Due to the ongoing plague that has troubled our lands, a Regency Court was held on October 17, A.S. 55 in the Shire of Abhainn Ciach Ghlais by Their Graces Timothy of Arindale and Gabrielle van Nigenrode by the leave of Their Sylvan Majesties Maynard von dem Steine and Laidain ni Dheirdre Chaohamnaigh, Recorded by Baroness Antoinette DeLorraine.
It was a beautiful day for a small gathering following all safety guidelines set forth by Kingdom and local statutes.
Their Graces called forth THLady Rhenna de An t’Eilean Dubh, and spoke warmly about all her years of service. While the event was small in attendance, words of praise had been sent from all over the Kingdom. Her Grace Dorinda Courtenay and Maitre Gilles de Beauchamps spoke words of appreciation to name her their peer. Rhenna was then wrapped in a beautifully embroidered cloak emblazoned with a Pelican in her piety, and was inducted into the order of the Pelican (scroll by Mistress Alicia Langland and THL Vivienne of Yardley)
There being no further business the Regency court was closed.
Documented from the Scrolls of the Reign of Anna Leigh, Queen of Æthelmearc: The Business of Rhydderich Hael 40th Anniversary and Baronial Investiture, December 1, Anno Societatis LIII, in the Barony of the Rhydderich Hael, accompanied this day by Her Heirs, Gareth and Juliana. As recorded by Maestro Orlando di Bene del Vinta, Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald, with assistance from Lord Salvadore de la Torres.
Baron Magnus. All photos by Michael Matlock except as otherwise noted.
In the morning, Her Majesty gave leave to Their Excellencies to conduct their last baronial court.
At the conclusion of their baronial court, Her Majesty then called Baron Magnus de Lyons and Baroness Miriel du Lac into Her court. She thanked them for their service and duty to their barony, and did divest them of their baronial coronets and release them from their duties as the 11th baron and baroness of the Rhydderich Hael.
Juliana and Padraig
Next, Her Majesty summoned Padraig O’Branduibh and Juliana Rosalia Dolce di Siena to hear their claim to the baronial thrones of the Rhydderich Hael. Her Majesty then heard words from the baronial officers confirming that an election was held in accordance with established laws and policies and that it was the will of the populace that Padraig and Juliana serve as the next baronage. Having heard testimony, Her Majesty did then invest Padraig and Juliana as the 12th Baron and Baroness of the Rhydderich Hael and did receive their oath of fealty.
Her Majesty then gave leave to Their Excellencies to hold their first baronial court.
Magnus and Miriel are made Court Baron and Baroness. Photo by Baron Steffan Wolfgang von Ravensburg.
Magnus de Lyons and Miriel du Lac were then summoned before the Sylvan Throne, where Her Majesty spoke of Her gratitude for their fine service as landed baron and baroness of the Rhydderich Hael and did create them a Baron and Baroness of the Court. Scroll for Baron Magnus by Sthurrim Caithnes. Scroll for Baroness Miriel by Rosemund von Glinde.
Reign Artisan Jasper Longshanks then approached Her Majesty and presented Her with scribal desks and 10th century pan pipes to be given as gifts as Her Majesty sees fit.
Lord Jasper. Photo by Baron Steffan.
The royal emissary, Countess Gwen A’Brooke from the Kingdom of Calontir, next presented Her Majesty with kind words and a basket of gifts from Their Majesties Calontir.
Her Majesty then heard words from Ambrosius MacDaibhidh, who spoke of how his attention to fun sometimes overshadows his attention to accuracy and did acknowledge an error in scoring at the Kingdom Archery Championship, in which THL Cynwulf Rendell was declared the winner when, in fact, Lord Ronan O’Conall had carried the day. Her Majesty then called for Her archery champion, Cynwulf Rendell, thanked him for the time he did serve as archery champion, and did divest him of his regalia and relieve him of his station. She next called for Lord Ronan O’Conall and did invest him as the Æthelmearc Archery Champion and bid him take his place in Her court. Scroll by THL Eleanore Godwin.
Lord Ronan is named archery champion. Photo by Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope.
Her Majesty then had words for THL Cynwulf Rendell and thanked him for his service as Her champion and for his graciousness, and so did present him with a Cornelian. Scroll by THL Eleanore Godwin.
THL Rendell
THL Lodthinn Vikarsson and Lady Isabella were next presented each with a Golden Escarbuncle for their work as autocrats for Coronation.
Lord Lodthinn. Photo by Baron Steffan.
Duke Sigenoth the Blissful was next received by Her Majesty and acknowledged that it was his intention to answer Her writ of summons later this day as to whether or not he would join the Order of the Pelican.
Duke Sigenoth (Cygnus) is sent to vigil. Photo by Baron Steffan.
Court was then suspended.
Upon the rapier field in the afternoon Her Majesty called for Lord Cyrus Augur. Acknowledging his prowess, teaching, and service to the art of rapier, she did induct him into the Order of the White Scarf. Scroll by Ekaterina Volkova.
Don Cyrus. Photo by Baron Steffan.
Court was suspended.
Comtesse Elena. Photo by Arianna
At the conclusion of the Queen’s Rapier Tournament Her Majesty called for Her rapier champion, Master Illadore de Bedagrayne, and released her from her service. Her majesty called for Countess Elena d’Artois, the victor of the tournament, and named her as Her Majesty’s Rapier Champion.
Her Majesty then presented Master Donnan MacDubhsidhe with a pin recognizing his service as a former rapier champion to Queen Elena.
Court was suspended.
In the evening, Her Majesty called forward the children and allowed them to select a toy from the kingdom toy chest.
Next, Her Majesty gave leave to hold baronial court.
Lady Thalia. Photo by Baron Steffan.
Her Majesty then received Lady Thalia Papillon, who presented Her Majesty with toys to be included in the kingdom toy box for the children. The Queen then bid Lady Thalia to tarry a bit longer and spoke not only of this act of service, but of the many other acts of service she does for her barony, and so did induct her in the Order of the Keystone. Scroll by Mistress Gillian Llywelyn.
Annika Iosefova was then called to attend Her Majesty, who spoke of her contributions to her shire and so did Award Arms to Annika. Scroll by Alita of Hartstone.
Lady Annika. Photo by Baron Steffan.
Rashid
Lord Abdul Ishkhan Al-Rashid next appeared, and Her Majesty spoke highly of his skill in the martial arts as a fencer, fighter, and archer, and so did induct him into the Order of the Golden Alce. Illumination by Anlaith Ingen Trena, calligraphy by Graidhne ni Ruadh.
Her Majesty then sought the attendance of Lord Chebe of the Rhydderich Hael, where she recounted his service to the martial community in the Hael, particularly his contributions to siege weaponry, and so did create him a companion of the Order of the Keystone. Scroll by Lady Eilionora inghean an Bhaird.
Lord Chebe
Next, Syele Pfeifferin was addressed by Her Majesty, who spoke of the many deeds of service given to the Crown, particularly in her acts in creating garb; and for this service did Her Majesty create Syele a Baroness of the Court. Scroll forthcoming.
Baroness Syele. Photo by Baron Steffan.
Her Majesty sought audience with Her Order of the Millrind and, stating that she has heard their words, did call forward Duke Maynard von dem Steine and induct him into the Order for his years of service to the kingdom and the martial community. Scroll by Phelippe Pippi Ulfsdotter.
Duke Maynard
Duke Sigenoth the Blissful next appeared before Her Majesty, whereupon he stated he was willing to receive the accolade, and so Her Majesty called for the Order of the Pelican. In testimony, Duke Maynard von dem Steine rose for the Order of Chivalry and spoke of how Sigenoth is someone who is looked up to, who inspires others to grow, and is a standard of excellence. For the Order of the Laurel, Sir Ian Kennoven spoke of Sigenoth’s dedication to the arts. For the Order of Defense, Master Jacob of Dunmore spoke of the ways in which Sigenoth had a personal influence on his own growth in the Society. As a royal peer, Duchess Dorinda Courtenay told of how Sigenoth is an inspiration to all of us, noting that he is the voice that says, “it can be done.” And for the Order of the Pelican, Duke Matthew Blackleaf spoke of the decades of Sigenoth’s amazing breadth of service. Having been satisfied by these words of the peers of the realm, Her Majesty then called for Sigenoth to be arrayed in the regalia of the Order of the Pelican and did receive his oath, and did induct him into the Order of the Pelican. Scroll forthcoming.
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.
Mistress Chrestienne is inducted into the Millrind. Photo by Baron Steffan Wolfgang von Ravensburg.
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.
Gareth and Juliana ready to be crowned Prince and Princess. Photo by Baron Steffan.
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.
THLady Alina receives a Writ for the Pelican. Photo by Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope.
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.
The children are sent to find the toy box. Photo by Baron Steffan.
Master Tofi Kerthjalfadsson was received in order to swear his oath of service as the Kingdom Exchequer.
Master Tofi swears fealty. Photo by Baron Steffan.
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.
THLord Arden is named bearer of the Shield of Chivalry. Photo by Baron Steffan.
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.
Baron Cormacc receives a Sycamore. Photo by Baron Steffan.
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.
Lord Godfrey receives a Golden Alce. Photo by Baron Steffan.
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.
Lady Felice is inducted into the Fleur. Photo by Baron Steffan.
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.
Lady Lasairfhiona is inducted into the Millrind. Photo by Baron Steffan.
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.
Duke Valharic addresses Her Majesty. Photo by Baron Steffan.
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.
Master Ambrosius talks with Her Majesty about the Archery Championship. Photo by Baron Steffan.
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.
Lord Meinolf is named Thrown Weapons Champion. Photo by Baron Steffan.
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.
Lord Raadjger is named the Queen’s Inspiration. Photo by Mistress Arianna.
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.
Sir Vlad returns Duke Titus’ tourney shield to Her Majesty. Photo by Baron Steffan.
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.
Prince Gareth addresses the populace. Photo by Baron Steffan.
There being no further business, the Court of Anna Leigh, Queen of Æthelmearc, was closed.
This has been a War of many writs, vigils, and elevations, as well as other joyous accolades.
THLord Tegrinus. Photo by Ursus.
THL Ulrick von Schwarzburg is on vigil tonight (Wednesday) in Sable Maul Camp, then will be elevated to the Order of Chivalry on the Battlefield Friday morning before the Armored Wall Battle.
THL Tegrinus de Rhina also will be elevated to the Order of Chivalry, but the ceremony will be tomorrow (Thursday) morning on the Battlefield before the Allied Champions Battle.
Baron Master Eric Grenier de Labarre, called Grendel. Photo by Baroness Katja
Baron Master Eric Grenier de Labarre was elevated to the Order of Defense Tuesday morning on the Battlefield before the Rapier Field Battle.
Baroness Mistress Anna Eisenkopf was elevated to the Order of the Pelican in AEthelmearc Court Tuesday night.
Mistress Anna. Photo by Lady Amalie Reinhardt.
THL Rynea Ingen of Stormsport received her writ for the Order of the Pelican on Tuesday afternoon on the Battlefield and will be on vigil Thursday night at Runestone Watch camp. Her elevation will be at Coronation.
Baroness Constance Glyn Dwr was given a writ in AEthelmearc Court on Tuesday for the Order of the Pelican. Her vigil and elevation will be during Their Highnesses’ reign.
THL Thorsol Solinauga, who received his writ at Bog 3 Day/Investiture, will be elevated to the Order of the Chivalry at Harvest Raid.
Baroness Mistress Elisabeth Johanna von Flossenburg, who received her writ at Pax Interruptus, will be elevated to the Order of the Pelican at Æthelmearc 20 Year.
Viscountess Eleanor and Sir Haakon. Photo by Baroness Katja
In addition, Their Majesties presented Augmentations of Arms to Sir Haakon Oaktall and Viscountess Eleanor of Waldren at his bardic night last week in AE Royal.
Reporting by Baroness Katja Davidova Orlova Khazarina (Chris Adler-France)
The Queen’s Rapier Champion Tournament was held on December 5th, A.S. L, in the Barony-Marche of the Debatable Lands. Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope reports on the doings there, with much assistance from Baroness Katja Davidova Orlova Khazarina.
Baron Liam is sent to vigil. Photo by Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope.
Morning Court
The Queen’s Rapier Tournament event began with the Imperatori, Tindal and Etain, calling forth Baron Uilliam MacanTsaoire, and then summoning the Council of the Pelican and asked if they still agreed that His Excellency was worthy of elevation to their Order.
Upon hearing a resounding “Aye!” from the Pelicans, the Imperatori asked Baron Liam if he would sit vigil in contemplation of this elevation. He answered in the affirmative, but asked that he be permitted to give his baronial coronet into the keeping of his lady, Baroness Constance, so that he could go to his vigil unencumbered by his duties as Baron. The Augustus and Augusta consented, and the order took Baron Liam to his vigil.
Baron Liam at his vigil. Photo by Lady Àine ny Allane.
Queen’s Rapier Champion Tournament
Then the combatants for the Queen’s Rapier Championship Tournament assembled, and each processed into court to be introduced to the Imperatori.
THLady Alianora Bronhulle. Photo by Lord Robert Pour Maintenant.
Master Donnan Macdubhsidhe with his consort, Lady Dominique von Weiβenthurn. Photo by Lord Robert.
The Imperator thanked the 37 combatants who entered the rapier championship tourney, for they were all willing to defend His Queen’s honor.
The combatants were divided into four lists, each of which were fought round-robin and churned quickly since the rule for the day was “dead is dead,” and thus double kills were counted as a loss for both combatants. There were a lot of double kills that day, one of the MOLs, Baroness Anna Eisenkopf, observed with a laugh.
Her Highness Ariella and the Imperatori concentrate on the rounds. Photo by Baroness Katja Davidova Orlova Khazarina.
After the four lists had completed their tournaments, the top 12 continued to compete in the round-robin finals. During the tournament, the Queen and the Ladies of the Rose bestowed roses on the fencers whose comportment they felt embodied the ideals of courtesy and prowess. These roses were provided by Master Bastiano di Iacopo and Master Iago Benitez.
Lord Magnus bastiano di Vigo vs. Master Diego Muñoz. Photo by Lord Robert.
In the end, THLady Fiora d’Artusio and Don Po Silvertop tied for first place, leaving Augusta Etain to make a difficult decision regarding the two gentles who had impressed her the most during the whole tourney.
She asked them to both face the Imperator for the final, each fighting the best two out of three bouts. Each combatant won two out of three against their Emperor, and afterward Empress Etain expressed how impressed She was with both, adding She would announce Her decision on the new champion at Court that night.
The Imperator faces Don Po Silvertop. Photo by Baroness Katja.
THL Fiora lunges at the Imperator. Photo by Baroness Katja.
The other finalists were:
Lord Jehan le Blanc
Doña Gabrielle de Winter
Don Eric Grenier de Labarre
Lord Jacob of Dunmore
Lord Durante de Caravaggio
Don Anais Fenne
Lord Cyrus Augur
Lord Magnus bastiano di Vigo
Master Bastiano di Iacopo
Lord Jacob Martinson
Sideboard
After the Queen’s Rapier Champion tournament was completed, fencers took a break for a tasty sideboard lunch prepared by Maistir Brandubh o Donnghaile and his brother, THLord Jorundr hinn Rotinn.
Photo by Lady Àine ny Allane.
Ember Day tarts. Photo by Baroness Katja.
“The main driving impetus was for us, since it was a martial event, to choose largely portable dishes with a lot of meat. Very few things were not hand-held food,” Maistir Brandubh said, praising the kitchen’s collaborative effort.
The generous offerings included pork roasted in wine and spices, roasted chicken thighs, a silky beef brisket smoked by Master Tofi with poudre forte, and a Tyrolean ham from Her Ladyship Cassandra Matis. There were also thick slices of bakery bread with honey butter, roasted carrots and parsnips, fried chickpeas, cannellini bean hummus, an herb & cheese tart, and a leek & mushroom soup.
Although simple and easily identifiable to modern diners, all recipes were period, Maistir Brandubh noted. He had selected his favorites from Forme of Curye, while His Lordship Jorundr chose some dishes from the Italian corpus, such as the Siennese tart for dessert.
They lauded Kattera Doplerin for helping all day in the kitchen, as well as Master Creador Twinedragon and THLord Deryk Archer.
Free Scholars Tourney
The Free Scholars Tournament, sponsored by the Defense Academy, began after lunch. It was a single elimination tournament open to all fencers without grant or peerage level recognition for their fencing skill. Twenty-nine fencers participated in this tournament.
Free Scholar Tourney Finals, Lord Durante de Caravaggio vs. Lord Jacob Martinson. Photo by Arianna.
At the end of the tournament, Master William Parris, who heads the Academy, had the top two fencers, Lord Durante de Caravaggio and Lord Jacob Martinson, fight a final round. Both died in a double kill, so he went on to the third and fourth place fencers, Lord Ru Cavorst and Lord Takeda Sanjuichiro Akimasa… who also double killed. When the fifth and sixth place fencers also double killed, Master Will announced that there would be no winner, but thanked all of the participants. He later noted, “Given the frequency of double kills throughout the day, the Academy looks to put its future efforts into training and refining defense, making every parry and void count. Victory is appealing, but survival is at the heart of fencing.”
He then announced the names of those who had qualified for the rank of Free Scholar in the Academy: THLord Jorundr hinn Rotinn, Lord Magnus bastiano di Vigo, THLady Fiora d’Artusio, Lord Jehan le Blanc, and THLord Ælric Ravenshaw.
New Free Scholars. Photo by Baroness Katja.
