The Court of Camelot

On the final morning of the Gathering I wandered back into the ritual area of Camelot. The main chamber was home to chairs and seemed to be a setting for reception and greeting. At that time in the morning it was quiet, leaving me with only a hint of who might have held court and the conversations that might have taken place.

The Watching Owl.

Some animals seem to hold an affinity for mages and mystics. The Owl is one I seem to find reassuring. Stillness and receptiveness has value when you seek to become part of the surroundings. Above the library chamber an owl took roost above the shelves, I wondered how many noticed as the passed beneath.

The Chained Book.

Anyone who spends a little time around magical texts knows not all books are safe. Within the library chamber of Camelot a book lay chained to a desk, behind it concoctions bubbled and a mortar and pestle stood ready.

The Stone Lion.

I strolled within the well lit rooms of the Court rooms, among the architecture was a recurring feature of a stone lion projecting a silent roar from the walls. Banners and shields were hung below the forms. It seemed appropriate to sketch this feature within my book.

Merlins Cave.

I searched within the court of Camelot to find my first subject for sketching at the Gathering. I noticed a pair of doors had been knocked off their hinges and passed through into a dark crystal cave. Forms were trapped in the rocks and a strange mist rose from an old cauldron in there. I settled in to sketch the scene into my book and found after a few minutes my spell casting ability had been enhanced (sadly this didn’t last once I left the cave). Others wandered in to admire the location and several referred to it as Merlins Cave. Very fitting I suppose.

Before the Lions Muster.

It seemed appropriate for the final sketch of the Spring Moot to be a scene within the Lions camp. After a chat with the gate guard I was allowed in and tried to find myself an out of the way spot to sketch. The tarp and bell tent by the command tent made a pleasing scene and I settled down to capture it in my sketch book. As I scribbled I noticed the camp becoming busier, I had only just finished the sketch when the Lions muster was called. I had no wish to intrude on our hosts matters of the day and so I packed up and left before I was able to find out which group owned the well presented camp.

Let the Rituals Begin.

As the morning grew old, visitors and citizens began to wander in to the ritual area and begin their preparations. Routines were rehearsed, lines were practiced and objectives clarified. It was not long before the first groups were stepping in and sealing the circle. Placing their lives in the hands of their skill and judgement. Those of us on the outside were treated to tales and stories as they weaved their magic.

The Shrine at Azurlon.

Strange rumours greeted me as I arrived in Azurlon regarding the nature of the ritual circle and its perception by different people. Intrigued I stepped into the chambers before the circle to see for myself. I found the chambers to be surprisingly peaceful. A simple shrine was laid out to the left and was formed from bamboo edging, carefully raked sand and stones and made a perfect starting point for my sketching.

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.