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.

Gwendolyn of Aldberg - Scroll of Honour / Queen's Favour

The 'letter' to Lady Gwendolyn of Aldberg - Scroll of Honour / Queen's Favour

To reverend and dearest lady, Gwendolyn of Aldburg most distinguished by nobility both of birth and of life, Adrielle, Queen by divine right, sends most heartfelt greetings. 

To say nothing of your other good works, for which the reputation of your nobility breathes the scent of your gentle nature far and wide and all around; you surely lavish so many and such great acts of kindness on people in all walks of life who live and especially those who thrive in Our Canton of Harrowgate Heath, that we are already so accustomed to them and they are so familiar to us that it could be burdensome to you for Us to order thanks to be given you by word or letter for every single act, nor are we able to repay whatever we might according to your merits. 

Brave in all endurance, gentle in bearing injury, quick to show pity, united and harmonious in sisterly love, you are one who administers comfort with compassionate affection through which the dark cloud of grief has grown lighter tended by your gentle guidance and affection. Wherefore, We would commend you to all and place you on Our Scroll of Honour, so that just as you do what you do so gently and aptly for all the right reasons, all may know and repay you on behalf of Us for whom you do good. 

Yet still for all that you have done this gesture seems somehow inadequate as clemency receives more praise because it is of benefit to more people. The beautiful protect the self with modesty, but a gentle rule keeps the realm safe. Accordingly, in recognition of the most high esteem We personally hold you, We would furthermore recognize such deeds and be as grateful for what you have done for Canton and Kingdom as if you had done it for Us. Let all know that fair Gwendolyn shall henceforth bear a mark of Royal Favour for her virtue and has received from Her Majesty's hand, the Queen’s Favour, and is commended to make display of it so all shall know of the singular favour this Crown finds in her.

Done on the feast da y of St. Elwin, this 22nd day of February A.S. 48

(wording by HRM Adrielle)

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.

Jocelyn Cranewell, Royal Favour, 2014

 Equity and right ordains that those who are virtuous and of noble courage be by their merits and renown rewarded by certain signs and demonstrations of honour and courtesy. Nigel, by divine grace ever venerable king of Ealdormere, and Adrielle his chosen Queen, to all those to whom this current letter will have come, their favor and all good will. May all know that We, always wishing to preserve the undiminished rights of the faithful and bestow upon them due recognition, on the deliberation of our advisors, in acknowledgment of the most high esteem We personally hold TH Lady Jocelyn Cranewall

Do hereby recognize such deeds done by her as Our Champion including her tireless efforts as envoy to foreign lands and her dedication to the arts martial . Let all know that she shall henceforth bear a mark of Royal Favour for her virtue and has received from Their Majesty's hand, the Crown’s Favour, and is commended to make display of it so all shall know of the singular favour this Crown finds in her.

And so that the aforesaid gift solemnly made may not be revoked as invalid by anyone, We have strengthened the present letters with the impression of Our seal in the presence of witnesses this 26th day of April AS 48 on the feast day of of St. Richarius

Wording by Adrielle Kerrec.

AElfwyn et Laganwuda, Order of the Wain, 2014

In the year of the society's incarnation 48 I, Nigel, with the favour of divine grace King of Ealdormere and Adrielle my Queen, led by divine love, foreordained by the same divine right, in the last hours of Our reign, have not been forgetful in the duties of governance and have taken care to commit this to writing so that our words and deeds should not be negated with the passage of time, either through the lack of care of our successors or through some kind of envy or dishonesty. 

With the agreement and authorisation of many nobles, including Our beloved companions of the Wain, We, giving with sincere intent, do bestow upon Mistress Aelfwyn, a grant of arms and do induct her into Our order of the Wain and grant unto her the right to bear the badge of the Order, for she has performed exemplary and long-standing service to Our Kingdom as officer, marshal, artisan, leader, champion, always as one who provides an example of courtesy and chivalry worthy of emulation. On account of such faithful service and loyalty We do further grant this charter bestowing on her for all time that place which is called by rustics the Redwood. In order that the aforementioned Mistress Aelfwyn should favourably possess without intermission this royal gift as long as Ealdormere should thrive, all that is recognised as belonging to that same place by law, both in large and in small matters, in fields, pastures, meadows, woods and fisheries, may the aforementioned Redwood, be free from all worldly impediment, except these three: military service, and the construction of bridge and fortress. The aforementioned Redwood is seen to be surrounded by these bounds. From the Cyningsweg south to Ramsayville, in the east from the green bank to the Morrisionweg. If any, however, should try, against Our wishes, to harm this charter, through the spite of oppressive covetousness, may they, falling down to the swirling masses of noisome darkness, be cursed, into everlasting fire’, where they may be tormented in a cruel punishment by demons with heated iron instruments of torture if they do not change this before their death with appropriate penitence. 

