threadwalker (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
threadwalker) wrote2009-05-26 08:07 am
threadwalker) wrote2009-05-26 08:07 am
Entry tags:
Erinwood V
Last weekend was Erinwood V. It rocked. Like usual.
For me, Erinwood started Thursday night at home. Thursday started at 3:30 am since it was a "bike to work day". Thus when Alderon called around 9 pm, I was doing my fabulous impersonation of "old fart falling asleep in front of TV". F handed me the phone and the voice on the other side said, "Would you like to fight at Erinwood this year?"
My brain screamed, "yay" and gave a mega cheer.
My outside voice said something different and it sounded a lot like my mom to my ears, "Yes, but are you sure? I am such a weenie fighter, I feel like I just take up space and I offer no challenge. I feel kind of guilty about that."
Alderon's reply was, "We'd be honored to have you on the field."
I'm sure there were more words, but the excited mental voice was cheering and trying to remember where my fighting cup was. Yay!
Unfortunately, F had been getting sick. I'd been keeping my fingers crossed that the coughing and sore throat were allergies, but they were not. We opted to wait until Saturday morning to go up on the off-chance he'd feel better, but at 5am he was actually worse.
I pondered my options:
1. Stay home
2. Go alone
3. Go with kids
I am not a mean wife, but I am a veteran of "stayed home all weekend with sick spouse." Based on past experience, he generally likes to be left alone and for me there's no point in staying home all weekend and hanging out while he's lolling about in bed taking cough syrup and sleeping. But how sick was he... hmm.... I listened to him wheeze and cough... hmm... could he be left or did he need nursing because if nursing was needed my choice was clear .... how do I find out without looking like I'm eager to leave? ... hmmm....
When he suggested that I should go alone and he'd keep the kids, I knew I was going. I rousted the kids enough to ask them what they wanted to do: weekend of TV and poptarts while daddy is sick in bed or go to Erinwood w/ Mommy to race around in the woods all day.
An hour later the Volvo was packed with kids, camping gear, armor, foam swords, etc.
Less than 3 hours later we were in the hills and setting up our camp under the trees. I smeared sunscreen on the kids and issuing warnings about poison oak, and then they were off with an arm load of swords to pass out to the other kids. I think they only stopped moving to sleep.
Fighting
The fighting was freaking fantastic. There are two ends of the field: Norman and Saxon. I think we were the Normans, but I don't exactly remember. On Saturday we pick our Captain through combat. I fought each of my 9 teammates 3 times. I had 27 fights! It was awesome because unlike Crown, where people are eliminated, the round robin gives you a chance to get into the groove and play with everyone. The person with the most points becomes team captain for Sunday's combats.
On Sunday we had melees, challenges and Bucket of Blood. The melees were fun. The field was periodically reconfigured because of the wooden barriers. The barriers periodically got kicked over and raced across, Brand hopped over one, etc. I wished I had an ax with a thrusting tip, but I made due with my tourney heater and a sword. I did have a few "ah - ha" moments. The captain sent me off to backup Ob on the other side of the ring, so I had to run down the end of the field, across our back, and then up the other side to give him support. Before I got there the Saxons rushed him. It worked out so that they were rolling over him and surrounded him right when I came up to them, presenting me with their backs. I know I killed at least 2 from behind. Later the Saxons came to me... How'd you show up there? We thought he was alone? ... He was, but when Matt said, "go support Ob", I ran. I might not have mighty biceps, but I can run in armor and I covered 20 ft in the time it took them to start their charge and surround Ob. I also credit Ob being a might wall of muscle that can hold off 3-4 average sized fighters. There were other moments that invoked laughing and mocking.
The challenges were fun. I met Claus (Klaus?) with sword and dagger. The only down-side was that the fight was too short. Once I died I was really bummed that I was "done" and had to go chill out in the shade; I was missing the 3-fights per person we did on Saturday. I had so much fun with Sword and Dagger, that was my challenge from our field and I met Lucas.
I bailed on Bucket of Blood. My right knee started to swell up and the knee pad was too much pressure on it. I figure it was from all the time I spent on my knees, and I opted to be prudent. It felt weird to sit that out. Oh well. It is what it is.
Fighters
I can't say enough wonderful things about my team. To put it into perspective, the first time I put armor on was a long time ago and it wasn't a great experience. I work with men everyday in a semi-confrontational environment and I'm good at my job. Despite that I get condescended to, I get passed over in favor of less skilled men, I get challenged by egos who don't want to "take it" from a woman, and my opinions get dismissed until they are repeated by men. Some people assume women are kinder in my field, but not always. Some of them are worse than men because they developed such a huge chip on their shoulder in order to survive. It is what it is, but I know the difference between when someone is dealing with me as a professional and when someone is reacting to my gender. My experience all weekend was that I was treated as a fighter, not a woman who was playing around in armor. I feel like I've been light on fire from the inside out. No one "gave" me anything except courtesy and respect... and advice plus some bruises. hahaha! My team rocked and I was honored to be amongst them. I can't thank them enough for the wonderful experience: Brynne, Matthias, Helgi, Niall, William, Savaric, Obadiah, Brion, and Janos. Three fights with each on Saturday left me flying high.
On Sunday there was a flurry of drama at one point during a melee. What can you say about melees except "Shit Happens". I retreated to the shade and popped my helm because every other fighter on the field got involved; they didn't need my 2 cents and I trusted them to work it out. Instead I found myself watching fighters of all skill level get involved in working it out through conversation and free-sharing of their opinions and insights. I think it was a healthy confrontation and everyone who wanted to have a part in it stood up and got involved. I think this happened this way because it was a small community of like-minded individuals who felt equally responsible for the honor on the field and equally entitled to stand up and defend that honor in their own words; to help find the path forward that would maintain the integrity of all.
What an awesome thing to behold.
That does not happen in SCA tournaments. It can be argued that anyone can if they want to, step in, but the reality is that it doesn't. People can make grand statements about stepping up and being a role model, but they have to admit there's a weak point the system before you can admit the need or use of a role model. The SCA is large, there are people who are field-bullies, and I don't think the responsibility of the "honor of the field" is felt by all. It just doesn't happen the same way in the Big City as it does at Erinwood. And that is one of the things that sets Erinwood apart; everyone there feels the responsiblity of the honor of the field and the event upon them. As it should be.
Greate Thinges
Saturday's dinner was fantastic and the company was wonderful. They built a bar, from which Goode Thinges were served. I was still riding the high from the day of fighting and went up to thank Alderon for inviting me to fight. I told him about how I felt like I was on fire because of how awesome the fighting was and how inspiring my team was. It was so different from the "weenie" words and my feelings of inadequacy Thursday night. I had no guilt for taking up space on the field. I lamented that I only had 2 chivalry tokens to give out because if I could, I'd give out a token to each one of them for the gift of their courtesy and respect; for treating me like a fighter and not a child or a girl-in-armor; because I have never ever ever enjoyed fighting like I did on Saturday. (ever!!!) I batted my eyes at Alderon, but he laughed and said I'd have to make due with the 2 tokens I have. But he did ask me to share this with the host at dinner, so I did. I tried to keep it from turning into an "I love you man" kind of thing because it's a very real and serious experience for me. Not all the men understood what I was talking about and some asked me later on to elaborate on it, but quite a few of the women came up to me afterwards and said they totally understood what I was talking about.
I gave my token after my speech, afterwhich Alderon gave a brief comment that HE could give out tokens to the rest of my team because ... well, I think it's because that's what Erinwood is about and he was probably pleased and felt like his dream was coming true when we gather and make it a Great Thing and not just a day of fighting. It's not about winning and it's not about destroying your opponent or feeding your ego. Fighting is a savage activity and I think we all ride that wave, but it can be done with respect and it can be done with cheer in your heart and it can be done with people you esteem without trash-talk or anger or greed or poor sportsmanship. I think it's upholds the spirit of SCA fighting that we keep looking for and fail to find.
Fighting at Erinwood is like Feasting with the Gods and, sadly, so far it's the only place where I've experienced such a Great Thing. I fear that everything else will probably feel like boiled meat and potatoes. SCA tournaments are tied into a reward system that is subject to ego and greed instead of personal integrity or the simple pleasure of fighting. SCA tournaments provide the trappings, glamour and prestige of presiding for 4 months at a time. It's only gold plate though compared to the real depth of respect that comes from a small community of like-minded individuals who will halt an entire tournament in its tracks to work out an issue on the spot to the satisfaction of all - not just to appease the scariest bully on the field. The real respect that people hold for each other on the field of Erinwood lasts longer, IMO, than the length of a West Kingdom Reign. Maybe it's because Erinwood is for a single weekend and it doesn't result in a champion who is carried around on the shoulders of everyone else for the next several months. Maybe it's because everyone has the opportunity to participate in being chivalric and in acknowledging chivalry. For one weekend there are 2 captains leading two teams to victory and honor, but mostly for honor. The two teams fight with their hearts, not their politics. And then, like any party, once the weekend is over, the renown is only what we carry within us and because of that, it's treasured and more valuable than any Crown in our larger Society.
Moments to make you Cry and Laugh
At dinner on Sunday most people stand up and hand out their chivalry tokens, explaining why something struck them. Several of them were very moving. People were acknowledging the support and courtesy of others who make the event happen, either make it happen for everyone or for them personally. My advice is don't go to dinner without tissue.
Apparently Helgi gave a great speach about courage and going out to fight even when you know it's going to hurt, etc. When he turned to give me a token I wasn't there, I was tucking Miss E into bed. (She'd passed out on my lap.. my cute little snuggle bug). I missed it and no one said anything when I got back. He got up a second time to give the speach and at the start, everyone was laughing. I couldn't figure out what was so funny and with Super N now passed out on my lap I was thinking of getting up to tuck him into bed. But I waited... and then at the conclusion of the speach he gave me the token and I couldn't help crying. It still makes me cry to remember. Damn that Helgi for being so well-spoken. And he promised to never "give me" anything in a fight. Which also made me cry. Double Damn him. May he always have good health and the use of his wits!!
Alderon's Mother and Grandmother were at the event. His Grandmother is this teeny tiny little lady... so cute you want to hug her. Matthais gave one of
his awards, I think it was a QOG that he's been wearing for years and years... It was amazing.
We were setting the tables up Sunday night and I started singing, "You're just too good to be true...." and the rest of the ladies in the feast hall broke out into song with me. LOL.
And there were kids and dogs
It's a safe site. We have complete control over the people on the property and the kids are safe as long as they stay out of the bushes where the poison oak lives. They ran around in a little mob everyday with swords and projectile weapons that shot marshmallows. Each morning I was greeted by Zachary who wanted to know if Nicholas was up yet.
Several times Super N rallied all the kids outside our tent and, like a cruise director, lead them in various "run around and wack each other games." What impressed me was that he wanted everyone's buy-in on the game and frequently he was "it" first because (in his words) he wanted the younger kids to have a chance to see how it was done.
Owen posted a sign on the tavern door, "Adventurer's Wanted" and Super N stood there, reading and pondering it for a while. I forgot to ask what his thoughts were.. no one told HIM it was a joke.
Miss E was fairly well-behaved and independent the whole time. There was one awesome tantrum where her feet came off the ground at the same time... I was impressed by how much air she got. Then I sent her to the tent to cool off. She got to apologize to everyone afterwards.
For my part, this was my first time camping with the kids, without my partner and with me also fighting. If the kids are with us at an event either neither of us are fighting or F is fighting and I'm looking after him and the kids. Both of us fought at Erinwood I, but we left kids at home. So going to an event to fight w/o F and with the kids has been a hurdle I've been working on. I think the kids are finally old enough to be allowed in camp with "the village" without a lot of Warden-Like supervision. (fingers crossed). I want to fight for roses at June Crown so this was a test run with our closest friends and family in a controlled environment. I tried to plan it so that there'd be little drama. It worked out that the kids had free range of the non-tourney field area and other kids to play with. I pre-made lunches and staged their food in an ice-chest, showing them so that when the time to eat lunch came I could give verbal direction. I pre-packed a small cooler so that I could take care of myself on the tourney field since I didn't have a consort. We had toys, activities and walked the site ahead of time (locating potties and sinks). It seemed to work out really well. Yay! So we are going to June Crown even if F has to work that weekend (which is my most frequent Sabatuer).
Now that I'm home I have a "Honey Do" list of stuff for my fighting kit, camping kit and wardrobe. I'm so inspired in all quarters!!!
For me, Erinwood started Thursday night at home. Thursday started at 3:30 am since it was a "bike to work day". Thus when Alderon called around 9 pm, I was doing my fabulous impersonation of "old fart falling asleep in front of TV". F handed me the phone and the voice on the other side said, "Would you like to fight at Erinwood this year?"
My brain screamed, "yay" and gave a mega cheer.
My outside voice said something different and it sounded a lot like my mom to my ears, "Yes, but are you sure? I am such a weenie fighter, I feel like I just take up space and I offer no challenge. I feel kind of guilty about that."
Alderon's reply was, "We'd be honored to have you on the field."
I'm sure there were more words, but the excited mental voice was cheering and trying to remember where my fighting cup was. Yay!
Unfortunately, F had been getting sick. I'd been keeping my fingers crossed that the coughing and sore throat were allergies, but they were not. We opted to wait until Saturday morning to go up on the off-chance he'd feel better, but at 5am he was actually worse.
I pondered my options:
1. Stay home
2. Go alone
3. Go with kids
I am not a mean wife, but I am a veteran of "stayed home all weekend with sick spouse." Based on past experience, he generally likes to be left alone and for me there's no point in staying home all weekend and hanging out while he's lolling about in bed taking cough syrup and sleeping. But how sick was he... hmm.... I listened to him wheeze and cough... hmm... could he be left or did he need nursing because if nursing was needed my choice was clear .... how do I find out without looking like I'm eager to leave? ... hmmm....
When he suggested that I should go alone and he'd keep the kids, I knew I was going. I rousted the kids enough to ask them what they wanted to do: weekend of TV and poptarts while daddy is sick in bed or go to Erinwood w/ Mommy to race around in the woods all day.
An hour later the Volvo was packed with kids, camping gear, armor, foam swords, etc.
Less than 3 hours later we were in the hills and setting up our camp under the trees. I smeared sunscreen on the kids and issuing warnings about poison oak, and then they were off with an arm load of swords to pass out to the other kids. I think they only stopped moving to sleep.
Fighting
The fighting was freaking fantastic. There are two ends of the field: Norman and Saxon. I think we were the Normans, but I don't exactly remember. On Saturday we pick our Captain through combat. I fought each of my 9 teammates 3 times. I had 27 fights! It was awesome because unlike Crown, where people are eliminated, the round robin gives you a chance to get into the groove and play with everyone. The person with the most points becomes team captain for Sunday's combats.
On Sunday we had melees, challenges and Bucket of Blood. The melees were fun. The field was periodically reconfigured because of the wooden barriers. The barriers periodically got kicked over and raced across, Brand hopped over one, etc. I wished I had an ax with a thrusting tip, but I made due with my tourney heater and a sword. I did have a few "ah - ha" moments. The captain sent me off to backup Ob on the other side of the ring, so I had to run down the end of the field, across our back, and then up the other side to give him support. Before I got there the Saxons rushed him. It worked out so that they were rolling over him and surrounded him right when I came up to them, presenting me with their backs. I know I killed at least 2 from behind. Later the Saxons came to me... How'd you show up there? We thought he was alone? ... He was, but when Matt said, "go support Ob", I ran. I might not have mighty biceps, but I can run in armor and I covered 20 ft in the time it took them to start their charge and surround Ob. I also credit Ob being a might wall of muscle that can hold off 3-4 average sized fighters. There were other moments that invoked laughing and mocking.
The challenges were fun. I met Claus (Klaus?) with sword and dagger. The only down-side was that the fight was too short. Once I died I was really bummed that I was "done" and had to go chill out in the shade; I was missing the 3-fights per person we did on Saturday. I had so much fun with Sword and Dagger, that was my challenge from our field and I met Lucas.
I bailed on Bucket of Blood. My right knee started to swell up and the knee pad was too much pressure on it. I figure it was from all the time I spent on my knees, and I opted to be prudent. It felt weird to sit that out. Oh well. It is what it is.
Fighters
I can't say enough wonderful things about my team. To put it into perspective, the first time I put armor on was a long time ago and it wasn't a great experience. I work with men everyday in a semi-confrontational environment and I'm good at my job. Despite that I get condescended to, I get passed over in favor of less skilled men, I get challenged by egos who don't want to "take it" from a woman, and my opinions get dismissed until they are repeated by men. Some people assume women are kinder in my field, but not always. Some of them are worse than men because they developed such a huge chip on their shoulder in order to survive. It is what it is, but I know the difference between when someone is dealing with me as a professional and when someone is reacting to my gender. My experience all weekend was that I was treated as a fighter, not a woman who was playing around in armor. I feel like I've been light on fire from the inside out. No one "gave" me anything except courtesy and respect... and advice plus some bruises. hahaha! My team rocked and I was honored to be amongst them. I can't thank them enough for the wonderful experience: Brynne, Matthias, Helgi, Niall, William, Savaric, Obadiah, Brion, and Janos. Three fights with each on Saturday left me flying high.
On Sunday there was a flurry of drama at one point during a melee. What can you say about melees except "Shit Happens". I retreated to the shade and popped my helm because every other fighter on the field got involved; they didn't need my 2 cents and I trusted them to work it out. Instead I found myself watching fighters of all skill level get involved in working it out through conversation and free-sharing of their opinions and insights. I think it was a healthy confrontation and everyone who wanted to have a part in it stood up and got involved. I think this happened this way because it was a small community of like-minded individuals who felt equally responsible for the honor on the field and equally entitled to stand up and defend that honor in their own words; to help find the path forward that would maintain the integrity of all.
What an awesome thing to behold.
That does not happen in SCA tournaments. It can be argued that anyone can if they want to, step in, but the reality is that it doesn't. People can make grand statements about stepping up and being a role model, but they have to admit there's a weak point the system before you can admit the need or use of a role model. The SCA is large, there are people who are field-bullies, and I don't think the responsibility of the "honor of the field" is felt by all. It just doesn't happen the same way in the Big City as it does at Erinwood. And that is one of the things that sets Erinwood apart; everyone there feels the responsiblity of the honor of the field and the event upon them. As it should be.
Greate Thinges
Saturday's dinner was fantastic and the company was wonderful. They built a bar, from which Goode Thinges were served. I was still riding the high from the day of fighting and went up to thank Alderon for inviting me to fight. I told him about how I felt like I was on fire because of how awesome the fighting was and how inspiring my team was. It was so different from the "weenie" words and my feelings of inadequacy Thursday night. I had no guilt for taking up space on the field. I lamented that I only had 2 chivalry tokens to give out because if I could, I'd give out a token to each one of them for the gift of their courtesy and respect; for treating me like a fighter and not a child or a girl-in-armor; because I have never ever ever enjoyed fighting like I did on Saturday. (ever!!!) I batted my eyes at Alderon, but he laughed and said I'd have to make due with the 2 tokens I have. But he did ask me to share this with the host at dinner, so I did. I tried to keep it from turning into an "I love you man" kind of thing because it's a very real and serious experience for me. Not all the men understood what I was talking about and some asked me later on to elaborate on it, but quite a few of the women came up to me afterwards and said they totally understood what I was talking about.
I gave my token after my speech, afterwhich Alderon gave a brief comment that HE could give out tokens to the rest of my team because ... well, I think it's because that's what Erinwood is about and he was probably pleased and felt like his dream was coming true when we gather and make it a Great Thing and not just a day of fighting. It's not about winning and it's not about destroying your opponent or feeding your ego. Fighting is a savage activity and I think we all ride that wave, but it can be done with respect and it can be done with cheer in your heart and it can be done with people you esteem without trash-talk or anger or greed or poor sportsmanship. I think it's upholds the spirit of SCA fighting that we keep looking for and fail to find.
Fighting at Erinwood is like Feasting with the Gods and, sadly, so far it's the only place where I've experienced such a Great Thing. I fear that everything else will probably feel like boiled meat and potatoes. SCA tournaments are tied into a reward system that is subject to ego and greed instead of personal integrity or the simple pleasure of fighting. SCA tournaments provide the trappings, glamour and prestige of presiding for 4 months at a time. It's only gold plate though compared to the real depth of respect that comes from a small community of like-minded individuals who will halt an entire tournament in its tracks to work out an issue on the spot to the satisfaction of all - not just to appease the scariest bully on the field. The real respect that people hold for each other on the field of Erinwood lasts longer, IMO, than the length of a West Kingdom Reign. Maybe it's because Erinwood is for a single weekend and it doesn't result in a champion who is carried around on the shoulders of everyone else for the next several months. Maybe it's because everyone has the opportunity to participate in being chivalric and in acknowledging chivalry. For one weekend there are 2 captains leading two teams to victory and honor, but mostly for honor. The two teams fight with their hearts, not their politics. And then, like any party, once the weekend is over, the renown is only what we carry within us and because of that, it's treasured and more valuable than any Crown in our larger Society.
Moments to make you Cry and Laugh
At dinner on Sunday most people stand up and hand out their chivalry tokens, explaining why something struck them. Several of them were very moving. People were acknowledging the support and courtesy of others who make the event happen, either make it happen for everyone or for them personally. My advice is don't go to dinner without tissue.
Apparently Helgi gave a great speach about courage and going out to fight even when you know it's going to hurt, etc. When he turned to give me a token I wasn't there, I was tucking Miss E into bed. (She'd passed out on my lap.. my cute little snuggle bug). I missed it and no one said anything when I got back. He got up a second time to give the speach and at the start, everyone was laughing. I couldn't figure out what was so funny and with Super N now passed out on my lap I was thinking of getting up to tuck him into bed. But I waited... and then at the conclusion of the speach he gave me the token and I couldn't help crying. It still makes me cry to remember. Damn that Helgi for being so well-spoken. And he promised to never "give me" anything in a fight. Which also made me cry. Double Damn him. May he always have good health and the use of his wits!!
Alderon's Mother and Grandmother were at the event. His Grandmother is this teeny tiny little lady... so cute you want to hug her. Matthais gave one of
his awards, I think it was a QOG that he's been wearing for years and years... It was amazing.
We were setting the tables up Sunday night and I started singing, "You're just too good to be true...." and the rest of the ladies in the feast hall broke out into song with me. LOL.
And there were kids and dogs
It's a safe site. We have complete control over the people on the property and the kids are safe as long as they stay out of the bushes where the poison oak lives. They ran around in a little mob everyday with swords and projectile weapons that shot marshmallows. Each morning I was greeted by Zachary who wanted to know if Nicholas was up yet.
Several times Super N rallied all the kids outside our tent and, like a cruise director, lead them in various "run around and wack each other games." What impressed me was that he wanted everyone's buy-in on the game and frequently he was "it" first because (in his words) he wanted the younger kids to have a chance to see how it was done.
Owen posted a sign on the tavern door, "Adventurer's Wanted" and Super N stood there, reading and pondering it for a while. I forgot to ask what his thoughts were.. no one told HIM it was a joke.
Miss E was fairly well-behaved and independent the whole time. There was one awesome tantrum where her feet came off the ground at the same time... I was impressed by how much air she got. Then I sent her to the tent to cool off. She got to apologize to everyone afterwards.
For my part, this was my first time camping with the kids, without my partner and with me also fighting. If the kids are with us at an event either neither of us are fighting or F is fighting and I'm looking after him and the kids. Both of us fought at Erinwood I, but we left kids at home. So going to an event to fight w/o F and with the kids has been a hurdle I've been working on. I think the kids are finally old enough to be allowed in camp with "the village" without a lot of Warden-Like supervision. (fingers crossed). I want to fight for roses at June Crown so this was a test run with our closest friends and family in a controlled environment. I tried to plan it so that there'd be little drama. It worked out that the kids had free range of the non-tourney field area and other kids to play with. I pre-made lunches and staged their food in an ice-chest, showing them so that when the time to eat lunch came I could give verbal direction. I pre-packed a small cooler so that I could take care of myself on the tourney field since I didn't have a consort. We had toys, activities and walked the site ahead of time (locating potties and sinks). It seemed to work out really well. Yay! So we are going to June Crown even if F has to work that weekend (which is my most frequent Sabatuer).
Now that I'm home I have a "Honey Do" list of stuff for my fighting kit, camping kit and wardrobe. I'm so inspired in all quarters!!!
no subject