Courtesan’s Challenge Tourney in Caerthe (Denver, Colorado) was held 17-18 June A.S. XIII (1978).

The household of Hastle Castle (minus, alas, Lady Ferelith, who was incapacitated by an infected tooth) flew on a passenger dragon to Caerthe to witness the Courtesan’s Challenge Tourney. Lord Gallowglass, Lady Jerilyn and Lady Rhonwen were greeted by Lady Kathleen Caslean an Bharraigh, who graciously extended the hospitality of the Dragonsspine Embassy to the weary travellers (for which we thank her profusely).

The Tourney took place at a park in Caerthe on June 17 and 18 with the first day taken up in challenge matches, a Court of Love, and various competitions in the Gentler Arts by gentlemen of Atenveldt. One challenge, between Sir Theodric Lord Breken Beaken and Lord Thomas the Mute, was over who would have the privilege of bestowing a rose on Lady Jerilyn.

That evening a Feast was followed by a Masque. In keeping with the stated theme of dressing as a member of the Fairy Court or flowers, Lady Jerilyn attended as a Honeysuckle, Lady Rhonwen as a Violet and Lord Gallowglass as a Pansy. Gallowglass’ un-pansy-like behavior resulted in Jerilyn and Rhonwen having to resort to a “Hertz Rent-a-Lord” for an escort in procession–the kind lord being Russell of Barbarossa.

The next day the competition in the Gentle Arts continued, with a Quest ending up the day’s activities. Gallowglass was, unfortunately, Newted in the Quest (gave the wrong answer) and had to do something truly noteworthy (newt-worthy, maybe?) to become Un-Newted.

Unfortunately, the Flying Dragon was leaving, so none of us discovered who was named Courtesan’s Champion. However, we enjoyed it (especially Lord Russell’s loincloth) and good wishes were sent by Baron Sir Theodric to the Shire.

Submitted this 4th Day of July, A.S. XIII by Lady Rhonwen y Llysieuydd

From The Questing Quill, Vol. II Issue VII, July, A.S. XIII