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Bordermarch Autumn Melees 2000

Severe dampness and chill in the air deterred neither the spirits nor determinations of a core group of Bordermarch faithfuls and their guests at the annual BAM event of November 17-19, 2000, Anno Sociatus XXXV. On a prior weekend the Borderkeep castle crew had made repairs and tended to needs at the storage shed. On site early for set ups were the event co-stewards, others to erect tents, watch and welcome at the gate, and start the food preparations.

As Friday night turned to Saturday morning in a frosty drizzling rain, subjects had already gathered to brave the elements. A continuous stream of arrivals plodded in until mid morning. Their Most Excellent Majesties Ansteorra, Timo and Allyson, who are also Their Most Majestic Excellencies, the Crown Baron and Crown Baroness of Bordermarch, did benevolence to their populace to determine that most of the day's events for non-combatants would occur within the Gules Grande assembly tent, heated by various means. Fire pits in barrells, assorted colemans, and even a Royal Heater. Floor covers were spread with blankets and pillows where piles of persons gathered to keep warm amid laughter, singing, children's activities, and classes, and Lady Amerin' cartwheels.

Hospitality has been a by-word in Bordermarch for decades. So true to form, households and families prepared sturdy breakfasts and all-day warming beverages. Any non-com who ventured out through the rain over to the Borderkeep battlegrounds witnessed great jocularity there as well, despite the driving cold, slick and slide. Plenty of field marshals tended to extreme safety while some forty warriors dodged the dreaded arrows and projectiles from ballistas. Pre Gulf War scenarios were tested. Of impressive stature was the war team trained in the neighboring Barony of Bryn Gwlad, both in unit fighting style and in BG signifying tabbards, along with the ingenuity of some archers driven to their knees. Of particular inspiration to good war women are HE Mistress Neassa, manning a ballista, and Mistress Claire RoseMuir St. John, field marshalling.

Back in the warmth of the Gules Grande, the younger children constructed golden embattled castle models from cardboard flats and tubes. A display of fine arts projects proved educational and praise worthy. The afternoon was replete with memories and legend, spoken of a similar event, The Tournament of Chivalry, more than 20 years ago, in the cold and wet where the populace of a young Principality of Ansteorra had crowded within a heated tent at RenFaire site to find fellowship and dreams in common. Nobles and ancient historians tell us that it was on a day such as this, in a spirit much as this, that the "Kingdom" status for Ansteorra was announced as forthcoming. Ironic in the telling is that Bordermarch currently is under the direct overseeing of the Crown of Ansteorra, seeking forward momentum.

Court was a marvel as slightly less than a hundred subjects gatherd in the presence of TMs King Timo and Queen Allyson and Their Heir Apparent, the strong and youthful Crown Prince Jason, for Ansteorra and Bordermarch courts. His Highness Jason did remind the populace of Gulf Wars 2001, arts entries, volunteer points, and numbers in general, for to blatantly become victorious. Land-reservations in advance are needful. Check other publications for Gulf War details.

Their Inspirational Majesties did proclaim Awards of Arms to several (shhhhh) individuals who, by court time, had needfully departed from site due to dangerous sleet warnings. Those are to be announced and scrolls received at future dates. Their Majesties' herald for the evening, Lord Galen St. Amand, did announce Their request for the distinguished Companions to the Order of the Silent Trumpet of Bordermarch to stand forward, summoned for Their Majestic Excellencies to increase their number. The herald did rightfully step around into the OSTB companions to announce from that assembly. Holding her sleeping child, did the worthy Lady Serena DeLatham respond to the summonds and did receive a token of her new station at the hand of Lord Galen St. Amand, with the lineage of the symbol told to her.

At the invitation of Her Majesty, HE Amberlea Fairchild did sing the tune of "Boney Fingers" en masse recognitions to the autocrats and feast crew, Lady Birgitta, Lord Vincois, Lady Phelissettee, Lady Isabella Rodrigue, Lord IlDanach, Squire Lord Caleb, mylady Anastasia (at her first event!), and Squire Lord Stiamna for erecting many tents.

Then did Her Majesty desire that HE Countess Tessa, founder, deliver the traditional, coveted, first battlefield kill recognitions, "The Shakey Knees." With the court in unison cheers, quoting the text, the shouts said to be the kind to take the roof off the tent, recognition and encouragement was proclaimed unto two gentlemen from Fyfynnon Gath, Wiglaff and Roland. A lady warrior from Bryn Gwlad, Catalina, did step forward to receive her notice. Then did HE Countess Tessa remind the crowd of last year when a rather "late" Shakey Knees scroll was presented to the Excellent Baron Ulsted, in replacement of his scroll which had mysteriously disappeared, unexplained by his beloved Excellency Baroness Catuea. As a commemorative of that event, did Countess Tessa announce another pretty paper late in the coming.

It seems there was this newbie youngster five years ago who did charge the sallyport with sword and shield to kill an unnamed spearman; but said swordsman unexplainably was not recognized at that time with his first battle field kill scroll; thus, would the Commemorative-Ulsted Late Shakey Knees be now presented to said individual, who, by name, is one "Timo!"

The roof was shouted off the tent, without doubt, as Her Majesty Allyson did chuckle and smile at the approval while His Majesty stood to receive the applause.

Their Majesties did not allow HE Countess Tessa to withdraw; rather bade her to attend Them for a presentation. Queen Allyson and King Timo did recount the many Ansteorran principality awards, Atenveldt awards and baronial services, Pelican peerage, and royal family service of Mistress Tessa, and noted a missing one in precedence, which They lovingly deemed to correct. Therewith did the Crown of Ansteorra cause to have read a scroll text- this date the 18th of November, AS XXXV by Their Good Hands, for an Award of Arms. Great approval arose from the crowd. "Gotcha," they said. Glee did abound.

A feast of hearty stews prepared on site were served, warm and plentiful. The final course was bread pudding, a favorite of His Majesty. HE Count Sir Simonn did toast to the King, and Don Ericus Silverhand did toast to the Queen. To entertain during the feast, House Bladesong presented enjoyable pieces, taking us to Flanders Field. It was good to have Lord Ian MacCrimmon returned to the homeland.

His Majesty Timo did render a tale about the centurion's red cloak, followed by HE Count Simonn's story of a blood soaked Scottish battle flag. In the freezing night, the crowd dwindled into small groups breaking away to continue festivities in their own shelters. We all trust that Their Majesties have not caught Their death of a cold in this weather. They each seemed to hide a courtly cough. - - - (Measured by the sands of time, only four and-a-half events remain in Their Majesties Timo and Allyson's reign.) All subjects are encouraged to continue to support Them with event attendance. By day light, Their Majesties did offer farewells to a people who love Their presence.

Their royal children, Crown Prince Jason and Crown Princess Saereid will ascend the thrones in January and be King and Queen during the Bordermarch Baronial Championships event of April, 2001.

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