Luaithrend inghean Uilliam
The Beginning Luaithrend inghean Uilliam (formerly known in the Society as Luaithrenn the Falconer's Wife), lady to Christopher the Falconer and mother to Ariel d'Otre-Mer (once known as Sierra the Falconer's Daughter), is a long-time member of the SCA and a current resident of the Barony of Madrone. She first learned of the SCA in the Shire of Southern Shores, Principality of the Mists, Kingdom of the West in AS 26 and has since lived in Shittimwoode, Terra Pomaria, then Wastekeep. She is now a member of the Barony of Madrone.
All stories have a beginning, though it is sometimes hard to know where one story begins and another ends. This story is part of a larger story, or, rather, several larger stories. It is part of the story of the SCA, of the story of the Kingdom of the West, of the Kingdom of An Tir, and of many Shires, Pricipalities, and Baronies in which the principals have lived. It is also part of the story of the woman mundanely known as Laurie, who has found so much happiness and solace through the Dream known as the SCA...
Once upon a time, a young lady named Laurie worked in a lawyer's office in the mundane world of San Jose, CA. Her boyfriend Chris had taken her to the CA Ren Faire once or twice, and she had a love of King Arthur and Tolkien rooted in the stories of her childhood, but did not have any idea that there might exist an actual leaving breathing outlet for these interests. One day, one of the attorneys at her firm came out of his office wearing a kilt and announced that he was off to dance practice. That attorney was a young SCA Lord named Brocc of Alderden (later Master Brocc for his uncomparable service to the Chirurgeonate, when we had such a thing, and still later Viscount of Cynagua), and Laurie went off to dance with him. She fell in love immediately with the SCA, though it was some time before she actually went to an event. Her very first event was a Collegium (the West's equivalent of An Tir's Ithra), and she took classes in things like How to Make an Elizabethan Ruff and the History of the Sword. Unfortunately, due to a very late night the evening prior to the event (she was still in her early twenties, remember), Luaithrend took ill during the afternoon and was taken to the home of a very kind lady who nursed her with chamomile tea and chicken broth, until she was fit to join the evening festivities. There was a feast, with candlelight and music, and the bards entertained one and all, and afterwards there was dancing such as she had never seen before. She wanted more of this life, and wished that the event would never end!
And so, the young woman became a member of the Shire of Southern Shores and embarked upon a wonderful journey into the Dream...
Who is this Luaithrend Person? Luaithrend has had many persona changes over the years. She started out in the Kingdom of the West with the idea of wanting to be Irish, to reflect her mundane heritage, but had no idea of how to go about doing so. Someone suggested to her that she should start with a Name, and then everything else would fall into place. So the young woman known only as "Laurie" found a book on the herald's table at an event and started looking through it for names. Her first choice had been "Laurel," but she swiftly learned that she could NOT have such a name (such a presumptious child she was back then!). Then she moved to "Lauren" but didn't feel that was "Irish" enough. "Lauren of Gentle Waters" sounded nice, but it really belonged in a children's story rather then in the SCA. Finally, in the small book from the herald's table, she found the name of Luaithrenn (with two additional spellings, no less!). She took the name to her heart and it became a part of her. Because of a love of falconry, she took the surname Seabhacair (or Seabcoir), meaning "falconer." She used the name for many years until she finally decided that the time had come to officially register it (and a device) as her own. Unfortunately, the College of Heralds did not agree that the documentation taken from the little book so many years ago was sufficient, and so the name "Luaithrenn" is not registered. Her device was therefore registered under "Laurie of Terra Pomaria," and remains so to this day. The name has now changed once again, in spelling only, as she finds herself drawn to the Nordic cultures that we modernly call "Viking." And so, she is now known in the Society as Luaithrend inghean Uilliam (Luaithrend, William's daughter), Irish by birth, but captured by the Northmen as a child. She became a slave in the house of the Jarl, and eventually earned her freedom.
