When the first fundraising auction for Matthew and Fia went out, I put forth an offering of crafting an original song, story or poem for the winner. The winner, as it happened, was my dear friend Countess Megha, a bardic inspiration and colleague, who told me that she wanted me to write something about the upcoming Crown by Rapier. "Well, cool..." I thought "I mean, I've got time, we haven't even DONE it yet, we're not even certain when it'll be scheduled." Fast-forward about a year, and the day of Crown dawned. I decided not to fight, but I was there working with the list heralds and watching SO MANY of my friends step into the lists.
ANNNNND, it turned out my friends were the Prince and Princess. (ok, that was gonna happen no matter what, cuz I knew freaking everyone there, but still) "Oh, uhh... crap" I thought "now I've gotta write this for HER HIGHNESS."
So, after several iterations of deciding what the poem or song would even be ABOUT, I settled on spreading the word of what HAPPENED that day. An amazing day with pretty wild weather, and a THOUSAND PEOPLE at a Crown tournament, with 84 people... EIGHTY FOUR, fighting.
I gave one test performance of this, and figured I would present it to Their Majesties while they sat in state. Buuuut we wound up needing about 5 minutes of vamp time during the coronation portion of court, and Her Majesty was gracious enough to share the first reading of Her Poem, with everyone.
And now she's given me leave, nay command, to make it available to share with everyone, and so HERE IT IS IN MP3.
Yours, in service, Arglwydd Gavin Kent - 12th day of October, AS 60
Twas of a May day, new-year bright...
On spring-green grass in morning light
The winter had been dire and cold
Spring brought change to ways of old
Came many nigh to test their might
Upon the lawn they did array
In raiment fair, with spirits gay
Each heart of honor, fair to see
Desired each, to strive, to be
The one that would prevail that day
Four score and four, there were in line
Their courtly ways and manners fine
Each came before the Tyger throne
With consort steadfast, not alone
Received the crown’s assenting sign
Lo the courtly raiment doffed
Their steel blades bright they held aloft
The first of pairings are revealed
Now sword to sword and blade to shield
Amid the first few raindrops soft
But nature not to be outdone
Darks the skies, and hides the sun
Huddle close, the stormclouds thick
To witness whom the day would pick
So neath the hall roof, every one
On rain slick stone the press resumed
On sweat streaked faces smiles bloomed
The pairs press on, and some hopes dashed
Tho NONE that day should feel abashed
Until the first of judgements loomed
OGR, knight, and cavalier
Baron, baroness and peer
From county royal, proud and stern
To youngest novice, keen to learn
Gathers each entrant to hear
Thins the field of honor more
From seven dozen, to twelve and four
The shields are hung upon the tree
The arms of nobles all to see
And so the fight begins once more.
Brendan, Robert, Ogedei
Ozurr, Magnus, Gregori
William, Bo and Donovan
Matthias, Trian, Albion
Orlando and Llewellyn, see… Grimolfr, Rodrigo the final tree
These sixteen fighters, staunch and true
Their battle pairs the heralds drew
Each list renewed, the battle fierce
And lightning blades defences pierce
So four are left when all is through.
Masters Shinock and Firebow
Their blades do cross, with wicked blows
In contest valiant their will
Resists the other, and when still
Donovan, the victor shows
While Robert Tytes does dance and stir
The passions of the Bootgiver
Two cycles round the pair dispute
Both fierce of eye, both resolute
Til Robert’s victory occurs
A hush of expectation falls
The press of people, living walls
Encircle now the final test
To see on whom the crown would rest
Two noble fencers give their all
In raiment gay consorts await
Both Masters of their art, in state
Righteous in their battle skill
Their own fierce contests over, still
Joyful pride will not abate
Chatracam Meghanta, proud
The fierceness of her smile loud
Her own sword sheathed, her heart aflame
For Donovan, of honored name
A countess, with her head unbowed
Hard by the keen blade Yin JinYu
Her warrior’s day already through
Her love contests now on his own
Yin’s blade put down, her honor shown
Now stands beside a warrior true
The test ensues, the fighters dance
Each marks the other, waits their chance
With greatsword mighty clash of steel
Each test the waiting masses feel
Till Donovan his cause advanced
Next comes the single slender blade
Each man of lightning speed is made
They flash and ring, the conquest sought
One blade strikes true, a vital spot
Shinnock, once more, will not be swayed
Two blades each the fighters bring
Their daggers make the rafters ring
With snakelike speed they feint and strike
While rapiers each seek alike
And Donovan’s does victory sing
The final round and pregnant hush
All feel the thrill, the urgent rush
As sword and stick, the maestro’s friend
Begin the final dance, to end
The contest, or renew the crush
Lay on is called… the blows commence
One arm is lost to Tytes, and whence
Resumes the bout, a blow he calls
And Robert Tytes, in honor falls
And Donovan the winner thence
A moment’s hush, and then the roar
A thousand throats and voices soar
The call goes out, our Prince! Vivat!
Decided here in steel combat
Not barred to Rapier, any more
The populace in glee is hushed
With victory and effort flushed
Stand Donovan and Megha alone
Before the mighty Tyger Throne
The Demon king will not be rushed
Praises richly, those who fought
For he knows well the prize they sought
The throne to sit, and in renown
Bends a head, and rests a crown
The heirs apparent, deep in thought
To rule the Eastern lands with care
The Tyger prince, and princess pair
Thus was won the crown that day
Mark my words, I can this say
Upon that field, for I was there.
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