[MR] Ruby Joust II, a thank you

[Arnora in Rauda]

Now that the tents are down and fields are clear, I wish to express my
deepest gratitude to the good gentles who made this event possible. The Gem
Jousts have always been my favorite event and when I won the bid to be the
Autocrat, my deepest wish was that I would not fail my barony and kingdom.
No autocrat can possibly run this, or any, event by themselves so if you
would bear with me, the forthcoming list will be quite involved.

First, always first, my dear husband, Lord Hjörr Guðmundson, without whom I
would have never managed to do half of what we accomplished this weekend.
He kept the Ruby website up and running, while dealing with the crazy
registration process (currently being revamped), made sure that not only
our trailer was loaded, but supervised the baronial truck loading and
unloading, twice.  I don’t think I saw him sit more than a few moments all
weekend until we both collapsed each night and the whole time, managed to
be the rock that I crashed against over and over, keeping me from melting
down.

My sister, Lady Kaðlín Fjǫrliefardóttir, my registrar, and head troll, who
missed seeing our dear Lady Bronwyn get her much deserved Opal because she
was sitting at Troll, ushering in all our wonderful guests. Along with
that, she, Lady Brianna O'Dinneen, and Baroness Inga made sure our camp was
fed and cared for. You don’t realize how important that is until you walk
into camp to a wonderful table laden with savory bits, not realizing you
were hungry because you have been running around all day keeping things
afloat.

All of my marshals. Sir Bryce de Byram as my MIC and emergency List Field
organizer, saved my bacon so many times this weekend I lost count. Lady Osa
the Archer for once again coming up with unique ways to entertain the
archers. Lord Brian Sean O’Brian for setting up and manning the thrown
weapons field. Lord Pepin de Bourgogne for again being our outstanding
Youth Fighter MIC. Lady Alienor de Bathe for running the equestrian side of
the Joust so smoothly that I never heard a peep.

Lady Astrid, my dear Chirurgeon in Charge. How can I ever thank you for
making sure all of my fighters, archers, equestrians and anyone who needed
it was hydrated and well taken care of?

Master William Cameron (I love saying that), for keeping the rapier
fighters happy, not to mention a VERY large host of other things he did
this weekend. He is now, and will forever be, the hero of the Gem Joust for
me.

Lady Caelain Grantaich, my cohort, my partner, my friend. She is the
fountain from which all my knowledge came from regarding our wonderful
Equestrian guests. Without the help of her, Lady Alienor and Lord Alain de
La Rochelle, we would not have pulled off having horses at the Joust for
the first time ever! Even when Lady Caelain’s truck broke down, fully
loaded, on the way to the site, she remained undaunted. She and her husband
Seamus, continued on, despite their troubles, as always.

Friday night, exhausted, hungry and at a loss as to how to get the A&S tent
up (a 20x30 I might add), I stumbled into Their Majesties camp to beg
assistance as Her Majesty had directed me to do earlier in the day as she
was helping me put things back in the truck (!!!). Next thing I knew, His
Majesty, King Amos himself marched across the list field with a crew in
tow. I honestly cannot remember all the names, but will be forever grateful
for the help, and the apple fritter! My exceptionally wonderful MOAS's,
Dame Magda and THL Brianna were most pleased.

Baroness Inga for running the newcomers tours and gold key and making them
all feel like a part of the SCA family. Thank you for all you do, had it
not been for your fostering, I would not be where I am today.

Lady Bronwyn and Lady Naomi for saving my bacon at the last minute, again.
The Hotel de Byram for helping make sure the truck was packed at the end of
the event, after they had spent all morning packing their own camp. Thomas
De Montroig for keeping the children occupied by running them around on the
golf cart to help you pick up the last of the trash and markers on site on
Monday.

Lord Nathanial, Lady Rosaleen, Mike, and Ursus for helping me take down the
troll tent.  The Great Dark Horde for allowing me to be me, and not the
autocrat, for a few short moments in their camp.  My son, Christopher, now
known as Tolir Hjorsson, for not stopping until he dropped, every night,
giving up his love of archery to make sure that everything he could do, was
done.  Clan Roanwoulfe and Her Grace Brianna for teaching the children of
Atlantia that you are never too old to take up arms in the form of water
pistols! Lady Rosaleen for making sure they were entertained the rest of
the time. Lady Kat Fernely for doing what she does best, making sure that
our merchants were perfectly placed and thrilled with her service. Ziyad
Al'atar for making Ruby prizes that winners seemed very pleased to receive.
Her Highness for making the amazing site tokens and making sure they were
hand delivered by Her Majesty and herself on site, in time for troll to
open, in spite of her very demanding life.

Last, but by no means least, Their Excellencies Caer Mear, Their Majesties,
and the best barony in Atlantia for the continuing support during my very
first time as autocrat. I could not have done any of this without you!

Thank you to all of our guests for your patience, your guidance, your kind
words, and to being the best friends a person could have.  If I missed
“calling” your name, please do not think that I am not grateful, just
forgetful.

Vivat Atlantia! Vivat Caer Mear!

Yours in service,

Lady Arnora in Rauda




"When you find yourself in the company of a halfling and an ill-tempered
Dragon, remember, you do not have to outrun the Dragon...you just have to
outrun the halfling."

@--`---;-----