Well, having intended to spend this Moot firmly entrenched in the Bears camp, it seems events conspired against me - though I did still manage to enjoy the fine company of many Bears, I seem to have missed quite a bit of the action.
I arrived early Friday afternoon, to be confronted with a choice traders' market and a need for a new sword, so I thought I'd see what these Dragons had to offer. Before I was even half-way around I was accosted by two lovely young ladies needing assistance with corset shopping so, naturally, I obliged - always ready to help a needy young lass! I did also find a rather fine blade - now all I need is to sort myself a new scabbard to accomodate it (not that these lasses weren't accomodating enough, mind!).
The rest of Friday rapidly turned into a panicked trawl as I tried to rum up contributors and organise a ritual, also involving me sitting a short while in the Mages Guild wearing a sign claiming 'I am Adara'! Unfortunately, the ritual did not happen, but valuable lessons were learnt (don't do this again!) and we shall endeavour to try again at the Gathering, if it is safe to do so: practising this time before we purchase the slot. [For the Mages are indeed selling slots for 10 gold, all you have to do is queue for several hours to secure the slot!]
I missed a large chunk of Saturday due to being called away to report on a key Jugger game happening across the seas, returning as 3 factions took the fight to the Vipers (defended, apparently, by 9 entire Wolves, who thought they could stop them!) - threatening to roll the camp to deal with El Nino (Cornelius), an exponent of Famine. Alas he wasn't there, but the point was made and the Vipers' command exiled him from Viper lands in his absence. [Heard that one before!]
While I was away, I believe a small force of our heroes sallied forth against the harridan priestesses of Kiara, who continues to plague our women-folk with strange and troubling dreams and visions. It is my firm belief that he is trying to influence or gain control of them through their thoughts, though I rest safe in the knowledge that there's no stronger woman than a Caledonian lass! The mission was successful, reclaiming the lost key to the Underworld and foiling their plans to make our troubles more permanent.
That evening, the Dragons were holding a bardic competition which, alas, never quite got off the ground as circumstances endeavoured to get in the way. Their warchest will have to wait another day! Rab and I were joined there by several Bears for a few songs with those who did turn up, but we were soon called away on ritual guarding duty. The Bears and Lions turned out in number to help guard each other's rituals, I led a pack of our boys to watch over a ritual of theirs just before the competition was due to start - a hilarious ritual to aid several Lions in their pursuit of the lovely 'Juliet', Mr Troll. [Each to their own, I guess!] And they returned the favour, cementing ever more the growing links between our factions.
Escorted by the noble Spider on the way back, we seemed to bounce from faction to faction (Bears, Lions, Dragons) as fights errupted, minions of Crom Cruach - a Dragon ancestor 'gone bad' - literally plaguing the hosts and their guests with their diseased filth. His minions had also interupted a number of rituals, hence the excessive guarding and alliances aforementioned. Of course, all Bears present waded into every fight they could find with brovado and skill, supporting our allies and generally having a good time!
I found myself in the midst of a Conclave ambush, dispatching 2 would-be assassins in record time to enable me to save the lovely Sister Bethany from their cruel poisons - and I thank the Lady, and Queen Morrigan, for being with me then and Queen Blodwyn for the compassion to aid me in saving the champion of Good. Later, I found myself accompanying Laird Connor to the Dragons - as they tried to hold a fight without us - charging straight into the thick of the fray, fighting back to back on the treacherous ground.
Later still, in the Lions, a Bears envoy sat with the Lions command - and word reached them that Satoon - embodiment of Evil and leader of the Famine pack, our chosen foes - had emerged in the market place. The Lions and Bears agreed to grab who they could and march down to dispatch the beast. As I tried to rouse the Bears camp with Connor's authority, we were diverted by a Bear in need - as rumours reached us of foul play in the Vipers camp. Fortunately, it proved unfounded - though the worried look when the Vipers saw us coming, mob-handed, was worth the trip!
We finally made it down to the market place to reinforce the assault on Satoon's minions and I found myself watching out for Laird Ruidhan, and making sure our other lairds were being guarded! I also met the wrong end of a death knight, waking to discover Estaban of the Jackals finishing his incantations over me as he knitted the flesh from the corrupting bane-touch of the monster. We gave Satoon a good kicking, by all accounts, but he used his true magic to escape - and we were unable to raise enough contributors quickly enough to perform a ritual to pull him back.
Then, on the final day, us and the Lions marched down to support the Dragons - defending the ritual circle as their foes appeared out of nowhere, sowing havoc. As the Lions shield wall formed the anvil, the Bears flanked them and repeatedly smashed their hammer down through the foes - forging a fearsome united battle. There were many episodes of courage and heroism, led more than ably by our new warleader - the great hero, Dougie MacFinn - and the day was won.
Alas that it was not without cost. For two of our greatest heroes perished, found dead on the field in questionable circumstance. I believe one fell to poisons, the other to pattern corruption - though, having been laid to rest, both have hopefully safely reached their ancestors. Another has written fine words regarding the reaction to this news in the Bears camp, and I will leave it to him - for the hurt is still too close.
Beragor McGregor, Marcus McFook, died with courage and honour. Bears till the end. They will live on in our hearts and songs. I raise my tankard fondly.
All Works are © Original Author
(OC Author - Paul Martin)