St Monica's Day Picnic and Fighter Auction Tourney - May 6, AS XXXXI

For that, in order to celebrate the new year, and that the members and friends of the College of St Monica might pleasantly while away a Saturday, it was determined that a day of revelry, tourney and fun be held on the sward at the Valley Reserve in the Shire of Krae Glas, commencing one hour before noon.

On this day was held a fine fighter auction, 2 boffer tournies and there was also presented food, beverage and entertainment for those in attendance.

The fighter auction featured 5 of the St Monican and Krae Glas fighters in a double round robin, best of three tournament, guaranteeing each fighter at least 16 bouts. Master Gwynfor Lwyd was the highest priced fighter, being auctioned to Mistress Nicolette Dufay for 25 gold. Master Cormac Lenihan was much afeared that he would no be able to take part, because Meredith verch Cormac was not overly happy on the day, but we were all fortunate that she relented, and her father was able to honour us all by participating in the list. Lord Lief Magnusson stood forth this day, too, to grace us with the chance to ontest against his mighty blows. Zhou Long Xi Xeng Shang also took to the field that he might test his mettle and impress us all with the results of his earnest training. Finally, Corin also presented himself in the lists, anxious to continue the form he had displayed at festival.

At the end of the long tourney, Master Gwynfor was yet undefeated in any bout, and so was victorious with 16 wins and no losses. Lord Lief was doughty, and well deserved second place, especially as he was in pain from a grievous blow to the shoulder in the very first bout of the day courtesy of Master Gwynfor. In third place was Master Cormac, who performed magnificently despite the distraction of having to tend to his young daughter, and Zhou fought valiantly and extremely chivalrically to come in equal third. Corin was in fouth place, fighting well and continuing to improve with every outing. It was mete that on a day featuring five such enthusiastic combatants that no-one came in fifth!

In the boffer tourney for over 16 year olds, Miles of St Monica was wily, swift and cunning as he sliced off limbs in every round to emerge as victor. Gilligan of St Bartholomew was the other worthy, and tough, finalist. Bertram was fierce, Lady Teffania graceful and puissant, and the lady Catherine also performed admirably. In the under 16 year old class, Marcus ap Gwyon and Erin Liefsdottir fought a very close final, with Marcus just managing to best Erin (Erin beat Marcus in the preliminary rounds, however). Susan and William also fought bravely and well.

Many and diverse were the entertainments, and dancing there was too upon the green. Lady Teffania delighted the palates of many with her cordials. Lady Emma de Lastone played recorder for the dancers. Many visitors came, watched and enjoyed the event throughout the day, too.

Thanks must go to Bridget of St Monica for being event steward. Corin organised the martial activities. The lady Catherine and Mistress Nicolette administered the lists. Gilligan was a fabulous herald, again. Lief, Corin, Cormac, Zhou, Nicolette and Gwynfor were the marshals. Lady Breana recorded the happenings of the day with enthusiasm and lightness. Lady Lisette's repartee kept us entertained. Indeed, so many (as is the case with all St Monica's events) pitched in that all deserve thanks for making a cold, blustery May afternoon an absolute joy to experience.

And now, the images (including several videos), all courtesy of Lady Breana of Woodrose!

Videos of the fighting! Right click on the name of the file, and select "save link as" then view the clip in your favourite media player from your PC.

Gwynfor versus Corin

Gwynfor versus Zhou

Gwynfor versus Cormac

Gwynfor fights the bye in the Boffer Tourney