Preparations continue at the hut for the Great Gathering of the Clan on November 1.
Dan and Ben MacTavish dragged a great table up the hill today, straining to get it over the steepest bits. Telets, skilled carpenter that he is, has recently fashioned a large number of stools and benches and these were placed around the table and in our hut. Various cooking devices and utensils are being collected, and there's even a small flock of piglets penned in awaiting Vermelaine's knife on the big day.
The young herald from the Court of Lyons visited us again today. She went into the backroom with the Chieftain and his maps, emerging shortly after with several rolled up documents in hand and a thoughtful expression on her bonny face. She left shortly afterwards.
Tom's mate Roddy has been playing the pipes today. A bit more formalised in meter, Roddy's "March'n'u't'Burn" is an old song of homecoming. Piper Tom is resting his lungs for November 1. Hopefully we'll have a few visitors on the day, perhaps on their way home from the Highland Games. Tom wants to play a selection of his favorite tunes for them all!
31.10.07
30.10.07
A day to celebrate!
There were the usual comings and goings at the Hut today, each leaving its own little traces of drama.
With the dawn came another MacTavish from Wigtown. Seeing her stride up the path, hair flowing in the breeze, Tom the Piper could nae help himself. For the rest of the day the MacTavishes would be listening to “Mist in t’glade”
Talk on the verandah seemed to centre around the coming Highland Games, supposedly to be held at the start of November. Drac is talking to the young Dan MacTavish of swords and things when he stops, all of a sudden, and looks up at the sun. Mumbling something about having "let the day get away", he quickly grabs his stout walking staff.
After a quick word to someone in the backroom, “I’ve got a wedding to get to!”, he hurries off down the path.
A few minutes later, still making final adjustments to the hang of her plaid, Lady Robin MacTavish hurries after him.
You can evolve with the wedding, here.
With the dawn came another MacTavish from Wigtown. Seeing her stride up the path, hair flowing in the breeze, Tom the Piper could nae help himself. For the rest of the day the MacTavishes would be listening to “Mist in t’glade”
Talk on the verandah seemed to centre around the coming Highland Games, supposedly to be held at the start of November. Drac is talking to the young Dan MacTavish of swords and things when he stops, all of a sudden, and looks up at the sun. Mumbling something about having "let the day get away", he quickly grabs his stout walking staff.
After a quick word to someone in the backroom, “I’ve got a wedding to get to!”, he hurries off down the path.
A few minutes later, still making final adjustments to the hang of her plaid, Lady Robin MacTavish hurries after him.
You can evolve with the wedding, here.
28.10.07
A Chieftain is Chosen!
For several days now the MacTavishes have been discussing whether to elect their chieftain. A poll was conducted, with several of the clan proudly lodging their votes but most looking on interestedly. The result was a tie.
Further deliberations ensued in the back room.
Preceded by sounds of applause and good cheer, Dracmuller emerged from the Hearth and announced that the Clan had appointed him Chieftain by acclamation.
"Clan MacTavish and all true friends, hear me!" he said.
"You see before you the Chieftain of Clan MacTavish! The mantle of chieftainship is an honour I will accept humbly but carry with pride! My first announcement as Chieftain is to invite any who disagree strongly with any decision of mine to come forth and speak with me before taking any rash action."
Witnessing this speech as she emerged from the trees near the hut, another proud MacTavish lady came forth to acknowledge her kinship with the clan. Dracmuller saw this as a good omen. PiperTom saw it as an excuse to try out his latest, 'Distant Alpin Home.'
Further deliberations ensued in the back room.
Preceded by sounds of applause and good cheer, Dracmuller emerged from the Hearth and announced that the Clan had appointed him Chieftain by acclamation.
"Clan MacTavish and all true friends, hear me!" he said.
"You see before you the Chieftain of Clan MacTavish! The mantle of chieftainship is an honour I will accept humbly but carry with pride! My first announcement as Chieftain is to invite any who disagree strongly with any decision of mine to come forth and speak with me before taking any rash action."
Witnessing this speech as she emerged from the trees near the hut, another proud MacTavish lady came forth to acknowledge her kinship with the clan. Dracmuller saw this as a good omen. PiperTom saw it as an excuse to try out his latest, 'Distant Alpin Home.'
