"Magic" Moments
Those moments that you can recall where everything was “just right” and the magic was real, even for just a second or two ...
“The only one that comes immediately to mind for me is the sight of my lady, closely accompanied by the lady of newly-knighted Sir Houri the Savage, charging across the field at me as Sir Houri lay at my feet that September in 1969. I'm sure others will come to my mind when I have a chance to think about it.” – Stefan de Lorraine
“One such would have to my first Ward Lord melee, sometime
in the mid-70's (circa A.S. IX).
“I was a green fighter, scared,
awkward, self-conscious; exchanged a flurry of blows with
one big fellow. To my surprise, he fell. To my greater surprise,
I realized I had just killed Martin the Temperate!
“I turned, saw one standing
opponent. Small, easy kill. I advanced, then froze suddenly when
feminine eyes glared at me from that other helm.
“Then Mary of Uffington knocked me
across the field.” – Edward of Southhaven
“This surprised me. In AS IX, I was barely past "green" myself. Who would have thought I had a reputation.” – Martin the Temperate
“Well, there was the time that King Andrew called me up to receive
a leaf of merit along with my two ex-ladies, Bevin Fraser and
Eilonwy ap Lyur. I don't think it was quite a "Magic Moment."
Possibly more of a "If looks could kill" moment.
“Real "Magic Moments" for me?
“The Quest in St. Hildegarde's Forest,
much discussed here, and the feeling we had as it went on that
everything was working perfectly. I'm sitting here looking at the
write-up for it done by Andrea and thinking that I may have to
scan it and submit it to the AHP group as well as put it on my web site.
“The time when I traveled up, on my own
hook, to Portland in hopes of meeting the lady who later became my
Queen there with no real knowledge that she'd be there other than
a vague mention and having gotten friendly at an event in Eureka.
Hanging around the hall hoping she would come, and finding that
she was delighted to meet me there. I ended up missing my
flight back because we were sitting in the airport cafeteria the
next day talking so that we missed all of the boarding calls.
“That time in Eureka when, at a banquet,
Maelgwyn the first and brand new baron stood up and in the course
of his speech said something like"We have been informed that as
a barony we are entitled to create baronial awards." Silence from the
audience. "We have decided not to create any." Wild cheers from
the audience. Perfect timing and a great group of people.
“My very first tourney. May 1, 1966.
Sort of dragooned into fighting I wacked away at Paul Zimmer, later
Edwin Berserk. Double kill the first fight. Double kill the
second fight. He won the third fight. My good friend Felice, later
Felice of Mayhem House, rushing over to me as I pulled off the
fencing helmet saying "Are you all right." My response with a
huge grin on my face "I've never had so much fun in my life." Her
response, "I'll never understand men."
“Getting kissed by Bevin Fraser (Katherine
Kurtz) after fighting for her the first time in a crown tourney. One
of the few times I've ever seen stars before my eyes without getting
clobbered. Or maybe I was clobbered. Can you say deep in infatuation.
“Marching out on the field and inviting Lady
Trude Lacklandia to come out and meet me in combat on the grounds
that I had been wrong in my opinion of women fighting.
“And perhaps the best of all,
going out on the field in a local tourney on the old airplane
field during a contest to see who could come up with the best
challenges and challenging all and sundry to meet me in honor of
my engagement to my lady Tara Dwynwyn. That's how we announced the
engagement to the SCA and now, after 18.5 years we're still
together.” – Steven MacEanruig
“My first event was magical and that was why I joined. It was
colorful with colorful folks, who shared, brought me in as
though I had been a part of it all, forever. It was the Barony
of Golden Rivers at Gadbury's Farm in Lodi CA.
“When I joined the SCA, I never expected to
serve the SCA as a Queen of Love and Beauty. I thought that was for
others! For this, I am eternally grateful to Duke Ronald Wilmot,
who made me his Queen in AS XIX, Beltane (1984). I have to say,
that after taking the vows, when I stood and turned around to face the
sea of faces and colorful costumed folks of The West and my many
friends were looking at me; I felt a sense of a fairy tale
dream come true (as all little girls either play the role of a
bride or a princess or queen) . . .and there I was, living
that dream, right there in a created reality. The populace allowed me to
be their Queen of Love and Beauty and showed me all the respect and
honor of that position. It was awesome and something I shall never forget!
