The Bard’s View: Honor War

Now, we’re getting somewhere. ;-)

The first day of Honor War in the fair College of Lyonsmarche dawned bright and early, full of promise for the special day that it became. Honor War, like Baroness’s War, is one of my favorite early Spring events, although it being “early spring” in Idaho does mean we can expect some… interesting weather.

Thankfully, we didn’t see much out of the ordinary in the weather department, just classic “if you don’t like it, wait five minutes” cycles between rain, sun, overcast, and Deluge.

I spent the majority of my morning out on the warfield, assisting with judging for a heralding competition for the teams of the Battle Of Five tournament. I had the privilege to hear some creative word-smithing, but none like the team Legion, whom presented themselves with full drum accompaniment and an impromptu, introductory ballad sung by one of their fighters. Through the rest of that tournament, I watched as the drummers provided percussive accompaniment for every team on the field, and I observed the positive, attention-grabbing effect it had on all the spectators. Armed with my Bard’s Tokens, I knew what I must do.

At the end of the tourney, I marched (well… waddled. I hate to admit it but I’ve got a serious waddle at 4.5 months along with this pregnancy) myself over to them and politely requested to speak to all of them. I introduced myself, explaining my rank and how appreciative I was of their creativity in incorporating Bardic Arts onto the Warfield. They kind of gawked at me as I pulled out my Tokens and presented them as an expression of my favor for their efforts.

This, my friends, is part of what makes me so proud to wear the office of Bardic Champion.

I got the distinct impression that many of these players had never been recognized for anything before. One young woman even got a little misty-eyed as I pressed my token into her palm with a smile.  And here I was, just a humble musician myself, but bestowed with the power to say “Thank You” and have it really mean something.

It was a moment to file away in the mental scrapbook. :)

Later that evening, I also had the privilege of spending much of my time in the company of His Majesty, entertaining Himself and his retinue with various songs. I had a blast. Dodging the rain and cuddling up to the fire pit, I played until my fingers were sore and my voice tired. Oh, but such a wonderful feeling, and what fun company. :-) I couldn’t have asked for a better end to the day.

Sunday dawned overcast and wet, and I bundled up in my cloak to do something I’ve been having the push to do for the last few months.

As I have found myself more and more involved in my church, I’ve also felt more embarrassed that I miss so many Sundays. So, given my talents and given the venue, I learned some Medieval and Renaissance hymns. Armed with lyrics, I hustled out to the middle of the encampment, opened my book, and belted out some Latin praise.

My husband’s Don, who was awake and watching, said that as I sang the sun started to break through the clouds.

Mission accomplished. ;-)

Thus ends another event as Bardic Champion, and I do believe I’m beginning to get the hang of this gig… :-)

Tagged: bardic, medieval, performance, Renaissance, sca, Society for Creative Anachronism