bordermarch baronial investiture &
2001 fall melees
Observing Barony Bordermarch's 25 years in existence since shire days, amid an annual castle Melees crowd of nearly 300, with horses and guards, banners and the bagpipes of Jerek the Slayer of the Crystal Skull, His Excellency Lord Armand de Lacy and his bride Her Excellency Lady Caitrin de Lacy were invested in pomp and ceremony as the new Landed Baron and Baroness of Bordermarch, Ansteorra. Supported by overwhelming populous opinion, Their Excellencies were attended by four previous sets of Bordermarch's landed nobles and other current Ansteorran Baron/esses in fief and many visiting dignitaries on a sparkling day at Ansteorra's oldest castle, the BorderKeep.
The beautiful picture below was shot at Melees by Wolfon, owner of Photography by Expression, who can be reached at photographybyexpression@hotmail.com,(918) 865-8580.
The Ansteorran Crown's brief morning Court allowed for much daylight fighting at the castle. The Scenarious Marshall was Lord Malcolm MacClean. Chivalric and Rapier armies took turns laying siege and defending the castle, in ravine battles, and open field battles. Sir Alexis, in behalf of the Ansteorran Army, was leading the battle cries. Deadly with his ballista was Sir Ulstead the Unsteady, the Baron of Loch Sollier. Battle strategies of Count Sir Simonn of Amber Isle, Viscount Galen of Bristol - the Baron of Elfsea, Sir Godwin - the Baron of Stargate, and Sir Henri du Bois were tested.
The Armies of Barony Bordermarch and Shire Greywood fought allied against the world, including the formidable Sea Winds contingent. All fighters were victors through the experience gained in battle. Each fighter and marshall on the fighting field were kept watered by HE Valencia Granada and the waterbearing crew. Lord Vaclav Slovaczek was later commended in court by Mistress Hillary for his sacrificial service as a waterbearer.
A noon hospitality reception was spread for Her Majesty Larissa and Their new Excellencies of Bordermarch to entertain their landed cousins, with food provided by members of the barony, served to the guests by Lady Selina of the Woods. Another feed, a Meet-a-Peer, was presented for anyone interested in learning more about the Pelican peerage. Pelicans and their associates provided the buffet and hospitality, coordinated by Mistress Tessa of the Gardens and Mistress Charla du Lac.
During Investiture Court spanning from morning though evening the following awards were presented:
SABLE THISTLE: HE Countess Tessa of the Gardens, culinary arts, HE Don Ericus the Silverhand, woodworking, Lord Il Danach the Woodcarver, wood carving.
SABLE CRANES: Lord Germanicus, Lord Iain MacCrimmon
ORDER OF THE SILENT TRUMPET (OSTB): HE Armand de Lacy, HE Caitrin de Lacy, Lord Thomas de Latham, Lady Maisie MacCrimmon, Lord Slova Czek, Lord Vincois Luis Picard, Lady Isabella Rodrigue, HL Elhen Kirchenknopt
AWARDS OF ARMS: Angelica le Malchanceuse, Makarey Makusty, Caradoc of Bordermarch, Pamela of Bordermarch, Nevyn of Bordermarch.
BONY FINGERS: Fagin McBride
The approving roar of the crowd was heard over and over as the announcement was made of COURT BARONESS, Armuin of Dunvagen.
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A dozen traditional SHAKEY KNEES scrolls were presented to newer fighters who had experienced their "first battlefield kill" that day. To the amusement of the assembly, each fighter was asked to describe the weapon used and the warrior s/he slew.
The Crown's evening court combined with Their Excellencies of Bordermarch was held in the bright night skies of meteor showers-- mere twinkles compared to the shining Star of Ansteorra and the eyes of Queen Larissa Alwynn Clarewoods who, with King Duncan Arthur Ross the Black, did proclaim landed nobles in fief for Bordermarch.
The annual Fall Melees event was also the 30th Wedding Anniversary of the Founding Baron and Baroness Bordermarch, Count Simonn of Amber Isle and Countess Tessa of the Gardens, marked by the ooooooooohed and ahhhhhhhhhed presentation of a 40" x 50" painting. The accomplished artist, Debra Mahan-Bryant, depicted 25 years of SCA milestones in Ansteorra, including Simonn and Tessa's legendary creation of Don Tivar Moondragon as the first rapier White Scarf in the knowne worlde, their work toward Ansteorra's kingdom status granted in 1979, and Bordermarch's first castle construction in Ansteorra (upon which the Gulf Wars castle was later based).