But, so that it will not be terminated as long as Ealdormere prevails, We have also recorded these things in writing. This aforementioned liberty was created in the year of the society's incarnation 48, on this 26th day of April.

Wording by Duchess Adrielle Kerrec.

AElfwyn et Langanwude, King's Favour, 2014

Wherefore I, Nigel, King, of Ealdormere over whom Divine dispensation wished me to rule, in the year of the society 48, in the twilight of our reign, do freely grant and bestow on the servant the Crown, Aelfwyn et Langanwude, Our King's Favour , and do rejoice greatly in recognizing she who has increased her own honor and that of Our Kingdom by being a model of the Chivalric virtues as she has stood as Our Champion. 

If anyone should attempt to harm this gift, let him know that he will fearfully render account in the terrible examination of the whole world at the time of judgment. In witness whereof We set our hand and seal this 26th day of September.

Wording by Duchess Adrielle Kerrec.

Dafydd ap Sion, Pelican, 2014

Since human frailty is more inclined towards forgetfulness of good than towards longing for eternal bliss, it is necessary to make permanent in writing that which has been done in good faith. Equity requires and reason ordains that those persons virtuous be rewarded for their merits by renown and recognition. Wherefore let those here present as well as the future subjects know, that We, Nigel reiver King by divine Grace and Adrielle his devoted Queen, through consideration not only of common renown but also by the report and testimony of other nobles worthy of credence, are informed of one who has borne himself with dignity and conducted himself honourably so that he deserved well and is well worth.

He has been a steadfast and steady servant, ever willing to take to any task that might need doing and none may doubt, nor even claim with any pretence of truth, that his works have not been many, and his labors great serving Canton, Barony and Kingdom, and his efforts untiring. Be it known, therefore, to the present age and to future generations that we, aided by the advice of our right worthy Order, and assenting to their just requests on account of their memorable faithfulness and service, do hereby elevate Dafydd ap Sion to Our noble Order of the Pelican.

In recognition and thanks for noble service given and in expectation that same shall continue, We likewise give, grant, concede and confirm to the aforesaid Dafydd in perpetuity one hide of land near the bank of the Trent , so that he may be permitted to graze, prune, mow, and hunt. Moreover we have decided that he shall be permitted to come and go securely by water and by land, such that he should not pay tribute or shore-toll.

This We command to be known to all the corners of our realm, and wishing this to remain valid for all posterity, We forbid that anyone, with rash daring, infringe it or in any way attempt to violate it, and command that all are forbidden to oppose, destroy or diminish in any way this privilege which, through Our royal sanction has been granted to Dafydd ap Sion and we validly corroborate this our decree, signed by the seal of our Majesty, witnessed by those who are present at this deed on the 18th day of AS 48 at Tournoi du Coeur de Glace.

Wording by HRM Adrielle Kerrec.

Kate Thyrisdottir, Cross of Calontir, 2013

Equity requires and reason ordains that those persons virtuous and of good skill and knowledge be rewarded for their merits by renown and recognition. Since human memory is short and does not suffice for a crowd of things, the authority of those who preceded our age, have decreed that those things were to be written down which the progress of fleeting time generally removes from the knowledge of men. Wherefore let those here present as well as the future subjects know, that We, Damien King and Isabell our Queen of Calontir by divine inspiration, through consideration not only of common renown but also by the report and testimony of other nobles worthy of credence, are truly advertised and informed of one who has borne herself valiantly and conducted herself honourably so that she deserved well and is well worth. She has been a steadfast and steady servant, ever willing to take to any task that might need doing, long has she served Kingdom crown after crown. Since she herself was a child of Calontir she has served in Calontir, Ealdomere, Meridies, and all lands where fate might take her, serving at home and abroad as Crown and Kingdom may have need.

