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.

THLord Oliver Sutton is knighted. Photo by Brienne Lachlan.

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.

Fina receives an AoA. Photo by Brienne Lachlan.

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.

Lady Kasmira receives a Sycamore. Photo by Lady Luca da Cola.

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.

Sir Madison Morai receives a Sycamore. Photo by Brienne Lachlan.

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.

Sir Marek is inducted into the Order of the Golden Stirrup. Photo by Lady Luca da Cola.

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.

THLady Kathryn receives the Order of Excellence. Photo by Lady Luca da Cola.

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.

Master Alaxandair receives a Court Barony. Photo by Lady Luca da Cola.

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.

THLady McKenna is made a Court Baroness. Photo by Brienne Lachlan.

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.

Lady Fina receives a Golden Escarbuncle. Photo by Brienne Lachlan.

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.

Herein is the report of the Court of Sven and Siobhan, King and Queen of Æthelmearc, held on April 28, AS 52 (2018) at Blackstone Raid in the Barony of Blackstone Mountain, submitted by Baroness Ekaterina Volkova, Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald, assisted by THL Kathryn MacLuing, Millrind Herald and Count Jehan de la Marche.

Their Majesties invited His Royal Majesty King Cellach of the Middle and his Heirs Prince Alric and Princess Katherine to join them.

It was requested that the populace please refrain from flash photography during Court and thanked for their understanding.

Their Excellencies were then granted leave to hold their court.

Baron Ichijo and Baroness Cerridwen hold their court.

When Kingdom Court resumed, His Majesty spoke of the excellent fighting and wonderful hospitality they experienced during the day.

Her Majesty then invited the children of the Court to partake of the toy box that was set up at the side of the hall.

The children are invited to seek toys from the toy chest.

Count Jehan de la Marche then swore his fealty to the Crown, which was happily accepted by Their Majesties.

Count Jehan swears fealty.

All those present who had not yet had a chance were offered the ability to come forth and swear fealty as well.

Kingdom Thrown Weapons Champion, Lord Snori skyti Bjarnson was invited forth to speak of the tournament held.  It was then announced that Godfrey de Bayeaux was named the new Æthelmearc Thrown Weapons Champion. Scroll by Lady Briana de Mendoza.

Lord Godfrey, right, receives the Kingdom Thrown Weapons Champion regalia from Lord Snorri.

It was then asked if Monkey was in the hall. Though he was not present, His Majesty wanted the Court to see the work of the scribe. The Award of Arms scroll by THL Luceta di Cosimo and Lady Nichola Beese was then read and shown to all present.

Their Majesties then invited before them Donna Masina D’Assandro and David of Misty Highlands. She has become known for beautiful works of art in jewelry and clothing. He has been observed to be an archer, a bard, and a craftsman. For all this and more, both were Awarded Arms. Her scroll by Lady Felice of York. His scroll illuminated by Lady Umm Samin bint Asad al-Isfahaniyya and calligraphed by Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope.

Donna and David receive their AoAs.

His Majesty then asked that Tegen Rhodes come before him. He spoke of how she has become a valuable member of her group and her endeavor to provide an authentic Russian appearance had captured the attention of many. For this she was Awarded Arms. Scroll by Baroness Ismay Pond.

Tegan receives her AoA.

Maighster Liam seeks Pennsic volunteers.

Maighstir Uilliam MacantSaoir, known as Liam, asked for time to address the populace.  He spoke of how this year will be the first year that Æthelmearc will officially host the Great Pennsic War. He called for all those attending to show the Known World how great Æthelmearc is and to volunteer to serve somewhere at the War. Any who have questions on how and where they can serve at Pennsic should seek out His Excellency.

The Order of the Keystone present was asked to stand. Her Majesty asked that the populace please look around and note who is not standing with the Order and if they see anyone who should be, to please send in a recommendation.

Lord Ragnar Gunnolfsson was then called before Their Majesties. This lord is known for helping on the fighting field as marshal, assisting in the kitchens of the Kingdom, guarding the Queens of the Realm, and much more. He was then inducted into the Order of the Keystone. Scroll painted by THL Shirin of Susa, calligraphy by Mistress Graidhne ni Ruaidh.

Lord Ragnar receives a Keystone.

Their Majesties then spied Monkey in the back of Court and demanded that he present himself. His Majesty spoke of how this gentle is a force of nature and is known for entertaining and delighting all who he meets. He was then presented with the scroll that had been read earlier in court.

Monkey receives his AoA.

Maximilian Petsch was then invited into Court. His Majesty spoke of how this gentle has served the Kingdom at foreign wars upon the fighting field and that his skill upon the melee and list fields was impressive. He was then inducted into the Order of the Golden Alce. Scroll illuminated by THL Edana the Red, calligraphy by Isabella Montoya.

Lord Maximiilan receives his Golden Alce.

Her Majesty then asked that all members of the Order of the Golden Alce present to please stand. She again asked the populace to look around and take note if there were people who appeared to be missing and please bring them to the attention of the Crown.

Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope asked for time in Court to speak of the youth combat activities of the day. She thanked the Youth Marshals-in-Training who assisted with running the lists: Baron Kire MacUrsus, Baroness Catherine van Wert, Lord Nikolie Lupiesu, and Lord Andrew the Good. Fourteen youth fighters came to the field so there were two tournaments. Fritz was the winner for the Division 1 tournament and Adrian was the winner for the Divisions 2 & 3 tournament. Mistress Arianna thanked the Division 3 fighters for helping the Division 1 fighters get in many good fights, and all Division 3 fighters, Adrian, Conor, Kaleb, and Gottfried, were given a token of recognition for their chivalry this day.

Fritz is recognized as winner of the Division 1 youth tournament.

Adrian is recognized as winner of the Division 2 and 3 youth tournament.

THL Deryk Archer then spoke of the archery tournament that had been held. First, he thanked all the marshals who came and assisted, as without them the activities would not have been able to happen. Prizes were awarded to those gentles who were the first to successfully hit the “difficult” shots.  It was then announced that Lord Snori skyti Bjarnson was the overall winner.

Lord Snorri is recognized as the winner of the archery competition.

Baron Willem MacLear, event steward, thanked all who came to the event and expressed his personal gratitude to his staff for making his job easy. He then announced that at sundown a great bonfire would take place and all were invited.

Her Majesty then spoke of a young lord who had authorized for the first time that morning, of how he took his excitement and enthusiasm of that accomplishment onto the field and single handedly charged the Midrealm bridge during the battles. His enthusiasm inspired Her and She named Skeggi as Queen’s Inspiration for the Day.

Skeggi is named Queen’s Inspiration.

His Royal Highness Alaric of the Midrealm then spoke and thanked all for a glorious day. He reminisced about how Blackstone Raids was the event that both He and Her Highness first attended upon finding the Society, though not together, and this day brought back many good memories. He also said that based on the fighting that occurred on the field He was very happy that Æthelmearc and the Midrealm are on the same side this year at Pennsic.

Prince Alric of the Middle thanks Blackstone for a great event.

Their Majesties thanked all again for a wonderful day and closed Court.

All photos by THLady Amalie Reinhardt.