorrow is the big day. I have to be at the hospital at 7:30 and surgery is scheduled for 9:30. I am as prepared as I can be. Wish me luck.

Go Steelers

Sun, 01 Feb 2009 16:52:26 GMT

The Steelers are playing Arizona in the Super Bowl tonight.

GO STEELERS!

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 16:34:31 GMT

I'm at home with the family again today. Normally, that would not be a bad thing, but I finally have a chance to do some work, and the universe seems to be conspiring against me. To be honest, it it starting to irritate the hell out of me.

Yvianne is feeling a little better which is good, but I think she shared with me cause I am starting to feel like crap warmed over. Kevin is home cause we had even more snow overnight on top of the ice and they cancelled school again today.

Earlier this week I was asked to speak for someone at their elevation. I am always blown away when I am asked to do that. I think it is one of the most amazing privledges of being a peer. I am always surprised when I am asked, because I never really considered myself to be worthy of that honor. This one is unique in that she is not only a friend but one who has inspired me throughout the years. I hope I can find the words to adequately express what is in my heart and mind.

Have I mentioned that I love my wife lately? In case anyone meeds reminded, I LOVE YVIANNE! <smile>

I think I will go tell her now.

An apple a day my arse!

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 01:35:27 GMT

It's official, I need surgery. On Feb 12th I go in to have 2 hernias repaired. The good news is they can do the procedure arthroscopically(sp) so my recovery time is greatly reduced. The bad news is that I have to have surgery. I am not as aprehensive as I could be, but I'm not thrilled at the prospect either. The procedure is rather short and I can be home that evening barring any complications, and the next day at worst.

Needless to say, I have to put travel plans and fighting on hold for a little while, but I should come back stronger than before.

On the work front, I have been offered some work painting a friends home. It is heartening to know there are people out there who are willing to go out of their way to help out. It is not unrecognized or unappreciated. Thank you.

On the professional front, my union (IATSE 489) is starting to generate some work rumors, so things are not as bleak as they were earlier this month <yay!> Also, the first movie I worked on, My Bloody Valentine 3D is in theaters now. Kaithren saw it this past weekend and told me my name is in the credits...how cool is that! Now I have to buy the damn thing ;-) If you choose to go, pay atention to the scene in the back of the grocery store when he is hitting the door with the axe. If you look on the right side of the door frame, you may notice an AE there. I am going to try to get it in every movie I work on. We will see how well I do.

Stuff

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 11:12:41 GMT

I had the first of two medical procedures done yesterday. Things went well and there is no bad news to speak of. I was not that concerned about that procedure, but I am anxious about the next one.

For those of you who don't know, I have a couple of hernias that have been bothering me for a while now. After speaking with someone who was having a similiar problem, I decided it was time to get them resolved. I have a consult with the surgeon next week and I will see what happens there.

On a happier note, it looks like I will be able to attend the Elevation at Bog Twelfth Night. Thorgrim, Georg and I are going to carpool. It will give me a chance to catch up with Georg as his work schedule has kepot him away from the SCA and I have not seen nearly enough of him.

It was nice to see folks that I have not seen in a while at twelfth night. I got to speak to Meirwen and Rowan face to face for the first time since Morguhn's passing. I never seem to have the right words for those situations. I think I was able to convey my feelings in the end. I am still having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact the he is not longer with us. I miss him.

Enough.

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 01:00:11 GMT

At AEthelmearc Twelfth Night, it was suggested to me that I need to write more.

More.

Does this please you your Excellency?

Life, love and pain

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:59:24 GMT

Well, lets see...it has been a while since I posted here. Excuse the rambling as I am feeling exceptionally ADD today.

I will be seeing the Dr. later today to discuss options for my various and sundry medical issues. There is only one I am concerned about, and I have the appointment to see the specialist in a couple of weeks. More on that later. I finally have to admit that I am getting older. After years of teasing others (Yvianne especially ; -) I finally had to get reading glasses! Wow, do those damn things make a difference. Sometimes, you just don't realize how much your body has betrayed you. Especially if is a gradual situation that has been taking place over a period of years.

I started my weight loss program a couple of weeks ago. It is not going as well as I might like as I cannot exercise like I want to until the medical stuff is resolved, but it is a start. Walking works, running is out. Limited weight lifting depending on the effected muscle groups. Hell, we even started meatless Mondays at our house. Who would have thunk it? Actually, if any of you have any good vegetarian recipes you are willing to share, throw them my way. It is a bit harder now with my still being unemployed, and the healthy food costing a premium compared to all the crap that is available that is always dirt cheap, but we are hanging in for now. I want to lose 50lbs. That would put me right around 190lbs. Right now, that works for me. Yvianne is being amazingly supportive and trying her best to keep me on track. Did I mention that I love her to death?!

