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Unto the populace comes fond Greeting from Fritz and Catrin,
<P>What a SPLENDID Steppes Warlord! You all did a fantastic job at
making the barony's guests feel very welcome, put on terrific tournaments,
courts and competitions, dressed the field and the hall most handsomely,
rendered beautiful scrolls and prizes, and were most generous with donations
for prizes and largesse. We received so many compliments on how hospitable
this barony is, how nice everything was, and how well the event went.
You made us very, very proud.
<BR>We surely hope that you all had a good time, in spite of the very heavy
work load. While a bit shell-shocked, we certainly enjoyed a wonderful
event!
<P>The list of fine people to whom we owe a debt of thanks is very long.
It begins with the dedicated service of HL Borek and Ly Isobel. Thank
you both. I am sure our event steward, Borek the Indefatigable,
and his Deputy, Isobel the Multi-Talented, will define the majority of
these gentles to us all, but there are a few to whom we owe a particular
note of thanks for their personal service to us and to the Royal family
on our behalf. To HL Genevieve and Don Duncan, for their tireless
attendance and to Kevin for the kind sharing of his bed, many thanks.
To Ld. Corwin Magone, our personal Vivat! for the most wondrous dinner
on Sunday evening for the Royal Family and our guests. To Lady Christant
for providing luncheon for the Royal pavilion under extremely difficult
personal circumstances, and to Duchess Larissa's very, very generous apprentices
who graciously served and removed that luncheon on both afternoons, our
respect and gratitude. We want to thank Mistress Penelope and Ld.
Nicklaus for being so kind to give us use of their shower, and appreciate
Penelope and Mistress Aslyn's help in judging the Bardic competition.
And, thanks go to Ly. Ches for the last-minute sewing.
<P>We are very, very pleased to welcome the new titled champions of the
Steppes: Duke Kien McKewan, our Steppes Warlord (and newest Pelican!),
Ld. Stephen Hawkins, Steppes Champion, Ld. Fearghus McKenna, Steppes Archery
Champion (and Premiere Royal Huntsman, by the way...), and Baron Athelstaen
Athelmearsen, our Bard of the Steppes. We were so pleased to have had 110
fighters on the Warlord list--the highest number of fighters EVER in the
history of Steppes Warlord, and by some estimates, one of the largest tourney
lists in the history of Ansteorra. We had a marvelous list of fighters
in the Steppes Champion list as well; one of the best assemblies of rapier
combatants in the Kingdom. In addition to our titled rapier competition,
we enjoyed a great children's rapier competition; the prowess of our young
fighters is truly inspiring. The archery title list was equally
well-represented, with a large field of shooters vying for the Steppes
title. We were <I>astounded</I> by the numbers in our Bardic Champion
list; no less than 28 entries, and by the amazing quality of the performances.
It was noted that the Bardic competition was the best party in the camp--what
a great way to wrap up Warlord!
<P>We are proud to present the two newest members of the Order of the Oak
of the Steppes, Duncan Hepburn and Genevieve de Coutanveaux. These
people are truly leaders in this barony. Congratulations also to
Connor MacInnes, and Ian McCrimmin (please excuse our spelling errors here),
newest Acorns of the Steppes. We are proud of their service.
Many folks from the Steppes and its Cantons were recognized by Their Majesties
this weekend, make sure you read the herald's letter so you can congratulate
everyone who received a well-deserved award.
<P>OK, now--on to Artisan......!
<P>See you all at Business Meeting!
<P>Yours,
<P>Fritz and Catrin
<BR>Lord and Lady Steppes
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