Event Report: Feast of the Bear (Sep 27, 2003)
Laird Colyne Stewart, September AS 38
Ursus Vol. 8. No. 10 October 2003
Many halls have I walked down, in many rooms have I sat
through court, in many arenas have I fought.
None can compare to those in which I found myself to
celebrate the Feast of the Bear: the edifice known as Graf Hugo’s Keep.
A great black wrought-iron gate stood in a wall of stone.
Standing smiling behind the gate was the newly elected mayor of Eoforwic, His
Worship Lord Hans Thorvaldsson. With a wink the portal is opened wide and
visitors entered a treed courtyard. Standing on the paving stones the entrance
to the tavern beckons from ahead, whilst to the right stone lions perch above
grand wooden doors leading into the main hall.
Stepping into the hall one is met by a bustle of activity as
folk stream by in all directions engaged in a multitude of activities. There
around a door leading to the armoury sits a group of Vest Yorvikers, some of
whom are spinning wool. Coming out of the door to the hall of learning, wherein
those gifted in the arts and sciences teach, comes Jacomo, his hat flapping as
he pretends to trip and rolls across the floor.
To the left is the market, where artisans, hawkers and
peddlers have set up shop in a multitude of stalls.
Straight ahead, drawing the eye is the courtroom. The walls
are stone and draped with banners. The back wall is dominated by a scale model
of a castle, perhaps the plaything of a former royal prince. Before this castle
fighters and fencers meet to test their mettle. Several fencers proved their
worth that day, and advanced within the Academy of Defense
The Fian is a group of fighters, autonomous and
self-governing, who protect the Barony of Septentria. They were formed in the
days of Aedan and Kaffa, but sadly have been inactive until late. This day
three Fiana hold the field--Sir Evander MacLachlan, Sir Edward the Read and
Baron Konrad Matthias Jaeggar von Dubrau. It was remarked upon that none of
these worthies actually reside in Septentria, and it was explained tot hem that
the Fian accepts challengers from within and without the barony, as long as they
are noble and adept at the arts of war and peace.
Finally the fighters were ushered out doors to continue
their crafts, whilst the room was readied for court. Their Majesties had their
loyal servants swear homage to them, whilst Their Excellencies Septentria did
honour their fencers by awarding prizes crafted by Lord Gareth of Eoforwic,
himself a former Sheriff of the Royal Citie. This same Gareth was then
recognized as Septentria's new fencing champion--a position he also held for
Cynred thegn and Baroness Gaerwen.
The Fian then entered court, and talked of their past and
plans for the future. They called for those who wished to challenge for
admittance to their ranks. Myself and Hlaford Streonwald Wulfesbana stepped
forward, bowing our heads and stating our wish to challenge the Fian. The
challenges were accepted, with the passage of arms to occur at a future date,
at a time of the Fian's choosing.
The Society Laurel of Arms, Master François La Flamme, held
conclave with the heralds of Ealdormere.
After court a grand feast was held in a great hall, complete
with dancing and song. The feast was long, and those who waited in the
courtroom for it to be completed were likewise entertained by
Eoforwic's dancers.
Many were the people recognized by Their Majesties that
night, to whit: Awards of Arms were presented to Pelayo of Eoforwic, Sara of
Eoforwic, Eithne Briansdottir, Medb Ingen Dun Gaile, William the Younger,
Margret de Morchard, Daffydd ap Piers and Brigid of Eoforwic. Unnr
Hringsdottir, Geoffrey Guiscard and Magnus Kjrr received the Award of the Orion
while Albrecht Stamfer was brought into the Order of Thorbjorn’s Hammer, and
Nicolaa de Bracton was elevated into the Order of the Pelican. Our hostess of
the evening, Lady Rosalia dei Querini, was given an Award of the Maiden’s
Heart, and a reconfirmation of her Award of arms, and to celebrate this she was
surrounded by dancers who amazed the crowd.
Many then retired to the keep of Their Excellencies, who
opened their doors to hold a revel, whilst other began the long horse-ride
home. In the courtyard I looked up at the towers of the hall, and I truly felt
as if I were home.
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