Order of Gawain for Ari Finason

In accordance with all that is proper, attend and bear witness that we, Kenric and Avelina, Rex and Regina Orientalis have observed with great interest the actions of Ari Finason of Endewearde.

Though a young man still, his courage on the tourney field and his confidence and grace with rapier and sword have foretold the warrior he has become. He is greater still in fairness, generousity of spirit and thoughtfulness to others. Whether lending his strength to the humblest of tasks or rising to the occasion and bringing swift aid to those in need, his kindness and amiablity are a treasure to Our kingdom.

We therefore commend him and welcome him into the Order of Gawain. In witness whereof, before all here present, do We thereby set Our signs manual to make of these letters firm and binding on this 25th day of January A.S. XVLIII at Market Day at Birka in Our Barony of Stonemarche.

Wording by Christiana Crane.

AoA for Wynefryd Bredhers

Unto all be it known that we, Kenric, mighty King of the East and Avelina, kind and gracious Queen, have made it Our wish and command to advance in nobility Wynefryd Bredhers.

Know now, all of our fair realm, that the said Wynefryde is a lady of charm and wit and that her kind heart and generous nature brighten Our court. With constant dedication she knows each fighters name and checks the rolls with devotion. To acknowledge her virtues, we confer upon her all the honors and privileges of her new station as well as the right to bear these arms - Vert, a fern within a bordure Or. Having confirmed by document and set by Our hand at the Market Day at Birka on this 25th day of January A.S. XLVIII in our Barony of Stonemarche.

Wording by Christiana Crane.

Master Julien, Queen’s Order of Courtesy

LESTENYT, thee both elde and yinge,

On Averil’s second day as blosomes sprynge
Comes Julien, to myn lykynge.

No thyng ys to all so dere
As is a man of gode manere
He is seemly ant is fayre.

He brot blyss ase a liht
Ase a launtern blykyeth bryht
Man of gentleness ant myht.

To the Order of Courtesy bryngeth
Julien, as the wood leaves springeth
Ant the suete byrds Singeth.

He is a coral of godnesse,
He is a rubie of ryhtfulnesse,
He is a lilie of largesse.

On this day blyssid be
All loue, joie ant bealte
Of Julien lord of lealtè.

That Queen Aikaterine seith, soth hit ys,
at this Last Court of Kynge Gryffith and Queen Aikaterine
ant Coronation of Their Heirs, Lucan and Jana, this second day of Averil AS XLV.

By Baroness Aneleda Falconbridge.

Lady Sylvia, Maunche

That Lady Vey

That Lady Vey
How we do like that Lady Vey!

Shall we now praise her Brew array?
Oh How we like them, Lady Vey!

Would we like them here, or there?
We would like them anywhere!

A beer, a beer, a beer, a beer
She surely makes a fine brown beer!

An ale, an ale, a hale pale ale
In brewing one she would not fail!

She can make an Allis Mead!
Taste it! It is what you need!

She has spicy metheglin,
who’s taste will make you warm within!

Have ye had PotusYpocras?
I wish’d I had a bigger glass!

Hast had blueberry mealomel?
It made me leap like a gazelle!

Berry cordial sweet and fine?
I tell my friends that bottle’s mine!

I muse upon her cyser gold…
No apple’s better used, all told!

And can she make a pyment too?
Oh Yes, that Lady Vey can brew!

Does she know of the content?
And how to bottle and ferment?
She comopunds with a sure intent,
and all sure facts she can present.

Oh She can bottle and ferment!
And measure alcohol percent!

But does this lady document?
That task she’d never circumvent!

Ah! Can she clear the heady brew?
False cloying mung she does subdue!

Well, Does she know the kinds of yeast?
More than good huntsmen know of beast!

She is friend of bard and bee!

She is friend of you and me!

Fill up your cups and you will see!

Shall she join the Maunche’s Order?
It is here writ by recorder!

At this Bardic for King and Queen
In Feburary’s winter mean
On the fifth day, which thus arrived
Anno Sociatitis forty-five.

In Endewearde’s most festive hall
Among her friends, yes, one and all!
At the fine Bardic event,
Which her gifts did help cement.

How we do like that Lady Vey!
Thusly she is a Maunch this day.

As we like our King and Queen-a,
Kind Griffith, fair Aikaterine-a.

So we give it to their hands,
signed by rulers of these lands.

Lady Sylvia du Vey had been, some years ago, threatened with a text in the style of Herr T. Geisel.  When she was given her Maunch for brewing, the chance was there to make it exceptionally interesting.  The final text is some 340 words, blessings to Mistress Carolyne.  The Original was some 550 or so, and was fiercely edited.  The scroll was done by Jean and Aneleda via Google Docs, back and forth.  It’s an entertaining way to manage.  At Court, having been JUST NAMED the Bardic Champions, they read it together for her with great joy, and watched her tears of laughter with as much dignity as possible.  It was the best scroll reading *ever* they think.

by Don Jean du Montagne and Lady Aneleda Falconbridge

Alessandra da Montereggioni, Award of Arms

A Canzone written for Alessandra da Montereggioni by Aneleda Falconbridge

Qual donna attende a gloriosa fama
di senno, di valor, di cortesia? *

Gather and hear, noble people of the Mighty East, of a Lady so kind that Petrach himself would have searched for words, one of such bliss as is seldom seen walking these low and mortal paths.

To those who love service, and too, chivalry,
we speak of a lady, and give our rationale

Of a spirit generous, of great morale
held in high esteem by all who are her friend.

We see this golden creature all around us
extending gentle hand with most noble grace
toward any task requested in this dear place
to see it through no matter how far its end.

She brings the new and kindly helps them to blend
in the crowd of brewers, dancers, sewers, cooks,
and shares the wondrous knowledge gained from her books
Her encouragement lights the paths many wend.

With golden threads she has sewn us up with love,
It is with sad joy we set free this sweet dove.

Thus it is the will of ever-right and kind King Gryffith and our resplendent and gentle Queen Aikaterine that Alessandra da Montereggioni becomes a Lady of our Court this day, the fifth day of the month of love, Anno Societatis forty-five, at the King and Queen’s Bardic Champions in the fair Shire of Endewearde.

(Italian translation) *Doth any maiden seek the glorious fame Of chastity, of strength, of courtesy? – Petrarch

Notes about the piece:

This canzone is written with 11 syllables per line, based on a style used by Dante, who wrote of Montereggioni.  Seemed like a good idea at the time…

The scheme is as follows:
ab
bc
deec
cffc
gg

I found these suggestions online:

First two lines: Define your subject and how you will speak with the reader
Second two lines: Convey the central theme, question, or conflict.
Third set of lines (broken into a quatrain): Convey your mood, sentiment, and stance

“Derived from the Provençal canso, the very lyrical and original Italian canzone consists of 5 to 7 stanzas typically set to music, each stanza resounding the first in rhyme scheme and in number of lines (7 to 20 lines). The canzone is typically hendecasyllabic (11 syllables). The congedo or commiato also forms the pattern of the Provençal tornado, known as the French envoi, addressing the poem itself or directing it to the mission of a character, originally a personage. Originally delivered at the Sicilian court of Emperor Frederick II during the 13th century of the Middle Ages, the lyrical form was later commanded by Dante, Petrarch, Boccaccio, and leading Renaissance writers such as Spenser (the marriage hymn in his Epithalamion).”  (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canzone)

By Aneleda Falconbridge

Lord Gwillim Kynith, Maunche

Y gwaith a ganmol y gweithiwr.  Cyfoeth pob crefft.*

Fine tokens come from this one’s hand,
His graceful talents in demand.
Bursting from within,
Joyful is our din
Lauds begin through the land.

Now gather Maunche Companions here
for Gwillim Kynith, whose career
brings forth attention
and with contention
ascension with much cheer.

Steady his hand paints glass so red
A hundred men have ate his bread,
Delights us to sing
As sounds soft lute string.
Dancers spring at his tread.

Many find his most pleasant brew
Inspires fine tales both old and new
Which he could transcribe.
But dance and imbibe
and ascribe him his due.

There is no greater thing than art
to wound or soothe, its gifts impart.
One who can so ply
May on art rely
to comply from the start.

By his work the worker is praised;
Every craft is wealth, it is phrased
So beyond measure,
Art, precious treasure,
our pleasure is thus raised.

Granted by the the Companions of the Order of the Maunche, writ by the noble hands of Gryffith King of the Mighty East, and Aiketerine glorious Queen, this January the twenty-ninth anno societatis forty-five, at the Marketplace at Birka in the Barony of Stonemarch.

Notes on the piece:

Y gwaith a ganmol y gweithiwr.
(By his work the worker is praised.)

Uh GWAITH uh GAHN-mole uh GWAY-thyur.
(The AI as I in “might”, the O not *quite* as long as in “mole”, the AY as in “way”).

Cyfoeth pob crefft.
(Every craft is wealth.)

kuh-VOYTH pobe KREFT.
(The “kuh” pretty much as in “k’BOOM”, “pobe” as in “robe” but a bit shorter, the “VOYTH” like “voice” with a lisp).

About the style of the poem:

The clogyrnach [clog-ir-nach] is a Welsh quantitative verse form. It contains 32 syllables in a 6-line stanza. The first couplet contains eight syllables in each line; the second, five; the third, three. (The last couplet may be written as a single, 6-syllable line.) The rhyme scheme is aabbba.

x x x x x x x a  (8)
x x x x x x x a
x x x x b (5)
x x x x b
x x b  x x a (3)

(Thanks to Steven Mesnick for the help with the Welsh selection and pronunciation!)

By Aneleda Falconbridge

Lord Micah of Brighton Hall, Order of the Tygers Combatant

We bring forth Lord Micah of Brighton Hall, to join as brother those who are as enchanted by the fields of war as he, the Companions of the Order of the Tygers Combatant.  Here we laud his prowess and delight of all that one embraces in the fight. But hear, assembled ones of this fine court, the history of this man whom we exhort:

A farmboy once, as all good
heroes are,
He’d run across the
Northshield fields afar,

A lanky lad then, lean and
fair and tall
With large sticks he would
make the straw man fall.
A sapling bow he used to
keep at bay
The spurred cock whose beak
would ankles flay.
He frightened tinkers
who would tread the land
And helped his family’s
influence expand.

As he grew up, his weapons
did as well
From humble stick to staff,
from straw to pell.
From charging through the
fields of wheat and hay
To charging through the
fields of foes to slay.

He took to hand the axe, the
sword, the pike,
The bow, the mace, the
spear, the brutal spike,
Each one to play and see
what was its art
For each one had its wisdom
to impart.

This noble lad, and brave
and good, but wild,
Was skilled by Eastern men,
whose tempers styled
The man before you here, who
you now see
Into the very tale of
chivalry.

This vibrant one whose joy
upon the field
Has all support within this
order sealed,
Combattant Tygers of
the noble East,
Rejoice today as your ranks
do increase.

You have heard this tale
today, in Birka’s marketplace in the January cold, on the twenty-ninth
day, Anno Societatis
forty-five
in the Barony of Stonemarche.

With pleasure do our brave King Griffith and beauteous Queen Aikaterine sign this writ to history.

Notes on the piece:

Well, this is what comes of having someone who’s known you a while write your scroll text.  It was the fourth rewrite, I just couldn’t get the tale short enough!  At some point, I will just tell the tale in full and feel like I’ve done my job!

By Aneleda Falconbridge

Constancia de Vienne, Troubadour

wot ys that sund that calls us to war?

ys þe horn ðat lady blaws to roar.

Rosa rubicundior

wot ys that sund wot maks myn herte ache?
ys þe swet sound this same lady mak.

wot ys the laugh ich can now here?
ys a tale from the lady just finished near.

lilio candidior

wot ys that tune that make vs go round?
ys her song ðat bringeþ daunce to ground.

wot ys that note that ringeþ so cleir?
ys þe lady herself a-fluting ther.

omnibus formosior

wot is that brigþ and merrie sound?
ys þe lady who singeþ there unbaundoun.

semper in te glorior

wot can we do for one so fayr
to laud hire gift ðat give us cheer?

dulcis musica

a silver cup, a pretty thynge,
granted by our virtuous King,

ys very good and fitting fine
to grant this kynde lady sign

her herte doþ mak us synge and more,
thus we name hire Troubador.

Ai! With sound of horn, voice and recorder,
Constancia comes to the Order.

by our hand this finest day
while at the Castle Knox we play

signed here by King Edward and Queen Marguerite,
this lauding songe is now complete.

Latin Translation: Rosa rubicundior, lilio candidior, omnibus formosior, semper in te glorior dulcis musica – Redder than the rose, whiter than the lilies, fairer than everything, I will always glory in thee, sweet music.)

Notes on the piece:

I was reading a lot of very early English verse at the time this was written, and so it was created with that in my mind.  I used all the period writing bits too,  ð (eth) the (th) þ are the sounds.  They look neat at least!  She plays the straight horn and trumpet, and is really great on recorder, and sings beautifully.  So all that was incorporated into the images in the song.  It’s supposed to be a bit of a love song to her.

Right, so Lady Constancia de Vienne was previously Lady Melisunde d’Ione, and was of this writing and of the initial award long before.  This was a backlogged scroll, and a joy to write for a friend!  In this version, I updated it to use her current SCA name.

Also, I forgot that it would actually have been King Kelson and Queen Geneviere. That would have changed the scheme.

It should have read, I suppose:

“Signed here by Kelson von Heidelberg, King and
Geneviere d’Alsace, Queen
we at long last rest serene.”

Or something like that.

But nobody reminded me, and so it’s not.  *lol*

By Aneleda Falconbridge

EK Queen’s Rapier Champion AS 45

Sir Edward Grey of Lochleven

wreathed with greatest honor is revealed,
and with the most esteem, picked from the field.

Forbearance and Honor noted our queen,
Beloved lady of bliss, Aikaterine.
The rapier swift has its song to sing
And dances as swallows dance in spring
Through the field’s rite,
Bright glinting light
This blade did supply
You being near
We shall not fear,
Though Death stand by.

With you the swords take edge, the heart grows bold;
From you in fee their lives your liegemen hold.
Our lady Queen smiles on this one’s goodwill
Thus now the Champion’s role thou must fulfill.
Bless then the hour
That gives the power
In which you may,
At bed and board,
Embrace your sword
Both night and day.

From Bergental through all the East ring true
Thus mark we January twenty-two
Anno Societis forty-five
When the Queen’s Rapier Champion did arrive
Bless then the one
Whose duty done
With skill and grace,
and courtesy
we honor thee,
Signed in this place…

Honor, great honor, from our noble queen,
Beloved lady of bliss, Aikaterine.

Notes on the piece:

This poem is based on The Forest’s Queen by Philip Massinger, <span>originally published in The Guardian in 1633.  Below is the original, from which the central part of the poem is hugely based (because it was sooooo perfect!)  The scan works better on paper than out loud in parts because our lovely Queen of Love and Beauty is sounds the “e” at the end of </span>Aikaterine (Aikaterine-ah.)  I didn’t want to mar the beautiful look of the piece’s symmetry with the original by mucking about too much, so I decided to live with it even though it’s an extra syllable here and there.  Consider it a bonus!

THE ORIGINAL WORK: THE FOREST’S QUEEN by: Philip Massinger

Welcome, thrice welcome to this shady green,

Our long-wished Cynthia, the forest’s queen!

The trees begin to bud, the glad birds sing

In winter, changed by her into the spring.

We know no night,

Perpetual light

Dawns from your eye:

You being near,

We cannot fear,

Though death stood by.

From you our swords take edge, our hearts grow bold;

From you in fee their lives your liegemen hold.

These groves your kingdom, and our laws your will;

Smile, and we spare; but if you frown, we kill.

Bless then the hour

That gives the power

In which you may,

At bed and board,

Embrace your lord

Both night and day.

Welcome, thrice welcome to this shady green,

Our long-wished Cynthia, the forest’s queen!

By Aneleda Falconbridge

Queen & King’s Archery Champion Scrolls, AS46

Both scrolls are based on the Byzantine Chant to St. Cyril (feast day June 19th) & St. Athanasios (feast day May 2). They were chanted/sung at the Court of King Lucan VIII at Vinland Raids in the Barony of Smoking Rock, AS46.

Queen’s Archery Champion Scroll

You became radiant
by your magnificent deeds,
meeting every mark
and becoming conquering champion.
Your skill has enriched all
and the East became greatly glorified.
You are found most worthy by our Queen
who this day now calls you Champion.

Master Krakken Gnashbone, thus it is the will of resplendent Jana Regina that you are named Queen’s Champion of Archery, this 18th day of June, AS XLVI in the Barony of Smoking Rocks.

King’s Archery Champion Scroll

As swift flies the arrow
you are now surely known
by your noble flights,
thus catching the attention of our King.
With your gifts set for the East
you bring great honor and glory to her.
You have worthily met every task
and are now this day called Champion.

Lord Kusunoki Yoshimoto, thus it is the will of ever-bold Lucan Rex that you are named King’s Champion of Archery, this 18th day of June, AS XLVI in the Barony of Smoking Rocks.

Original Text

You became radiant
by your orthodox deeds
quelling all heresy
and becoming conquering champions.
Your piety enriched all
and the church became greatly beautified
You have worthily found Christ our God
who by your prayers grants all great mercy.

I used the following site: http://chant.hchc.edu/ to learn the chants. The tunes and lyric are based on the women’s version in English of the chants for the feast day of Saints Athanasius and Cyril, whose feast day was closest to the event.

By Aneleda Falconbridge

Lord Tristan de Worrell, Laurel

Laurel Scroll written for Lord Tristan de Worrell, presented at East Kingdom Court at the Pennsic War 40, AS46

Beneath the bright aurora’s light
A wise man with his cart here stands,
St. Eligius’ student greets the night
with kindly eyes and worthy hands.

Within his cheery wooden cart
are cheeses soft, or wrapped in rind,
and wines so sweet, and wines so tart,
and sausages his hands did grind.

In Boxes fine of carv-ed wood
Pierced-work and repoussé do shine.
By Champlevé* so bright and good
Are roundels of ancient design.

His curve-ed spoons shine like the sun;
His tents give shelter from its rays;
His baskets from the trees are spun;
His Songbird’s song echoes for days.

Love Conquers All, the words do read,
His Truth is carved upon wood arms.
Other good things that one might need,
And time, he gives free as small charms.

This man, Lord Tristan de Worrell
By works of beauty fine and rare
Is now bedeck’d with sweet laurel
And garners thus his treatment fair.

Take this man now into your fold
And give him leaves of shining green
That all may freely now behold
This Laurel of such gentle mien.

Arms are granted, fully able
to display in etch-ed copper
Or, two boars combattant sable
base a wooden barrel proper.

Now Forty-six, the year we mark
Forty years of the Pennsic War
Here ten days into Augusts’ arc
Tristan takes all Eastern rapport.

Thus in the Mighty Eastern Court
By King Lucan this writ is signed,
In full with Jana Queen’s support
That Tristan now is Laurel-kind.

**(shomp leevay)

By Aneleda Falconbridge

Ladie Lucie, Scroll Text

If fortune has been kind than you have met

This lady from the lovely English sea
Whose graces must serve as perfect key
As none have failed to love this sweet soubrette.

When she is near all worldly things forget.
She seems to solve all ills so gracefully
Perhaps it is how she attends to thee,
Her virtues maketh people not to fret.

Her pleasant smile at gate thou may have seen.
Perhaps you heard her laugh behind a shield,
Or on the path of errands she has run.
O what to do with worker so serene,

Who set on any task will just not yield?

Ah, here is notion for this vibrant one!
From this day forth shall Lady be her name!
Thought bold King Gregor and Queen Kiena bright,

And swift decided, unto our delight,
One Lady Lucie Lovegood we would claim!

In AS forty-six thusly ordained,
At Tournament for Eastern Crown, this rite,

Beneath the fifth day’s cold November light,
In Bergental, her ladyship attains.

By Aneleda Falconbridge

Wilhem de Broc, Order of the Tyger Combatant

To my frynde and faire jentylwoman, I recomende me unto yow, and thanke yow of your gyudenesse evermore shewed, and pray yow to contenew. I have resyvyd newes of yowr husband, Lord Wilham de Broc, a jentylman who has come to the attention of our most fierce lyon Kyng Gregor and his brave Queen Kiena.

Sondry and diverse persones have told tales of Lord Wilham and of his prowess and goodness seyn by all before hym over these many monthes, and I desire yow to hear them proclaimed.

When yew arrived from warm lands, they marvaylyd that Wilham had not borne the sword, for he comandyd it as thouh rehersyd. And saw they the sinister casueltes and consydered the sped of Wilhem and demeyd hym suche man as gode man shold be, of umble wyse, of whom dute and servyse are the most joye of erthely thynges.

He fyrst rode, as yow know, be yond to the Roses War, and ther spake a pace with men of arms. Witness seyde that he sholde take the sword up and procede to the list, and moor ovyr, that he shoulde cawse hym to take arms against brave men and knights and dukes and masters. He was entretyd to take hys myght up on thym, and many he did beste.

Thys prowess causyd hym a desyeryg place with beltless broders, and at the mudthaw he fought with them and many he did beste.

With serteynte wold he take the Pennsic field with the frendys sent hym, and broders and squires of dukes and knights and masters. For two summers he remembred hys brotheris at arms, and went to aplye the sword and hold shield against the shrewyd dragons and theyr kin.  And many he did beste.

For when hys hand hys not set to carve that wood which he lykes, and which all who see these thynges lyke, hit hath been set to sword wich hath carved with entent upon all fields, and hath troblyd soor all foe touched by his blade.

Persones seyd he shuld have his honors, and enquered after the solisitors and Kingges men, and sendeth letters and speke of his desir to serve the East, and of his long travels this wey and that wey with Pembridge kynnesmen to fight, and of his desir to master the sword and grete sword, and his corage in all dealyngs, and protection of the land from any thretis before hit, as is hys ryght as a yeoman.

And furthermore I understond that upon inquisicyon to the members of the august Order of the Tygers Combatant, it hath been agryed by Kyng Gregor and Queen Kiena that this be fynyshed hastyly for they desyred Wilhem to be named as broder to them all, and it was agreid that theye wold make a bond of hym to the Order of the Tygers Combatant upon this feast day of St. Dominator of Brescia, for Wilhem ys lyke a full trewe, harty frende to the kingdom and all gode persones, who we are wele favored with.

And so here we see this gift gret that the Kyng and Queen should geve hym, in ryght bothe in law and in concience, whereby now on feythe as moche as the maner is worth, on this day of the Crown Tournament of the East, which is the fifth day of the monthe of November, anno sociatatis XVI, in their Barony of Bergental, to induct Lord Wilhem de Broc into the Order of the Tygers Combattant, and remitt thys day to youre remembraynce.

My counseill hath told me I may sette a letter that yor may have word of this. And may oure blessed Lord ever preserve you and Wilhem, and be your governour and defender.  All this is so endorcyd by the signgatures of golden Kynge Gregor and radient Queen Kiena which bless this page, having been witnessed by the clarke and herald and all assembled in the Court this grete day.

Written in the style of the Paston letters, which are those from a family collected between 1422 and 1509, with Wilhem’s lady, Isabel as the person to whom the letter is addressed, with him as the subject. You can also read many of the original letters which are online.

You may read them here. The modern English “translation” is below.

*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

To my friend and fair gentlewoman, I recommend me unto you, and thank you of your guidance evermore showed, and pray you to continue. I have received news of your husband Lord Wilham de Broc, a gentleman who has come to the attention of our most fierce lyon, King Gregor and his brave Queen Kiena.

Sundry and diverse persons have told tales of Lord Wilham and of his prowess and goodness seen by all before him over these many months, and I desire you to hear them proclaimed.

When you arrived from warm lands, they marveled that Wilhem had not borne the sword for he commanded it as though rehearsed. And saw they the sinister casualties and considered the speed of Wilhelm and deemed him such man as good man should be, of humble ways, of whom duty and service are the most joy of earthly things.

He first rode, as you know, beyond to the Roses War, and there spake a pace with men of arms. Witnesses said that he should take the sword up and proceed to the list, and more over, that he should cause him to take arms against brave men and knights and dukes. He was entered to take his might upon them, and many he did best.

This prowess caused him a deserving place with beltless brothers, and at the mudthaw he fought with them, and many he did best.

With certainty would he take the Pennsic field with the friends sent him, and brothers and squires of dukes and knights and masters. For two summers he remembered his brothers at arms and went to apply the sword and hold shield against the shrewd dragons and their kin. And many did he best.

For when his hand is not set to carve that wood which he likes, and which all who see these things like, it hath been set to sword which hath carved with intent upon all fields, and hath troubled sore all foe touched by his blade.

Persons said he should have his honors, and inquired after the solicitors and king’s men, and senteth letters and spake of his desire to serve the East, and of his long travels this way and that way with Pembridge kinsmen to fight, and of his desire to master the sword and great sword, and his courage in all dealings and protection of the land from any threats before it, as is his right as a yeoman.

And furthermore, I understand that upon inquisition to the members of the august Order of the Tygers Combatant, it hath been agreed by King Gregor and Queen Kiena that this be finished hastily for they desired Wilhem to be named as brother to them all, and it was agreed that they would make a bond of him to the Order of the Tygers Combatant upon this feast day of St. Dominator of Brescia, for Wilhem is like a full, true, hearty friend to the kingdom and all good persons, who we are well favored with.

And so here we see this gift great that the King and Queen should give him, in right both in law and in conscience, whereby now on faith as much as the manner is worth, on this day of the Crown Tournament of the East, which is the fifth day of the month of November, anno sociatatis XVI, in their Barony of Bergental, to induct Lord Wilhem de Broc into the Order of the Tygers Combatant, and remit this day to your remembrance.

My counsel hath told me I may set a letter that you may have word of this. And may our blessed Lord ever preserve you and Wilhem and be your governor and defender. All this is so endorsed by the signatures of golden King Gregor and radiant Queen Kiena which bless this page, having been witnessed by the clerk and herald and all assembled in the Court this great day.

By Aneleda Falconbridge

For Master Kraken Gnashbone, Fifteenth Tyger of the East

Trees had aged three more rings

since pass of pride gift son.
Kraken’s son we kenned Daniel
Taken from tree copse Eastern.

His father fell to the morning
Came to field, called by memory,
Joined forest of flight-swifters
to loose shafts, shoot for glory

Queen’s side-man he sought to be
He would stand, in stead of son.
Bold minded below breast fort
Forest yeoman, yew in hand.

By pyre of day in previous morn
On steed road made his journey
Hard one’s luck, who leaves his horse
Unexpected, poor his outcome.

He fell to earth fast as fletching
Bonehouse broke, on bitter landing.
Bearing new two baleful knees
Kraken walked the woods and shot.

Heavy weighed winding linen
of curved limb and curving limb
laming legs, strong man straining
Danegeld later he would pay.

Brows beams bore toward the center
With fair wings wing-branch went
As the peregrine to its pine tree.
To ring-goddess great his tribute.

His orbs shone on elm of rose
At queens foot stand forester bowed
draped across shoulder branches
Flood-flame roses framed her champion.

Shapers of war wove his song
told to poet with proud awe
Son of Uller stood this ground
Heard you now hawk sharp saga.

* * *

This poem came as a request from two Kings I served, Lucan and Gregor, as a request that I honor Master Kraken on the day he became Queen’s Champion of Archery in AS46. It was to be given to Kraken, with whom I spent gleeful time during my year standing behind the throne, and who always made me feel light at heart.

The tale was told to Master Toki at Pennsic 40, where we began this poem, with him teaching me the basics of alliterative Norse verse as I explained my visions, and Toki made them into verse. I took it home and worked on the remainder of it on my own, adding many verses, changing some of that great Master’s lines even, to be more of my intent, and then returned it to Toki at the War of the Roses AS47. He took my fledgling efforts and gave them wing as we worked on correcting the alliteration (which I *nearly* get but which still is unthinkably difficult to me!) while working to keep my words, tone, style and story intact as we brainstormed ways to correct this or that, or make this line or that one better. There are some places which break and bend rules, with the understanding that this piece is really one for voice and not as much for page.

This is the result of his skillful filing of the rough work.

It was my great joy to have been able to present this to Master Kraken at the Great Northeastern War, AS47, as he was made the Fifteenth Tyger of the East by King Kenric. He is a legend of the East, and I am proud to have been able to tell one of his tales.

By Aneleda Falconbridge and Master Toki Redbeard

Dutchess Aikaterine, Laurel

Kaffaud paub y teithi. llauen vi bri brython.

Kenhittor kirrn eluch. kathil hetuch a hinon.***

As dart verdant dragonflies
such rare grace her gifts supplies
swiftly do her fine hands sing
where threads do bloom sweet as spring

at the border, thread of gold
stitched o’re hours ‘ere untold
Fearsome tyger rampant there
golden roses twined in pair

bedeck her now greenly here
she whose talents do endear
on her brow place leaves supine -
laurels for our lady fine

laurel order stand and speak
of this gentle lady meek
Praise to Aikaterine
Saith Rex and Regina

Thus is Dutchess Aikaterine FitzWilliam brought into the Order of the Laurel at ** event/date/TBA** AS 46, by the hand of King Gregor and Queen Kiena.

__________________________

BANNER TEXT

Kaffaud paub y teithi. llauen vi bri brython.
Kenhittor kirrn eluch. kathil hetuch a hinon.

*** From the Black Book of Carmarthen, c.1250

Translation:
All Britons rejoice, sounding joyful horns.
Chanting songs of happiness and peace!
also translated as:
Everyone shall have his due, happy will be the Briton’s fame;
Horns of rejoycing will be sounded, and songs of peace and of fair weather.

__________________________

**I chose this style to reflect the location of residence for the FitzWilliam personae, on the border of Wales and England. Since Aikaterine was born in the Holy Roman Empire, so I am working on the premise that she is herself a Briton. The celebratory text of the Welsh and the Welsh verse style in English blend the two cultures.  The Cywydd deuair hyrion form I use is somewhat loose in form, my rhyming stresses are far from perfect.**

POETRY STYLE
Cywydd deuair hyrion (read CR Ward’s excellent description on it and other forms at her website…)

The most common variation is the cywydd deuair hyrion (cuh’-with day’-air her’-yon). It is made up of rhyming couplets of seven syllables each, with the accent differing on the rhyming words. This differing accentuation is called cynghanedd, which is a term for a system of alliteration and internal rhyme. There may be any number of couplets. The first line finishes with a stressed syllable and the second with an unstressed syllable. There is no set length.

x x x x x x a
x x x x x x a
x x x x x x b
x x x x x x b

__________________________

The scroll could only be so long, so I edited the original work to fit the space that was available. I sent the scribe both options.

ORIGINAL SCROLL TEXT (99 words)

As dart verdant dragonflies
such rare grace her gifts supplies
swiftly do her fine hands sing
where threads do bloom sweet as spring

linen, wool for dress and cote
heraldic charge each denote
Fearsome tyger rampant there
golden roses twined in pair

at the border thread of gold
stitched o’re hours ‘ere untold
this bouquet of skills afford
an armorial award

bedeck her now greenly here
she whose talents do endear
on her brow place leaves supine -
laurels for our lady fine

laurel order stand and speak
of this gentle lady meek
Praise to Aikaterine
Saith Rex and Regina

By Aneleda Falconbridge

Eoin An Doire, Award of Arms

When shall a good man find his rest?  When boars fly over oaken tree.

When shall he work at our behest?  As long as blossoms love the bee.

In the Eastern realm there is a land where women and men are strong as tides. Among this people lives a man – as Eoin an Dore he is known.

Dependable in every way, good Eoin sets to tasks diverse. He gladly does repair the keep and build the tavern for our sport. He goes as called, on field and off, to battle mighty foes or tournament scores. He maketh cider sweet, but not so sweet as his own disposition.  Unassumingle he dons the armor bright and stands the field in tabard gold, sword in hand, to defend his king, his land, his lady.

Steadily he lands the blow, then can heal the wound. His words calm with knowledge of physic’s humors true. Tending with care to all in need, his steady hand eschews the leech, applies the salve, the poultice, the linen. These selfsame hands hold a steady bow, and strike the target right. To defend, or hunt, or sport does Eoin play, but never boasts, for he is a shining example of what a man ought be.

And so it is right and good, to bring him to the court this day at King and Queen’s Bardic Championship in Endewearde’s frozen lands, on the fifth of February, anno sociatatis XLV. By the hand of good King Gryffith most sincere, and lovely Queen Aikaterine, we welcome now Eion an Dore, and call him Lord.

* * * * * *

Now, this was not what was read at court, so I don’t know if the signet had other text, or if something was put together, but this is what I sent.  I think the scroll got tied up in storm weather, so, I’m including it here, so at least this way our newest Lord of the East will know what I thought of him, regardless of what is on the actual scroll.  ;-p

By Aneleda Falconbridge

Tir Mara Champions of Arms AS 47

FACING PAGE TRANSLATION FOR THE  HERALD

PRINCESS’ CHAMPION OF ARMS

(Words by Aneleda Falconbridge with assistance from Steffan ap Kennydd)

ex campo victoriae / from the field of victory
ense et animo / with sword and courage
et marte, et arte / both by strength and art
et vi, et virtute / both by strength and valor
ex armis exaltabit honore Thyra Principissa
Princess Thyra will exault with honor from arms
*** NAME ***
ecce propugnator Tirmarae / behold he who fights on behalf of Tir Mara

Factum per manus Eduardi nobilis et Thyrae eucharis, Principis Principissaeque Regalum Tirmarae, in Scira Silvae Ardentis, anno quadragesimo septimo [XLVII] Societatis die sexto Octobre.

Done by the hand of noble Edward and gracious Thyra, Crown Prince and Princess of Tir Mara, at the East Kingdom University in the Shire of Bois Ardent, in the 47th year of the Society, on this sixth day of October.

PRINCE’S CHAMPION OF ARMS

(Words by Aneleda Falconbridge with assistance from Steffan ap Kennydd)

ex campo victoriae  / from the field of victory
ense et animo / with sword and courage
et marte, et arte / both by strength and art
et vi, et virtute / both by strength and valor
ex armis exaltabit honore Edwardus Princeps / Prince Edward will exault with honor from arms
*** NAME ***
ecce propugnator Tirmarae / behold he who fights on behalf of Tir Mara
Factum per manus Eduardi nobilis et Thyrae eucharis, Principis Principissaeque Regalum Tirmarae, in Scira Silvae Ardentis, anno quadragesimo septimo [XLVII] Societatis die sexto Octobre.

Done by the hand of noble Edward and gracious Thyra, Crown Prince and Princess of Tir Mara, at the East Kingdom University in the Shire of Bois Ardent, in the 47th year of the Society, on this sixth day of October.

**(Scroll Assignments KA12-169 and KA12-170 – October 8, 2012 (Tir Mara Prince and Princess’ Champions of Arms Scrolls for TM EKU)**

By Aneleda Falconbridge and Steffan ap Kennydd

Bardic Champion of King Gregor, AS46

Down in the valley three clarions call

Purple beneath the setting sun’s rays
Sounding o’re many, each note’s fall
Rings to this Champion with praise.

*****

Upon this lengthy celebration day
Mistress Linnette du Gallidron

Has shown in manner and skill
those graces favored by our King
and is hereby and duly named
the East Kingdom Bardic Champion
and shall, following this court
until such time as a successor is chosen,
strive to document and praise
and amuse and inspire
the deeds and people of the endless East
and unfailingly serve King and Kingdom.

Granted by the hand of King Gregor III at the King and Queen’s Bardic Champions at the East Kingdom Celebration of Twelfth Night on this Bellringers – the day our fine hosts of the Barony of Carillion celebrate their beginning – on this seventh day of January, AS 46 on the Feast of St. Lucian of Antioch.

By Aneleda Falconbridge

Mistress Mira, Silver Crescent

To all freeholders and the whole realm of the East send all manner of filial reverence.

We, King Gregor and Queen Kiena, find that among other famous nations our East has been graced with widespread renown.  Our most tireless Mistress Mira Fennor of Argyll has and shall ever be, as far as duty calls, ready to do Our will in all things, as an obedient daughter.

She, that her people and her heritage might be delivered out of the hands of our enemies, met toil and fatigue, hunger and peril, like another Macabaeus or Joshua and bore them cheerfully.

Her, too, divine providence, has been made a member of the Order of the Silver Crescent, her right of succession according to our laws and customs which we shall maintain to the death. To her, as to the one by whom striving has been wrought for our people, we are bound both by law and by her merits that our freedom may be still maintained, and by her, come what may, we mean to stand. It is in truth not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that she hath worked, but for our people.

Given at Pantaria, the King’s and Queen’s Equestrian Championship, of the Shire of Panther Vale, on the twenty-fifth day of the month of May in the year of the Society XLVIII of the reign of our King aforesaid.

* * *

Text based on portions of a translation of the Scottish “Declaration of Arbroath” of 1320, a “Letter directed to our Lord the Supreme Pontiff by the community of Scotland.” http://www.constitution.org/scot/arbroath.htm

By Aneleda Falconbridge

Otto Gotlieb, Order of the Maunche

When from the bung the ale dost spring

foam head to meet the sun’s bright ray,
when people glass in hand do sing
and all the morning toast, they say -
What lovelier than the prospect there?
Can earth boast any thing more fair?
To Us it seems an almost heaven
so beauteous to Our lips that sparkling drought is given.

And when Otto Gotlieb, chaste and fair,
noble, and clad in good attire
walks through the throng with Krafthaus beer – right there
then what could We do but to admire?
What else boasts he in his display?
What hast thou beautiful and gay
compared with that supreme delight?
By Frieboug Bächle walk for hours, and drink his gruit bier bright!

Wouldst thou believe Us – come and place
before thee all this fine purvey
then look to the Maunche Order’s space
For which is best and brightest? say:
carmel wort of sweet Sah’tea, fine
Kolsh, braggot, ende de welt, all thine
And say, ‘Choose of thy beauties? Nay.
Rather We would taste of them all, and with good drink Our thirst allay.’

Thus We, Gregor Rex and Kiena Regina, raise a glass and name Otto Gotlieb a Companion of Our Order of the Maunche, at the Great Northeastern War in the Province of Malagentia, ASXLII, on the thirteenth of July on the feast of St. Silas.

________________________

This text was based on a translated German poem by Walther von der Vogelwiede, as the piece was from the same time period as Otto’s persona. Otto says about his own persona that he was “born in 13th century Freiburg to noble merchant parents. Count Egino II has been talking about raising taxes and making changes to our established rights. The people of Freiburg are restless.”

As he is from Friebourg, I tried to include some things about the city – like the Freiburg Bächle – small water-filled runnels which wend through the old city. They are ancient.

I also included specific brews he has made which are German or period, which discuss his art.

When From The Sod The Flow’rets Spring

When from the sod the flow’rets spring,
And smile to meet the sun’s bright ray,
When birds their sweetest carols sing
In all them morning pride of May,
What lovelier than the prospect there?
Can earth boast any thing more fair?
To me it seems an almost heaven,
So beauteous to my eyes that vision bright is given.

But when a lady, chaste and fair,
Noble, and clad in rich attire,
Walks through the throng with gracious air,
As sun that bids the stars retire,–
Then, where are all thy boastings, May?
What hast thou beautiful and gay
Compared with that supreme delight?
We leave thy loveliest flowers, and watch that lady bright.

Wouldst thou believe me,– come and place
Before thee all this pride of May;
Then look but on my lady’s face,
And, which is best and brightest? say:
For me, how soon (if choice were mine)
This would I take, and that resign!
And say, “Though sweet thy beauties, May!
I’d rather forfeit all than lose my lady gay.”

(In German)

So die bluomen us dem grase dringent,
Sam si lachen gegen den spilnden sunnen
In einem meien an dem morgen fruo,
Und die kleinen vogellin wol singent
In ir besten wise die si kunnen,
Wunne kan sich da gelichen zuo?

By Aneleda Falconbridge with apologies to Walther von der Vogelweide.