[Ansteorra] Bordermarch Baronial Champions

[David Lathrop]

Greetings Ansteorra,

I don't really know what happened when I tripped over the rope on
Borderkeep's bridge, but I certainly do suspect that there was foul play
and treachery running rampant that day.
Although the fall was horrendous and would have left anyone else
severely wounded, I managed to once again use my patented tuck and roll
technique, perfected when I fell off the roof of my barn, to escape
serious damage.
When I hit the ground a huge cloud of dust enveloped me as it spewed
forth from the earth, but before anyone could reach and assist me, I was
once again on my feet looking as fresh and crisp as ever.
I do suspect HE Elisabeth's Lady in Waiting due to the unbridled
laughter forthcoming from her mouth or perhaps it was a Gleann Ahbann
infiltrator that had been lying low during the festivities, just waiting
for the perfect chance to take me down.
I now have several of my key security personnel in positions where they
will be able to route out the culprit that dared to cause mischief
during our Champions tourney and when they do unearth this scoundrel,
justice will be done.

Our Baronial this year was one of of those events that turned out to be
small but most enjoyable. It was well attended by Ansteorrians and some
new friends from An Tir and old friends from Meridies.
HE Elisabeth and I were charged one year ago with the responsibility of
holding Barony Bordermarch and all her lands in trust for Kingdom
Ansteorra's Royal Majesties. We were honored that day to have so many
compete for the chance to become one of Bordermarch's Champions. Our
hearts were saddened last weekend as we said farewell to our first
Baronial Champions, but once again we were honored and blessed as our
newest champions took their rightful place in court with us on that
memorable afternoon.
Chivalric-Centurion Othar Morganson
Rapier-Don Pieter Rausch
Archer and A&S-L. Padriac of Kilkenny
Youth Archery-Milady Phoenix Thorne 

HE Elisabeth and I fell in love with the SCA during one of the first
events we ever attended. It was a small event packed with close friends
and filled with boundless hospitality. Bordermarch's Baronial this past
weekend produced the very same feelings HE Elisabeth and I remembered
from that first event years ago. We had a chance to visit with most of
the people on site and met some very interesting and enjoyable new
friends. The evening found us under the BFT sitting and swapping lies
with Sir Thomas and friends late into the night. During our
conversations the Lost Boys, a group of new Bordermarchers who got lost
for several hours during the day while in search of the legendary
haunted cemetery, jumped up from their table and bolted as one into the
darkness. They emerged from the inky blackness under the glow of a
single luminary in front of the ladies lou.  They seemed to be milling
mindlessly around for a few seconds when all of a sudden they formed up
into a what seemed to be a tight circle with hands and arms locked
together. The darkness that evening made it a bit dodgy to see precisely
what they were up to, but it did look for all it was worth like an
undulating stone circle made of human flesh. They had with them some
downed saplings converted into walking stave's that would occasionally be
thrust into the dark sky, as if to summon some unseen deity.  As we all
sat transfixed by their animalistic actions they suddenly pulled
together into a tighter circle with heads pressed together, arms firmly
locked around each others shoulders and issued a low rumbling noise from
unseen lips that spread out across the encampment like rolling thunder.
Just as soon as the thunder hit our ears they screamed an oath that
chilled us to our core and then they jumped straight up into the night
and scattered once again. The Lost Boys emerged back under the BFT only
to sit solemnly back at their table. They resumed their previous
conversation with their leader Lord Zane, as if nothing
happened.The rest of us looked at each other with astonishment and
together voiced a, "What in the name of cornbread was that all about?". 

As the night wore thin, Sir Tomas and his entourage, having a long
drive ahead of them, bid us farewell and we wished them a safe journey
home. We saw them off with hugs and goodbyes, one and all hoping to have
the opportunity to share our hopes and dreams with such good friends
again.
My time under the BFT that evening was coming to an end so I said my
farewells to everyone and ventured off into the pitch black in search of
the source of the singing and laughter far away in some distant
encampment. By the Grace of God I found the late night revelers without
tripping or falling over any tent ropes or hidden roots. When I entered
their encampment I found not one but many gathered, singing softly as
the coals in the fire circle crackled and transformed into small
exploding stars. They lit the night with soft ghost-like dancing shadows
that reflected the serenity in the faces of this group of SCAdians whose
singing and merriment had lured me across the dark abyss of the
cloudless night. I had entered a Bardic circle. A Bardic circle composed
of present Champions, past Champions, and future Bordermarch Bardic
Champions. They sang lilting songs that forced ones feet to tap in
rhythm and songs that would moisten the driest of eyes. The tales and
songs I heard that late evening were a continuation of traditions that
have been past down through the ages from mother to daughter, from
father to son. Our Bards gift to all of us is their effort and
willingness to keep these oral traditions alive to be shared and passed
on.  Although  food and drink was offered I regretfully declined due to
my belly already being full from supping earlier with under the BFT.
Once again I made my farewells to the Bards for I could feel the night
air  pressing hard on my old weary bones. 
As I made my way past darkened tents I heard the soft whispers of
Kingdom Ansteorra's finest fast asleep. I heard the Bards' voices
trailing softly behind and I heard The Lost Boys far away under the BFT
laughing at something only they could find amusing.
My Lady Elisabeth wrapped in my arms, my eyes ever so slowly starting to
close and a warm calm spreading down to my soul, this is what I remember
as I though one last time that this glorious wonderful day was finally
at its end and one very tired but happy and content 
Baron of Bordermarch was finally going to sleep with the sure knowledge
that Barony Bordermarch was secure once again.


HE Santiago