he weddings continued in June, when Nicolae Cioranu wed Sybille of Amberhall. And at the great War Practice held in Septentria in July, Nicolae did bid all fighting men, squires, and knights to display their arms at the Tavern there, and to meet in a grand melee, where many deeds of valour were done. The night before, he and Sybille entertained their many friends with delicacies, Rhys' mead, and Ceallach's beer, and much mirth was had. House Galbraith that same night celebrated their fifth anniversary with song and revelry. Here, as was usual, the folk gathered in a great moot, and no topic was closer at hand than the Kingdom Bid. The proposed Laws for the Kingdom were now public, and a discussion of these was held later, as was a moot on the Fighters' Handbook and another on the A&S Fair.

n the twenty-sixth day of the same month, the citizenry convened at St. George the Martyr church within the City Walls to hold a market and a tourney hosted by the White Bear Fian. Lady Cassandra acted as steward, and almost every member of the City was involved in some activity or another. This was a site of much beauty, the market being held within the close of a ruined church, now grown over with flowers and greenery. Fifteen merchants came to ply their wares, and a goodly company of fighting men and women turned out to meet the Fianna upon the field. Four made formal challenge to the Fian. Angus Albahni fought Katsu with polearm and was defeated. Berus Wolfsonne met David Martin Failsworth with sword and shield, and fought nobly, but was also defeated. Etian au Naval challenged Ceallach and was defeated, but only because he insisted on giving points of honour in the bout. And Nicolae Cioranu met Duncan and was successful, and became one of the Fianna. Also was Leila Brophy given leave to fight, and so impressed was Ceallach that he awarded her a large drinking goblet, which came with five gallons of his own brew. The Fian met all challengers both in single combat and in melees, and spent time with many fighters in training. Amongst the Fianna stood Prince Edward the Red, although he spent some time sitting in state with Princess Rylyn. Both picnic baskets and merchants' goods were auctioned, as were other goods collected so that the Tidings might share knowledge of the arts and sciences throughout the Principality. Inside, Mistress Rosina led much dancing, and works wrought by the hands of cityfolk and visitors were displayed for all to see.

Lord Perceval, overwhelmed with the celebrations, did nearly swoon, and was whisked away to the barber surgeons' for treatment. And many strange spectres were seen that day: Ancarett and Belisarius, Tarver the Pole, and Max all were seen within the market close.

Baron Ieaun and Baroness Adrielle reveled in the prowess of the Fian and the hospitality of the City. In their Court, James Douglas gave an armring to Alan atta Highcliffs, and Nicolaa passed on the armring which Hector had gifted her with at Eoforwic 20th to Thomas the Inquisitive, providing a ring of her own for his lady wife Teri; for these two had impressed her much with their tireless service. The Baron and Baroness gifted Cassandra with a ring as well, for arranging such a wonderful day. Lord Uther, who had come all the way from Ruantullan just to attend and fight, presented Their Excellencies with a bottle of wine in thanks for their hospitality. Lady Ysabeau was invested as Seneschal of Septentria, as Lord William stepped aside after years of service, and Gwendoline Rosamond took on the office of Minister of Arts and Sciences for the Barony, an office long left vacant.

But none could have predicted what happened next. Baron Ieuan stood up, laid aside his Coronet, and took the cross and vow of a Crusader. "I go to die for Christ," he said, and left. Adrielle bid him adieu with tears in her eyes, and all realized that this was no playacting--the Baron of Septentria was indeed stepping aside, and Adrielle would endeavour to follow in Gillian's footsteps and rule the Barony alone. Silence fell, and all watched with sadness as their Baron departed. In truth, things had been amiss between Ieaun and Adrielle for many, many months, although they had tried their best to rule together. At last, the cares of the world had pressed in upon Ieaun, and he had decided that Septentria would best be served without him. Ieaun had been a good Baron, inspiring in War, dedicated to Septentria, and he would be missed; but few would gainsay the ability of Adrielle to continue as Baroness.