None may doubt, nor even claim with any pretence of truth, that her works have not been many, and her labors great, her patience inexhaustible and her efforts indefatigable. Be it known, therefore, to the present age and to future generations of our subjects that we, aided by the advice and assent of all the members of our right worthy Order do hereby bestow on Kate Thyrisdottir the Cross of Calontir

As recognition of her rank and station We also grant unto her in fee and heritage, an oxgate of land of Flete and fishery of the same. And it shall be lawful for her and her successors, for the time being, to fish with the nets and boats in the said ponds and to take and carry away the fish captured there, to wit, pykes, tenches, perches, bremes and roaches, exempted, quit, and free from all customs but she shall not fish the Tetraodontidae.

This we command to be known to all the corners of our realm, and wishing this to remain valid for her unto all her posterity, we forbid by a royal edict that anyone, with rash daring, infringe it or in any way attempt to violate it, and command that all succeeding kings, all nobles, barons, and all people in the whole world who are now, ever were or ever shall be subject to our rule are forbidden to oppose destroy or diminish in any way this privilege which, through out royal sanction has been granted to Kate Thyrisdottir and we validly corroborate this our decree of the present privilege, signed by the seal of our Majesty, witnessed by those who are present at this deed on the (#) day of (month) AS (#) at (event).

Nigel MacFarlane, Earldom, 2010

We know and from the chronicles and books of the ancients we find that among other famous nations our own Sir Nigel has placed himself on the anvil of virture and has been graced with widespread renown.

He journeyed from the Midrealm, to dwell in Ealdormere and took possession of that home, a reiver richly rewarded with many victories and untold efforts and the people did indeed live in freedom and peace and harboured no malice or treachery; and, as the historians of old time bear witness, he held it free of all as King of this Realm. Their Royal Majesties Quilliam and Dagmar have taken careful heed to these things and do hereby bestow on Sir Nigel MacFarlane many favours and numerous privileges as befits one who has once borne the Lupine Crown. We grant him the title of Earl that he shall be henceforth recognized not only by his stature and prowess at arms, but also by a coronet of gold adorned with embattlements. We furthermore grant him, all the land in Arrochar on south side of the bridge, rights to the hunt in the forest at Argyll, and the license to fish in the River Croe.

It is in truth not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that Sir Nigel won the crown, but for only and alone for freedom which no man surrenders but with his life. In expectation of further service We do hereby place Sir Nigel on permanent quest to be ever ready to answer the call to arms, and do battle when bidden, whether at home or abroad. 

By HRM Adrielle Kerrec

Jasmine Galbraith, Award of the Wolf's Cub, 2010

Hear, see, read and understand that size and age are no hindrance to fierce heart and strong sword. With well tested shields the sons and daughters of the north have held the Lupine Kingdom of Ealdormere. They are famous knights, mighty squires and sturdy men at arms - swaddled under war-horns, nursed under helmets, fed from the point of the lance; to them the wars are familiar, to them the battlefields are well known; they like the wolf take to the hunt, seeking for themselves honor, and for their King glory.

Proud in the midst of these wolves, a cub in green and black stands. Fierce Wolf Cub Jasmine of House Galbraith! In battle, laughing, you hold your ground, you clang on helmets with your sword on the fields of War and all learn to fear your coming. Future men of the North will look to your banner, and sheath their dented swords, for by your coming they have already departed from their ancestral glory. A fierce beast comes upon them.

We, Nigel King of Ealdormere and Adrielle our chosen Queen, are resolved this day to reward the valor, puissance and skill of Jasmine and bestow upon her the Award of the Wolf's Cub this 19th day of March, anno societatis XLV, while on campaign in Glenn Abhann at Gulf Wars. 

By HRM Adrielle Kerrec

Mahault of Swynford and Berend van der Eych, King and Queen's Favours, 2010

The house of the Crown is never a quiet one. The duties of the Crown encompass all members of retinue a hundredfold. For 11 months of the year, no one-house member’s lives are theirs, and none are ever the same again. At times, two individuals have stood out, performing service well above their expected duties and obligations. Serving the Crown with such unselfish devotion and love, that the Crown’s splendor is greatly enhanced.

Know all that We Nigel, King and Adrielle his chosen Queen, hold Our loyal subjects Mahault of Swynford and Berend van der Eych in devotion and praise. They have freely given abundant service, generous gifts and sage advice , not for reward, but for love, to Ourselves in Our station as Sovereign Crown of Ealdormere, that We are minded to mark them with our Royal Favour As such they shall receive from Our Hand the King’s favour and that too of the Queen this 24th day of April in the ** year of the society.

Thus, We command, as is Our right, and thus We signify as Our will, by Our words to Our Court, and Our hands and seal upon this writ.

By HRM Adrielle Kerrec

Mahault of Swynford, Order of the Crucible, 2010

Predecessors of sharper memory more experienced in literary work commended monuments of things accomplished to the notice of their successors inspiring by this example lest they slothfully neglect something worthy of memory to future times. We, thinking to our and our successors' benefit, since while we know the beginning we do not know what the end may be, lest acts well and piously done be confounded by oblivion through time, let us take care to recall them in memory with virile writings. Praise is due the Craftsman who produces all manner of useful things to enrich our Realm, and since the Kingdom has flourished by the generosity one such Craftsmen., we think it necessary to subscribe.

We Nigel reiver King and Adrielle his chosen queen, ever desiring to augment and honor those whose noble works enrich Our realm, now commend Mahault of Swynford before Our Court. Well pleased are We by the skill and cunning shown by Mahault of Swynford in the gentle arts and sciences of illumination, costuming, brewing, cooking,, metalwork, leatherwork and woodworking. By her labor and sacrifice the beauty of Our Realm is enhanced and the renown of Our Kingdom increased.
In recognition of these efforts We invite Mahault of Swynford to assume her rightful place among the members of Our noble Order of the Crucible and from this day forward to partake in all duties and be entitled to all rights and privileges of this Our Order.

Recognizing that great works are attended by great needs, We are minded to increase the estates of Mahault of Swynford by two virgates, one each of arable wood and meadow; and grant permission for the construction and maintenance of a mill, powered by water or wind as seems fitting. Let these be held in perpetuity free of all duty save that to the Crown.

Done in Our Barony of Skraeling Althing on the feast of St. George this twentyfourth day of April Anno Societatis XLIV by our hand and seal. 

By HRM Adrielle Kerrec

Rozalynd of Thornabee, Writ

Trusty and well beloved: We Nigel King and Adrielle Queen be credibly informed that by the hand of Rozalynd of Thornabee on Tees many beautiful works have been wrought.

Wherever she has traveled, this noble lady has brought knowledge and shared it freely. Greatly have she enriched the beauty and splendor of Our Lands to Our right great pleasure.

On the advice of Our most noble Order of the Laurel, We do hereby charge her to sit vigil in contemplation that she may contemplate elevation to this Peerage. This candidate is to come before the Crown at an event of her choosing to answer to such matters and declare unto all her intent.

This We so decree this 24th day of April AS *** 

By HRM Adrielle Kerrec

Bleddyn de Caldicot, Award of the Scarlet Banner, 2011

We, thinking to our and our successors' benefit, since while we know the beginning we do not know what the end may be, lest acts well and piously done be confounded by oblivion through time, let us take care to recall them in memory with virile writings.

Therefore do we Quilliam and Dagmar, King and Queen of these Trillium lands, wish to recognize the skill in martial activity which Bleddyn De Caldicot has displayed, specifically in placing himself on the anvil of virtue, in battle and in deeds of arms and in service to Crown and Kingdom. 

In recognition of the valor at arms and courtoisie of spirit shown by Our good subject Bleddyn and for the skill at arms and noble presence he hath displayed upon the field of honor, do We now commend him and bestow upon him Our Award of the Scarlet Banner and the right to bear the badge of the award. 

In perpetual memory and inviolable confirmation of this our endowment and confirmation, we have had the present page written and fortified by the protection of our seals, with the added witness of our court of honest and upright men, in this the forty fifth  year from the incarnation of our Society on the twenty fifth day of the month of September on the feast day of St. Finbar,  in the Canton of Petrea Thule.

By HRM Adrielle Kerrec

Etain au Naval, Ducal, 2011

In the presence of Our noble and powerful Dukes and Duchess, Counts, Earls and Countesses, Barons and Baronesses, Laurels, Pelicans, Knights and their squires, ladies and lords, and all in the future as well as the present, We greet you on this 30th day of April in the 45th year of our society, in our beloved lands of Ben Dunfirth, a place suitable and convenient for this.

In accord with all that is proper, attend and witness the decree of their Lupine Majesties. Since those things which are done lapse with the passage of time, and unless they are supported 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, Aaron and Rustique, King and Queen of Ealdormere, would make Our will known and proclaim to all that Etain au Naval is henceforth a Duke of Our Realm. Let all peoples grant him the respect he has earned and the honor he has gained.

To be a King is good. To be a good King is better. Twice for love has he won a crown. Twice has he ruled with wisdom, strength, and grace Our kingdom. And twice with gladness have his people offered him their love. As is due by virtue of having borne the burden of Kingship twice we hereby confirm by these Royal Letters Patent the privilege of embellishing his achievement with a coronet of strawberry leaves upon his helm.

We here charge His Grace Duke Etain to uphold the dignity of this station; and he shall hold said rank from this day unto the end of his days. 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 and in testimony whereof, We have signed these Royal Letters Patent, and caused the Great Seal of Ealdormere to be hereunto affixed.

By HRM Adrielle Kerrec

Valfreya Greenspeare, Ducal, 2011

To the Dukes and Duchess, Counts, Earls and Countesses, Barons and Baronesses, Laurels, Pelicans, Knights and their squires, ladies and lords, and all in the future as well as the present, to whom these letters come, greetings.

Predecessors of sharper memory more experienced in literary work commended monuments of things accomplished to the notice of their successors inspiring by this example lest they slothfully neglect something worthy of memory to future times. Since the memory of men slips away swiftly, lest any difficulty or controversy should arise over this among those to come, We Aaron and Rustique, King and Queen of Ealdormere, do signify to the future as well as the present by these letters represent, that It is Our happy task to create Valfreya Greenspear a Duchess of Our Realm for she is a rose whose beauty and worth are due Our highest honor.

Wondrous is the Majesty of Our Queens. With a soft word, do they inspire chivalry. With a gentle smile, do they encourage courtesy. With humble

thanks, do they inspire a people's love. It shall be known to all that Valfreya, has twice inspired Her Champion to place Her in honor above all others and to win for her the Crown of this fair Kingdom and having borne the mantle of Queen with utmost patience and grace, has thereby earned the noble title of Duchess.

As is due by virtue of having borne the burden of the Crown twice we hereby confirm by these Royal Letters Patent to her the right and privilege of embellishing her achievement with a coronet of strawberry leaves.

And that these decrees may be valid forever we have ordered this document to be confirmed by the authority of our seal, and by the character of the Royal name, signed below. Done in our Barony of Ben Dunfirtth in the 45th year of our society, on the first day of our reign, being the 30th day of April.

By HRM Adrielle Kerrec

Berend van der Eych, Court Barony, 2011

Trusty and well beloved: We Aaron and Rustique, King and Queen of Ealdormere be credibly informed that Berend van der Eych has enriched our Kingdom. Whereas anciently from the beginning the valiant and virtuous acts of worthy persons have been commended to the world with sundry monuments and remembrances of their good deeds. Berend van der Eych has done numerous commendable services for Crown and Kingdom and been a leader through example. It is only fitting that We should recognize his efforts and, upon the advice of Our citizens, herby bestow upon him the right to style himself Baron of Our court And though a Baron of the court holds no authority or power to command, yet is he to be granted such honor and respect as befits a person of great worth and courtesy. Therefore, in order that no misrepresentation may arise in the future, and wishing this to remain valid unto all posterity, We forbid that any one, with rash daring, infringe it or in any way attempt to violate it; and We validly corroborate this Our decree, signed by Our Hand and witnessed by those who are present at this deed on the (#) day of August Anno Societais (#) at Pennsic War.

By HRM Adrielle Kerrec

Mahault of Swynford, Court Barony, 2011

Due to Our exceptional benevolence and Royal authority, and guided by our populace, We Aaron and Rustique King & Queen of Ealdormere have noted the long and faithful service given to Our Realm by Mahault of Swynford through her selfless dedication to Crown and Kingdom and take note of the renown of her character and would praise the virtues that have long endured in her noble person. For as much as it is the privilege of the Crown to recognize certain nobility, We have seen such nobility in Mahault of Swynford We are pleased to bestow upon her the right to style herself Baroness of Our court. And though a Baroness of the court holds no authority or power to command, yet is she to be granted such honor and respect as befits a person of great worth and courtesy. Having confirmed by document and set by Our Hand, this We command all present, if they hope confidently for our grace and affection, that they bear witness to this event and do not allow Our Will to be disturbed by any one. We validly corroborate this Our decree, signed by Our Hand at Pennsic War in the Debatable Lands on the ** day of August, in the (#) Anno Societatis.

By HRM Adrielle Kerrec

Adrielle Kerrec's Wordings

We have now added scroll wordings by Her Royal Highness of Ealdormere, Adrielle Kerrec, to the Scriptorium. You can read them here.