I Ventured Forth to Lyondemere

The poem was written for 2024's Lyon Bard contest. It refers to the Barony's heraldic device which includes a heraldic sealion (half lion, half fish).

After the contest judging I was one of two asked to be in the "sudden death" finals portion of the contest. We had a half hour to write a 1 minute piece that named the barony's mascot, which I was informed was a merlion, not a sealion.

I decided my piece should be a follow on of my sealion poem, so I've added Morvin the Merlion below.

I did not win the contest, so the merlion is not officially named Morvin, but we will always be Morvin the Merlion to me!

I Ventured Forth to Lyondemere

I ventured forth to Lyondemere the fabled sea lion to see.

That wonderful beast, of both green and gold, of which many a daring tale is told.

With his green wreath held high,

o're the sea and white sky,

It's a stirring sight to see.

I ventured forth to Lyondemere the MIGHTY sea lion to see.

To their weekly practice I went

where fighters to their tasks bent,

Both inspired and inspiring as I heard their blows ring.

But alas, no sea lion did I see.

I ventured forth to Lyondemere the BEAUTIFUL sea lion to see.

Scriptorium and classes were next

With their beautiful artwork, and text.

And mead, and herbs, and garb, and words.

But alas, no sea lion did I see.

I ventured forth to Lyondemere the ACCOMPLISHED sea lion to see.

Next to archery practice I went

Where archers their wooden bows bent.

Their arrows flew true, and the misses were few

But alas, no sea lion did I see.

I ventured forth to Lyondemere the DUTIFUL sea lion to see.

Their Council meeting was next on my list,

where business was the monthly grist.

All working so hard, their barony to guard.

But alas, no sea lion did I see.

I ventured forth to Lyondemere the GRAND sea lion to see.

Perhaps the tourney's the place to go!

There he must surely will show!

I saw banners on high and lovely folks passing by.

But alas, no sea lion did I see.

I ventured forth to Lyondemere the FANTASTIC sea lion to see.

Finally I went to the baron to ask

Why I had failed at my self-imposed task?

With his arms widely spread the baron simply said

The great sea lion is we!

— Lynnette de Sandoval del Valle de los Unicornios

Morvin the Merlion

One night as I slept, I had the strangest dream! A grand sealion appeared and said "I heard you were looking for me"!!

"Why yes I was! I've never met a sealion and just wanted to have a chat."

"Here I am, but you should know that I am actually a MERlion!"

"My pardon sir, my ignorance did show!! How should I address you? Do you have a name?"

"I am called Morvin the Merlion. I am named after the Viscount Sir Morvin of Carrick who named the newly born Canton of Lyonesse!!"

After that we had the most wonderful conversation, most of which is hazy in my brain.

But this I do remember, Morvin stands ready to serve Lyondemere and remains proud of it's wonderful people and deeds!

— Lynnette de Sandoval del Valle de los Unicornios