Tangwystl Caterina D'Courci, Duchy, 2017

Be it ordeined, established, and enacted by Edward, king, and Rylyn, quéene, of this realme of Ealdormere, with all the preheminence, and dignitie roiall to the same apperteining, that We do bestow, anoint and give unto Tangwustl Caterina D’Courci, first viscountesse of this Our kingdome, the title, style and right of duchesse, with the appurtenances thereto in anie wise due or appertaining. In her, Our kingdome’s first princesse, shall rest, remaine, and abide, our most roiall favour. This We order, Edward, souereigne lord king, and Rylyn, high quéene, with the grace of the North so to indure.

Done on the feast day of Blessed Charles of Austria, while Their souereigne maiesties sit in the castell of Rockton, within the lands of the boar known as Ben Dunfirth, in the yeare of the world 5984, and in the fifty and second yeare of the society, after the birth of the Lady Ealdormere 28, and in yeare ninetéene of the lupine realme.

Wording by Maister Colyne Stewart, based on “An act for the establishing of the crowne in the line of Henrie the seauenth” as recorded by Raphael Holinshed in Holinshed's Chronicles, which were written in 1577 with a second edition released in 1587.

In modern English, for the ease of the Court Herald:

Be it ordained, established, and enacted by Edward, king, and Rylyn, queen, of this realm of Ealdormere, with all the pre-eminence, and dignity royal, to the same appertaining, that We do bestow, anoint and give unto Tangwustl Caterina D’Courci, first viscountess of this Our kingdom, the title, style and right of duchess, with the appurtenances thereto in any ways due or appertaining. In her, Our kingdom’s first princess, shall rest, remain, and abide, our most royal favour. This We order, Edward, sovereign lord ing, and Rylyn, high queen, with the grace of the North so to endure.

Done on the feast day of Blessed Charles of Austria, while Their soverign majesties sit in the castle of Rockton, within the lands of the boar known as Ben Dunfirth, in the yeare of the world 5984, and in the fifty and second year of the society, after the birth of the Lady Ealdormere 28, and in the year nineteen of the lupine realm.

Original:

Be it ordeined, established, and enacted by this present parlement, that the inheritance of the crown of this realme of England, & also of France, with all the preheminence, and dignitie roiall to the same apperteining, all other seigniories to the king belonging beyond the sea, with the appurtenances thereto in anie wise due or apperteining, shall rest, remaine, and abide, in the most roiall person of our now souereigne lord king Henrie the seuenth, and in the heires of his bodie lawfullie comming, perpetuallie, with the grace of God so to indure, and in none other.

The Project Gutenberg EBook of Chronicles of England, Scotland and Ireland

(3 of 6): England (7 of 9), Henrie the Seauenth, Sonne to Edmund Earle of Richmond, Which Edmund was Brother by the Moothers Side to Henrie the Sixt,

by Raphael Holinshed

http://www.gutenberg.org/files/45681/45681-h/45681-h.htm

which is part of the Holinshed's Chronicles, which were written in 1577 with a second edition released in 1587.

West Kingdom Duke or Duchess Wording

Kingdom Text:

(Insert optional beginning if desired) We, (Insert King's first name) and (Insert Queen's first name), King and Queen of the West, in recognition that (Insert full name of recipient), has twice been King/Queen of Our Realm, do hereby acknowledge him/her Duke/Duchess and do affirm his/her Sole, Unique, and Exclusive Right to bear the following Arms by Letters Patent in this Our Kingdom of the West: (Insert Blazon).

(Insert optional ending and do not forget the date the award was given.)

Alternate Kingdom Text:

(Insert optional beginning if desired) We, (Insert King's first name) by Right of Arms King of the West and (Insert Queen's first name) by Grace and Beauty Queen of the West, give Greeting.

Whereas Our Right Trusty and entirely Beloved Cousin, the Most Noble (Insert full name of recipient with all their titles and Rank), has twice Reigned over this Our Realm, in Honor and Grace, by Service in possession of the Crown thereof, and Whereas by that Service the aforesaid (Insert full name of recipient), is by Law entitled to claim the Rank, Estate, Style, Title, and Degree of Duke/Duchess.

Now therefore do We Will and Command that the aforesaid Duke/Duchess (Insert full name of recipient), to be in all places of Honor Admitted, Accounted, and Taken to be a Peer of Our Realm, with all Rights, Privileges, Insignia, and Precedence appertaining thereto as fully and as freely as any Person hereto hath done the Same. Furthermore We confirm unto him/her the Right to bear certain Ensigns Armorial, to wit: (Insert Blazon). In Testimony whereof We have caused to be made these Our Letters Patent.

(Insert optional ending and do not forget the date the award was given.)

[Source: The West Kingdom’s Scribe’s Handbook]

Outlands Duke / Duchess Wording

We,_____ and ______, King and Queen of the Outlands, to all and singular send Greetings. Whereas _______ has, [as a result of his/her great valor on the field of honor][through the valor of [his/her] champion], ruled twice as a [King/Queen] in this Realm, We do this day acknowledge [him/her] a [Duke/Duchess]. We hereby affirm those Arms conferred by Letters Patent registered by the College of Arms, to wit: <BLAZON> for [Duke/Duchess] ________'s sole and unique use throughout the lands of the Known World as a symbol of his/her high rank. By Our hands this ___ day of ___, Anno Societatis ____, being ____ Gregorian.

_______________, King ______________, Queen

The College of Arms, finding no impediment to the arms here blazoned, has assigned their exclusive use to <NAME>.

_______________, White Stag Principal Herald

ALTERNATIVE:

Let all know that We,  _____ and _____, King and Queen of the Outlands, in rightful succession to <Past King’s first name> and <Past Queen’s first name> do hereby recognize that <Recipient’s full name> has twice served as [King/Queen] of this Realm. [He has demonstrated his valorous skills in battle,] [She has offered her grace and courtesy to all] and given of [his/her] wisdom in council and in court. It is Our will that [he/she] at this time be invested as [Duke/Duchess]. We hereby affirm those Arms previously conferred by Letters Patent, to wit: <BLAZON> for [Duke, Duchess] ________'s sole and unique use throughout the lands of the Known World as a symbol of [his/her] high rank.

In testimony whereof We set Our hands this ____ day of ____ in the ____ year of the Society, being _____ Gregorian.

________, King _________, Queen

I, White Stag Principal Herald do attest by my signature that this document bears true Arms.

Signature of White Stag

[Source: Kingdom of the Outlands Scribe’s Handbook (pdf)]

Middle Kingdom Duke (Duchess) Wording

(This version is for the person who served as the Sovereign.)

All Gentles and Nobles know by these presents that we (name of Sovereign), King (Queen) by right of arms of the Middle Kingdom, and (name of Consort), our Queen (King), in rightful succession to (name of previous Sovereign) and (name of previous Consort), and mindful of the excellent man ner in which (name of recipient) has served the Crown of the Middle Kingdom, giving of his/her valiant efforts in battle and of his/her wisdom in council and court, are most pleased to acknowledge him/her as Duke (Duchess). And though a Duke (Duchess) holds no authority or power to command, yet is he/she to be granted such honor and respect as befits a person of great worth and courtesy.

He/she shall be known by his/her coronet of gold, embellished with strawberry leaves, and his/her counsel shall be weighed as befits one who has twice borne the crown of the Middle Kingdom. Done by our hands this __ day of ___, Anno Societatis (A.S.) __, in our (location of event).

ALTERNATIVE:

(This version is for the person who served as the Consort.)

All Gentles and Nobles know by these presents that we (name of Sovereign), King (Queen) by right of arms of the Middle Kingdom, and (name of Consort), our Queen (King), in rightful succession to (name of previous Sovereign) and (name of previous Consort), and mindful of the excellent manner in which (name of recipient) has served the Crown of the Middle Kingdom, giving of her/his wisdom in council and court, are most pleased to acknowledge her/him as Duchess (Duke). And though a Duchess (Duke) holds no authority or power to command, yet is she/he to be granted such honor and respect as befits a person of great worth and courtesy. She/he shall be known by his/ her coronet of gold, embellished with straw berry leaves, and her/his counsel shall be weighed as befits one who has twice borne the crown of the Middle Kingdom. Done by our hands this __ day of ___, Anno Societatis (A.S.) __, in our (location of event).

[Source: Middle Kingdom Scribe’s Handbook (pdf)]

Meridies Duchess Wording

Let it be known to all that (Recipient's name), having twice inspired her champion to win for her the Crown of this fair Kingdom, and having borne the mantle of Queen with dignity and grace, has hereby earned the noble title and estate of Duchess of Meridies. We, (Sovereign's name) and (Consort's name), King and Queen of Meridies, do joyfully invest her with all the rights, dignities, and honors appertaining thereto. Done this (number) day of (month) Anno Societatis (Society year), being (year) Gregorian.

-To be signed by Sovereign and Consort, with space for their seals. This award carries precedence and must also be signed by Beacon Principal Herald, with places for a third signature and seal.

[Source: A Handbook for Scribes of the Kingdom of Meridies (doc)]

Lochac Duke/Duchess Wording

Let it be known that We Name by right of Arms King of Lochac and Name by grace and beauty, Queen of Lochac give greetings.

We are pleased to confer unto recipients name the rank and Title of Duke/Duchess of the realm of Lochac. He/she ruled our fair realm twice/thrice with skill, grace and courtesy, he/she has achieved a diverse range of accomplishments that have improved the running of the Kingdom as well as the respect of their populace. He/she has extended themselves by supporting and promoting a whole range of activities which has been a further enhancement. Through his/her service he/she has enriched the participation and involvement of our populace and we have inherited a Kingdom in good health and wealth.

We further confer a Patent of Arms and confirm to wit; enter arms as registered with the college of heralds.

Done by our hand and seal this day of month anno societatis year being year in the common era.

Suitable titles ie King, Rex etc Queen, Regina etc

[Source: Lochac College of Scribes Handbook (pdf)]

East Kingdom Consort as Duke / Duchess Wording

Let it be known to all and sundry that (name of recipient), having twice reigned over these Eastern lands, being Crowned first upon (date of first Coronation) and yet again on (date of second Coronation), and having borne the mantle of Consort with dignity and grace, has thereby earned the esteemed and worthy title of Duke/Duchess of Our realm. We, (King’s name), rex, and (Queen’s name), regina, do therefore most joyfully invest him/her as Duke/Duchess (name of recipient), with all the rights, dignities, and honors appertaining thereunto. In witness whereof We set Our Hand this (number) day of (month), anno Societatis (year) at (event name) in Our (name of host group).

King’s signature space            Queen’s signature space

[Source: East Kingdom College of Scribes Handbook (pdf)]

East Kingdom Duke / Duchess Wording

Be it Known to all to Whom these presents come that (name of recipient), having by his/her great courage and prowess at arms twice won the Crown of the East, being first Crowned on (date of first Coronation) and again on (date of second Coronation), and having therefore twice reigned as Sovereign of the East, has thereby earned the right noble title and estate of a Duke/Duchess of Our realm. erefore do We, (King’s name), rex, and (Queen’s name), regina, most joyfully invest him/her as Duke/Duchess (name of recipient), with all the rights, dignities, and honors appertaining thereunto. In witness whereof We set Our Hand this (number) day of (month), anno Societatis (year) at (event name) in Our (name of host group).

King’s signature space            Queen’s signature space

[Source: East Kingdom College of Scribes Handbook (pdf)]

Caid Duchess Wording

Nobles and gentles throughout the Known World unto whom these presents shall come, We, King's name and Queen's name, King and Queen of the Realm of Caid, send greetings! Henceforth, Name shall be known as a Duchess/equivalent title in the Society for Creative Anachronism, in recognition that she has twice borne the mantle of Queen with dignity and grace. Furthermore, We confirm by these Royal Letters Patent her right to bear the arms Blazon. We here charge Duchess/equivalent title {recipient's first name} to continue the traditions of this rank; in token whereof, We grant her the privilege of augmenting the achievement above her shield, in whole or in part, with a ducal coronet Or environed of a wreath of roses Or and strawberry leaves vert, set upon a golden helmet, with mantling Color  doubled Metal. She shall hold said rank from this day, date and month, in the year of Our Lord AD year, and of the Society SCA year, unto the end of her days. In testimony whereof, We have caused to be made these Letters Patent, which We have signed, and the Great Seal of Caid to be hereunto affixed.

_____________________________     _____________________________
King's Name, Rex Caidis                      Queen's name, Regina Caidis 

_____________________________________
Crescent Principal Herald, Kingdom of Caid

[Source: The Caidian College of Scribes – Scroll Texts]

Atlantia Duchess Wording

It shall be known to all that <name>, having twice inspired her champion to win for her the Crown of this fair Kingdom and having borne this mantle of Queen with dignity and grace, has thereby earned the noble title of Duchess. We, <name> and <name> rightful Sovereigns of Atlantia, do joyfully invest her with all the rights, dignities and honors appertaining thereunto and reaffirm her right to bear by Letters Patent <blazon>. Done this <date> of <month>, A.S. in our <branch>, at<event>.

(*Place confirmation text here if required*)

*Space for Monarchs' signatures*

I, Triton Herald of Atlantia, do attest that the said arms have been duly registered with the College of Arms.

*Space for Triton Herald Signature*

Text adapted from East Kingdom source.

ALTERNATIVE:

Roses are fair and beautiful, yet some roses are even more precious than rarest furs or costly gold. Such a one is the well-beloved <name>. She has twice inspired Her Champion to place Her in honor above all others. It is right that this should be so. Twice has this Fair Kingdom of Atlantia been blessed by Her Majesty and twice has this Fair Kingdom of Atlantia been the Happiest of Realms. Therefore We, <name> and <name>, King and Queen of Atlantia, most joyously proclaim that She is a Duchess of Our Realm. Her Grace, Duchess <name> is a treasure of Our Realm. (Further We do reaffirm her the sole and exclusive right to bear arms, by Letters Patent, to wit: <blazon>.) Done this <date> of <month>, A.S. <year in Roman numerals> in our <branch>, at <event>.

(*Place confirmation text here if required*)

*Space for Monarchs' signatures*

(I, Triton Herald of Atlantia, do attest that the said arms have been duly registered with the College of Arms)

*Space for Triton Herald Signature*

By Gyrth Oldcastle

ALTERNATIVE:

Know all men by these presents that We, <name> and <name>, King and Queen of Atlantia, in recognition that Our subject, <name>, has twice ruled as Queen of this realm, do hereby invest her as Duchess of Our Fair Kingdom. We do further reaffirm her the right to bear by Letters Patent<blazon>. By Our hands this <date> day of <month> A.S. <year in Roman numerals> at <event> in Our <branch>.

(*Place confirmation text here if required*)

*Space for Monarchs' signatures*

I, Triton Herald of Atlantia, do attest that the said arms have been duly registered with the College of Arms.

*Space for Triton Herald Signature*

ALTERNATIVE:

Let all know that We, <name> and <name> by rightful succession King and Queen of Atlantia, do recognize that Our loyal subject <name> has twice served this realm as Queen, offering her grace and patience to all and giving of her wisdom in council and court. Therefore We are pleased to invest her as Duchess and to reaffirm her right by Letters Patent to bear <blazon>, further We do award her the privilege of embellishing her achievement with a coronet of strawberry leaves. In affirmation of her investiture, We here set Our hands this <date> day of <month>, A.S. <year in Roman numerals>(Our

Court being held at <event> in Our <branch>)>

(*Place confirmation text here if required*)

*Space for Monarchs' signatures*

The College of Arms, finding no impediment to the arms here blazoned, has confirmed their exclusive use to <name> .

*Space for Triton Herald Signature*

Text adapted from Calontir Kingdom source.

ALTERNATIVE:

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. Twice has the fair and noble <name> inspired her champion to win the Crown. Twice has the good and beloved <name> reigned with our King at court and at war. It is Our happy task, therefore, to create her a Duchess of Our Realm for <name> is a rose whose beauty and worth are due Our highest honor. (Further We do affirm her the sole and exclusive right to bear arms, by Letters Patent, to wit: <blazon>.) Done this <date> of <month>, A.S. <year in Roman numerals> in our<branch>, at <event>.

(*Place confirmation text here if required*)

*Space for Monarchs' signatures*

(I, Triton Herald of Atlantia, do attest that the said arms have been duly registered with the College of Arms.

*Space for Triton Herald Signature*)

By Gyrth Oldcastle

ALTERNATIVE:

Know all men by these presents that We, <name> and <name>, King and Queen of Atlantia, in recognition that Our subject, <name>, has twice ruled as Queen of this realm, do hereby invest her as Duchess of Our Fair Kingdom. We do further reaffirm her the right to bear by Letters Patent<blazon>. By Our hands this <date> day of <month> A.S. <year in Roman numerals> at <event> in Our <branch>.

(*Place confirmation text here if required*)

*Space for Monarchs' signatures*

I, Triton Herald of Atlantia, do attest that the said arms have been duly registered with the College of Arms.

*Space for Triton Herald Signature*

[Source: Atlantian Scribes Handbook (pdf)]

Atenveldt Duke/Duchess Wording

Let all who come before us, that We __________ and _________ King and by right of arms and Queen by grace and beauty give greetings.

Know all that RN has ruled as King (or Queen) twice (trice) and has guided and guarded Our Kingdom through good and bad times with wisdom, skill and patience. Our Kingdom has thus grown and its renown increased. Therefore we do this ____ of_________ in the _________year anno societatis elevate RN unto the rank of Peer and the title of Duke (Duchess) with all rights, privileges, insignia, precedence and responsibilities. Further We confirm their right to bear certain ensigns armorial previously granted by Letters Patent (either to wit: and blazon or as here depicted.

In witness whereof We set our hand and seals hereunder in the ________year of the common era.

Rex Atenveldtus Regina

Aten herald

By Branwen of Werchesvorde

[Source: The Kingdom of Atenveldt Scribe’s Handbook (pdf)]

Atenveldt Duke/Duchess/Count/Countess Wording

Let all that see or hear Our words know that _____ has, with a kind and gentle hand, ruled as [King///Queen] of Atenveldt, and has guided and guarded Our Realm with wisdom, skill, and patience through which the Kingdom has prospered and its prominence increased. Therefore do We ____ King by right of arms and ____Queen and patroness of courtly graces elevate ____ to the rank of Royal Peer bearing the title [Duke/Duchess/Count/Countess] with all the rights, duties, privileges, insignia, precedence and responsibilities due this position. We confirm [his/her] exclusive right to bear arms by Letter Patent as here blazoned _______________________________. In witness thereof We set Our hands on this the ___day of ___ in the year of the Society ___, which is ____ by the common calendar.

Rex Regina

By Jennifer Trethewy

[Source: The Kingdom of Atenveldt Scribe’s Handbook (pdf)]

Atenveldt Duchess Wording

To all and Singular do We, (names of King and Queen), by Right of Arms o f the Realm of Atenveldt King and Queen send Greeting. In Recognition of Our Subject, (name of recipient) has twice ruled as Queen in Our Realm, do We now elevate her to the Rank and Station of Duchess. We now further affirm her Right to bear Arms by Letters Patent in the Society for Creative Anachronism, without Let or Hindrance, said Arms herein more plainly described and depicted, to wit: (blazon).

In Witness Whereof, We set Our Hand this ___ day of ____ Month, Anno Societatis (roman numerals), being (modern date) in the Common Era.

_________________________________ __________________________________

 Rex Atenveldtus                                       Regina

By Mairi Broder

[Source: The Kingdom of Atenveldt Scribe’s Handbook (pdf)]

Artemisia Duchess Wording

To all who may read these letters do We, <King> and <Queen>, by right of arms of the realm of Artemisia and of all Our territories King and Queen, give greeting. Whereas Our subject <name> has twice ruled as Queen in Our realm (by her valor and skill/by the valor and skill of her champion), it is Our pleasure to elevate her to the rank and station of Duchess. We do further affirm her right to bear arms by Letters Patent in the Society for Creative Anachronism, without let or hindrance, said arms herein more plainly described and depicted to wit: <blazon>. In witness whereof We set Our hands and cause to be affixed the seal of Our mighty Kingdom this ___ day of ___, Anno Societatis ___, being the year two thousand Gregorian.

Rex Artemisius Regina

[Source: Kingdom of Artemisia Scribal Handbook Part II (pdf)]

Ansteorra Duchy Wording

Know ye that we ______ King and Queen of Ansteorra in recognition of the honor and grace with which our well-beloved and faithful ______ has twice reigned over this our realm before us in possession of the Crown thereof and in keeping with our laws the aforesaid is entitled to claim the Rank <Estate Style Title and Degree> of {Duke/Duchess/or approved alternate title} with all responsibilities and privileges thereto appertaining. This is so done and given in our ________ on the ______ day of ______ Anno Societatis ______ being Anno Domini ______.

_______ ______

 King      Queen

[Source: Official Award Texts for the Kingdom of Ansteorra]

Æthelmearc Investiture of a Consort as Duke or Duchess Wording

Let it be known to all and sundry that (name of recipient), having twice reigned over these Sylvan Lands, being first Crowned on (date of first Coronation) and again upon (date of second Coronation) and having borne the mante of Consort with dignity and grace, has thereby earned the esteemed and worthy title of a Duke/Duchess of Our Realm. We (name of King and Queen) Rex and Regina, most joyfully invest him/her as Duke/Duchess (first name of recipient) with all of the rights, dignities and honors pertaining thereunto. In witness whereof We have set Our Hand this (#) day of (month) Anno Societatis (year) at (event) in Our (Name of hosting group).

(Signatures of King and Queen)

[Source: Kingdom of Æthelmearc Sample Scroll Wordings site]

Æthelmearc Investiture of a Sovereign as Duke or Duchess Wording

Be it known unto all to whom these presents come that (name of recipient), having by his/her great courage and prowess at arms twice won the Crown of AEthelmearc, being first Crowned on (date of first Coronation) and again upon (date of second Coronation) and therefore having twice reigned as Sovereign of AEthelmearc, has thereby earned the right to the title and estate of a Duke/Duchess of Our Realm. Therefore do We (name of King and Queen) Rex and Regina, most joyfully invest him/her as Duke/Duchess (first name of recipient) with all of the rights, dignities and honors pertaining thereunto. In witness whereof We have set Our Hand this (#) day of (month) Anno Societatis (year) at (event) in Our (Name of hosting group).

(Signatures of King and Queen)

[Source: Kingdom of Æthelmearc Sample Scroll Wordings site]

An Tir Duchess Wording

As is in accord with what is meet and proper, let all know throughout the land that We, ____________ and ____________, Sovereign King and Queen of An Tir, in recognition that Our loyal subject _______________________ has twice served the Crown as Queen in Our Realm, offering her grace and patience to all and giving of her wisdom in council and in court, are pleased to invest her as Duchess. Further We affirm by these Royal Letters Patent her right to bear [BLAZON]. She shall from this day on be known by her coronet of gold, embellished with strawberry leaves and her counsel shall be weighed as befits one who has twice bourne the Crown of An Tir as she represents for all to see that singular honour for which Chivalry exists. Further, she shall henceforth be entitled to all other insignia, rights, honours, privileges and duties as are assigned one of such within the Kingdom of An Tir. In affirmation of her investiture as Duchess, We have this _________ day of (month)_______________, A.S. _________, set Our hand and affixed Our Great Seal to these Royal Letters Patent. 

By seal and signature, Black Lion Herald testifies that the armories depicted and blazoned herein belong unto the said _________________________ to use, bear, and show forth at all times.

 [Source: An Tir College of Scribes site]

Trumbrand the Wanderer and Kaylah the Cheerful, Ducal, 2013

It was well with Ealdormere when came the Prince and Princess of the North to serve in their turn, and seeing this King Trumbrand and Queen Kaylah, and a quantity of loyal people to them, made ready to travel to their private estates near Wesbellford.

And then the throne was empty, and they, the celebrated Duke Trumbrand and Duchess Kaylah went to winter in peace, to hold golden coronets, high honours, and thanks to stand for the term of their life as the rights of Ealdormere accord their service.

Then, King Nigel and Queen Adrielle having taken the throne, wished them well, and with both the noble and common people raised their voices for Trumbrand and Kaylah, and swore to remember their deeds and kindnesses, and all present took peace on the events of the Coronation day which was the 28th day of September, in the 48th year of the Society, and this was written in the Chronicles of the Inland Seas.

This was the year that there was singing in the reign of favourite things.

By Brand Thorwaldsen. Based on Chronicles of Novgorod 1016-1471, Translated From the Russian by Robert Michell and Nevill Forbes.

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