The Journey of a Shieldmaiden: September 2014

What a weekend!!!!!
This be my second crown tournament so far and I have a hard time deciding which one I prefered!

Saturday morning was rainy. Fought in rain, lighting and thunder. Fought well enough to be proud, but I still could have fought better. I didn't go far, but my two fights counted. Newbies luck, I picked an awesome Lady Knight as my first fight. I definitely want to cross blades again and I want to learn from her. Her self confidence was contagious. Sir Rauokinn, I hope we get to cross blade again, you're an inspiration to female fighters! I loved our fight.
For my second fight, list chose a Duke for me. It was quick but painless. I don't remember his name, unfortunately, but I will remember his device for sure.
I was inspired by the lovely Lady Athelina Grey. I like inspirational equality, fighting for Athelina was a blast!

Lady Athelina Grey myself and her Lord during procession.

On Sunday we had 2 tourneys. Squires tourney! It was fun. I like squires tournaments, so much learning!
Next was the Lady of the Rose tourney! WOW. I think this was the best fighting I've ever done. I'm still in awe! First, to be chosen to fight in this tournament is an honour by itself. I was invited by Duchess Maegan ferch Meredydd. That, to me, was a win. I fought good fighters. People I've fought before and some that I've never met. My best fight, a fight I will always remember was with Lady Jenette Wen Moryen. Holy Hel was that fight über awesome! I lost count of how many double kills we had. She's such an amazing woman and a great fighter. So after I've fought who I was supposed to fight and had a blast, I was ready to take part of my armour off since there was no chance I would be chosen to fight in the next rounds. I fought well, but I didn't fight to the same level of all the other fighters there who most had a few years of experience. I was wrong. As I was unbuckling a strap on my arm I heard my name. I couldn't believe it. So I buckled back up, my heart racing like a hamster high on caffeine. I had an other round of good fights. Strangely very good fights... And there I was with only 2 other fighters left. I felt so tiny!!! There was Sir Martin and Sir Aethelred left. I love to fight both of them for different reasons and they are both very inspiring in their own way. Two amazing men left and I knew that if I managed to kill one of them, it would have been by luck. I'm all about believing in oneself but there's a freaken limit, I have under a year of experience in armour!!!!! Chances were slim. BUT, I knew that I was in for a ride. So Sir Martin got me with a clean blow to the head. I lost the tournament, but I won so sooooo much that day. I learned to not doubt myself. I learned that what makes a person a good fighter isn't always how good he can swing his sword, it's also about attitude. I've learned that walls can be broken. I've learned that fear can be tamed and I learned that I am surrounded by amazing women and men willing to teach and learn, willing to share.