Herein begins the Record of the Court of Gareth and Juliana, 2nd of Their Name, at Blackstone Raids, in the Barony of Blackstone Mountain, April 26, AS 53, as reported by Maighster Kieran MacRae, with the assistance of The Honorable Lady Kathryn MacLuing and Lady Nichola Beese.

First Morning Court:

Court was held outside on the ports of the Hall as the sun sank into the West. As the populace stood, His Majesty Gareth asked His Lordship Oliver Sutton be called forth. Clad in white, THL Oliver was escorted forth by his household. His Majesty spoke brieflly to Oliver, then called for the Order of the Chivalry. His Majesty spoke of what makes a Knight is the gentle who strove for it, and that to him, THL Oliver was already a knight in thought and deed. He then asked the assembled Chivalry to take Oliver away.

Yet, Oliver’s knight, Sir Thorgrim Skullsplitter asked Their Majesties for a moment. He reminded Oliver that the journey they started together was now complete, and he could teach Oliver no more. Oliver was divested of his squire’s belt and chain, but Sir Thorgrim then handed the belt back, telling Oliver to pass it to his first squire, after adding Oliver’s coat of arms to the belt and continuing the lineage.

Then Oliver was led away, and the Court of Their Majesties was suspended.

Second Morning Court:

Court was reopened Saturday, April 27, AS 53 at the conclusion of the Gage Meet ‘n Beat held on the field that morning. THL Oliver Sutton was called back into court, and was asked by His Majesty if he had considered his decision to join the Noble Order of the Chivalry. THL Oliver agreed that it was his decision to be elevated.

Upon the request of His Majesty to hear from the Nobles who would speak on Oliver’s behalf, the following came forward:

• His Grace Timothy of Arindale sent words as a Royal Peer, conveyed by Sir Kadan Chakalgan, speaking of Oliver’s commitment to family.
• Maighster Kieran MacRae spoke as Laurel, speaking to Oliver’s skill as a scribe.
• Master Morien MacBain spoke as Pelican, and began listing the seven deadly sins, with which we are all familiar, but noted that not once did he see an example of sloth in Oliver.
• Master Clewin Kupferhelbelinc spoke as Master of Defense, and extolled Oliver’s ability to maintain a sense of fun and joy along his martial path.
• Sir Throgrim Skullsplitter spoke as Oliver’s Knight. He spoke of his justice and franchise, and the strength of courage and bravery to do what needs to be done, just because it needs to be done.

At the conclusion of all worthies speaking on Oliver’s behalf, Oliver was presented with spurs, a white belt bearing the lineage of his knights, the ancestral knight’s chain, with its lineage being read by Sir Finn O’Shannon, along with two other knight’s chains from his household and his consort. Oliver then was dubbed to be a Knight by His Majesty Gareth, and as there was no scroll yet, Maighster Kieran provided words. Sir Oliver Sutton was then announced to the populace, and there was much rejoicing.

The Court of Their Majesties was then suspended.

Evening Court:

Upon reopening of court later that evening, Their Majesties gave leave to Their Excellencies Ichijo and Cerridwen to hold Their Baronial Court.

At the conclusion of Their Excellencies’ Court, the Royal Court of Their Majesties was resumed.

Their Majesties called the children assembled to come forward, and then Crotos was called to take the toy chest and get a head start before those assembled youth descended upon him for the riches contained therein.

Their Majesties then called forward all those for whom it was their first event, or first event with a Royal Court, so that they may be thanked personally for their attendance, and given a handmade ceramic cup to remember their day.

Their Majesties called for Fina the Huntress to come before them. Her work as a newly warranted Mistress of the Lists, and helpfulness at events in general had caught their attention, and thus she was awarded Arms. Scroll limned by Baroness Shirin al-Sussiyya and illuminated by Baron Caleb Reynolds.

Their Majesties next invited Jackey of Sable Maul to come forward. For her service water bearing on the melee field, and her attention to taking care of AEthelmearc’s army, she was awarded Arms. Scroll by Lady Murdia Drusilla Vettia Portia.

Cedric de Lothian was then called by Their Majesties and given an award of Arms for his work in the archery community, having become a marshal and procuring traditional targets for the populace to hone their skills. Scroll by Baroness Graidhne ni Ruaidh.

Their Majesties next invited Rafe Glydthir to come forward and be recognized for his martial skills on the heavy weapons field. He has also been seen to be very helpful out of armor. He was thusly awarded Arms. Scroll by Master Ælric Ravenshaw.

Their Majesties called for Erzabet Fauconneau to come forward and be recognized for her skill in creating pottery, mugs, tasting cups, and glazes to use on them, adding beauty to the kingdom. She was awarded a Sycamore in recognition. Illumination artist unknown, calligraphy by Baroness Shirin al-Sussiyya.

Kismira Rothiem was then called before Their Majesties, who marveled at her ability to make pretty glass beads, and was also awarded a Sycamore. Illumination by THL Edena the Red, Calligraphy by Baroness Shirin al-Sussiyya.

Next Their Majesties wished to have Sir Madison Morai approach them. They commented that there were lovely cordials of his making going around to those at Oliver’s vigil, and they were tasty and worthy of recognition, indeed. Sir Madison was then awarded a Sycamore. Illumination by Baroness Anastasie de Lamonie, Calligraphy by Baroness Shirin al-Sussiyya.

Those members of the Order of the Sycamore were asked to stand, to see what good company the new inductees were in, as well as look at those not standing and determine if a letter recommending them should be made to grow the order even further.

Their Majesties called forth Sir Marek Viacheldrago before them, and extolled him on his period correct Danish armor, and his encouragement of others to likewise have period correct Danish armor. For these efforts Their Majesties inducted Sir Marek into the Order of the Golden Stirrup. Scroll by Baroness Graidhne ni Ruaidh.

Next Their Majesties wished to have THL Gareth Whytebull approach them. They praised Gareth’s constant courtesy and humility shown over the years to everyone he encounters, and the encouragement he gives to all. For these noble deeds, he was inducted into the Order of the Cornelian. Scroll by Aurelia Argentia Prima.

Their Majesties wished THL Kathryn MacLuing to come before them from behind the dais. They noted how Kathryn constantly provided scroll blanks, largess, for both the Barony of Blackstone and the Kingdom for no other reason than it just needed to get done. She also is a hard working herald, volunteering time and energy to help Court run without a hitch. For this she was awarded the Æthelmearc Award of Excellence. Scroll forthcoming.

Their Majesties then gave leave for Lady McKenna Henderson to speak of one who has been very important to her, who has mentored her, and been like a father figure to her. Their Majesties then gave permission for her to bring Master Alaxandair O’Conchobhair before them. Master Alaxandair was praised for his years …and years… of service as webminister for the barony, kingdom, and Society, and also has helped with numerous ‘magical’ technological issues when needed. He is known for stepping up when it is required to do so, and Their Majesties would make him a Baron of Their Court this day. Scroll by Sebastienne la Rousse.

Lady McKenna Henderson tried to leave, but Their Majesties would have none of that. McKenna nervously listened as Their Majesties spoke of her hard work taking care of matters involving the royalty and the Æthelmearc Army. She serves when called to do so and does not shy away from responsibility. Her longtime service was recognized as Their Majesties made her a Baroness of Their Court as well.

Her Majesty wished Lady Fina the Huntress to return to Their Presence, and was named Queen’s Inspiration of the day with her work at the list table. Thus was she also awarded a Golden Escarbuncle.

Their Majesties wished all those scribes and wordsmiths who contributed to the scrolls given out during the event to stand and be recognized for their contributions.

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