The Harts Parliament
of 1096 AF.
By Sir Huw de Grognard, Sheriff of Huntingdon.
Friday 19th April 1096 AF.
In the company of Lady Akijah Na'Shaar, we arrived very late at Winchester after our exhausting ride from the heart of the Greenwood. The mood of the town was very light and the sweet nectar was flowing freely.
Before we arrived, Lady Lysandra and Lady Kathen Fairchild aided by Baroness Zircon undertook a 'research magic' ritual. The exact purpose of the ritual is unknown, but it is rumoured to be connected with amphibians in some way.
In the early hours of the morning, a drunken fight started between Baron Malik and Connall. After much difficulty this was broken up. It was decided that if they wanted to fight then it should be an area cleared for them. Part way through the bout, Malik said, "How goes the book." I said to Captain Gerrick of the Watchers, "Do not worry it will be a draw. No doubt about that." It soon became apparent that Malik was also holding the book on this event. The event was settled by those interesting occurrences of the simultaneous landed blow. Certainly Malik was the winner in more ways than one.
After Connall had been attended to, he advanced on me with a drunken swaggering walk and stated, "At the Convocation of the Guilds, you called me a coward." I replied, "That does not sound like me. I would call you many things but I would not use that word..... You are drunk Sir." With rising temper, he insisted, "I am not that drunk.....I challenge YOU to a DUEL." I replied courteously, "Then Sir cannot I choose my weapons." After I had chosen weapons twice. He seemed to lose interest and drunkenly waved his hand.
Most of the evening was spent discussing the current situation with those present. Hawkeye with his Hawkeshead Archers, Ovak Genocide of the Karlennon Wolverines, Baron Guillame de Bruge of the Dark Sun, a number of Hunters and the Dragoons gave some interesting insights in the thoughts and mood of the Harts. I was informed by Baron Tiamat that the Wolverines were now the military arm of the House Karlennon.
At great length Lord Lankin of the Lios Alfar and I verbally fenced with rising respect for each other. This learned person talks with the manner of one who has seen too much pain and suffering in his long life. His attitude towards to younger races is almost dismissive. He stated, "The Lios Alfar are here for balance between the Good and Evil.... Where Evil is in the ascendancy then we fight for good and hence you will have our support.... At no time in the past has Good outweighed Evil." I replied, "That is good enough for me, a human that cannot think much past a year whereas the Lios Alfar talk in centuries. A human failing. I am now sure as a human can be that we have nothing to fear from you." He acknowledged this with satisfaction.
The others from the Lios Alfar are so different and lighter in nature. Ninniane and Cernan were the real essence of a party. They even were able to involve Master Violet in dancing. A strange sight that no-one could remember ever seeing. This frivolity finished almost at first light.
Saturday 20th April 1096 AF
Many could not sleep and there were still groups talking when breakfast, that all important event occurred. It is good to see that the vitals were up to their usual high standards. The Council of the Harts started just before Midday and lasted for over two hours.
Lysandra transported adventurers to a place that a Seer had seen in the vision; having attuned a bell to the Winchester ritual circle so that they could later return. The party returned with a disorientated Sir Manwyddon who had disappeared just before the split between the Lions and the Harts caused by Corvus.. He is a true knight and a good friend of mine. His nobility will I hope inspire us all. We talked at length about the changes in Albion since he was last seen fighting the Death Knight. He thanked me for my premature epitaph and it pleased me to see him laugh.
A little later in the afternoon, Lady Karlennon was attacked by Oblivion, the Chaos Knight, in his shinny black spiky armour with a black rose. Lady Karlennon was swiftly attended to and this creature was dissuaded in causing any more mischief by the bearers of the Swords of Wayland.