Later that summer, Ieaun’s men-at-arms returned to inform the people that the Baron had fallen at the walls of Acre, although it is said that the men-at-arms, having been suitably plied with beer, reveled that although he had died at the walls of Acre, it was in a rather notorious house of ladies of business, where he had been slain by the bouncer. A certain Einar Cruikshank began to be seen about the City, causing many to startle at the resemblance to the departed Baron.

hat Pennsic was the first year of the Ealdormere commissariat. James Douglas, who was one of the organizers of that endeavour, had had an idea to filter the Pennsic water to make it more appealing to fighters and their stomachs. He constructed a wondrous device whereby three filters were suspended from a sawhorse. And thus was born the first water cow, and so famous did it become that it provided water for all the battles. Baroness Ursula coordinated the kitchen, Mistress Nicolaa coordinated the waterbearing, and Cynred organized the overall effort. Such was the success that each year since the Commissariat has thrived and grown. This was the year in which the Unbelted Champions’ Team, which included many Ealdormerians, won an inspiring victory, and was recognized by King Edmund both as a group with the Award of the Dragon’s Teeth, and individually with Awards of the Dragon’s Tooth. In their court, Prince Edward and Princess Rylyn presented James Douglas with the Order of the Bee and Gwendoline with the Order of the Golden Otter. Accursius, Countess Eanor, and Nicolae were all given the Wolf’s Tooth. And Viscountess Moria, who had been tirelessly preparing the Kingdom bid, was sent on her vigil for the Order of the Pelican.

One night by the lake, Septentria gathered to pay farewell to Ieuan. Master Hector, accompanied by the clashing of steel and the playing of Halfdan’s pipes cast an armring into the lake, and the people roared "Ieuan!" The next day, Septentria strode into battle with the war cry of "Adrielle!"

This was also the first year of the Pennsic War Chronicle. Marion fitz William served as Editor-in-chief, and Mistress Nicolaa volunteered some time as a proofreader and writer. Nicolaa also took Perceval as her third apprentice by the lakeside, as clouds swirled overhead in shades of green. Eoin, her second apprentice, had found himself in some difficulty when he had mislaid his apprentice belt. To chastise him (although secretly, she suspected he would enjoy it), she sent him on a quest to talk to many Peers about the meaning of Peerage. He far exceeded the number set to him, including Duke Sir Finn, Duke Sir Cariadoc, Master Andrixos, Sir Pieter, Duke Finnvarr, Baron Durr, Earl Sir David, Sir William of Fairhaven, Master Hector, Dame Madinia, and Sir Raimond of the Straits. At the end of the Quest, Nicolaa presented him with a new belt-one that he has never lost.

n the month of September, several from Eoforwic traveled to AEthelmearc to see the creation of the sixteenth kingdom of the Known World. As they did so, they thought to the future. The creation of AEthelmearc was a glorious occasion, with much pageantry—but the ceremony stretched for hours, and many a posterior was sore, indeed. But all were happy for their cousins, who had become a full Principality just before Ealdormere had; many felt great kinship for their friends across the straits.

In Eoforwic, a bid had been assembled for the 20th anniversary event of Septentria, with Cassandra as autocrat. It was accepted, and planning began. Another event of note took place at the Eoforwic meeting hall, when Marian presented a concert of her music—one of her first concerts, if not the first. This would have great import for the future.

t Investiture, with King Edmund and Queen Kateryn in attendance, Edward and Rylyn retired as Prince and Princess, after a long and successful reign, and Gunther and Morgon took up the Coronets. Zadok was appointed Princess’ Champion by Her Highness. The King and Queen then summoned the Chivalry forward and set Viscount Roak to his vigil for the accolade of knighthood. In the evening court, the hard work of the Commissariat was recognized by an entry on the Scroll of Honour, and Gaerwen was inducted into the Order of the Bee. Gunthar was presented with a Purple Fret for his work as seneschal and Quartermaster, and Cassandra received the same award for her service as Pursuivant and as an autocrat. Nicolaa was inducted into the Order of the Dragon’s Heart for her service as Chronicler at many levels. And then finally, Viscountess Moria was inducted into the Order of the Pelican and Viscount Roak was knighted.

t the yearly Michaelmas elections, Nicolaa, Cassandra and Hydro stood for Mayor; Gwendoline, Anastasia, Arthur and Hector’s young son Calum stood for Sheriff. After much showing of credentials, Lord Angus took the position of returns officer. Much chocolate and bribery was exchanged, but none could surpass Mistress Nicolaa’s promise of the world-famous "buckeyes" and Latin mottoes to everyone, and so she became the ninth Mayor of Eoforwic. The race for Sheriff was very close, and in the end, Arthur was victorious.