Kevin got an Xbox for Christmas and I have been playing it lately when I am not out hunting. I can see where those things can be addictive! World at War is a hoot.

Speaking of hunting, I have two days left to hunt before the archery deer season ends. I have been seeing deer, but nothing in range of my bow.

Lastly, I did a scroll for 12th night. This is the first complete scroll (C&I both) I have done in a while. Hopefully the recipient will like it.

Well, enough rambling. Happy new year all. I wish you good health and prosperity!

Rain rain go away...

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 19:06:52 GMT

I am sick of rain. I am not hunting today because of it. I am not fixing the gutter on the house because of it. I would much rather deal with snow than this damn rain. Add to that the fact that I am not feeling 100 percent and that just me me a grumpy boy. I'm sure my health has alot to do with my mental state right now, but it still sucks.

Speaking of hunting, I spent more time in the woods this year than any previous years and I came up empty. I cannot express how disappointing that is. I have NEVER gone a season without harvesting a deer. Aside from the fact that we don't have the meat, it is discouraging to my ego. The only remaining option is to find someone who can lend me a flintlock muzzleloader for the late season.

I am also looking for work again. I am willing to do just about anything;-) Given the state of the ecomomy right now, I am not holding my breath on finding something worthwhile. With careful planning, we will be able to make it through next month. Beyond that, things are going to get...interesting. If we can make it to March, we will be okay.

On the good news front, we got a 1994 Plymout Acclaim for Daryl and he is working to get his license. Kevin made the JV Rifle team and is working on learing his technique. He is also talking about making a challange at IceDragon to all the Youth Combatants. He need to sit down and flesh out the idea, but I think I see where he is going. It will definitely push him and that is what he wants right now.

Enough for now.

I get to have a life again!

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:19:00 GMT

Well, after a little more than three weeks "The House on Sorority Row" no longer requires my services. Which is both good and bad. Good cause I can spend more time doing the things I had put off due to working 14hour days, bad because my unemployment is based on the job I had before I got into IATSE Local 489.

It will be funny to see my heraldry (albeit with the colors changed) hanging in the Chapter House when it burns!

There is talk of another movie coming in in the next couple of months, so things will work out. I just hope they wait until after mid December so I can enjoy the rifle hunting season.

Speaking of movies, the first movie I worked on, "My Bloody Valentine 3D" will be coming out around January 23rd. I saw a trailer for it on IMDB and I laughed my ass off! I will never be able to watch a movie the same way again. Instead of focusing on the story, all I could do is remember what a pain in the arse it was to move that freezer , or how much dressing a mine for 3 weeks actually sucks...well you get the idea.

On another note, I bought a 1994 Plymouth Acclaim for my eldest male child on Saturday so he can finally get his damn license and get a real job. We have been out a few times, and he is not doing bad. Actually, he has surprised me. He has a nack for the parallel parking thing, which his sister struggled with for the longest time. As long as I remember to tailor my teaching stye to him, he should be ready to test soon.

Response to DWolfhunter

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 20:03:58 GMT

Summarize me in one sentence: Warrior poet

Where did we meet? On a battlefield somehwere

Take a stab at my middle name? Eugene

How long have you known me? 12 years

When is the last time that we saw each other? Too long ago

Do I drink? Only the good stuff ;-)

Do I smoke? Not that I recall

Do I do drugs? Not around me

Am I happy? Reasonable so

Am I a good person? Yes

What was your first impression of upon meeting me/seeing me? Damn he is solid

What's one of my favorite things to do? Talk

What do I love more than anything? your lady

Am I funny? Most of the time

Have you ever made me smile ... if so when? Yes, usually in the lists.

What's my favorite type of music? The kind that has a beat AND you can dance to.

Have you ever seen me cry? Yes

Can I sing? Yes

What is the best feature about me? your eyes are very telling

Am I shy or outgoing? Shy would not have a chance around you.

Am I a rebel or do I follow the rules? rebel

Do I have any special talents? What you do in the privacy of your home is your business.

What is a word that describes my personality? Gregarious

Have you ever hugged me? Yes

Kissed me? No

What is my favorite food? Unk

Am I a good cook? Unk

Am I dating anyone? No

If there was one good nickname for me, what would it be? Warrior Poet

What's your favorite memory of me? Sitting around with you, Morguhn and the ladies, drinking scotch and telling stories.

What is my worst habit? Your brutal honesty

Do I like corn dogs?

Have you ever had a dream about me? No

If you and I were stranded on a desert island, what is the one thing I would bring? Not sure, but it better not be vaseline

Are we friends? Yes

What's my religion? Unk

Am I family oriented?

Who is my best friend?

