Court Reports of the Kingdom of
Æthelmearc
Murdoch and Ríoghnach
September 21, AS 59 (2024)
Coronation of Bjarki and Gabrielle
Shire of Steltonwald
Documented from the Rolls and Files of the Coram Regibus of Murdoch I Rex and Ríoghnách I Regina, King and Queen of Æthelmearc: Being a True Record of the Business of Their Final Royal Court at the Coronation of Their Heirs, Bjarki and Gabrielle, 21st September, AS LIX, in the Shire of Steltonwald. As recorded by Gwendolyn the Graceful, Brehyres, Meistr-y-gân, Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald, assisted by Lærifaðir jǫrundr hinn rotinn, Silver Buccle Herald, and Mistress Gytha Oggsdottir, Silver Sycamore Herald.
Their Majesties thanked everyone for their support and enthusiasm throughout the reign, saying that the experience had rekindled Their love for the Society, as if They were once again discovering the Society for the first time.
Their Majesties requested the presence of Sir Þórormr inn skjálgi, but found no one who answered to that name.
Their Majesties then sought Duchess Ariella of Thornbury, Duke Thomas Byron of Haverford, and Sir Lotharius qui et Segimundus. Seeing that none were present in Court, They explained that these three had been of invaluable, literal life-saving assistance to Their Majesties, and His Majesty in particular, on the final day of Pennsic, both on and “way way off” the field. For these acts in defense of the Crown, They wished to bestow upon Them Golden Thorns.
Their Majesties next welcomed Lady Ethne an Locha and Lord Nasr ibn Yusuf. Noting that over many years, They had had occasion to cross paths with both these gentles, and in particular over the course of the reign, They had observed many instances where both were present, helpful, kind, and above all, courteously supportive, and for this, and in recognition of their years of quiet, gentle service, They saw fit to name both to the Order of the Cornelian. Matching scrolls by Lady Kolfinna Jodisardottir with words by “Some Guy in a Hat” (Master Po Silvertop).
Their Majesties requested one to accept on behalf of Sir Dominic McMorland. In recognition of his skill and effort into the art of metalwork and knifesmithing, They named him a Companion of the Order of the Sycamore. Scroll by The Honorable Lady Gwen Cooke upon words by “Some Guy in a Hat” (Master Po Silvertop).
Their Majesties granted audience to His Royal Highness, Prince Bjarki Rikarðarson. His Highness stated that the appointed time had come, when Their Majesties had promised to relinquish the throne to His Highness and to Her Royal Highness, Gabrielle de Winter, and thus He laid claim to that which was rightfully His.
His Majesty agreed that They acknowledged His Highness' status as lawful Heir, and that He did recall that day, but They wished to consult others who might attest to His Highness' claim. Baron Pádraig Ó Branduibh, Kingdom Seneschal, reported that he had reviewed all the pertinent tomes of law, policy, and tradition, and could faithfully declare that the Tournament held on that day was lawful, and was overseen by the Earl Marshall in accordance with the traditions of Æthelmearc. Sir Ardan Scot of Clan Scot, Earl Marshall, verified that he and the other marshalls officiated the Tournament properly and that Prince Bjarki was the uncontested winner on that day. Dame Olyf Moorcroft, Mistress of the Lists, further testified that His Highness' victory was appropriately documented and all the formalities were observed. Finally, Lærifaðir jǫrundr hinn rotinn, Silver Buccle Herald, reminded Their Majesties that upon that day, at the conclusion of the Tournament, They did place the heirs' crowns upon the heads of Prince Bjarki and Princess Gabrielle. Based on these accounts, Their Majesties acquiesced to His Highness' rightful petition, and requested that They be allowed to conclude a few remaining items of business before relinquishing the thrones. They bid His Highness to please prepare and return with His Royal Consort at that time.
Following this, Their Majesties requested the presence of Lady Umbriana Campana. Her Majesty recounted how Master Angellino had agreed to stay on as Privet Secretary after serving Their predecessors, but that he planned to teach others, and that Lady Umbriana had not only jumped in to that rôle, but that she had goals for it, grew the job, and has been asked to continue her mission as the royal signet for Their Heirs. In recognition of the efficiency and organization she built upon Master Angellino's foundation, Their Majesties presented her with Æthelmearc's Award of Excellence.
Next, Their Majesties desired to be attended by Lady Toril Vinstridhendi. Commenting that They had been trying to cross paths with her for some time—since Blackstone Raids, in fact—They were pleased to see her finally, and to acclaim her steady service and support to the College of Silva Vulcani and to the rapier community. To further demonstrate this to all, They chose to name her a Companion of the Order of the Keystone. Scroll by Doña Lucia Augur upon words by Master Cyrus Augur.
Their Majesties also sought Lady Sionnan de la Ronde. Likewise, Their Majesties were sorry to have missed her at Pennsic, but were glad to greet her on this occasion, and to note before the assembled Court that this lady had been a source of constant support to the Shire of Ballachlagan and the College of Arx Collis, serving as seneschal of the former and helping to build the community and provide numerous connections and resources for the latter. As a mark of her stalwart efforts, They deemed it proper to induct her as a Companion of the Order of the Keystone. Scroll illumination by Lady Umbriana Campana with calligraphy by Armiger Urraca Beatriz Botelho.
Their Majesties then requested Lady Cadence of the Debatable Lands to come forward. They noted that she had been observed on numerous occasions being helpful, working in kitchens, helping to set things up, tear things down, carrying, retaining, and much more. In the face of this record of dependable, courteous, and joyful service, Their Majesties declared it only fitting to create her a Companion of the Order of the Keystone. Scroll by Armiger Urraca Beatriz Botelho upon a design by Lady Umbriana Campana, with words by Lord Julius Gautieri.
Their Majesties, being informed that Duchess Ariella and Duke Byron were now present in the Court, recalled them forward to present them with the previously mentioned Golden Thorns.
Their Majesties requested the presence of Lady Meg MacNeil, or one to accept on her behalf. While none came forward, They were still pleased to recognize her skill within the kitchens of Heronter and to name her a Companion of the Keystone in absentia. Scroll by The Honorable Lady Gwen Cooke upon words by Duchess Dorinda Courtenay.
Their Majesties also being reliably informed that he was also present, called once more for Sir Þórormr inn skjálgi, and then noted that the "correct" pronunciation was Sir Thorsol Solinauga, as the other was, in fact, his registered name, and entreated him to join Them. Their Majesties then called to mind other names by which he is known, such as “Uncle Thorsol,” “THE Thorsol,” and so on, pointing out that he is an institution in the kingdom, and is known beyond our borders, but that They wished to make it plain to all that he is a man of Æthelmearc. Thus, it pleased them greatly to place a coronet upon his brow and name him a Baron of the Court. Scroll by The Honorable Lady Nichola Beese.
Next, Their Majesties desired that Lady Simonetta d'Alfassi leave her post behind the throne in order to present herself before the throne. When she asked how she might serve, His Majesty replied that she knew already what she had done. When she attempted to apologize, she was assured by her House that no, she was not sorry. Indeed, Her Majesty pointed out that she had served many reigns, worn many hats, and performed many an act of service, both visible to all and those that were not so visible. So palpable had her service been that it was not only obvious to Their Majesties, but to another group of individuals who had made it known they were incomplete without her. Thus, Their Majesties requested to be joined by the Noble Order of the Millrind, and Granted her Arms to become one of their Companions. Scroll by Master Caleb Reynolds.
Following this, Their Majesties invited Boyarin Zvonimir Zavodchikov and Boyarina Zaritsa Zavodchikovna to attend Them. Of His Excellency Zvonomir, His Majesty pointed out that he is one of those gentles whose courtesy and generosity is truly as real outside of the Society as it appears to be inside it, and that Their Majesties were surprised to find that His Excellency had not already been recognized for this. Thus, They wished to remedy that by inducting him into the Order of the Cornelian. Scroll by Baroness Abby Rose.
Of Her Excellency Zaritsa, Her Majesty observed that from early in Their tenure as Prince and Princess, Her Excellency has seen to it that Their needs were met, whether great or small, from the tiniest details to the big jobs that took Them by surprise, Her Excellency continually assisted Them, not just for Themselves, but to the benefit of the Kingdom. Their Majesties recognized in Her Excellency all that is best about the realm, and for this reason, They chose to illustrate her importance with an outward symbol by bestowing upon her Æthelmearc's Award of Excellence.
Their Majesties then desired Runolfr Grafeldr, known as Rundwulfe, to come forward. Recounting the many years They had known him, and the countless ways in which he has served, not only His Majesty as a squire, but his shire and events all over the kingdom, including working in kitchens, helping to clean sites and set up lists, and his steadfast dedication, and that even leaving aside these acts, his longstanding support merited thanks and reward. Thus, They named him a Baron of the Court. Scroll illumination and wording by The Honorable Lord Owen Tegg, calligraphy by Magister Ceindrech verch Eilidir.
Their Majesties next named the following gentles as Their recipients of the Sigil of Æthelmearc, and presented tokens to the same: Baroness Abby Rose; Ustät Abdullah al-Rashid; Baroness Æsa Helgulfsdottir; Baroness Aine ny Allane; Meisterin Amalie Reinhardt; Master Angellino the Bookmaker; Doña Ania Mhoireach; Sir Beatrix Krieger; Lady Birna Hakadottir; Mistress Elena de la Palma; Baroness Elizabeta da Venezia; The Honorable Lady Erzebet Fauconneau; Lady Ethne an Locha; Goði Friðrikr Tomasson; Brehyres Gwendolyn the Graceful; Meisterin Helena Mützhazenin; Hus Faerhaga; Don Jehan le Blanc; Mistress Jenna MacPherson of the Lion's Tower; Duchess Kallista Morgunova; Sir Lotharius qui et Segimundus; Lady Margaret Grace; Lord Nasr ibn Yusuf; Owen of Endless Hills; The Honorable Lady Rannveig Alfvinsdottir; Master Robert O'Connor; Mistress Roberta McMorland; Baron Runolfr Grafeldr; Baron Salvadore de la Torres; Sir Þórormr inn skjálgi; Baron Ulfkell Dungalsson; Lady Umbriana Campana; Maistresse Yvianne de Castel D'Avignon; Noble Zabela Zavodchikov; Boyarina Zaritsa Zavodchikovna; Boyarin Zvonimir Zavodchikov; Lord Zrz Zavodchikov; The Honorable Lady Zoya Dragomirova.
At this time, Their Majesties called forth all who had served upon Her Majesty's guard, and thanked them for protecting Her Majesty throughout the reign, and released them from service.
Their Majesties also requested that the Royal Champions accept a small token of appreciation for their continued service to the realm and the reign to come.
Their Majesties next asked Their reign coordinator, Meisterin Helena Mützhazenin to come forward, as well as others who served upon the Royal Household staff, and thanked them, and released them from service.
Their Majesties then asked Baroness Abby Rose, head retainer, and all others who had served as retainers, to come forward. To Her Excellency Abby Rose, Her Majesty also presented a small gift of appreciation since, as Her Majesty pointed out, Her Excellency never got a “break” since she lived with them. They then requested that Her Excellency collect the baldrics of the retainers, and thanked them all, releasing them from service.
Being divested of retainers, guards, and reign staff, Their Majesties no longer required the services of a herald, and so They once again called for Lærifaðir jǫrundr hinn rotinn, Silver Buccle Herald, to release Brehyres Gwendolyn the Graceful from the office of Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald.
Finally, Their Majesties once again addressed the populace, beginning with Her Majesty attesting that it had been an honor to serve a kingdom so amazing, and that it had been glorious to see it from a different perspective as King and Queen. The Society and the Kingdom was founded upon ideals of honor and courtesy, and they have been displayed by the populace throughout Their time on the thrones, and may it serve as a reminder that that is what we are about, that is how to show our love for Æthelmearc. His Majesty again shared that the experience had made Them feel like it was Their first year in the Society again, rediscovering the magic and joy and wonder that is the Society. Further, that it is a blessing that so many people have been participants for so long, growing the kingdom, making it better, but that it is also a known factor that burnout and frustration can happen. Against these troubles, His Majesty offered the advice to enjoy that which is there to be enjoyed.
With that, Their Majesties welcomed Their Heirs, Prince Bjarki and Princess Gabrielle. As they had received the Crowns together at the start of Their reign, so did They remove Their crowns together at the end, and together, They placed the King's Crown upon Bjarki, and on behalf of Æthelmearc, received His Majesty's oath to serve the realm faithfully as its King.
Thus did the reign of Murdoch and Rioghnach come to its end.
Faithfully Submitted,
Gwendolyn the Graceful, Brehyres (OL, OP)
Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald (Retired)