La Prova Dura

La Prova Dura La Prova del Valor - The Ordeal La Prova di Amore - For Love
This is our home away from home. We have it wide open for others to join us in the shade rather than just opening the front.	It is a rounded end pavilion with slanting walls. Our banners fly from the roof and banner poles.	Inside we have internal walls to cover up the mundane needs to the extent possible.	La Prova Dura was a special event where in the goal was chivalry and pagentry. Each fighter was asked to have his banner displaying his arms and for the heraldic theme to be extended to surcoats, shields, and livery of retinue. Households were encouraged to display together as well. The symbol for the event was "Guido" who is pictured above. Copied in part from a partial period token, it was cast in pewter. It was held April 8-10, 2005 at the Fairgrounds in Tres Pinos California near Hollister.
Some things get put away during the day like the stove.	We have walls which separate our bedroom and dressing areas as well.	The bed is a slat bed with lots of padding including a feather bed.	Saturday was La Prova del Valor. The combatants were divided into 3 equal groups. Within each group, everyone fought each person in single combat. The best of each field and the next best overall were in the finals. Here are Will's fights - all 15. In the evening there was a wonderful feast with entertainment followed by a play from Bella Luna Caravan.
We go forth for the invocation. All we need is Will's banner.	Each head of household or herald for such declares their intent to fight.	The households and pavilions around the field. Our corner is sable (black).	On Sunday, Will was one of 10 invited to participate in the La Prova di Amore. the gallery was asked to recommend the most chivalrous fighters from each field. Again in was a round robin single combat fight. For Saturday Will won 3 of his 15 and on Sunday 4 of his 9 fights. Considering the caliber of fighters he did very well indeed.
			One of the households had their bard do poems for each of the unattached (to a household) fighters. William, greet us with such grace: the gift of your mighty sword, the light of your lady's smile. We welcome you in combat strong, and the honor that you bring makes light each travelled mile. by Branwen Cryccthegn
Will's first fight was against Duke Paul of Bellatrix.	Duke Paul has reigned 8 times as king.	Alvar Pacheco de Cadiz	Duke Uther Schiemann der Hunt
Nathair coan MacTier	and the fighters circle	Victory to Nathair	Viscount Sir Gemini de Grendelus
Gemini was also the autocrat of the event.	Sir Wilhelm Zweikopfig Falke	Sir Wilhelm	Viscount Sir Parlan MacGillivray
Sir Parlan	Jergen	??	??
Earl.......	He was king in Drachenwald and currently resides in An Tir	Viscount Fergus	??
	Left is a movie of the last half of the fight between ?? and Will. It is 24 seconds long and I apologize for the sound. It was a bit windy Saturday afternoon, as you can see from the flags in the background. Click the arrow on the right to make the movie play.	House Bellatrix, House Bender and others watch the fighting from the sidelines of the field. Others prepare to come to the field for their fight.	Prince Leohtulf of the Mists (Leohtulf of the Silver Hills)
Erd of Konigstadt	Erd	Duke Rolf the Relentless	And so endth a wonderful weekend in the current middle ages.

Photos and text, except were specified, all rights reserved Robin Berry 2005

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