The History Of Ealdormere, part 1 and 2

Also that Spring saw the Waters arise
And shoulder a Barony's share
Jeweled the Cup that was served by the wise
Who would counsel the people with care
Steadfast the Princes who hailed from the South
But brief would that mantle be worn
Ruled by the spinning of Destiny's thread
They would soon have a Northerner-born

The last of the Southron, the Otter and Briar
Saw Ealdormere prove its worth
Sagely they called for a Tournament Grand
To determine the Prince of the North
A new Knight defeated the Champion of old
With Prowess both nimble and sure
Certain they were upon seeing his face
That the Line of the North was secure.

For tall stood the Prince with the grace of a Stag
And the heart of a courtier born
Steady the gaze of the Evening Swan
Who first lit the skies of the North
Together they stood for the peace of the land
And prosperity followed their reign
Heavy the cloak they were given to wear
But golden the hem of its train.

So Ealdormere's Wolves took their place in the world
Where the Falcons had once their roost
Scarlet would march with the purple and gold
When the arrows of battle were loosed
Precious the gifts wrought of silver and song
That were given as pledges sincere
Twinned were the spirits of Ealdormere's throng
With the warriors of far Calontir

Singing they joined in the thundering host
That fought for the Midrealm Kings
Fearless the might of the Wolfpack at war
With the valor that leadership brings
Sharp were the blades of the triple-edged flower
That struck its foes down where they stood
Fierce was the light of the Heaven's red eye
When the fields were the scarlet of blood

Brilliant, the Warrior watched from the sky
And the pride in her gaze was felt
Bright would the Princes and Princesses shine
Like the points of the stars in her belt
Warm was the frolicking zephyr of change
That traded old faces for new
Right was the day when an honour was done
And the White rose was given her due.

The wise Calontiri gave Ealdormere's Bards
A test of a verse to sing
And so did the War Prince receive for their words
A weapon more fit for a king
Deeper the friendships within and without
Though challenge and contest were rife
The Ram and the Tower stood forth from the Shires
And the Baronies' Banners were Five

Upon this foundation their arms would reach wide
And the Northrealm would leave it's mark
Powerful Monarchs would sail with the tide
And would shine like a flame in the dark
Ealdormere's people were giving and Kind
Each head of pavilion or hall
Had no greater pride for a stranger or friend
But to give them their best and their all

So Ealdormere grew to a thoroughbred's strength
From the first eager steps of a colt
The needs of a Kingdom were pondered at length
And none could find Ealdormere's fault
Officers, artisans, wisdom and youth
And nobles of every degree,
Women and men full of chivalry's grace
Who could lead them in war and in peace

The oldest of Councils held court in the West
And as law was their word of assent
Respectful the terms of the Northrealm's request
And it's finest ambassadors sent
Deeply the Elders considered the suit
And the winds brought the breathless report
Joyful the bell-song tat pealed through the land
With the voice of the Council's support

Like bees in the summer, the fever took hold
For much there was yet to be done
The newest of nobles joined Shirefolk of old
In their dreams of a future to come
The humblest peasant stood equal to Peer
As the shape of their work was revealed
Surely the mightiest keep had been built
From the stones that were found in the field

And so came the day when the doors were thrown wide
To the wondrous hall they built
Drawn like a river they gathered inside
'Til the greatest of chambers was filled
Eyes were drawn upward and whispers were hushed
At the sight of the scarlet-draped throne
Their dream in fruition, the moment at hand
For a King and a Queen of their own

In song-softened silence the populace stood
And the will of the land intoned
Sweet was the harvest that grew from the past
When the seeds of the future were sown
Soft was the shining of Ealdormere's eyes
Who gathered to witness a birth
Bright was the legacy's circle that passed
From the first to the last to the first

And so,
First is the wolf,
and the Wilds
and the Will
And the Rule
of the Northrealm King.