April 9, AS 50 (2016)
Coronation of Thomas Byron and Ariella
Shire of Gryffyn’s Keep

Documented from the Scrolls of the Reign of Magnus Tindal and Etain II, basileos kai basilissa Æthelmearc: the Business of Their Court at Coronation, 9 April Anno Societatis L, hosted by the Shire of Gryffyn’s Keep. As recorded by Their Silver Buccle Herald, Kameshima-kyō Zentarō Umakai, with the assistance of Gwendolyn the Graceful, Brehyres.

Last Court of Tindal and Etain

Drake and Davia, the Prince and Princess Royale, were given the Sigil of Æthelmearc for their assistance throughout the Imperial Reign.

The children of the Kingdom were sent into the care of Lady Svava of St. Swithin’s Bog to entertain themselves through Court.

The Imperatori bestowed the Sigil of Æthelmearc upon the following gentles: Viscount Sir Haakon Oaktall, Sir Cunen Beornhelm, Baron Sir Murdoch Bayne, Sir Óláfr Þorvarðarson, Baroness Rioghnach ni Rose, THL Ariadne Flaxenhair of Dragon’s End, Lord Magnus Jager, Lord Horatius Cincinnatus and Lord Christian Magnus.

Lady Elizabeth Parker was inducted into the Order of the Sycamore for her performance skills, both as a member of the Debatable Choir and as part of I Genesii. Scroll by Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope.

Meisterin Felicitas Flußmüllnerin and Herr Fridrich Flußmüllner were created Baroness and Baron of the Court for all of the various service that they rendered unto the Crown over the course of the reign. Scrolls by Baroness Helena Mützhasenin.

THL Beatrix Krieger was named Praetorian and Baroness of the Court for the service she performed as Captain of the Imperial Guard. Scroll in progress by Sir Murdoch Bayne.

Maestro Bastiano de Iacopo was called before The Imperatori and asked if he had contemplated the question set before him at St. Swithin’s Bog 12th Night, whether he would accept the accolade of membership in the Imperial Council of Defense. Bastiano responded that he had held the field as was tradition for that council, and received good words from the Council and from others in the Kingdom, and that it was now his wish to take a seat with the Council of Defense. Duke Sir Timothy of Arindale, speaking as a Royal Peer, stated that there was nobody more inspirational that Bastiano. Then speaking as Councilor of Chivalry, Sir Timothy claimed that as a Knight, he strove to live up to the Victorian ideals of Knighthood, and that Bastiano both pursues and achieves those same ideals. Master Iago Benitez, speaking as a Councilor of both Defense and the Pelican, recalled the 20 years that he had known Bastiano as both fighter and teacher, and that Bastiano had taught him much more than he had ever taught Bastiano. Thus moved by this testimony, the Imperatori named him a Councilor of Defense, placed upon Bastiano’s shoulders a coat bearing the badge of the Order of Defense, the Ancestral Collar of the Order, and a personal collar, and received his Oath of Fealty upon his rapier as is tradition. Scroll forthcoming by Dona Fiora d’Artusio, upon words by Master Quinn Kerr.

His Highness, Prince Byron, came before the Imperatori and, proclaiming that times were changing in the Kingdom, made his claim to the throne of Æthelmearc. Duke Sir Christopher, the Seneschal, verified that a tournament was held in accordance with the laws and customs of the Kingdom and Society. The Minister of the Lists verified that His Highness was victorious through the tournament list. The Silver Buccle Herald verified that the Prince’s patents of nobility had been checked, and that he was the true heir of Æthelmearc. The Imperatori asked for a few more moments to complete their business, and would call upon him when they were finished.

The Praetorian Guard was summoned, and released from their service to the Empire. The Imperial retainers were summoned, and released from their service to the Empire.

The Imperatori called for Their Heirs, Thomas Byron and Ariella, to attend Them. The Silver Buccle Herald confirmed that it was their desire to defend and rule the lands of Æthelmearc. He then confirmed with the people of the Kingdom that it was their will to subject themselves to the rule of Thomas Byron and Ariella as their King and Queen. Finally, he confirmed that they were willing to swear to serve as chiefest defenders of the realm, highest executors of its laws, and chiefest patrons of the arts. The Keeper of the Law then bestowed upon them the Laws of Æthelmearc, which they were bound both to obey and enforce. The Emperor Magnus Tindal removed the Crown from the Empress Etain and gave it unto the keeping of the Kingdom. Finally, the Emperor Magnus Tindal removed the Crown from his own brow and, as his last act, crowned Thomas Byron of Haverford 38th King of Æthelmearc.

Here ends the Scrolls of the Reign of Magnus Tindal and Etain II, 37th in the line of monarchs of the Sylvan Kingdom of Æthelmearc.

Coronation of Byron and Ariella

Documented from the Rolls and Files of the Coram Regibus of Thomas Byron Rex and Ariella Regina, King and Queen of Æthelmearc: Being a True Record of the Business of Their Royal Court at Their Coronation, 9 April, Anno Societatis L, in the Shire of Gryffyn’s Keep. As recorded by Gwendolyn the Graceful, Brehyres, Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald, acting as assistant to Their Silver Buccle Herald, Kameshima-kyō Zentarō Umakai.

Herein begin the Rolls and Files of the Coram Regibus of Thomas Byron and Ariella, 38th King and Queen of Æthelmearc.

Upon receiving the crown, Byron, Rex, crowned Ariella His Queen. Thereupon did Count Magnus Tindal and Countess Etain withdraw and take their ease.

Being duly crowned King and Queen, Their Majesties received an unction of water from the River Thames, at the hands of the Silver Buccle herald and Their royal herald, as token of remembrance of those true kings and queens of old who had come before Them.

Duke Duncan von Halstern of the Order of Chivalry presented Their Majesties with the Sword of State, to represent glory in virtue and excellence in justice. Her Majesty received armills of sincerity and wisdom from Annanias Fenn, Master of the Order of Defense.Their Majesties received rings, set with garnets, as symbols of their bonds of protection for the people, from Duchess Morgen of Rye, of the Order of the Rose. Sir Maghnus de Cnoc an Iora, Master of the Pelican, gave unto Their Majesties a scepter, as a symbol of virtue and equity. Mistress Tsvia bas Zipporah Levi of Granada, of the Order of the Laurel, bedecked Their Majesties in mantles of royal estate.

Duke Christopher Rawlyns, Seneschal, then did confirm to Their Majesties Their right to retain the state which They had inherited by lawful succession, instructing Them to stand as the mediators of the nobility and the common people of the kingdom.

The Silver Buccle called for the Roll of Kings and Queens, which was rendered in plainchant by the Debatable Choir. The line of Kings and Queens, and the Rule of Æthelmearc thus continuing unbroken, Their Majesties began Their reign.

Their Majesties invited back into Their presence His Excellency, Count Magnus Tindal, and Her Excellency, Countess Etain ingen Dalaig. Mindful of their example and service to the Kingdom, Their Majesties did confer upon Their Excellencies their duly earned status of Duke and Duchess. Duke Tindal’s scroll a work in progress by Meißterin Felicity Flüßmüllerin and Freiherr Fridrich Flüßmüllnerin; Duchess Etain’s scroll by Meißterin Fredeburg Katzenellenbogen.

Their Majesties called forward Their royal children, Leah and Ian. His Majesty informed His son that he and his brother, Joshua, would be known as Ætheling, according to the ancient traditions of the Saxon princes. But as for Their daughter, His Majesty felt that a more appropriate title might present itself…. Thereupon did Their Majesties decree that Their children be invested as Princes and Princess Royal: Joshua Ætheling, Ian Ætheling, and Princess Leah.

Their Majesties received oaths of service from Their Great Officers of State. Their Majesties received oaths of fealty from the territorial Barons and Baronesses of the Barony-Marche of the Debatable Lands, the Barony of the Rhydderich Hael, and the Barony of St. Swithin’s Bog. Their Majesties received oaths of fealty from the Companions of the Order of Chivalry there present. Their Majesties received oaths of service, severally, from those Companions of the Orders of the Laurel, Pelican, and Defense, and additionally of those Royal Peers there present.

Their Majesties summoned before Them Meißterin Fredeburg von Katzenellenbogen, Captain of Her Majesty’s Guard, and those other guards present. Her Majesty spoke of the hours She anticipated spending among them, whereupon Their Majesties received their oaths of service, and invested them into Her Majesty’s guard.

Their Majesties summoned before Them Master Alaric MacConnal and The Honorable Lady Elss of Augsburg, Head Retainers, and those other royal retainers present. His Majesty spoke of the donation of their time and Their Majesties’ gratitude for their dedication to the reign and the kingdom. Whereupon, Their Majesties received their oaths of service, and invested them as retainers to the Royal Household.

Their Majesties summoned before Them The Honorable Lady Gwendolyn the Graceful,  Brehyres, Their Royal Herald, and received from her her oath of service. With the leave of Their Majesties, the Silver Buccle did invest and name her as Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald, to act as representative of the Silver Buccle, with the authority of the voice of the Crown, to serve the Crown and the Kingdom in all matters heraldic until such time as new Heirs may come forth to claim the throne.

The Silver Buccle then presented Their Royal Majesties, Byron and Ariella, unto the People of Æthelmearc, for their homage and acclaim.

Thus ended the Coronation of Thomas Byron and Ariella, 38th King and Queen of Æthelmearc. There being no further business at that time, Their Majesties’ Court was suspended.

First Court of Byron and Ariella

Documented from the Rolls and Files of the Coram Regibus of Thomas Byron Rex and Ariella Regina, King and Queen of Æthelmearc: Being a Continuation of the Business of Their Royal Court at Their Coronation, 9 April, Anno Societatis L, in the Shire of Gryffyn’s Keep. As recorded by Gwendolyn the Graceful, Brehyres, Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald, with the assistance of The Honorable Lady Sophie Davenport, Seedling Pursuivant.

Their Majesties invited those territorial Barons and Baronesses present to take their places in Their Court.

His Majesty’s Champion, Duke Duncan Von Halstern, approached the throne and through Their Herald issued a challenge to any who disputed the rightful reign of Thomas Byron and Ariella. The challenge going unanswered, His Majesty offered His Grace the cup of peace, and invited him to join the Court.

The following edicts were issued:

On April 9, 2016, do We, Byron and Ariella, King and Queen of Æthelmearc, expel Dan Heyman, known in the Society as Dan of the Debatable Lands, from participation in any SCA activity.

On April 9, 2016, do We, Byron and Ariella, King and Queen of Æthelmearc, expel Derek Holton, known in the Society as Bluestar, from participation in any SCA activity.

Their Majesties called before them Aesgirr inn rauoi and praised his efforts as chronicler and laborer in many kitchens on behalf of his shire. In recognition of his contributions, They raised him to the nobility and Awarded him Arms. Scroll by THL Aelric Ravenshaw.

Their Majesties then received James of Gryffyn’s Keep and Sara of Gryffyn’s Keep. They spoke of these gentles’ dedication to the Society as fighters and their support to their shire in its events and activities. Their Majesties then recognized them as members of the nobility by Awarding them Arms. Scrolls by THL Aelric Ravenshaw.

Their Majesties next sought Summerled Half-Dane, who was not in attendance, but whose lady came forth to carry Their Majesties’ words to him. Their Majesties cited Summerled’s willingness to open his home, his skill in bannermaking, and his tireless efforts in the Shire’s and kingdom’s kitchens. In appreciation for his service, They Awarded him Arms in absentia. Scroll by THL Aelric Ravenshaw.

Tristyn of Gryffyn’s Keep was next brought before Their Majesties, whereupon They discussed with her her service as both Arts and Sciences Minister and Deputy Exchequer. In praise of her service to her Shire, They recognized her nobility with an Award of Arms. Scroll illuminated by THL Tegrinus de Rhina, calligraphed by THL Alianora Bronhulle.

Their Majesties next summoned Lord Markus Skalpr Grimmson, whose tablet weaving, hoods, and armor stands have not been unnoticed. To recognize his skills, Their Majesties inducted him to the Order of the Sycamore. Scroll by Anlaith ingen Trena.

Lord Takamatsu Gentarou Yoshitaka was invited before Their Majesties, who remarked on the skill demonstrated in his etching and Japanese clothing. They were moved to name him a Companion of the Order of the Sycamore in recognition of his accomplishments. Scroll by Lady Vivienne of Yardley.

Their Majesties sought the attendance of Lady Catalina Iannarella. His Majesty noted that this lady has served as Exchequer, Arts and Sciences Minister, autocrat, and head cook for her shire. In order to recognize and facilitate her continuing service, Their Majesties named her a Companion of the Order of the Keystone. Scroll by Lady Kadlin Sigvaldakona.

Lady Alimé bint Yorgi came before Their Majesties. Her Majesty confessed that for some time, She had believed this lady to be a resident of the Barony-March of the Debatable Lands, for so often did She see her hard at work within those borders, but that She was further pleased to learn that her service to the Barony did not neglect the needs of her own Shire of Gryffyn’s Keep. Others shared this view, and to that end, Their Majesties called before Them Their Order of the Millrind. With the acclaim of that said Order, They did Grant her Arms and induct her as its Companion, whereupon Kameshima-kyō Zentarō Umakai presented her with his own medallion. Scroll by Master Caleb Reynolds.

Her Grace, Duchess Siobhan ingen ui Liathain was invited to attend Their Majesties. They spoke of the ways in which she has enriched the Kingdom since her return, notably through her skill in wire weaving. In affirmation of these accomplishments, They called into Their presence the Order of the Fleur D’Æthelmearc and named her a Companion of that Order. Scroll forthcoming.

Next did Their Majesties desire to be attended by Her Excellency, Countess Rosalinda de Castille. Their Majesties praised this noble lady’s enthusiasm for, dedication to, and prowess within the arena of Thrown Weapons. They then summoned the Companions of the White Horn and inducted her into that meritorious Order. Scroll by Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope.

Then did Their Majesties require the presence of Dame Elspeth Ann Roth and Master Alaric MacConnal. Their Majesties spoke of their unceasing service, to the Barony-March of the Debatable Lands, to the larger heraldic community, the Debatable Choir, the Debatable Consort, and their service to come to Their Majesties’ retinue. So that all may know the regard and esteem with which they are held, Their Majesties were moved to create them Baroness and Baron of Their Court. Scrolls by Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope and Lady Alysoun of the Debatable Lands; coronets fashioned by Lady Sumayya al Ghaziyya.

Their Majesties next requested the attendance of His Grace, Duke Timothy of Arindale. His Majesty noted the impact that His Grace has had upon the Kingdom in a short span of time, and the tireless and generous service he has provided as both subject and steward of these lands. Being far from alone in this opinion, Their Majesties convened council with those members of the Most Noble Order of the Pelican there present, and with their enthusiastic assent, charged Duke Timothy to name a time and place to sit vigil for the purpose of contemplating elevation into that august Order. Scroll by THL Kieran McRae.

Their Majesties invited THL Thomas Lestrange to enter Their Court and address the populace. His Lordship announced the winner of the day’s heavy weapons tournament: THL Boden the Lost. He then asked Dona Fiora D’Artusio to reveal the winner of the fencing tournament. She related that there had been a tie between Doña Emily of Dunvegan and Master Iago Benitez. A tie-breaker saw Doña Emily triumphant. She was presented with a cloak as token of her victory.

Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope was invited forward and given leave to address the populace. Her Excellency has graciously taken on the task of coordinating the production of Her Majesty’s Queen’s favors, from the design chosen by Her Majesty and the populace at Ice Dragon. Mistress Arianna invited anyone who wishes for a kit to aid in the manufacture of favors to find her after court or at upcoming events. She also invited other artisans to seek her out if they wish to make favors using other methods.

His Majesty cautioned the populace that the days of peace are threatened by winds of war. As in times past, the kingdom must choose whether to ally with our parents the East or their ancient rivals the Midrealm. After discussion with both of Their Royal Cousins, and through careful deliberation, Their Majesties decreed that the Sylvan Kingdom will stand with our ancestors, the East. His Majesty charged all the populace to sharpen their swords, tend to their bowstrings, and ready themselves, to aid our allies and to defend our homeland when War comes to her fields.

Her Majesty announced her intention to carry on the tradition of recognizing each day one who had inspired Her. On this day, She selected Lady Cairdha Eilis O’Coileain for comprehensively and exuberantly indulging Ian Ætheling in discussion of non-alcoholic beverage brewing.

Their Majesties thanked all scribes and regalia wrights who contributed their talents and largesse to enhance the Court’s proceedings.

Their Majesties also thanked the event staff who made the day of Their Coronation so enjoyable for all, including but not limited to THL Thomas Lestrange, the cooks, Master Duncan for his site tokens, and all others who labored to assist the event.

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