Court Report: Pennsic XLIV

Documented from the Scrolls of the Reign of Timothy & Gabrielle II, King and Queen of Æthelmearc: the Business of Their Majesties’ Court at Pennsic XLIV, spanning from 24 July through 9 August Anno Societatis L. As recorded by Their Silver Buccle Herald, Kameshima-kyō Zentarō Umakai, with the assistance of Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope; Master Fridrikr Tomasson av Knusslig Hamn, Gullskel Herald; Baroness Ekaterina Volkova; Brehress Gwendolyn the Graceful; THL Gytha Oggsdottir; THL Sophie Davenport, Seedling Pursuivant; Don Po Silvertop the Rogue, Zule Pursuivant; Drotin Jorundr hinn Rotinn, Comet Pursuivant; THL Marcus Claudius Cincinnatus, Windmill Pursuivant; Lady Ariane Desiree des Cedres; Lord Pavel Dudoladov; Lord Arias Beltran del Valle; and Takamatsu-san Gentarō Yoshitaka.

Tuesday, July 28, at Watch Point:

Their Royal Majesties offered Their Thanks and deep appreciation to all those who volunteer at the Watch to help ensure the well being of the Known World as they are hosted on the lands of Æthelmearc. However, They had heard tell that one of Their subjects not only volunteers long hours during the war at the Watch, but comes the week before to help with the set up and then stays after for the tear down of Point. They then called before them Rhiannon of Ravenglass, and in recognition for all that she has done for Æthelmearc and the Known World did name her a Baroness of Their Court and Grant her Arms. Scroll by Maîtresse Yvianne de Castel d’Avignon.

Thursday, July 30, at the Camp of House Sable Maul:

Otto Boese was called before their Majesties, who had heard good words of his support of his Shire, growth on the combat field and his excellent talent in the arts, including great success in the novice Arts and Sciences competition at Ice Dragon. For this, Their Majesties made him a Lord and awarded him Arms. Scroll by THL Ismay Ponde upon wording by Count Sir Jehan de la Marche.

Mistress Julianna Delamere and Sir Gareth Kincaid were next invited before their Majesties. Sir Gareth spoke of the training of members of Sable Maul had received in heavy combat and the leadership of Mistress Julianna in preparing the house for combat archery and heavy fighting. For these things was she created a companion of the Order of the Golden Alce. Scroll by Master Jonathan Blaecstan.

Their Majesties then called for Lord Christian Goldenlok to attend them. Their Majesties delivered the news that despite his eponymous hair, earlier sitting in Her Majesty’s throne will prevent him from becoming Queen. They did, however, acknowledge his spirit of courtesy and good will to all in the Known World, and for this made him a companion of the Order of the Cornelian. Scroll by Baroness Ekaterina Volkova.

Their Majesties called forward Sir Gareth Kincaid, THL Ulrick von Swartzburg, Lord Arias Beltran del Valle, Lord Tiberius Hostilious Malous, Lord Christian Goldenlok and the newly-created Lord Otto Boese and presented each with baldrics recognizing them as those chosen to represent the Kingdom in the Champions’ Battles to be held three days from that date. They bade them wear the baldrics throughout the War so all would recognize Æthelmearc’s pride in its fighting forces.

Thursday, July 30, at the Camp of Syr Bear the Wallsbane:

Their Majesties first called for Ayla of Æthelmearc to appear before Them, who did so accompanied by her Lord Johann Wulfken. Word had reached Their Majesties’ ears of her helpful spirit assisting Ministers and Mistresses of the Lists and finding other ways to contribute to the Sylvan Kingdom, and for this they were moved to award her Arms and create her a Lady of their court. Scroll by THL Ismay Ponde upon wording by Count Sir Jehan de la Marche.

Both gentles returned to their seats, but before taking his comfort, Lord Johann was once again summoned before Their Majesties. They had heard of his fighting prowess, learning the ways of the sword as a squire to Syr Bear, and defending the kingdom on the field of Battle. To acknowledge his good works in combat, Their Majesties created him a member of the Order of the Golden Alce. Scroll by THL Ismay Ponde upon wording by Count Sir Jehan de la Marche.

Sunday, August 2, at the Allied Champions Battle:

Lord Tiberious Hostilious Malous was elevated to the Order of the Golden Alce for his prowess and leadership upon the heavy field, often commanding the army of House Sable Maul when Sir Gareth has fallen. Scroll by Mistress Juliana Delamare.

Sunday, August 2, at the Debatable Lands Party:

Lord Markus Skalpr Grimsson was named to the Order of the Cornelian for his constant courtesy, ready smile and kind demeanor. Scroll by Baroness Barbary Rose upon wording by Don Po Silvertop.

Alysoun of the Debatable Lands was Awarded Arms in absentia for her devotion to the arts of singing, wool spinning and sewing, and her service in recruiting new people to our Society. Scroll by Lady Eilionora inghean an Bhaird upon wording by THL Beatrice de Winter.

Lady Lasairfhiona inghean Faolan was inducted into the Order of the Golden Alce for her skill with both fencing blade and bow and arrow, and her devotion to the study and improvement of both. Scroll by Lady Vivienne of Yardley.

Lady Katheryn Täntzel was created a Companion of the Keystone for her service as archery marshal, setting up and running ranges so that others may improve their skills. Scroll illuminated by Lady Isabel Fleuretan and calligraphed by Kameshima-kyō Zentarō Umakai.

Lady Verena Witkopf was elevated to the Order of the Keystone for her service in recruiting and garbing newcomers, as well as setting up and cleaning up at events. Scroll illuminated by Mistress Maria Christina de Cordoba and calligraphed by Baroness Alex.

Lady Ceindrech verch Elidir was named to the Order of the Sycamore for her scholarship in researching garb patterns, knitting and singing. Scroll illuminated by Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope and calligraphed by Mistress Fredeburg von Katzenellenbogen.

Baron Uilliam Mac an tSaoir was served with a Writ of Summons, that he should choose a time and place to sit vigil in order to contemplate elevation to the Order of the Pelican for his service to Barony and Kingdom.

Monday, August 3, after the Castle Battle:

THL Hrefna Ulfvarinnsdottir was summoned before Their Majesties to answer the summons They has served to her. She confirmed that it was still her wish to sit vigil and receive advice from the Peers and Populace of the Realm in anticipation of her elevation to the Order of the Pelican. Their Majesties then invited the Companions of said Order to join Them, and instructed them that, at the conclusion of the morning’s Court proceedings, they were to take custody of THL Hrefna and ensure that she find her way safely to the vigil prepared for her for that evening.

Master John the Pell presented himself before Their Majesties, once he had made himself acceptable to Their presence after the heat of battle. He confirmed that it was still his wish to be raised to the accolade of the Order of the Pelican. Master Wulfstan the Unshod, Master of Arms of the Kingdom of the East, credited John with teaching him nearly everything that he knows about honor and service, and for doing the same for countless others. Master Bedwyr Danwyn of the Order of the Laurel recalled when he first joined the Society and thought he would have to spend a lot of money, but John taught him that all he had to do was say “I can.” Countess Caryl Olesdattir of the Order of the Pelican cited John as the reason why she was the premiere Countess and Rose of Æthelmearc, as he had taught Earl Sir Yngvar and many, many others not only how to fight, but how to serve. Being moved by such testimony, Their Majesties created John the Pell a Companion of the Pelican and presented him with regalia of his new station: the Ancestral Pelican Medallion of the Kingdom of Æthelmearc, a personal medallion and a cloak. Scroll by Lady Mairghread ni Stilbheard uu Coinn.

Tuesday, August 4, after the Rapier Village Battle:

His Majesty had a wonderful time on the field Monday in the Manor battle, even though we did not win it was a great battle and His Majesty is proud of the rapier army.

Their Majesties wished to be attended by Æthelmearc’s Rapier Co-Warlords. His Majesty noted that there was a certain lack in their number.

Their Majesties summoned Don William Paris to attend them. Their Majesties talked of the spirit and energy that Don William puts into the rapier community and how that inspires them. Their Majesties then summoned the members of the Order of Defense to attend Them. They then presented Don William with Æthelmearc’s fifth writ to the Order of Defense. Duke Christopher Rawlyns begged a moment of Their Majesties’ time, Duke Christopher took back the squire’s belt that he had given Don William as it is not proper to go into contemplation about becoming a peer in one’s own right thus committed. Words by Kameshima-kyo Zentarou Umakai.

Their Majesties then requested the presence of Contesse Elena d’Artois. His Majesty talked of how as He traveled the Kingdom prepping the rattan fighters for War he constantly saw Elena doing the same for the rapier community, this inspired His Majesty, so He wished to give her an Æthelmearc Award of Excellence. Scroll Illuminated by Lady Rowan L’Crotha with calligraphy by Duchess Liadain ni Dheidre Chaomhanaigh.

Theowyndwood has attracted the attention of many gentles, such that her acclaim has reached Their Majesties. Her work in the Rhydderich Hael is of the highest calibre, and her dedication to improving her skill with the rapier and with dance are things that Their Majesties wish to encourage. Thus they bestowed upon Theowynwood an Award of Arms. Scroll by Baron Caleb Reynolds.

Their Majesties had words for Jacob Martinson. His skill with and dedication to the art of the rapier has been spoken of much. His further dedication to improving his kit by learning to sew pleases Their Majesties. Thus they felt moved to Award Jacob Arms.

Lord Cyrus Augur was summoned to attend Their Majesties. His developing skill in the art of rapier and his pursuit of increasing accuracy in his fencing through study of period manuals has come to Their Majesties’ attention, for this They inducted him into the Order of the Golden Alce.  Scroll by Baron Caleb Reynolds.

Their Majesties wished to speak to Lord Ciarian MacAlexandair. His Majesty spoke of the bravery that Lord Ciarian displays is the one arena that His Majesty dares not tread. That being the path of the exchequer. In addition to this Lord Ciarian also is a tollner and event steward in the College of Silva Vulcani, which is part of how the Society functions, thus Their Majesties inducted Lord Ciarian into the Order of the Keystone. Scroll by Baroness Helene al-Zarqa.

Lady Lucia Augur caught Their Majesties’ attention. She is well known for doing many deeds of service, she also was instrumental in creating the banners that decorated the hall at the Queen’s Rapier Champion Event. This pleased Their Majesties and so they chose to add her name to the rolls of Their Order of the Keystone. Scroll illuminated by Lord Theowulf fitz Renault and illuminated by THLady Anlaith ingen Trena.

Tuesday, August 4, before the Siege War Point:

Duchess Tessa the Huntress was inducted into the Order of the Scarlet Battery for her skill in combat archery, her service as combat archery marshal, and her leadership in battlefield inspections.

Baron Friderich Swartzwalder was named to the Order of the Scarlet Battery for his skill in and promotion of combat archery throughout the Kingdom, as well as his service as combat archery marshal.

THL Morien MacBain was served with a Writ of Summons that he might choose a time and place to contemplate elevation to the Order of the Pelican for his service within and without the Kingdom of Æthelmearc, including creating and leading the Paladin’s Pantry.

Tuesday, August 4, in the Great Hall, accompanied by Their Highnesses Magnus Tindal and Etain, Prince and Princess of Æthelmearc; Their Excellencies Uilliam and Constance, Baron and Baroness of the Barony-Marche of the Debatable Lands; Her Excellency Sadira, Baroness of Thescorre; Their Excellencies Carolus and Isolda, Baron and Baroness of Rhydderich Hael; Their Excellencies Fergus and Helene, Baron and Baroness of Delftwood; Their Excellencies Ichijo and Cerridwen, Baron and Baroness of Blackstone Mountain; Their Excellencies Gunnar and Barbary Rose, Baron and Baroness of Endless Hills; and Their Excellencies Iago and Emilia, Baron and Baroness of St. Swithin’s Bog:

Their Majesties invited the children of the Kingdom to attend them, then instructed them to accompany THL Hrefna Ulfvarinnsdottir to the side of Court where Duchess Ilish O’Donovan had prepared a play area for them to occupy their time while the adults went about the dreadfully boring business of Court.