“As the reign as K/Q came to a close and Ronald
and I had traveled far and wide, visiting with so many folks;
my Queen's Guard and Archers requested presents, led by Lord
Sebastian von Baden (God rest his Soul). They then presented
me with some 15 dozen Red Roses, each saying a personal thanks and
laying roses at my feet. That was possibly one time in my
life when I was speechless for a while. I do not remember
what I said, except "thank you" to each and every one . . .
I had never seen that kind of appreciation in the SCA and it
touched me deeply. It reaffirmed again that the populace had allowed
me to be their Queen. It was a heart-warming, awesome moment in
this alternate world of yesteryear that the SCA creates. Such devotion
and care, such a showing of kindness and love for their Queen
(and Ronald knew about it, as Sebastian coordinated it all and
my ladies-in-waiting had the bucket of water, so they knew, too).
Yes, that was a real surprise and a True Dream of a Magical SCA
Moment in time! Thanks to all, once again for that gesture!” –
Dierdrianna of the Misty Isles
“Over many years, I've had many Magic Moments, but one comes clearly to mind right now. John and I were merchants at Pennsic, camped with our big white Four Seasons pavilion behind the barn. There was a light shower during the day of a Mid-week Midnight Madness sale, so everything was fresh and un-dusty. Our merchant group, The Caravan, decided to hang lanterns (made by one of our group) outside each pavilion to light the way for the night-time sale. Music and dancing started in the barn. Just as people began to browse the merchant area, a light, waist-high mist arose from the damp ground, swirling around people as they walked down our merchant booth path. Suddenly, the dance music stopped, and there was a long silence. Most of The Caravan merchants were standing outside their booths, admiring the ambiance of their lanterns on the mist, listening to the silence. Then a bright soprano voice in the barn began to sing a beautiful Celtic song with soft violin and dulcimer accompaniment. At that very moment, a caped figure in dress armor and helm escorted a lady through the mist into the lantern light. "It's Brigadoon," quietly said someone behind me. Another second, and more figures appeared, breaking the spell.” – Flavia Beatrice Carmigniani
“That martial moment, rarely experienced and only once by me;
my melee team decimated to a man save me, I walked into the
midst of the opposing team of about 8, expecting a glorious
if somewhat messy death, only to walk out unscathed and unopposed,
having killed every one, all in about 10 seconds which had seemed to
last far longer. I have been as successful many times since, but
have never experienced that particular state of mind since.
“After winning a crown tourney,
realizing that instead of visualizing my opponent's defeat, I had
been visualizing my lady's pleased face.” – Martin the Temperate
How the ten year old princess came about ...
“I met Balin at a Atenveldt war. He and Gregory of York
were camping together. I was very fond of Gregory, he
treated kids like they were people. So when I found out
we were camping next to each other I knew we were in for
a fun weekend. Gregory introduced me to Balin and I spent
the rest of the event helping them as an impromptu squire. We
had a great time teasing and joking with each other and the friendship
grew, so did my crush on Balin. When he asked to carry my
favor into the coronet lists, he, I and my family all had
a talk about what would happen if he won. Yea, right. I know I
didn't have a clue that this tall thin boy was that good
and I'm pretty sure mom and dad didn't either. So it came
as a shock when I came back from the play ground at the
semi final rounds to see if I could help the list mistress to
find Balin still in it. When final rounds came around and he
was still in it, I was shucked out of my grubbies and put into
my nice gown we had brought for the revel. Then the mob of
ladies hit. I was surrounded and sat in a pile of ladies
watching the final fight. I can still see Balin's last shot
and remember thinking, Oh No! From then on till the wreath
ceremony was a blur of hugs and tears. I wanted to go help
Balin disarm but the swarm had me. I was carried onto the
field and Balin knelt on one knee and called me your Highness
for the first time. I burst into tears and hugged him.
