Vernal Arlsmoots

At every equinox and solstice, the Arls and Arlessas of Bristol meet and discuss the major issues the Arldom faces.

History

The tradition began with Arl Arthur Seann-Ubhal, the visionary credited with uniting the Bristol Islands. Holding a summit on the summer solstice, a time when the druids had ordained that no blood be spilled, Arthur aimed to bring peace to his island home. He summoned all the Arls of Bristol to his sacred apple grove under the pretence of it being just Arthur and none of the others. When they arrived in the harbour, many an arl was put out and angry to see their hated enemies. Arriving at the circle, they began to shout collectively at him for his treachery. Once they were done he gave them a piece of his own mind. "You are all angry at me for tricking you. You have this in common." "You all sailed here to visit me at my request. You have this in common." "None of you packed enough food on your ships for a voyage home, otherwise you wouldn't have landed here and expected me to feed you and supply you, as is our custom. You have this in common." "You are children of these islands, as am I. We have this in common." "You are all listening to me silently now. You have this in common" Arthur summoned his wives, who delivered the feast to his grove on silver plates and from golden pitchers, cider was poured. While his guests ate, Arthur spun a tale of a nation of travellers, who would touch the furthest reaches of the world, where stars were strange and monsters dwelt. They owned the sea, for none knew it as they did. And they did prosper, for their fathers had learned to trust each other as any sailor would trust his crewmates. He then led them to his own ship in the harbour and sailed to its mouth and back again. There were arguments at first, but Arthur negotiated and mediated. Soon the vessel moved smoothly and landed at evening. Arthur and his guests returned to the grove for the swift night. "Brothers," he began, "My tale may be but a tale, but it may also be the truth. We are a stubborn, rough people who tend to care for our own. But beyond our shores is the great lands, where the new Empire rises. What happens when they build ships of their own? Will our children own the seas then? How can we expect them to be great, if we do not do this great and trivial thing and come together?" And so the first Summersmeet was had. That fall, The Arls returned for the equinox, to talk and plan and negotiate. Arthur presided over the Vernal gatherings for the next two years, until his health failed him, and he died. The spring equinox saw the Arls congregating at Camulod to pay their respects and uphold the tradition he had laid down for them to follow.

Execution

Summer activities include the sailing of Arthur's ship to the mouth of camulod harbour and back. Autumn activities include the partaking of the years first sweet cider in the sacred grove. Winter activities feature the yule ball. Spring activities include the hike to Arthur's tomb.