The Great Pennsic War

I'm back!
amazing war

I've gone to a good number of Pennsics. They each have their moments, to be sure, and I learn more each year, about melee combat, or something or other I am not expecting, at times.

There have been special Pennsics:

the year of the Spartans: a year of brotherhood, of having more than a year of training pay off in spades, battle after battle...a year of pride and accomplishment, spartan poetry, the god of mead, the long march back from the woods that existed in stunned glory, in praise unlooked for, in the tears of a great man humbled by the adoration of strangers, who gifted a moment in time to recognize a leader and his weary warriors.

the year of Paterno: what did I do to deserve a brother like this? Well, whatever the reason, thank the heavens for it. To stand side by side with my brother on the field of honor, there is nothing better.

the year of Narah/not Narah: Well, OK, there was a lot more than just Narah, but she is a fine example of the magic that exists in the world... Joie de vivre! There exists a unique joy in watching someone who has mastered their art and through their hard work, sweat and tears elevate it to the sublime. tatheg and I learned that there are only two kinds of belly dancers. Sorry to all the rest, but I'll stand by that. Call forth your champions if need be, it's an argument I shall forever be willing to make. and still there was Maurya, Christopher, Ciaran, and the joy of the pas d'armes. Tatheg and I crossed greatswords with a stout company, and learned much. Life is rich with magic.

This year also was special: family. it just felt like family. Like home, but better. Gere, Isa, Lucas, Jules, William, Gzu, Rhoudland, Tymm, the ladies! ok everyone made it what it was! I am leaving people out, sorry, but I'm lettting this kind of come out the way it wants to come out. The best camp in Pennsic, the secret camp that's not on the map, that exists by the good will of the Coopers, heavens bless them. They cultivate magic. A place of faerie, that exists because we will it to be so, and also because they remember, those who visit each year with rocks the size of their heads, and chocolate, and songs and tales. And because of the hard work done by Those Who Come Before, and I am humbled by Them, for they clear the land, and make it ready for the magic, making it fertile with selfless labor, brotherhood, and the sweat of their brow. I love these people. Call upon me if ever you should need me.