We had a lot of fun. And Balin was one of two who ever
carried my favor into a crown or coronet lists. Thank you
Balin for turning a little girl into a princess even for a
little while.” – Lorissa du Griffin
[Balin’s current lady ...] “You'd better believe it! Balin's current lady had joined the military just before Coronet lists, and he needed to carry someone's favor. No idea why he asked for Lorissa's, but we figured it was pretty safe. After all, a whole bunch of very good fighters were in the lists, so what were the kid's chances? Slim to none, right? We agreed, just so Balin would have a chance to fight. As usual, I didn't pay much attention to the fighting, but John was field herald and saw most of it. Suddenly, we had this tall, sweaty young man standing before us, saying "I'm the new Prince." Well, fudge (or words to that effect), I thought. What do we do now?” – Flavia Beatrice Carmigniani[I was surrounded and sat in a pile of ladies watching the final fight.] “Since I've never been a Lady in Waiting, I was totally unprepared for the flurry and scurry around Lorissa all of a sudden. I couldn't even get near her until someone noticed me standing on the edge of all those people, and pushed me forward. But mostly it was those ladies, crowding around Lora that gave me a clue about what the next six months were going to be like.” – Flavia Beatrice Carmigniani
[I burst into tears and hugged him. We had a lot of fun.] “Actually, John and I didn't enjoy this time nearly as much as some might think. First, several people circulated the rumor that we were the Power Behind the Throne (showing they knew very little about Lorissa!) and it was a push to keep coming up with the money to get to events, and keep the costume accessories coming. I did get a great deal of help from Xemina and Arabella on costuming (they were about the same size as Lorissa), as well as from all those ladies who surrounded Lora. Without them, we would not have managed at all. We owe everyone who helped a huge vote of thanks!” – Flavia Beatrice Carmigniani
[Thank you Balin for turning a little girl into a princess even for a little while.] “Without any discussion from the elder Trimbles, Lorissa and Balin agreed that when the coronet was on her head, she was Princess of Caid. When it was placed on the throne, she was a 10-year-old girl who could run and play. It seemed to work out pretty well. I'm glad Lora has happy memories of that time.” – Flavia Beatrice Carmigniani
“Although John, Bjo, and Lora did not realize Balin's potential as a fighter before the coronet lists, the result did not surprise the 3 fighters of Griffin Freehold (Martin, Charles, and myself). Before that tournament, Balin would modestly describe himself as "just a viscount's sidekick" (Gregory being the Viscount), but most of the fighters in Caid recognized him as being very fast and dangerous. While not one of the top 4 favorites, Balin was definitely among the top ten single combat fighters in Caid at the time.” – Robear du Bois
(Not in the Adobe version of the History, added by Lorna on May 1, 2001:)
"One of my most favourite memories was at a 12th night. I believe it was the
second time we stepped down. I think it was a lady who got the cherry from the
cake and was the lady of misrule. She wanted to waltz. Somehow the Blue Danube
was being played. Even the period police was on the floor. I was in conversation
with Rosemary Bonner and itching to get on the floor when a 9 year old young man
came up and asked me to dance. I thought I would have to teach him how, but he
was one of the best dancers I have ever encountered. His name is Tristen (sp) if
any of you are in contact with him, please let him know that I still remember
that dance fondly.
"I had the occasion to waltz with his father later
at a Bye Gone Era event, I think his name was Edward or Edmund and I must say
that Tristen was by far the better dancer." -- Lorna of Leeds
Description of this event,
© Copyright 1980 by William R. Keyes (Wilhelm von Schlüssel)
This is from The History of the West Kingdom, Volume 1 (the only
volume produced). When reading this text, please keep in mind the following
disclaimer:
Disclaimer: This history may have errors in it, as much of the detail is “remembered” history, or as one of the cover pages of the original type-written manuscript states “The material within is derived from the information printed in The Crown Prints and in The Page, and from the memories of the participants.” The original document was typed on onion-skin paper, with hand-written notes (often in the margins). All attempts have been made to reconcile the notes with the original document.
Annotations, when they are added, are from The Annotated History of the West, Volume 1, which is the same text as Master Wilhelm's mentioned above, with commentary from members of the SCA who were active at the time of the event, and are added to help clarify questions and expand on what happened and why. This volume is copyright © Ken Mayer (Hirsch von Henford).
The West Kingdom History Website was created by and is maintained by Hirsch von Henford (mka Ken Mayer).