ANST - Gulf War (very long)

[Michael F. Gunter]

Good Day Ansteorra,

It is our hope that all who drove and flew so far have returned home in
safety and good health.

As you have heard it was the decision of the Crowns, the Steward and the
site Chiurgeon to close the War. As you can imagine this was not done easily
or in haste but was only decided upon the weather reports and the fear for
our people. I did decide for the fighters to unarmor before we had declared
no more fighting because I feared for the lightning and the cold and wet.
In fact I was calling for our banners to be unfurled and for us to march
out in the style befitting Ansteorra when lightning struck the very field
of combat. It was with great pain that I told the army to stand down.

In the meeting in Their Majesties Meridies condo we saw the weather reports
of continued rain and cold and it was with heavy heart that we agreed to
not allow any fighting and to end the War Points. It was hoped that people
would begin to trickle out instead of a mass exodus and so not overwhelm
the roads and narrow thoroughfares. Perhaps part of our decision was that
we had been rained out of our own tent and were granted space in Stargate's
cabin so we could feel for those who had no convenient warm, dry space to
retreat to.

When I walked out to the campsites to tell the facts to people I was assured
that I had made the correct decision. There were flooded tents, streams,
and very wet and cold people packing up. More storms were predicted and I
wanted my people safe.

I felt that it was worth the disappoint and anger of those who had worked so
hard and travelled so far if I could spare one SCA member injury, lightning,
hypothermia or any other damage that could have occurred had we continued.
It was like a knife in my side but those who came forward and assured me that
I had made the right decision helped ease the pain. I wished to lead the
glorious army of gold to sweeping victory, to sit in Great Court with a 
dozen glittering Majesties of Grand Kingdoms, and to proudly announce our 
victories in the War that is a tie.

To see the resignation on our peoples' faces and to bear the tears of your
Queen as she wept not for herself but for the people was one of my saddest
times. 

But I would make the same decision. You are all too precious to me for a mere
War to intervene.

We declared that all who stayed should look to their brothers and make sure
everyone was warm and dry. We decided to drink and laugh and thumb our noses
at the weather. We would bond and make grand stories for years afterward. All
who stayed are closer now. Our parties that night were dearer and the discomfort
seems worth it now.

When Calontir vowed that they would attack the castle alone if need be since
they had travelled so far to do so I stood and told them Ansteorra would be
there to make it worthwhile. I didn't know how many would follow me nor did
I even know what the weather would be like but I did know the pride of Ansteorra
was at stake and, as King, I would once again BE Ansteorra. Imagine my joy
as I walked through the rain to the field to see Duke Kein, Sir Badon (much
the worse for wear after the previous night), Duchess Willow, and a half dozen
or so stalwart Ansteorrans doing pickups. We fought as long as we could and
ignored the rain and some hail. It was a glorious time.

Let it be known that the people who should have recieved Special recognition
be spoken of and granted that honor by their people.

Those chosen to be the Chivalric Champions of Ansteorra were:

Baron Sir Alaric Drake
Viscount Sir Axel
Sir Daffydd
Duke Sir Kein
Viscount Sir Galen of Bristol

with Hrabia William the Bear and Baron Sir Lyonel as alternates

HL. Timotheous
Don Miguel
HL Aseof
HL Romanus
HL Ulstead

with HL Ariklee Wolf, Ly. Brita MacGregor, and Ld. Anton as alternates.

I know all of these gentles would have, and still do, Ansteorra proud.
Sara will have to post the Artisan and Rapier Champions.

The Kingdoms of the West, Atlantia, East, AEthelmearc, Meredies, and An Tir
stood with Ansteorra.

It is with great regret that we had to make the decisions we did. We do 
apologize to all of those who worked so hard and still supported us when
so much seemed to go to waste. To Ansteorra, it's allies and noble opposition
we do send our regrets. But the decision was sound with the information we
had.

This has proven to be long enough. In spite of everything, fun was had, 
legends were created, and we were proud to be the Crown.

I don't think I've ever loved this Kingdom as much as I now love it.

Yours,

Gunthar
Rex

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