War of the Roses

War of the Roses is the biggest event our Barony puts on. There is something for everyone - fighting, fencing,   dancing, thrown weapons, archery, arts and sciences, shopping, singing around the campfires, and just hanging out with friends from near and far. This year, the weather put a damper on things. Literally. Needless to say, attendance was down. It had started raining on Wednesday. By the time we arrived on site on Friday morning, the ground was a soggy mess. I stood on the spot where we usually camp, umbrella in hand as the steady rain came down, and we decided not to pitch the tent. Luckily, we live close enough that day tripping was an option. We could not just go home because Richard was in charge of gate, and I was in charge of family activities for the weekend. The day went on and the rain came down harder and the wind picked up. And the weather only went downhill from there (is that possible?). Tents got flooded, the mud got deeper, and the temperature dropped.  Several people went home with hypothermia. Tents blew away, and the mud got deeper. For some reason most of us persevered. All activities were squeezed into the barn. Somehow we made it work. The archers (diehards that they are) shot in the rain. The rain stopped enough by Sunday afternoon that there was finally an opportunity for people to try thrown weapons. Of course today, Monday, the sun is shining and the temperature is rising. Just in time to take everything down and go home.

Saturday was the day that I stepped down as Baronial Arts and Sciences Champion. I had set a challenge for people to look at the science side of their art. There were 4 amazing entries. So much work had gone into each one. The new champion is Branwen Stargazer, who researched 13th century astronomy, from the perspective of her persona. It was fascinating, and I can't wait to see how she incorporates her new knowledge into her game.

It was a busy court for me. Besides reporting on children's activities and the A&S competition, I was awarded the Order of the Pine, which is our Baronial service award. I was completely taken by surprise. I enjoy helping out - it keeps the game fun - but I don't feel like I do more than other people. I am very grateful for the honor. I was given a beautiful scroll, designed by two talented members of my household, Elizabeth and Kenneth, and the words were written by the Baron himself.

The last thing I did before stepping down as A&S Champion was to set a challenge for our talented bards - to come back to next year's Roses with a song or story about this year's event. I can't wait to hear the results. Hopefully as we relax on a dry evening around a warm campfire.