We begin stirring at around 7:30 am (entirely too early in this gypsy's opinion), make strong, dark roast coffee first thing! Next is the task of finding clean garb. I settle for what I have, a black peasant blouse and skirt w/ a paisley hip scarf and my Squire sash about my hips. My husband dons his usual black tunic (he got it from me, it used to be a dress) I ask him, "Who are you today, Olaf (his norse persona) or James (his alternate persona-an irish monk)?" He tells me James. I, of course, am only Eala. Finding feast gear now, a platter to share, his lidded tankard, my embellished goblet...dont forget the cloaks. Good. Not even done with the bowl of a cup of coffee, and already jittery. Keeping it simple, I add more jewelry, scarves, and a purple velvet vest...and then some more jewelry.

Mistress Rhiannon and her son, Padraig, carry us in their chariot to the Northwestminster Abbey, the home of Abbott Cryspin, the Church of the Warhammer, and the location of today's Winter Warfare Tourney. It is chilly, but clear, virtually no snow on the ground of the Abbey. We have a small group for this morning's court (only 8 people or so), it being overseen by our Viceroy Conri and the Abbott...the basic schedule for the day is announced, and court is closed with a blessing from the Abbott.

We have one Arts and Sciences entry crafted by our own Abbott and judged by three, a rather large, heavy Seax blade, with a horn handle and runes engraved on one side reading "to bite". Because he is the only entrant, he takes the win for A&S, but likely would have anyway for the superb blade.

The archery range opens so that shooting can begin, with Rani Lily, my Knight, to shoot first as she has to unfortunately leave early. I sit to watch as long as I can stand the growing numbness from the chill, dragging giant goblet around. The archer's oath is given, practice and shooting for points commences. James O' Mannan, the Irish monk, shoots well today, taking the win in the Bowman's List, and the Abbott and young Bruno NoBeard tie in the Huntsman's List, and end up having a shoot off...the Abbott winning by 6. As Rani Lily departs, she leaves me her white and purple bog coat to keep warmer with.

We then have a lunch of various meats, breads, cheeses, and spiced cider, with the walls of the Abbey and good conversation providing warmth. Two more people join us.

Combat begins with James, Conri, Padraig and the Abbott as the combatants. I do not stay to watch but the beginning. I have to laugh at James, he is looks as if he is flailing with his double swords, though he is quite an adequate fighter. I think I hear him say something about stupid gypsies. I say something about how only an unwise man insults gypsies. James takes one of the wins.

The slower moments of the day involve more pleasant and diverse conversation, perusing lovely, magical recipes, darning socks, lucet and embroidery. Im sure if there were more folks, like more singing, drumming gypsies such as my Knight, there would be more entertainment...nevertheless, I truly enjoy the closeness of our sometimes smaller group and quieter events...I appreciate the peace of the Abbey.

Evening court mainly to announce the wins of the day and other brief business, followed by a potluck feast. Mistress Rhiannon's clam chowder (I dont even like clam chowder, but I love hers!)is divine, and we also enjoyed savory green beans, rice and mushrooms, chicken, more bread and cheese, topped with pumpkin pie. I swear I eat better at events than I do at home.

We relax the remainder of the evening. I barter one of my tarot decks with the Abbott, for some hand-forged eating utensils (on order for Spring), and sell two other decks to Mistress Rhiannon...she is enamored with the Animals Divine and the Hanson-Roberts. I compare decks with another reader. Plans are made for future gatherings such as our upcoming demo downtown Dec 31. And before I know it, I find myself having to say my farewells again to dear friends. Hugs all around, and we make our way southward to our home. I must send words of thanks to the generous Rhiannon for her carrying us to and from. Though tomorrow I return to a mundane existence, I am blessed to have this day, and every other.

Lady Eala the Shy (sometimes Bold)
Chivani of House Silver Circle
Scribe of Canton Urar Tiene
Archduchy of Alhambra