Áshildr inn Hárfagri

Photo
At Winter Coronet Tournament 2022
Information
Registered Name: Áshildr in Hárfagra Resides: Namron Status: Active Joined SCA: 2019
Order of Precedence
Ashildr in Harfagra
Heraldry
Purpure, a fleece argent, on a chief embattled Or a rapier sable.

Doña Áshildr inn Hárfagri, WSA

Previously Known As:
Nickname(s): Áss, As, Bones
Pronouns: She/her/hers

Alternate Persona:

Margery Arkewright
Austina Dadda di Papi di Ippolito di Dionisio Gritti la Grande

Additional Registered Heraldry:

(Fieldless) A pair of breeches azure

Offices:

• Local Offices
  • Sable Storm Pursuivant January 2021-January 2023
• Principality Offices
• Kingdom Offices
  • Kingdom Performing and Bardic Arts Deputy, October 2023 - Present

General Information:

Joined the cast of the Medieval Fair of Norman in Fall 2016 as Margery Arkewright, the Shepherdess of Avalon. From there, Elspeth Monypenny lured me to the dark side (the SCA) with promises of swords and dancing, and I love swords and dancing very much. She started teaching me and a handful of others, who then became Elspeth's Goblins and later spun off to form the household Goblin's Keep, to fight rapier, and shooed myself and another Goblin off to 40th with the promise of much dancing. There was, in fact, much dancing. My friend and I danced to Stary Olsa in an empty spot under the BFT long enough and I suppose well enough that we obtained the attention of Her Grace, Duchess Willow de Wisp and were gifted our very first largesse. The moment other people joined in our dancing was the moment the SCA gained a new member it can never get rid of.

Persona History:

So. Persona. You know, the question on every girl's heart: "Early Rus or middling Norwegian or Swedish viking"... Because - let's be real here, all that matters is the well-made shallow drafted boats...
Áshildr is a 10th century swede who enjoys sailing east and inland in search of goods and good stories.
Austina is a woman in Venice in the 1590s who perhaps took The Book of the Courtier a little too seriously. Conveniently, she shares a diminuitive with her many-times-great ancestor Áshildr. It's almost like that was done on purpose or something.

Interests:

• Steel combat, especially the styles of Salvator Fabris and Fiore dei Liberi
• Knitting and other fiber arts
• Bardic - in groups, alone, period pieces (have you heard 8+ minutes of Tam Lin or other Child Ballads?), SCA meta pieces, and filks
• Colors that are altogether too bright, especially pinks
• Dancing (especially playford)
• Heraldry! Especially onomastics!
• Court politics of the mid to late 14th century Plantagenets and of the courts of Kublai Khan and Mandukhai Khatun
• General tomfoolery

Timeline of Activity:

• Joined the Medieval fair in fall 2016. (First SCA-adjacent activity ever)
  
• First event was Ansteorra's 40th anniversary
  
• Second event was Fall Coronation
  
• Got a sword December 2019
  
• Participated in HRM Elizabeth's Queen's Champion Tournament, November 2021

Vindheim Premier Coronet Tourney:

Photo by Melanie Gallon, Meme-ification by Ulrich Von Tolstat

I didn't expect much of an adventure, BUT THERE I WAS. I'd offered to herald three processions. The Barony of Namron, because I'm the Namron herald, His Excellency, Micolay Haiduk, since he wanted to fight as the Baron of Namron, and Centurion Mícauley because he and Dýrfinna Mikaelsdóttir asked nicely and their vibes are immaculate. I spend days fretting about what to say, suddenly cutting down my scripts to a third of its length to fit new time requirements, showing up Friday to walk the site and become the unit of measurement for Annais and Ivo since I'm one of the shortest heralds in the north, and War of the Rams.

Day of. I herald Namron in, run back around, herald Micolay in, run back around, herald Mícauley in, and walk away shaking. I'd done it. It's fine. I did a good enough job, I made my Baron and Baronowa proud and my friends happy, I had herald shakes and was gonna have somebody hug the soul out of me. Then out of the blue I'm accosted by what feels like half my friends, led by Jason Drysdale, declaring the deadly bye needs heralding in. The deadly bye is also my friend! So of course! But I don't have something a page long written up! Never fear, says Jason. Its better to keep it short anyways, neither crown nor court herald knows we're doing this. I fret while we walk back to the start of procession area, I'm cued by the site heralds, and begin shouting over the court herald and striding towards the crown. If Floki sees fit to kick my butt, Jason will be my meatshield, I've decided. If HRM Elizabeth sees fit to kick my butt, I will simply die. Behind me the procession cowers in fear from the deadliest byfighter in the known world, fighting as the Dread Pirate Roberts. I deliver the shortest speech yet, present our deadly bye Bjorn hestr Hauksson to the crown, and skedaddle away to surprised laughter.

