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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Unto their most august Majesties,
dread sovereigns of Ansteorra, unto your Heirs and those who shall follow
in their foot steps. Likewise unto the most Honored Eleanor O'Rourke Premier
Bard Of our beloved kingdom and the gathered populace of these dear lands I am
privileged to call home, I cry that you bear witness to my plea. Now does Darius
of the Bells, Master of the Laurel, Twice Past Bard of the Tor, Past Bard of the
Steppes, 10th Bard of the Barony of Weisenfeuer, send greetings. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>The term _Eisteddfodd_ is borrowed from the
welsh, but here within the lands Unique and Singular it has come
to indicate that time when poets, minstrels and troubadours shall
gather each year in a wondrous gathering of those who would remember
deeds and actions of our heroes; as well as to bring forth those forms of
poetry and verses found dear within their native lands. A competition to decide
who shall be deemed the greatest 'bard' for the coming year. Now my
sovereign lord and lady I would that you accept this, my intent my hearts
desire, that I might come to Steppes at 12th night and compete to succeed
fair Eleanor as the Premier Bard of the lands of the Sable Star. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Good My Crown that I would have your leave, I would
glorify the sable Star and the Names or your remembered ancestors before an
Audience granted by that which is Devine. I would recall and then regale all
there with tale and verse of Patrick Michael and his Highness "The bear" when
first we faced the Triskle cross the grassy field. I would recall the names
of legend old and new: Michael in the outlands stand, Ricardo on the wall;
Now Daire will hold the wall at War and Prince Romanus Shall not fall!
</FONT><FONT face=Arial size=2>I would that all come gather to hear the hero's
tale. Ansteorra's bard Shall tell the Tale, the legends at Eisteddfodd to
unveil.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Good my Crown I beg your leave that I might strive
unto this lofty goal. that I might be the Bard that tells the _Ansteorran
Tale_</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>In faith and fortune I am your man without
let</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Darius of the Bells</FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>