Documented from the Scrolls of the Reign of Marcus & Margerite, King and Queen of Æthelmearc: the Business of Her Majesty Margerite at Agincourt, October 29, Anno Societatis LI, in the Barony-Marche of the Debatable Lands. As recorded by Maestro Orlando di Bene del Vinta, Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald.

In the morning Her Majesty called for THL Kieran MacRae to answer if he would sit vigil this day, receive council, and respond to the question as to whether he would accept membership among the Order of the Laurel. Noting his existing relationship to another, Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope was called into Her Majesty’s presence who then released THL Kieran from her service as her apprentice. Then, THL Kieran was escorted by the Order to a place prepared for his vigil.

In the afternoon, upon the field, Her Majesty gathered Borderwatch before Her and spoke of their selfless service at the Great Pennsic War to Æthelmearc Royal, and so inducted the household into the Order of the Keystone.

In the evening, Her Majesty Margerite, accompanied by Prince Timothy and Princess Gabrielle, invited Their Excellencies Brandubh and Hilderun to join Her Majesty in Her Court. She then gave leave to Their Excellencies to conduct business of their court.

Next, Their Royal Highness of the Middle Kingdom were welcomed into Her Majesty’s court, and gifts of friendship were exchanged between Her Majesty, Their Highnesses Æthelmearc and Their Highnesses Midrealm.

 

 

Lady Mari was called before the Throne who, accompanied by two other children, presented masks made by the children of Æthelmearc.

Lady Alethea Cowle next presented herself before Her Majesty, who spoke of Lady Alethea’s acts of kindness and friendship to other teenagers at Pennsic, and for these deeds did bestow upon Lady Alethea the Æthelmearc Award of Excellence. Scroll created by HRM Margerite.

Next, the attendance of Karl and Timothy of Arindale the Younger was sought. Her Majesty spoke of their participation in the Youth Heavy Weapons Tournament held this day and named both combatants as champions. Scroll by drawn and calligraphed by Mistress Roberta McMorland, upon words by Maestro Orlando di Bene del Vinta.

All children were then invited forward and invited to chase Lady Alethea Cowle, who had in her possession a chest of treasures from which the children could select an object to entertain themselves during the remainder of court.

Her Majesty’s Rapier Champion, Lord Jacob Martinson, was then called forward, and told of the tournament that day to determine Her Majesty’s next champion. 53 combatants entered the tournament, and Lord Durante de Caravaggio emerged as the victor. And so, Lord Durante was called before Her Majesty and named Her rapier champion, regaled with the accoutrements of this station, and invited to join Her Majesty’s court.

Having relieved Lord Jacob of his role as Her champion, Her Majesty spoke words of gratitude to Lord Jacob for his service and friendship and named him as one of Her guards. Scroll forthcoming with words by Duchess Dorinda Courtenay.

Next, the Ladies of the Rose and Garnet were summoned before Her Majesty, and Countess Ariella was presented with a cloak of her new station as a member of that Order.

 

Lady Cairdha Eilis O’Coileain was next called to attend Her Majesty and named a member of Her Majesty’s guard. However, Her Majesty also noted the ongoing but quiet service of Lady Cairdha Eilis and so did induct her into the Order of the Keystone. Scroll forthcoming.

Being pleased at seeing the attendance of Lord Hennessy MacAdder among the populace gathered, Her Majesty bade him forward and spoke of his service to the kingdom and inducted him into the Order of the Keystone. Words by Proprietor Marcus Claudius Cincinnatus, scroll forthcoming.

Lord Murdoch Stewart likewise could not hide from the royal gaze and was brought before Her Majesty. His skills with blades and great weapons, his teaching, and his defense of the kingdom had not escaped the notice of the Crown, and so was awarded a Golden Alce for his prowess. Scroll by Lord Oliver Sutton.

Lord Kawamura no Ryotaro Yoshichi was invited to approach Her Majesty, who spoke of his travels across the known world and of the fame he has gained for his prowess with blade. Thus, She recognized and awarded this skill with his induction in the Order of the Golden Alce. Words by Duchess Dorinda Courtenay. Scroll forthcoming

Next, THLady Minamoto Kumamoto Sakurako was called before Her Majesty and did tell the populace assembled of a tale of two fencers who, upon seeing the physical injury sustained by THLady Sakurako during the 7 Pearls Rapier Tournament did choose to give up tactical advantage upon the field and instead sit upon the ground to fight, matching THL Sakurako’s fighting position. For these acts of courtesy upon the field, Her Majesty awarded both Dona Emily of Dunvegan and Lord Padraig Ua Ceileachair a Cornelian in absentia.