And that's how, for better or worse, I heralded 4 of the processions at the Vindheim Premier Coronet Tourney.

Gulf Wars 30: March 2022

So here's my designated sappy post. I may try to summarize everything, sorry not sorry. Gulf Wars 2022 took a lot of preparation, and a lot of factors tried very hard to make it not happen for us, so by golly I'm gonna document what I can.

En route to this most magnificent war, fierce weather and shoddy craftsmanship almost turned us back home. This journey was saved by quick thinking, a level head, and cavalier-related literature. Upon arrival we found we had taken with us the mighty storms of our home, without the tempering presence of the Baron and Baronowa of Namron. Winds whipped and rain soaked our humble lodgings, a night was spent in the vehicle, and once more we considered turning back, for the universe seemed set against us. But we persisted.

We drank, we shopped, we sang, we met friends new and old, made merry and memories. I laughed through my first full res battle at the Swashbuckler battle, apparently a sight so odd that the marshals were told.

I met one of my bardic idols, Ambra Michelli, and swapped songs with her and the new War Bard Champion. Lyra and I had once performed Song of the Shield Wall together in the finals of the Skorragarðr Bardic Competition, because of COURSE we had to make it a little more difficult for our Baron, so we were honored to sing with Ambra. Bardic dreams were fulfilled and musical itches were definitely scratched.

I fought in the heavy town battle as part of the king's guard and was *very* effectively babysat by Magnus under threat of my lady, and experienced the thrill of shields crashing, the pride of killing a duke, the conspiratorial giggling of tricking people into thinking you know what you're doing, and the utter relief of the shields of Mooneschadowe falling in at your side and saving you from being ground into a fine dust by a man built like a mountain. I fought beside the King, and I fought beside my Prince, and saw their prowess, ferocity, and dedication first hand. I fought beside and under Margery Heron's able command as she gathered forces where they needed to be. That was pretty awesome.

In the Lady Rapier tournament I fought and watched the prowess of my sisters and siblings in arms from Kingdoms far and wide. We were supported by brothers and friends who marshaled and who cheered us on (thank you Saevarr, Marcus von Furth, Darian De Shameless, Santi, and Orazio d'Assisi). When I saw the makeup of the semifinals was half Ansteorrans including myself, my lady, and my SCA cousin Lauren Zinn, I started planning how to extol to Her Stellar Majesty the glories of her Legion. When I saw my lady Halldóra Hrafnsdottir win, I very nearly bowled her over. You all should know, she's pretty fierce ;)

In the rapier town battle I was blessed to fight alongside my lady and my comrades of the Storm Weasels, and honored to see how well we fought. Bridges we took, we kept. Houses lost, we regained. I watched Halldóra relentlessly smile and return from every res quicker than the last (for marshals reading, it was definitely a power walk shhhh). I watched Saevarr keep a bridge almost on his own. I became the nuisance and a stumbling block I aspire to be in a melee, and received the ultimate honor of being called "respectfully, the most annoying person here." Holds called were friends made, those we had fought against in tournaments became allies in the terrible housing market of the town battle. I have stories upon stories, but know I had the time of my life.

On the rapier field battle, the Storm Weasels were among the last standing. Every time. I could not be more proud of us, of our teamwork, and how dang cool our demicapes look. Thank you Baronowa Uliana Haiduk!

And... my crown came out. Not IN a fight, but biting into an after fight snack. This became a recurring problem, solved by the be-toothed big red chicken, Magnus. thank you dude; weirdest repeat dental procedure I've ever had.

In the War Bard Competition I faced talented bards from around the known world, and added new songs to my repertoire. Looking forward to the new album from our champion 👀

The everyman tourney was a blast, I wish I'd remembered to bring one of our many tripods down to film all the fighting but cest la vie. Met some cool people, stabbed some cool people, made friends. That's what it's all about. The Rose Tourney nearly got rained out, but thanks to a little field refinagling and the hard work of our marshals (thank you Etienne de Montagu) we managed to still have it, and myself and Mr. Valeria (Abd al-Mahdi Jamal ibn Hakim) had the distinct honor of fighting for Duchess Valeria Richila Navarro, my cadet sister and the Rose with the coolest shoes, hands down. I may not have won, Your Grace, but I died stylishly.

