Yamagata Tokimu'ne, Award of the Maiden's Heart, 2021

Snow blankets the land

The mountain sleeps under drifts

Its streams are frozen

Undisturbed by marching feet

Of bushi; they march to war.

One stands among them

Honour’d is Yamagata

Tokimune; serve

Your Ten’nō and your Jotei

Shugo of Western Province.

Rise, Hatamoto

Tono of the Okami!

Wolves howl your name

Kaylah and Trumbrand declare

The Maiden’s Heart – bear it now.

 

Done this 70th day of Winter, in the 54^th Year, by our decree.

 

Wording by Akashi Terumoto go-Taisho

Composed as a renga (連歌) format of poetry.

Thord Lotharson, Award of the Maiden's Heart

There once was a fighter named Thord,
Who fought with a big axe and sword.
He’d fight all the day
In every which way
So he joined the barbarian horde.

In the Shire did Thord make his home,
But not wanting to be all alone,
When newcomers approached,
In combat he coached,
A made his techniques then their own.

Thus did new fighters he train,
To fight well upon Trino’s plain,
He’d marshal the practice
And Winter War’s fracas,
And we call this a hobby – how insane!

So Kaylah, the Queen of the Land,
Said to Thord as did gallant Trumbrand –
For the fighting art
Award We Maiden’s Heart
Given now from own seal and hand.

Done this day, the 28th of September, Anno Societatis LIV.

Wording by Dietrich von Sachsen.

Neala of Trinovantia Nova, Award of the Maiden's Heart

I invoke the land of Trinovantia Nova,
Much coursed by the gentle seas.
A beloved land is yon land in the west.
So have Kaylah and Trumbrand invoked for her.
Beloved kinswoman is Neala,
Of the storied blood of Ragnaill.
She who is beloved of the land
And who loves in turn.
Waters furrows with heartfelt tears,
And turns fallow land to rich fields,
Through toil and labours,
With love and dedication.
Like a lofty ship is the land of Trinovantia Nova
And Neala, a skilled pilot
Who guides with hand and heart.
For us, the lays of time are preserved
To perform, most noble people;
Woven in the length of the cloak of her being
Is Neala of the Maiden’s Heart.
So do we speak on the feast of St. Machan.
I invoke the land of Trinovantia.


Words by TH Lord Dietrich von Sachsen, inspired by Amergin's Invocation of Ireland.

Rylyn Buchanan, Award of the Maiden's Heart

In the year of the incarnation of the first Laurel Kingdom quinquaginta quattuor, indication of the 7th day of the final month. I Kaylah, Queen of Ealdormere, with the assent of the King of Ealdormere Trumbrand, in the fourth month of my reign, recognized by noble counsel the labours of Rylyn Buchanan who sat in the seat of the Trillium Herald. Accordingly, it is in all parts of the land that she has served our College of Heralds and our thanes, hersir, bondsman, and thralls. For it is with quickness of wit and fullness of heart that she has turned her skill and hand to the art and science of heraldry. She has collected great sums to account for the expenses of the college, and has proved she can consult in any land, in great hall or in summer field. . Accordingly, it is in the western part of the land that I give her the Award of the Maiden’s Heart, and the right to bear the badge of the award aforenamed, “Quarterly azure and Or, a heart counterchanged.” This I will take care to uphold to all common and other people as long as men have freedom to hear my words. Confirmation of the decree set forth in the most frequented place Bryniau Tywynnog

Wording by Dietrich von Sachsen. Based of the 805 CE Charter of Cuthred, king of Kent, to Wulfred, archbishop.

Laurenz Tonnemacher, Award of the Maiden's Heart, 2018

In the year quinquaginta tria, on the eighth day of September, in the presence of the revered baron and baroness of Septentria, their majesties Baldric by right of arms high king of Ealdormere, and Breyla, High Queen by virtue of inspiration, and of their heirs, and that of their chamberlain, and that of Trillium Herald, present in person, sitting in judgement.

Singly and with others, the honourable lord Laurenz Tonnemacher of Skraeling Althing, has undertaken a firm, free and unconstrained obligation unto our commissariat, effectually guaranteeing it with himself and his property. This solemn obligation has been received, and reciprocated, by the lady Ilsebet Jeghersche, the lady commissar, and by the undersigned notaries, on behalf and in the name of our sovereigns’ commissariat.

The honourable lord has properly ensured in the lands under contention between the East and Middle kingdoms, at his own expense, cost, and outlay, and in accordance with requirements and custom, saw to it that sound and adequate tent poles, and sound and adequate deployment for each tent pole, under the supervision and command of the lady commissar, were provided to ensure that our sovereign’s commissariat was provided proper shelter and supply.

It has also been agreed that the honourable lord has provided retinues, scribes, and other suitable officials in each and every place of the said contentious lands, and ensured that accurate maps were provided to their majesties’ captains and their aides-de-camp, for several years counting or starting from the first day, as pleases the sovereigns and their commanders.

And thus on behalf of the sovereigns, the High King and High Queen, in the presence and with the consent of their councillors, the crown solemnly promises and agrees to grant, make over and assign, in good faith and without fraud, for each of these services, as stated above, the Award of the Maiden’s Heart, to be proclaimed throughout their demesne.

It was also agreed between the said parties, the intention that the sovereigns would continue to honour and reward further service of the honourable lord, which they will exercise according to custom in such matters. Concerning each and all of these deeds, the High King and Queen, their heirs, and the councillors of the realm asked of us, the below-named notaries, to draw up public instruments in accordance with the counsel of the wise, but with no alteration to the substance of the meaning. This was done in Eoforwic, whereof we have placed our hand and seal.

 Based on the 1334 Naval Contract from the Papacy against the Turks. Wording by Dietrich von Sachsen..

Bera, Award of the Maiden's Heart

Droekvett poetry, by THL Dietrich von Sachsen

Stalwart Baldric, staunchly
Standing with grand Breyla:
Bera - Heralds hail her –
Harken unto throne-voice.

Rising Waters' wright of
written webs; our officer;
 From potter's wheel, wellspring:
Well she serves her sovereign.

Thoughtful, patient pupil
Pen awakens on parchment.
Greater hath she grown; to
Grasp the cusp of knowledge.

Breaker-of-Rings brings
the bright heart of Maiden
Of Bernadette to Bera:
Bear this honour always.

Done this 12th day of the year Anno Societas LIII, as we sit our Thrones in the Barony of Rising Waters and preside over the Tournament of Lady Mary.

Gajin Suren, Award of the Maiden's Heart, 2014

Trumbrand, Khan of the north and destined thereof,
Truly ordained by spirits of Heaven above;
Truthful Kaylah, Khatun of Beauty and Love,
Trust well in Gajin Suren, whom they speak of.

He knows well the honour that comes of service,
Head or Hooves, for men courageous or nervous;
He hefts the plunder from field to cart - does this
Helps aged men and mighty Tumens thus.

Together none can easily vanquish you,
To be alone is to be broken in two,
Trains our warriors - Marshalls the lists do you,
Trade your many labours for honours new.

Thy breed were born of the fallow doe's offspring;
Thy service to us does us great honours bring,
Think upon the doe's grace the old men do sing,
"Thyself has earned the Maiden's Heart" says your King.


Wording by Lord Dietrich von Sachsen

Jehanne de Bretagne, Award of the Maiden's Heart, 2015

Steinnar, by Inspiration's Grace King of Ealdormere and His Consort and Queen, Lyda of Gladsome Countenance do happily send greetings unto all such diverse Kings, Dukes, Counts, Knights, Barons and Lords that this missive may address within and without the lands held by Ealdomere. Amongst Our many subjects stands one worthy of Our praise, a devoted servant, humble and gracious in her manner, loving and well loved by all who do meet her. Jehanne de Bretagne is much treasured by Us, her hearth always warm and her laughter always ringing throughout the halls of Our Homeland, filling Our hearts with comfort and delight. Her tasks are many and diverse, her talents and skills leading her down too many meandering paths for Us to detail in such a missive, but We take great pride to assure all that Jehanne is a gentle worthy of Our notice and regard. We, Ealdormere, from our High Seats, do declare that Jehanne de Bretagne, fierce in her love for Us, shall be henceforth permitted to wear the badge of the Award of the Maiden's Heart, without let or hinderance and demand that all shall heed Our Words or face our displeasure.

Sealed with the Great Seal of Ealdormere and executed by sign manual this Feast Day of Saint Mark the Evangelist in the first day of Our Reign at Our Loyal Shire of Bastille du Lac, Anno Societas 49.

Wording by HE Mahault of Swynford.

Award of the Maiden's Heart, Cameron MacGregor, 2015

Steinnar, by Right of Arms King of Ealdormere, Knight of the Realm, Shield of the Weak and Bane of the Southron Kingdoms and His Consort and Queen, Lyda, Patroness of the Arts, Inspiration of Gentle Pleasures and Shining Light of Good Graces, do offer greetings unto all such diverse Kings, Dukes, Counts, Knights, Barons and Lords that this missive may address within and without the lands held by Ealdomere. Unto such noble personages does Ealdormere recognize, averr and assert that Cameron, son of Gregor, although base born of the land of Scotland, has risen to such great heights through diligent and courageous service as to be counted as a Lord of Our Realm. Ealdormere has viewed his humble demeanour, his tireless martial efforts and his defense of Our Realm against the dread scourge of piracy and found Ourselves best pleased by his countenance and his fierce spirit in serving Us. We declare that with the receipt of this missive, all must know him as a man most blessed by Our Favour and that he is wonderful in Our eyes. We demand, extol and require that all who shall meet him shall know that he is a Lord of our Court and that we feel him worthy to wear the badge of the Maiden's Heart without let or hinderance, as he is a gentleman of great honour, devotion and virtue. Should any question Our Words or challenge his rights as a Lord and favoured subject, they will be met with Our great wrath, causing harm most dire to such an ill-fated fool, his lands and chattel as shall greatly besmirch his name throughout the Known World. Ealdormere will stand strong on the fields Northern and Southron in defence of the honour and good name of our devoted subject, Cameron, son of Gregor and all who slander or speak foul words of him shall pay dearly at the end of Our sword.

Done by sign manual this Feast Day of Saint Mark the Evangelist in the first day of Our Reign at Our Loyal Shire of Bastille du Lac, Anno Societas 49

Wording by HE Mahault fo Swynford, based on a 14th Century Scottish writ.

Aidan Scoetend aet thaem Mistigum Merum, Award of the Maiden's Heart

Aiden makes the Kingdom dance and the bowstrings sing

He gives of his time and energy to the betterment of others

Without hesitation

He is a dance teacher to the populace

And gives countless hours to learning his craft

And then in instructing others

Aiden taught classes at Knowne World Dance, 12th Night

Step Sprightly, V-Day, and Forward Into The Past

And has also spontaneously led classes

When a teacher has failed to appear

He has travelled to share his passion

Aidan has helped re-kindle the passion for dance in a time

When that gentle art had been starting to fade in nearby Kingdoms

And in so doing has made the Kingdom of Ealdormere

Shine like the Northern Star

As a beacon of hope

To our cousins and neighbours in the Knowne World

For his illustrious service

We, King Nigel and Queen Adrielle

Give unto Lord Aiden Scoetend aet thaem Mistigum Merum

The Award of the Maiden’s Heart.

He has the right to bear the badge

Quarterly azur and or

a heart counter-changed

Done this 24th day of April

Anno Societatis 44

At Coronation in our Canton of Caldrithig

Wording, calligraphy and illumination by THL Asa Gormsdottir

Motif based on late 10^th C. golden harness bow with Jellinge-style decoration (Mammen, Jutland, Denmark)

Runes in Elder Futhark

Thorolfr inn Smithr, Award of the Maiden's Heart

Thorolfr inn Smithr                Silent and steady

Your longship of service      Rides high in the waves

Lapstraked with offices                  Riveted with modesty

Through winters of counsel And summers of action

Quilliam intrepid                     Dagmar, most kindly

Make you a fine gift              Heart of a maiden

Born from the sky jewel        Wed to the swan’s road

Heralds your conquests       Safeguards your sailings

Award of the Maiden’s Heart

Done this 5^th day of June

Anno Societatis 45

At Pikeman’s Pleasure XX

In Petrea Thule

Wording, calligraphy and illumination by THL Asa Gormsdottir

Ship motif based on the Oseberg ship, early 9^th C.

Prow knotwork based on an 11^th C. brass shipvane, Urnes style

Runes in Elder Futhark

Ealdormere Award of the Maiden's Heart Wording

From our Lupine Thrones in Our [group hosting event] do We, [Sovereign], [King/Queen] of Ealdormere by right of arms, and [Consort], by inspiration Our most gracious [Queen/King], send greetings. Be it known that We do recognize the exemplary service of [recipient], who [reasons for award]. We do here commend [him/her] and are pleased to bestow upon [him/her] the Award of the Maiden's Heart and the right to bear the badge of the award. Given this [day] day of [month], Anno Societatis [year], at [event], in testimony whereof We have set Our hands and seal.

[Source: Ealdormere Scribal College]

Corwyn Galbraith, Award of the Maiden’s Heart, 2010

Corwyn Galbraith, the aiding Raven,

Gentle enough at the bestowal of rings;

And hard enough when upon the fields;

The bear from the gate of the Skelder.

Baron Corwyn, the worker,

Serving always, his king and crown,

Like the maiden he will not say no

When work there is to be done.

Master Corwyn, of the numerous skills,

Chef and cook, steward and baron,

Most worthy of the northern folk,

I bow to him in honour.

Let all here gathered know the esteem in which the Crown holds its most worthy and tireless servant, Master Corwyn Galbraith, and of our intent to bestow upon him the award of the Maiden’s Heart. Granted by Quillium the High King, Lord of the North, and Dagmar, Queen of the Wolves, on this XXth day of XXXX, Anno Societatus XXXX, while sitting upon their thrones in their Canton of XXXXXXX.

Words by THLaird Colyne Stewart, based on “Brian Ó Ruairc, mo rogha leannán

(Brian O'Roarke, my chosen darling)” by Fearghal Óg Mhac an Bhaird, written between 1560 and 1620.  The original text comes from the manuscript RIA 3 C 13.

Galfrid the Thynne, Award of the Maidens Heart, 2012

Roasting meat that a cook doth please

Upon a spit of iron dear,

I vow that from over the Inland seas

Never have I tasted its peer.

Roast I this with softened cheese,

“Life is good,” I say with cheer,

For these things that tasting please

Under a sky blue and clear.

Alas! It is as I fear:

Many fighters I fed from my pot;

The food is gone, my mood is drear,

But tomorrow I cook again in this spot!

From our Lupine Thrones in Our [group hosting event] do We, Roak, King of Ealdormere by right of arms, and Elizabeth, by inspiration Our most gracious Queen, send greetings. Be it known that We do recognize the exemplary service of Galfrid the Thynne, who serves as pursuivant, event steward, exchequer and camp cook. We do here commend him and are pleased to bestow upon him the Award of the Maiden's Heart and the right to bear the badge of the award. Given this [day] day of [month], Anno Societatis [year], at [event], in testimony whereof We have set Our hands and seal.

By THLaird Colyne Stewart. Based on the poem Pearl (anonymous, circa 1400), as translated by J.R.R. Tolkien, in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Pearl and Sir Orfeo, George Allen & Unwin Limited, 1975.

Rois Inse Fhinne, Award of the Maiden’s Heart, 2013

`TWILL ALL AND SINDRIE quhome it efferis quhais knawlege thir Pntis salcum Greting In god evirlesting We Trumbrand, King, and Kaylah, Queen, with our herauldis of the realme of Ealdormere being requirit be the richt honorable Rois Inse Fhinne to assigne and gif unto her sic awarde of the maiden’s hirt as become us of our office to do QUHAIRFORE we having respect to thais thingis that appertenit hes assignit and assignis to her permission to display the badge of said awarde, being quaterlie azure and or, a heart counterchanged. We testifie be oure seile of office is appensit At Finely Oaks the Eighteenth Day of august the zeir of society forty and eight.

By THLaird Colyne Stewart. Based on Patent of Arms to John Maxwell lord Herries, 1567