27.10.07
A message from the Court of Lyons!
A fine wee lassie presented herself before MacTavish's Hut this morning, asking of MacTavish. Ragehammer happened to be the only MacTavish at the hut at the time, and so it was he who accepted the gift the herald had brought (with the grace and good wit for which we know him).
Invited inside for a "snack of Pork and Ham", she politely declined. Speaking of the urgency of her mistress's need for her courtier skills, the young one departed back down the path.
Puzzled, Ragehammer closely examined the sealed tiestring which bound closed the beautifully crafted leathern scroll protector, handed him by the messenger. Recognising the arms of the Court of Lyon filigreed into the clasp, he gingerly placed the royal object upon the pile of papers awaiting the attention of one of the more clerically minded MacTavishes.
Invited inside for a "snack of Pork and Ham", she politely declined. Speaking of the urgency of her mistress's need for her courtier skills, the young one departed back down the path.
Puzzled, Ragehammer closely examined the sealed tiestring which bound closed the beautifully crafted leathern scroll protector, handed him by the messenger. Recognising the arms of the Court of Lyon filigreed into the clasp, he gingerly placed the royal object upon the pile of papers awaiting the attention of one of the more clerically minded MacTavishes.
Ragehammer returned to the back room of the hut, where PiperTom was trying to teach him 'Lady of the Valley,' a beautiful song of misty highland vales and the woman who travelled them.
Pipers compare notes!
We are glad to see that some local pipers have made the most of the presence of our friends, PiperTom and wee Roddy, and have taken the chance to visit our hut to compare notes. For example, late last night, our hut was graced with the appearance of a remarkable fellow.
True Highlander, as much viking as scott in appearance and speaking with a wild misty gaelic accent. Proud, discerning and savagely noble.He and our boys played to the wee hours while the MacTavishes celebrated their new rooms at Highland Hall.
By the end of the night PiperTom was reeling out a jig dereived from the celtic roots of islander music taught him by the long haired giant from the north. Where he learnt it, we know not.
The bagpiping of Piper Tom and wee Roddy has certainly been a feature of recent times at MacTavish's Hut. After November 1st you'll actually have to ask them to play to hear their grand sounds. I'm sure that they'll play for you at the drop of a cap, however.
All credit where credit's due, however, for we have made the most of their free offer to play for us as we lead up to November 1. If you want to visit their cyberhuts directly, use the links on the sidebar (beneath the rose).
True Highlander, as much viking as scott in appearance and speaking with a wild misty gaelic accent. Proud, discerning and savagely noble.He and our boys played to the wee hours while the MacTavishes celebrated their new rooms at Highland Hall.
By the end of the night PiperTom was reeling out a jig dereived from the celtic roots of islander music taught him by the long haired giant from the north. Where he learnt it, we know not.
The bagpiping of Piper Tom and wee Roddy has certainly been a feature of recent times at MacTavish's Hut. After November 1st you'll actually have to ask them to play to hear their grand sounds. I'm sure that they'll play for you at the drop of a cap, however.
All credit where credit's due, however, for we have made the most of their free offer to play for us as we lead up to November 1. If you want to visit their cyberhuts directly, use the links on the sidebar (beneath the rose).
MacTavishes celebrate new rooms!
There was another wee shindig at MacTavish's Hut last night. Word had arrived that the clan had finally reached agreement with the Lords of Highlands Hall about the proper location and appointment of the MacTavish rooms within.
Such room now secured for official business at the Hall, it wasn't long before Sol and Dan MacTavish were seen giving Wognot a hand with several boxes, carrying them up the hill with some gusto to their new home.
The path was a little less noisy today, the recent Hall debates about laws giving 'a fair go for thieves and criminals' having reached resolution. The small clusters of cuthroats and rogues who'd being hanging around over recent days, while their leaders argued it out inside, had departed. Their polluted and filthy campsites, abandoned without a thought to those who would come next, bore mute testimony to the corruption about to descend again upon our roads as the gangs return to their haunts.
To lighten the mood a little, it was grand to see that the MacTavishes weren't the ony ones who were publicly claiming rooms today at the Hall, for our lads reported seeing several plaids worn openly which recently were concealed. This is a good sign.
