About two months prior, I developed a notion to prepare a song/poem extolling my consort's virtues as my inspiration.
Sonnet for Idonia
My inspiration's virtues must be told
To those here gather'd, this tale shall I spin
And speak these words of honored merit bold
Of she who would be Princess should I win -
I tell of fair and timeless classic beauty
That ever lifts my heart and stills my soul
It strengthens sword in executed duty
And melds my dream from parts into a whole
Still too with art and craft to yet inspire
A simple man to reach for greater heights
To honor and to glory I aspire
The Coronet is where I've set my sights
Because of fair Idonia this is true
Her virtues inspiring everything I do
While romantic undertones could definitely be interpreted, that is not the case (just to be clear).
I think it was a nice "send off", as I will no longer be fighting for Idonia, as she wants to focus on some aspects of her mundane life.
The sonnet was written by Visc Elizabeth Turner de Carlisle (I helped!), and recited by HL Rose Atherton during the tournament processional (being "on the spot" would've made me freeze up). I was doubly honored as His Majesty selected me to be a "challengee" because of the sonnet, as the first round is a challenge round.
My first round was against Corbin, one of HL Robert Engleson's introduced guys from Myrtleholt. I've fought him in a practice setting, and I knew of his aggressive combo flurries. He stuck one shot that was just below my gauging, but there was something I didn't like about it (totally not meant to sound as a rhino). I believe I eventually stuck him with a wrap to the head.
Second round was Visc Willy Jeffy d'Rogue
Obviously didn't go so well. I haven't fought with Jeff in over a year. I know his style, but was apprehensive about needing to close past his preferred range. He managed to stick me right below my rib, in the diaphragm, knocking the wind outta me. It was one of those shock-then-laughter sorta hits.
Third round was against Lord Aaron Brandson, another leftie. I struggled against his leftiness at the principality defender tournament back in June, primarily not being able to get around his shield. We had a couple of exchanges, but I believe I landed a J-hook wrap on him, one which Visc Sir Gabriel Luveday encouraged me to use in a practice the previous week.
Fourth and last round was against Duke Tjorkil. Having a few fights with him in practices some time ago, I felt I understood his fighting style, in that he tends to fight "just above" his opponent's ability, which I feel pushes his opponents to excel beyond what they are normally capable of. After a few exchanges he legged me, then stuck me with one of my primary weaknesses, offside headshot.
So once again, a coronet tournament that went four rounds. While part of me is glad I've maintained that "standard" of going four rounds, "breaking even", I now want to push myself beyond that, aiming for 3:2, five rounds, at least.
Somewhere between rounds, second and third, I believe, Visc Sir Gabriel took me as his man at arms, we had discussed things, and he offered that status as a trial phase with the prospect of squiring.
All in all, a good event and tournament, the fighting overall was very clean. And now I'm looking forward with goals in mind, and positive changes taken to heart.
Second round was Visc Willy Jeffy d'Rogue
Obviously didn't go so well. I haven't fought with Jeff in over a year. I know his style, but was apprehensive about needing to close past his preferred range. He managed to stick me right below my rib, in the diaphragm, knocking the wind outta me. It was one of those shock-then-laughter sorta hits.
Third round was against Lord Aaron Brandson, another leftie. I struggled against his leftiness at the principality defender tournament back in June, primarily not being able to get around his shield. We had a couple of exchanges, but I believe I landed a J-hook wrap on him, one which Visc Sir Gabriel Luveday encouraged me to use in a practice the previous week.
Fourth and last round was against Duke Tjorkil. Having a few fights with him in practices some time ago, I felt I understood his fighting style, in that he tends to fight "just above" his opponent's ability, which I feel pushes his opponents to excel beyond what they are normally capable of. After a few exchanges he legged me, then stuck me with one of my primary weaknesses, offside headshot.
So once again, a coronet tournament that went four rounds. While part of me is glad I've maintained that "standard" of going four rounds, "breaking even", I now want to push myself beyond that, aiming for 3:2, five rounds, at least.
Somewhere between rounds, second and third, I believe, Visc Sir Gabriel took me as his man at arms, we had discussed things, and he offered that status as a trial phase with the prospect of squiring.
All in all, a good event and tournament, the fighting overall was very clean. And now I'm looking forward with goals in mind, and positive changes taken to heart.