His Majesty presented Don Lodovick of Gray’s Inn with the banner that the Æthelmearc Fencing Army had won in the day’s battle in his honor, for he had injured himself and had been unable to join the army’s forces on the field.

Friar Jacob and Lord Damiano Vitaliae of Clan Cannall asked for a moment in Their Majesties’ Court to complete an previously agreed upon transaction: they had promised that Clan Cannall would devote their service hours and other War efforts to the Kingdom of Æthelmearc, in exchange for the honor of kissing the Queen’s hand. Queen Gabrielle, ever a woman of her word, offered her hand in thanks for the Clan’s generosity, and the transaction was completed before the Kingdom.

Mistress Kateryna Ty Isaf, Kingdom Exchequer, was invited before Their Majesties and asked to be released from her office. Master Tofi Kerthjalfadsson, her named successor, was invited to join Their Majesties in Court, and was invested with the title and responsibility of Kingdom Exchequer of Æthelmearc.

Lady Gwendolyn Blackthorne MacGriogair, lately of the Kingdom of Meridies, was brought forward and recognized with the Order of Excellence from the hand of the Queen for her generosity in creating garb for the Royal Princes and Princesses.

THL Jussi Laplein was created a Companion of the Cornelian, for he is always courteous both on and off the field of combat, both to his allies and his opponents, both to his friends and family and those he has just met. Scroll by Baron Caleb Reynolds.

Oribe Tsukime was Awarded Arms for her service as an autocrat and Minister of Arts & Sciences to the Shire of Nithgaard, and was further named to the Order of the Cornelian for her grace under stressful circumstances. Scroll by Countess Aidin ni Leir.

Amano Zenjirou, having just escorted his lady Orime-hime into Court, was asked to step forward as well, for he had also served diligently to the Shire of Nithgaard, as well as traveling to the nearby Shire of Abhain Ciach Ghlais, and thus Their Majesties were minded to Award him Arms. Scroll illuminated by Baroness Juliana Rosalia Dolce di Siena and calligraphed by Tiarna Padraig Ó Branduibh.

Kiersa of Vestfell was Awarded Arms for her service to the Dominion of Myrkfaelinn, assisting the Youth Minister and entertaining the populace with her musical skill. Scroll illuminated and calligraphed by Lady Astraya Royachevicha upon wording by Master Toki Redbeard.

Wilhelmina Marion Bodnar, ever serving in the background and recording the memories of others with her camera, was brought before Their Majesties and Their populace so that all could know of her good works and Awarded Arms. Scroll illuminated by Baroness Elizabeth Arrowsmyth and calligraphed by Tiarna Padraig Ó Branduibh.

Cecelia Rowan of Lothian was Awarded Arms in absentia, for she is constantly creating garb for herself and others, for serving as Royal Retainer, and for helping whenever she is needed. Scroll by Baroness Helene al-Zar’qa.

Ulfkell and Æsa were called into Court and Awarded Arms for their martial skills as heavy fighters and archers as well as their skill in gentle arts. Scrolls by Mistress Maria Christina de Cordoba.

Lady Alays de Gant was celebrated for her prowess as an equestrian warrior, as well as with a bow, both on and off of her mount, by being inducted into the Order of the Golden Alce. Scroll illuminated by Lady Maria Ariadne and calligraphed by Kameshima-kyō Zentarō Umakai.

Lady Juliana Ravenshaw was elevated to the Order of the Golden Alce, for she is well renowned as a weapons thrower, marshal and teacher. Scroll in progress, words by Master Augusto Giuseppe de San Donato.

Lord Ru Cavorst, Kingdom Archery Champion, was created a Companion of the Golden Alce both for his skill with bow and arrow as well as his burgeoning skill on the fencing lists. Scroll by Herr Fridrich Flüßmüllner.

Lord Riobard Michael Padraig Timothy Seamus O’Suillebhain, affectionately known as Brother Bobby, was recognized for his service as tollner and herald, in the kitchens of Æthelmearc, as well as his jovial nature and entertainment of the populace, by induction into the Order of the Keystone. Scroll by Mistress Liadhain ni Chlereigh na Coille.

