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This was a Good Day
I wanted to take a minute to get down my impressions of Crown Tournament. I've had no time (wonder of wonders), but I don't want it to get too far away before I put some of it down.
The day was absolutely perfect. I understand that the night before was cold for camping, but by the time we got to site, it was wonderful fighting weather. Not too warm for a cloak, but bright and sunny.
I was remarkably calm. I think calmer than I've ever been at a Crown Tournament. (I love them because you usually see at least one bout that makes your trip worthwhile, but I usually am nervous about the outcome, pace a little, and even, yes, growl and hide my eyes.) I wasn't detached, but I just felt like there wasn't any doubt.
As we arrived and set up, several people said nice things, "Your boy's the front-runner," "Good morning Princess-to-be," etc. Yes, a few "gulp" moments, but mostly just nice and fun to hear.
When we got ready to line up, I went to get Luther and waited while he took a few warm-up swings at Semjaka. Not at all stressed. I joked with him as much as I could in the line-up. You can see some of that in the picture. Silliness and fun while we waited our turn.
Then, nothing but smiles for the King and Queen. :)
The tournament itself was just fun to watch. A nod and a wink from Luther before each bout and a grin from me. Just another tourney for him where I watch and support him.
One moment of panic (for him, I was blithely oblivious) when he blew a strap right before his bout with Alric. Won that one, then a field fix with a penny to keep things moving for the next bout.
People kept asking if I was nervous, but I said, "I've been to this tournament before, there's a lot of fighting left before I need to get nervous."
Next thing I know someone from TRM's retinue is requesting my presence for the finals. I make sure Luther is good, then go to the field, to be handed a thorns-on bundle of roses (this led to a bit of bleeding on my part) and stand next to my Queen with Xorazne at my side holding my hand.
First great sword bout of the day, then back to sword and shield. At the point that Alric fell, it actually hit me--and my jaw dropped. Xorazne took the flowers from me and sort of shoved me toward Luther--he had his back to me to give his helmet and gauntlets to Joe. Silhouetted between him and Alric was Jean Michelle, with his arms raised in triumph. :) Luther turned (he says I looked like I got hit in the head with a frying pan ;-)), and we hugged.
Then on to the crowning and serious words--and a serious task. And the Crown that I'd feared and loved, on *my* head. Almost too much to believe. But at it's center, nothing but joy. :)
The day was absolutely perfect. I understand that the night before was cold for camping, but by the time we got to site, it was wonderful fighting weather. Not too warm for a cloak, but bright and sunny.
I was remarkably calm. I think calmer than I've ever been at a Crown Tournament. (I love them because you usually see at least one bout that makes your trip worthwhile, but I usually am nervous about the outcome, pace a little, and even, yes, growl and hide my eyes.) I wasn't detached, but I just felt like there wasn't any doubt.
As we arrived and set up, several people said nice things, "Your boy's the front-runner," "Good morning Princess-to-be," etc. Yes, a few "gulp" moments, but mostly just nice and fun to hear.
When we got ready to line up, I went to get Luther and waited while he took a few warm-up swings at Semjaka. Not at all stressed. I joked with him as much as I could in the line-up. You can see some of that in the picture. Silliness and fun while we waited our turn.
Then, nothing but smiles for the King and Queen. :)
The tournament itself was just fun to watch. A nod and a wink from Luther before each bout and a grin from me. Just another tourney for him where I watch and support him.
One moment of panic (for him, I was blithely oblivious) when he blew a strap right before his bout with Alric. Won that one, then a field fix with a penny to keep things moving for the next bout.
People kept asking if I was nervous, but I said, "I've been to this tournament before, there's a lot of fighting left before I need to get nervous."
Next thing I know someone from TRM's retinue is requesting my presence for the finals. I make sure Luther is good, then go to the field, to be handed a thorns-on bundle of roses (this led to a bit of bleeding on my part) and stand next to my Queen with Xorazne at my side holding my hand.
First great sword bout of the day, then back to sword and shield. At the point that Alric fell, it actually hit me--and my jaw dropped. Xorazne took the flowers from me and sort of shoved me toward Luther--he had his back to me to give his helmet and gauntlets to Joe. Silhouetted between him and Alric was Jean Michelle, with his arms raised in triumph. :) Luther turned (he says I looked like I got hit in the head with a frying pan ;-)), and we hugged.
Then on to the crowning and serious words--and a serious task. And the Crown that I'd feared and loved, on *my* head. Almost too much to believe. But at it's center, nothing but joy. :)
