Personal History

       If Circassian string music embodies the culture's refined artistry, then its folk songs represent the art of living itself. Circassian folk songs are characterized by free-flowing structures and varied rhythms; they are spontaneous creations that can spring up at any moment, whether sung by farmers or shepherd boys alike. Yet, the finest pieces usually originate from professional or semi-professional bards, and Alansi stands out as a master among them. Free-spirited as the wind, she is knowledgeable, witty, and loves a lively crowd; the only things that can make her pause are a good song and fine wine.

       Alansi is a professional bard, meaning she possesses neither land nor livestock to sustain herself, relying entirely on her singing to earn her keep at gatherings. A bard’s true mettle lies in the ability to improvise lyrics and melodies on the spot. Alansi can instantly weave her observations into verse, strumming her *dombra* to accompany her own voice. Though she lacks formal training in complex music theory, whenever the mood strikes, she effortlessly produces a catchy new song that delights the audience.

       From the vigils held before a baby’s birth to the coming-of-age ceremonies for young women, these events provide the perfect stage for Alansi to shine. Her songs mirror her personality: they are deeply moving and sensible, yet full of surprising, clever twists. After heating up the atmosphere with a performance that blends praise with humor, winning both applause and hospitality, she often heads home happily tipsy, swaying atop her donkey as she makes her way to the next feast.

       Bards are a flamboyant lot who love to vie with one another; when they gather, they engage in "song battles" much like modern rappers. If a bard hears a peer singing, failing to respond in kind is tantamount to admitting defeat. Being challenged by name to a musical duel and failing to answer is an even greater disgrace. It was precisely through such contests that Alansi forged her reputation as a top-tier bard. Her responses were always apt and humorous, laced with just the right amount of playful mockery, entertaining the audience while leaving her interlocutors speechless. Since the song battles often involved riddles and questions, Alansi’s victories demonstrated not only her knowledge of ancient fables but also her keen awareness of current events.

       This talent shone brightest when she performed her duties in public. According to Circassian wedding customs, the groom and his groomsmen would sing the "Gal" song to coax the bride from her quarters, while the bride and her bridesmaids would sing back from within the felt tent, feigning reluctance. With Alansi lending her support, the bride would hold out for a day or two, inevitably prolonging the festivities. Astute grooms would often ply the prolific singer with rich, potent wine to "quench her thirst"; once she was tipsy, tongue-tied, and slumped in a heap on the cushions, the rest of the wedding proceedings would unfold smoothly.

       This outspoken bard, who loved to be at the center of any lively gathering, seemed born to bring joy and liven up the atmosphere. While she frequently flouted Mazdak’s bizarre prohibitions, she hardly appeared to be a threat to the warlord. Consequently, the warlord’s commanders and soldiers turned a blind eye to her antics, after all, they too wanted a spirited celebration for the New Year.

       Yet, this bard served as the "data bus" connecting the scattered militia groups that were resisting Mazdak for various reasons; every man, woman, and child who enjoyed her music or engaged in song battles with her became a source of intelligence, which she then relayed to the militias across the region. Alansi’s role remained undetected largely because she rarely took to the battlefield herself. In truth, she would have made an unreliable comrade-in-arms; a few sips of fine wine would compel her to burst into song, and while her voice could stir the fighting spirit of her allies, it was just as likely to provoke the enemy's wrath.