Will you repost this so I can do it? sure

Crown

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 01:39:54 GMT

Crown was odd. I did not get the same vibe I normally do. Mentally, it seemed more like a fightpractice than a Crown. The format may have had something to do with it. After my shield basket exploded I decided to continue without a shield. Not that I did have have numerous offers to help repair the damage. I just resigned mysef to the fact that the damage happened at that time for a reason. Period. So I flowed with it. I could have been more successful had I fought with my shield, but I decided that I would have some fun and let the chips fall where they may.

Dagger became the weapon of the day sometimes being accompanied with a sword. My best dagger fight of the day came from Cardon, who dropped his Katana and pulled his dagger from his hip after I pulled my dagger from my sword scabbard. I ended up with the W but from the crowd reactions, everyone who saw it was a winner.

Congrats to Maynard and Liadian! I can't wait to see the Queen that Liadian becomes.

So I picked up a schlager...

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 02:55:41 GMT

Since I could not be at Morguhn's memorial, I chose to do the next best thing. I went to the Archers to the Wald event to fight in the Tourney there.

His Excelleny Byron made it a point to add an honor to Morguhn during the first round.

Many of us chose to continue that throughout the tourney.

After court, the fencers in attendance were having some sort of tourney. I wandered by to pick up my armor and Don Corwin stopped me. He handed me a halloween bag filled with various chocolates. I was told that they were holding a 'food fight' in honor of Morguhn. I proceeded to bet both my fellow bystanders as well as the participants themselves. At one point, Sir Greadwyn fronted me some of his chocolate after a particularly poorly chosen bet ;-) The tourney went on for some time, and a good time was had by all.

Toward the end, I commented to Graedwyn that that (the schlager fighting) looked like fun. He agreed and we asked if we could try it. Corwyn immediately began stripping off and modifying his gorget so I could try. Giovanni (sp?) lent me a mask and a selection of swords appeared from thin air. Corwyn gave me a few pointers and before too long, There I was, standing in front of a familiar adversary who looked decidely different in his fencing mask and maille. Our first enchange felt awkward with both of us showing little control or technique. Graedwyn was victorious by thrusting me in the chest after sweeping my weapon aside. After that, I settled down and started to work. I tried a technique that Corwyn suggested, and missed terribly. Graedwyn was able to get a cut on my mask, but apparently it was not long enough. We continued and I was victorious, but I don't recall what I did. For our last bout we took a brief break and each of us recieved a bit of coaching. I asked about using my free and to move the opposing weapon and was told that I could do that. So I had a plan. I would wait for Greadwyn to let his weapon go left of center and in range of my hand, then I would step in while sweeping across my body with my right hand and knock his weapon out of the way, then attack and kill him. I don't know if that was how it actually happened, but I was able achieve victory by cutting his throat. Immediately after the fight, I thanked Graedwyn and all the fencers who assited us.

I hope that His Grace was not too busy to see those exchanges. I like to think that he would have smiled if he did.

I hear you hit like a wuss ;-)

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:50:27 GMT

Once upon a time in a land far, far away, (the night before Aethelmearc's Coronet Tourney in Coppertree]) when I was a new fighter full of piss and vinegar, I walk into the hall and saw his Grace sitting at one of the tables with a lady in each arm (is anyone surprised by that?). I walked up to him and said, "Your Grace, I hear you hit like a wuss." (I had actually heard someone say that at the previous Pennsic. Nevermind the fact that it was in jest.) Well, Morguhn just looked at me and smiled that smile of his and I knew I was in for something.

The following morning, as is my custom, I awoke early to prepare for Coronet. One of the first people I saw was Morguhn. He greeted me and then informed me he had signed me up to fight the Coppertree challenge which was being fought immediately preceeding Coronet. I thanked his Grace for his thinking of me, but told him I was not interested as I was fighting Coronet. He insisted. I tried again to beg off, but he continued to insist. After a while, I realized he was not going to let me off the hook and I went to get armored. When asked by milady wife whay I was armoring so early, I told her of my conversation with Morguhn. She just smiled and shook her head.

I proceeded to fight the Coppertree Challenge that day. I fought hard, like I wanted to win it. I figured it would be a great warm-up for Coronet. I got my ass handed to me more than once ;-) I walked away battered and bruised with a grin on my face. Morguhn did not have to raise a hand or say a word. He just smiled that smile of his and told me what a fine job I had done in the Tourney. I will always remember that day and the manner in which Morguhn dealt with the situation. I still smile about it to this day and it is one of the most requested stories I am asked to tell around the fire. It is much better in person. Perhaps one day, I will be able to regale you.

Morguhn

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 02:47:45 GMT

I did not know that I cared for the man as deeply as I do. Ironic that I will never be able to tell him that. I just hope that he knew what an impact he had on the lives of so many folks. He will always be an inspiration to me.