On Sunday, May 3'rd, we were blessed by a beautiful day as we 
prepared for the Rounder. After a fun ditch battle, the contestants
gathered to enter their name upon the roll. First event for the day
was a single shortsword tournament, in which fourteen fighters
competed. Several good matches were seen, culminating in the
victory of Atook Iron Horse over Aryes ( sorry, can't remember his
full persona name). The only dishonorable moment was when a certain
individual disarmed his opponant by accident, then refused to allow 
him to retrieve his sword.
After the fighting, we announced the Arts and Sciences. The various 
entries were examined by the populace, and each member placed a secret
ballot, naming which piece should win. The votes were held until the 
end, for reasons that will become clear. However, the winner was
a beautiful red round shield, with a black gryphon on the cloth
cover.
Next came Performance. We had some wonderful music, and even a quite
beautiful trio, singing Rose Red in a round. However, the winner
made no music at all, save for the sheer rhythm as he performed the
Shaolin Short Form. As with Arts and Sciences, the votes were placed
and held until the end of the event.
Finally came an event that many were not expecting to enjoy, but
found immensely enjoyable, Extemporaneous Poetic Expression. The
contestants came up to the Monarch, one by one, and drew a subject
such as 'The Meeting Tree', or 'Lady Genevra ( a much-loved person
in the Shire) ', or even 'Duct Tape'. They then had a minute and a 
half to consider their eloquent pronouncements, and were to recite
for at least a minute, though that particular stricture was relaxed
for many. The winner, with his wonderful little tale about Duct Tape,
was Aryes. Again, the populace voted on the winner, and the votes
held.
Before the votes were tallied, the Monarch and myself rated each
individual on how honorably they comported themselves throughout
the event. Since most of the individuals showed exemplary honor, that
was not difficult. Then, the votes were tallied, and points assigned
for first, second, and third place. With this last action, the 
winner was clear.

First place for the Beltaine Rounder went to....

( Drum Roll )

Aryes !!!!!!!
( by a very slim margin over Fong Sei Yuk )