Documented from the Scrolls of the Reign of Magnus Tindal and Etain II, basileos kai basilissa Æthelmearc: the Business of The Emperor’s Court at The Festival of the Passing of the Ice Dragon, 2 April Anno Societatis L, in the Barony of Rhydderich Hael, accompanied by Their Highnesses Byron and Ariella, Prince and Princess of Æthelmearc; Their Highnesses Nigel and Adrielle, Prince and Princess of Ealdormere; and Their Excellencies Magnus and Miriel, Baron and Baroness of the Rhydderich Hael. As recorded by Their Silver Buccle Herald, Kameshima-kyō Zentarō Umakai, with the assistance of Baroness Miriel du Lac; Baroness Helena Mützhasenin, Fleur d’Æthelmearc Herald; Brehyres Gwendolyn the Graceful; THL Gytha Oggesdottir; and THL Sophie Davenport, Seedling Pursuivant.
In the morning:
The Imperator called for Baroness Laurencia of Carlisle, who had been served at Rhydderich Hael Investiture with a Writ of Summons to contemplate elevation to the Imperial Council of the Laurel. Confirming that it was her intent to sit vigil, the Imperator convened the said Council and directed them to conduct Her Excellency to the place that had been prepared for her.
Baroness Laurencia is sent to vigil for the Laurel.
The Imperator then summoned THL Marek Viacheldrago, who had been served at Gulf Wars with a Writ of Summons to contemplate elevation to the Imperial Council of Chivalry. Confirming that he too was prepared to sit vigil that day, he returned his belt of servitude to his Knight, Sir Tristan Sexwulf, who released Marek from his oath of fealty. The Imperator then convened the said Council and directed them to conduct His Lordship to the place that had been prepared for him.
THLord Marek is sent to vigil for the Chivalry. Photo by Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope.
The Imperator next called for Don Annanias Fenne, who had also been served with a Writ of Summons at Gulf Wars, his to contemplate elevation to the Imperial Council of Defense. Confirming as well that he was prepared to hold the field in contemplation, the Imperator convened the Council and directed them to conduct His Lordship to the field that was prepared for him.
Don Anias is sent to vigil for the Order of Defense. Photo by Mistress Arianna.
The Imperator announced that following Morning Court, the Royal Curia would be convened to approve the addition of the Award of the Golden Ecarbuncle to Kingdom Law, and following Curia, Imperial business that had not been completed would be conducted.
At Curia:
The Kingdom Officers approved the addition of the Award of the Golden Escarbuncle into Kingdom Law.
Following Curia:
Lady Elsa Taliard was inducted into the Order of the Cornelian in absentia.
Ayleth of Stormsport was Awarded Arms in absentia.
Edwynne of Casa Valdez, called Lairdbreaker, was Awarded Arms in absentia.
Elva the Evil was Awarded Arms in absentia.
Lady Tomassa Isolana was inducted into the Order of the Golden Alce in absentia.
Master Ian Muir was inducted into the Order of the Golden Stirrup in absentia.
Count Sir Andreas Morgan was inducted into the Order of the Keystone in absentia.
Lady Laurentia of Caledonia was inducted into the Order of the Keystone in absentia.
Lady Maggie Rue was inducted into the Order of the Keystone.
Lord TW of Livonia was inducted into the Order of the Sycamore in absentia.
Before the heavy weapons tournament:
The Imperator had words for His Excellency, Baron Aquila d’Athos, whose skill on the field was matched by his service to the heavy weapons community and to the Kingdom at large. Thus is was decided that, instead of marshalling the day’s tournaments, His Excellency should instead sit vigil in contemplation of elevation to the Imperial Council of Chivalry. The Council was convened, and His Excellency was escorted from the field to a place that had been prepared for him.
Baron Aquila d’Athos is sent to vigil for the Chivalry. Photo by Master Fridrikr Tomasson.
In the evening:
The children of the Kingdom were assembled, and excused from the business of Court that they might be better entertained.
The Imperator granted leave to Their Excellencies to conduct the business of their Baronial Court.
During Baronial Court, the Imperator called for THL Ruslan Igorovich Voronov and Lady Edana the Red, and awarded them the Golden Escarbuncle for being his two finalists for King’s Choice in the Arts and Sciences Pentathlon.
Her Highness Ariella announced that of the many designs that had been submitted for her Queen’s Favor competition, she had chosen Lady Maggie Rue‘s design, and decreed that 700 of them should be made immediately. Any interested in assisting in this venture should contact Her Highness.
Cassandra MacTire of Norwich was Awarded Arms for her skill in leatherworking and her assistance in preparing for events, regardless of whether or not she would be attending. Scroll by Lady Vivienne of Yardley.
Siobhan Readnait was Awarded Arms for her service in preparing side boards, sitting troll, and event cleanup, as well as her prowess on the archery field. Scroll by THL Eleanore Godwin.
Siobhan Readnit is awarded Arms. Photo by Master Augusto.
Lord Wolfgar Ronaldson was inducted into the Order of the Golden Alce in absentia.
Lady Brigette de Sainte Mere-Eglise was elevated to the Order of the Keystone for her many years of service as Baronial officer, dance mistress, marshal, and mistress of the lists. Scroll illuminated by Baroness Juliana Rosalia Dolce di Siena and calligraphed by Tiarna Ard Padraig Ó Branduibh.
Mistress Liadin ní Chléirigh na Coille was created a Companion of the Order of Keystone for service to the Barony and to the scribal community. Scroll by Lady Vivienne of Yardley.
Mistress Liadin receives a Keystone. Photo by Master Augusto Giuseppe da San Donato.
Lady Edith of Winterton was inducted into the Order of the Sycamore in absentia for her devotion to the research of fiber arts, including the raising of sheep and the spinning and dyeing of thread. Scroll by Baron Caleb Reynolds.
Lady Katerina das Vögelein was Granted Arms and inducted into the Order of the Fleur d’Æthelmearc in absentia for her skill in the art of tailoring. Scroll illuminated by THL Isabel Fleuretan and calligraphed by Kameshima-kyō Zentarō Umakai.
Lord Garreth Whytebull was Granted Arms and elevated to the Order of the Gage for his skill in sword and shield combat, as well as his extensive travel to both learn and teach others. Scroll by Lady Felice de Thornton and Lady Juliana Stafford.
Lord Garreth is inducted into the Order of the Gage. Photo by Master Augusto.
Baron Magnus de Lyons was named to the Order of the Millrind for his extensive service to his Barony. Scroll by Lady Mary Elizabeth Clason.
Baron Magnus receives a Millring. Photo by Master Augusto.
Baron Edward Harbinger was created a Companion of the Order of the Scarlet Guard for his many years of teaching and leadership in the archery community. Scroll by THL Eleanore Godwin.
Baron Edward is inducted into the Order of the Scarlet Guard. Photo by Baroness Anastasie Lamour.
Baron Aquila d’Athos was called before the Imperator to answer the question that had been set before him earlier that day. Confirming that he had indeed sat vigil and received counsel, he was now ready to take his place among the Council of Chivalry. Duke Sir Timothy of Arindale came forth to thank the Imperator for righting a great wrong that His Grace had committed when he sat the throne and had not elevated Aquila to the Chivalry. Master Benedict Fergus of the Council of Defense recalled Aquila’s strong leadership when he was Baron of Thescorre and testified that he would be a strong defender of the Kingdom. Mistress Alison of the Many Isles of the Council of the Laurel sung the praises of Aquila’s devotion to his arts of metalworking and pouch making. Countess Caryl Olesdatter of the Council of the Pelican called Aquila a paragon of chivalry and service. Sir Barak Carthalo of the Knights of Atlantia, who had once called Aquila squire, praised his passion, heart, and prowess, and was proud to call Aquila “brother.” So moved by this testimony, the Imperator called for the regalia of a Knight: spurs for his heels, a belt for his waist, the Ancestral Chain of the Chivalry of Æthelmearc, and a personal chain to wear once the Ancestral Chain had been passed. The Imperator then used the Sword of State to dub Aquila a Knight and Peer of the Realm and Grant him Arms by Letters Patent. The Imperator then received Sir Aquila’s Oath of Fealty. Scroll by Mistress Gillian Llewellyn of Ravenspur.
Sir Athos is dubbed a knight. Photo by Master Fridrikr.
Don Annanias Fenne was summoned to answer the question that had been set before him. Confirming that he had held the field in the tradition of the Council of Defense of Æthelmearc, he was now ready to take his place among that Council. Count Sir Isenwulf Thorolfssone called him a positive example who balances ferocity on the field with the courtesy of an enjoyable fight. Sir Tristan Sexwulf testified that Annanias always strives for excellence and inspires those around him. Master Quinn Kerr of the Council of the Laurel praised his devotion to his arts, which makes his love for his art, his Kingdom and the Society clear to all those who see him. Mistress Baga Aleea of the Council of the Pelican named Annanias as someone who will help anyone who needs it and who will do so with enthusiasm that is infectious. Master Iago Benitez of the Council of Defense recalled good times with Annanias both on the fencing field and in the kitchen, and named him a master of the blade in all its forms and an inspiration. So moved by this testimony, the Imperator called for the Ancestral Livery Collar of the Defenders of Æthelmearc, placed it around Annanias’s neck and named him a Peer of the Realm and a Councillor of Defense, and Granted him Arms by Letters Patent. He then received Master Annanias’s Oath of Fealty. Scroll wording by Master Quinn Kerr.
Don Anias is elevated to the Order of Defense. Photo by Master Fridrikr.
Baroness Laurencia of Carlisle was recalled before the Imperator to answer the question that had been set before her, and she confirmed that she had received such counsel as to now be prepared to take her place among the Imperial Council of the Laurel. Duke Maynard von dem Steine recalled the skill and passion with which she teaches her art regardless of the distance she must travel to do so. Master Llewellyn ap Gododdin of the Eastern Council of Chivalry, for whom Laurencia had made clothes for his own vigil, spoke of her kindness and generosity. Duchess Dorinda Courtenay of the Council of Defense, likened the precision of Laurencia’s needlework to the skill one may master with a fencing blade, and like that skill, each takes time and devotion. Duchess Líadain ní Dheirdre Chaomhánaigh of the Council of the Pelican recalled how, when some new fighters had asked Laurencia to make fighting garb for them, she instead taught them how to create it for themselves, thus better serving them for their careers in the SCA. Mistress Cori Ghora of the Council of the Laurel stated that the Council needed this lady, for she brings new research to the Kingdom. So moved by this testimony, the Imperator placed upon Laurencia’s shoulders a hood, pin, and wreath signifying her as a Councillor of the Laurel, Granted her Arms by Letters Patent and named Her Excellency a Companion of that Council and Peer of the Realm. Finally, Mistress Laurencia was presented with the traditional Fruitcake of the Council of the Laurel of Æthelmearc. Scroll by Duchess Anna Blackleaf, Duchess Dorinda Courtenay, and Duchess Líadain ní Dheirdre Chaomhánaigh.
Baroness Laurencia is made a Laurel. Photo by Arianna.
THL Marek Viacheldrago was brought before the Imperator, and stated that he had spent the day preparing to accept elevation to the Council of Chivalry. Duke Maynard von dem Steine called Marek a quiet man who chooses his words wisely, and all who know him are better for it. Duke Khalek Shuraag Od called it the duty of Royal Peers to seek out virtues and nobility in all the populace, and having witnessed Marek’s accomplishments, was convinced that his elevation was right and just. Duchess Dorinda Courtenay of the Council of Defense refrained from regaling the Imperator with stories of Marek’s greater-than-normal courtesy, because “greater than normal” courtesy is normal for Marek. Mistress Chrestienne de Waterden of the Council of the Laurel witnessed his support of the arts, gathering all those who wish to learn the arts of metalwork and wireweaving. Duchess Líadain ní Dheirdre Chaomhánaigh of the Council of the Pelican called Marek an inspiration who embodies service. Sir Alric of the Mists testified that, while the Chivalry may foster prowess above all the other Knightly virtues, it was not necessarily the most important of them, and that Marek excels at all of them. So moved by this testimony, the Imperator called for spurs and a belt, then placed the Ancestral Chain of the Chivalry of Æthelmearc around his neck, followed by a traditional chain from his household, and an ancestral chain worn by more than 40 Knights across the SCA who have ruled as Royalty more than 80 times. So bedecked, the Imperator took the Sword of State and dubbed him a Knight and Peer of the Realm, and on that sword Sir Marek swore his Oath of Fealty. Scroll forthcoming.
Sir Marek is dubbed a Knight. Photo by Lady Aine ny Allane.
In the tradition of the Imperata, THL Zofia Kowalewska was named Inspiration to the Emperor for her diligence in running the backlog display table.
Lady Zofia is recognized as the Augustus’s inspiration. Photo by Arianna.
There being no further business, the Emperor’s Court was closed.