Kylson Skyfyre by Mistress Margrethe Astrid Ravn/ Meg Heydt I wrote this following Kylson's fall and finished it after we heard the news of his death. Who drives the fire 'cross the sky and bears it in his hall? Who thought I would live to see the greatest mountain fall? The gentlest giant that ever walked master of man and beast A bard, whose voice would fill this hall a flirt, who never ceased. Upon the field once more, he stood for Bradford's honor, fought At rest, he knelt beside her feet their love in iron, wrought But something broke in Kylson's heart as I am bound to tell While wife and peers called out his name there on the ground, he fell His Prince gave breath to fill his voice his friends gave him strength His loves gave speed to clear the way for help to come at length Many hands worked for his life and many voices raised For hope that breath would draw again with tears, un-numbered prayed Chirurgeons came to bear him hence they drove from field and hill And Princess, barefoot, ran behind while wife and son stood still The Baron called his people close his coronet in hand He had no word of Kylson's fate would mountain once more stand? Word reached Eskalya's gathered host in grief, none stood alone That Kylson Skyfire breathed no more All-father claimed his own In Great Vallhalla now he sits with fair and sparkling eyes The Gods call him their greatest gift Valkyrie's finest prize He calls for drink, he calls for maids for books with lettered text He'll teach them all the rising snap Hot-tubs are coming next Bradford's house lies quiet now Eskalya grieves it's loss The trees themselves are crying hard with tears as soft as moss Farewell, Skyfire's brightest flame Oertha's Pride thus made This final gift bestowed on you Word-fame will never fade. Who drives the fire 'cross the sky and bears it in Vallhall? Who thought I would live to see the greatest mountain fall? From the guest-book with permission

Tamerity Songspinner and Kylson
Photo provided by Margaret Anne

Kylson providing Colin his Knight's Belt

Epitaph for my Knight by Colin MacLear Kylson was my knight, and the best and truest friend that I have known. And I love him much, and I miss him deeply. Swordsman, Singer Take the Rock of Life in your mighty grip And let us Gape in Awe As you cause it to gush forth Wine. From the guest-book with permission

Kylson giving Eric Bearsbane his Viscounty July, 1986
Photo provided by Margaret Anne

Unicorn Lullabye Clover of Foxfield, 23 June XXXIX (with music to come.) On the first day of Lilac Summer When the chill wind of Spring dies The unicorn lies, sleeping 'Midst a field of butterflies The silver strains of harpstrings Wove with golden voices sweet Fill the field with lullabyes To quiet his soft sleep The unicorn is courage And the unicorn is dreams His sleep among the butterflies Is as peaceful it seems So when your sleep is fearful And your heart with sorrow cries Join him, the brave unicorn In the field of butterflies

Requiem for Sir Kylson Skyfire Frederick of Holland, 20 June XXXIX They have called to tell me, Kylson, To tell me you are dead. Struck down as you in triumph stood With sword raised overhead. No more will you my campfire grace With your voice raised in song, No more will you be by my side In battle standing strong. No more will you the ladies charm With gallantry and wit, No longer will your laughter ring In tavern brightly lit. You were a giant of this world, Writ large in act and thought, And now they tell me you are dead; 'Tis knowledge dearly bought. I stand now still, 'neath Western sun In sorrow's grip held tight. But I'll remember with all joy The times you brought me light.

Reprinted from the Oertha list with Permission: I heard this evening that my friend Lawrence White is dead. I write this message with tears welling in my eyes. I have known Kylson for 26 years. We were companions, housemates, drinking buddies, hunting and fishing partners and rivals. When times were tough we helped each other by opening our homes to each other, helping each other get jobs, and just being there. We had fights. We did not see eye to eye on many things. But there was always a degree of respect between the two of us, even when we were on opposite sides of a very tall fence. When we were just young pups in the SCA we decided we wanted to be knights. To do this we would train together, push each other, explore new techniques and styles, and strive to make each other and ourselves the best fighters we could. We travelled together. We made names for ourselves. And we were knighted on the same day. We were the finalists in the first Oerthan Principality tourney, and this was how it should have been. We became knights of reknown in our kingdom, even though we lived so very far away from the heartland. Our lives took different paths and we spread apart. I left Alaska, but I alway knew I would have a warm reception when I visited. Once we had a series of epic battles at a Renfair. A picture of the two of us was used in the local paper with the caption "Dread Archrivals". The picture was transfered to a pair of tee shirts with those words embossed below it and gifted each to us. I had that shirt for many years. It was sort of a symbol of what we were. We pushed, cajoled, criticized, advised, and praised each other to make each a better man. My heart goes out to Lawrence's fair wife Robin and his son, as well as his mother and two sisters. I have lost my parents so I know what it feels like to lose loved ones. No amount of kind words and supportive gestures can take the pain away, but they can ease it just a little. The pain of Kylson's death will be felt far and wide, for his life touched many others. We as friends can do what we can to help each other in what ways we are able. A shoulder to cry on may be the most important thing to have for all those in need. For us that live far away, we cannot have the resolution that a funeral would provide. We need to find our own way, be it lighting a candle or tipping a glass in memory. My Lady wife Aryana and I will be sending a personal missive to Robin, but I had to do this letter to ease my own grief. I have been sitting silently on list for a long time. This tragedy brings home to me how important long missed friends can be. And that I have been in error for not reaching out more to those people who have been an important part of my life. Farwell my rival, my friend, Brendan Shimmeringstar Matt Kittrick

Brendan Shimmeringstar & Kylson (with a wig on)
Photo provided by Margaret Anne

“And in the End, it’s not the years in your Life that count. It’s the Life in your years.” Abraham Lincoln
Thanks Ciara

A Giant Named Kylson by Countess Dierdriana of the Misty Isles – Moms 6-25-04 There was a giant named Kylson, Who eventually had a fine son! He had a beautiful and lovely wife To last him the rest of his life! His friends scatter far and wide With Anne - always - at his side; And with son, Darian, too Who brought him brightness - true. His candle burned so very bright Always showing him in the light. A friend to all who knew him A great man - often seemed as kin. Fun, laughter, jokes and all Our friend, Kylson, had it all! Songs, stories, pastimes and loves Even stories in Hot Tubs! So, let his legacy be told and told, As we all remember the cold Of Winter days turned to Spring Allow, allow . . . ourselves to Sing! He would want that, you know Just as much as playing in snow. So go ye forth and clash your swords Honor Kylson - a man of his word! Life never ends on a bad note - Not where one can get your goat! He could do that and made us blush And never did we call him a lush! He was the kindest most gentle man But oh no, he never got a tan! His smile caused all to join in song Never mind that notes were wrong. For we now join with full chorus, As we walk through the forests Being happy as he would ask us Tell a story or loudly cuss! But only when that was all right For now we see with all his might He could not stop death’s grip When from our hearts did rip . . . We all love you so very much And life won’t be the same, as such Without you there, strong and tall Please hear us when we give a call. Kylson, Kylson, why are you gone? Our hearts break; we raise voices in song. “Here is to you, oh Kylson, my son Nary will there be another one.”

Last Winter's Gate Bardic with Kylson
(Slightly artificial panoramic photos - 2 made one)
Photo provided by Adisa

Kylson at a Halloween party in 2002 at William and Ruth’s home. He came as The Mad Hatter.
Photo provided by Gwendolyn of Rooks Haven

For Kylson by Catherine de Gray 6-27-04 Tune: "Sand and Water", by Beth Nielsen Chapman Brave and bold he walked Oerthan lands Brave and bold he lived his life We will hear him sing forever Sing forever, in our hearts and in our minds Gentle soul, he gave his all for us Gentle soul, he shared his heart Kylson's life was a great reminder That in life, we must all take a part We will see you in the light of the Northern stars We will feel you when we fight We will hear you in the howls of the winter wolves We will know you in the memory of our lives Kylson's way was the way of heroes Kylson's way was to make us laugh Now remember and do honor to him To our future and the memory of his past We will see you in the light of the Northern stars We will feel you in the light We will hear you in the songs of the Western folk We will love you, in our memories and our minds Now without him we walk into the sun Now without him we sometimes cry But we all smile when we remember How he came to us and how he touched our lives

Pictures from the Memorial June 27

The Toast

Kylson Knight Scroll and awards, including Princess' Champion
Photos provided by Adisa

Link to 86 photos from the memorial posted by Gwendolyn:
Kylson Memorial Photos

Link to photos from the memorial posted by Adisa:
Kylson Memorial Photos yahoo 1

Kylson Memorial Bardic Photos yahoo 2

Kylson Memorial Hot Tub Photos yahoo 3

Kylson Last Photos yahoo 4

Kylson Memorabilia Photos yahoo 5

Kylson Flowers Photos yahoo 6

To Countess Dierdrianna's Photos Page
Photos from 1984 and 1985!

West/An Tir War - Memorial Report by Sabrina de la Bere. In short it was lovely - we laughed and cried, heard from new bards and many of the well seasoned voices of the West and An Tir. We heard old favorite tunes and new stories. As the sunset about a hundred+ people gathered at the Royal Pavilion to remember Kylson and times past. It was presided over by His Majesty Uther and coordinated by His Grace Duke Frederick of Holland. Over the next several hours people came and went, but the numbers remained around 100 strong. Duke Frederick, Bard Catherine and many others performed lovely songs, poems, and stories of remembrance and tribute. Others told tales of their interaction with Kylson over the years; including His Majesty Uther. All of his Majesty's squires present performed pieces in tribute, as well. His Majesty of An Tir told a very moving tale of passing the torch from father to son. His Highness Jade told the tale of his 5th round at Freeze in the Trees and how he felt that Kylson literally scared him into winning in the final round. Several told tales about Kylson's prowess on the field, but more importantly how his actions in losing with such grace and good humor,transcended the moment,and made the tournament all that it should be. Some performed pieces that they had performed for the first time in Oertha, because they felt welcome enough to try performing for the very first time. Still others told Kylson jokes. One An Tir lady performed a song that would have brought a very big smile to Kylson. Another An Tir gentleman performed the "Fur Song" (he made us laugh well and long - sorry it doesn't translate without the body movements). Oertha Ho was sung by Flieg, Berengaria, Eilis, Alail, Kareina with some of us in the audience helping along the chorus. And yes some of us were "off key". My thanks to the organizers of the bardic and to those who remembered Kylson and gave tribute to honor and the fallen.

Requiem for Kylson In verse I seek to hold the very fullness of my heart, To find release of ache within sweet song; For one who shone as brightly as Oertha's winter sky When kissed by rainbow-hued and dancing light. Full long shall I still see him weaving tales beside our fires Where song and jest, with sparks, to heavens fly. As if she were a fragile, jewel-wingéd butterfly, He held so soft his dearest joy, his lady's heart And gently joined his voice with hers around the fires. Oh, none could match the life that filled and shaped his every song, Nor tire him `til the dawn's first breaking light Would steal the stars' gleam from the dark night's sky. Beneath the wide blue arc of summer sky, Where banners of the mighty boldly fly, His sword would dance about in the bright light As if it shared the greatness of his heart And wove to match the beat of battle's song To earn word-fame around the cold nights' fires. Tonight, and many nights to come, we'll light the fires, To send the sparks up soaring toward the sky And fill the void each with a favorite song; That with his spirit, they may truly fly— And so give ease to each full, aching heart That seeks, from dark's own deep embrace, the light. Upon the bare wall, bathed in pools of light That shine out from the lanterns' taméd fires, Hangs now unstrung the bard's guitar; his heart Will need it not to sound his music `cross the sky. Instead, his love will e'er be seen in each bright butterfly And heard in every voice that joins our song. So, once again, we'll lift his glass and fill his hall with song That he may know our hearts can still be light; And though the eagles soar by day, it's with the owls we'll fly— For they're the ones that join our bardic fires. And somewhere, in the darkness, up beyond the star-lit sky, He'll hear the words that sound within each heart. Upon the winds, set free to fly, recalled within each song, His hunting heart is bound to seek the light— For stars, celestial bardic fires, will call him home across the sky. Leah Raedaelf of Pagham June, A.S. XXXIX

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To Principality of Oertha Web-Site

This page will serve as point for information and memorial tribute to Kylson, and will remain available after an appropriate time has passed, linked from the Principality web-site.
If you'd like to contribute photos or music or words for this page, contact me at ldybianca(at)acsalaska.net

With the utmost respect,
-Bianca, Principality Web-Minister.
June 20, A.S. XXXIX (2004) ldybianca(at)acsalaska.net