Arontius of Bygelswade

.....The Baronial picnic was a lot of fun this year. And so much different than last year. Many people commented on that fact. The obvious difference was that last year we were in the midst of the Baornial polling. The entire place was segregated into different camps of people and there was an almost audible tension in the air. People watched what people hung out with who. Others listened intently to conversations. It was an, hmmm, interesting experience. :-)

.....This year was 180 degrees different. Everyone had fun. Everyone mingled. There were no obvious 'encampments' that I could see. I went from group to group to group however my feet happened to wander at the moment and I never once felt like I was not welcome in any one place.

.....I showed up kind of late. I did not sleep well on Friday night. Friday itself was a full day at work and then set up at Renarts. Not like it was tedious or anything. I had a lot of fun. Any kind of work goes so much faster and better in the right company. :-) But I was still kind of keyed up when I got home and basically managed just to take a catnap early in the morning before I got moving again for the day.

.....Stopped by Lobelia and picked up a few things. I was going to lead a dance practice at the picnic, but it never came up. I was also going to get into armor for a fight practice as well. But I managed to not do that either. That was disappointing. But only because time slipped by so fast with the good times that by the time I thought of doing those things it was almost too late. :-)

.....Got to watch Marquessa Laurellen felt. She is amazing! She makes anything look so incredibly easy. I watched her manufacture a felted bag for me out of a rust colored wool. Took her about 15 to 20 minutes. I was intently watching the process, but everyone around was talking about whatever came to mind and engaging Laurellen in the conversation. It was like she was stunt juggling. Do a pouch with one part of her mind and engage another part of her mind on something else. Wish I could do that just as easily. :-)

.....Towards the end of the day Their Excellencies had a little mini-Court where they handed out a few awards. They surprized me by calling me up twice. They asked me to pin the second Thrones' Favor earned by Dragon's Laire onto the Baronial Banner. I thought that was a nice touch on Their part and I was deeply honoured that They thought of that. I was even more touched later when They called me forward to thank me and give me Their personal tokens for the help I've given them over the past year. They did not have to do this as I would have helped them in any case, whether I received recognition or not. I consider Brighid and Cedric to be two of my best friends. They've been there when I needed help. They've laughed at me and with me. They've been unwaveringly supportive when I've been in difficult situations. They are the kind of people that would be there no matter what the problem and give you the proverbial shirt off Their backs without hesitation. I'd follow them anywhere and do practically anything they asked of me. I love Them both very much.

.....After the Court was a fantastic feast. AS usual there was so much food that we didn't know what to do with it all. Xian spent a large part of the rest of the evening trying to give it all away. :-) AFter the feasting, I was reluctant to go home I'd had so much fun being there that day. :-) But when the mesquitos came out in full force I started changing my mind. :-) Finally made it home around 11PM or so. Slept like the dead until about 8 this morning.

.....Today we went out there to tear down the site. Once again, with so much good help the place came down in no time whatsoever. The run to the storage unit was easy. I'm now trying to get my weekly chores done and psych myself up for another week of work. Definitely already looking forward to next weekend. :-)

.....Arontius / Aaron.