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

Anneke the Furious, Award of the Maiden’s Heart

Let us honour

The arm that carries

The ship that bears

The heart that ponders

Tireless and selfless

Lady Anneke the Furious

Has served with dedication and skill

At all manner of events.

She has contributed to many Eoforwic events

Served as an entourage volunteer

And now as Seneschal of Ard Chreag

Her organizational skills are exemplary

For her illustrious service

We, King Nigel and Queen Adrielle

Give unto Lady Anneke the Furious

The Award of the Maiden’s Heart.

She has the right to bear the badge

Quarterly azur and or

a heart counter-changed

Done this 17^th day of April

Anno Societatis 44

At Cloth of Gold

Hosted by the Canton of Eoforwic

Wording, calligraphy and illumination by THL Asa Gormsdottir

Motifs from the Ardagh Chalice, 7^th C. and the Lismore Crozier, insular Celtic art, c. 1100

Runes in Elder Futhark

Brigit Langbein, Award of the Maiden’s Heart

Stout of heart and strong of arm

Stands Brigit Langbein, mother of warriors

She possesses the heart of the North

And her deeds are wrought in greatness

Across the frozen plains.

Long has she stood ready

To do whatever service required,

Before its need is conceived.

She has taken up the mantle

Of Seneschal of Skeldergate

And has stood steadfastly

Behind countless Royalty.

From long hours conveying young warriors,

To steady council for those who would hear it,

She is a cornerstone of Our glorious kingdom.

For her continuing service to the Crown,

We Quilliam King and Dagmar Queen

Are minded to give her the Award of the Maiden’s Heart.

From this day forward she may bear the badge

So all may know of Our faith in her.

Done this 24^th day of September

Anno Societatis 46

In our Barony of Rising Waters

At Our Fall Coronation.

Scroll by THL Asa Gormsdottir

Motif based on the Tara Brooch, 7^th C. Irish Celtic metalwork

Calligraphy in half uncial

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

Snæbjörn sverðsbrjötr, Award of the Maiden’s Heart, 2006

Great rulers have good reason

to regard you; love

you show in your service:

Ealdormere is served by you.

Before your coming

No servant so light-hearted

in all the northlands, you

smiling breaker of swords.

For his work as a feller of trees, a chopper of wood, a hauler of gear, a valet in the Ladies galleries at tourney, and other services, do we Edouard, Sun-King, and Domhnail, Raven-Queen, present unto Snæbjörn sverðsbrjötr an Award of the Maiden’s Heart. Done this 25^th day of August, Anno Societatis 41, while sitting our thrones at A Day of Piracy in our shire of Bastille du Lac.

Based on Ottar the Black’s poem about King Olaf, in the Orkneyinga Saga, circa 1200.

Illumination by Her Majesty Domhnail Galbraith; Calligraphy by His Excellency Corwyn Galbraith; Wording by Lady Þorfinna gráfeldr and THLaird Colyne Stewart.

Duncan MacLeod, Award of the Maiden’s Heart, 2013

From the most serene prince the lord Nigel by Anvil’s Virtue illustrious king of Ealdormere, and Adrielle by inspiration the Queen of Ealdormereans, greetings. When, under the sweetness of peace, the minds of the loyal find rest, then the life of Ealdormereans is adorned with good conduct, and also the whole of the kingdom, because the affairs of all kingdoms are everywhere arranged more favourably. Our humility has led Us, now and at other times, to bestow awards upon the worthy during such times. Naturally, We are prepared and shall be prepared to acknowledge the service of Duncan MacLeod. Unto this man, with a pure heart, we give an Award of the Maiden’s Heart. Written at Feast of the Hare in Greyfells, the third day of Hallowmas in the first year of our reign, Anno Societatus 48. [4 November 2013]

By THLaird Colyne Stewart, based on a translation of the letter of Robert the Bruce (courtesy of Dauvit Broun, University of Glasgow) - http://britishlibrary.typepad.co.uk/digitisedmanuscripts/2013/06/robert-the-bruce-letter-found-at-british-library.html

Eleanor du Grismontes, Award of the Maiden’s Heart, 2013

A great lady lives

In our Land of Ealdormere

We have heard the history of her,

Of which We here make record.

This lady was Eleanor du Grismontes,

Beloved of her canton,

She who serves at all times,

Her history We show you.

This Eleanor was Chatelaine

To the lands of Greyfells,

Also Keeper of the Gate,

About Eleanor We tell you.

In Ealdormere, at this day,

There is no more worthy person:

Very kind and giving is she;

And so We do reward her,

I, Nigel King, and I, Adrielle Queen,

Upon her place a Maiden’s Heart,

At the Feasting of the Hare,

In the Year of Our Society 48,

On All Souls Day.

By THLaird Colyne Stewart, based on the Song of Dermot and the Earl (Chanson de Dermot et du comte), 13th century.

Marrin von Waldburg, Award of the Maiden’s Heart, 2013

In public consistory, at the time of the solemn and royal court held at Trinovantia Nova, the dukes and a brilliant assembly of counts and barons being in session, and a very great multitude of nobles and commoners standing before the most serene lord Nigel king of the Ealdormereans and the exhaulted queen Adrielle, for the purpose of exhibiting the fulness of justice to each person, their majesties first asked that it be defined by a decree who ought to be recognized for their service to the crown. And it was defined by all the dukes and barons who were present, that Marrin von Waldburg had long and tirelessly so served and should be so recognized.

That said Marrin therefore was presented with an Award of the Maiden’s Heart on the feast day of Witta of Büraburg at Crown Tournament. And it was decreed that she could bear the badge of that award without hindrance or let. This was done in the year of the society forty-eight.

By THLaird Colyne Stewart, based on Count Palatinate as Judge Over the Kings, Decree of the Nuremberg Diet, November 19, 1274.

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