To the south, Palymar and Aislinn were crowned as King and Queen of the Middle Kingdom, and Baron Aaron Swiftrunner became Seneschal of the Middle. All knew these were great friends of Ealdormere—none so much as Palymar, who had once been the bearer of sad tidings for Ealdormere one cold March day and had long thought of the day he might make it right. At the eighteenth Coronet Tourney in Caer Draeth, Palymar made it known that he wished to preside over Ealdormere Crown. The Kingdom bid had been long in the making, and now all knew that it would be presented at the January meeting of the Imperium. The Kingdom bid activities increased to fever pitch.

At that same Coronet, the finals were contested between Berus Wolfsonne and Earl Sir Edouard Beausoliel. When Berus was victorious, he left a message for his lady Marion, since she had stepped out to attend a wedding, to be sure to return to the event-which she later did. Many controversies were aired as well. Foote the Potter declared that there were a wolf and three sheep grazing the Monadh field of thistles, and placed the blame on the Barony of Ramshaven. A friar not seen for many years came forward with a certain Mortgage on the Principality of Ealdormere, and Nicolaa was called forward to read the Latin, which was in an archaic dialect. Seeing the controversy, Trinovantia Nova paid it off for 1,000 gold pieces. Two ladies of Eoforwic were honoured by TRM Palymar and Aislinn that day: Ceridwyn with the Cavendish Knot, and Madinia with the Doe’s Grace. Also in that month in Eoforwic, Adeliz became the minister of Arts and Sciences, and Gwendoline began hosting a Solar to help the people of Eoforwic to construct clothing.

n this month, Cassandra took ill and retired to the hospital, where many did visit her and wish her well. She later recovered and was soon seen again within the City. Eoforwic also commemorated the fifth anniversary of the City Guard with special tokens wrought by Mistress Elizabeth Cadfan. It was around this time that the Eoforwic gained its first web minister—Thomas the Inquisitive. Also this month were the appointments to City offices made. Nicolaa, the new Mayor, named Cassandra as deputy Mayor, Gaerwen as warden of Ardchreag, Lothar as warden of Vest Yorvik, Adeliz as Dean of the Royal College, Gunthar as Lord High Admiral, Mercedes as Spanish Inquisition, Hydro as Land Claims Agent and Chief Waterbearer and Eoin as Special Envoy to Rising Waters. Arthur, as Sheriff, appointed Lady Gwendoline as deputy Sheriff, Thomas as Chief Magistrate, Albrecht as Forest Warden of the Don, Adeliz as Warden of the Northern Marches, Muirghein as keeper of the gate, and Candace as City Torturer. Also, Eoforwic gifted Septentria with bear tabards and baldrics, and challenged other cantons to do so as well. Geoffrey Guiscard, a tall Norman who had recently joined the group along with Margaret, his lady, began to coordinate archery practices at Variety Village.

Also in this month, the ballots for the vote to advance to Kingdom status were distributed. Many from Eoforwic were also participating on a committee to present a bid to host the first Coronation that met at Hector’s house. The Ukrainian cultural centre was visited as a potential site.

n November, the second session of the College of St. Nicholas was held at a hall on the University campus and at the meeting hall. This session was devoted to the scribal arts and attracted numerous teachers, including Gwynhyfyr (the current Eoforwic mistress of song and chatelaine). Liam (Gwynhyfyr’s husband), Dame Sarra, Ysabeau, Lady Red, and Nicolaa. Also, a trading circle took place, which was a great success. A lady who would one day become known as Jocelyn visited the group that month, although she was not seen again for a long time. And Nicolaa, with the work to prepare the kingdom bid now complete, handed the editorship of the Tidings over to Lord Aidan, although she would not step down as Principality Chronicler until January.

ecember was a time of great joy and great sorrow. A Yule party was held in Skeldergate, where a caber toss of a 6’ Christmas tree was a featured event, and many deeds to various villages were auctioned for charity, including "Melville East (Ardchreag), Melville West (Vest Yorvik) and Lower Melville Common (Eoforwic). At Eoforwic’s own Yule party, Nicolaa delivered on her election promise of Buckeyes for the cityfolk.

