A group from our Kingdom traveled to Estrella War last week. The intrepid invasion force consisted of Their Royal Majesties, King Titus and Queen Anna Leigh, Their Head of Court, Mistress Hilderun Hügelmann, Master Alaric MacConnal, THL Ishiyama Gen’tarou Yori’ie, and Lady Hara Kikumatsu. Quoth our Queen, “A small but mighty invasion!” A seventh companion, Baroness Elizabeth Arrowsmyth, was sadly claimed by the fierce Ice Dragon before the journey (she’ll be OK) and could not attend.

Æthelmearc acquitted herself quite well in the War, staying busy with every type of activity. His Majesty, King Titus, took to both the heavy and rapier fields, and spent time visiting old friends. Master Alaric enjoyed shooting archery at some very inventive shoots. THL Ishiyama displayed his kumihimo braids at Friday’s A&S display. Lady Hara busied herself helping in camp, working as retinue, and creating kumihimo medallion cords for the gifts our Kingdom presented to Atenveldt.

Mistress Hilderun taught a class on Livery Collars, and won the Collars of State category in the A&S competition Saturday with her Lady’s Early 15th Century Livery Collar, receiving a lovely scroll by Lady Ponaria Apalosvna and Hanim Ari Usni, at Great Court. Says Hilda, “Well, there weren’t any other entries, but my scores were pretty good!” The Collar was worn by the Queen to Friday’s State Dinner.

Their Majesties of the East also presented Scrolls of Friendship to all Royalty present at Great Court. Æthelmearc’s scroll was illuminated by Mistress Eleanore MacCarthaigh, written by Teodora Bryennissa, and calligraphed by Lady Henna Sinclair.

Our charming Queen was the soul of diplomacy, attending the Queens’ Tea on Thursday, and arranging for both the Largesse gifts presented to Atenveldt at Friday night’s State Dinner, provided by the talented populace of our Kingdom and Her Majesty’s own hand, and the sewing kits presented to the World’s Queens. The sewing kit project was spearheaded by Countess Kallista Morganova, each consisting of an embroidered biscornu needle case, pin cushion and scissor fob, presented in a painted balsa wood box. Her Majesty reports that all gifts were very warmly received.

His Majesty Titus did his part for diplomacy as well, exhorting the assembled Crowns and crowd at Saturday’s Great Court to side with Æthelmearc against foreign invaders at the Great Pennsic War.

The Æthelmearcers were hosted most generously by the household Hrafnheim, of the Barony of Tir Ysgithr in Atenveldt. Hrafnheim provided friendship, tents, food, drink and bedding to our contingent, as well as adding Æthelmearc’s silk battle standard to the highest pole in their camp’s beautiful banner display. Their Majesties’ abode was provided and richly appointed by Count Thomas, and the retinue tent was provided by Lady Eyvor and Lord Domnall, and furnished by Viscountess Wander. One of the Heads of Household, Countess Ian’ka, also served as herald for our Kingdom during Great Court on Saturday, with a brag that would make our heralds proud. Lady Sigrid and Lord Keane of Hrafnheim served with the retinue during Great Court. Hrafnheim received gifts of thanks, as well.

Æthelmearc had a great time at Estrella War, and the companions will always remember the good times fondly and cherish new friendships made. We’ll be back!