The Wellspring Camp

Close to the smaller entrance to the Wellspring lay a deserted camp. Plates sat upon tree stumps and a cauldron was suspended over an unlit fire. It made a pleasing scene and the subject for the last of my Gathering sketches for the year.

Entrance to the Wellspring

After spending late evening at the Bear Faction camp I awoke on Monday morning with a surprisingly clear head, it was ringing only to the memories of new songs. It would seem the "whisky in a bag" we were drinking was more forgiving than I would expect.

The entrance to the Wellspring stood before me and I settled down to draw. Just a few people passed  me as I worked and the only distraction I seemed to find was the smell of coffee & breakfast from near by.

The Transport Circle

As the light was beginning to fade at the end of Sunday, I walked down to the Wolf Faction gate. The gate had been attacked many times over the weekend but for a while it seemed strangely silent. The transport circle before me provided me with my next subject. Ulrich from the Throsgaard took the time to wander over from his post to have a look over the appearing sketch, he was also kind enough to ensure I had a swig of mead.

It was a hurry to finish the sketch as the Wolf Camp came under attack again. With my sketchbook thrust into its bag I grabbed my sword and stood ground with my fellow wolves.

The Raggers Camp

Early Sunday afternoon generally brought musters and the clatter of armour to the Wolf Faction camp, however for a short while the crowds seemed to subside. Sitting by the Shian tent I was graced with a clear view of the well organised Raggers camp down the hill. With only a few others sitting around and taking time to eat I decided to grab the opportunity and sketch the peaks of the tents above the fence.

Fountain at the Wellspring

After completing the sketch of the standing stones I moved into the ritual area. The fountain filled the room with the gentle sound of running water. Next to the fountain the wooden bridge lead the way to the ritual circle. As I drew members of the Viper Faction began to turn up and wait for their ritualists to arrive. They too seemed to appreciate the scene and were happy to chat with me as I finished my work.

The Stones at the Wellspring

Sunday morning brought bright sunshine to drive away the clouds. As most folk were having breakfast and getting ready for the day, I strolled up to the stones within the Wellspring area. In the peace and quiet I sat myself down in the shade and set about capturing the image of the stones.

At The Bar

With darkness setting in I wandered off to the bar for a beer. Beneath the lights I sketched away only stopping occasionally to drink deeply. I was joined on a crowded table by two warriors from the Lions and Henry their Knight Marshal. They seemed to appreciate what I was doing and we enjoyed a pleasant conversation as I was finishing the sketch.

It is always a pleasure to chat over a drink with friendly souls. Later that evening I kept a promise to the Lions to ensure my healing was at hand for their ritual, luckily all went well and I was able to enjoy the show without calling on the powers of Life.

The Shian Camp

Weapons and shields stood close by the entrance to the Shian Tent. The entrance turned to soft mud by the steady footfalls of visitors and within the mood was somber after the death of the Shian leader.

Within the Healers Guild

The afternoon brought storms, the sound of rain battering the guild tent brought a dramatic contrast to the morning. People took shelter & voices were raised to stand above the downpour drumming from above.

Throsgaard Camp

Close by the canopy of an oak tree, the Throsgaards Camp had provided healers and the wounded with sanctuary on the battle of Friday evening. In the noon sun of the following day, it remained a welcome sight.

Command Tents

Perched towards the top end of the faction camp, the command tents held witness to the comings and goings of many folk as matters were discussed with shields and spears close at hand.

Beside the Raggers Gate

Sketched with the raven beside me and the sounds of the pacing guardsman near by

The Shian Tent & The Nook

A sketch from Saturday morning, happily sitting outside the Raggers camp fence listening to the sounds and smells of breakfast being made before the Raggers began their morning drills