Court report of HRM Christopher from St Swithin’s Bog 12^th Night on January 17th A.S. 43 held in the Barony of St Swithin’s Bog, in the presence of Their Excellencies, Quinn and Vivianne, as reported by THL Matilda Bosvyle de Bela Acqua, Silver Buccle, with the assistance of THLord Brandubh O’Donnghaile.

Morning Court.

His Majesty summoned Don Iago Benitez before him. When asked if he wished to sit vigil and receive council from the Order of the Pelican, he replied that he was. The Order was called forth, and those companions did escort him from without the hall to his place of contemplation.

His Majesty called upon THLord Hrothgeirr Ivarsson to also sit vigil this day, in contemplation of elevation to the Order of Chivalry. Duke Rurik Longsword requested permission to approach and took back his squire’s belt, chain and spurs so that his Lordship might take up this task a free man, unburdened by oath or fealty to any but himself. The King called for the Order and requested they take the candidate from the hall and prepare him such that he may return later with his answer, if he would accept companionship among their number.

Evening Court.

His Majesty gave leave to Their Excellencies to hold their court.

Rachel Dalicieux was Awarded Arms for her service as Baronial Art & Science officer, hosting workshops and encouraging others in the arts (scroll drawn by Roberta McMorland, painted by Faelan MacGerout).

Greggor of Griffins Keep was Awarded Arms for service to his Shire at events and ferocity in heavy combat (scroll by Deryk Archer).

William Walter Armstrong was Awarded Arms for his prowess at heavy weapons combat (scroll text by Allesandra d’Avignon).

Lord Boden was inducted into the Order of the Golden Alce for his outstanding versatility with heavy weapons (scroll text by Graedwynn mab Teyrnon, illum Esa Baird).

Don Iago Benitez was recalled to the assembly and His Majesty put forth the question, would he accept elevation to the Order of the Pelican, to which he responded “yes”. That being so, the Order was summoned into court and they did all affirm that they had counseled the candidate. Representatives of the peerages spoke of Iago’s generous hospitality, willingness to teach and to serve; Duchess Dorinda Courtenay on behalf of the Royal Peers, Sir Alric of the Mists for the Chivalry, Baron Quinn Kerr for the Order of the Laurel and Baroness Vivianne Marie de Beauvais for the Pelicans. His Majesty bestowed upon him the ancestral Pelican medallion of AEthelmearc, a cloak made by Lady Andree Snow Rose was brought forth by his lady, Amelia, a cap of maintenance was provided by Don Bastiano di Iacopo. An oath of fealty to the crown was sworn upon the sword of state and Master Iago arose to greet the companions of his new Order (scroll by Dorinda Courtenay).

The King recalled THLord Hrothgeirr Ivarsson to His presence and as foretold, required an answer to His question. His Lordship affirmed that he did wish to be elevated to the Order of Chivalry. His Majesty invited all those companions of the Order to approach and bear witness to the completion of the vigil, where council had been given and received. Pleased by this, His Majesty asked for a Pelican to speak to Hrothgeirr’s virtues. From the back of the hall came Master Iago, who said that during his time as a Pelican he had contemplated this candidate, his humility and quiet strengths. Duchess Angelik Chastellain de Beauvais spoke with pride of his generosity and service. Baron Quinn spoke of his skill in the arts of peace and war, and Sir Alric told one and all that it was his great friend and former belt brother, Hrothgeirr, who first taught him to throw a wrap shot. His Majesty called for gold spurs to be strapped to Hrothgeirr’s heels, brought forth by Duke Rurik and Sir Alric. He called for a sword, the weapon of a warrior, double edged to cut through to truth and carve out justice. He called for a white belt that Hrothgeirr’s lady, Jill of St Swithin’s Bog might gird about his person; and a knightly cloak such that may identify him to be of nobility, presented by the ladies of his household: Jill, Her Grace, Angelik and THL Marci of Hadley. Sir Magnus Tindal brought forth the ancestral chain and recited it’s lineage before returning it to His Majesty. Duke John ap Gwyndaf of Caid, who first welcomed Hrothgeirr into our Society many years ago, presented him with his own gold chain that he had worn these last 18 years. Sir Alric also handed over the chain given him by Duke Rurik just last year. Upon the Kingdom sword of state and upon the sword of his former knight, Hrothgeirr did swear his oath of fealty to the Crown. His Majesty then dubbed him once for his oath, twice for service and trice to name him Sir Hrothgeirr, Knight of the Society. The King delivered unto him the last unanswered buffet and embraced the knight as His brother at Arms (scroll illum by Rota Egilsdottir, calig by Bjorn bunhauss Olafsson). The hall resounded with great cheers as, surrounded by the other Order members, Duke Rurik leapt upon his brother knight in joyous greeting.

Court was closed.