Documented from the Rolls and Files of the Coram Regibus of Thomas Byron II Rex and Ariella II Regina, King and Queen of Æthelmearc: Being a True Record of the Business of Their Royal Court at Their Crown Tournament, 7 May, Anno Societatis LVII, in the Barony of Blackstone Mountain. As recorded by Gwendolyn the Graceful, Brehyres, Meistr-y-gân, Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald, assisted by Drotinn jǫrundr hinn rotinn, Silver Buccle Herald.

Prior to opening the Procession, King Byron and Queen Ariella requested the presence of all combatants and consorts. Their Majesties expressed Their joy that all had been able to attend, despite the hazards of weather, and that Their own trek had deepened Their appreciation for the commitment already demonstrated by all who had persevered to be present.

Their Majesties also desired more personal words with The Honorable Lord Angus the Bull and his consort, Agnes Zwei Brücken. Finding it improper that a gentle of such grace as she should enter the tournament without title, Their Majesties were pleased to Award her Arms, so that she could further inspire as a member of the nobility. Scroll forthcoming. Court was then suspended.

At the conclusion of the Tournament, one stood victorious: Arnᚦorr inn Sterki. His Majesty placed the Heir’s crown upon Arnᚦorr’s brow, investing him with the office of Prince. Their Majesties passed unto Prince Arnᚦorr the crown of the consort, with which His Highness crowned his lady Ceinrech na Hinnsi, that she be known henceforth as Princess. The Heirs made oath of fealty to the Crown, and Court was once again suspended.

Photo by Baroness Aine ny Allane

In the evening, Their Majesties and Their Highnesses, accompanied by Cunedda Kell and Alana of the Horseclans, Baron and Baroness of Blackstone Mountain, entreated Lorelei of Blackstone to allow the youth of the kingdom to pursue her for toys to pass the time in Court.

Their Majesties then extended leave to Baroness Alana, as Event Steward, to address the populace and offer thanks to all who worked, many at very short notice, to make the event a success. She shared the good news that Rose, who had been waylaid on her journey the night before, was home and safe once more. Their Majesties asked Her Excellency to pass on the well wishes of the Kingdom and the gratitude of the populace that she suffered no lasting harm.

Their Majesties invited Countess Margerite to speak on behalf of the Ladies of the Rose and Garnet. Her Excellency observed that the tournament had been a day full of many acts of chivalry, including The Honorable Lord Willem MacLear, who received a token from her hand. Her Highness also called forward Lord Bjarki Rikardson, to present him with Her token in recognition of his displays of honor upon the field. Her Excellency Margerite went on to say that there was one whose conduct was so surpassing exemplary that he was the clear choice to bear the Shield of Chivalry: The Honorable Lord Angus the Bull. Thus, with the Crown’s thanks, Posadik Zvonimir Zavodchikov was able to pass the Shield unto His Lordship Angus, and was relieved of his dutiful service as its former bearer.

Next, Their Majesties bade Thorin Marekson to present himself before Them. Citing his courteous demeanor and constantly helpful manner, They were moved to Award him Arms. Scroll illumination by The Honorable Lady Sumayya al-Ghaziyya, with wording and calligraphy by Mistress Illadore de Bedegrayne.

Their Majesties also sought Islief Marekson to speak with him of his equally unfailing service and courtly consideration. Judging his conduct in all ways to be that of a noble, They declared it right and proper that he, too, be Awarded Arms. Scroll by Nikolai Vasiliev Malkovich.

Following this, Their Majesties requested the presence of Viscount Sir Bear the Wallsbane, representing himself, Duke Malcolm MacEoghan, and Duchess Ilish O’Donovan. His Majesty remarked upon the perennial and indispensable nature of their bi-annual publication, “Bear’s Betting Man’s Guide to Crown Tourney.” Knowing that Their Majesties were not alone in thinking these pamphlets a great boon to the Kingdom, They bestowed upon His Excellency and Their Graces the Award of Excellence, in token of which, His Majesty presented them each with a deck of tarot to aid in their divinations, and pouches containing the collected coins struck for all the Crown Tournaments to date, to assist in the application of their speculative pursuits.

Their Majesties then desired that Lady Rannveigr Hrajshvelgsneys Alfvinsdottir make herself present to Them. Praising her many, years of service, not only in Æthelmearc but in the Midrealm, not only in Blackstone Mountain but in Port Oasis, not only as server, tollner, or steward, but in kitchens, classrooms, and everywhere between, and mindful of her service from an early age, They named her a Companion of the Order of the Keystone. Scroll forthcoming.

Their Majesties next wished to be attended by Lady Brienne Lachlan the Scorned, to speak to her also of the service she gives freely and joyfully to all. Her work capturing images from court, field, and hall, as well as the many hours she has spent assisting her Barony as its chatelaine, recommended her to Their Majesties and moved Them to create her a Companion of the Order of the Keystone. Scroll by The Honorable Lady Eleanore Godwin.

Lord Nicolo Loredan da Venesia was next called before the Royal Presence. To Nicolo, Their Majesties spoke of his dedication to the art of defense, both as practical skill and in its careful study and historical provenance. In recognition of his research and artistry in historical rapier study, They named him a Companion of the Order of the Sycamore. Scroll by The Honorable Lady Gesa von Wellenstein on wording by Baron Caleb Reynolds.

Their Majesties then welcomed Baroness Sigrid Schreiber into Their Presence. They noted her propitious skill in the art of portraiture, and her long dedication to her skills’ perfection. Understanding that there were others who had taken similar note of Her Excellency’s talent, They called for Their Noble Order of the Fleur D’Æthelmearc to witness the induction of their newest Companion. Scroll by The Honorable Lady Nichola Beese.

At this time, Their Majesties required the attendance of Their Noble Order of the Millrind. Noting with pleasure that many, many members of the populace were among this number, They nevertheless desired to bring additional Companions forward to join this august body:

First, They called upon Sir Beatrix Krieger, for her unfailing willingness to leap in and help wherever needed. Scroll wording by Master Po Silvertop, calligraphy by Master Jon Blaecstan, and illumination by Maîtresse Melisandre of the Gryphon Wood.

Next, They desired Lady Thalia Papillon to step forward, and Granted her Arms as a Companion of the Millrind for her varied forms of service, including archery marshal, mistress of lists, event steward, and both guard and retainer to the Courts of Æthelmearc. Scroll by The Honorable Lady Gesa von Wellenstein on wording by Baron Caleb Reynolds.

Finally, but not least, They entreated Baron Cunedda and Baroness Alana to join the Order as its Companions for their unflagging service to the Barony of Blackstone Mountain, as custodians of the Barony and as its leaders – twice. Promissory scrolls a work in progress by Baroness Ekaterina Volkova.

Her Majesty spoke of the many gentles who gave up their time in order to assure that the day could progress, but chiefest among these, Her Majesty wished to recognize The Honorable Lady Odette D’Arques as Her inspiration of the day.

Their Majesties recognized all scribes who contributed to the Court that day and invited them to partake of supplies to replenish their inventories.

There being no further business, Court was closed.

Faithfully Submitted,

Gwendolyn the Graceful, Brehyres (OL)
Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald