A Narrative of the Court of Wilhelm and Vienna at Their Crown Tournament
The day dawned dark and stormy in the northern region of the East Kingdom, with rain pouring down from the heavens above at a steady pace. This is how it all began on that 3rd day of November, Anno Societatis LIII, in the common era of 2018. The tournament to choose the Kingdom’s heirs must take place this day, regardless the weather. The combatants and their consorts had begun to arrive, the event staff making adjustments and finishing preparations, and then King Wilhelm and Queen Vienna did arrive.
Their Majesties gathered all those in attendance close in the giant barn that would protect the competitors from the elements. First the rules of the list were read out, The King and Queen then had Their herald call forward Master Steffen of Silverforge. Master Steffen read an important Inclusion Statement that had been signed by a great many Peers of the Kingdom. It was noted that the statement and the signatures could be found on the East Kingdom Wiki. (https://wiki.eastkingdom.org/index.php?title=East_Kingdom_Peers_Inclusion_Statement).
The King then spoke about how important it was that honor shine this day. His passion for clean, clear wins and fights filled with honor was so strongly evident in His every word. Then Master Rowen Cloteworthy’s voice rang out with the names of each combatant and their chosen consort.
One by one these hopeful couples stood before their King and Queen – a rose from Her Majesty for the consort, and a few words from the King to encourage the combatant. The last pair welcomed, The King and Queen bid one Goerijs Goriszoon to raise his voice in song, yet another bard who borrows from The King’s most favored bard called ABBA.
And thus the tournament began.
Round after round was fought. Noble deeds, chivalric acts, kindness and ferocity all filled the space. At the end of the day, one combatant stood absolutely victorious, Ozurr the Bootgiver had bested all.
King Wilhelm von Ostenbrücke, Queen Vienna de la Mer and Brigantia Principal Herald of the East, Master Malcolm Bowman, then did enter the list where Ozurr the Bootgiver and Fortune St. Keyne stood. Those gathered in this place watched on as with words and crowns the Kingdom of the East had new heirs, Prince Ozurr and Princess Fortune!
A short while later, with many now gathered in the great hall, the King, Queen, Prince and Princess of the East did process the length of the room, and take Their rightful places. Their Majesties then invited Baron Ane du Vey and Baroness Sylvia du Vey to join Them. The Baron and Baroness brought with them gifts for Their Majesties, who in turn had gifts for the Baron and Baroness of Endewearde. The Baron and Baroness then swore their fealty before moving to stand before their seats.
Their Majesty’s herald then called for the new Prince and Princess to come before The King and Queen, for there was one more thing that must be done. Their investiture as Crown Prince and Princess and Protectors of Tir Mara must take place. His Majesty spoke to them both about the importance of caring for Tir Mara and seeing to Their people there. Short cloaks were placed about their shoulders, and rings placed upon their fingers, and it was done. Ozurr and Fortune arose, Crown Prince and Princess of Tir Mara.
Next to come into Their Majesties court were all Ladies of the Rose who were present, for they had tokens to offer to those they had found worthy of recognition this day. First Duchess Katherine spoke. Offering a token from Duchess Luna for a gentle who’s name this herald did not catch, and then offering tokens of her own to Baroness Sylvia du Vey and Lady Vivien de Valois. Next Duchess Avelina offered a token from Countess Mara for Sir William MacCrimmon. The next Rose to speak was Countess Marguerite, offering a token from Countess Violante to Sir Matthew D’Arden, and then a token from herself to Master Peter. The Kingdom’s new Princess, Fortune, now offered her very first token to Sir Matthew’s son, Galen. Finally Queen Vienna, offered her token to Lady Lijsbet van Catwiic.
Her Majesty now called Sterling de la Rosa before Her. She spoke of how outstanding his honor had been all day. To him She gave the care of the Shield of Chivalry.
Next to be summoned before Their Majesties was Matthew D’Arden. He had fought valiantly this day, falling only at the very last to Ozurr. They gave to him both the whistle and the hat of the Admiral of the Armies. Even though this hat is odd and awkward, this great fighter wore it nobly and with great grace.
Now Their Majesties bade Their herald call others into Their court. First, Mabbe atte Eye. To her was given a Bell, to mark her inclusion in Their Order of the Terpsichore for her devotion to dance.
Next called forward were any Newcomers present, and they were given tokens to remember this day, and encouraged to join us all again.
Now the name of Cody of Endewearde rang out. A great procession appeared, and as they processed toward the King and Queen, They could be heard to wonder where within this great crush of people, Cody could be found. Once he was at last standing before Them, Their Majesties called for Their order of the Gawain and added Cody to their numbers. Cody was given a pair of green garters and a brightly colored scroll made for him by Techan MacGothraidh.
Next the herald called for Lillian Crowe. Their Majesties spoke to this young lady about how much they had heard about her great caring for others, for her desire and willingness to help. The Queen, in fact, noted that Lillian had helped Her all day. Now They called for Their order of the Tyger’s Cub, and They did induct Lillian into this order. A medallion from Matthew MacGyver and a scroll made for her by Constance de St. Denis did mark her addition to this order.
Now Their Majesties needed the children of this order, joined by any other children present – for it was time for the renowned toy box. But who to choose to carry it? Lillian Crowe’s voice could be heard above the din – volunteering her father, Richard Crowe, to carry it. The King and Queen thought this was a marvelous idea – and called him forward, and placed the toy box in his care. With a count of three, off he went – down the length of the hall, and out onto the great front porch, and then BACK into the hall! This is where the children caught up to him, and with peals of laughter, toys were claimed.
Next to hear their name was Marjorie Kinlock, called Madge. For all of her work in kitchens and on garb it was time to make her a Lady of Their court, and to award her arms. Their Majesties saw it done, and handed to her a scroll to mark the occasion made by Agatha Wanderer, Christiana Crane, and Cedric of Thanet.
The herald now called for Tiffan Fairamay, and Their Majesties spoke to her about her embroidery and fringed veils as well as her recent interest in scribal arts. They called for Their order of the Silver Brooch and with a medallion made just for her and a scroll made by Audrye Beneyt, and Alexandre St. Pierre it was done.
Now Her Majesty stood. She spoke about a gentle who was always kind and courteous, one who had impressed Her greatly. She bade Tiberivs Ivlivs Rvfvs to come before Her. She drew forth a white glove and spoke of how she had added the lace at the cuff from lace left to Her by Her own grandmother, and with tears in Her eyes, She added him to Her Order of Courtesy. Then She bade him stay, for there was another She would honor similarly this day. She then called forward Edward MacGyver, and noted how impressed She had always been with his comportment. The glove The Queen now handed to Edward, had been Her grandmother’s as well, and the embroidery upon it had been finished by Her Majesty that very morning.
Next to be summoned before Their Majesties was Aesa Ormstunga, called Jotunsbane. His Majesty noted how word was that her curved blade was much feared among her fellow fencers. He then had His herald call forward the order of the Golden Rapier and with Their Majesties will, words from a scroll made by Christina Crane and Nicol mac Donnachaidh and an assortment of medallions, Jotunsbane was added to their numbers.
Now the herald’s voice rang out, calling for Misha of Endewearde. The Barony of Endeweard’s heavy weapons champion must be added to Their Majesties order of the Silver Tyger. With a medallion and scroll by Keziah Planchet, so it was done.
The name of Matthew MacGyver was next to be called. His Majesty spoke of how well Matthew fought, his speed and stamina exceeding that of many much more experienced fighters. He then had His herald call for His order of the Tygers Combattant that this man could be added. Once surrounded, Matthew was given a medallion from the household Von Drachenklaue with a long and notable history as well as an elaborate scroll made for him by Edward MacGyver and Nicol mac Donnachaidh.
The next gentle called was Anne Wyecliffe, however she could not be present, and her daughter came forward in her stead. Their Majesties wished her name added to the order of the Silver Wheel. The Queen in particular spoke at length about the many items of largess that she had found with Anne’s name upon them, about how quietly and without note, she had been serving and supporting her kingdom. Anne’s daughter expressed how sorrowful Anne was not to be able to be present this day and swore to carry the Queen’s words back to her. Next a medallion to carry to her as well, and then a scroll – a scroll created for her by the Queen’s own hand!
Now David Poirier de LeLoup’s presence before his King and Queen was required. Word of his involvement in and support of the archery community had reached Their ears, as well as whispers about his service to so many. This man as well, They would add to the order of the Silver Wheel, and so this order was called forward. Two medallions, one from Anne de Basillon and one from Sólveig Bjarnardóttir and a scroll translated into French by Constanzia de Vianne and created by Lisabetta Medaglia and Kenneric Aubrey marked his addition.
There were others who must be added to the order of the Silver Wheel this day. The next called for such honor was Alan of Wytleseie, another deeply involved in the archery community, and a creator of feasts as well. With a scroll made for him by Aesa feilinn Jossursdottir and Matthias Grunewald, and a medallion from Their Majesties hands, it was done.
And one more as well must be added to this fine order. Broddr Tryggrsson heard his name now. For all his help organizing and encouraging fighters, leading and managing, he must be added to the order of the Silver Wheel. With a medallion and a scroll by Onora inghean Ui Ruairc, he too was made a companion.
Now the young man, Walter mac Donnaghi heard his name called by the herald. The Queen had heard tell of many wonderful things about this gentle, but one story in particular stood out to her. It seems that when he was on his way back to his own camp, he came upon an older woman struggling to carry some ice to her own camp. He put his own burdens down, and immediately changed his route, that he might help this gentle. Surely this was the stuff of which Lords of Their Majesties court should be made, and so it was an Award of Arms for Walter, with a scroll made for him by Tiffan Fairamay and Nicol mac Donnachaidh.
There was one who it was said, made magic with her fiber arts, and willingly shared all she knew again again by teaching classes and instructing individuals as well. Their Majesties would have this gentle before them immediately -and that is why Raven Luosey heard her name cried out. For her an Award of Arms, for a Lady she would be, with a beautiful scroll containing the ravens of her namesake, made by Yzabelle du Perche to mark the day.
Next called before King Wilhelm and Queen Vienna, was one Embla Knutrdottir. The King noted that he had heard her described as a “firecracker of a fighter” and that seemed like the sort of fighter that ought to be added to the order of the Silver Tyger, and so He had this very order called forward and with a medallion that came to her through others from Kenric of blessed memory, and an elaborate scroll made by Edward MacGyve and Nicol mac Donnachaidh, she was added to their numbers.
There was another, named Albrecht Ostergaard who needed to be added to the ranks of the Silver Tygers. His skill on the field of battle well known, the time had come. For him there was a scroll by Aesileif Hoarr Kona and Matthew MacGyver, and a medallion as well, as he was also added to this order.
There was a founding member of the court of Royal Foresters among those assembled, and the herald now called his name. For the King and Queen wished to speak with Rys ap Dinefawr. This day had be quite wet and rainy, and yet this gentle had helped keep a fire going all day for others to enjoy. It was clear Rys must be made a Lord of Their court for this alone, if not for his growing skill with rapier, throwing weapons, heavy combat, and archery as well! And so a scroll by Marian Kirkpatrick and Aleksei Dimitrov noted his Award of Arms.
There were two who should have been present this day that Their Majesties wished to honor by adding them to Their order of the Silver Wheel. However, Hrafn Iss Auga and Halldis Ulfsdottir had been unable to attend, and word had been sent that the scrolls they were to receive should be given to the Baron and Baroness of Endewearde. Thus it was so, that Their Majesties added both to the Order and had read a scroll by Tola Knityr for Hrafn and a scroll by Brangwyne of Wentworth for Halldis – which were then placed in the care of the Baron and Baroness.
