Ana Yanka, Order of the Crucible, 2020

So we Kaylah, Queen by Right of Arms of all the North and Trumbrand, King of all the North, Grand Princess and Prince Septentrian, and Skrael, and of Rising Waters, and Ramshavenite, and Ben Dunfirthian, and of all the shires; do address ourselves to Lady Ana Yanka. We, T’sarina and T’sar, on all days with our subjects overseen what they have written and any items they make and any scribal work they do and who does well. And that subject we note and we reward.

All lands, cities and persons honour and glorify those who bear the works of honour wrought by such masterful scribes. Thus let us, through our own strength, humbly praise this diligent servant who in turn glorifies others with brush and pen. And through such praise, make it known that we did not reign in a poor and unknown land, but in Ealdormere, which is known and celebrated by all to the ends of the earth.

Because she does not destroy Our laws, but confirms them, does not diminish works, but extends them, and does not undo but strengthens, she has proven herself worthy of reward. And because the likes of her are rarely found in all the northern lands, or in the east, or in the west, We, by the rights granted to Us by the laws and traditions of Ealdormere, say that she shall be made a companion of the steadfast and glorious Order of the Crucible. Behold that We grant unto her the right to bear the badge: Gules, a mullet of seven points voided and interlaced and a double tressure Or, and proclaim to all that on the 29th day of February, AS LIV, she is invested with the honour that accompany such promotion.

Arise honored Crucible and serve the lands you love. Stand tall with the honor that has been granted you. Rejoice and be of good cheer.


Wording by THL Dietrich von Sachsen. Based off of the Eulogy to Kagan Vlaimir by Vladimir the Great; and 15th century royal letters.

AEthelbert of Whitstone Isle, Order of the Crucible

Rest your feet awhile, ye gentles good,
And hear the words of Roak Khan,
And those of Hyrokkin, Khan Begam.
The reputation of AEthelbert
Is not just a load of old cobblers.
Let us thus wax eloquently in his praise.
For word-fame lasts; this sole of diligence –
No cowmouth’d vagabond is he.
But his works speak with a most supple tongue
Which ensure he does not get off on the wrong foot.
Needles to say, and not to put too fine a point on it,
Such works deserve swift reward, hell-for-leather!
For as the ancients say: “If the shoe fits,
“Then a Crucible we make for skill and wits!”

Done this 18th Day of May, Anno Societatis LIV, as we sit our thrones at the great faire of Fruits of Our Labours, in our Canton of Bryniau Twynnog.

Wording by Dietrich von Sachsen.

Arwyn of Leicester, Order of the Laurel, 2019

THE GRYPHON IS MOST HIGH     HE IS TO BE PRAYSED

Let Greatness of Glory be his Principality, and Splendor, and Greatness of Retinue, and Valour and Boldness, and Courage, and Favour with the Gryphon, the bestower of Victory, to the people of Avacal. So long as flowers spread their perfume and daylight shines, with Sincere Love and Ancient Friendship, do We, Ivar the Black and Asney Grimolfrsdottir, who lean upon the Couch of Command in Our Kingdom of the Gryphon, highly advanced in Dominion, Noble in Courage and Justice, send praise.

As the maxim says “An equitable Ruler is the personification of Good in the World[1]”, and so do We find Our Princely minds wishing to make known what cannot remain hidden, being the esteem in which we hold Our loyal subject Arwyn of Leicester also known as Amira al- 'Aliyya. This Arwyn is a woman of Great Worth, beloved by her family and by our cousin the Shah, who considers her to be a fidalgo[2] of high rank. As she has great knowledge of saffron, golpar, shevid[3] and all the spices, and has been governing the accounts of her household, and made her knowledge available to all, do We elevate her in rank, advance her in prestige, and make her a member of Our most noble Order of the Laurel. With her do We then make the following contract:

1st We make her a woman of the pen[4] and grant her the right and title to sit in the royal palace[5] and name her moqarrab ab-hazrat sharbat-khana[6], over-seer of spices and desserts to Our court.

2nd It is granted that she shall pay no manner of Customes or tolles any kind of waye when buying or selling the commodity of spice.

3rd Free libertie, safe conduct and licence to come or sende her factors in trade throughout Our countrey, and to act as our Embassador and agent in the buying and selling of spice with Our cousins in other countreys.

4th That her Camel men, Carauans and Shipps will have safe harbour on Our roads, coasts and rivers, and that any who infringe upon them shall be brought to Us for judgement.

We expect all to fulfill these obligations[7] and be bound by Our stipulations, except a stipulation that makes unlawful what is lawful[8]. Fulfil this, Our agreement, for an agreement is obligatory.[9]

This is the intention granted by Ivar and Asney, who reside on the Couch of Justice and Splendidness , may Their dynasty last till the end of the world, and Their reign be prolonged till the consummation of ages! Done at the celebration of Yule, in the Barony of Borealis, on the 16^th day of Azar[10] in the yeare 1398, reckoned in the Society as the 7th Day of December in the yeare 54.

Wording by Maister Colyne Stewart of Ealdormere, based upon contracts between: ‘Abd al-‘Ali Khan, ruler of Gilan and England (14 April 1563); Shah Tahmasp and England (29 June 1566);  Shah ‘Abbas I and King James I of England (1615; modified in July 1697); the Treaty of Peace and the Frontiers (17 May 1639); and a letter from Shah Sulayman to Charles II (1677-78).

Sources

Dandamayev, Muhammad A. et al. “Contracts”. Encyclopædia Iranica, online edition http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/contracts-legally-enforceable-undertakings-between-two-or-more-consenting-parties accessed September 29, 2019

Ferrer, José Cutillas, “SPAIN: RELATIONS WITH PERSIA IN THE 16TH AND 17TH CENTURIES,” Encyclopædia Iranica, online edition, 2018, available at http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/spain-relations-persia-16-17-century September 29, 2019

Ferrier, R. W. “The Terms and Conditions under which English Trade Was Transacted with Ṣafavid Persia”. Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London

Vol. 49, No. 1, In Honour of Ann K. S. Lambton (1986), pp. 48-66 (23 pages)

Published by: Cambridge University Press on behalf of School of Oriental and African Studies

https://www.jstor.org/stable/617668 accessed  September 30 2019

Hanway, Jonas. An Historical Account of the British Trade Over the Caspian Sea: With a Journal of Travels from London Through Russia Into Persia; and Back Through Russia, Germany and Holland. To which are Added, the Revolutions of Persia During the Present Century, with the Particular History of the Great Usurper Nadir Kouli in four volumes. Volume one. London: 1753.

  https://books.google.ca/books?id=etApAAAAYAAJ&redir_esc=y Accessed September 29, 2019

 “Iran, 1400–1600 A.D.” In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/ht/?period=08&region=wai (October 2002)  accessed September 29, 2019

Marcinkowski, M. Ismail. “Dastural-Moluk”, Encyclopedia Iranica. http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/dastur-al-moluk Accessed October 1, 2019

ibid. “Tadherat al-Moluk”, Encyclopedia Iranica. http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/tadkerat-al-moluk Accessed September 30, 2019

Matthee,  Rudolph P. The Politics of Trade in Safavid Iran: Silk for Silver, 1600-1730.

Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1999. https://books.google.ca/books?id=5U0yECMV--wC accessed September 29, 2019

Minorsky, V. Tadhkirat Al-Muluk: A Manual of  Safavid Administration  (circa 1137/1725). Cambridge: W. Heffer & Sons LTD. 1943. Online at https://archive.org/stream/in.ernet.dli.2015.227105/2015.227105.Tadhkirt-Al-muluk_djvu.txt Accessed September 30, 2019

Mustafa, Grand Vizier.  “Treaty of Peace and Frontiers: The Ottoman Empire and Persia (17 May 1639)”. Pars Times: Greater Iran and Beyond, http://www.parstimes.com/history/iran_ottoman.html  Accessed October 1, 2019

Ranjbar, M.A. and Sehhat Manesh, R., 2016. “New Routes to Iran’s International Trade in the Safavid Era”. Ancient Asia, 7, p.8. DOI: http://doi.org/10.5334/aa.124 accessed September 30, 2019

Savory, Roger M. “COURTS AND COURTIERS vi. In the Safavid period”

Encyclopedia Iranica. http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/courts-and-courtiers-vi

accessed September 29, 2019

Shafaat, Ahmad, Dr. “Islamic Rules Governing Financial Dealings, “1988.  Islamic Perspectives, http://www.islamicperspectives.com/FinancialDealings.htm Accessed October 1, 2019

With Thanks To

Carroll-Clark, Susan. Private correspondence, Facebook Messenger, September 24 through October 1, 2019.

Leo-Roca, Carlos. SOAS Library, University of London.

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[1] The original maxim is “An equitable Sultan is the shadow of God on earth”. (Mustafa.)

[2] Someone who was of a high rank could be known as a fidalgo. (Savory.)

[3] Spices native to Persia.

[4] The Safavid administration was split between the “men of the sword” and the “men of the pen”. (Savory.)

[5] It was a great honour to be allowed to sit in the Shah’s court. (Savory.)

[6] A moqarrab ab-hazrat was a manager in charge of a royal workshop responsible for expenditures. Moqarrab meant “confidant” and “hazrat” is an honorific. The sharbat-khana was the workshop that included spices, sugar and tobacco. (Savery. Minorsky. Marcinkowski.)

[7] The koranic verse 5:1 stipulates that agreements must be adhered to. (Dandemayay.)

[8] This is attributed to the Prophet Muhammad. (Dandemayay.)

[9] Several koranic verses teach that contracts must be honoured, including "O Believers: Honor your contracts" (5:1,) as well as "And fulfill every commitment. Surely every commitment will be asked about (on the day of judgment)" (17:34). (Mustafa. Shafaat.)

[10] Azar is the ninth month of the official calendar of Iran. It begins in November, ending in December, and lasts thirty days.

Aurelia Gabriana, Order of the Laurel, backlog scroll (written in 2015; updated in 2017)

I was asked to write the wording for a backlog scroll for Mistress Aurelia Gabriana (of beloved memory) for her induction into the Order of the Laurel.

Lo, Roak and his queen did bring Their word

From Trino land; that Laurel was conferred

Unto Aurelia known for lovely art

For twas she that with needle showed her heart

So thence to teach was this new Laurel tasked

To well regard decree the Royals asked.

This was written in the chronicles as being during the winter war on the second of March in the year 42 after the foundation of the empire

Wording by THLaird Colyne Stewart, based on a verse attributed to Tyrtaeus, as found in “The Life of Lycurgus” in “Parallel Lives” by Plutarch.

Gannicus the Hibernian, Award of Orion, 2018

By Maister Colyne Stewart, March AS 52 (2018)

The hammer rings on anvil’s head,

The steel wed in Credne’s clamor,

Smith, Gannicus, gives of his art,

Generous heart, the Crown thinks thus:

To Goibniu’s son, give gift,

Herald, swift, Lén’s star pearls strew,

Glad Orion’s belt gird him,

Strong of limb, honour well won.

Rylan, Edward, rich royals,

Loyal, of Mac Cuill sure scions,

In Ben Dunfirth done on feast

Of priest McCartan, bless’d birth

In year two and fifty thus,

For Gannicus, lords of tree,

Make note his deeds and sing sure,

Endure his name, give true troat.

Written as a casbairdne, an early Irish poetic form. Casbairdne were quatrains with seven syllable lines. Lines two and four rhymed, while one and three should have consonance with them (I did not adhere strongly to the consonance in this poem). Each couplet (set of two lines) had to employ cross-rhyme (where a word in the first half of the line rhymed with the last word in the other line in the couplet). Two words per line had to alliterate; in the final line of the quatrain the alliteration had to be between the last syllable and the previous stressed syllable. The poem ended with dunadh, which usually meant the last word of the poem had to be the same as the first, or it had to alliterate or rhyme with the first. (Sometimes dunadh also referred to chain rhyme).

Below is a copy of the poem with footnotes. Alliterated words have the first letter shown in bold, while rhymed syllables are shown in italics. 

The hammer rings on anvil’s head,

The steel wed in Credne[1]’s clamor,

Smith, Gannicus, gives of his art,

Generous heart, the Crown thinks thus:

To Goibniu[2]’s son, give gift,

Herald, swift, Lén[3]’s star pearls strew,

Glad Orion’s belt gird him,

Strong of limb, honour well won.

Rylan, Edward, rich royals,

Loyal, of Mac Cuill[4] sure scions,

In Ben Dunfirth done on feast

Of priest McCartan,[5] bless’d birth

In year two and fifty[6] thus,

For Gannicus, lords of tree[7],

Make note his deeds and sing sure,

Endure his name, give true troat[8].

---

[1] A smith of the Tuatha Dé Danaan of Irish mythology; one of the three gods of art.

[2] Another smith of the Tuatha Dé Danaan; Credne’s brother; also one of the three gods of art

[3] Lén was a fairy craftsman who, every night, flung his anvil at a nearby hill, causing pearls to shower from said anvil.

[4] A former High King of Ireland.

[5] The feast of Saint McCartan (also known as Mac Cairthinn of Clogher) is on March 24.

[6] Anno Societatis 52.

[7] A reference to the druids, who also acted as bards and recorders of history.

[8] A loud call, usually used to refer to those made by an animal trying to attract another.

Pesha, Order of the Crucible, 2016

With grace and dignity do we, Velikii Knyaz Siegfried and Velikii Knyagina Xristina, call before us Pesha, known as Gypsy.  Her skill at dance, needle crafts and in persona research are known throughout Our kingdom and those of many of Our royal cousins.  Therefore, at the counsel of the kniaz and posadniks and people of Ealdormere, it is ordained and commanded by Us that Pesha be at once admitted into Our most noble Order of the Crucible. And if it happen that any kniaz or posadnik or other member of the populace, do go against this, Our royal decree, that such person, by assent of our boyars, shall pay a fee equal to their station. This we proclaim at Tournoi du Coeur des Glace, in Our shire of Bastille du Lac on the fourth day of the second month of the fifty-first year of the society.

Wording by TH Laird Colyne Stewart, based on the Statuta Armorum, c. 1260.

Lucia de Moranza, Award of Orion, 2015

Albeit the jealous temper of mankind, ever more disposed to censure than to praise the work of others, has meant that the work of the deserving sometimes goes unrecognized; therefore, prompted by that desire which nature has implanted in Us, Quilliam and Domhnail, King and Queen of the free north, to reward whosoever We think offers a common benefit to all, do We call Lucia de Moranza before Us. Good lady, We send you a gift, which is at any rate the least We could do to show Our appreciation for your endeavours in the arts and sciences. And in this writ, Our gift, We have expressed both Our love of your works in fabric arts, bobbin lacing, egg painting and tablet weaving, as well as the love of the people of Our lands. Take then this Award of Orion, in glad spirit, and give Us satisfaction in knowing that all now know the favour We hold for you. We have done this at Queen’s Prize Tourney, in Our lands of Petrea Thule on the feast day of Emperor Justinian in the fiftieth year of the Society.

Wording by THLaird Colyne Stewart, based on the preface to Discourses on the First Decade of Titus Livius by Niccolo Machiavelli (c. 1517).

Merewyn of Swenyeshie, Award of Orion, 2015

Let all who heren thisse asise,
Of Steinarr, Kyng of the Ealdormerii,
And Lydr, Quene who Wið-stod him.
Worldes bliss we pris nout,
Al be that the bliss of oure Kine-þeod we pris gretliche.
They that do multiplye the murthe of oure puple
With conning and queyntise - forgen bel beydes -
We wouldst wurðien. We bi-nemnen in oure loftye castel:
Merewen de Sweynesheie is grauntyed the Awarde of Orion.
Ne mon is gabben oure vassal!

(IN MODERN ENGLISH)
Let all who hear this decree,
Of Steinarr, Kyng of the Ealdormerii
And Lydr, Queen who stands beside him.
Wordly bliss we value not,
Although the bliss of our subjects we value grealty.
They that do multiply* the joy of our people
With cunning and artifice - forging beautiful beads -
We would honour. We declare in our lofty hall:
That Merewen de Sweynesheie is granted the Award of Orion.
Let no man scoff at our vassal!


Wording by Lord Dietrich von Sachsen

Jack Mungo, Award of the Orion, 2014

Let it be known, from lofty hall to furthest field,
The words of great King Steinarr of bright steel,
And Lydr, Queen, who bears the scarlet shield!
They would speak of this man who before them kneels:
    Speak of Jack who goes no more a-viking,
    Lest he our fierce justice goes inviting,
    Jack now raises hammer, and anvil-striking!

When sword-blades are brandished and shields are battered,
Spear-shafts splintered and mail links scatter,
When bright armour breaks and banners lie tattered,
Know well that our tall helms ne'er will shatter!
    For Jack, who goes no more a-viking,
    Lest he our fierce justice goes inviting,
    Forges helms with hammer, and anvil-striking!

Great skill has he shown with iron and steel,
Like Weland of old from Mimir, he is learning,
For his craft Weyland suffered - wounded in heel
So does this man fall afoul of earth, acid and burning,
    Poor Jack, who goes no more a-viking,
    Lest he our fierce justice goes inviting,
    May he survive to wield hammer, and anvil-striking!

Let none proclaim us like Niðung, of greed and pride,
False King who would make proud Weyland a slave!
Royal-blooded are we, and great bounty we provide!
To noble servant here - who is lordly, not knave:
    We give Jack, who goes no more a-viking,
    Lest he our fierce justice goes inviting,
    Award of Orion for anvil-striking!


