The Harping of Lord Robert Wright of Darach,
and the Sable Fretting of his lady-wife, Lady Eleyn Scrivener
March 5, 2006
Long the Barony of Altavia
searched to find a woodworker to fashion 2 new Baronial Thrones. Years passed,
and the search appeared in vain, starting, then stopping due to unforeseen
circumstances. Finally a name came to mind, a name associated with great skill
with wood and strong desire for service. This gentle was known to Baroness
Bridget for his skill in making spinning tools and other fine items. He was an
integral part of the Darach Woodworkers' Guild. And so, the Lord Robert Wright
of Darach was asked in November 2005 if he would take on the commission to build
2 Altavian Thrones. He agreed, on one condition, that he would not accept
payment for the building.
A scant 3 weeks later, at Altavia Yule, Lord Robert, his Lady-wife Eleyn
Scrievner, their son Samwise and toddler-daughter Jessica arrived to deliver the
Thrones! All who saw them fell to their knees in awe at the craftsmanship and
detail of these fine works of art. The Altavian Guard took great delight in
them, for they were sturdy, yet lightweight and easy to assemble. The Ladies of
the Court were delighted for there were hooks on the back to hang awards and
other needed items. The Baron and Baroness were especially delighted for there
were fold-out tables installed in the sides so that goblets could be set at hand
(a critical element when large courts do not allow side tables!). The Altavian
Fret was inlaid in walnut on the back of the thrones, and the baronial device on
painted shields on the sides. They are truly magnificent. (if you have more
photos, send them to us and we will post them!)
For his great gift of skill, the Baron and Baroness of Altavia were preparing to
bespeak unto Their Majesties that perhaps an award equal might be bestowed. But
no! Word came that Lord Robert and his family were to leave the kingdom to seek
their fortunes elsewhere, and soon! So Baron Laertes and Baroness Bridget did
quickly speak to King Dirk and Queen Chamayn, telling of the deeds of this
Woodworker of Darach. With Royal Authority and Permission, Their Excellencies
made their way to the hills of Darach, to find Lord Robert before he moved
out-of-kingdom. Thus on March 4, the loading of wagons was stopped for a brief
moment for Lord Robert Wright to be awarded a Harp Argent for Woodworking. The
Harp medallion was Bridget's own, there being no time to obtain a new one from
the Royal treasury.
There was also the matter of missing materials receipts, so the Barony of
Altavia was not able to even pay for the materials Lord Robert purchased! For
her part in allowing Lord Robert to take food from the mouths of his children
and gifts from their small hands at Yuletime, the Lady Eleyn was awarded the
Altavian Sable Fret for Service. Actually, the Sable Fret was more for allowing
her good husband to follow his Muse in creating these finely worked thrones. It
was a great gift of service and sacrifice she gave to him to allow him the time
to make the Thrones.
The photos above are from this Harping and Fretting ceremony.
So, although they have left
our Kingdom, please know here the deeds of Lord Robert Wright and his wife, Lady
Eleyn Scrivener. The Barony of Altavia thanks you for your fine skill and
service to Barony and Kingdom.
Laertes and Bridget
Baron and Baroness of Altavia