The D'Averg Vineyards

House Soulsplitter (red and black, skull on a cross) and The Prince Bishop’s Men (blue and gold, St Cuthbert Cross) of the Lions recently hosted a social gathering and tournament weekend, to which my clan and I were invited.

It was a refreshing and relaxing weekend away from the troubles that plague our lands, with plenty of drink, company and entertainment. The first evening was simply spent enjoying the hospitality of our hosts, drinking and singing and mingling. It was also a chance to find out about, and sign up to, the competitions for the day that followed.

The following day saw archery and combat tournies, a circle of treachery, battles of chess, and many more fun local custom-games for us to try. Myself and Icabod MacTrew ensured the Bears were represented as best we could, whilst the Hurling Haggi I had brought with me from Hearth and Home seemed to take centre stage! They proved very sociable and popular, although my attempt to enter one into the cake-making competition (in order to eat the competition and thus be the winner) ended in failure...

Icabod faired well in the ‘chubby bunny’ competition, which involved filling one’s mouth with marshmallows whilst repeating the name of the game – clearly some form of Lantian endurance test! He also did us proud in the cracker munching test. However, we both decided to sit out and watch the lemonade relay!

I was pleased to win the Treasure Hunt, after the aid of a rather lovely young lass, being the first to return to the judges with all the items the clues had sought – bar a single one that only one of the entrants managed to find at all!

Finally, the evening settled in – and with it the much awaited entertainers’ competitions, both our host groups having strong bardic traditions. We were not disappointed with the talent on display and a thoroughly enjoyable evening was had by all. Our own Icabod won the ‘Laugh for Lantia’ section with a finely delivered tale, and his Grace the Prince Bishop won the ‘Song for Lantia’ section, whilst I was surprised to be announced the overall winner of the Entertainment.

Many prizes were awarded throughout the weekend and all was left was to announce the overall Champion of the Games and resume the drinking – leaving us to stagger home bit by bit the morning after!

 

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(OC Author - Paul Martin)