Lady Cioaodh Gunn was then summoned before Her Majesty, and spoke of her works as seneschal, autocrat, cook, and retainer. She spoke of her indispensable work at War Practice, and so called forth the Order of Millrind and did induct Lady Cioaodh into said order. Scroll by Baroness Ekaterina Volkova. Additional words by Master Creador Twinedragon.

Lord Ian Campbell was then brought before the Sylvan Throne, where Her Majesty spoke praises of his skill and craftsmanship in tilework. And so, Her Majesty called for the Order of the Fleur d’ Æthelmearc and named Lord Ian a companion of that noble order. Scroll forthcoming.

Her Majesty then required the attendance of Dona Gabrielle de Winter. She recounted Dona Gabrielle’s long service to the rapier community, to the College of Silva Vulcani, and to the Kingdom. Her Majesty then called for the Order of the Pelican and issued to Dona Gabrielle a writ of summons, and commanded her to return at a later date where she will answer the question as to whether she will join that same order.

Having additional business with the Order of the Pelican, a call went forth seeking Baron Robert O’Conner. Words of his deeds had reached the ears of the Crown, raised by many a noble of this Order and beyond. Unable to ignore such a clamor, Her Majesty extended a writ of summons to Baron Robert, and likewise charged that he return at a later date where he will answer the question as to whether he will join the Order of the Pelican. Scroll by Master Caleb Reynolds.

THLord Kieran MacRae next was summoned to Her Majesty. She asked if he had considered well the council given to him this day, and if he still desired to be counted among the members of the Order of the Laurel, to which his lordship responded in the affirmative to both questions. Prince Timothy of Arindale then arose and spoke as a royal peer, stating THL Kieran represents Æthelmearc “old school” style; that he participates in so many activities within the Society, and that he does everything with honor and courtesy.

Sir Kadan Chakilghan Ger on Echen then spoke as a member of the Order of Chivalry on how prowess is defined as skill or mastery of an activity not just limited to fighting. He noted THL Kieran’s prowess in music, in calligraphy, in fighting, and in fact, anything he chooses to undertake. Kameshima-kyo Zentarou Umakai of the Order of the Pelican rose next and spoke of a shared drive to do service. He spoke of the long history between the two as friends, and bore witness of THL Kieran’s gentleness, and kindness, courtesy, and honor. He stated that his lordship learns eagerly, and teaches generously, gives unselfishly of his time and energy, and receives humbly the same from others. Duchess Dorinda Courtenay spoke for the Order of Defense on the difficulty of the road to peerage, and how that road is most difficult toward the end. She spoke of THL Kieran’s ability to handle pressure well, and his display of patience and grace; traits indicative of a peer. Lastly, Master Creador Twinedragon stood and spoke on behalf of the Order of the Laurel. He recounted THL Kieran’s love and support of the arts and how he teaches to all who cannot get away fast enough. He spoke of how he offers kind words and guidance to others, and how he has clearly demonstrated mastery in calligraphy.

Having heard the words of these Peers of the Realm, Her Majesty did call that this man be regaled in the vestments of the Order. A hood was brought forth and placed over his head, a medallion of his new station was hung about his neck, and a wreath of golden laurel leaves were then placed upon his brow. Being thus regaled, Her Majesty received his oath and did proclaim him Maighstir Kieran MacRae, Companion of the Order of the Laurel. Scroll forthcoming by Baroness Ekaterina Volkova and THLady Sophie Davenport.

Her Majesty then spoke to the assembled populace of a lord who inspired Her this day. She spoke of his act of selflessness during Her rapier champion tourney in which this Lord gave up his spot in the second round so that another, Countess Ariella of Thornbury, might advance in his stead. Her Majesty then awarded Lord Magnus Bastiano de Vigo with a Golden Escarbuncle in absentia and named him Her inspiration this day.

Her Majesty then offered gratitude for the scribes and wordsmiths this day who had contributed their works so that the works of others might be recognized, and She offered the assembled scribes and wordsmiths a token from Her hand.

There being no further business, this court of Her Majesty was closed.

Faithfully submitted,
Maestro Orlando di Bene del Vinta,
Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald