| One thing that we must often explain about the SCA is that no, it is not a religion. Often we are asked if this is some sort of church, or religious group, or cult. It is none of these things, and better by far that it not be so. | ||
| However, the Society is for many of us, not a religious thing, but a matter of Spirituality. I say "Spirituality" in the sense of "Working to Enrich the Spirit". We embrace the spirit of Honor, Courtesy, and Nobility. This sense of spirit is referred to by many as "The Dream". I came to understand this concept better after my last night at Pennsic. | ||
| A year and three months past, the Kingdom of Ealdormere, newcome to its status, was dealt a terrible blow: Thorbjorn Osis, Second King of Ealdormere, died in a car-crash while returning home from an event. He and the Lady he was traveling with were much loved and dearly missed, and so it was decided to build a scale-replica Viking Ship, to be sent into Cooper's Lake in a Fire Ship ceremony. | ||
| This year, it was done again. Not for Osis alone, but for any who have passed beyond. Any person who desired might write a brief message, or a name, or somesuch, to be placed in the hull of the ship on its last journey. Some made a small donation for the right to paint a shield with a device or name, to be placed on the side of the ship. | ||
| My Lords and Ladies, I fear that my words may be insufficient to describe what I found by the lakeside. Some few hundred gentles ringed the lake to observe and take part. My Lady asked me to write the name of her departed grandfather and place it in the ship. I set down the name of Marion Zimmer Bradley as well. When the appointed hour came, several who had been chosen for the task lit the candles on the deck, and the boat was solemnly sent forth onto the water. The flames burned down to the paraffin and woodshaving bases, the vessel slowly began to burn, and voices began to speak. | ||
| "VIVAT! THE DREAM! | VIVAT! THE DREAM! | VIVAT! THE DREAM!" |
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"OSIIISS!!" "FATHER!" "My Lady Wife!" "BloodBrother!"
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| The pipes droned and began to play as we watched the vessel move brightly across the waters. When they fell silent, people stepped forward in the darkness and lifted their voices, one by one: | ||
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"I speak now of Osis, once King of Ealdormere...." "I speak of my Blood Brother Damon, who brought me into the Society...." "I speak to you now of my Lady Wife...." "I speak now of my father...." "Hail! And Farewell!" "Wassail!"
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| And at times, someone would raise their voice in a wordless cry of pain and joy and grief commingled, and others would join them both near and across the water. Songs were sung and played. My Lady lifted her whistle and gave forth "Taps". | ||
| Toward the end, the piper began to play "Amazing Grace", and we all joined in. Where I did not know the words, I hummed along, and in that moment more than any other, I felt myself part of the Spirit of the Dream. | ||
| Finally, after what seemed an eternity and but a moment, the fire reached the waterline and died out. The Lord who had built the ship said a few quiet words, and we slowly dispersed. Many were crying, hugs were given to friend and stranger alike, and all vowed that next year we would meet there again to honor those who have gone before us. | ||
| Please, if you come to Pennsic next year, join us by the water, and bring your memories of those whom you love. | ||
| It will change you. | ||
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In Service to the Dream, Colin of Tighan | ||