Documented from the Rolls and Files of the Coram Regibus of Thomas Byron et Ariella, Rex et Regina Æthelmearc: Being a True Record of the Business of Their Majesties’ Royal Court at Pax Interruptus, 9 July, Anno Societatis LI, in the Barony of Thescorre, accompanied by Their Heirs, Prince Marcus and Princess Margerite, and Her Avian Excellency Sadira. As recorded by Gwendolyn the Graceful, Brehyres, Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald, with the assistance of the Honorable Lady Gytha Oggesdottir, silent herald, and the Honorable Lady Solveig Throndardottir, Keystone Herald.
In the morning, Their Majesties received Sir Murdoch Bayne. Upon confirming that it was indeed his wish to proceed, They brought forward Their Order of the Pelican to conduct him to the place of his Vigil, where he could entertain counsel from any and all who wished to see him throughout the day. Court was suspended.
Court resumed in the afternoon. Their Majesties asked the children forward and invited them to amuse themselves with activities provided by Khalekin Erbekei.
Their Majesties gave leave to Her Excellency Sadira to conduct the business of her Court.
Baroness Sadira’s court. Photo by Arianna of Wynthrope.
Next did Their Majesties invite Her Grace, Rowan de la Garnison, to receive Their decree that Ewa of Coppertree be raised to the nobility and Awarded Arms. Scroll by Baroness Ekaterina Volkova.
Lady Ewa’s AoA scroll. Photo by Brehyres Gwendolyn the Graceful.
Their Majesties called Ragna Feilan before them, and praised her cooking and research, as well as her dedication to her Barony and the thrown weapons ranges. In recognition of her efforts, They Awarded her Arms. Scroll by Lady Felice de Thornton.
Their Majesties then summoned Kalishka Peredslava into Their presence. Mindful of this gentle’s skill as a glass-blower and the impressive creations of her hand, They were moved to Award her Arms. Scroll by THL Máirghréad Stíobhard inghean uí Choinne and Baroness Daedez of the Moritu.
Their Majesties next brought before them Quentin Lawless. Well pleased were Their Majesties to encounter this individual, for They had attempted once before to reward him for his service and dedication to the fencing field. So impressed were They by both Their own experience of his skill with the blade, and the report of others, that They deemed it proper to name him a Companion of the Golden Alce, and thereby to Award him Arms. Scroll by Mistress Maria Cristina de Cordoba.
Next did Their Majesties invite the Honorable Lord Juan Miguel Cezar to address the populace. His Lordship announced that one of Their Majesties’ subjects had attained the rank of Master Bowman. Thus was Lord Alrekr Bergsson brought forward to receive the token and badge of this estate. Before releasing Lord Alrekr, Their Majesties did proclaim it right that he take with him further recognition of his achievement, and named him a Companion of the Order of the Golden Alce. Two scrolls were presented: the first illuminated by Ana Ianka Lisitsina with calligraphy and wording by Baroness Ekaterina Volkova; the second by THL Eleanor Godwin.
Their Majesties desired next to speak with the Honorable Lady Zofia Kowaleska. Well pleased were Their Majesties with report and direct experience of this lady’s cooking, scribal efforts, and other accomplishments, and They did affirm that others, also, have been impressed with her works. As an outward symbol of Their regard, They did call for the Order of the Fleur D’Æthelmearc to convene and witness as They named her a Companion of that Order. Scroll calligraphed by Mistress Antoinette de la Croix, on wording by Mistress Gillian Llewellyn, with gilding and paint by Shirin of Susa.
Lady Zofia receives a Fleur. Photo by Baron Steffan
While the Order was assembled, Their Majesties bestowed upon THL Máirghréad Stíobhard inghean uí Choinne the scroll that had been absent when she was inducted into the Order of the Fleur D’Æthelmearc (illumination by Lady Felice de Thornton; calligraphy by Master Jon Blaecstan). However, before allowing her to depart, They noted with pleasure all her other service, in addition to creating works of scribal art: autocratting, cooking, and service to her Barony and her Kingdom. For all this, They were minded to invite forward Their Order of the Millrind, so that They might name her also its Companion. Scroll by Lady Abigail Kelhoge.
Their Majesties next requested the presence of The Honorable Lord Cynwulf Rendell. Mindful of his long and meritorious conduct and skill on the archery range, Their Majesties invited before Them the Order of the Scarlet Guard, and named him one of its Companions, presenting him with the medallion and tassel provided by THL Juan Miguel Cezar. Scroll by Baron Caleb Reynolds.
Then Their Majesties invited Sir Murdoch Bayne to present himself and give answer whether he would join the Most Noble Order of the Pelican. Upon his affirmation, the Order came before the throne. Earl Yngvar and Countess Caryl offered their endorsement as Royal Peers. Her Excellency faced a rare moment of speechlessness, finally reiterating again that, as she said at his knighting, to call herself his peer would require much more work on her part. Words from Duke Christopher Rawlyns were conveyed by Kómes tou stáblou Magnus Tindal, who added his own ringing attestation to Sir Murdoch’s unfailing Chivalry. Duke Christopher named him the epitome of the knightly virtues, while Duke Tindal noted that spurs, used well, can bring out the best of a steed, and so Murdoch brings out the best in those around him. Baroness Ekaterina Volkova, while not herself a Companion of the Laurel, was asked to convey the words of Sir Aengus MacBain on behalf of that Order, including a memory of seeing Murdoch after a significant weight loss, and thinking that it must have been difficult, since he is such a good cook. Duchess Dorinda Courtenay, as a representative of the Order of Defense. spoke of the generosity required by those who make the Society possible for others, especially scribes, who give their work away, and cooks, who spend their day in the kitchen, away from the pleasures and pastimes of our activities. Her Grace noted that Sir Murdoch is in both of these communities, and that it speaks to his generosity of spirit. Dame Kateryna ty Isaf told of first meeting Sir Murdoch in Endless Hills, where he was sweeping floors at the end of an event, and her next meetng was at the first Crown Tournament of Æthelmearc, where he was hard at work in the kitchen making pies. In the more than fifteen years of her acquaintance with him, she said, she has always held him up as an example of all that a Peer should be. Moved by the testimony of these Noble Worthies, Their Majesties bid that Sir Murdoch receive the ancestral medallion of the Pelicans. Countess Caryl also presented him with her own Pelican medallion to keep once the other must be passed on, and with a hood adorned with the badge of the Order, as a further symbol of his estate. Sir Murdoch chose to offer a second Oath, one that emphasized his commitment to serve others, to serve the Crown, and to encourage others in their service. Thereupon was he named a Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Pelican. Promissory scroll text by Sir Aengus MacBain and Maistresse Yviane de Castel D’Avignon.
Sir Murdoch is elevated to the Order of the Pelican. Photo by Arianna.
Before releasing Sir Murdoch to his new Order, Their Majesties recalled His Lordship, Juan Miguel Cezar. Taking good note of his dedicated and tireless service to the archery community, They commanded His Lordship to sit vigil at St. Swithin’s Bog’s 3-day event, there to contemplate his elevation into the Order of the Pelican. Scroll by Baroness Ekaterina Volkova.
THL Juan Miguel Cezar receives a Writ for a Pelican. Photo by Arianna.
Her Majesty then asked Lord Corwin Alexander Templeton to come forward and be recognized as Her inspiration for the day. Her Majesty spoke of his creative targets for the days’ ranges and gave him Her token in appreciation for his efforts to provide an entertaining and challenging range.
Lord Corwin is recognized as the Queen’s inspiration. Photo by Arianna.
Their Majesties recognized all those scribes who contributed scrolls, medallions, and regalia for the day’s honorees. They further thanked all the staff who had worked to make the event enjoyable and successful.
There being no further business, the Coram Regibus was closed.
Faithfully Submitted,
Gwendolyn the Graceful, Brehyres
Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald