Wassail, Losties! This past weekend say the coronation of King Edward III and Queen Rylyn III, long may they reign! Or at least until their successor’s turn. You know, cos that’s a thing. Coronations are always a special event, with court theatrics, special ceremony, and we get to see people in their historic finery and otherwise getting together to have a fun time in these modern Middle Ages. Where else can you throw axes, shoot arrows, and wail on someone in full armour before enjoying a multi-course feast? All in all, these events are good times, and now it’s your turn to enjoy a photodump. I can practically taste your ennui!

The thrones of Ealdormere. At least, for this reign. 😉

The hall was veeeery long. Made for a great procession once we realized one was happening – it was difficult to hear even our shoutiest heralds from the far end!

Their Majesties Quilliam and Tangwystl enter court for the final time.

I dunno about other kingdoms, but ours includes cavalry!

Their Majesties unleash their herald. There was shouting and stuff.

Their most excellent Excellencies Ben Dunfirth

But wait! What commotion is this?

One of our brave warriors! Wounded?

A tale is told – a great ferocious beastie is laying waste to the countryside, and has lain Ingvar low.

Our valiant Prince Edward proposes that he go slay yon beastie.

Why the heck not, thinks Queen Tangwystl

Spear and magic helmet!

While the prince was off slaying and stuff, some beautiful awards were given out.

I just love this shot. The first and second princesses of Ealdormere, these two ladies have been in the game a long time. They are both part of the foundation on which our kingdom was built.

The hero returns! King Quilliam asks if it had huge, deadly claws…

… and dreadful, gnashing jaws.

Well, here, let’s show you!

As a reward for his valiant deed, Prince Edward is crowned King Edward III of Ealdormere.

And after putting a new hat on his princess and sneaking a smooch…

Ealdormere has a new king and queen! Wassail King Edward III and Queen Rylyn III!

Everyone took turns swearing fealty to their newly minted Majesties and the Crowns of Ealdormere.

It’s hard to get a shot of the populace swearing fealty when you’re right in the midst of the action.

I was so thrilled to see this. This is one of two baronial cloaks, made by the citizens of Ben Dunfirth for their Excellencies. The crest on the back and the boars on the front were felted by many of my fellow Ben Dunnies, and the trim running around the hem and cuffs is hemp kumihimo cord I spent hours making. I was so happy to get to see the final product! Cheers to everyone involved!

It wouldn’t be an SCA event without people hitting each other with sticks…

… some drinking…

… and more hitting with sticks…

… and some stabbery as well.

When you find yourself between two baronesses from Skraeling Althing – including her Excellency Skraeling Althing herself – you take a damn selfie!

“You did WHAT with my favorite axe?!?”

The throwing range and archery range were open for lovers of missile weapons. I thunked an axe into the bullseye!

Waiting for evening court, I dabbled with a piece I was working on. Now I need to colour it…

We made Rob try a dip pen for the first time too! Sharing your hobbies and interests is a big part of the SCA.

Evening court saw their Majesties take the stage with their Excellencies Ben Dunfirth, as the hosting barony.

Victor of the armoured tournament, Steinnar won a rather hefty heater!

This is Thorunn. She got dragged into court, and I was thrilled…

She was granted a Boar’s Tusk for all of her work and dedication to the barony! This was super exciting for me because I was asked to do the calligraphy on her award – my first scribing – and I’m honored to have been part of this for her!

And then apparently I got called up to receive a Boar’s Tusk too! To be recognized like this was a lovely surprise, and an honour. Who knew being dragged to a kumihimo class at Pennsic would lead to this!

Each scroll awarded in Ealdormere is a unique work of art. The illumination and script are often personalized, and being able to turn around to your friends and peers and know that this one-of-a-kind piece of art was made by their hands is a wonderful thing. Thank you to Roak and Alia Voss for your illumination, and to Nicolaa for the beautiful calligraphy that definitely does not make my eyes go out of focus when I try to read it 😉 I clearly need to spend more time familiarizing myself with new scripts.

And Lostie George got a Boar’s Tusk too! As a bonus surprise, his scroll was illuminated by… me! Snailbird FTW! I had no idea Snailbird was being given out until the day of, and to have my favourite completed illumination to date be awarded to one of my dearest friends was just bonus rum cake all ’round.

I mean, when there’s purple unicorns to be ridden…

Continuing Thorunn’s amazing day, she also received her Award of Arms! Wassail Lady Thorunn!

Our baron is daintiest baron.

Coronation was a very fine event indeed, with much entertainment and merriment in court and good social times with Ealdormereans all around. Here’s to King Edward III and Queen Rylyn III, and a big thank you to everyone who had a hand in making the day groovy. Ben Dunfirth does good events 😉 In a little over a month we’ll have a glorious Crown tournament to see who the next Prince and Princess of Ealdormere will be, held in our neighbouring barony of Rising Waters!