Individual Arts and Science Contributions are as follows: Her Ladyship Elhen designed, calligraphed, and illuminated the Equestrian scroll as a gift and painted many awards in teaching arenas where members of the populace also painted Shakey Knees scrolls with her. Kathilen Hamilton designed, calligraphed, and illuminated the Children's Bardic and also Children's A&S Scrolls.
Lady Kathilen Hamilton, the MoC who is retiring due to the birth of her baby, conducted the Children’s Bardic circle. A prize given to the Children's Bardic winner, won by little Kaithlin White, was a necklace designed, crafted, and donated by Lady Selina of the Wood. The Milady Godivah judged the children’s A&S, of which the clay vase made by Ashleigh won the competition. Mistress Charla donated a prize for the Children’s A&S winner. Two miniature dragon snow-globes were donated by HE Caitrin to be presented to each of the two child winners.
The three children of Lord Germanicus, Connor, Caitlin and Bethany, made cardboard giant alligators which were placed in the moat of Borderkeep during melees. The children decided that "if you step on these, you are dead!" The Twin Girls, Caitlin and Bethany, were seen throughout the day to "shadow" Countess Tessa as she taught them courtly graces in welcoming guests and serving others.
Lady Isabella has completed a Baronial Demo Handbook and is now working on an Autocratting Handbook. She also entered Kingdom A&S competition and earned a special merit for her scholarly paper on the Heroes in Medieval Literature.
Milord Fagin McBride conducted a leather working class for the children, in which they made leather bracelets. Sir Badon crafted and sent a set of six leather napkin rings bearing the arms of Bordermarch. HE Don Ericus designed and made the two new beautiful baronial thrones, which are easy to break down and set up, and will travel, stored flat. These are decorated in leather craft made by Fagin McBride.
Lord Malcolm assembled and stained the pole arms used by the Bordermarch Wardens. HE Count Sir Simonn stained 8 new poles to be used as banner stands in addition to teaching several fighters to make their own innovative armour. Elrique provided the means to create the tall gateway at the entrance where banners hung at Investiture/Melees.
A youth, Rohan of Bordermarch, has been learning the Art of Blacksmithing from Sir Henri, and has been sharing this knowledge with James the Meek, who made his first decorative hook. Keeping the ongoing tradition of ambiance and hospitality begun by HE Countess Tessa years ago, milady Godivah made the traditional bathroom hospitality baskets that our Barony has become known for.
At Melees/Investiture, a five course feast was stewarded and prepared by milady Nicolette/Courtney, who was attending only her third event; helped all day by Michael, Maegan (both of their second events), and Lady Gwen of Lizard's Keep, from Raven’s Fort, who traditionally offers her labor of love to Bordermarch kitchens. Milord Elrique made the cheesecake tartlets. HE Caitrin de Lacy made gingerbread. The cook’s guild helped Nicolette with recipes and presenting the feast in an artistic style.
FIRST COURSE: Impaled Fruit and Cheese, Hot Spiced Cider
SECOND COURSE: Irish Broth, Pease Pottage, Bread w/Herb Butters
THIRD COURSE: Grilled Ham Steaks, Green Bean Bundles, Fruit compote
FOURTH COURSE: Turkey Britain Style W/ Stuffing, Apples Stuffed with Sweet Potatoes & Pecans
FIFTH COURSE: Gingerbread, Pears in Confection, Cheesecake Tartlets
THE SEWING GUILD Principal is HE Caitrin. With much input from others in many discussions, HE Caitrin concluded a preferred design for, and then sewed eight tabards for, the Wardens of Bordermarch, worn at court.
Bordermarch Wardens dressed in new golden tabards included: Lord Nevyn, Lord Vincois Luis Picard, Lady Selena de Latham, Lord Thomas de Latham, Kadran Varlson, John Montalbano, Richard RedScale, and Morgan Lucktain; Milady Bronwen of Tintagale worked to cut, shape, iron, the lengths of black border trim; HE Caitrin sewed the trim to the tabards; HE Leah and HE Tessa and HE Caitrin cut out eight baronial device applications which HE Leah sewed upon the tabards. HE Dona Leah made new garb for Caleb.