We didn't accomplish *nearly* all we set out to do. In a stroke of ambition, I had intended to fight every heavy and rapier war point, but the weather-related rescheduling blew that plan away. We'd intended to take classes, go to the dances, volunteer. Heck, I'd intended to spend a good deal of time at Herald's Point, but even on the days when nothing seemed on the schedule I found myself busy and laughing.

But most importantly of all, Ansteorra's court. I did my due diligence for some pranks, I sat close and listened well, and did my damnedest to not let a friend walk unaccompanied into court. There are certain things kept secret before courts. It is unwise to sneak a peek at a herald's book, and it is silly to think you know what will happen. I knew two friends were getting elevated, I knew there was so much skill and joy and prowess shown this week that there would be a slew of awards and recognitions. I knew this would be a bit of a long court. What I did not know, what the whole of the barony, the majority of the kingdom, and a good deal of those outside our kingdom knew, is what had been planned for me.

See, my Lady knows full well that I like pomp and circumstance, that cult of Regina is part of what makes the magic for me, and that I love the Roses of Ansteorra. What I didn't know is that she had arranged a Conspiracy of the Roses. What I didn't know is she asked my white scarf, Doña Marie de Girau, and that a recording was set up for her and my swordmom to be part of the moment. What I didn't know is she had asked our crown for their permission. What I didn't know is why my white scarf's knight was present. What I didn't know is why Duchess Margherita de Mantua got choked up when she just talked about me being bouncy and fun around camp, nor why she turned me around after giving me a token. (And then yelled, "WOOOSH!!")

I turned around to see my love on one knee in the soft glow of the lanterns and torchlight and the box in her hand. For anyone wondering, I said yes.

So thank you to everyone who made this Gulf Wars so magical. Thank you Nicaize Maupetit, Rixende de Rouen, Gwenneth Bowynne of Glamorgan and Avery Shaw for support on and off the field. Thank you to the Company of St Michael and especially Sir Mingo for welcoming and supporting me, and sorry for being a garbage stunt liver. Thank you to the people of Namron and Wiesenfeuer, always ready with a helping hand and extra rope when your tarp wants to blow away. Thank you to photographers, water bearers, marshals, autocrats and landocrats. Thank you to a hundred people I can't tag, or facebook will mark this as spam.

Koia Karasova, Orazio, Margery, and Magnus, thank you for kicking my ass about drinking water, basically babysitting me on more than one occasion, and helping me find and do all kinds of neat stuff at gulf I wouldn't have otherwise done or seen. You're SUCH enablers.

Lyra, you're a blast to talk to, to sing with, and to live next to for a week. Can't wait to face off against you in more bardic competitions, we're gonna rock the world ;P

Darien and Marcus, you're great neighbors, excellent fighters and teachers, wonderful friends, and completely innocent cadets who could never scheme anything nope never not us we're totally innocent. Camp boot care and camp shopping trips need to be a thing more often.

Saevarr, my friend, the scariest swashbuckler on the field, thank you for letting us dress you nice, and thank you for taking care of my catastrophe butt. You're a good egg and a fearsome fighter.

Malkyn Hawke, my faithful and noble consort and my unwavering support, my designated RBF and oftentimes well-needed kick in the rear, I could not do half the things I do without you. I'm so glad you got to do some violence, and I'm so glad to call you my friend.

Halldora, my love, my inspiration, my champion, I would not do half the things I do without you. I am so grateful for that first day we crossed blades, and for every day since. I'm so proud of all that you do, and I'm so proud to be on your arm. I love you, and I'll never stop loving you.

Prior Groups:

GarbInSnow

Populace Provided Information:

Zubeydah

Ashildr emanates joy. When I met her for the first time, she was So Excited to Do All the Things, and I am so fervently happy that she retains that excitement and joy. Whether she is carousing on the rapier field or impressing with her quick wit in a kenning competition or soaring to new heights in bardic performance, she transforms the experiences of those around her to something better. The SCA is a happier place with Ashildr in it.

Milokhna d'Riga

Dear Áshildr Inn Hárfagri,

The funniest mistake of my life happened yesterday during court. I wish to bring you and all who bore witness into the mind of Milokhna.

I have admired you since I first saw you at Castellan in A.S. LVII. You are full of life and laughter. You fight rapier and sew wonderful garb. You are generous and kind and honest. Seeing you and your friends at events laughing and heckling and starting impromptu dances has, naturally, led me to be terrified of you. My heart brings a sort of "OH MY GOD it's sempai, oh God she sees me, be cool Milo BE COOL" energy that I carry with me into each interaction we have.

We have a tradition during court of celebrating when someone receives an award. There are of course the "Vivat"/s, which are led by the court herald and highly regulated. After the vivat-ing, many of the local baronies have a cheer. In YOUR barony of Namron, people yell, "We got cows! WOOSH." In MY barony of Northkeep, we have a call and response. "BRICK! HOUSE!"

There are reasons for the text of these cheers, but the subtext is simple: Pride! It is a way of your community stating in a large event "That one is OURS! We are so proud of her."

During morning court yesterday (The stepdown of Their Graces Sven and Antigone) I was standing at the front of court holding a parasol to shade Zubeydah Hanim as she documented the proceedings. You were called forward to receive an award. Hilariously, I couldn't even *guess* what the award was for at this point. But you were called, nonetheless. My thought process was as follows.

"FRIEND! Friend was called. Pretty Elizabethan. Arm? Sadness. Arm sadness BUT HERE! Here is gladness! Queen loves friend. So pretty and talent muchly. Strong and Lovely. Here and Belongs! BELONGS HERE! Yes Herald, Vivat!"

"BRICK!!!"

(distantly) "Woosh...?"

OH.

MILO.

FOOLISH Milo.
Brick is for NORTHKEEP.
Sempai is Namron. Sempai is NOT NORTHKEEP.
Milo confessed love of Sempai in front of God. In front of Excellencies and Majesties and SEMPAI.

I proceeded to snort and laugh until I cried, trembling with laughter.

So now you know. I love you Áshildr. Platonically, from a distance, and at volume. Let all who read this know that I love her.

Halldóra Hrafnsdóttir :
PLEASE do not kill me or my loved ones. I swear I am not coming for your lady wife.

Barony of Namron:
I am fully aware that Áshildr belongs to your illustrious ranks. May you always "Woosh" her with pride.

The Barony Of Northkeep:
Move to Phase 3 and await my signal. We cannot claim her now, but we are a patient barony. And which one of you yelled back "HOUSE"?

With love, humility, and unbridled joy for the Dream,

Milokhna of Northkeep

Trivia/Wiki Mentions:

• Áshildr appears in the Ansteorra Dance Video
• Áshildr participated in the Savage Daughter Project.
• Áshildr and Runa were the first couple to enter Vindheim Coronet of whom neither was male, in the Fourth Vindheim Coronet Tournament.

Notable Contributions or Accomplishments:

• 2021 Ravenskald of Raven's Fort
• 2021 Bardic Champion of Skorragarðr
• 2022 Rapier Champion of Stargate
• 2022 Bardic Champion of Namron
• 2022 Vindheim Princess's Champion to Princess Gilyan, co-champion with Saevarr Mani who served as Vindheim Rapier Champion
• Received the "Shaky Knees" at War of the Rams 2022

Event Staff:

• Herald in Charge, Vindheim Summer Coronet 2022

Classes Taught:

• Recruitment and Retention in the SCA, Virtual Academy of the Rapier 2020
• Recruitment and Retention in the SCA, King's College 2022
• Introduction to 14th Century English Costuming, Winterkingdom 2024
• Knot Quite Spinning Tales - the History and Structure of Knitting, Kingdom Collegium 2024
• What to Expect When You're Expecting Brass Hats - Court Herald's Crash Course, Kingdom Collegium 2024
• Swords, Anxiety, Panic, and You, Vindheim Academia della Spada 2024
• Getting Started in SCA Rapier, Vindheim Academia della Spada 2024

Affiliations:

• Spouse of Doña Halldóra Hrafnsdóttir
• Graduated Cadet of Doña Marie de Girau
• Consort of Armiger Runa Bjarki
• White Scarf of Lord Klauss Luinstra
• Apprentice to Magnifica Biatrichi Canzoniere
• Fighter of Lade Malkyn Hawke
• Member of Goblin's Keep
• Member of Valkyrie Company
• Member of the Knowne World Courtesans

Mundane Information:

A graduate of Computer Engineering at the University of Oklahoma working in DevOps. Hit me up for a dance, a pickup fight, or perhaps a good story if you see me! A&S Blog: Jorts Chronicles

In Case of Court:

Surprise me, but make sure my household knows to make sure I look presentable!