Herein is a report of the Court of Her Majesty, Queen Anna Leigh, at Her Crown Tournament held in the Shire of Blackwater on October 6, Anno Societatis 53, as recorded by Sophie Davenport, Silver Buccle Herald, and Master Madoc Arundel, Shrike Herald.

The combatants and consorts were presented to Her Majesty in a stately manner. The Kingdom Seneschal and the Earl Marshal’s Representative both spoke to the combatants about conducting themselves and fighting in an honorable manner. Once the first round was set, Her Majesty called for the Order of the Millrind. She spoke of one who has served behind the scenes for quite some time and deserves recognition for such service. She then had Chrestienne de Waterdene called forward and inducted her into the Order. Scroll by Lord Rhys Penbras ap Dafydd.

After a day of honorable and chivalrous fighting, Earl Gareth Kincaid was named as the victor of the tournament, and with his inspiration, Countess Juliana, was presented to Her Majesty, who placed the ancestral coronet upon his head and proclaimed him to be the Prince and Her Heir. He then took the consort’s coronet and placed it upon Juliana’s head, naming Her to be the Princess.

While the populace was still gathered, Her Majesty called for the Order of the Pelican. She understood that the Order was lacking one who has toiled quietly for many years as an exchequer and tollner, and has been teaching others how to keep the monetary records properly in the ever changing proscribed manner. She then called forth THL Alina Marie de Valenciennes and instructed her to consider becoming a member of the Order of the Pelican. Scroll by Lord Owen Tegg, calligraphed by Sophie Davenport.

In the evening, as recorded by Master Madoc Arundel …

Evening court was moved indoors due to the weather and moved up to allow those leaving site to do so earlier.

Court opened with Her Majesty exclaiming on the merriment of the day in spite of the weather and congratulating Her heirs.

On October 6th, 2018, We, Anna Leigh, Queen of Æthelmearc, expel Matthew Gibson, known in the Society as Tegrinus de Rhina, from participation in any SCA activity for the duration of Our reign.

The children present were called into court and instructed that goodies could be found in the large wooden chest held by Duke Sven. The children were then directed towards His Grace and released from the Queen’s presence.

Master Tofi Kerthjalfadsson was received in order to swear his oath of service as the Kingdom Exchequer.

Her Majesty received the Ladies of the Rose, Garnet, and Edelweiss, who had observed the fighting earlier that day. The ladies assembled named three gentles who they felt had great courtesy on the field. Each of these gentles was called forth to receive a token in acknowledgement of their comportment: The Honorable Lord Cid Hiyo; Lord Matthias al Tabai; Earl Thomas Byron of Haverford. The ladies then asked The Honorable Lord Arden Scot of Clan Scot to come forward and be recognized as the epitome of chivalry on the field this day. THL Arden was then asked by Her Majesty to bear the Shield of Chivalry and join Her court.

Her Majesty, being a great supporter of the zymurgists within our kingdom boundaries, then summoned Baron Cormacc mac Gille Brigde. Baron Cormacc had proven his skills as a brewer and was entered on the rolls as a Companion of the Sycamore. Scroll by Lady Murdia Drusilla Vettia Portia.

Next called forward was Lord Godfrey de Bayeux, who was standing as the Thrown Weapons Champion. Upon presenting himself, Her Majesty spoke of his puissance in thrown weapons and invested him with the regalia of a Companion of the Golden Alce. Scroll by THL Mairghread ui Stilbhard uu Coinn.

A call went out for those for whom this was their first event. Five individuals came forward and were greeted by our Queen, who welcomed them into the SCA. Each gentle was offered a choice of drinking vessel to start them on their journey within our Society.

The Order of the Fleur d’Æthelmearc was summoned and advised that their number was incomplete. Her Majesty spoke of the great skill of an artisan that had yet to be entered into this order’s rolls. Lady Felice de Thornton was invited forward, whereupon the Queen spoke of her excellence in the production of exquisite scrolls, and inducted Lady Felice into the order. Scroll by THL Edana the Red.

As quiet once again descended upon the hall, the Order of the Millrind was summoned and likewise advised that, despite the induction earlier in the day, their number was still incomplete. Lady Lasairfhiona inghean Aindriasa was called forth from the kitchens, where she was still laboring in cleanup following the day’s repast. Her Majesty spoke of the service of “Lady Lush” in many kitchens and with the Kingdom hospitality staff at Pennsic. Lady Lasairfhiona was then entered into the rolls as a Companion of the Millrind. Scroll by THL Zofia Kowalewska.

Her Majesty spoke of a special guest who had traveled from the Midrealm to render service on the field. Duke Valharic was called into the royal presence, whereupon the Queen remarked on the number of bye fights His Grace had fought that day, spoke of His grace and skill on the field, and thanked Him for His service. She then presented His Grace with the first Titus inspiration token. His Grace then begged leave to address the populace, which was granted. He spoke of his self-serving reasons for appearing this day … of his relationship with Duke Titus, the inspiration that Duke Titus had been to him personally, and his burning desire to not only feel that again but to pay it forward. He thanked Her Majesty for Her indulgence and for allowing Him to serve on the list field.

There having been two kingdom championships determined this day, Her Majesty wished to acknowledge these achievements to all present. She called for Her Archery Champion, Master Ambrosius, to come forth and speak of the day’s archery contest. Master Ambrosius spoke of the great skill demonstrated, and of such skill that a three-way tie had ensued. Although THL Cynwulf Rendell was named as Her Majesties Champion, an error was made in the announcement of the victor of the tournament this day, with Ronan O’Conall having emerged victorious from the three-way tie. Her Majesty will have Ronan O’Conall called forward and invested as Her Champion at Hael Investiture. Her Majesty states, “We thank THL Cynwulf Rendell for bringing it to Our attention and to the archery community for the love and support they have shown.” Scroll by Isabella Montoya.

She next called for Lord Godfrey de Bayeux, Her Thrown Weapons Champion, to speak of the thrown weapons contest. Lord Godfrey also spoke of the impressive skill displayed at the butts, and named Lord Meinolf Grimsson as carrying the day. Scroll by THL Shirin of Susa.

Her Majesty spoke of the jousting tournament which had taken place offsite earlier in the day. Nohaaj had emerged victorious, and his success had been proclaimed in the presence of the equestrian community prior to this court. Author of the scroll unknown.

Her Majesty then asked to speak to the steward of the day’s event, and to the principal members of his staff. She praised them for providing such a wonderful event. She gifted each of the staff members with a token of Her appreciation. As the staff prepared to leave, She held back Lord Raadjgier Katla. She spoke of his willingness and eagerness to honor every request, and for doing so in such a graceful and assured manner. She then named him Her Inspiration For The Day and presented him with her Inspiration token.

Sir Vladimir Mechnik was permitted an audience with the Queen. He came forward and spoke of his admiration for Duke Titus, of the spark that was his enthusiasm and the motivation that was his counsel. He then produced the list tree shield that bore Duke Titus’s arms. Sir Vladimir stated that the managers of the list felt that this shield should be retired with honor and respect, and had requested that it be presented to Anna Leigh. Her Majesty thanked Sir Vladimir, and explained to the populace that the Seedling Herald ensures that all fighters in a crown list have a shield to represent them, and it bears their personal device if they have one registered. Since shields that are no longer needed are generally recycled with new arms for new fighters, the “retirement” of a list shield represents a significant spirit of respect.

The Queen gave leave to Her Heirs to address the populace, whereupon His Highness Gareth rose and spoke of Æthelmearc’s commanding presence within the known world. He spoke of flying the flag at foreign wars and at events both near and far. He emphasized that his reign would see a great war fought on our own soil, and spoke of his definition of “our land.” It is our land because we house troops on this land in perpetuity. He stated that it was not just the presence of troops that was needed, but spoke also of the importance of volunteers to provide the services necessary to manage this war, the teachers and class coordinators to address the needs of the A&S community, and his desire that Æthelmearc populate these positions at a number greater than all other kingdoms combined.

There being no further business, the Court of Anna Leigh, Queen of Æthelmearc, was closed.