[MR] Tournament of the Golden Rose 2013 - Thanks & Awe

[Dessert Duchess]

Good day to all Atlantians,
First of all, I would like to apologize that it has taken me such an unseemly amount of time to write and post this missive - one should not be tardy about saying thank you.

Once again, I have been lucky enough to participate in the magic the is the Tournament of the Golden Rose.  The pageantry, camaraderie, chivalry and joie de vivre which are so evident throughout this special day is such an uplifting thing to be a part of.

I would like to extend my thanks to the many who made the magic on this day.  The autocrat, Baroness Graciela and her staff, so many important jobs done efficiently and well, field setup, troll, cleanup, etc..  The MIC, Duke Logan and the generous gentles who stepped forward to help him with the marshalling.  The MoLIC, Lady Sajah and her helpers, both at the table and the card runners.  The several gentles who graciously stepped forward the day of the event to handle the heralding needs for the field.  Lord Allan of Wolfhou and his helpers for doing such an amazing job with the Archery shoot.  Wonderful themes and targets alike (I just HAVE to mention the handwoven target - awesome !).  The two part team who made the dayboard happen, both those who prepared the food and those who came forward at the last moment to get it served and presented to the populace.  If I have forgotten anyone else, please be sure that you are greatly appreciated.

I must also extend my profound thanks to my team.  Sir Tnek, Master Giacomo, Mistress Cunen, Syr Ragnar, Lord Alric, Duke Vladimir and Lord Matheu.  Two of these fine gentles were added to my team at the last moment and had they not been willing to take up arms on short notice, this wonderful team could not have happened.  I also would like to thank Lady Kel, for without her generous help the day of, a lot of balls would have been dropped.  We all a great time and I love watching them all on the fields - archery, rapier and heavy.

I was reminded once again that although we, the Roses, intend this Tournament to be our gift to the combatants and the kingdom, I always end up feeling like I am the one who has received the gift.  Without all of these folks being willing to come out and work and play and fight and shoot, there would be no tournament at all.  They are the ones who make the magic, who create this inspirational atmosphere for all to enjoy and to take away with them.

This day always gives me a very special feeling.  It is something I have felt a great deal while Queen.  It is an almost euphoric pride that washes over me whenever I am seeing Atlantia at her best.  There is truly nothing like a bunch of Atlantians when they are inspired.  The energy, creativity and enthusiasm is palpable and there is nothing that they cannot do.  Atlantians have had a huge impact outside the kingdom as well as here at home and it takes very unique people to achieve that.

So, thank you all again and I look forward to seeing all the wonderful things to come out of this kingdom in the next year.
Seonaid


 
Barbra E. Bolt
Duchess Seonaid ni Fhionn
3617 NC Hwy 57
Hillsborough, NC 27278
cell (919) 593-2909