Fuji’na-dono no Takako was granted the honor of the scarlet and gold leaves of the Order of the Sycamore for the impeccable Japanese garb that she creates. Scroll by Baroness Ekaterina Volkova.

Baron Snaebjorn of Tavastland was elevated to the Order of the Millrind, not only for his years of service as marshal, Royal guard, cook and assisting with setup and cleanup at events, but also for the modest and unassuming manner in which he accomplishes it. Scroll by Lady Genevote Nau d’Anjou.

Lady Alfrun ketta was Granted Arms and created a Companion of the Fleur d’Æthelmearc, for she toils hard to research and teach many aspects of the life we strive to recreate. Scroll by Meisterin Felicitas Flüßmüllnerin.

Baroness Clarice Roan was praised and recognized for her diligence in the arts of cooking and haberdashery with membership in the Order of the Fleur d’Æthelmearc. Scroll by Countess Aidin ni Leir.

THL Ian Kennoven was also inducted into the Order of the Fleur d’Æthelmearc for his skill in the culinary arts. Scroll by Countess Aidin ni Leir.

The Order of the Fleur d’Æthelmearc also welcomed Duchess Liadain ni Deirdre Chaomhanaigh, for Their Majesties know well her talent with paintbrush and pen and decreed that Her Grace be counted among their number. Scroll by Baroness Helene al-Zar’qa.

Their Majesties requested the presence of Mistress Cunen Beornhelm, who presented herself before Them. They asked her if she had contemplated whether to receive the accolade of Knighthood, and she confirmed that that was her intention. Their Majesties called for testimony to Cunen’s worthiness from the Peers of the Known World. Countess Allanda de Warwick, Rose of Atlantia, called Cunen an inspiration to all women fighters who treats everyone with respect, courtesy and kindness. Viscount Dafydd ap Gwalchmai of the Order of the Laurel, from the Kingdom of Northshield, recalled her artistry with both sword and paintbrush, both of which she used to paint him black and blue. Master Orlando di Bene del Vinta of the Order of Defense, from the Kingdom of Æthelmearc, described Cunen as gentle, meek and humble, but with the heart of a mighty warrior. Master William de Montegilt of the Order of the Pelican, also from Æthelmearc, testified to her years of service to the scribal arts, and praised fighters for having to stand and take punishment where Pelicans can tell royalty that “you can’t do that.” Duke Cuán MacDaige, from the Kingdom of Atlantia, remembered with fondness his first Pennsic, where Cunen climbed under his shield and beat him to death. THL Gwydion of Arden, from the Kingdom of Æthelmearc, spoke for the populace of Cunen’s heart of gold and ever-present smile, and stated that if anyone deserved to be made a Knight, it is her. Viscountess Judith of Kirtland brought the words of Syr Bear the Wallsbane, 29^th Jewel of Æthelmearc, who conceived the Jewel to be given to people like Cunen who should courtesy, gentility and humility. Countess Sir Fernanda de la Forêt, from the Kingdom of the Middle, stated that the Chivalry values strength, intellect, joy and control, all of which are qualities at which Cunen excels, and that the strongest testimony she could give for Cunen’s Knighting is that her opponents always want to fight her again.

Overwhelmed at the voices from so many voices across the Society, Their Majesties named Cunen Beornhelm to the Order of Chivalry. They adorned her waist with the traditional white belt, and her neck with the Ancestral Knight’s Chain of Æthelmearc. His Majesty then presented Cunen with a chain that had been worn by scores of Knights across the Known World: King Timothy of Arindale, Sir Strykar Geirhaldson, Sir Gaius Tascius Severus Fabianus, Sir Thomas of Calais, Sir Tnek the Ainissestor, Duke Bryan of Sacred Stone, Duke Ragnarr Blackhammer, Count Randal Sinclair Hawkins, Count Amos the Pious, Duke Cuán MacDaige, Sir Justus de Tyre, Sir Kieran Hunter, Sir William Shopp Ratt, Sir Iain Monlach, Sir Joscelin d’Outremer, Duke Bertrand de Flammepoing, Sir Aldrydd Ffestiniog, Count Guillaume Tomas le Lou, Count John Peregrine of Restormel, Duke Anton Tremayne, Sir Randall de Gloucester, Sir Ragnarr rifsbrjótr, Count Robert de Rath, Sir Otto von Schwartzkatz, Sir Rodrigo Falcone, Sir Christian von Nürnberg, Sir Johann Caldron, Duke Vladimir Ivanovich Aleksandrov, King Logan Ebon Woulfe, Sir Turgeis Hakonsson, Sir Theron Andronikos, Viscount Axel of Taavistia, Master Sir Bryce de Byram, Viscount Tojenareum Grenville of Devon, Countess Sir Fern de la Forêt, Sir Dafyd, Count Thorbrander Olafson, Earl Sir Knarlic Wulfherson, Duke Valhoric, King Havoric, Prince Tindal, Duke Malcolm MacEoghainn, Sir Havoc the Wild, Sir Alred, Duke Eliahu ben Itzhak, and Duke Finvarr de Taahe. They placed spurs upon her heels, and Sir Strykar Geirhaldsson gifted her with a sword. Cunen offered her Oath of Fealty and His Majesty dubbed her a Knight of Æthelmearc. Sir Strykar gave her the last blow she would receive unanswered, and words from a scroll in progress by THL Sophie Davenport were read.

Their Majesties recalled before Them THL Hrefna Ulfvarrinsdottir, who had sat vigil the previous night as instructed, received counsel from Peers and Populace as is tradition, and now came before Their Majesties prepared to become a Companion of the Pelican and a Peer of the Realm. Countess Alexandra of Clan Donald praised Hrefna’s smile and laugh as well as the iron will that lived underneath. Sir Andreas Hak, who was the first Historian of the Principality of Æthelmearc, testified to her diverse knowledge of all the martial arts of the Kingdom and Society, her diplomacy, and her willingness to travel as befits a Peer. Maestro Orlando di Bene del Vinta of the Order of Defense, recalled a young pup who joined the Shire of Sylvan Glen and watched Hrefna grow and come to the defense of her Shire by serving as officer and fixing emergency sitiations. Master Alastar Scott MacCrummin of the Order of the Laurel praised Hrefna’s service and ability to listen as arts. Maestra Teresa Gabriela de Montoya y Sevilla brought the words of Master Brian of Leicester of the Order of the Pelican, who recalled the formation of the Historian’s office and lauded Hrefna’s dedication to ensuring that the Æthelmearc of today will be remembered by future generations. THL Bera of Tavastland spoke for the people of the Kingdom in praising Hrefna’s service and graciousness. Their Majesties, being unwilling to withhold recognition in the face of such moving words from their Peers and populace, presented Hrefna with the Ancestral Pelican Medallion of Æthelmearc as well as a personal medallion and a cloak, and proclaimed her  a member of the Order of the Pelican and granted her Arms by Letters Patent. Scroll by THL Marija Kotok.

Their Majesties summoned Their officers and convened Their Curia and announced the following:

The Society Board of Directors and Society Seneschal have given us a directive to bring Æthelmearc Kingdom Law into compliance with Society policy regarding Chirurgeons by August 10.

In order to comply with this directive, we are holding this emergency Curia and removing all mentions of chirurgeons from Kingdom Law.

All Kingdom Officers are hereby instructed to review their office policies and remove any references to chirurgeons or the chirurgeonate by August 10^th, 2015 and report to the Royalty and Kingdom Seneschal when completed.

Curia was closed.

Their Majesties asked all those who had contributed to the scribal efforts of any scrolls given, or yet to be given, at the Pennsic War to stand and be recognized.

Wednesday, August 5, after the Novice Fencing Tournament:

After multiple attempts to summon Lord Luca di Lion before Them, Their Majesties finally found Lord Luca and delivered upon him admission into the Order of the Golden Alce for his skill with the blade. Scroll by Lady Genevote Nau d’Anjou.

Their Majesties sought out Don William Parris and inquired whether he had had the opportunity to contemplate elevation to the Order of Defense. Don William assured Their Majesties that, with the assistance of the Atlantian Vigil Village, he had held the field as is tradition, and was now prepared to receive the accolade. Count Sir Andreas Morgan recalled when he sat the throne of Æthelmearc, and he and his Queen Kallista were moved by Will’s pursuit of perfection to create him a Companion of the White Scarf, and he was impressed with Will’s continued improvement, teaching, leading, and glorifying both Æthelmearc and his family. Magariki-sama Katsuichi no Koredono stated that he had known Will since before he could walk, and now he was a man standing on his own, defending the weak, avenging those who deserve it, and behaving as a Knight would. Master Quinn Kerr of the Order of the Laurel recalled a conversation which included the phrase “Nothing lasts forever,” but he disagreed, saying that ideas live forever, and that it is the duty of a Peer to keep the idea of The Dream alive; a duty that Will is prepared to perform. Master Lodovick of Gray’s Inn of the Order of the Pelican praised William’s public service leading armies on the field, but also the service that most people don’t see, sitting at Commander’s meetings, volunteering as clerk, and many other things that make the workings of the armies so successful. Maestro Orlando di Bene del Vinta proclaimed Will a gentleman, scholar, soldier, and his inspiration. Their Majesties, being so moved to create Will the fourth Defender of Æthelmearc and grant him Arms by Letters Patent, presented him with a total of four livery collars, the Lineage book of the Order of Defense of Æthelmearc, and a cloak bearing the badge of the Order. Master William Parris then swore his Oath of Fealty upon his sword. Scroll in progress upon wording by Master Michael Alewright.

Wednesday, August 5, after the 10-Man Unbelted Melee:

Baron Vladisla Nikulich was presented with a Writ of Summons to contemplate elevation to the Order of Chivalry. Their Majesties, knowing well the large battle upon an open field that awaited the Æthelmearc Army hence, bade Baron Vladisla answer them no later than Friday morning.

Wednesday, August 5, in the camp of Clan Yama Kaminari:

Lady Isabel Fleuretan was created a Companion of the Cornelian for her constant attitude of sunshine and grace, and specifically her gracious demeanor in high-pressure situations.

Duke Sir Christopher Rawlyns was presented with a Writ of Summons to contemplate elevation to the Order of the Laurel in recognition of his pursuit of mastery of the art of creating authentic clothing. Their Majesties, knowing His Grace’s familiarity with the ways of Peerage, commanded him to attend Them at the Kingdom Party the next evening to answer Their summons.

Thursday, August 6, during the Pennsic Choir Concert:

Their Majesties called for Cedric, and praised his many years of participation and his musical skill as a tenor in the Pennsic Choir. With the permission of the Crown of Atlantia, of which Cedric is a citizen, they bestowed on him an Award of Arms. The scroll, by Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope, was sung as a filk to the tune “Stella Splendens” by the directors of the Pennsic Choirs.

Their Majesties then called forth Lady Rachel Dalicieux and spoke of her skill in the art of music, directing the Children’s and Youth Choirs at Pennsic for the past three years, as well as her talents as a scribe and maker of stained glass and beads. They then called forth the Companions of the Fleur d’AEthelmearc and inducted Lady Rachel into that order, Granting her Arms. Scroll by Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope.

There was much rejoicing among the singers of the Pennsic Choirs for the recognition given to these good gentles.

Thursday, August 6, before the Æthelmearc Kingdom Party:

On August 6, 2015, Timothy and Gabrielle, Rex and Regina Æthelmearc, in open Court expelled Dan Heyman, known in the Society as Dan of BMDL from participation in any aspect of the SCA.

On August 6, 2015, Timothy and Gabrielle, Rex and Regina Æthelmearc, in open Court expelled Benjamin Thomas Seib, known in the Society as Pippin from participation in any aspect of the SCA.

Thursday, August 6, during the Æthelmearc Kingdom Party:

Lady Elizabeth Rosamund and Mistress Ælfra Long were recognized as having achieved the Thrown Weapons rank of Huntsman, with Lady Elizabeth having achieved a Royal Round average of 81.33 and Mistress Ælfra having achieved a Royal Round average of 83.33.

Lord Ian Campbell was recognized as having achieved the Thrown Weapons rank of Marksman, having achieved a Royal Round average of 102.67.

Duke Sir Christopher Rawlyns came forward and confirmed that if Their Majesties saw fit to name him a Companion of the Laurel, he would joyfully receive such an accolade. Duchess Morgen of Rye, spoke of patience, specifically, her patience whenever Christopher would discuss patterns over dinner or refuse to come to bed because he was sewing a new garment; she then went on to state that her patience paled in comparison to his studious pursuit of knowledge. Master William Paris, newest Defender of Æthelmearc, spoke of Duke Christopher’s constant guidance and inspiration of him, and how he inspires everyone who watches him with any weapon, including needle and thread. Mistress Illadore de Bedegrayne of the Order of the Laurel reminded Their Majesties that the Laurel is about both arts and sciences, that Duke Christopher embodied both, and that his true art is his passion to push scholarship forward and make the Society better. Their Majesties, knowing that Their populace wanted to resume their revelry, found it unnecessary to hear testimony from those Peerage orders of which Duke Christopher was already a member, and thus found that of the Lady of the Rose, the Master of Defense and the Mistress of the Laurel sufficient. They invested Duke Christopher as a Master of the Laurel and presented him with a medallion, a hood and a pin, all bearing the badge of the Order. A piece of promissory artwork by Minamoto Taikawa Saiaiko and words by Lady Isabel Fleuretan were presented in advance of a scroll to be completed by Mistress Roxanne de St. Luc.

Friday, before the Field Battle:

Representatives from the Mountain Confederation reaffirmed and renewed their contract of service to the Kingdom of Æthelmearc.

Katerina Vladislova was awarded the Order of the Silver Buccle for being helpful whenever and wherever she is able, most especially in the Kingdom’s kitchens.

Lord Bovi Davidsson was named to the Order of the Golden Alce for his skill with sword and polearm. Scroll illuminated by THL Renata la Rouge and calligraphed by Kameshima-kyō Zentarō Umakai.

Lord Christian Goldenlok was inducted into the Order of the Golden Alce for his skill and eagerness on the heavy weapons field, always learning and sharing his excitement and knowledge with others. Scroll by THL Ismay Ponde upon wording by Count Sir Jehan de la Marche.

Baron Vladisla Nikulich was brought forth to answer the summons served him earlier that week. Viscount Sir Alexander Caithnes begged a moment in Their Majesties’ Court to remove the squire’s belt that he had placed about Vladisla’s waist, and with it his obligation and fealty to Viscount Sir Alexander. Being freed of these burdens, Vladisla stated that he was now ready to receive the accolade of Knighthood. Duke Sir Maynard von dem Steine and Duchess Liadain ni Dierdre Chaomhanaigh praised Vladisla’s skill at leadership, not only instructing those under his command but showing them how to improve. Duchess Dorinda Courtenay of the Order of Defense testified to Vladisla’s welcoming spirit, especially to those who fence even though he does not do so himself. Sir Aengus MacBain and Maîtresse Yvianne de Castel d’Avignon of the Order of the Laurel attested to his perseverance and inspiration in his creation of artistic boxes, and reminded him that his lady and daughter were instrumental in his reaching this achievement. Viscountess Judith of Kirtland and Viscount Syr Bear the Wallsbane of the Order of the Pelican spoke of his diligence, often being the first to arrive at an event site and the last to leave, dedicated both to the Society and to his family. Baron Sir Thomas Byron of Haverford and Baroness Sir Ariella of Thornbury named Vladisla a symbol that others follow. Duke Sir Malcolm MacEoghainn added that Knights are men and women of violence and courtesy, and that Vladisla iconified both of those. Their Majesties, being moved by this testimony, elevated Vladisla to the Order of Chivalry and Granted him Arms by Letters Patent. They then presented Vladisla with the ancestral Knighthood chain of Æthelmearc, along with a personal chain, spurs that had once belonged to Viscountess Rannveigr, a white belt and a cloak. Finally,They dubbed Sir Vladisla a Knight with the Sword of State and accepted his Oath of Fealty.

There being no further business, Their Majesties’ Court was closed.