Lady Kathen with the full ritual circle of Lady Lysandra, Lady Akijah Na'Shaar, Count Annias, Lady Karlennon, Teliesin Felorian and Raynauld du Chatilon performed the Healing Cup ritual. The first spirit summoned was that of the Master Bard into Taliesin Felorian. He told the story of how the Cup came into the possession of the Hunters group and the powers given it by the Hunter. Lady Kathen then attempted to ask the Hunter himself to use his power to make his gift to his Children of more permanent duration. The spirit of one of his most powerful servants was drawn into the body of another contributor, Lady Akijah Na'Shaar. This chaotic spirit caused so much mirth, even taunting Lady Karlennon, "If you behave!!! Like nice good little Hunter children..... Especially you... As you are in charge." Eventually she agreed that the Hunter's gift would be given provided that the old tradition of the Great Hunt was restored.
Lady Karlennon and Duke Tarragon of Winchester processed into the Great Hall. Lady Kathen instructed them to stand opposite her. She said, "Let the ceremony begin. Greetings to all those present. We gather here to celebrate the hand fasting of Martin Tarragon and Elspeth Karlennon. Share the cup and may you never be separated. Share the bread and you never be hungry. Should trouble come to you then look to each other. I call upon you now to step over the broom. I now cut the hand fasting to signify that this bond is no longer required. You may now exchange rings." Lord Lankin of the Lios Alfar gave them the rings that he wrought in his magical forge. Lady Kathen then proclaimed, "I now proclaim them married."
Master Violet said, "As is customary, Floris-Brand gives Lady Karlennon the right to visit her son. [Elias Karlennon, junior.]" Sir Hugo Charenton gave her five fine jewel encrusted Sherry goblets and a tray. The gift from Baron Malik, Lady Celyn and Supascout was an item to give protection from Incense poison was masterful. Baron Jasper and Sir Jonathan presented on behalf of the Karlennon Household a fine boxed enamelled Rose and a Tankard filled with excellent ale to the happy couple. Duke Tarragon gladly quaffed he ale.
The Beastmen gave them gift from different Clans. The Red Talons and the Red Fury gave Lady Karlennon the finest fur rap (cloak) that I have seen for many a year. The Shadow Riders Clan gave her a fruit bowl to signify fertility. S'Pika gave them a type of wine and a simple cup. Lord Lankin of the Lios Alfar gave him his blessing. Cernan of the Clan of the Stag gave the happy couple the Skexis and some strange elven spirit to drink from. A little later Count Annias convinced the Skexis that Low Elves are the same as Gelflings but without the wings. The happy couple then retired to their honeymoon in the Glass Isle as guests of the Lios Alfar.
Sir Hugo announced, "I call for Guardians for the Great Hunt that will be held in the catacombs tomorrow. We require five people to volunteer." Seven persons volunteered immediately including Sergeant Bimble of the Hunters, Cernan of the Lios Alpha, Amion Solitaire, Sergeant Halrin du Roos and the Skexus. These were accepted. The ten teams of two people were then chosen.
Sunday 21st April 1096 AF
I had a fitful sleep as some mischievous soles had moved the snorers next to me. This caused them much amusement on the morrow when they informed me.
Lady Lysandra and Lady Kathen asked for the blessing of the Hunter for the Great Hunt. Lady Lysandra asked the Element of Air to bear Lady Kathen's request and homage. The Hunter made his blessing known by gifting all the participants of the Great Hunt with healing power.
After the participants for the Great Hunt were sent off, Lady Lysandra performed a ritual to protect the ritual circle from possible capture. During the Great Hunt it was discovered that Unliving had entered the catacombs under Winchester. It was thought that they might have been sent by Katrina to capture the ritual circle. Lady Lysandra, with the aid of the elven cat Pushka, sealed the circle and maintained protection until the area was declared clear.
Oblivion, the chaos knight, appeared again during the great hunt and was involved in the catacombs. Another chaos device was lost and it seems recovered by the Beastmen.
This was won by Sordilan the Scout and Alexander McShinobi. These were of course were awarded with cake. None of the gallant pairs defeated more than one guardian before the Great Hunt was invaded by demons and Unliving sent by Lady Katrina. The Guardian joined the Hunters to defeat these despicable creatures. With happiness and hope in our hearts the friends departed to the fighting that is to come against the Unliving around Bristol.
