An account of the court of Sven and Siobhan, King and Queen of Æthelmearc with Their Royal Highnesses Titus and Anna Leigh, held at Æthelmearc War Practice on the 18th and 19th days of May in the 53rd year of the Society in the Shire of Steltonwald.  Reported by Baroness Ekaterina Volkova, Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald, assisted by THL Sophie Davenport, Silver Buccle Herald, Drotin Jorundr hinn Rotinn, Golden Alce Herald and Mistress Graidhne ni Ruaidh, Holus Herald.

Friday May 18, AS 53 on the Field:

Their Majesties called before them the Order of the Pelican. They spoke of one who has long served the Kingdom and the Martial community. THL Ursula of Rouen was then called forth. It was confirmed that she was free of all obligations and sent to sit vigil and contemplate inclusion into the Order of the Pelican.

Court was then suspended.

Saturday, May 19, AS 53 in the Great Hall:

Their Majesties invited the assembled Landed Baronage to join them in court.

Their Majesties then invited Their Royal Cousins, Alric and Katherine of the Midrealm to join them in court.

Court was resumed and Their Majesties talked about the wonderful fighting, learning, and comradery that was seen throughout the day. They then commended the artisans who created the Slavic outfits They were wearing.

Their Majesties’ Slavic outfits. Photo by Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope.

Edelvrouw Lijsbet de Keukere was called forth to speak of the Scarlet Apron competition that was held with the theme of Food Preservation. Simon a Fjarfelli was announced as the Populace Choice winner and presented with a token. Kusunoki Fumio Bun’ami was announced as the overall winner and presented with the raiments of his new office for the next year.

Master Bun’ami is named the winner of the Scarlet Apron competition. Photo by Arianna.

Simon is named the Populace Choice of the Scarlet Apron competition. Photo by Arianna.

Those members of the Populace who wished to do so, but had not yet had an opportunity to swear fealty, were invited forth and their oaths accepted by Their Majesties.

Fealty oaths. Photo by Arianna.

Her Royal Highness Anna Leigh then spoke of the amazing number of classes that were offered and thanked all those who both attended classes as well as those that taught them. She then invited all those who had taken six hours worth of classes throughout the course of the event to find her after court to receive a token.

Her Highness then spoke of how the Royal Family has a fondness for brewed beverages and because of this, she sponsored a brewing and beverage competition that day. Master Madoc Arundel came forth and announced the winner of each category.

• Non-Alcoholic Beverage – Artisan Level Simon a Fjarfelli
• Brewing/Vintning – Artisan Level Marius Sittius
• Herbal & Apothecary – Artisan Level Aodhan MacMichael (who also won “best novice”)
• Brewing/Vintning – Master Level Cristina inghean Griogair (who also won “best in show”)
• Any Category – Populace Choice Methius T. Weasel

Simon. Photo by Arianna.

Lord Aodhan. Photo by Arianna.

Lord Sittius. Photo by Arianna.

Lady Cristina. Photo by Arianna.

THLord Methius Weasel. Photo by Arianna.

Lords Robert Hawkesworth and Niccolo Salvietti came forth to speak of a fencing competition that was held this day. The competition involved those members of the fencing community who were not White Scarves or Masters of Defense seeking out and fighting those that were. The prizes was lots of candy. The unscarved fencers said that they could not partake in all the bounty they received so pooled their winnings and presented equal shares to Their Majesties Æthelmearc, Their Royal Highnesses Æthelmearc and Their Majesties Midrealm.

Lord Robert and Lord Niccolo present their bounty to the Crown. Photo by Arianna.

Their Majesties then called before then Patrokles Athenaios. His Majesty spoke of how they had heard of Patrokles’ years of participation on the fighting and fencing fields, as well as in the Arts and Sciences arena. For all this they were moved to Award him Arms. Scroll by Bronwyn Androus.

Lord Patrokles Athenaios receives his AoA. Photo by Arianna.

THL Methius Weasel, Marshal in Charge of the Youth Heavy Combat Champions Tournament, was called in to speak of the day. His Lordship thanked the previous Champions and all those who competed for the positions. Simon a Fjarfelli was announced as the Division 2/3 Champion. As there was only one Division 1 participant, Fritz was asked to continue in the position of Champion for his Division. It was also announced that Bri was selected the Most Chivalrous fighter and she was presented with a token.

Simon and Fritz are named youth combat champions. Photo by Arianna.

Bri is named Most Chivalrous youth fighter. Photo by Arianna.

Their Majesties then asked all Children present to please come forth. Her Majesty thanked them for coming and said that in the back of the hall was a box from which each could select a gift and then asked them to go calmly back to pick their prize.

The children are summoned into court. Photo by Arianna.

Next THL Astridr Vigaskegg was asked to announced the winners of the Largesse Competition that was held during the day. It was announced that Baroness Sybilla Detwyller took third place, THL Drogo Rabenwald was chosen as second and that Aurelia Argenta Prima was the overall winner.

Baroness Sybilla is third in the Largesse competition. Photo by THLady Aine ny Allane.

Lord Drogo is second in the Largesse competition. Photo by THLady Aine ny Allane.

Their Majesties requested Winardis of Borderwatch to come into Their court. His Majesty spoke of how this good lord has been seen fighting at all the major Kingdon events for many years and how his enthusiasm on the field makes him a valuable member of Borderwatch. For this he was inducted into the Order of the Golden Alce. Scroll illuminated by THL Philippe Ulfsdotter and calligraphed by Mistress Sthurrim Caithnes.

Sir Tarl accepts Lord Winardis’ Golden Alce. Photo by Arianna.

All members of the Order of the Golden Alce were asked to stand. Her Majesty asked that the populace look around and note that if there were any still seated that should be a member of this noble order, and if so, asked that letters of recommendation be sent in.

Their Majesties then invited into court all those for whom this was their first event. Those that approached were thanked for coming and given a token from Her Majesty’s private treasures.

Newcomers receive tokens from Their Majesties. Photo by Arianna.

Their Majesties presented Dumas of Waterford an Award of Arms in absentia for his many years of quiet service to his Shire. Scroll by Sevena and Hrefna fruþikona in heppna Þorgrímsdottir.

Grania filia Briani was then asked to present herself to Their Majesties. It was noted that her service at Pennsic and War Practice as water bearer was something that was crucial to the fighting community. For this she was inducted into the Order of the Keystone. Scroll by Crystal Bradley and Mistress Graidhne ni Ruaidh.

Lady Grania receives a Keystone. Photo by Arianna.

All members of the Order of the Keystone were asked to rise so that the populace could see who should be recommended to Their Majesties.

It was noted that there was one in attendance who should have stood but did not and that is was possible that he was not a member of the Order. Her Majesty asked that he be called in so that this could be remedied. Lord Abdullah al- Rashid was called into court and inducted into the Order of the Keystone for his work in kitchens, sweeping halls, and as Baronial Seneschal. The scroll’s illumination was done by Lady Rivka bat Daniyel and calligraphy by THL Anlaith ingen Trena.

Lord Abdullah receives a Keystone. Photo by Arianna.

Next, Their Majesties called Catalina into Their presence. It was remarked that this young woman has become known as being a fierce force on the field, not just with archery and siege weaponry, but now had been seen in armor and taking up the sword and shield. She is also known for her cheerful and welcoming demeanor. For this she was Awarded Arms. Scroll by THL Phelippe Ulfsdotter and Graidhne ni Ruaidh,

Catalina is award Arms. Photo by Arianna.

It was then announced that the Memorial for Baron Leonard the Younger would be taking place on June 3rd and that more details would be announced on official channels.

The Order of the Pelican was then called into court. Once the flock was assembled, Mistress Antoinette de la Croix was asked to present herself. After confirming that both the Order and the good Mistress wanted the inclusion to happen, it was asked if there were any who would speak on Mistress Antoinette’s behalf. Countess Juliana Delamere spoke on behalf of the Royal Peers of the Society. Mistress Alicia Langland, representing the Jewels of Æthelmearc, told of the worthiness of the candidate. Duke Malcolm Duncan Mac Eoghainn spoke as a representative of the Order of Chivalry. The Order of the Laurel was represented by Hrefna fruþikona in heppna Þorgrímsdottir, and Mistress Fredeburg von Katzenellenbogen spoke for the Order of Defense. Finally, Mistress Graidhne ni Ruaidh spoke on behalf of the Order of the Pelican. Upon hearing of the endorsements from the Peerages of the Society, Their Majesties agreed that it was a good and proper thing. A Gollar was called for to mark Mistress Antoinette’s new station. She was then presented with the Ancestral Medallion of the Order of the Pelican in Æthelmearc as well as a personal broach and medallion. Mistress Antoinette gave her oath to the Kingdom as a member of the Order of the Pelican. The scroll, illuminated by THL Vivienne of Yardley and calligraphed by Mistress Alicia Langland, was then read into record.

Mistress Antoinette is inducted into the Pelican. Photo by Arianna.

The Order was asked to remain and THL Ursula of Rouen was called in. The Order as assembled was asked if they still wished for Her Ladyship to be one of them. After receiving confirmation, Their Majesties asked Ursula if she had received counsel and if she desired to be counted among the ranks of the Pelican. She happily said yes. It was then asked if there was a Royal Peer who would attest to her worthiness. Duke Maynard von dem Steine claimed that honor. His Royal Majesty Alric of the Mists claimed the right to speak as a member of the Order of the Chivalry and said that she was his Peer. The Order of the Laurel was represented by Duchess Ilish O’Donnovan, who also agreed that Her Ladyship was worthy of inclusion into the Peerage. When asked if there was a member of the Order of Defense who could speak, Master Emily of Dunvegan spoke on behalf of Ursula. Dame Vivienne Marie de Beauvais then stepped forward and spoke for the Order of the Pelican. Their Majesties, upon hearing the witnesses, agreed that the ceremony should progress. She was given a Norse coat to mark her new station and keep her warm. A Cap of Maintenance was then presented to her. Mistress Antoinette de la Croix then passed the Kingdom Ancestral Medallion to her and a personal medallion was given as well. After receiving her oath, Their Majesties asked that the words marking the occasion be read. Words by Master Quinn Kerr were read and a glittery promissory scroll by Lady Ylaire St. Claire was presented.

THLady Ursula is inducted into the Pelican. Photo by THLady Aine.

Their Majesties then called before them the Order of the Laurel. Noting that the Order is smaller than They expected, THL Ishiyama Gen’tarou Yori’ie was summoned into court. He was then instructed to present himself at the Pennsic War, where he will sit vigil and contemplate inclusion into this august Order.

THLord Ishiyama receives a Writ for the Laurel, with elevation scheduled for Pennsic. Photo by Arianna.

Their Majesties then spoke of the amazing artisans who labor long hours over their art, only to give it away in court so that people may have a remembrance of the day. It was then asked that all scribes stand and be thanked for the continued hard work.

Her Majesty then told of how, after Her many years in the Society, it is rare for her to experience something new. But this day she was able to witness a Japanese Tea Ceremony and was moved by the beauty and artistry of it. For this she did name Lord Amano Zenjirou Nakatsune and Lady Oribe Tsukime as Her inspirations for the day.

Queen Siobhan’s inspiration, Lord Amano Zenjirou Nakatsune and Lady Oribe Tsukime. Photo by Arianna.

It was then announced that there would be a performance by I Genesii immediately after Court.

Their Majesties then thanked all those who came, took classes, fought, and ran the event. Their Highnesses also thanked the populace and said that They are looking forward to the fun to be had over the next year.

Their Majesties of the Midrealm offered their appreciation for the event and thanked Their Majesties for allowing Them to join Their Court. Her Majesty Katherine then presented gifts to the Royal Family in a token of friendship.

There being no further business, court was then closed.