The report of the Court of Baronessa Violeta and Praetoria Aurelia Argentia Prima, ninth Baronage of the Barony-Marche of the Debatable Lands, held on the 25th day of May Anno Societatis 59 at the celebration of Barony's 50th Birthday in the Barony-Marche of the Debatable Lands, as recorded by Gwendolyn the Graceful, Brehyres, Meistr-y-gân, Comet Pursuivant.

Their Excellencies invited Her Highness, Princess Gabrielle de Winter, to join them in Court. Her Excellency Violeta greeted all with a hearty "Salve Accolens" and "Happy Birthday!" She also directed the herald to share the greetings of Their Majesties, Murdoch and Rioghnach, who conveyed Their regret that They could not attend in person, but who congratulated the Barony on its 50th birthday and hoped for at least 50 more glorious years. Her Excellency remarked that it was amazing to think that the people who were present 50 years ago could only dream that their legacy would live on in us, just as our dream will live on those who come after. Looking forward to living that dream together, Her Excellency invited all to make more memories.

Their Excellencies invited Hara-Shonagon Kikumatsu, event steward, to address the populace. She thanked everyone for attending that day and said that the day was wonderful, despite losing a few dayshades to the storm. She also issued thanks to the setup crew and those who would help tear down later, including but not limited to: Lady Cadence of the Debatable Lands, Lady Dorothea Stark Schütz, Ishiyama-Shonagon Gentarou Yori'ie, Lady Elinor Walden, Brehyres Gwendolyn the Graceful, Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope, Lord Turlough Feolain, Lady Finé Failain, Baron Alaric MacConnal, and all others who helped in the morning at the gate, Lady Arthes MacLeod, Lady Donna of the Debatable Lands, and their helpers, as well as Master Alastair MacCrummin, and all the helpers in the kitchen and bar, including but not limited to: The Honorable Lady Elss of Augsburg, Lady Dorothea, Lady Cadence, The Honorable Lord Owen Tegg, Lady Kattera Doplerin, Mistress Margaret MacDuibhshithe, Lærifaðir jǫrundr hinn rotinn, Baron Brandubh Ó Donnghaile, Master Emrys Eustace, The Honorable Fool Dagonell the Juggler, Lady Blanche la Pucelle, Baron Tofi Kerthjalfadsson, Baron Alaric, and all others who assisted in large or small ways to make the event a success.

Following this, Their Excellencies invited Lady Finé Failain to award the grand prize for the lawn games: a custom game of quoits made by Lord Turlough. Lady Finé brought with her a pair of dice, which Their Excellencies rolled to determine the winner, The Honorable Lady Ceindrich verch Ellidir.

Next, Their Excellencies requested that Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope, list minister, speak about the selection of the Baronial Heavy Weapons Champion. Mistress Arianna revealed that the winner was The Honorable Lord Rouland of Willowbrooke, who bested Master Kieran MacRae in the finals. Their Excellencies called forth His Lordship Rouland and upon his assent, invested him as the Baronial Heavy Weapons Champion and invited him to join their court. Scroll illumination by Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope, calligraphy by Mistress Graidhne ni Ruaidh on wording by Baron Salvadore de la Torres.

Their Excellencies then asked Don Robert MacEwin of Thornhill to discuss the fencing tournament, where 23 fencers competed, and Duchess Ariella of Thornbury prevailed. Her Grace was awarded a coin for admittance to the Garnet and Steel Tournament at Pennsic, and was also asked by Their Excellencies if she would stand as the new Baronial Fencing Champion, whereupon she was invested with the champion's cloak and invited to join the court. Scroll illumination by The Honorable Lord Owen Tegg, calligraphy by The Honorable Lady Ceindrich verch Ellidir, and words by Baron Salvadore de la Torres.

Their Excellencies next desired to be attended by Lady Kolfinna le Blanc. Noting the skill, energy, and positivity she has brought to fighting, Their Excellencies named her a Companion of the Hematite Comet. Scroll by The Honorable Lady Gesa von Wellenstein upon wording by Magister Casimir Zelený z Strášná Skála.

