Event Reviews - Steppes Warlord 1981 by Briony
On Saturday morning, May 23, A.S. XVI (1981), Steppes Warlord opened under clear and sunny skies. The lists progressed throughout most of the day, being a double elimination series. Bjornsborg had a rather large representative contingent in attendance, which included several fighters that entered the lists. Hrabia Sir Jan w Orzeldom, Lord Richard ap Strange Morgan, Lord Louis d'Marja, Lady Signy Stormhelm, Rashid al Ras at Tinnin and Connall MacNaghten all acquitted themselves well in the fighting, with Sir Jan, Lord Richard, Lady Signy and Conall all advancing past the first two rounds. Richard advanced furthest of our fighters, to the sixth round, amid loud cheers of the Bjornsborg populace (we had the most vocal cheering section). The final bout of the list faced Squire Lord Ricardo di Pisa against Duke Jonathan DeLaufyson, and Duke Jonathan won the day.
Shortly thereafter, evening court of Their Majesties Sigmund and Sieglinde and of Her Excellency, Baroness Aureliane was held. Duke Jonathan and his Lady, Mistress Willow, were presented with the awards of Warlord of the Steppes and Queen of love and Beauty. Lady Branwyn and Lady LoAleene were made companions to the Order of the Oak of the Steppes, and Lady Siobhan nic an Baird received a Sable Thistle. Other awards included Earl Master Lloyd von Eaker, Order of the Pelican; Lady Gwynneth of Dragonskeep, Award of Arms; Duke Jonathan and Mistress Willow, Grant of Arms; and Cadfan Dragonwyss received a Star of Merit. During the latter part of Court, massive black clouds had moved over the area, and suddenly, rain, lightning and thunder deluged the populace with a cacophony of visual, aural and tactile effects. Although Court was moved to a nearby hall, half the populace never got there, having rushed to their tents to secure things before the weather prohibited mobility. Many of the Bjornsborgers shared the hospitality of Red Orm and Viscountess Megan's tent, sheltering from the weather. A few hardy souls were out and about, but most remained to enjoy the singing, storytelling, food and drink for the remainder of the evening. Despite the rain, we all enjoyed the camaraderie.
Sunday dawned overcast, but after the pseudo-sacrifice of Baroness Alexandra and a few "sun dances" the mists cleared. As our things dried in the sun, a belted circle was held, a swashbuckler tourney progressed, and some of the Bjornsborg and Namron group gambled away their livelihoods. After the relaxing afternoon, a communal supper for our group ushered in the evening, which was later filled with song, music, story and general merriment. Visitors wandered in and out of the group campsite, enjoying the atmosphere and hospitality of the encampment. Not surprisingly, the rain returned and the party continued under a covered pavilion, with a fire for warmth. At last, we all wandered off to find rest.
By Monday morning, skies were clear again and most everyone began packing. After many farewells, Ilyana, Conall and I began the journey home, with a stop by Scarborough Faire on the way. The Faire site was beautiful, and should be a fine place for future events. At the Faire, we browsed, singing as we walked and stopping to watch the fighter demos. Later, Branwyn and Gwynneth piped as Richenda and Dierdre taught us many new dances. At last, the day being almost over, we continued our journey homeward, after a most wonderful weekend.
Briony Blåaslagen
Barony of Bjornsborg Historian
