Each story has its beginning.
This photo is not the one, but obviously it is a turning point. The other would be later with the cosplay, and that would be another story.
Here I’m surrounded by my teammates. It’s late 2006 and it’s my second live-action role-playing game.
It is symbolic that I stand next to my future husband and two godfather of our child. Our club became a family, and all these people are still playing a huge role in my life.
Our hobby is not monolithic, because it defines the path, not the limits. Some of us are more interested in dancing; some are interested in armor; there are people interested in casting, or in calligraphy... Also there are those who represented Ukraine at the Battle of Nations, and those who made armor for them. Reenactors, role players, fighters, craftsmen, cosplayers, board game enthusiasts... we are absolutely different, but our hearts are really pounding in unison!
I hoped this would last forever…
The war tried to separate us, but was not able to. Our club became stronger and more united. Some of our people are fighting now, when I’m writing these words, the others are looking for armor and equipment and donating money for all this stuff. And all of us are working for the future of our country.
I do really believe in our victory.