Carissimi Carolingiani!
Spring is upon us. The pandemic has not retreated in full but our society is again emerging from its hibernation. In Carolingia, this was marked with A Gathering of Fools, our small dancing event that took place on April 3, 2022. It was a joy to see everyone, acknowledge good works, and be together. We will next gather for Otters Welcome Back on May 21, 2022. It will be a joy to display what is wonderful about both Carolingia and our Society for newcomers that day.
We have seen the first regularly paced transition in monarchs since the pandemic began. We cannot sufficiently express our thanks to Duke Ioannes and Duchess Honig for their reign. It was their steady hands that invested us as your Coronets — our gratitude for this Grace is no small thing. We are also still in the vibrant glow of the coronation of King Ryouko’jin of the Iron Skies and Queen Indrakshi Aani Aravinda this past weekend. On your behalf we swore fealty to their Majesties with these words:
As holder of these lands on behalf of the Crown of the East, we swear that we will do our duty with integrity, courage, honesty, loyalty, and honor. We shall uphold law and policy locally with respect and justice for the betterment of the people and the kingdom. So swear we Frithuric and Fiore, Baron and Baroness of Carolingia.
Amidst the beautiful spectacle of the Coronation, King Ryouko’jin reminded us that War is coming. In his words, we feel the drumbeat of Pennsic. In the beauty of our Queen Indrakshi we feel the inspiration that will strengthen our resolve. It is pretty heady stuff. It is perhaps because of this that We, Frithuric and Fiore, were surprised to arrive home to allegations of sheep theft rising from the North. These scurrilous allegations must be answered.
We ask our populace to be patient as we consider our response. Please be vigilant for suspicious activity, I suspect that there are forces trying to frame us. We will not allow this to happen but also ask that you consider well your preparations for the Great Northeastern War. We agree with our Demon King — War is coming.
I leave you with these sage words from the First Poet of Carolingia, Sugawara no Naeme:
Accusations fly From Noble Cousins northward who have lost Their sheep while our pastures may be green the wooly beasts are not here