Countess Elena d’Artois le Tailleur praised the tourney for being very clean, and Master William Parris expressed how excited he was about the attendance and involvement.
Baron Liam’s Vigil, Classes
While all of these hostilities were going on in the main hall, non-combatants had activities to keep them entertained, including an A&S Display and classes on such diverse topics as pilgrimage songs, jewelry, and banners.
Lady Raven Whitehart talks about copper wire weight in her class on largess rings and fibulae. Photo by Baroness Katja.
In addition, Baron Liam had asked the populace to assist him in his Pelican vigil by contributing to the Toys for Tots drive that his modern employer, Cranberry EMS, was running. The gentles of Æthelmearc responded by filling His Excellency’s donation box almost to overflowing. Fifty-six gentles signed the vigil waiting list to give him advice or just express how inspired they were by him.
Photo by Arianna.
Vigil display. Photo by Baroness Katja.
Evening Court
As the day wound down, the court of the Imperatori commenced with a choral processional. Empress Etain called forward the two Champion’s Tourney finalists, Don Po Silvertop and THLady Fiora d’Artusio, thanked Don Po, and then announced Her choice of THLady Fiora as Her Rapier Champion.
THLady Fiora is invested as Queen’s Rapier Champion. Photo by Lady Àine ny Allane.
Numerous gentles received well-deserved awards, most notably Lord Jacob of Dunmore, who was inducted into the Order of the White Scarf, and Dame Elsbeth Anne Roth, who received an Augmentation of Arms for her decades of service at all levels to the College of Arms.
“For sharing the joy of heraldry in all of its forms, thank you so much,” Master Kameshima Zentarō Umakai proclaimed after handing Dame Elsbeth her scroll, pointing out that she had recruited him and several previous Silver Buccles to that job.
Dame Elsbeth receives an Augmentation of Arms. Photo by Baroness Katja.
Lord Jacob of Dunmore is inducted into the White Scarf. Photo by Lady Àine ny Allane.
The high point of court was the elevation of Baron Liam to the Order of the Pelican. After numerous fine gentles of great repute told the Crown about his many accomplishments and his excellent character, Emperor Tindal and Empress Etain placed the ancestral Pelican medallion around his neck and invested him with a Pelican brooch made by Don Anais Fenne, a Pelican torque made by Lord Takamatsu Gentarou Yoshitaka, and a hood crafted by Lady Rivka bat Daniyel. His Excellency then swore his oath of fealty and was greeted by the Companions of the Pelican with great joy.
Master Liam greets the Companions of the Pelican. Photo by Baroness Katja.
Usually the last items of court are the Empress’ inspiration of the day (in this case, Master William Parris for his work on the Defense Academy), and a thank you to the scribes, but Emperor Tindal took the populace by surprise with one additional item. He said there was a gentle who had “confounded” him, and then called for Lord Robert MacEwin of Thornhill. The Emperor noted of Lord Robert, “I originally met you when you were Youth Combat Champion for Our first reign. Then at Æthelmearc Æcademy last month, you sought me out to learn about adult fighting. Last Pennsic during the Æthelmearc Novice Fencing Tourney, you taught me some fencing moves. So I thought, I would give you a Golden Alce so you wouldn’t be eligible to fence in the Novice Tourney next Pennsic! But it turns out you already have a Golden Alce for having been Kingdom Youth Combat Champion and a Junior Grandmaster Bowman, which you got when you were a youth… but you’re still a youth — who fights and fences with the adults… but is still a youth. Now you see why I’m so confounded.”
This rambling exposition by the Imperator drew much laughter from the populace, but the Emperor’s next words brought tears to Lord Robert’s eyes: “Since I can’t give you a Golden Alce, I give you a ring from My right hand, so you will be the Right Hand of the King.” The Emperor then pulled a heavy brass ring from his finger and handed it to Lord Robert, to the cheers of the populace. Lord Robert, who is 16 years old and has been a member of the Society since birth, later said that this was the most touching and meaningful “award” that he has ever received.
On that note, court was closed.
Lord Robert, the confounding inspiration and now Right Hand of the King. Photo by Baroness Katja.
The Crowns of Æthelmarc have decided to elevate John the Pell to the Order of the Pelican. Those of you who would witness this please note:
The ceremony will occur at Pennsic, on Monday of War week, at the East Kingdom battlefield pavilion. Timing is 20 minutes after the ending of the Heavy Weapons Castle Battle, but not before 12:15. There will be a tea time reception immediately after.
Anyone wishing to assist or contribute to the reception please contact Lady Cristina (Donna) 607 591 0999.
