Ana Yanka, Order of the Crucible, 2020

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

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

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

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


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

AEthelbert of Whitstone Isle, Order of the Crucible

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

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

Wording by Dietrich von Sachsen.

Arwyn of Leicester, Order of the Laurel, 2019

THE GRYPHON IS MOST HIGH     HE IS TO BE PRAYSED

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sources

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

accessed September 29, 2019

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

With Thanks To

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

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

---

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

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

[3] Spices native to Persia.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aurelia Gabriana, Order of the Pelican, 2018

It was with honour when I, a humble poet, wrote to you once before on behalf of the crown. As you know, when I write I insert poetic quotes in my work, and try to create elegance in my words so that they would charm the ear. Now I move my pen to write to you again, Aurelia Gabriana, a woman of nobility whose righteousness is respected by all, at the bequest of our esteemed monarchs, Basiléus Evander and Basilissa Marioun, while we mark the anniversary of the passing of Emperor Leto II in the fifty-third year of our koino̱nía. Therefore, my friend, I need another kind of writing, another kind of urbanity in my words to speak on their behalf. I need a tongue—to tell the truth—that is filled with esprit. This then is the truth of things, in direct words. St. John Damascene once wrote of passions which could be overcome by virtues. They, our sovereigns, hold that you are an exemplar and paragon of those said merits. The first of these is the desire to serve, as you have done in so many ways. The second, compassion, which you show to all. Furthermore, your goodwill and love for all people; your joy; your patience and perseverance. Lastly is your way of doing good in secret; of despising boastfulness; and your humbleness. Therefore, due to these decent and noble traits, Evander and Marioun wish it known that they would raise you up so that henceforth you shall be known as a member of the Order of the Pelican. Your service shall stand a testament and will shine in glory through all eternity. This they told to me while the artisans of the kingdom gathered for the Queen’s Prize Tournament, in the Canton of Skeldergate.

Words by Maister Colyne Stewart, in the manner of a 12^th century Byzantine epistle, as described by Margaret Mullett in the Oxford Handbook of Byzantine Studies. Letters of this period would have been around 400 words long, to fit on one page. They lacked formulaic openings and closings, and often were undated. They were written in elaborate prose, with an emphasis placed on the relationship between the sender and the recipient. Letters would have been sent by couriers and were often accompanied by poems, perfumes, gifts or food (the symbolism of the accompaniment sometimes connected thematically to the letter’s contents). Letters at this time letters would have been written in Greek

I based this wording in part on a letter by Niketas Magistros (a high ranking official in 10^th and 11^th century Byzantium (as quoted in Floris Bernard’s “Humor in Byzantine Letters of the Tenth to Twelfth Centuries: Some Preliminary Remarks”) and St. John Damascene’s “On the Virtues and the Vices” as collected in the Philokalia (a collection of spiritualist writings written between the 4^th and 15^th centuries).

Koino̱nía, is Greek for communion and community.

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

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

Lo, Roak and his queen did bring Their word

From Trino land; that Laurel was conferred

Unto Aurelia known for lovely art

For twas she that with needle showed her heart

So thence to teach was this new Laurel tasked

To well regard decree the Royals asked.

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

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

Thorsteinn Bjarnylyr Sveinnson, Order of the Crucible, 2019

Deft creations, crafted
From Kraki's seeds; words fail
But works remain. When have
Wonders such been seen hence?

Before the thrones, Thorsteinn!
Thou art called by Roak
And Hyrrokin. Here ye
Are hail'd; your skill, honour'd.

Jewelry you've tool'd; tales of
Temper'd metal's beauty.
Creator; the crown speaks:
Crucible ye shall be!

Thus it was as the Khan and Khan Begam sat their thrones upon the fields of Baron's Howe, upon the final day of the eight month of the fifty-fourth year.

Wording by TH Lord Dietrich von Sachsen, using Norse dróttkvætt poetics. Note that "Kraki's Seeds" is a kenning for Gold.

Gwendolyn of Aldburg, Order of Thorbjorn's Hammer, 2018

… Then it was like old times in that echoing hall,
Proud talk and the people happy,
Loud and excited; until soon enough
The crown did pass from one to another;
Kings came and went; Baldric now ruled from that storied place
Golden band upon his brow; beside him sat wolf-wise
Breyla, Queen of the North. And ever at their side,
Bold Gwendolyn, Horse-Lady of Aldburg, stood in defence
Of her Ring-Giver and her oaths. Her mail-shirt glinted,
Hard and hand-linked; the high-gloss iron
Of her armour, no doubt had rung upon the anvil
When the smith stuck with hammer.

Time went by; and thus it was that Gwendolyn was
Called to saddle her mare and ride to the lands where
Winter’s breath was rarely known. The sun dazzled on that
Field of Ravens where her Ring-Giver did battle. So she duly arrived
In her joyous war-graith and gear and stacked her wide shield
Of the toughest hardwood amidst the wall,
Then charged upon the enemy; battle-dress
And weapons clashed. At day's end she collected the spears
Of those retainers of the Middle King she had slain in a seafarer’s stook,
A stand of greyish tapering ash. Over fifty shafts were the proof
Of this hero’s prowess; neither thane nor thrall could stand before her
When her blade stuck like a hammer.

The war-bands returned home. Gwendolyn sat on the benches,
First oarswoman to her thane, Varenko of the Rus. Thus they arrived
Unto to a great feast in the lands of the Bear-Folk, where Baldric spake:
“Be acclaimed for strength, dear Gwendolyn; and
Delight in this weapon from Our armoury; may you prosper with it!
You have won renown: you are known to all men
Far and near, now and forever. So, my lady,
I wish you a lifetime’s luck and blessings
To enjoy this treasure. As it was when that great
Prince Osis reigned, so here each companion is true to the other,
Loyal to lord, loving in spirit.” Gwendolyn raised aloft that storied
Weapon; and bore Thorbjorn’s Hammer.

 Done on this 8th day of September, AS. 53, as we celebrate Feast of the Bear.

Wording by THL Dietrich von Sachsen

Pesha, Order of the Crucible, 2016

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

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

Jocelyn de Cranewell, Order of Defense, 2016

Be it known unto all by this present writings wheresoever it shall come to be read, heard or understood and especially to all manner of officers under Our dominions do We, Nigel III and Adrielle III, monarchs of the lands of the north, to all Justices, Mayors, Shieriffs, Bailiffs, Constables, Headboroughs, and to their deputies, and to all others to whom this decree comes, greetings.

Every parent, in order that their children should acquire reputation, procures for them some place in some royal court, and of some protection, to provide for them the best that they can. So did a notary of the court of Florence, place with Us his only daughter, who has, under the guise of learning to dance, become adept with the sword, and dagger, and cloak. She has traveled far across the Known World, both learning from those who are masters of the art, while freely giving of her knowledge to those in need. She has flourished upon the field, and has Our trust.

Thus do We, your sovereign King and Queen majesties with Our most honourable counsel, look with favour upon Jocelyn de Cranewell as an exemplar of the arts of the sword, and because she is dear to Us and shown of herself the magnanimity, the cunning, the valour, and the innumerable other virtues, and also the greatness of her ancestors, being descended as she is from a Lion of Ansteorra, who was begat by Hans Durmast, who was begat by the Moondragon who introduced the art of defense to the Society, do We admit with authority and by special commission under Our broad seal the said Jocelyn de Cranewell into the Order of Defense, forever more to be known as a Maestra and a Peer of the realm. And therefore we state by Our royal majesty and most honourable cousel, desire all our true subjects to aid the said Jocelyn de Cranewall against all strangers and such as teach without authority, and such foresworn men against Our royal majesties, which of long time have deceived our true subjects. We desire all our true subjects and officers as they love our sovereign crown to suffer none to keep any school of Defense whatsoever they be except having authority to show in like case as this Maestra Jocelyn de Cranewall hath unless it otherwise be also recognized by the Crown. In so doing you shall show your selves true and full faith officers and subjects unto our power.

In witness thereof on the day of the feast of Clare of Assisi, while sitting Our thrones in the Debatable Lands at the Pennsic War in this, the fifty-first year of the Society, do We sign our hand and seal.

Wording by THLaird Colyne Stewart, based in part on the introduction to Ridolfo Capo Ferro’s treatise "Great Representation of the Art and Use of Fencing" and Sloan MS 2530 page 31-2 which concerns the creation of a Master of Defense. Section in bold may have been cut for space.

Kolbjorn Skatkaupandi, Order of the Pelican, 2016

Quilliam, Queen-maker,

Queries his althing,

Speaks to skald-poets

Converses with carls.

Domhnail, dís[1]-born,

Daughter of dwarf-kin[2]

Muses with maðr[3]

Talks with red rekkr[4].

Who comes when called

Carries long burdens

Field and fen toiler

Works with the wain-kin[5]?

Who nears when needed

Knowing what’s lacking

Moils[6] in mead hall

Stands without sighing?

Kolbjorn, kappi[7],

Dreki-marked[8] kyrtil[9]

Tender of tree-lord

Binder of boughs[10].

Black bear[11] devoted

Born into Ramlands[12]

Frigg[13]-blessed father

Ring-rich in family.

Wise words well spoken

Well heard by high-born

Call they the Kolbjorn

Command they their carl.

Stood he in shire-land

At icy snow-battle

Added as årmann[14]

Joins band of blood-givers[15].

And so was Kolbjorn, loyal servant of Quilliam and Domhnail, inducted into Their Order of the Pelican, at Tournoi du Coeur des Glace, in Their Shire of Bastille du Lac, on the 30^th day of January, in the fiftieth year of the settlement.

Wording by THLaird Colyne Stewart, using the galdralag version of the ljoðaháttr meter (known as the “magic spell meter”).  This meter was likely used for magical or cult poetry, and since a Peerage elevation is a special event I thought it fitting.

Ljoðaháttr (“meter of chants”) consisted of a pair of line, each having two stressed syllables and being bound by alliteration, followed by a third line (the “full line” that alliterated with itself and had two or three stressed syllables. Galdralag added a fourth line that mirrored the third. Normally a stanza consisted of two sets of these three or four lines.

Sources:

Linguistics Research Centre, Old Norse Online, http://www.utexas.edu/cola/centers/lrc/eieol/norol-BF-X.html

Nordic Names, http://www.nordicnames.de/wiki/Kolbj%C3%B8rn

Viking Answer Lady, Poetry in Scandinavia and the North, http://www.vikinganswerlady.com/meters.shtml

---

[1] A dis is a spirit of fate.

[2] Domhnail is a former baroness of Septentria. She followed Barony Cynred, whose short stature and long beard reminded many of a gnome.

[3] Henchmen, people.

[4] Warriors.

[5] A kenning referring to the Companions of the Order of the Wain, who have been recognized for their service.

[6] A verb meaning “to work”.

[7] Hero or champion.

[8] Referring to the dragon on Kol’s heraldry.

[9] Tunic.

[10] These two lines are saying that Kol cares for Yggdraasil, the tree that stands at the centre of the Norse universe.

[11] Kolbjorn means “black bear”.

[12] Kol is from the Barony of Ramshaven.

[13] Frigg is, among other things, the goddess of marriage.

[14] An admistrator akin to a steward or castellan.

[15] In medieval lore Pelicans were known for great sacrifice, even feeding their own blood to their young.

Jane of Greenhill, Order of the Crucible, 2015

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

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

Mahault of Swynford, Order of the Wain, 2015

From Steinarr, king, and Liðr, queen, to all &c, greeting.

Three mountains separated by two valleys will strike a man who sees them from a great distance as one mountain. Then, when he stands on the first mountain, he will see the first valley and two mountains and feel despair at the journey still ahead, and when he stands on the second mountain he will see two valleys and three mountains and further despair. However, Mahault of Swynford, is like one standing before the first mountain, who without fear ascends its height. And when she reaches its peak and sees that there are another two mountains to be climbed, she does not turn aside from the labour as so many do, but continues her journey, climbing peak after peak until all have been conquered and the trails she has cleared from their bases to their summits have made the passing of those who come after easier to traverse. These mountains, representing as they do years of tireless service to the Crown and Kingdom, show the dedication of our servant Mahault, and We are therefore moved to induct, elevate and invite her into Our Order of the Wain.

Done this 6th day of August, at the Pennsic War, in the fiftieth day of the Society.

Wording by THLaird Colyne Stewart, based on a passage from the Apocalypse Commentary by Petrus Iohannis Olivi (13^th century).

Berend van der Eych, Order of the Wain, 2015

The king, Steinarr, and Queen, Liðr, to Their beloved and faithful servant, Master Berend van der Eych, Baron of the Court, greeting. Because we wish to have a consultation and meeting with you, to be done in the presence of the rest of the principal men and women of Our kingdom, as to reward you for the toil you have undergone over the past fifteen years on behalf of Our said kingdom and all those who dwell within it; we command you, strictly enjoining you in the fidelity and love in which you are bound to us, that you present yourself before us in the Debated Lands during the season of War, for consideration, ordaining and elevating your worthy self into Our Order of the Wain.

This We had done the 6th the day of August, while We sat Our Thrones at the Pennsic War, in the fiftieth year of the Society.

Wording by THLaird Colyne Stewart, based on the summons of a baron to Parliament (1295).

Catherine Townson, Order of the Laurel, 2015

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

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

Othindisa bykona, Order of the Laurel, 2015

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

Ok hann sagði:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Words by Baron Fridrikr Tomasson

Eirik Andersen, Order of the Pelican, 2015

Trumbrand and Kaylah, King and Queen of Ealdormere, to Dukes, &c., greeting. Know ye that we have given, granted and by this our charter confirmed to Eirik Andersen, our very dear subject, all the right and honour and preeminence pertaining to being a member of our Order of the Pelican. For many decades has Eirik, son of the High Cliffs, toiled in field and hall, in manor and fort, never fearing to set aside the game of cards he loves so much to take up hoe, or pen, or whatsoever tool may be required, to do good and just service to the kingdom he loves even more. Known not only for his skill at painting in the manner of the Flemings and in matters ethereal, he is also a skilled officer of our realm, and has held numerous positions of authority and duty which he has fulfilled most excellently. For all these reasons, and more too many to account of here, do we elevate him to the Order, grant him permission to wear the badge of the Order, without let or hindrance, and to display a cap of maintenance within his achievement of arms. Witness the King and Queen, at Tournoi de Couer de Glace in the Shire of Bastille du Lac, on the 31^st day of January, in the Year of the Society forty-nine.

Wording by THLaird Colyne Stewar, based on the Creation of Andrew de Hartcla Earl of Carlisle, Charter, R.C.V. 18, 1322.

Kolbjorn skatkaupandi, Order of Thorbjorn's Hammer, 2014

Cattle die,

Kinsmen die

You yourself die;

I know one thing

Which never dies:

The virtue of a man's life.

Hammer of Thor strikes Anvil of Virtue,       Rings forth, naming Kolbjorn.

Brother they hailed,                                        Of Ealdormere the most blissfull,

Potent King in the high seat                           They wished him to join,

And the Brethren to sit                                   Happy at the feast,

Ever with Thorbjorn,                                       Pleasure to share.

Many songs they sung,                                   Rode on sea steeds,

The King and Queen,                                      Trumbrant Bold, Kayla Fairhair'd.

At the magestic house,                                    Odin listened,

Wrote he the runes.                                         Declare, Nornir! Kolbjorn,

This day Battle Brother                                  'Til Fenris does come.

Wording by HE Mahault of Swynford.

Gwenhwyfar de Hwytinton, Order of the Golden Lance, 2014

Gold is a symbol of victory and valor. In an equestrian it represents someone deeply dedicated to their art by actions and teaching. One such rider has come to the attention of the Crown of Atlantia. Gwenhwyfar de Hwytinton exemplifies these values, thus at War of the Wings, 18 October A. S. xliv, We induct her into the Order of the Golden Lance.

Wording by Geffrei Maudeleyne.

The Order of the Golden Lance is an inter-kingdom order (similar to the White Scarf) to recognize excellence in equestrian pursuits.

Varakii Varenko Vlkovitch, Order of the Chivalry, 2014

So do I, Siegfried, By the Grace of God, Sovereign of all Ealdormere, Great Prince of Septentria, Ramshaven, Rising Waters, Skraeling Althing, Ben Dunfirth and T'sar of all the Peoples who dwell within these lands, to my Ktetstvo Varakii Varenko Vlkovitch kiss esmi at my father's throne and do give my good graces to him and his family and his Voevodina; and where from whomever I will hear about good or about evil of my ktetstvo, and about his family about the good or about evil, and to me that to say to them in truth, on this my fastened certificate, without duplicity that I do praise him above all and wish to reward him with great priveledge in my land. We, T'sar and T'sarina, on all days with our subjects do we oversee, have noted the valiant and noble spirit that aspires to be the best at arms of Our Boyar, Varakii Varenko Vlkovitch. We have found no finer example of prowess, constancy and devotion, therefore We, in accordance with the custom of Our predecessors who used to reward those who displayed such worth upon the field of battle, do decree that he shall forthwith and forever be known as a Knyazhnij Muzh of Our most Noble Order of Chivlary, and to allow him to claim pomestie lands for his service, to bear this burden with the knowledge that all gifts do come from Us and may be recalled, should he no longer please Us.

Varakii Varenko Vlkovitch, to you we turn our word. Being worthily signified by entry to this victorious order, We caution you that after the praise, benefit, honour and glory comes the duties of a Knyazhnij Muzh of our Noble Land. In Our Name, and in the name of those Great Princes of Reknown that came before us, do we command you to serve your T'sar and T'Sarina in all things, bringing to him glory and victory at war and reknown and tribute in peace. Teach those you command to serve your Ospadaryu, to serve you as my Knyazhnij Muzh and teach your Voevodina, Pesha Adriellikna and your household to learn not to steal, not to blyasti, not to lie, not to slander, not to envy, not to offend, not to malign, others not quarrel, not to judge, not to revel or carouse, not to ridicule, not to remember evil, not be angry on anyone, to their superiors be obedient and meek, to equals loving, to their lessers and wretched welcoming and kind, with everyone make fitting arrangements of comfort without a lot of fuss and trouble, in the monastery, and into hospitals and into jails, prisoners to visit and give alms also as much as any required, and seeing their misfortune and grief and to all needy if it is possible to help them and any who is sorrowful and poor.

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

Further, We present this document as a perpetual confirmation of the nobility of our Sreznevskij, Varakii Varenko Vlkovitch. Know that he is a Member of our Druzhina and does carry with him at all times our blessing and esmi of Faithfulness until the Day of Judgement shall come. To this certificate the Grand Prince and the Grand Princess ordered their Boyars hands to apply the Great Seal of Ealdormere and Dvoryane to witness the sign manuel of Siegfried and Ragni, as they overlook the field of War in the Debatable Lands of Pennsic, this first year of their Reign, AS 49.

Wording by HE Mahault of Swynford.

Russian translation:

Така че аз правя, Зигфрид, чрез благодатта на Бог, Владетеля на всички Ealdormere, Принцът на Septentria, Ramshaven, Rising Waters, Skraeling Althing, Ben Dunfirth и T'sar на всички народи, които живеят в тези земи, да ми Ktetstvo Varakii Varenko Vlkovitch целувка esmi на престола на баща ми и не дават моите благоволението на него и семейството му и неговата Voevodina; и където от когото ще чуете за добро или за зло на моя ktetstvo, и за семейството му за добро или около зло, и за мен, че да се каже за тях в интерес на истината, на тази ми закрепени сертификат, без лицемерие, което правя похвала него преди всичко и искате да го възнагради с голяма priveledge в моята земя. Ние, T'sar и T'sarina, през всички дни с нашите пациенти да ни надзирава, отбелязахме доблестният и благороден дух, който се стреми да бъде най-добрият в ръцете на нашия Boyar, Varakii Varenko Vlkovitch. Ние открихме, че не по-фина пример за мъжество, постоянство и отдаденост, Ето защо ние, в съответствие с обичая на нашите предшественици, които използват, за да възнагради онези, които си струва да се показва така, върху бойното поле, направете постановление, че той трябва незабавно и завинаги да бъде

известен като а Knyazhnij Muzh от нашите най-Noble Поръчка на Chivlary, и да му позволи да претендира pomestie земи за службата му, да понесе това бреме със знанието, че всички подаръци идват от нас и може да се припомни, че вече не трябва да се моля с нас.

Varakii Varenko Vlkovitch, за да ви обърнем дума. Да бъдеш достойно означавано от влизането на този победоносен ред, Ние ви предупредя, че след похвала, ползата, честта и славата идва задълженията на Knyazhnij Muzh на нашия Noble Land. В нашето име, и в името на онези Велики Princes на известност, които дойдоха преди нас, да не ви заповядвам да служи вашата T'sar и T'Sarina във всичко, с което да му слава и победа във война и известност и почит в мир.

Учете тези, които ти заповядвам, за да служат на своите Ospadaryu, за да ви служи като мой Knyazhnij Muzh и научи вашата Voevodina, Пеша Adriellikna и домът ти да се научат да не крадат, да не blyasti, да не лъжат, да не клевети, да не завижда, не се обиждат, да не се злепоставят, а други не се карат, а не да съди, а не да се наслаждавам или пиршество, а не да се подиграваш, а не да се помни, злото не се сърди на никого, на техните началници ще бъдем послушни и кротки,

обичащи да се равнява, да им lessers и в средата ужасно гостоприемни и вид, с всички договорености направи монтаж на комфорт, без много шум и неприятности, в манастира, и в болниците и в затворите, затворниците да посетят и да дават милостиня също толкова, колкото и всеки е необходимо, и да видим тяхното нещастие и скръб и на всички нуждаещи се, ако е възможно да ги и всеки, който е наскърбен и бедни помогне.

Ние даваме на вас esmi на Дева принц, Namestnik и Voevody и търсенето, че всички Detskie, Otrok, Gridin, Hryden, Tysyatski, Sotski и Desyatski преклони главите си до земята, и не трябва да седят, когато са възникнали, и вие сте осъден да седи от мястото си, когато всички се устои, с изключение на Великата T'sar и T'sarina, Царевич, Царевна, и всички от децата си, Vlastitel на всички други държавни земи, Gosudar, Velikij Княз, Velikaya Княгиня и всяка Княз или Княгиня, така че всички да могат да се запознаят с благоволението, което правите задръжте, даден от

страна на вашия Ospadaryu и T'sar на Ealdormere.

Освен това, ние представяме този документ като вечен потвърждение на благородството на нашия Sreznevskij, Varakii Varenko Vlkovitch. Знайте, че той е член на нашата дружина и носи със себе си по всяко време нашата благословия и esmi на Вярност до Деня на Страшния съд ще дойде. Към настоящия сертификат на Grand Принцът и принцесата Grand нареди своите боляри ръце, за да се прилага Големия печат на Ealdormere и Dvoryane да станем свидетели на знак

Мануил на Зигфрид и Ragni, тъй като те са с изглед към терена на войната в спорните земи на Pennsic, тази първа година на тяхното, Така че аз правя, Зигфрид, чрез благодатта на Бог, Владетеля на всички Ealdormere, Принцът на Septentria, Ramshaven, Rising Waters, Skraeling Althing, Ben Dunfirth и T'sar на всички народи, които живеят в тези земи, да ми Ktetstvo Varakii Varenko Vlkovitch целувка esmi на престола на баща ми и не дават моите благоволението на него и семейството му и неговата Voevodina; и където от когото ще чуете за добро или за зло на моя ktetstvo, и за семейството му за добро или около зло, и за мен, че да се каже за тях в интерес на истината, на тази ми закрепени сертификат, без лицемерие, което правя похвала него преди всичко и искате да го възнагради с голяма priveledge в моята земя. Ние, T'sar и T'sarina, през всички дни с нашите пациенти да ни надзирава, отбелязахме доблестният и благороден дух, който се стреми да бъде най-добрият в ръцете на нашия Boyar, Varakii Varenko Vlkovitch. Ние открихме, че не по-фина пример за мъжество, постоянство и отдаденост, Ето защо ние, в съответствие с обичая на нашите предшественици, които използват, за да възнагради онези, които си струва да се показва така, върху бойното поле, направете постановление, че той трябва

незабавно и завинаги да бъде известен като а Knyazhnij Muzh от нашите най-Noble Поръчка на Chivlary, и да му позволи да претендира pomestie земи за службата му, да понесе това бреме със знанието, че всички подаръци идват от нас и може да се припомни, че вече не трябва да се моля с нас.

Varakii Varenko Vlkovitch, за да ви обърнем дума. Да бъдеш достойно означавано от влизането на този победоносен ред, Ние ви предупредя, че след похвала, ползата, честта и славата идва задълженията на Knyazhnij Muzh на нашия Noble Land. В нашето име, и в името на онези Велики Princes на известност, които дойдоха преди нас, да не ви заповядвам да служи вашата T'sar и T'Sarina във всичко, с което да му слава и победа във война и известност и почит в мир.

Учете тези, които ти заповядвам, за да служат на своите Ospadaryu, за да ви служи като мой Knyazhnij Muzh и научи вашата Voevodina, Пеша Adriellikna и домът ти да се научат да не крадат, да не blyasti, да не лъжат, да не клевети, да не завижда, не се обиждат, да не се злепоставят, а други не се карат, а не да съди, а не да се наслаждавам или пиршество, а не да се подиграваш, а не да се помни, злото не се сърди на никого, на техните началници ще бъдем послушни и кротки, обичащи да се равнява, да им lessers и в средата ужасно гостоприемни и вид, с всички

договорености направи монтаж на комфорт, без много шум и неприятности, в манастира, и в болниците и в затворите, затворниците да посетят и да дават милостиня също толкова, колкото и всеки е необходимо, и да видим тяхното нещастие и скръб и на всички нуждаещи се, ако е възможно да ги и всеки, който е наскърбен и бедни помогне.

Ние даваме на вас esmi на Дева принц, Namestnik и Voevody и търсенето, че всички Detskie, Otrok, Gridin, Hryden, Tysyatski, Sotski и Desyatski преклони главите си до земята, и не трябва да седят, когато са възникнали, и вие сте осъден да седи от мястото си, когато всички се устои, с изключение на Великата T'sar и T'sarina, Царевич, Царевна, и всички от децата си, Vlastitel на всички други държавни земи, Gosudar, Velikij Княз, Velikaya Княгиня и всяка Княз или Княгиня, така че всички да могат да се запознаят с благоволението, което правите задръжте, даден от

страна на вашия Ospadaryu и T'sar на Ealdormere.

Освен това, ние представяме този документ като вечен потвърждение на благородството на нашия Sreznevskij, Varakii Varenko Vlkovitch. Знайте, че той е член на нашата дружина и носи със себе си по всяко време нашата благословия и esmi на Вярност до Деня на Страшния съд ще дойде. Към настоящия сертификат на Grand Принцът и принцесата Grand нареди своите боляри ръце, за да се прилага Големия печат на Ealdormere и Dvoryane да станем свидетели на знак Мануил на Зигфрид и Ragni, тъй като те са с изглед към терена на войната в спорните земи на

Pennsic, тази първа година на тяхното, година 49.

Russian translation 2:

Taka che az pravya, Zigfrid, chrez blagodatta na Bog, Vladetelya na vsichki Ealdormere, Printsŭt na Septentria, Ramshaven, Rising Waters, Skraeling Althing, Ben Dunfirth i T'sar na vsichki narodi, koito zhiveyat v tezi zemi, da mi Ktetstvo Varakii Varenko Vlkovitch tseluvka esmi na prestola na bashta mi i ne davat moite blagovolenieto na nego i semeĭstvoto mu i negovata Voevodina; i kŭdeto ot kogoto shte chuete za dobro ili za zlo na moya ktetstvo, i za semeĭstvoto mu za dobro ili okolo zlo, i za men, che da se kazhe za tyakh v interes na istinata, na tazi mi zakrepeni sertifikat, bez litsemerie, koeto pravya pokhvala nego predi vsichko i iskate da go vŭznagradi s golyama priveledge v moyata zemya. Nie, T'sar i T'sarina, prez vsichki dni s nashite patsienti da ni nadzirava, otbelyazakhme doblestniyat i blagoroden dukh, koĭto se stremi da bŭde naĭ-dobriyat v rŭtsete na nashiya Boyar, Varakii Varenko Vlkovitch. Nie otkrikhme, che ne po-fina primer za mŭzhestvo, postoyanstvo i otdadenost, Eto zashto nie, v sŭotvet·stvie s obichaya na nashite predshestvenitsi, koito izpolzvat, za da vŭznagradi onezi, koito si struva da se pokazva taka, vŭrkhu boĭnoto pole, napravete postanovlenie, che toĭ tryabva nezabavno i zavinagi da bŭde izvesten kato a Knyazhnij Muzh ot nashite naĭ- Noble Porŭchka na Chivlary , i da mu pozvoli da pretendira pomestie zemi za sluzhbata mu , da ponese tova breme sŭs znanieto, che vsichki podarŭtsi idvat ot nas i mozhe da se pripomni , che veche ne tryabva da se molya s nas .

Varakii Varenko Vlkovitch , za da vi obŭrnem duma. Da bŭdesh dostoĭno oznachavano ot vlizaneto na tozi pobedonosen red, Nie vi predupredya, che sled pokhvala, polzata, chestta i slavata idva zadŭlzheniyata na Knyazhnij Muzh na nashiya Noble Land. V nasheto ime, i v imeto na onezi Veliki Princes na izvestnost, koito doĭdokha predi nas, da ne vi zapovyadvam da sluzhi vashata T'sar i T'Sarina vŭv vsichko, s koeto da mu slava i pobeda vŭv voĭna i izvestnost i pochit v mir. Uchete tezi, koito ti zapovyadvam, za da sluzhat na svoite Ospadaryu, za da vi sluzhi kato moĭ Knyazhnij Muzh i nauchi vashata Voevodina, Pesha Adriellikna i domŭt ti da se nauchat da ne kradat, da ne blyasti, da ne lŭzhat, da ne kleveti, da ne zavizhda, ne se obizhdat, da ne se zlepostavyat, a drugi ne se karat, a ne da sŭdi, a ne da se naslazhdavam ili pirshestvo, a ne da se podigravash, a ne da se pomni, zloto ne se sŭrdi na nikogo, na tekhnite nachalnitsi shte bŭdem poslushni i krotki, obichashti da se ravnyava, da im lessers i v sredata uzhasno gostopriemni i vid, s vsichki dogovorenosti napravi montazh na komfort, bez mnogo shum i nepriyatnosti, v manastira, i v bolnitsite i v zatvorite, zatvornitsite da posetyat i da davat milostinya sŭshto tolkova, kolkoto i vseki e neobkhodimo, i da vidim tyakhnoto neshtastie i skrŭb i na vsichki nuzhdaeshti se, ako e vŭzmozhno da gi i vseki, koĭto e naskŭrben i bedni pomogne.

Nie davame na vas esmi na Deva Prince, Namestnik i Voevody i tŭrseneto, che vsichki Detskie, Otrok, Gridin, Hryden, Tysyatski, Sotski I Desyatski prekloni glavite si do zemyata, i ne tryabva da sedyat, kogato sa vŭzniknali, i vie ste osŭden da sedi ot myastoto si, kogato vsichki se ustoi, s izklyuchenie na Velikata T'sar i T'sarina, Tsarevich, Tsarevna, i vsichki ot detsata si, Vlastitel na vsichki drugi dŭrzhavni

zemi, Gosudar, Velikij Knyaz, Velikaya Knyaginya i vsyaka Knyaz ili Knyaginya, taka che vsichki da mogat da se zapoznayat s blagovolenieto, koeto pravite zadrŭzhte, daden ot strana na vashiya Ospadaryu i T'sar na Ealdormere .

Osven tova, nie predstavyame tozi dokument kato vechen potvŭrzhdenie na blagorodstvoto na nashiya Sreznevskij, Varakii Varenko Vlkovitch. Znaĭte, che toĭ e chlen na nashata druzhina i nosi sŭs sebe si po vsyako vreme nashata blagosloviya i esmi na Vyarnost do Denya na Strashniya sŭd shte doĭde. Kŭm nastoyashtiya sertifikat na Grand Printsŭt i printsesata, Grand naredi svoite bolyari rŭtse, za da se prilaga Golemiya pechat na Ealdormere i Dvoryane da stanem svideteli na znak Manuil na Zigfrid i Ragni, tŭĭ kato te sa s izgled kŭm terena na voĭnata v spornite zemi na Pennsic, tazi pŭrva godina na tyakhnoto pravilo, 49 Godina.

Xristina Viacheslavova, Order of the Laurel, 2014

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

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

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

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

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

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

AS 49.

Wording by HE Mahault of Swynford.