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’ Final Court at the 23rd Annual Harvest Raid, and Coronation of Their Heirs, Marcus and Margerite, 23-24  September Anno Societatis LI, in the Shire of Heronter. As recorded by Gwendolyn the Graceful, Brehyres, Premier Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald, with  Kameshima-kyō Zentarō Umakai, Silver Buccle Principal Herald, and Maestro Orlando di Bene del Vinta.

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In the evening on the 23rd, Their Majesties and Her Highness Princess Margerite announced that Ronan O’Connall had, on the preceding Sunday, been accorded the rank of Master Bowman and presented with a scroll by Katherine Täntzel to commemorate the occasion.

Their Majesties also invited Sir Ian Kennoven before Them, and then convened those members of the Most Noble Order of the Laurel present.They then commended him unto the Order’s care to continue to advise him as he considered induction into their number.

In addition, Her Highness Margerite passed on the mantle of Kingdom Chancellor of Youth to Her successor, The Honorable Lady Cordelia Colton. Their Majesties thanked Her Highness for Her service even as she took up the burden of royalty, and further expressed confidence that Her Ladyship Cordelia will fill the role admirably. Court was then suspended.

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Upon the morning of the 24th, Their Majesties bid all draw nigh to bear witness to Their Coram Regibus Ultima.

Their Majesties brought before them Duke Christopher Rawlyns, Sir Maghnus de Cnoc an Iora, Baron Tofi Kerthjalfaddson, and Brehyres Gwendolyn the Graceful. The Crown then proclaimed that these gentles, and The Honorable Lady Rosalia Iuliana Andere, were charter members of the Royal Livery Company of Engineers, the Royal Academy of Engineers, and the Royal Corps of Engineers, the Terms of the Charter agreed upon and signed by Their Majesties and the Charter Members.

Next, Their Majesties called for Rhys Penbras ap Dafydd, who was not present. Nevertheless, Their Majesties deemed his dedication and skill worthy of recognition with an Award of Arms. Scroll by Baron Caleb Reynolds.

Their Majesties sought Theodoric of York, and commended him on his archery and fletching. To accord his skills with fitting recognition, They Awarded him Arms. Scroll by The Honorable Lady Eleanore Godwin.

Next did Their Majesties summon Alexander Logan of Argyll. Her Majesty told with relish the tale of Logan’s chivalry at Pennsic, when Princess Leah was sore in need of a token to give to a champion. In addition to this timely assistance, Their Majesties noted his service to his household and as a retainer, and therefore deemed it proper to Award him Arms. Scroll unsigned.

Their Majesties then desired the attendance of Láegaire Mac Conaill Meic Shiadahail. Citing his contributions to the Gazette and his dedication to fighting, Their Majesties were minded to Award him Arms. Scroll by Lady Felice de Thornton.

Then Their Majesties sought Alexia Cavalier. Mindful of her skills with sword and needle, her training as a marshal, and her construction of fencing armor, They Awarded her Arms. Scroll by Lady Felice de Thornton.

The Honorable Lord Guillaume le Noir was next summoned to attend Their Majesties. They spoke with admiration of his unfailing courtesy, his selflessness, and his consistent kindness: hallmarks of the Order of the Cornelian, into which Order They were moved to induct him. Scroll by The Honorable Lady Máirghréad Stíobhard inghean uí Choinne.

Their Majesties then called for Jing Hao, who being not present, was Awarded Arms in absentia for skill in fencing. Scroll by Zhang Ming Li.

Next, Their Majesties expressed to Their Excellencies, Brandubh and Hildarun of the Debatable Lands, Their need to borrow Lady Rivka bat Daniyal in order to speak with her. Once she had been (temporarily) relinquished, Their Majesties noted that there is rarely a time when she is not seen contributing–if not retaining, then singing, acting in Commedia, embroidering, and much more. Service of such dedication merits praise, and thus did They induct her into Their Order of the Keystone, whereupon Baron Brandubh presented her with an ancestral medallion of her lineage. Scroll by Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope upon wording by Lord Robert pour Maintenant.

Their Majesties summoned Lady Elzbieta Traidenyte before Them. Noting with pleasure her efforts to provide tasty, well-researched, and non-alcoholic drinks, They named her a Companion of the Order of the Sycamore. Scroll by The Honorable Lord Ælric Ravenshaw.

Their Majesties next called for Master Juan Miguel Cezar and the other members of the Order of the Scarlet Guard in attendance. At the Crown’s urging, Master Juan Miguel announced that earlier that morning, Their Majesties had signed the Scarlet Guard Accord, which will extend an equivalency among archers in Orders of High Merit in other kingdoms. The details of the Accord will be published elsewhere.

Seeing the archers of the Scarlet Guard arrayed before Them, Their Majesties noted the absence of one whom They would see join the Order. They thus called Baroness Mariana Maria Pietrosanti to come forward, and inducted her into their number. Scroll by Baron Caleb Reynolds.

Next, Their Majesties desired to see The Honorable Lord Rhiannon Elandris of Glyndyfyrdwy. Their Majesties recounted the years that this gentle has supported Barony, Canton, Principality, and Kingdom, and the number of arenas where he has enhanced the Dream and broadened our activities. Mindful of these long and tireless contributions, They deemed it meet and proper to name Rhiannon a Baron of Their Court. Scroll by Baron Caleb Reynolds.

Their Majesties, aware that Lady Marguerite de Neufchasteau had met with unexpected calamity, invited Baroness Sadira of Thescorre to take Their words to her. They then spoke of Lady Marguerite’s cooking and rewarded her skill by naming her a Companion of the Sycamore. Scroll by Mistress Gillian Llewellyn of Ravenspur.

Following this, Their Majesties desired to be attended by Their Officers of State. Knowing that Their time was growing short, Their Majesties thanked these diligent stewards of the realm, for making Their reign all They wished it would be.

Upon the officers’ withdrawal, His Majesty was seized by a feeling of weakness, and concluded that perhaps, as His beard had greyed and He had grown old in His time on the throne, it would be appropriate to pass the title off to his eldest male heir. Thus was Joshua Ætheling brought before his Royal father, and offered the Crown as his inheritance. Much to His Majesty’s dismay, the Prince Royale declared that he would rather just sing! His Majesty immediately dismissed Joshua back to the Debatable Lands, and called him Ætheling no more.

His Majesty then expressed desire to bequeath the realm to his next son, Ian Ætheling, but Her Majesty reminded Our Monarch that the second Prince Royale was on crusade in the Midrealm. Hearing this noble pursuit, His Majesty also dismissed his second son, and revoked his title of Ætheling.

Faced with a lack of male heirs, His Majesty began to seek an alternative, when Princess Leah presented herself before the throne, declaring that His Majesty’s patriarchal primogeniture was unjust and more importantly, far behind the times. Chastened, His Majesty offered the Princess the throne. “I just want to ride my horse, shooting arrows into the sunset, with my hair flying in the wind!” she replied.

At a loss for how to ensure the security of the Kingdom, His Majesty called for His Seneschal, Duke Christopher Rawlyns, who reminded him of a tournament held not long ago, and that the winner of that tournament, Prince Marcus, was the lawful Heir to the Sylvan Throne. Prince Marcus also came forward to assert his claim and fill the void
left by the “disappointing children” of Their Majesties’ bodies. Duke Malcolm, on behalf of the Earl Marshal, also affirmed that the tournament was lawful, and Marcus the uncontested winner, and thus heir to the throne. Baroness Rynea, Mistress of the Lists, also proclaimed to all assembled that the tournament had been held in accordance with the laws and policies, that all had conducted themselves with chivalry, and that Marcus had emerged the victor on that day. Finally, the Silver Buccle Herald confirmed that Marcus and Margerite were crowned Prince and Princess upon that day, and that their patents had been duly appointed.

Hearing these words, Their Majesties were gladdened to know that They would not leave the kingdom unattended. His Majesty asked the Prince for a little time in which to conclude Their business, and the Prince granting this request, withdrew.

Their Majesties called forward Sir Thorgrim Skullsplitter and Mistress Katla úlfheðinn, heads of the Household of Stormhaven. They were not in attendance but Lady Raven Whitehart stood for them. Throughout the reign, House Stormhaven was a consistent support to the Crown, and therefore, Their Majesties wished to bestow unto the Household a Sigil of Æthelmearc.

Their Majesties also bestowed Sigils unto the following gentles: THL Ishiyama Gen’tarou Yori’ie, THL Hara Kikumatsu, THL Elsa Taliard, Countess Alexandra of Clan Donald, Sir Magariki Katsuichi no Koredono, Baroness Oddkatla Jonsdottir, Baroness Betha Symonds, Mistress Baga Aleea, Mistress Irene von Schmetterling, THL Ottilige Rappoltsweiler, Master Donnan MacDubhsidhe, Countess Elena D’Artois, Dux Magnus Tindal, Mistress Chrestienne de Waterdene, Countess Genevieve du vent Argent, THL Elss of Augsburg, Brehyres Gwendolyn the Graceful, Master Alaric MacConnal, Meisterin Fredeburg von Katzenellenbogen, Mistress Filipia Capriotti, Master Ambros Kyrielle, THL Guillaume le Noir, THL Ælric Ravenshaw, Herrin Gesa von Wellenstein, Mistress Sthurrim Caithnes, Mistress Mahin bint Tabrizi, Hlaefdige Cynewyn Æthelweardeddohter, Meisterin Felicitas Flußmüllnerin, Mistress Elisabeth Johanna von Flossenburg, THL Madeleine de L’Este, Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope, Master Juan Miguel Cezar, THL Alime bint Yorgi, Herrin Dominique Von Weißenthurn, Señora Elena de la Palma, Dame Elsbeth Anne Roth, Lord Hrolfr Fjarfell, and Mistress Antoinette de la Croix.

Then Their Majesties brought forward Meisterin Fredeburg, Captain of Her Majesty’s Guard, and those others who stood as guard during the reign. Her Majesty thanked them for their service and for attending any and all who came within the Royal Presence, their protection and their willingness to keep Her safe, and then She released them from Her service.

Their Majesties called once more for the attendance of Master Alaric MacConnal and The Honorable Lady Elss of Augsburg, Head Retainers, and all those others who served as retainers to the Royal Court throughout the reign. With gratitude for their selfless service, Their Majesties released them all, and asked them to withdraw.

Finally, Their Majesties bid Brehyres Gwendolyn the Graceful quit her place behind the thrones and come before Them. Kameshima-kyō Silver Buccle released her from her duties as Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald, and Their Majesties thanked her for fulfilling the position, serving the Crown, and setting an example for others to follow.

Their Majesties then called for Prince Marcus and Princess Margerite. Heirs to the Sylvan Thrones.

Their Highnesses swore to use Their royal power to love all that was true and fair, to be true to Their people, and to protect the Realm. As Their last acts as King and Queen, Thomas Byron and Ariella crowned Marcus and Margerite the 39th monarchs of the Kingdom of Æthelmearc.

Thus ends the Rolls and Files of the Coram Regibus of Thomas Byron et Ariella, Rex et Regina Æthelmearc.

In Honor and Service,
亀島
Kameshima Zentarō Umakai
高貴国境の王国の治部卿
Silver Buccle Principal Herald, Kingdom of Æthelmearc

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Thus begin the Scrolls of the Reign of Marcus III and Margerite, King and Queen of Æthelmearc. Documented: the Business of Their Court at the 23rd Annual Harvest Raid and Coronation, 24 September Anno Societatis LI, in the Shire of Heronter.  As recorded by Their Silver Buccle Herald, Kameshima-kyō Zentarou Umakai, and Maestro Orlando di Bene del Vinta, Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald.

The lineage of the Kingdom of Æthelmearc was read.

Kameshima-kyō Silver Buccle did call Maestro Orlando di Bene del Vinta before him and, upon receiving his oath, did name him Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald. Orlando Jewel of Æthelmearc then swore his service and fealty to Their Majesties.

Their Majesties invited before Them Mester Meszaros Janos and Baroness Rowena Moore and named them Their Majordomo and Head Retainer.

Their Majesties invited before Them Count Sir Robin Wallace and Countess Ysabeau de l’Isle and named them Chivalry Advisor to the Queen’s Guard and Mistress of the Wardrobe.

Their Majesties did call for Don Jacob of Dunmore, and for his service to the Crown, they did name him a Baron of the Court. Scroll by Duchess Dorinda Courtenay. Thus recognized, Her Majesty named Baron Jacob as the Captain of Her Guard. The Captain then assembled Her Majesty’s Guard.

The Great Officers of State were invited, and swore to execute the duties of their several offices to the best of their ability.

The Barons and Baronesses of the Debatable Lands, Thescorre, Rhydderich Hael, Delftwood, Blackstone Mountain and St. Swithin’s Bog each presented themselves before Their Majesties and did swear to keep the several lands appointed to them in the name of the Kingdom.

The Royal Peers and the Companions of the Orders of Chivalry, the Laurel, the Pelican and Defense each did come forth and give their allegiances to the Crown and Kingdom.

Their Majesties did request an audience with Baron Sir Thomas Byron of Haverford and Baroness Sir Ariella of Thornbury. For their service as monarchs, Their Excellencies were granted the titles of Earl and Countess and the station of Royal Peers. Scroll in progress by Master Morien ap Rhys with wording by Baroness Ekaterina Volkova.

Furthermore, Her Excellency was created a Companion of the Order of the Rose. Scroll by THL Ismay Ponde.

The Order of the White Scarf was summoned before Her Majesty, and as is custom, presented Her with the badge of their Order and pledged their service to Her as their inspiration.

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In the evening…

Their Majesties addressed the assembled populace and expressed Their gratitude for those in attendance and the many labors by hands who served to make this event possible.

Their Majesties then expelled Dan Heyman, known in the Society as Dan of the Debatable Lands; Derek Holton, known in the Society as Bluestar, and James Henry Shaffer IV,  known in the Society as Cadan Buri, from participation in any SCA activity.

Their Majesties then called forth all children present and, thanks to the efforts of Sir Óláfr Þorvarðarson and the generosity of the Kingdom of Æthelmearc, provided the children with trinkets and treasures for their entertainment during court.

Master Fridrikr Tomasson was next invited into court whereupon he shared with the populace news of the upcoming Arts and Sciences championship. He encouraged the populace to consider entering the competition or serving as a judge. He shared that one could register for either activity online. He also announced that, for the first time, there would be a youth champion selected.

Duke Timothy of Arindale next was summoned to Court where he told of the prowess and valor displayed upon the field today as combatants vied for the honor to serve as the Heavy Weapons Champion. In the end, Duke Malcolm MacEoghainn was victorious and, being called forward and receiving his oath, was invited by Their Majesties to join Their court.

Maestro Antonio de Luna was then called forward to tell of the thrown weapons events of the day. He announced that a Dr. Seuss tourney was held and that Lord Valentin Lyme was the winningest winner of the day.

Next, Duke Mathew Blackleaf was invited to share news of the day’s Æthelmearc 500 tourney. His Grace shared that the day’s fighting was intense and the final results were close, but Duke Maynard von dem Steine emerged victorious.

Their Majesties, having learned of an ambassador from Their cousins from the Kingdom of Lochac did call for Countess Beatrice Maria Malateste to approach the Sylvan Throne. Her Excellency spoke of the well-wishes of her King and Queen, and bestowed upon Their Majesties Æthelmearc tokens and gifts of esteem. Their Sylvan Majesties spoke fondly of the generosity, graciousness, and friendship of Their Majesties Lochac and bid her Excellency carry Their words back to her crown.

Lord Ho Chi, emissary of the Barony of Gotvik of the Kingdom of Drachenwald, was then called before The Crown. He also shared words on behalf of his baron and baroness to Their Majesties and presented gifts and tokens of esteem, and an offer of hospitality should the Crown or subjects of Æthelmearc ever find themselves with the borders of Gotvik. Their Sylvan Majesties then spoke of Their gratitude for the kindness shown and bid Lord Ho Chi carry Their words back to his baron and baroness.

Next, Their Majesties sought audience with Lady Aine ny Allane, Baron Ichijo Honen, Lord Borislav Novgorod, Sir Marek Viacheldrago, Lady Sybilla Detwyller, and Tegan Rhodes. Their Majesties spoke of the service these fine gentles gave by providing help to members of the Society during the recent flooding in the lands known as southern West Virginia. In recognition of their selfless service, Their Majesties bestowed upon each of them the Æthelmearc Award of Excellence. Tokens made by the hands of Lady Astrid Vigaskegg.

Angelo was then called before Their Majesties, who spoke of his service to the fighter community and to younger children. Their Majesties then saw fit to induct him into the order of the Silver Buccle. Scroll by Lady Giselle of the Rhydderich Hael.

