Being the Chronicle of the Courts of Timothy and Gabrielle, King and Queen of Sylvan Æthelmearc, held on the eleventh day of January, AS 54 (2020), at Kingdom Twelfth Night in the Barony of Saint Swithins Bog. Submitted by Lord Snorri skyti Bjarnarson, Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald.

Morning Court was opened with fanfare and ceremony, and Their Majesties, having been seated upon Their thrones, bade the assembled populace to seek their comfort, then had summoned to the Their Excellencies Saint Swithin’s Bog to swear fealty.

After that, Their Majesties had called before them Master Ian Campbell of Glen Mor, who desired to take Master Caoinlean Seanchaidh, called Tower, as apprentice.

Next, Their Majesties sought the presence of Baron Edward Harbinger, and Baroness Anastasie de Lamoure, and both were confirmed as Subjects of the Crown of Æthelmearc, with writs duly signed by the crowns of Æthelmearc and the Midrealm, and acknowledged by the Kingdom Seneschale.

Proceeding onward, Baroness Aine O’Muirghesan was called for, and she begged a moment of the court’s time to present to Baron Magnus de Lyon the Master William Blackfox Award from the Society Chronicler’s office, to recognize excellence in the work of Chroniclers and newsletter contributors.

As Baroness Aine was already present, Their Majesties next called for their Most Noble Order of the Pelican. Asked if they still wished to accept this lady into their order, they replied aye, and so, after being relieved of her yellow belt and chain by Count Haakon Oaktall, Baroness Aine was sent on vigil.

After that, Their Majesties called for Their Most Noble Order of the Laurel, followed by His Lordship Otto Boese. Asked if they still wished to accept this lord into their order, they replied aye, and so, after being relieved of his oaths to Duke Gareth Kincaid, His Lordship Otto was sent on vigil.

Finally, Their Majesties called for Their Most Noble Order of Chivalry, and then for His Lordship Bors of Rouen. After affirming that order still wished him to join them, His Lordship Bors was sent on vigil.

There being no further business, court was suspended.

Evening Court

After a day of fighting, learning, and merriment, Their Majesties processed back into court, accompanied by Their Highnesses Maynard and Liadain, and all manner of attendants, guards, and courtiers, and court was re-opened.

Their Majesties first called forward all children present, and set them on merry chase after the kingdom toybox.

Then Their Majesties invited Lady Annika Iosafova, Their Bagatelle, to come forward and speak to the populace about the day’s largesse derby. Many talented artisans donated gifts, but Their Majesties’ choice, in the end, was a set of a dozen hand-illuminated thank you cards from Lady Vedis Aradottir, entertainingly painted as exact copies of a printed thank you card she had received from the Crown for previous donations.

Next, the throne was approached by the Dread Countess Katherine and Count Alric of The Mists, who begged Their Majesties’ indulgence to have brief words with Their Heirs. Their Excellencies then turned to Their Highnesses, and offered gracious words and gifts in a transparent attempt to sway Æthelmearc to the side of the Midrealm for this summer’s incipient hostilities. Their Highnesses were politely noncommittal.

At the conclusion of that business, Their Majesties called for THL Guillame and Master Emily, to speak of the day’s fighting tournaments, Lord Mathias being announced as victor of fence, and Duke Dietrich, Their Majesties’ Heavy Fighting Champion, the victor in the heavy lists.

After that, Their Majesties desired the presence of Their Minister of Arts and Sciences, and so Her Ladyship Renata Rouge approached the throne. THL Renata said to Them that her tenure as Kingdom Minister was over, and that she had found willing and capable replacements, and Mistress Elska á Fjarfelli and Master Hrolfr á Fjarfelli came forward, and gave their oaths to serve the crown and kingdom well and faithfully.

Next, Their Majesties asked for the winner of the day’s bardic contest be presented to them, and so Lady Eadaoin Ruadh was brought forth. Their Majesties remarked upon the emotion in her singing, and so named her Kingdom Bardic Champion, with a scroll by Mistress Cynthia.

Then Their Majesties called for Katheryn of Saint Swithins Bog, and spoke of her helpfulness and good cheer, and so added her to the rolls of the Order of the Silver Buccle, with a scroll by Gwen Cooke.

Proceeding on, Their Majesties required the presence of Ragnhilda Manadottir, and, speaking of her help running events and demos, Awarded her Arms, with a scroll by Mistress Cynthia.

After that, Their Majesties asked for Daniel of Nithgaard. They spoke of his commitment to the running of his shire, regularly attending meetings and practices, and gave unto him an Award of Arms, with a scroll by Lady Murdia Drusilla Vettia Portia.

Next, Kara Ivarsdottir was summoned. Their Majesties spoke with sadness that this award was over a decade late, but were joyful that they could have it come from Their hands, and so Awarded her Arms, with a scroll by Mistress Ursula of Rouen.

Their Majesties then called for Lord Richard of Foxmor, and called the attention of the populace to his fine works of art, and entered his name into the rolls of the Order of the Sycamore, with a scroll by Lady Aurelie of Nithgaard.

When that was complete, Lady Svava of St. Swithin’s Bog was fetched before Their Majesties. They spoke of her work as a Royal Guard, a retainer, a Marshal, and as a commander of Æthelmearc’s field army, and so made her a Companion of the Keystone, with a scroll by Baroness Shirin of Susa.

After that, Their majesties requested the attendance of Lady Serena Milani. They spoke of her work donating scrolls and helping with the running of her Shire, and so made her a member of the Order of the Keystone, with a scroll by THL Vivienne of Yardley.

