n May, in far Drachenwald, Edouard Beausoliel was knighted. In Eoforwic, Market Day this year was held at the College of Skeldergate. Eve of Eoforwic, who had only recently come to the City, served as Steward, with the help of Nicolaa, who organized the gate and cast tokens for the event. As was usual, many merchants were in attendance, and much mirth was had as Gaerwen enthusiastically enforced the sumptuary laws. Princess Moria, who was in attendance, asked Perceval Winnett Kempe to join her Wolfpack. Perceval was also relatively new to Eoforwic, and was known for his enthusiasm in fighting and his great interest in illuminated manuscripts.

ar away in Northshield, Osis Jarl had travelled to fight in Crown Tourney, this time fighting for his lady, Countess Caitlin. To the surprise of many, including Caitlin, who had been unable to accompany him, he triumphed in the lists. Once again, history had repeated itself, for Caitlin had not been able to be present when Hugo had won Crown those many years before and made her Princess.

For many years, the Lady Mary Memorial Tournament had been a venue of great prestige for armoured combatants. Rapier combat had been growing in Ealdormere, and many fencers who had taught the art to Ealdormerians lived in the Rhydderich Hael, close by. Baron Malik and Baroness Genevieve thus decided to add a rapier tournament, to be called the Swan Tourney, to the day’s festivities. Nicolaa organized the tourney and served as marshal-in-charge, and Hoskuld, Eyrny, and Albrecht all fought with great distinction.

It was in this month that Mistress Rhiannon returned from England with her fiancé, Pete. Eoforwic rejoiced at her return, but knew the reasons for it were not so happy, as she had been , diagnosed with cancer, and was returning for treatment.

n the third day of the month of June, Hector and Madinia were delivered of a son, christened Calum, after many extra days of waiting. At Murder Melee Perceval Winnett Kempe was awarded arms by Moria and Roak, and Lady Ysabeau was recognized for her work as seneschal of Eoforwic by being inducted into the Order of the Bee. Lady Marian of Heatherdale became Trillium Herald. In the same month in far Drachenwald, Edouard and Eanor ascended to the thrones. Eoforwic had sent a gift to its expatriates—twenty garters wrought in leather and pewter, for the royal couple to bestow as they wished.

As the preparations for Ealdormere’s Kingdom bid intensified, Master Hector took on the position of Kingdom Projects coordinator. His duty would be to oversee the many various endeavours needed to become a kingdom, from regalia to the preparations for the first Crown Tourney and Coronation. His protégée, Lady Gaerwen, was the keeper of the "list of stuff" and, according to her Pelican, did most of the work. At Ealdormere War Practice in early July Mercedes was given the Golden Otter for her skill in needlework and cookery. Later that same month, with King Edmund in attendance, the Coronet Tourney was fought. Many from Eoforwic and its neighbors were seen in the lists.: Hereward fought for Anthea, Eoin for Nicolaa, Nicolae for Sybille, Rhys for Marian, and Zadok for Gwendoline. It was noted during the procession that Baroness Xristinia of Skraeling Althing and Mistress Nicolaa were wearing the same fabric, so when Baron Erec and Eoin met in the tourney, official ownership of the lovely red silk design was on the line. Baron Erec was victorious.

The finals echoed a Crown Tournament in far Ansteorra some years later. Baroness Sir Elizabeth met her lord, Baron Sir Menken, and when the last blow was struck, Elizabeth emerged victorious. She would reign as Ealdormere’s first Princess by Right of Arms. Later that day, Baron Ieuan and Baroness Adrielle appointed Perceval and Colgar the Innocent as their scutifers. When King Edmund held his court, Zadok was inducted into Order of the Red Company, Nicolae received a Willow for his costuming skills, and his lady Sybille received a Purple Fret for her services as Minister of Children. Cassandra was added to the Scroll of Honour for the many food drives she had coordinated at events. Master Hector was inducted into the Friendship of the Trillium for his long service to the Coronet, often behind the scenes. And Caitlin was, at last, formally invested as Crown Princess, in front of her own people.

his year marked the twenty-fifth year of the Pennsic Wars, and indeed, those attending were given a gold watch (in fact, a functioning sundial) as a site token to mark the occasion. Once again, Eoforwic returned to camp in the woods, close by the Ancestral Camping grounds. But it was found that there was not nearly enough space for all those who had registered for the camp, because much of the allotted land was uncampable. But camping beside Eoforwic was the Barony of Red Spears, and their baron, Taylor the Pure, or Taylor the Pooh as he was more commonly called. Cassandra struck up a friendship with the people of the Barony and especially their Baron, and the two camps agreed to share space and resources, amalgamating into Upper and Lower Redwick. Meanwhile, a nasty and unfounded rumour went about that Ealdormere Royal had asked, and Eoforwic had refused, to move to the Serengeti.

Also at this Pennsic was held the infamous milk and cordial challenge. A year before, Mercedes had visited Lochac and made many friends. When they had heard of the prowess of Osis with sword and tankard, they had resolved to offer a challenge that, like many things from Lochac, was passing strange, at a time when Osis and his household was no longer encumbered with the strains of Kingship. And so Lochac and Hrogn--and the curious--gathered together for a drinking contest. The drinks consisted of milk, and when no more milk could be drunk, raspberry cordial. The combination created some very unique effects on the stomach. The battle was epic, indeed, and the curious became more and more grateful that they were not participants.

The City also had dealings with Politarchopolis, a Barony of Lochac. They had heard that Eoforwic was a unique place, with a mayor and a sheriff and City officers, and so they offered friendship to Mercedes when she visited. At Pennsic, the Lady Mayor and the people of Eoforwic visited the Lochac camp. Politarchopolis became Eoforwic's Sister City, and tokens of friendship were exchanged. Pewter tokens of Politarchpolis’ Baronial awards were added to the Mayoral Chain of Eoforwic, and are there to this day.

International diplomacy continued when Edouard and Eanor, King and Queen of Drachenwald, presented Eoforwic with an ancient key "for the back gate" that they had recently "unearthed."

This year the City Guard was small, consisting mainly of Angus, Hector, and Agnar the Goth. The cantons of Vest Yorvik, Skeldergate, Ardchreag, and Eoforwic donated the Ealdormere war wagon, built by Raimond of Lower Lorraine, which would later become famous in song and legend. The Middle Kingdom won the day in the fighting, although Ealdormere fought one battle with the East to even up sides.

In this year, a famous party was held at the Calontir encampment, where in order to establish one’s credentials to drink the many fine beers and meads produced by that Kingdom, one had to be stamped with the Kingdom Seal. Many attendees found many creative places for these seals Baroness Adrielle, noticing this, presented herself to the King and Queen of Calontir, who signed their names upon various parts of her body. The Baroness thus became "a law unto herself."

In Septentrian court, much business was done. Ysabeau and Angus presented armrings to James Douglas in token of their esteem. Bear’s Claws were given to Gunthar (who had fought well in his first Pennsic as a fighter), James Douglas (for his service as chirurgeon and builder of things), and Hector (for his many deeds.) Hector then petitioned to have Nicolae given a Bear’s Claw as well, and it was done. He also appointed Angus as Champion for Calum, his young son. Hereward was inducted into the Order of Bear’s Heart for his service as Baronial herald and fighter for Septentria. And finally, Lord Albrecht and Eve announced their engagement, and were loudly congratulated.

ach year, more and more of the Cityfolk made the long trek northwards to the ducal estates of Finnvarr de Taahe for Bonfield Battle. This was the fourth year it was held. Here were to be found equestrian games, much fighting, good hospitality, and no courts. On the first subject, the Duke and Mistress Ragni owned several horses, which they allowed those who wished to play at rings and Saracen Heads to ride. This year there were several battles, including a twelfth century tourney, an animal hunt (in which fighters were assigned an animal to portray), and on Sunday, the Grand Melee at the Barrier.

Before this occurred, in which Greater de Taahe would take on all comers, the long-brewing Grudge Match between de Taahe and the cadet house of Blackcloak occurred, with Blackcloak emerging victorious. At the barrier appeared a ghost of the past. Out of the mists stepped Graf Sir Hugo to challenge his former knight, and Finnvarr did accept the challenge and they struck the first blows. (As it was revealed later, Hugo himself--now dwelling in An Tir--was unable to be present himself, so he sent his armour to represent his personage). The ensuing melee was a grand thing.

One of the first to challenge de Taahe was the White Bear Fian, flower of Septentrian prowess; followed by the Eoforwic City Guard, and they did fight well, with Angus Albahni in command.

Because the forces of greater de Taahe were outnumbered, the Dauphine and Dauphin of Ealdormere, Sir Elizabeth and Sir Menken, joined the forces of de Taahe. The fighting continued until all were satisfied, and much chivalry was demonstrated that day. After a break, the fighters returned to play at Mordain's Rings, a cunning game in which all fighters started in the middle of a great circle and each time they were defeated, moved out one ring, until they were finally out of the circle. This was a great joy to watch, especially at one point in which two groups of fighters were engaged in a fight. Angus and Gunthar, finding they had no one to fight, decided to come up behind one of the large groups of fighters and slowly, one by one, began picking them off as soon as they made eye contact. Those from Eoforwic who had attended vowed to return.

Later in this month were Angus and Ysabeau married, and many Cityfolk witnessed the ceremony and were greatly amused when the newly-married couple cut the cake with a broadsword.

he late September day appointed for the Investiture of Elizabeth and Menken was unusually warm, and the hall in Ben Dunfirth was near overflowing. Roak and Moria retired from the thrones in a most dramatic way: Moria left with her household brothers and sisters, and then Roak was reminded that he had promised to rule only as long as he was needed. The time of war being over, his goals accomplished, he would be removed in the way of the Khazars-- by having a silk cord wrapped around his neck. But first, a successor must be found, and Elizabeth strode to the hall to claim the throne she had won the right to ascend. Roak questioned the right of a woman to rule, and was presented with several examples of women from history and the Society who had done just that. As Roak passed the Coronet to Elizabeth, her own personal banner was furled. Menken was called to accept the Consort's coronet, which he did, his own banner being furled as well. That done, Roak was strangled, leaving all to wonder what would happen to the body. The wait was not long. Baron Foote and a squad of Monadhi appeared in strange blue armour and bearing blue boxes, loudly proclaiming that they were the Viscount Recycling Crew. Foote managed to revive Roak with a strange liquid procured from a spigot in his codpiece, and thence the new Tricount was carried off in a blue box for future recycling.

Later that day, when Elizabeth and Menken presented their first awards, Raimond was added to the Scroll of Honour for building the war wagon, and Marian received her Golden Otter for her skill in the bardic arts. As he was now Prince, Menken also passed on the position of Principality Seneschal to Baroness Adrielle.

n late September, the guild masters and mistresses of Eoforwic converged at Michaelmas upon the guildhall for the yearly elections. This year, Cassandra of Trilane, Gwendoline Rosamund, and Angus Albahni stood for Mayor, and Morgan Blackheart, Nicolaa de Bracton, James Douglas, and Raimon stood for Sheriff. Gwen and Nicolaa ran as a team under the "Garb Slut" banner, distributing silk goodie bags of findings; Nicolaa wore her infamous heraldic hockey surcote and carried a hockey stick, promising to be the city enforcer if elected. Cassandra and Morgan distributed cookies and flirted with the gentlemen, while Angus and James used the time-honoured bribe of beer to bring out the vote. In the end, the beer told the tale (it was given out at Coronation) and both Angus and James were elected. Gaerwen, by now exhausted by the fundraising and work she had done for the canton, gratefully passed on the chain of office, schaube, and the Trout of Knowledge to Angus.

n October, Elizabeth and Menken renamed the Order of the Peregrine the Order of St. Crispin. This caused much controversy, since although the saint was well known and associated with the famous Battle of Agincourt, the choice was seen as too personal by many.

The Coronation of Osis and Caitlin was an effort by four groups--Vest Yorvik, Skeldergate, Ardchreag, and Monadh. Astoundingly, the event was put together in only three months' time, through much hard work on the part of all the cantons involved. James Douglas, as had become customary, would work the bar. Baroness Ursula would arrange the feast. Cassandra would take care of merchants, and Nicolaa would act as Royalty liaison. Almost every other member of the canton was involved in something.

The weather for Coronation Day was fabulous. It was a sunny, crisp early October day, with the leaves flaming into colour. Rumours of the site's beauty had not been exaggerated. The ruins of the mill quite resembled those of a castle, and situated beside them was a lake. The park was on an area close by the Niagara Escarpment, making for some spectacular geographic features, including "potholes," sinkholes caused by retreating glaciers.

Their Majesties Edmund and Kateryn held their last court beside the ruins. When the time came for the heirs to claim the throne, Pankratz Pugge appeared and said that although he was not worthy to claim the throne, he had some skill at finding heirs. He then led the King and Queen and the assembled crowed to the side of the lake, and bade the King to give him Oathbinder, the sword of the Middle Kingdom. This the King did, after some hesitation. Pankratz then flung the sword into the lake, causing a number of gasps of horror. (It was later revealed that this was in fact not the actual Sword of State, but a close double). At the moment that the sword hit the water, a horn was heard in the distance, and from around the bend a longship hove into view. As it drew nearer, leaving a trail on the water from the dripping oars, the crowd could see that it contained Jarl Thorbjorn Osis, Oathbinder held high. The boat drew nigh, and was brought ashore by Osis' squires, waiting with songs to greet him. He disembarked and announced his intention of claiming the throne. All followed him into the ruins, where he mounted the dais, took the crown of the Middle from the hands of Duchess Lisa, and put it upon his head. He was King.

But he still needed a queen. One by one, six ladies came forth, carrying roses. They paralleled the six men who had come forth at Osis' first coronation. Each of the women - Dame Elizabeth Cadfan, Kingdom Arts and Sciences Minister Melisande, Countess Elaina of Oaklawn, Viscountess Moria the Black, Mistress Therica and Dame Madinia - had reasons why they could not be Osis' Queen. The King was thus left with six white roses--and no Queen. Pankratz then stepped forward, to many giggles, and said that he might be able to produce one if Osis would give him the six roses. Pankratz tossed the roses into the air. There was a flash of light, and then Caitlin Stepped forward, crowned in a wreath of roses. Osis stuck Oathbinder into the dais, took the crown from Duchess Lisa, removed Caitlin's wreath to place it on the hilt of the sword, and then placed the crown on Caitlin's head. She was Queen.

The new King and Queen then accepted fealty from Princess Elizabeth and Prince Menken of Ealdormere, followed by the Territorial Barons, Knights, Laurels and Pelicans of the Kingdom. They were all bidden to stay to the side of the dais after they swore, and then Osis, as he had in his last Coronation, presented them to the people. After they had retired, those members of the populace who wished to swear were called forward as well. During this whole time, a steady stream of white roses had been piling at Caitlin's feet.

The ceremony over, the court retired. The Queen's Champion tourney took place within the walls of the ruins. Archery and children's classes also occurred, and about twenty merchants were on site to sell their wares.

Evening court was held before feast, again in the ruins. Osis was heralded in as "Fabio of the Fjords" by Brand, who then tried to distract him by offering beer. Ambassadors from Atlantia and Calontir presented gifts, and Caitlin expressed her joy particularly that Calontir, which she had helped make a Principality in her last reign, had grown into a Kingdom, and that she was greatly honoured by her small part in this. The winner of the Champion's Tourney, Jarl Thorbrand from Atlantia, was called forward. Since he was unable to serve as Champion himself, he was presented with the wreath of roses to crown his lady, Countess Eorunn, Queen of Love and Beauty for the day. Three other gentles were also called forward and thanked: Etienne au Naval, Jerek van der Vliet and Arslan of Northshield. Each of these, for various reasons, had been asked whether they might stand as Champion and had to refuse. Finally, Lord Raedmund d'Arden, newly minted member of the Red Company by the hand of King Edmund that morning, was called forward and asked whether he would accept the honour. He did, was presented with the tabard, and took his place behind the Queen.

A few awards were then presented--amongst others, a Purple Fret for James Douglass, an Award of the Order of Paws to Dizzy Berusdottir, who snapped up doggy treats from the mouth of the Queen herself, an induction into the Greenwood Company for Odd Grimsson, and a Dragon's Heart for Countess Elaina, who has served four kingdoms, including the Middle, in her years in the Society. Edmund and Kateryn were recognized as Earl and Countess, and Edmund was given the honour of taking up his own coronet, as he had granted Osis the honour of crowning himself King. He then put the coronet on Kateryn's brow, after which she was honoured as a Lady of the Rose.

Here also did Marian of Heatherdale discourse on the legends of King Arthur, and was thus admitted to the schola of Mistress Nicolaa as a bachelor and her first apprentice.

The feast, cooked by Baroness Ursula and staff, was very tasty, although many of the feasters were chilled to the bone by the dip in temperature. Here Eoforwic presented a gift to the Crown, this time specifically to Caitlin--10 goblets, and one for herself, to distribute those who did pleasing things in her sight. Caitlin distributed most of them to bards who sang for her during her reign. They also offered the recently refurbished Murphy the Sheep back to the safekeeping of Caitlin, his original Mom. Caitlin gave him back to Eoforwic for care. John of Slaughterfield had come to the Coronation after many years of absence. Since he had once served as a Royal champion, was inducted into the Order of the Royal Vanguard. The new King and Queen also granted to Ealdormere the right to give Awards of Arms without consulting the Kingdom—a recognition of the growing maturity of the Principality.

t was about this time that Adeliz als Gernons was first seen. She was a quiet lady with fair hair, interested in the domestic arts. Also, Mistress Rhiannon married her lord, Pete. Her fight with cancer had once again flared up, and many were greatly concerned.

Edward the Chaste was known for his mail-making. The Royal Ontario Museum, hearing of this, inquired as to whether they might obtain some as a display for the children who often visited the exhibits and wanted to handle "real chain mail." Edward agreed to donate several pieces to the museum, where they are still seen today.

At Scotchtoberfest Rhys ap Bledri was made a Companion of the Silver Oak for meadmaking and Marian of Heatherdale a Companion of the Willow for her bardic skills. Moria the Black took over the reins as Principality Seneschal, and the formal process of writing the Kingdom bid began.

In November in the Canton of Ardchreag, Duke Sir Finnvarr celebrated the 25th anniversary of his knighting. A Tourney of the Notables took place in which combatants challenged a number of fighters who took on the roles of famous knights from history—including a certain Sir Finnvarr. During the feast, a delegation of the people of Eoforwic was convened to approach the Duke at High Table. They carried with them a scroll and a banner--the scroll naming Finnvarr, founder of the Canton, as a City Alderman, and the banner--Eoforwic's oldest bearing its device--a gift of gratitude. Finnvarr was deeply touched by the gesture. His household also presented him with a new Ducal coronet, simply wrought. His lady Ragni was there made first Equestrian Champion of Ealdormere.

Far to the south, in the heart of the Middle Kingdom, Viscountess Kaellyn was placed on vigil for the Order of the Pelican, for her service as exchequer and chirurgeon to Principality, Kingdom, and at Pennsic.

n December of that year, Fortune’s wheel again turned, and there was much turmoil. It was made known in the City that Master Hector and Dame Madinia had decided to part ways. Many were sad, as both had many friends in the City. It was about this time that a painful division began to be apparent between the Princess and Prince. They appeared less and less in each other's company, and it was learned that they had ceased to be a couple some time before. The Princess had begun to keep company with a Knight from Trimaris, and Menken was seemingly heartsore at this.

At the same time, the City grew in numbers. It was about this time that Thomas the Inquisitive and his lady wife Teri (later to be named Muirghein Fionn) were first seen. They immediately became enthusiastic members of the group; indeed, Thomas published a chronicle of the City's activities that was circulated by mysterious means to the whole wide world through the ether.

ryniau Tywynogg hosted the traditional Wassail and Moot of Ealdormere. Only Her Highness was present, but many important matters were discussed concerning the laws of the future Kingdom and the progress of the many Committees. A rumour was leaked at the moot that Their Highnesses were going to call a referendum on whether fencing should be included in the future kingdom of Ealdormere. Since this was not on the agenda at the Moot, speculation ran wild. Only four people at the Moot were thought to have known the truth--Her Highness, Viscountess Moria (the Principality Seneschal), Mistress Nicolaa (the Principality Chronicler), and Baron Cordigan, who had learned of it from Elizabeth. When the news was leaked to the fencers there present, Viscountess Moria managed to avert a major crisis by forcing Cordigan to admit it had been he who had told them, rather than Mistress Nicolaa, who had been instructed to reveal the matter to no one.

Now that the referendum was an open secret, Nicolaa debated about what to do with Their Highness' letter. Torn by emotion over what she saw as a surprise attack on her and her friends, she sought the counsel of wiser, cooler heads, including Duke Finnvarr. She considered resigning her office in protest at being asked to keep such a secret. She spoke at length with Prince Menken, who agreed that the letter should now be made public so that the rumours would cease, and that a special moot on the issue should be called since it was not discussed at the earlier moot. The initial leak had now become a gaping hole, however, through both her own circulation of the letter amongst fencers and the efforts of others. She was censured by both the Prince and Princess at Twelfth Night and indirectly by the Middle Kingdom for her actions in publishing background materials on the controversy in the Tidings; and a proper thing the censure was as she had used the Principality Newsletter as a platform for a personal agenda. Never again would Nicolaa take up rapier with the joy with which she once had wielded it. After much unpleasantness, the issue was finally settled; those who fenced had no problem with the possibility of a poll on fencing, but on the way the letter itself was worded and the manner it would have been pressed upon an unsuspecting populace by a Coronet openly hostile to fencing.

It became increasingly clear that there was great enmity between the Prince and Princess. Only great effort by the Prince's Council, particularly Viscountess Moria, and guidance from King Osis and Queen Caitlin kept the feud largely under wraps, although all who were friends of their Highnesses knew the truth.

It was around this time that first Septentrian cloak was completed by Lady Leonora. This cloak was a thing of great beauty, exquisitely embroidered with gold and silk thread. The arms of all the Cantons of Septentria were included, as well as the arms of all the former Barons and Baronesses and wonderfully detailed white bears. No equal to it has ever been seen.

he sixteenth Coronet tourney again saw numerous entrants from Eoforwic. Angus Albahni fought for Cassandra and Richard Larmer for Ysabeau; Rhys for Marian and Nicolae for Sybille. In the finals, Edward the Red defeated Lucius Aurelius Varus and placed the Althegna's coronet on the brow of Rylyn Buchanan. It was remarked that Edward and Rylyn would be the first Prince and Princess to be born and grow up entirely in the days of the Principality of Ealdormere.

Their Majesties Osis and Caitlin were in attendance, and here was Kaellyn MacDermott elevated to the Order of the Pelican and given a marvelous embroidered tunic by the hand of Queen Caitlin, and here was Etaoin o Fearghaill called from the procession of Coronet entrants to be placed on vigil for the same honour. Here was Leila Brophy of the City awarded arms, and Eoin o Beirne awarded a Purple Fret for his writing of chronicles. The many people who had planned and carried out Osis and Caitlin’s Coronation were called forward and presented with a Purple Fretty. And Tsharyl Larmer, though not present, was awarded a Willow for her great skill in embroidery, and a special medallion from the Queen herself, who was greatly impressed and claimed that Tsharyl's skills outstripped her own, for which she had been given a Laurel wreath.

And Glandydd Rhys Mordwyn was elevated to the Order of the Laurel for amouring to the loud cries of "God Bless Dad's Nuts!" Marian of Heatherdale first sang her song, "White Rose" about Queen Caitlin and the passing of the elves, at this event. This brought tears to the eyes of the Queen, and later gained Marian a goblet from Her Majesty's hand. Here also was Eoin o Beirne taken as Nicolaa's second apprentice.

At Candlemas was held the great moot on the topic of fencing. And person after person stood up and spoke in its favour, with only two dissenting voices, although some thought after that perhaps faced with such opposition, those who did not favour the arts of defence kept their counsel. Also, here was Anastasia Angelos Corinthos made noble.

In this month was held a baronial archery challenge, in which because of a scheduling conflict Gaerwen and Nicolaa found themselves almost single-handedly representing Septentria.

Also in this month did Gwendoline and Zadok wed, and they hosted a party for all of their friends, where the potables flowed and the delicacies were many.

n the first day of the month of March, Osis and Caitlin lay aside their Royal Crowns and took up those of a Duke and Duchess. Most agreed that they had ruled wisely and with great maturity, their reign untroubled by the problems of Osis' first reign. Later the same month, many of the City travelled to Bryniau Tywynogg for the second War College, and to hear the famous Master Pavel of Calontir offer discourse on the formation of an army, and many great ideas were born, including the Ealdormere Commissariat, formed on the spot from Cynred, Valizan, Eoin, and Nicolaa, with patronage of the Althegna. Later, James Douglas and Aibhilin of Skye would also join their number.

Also, Edouard Beausoliel and Eanor of Amberhall, now Earl and Countess, returned from Drachenwald, and were welcomed with a revel at the holding of Baron Torbin.

In this month the Poculi Ludique Societas presented the play Gammer Gurton's Needle, and many members of Eoforwic came to see the play dressed in their finery. This was arranged by Elaine Middleton, seen often now in the company of Chet Scoville, a fellow scholar. And Catriona and Jasper parted ways after many years.

he investiture of Edward and Rylyn was elegant and brief, with Elizabeth and Menken clearly tired and ready to set aside the Coronets. It was a telling sign that Elizabeth and Menken had their Viscounties acknowledged separately. Hereafter, Elizabeth was less seen in Ealdormere and seldom in armour. Eve was awarded Arms, Hereward awarded a Bee, and Inez Rosanera was made a Companion of the Golden Otter. And Morgan Blackheart was also admitted into the Order of the Bee, for many hours of work as a bar wench. This event was notable in that every knight of Ealdormere was present and almost every one of them fought in the tourney. Earl Sir Edouard was seen to wear an eyepatch at all times other than when fighting, and the reason was given that his lady would only permit him to remove it when she had witnessed him do a chivalrous deed. Edouard also received from the hand of Elizabeth the gold chain that had been worn by every knight in Ealdormere. Dona Mercedes served as head cook for the feast, which won great acclaim for tastiness.

Vest Yorvik hosted the Arts and Sciences fair in their Caledon castle. Although there were few entries, many of these were exceedingly fine, especially those of Martin of Wismar, who won the Pentathlon the week after he was granted Arms. Lady Gwendoline was placed first for her Elizabethan kirtle, sewn entirely by hand. Discussions also began about what kind of Fair should be held should Ealdormere become a kingdom.

n Eoforwic, it was in this month of April that Ysabeau stepped down as Seneschal after three years' service and Gunthar Wahlstedt assumed the reins. The wedding of Albrecht and Eve also took place. And the first College of St. Nicholas was held at the meeting hall. The College was an idea Nicolaa had worked out to host small, regular symposiums on various topics in the Arts and Sciences. This first occurrence focused on costuming, and Lady Arnora came from Bryniau Tywynogg to teach fitting. Other teachers were Ceridwyn, Ysabeau, Gwen, and Nicolaa, and all who attended learned much.

A great Straw Poll had been held amongst the populace, to determine whether Ealdormere should petition to advance to Kingdom status. When the results were announced, they were overwhelmingly in favour of this step. Also announced were the results of the poll on the future of fencing in Ealdormere, and the results were strongly in favour. Never again would the status of fencing within Ealdormere be questioned.

At the seventeenth Coronet Tourney in May, Syr Gunter von Weaselburg bested his squire, Ragnar fra Vinland, in the finals, and placed the Althegna's coronet upon the brow of Morgon the Fey Wanderer. Her Majesty Kateryn was in attendance, and in the sight of all, Mercedes was inducted into the Order of the Willow for her cooking and knitting skills, and Edward the Chaste became a member of the Order of the Silver Oak for his mailmaking. Prince Edward and Princess Rylyn also held Court, and Lady Ines de Freytis received an Otter for her bardic skills and research. In this month were Madeleine de Villemonde and Lord Vincent Greywolf wed. Also, in Eoforwic, Cassandra passed the Pursuivant's tabard on to Countess Eanor.