Their Majesties spoke of Their wish to speak with Baroness Slaine an Einigh, who then presented herself before the Court. Their Majesties spoke of her quiet service; of retaining and running events. Having earned Their favor, Their Majesties then inducted her into the Order of the Keystone. Scroll by Lady Felice de Thornton.

Baroness Rowena Moore next presented herself before Their Sylvan Majesties who spoke of her willingness to give repeatedly of her skill, time, and love to the people of her barony and of the kingdom. For these good works Their Majesties did name her a companion of the Order of the Keystone. Scroll by the hands of The Honorable Lady Renata Rouge.

Lord Aaron the Swift was then called forward. His Majesty spoke of Lord Aaron’s prowess on the field and of the renown he has earned among the fighting community, and so inducted Lord Aaron into the Order of the Golden Alce. Scroll unsigned.

Next Their Majesties wished to have words with Lady Sara Ballengee. They spoke of her courtesy and kindness toward others, and being pleased with Their subject in these ways did bestow upon her a Cornelian so that others might know of the esteem of The Crown. Scroll by Helena Mützhasen.

Baroness Bronwyn nic Gregor was then invited before Their Majesties, who spoke at length regarding her quiet and ongoing service. They spoke specifically of her time at troll, of being a welcoming presence for newcomers, and her assistance with the list tables to ensure tournaments run well. Their Majesties then called for the Order of the Millrind and did induct Baroness Bronwyn into that esteemed order. Scroll by Baroness Ekaterina Volkova.

Their business not yet being concluded with the Order of the Millrind, Their Majesties bade Their order tarry a bit longer and called for Duchess Morgen of Rye. Their Majesties told of the leadership and inspiration of Duchess Morgan and, seeing it right and proper, did make her a companion of the Order of the Millrind. Scroll illumination by the hands of The Honorable Lady Isabel Fleuretan. Calligraphy by Kameshima-kyō Zentarō Umakai.

Next, Sir Ian Kennovan was summoned before Their Majesties. When asked for his answer as to whether he wished to be counted among the companions of the Order of the Laurel, Sir Ian did answer in the affirmative. Therefore, the Order of the Laurel was invited to join Their Majesties in Their Court. Duke Mathew Blackleaf then came forward as a royal peer and spoke of Sir Ian’s exceptional service, how he inspires others, and how he has an understanding of the nuances of the kingdom. Speaking for the Order of Chivalry Sir Otto of Westphalia spoke of how Sir Ian’s chivalry is not just confined to the list, but that he is honorable and humble in all aspects of his life and conduct. Master Anias Fenn spoke on behalf of the Order of Defense regarding that nebulous something that Sir Ian has to inspire others who are in his presence. Master Filippo de Sancto Martino spoke for the Order of Pelican to Sir Ian’s service when no one else watches, how he has persevered and learned through failure and is not afraid to fail, how he finds ways to overcome the impossible, and serves with joy while living The Dream. Mester Meszaros Janos spoke of Sir Ian as one who is both skilled as an artist and a scientist and how rare a trait this is. He spoke of how Sir Ian will bring this trait to the Order and how the Order and the Kingdom would benefit.  Hearing the words of these peers, Their Sylvan Majesties were moved to induct Sir Ian into the Order of the Laurel. They called for a hood to cover his head, a pin to let others know of his new station, a wreath of laurels to crown his brow, and a fruitcake to fill his belly. Having regaled him thus, Their Majesties received his oath and proclaimed him to the populace as a Companion of the Order of the Laurel. Scroll, in the form of a round shield, was constructed by Master Caoinleán Seanchaidh and Mistress Cynthia Love of Tower, with words by Duchess Dorinda Courtenay.

Her Majesty then called for Viscount Edmond Dracatorr. She spoke of a particular fight His Excellency fought during the tourney for the kingdom heavy weapons championship. Her Majesty remarked on not just the prowess, but the conduct toward his opponent, and so was moved to name Viscount Edmond her inspiration this day and for this she bestowed upon him a Golden Escarbuncle.

There being no further business, the court of Their Majesties was closed.

In Honor and Service,
亀島
Kameshima Zentarō Umakai
高貴国境の王国の治部卿
Silver Buccle Principal Herald, Kingdom of Æthelmearc