Next, Lord Ulf Bareleg was finally found and brought before Their Majesties. They spoke warmly of his efforts to inebriate the entire population of Æthelmearc with his fine libations, and so inducted him into the Order of the Howling Wolf. Furthermore, His Majesty Timothy stated that, by Royal Decree, that award should be known as the Howling Ulf for the remainder of Their reign. Naturally, the members of that Order also appeared, uncalled-for, as is their wont, and led away Lord Ulf for further celebrations, as is their custom.

That business complete, Their Majesties called for Her Excellency Delftwood, Baroness Amalie Reinhart, and spoke of her contributions to the kingdom’s prowess in the martial activity of thrown weapons. They then had summoned Their Noble Order of the White Horn, and added Baroness Amalie to their number, with a scroll illustrated by Sir Arden Scot, and calligraphed by THL Ceindrech verch Elidir.

That done, Their Majesties next had brought forward Her Ladyship Astridr vigaskegg, and spoke of her fine works and contributions to Their kingdom’s arts and sciences community. They then had summoned Their Noble Order of the Fleur d’Æthelmearc, and had Her Ladyship Astridr added to their rolls, with a scroll by Mistress Abigail.

While Their Fleurs were yet present, Their Majesties demanded the presence of Lord Angellino the Bookmaker, spoke highly of his illuminations, and also added him to their ranks of the Fleur d’Æthelmearc, with a scroll by THL Vivienne of Yardley.

In the interests of economy, the Fleurs were bade abide yet longer, and His Excellency Rhyddrych Hael, Baron Padraig O’Brandubh, was called forward. Their Majesties spoke of his skill with woodworking, and had him made a Companion of the Fleur d’Æthelmearc, with a scroll by THL Sophie Davenport.

Keeping to the court’s current theme of awards for Landed Baronages, Their Majesties next called for His Excellency St. Swithins Bog, Baron Gunther Grunbaum, and spoke at length of his fine service and works in the Barony, as an Order clerk for the White Horns, and as a Marshal, and then called for Their Noble Order of the Millrind, and had Baron Gunther added to their membership, with a scroll by Master Jonathan Blaecstan.

After that, Their Majesties spoke of one who has offered service to their reign above and beyond, in constant attendance, quietly dealing with issues, giving help unsolicited, often the first to arrive for setup and the last to leave when the day is done, and acting cheerfully and extraordinarily as Their Chamberlain. For these services, and many others, they had called forth Lord Tassin Tresseaul, and made him a Baron of Their Court, with a scroll by THL Edana the Red.

Then, Their Majesties called for Baroness Aine O’Muirghesan, and a grand procession entered with Her Excellency, being House Highrafters and Yama Kaminari and many other and sundry nobles of station. Their Majesties then called forward Their Most Noble Order of the Pelican, and asked them if it was still their wish to have this Lady added to their number. They responded aye, and then many worthies spoke of Her Excellency’s peer-like qualities, and many items of regalia were brought forth and draped upon this woman to mark her new station, and her name was added to the Order, with a scroll by Master Jonathan Blaecstan, and she swore an oath, and Mistress Aine then proceeded forth with her new Order giving congratulations and approbation, to the sound of many cheers.

Next, Their Majesties asked for His Lordship Otto Boese, who entered the court with another majestic train of nobility, being the vast glorious multitudes of House Sable Maul. Their Majesties had summoned forth Their Most Noble Order of the Laurel, and gave query as to the Order’s intentions. The Order replied aye, that they wished this Lord to join them, and then a great number of Peers of the Realm spoke in his favor, of his fine qualities and great works. Lordly gifts were brought forth, and His Lordship was adorned as befits a peer, and his name was added to the rolls of the Order, with a scroll carved in wood by THL Phelippe Ulfsdotter, and he swore mighty oaths, and all present before the thrones then proceed forth from the hall in merriment.

When the hall had again quieted, Their Majesties called for His Lordship Bors of Rouen, who came forth humbly with his Lady wife and various friends and retainers of rank. The Most Noble Order of the Chivalry was called forward, and Their Majesties asked if they still wished to have this man amongst them. They responded aye, and then many worthies spoke of His Lordship’s qualities befitting a peer. Then many fine items were given to him to mark his station, and then a white belt was put about his waist, and then a chain of links about his neck, and with ritual blow he was proclaimed a Knight, and Sir Bors gave his oath upon the Sword of State, and proceeded forth from the hall with his retinue.

Their Majesties then called forward all newcomers there present, and gave to each of them a cup from Their hands, so that they might return and share a drink with us again.

Sir Vladimir Mechnik then approached the throne, and Begged a Boon of Their Majesties. Sir Vlad owned that he was soon departing our fair kingdom, and wished to be released from his oaths of service to the Crown, so that he might more fully serve in his new homeland, and was thus duly and graciously released by Their Majesties, with great regret.

After that, Their Majesties called for all scribes there present who had contributed to the day’s court, and gave unto each of them a token from their own hands.

Finally, Her Majesty called forward Master Iago Benitez, and spoke admiringly about the wonderful smells of his cooking, and the joy His Majesty felt upon smelling the glorious aromas of Master Iago’s smoked meats upon first arriving at the revel, and named him Her Inspiration that day, and awarded unto him a Golden Escarbuncle, tinted red for service, in absentia.

There being no further business, the Sylvan Court of Æthelmearc was closed.

Respectfully,

Lord Snorri skyti Bjarnarson
Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald