Rowan's Journal

One highly emotional and memorable event this weekend was the release of Tristan, the Red-tailed Hawk by Bob Aanonsen with Master William's help.

It was at the end of their afternoon show. Izzey made it part of my schedule so as many of the Court as wished to, could attend. We jewelry shopped over at StormWatch (yeah, I know, what a sacrifice, right?) until the crowd was moving over to the Joust Field for the release. I tried to sneak but Bob saw me and said, "Make way for the Queen" and called for someone to make ready the chairs under the Royal pavilion there. I said, "I was trying to sneak in!" and made my guard, John, snort (which became my daily goal) and all those around me chuckle.

I sat down and invited my Mistress of Misrule, Izzey, to sit next to me. Then we sat and watched as raptly as everyone else, while Master Sir Robert explained about Tristan, told the story and held her so that the jesses could be cut. Then Brother William was handed the magnificent bird, being firmly held at the sides, whereupon he blessed Ther as we all sniffed and cried and then he released the wild creature into her own element; the wind. She flew strongly and swiftly South and we all felt our hearts go with her. I thought, "Ok, Charles, now she's there for you to go flying with."

It was amazing and I'll never forget it. I'm honored to have been able to view it and take even the smallest part in this great work.

Oh, and here's an image of Charles with Lady Val on his arm from last year.