Court report of TRM’s Khalek and Branwyn from Pennsic War XXXVII, August 3rd-9th A.S. 43 held in the Shire of Sunderoak as reported by THL Matilda Bosvyle de Bela Acqua, Silver Buccle, with the assistance of THLord Brandubh O’Donnghaile, Lord Robert O’Connor, Lady Sofie Davenport and Harold Soc.

Sunday the 3^rd

Noon in the Royal encampment

TRM’s called for Their Order of the Pelican and requested they advise and council the candidate, Baroness Ekaterina Volkova as she contemplated elevation to their esteemed ranks. The order then escorted her to her place of vigil.

Evening during the Barony Marche of the Debatable Lands reception

Risa was Awarded Arms for her service in sewing clothes for Their Excellencies, retaining and helping at events (scroll was unsigned).

Lord Cai o’r Llyn was awarded the Order of the Keystone for his service as dance master, event set up and clean up (scroll was unsigned).

His Majesty called for His steak. The Royal taste-tester delivered it with assurance that it was safe. His Majesty declared the steak was excellent. 

Their Majesties consented to hear the case brought by Baron Tomasson av Knusslig Hamn against Master Emeris Eustas, hight Broom. The gentlemen explained that they had come to a settlement: Master Broom would release Leifr Hjalmsson’s wife, Hrefna in heppna Thorgrimmsdottir from her fostering if Their Majesties would elevate her to be Their Court advisor, and in such situation, Master Fridrikr would withdrawal his suit against Master Broom on his kinswoman’s behalf. The Khan declared that there would be justice and called for His advisors of the Laurel. He questioned them as to their will in this matter and received their agreement that she should be made an advisor to the Crown. His Majesty requested to hear from any who would speak to Hrefna’s worth and wisdom. This command was answered by Tofi Kerthjalfadsson, She’erah bat Shlomo, Haakon Oaktall, Brandubh O’Donnghaile and Arianna of Wynthrop, who each attested to her skill, talent, service and wisdom. Her Majesty was much impressed by these words and His Majesty requested the Lady be brought before Them. He then asked Hrefna if she would accept a position as a Laurel adviser, to which she did agree and did swear her oath to Khalek and Branwyn upon His Majesty’s sword. The Khan accepted her fealty and called for regalia. Cassandra Theodosius brought forth a pair of brooches with beads, a wreath and a cloak for Their Majesties to present to Hrefna symbolizing her new status. She gifted Their Majesties in return. Khalek announced that henceforth this woman should be called Hrefna fruikona (wisewoman) and invited her to sit. He then called for his skald to speak the poem and words commemorating such occasion (Poem by Baron Fridrikr, additional text by Jehan de la Marche). Master Broom invited one and all to enjoy a humble reception at his camp immediately following.

Tuesday the 5^th

Evening in the great ger

Zafira of Sylvan Glen received a Silver Sycamore for her artistry as a scribe and belly dancer (scroll illum by Margarita of Sylvan Glen, calig by Branwyn ferch Gwythr).

Ragnar Thorgrimsson was awarded the Silver Alce for his skill as a youth fighter, and his brother, Thorstein Thorgrimsson was awarded the Silver Buccle for his service in teaching period games (scrolls illum by Juliana Delamare, calig Anlaith ingen Trena).

AEthelmearc Kingdom Exchequer, Mistress Cynthia Love of Tower turned over her office to Lady Katrina Fhail ingen ui Chonaill who swore her oath of service upon the Sword of State.

AEthelmearc Kingdom Seneschal, Countess Caryl Olesdatter recognized the incipient Shire of Ballachlagan and congratulated its people on the speedy formation of this new group.

Master Charles of Alden was recognized as the second person in AEthelmearc to achieve the rank of Marksman of Thrown Weapons (scroll by Maria Christina de Cordoba).

Rhiannon of Ravenglass was Awarded Arms and inducted into the Order of the Keystone for her many years of Service to the Crown and her home group (words by Brandubh O’Donnghaile).

Lady Ismay Ponde was awarded the Order of the Sycamore for her great improvement of skill in the scribal arts through the use of period pigments and vellum (scroll unsigned).

Lord Kunetil Bogenschutze (in absentia) was made a companion of the Order of the Keystone for service in the kitchen on a grand scale (scroll by Maria Christina de Cordoba).

Lady Melissa the Loud received the Order of the Sycamore for sharing her bardic skill through teaching and performance on the hurdy-gurdy (scroll illum Cally of Sylvan Glen, calig Allesandra Bentivegna da Faenza).

Lord Ulrich von Baden was inducted into the Order of the Golden Alce for prowess with heavy weapons (wooden scroll designed by Maria Kotok, executed by Grimolf Ormulfsson).

Their Excellencies of the Barony Marche of the Debatable Lands, Baron Thomas Byron of Haverford and Baroness Ariella of Thornbury were created companions of the Order of the Gage for their fierce some skill at heavy combat (words by Ogami Akira).

Their Majesties called the Order of the Pelican and received confirmation that they had counseled the candidate. Baroness Ekaterina Volkova presented herself to the Court, the Khan then requested to hear from those peers who deemed her worthy of elevation for her service to the Crown, Kingdom and Society: speaking for the Order of Chivalry was Sir Michael of Northwood and Viscount Haakon Oaktall, for the Royal Peers Count Andrew MacFarlan of  Wigan and Countess Alexandra of Clan Donald, for the Laurel Mistress Alicia Langland and Baroness Cori Ghora and on behalf of the Pelicans Baron Bruci of Dragonvale (speaking in his native tongue) and Baron Gregory Loc Swan (translating to the language of the Court). Duke Morguhn Sheridan reclaimed his belt, and fealty from her Excellency. His Majesty then asked if she was prepared to accept elevation to the Peerage. With her affirmation the Crown presented her with the regalia of her station, the ancestral medallion and a hood. Baroness Ekaterina swore her oath of service upon the sword of state and arose to be greeted by her companions (scroll by Jonathan Blackston).

Their Majesties called the Order of the Laurel and asked if they were in agreement on adding one more to their number. Daedez of the Moritu (sometimes called Baroness Daedra McBeth a Gryphon) greeted the Khan and Khatun and inquired about the health of their cattle. His Majesty replied that they were well and fat. He explained that it was Their wish to bestow honor upon Daedez and that many others agreed with him. Viscount Edward Zifran of Gendy spoke as a Royal Peer, Count Jehan de la Marche stood for the Chivalry, as did Duchess Rowan de la Garnison. For the Order of Pelicans Mistress Chai’u’son of the Moritu spoke first, spontaneously followed by Baroness Cori Ghora, Baroness Katja Davidova Orlova Khazarina, Baron Fridrikr Tomasson and Baroness Orianna Fridrikskona. At last, for the Laurels, Baroness Sadira bint Wassouf embraced Daedez as her sister. Their Majesties called for raiments befitting her rank: a cloud collar was presented by Mistress Alison of the Many Isles, along with a medallion and coronet with leaves. His Majesty called for the ancestral fruitcake of the AEthelmearc Laurels to be presented, the partial lineage poem by Master Michael Alewright was read by Viscount Alexander Caithnes of Wyk. His Majesty then called for the Mathom of Thescorre which Her Majesty Branwyn gleefully produced and presented. Daedez swore her oath of friendship and support to the Khan and Khatun upon Their sword (scroll illum Cassia of Dracunmor, calig Chai’u’son of the Moritu).

Their Majesties thanked Brag of Meridies for his cooking assistance at the AEthelmearc party.

Their Majesties congratulated Their heavy combat champions for their victory in the Ealdormere Tournament and called for one who fought on that field: THLord Magnus Tindal. His Majesty asked of all present: who is this man? Four knights stepped forward in turn; Duke Morghun, Sir Angus McBain, Duchess Rowan and Sir Wulfstan Huscarl, each with a different answer, highlighting Tindal’s finest qualities. Satisfied by this response, His Majesty called forth the Order of Chivalry and tasked them to escort this man and prepare him to sit vigil for elevation to their Order.

Wednesday the 6^th

Morning upon the field of battle, in the presence of Their Majesties, Sinclair and Kari of Atlantia

Their Majesties invited the companions of the Order of the Chivalry to present themselves and answer if they had attended to the candidate and counseled him as he sat vigil. With their affirmation spoken as one, Their Majesties called for his Lordship Magnus Tindal, who then relinquished his belt and fealty chain to his Knight, Sir Forgal Kerstetter, lately of Trimaris. Their Majesties requested to hear from those who would speak of Tindal’s worth: Baroness Guilietta di Venizia on behalf of the Order of the Pelican, Duke Lucius Aurelius Valharic of Atlantia was overcome with emotion as he spoke for the Order of the Laurel, Countess Caryl spoke as a Royal Peer, Sir Forgal and Earl Yngvar the Dismal each as members of the Chivalry. Upon hearing all this, His Majesty asked Tindal if he would accept such elevation, to which he agreed. Duke Michael of Bedford presented spurs, the belt of the Astelon Knights was girded about his waist by his Lady, Etain ingen Dalaig, Sir Alric of the Mists presented the AEthelmearc chain to Their Majesties, and a cloak made by Countess Isabeau de l’Isle enshrouded him. Tindal swore his oath to the Crown upon the chain and the sword of state, His Majesty dubbed him for might and honor before bidding him to rise as a Knight of AEthelmearc, at which point two Atlantian knights burst into joyful song. The Khan delivered the final buffet to Sir Tindal square in the chest and invited the rest of the Order to greet their brother at Arms (scroll words Fridrikr Tomasson av Knusslig Hamn).  The Khan invited Atlantia to proceed with Their Court and Knighting ceremony. King Sinclair declared that these two new-made knights should fight in single combat to begin the day’s battle. It was later noted that Sir Tindal was the victor.

Thursday the 7^th

Evening in the Royal encampment

His Majesty took notice of the mighty fighters of AEthelmearc and their outstanding efforts upon the war field.

Melissa of Orluk Oasis was invited to play her clarinet for the Court, accompanied by her drummers and a dancer from the East. Their Majesties much enjoyed her performance and Awarded her Arms (scroll words and illum Natolia Anastaslia Evgenova, calig Eva Woderose).

Stephen of Sylvan Glen was Awarded Arms and given into the Order of the Sycamore for drumming, demo help and teaching tool making (illum Boudicea Ravenhair, calig Ekaterina Volkova).

Charlotte Fraser was Awarded Arms for her kitchen service (scroll by Magdalena Txoperena).

Gareth Craig was Awarded Arms for his work with event set-up, clean-up crews, fighting and cooking (scroll by Astraya Royarchevicha).

Twyla McVay was Awarded Arms for her skills at sewing, cooking and aiding new comers (scroll unsigned).

Oola the Magnificent was Awarded Arms for her teaching of Middle Eastern dance (scroll in progress, words unsigned)

Benjamin of Hartstone was Awarded Arms for his many hours of service as retainer to his Majesty during Pennsic.

Lord Mathias Kotok was inducted into the Order of the Keystone for his service as a Youth Marshal, heavy youth fighter and help with set-up, clean up (scroll illum Maria Christina de Cordoba, calig Hrefna fruikona).

Lady Gillian McGill was created a companion of the Order of the Sycamore for her efforts as seamstress, bard and brewer (scroll by Ysabeau Tiercelin).

Lord Grimarr Bjarnarson was inducted into the Order of the Golden Alce for heavy weapons combat (scroll illum Aibell ingen Diarmata, calig Lara Sukhedrev).

Lord Ambros Kyrielle was made a companion of the Order of the Sycamore for his artistry in researching and creating labyrinths at Pennsic.

Lady Angeline Cruceau was awarded the Golden Alce for her skill in fencing (scroll by Arianna of Wynthrope).

Lady Aine O’Muirghesan was inducted as a companion of the Keystone for her many years of quiet service to the Crown (words by Sofie Davenport).

Friday the 8^th

Afternoon in the woods, before the fencing battle

Their Majesties gathered before Them the Order of the White Scarf to confirm that it was still their wish to add one more to their ranks. Lord Benedict Fergus atte Mede was called into Their presence and asked how he fared. Fergus replied that he had a sudden need for the privy but was otherwise well. His Majesty explained that Fergus’s sharp wit, distinguished skill with rapier and dedication as a teacher had not gone unnoticed. His mentor, Don Behrend von Elmendorf came forward, removed the blue scarf from Fergus’s shoulder and replaced it with a white silk scarf. Don Fergus was then heartily greeted by his new companions (scroll illum Beatrice de Winter, calig Katherine Kiersey, words by Beatrice, Katherine and William Freskyn Murray).

Evening in the great ger,

Their Majesties thanked all those volunteers on the Pennsic staff who give up their vacations to work for all of us during the Pennsic War and throughout the year. They invited the populace at large to return to AEthelmearc’s land again next year.

Court was closed.