On the 8th of October, Anno Societatis LI, or 2016 in the Common Era, Their Majesties Brion III and Anna III rode to Their Barony of Carillion, there to attend Ghosts, Ghouls, and Goblins and the Ladies of the Rose Tourney.
Their Majesties Opened Court by inviting in Duchess Kiena Stewart and Duchess Caoilfhionn inghean Fhaolain, who hosted the Rose Tourney. Their Graces thanked the Barony of Carillion for hosting them, then announced the winners of the various categories. The overall winning team belonged to Duchess Etheldreda Ivelchyld.
The top team in archery was Countess Violante do Porto’s team and the top archer was Master Peter the Red.
The top armoured combat team was also Duchess Etheldreda’s, with the top chivalry combatant Master Ioannes Aurelius Serpentius and the top unbelted combatant Baron Rory McClellan.
The top rapier combat team belonged to Duchess Caoilfhionn. The top OGR fencer was Don Melchior Kriebel and the top non-OGR was Lord Titus Hostilius Nero.
Their Majesties invited the children of the East forward. When asked if the children liked the Society, one child exclaimed, “Yes! I love it!”. In keeping with Their Majesties’ philosophy that gifts such as these should come with some learning about the Society, King Brion and Queen Anna asked Duchesses Kiena and Caoilfhionn to come forward and speak to the children about courtesy before the children could claim their bounty.
The Crown then called for the event steward, Baroness Tysha z Kieva, and thanked her for her efforts putting together the event.
King Brion and Queen Anna then invited those new to the Society to come forward. Queen Anna spoke briefly to them, making them welcome, then the newcomers were offered tokens that they might remember their first steps in the SCA.
Next, Anastasia Wolf of House Carpathia was called for. Their Majesties noted that she served as a water bearer and entertained people with Middle Eastern dance. Finding her contributions worthy, Anastasia was made a Lady of the Court and Awarded Arms. She was given a scroll to commemorate this, with calligraphy by Master Jonathan Blaecstan and illumination by Baroness Ellesbeth Donofrey.
Lord Aharon Ben Ze’ev was summoned and Their Majesties spoke to him of his work in Settmour Swamp as an event steward, cook, and event staff and, in light of these good works, inducted him into the Order of the Silver Wheel. Aharon was given a scroll made by Mistress Heather Rose de Gordoun to mark the occasion.
King Brion then spoke briefly about the Orders. For the duration of the reign, when in tight quarters or with larger Courts, members of the various Orders may be asked to stand in place, rather than gather around the newest Order member. It is hoped that this small change will help speed the longer Courts.
Their Majesties then requested that Master Erhart von Stuttgart attend them. They spoke of his works crafting brass needles, hooks and eyes, and pins, and drawing of wire. They heard the words of Their Order of the Maunche and inducted Erhart into that Order. There was no scroll present, but there were words provided by Master Ryan McWhyte.
The Crown then called for Duke Gavin Kilkenny. King Brion mentioned that “back in the day”, it was not common to receive regalia when elevated to the peerage. Friends of His Grace felt this should be rectified and were called forward to present him with a hood for his induction into the Order of the Pelican these many years past.
Queen Anna spoke briefly about a day she described as “delightful” and King Brion called “excellent”. The business of the Court concluded, Their Majesties retired to their rooms.
These were the events of the Court as I recall them. My thanks to the event staff, retainers, guards, heralds, scribes, and all those others who made the event the thing it was.
Pray know I remain,
For Crown and College,
– Master Rowen Cloteworthy
