The populace gathered together well before opening court to visit and trade tales. In short time the call was made to prepare for court in which the room used was quickly filled with smiling and happy people eager to start the day.
Sir Bartram Sinclair takes the opportunity to get some rest before the tournament at the Principality of Oertha’s Winter Coronet and Investiture. January 19, 2019. Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson.
In the opening activity of the day, the Court of Prince Culann and Princess Sefa, the populace saw the welcoming of the King and Queen of the West and other honored guests. After kind words of welcome from Their Highnesses; it was time for the invocation of the lists. Here, according to tradition as old as Oertha itself, the fighters for the Coronet lists were called forward before Their Highnesses to introduce themselves and their inspirations for the tournament.
Eleven fighters entered and, upon swearing the Oath, chose their opponents for the opening round of the tournament. From here, the court concluded, and it was time to prepare for the main event of the weekend.
The Axe Oath is given by the fighters participating in the Coronet Tournament at the Principality of Oertha’s Winter Coronet and Investiture. January 19, 2019. Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson.
The Coronet Tournament was held in the building next door as the weather outside was quite cold and the Field of Honor was ringed on three sides by spectators who would watch the proceedings. The fights were amazing to witness with every entrant to the lists showing not only skill but honor as well. Before the assembled populace knew it, it was down to the final four combatants: Viscount Sir Gregor Hawke, Sir Bartram Sinclair, Viscount Fergus mac Thomais, and Sextus Valerius Cruscillus.
With the number of finalists in the Tournament down to four; the tournament continued until there were only two fighters left on the field.
The finals, between Viscount Sir Gregor Hawke and Sextus Valerius Cruscillus was met on the field with all eyes watching the proceedings. The best three out of five fights with weapon style chosen by the Princess would determine the next Prince and Princess of Oertha. The first and second fight went to Sir Gregor Hawke. The third and fourth fight was won by Sextus Valerius Cruscillus.
With both men scored evenly, the finals went to the fifth and final round; the winner of which would be named as Prince on the next day. It was here that both combatants fought bravely and with valor but it was here that Sextus Valerius Cruscillus landed a killing blow on Sir Gregor Hawke and winning himself the tournament and the Coronets of Oertha.
On the tournament field gathered Prince Culann and Princess Sefa who named Sextus Valerius Cruscillus and Nemona Vicana as Lord and Lady Borealis, to be named as the 69th Prince and Princess of Oertha the next day. With three cheers from the populace the tournament was concluded.
Sextus Valerius Cruscillus and Nemonna Vicana are proclaimed as Lord and Lady Borealis at the Principality of Oertha’s Winter Coronet and Investiture. January 19, 2019. Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson.
From there, the Roses Tournament commenced. This type of tournament has always been popular in the Principality of Oertha with all fighters eagerly taking the field. The winner of the tournament would have the person that lost to him deliver a single Rose to an individual who inspired the winner. Roses were happily collected by many ladies in attendance.
From there the populace gathered in small groups to visit and talk about the event. Friendships were made or renewed as they are at large events such as this.
Court was held later in the evening. Not only was the Prince and Princess of Oertha sitting in State but also the King and Queen of the West and the Lord and Lady Borealis. In this court there were many acknowledgments of many gentles and awards bestowed upon the populace.
The first order of business was the transfer of office of the Principality Exchequer, Mistress Caitríona inghean ui Chionaodha unto Mistress Cynehild Cynesigesdohtor.
The Coronet’s Favor, an award given to those who assisted the Prince and Princess during their reign was bestowed upon Baroness Celestria of Eskalya, Baroness Elena of Winter’s Gate, Mistress Lilla æt Sceaphylle, Sir Duncan ap Llewellyn, Viscountess Violet Tailyeor, Duchess Maurya Sableswan, Lady Sigrun, and Master Michael Auteprest.
From there, the Leaf of Merit was presented to Lady Angela of Eskalya for her continued works and skill within not only the Principality of Oertha but the Kingdom of the West as well.
Afterwards, Coronets Favors were bestowed upon worthy gentles for gracing Their Highnesses with support throughout Their reign. The Coronets Favor was awarded to Lady Sylvia of Thrace, Viscount Fergus Mac Thomais, Baron Fearghus mac Gyllfynnan, and Lady Ulfhildr Sverradottir.
Baron Fearghus mac Gylfynnan, however, was not given leave to depart. He was awarded with the Silver Ulu; the Oerthan award presented to individuals who show skill in the culinary arts to which, as many can attest, Baron Fearghus mac Gylfynnan was most worthy of this recognition. Additionally, Lena of Eskalya was then called forward and presented with an Award of Arms for her continued service within the Principality as a whole.
The Principality court then took a brief break so that Their Majesties, King Conor and Queen Isa, could conduct business of their own. After the swearing of fealty by the landed barons and baronesses as well as the Peers of the West; Their Majesties took the time to take note of certain individuals.
Pennelope of the Three Roses and Tempest of Winter's Gate were called before the King and Queen of the West and recognized for their diverse actions that benefitted the Kingdom of the West and were bestowed with Awards of Arms. Three cheers followed this happy occasion.
Sir Cyrus Aurelius was then called before Her Majesty and asked to be a member of the Queen’s Guard to which Sir Cyrus graciously accepted the duty.
Afterwards, Lady Angela of Eskalya was called forward and asked to be a member of the Queen’s Guard as well, to which she accepted the duty with grace. With three cheers the court once again transferred to Their Highnesses who still had more business to conclude before the end of the day.
Lady Alana Patryson, Baroness Cempestra Sidda O'Breoniann were then called forward and presented with the Coronet’s Favor for their support of the Prince and Princess during Their reign.
From there, Lord Hraði Kǫttr was called forward and awarded with the Ash Leaf; a Kingdom of the West award recognizing virtue and skill in armored combat and bestowed by the Prince and Princess with graceful permission by the Crown of the West.
Lord Hraði Kǫttr is inducted into the Order of the Ash Leaf at the Principality of Oertha’s Winter Coronet and Investiture. January 19, 2019. Photograph submitted by Halfdan Ozurrson.
Lady Harmony of the Three Roses was then called before Their Highnesses and presented with the Order of the Raven’s Heart; the Oerthan youth award recognizing exceptional contributions to the Principality.
Coronet’s Favors were then bestowed upon Sir Sevastian Agafangilovich Golytsin, Lord Hraði Köttr, Lord Johannes von Rothe, and Lord Quintis Servilius Scipio Amouricus. The Princess’ Riband was also presented to Viscountess Caitríona inghean ui Chionaodha, Lady Aurelia de Montfort, Viscountess Catherine of Wessex, Duchess Maurya Sableswan, and Viscount Sir Geoffrey Scott.
Thus court was concluded with three cheers.
After court many people went to dinner with friends and family. Afterwards, a bardic was started in the hall and many people joined in or carried their own conversations. Many songs were sung, the majority familiar to those of Oertha, with a few that were less well-known added in for good measure. The celebrations lasted well into the night and part of the next day.
The morning brought cheer and excitement as the participants saw the final day of the event.
After Peerage meetings and a brief amount of time of visiting and preparing; the final court of the day began. In the last Court of Culann and Sefa, Prince and Princess of Oertha several awards were bestowed.
Coronet’s Favors were bestowed upon Duchess Eilis ni Roibeard O'Boirne, Sir Geoffrey Scott, Mistress Alienor FitzHenry, Mistress Anna di Caterina Neri, Viscountess Catherine of Wessex, Master Joel the Brewer, Mistress Sapphira the Navigator, Mistress Üta Kathrina Felhamer, Baroness Khalidah bint Sa'id Al-'Attar, Onóra ingheann Uí Ruairc, Lady Gisla Œðikollr, Lord Todd the Foxx, and Brennan mac Fergus.
Furthermore, the Princess’ Riband was presented to Duchess Eilis ni Roibeard O'Boirne, Baron Gavin of Eskalya, Baroness Celestria of Eskalya, Baroness Elena of Winter's Gate, Sir Sevastian Agafangilovich Golytsin, Mistress Alienor FitzHenry, Mistress Clare Elena de Montfort, Mistress Lilla æt Sceaphylle, Mistress Sapphira the Navigator, Viscount Fergus Mac Thomais, Baron Bran Sparrowhawk, Baroness Cempestra Sidda O'Breoniann, Baron Fearghus mac Gyllfynnan, Lord Hraði Kǫttr, Lord Johannes von Rothe, Lady Lucia Anastasia de la Mar, Lady Pennelope of the Three Roses, Lord Quintus Servilius Scipio Armoricus, Lord Rin McCray, Lady Silvia of Thrace, Lady Úlfhildr Sverradóttir, Lady Gisla Œðikollr, Lady Alana Patryson, Alexandra of Oertha, Calliope of Winter's Gate, and Harmony of the Three Roses.
The Princess of Oertha also recognized those who contributed greatly to magnanimous nature of royalty by proclaiming several individuals worthy to be known as the Princess’ Patrons. The list consisted of Baroness Celestria of Eskalya, Mistress Annora de Montfort of Shadowood, Lady Alana Patryson, Lady Ceara der Alcan, Lady Gisla Œðikollr, Lady Lena of Eskalya, House Comitatus, and the Oerthan Largess Anonymous.
The Shield of Chivalry, an award presented by the Princess of Oertha in the final court to the fighter who has displayed outstanding chivalry, both on and off the field, during the Coronet tournament. This reign the Shield of Chivalry was presented to Lord Hraði Kǫttr.
Lord Hraði Kǫttr is recognized for his valor and awarded the Shield of Chivalry by Princess Sefa at the Principality of Oertha’s Winter Coronet and Investiture. January 20, 2019. Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson.
With the last bit of business concluded it was time to release the court members, guardsmen, and champions of the court of Prince Culann and Princess Sefa.
As court was winding down to a close Her Highness, Princess Sefa, took the opportunity to present a gift to Prince Culann; a magnificent cloak emblazoned with a celtic-style boar. Additionally, Princess Sefa awarded Prince Culann with the Order of the Snowy Owl for his great artistic works in the Principality of Oertha.
With final words, Their Highnesses thanked the populace of Oertha for a memorable reign. Thus it was time for the entrance of Cruscillus and Vicana who would be named as Prince and Princess of Oertha by Right of Combat.
With great acclaim; the Coronets of Oertha were passed.
Afterwards, the Great Officers of the Principality, the Barons and Baronesses of the different branches, and the Peers of Oertha each swore fealty to the new Prince and Princess. From there the populace was invited to pay homage.
Court positions were then filled for the new court of Prince Cruscillus and Princess Vicana and included ladies of the chamber, guards, and the Princess’ various champions.
The Ladies of the Chamber were installed which included Duchess Eilis ni Roibeard O'Boirne, Viscountess Isabella Hawke, Baroness Margery Garret, Lady Delphine de Grenada, Lady Sylvia of Thrace, and Lady Rebecca fitzRobert who took up their positions to assist the Princess of Oertha.
Members of the Guard were called forward to take their positions of importance as well. Baroness Ellisif a Reikiavik, Mistress Sapphira the Navigator, Lady Sibylla of Winter's Gate, and Lord Thorgrimm the Dane were made Guardsmen with Sir Verica of Lighthaven named as Knight Counselor and Lord Colum Mac Eoghain ui Neill as the Captain of the Guard.
Princess Vicana also took notice of several artisans in the Principality and named them as Princess’ Patrons. These members, including Master Fergus Mac Thomais, Lady Iriniia Myshkinova, and Lady Astrid Thorasdottir, would be under the watchful eye of Mistress Cynehild Cynesigesdohtor named as Laurel Counselor.
Finally, Sir Gregor Hawke was recognized as the Princess’ Champion—an honored duty indeed.
As is traditions and law, those who have served faithfully as Prince and Princess of Oertha are recognized with a Viscounty. Thus was Culann and Sefa, who were once Prince and Princess of Oertha, called forward and rewarded for their faithful service to the Principality. Additionally, Viscountess Sefa Hrafnsdóttir was proclaimed as Holder of the Heart; an award given to consorts who have stepped down from the thrones of Oertha.
From here, King Conor and Queen Isa of the Kingdom of the West held their court. The first order of business was to accept the fealty of the new Prince and Princess. From there; Sir Sevastian Agafangilovich Golytsin and Lady Angela of Eskalya were called forward and proclaimed worthy of great honor and awarded with Court Baronies in the Kingdom of the West.
Additionally, the King called forward all of members of the Order of the Pelican and noted that one was missing from their ranks. He then called forth Viscountess Violet Tailyour before him and elevated her to the Order much to the cheering of those in the hall.
Mistress Violet Tailyour holds ‘Gronk’ as her Peers welcome her into the Order of the Pelican at the Principality of Oertha’s Winter Coronet and Investiture. January 20, 2019. Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson.
Their Majesties took the time to thank the populace of Oertha for a wonderful event filled with cheer and excitement. Their Majesties warm welcome in the wintry lands of Oertha were well received and brought joy to Their Majesties hearts.
With court concluded it was time to prepare to head home. Some would travel not far while others looked forward to a long journey back to their warm halls. The tales told, heartfelt hugs, and overall cheer was heartwarming as groups of celebrants made their way home or to waiting planes or cars.
Here Recognize Cruscillus and Vicana , 69th Prince and Princess of Oertha. January 20, 2019. Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson.
Another successful and exciting Coronet and Investiture brings us a new Prince and Princess of Oertha, amazing memories, and much to be cheerful for. And while the frozen lands of Winter’s Gate did indeed live up to its name; we are thankful for the time spent together in a warm hall with even warmer friendship.
The Selviergard Associated Press
Originally published in the Spring 2019 edition of The Guardian
Event Date: January 19-20, 2019
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