One more among their people, the King and Queen would have added to the Order of the Silver Wheel. They bade Their herald to call the name of Leofwyn of Wytleseie that she might stand before Them, surrounded by the members of this order. They had heard so many wonderful words about all that Leofwyn did, and so They made the orders numbers increase by one more, and gave unto her a scroll created by Elen Alswyth of Eriskay using words that had been sent by Audrye Beneyt , to commemorate the day.
Now the herald was heard to cry the name of Magnus Morty. This fine fencer listened as the King spoke about all he was learning about the use of a rapier, and the community that wielded it – and as he knelt there, others could see that there was a group of people ever so slowly sneaking up behind him. And while Magnus may well have been on the East Kingdom’s champions team 6 times, he was completely un aware of the motley crew that was bare paces behind him now. The herald then called for Their Majesties order of the Golden Rapier, and the group rushed the last few paces forward – for that is whom had been tip-toeing their way to Magnus’s back. With a medallion from Nataliia Anastasiia Evgenova and a scroll made for him by Camille des Jardins, Anne Meckil von Salm, and Lucien de Wyntre the order had another among them.
Their Majesties next called before them the day’s Event Steward, Audrye Beneyt. Together with her They called forward and thanked all of the staff who had made the day so wonderful. Leofwyn Whytlesie as Deputy Event Steward, Lord Cormac Longstrider & Mistress Aneleda Falconbridge as feast stewards, Master Godric of Hamtun who handled gate, Lady Lijsbet van Catwiic who ran dayboard, Lord Edmund Beneyt who handled Parking, Lady Saruca who coordinated with the Marshal in Charge for the day. Lady Olalla Tristana who coordinated the gift swap in addition to the Arts & Sciences Display. Meisterin Agatha Wanderer & Braumeister who coordinated the royal room. Lord Seamus Na Coille Aosda who created the fire, and along with the Foresters, keeping it managed throughout the day. Set up and Tear Down Crews also included Lord Thomas de Marr , Lord Nuttus Assingdone , Lord William of Wyndhaven , Lord Alan of Whytlesie , and more who Audrye was sure her tired brain could not remember.
Their Majesties dismissed these folks, and then just as they began to leave, They called Audrye back with a stern look. Her Majesty spoke about the very first note offering help that She had seen after They had returned from the Crown Tournament Wilhelm had won – for it was from Audrye Beneyt. Her Majesty also spoke about how many aspects of setting up for and running Their reign, They already depended on Audrye for help with. These things and more, were the reason why, They were now going to make her a Baroness of Their court. The Queen of the East placed a white and black coronet made by Marian Kirkpatrick upon Audrye’s head, and the words from the scroll created by Tiffan Fairaway and Alexandre Saint Pierre were read – and it was so.
That being all the business Their Majesties had, Their court was now closed, that all might retire to feast.
During feast, the Queen oversaw one additional piece of business. Her Majesty honored the most elaborate table setting at Crown Tournament and encouraged the recipients to attend the Twelfth Night feast to award the next Portable Feast, signified by the giving of a footed bowl to those seated at that table. The names She collected were: Elspet Catto, Roland de la Mar, Elizabeth of Endewearde, Eleanor Swyft, Eva DeHaas, Lijsbet van Catwiic, Thomas de Marr, Admiranda Howard and Gruffydd Abernethy.
The heralds who attended Their Majesties in Court were: Theodora Bryennissa, called Treannah, Rowen Cloteworthy, Anne de Basillon, Malcolm Bowman, Marian Kirkpatrick, Kirsa Oyutai, Aloysius Sartore, Lucien de Wyntere, Audrye Beneyt and Maria Erika Von Ossenheim.
These are the events as I recall them unfolding before me.
Yours In Service,
Theodora Bryennissa, called Treannah