At one point in the day, several of the MacTavish women gathered on the verandah of the hut, earnestly discussing some obviously serious issue, judging by the determined look on their faces. They went their own ways shortly afterwards.
Such room now secured for official business at the Hall, it wasn't long before Sol and Dan MacTavish were seen giving Wognot a hand with several boxes, carrying them up the hill with some gusto to their new home.
The path was a little less noisy today, the recent Hall debates about laws giving 'a fair go for thieves and criminals' having reached resolution. The small clusters of cuthroats and rogues who'd being hanging around over recent days, while their leaders argued it out inside, had departed. Their polluted and filthy campsites, abandoned without a thought to those who would come next, bore mute testimony to the corruption about to descend again upon our roads as the gangs return to their haunts.
To lighten the mood a little, it was grand to see that the MacTavishes weren't the ony ones who were publicly claiming rooms today at the Hall, for our lads reported seeing several plaids worn openly which recently were concealed. This is a good sign.
At one point in the day, several of the MacTavish women gathered on the verandah of the hut, earnestly discussing some obviously serious issue, judging by the determined look on their faces. They went their own ways shortly afterwards.
26.10.07
Life goes on
Roddy the Piper has taken on the duty at MacTavishes hut of welcoming visitors. We hope you enjoy his playing. Pipertom has run out wind at the moment.
With Dracmuller gone off on a trip to Wigtown, life just seems to be getting busier at the MacTavishes' hut. Not that the public can see much evidence of it, just the sound of excited voices coming from the backroom and the wail of Roddy's bagpipes skirling up a fling or two!
The MacTavish's archives have recently been consulted by several people claiming primary kinship to other clans. We don't mind, we believe in a united scotland, one not riven by clan jealousy and strife. if you go back far enough , afterall, it is probably true that all us Scotts are related somehow.
Isn't it grand being Scotts!
With Dracmuller gone off on a trip to Wigtown, life just seems to be getting busier at the MacTavishes' hut. Not that the public can see much evidence of it, just the sound of excited voices coming from the backroom and the wail of Roddy's bagpipes skirling up a fling or two!
The MacTavish's archives have recently been consulted by several people claiming primary kinship to other clans. We don't mind, we believe in a united scotland, one not riven by clan jealousy and strife. if you go back far enough , afterall, it is probably true that all us Scotts are related somehow.
Isn't it grand being Scotts!
25.10.07
While the cat's are away ...
Dracmuller MacTavish has finally set out for Wigtown. Taking advantage of the fact that the robbers and bandits who moved into County Galloway upon its founding are all busy arguing (or listening) in Highlands Hall, trying to institute laws which 'give the robbers a go', he ducks quickly onto the main path and sneaks around the various cuthroat bandits who have recently descended on the immediate environs of the Hall to listen to their spokesmen.
While their foul english accents pollute the nearby highland air, reflects Drac, the roads at least are free!
How Ironic!
Drac nods his head in passing as a bonny lassie passes by, her butcher's hooks and knives hung as though for easy access on broad leathern belts. Drac notes the regal aloofness in her stride as she passes a puddle of english rabbles, and the grin she flashes as she approaches he.
"This be anor MacTavish," he thinks to himself, comforted knowing that even now Scotland is gathering its sons and daughters to heart...
the last sounds of home which Drac hears on his departure is Piper Tom's latest "Aye for a gentler sea!"
While their foul english accents pollute the nearby highland air, reflects Drac, the roads at least are free!
How Ironic!
Drac nods his head in passing as a bonny lassie passes by, her butcher's hooks and knives hung as though for easy access on broad leathern belts. Drac notes the regal aloofness in her stride as she passes a puddle of english rabbles, and the grin she flashes as she approaches he.
"This be anor MacTavish," he thinks to himself, comforted knowing that even now Scotland is gathering its sons and daughters to heart...
the last sounds of home which Drac hears on his departure is Piper Tom's latest "Aye for a gentler sea!"
Archival searches
Dracmuller and Wognot MacTavish hoisted the large box out the front door of the hut, placing it carefully down on the ground in the shade. They squatted down beside it and looked within, seemingly oblivious to the coolness of the breeze rustling the papers that they there saw.
Drac reached into the pocket of his new red trousers, admiring the quality of the good Whithornian fabric as he did so. He withdrew several rumpled sheets of paper. Pointing out something of interest on one of the sheets with his rough peasant finger, he had a brief conversation with Wagnot.
Apparently reaching agreement, the two proceed to check the pages within the box, comparing each one with the rough notes from Drac's pocket. For a couple of hours they remained thus, occasionally muttering something, at other times asking the other for an opinion on something noticed on the pages before them.
The MacTavishes have for awhile been gathering together the various documentary sources of their genealogy and are now putting them to good use. These papers constitute the basis of the formal document to be one day submitted to the powers that be as the genealogical basis of the status of Clan MacTavish as a Founding Clan of Scotland.
The archive is of more immediate use, however, in answering the questions of various friends and neighbors as to the degree of their relationships to Clan MacTavish.
As the day closes a young tall and strong looking lad strides meaningfully up the hill to the hut. Piper Tom, recognising the determination of a MacTavish finding his way home for the first time, hurls himself into a new tune to honour the occasion. The reeling wail of 'Lay of the steel' rings out through the gloaming.
Drac reached into the pocket of his new red trousers, admiring the quality of the good Whithornian fabric as he did so. He withdrew several rumpled sheets of paper. Pointing out something of interest on one of the sheets with his rough peasant finger, he had a brief conversation with Wagnot.
Apparently reaching agreement, the two proceed to check the pages within the box, comparing each one with the rough notes from Drac's pocket. For a couple of hours they remained thus, occasionally muttering something, at other times asking the other for an opinion on something noticed on the pages before them.
The MacTavishes have for awhile been gathering together the various documentary sources of their genealogy and are now putting them to good use. These papers constitute the basis of the formal document to be one day submitted to the powers that be as the genealogical basis of the status of Clan MacTavish as a Founding Clan of Scotland.
The archive is of more immediate use, however, in answering the questions of various friends and neighbors as to the degree of their relationships to Clan MacTavish.
As the day closes a young tall and strong looking lad strides meaningfully up the hill to the hut. Piper Tom, recognising the determination of a MacTavish finding his way home for the first time, hurls himself into a new tune to honour the occasion. The reeling wail of 'Lay of the steel' rings out through the gloaming.
24.10.07
A Quieter Day (thank goodness)
Today was a much more peaceful day at MacTavish's hut than has been the case since we first moved in.
Was interesting that an intrepid reporter from the Scottish Herald found his way to our site, looking for 'background' for his upcoming report on Clan Matters. It was kinda disturbing that everything he saw seemed to be refracted through the lense of 'politics', but I guess that's what it's all about to some of us.
Dracmuller MacTavish was away for a change, apparently talking to administrators at the main Hall. No doubt haggling over the proposed location of the clan's room within.
Wognot MacTavish hung around awhile, sorting out various papers containing some of the MacTavish archives.
We MacTavishes, well we know there's a lot more to life than politics!
Was interesting that an intrepid reporter from the Scottish Herald found his way to our site, looking for 'background' for his upcoming report on Clan Matters. It was kinda disturbing that everything he saw seemed to be refracted through the lense of 'politics', but I guess that's what it's all about to some of us.
Dracmuller MacTavish was away for a change, apparently talking to administrators at the main Hall. No doubt haggling over the proposed location of the clan's room within.
Wognot MacTavish hung around awhile, sorting out various papers containing some of the MacTavish archives.
We MacTavishes, well we know there's a lot more to life than politics!
22.10.07
Noise Complaint!
We MacTavishes have just had one angry scotsman come storming up the hill to give us a piece of his very broad mind! We were about to start getting fierce ourselves when we worked out what he was trying to say. He was mad because he couldn't hear the bagpipes from his second field, and could we ask Tom to turn it up!
What can you say about that?
And, as another MacTavish walks up the path to meet his longlost kin for the first time, Pipertom unleashes yet another tune from his repertoire. This one, "Ye Olde Homestead Burnin'" is a raider's lament and, though popular amongst MacTavishes, lacks the neat sliding "blues note" of Tom's own more recent work.
But seriously, if the music is causing your computer problems, please let me know by 'comment' on this post or ingame email. And if you're worried about angry bagpipe fans giving you grief, don't! They are Mates of the MacTavishes and, like us, they don't believe their freedom need come at the expense of your fun.
What can you say about that?
And, as another MacTavish walks up the path to meet his longlost kin for the first time, Pipertom unleashes yet another tune from his repertoire. This one, "Ye Olde Homestead Burnin'" is a raider's lament and, though popular amongst MacTavishes, lacks the neat sliding "blues note" of Tom's own more recent work.
But seriously, if the music is causing your computer problems, please let me know by 'comment' on this post or ingame email. And if you're worried about angry bagpipe fans giving you grief, don't! They are Mates of the MacTavishes and, like us, they don't believe their freedom need come at the expense of your fun.
Comings and Goings
Ragehammer MacTavish, trudging up the hill to MacTavish's hut after a hard day's work, nodded to himself appreciatively, enjoying the music of Piper Tom.
Piper Tom, recognising the fact that his talents were appreciated, blew all the harder. He considered this latest piece, "Rin'o't'an'l," to be much more reflective than the (wedding) march he had recently been working on. The bit he liked the best is the nice sliding 'blues' note in the chorus.
Inside the hut, Clan MacTavish were having a bit of a shindig. A humble feast of bread, potatoes, fish and corn went down well with a liberal helping of dark ale, donated by a friend of the MacTavishes who shall remain nameless.
Several usually serious types popped in, "as they were passing by anyway." At first a bit hesitant, they soon loosened up and, by the time they left, promises had been made to meet these fellow scotts in various taverns and pubs throughout the land.
And who was that dark but noble and anonymous figure who hovered awhile in the far corner, enjoying our honest peasant hospitality but falling silent when more educated types went past?
Perhaps he realised and approved of the fact that, despite the apparent frivolity of the surroundings, if you looked carefully you could see that stubborn MacTavish look on the face of each and everyone of us. We know how to party all right, but we also know how to get things done!
Piper Tom, recognising the fact that his talents were appreciated, blew all the harder. He considered this latest piece, "Rin'o't'an'l," to be much more reflective than the (wedding) march he had recently been working on. The bit he liked the best is the nice sliding 'blues' note in the chorus.
Inside the hut, Clan MacTavish were having a bit of a shindig. A humble feast of bread, potatoes, fish and corn went down well with a liberal helping of dark ale, donated by a friend of the MacTavishes who shall remain nameless.
Several usually serious types popped in, "as they were passing by anyway." At first a bit hesitant, they soon loosened up and, by the time they left, promises had been made to meet these fellow scotts in various taverns and pubs throughout the land.
And who was that dark but noble and anonymous figure who hovered awhile in the far corner, enjoying our honest peasant hospitality but falling silent when more educated types went past?
Perhaps he realised and approved of the fact that, despite the apparent frivolity of the surroundings, if you looked carefully you could see that stubborn MacTavish look on the face of each and everyone of us. We know how to party all right, but we also know how to get things done!
21.10.07
Late Last Night ...
If this is your first visit to MacTavish's Hut, Welcome from all of us in Clan MacTavish!
Travellers to Highlands Hall of recent times have had to take notice or our Hut. Located not far from the main path, it isn't hard to find. And the sound of bagpipes emerging from within is sure to rouse the blood of any true Scott!
We haven't yet had any complaints about the noise!
Late Last Night ...
Late last night several members of Clan MacTavish were seen to emerge from the back room of the Hut, wherein is located the private hearth of the clan. They had obviously been talking serious business, judging by the fact that they all went off to their respective homes with a determined air about them and a serious cast to their features.
Oddly, Dracmuller MacTavish was looking at a map of the County as he emerged from the hut, muttering about "robbers surely not daring to interfere with travellers who are on clan business." Before he went home for the evening he was heard to make query of passerby about the road to Wigtown.
If you've enjoyed your visit to our Hut, please leave a comment.
Travellers to Highlands Hall of recent times have had to take notice or our Hut. Located not far from the main path, it isn't hard to find. And the sound of bagpipes emerging from within is sure to rouse the blood of any true Scott!
We haven't yet had any complaints about the noise!
Late Last Night ...
Late last night several members of Clan MacTavish were seen to emerge from the back room of the Hut, wherein is located the private hearth of the clan. They had obviously been talking serious business, judging by the fact that they all went off to their respective homes with a determined air about them and a serious cast to their features.
Oddly, Dracmuller MacTavish was looking at a map of the County as he emerged from the hut, muttering about "robbers surely not daring to interfere with travellers who are on clan business." Before he went home for the evening he was heard to make query of passerby about the road to Wigtown.
If you've enjoyed your visit to our Hut, please leave a comment.
20.10.07
Talks with MacDonalds end with Cheers!
The recent discussions held between Alexmac of Clan MacDonald and Dracmuller MacTavish have concluded with joy and cheers all around.
A problem arose when young Lizardking realised that, though enrolled in the lists of the MacDonalds, his true lineage was MacTavish. Concerned, he did the right thing and approached the temporary 'leaders' of each clan, explaining his position as best he could.
Alexmac and Drac sat down over a pint or two outside the hut on a cool autumnal day and talked about the young gillie. Eventually it was agreed that Lizardking could leave MacDonald with good grace upon the promise of the MacTavishes to look after him well. The promise was indeed sealed with a toast, "To the glory of Scotland!"
"Be sure to come back and visit us," called out Drac as Alexmac of the MacDonalds departed on the road to Drummore.
A problem arose when young Lizardking realised that, though enrolled in the lists of the MacDonalds, his true lineage was MacTavish. Concerned, he did the right thing and approached the temporary 'leaders' of each clan, explaining his position as best he could.
Alexmac and Drac sat down over a pint or two outside the hut on a cool autumnal day and talked about the young gillie. Eventually it was agreed that Lizardking could leave MacDonald with good grace upon the promise of the MacTavishes to look after him well. The promise was indeed sealed with a toast, "To the glory of Scotland!"
"Be sure to come back and visit us," called out Drac as Alexmac of the MacDonalds departed on the road to Drummore.
Drac Lights the hearthfire!
Dracmuller silently raises a toast in the back room of MacTavish hut.
"All is ready," he says to himself.
He sparks his flint in the dry tinder. A small glow appears.
Drac blows gently, bringing a flame to life.
He places some kindling on the fire, it catches alight.
"For MacTavish!" he exclaims to himself, watching with satisfaction as the flames take hold.
We MacTavishes have already established our presence outside Highland Hall with our hut. Now we can now put up our feet around our own hearth fire! Located in the hut's back room, we will keep it going at least until the Gathering of the Clans in November. Depending on events, we'll see what happens then.
To gain entry to MacTavish hearth, all MacTavishes are invited to step inside.
To do so, however, you'll first need to provide me an email address so that I can give permission for you to enter the Hearth site.
I think that the hearth should be a communal clan site, so I will allow everyone who has access to the Hearth the ability to put up posts (they will need to be registered with 'blogger' to do this - it's free and easy). We will all be able to leave comments.
I will retain administrator rights and play the role of censor. We MacTavishes will conduct ourselves with honour at all times.
Any MacTavish who wants to enter the Hearth site, or register with blogger to post at the hearth, please contact me in game.
Only true MacTavishes will be allowed around the fire. I'm sorry to all you other folk, but we MacTavishes need our own space to talk clan business.
19.10.07
Introduction
Let me introduce us, the young and growing Clan MacTavish from the cyberworld of Renaissance Kingdoms!
Ballenoape of Drummore
Dracmuller of Whithorn
Ballenoape of Drummore
Dracmuller of Whithorn
Jayne of Drummore
Minuet of Whithorn
Muzz of Whithorn
Soltario of Whithorn
Negotiations continue with Clan MacDonald about the kinship of Lizardking of Drummore.
There are a number of other similarly ranked folk within the villages of Wigtown, Whithorn and Dummore (all in the County of Galloway) presently considering whether or not to accept the challenge of their MacTavish heritage.
Minuet of Whithorn
Muzz of Whithorn
Soltario of Whithorn
Negotiations continue with Clan MacDonald about the kinship of Lizardking of Drummore.
There are a number of other similarly ranked folk within the villages of Wigtown, Whithorn and Dummore (all in the County of Galloway) presently considering whether or not to accept the challenge of their MacTavish heritage.
Our hut has been set up outside the Highland Halls while we await the Gathering of the Clans on November 1. The Great Lords of the Kingdom are already taking notice of us MacTavishes! I hope that some of them at least, as well as those folk from other clans whom we call friends, will visit and leave a sign of their passing.
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