Documented from the Scrolls of the Reign of Magnus Tindal and Etain II, basileos kai basilissa Æthelmearc: the Business of  The Imperator’s Court at St. Swithin’s Bog 12th Night, 16 January Anno Societatis L, in the Barony of St. Swithin’s Bog, accompanied by Their Excellencies Iago and Emilia, Baron of Baroness of St. Swithin’s Bog, and Their Highnesses Dietrich and Thora, Prince and Princess of Atlantia. As recorded by Their Silver Buccle Herald, Kameshima-kyō Zentarō Umakai.

In the morning:

The Imperator called His Excellency Iago Benitez before Him and asked if it was still his desire to play the prize in contemplation of elevation to the Order of Defense. His Excellency agreed, and the Council of Defense was convened and instructed to escort His Excellency to the field that had been prepared for him. Before he left Court, Iago removed his White Scarf and entrusted the Baronial Coronet into the care of his lady wife, Baroness Emilia.

In the evening:

The children of the Kingdom were invited to entertain themselves with toys and activities under the care of Maestro Orlando di Bene del Vinta while the adults conducted the business of Court.

Her Excellency Emilia, the Imperator, and Their Highnesses of Atlantia exchanged gift baskets in thanks and friendship.

Lord Ian Campbell of Glen Mor presented the Imperator with handmade coins to use as largesse, for he had not been able to attend the Saturnalia celebration the previous weekend.

Duchess Dorinda Courtenay presented tokens to all those fencers who were participating in the Dragon Rose Challenge, which the Emperor had recently expanded so that the fencers of Æthelmearc would no longer be challenging one Midrealm region at a time, but would now be challenging the entire Kingdom.

Lord Guillaume le Noir and Dona Emily of Denvegan announced the victors of the day’s tournaments. Prince Dietrich, who was victorious in the day’s heavy weapons tournament, presented his prize to THL Beatrix Krieger, for she had impressed him greatly.

John Augustine Stag was Awarded Arms for his service to the Kingdom as Privateer. Scroll by Meisterin Felicitas Flußmüllnerin.

Duke Timothy of Arindale reminded the populace of the upcoming Regional Muster and Practice scheduled for February 20-21 in the Shire of Abhain Ciach Ghlais.

Dona Katherine Vivans was inducted into the Order of the Fleur d’Æthelmearc for her skill in turning liquids into solids, such as milk into cheese or glass into beads. Scroll illuminated by THL Elyse la Bref and calligraphed by Lady Vivienne of Yardley upon wording by Baroness Clarice Roan.

Master Iago Benitez was recalled before the Emperor having successfully held the field and played the prize.

Confirming that he was now ready to take his seat in the Council of Defense, the said Council was convened and affirmed that they wished Iago to take the seat that was reserved for him. Sir Kadan Chakhilghan Ger on Echen praised his prowess, stating that he knew Iago to be “the man to beat” in Æthelmearc before he ever knew Iago’s name, and now that he and Iago had come to be friends, that initial assessment had not changed. Mistress Illadore de Bedegrayne of the Order of the Laurel spoke of the inspiration she drew from Iago, specifically, the inspiration to parry and dodge his deadly strikes, and remembered when both she and Iago were to represent their respective Baronies in the 7 Pearls championship and she spent a year studying and preparing to face him. Mistress Caroline of Burgundy of the Order of the Pelican, who once held Iago as her cadet, testified that he had passed her in many ways including that of service. Duchess Dorinda Courtenay of the Order of Defense, who Iago had once held as his cadet, had sought him out because she wanted to learn from the best, and stated that the Order of Defense was created for people like Iago. The Emperor, moved by this testimony, created Iago a Companion of the Order of Defense and presented him with regalia of his new station: the Ancestral Livery Collar of the Order of Defense of Æthelmearc, a personal collar and a cloak bearing the badge of the order.

Master Iago swore his Oath upon the Sword of State, and a scroll illuminated by Master Caoinleán Seanchaidh and calligraphed by THL Rachel Delicieux upon wording by Duchess Dorinda Courtenay was read. Finally, Baroness Emilia, with the assent of the Emperor, replaced the Baronial Coronet upon His Excellency’s brow and he retook his place upon the Baronial throne.

Maestro Bastiano de Iacopo was summoned before the Emperor and served with an Imperial Writ of Summons to return to the Imperatori at an event before the Coronation of Their Heirs and play the prize in contemplation of elevation to the Order of Defense.

There being no further business, this Imperial Court was closed.

 

All photos courtesy of THL Caitilin ni Mhaolchonaire of the Barony of St. Swithin’s Bog.