Eoforwic was also singled out for praise by Storm, the Ealdormere exchequer, as an example of timely reporting—an important thing, with the upcoming Kingdom bid. Poll results were also released on the Kingdom question: 91% were in favour of going kingdom. 96% favoured retaining the name Ealdormere, and 80% favoured keeping the current heraldry. A ceremonies committee was formed to begin drafting the various ceremonies needed for the kingdom—most important of those being the first Coronation ceremony. Nicolaa, who had taken on the position of Calygreyhound Herald, coordinated the committee, which included Gwilym, Hector, Alyce, Edouard, Wilhelm von Pottruff, Marion, Cynred, Tsivia, and Nicolaa.

But the celebrations were tinged with sadness. Prince Jafar of the Middle, heir to TRM Palymar and Aislinn, fell sick after an event. Many efforts were immediately undertaken to help raise funds for his care. Baron Malik of Rising Waters appeared at an event stripped to the waist, his body oiled, and proceeded to sell kisses. He was very successful. Alas, two weeks later, Prince Jafar died, leaving all in shock and his Princess, Kenna, to go on in his stead. All vowed their support for her reign. Jafar was later granted his Ducal title posthumously.

n January, Lady Cassandra confirmed the site for the Septentrian 20th anniversary celebration in May as the Japanese Cultural Center. Meanwhile, the Coronation bid committee continued the quest for a site, and looked at Christ Church, Deer Park.

At Septentrian 12th Night, Gunthar and Nicolaa reigned as King and Queen of Fools. Gunthar wore a counterchanged plaid cotehardie and crown; and Nicolaa was Queen of Love and Hockey, wearing her counterchanged Maple Leafs and Red Wings surcote (with matching tippets). She appointed Cynred as her Enforcer and presented him with her hockey stick-shaped scepter. An auction was held to raise money for the Jafar fund, including titles to kingdoms such as Thighmeris, Calonbeer, Diddle Kingdom, and Least Kingdom, "awards" to foist upon unsuspecting friends. A groveling contest was won by Lord Damien and his "friend", Lord Kermit the Frog. Baroness Adrielle dressed up like Baron Menken. In Septentrian court, Eoforwic presented their taxes—a complete set of histories, including the beginnings of volume 6. Skeldergate’s histories were presented in a box crafted by Corwyn and Domnhail with portraits of group members and events in history painted on it. Thomas the Inquisitive was presented with a Bear’s Heart for his work as a scout and webminister. The Cup of Teach Ceartha Mor was passed from Nicolae to Cynred. And Siglinde was the first to present her completed Fian project—a complete Viking ensemble, including bone comb and ear spoon.

It was known that in far-away California, the Imperium was meeting to discuss the kingdom bid of Ealdormere, and Viscountess Moria had traveled there to present the bid in person. All waited anxiously for news, and the hour grew later and later. At dinner, a message came through on Thomas’ cell phone regarding the Kingdom bid. Thomas handed the phone to Prince Gunther. Gunther looked concerned, and everyone clung to the edge of their seats, until he hung up the phone and made the announcement "We’re a Kingdom!" And the hall resounded with joy.

At Court that evening, Muirghein and Thomas received their Awards of Arms, Gwinhyfyr received a Bee, and Albrecht was made a member of the Order of the Cavendish Knot for his skills in rapier combat. Prince Gunther and Princess Morgon also officially renamed the Order of St. Crispin back to the Order of the Peregrine.

With the future of Ealdormere now set, preparations were made for the first Crown Tourney, to be held on the fourth day of April in Ramshaven. It was now known that Berus and Marion would reign as the last Prince and Princess of the Principality of Ealdormere, for in the coming October a new Kingdom would be born. Eoforwic also took on two regalia projects for the Kingdom—cloaks and tabards, coordinated by Nicolaa, and kingdom banner, to be sewn by Ceridwyn. The Ceremonies committee began meeting in person to draft ideas for the ceremony, in order to have a draft ready for review by the new Heirs, once they were determined. Meanwhile, life in Eoforwic continued apace, with the now-annual Death by Chocolate party in mid-February. This was, as always, coordinated by James Douglas.

n March, the Coronation bid committee continued to investigate potential sites, and now looked at the United Church cathedral on Church St. For a brief time, the fighting practices moved to a warehouse close to Landsdowne subway station. This was coordinated by Steve and Michelle, two newer members who were active only briefly. Meanwhile, Gwendoline coordinated a team of Eoforwicians to finish Gunther and Morgon’s stepping-down garb.

The administrative acumen of Eoforwic continued to be noted by Ealdormere, as Viscount Moria, Principality seneschal, singled out Gunthar’s Domesday report: "Not only was his one of the first Domesdays in this year, it was so complete and well put together that the Kingdom Seneschal has mentioned using it as a guide for all future reports. If there were a prize for the best Domesday of the year, it would go to Lord Gunthar. Well done."

ater that month, Berus and Marion were invested as Prince and Princess. On that day, Nicolaa presented her challenge into the White Wolf Fian—a complete set of 13th century clothes, including shoes and a hairnet—and became the second member of that group. At Court that day, Ysabeau was recognized with a Purple Fret for her work as Eoforwic’s seneschal.

Also, Baron Foote and Baroness Grainne heard from Spoon, who had gone missing at the Fall Investiture. He had traveled very far indeed and had many exciting adventures. He sent a map of his travels

n April, the people of Ealdormere gathered in Bryniau Tywynogg for the grand tournament that would select those who would reign as the first King and Queen of a new kingdom. King Palymar and Queen Aislinn presided, and thus Palymar fulfilled his promise from the beginning of his reign and completed the circle: he who had brought the people of Ealdormere the news of the banishment of their very name would now witness the selection of the future rulers of the kingdom bearing that same name. Few from the other parts Middle Kingdom were in attendance, but Earl Brannos and Countess Rebekah, ever great friends of Ealdormere, were among them.

Forty-three combatants entered the list that day, and Eoforwic and her neighbors were well-represented, with Zadok fighting for Gwendoline, Gunthar fighting for Nicolaa, Angus fighting for Ysabeau, Rhys fighting for Marian, Edouard fighting for Eanor, Cynred fighting for Gaerwen, Eoin fighting for Aibhilin, Zadok fighting for Gwendoline, Hereward fighting for Adrielle, and Nicolae fighting for Sybille. A shield tree was set up so that observers could follow the tournament, and each fighter was provided with a wooden box emblazoned with his or her name and that of his or her consort. The charge to the combatants was made by Lady Marian of Heatherdale, who sang her song "Bow to the Crown." It was a most splendid tournament, and Eoforwic thrilled to see both Angus and Cynred advance to the final 8. Cynred’s feat was particularly notable since he fought in the Saxon manner with a round shield and spear, and had been given little chance of advancing. This was particularly pleasing to those who had laid wagers in the betting booths—it had been determined by the tourney organizers that betting was a fine Norse tradition, and so odds were given on each combatant, and coin provided so that those so inclined could wager, with prizes available to those who won the most coin in the wagering or in the playing of games during the day. In the finals, Earl Sir David Martin Failsworth, who fought for Viscountess Elina de Braose, met Baron Malik abd’al-Rahman, who fought for Baroness Genevieve Chastellain d’Anjou. As he had many years before, Earl Sir David won the day, and just as he had sat the throne as first Prince of Ealdormere, he would now reign as first King.

When it came time to invest the new Heirs with symbols of their coming status—they were not yet Prince and Princess, as the Kingdom did not yet exist, and Berus and Marion yet held claim to those titles—King Palymar and Queen Aislinn placed upon David and Elina’s heads the "Ancient and Honourable" coronets of the Middle Kingdom, traditionally used to invest the new Crown Prince and Princess of the Middle Kingdom at the conclusion of Crown Tourney. This was no mere loan—the coronets were indeed given over to Ealdormere as a gift from their Middle Kingdom parents. Nor was this the only gift given that day. Pankratz donated a Key for the office of seneschal, and it was noted that it had no chain. King Palymar removed his Knight’s chain and gave it to Viscountess Moria so that she might wear the new symbol. Later, when Moria sought to return the loaned chain, Palymar told her to keep it.

Also on that day one Einar Cruikshank was made a Baron of the Court, by petition of the people of Septentria. They saw in the visage of Einar some semblance to Ieaun, who had laid aside his Coronet to go on Crusade the summer before, and so wrote the Crown to bestow this honour in remembrance of a beloved Baron. This Palymar and Aislinn did.

ater that month, King Palymar and Queen Aislinn stepped down, and Kenna was crowned Queen Regnant of the Middle Kingdom. In the same month, Thomas the Inquisitive authorized as a fighter, and also took on the office of Ealdormerian Scout Marshal.