Now Lady Makarey MaKusty sewed a tunic and Household banner for Morning Glory; Lord Jacques le Noir made two tunics for the event; Lady Selina made a kirtle for her daughter Kara; HE AmberLea made two personal banners for members of her household Bladesong.
HE Tessa also completed a new Household banner of Mountain-Gate, the Ansteorran battle flag banner, and four pennants which adorned the entry gate, and four battle pennants of Ansteorra/Bordermarch which adorned the BorderKeep castle. Tessa also made and gifted a personal torse and mantle to Lord Ihone, in his colors and device.
Fagin is working on new garb for his lady wife Godivah. Lady Isabella made new garb for her family. HE Caitrin researched and made investiture garments for His Excellency and herself, including fur, quilting, painting, appliques and beadwork accents.
CLOTH OF ESTATE: HE Caitrin brought the idea to the populace back in September of a cloth of Estate to hang behind the dais. It is a work in progress. Eight households which began in Bordermarch are to be represented on 10" wide, 12" long lozenges. These are to be assembled on a Cloth of Estate. 8 House Morning Glory- painted by Lady Makarey MaKusty, completed. 10 House Crystal Skull, in progress, by Tessa. 10 House Mountain-Gates, painted by Tessa, completed. 10 Le Hibous, in progress, by Tessa. 8 Ivory Moons, by Caitrin and Tessa, completed. 10 House Bladesong, by AmberLea, completed. 8 Silver Chalice, embroidered by Leah, completed. 8 De Mortemer, in progress, by Tessa. Clan MacGregor is included in the process.
At Investiture Feast, House Bladesong performed a history of Bordermarch in poem. Their original text is enclosed, with a brief recount of the history added.
THE KEEP THAT SIMONN BUILT...
(Rendered in verse by House Bladesong at the Investiture of The De Lacys, Armand and Caitrin, Baron/ess of Bordermarch November 17, 2001)
This is the Keep
that Simonn built.
This is the Tower, strong and serene
That guards the Border from the base and mean...
That stands in the Keep that Simonn built.
This is Tessa of the
smiling face
Who planted the Gardens of beauty and grace.
That surround, the Tower, strong and serene,
That guards the Border from the base and mean
That stands in the Keep the Simonn built.
This is Henri; the
Owl never frowns,
He took the reins when Simonn stepped down,
And was kissed by Tessa of the smiling face
Who planted the Gardens of beauty and grace;
That surround, the Tower, strong and serene,
That guards the Border from the base and mean
That stands in the Keep the Simonn built.
This is Charla of
lotus pure white
Who works hard all day, and parties all night
Who ruled with Henri, the Owl never frowns.
He took the reins when Simonn stepped down
And was kissed by Tessa of the smiling face
Who planted the Gardens of beauty and grace.
That surround, the Tower, strong and serene,
That guards the Border from the base and mean
That stands in the Keep the Simonn built.
Then Dafydd and
Dena, the dark and the fair,
Artisans both, with talent so rare
Were blessed by Charla of lotus pure white
Who works hard all day and parties all night
Who ruled with Henri, the Owl never frowns,
He took the reins when Simonn stepped down
And was kissed by Tessa of the smiling face
Who planted the Gardens of beauty and grace.
That surround, the Tower, strong and serene,
That guards the Border from the base and mean
That stands in the Keep the Simonn built.
Then Ericus and
AmberLea, with sword and with song,
Who've held the Dream in the hearts for so long,
Followed Dafydd and Dena, the dark and the fair,
Artisans both, with talent so rare,
Who were blessed by Charla of lotus pure white
Who works hard all day and parties all night,
Who ruled with Henri, the Owl never frowns,
He took the reins when Simonn stepped down,
And was kissed by Tessa of the smiling face
Who planted the Gardens of beauty and grace.
That surround, the Tower, strong and serene,
That guards the Border from the base and mean
That stands in the Keep the Simonn built.
