Satiera of GrandChester Meadows
Squire to His Grace Duke Thorin Njalsson.
Satiera is a nice Jewish girl - now 'of a certain age'. Rescued by travelers during the darkest winter months of AS XIII, I was given sanctuary in Madrone by House Shadygrove and its diverse inhabitants. This was in the long ago before times, when An Tir was still a principality of the West.
The 12th Night Coronation of TRH Manfred and Koressa (AS XIII) was my first court event and here it became apparent I would need help to fit into Society. Much to the horror of the gentles from the Shadygrove and bystanders, I raced across the great hall calling out to the only other person I recognized. Unfortunately I was dressed in "old faithful pink" (an electric pink bat-sleeved dress from Gold Key) and was loudly calling out a name the gentle woman did NOT use in our Society! Only the intercession of this Most Kind and Incredibly Gracious Lady spared me; and I was allowed to stay in the hall for Her Coronation as Princess of An Tir!
Not long after this fateful 12th Night I was granted the privilege of entering into the service of Sir Seamus and Lady Bolverk. They both worked diligently night and day to teach me social skills, etiquette and fighting techniques. To the great amazement of all, their efforts were rewarded in AS XIV when I was asked to serve as a lady in waiting to HRH Dorthea of the Dunes. In an image of a court scene from the reign of Sir Edward Zifran of Gendy and Dorthea of the Dunes, I am one of the 'unknown' retinue members; the others being Robert MacFlandry, and the lady known as JoAnna the dancer. Thanks Be to my Knight and Lady for all their hard work and to TRH Edward and Dorthea for allowing me this opportunity to show that I 'do clean up nicely.'
Living at the Shadygrove, my first years in the Society were filled with the cultivation of courtly graces, fighting practices and armor workshops, costuming and dance classes, Crier collation parties at the Barque and traveling throughout the Kingdom of the West for events, Ithra courses and demonstration tournaments. I became "old guard", learned to fight and came of age with Torgul Bahadur (Duke Torgul,acknowledged as Torgul Steingrimsson), Garan Darkwolf (Syr Garan Steingrimson), Valtorr (Sir Valtorr of Oslo), Dak (Jarl Dak Ulfredsson), Grendal (Master Nikolai Grendal Gornych) and several other Nobles during this apex of Madrone fighters. With Daniel Shadygrove and Val of Friesland, I also roamed far beyond An Tir to see wondrous new places. From one coast to the other, some distance into the North and deep into the fiery Southern desert regions - we met Nobles and folks of many diverse cultures. From AS XIV - AS XVI, I fought as a mercenary in the Pennsic Wars along side Shadygrove and Val. Always we returned to An Tir with diverse goods from the East and Middle Kingdoms and many stories. I would like to think others were encouraged to make the trip to this incredible event after hearing tales of our adventures.
At the Edward/Aonghais/Gerhard War of AS XV, I was honored with the right to pledge my fealty to Sir Seamus MacChluraidh of Glenrochaidh, known as Sir Seamus the Peacemaker and also as Sir Seamus d'Erochai.
I was accepted as his first squire and welcomed into House Peaceful by Lady Bolverk of Momchilovich.
Following the ceremony, we all fought in this annual conflict - which has come to be called the An Tir/West War.
Now a squire, I worked hard to improve myself. From Baroness Amanda Kendal of Westmoreland and others I took a variety of Ithra classes in courtly love, social mores and customs. I also attended numerous war workshops and fighting classes taught by Baron Sir Gerhard Kendal of Westmoreland, Duke Paul of Bellatrix and Sir Seamus. The kindness and devotion of my Knight, Lady Bolverk and these good Nobles greatly helped to smooth many rough edges. I began my assimilation into a Norse-like person, while holding onto the Jewish culture.
On 06 Sept AS XVI, I was given my Award of Arms by TRM Steingrim and Lenora of the West (one of the last from the West Kingdom before An Tir separated). This honor was presented by Their Royal Highnesses Ulfred and Sumingo while I was still in absentia for the annual Pennsic tour. During this time I briefly served as the Master of Stables for the Barony of Madrone until health concerns necessitated resigning the office. I was awarded the Green Leaf of Madrone in the year AS XVII.
Reluctantly giving up fighting for research and education, I studied independently and with those who were willing to teach. I learned of the manners and customs of peoples far from An Tir, and acquired knowledge in those subjects of which all gentlewomen should be well versed. My interest in northern cultures has long been encouraged by His Grace Sir Torgul, whose passion for knowledge and sharing what he learned, continues to inspire my efforts to this day. Sir Torgul most graciously and formally introduced me to his squire Dak, who helped to further my understanding the northern trade routes and the people of these regions.
No longer able to fight - I continued to attend diverse events including Daffodil Tourney, Egils and Appledore's Open Tourney to serve my Liege, marshal, watch my friends fight and be an inspiration. (The cry of "Goat GOAT GOAT ! GOAT !!" still rings strong in my memory !) Sir Dak even carried my favor in the Crown event known as " July Crownation" of AS XVIII. Knighted before the Lists began that day; Sir Dak was additionally honored by TRM Ulfred and Adara for his valor on the field.
Adrift following the dissolution of House Peaceful, I wandered throughout the Kingdom of An Tir. My studies continued, unfortunately the events I could attend became few and far between. I received the Forget-me-not from HRM Erin while still roaming the wilds of An Tir, for the help which Lord Guillaume d' Vin Vert and I offered Their Royal Majesties during Their reign. This was in the year AS XX, when Duke Torgul and Erin did serve as our King and Queen. From AS XXXI until AS XXXVII, I resided in the Shire of Briaroak, in the Principality of the Summits. I met Thomas DaVain Direwolf, who encouraged me to attend local events and at two Egils tourneys I was ecstatic to find kith and kin. Thus heartened, I braved great mountain peaks for the momentous occasion of the 25th An Tir/ West War. There, for the first time in many long years, I was joyfully albeit briefly reunited with Countess Melissa Kendal of Westmoreland, and my Knight and Liege Lord, now known as Duke Thorin Njalsson. By mid AS XXXVIII, I was living in the Disputed Lands of the Pennsic Wars. Completely alone I twice braved Pennsic. The first year I was unable to locate Syr Garan as planned. In XLII, my Lady Bolverk of Momchilovich found and rescued me from a sea of strangers. Their Royal Majesties Owain and Wrenn graciously allowed me within the protection of the An Tir Royal encampment and my spirits were greatly lifted by this honor. With the Strong encouragement and assistance of Lady Bolverk, Sir Valtorr, Duke Torgul, Duke Thorin and Cardinal Mahala de Sorbonne - I began making plans to come home.
I finally was able to return to An Tir in AS XLIV - through the help and support of MANY Friends. I have settled in the Shire of Midhaven and am again in active service to my Knight and Liege. My efforts are on-going to improve myself as a human being and a squire. In addition to my research of trade in the northern regions, Jewish interaction with diverse cultures and the art of war; I study chivalric virtues, mythology, baking and Kosher cooking, herbal remedies, gardening, and an eclectic mix of other interests.
I remain, as ever - -Lady Satiera of GrandChester Meadows -