[Ansteorra-rapier] Rapier Rose Tournament at Gulf War

[Lisa A. May]

Greetings to all from the Order of the Rose in Ansteorra.

The rapier tournament sponsored by the Ansteorran Order of the Rose at Gulf
War this year was held on Saturday morning, the last day of the war.  We had
72 fighters sponsored by the Order, and the tournament ran a little over
four hours.  Emerging victorious after many hard-fought battles was
Ansteorra's own Lord Alessandro Andretti, cadet to Don Aeron Harper.  Lord
Alessandro defeated Provost Gunther of Atlantia in the finals.  Vivat
Alessandro - we are so proud of you for representing your Rose, your Don and
your Kingdom so well!

The Rose Tournament is a very large undertaking, and we certainly cannot do
it without a great deal of help.  We'd like to take this opportunity to
express our thanks publicly to the people who gave their time, energy and
talents to helping us make this tournament a reality this year.  Our fervent
thanks go to:

Lady Monica and Lord Hans from the Shire of Brad Leah, who were our right
and left hands in setting up and providing both the decorations that adorned
the pavilion, as well as a marvelous breakfast for the assembled Royalty,
Ladies of the Rose and the rapier fighters who graced us with their display
of skill. Countess Octavia had to leave to command Ansteorra's archers in
the Fort, so Lady Monica and Lord Hans took over and spent hours watching
over the pavilion and the comfort of the assembled Ladies.  Our thanks also
to Lady Kathleen and Lady Bianca from the Shire of Brad Leah, who spent
hours cooking braided breads and other delicacies (which were promptly
devoured).

Baroness Michelle and Lady Marguerite, who helped set up the breakfast, then
assisted Countess Margaret at the list mistress table, finally taking over
the list so that Countess Margaret could enjoy watching the remainder of the
tourney.

The Barony of Bordermarch, whose Baron Armand generously provided the list
ropes and poles.  Most importantly, Lord Giotto, squire to Sir Henri, and
two of his fellows (whose names we unfortunately did not catch), who got up
at the crack of dawn on the last day of the war to dig post holes and set up
the list field for their compatriots of the rapier community.  Those early
arriving rapier fighters who also dug holes and strung list rope.  We can't
properly express our thanks for your help!

Mistress Ariella, who appeared at the beginning of the tournament with a
basketful of beautiful beaded hair pins as favors for the Ladies of the
Rose.  The favors were made by a lady in the Barony of Bryn Gwlad, and we
hope Mistress Ariella will publish her name so that the Order of the Rose
can properly express our appreciation!

Don Iago, who was our marshal in charge and guarded the honor of the Order
of the Rose as if it were his own.  Lord Timothy of Glastonbury, who was our
herald in charge, and all those who volunteered to spend hours in the sun
(yes, there actually was sun!) calling the bouts and keeping the tournament
going.  All those marvelous people who ran around with water bottles making
sure our fighters were taken care of - we were remiss in not writing down
their names, but their deeds are surely remembered!

His Majesty Miguel and the Order of the Chivalry of Ansteorra, who left the
Fort battle and marched across Hastings Field en masse, to greet the
assembled Royal Ladies and to express their support and respect for the
members of the rapier community.  What a magnificent sight!  And what a
powerful demonstration to the other Kingdoms of the unity of Ansteorra's
fighting community!

Last, but most certainly not least, to the rapier combatants who came to
represent their sponsors on the field.  Words fail us.  How can we possibly
express what you mean to us?  All we can do is thank you for the honor you
do us and tell you that we love you all.


The Order of the Rose in Ansteorra