What an amazing event!  The Hastiludia Pacifica on the Feast of St. Valentine (aka An Crosaire's Investiture) was the result of the folks of the barony putting their faith in us that a really period-themed event would not only work, but would be FUN and would be popular with the people of Trimaris.  I'll admit that they weren't the only ones having more than a few sleepless nights wondering if it was really more than we could all handle coming so close to St. Benet's Feast and Hoggetowne Faire, and if people really would get into it?  We also worried that the coins and the graduated fees and all the other stuff that helped make it period would also make it too complicated?  Thank goodness all the worry was for nothing!  We had record attendance for an An Crosaire event and, between the fundraiser booth and the event itself, we made a little money for the barony as well.  Everyone seems to have really gotten into the spirit of the event and loved the coins, the tithe collectors from the "Church of Trimaris", the scenarios for the tournaments and all the other things we did.  Especially Court Bingo!

I don't think there are enough words in the English language to convey how very grateful Turold and I are to everyone who came to the event and enjoyed themselves, and most especially to the event staff!  Our Autocrat Team outdid themselves, as did everyone else on the staff!  Even with all the changes and odd things our staff had to manage (like the Registration staff having to figure out everyone's rank and give them the appropriately colored and filled pouch, and the Feast Stewards having to share their kitchen with the pot-luck preparations Friday night!) everyone handled it all with grace and made it seem easy and flawless.  I've don't think I've ever been as proud of my barony and our cantons as I am right now!

Elizabeth takes on the King during the Youth Combat....

...and WINS!  Much to the delight of the gathered crowd!

 Normally I spend a goodly portion of my time at events taking pictures, but this time I put my camera down.  Thankfully lots of other people were taking pictures and have been sharing them, so I'll have plenty of photos to help remember this event.  These are from Jared Bluestein's album that he shared on FaceBook.  These are not only some of my favorite shots, they were taken during some of my favorite moments during the event! 

Our own little warrior princess, Elizabeth, called out the King during the Youth Combat tournament.  (She has a habit of doing this!) His Majesty, never one to walk away from a challenge, met her on the field for a best 2 out of 3 round in the tournament.  With some coaching from Sir Takamatsu and some cheering and encouragement from the gathered throng on the sidelines, she managed to take him twice and double kill once!  Her older brother eventually won the tournament and became my first Baroness' Heart. 

The last tournament of the day was the Grand Melee Open Tournament, which we decided to open up to anyone who wanted to play.  The weapons were Nerf swords (and axes and maces) and the ladies and children who don't normally participate in combat took advantage of the opportunity to work out some excess energy (and aggression?).  Once again, His Majesty could not resist the temptation to get in just one last bit of fun!  At various times throughout the tournament he was, literally, running the perimeter of the field being chased by mobs of ladies and kids determined to clobber him with their "weapons". (see the photo below)  I can't remember the last time I saw him enjoy something that much!  He was grinning from ear-to-ear the whole time!  Eventually Elizabeth ended up winning the Grand Melee Open Tournament.  Go 'Bif!

His Majesty on the run from the ladies during the Open Tourney, fought with boffer weapons.

To all those who missed the event - you really missed an amazing weekend!