After she had lived in Southern Shores for about a year's time, Luaithrend learned that her husband (for she had married the young man who had taken her to the Ren Faire all those years ago) would be transferred to the wild lands of An Tir as part of his duties to his Uncle Samuel of the Grey Beard. And so, with heavy heart, Luaithrend and Christopher moved to an Island just north of the Barony of Madrone. Alas, though, she did not know at that time that fun and frivolity was but a short trip away, across the small sea that surrounded her island, and for three years Luaithrend did not keep company with any of her SCA friends. She slipped into sadness and for a time lost hope.
But then a boon came to her. The mundane College located within the boundaries of the Shire of Shittemwoode (now known as Thornwood) accepted both Luaithrend and her husband as students, and so they returned once again to the loving arms of the SCA family. For three years Luaithrend lived in Shittemwoode, dancing and laughing, until she learned that her studies would take her far to the south, to the land of Baron Cesare and Baroness Astrid, Terra Pomaria. It was here that Luaithrend truly found her "place" in the SCA. It was at this time that she became known as Luaithrenn the Falconer's wife.
Soon after moving to the lovely land of Terra Pomaria, Luaithrend became interested in the art of the Rapier. She cultivated an Elizabethan persona and remained in that role for several years. She still loved to dance, and began teaching others in bi-weekly dance classes and at events. Luaithrend became known as a Dance Person, and she enjoyed that role very much. She also began to become interested in the bardic arts, and sang at events whenever she could. Terra Pomaria had become a wonderful home to her, but alas, after three years (again, seems to be a trend), she found that her lord husband's work would carry them far away from those that she loved, and that she would soon have to make a new home in the lands far to the east, in the great inland desert of An Tir.
In the Spring of 2002, Luaithrend found herself in the Barony of Wastekeep, under the protection of Baron Ulrik and Baroness Meghan. At her very first event, she knew that she was among friends. She began to attend fighter practices under the tutelage of Don Jack Tyler, and her skills as a rapier fighter grew until she was accepted as a Gallant to Baroness Meghan Oakendottir of Wastekeep, and proudly served in that rank until she learned that she was with child. Knowing that she would be unable to fulfill her duties (as her time would be devoted to motherhood), Luaithrend sadly returned her scarf to Baroness Meghan but carries the pride in serving her Baroness with her always. Luaithrend was also albe to serve Wastekeep as Seneschal, Herald, Dance Mistress, and Lists Mistress as well as Event Steward for several events.
With the departure of her Beloved Baron and Baroness from the baronial seats of Wastekeep, Luaithrend once again found that mundane life took her away from the SCA for a time. Until, that is, Sir Styrkarr Jarlskald and his lady Star-Strewn Stjarne returned to the baronial lands. Joyful Stjarna shared Luaithrend's love of dance, and they quickly became fast friends. Styrkerr and Stjarna became Baron and Baroness of Wastekeep, and Luaithrend joyfully served them for many years. When Baron Sir Styrkarr won the throne and crowned his lady Queen, Luaithrend traveled often with them, serving as a Lady in Waiting to Her Majesty, and now yearns for the day when she may so serve again. She has also served as retinue to King Erik and Queen Driffina, and looks forward to serving as well during the reign of Their Royal Highnesses Kjartan and Sha'ya.
Luaithrend has found a new Home in the Barony of Madrone, and in the loving arms of House Pembroke. She no longer fights rapier but still serves as a marshal. Luaithrend currently serves as the Minister of Lists for the Barony of Madrone and she is the Event Steward for Madrone's Baronial Banquet scheduled for April 1, 2017. She has earned a Ground Crew Authorization in order to assist with equestrian pursuits, and enjoys participating in the activities of the Madrone Equestrian Guild.
Luaithrend stepped up as the Kingdom as Martial Authorizations Officer at September Crown, 2016, and will serve as Court Coordinator for the Second Reign of TRH Styrkarr and Stjarna, to begin in January of 2017.
Luaithrend has also taken to embroidery with a passion. She "discovered" the Bayeux Tapestry and has become obsessed with making pictures out of threads, researching period techniques, and recreating period motifs on her garb. Her studies of the Norse cultures continue, as she develops her persona and her kit. And her love of the SCA has never been greater!
(Please feel free to look at the An Tir Roll of Arms for a list of awards, etc.)