Wording by Lord Dietrich von Sachsen

Jane of Greenhill, Order of the Crucible, 2015

Right trusty and well-beloved, we greet you well. And whereas it hath pleased Us to see the great works created by Jane of Greenhill, and she is justly and rightfully known for her exemplary interpretation and study of Henrician Tudor attire, therefore so is she recognized by Quilliam and Domhnail, the monarchs of this realm, and enacted by Our authority, she shall be inducted, accepted and established as a member of our most noble Order of the Crucible. For her contributions to Our kingdom We give high thanks, laud and praise. Given under our signet at the Huntman’s Harvest in Our Barony of Ben Dunfirth on the 3^rd day of October, in the fiftieth year of the Society.

Wording by THLaird Colyne Stewart, based on the Act of Supremacy (1534) and the Birth Announcement of Princess Elizabeth (1533).

Catherine Townson, Order of the Laurel, 2015

Steinnar and Liðr, by grace of the north, king and queen of Ealdormere, &c. to heralds, pursuivants, &c. greeting. Know ye that plants can grow in disparate soil, and with love and care they can be moved from place to place, and not just grow but thrive. So has one of our subjects been transplanted, and so has she thrived. From far An Tir she came to our northern lands, and in our gardens and glades she tills and hoes, and on the loom her deft fingers flow. Our privilege it has been, to watch her blossom. Therefore, we, seriously contemplating the eminent services and merits of the noble Catharine Townson, who is skilled at the weaving of textiles, and judging the same to be most worthy, that, in our special grace and certain knowledge, have erected, preferred and created the said Catharine as a member of the Order of the Laurel, with the name, status, style, title, honour and dignity as a Laurel, with all and singular responsibilities, duties and other things whatsoever of such status of being a Laurel. To recognize her new station, we give and concede by these presents to her, the said Catharine, a ring we have marked, invested and really enobled, and a medallion of honour and dignity, and also a coat on her shoulders we place. And this we have done on the [ ] day of [ ], at the War of the Trillium, in our Canton of Ardchreag, in the fiftieth year of the Society.

Wording by THLaird Colyne Stewart, based on the Creation of Edward Copurtenay as Earl of Devon, Letters Patent, Mary, 1553 and the Creation of Thomas, Earl of Arundel and Surrey, as Earl of Norfolk, Letters Patent, Charles I, 1644.

Charter of the Proposed Alchemical Guild of Ealdormere

It is provided, ordained and established by the common council of the Kingdom of Ealdormere for the approval of our lord [NAME] the King of Ealdormere and [NAME]  his Queen in the matters of alchemy and practice of the same within the baronies of Septentria, Skraeling Althing, Ramshaven, Ben Dunfirth and Rising Waters, and also of all the shires of the realm. And let it be known that the pursuit of the Philosopher’s Stone, the Magnum Opus, the Elixir of Life and all other matters of transmuting one material into another be carried out and pursued by the members of the Alchemical Guild of Ealdormere.

Furthermore, it is ordained concerning the same Guild that alchemical materials including but not being limited to phlogiston be kept by members of the aforesaid Guild. Likewise the construction, sale and keeping of all alchemical instruments including but not limited to the athanor, aludel and alembic is to be unimpeded for all Guild members.

And that no one of the kingdom sell alchemical agents to a foreign merchant except by the Royal’s allowance. And whosoever does this and is convicted by a bailiff shall fine him for each item twelve pence after the form aforesaid.

For the members of the Guild it is provided and ordained that those who are of the Guild be sworn after such manner that they will be faithful and loyal to the king and the kingdom; and that they will loyally keep the counsel and the private affairs of the mystery of alchemy.

And it is provided that all these ordinances aforesaid be read and published openly twice yearly, that is to say on the Day of the Holy Innocents and on that of St. Augustine, that no one of the kingdom may oppose the above-named articles.

Witnessed and signed by

[NAME], King

[NAME], Queen

Margeurite, Signet

Document reviewed by Colyne Stewart, clerk.

12 pence paid to the hanaper.

Wording by THLaird Colyne Stewart, based on an undated constitution of the city of Lincoln (c. 1300s).

Othindisa bykona, Order of the Laurel, 2015

Þá á vetra stofnans fertugundi ok níundi, Rikardsmessa inn Konung, inn nótt tuttugundi ok annarr þorsmánaðar ok nótt sjaundi mánaðar fimti einvalds Titus ok Anna Leigh, Konunginn Æthelmerc ok Kvenna. Gegnum meðan hæstir eru stormar um vetrinn fóru á Vindkverns Stað á hinna Syndar Sjau Dauðligra Hóf. Þar tala hinn skaldshvítskeggjaðr heyrðu

Ok hann sagði:

Engis gulla augar
óðrærs æna smyrill;
flugastinga súpa
sæta mjölkblóms lævíss.
Vængar með höggvanda
vínsvelgr fljóta til býhus
Þer hunangs ymrþjuða
þrekliga stemma lækrgull.

Meyja hroska meldrar
mala luma hunangs -
lærdóms glaðast landvörð
ljoseld halda blossi.
Runum Freyjas fela -
fjarðlog herjar hirða.
Riki býheims hrósa
ræriróðs prúðlig meyja.

Birtigulla býtár
bekkr damstæð leka
játir barajastars
yndiligr bekkr vindsgnýr.
Hrannir út hann dynjað
Hárs á saltunnu skáldit
siglað Óðinns segjað
skaldskipit ok ölhrönn.

Ágæta Óðindisa
afusa meyja gullin.
Bóndar mikill býkongs
berrat órdsmíðs bjórveig.

Þá er heyrðu þessa, Titus ok Anna Leigh fundu Oðindisa bykona, aldæll ok víta, mætr ganga í bönd með bróðernit lárviðs af vísi býhalda vítr ok læring hana af vísi þat. Gjöf gefu henni, nafn aeðlæst ok skjaldnafn: Fjólublátt, sól í dýrð hans, á æðstu gulli þrjú perur grænt, eiginn hennar af opið bref. Ok gleðusk állr!

Þus endast nóttsaginn einvalds Titus ok Anna Leigh, Konungr ok Kvenna Aethelmearc.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Then, in the forty-ninth winter from the Founding, on the Feast day of Richard the King, being the 22nd night of Thor-month, and the seventh night of the fifth month of the reign of Titus and Anna Leigh, the King of AEthelmearc and his Queen traveled in the depth of winter to visit their WindMill Stead for the Seven Deadly Sins Feast. There they heard the White-Beard Skald speak. And he said:

Meadow´s golden-eyes gathers the hawk of wisdom The sting-fly sips sweet blooms' strong milk Drunkard with wings staggering floats to home at bee house There the buzzing-tribe strongly stems the stream-gold. Maiden of the mill wise measures golden honey. Brings to landward brightest beacon´s light of learning. Keeps she Freya's secrets, keeps the baron's fjord-flame. King of bee-home praises wisdom's stately maiden. Bright-gold bee-tears frozen brook the golden dam-yard leaks. Charming bee-tear brook squall yields finest yeast-wave. Har's waves flow to high hall barrel quenches skald's thirst. Skalds ships sails all ways over Odin's ale-wave. Thanks to golden maiden, Oðindisa's glory, Bee-king's minions many bring to wordsmith strong drafts.

After hearing this, Titus and Anna Leigh found Othindisa bykona, gentle and wise, most worthy of taking the oath of a Companion of the Laurel Brotherhood for her studies in the science of keeping bees and her teaching of that science, and They gave her a gift of a Most Noble Name and the shield-naming: Purpure, a sun in his splendor, on a chief Or three pears vert, hers alone by Letters Patent. And all rejoiced!

Thus ends this night-saga of the reign of Titus and Anna Leigh, King and Queen of Æthelmearc.

Words by Baron Fridrikr Tomasson

Einar Inn Austrifera Josepson, Award of Orion, 2015

Excerpt from Gamlaðr Vatn Saga:

In the fall, Daffyd and Mahild took over a farm in the Ford, and it soon became a fine estate. A son was born to them, named Einar; he was quickly handsome and precocious. Like his father, Einar was skilled in working with wood, but soon surpassed him in this ability. Many were the bowl and spoon carved by Einar’s hands, and many homesteads made use of his work.

Mighty Trumbrand and Queen Kaylah, having heard of Einar’s talents, came with many warriors, servants and retainers and stayed at the farm in the Ford. There they watched Einar as he laboured at his trade, and they were much impressed.

They called Einar before them, and then spoke:

We called on Einar’s homestead

And found the woodman shaping;

Armed with blade and saw-tooth

The wood bent to his will.

Grand things we saw him make there,

All of them great treasures,

Made from mighty oak trees;

Rewards must now be given.

And so they gave Einar a ring, marked with the stars of Orion, so that all who met him would know of his great skill.

The skalds recorded that this happened in the Shire of Bastille du Lac, on the 31^st dagr of Þorri, in the forty-ninth ár of the worldthing.

Wording by THL Colyne Stewart, based on excerpts from Laxdæla Saga.

Xristina Viacheslavova, Order of the Laurel, 2014

So do I, Trumbrant, Mighty Sovereign of all Ealdormere, Great Prince of Septentria,

Ramshaven, Rising Waters, Skraeling Althing, Ben Dunfirth and T'sar of all the Peoples who dwell within these lands, and Kayla, Beloved Wife and Fierce T'sarina to my Posadnika Xristina Viacheslavova kiss esmi at my father's throne and do give my good graces to her and her family; and where from whomever I will hear about good or about evil of my Posadnika, I say to them in truth, on this my fastened certificate, without duplicity that I do praise her above all and wish to reward her with great priveledge in my land.

We, T'sar and T'sarina, on all days with our subjects do we oversee, have noted the valiant and noble spirit of Our Posadnika Xristina Viacheslavova that aspires to be foremost in knowledge of the culture, clothing and adornment of the most Reknown Land of Russia. Having found no finer example of skill, constancy and devotion to said subjects, therefore We, in accordance with the custom of Our predecessors who used to reward those who displayed such worth in many and Divers Arts, do decree that she shall forthwith and forever be known as an Iskusnitsa of Our most Noble Order of The Laurel, and to allow her to claim pomestie lands for her service, to bear this burden with the knowledge that all gifts do come from Us and may be recalled, should she no longer please Us.

Xristina Viacheslavova, to you we turn our word. Being worthily signified by entry to this Noble Order, We caution you that after the praise, benefit, honour and glory comes the duties of a Iskusnitsa of our Noble Order of the Laurel. In Our Name, and in the name of those Great Princes of Reknown that came before us, do we command you to serve your T'sar and T'Sarina in all things, bringing to Them the bounty of your knowledge and the wisdom of your teaching. Teach those you command to serve your Gosudar, to serve you as my Iskusnitsa and teach your Masterskaya, podmaster'e and your Sem'ya to learn not to steal, not to blyasti, not to lie, not to slander, not to envy, not to offend, not to malign, others not quarrel, not to judge, not to revel or carouse, not to ridicule, not to remember evil, not be angry on anyone, to their superiors be obedient and meek, to equals loving, to their lessers and wretched welcoming and kind, with everyone make fitting arrangements of comfort without a lot of fuss and trouble, in the monastery, and into hospitals and into jails, prisoners to visit and give alms also as much as any required, and seeing their misfortune and grief and to all needy if it is possible to help them and any who is sorrowful and poor.

We give to you esmi of Our Princes, Namestnik and Voevody and demand that all Detskie, Otrok, Gridin, Hryden, Tysyatski, Sotski and Desyatski bow their heads to the earth, and must not sit when you are arisen, and you are ordered to sit from your place when all do stand, excepting the Great T'sar and T'sarina, Tsarevich, Tsarevna, and all of their children, Vlastitel of all other sovereign lands, Gosudar, Velikij Knyaz, Velikaya Knyaginya and any Knyaz or Knyaginya, so that all may know the favour you do hold, given from the hand of your Gosudar and T'sar of All Ealdormere.

Further, We present this document as a perpetual confirmation of the nobility of our Iskunitsa Xristina Viacheslavova. Know that she is a Member of our Boyarstvo and does carry with her at all times our blessing and esmi of Faithfulness until the Day of Judgement shall come. To this certificate the Grand Prince and the Grand Princess ordered their Boyars hands to apply the Great Seal of Ealdormere and Dvoryane to witness the sign manuel of Trumbrant III and Kayla III, as they overlook the frozen fields of Skraeling Althing and celebrate the Feast of the Hare, this first year of their Reign,

AS 49.

Wording by HE Mahault of Swynford.

Pesha, Award of the Orion, 2014

From Siegfried King of Ealdormere and Ragni, Our kind and gracious Queen, unto all whom the present letters shall come, greeting.

Duty and privilege move Us to see that those who merit honor and recognition are rewarded for their efforts. Since those things which are done lapse with the passage of time, and unless they are corroborated by written testimony, will easily slip the memories of men, We wish it to be known to all people both now and in the future that We, by Our will, herby recognize Lady Pesha for her artistic endeavors including costuming and research. So it is that We agree and do We wish to recognize this talented lady with Our Award of the Orion and give her the right to wear the badge of the award Purpure, an Irish harp, on a bordure Or five mullets purpure.

But, so that it will not be terminated as long as Ealdormere prevails, We have also recorded these things in writing in order that no calumny may arise in the future, and in order that all doubt may be removed.

Wording by Adrielle Kerrec.

Colyne Stewart, Order of the Crucible, 2014

To all freeholders and the whole realm of Ealdormere do We, King Siegfried and Queen Ragni send all manner of filial reverence. We know from the chronicles and books of the ancients, that our Kingdom of Ealdormere has well earned widespread renown throughout the Known World for its wealth of histories, poems, songs, and stories and there exists such envy for the talent of those ollaves of Ealdormere who are able to create such chronicles.

There is one who through countless efforts has recorded such chronicles including deeds of war and tournament, tales of pilgrimage, triumphs in arts and sciences, challenges issued, service done and yet other endeavours without number, putting into words that which no one could describe nor fully imagine unless they had seen them with their own eyes so all should know and remember. From these labours our people and their heritage has been delivered out of the darkness of ignorance and forgetfulness of the passage of time and has been well preserved for all future generations to know and bear witness to the high qualities and noble deeds of the people of Ealdormere.

Such a man is Colyne Stewart. To this man, in as much as he has preserved word and deed of our people, we are bound both by law and by his merits that Ealdormere's renown may be still maintained, and come what may, we mean to stand and recognize such skill. Therefore it is that We decree that Laird Colyne Stewart with our most earnest prayers and suppliant hearts, be induced into Our order of the Crucible and grant unto him the right to bear the badge of the Order. It is in truth not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that he hath worked, but for our people.

In order that no misrepresentation may arise in the future, and in order that all doubt may be removed, We have strengthened this appointment of Ours, corroborating it in writing before those here assembled Done on the Saint day of St Augustine, the 6th day of September, Anno Societatis 49 and order it to be signed with the authority of our seal.

Wording by Adrielle Kerrec. Largely based on the Declaration of Arbroath.

Mjoll Ulfsdottir, Award of the Orion, 2012

Who is this lady that comes before Us

Here in our lofty hall?

To stand before Edward, Wolf-strong King,

And Rylyn, North-wise Queen?

Called she Mjoll, Dottir of Ulf,

Water-born and Water-loved

Skilled with hands and leather-craft

And Jörð's bounty well fashioned.

Bearer is she of unsheathed axes,

Giver of shovels-sheathed.

Shaper of skins, and pelts prepared

For beauteous crafts to please the eye.

Drunk has she deep from Mead of Suttungr,

Odin’s gift of poetry to men;

With skald’s tongue and wisdom great

Does she great works of song and tale.

Know we well this Lady’s worth

And proclaim it thus in our high hall:

That Lady Mjoll, Dottir of Ulf,

Bear our will and favour forth.

Take upon thee this harp of gold

Bedecked in wine-deep stars

Orion’s harp, for all to hear,

Award we now for art and skill.

Done this 1st Day of September, AS 47,

As we sit our thrones at Baron's Howe.

Wording by Dietrich von Sachsen.

John Moran, Orion, 2014

Declare throughout the realm and understand these words. Nigel by divine grace King of Ealdormere, and Adrielle his inspiration and Queen, to all faithful subjects present and future, greetings. Let all know duty and privilege move Us to see that those who merit honour and recognition are rewarded for their efforts. We being right mindful of the enthusiasm, knowledge and skills in which John Moran has displayed in Tudor culinary manners and arts do wish to recognize him with Our Award of the Orion and grant unto him the right to wear the badge of the award. That this gift remain firm and unimpaired, We order it to be signed with the authority of our seal in Our beloved Canton of Caldrithig by the hand of our scribe, in the 48th year of the incarnation of our Society on this 22nd day of February.

Wording by Duchess Adrielle Kerrec.

Gwen Hamilton, Orion, 2014

Nigel and Adrielle, by grace of the Heavens King and Queen of Ealdormere, and Earl and Countess of Arrochar, to all, Barons, &c., greeting. Among other notable affairs of the realm we consider it to be the most important that it should be fortified by a fitting distribution of orders, dignitaries and offices, supported by sound councils and powerful people. Therefore, as the realm has for a time suffered a manifold decay in names, honours and dignity of degrees, we, regarding with quiet meditation those things by which the same realm can be adorned, and turning our regards to the consideration of our beloved and trusted Gwen Hamilton, and willing that this person should be honoured, have given to her our Award of the Orion, with the common assent and counsel of the prelates, earls, barons and others of our council. Done by our hand and seal, at [EVENT NAME], on [DATE], in our [LOCAL GROUP].

Wording by THLaird Colyne Stewart, based on the Creation of the Black Prince as Duke of Cornwall by Edward III, 1338, Charter R.C.V. 35.