Then the circle came
'Round again
And the Keep was Back in the builders' hands
After Ericus and AmberLea led with sword and with song
Who held the Dream in their hearts for so long,
Followed Dafydd and Dena, the dark and the fair
Artisans both, with talent so rare,
Who were blessed by Charla of lotus pure white
Who works hard all day and parties all night,
Who ruled with Henri, the Owl never frowns,
He took the reins when Simonn stepped down,
And was kissed by Tessa of the smiling face
Who planted the Gardens of beauty and grace.
That surround, the Tower, strong and serene,
That guards the Border from the base and mean
That stands in the Keep the Simonn built.
Now out of the
darkness a new day has dawned,
Armand and Cairtin will lead us on;
For once the circle came 'Round again
The Keep was back in the builders' hands,
After Ericus and AmberLea led with sword and with song
Who held the Dream in their hearts for so long,
Followed Dafydd and Dena, the dark and the fair
Artisans both, with talent so rare,
Who were blessed by Charla of lotus pure white
Who works hard all day and parties all night,
Who ruled with Henri, the Owl never frowns,
He took the reins when Simonn stepped down,
And was kissed by Tessa of the smiling face
Who planted the Gardens of beauty and grace.
That surround, the Tower, strong and serene,
That guards the Border from the base and mean
That stands in the Keep the Simonn built.
Mountain-Gate,
Ivory, Crystal Skull too,
Bladesong, Blackheart, Chateau l'Hibou,
The newbies, the dinos, the strong and the weak,
The children, the grannies, the proud and the meek,
The good friends whom come and those who depart
and those who will always live in our hearts.
These are the people, the tall and the small,
The strength of our Barony one and all.
Verses by:
Lady AmberLea Fairchild, 1996 & 2001
Lady Jillian St. Andre', 1997
History of Barony Bordermarch
Count Simonn of Amber Isle and Countess Tessa of the Gardens founded the shire of Bordermarch in 1976 and were chosen by the Board of Directors in 1977 as Founding Baron and Baroness Bordermarch by equal right. During their Baronial tenure, Simonn and Tessa also served The Principality of Ansteorra in Atenveldt as monarch Prince/ess, were instrumental in Ansteorra achieving her Kingdom status, and later sat the Throne of Ansteorra as her Ninth King & Queen. Their Excellencies served as Landed Baron-ess Bordermarch in fief for twelve years from 1977 through 1989, and forevermore are called The Baron/ess Bordermarch. When they retired from landed court, Their Excellencies were created Court Baron-ess. During the royal Ansteorran term of Their Excellencies Bordermarch, 1983 into 1984, Lord Jeffrey the Barbarian and Lady Therese de'Ivorie were unanimously supported as the Crown's Vicar-Vicaress of Bordermarch to provide for close attention to the barony.
Sir Henri l'Hibou du Bois and Mistress Charla Noel du Lac served as Landed Baron-ess of Bordermarch for almost four years, from 1989 through May 1993, after which,Their Excellencies were created Court Baron-ess. Lord Dafyyd and Lady Dena de Mortimer served as Landed Baron-ess of Bordermarch, three years from 1993 through June 1996, after which, Their Excellencies were created Court Baron-ess. Don Ericus the Silverhand and Her Ladyship AmberLea Fairchild served as Landed Baron-ess of Bordermarch for two-and-a-half years from 1996 through November 1998, after which Their Excellencies were created Court Baron-ess. The Crown of Ansteorra, Barn SilverAxe and Catrianna, and the populace of the barony called for Master Don Sir Simonn and Mistress Tessa to serve as Baron-ess again. Their decision was to temporarily serve as the Crown's Vicar and Vicaress of Bordermarch from November 1998, for half a year until the populace could chose a new Baron and Baroness; yet, a following Crown asked them to stay longer. In November 1999, after a year, Their Excellencies Bordermarch chose to retire again. At that time the Crown had not concluded upon a next pair of landed nobility and chose to name Bordermarch as a Crown's Barony, where King and Queen would rule the expanses of Ansteorra and ideally also lead and care for Bordermarch.
Bordermarch was decreed to be a Crown's Barony for a period of two years which ended November 2001 during the reign and care of Their Majesties Duncan and Larissa who at last did hear the heartcry in Their lands and thus did invest Armand de Lacy and his bride Caitrin de Lacy as rightful Baron and Baroness of Bordermarch.
Last modified August 7, 2002