Their Excellencies then wished for Lord Reinhard Regenbogen to come forward. Noting that when they first got to know him, he had received a comet for singing, they were pleased at this time to name him again a Companion of the Lapis Comet, this time for scribal arts. Scroll by The Honorable Lady Lisabetta de Rossi upon words by Lord Niall Mac Raedwulf.

Next, Their Excellencies asked Morikawa-shichi-i Rei to present herself. Their Excellencies shared that one of many reasons they were delighted that Rei had become an official member of the Barony was that they could now recognize her as a Companion of the Lapis Comet for all she does in the area of Japanese arts, especially that of shibori dyeing. Scroll by The Honorable Lady Gesa von Wellenstein upon wording by Magister Casimir Zelený z Strášná Skála.

At this time, Their Excellencies required the presence of The Honorable Lady Lisabetta de Rossi. Noting once again how difficult the choice of Arts and Science Champion was at Twelfth Night, Their Excellencies reiterated how impressed they are with Her Ladyship's work in so many different fields, and how such an impression demanded that she be recognized as a Companion of the Lapis Comet. Scroll illumination by Magnifica Fede di Fiore with calligraphy and words by Magister Casimir Zelený z Strášná Skála.

Following this, Their Excellencies also called The Honorable Lady Catherine O'Herlihy before them. While they praised her many and various acts of service, it was for her art that they called her before them, being pleased to name her a Companion of the Lapis Comet in particular for her contributions to the choir. Scroll by Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope.

Then, Their Excellencies requested that Lady Maire ni Cathal O'Connor attend them. Their Excellencies noted that at nearly every event, Lady Maire has prepared all kinds of activities and classes for children, including an origami class, and in acknowledgement of this, they were pleased to make her a Companion of the Amber Comet. Scroll by The Honorable Lady Gesa von Wellenstein upon wording by Magister Casimir Zelený z Strášná Skála.

Next, Their Excellencies spoke of the traditions which have developed over the course of our 50 years, which make us strong. But there is an award given "once per year" but it does not specify which reckoning of years should be employed. So, since we have so many amazing people who work so hard, they thought they would make a small adjustment to this tradition, by calling both Duchess Ariella of Thornbury and Duke Thomas Byron of Haverford forward. Her Excellency Violeta talked of how difficult it is to narrow to one recipient a year, and did attest that one of the awards about to be given was intended to be awarded at Twelfth Night, while the other was meant to be given today, but as serendipity would have it, they were given the opportunity to induct both of Their Graces together into the Order of Copernicus. Their Excellencies presented Their Graces with a new symbol for the order: star sapphires. Her Grace Ariella's scroll by The Honorable Lady Lisabetta de Rossi; His Grace Byron's scroll by The Honorable Lady Nichola Beese upon a press design by Master John the Artificer.

Their Excellencies invited all scribes and wordsmiths who contributed to court, as well as all volunteers that day, to come receive a Baronial coin.

Their Excellencies invited Mistress Ts'vee'a bas Tseepora Levi, Baronial Historian, to address the populace to review the answers to the History Quest. Many completed the Quest with high accuracy, but Countess Genevieve du Vent Argent went above and beyond and scored the highest. Mistress Ts'vee'a revealed that there will be a new run of t-shirts with the design made by The Honorable Lady Avitoria Vidua, and Her Excellency will receive one as her prize. These new designs, as well as the old designs, will be made available through an on-demand service soon for the populace to purchase.

Their Excellencies once again thanked Her Highness for joining the Barony on its birthday. They also thanked everyone for coming, for enduring the weather, and for making memories. They reminded everyone to pre-register for Pennsic if going, and to contact Lord Niall if they plan to camp with the Barony. They further invited everyone back in two weeks for the Guild Hall event.

Her Highness thanked everyone, not just for the day's fun, but for years of kindness to herself and to Silva Vulcani, that the Barony has been a great source of support and inspiration. She also declared Their Excellencies also an inspiration.

Finally, Their Excellencies invited everyone who desired one to take an Excellent Towel.

There being no further business, the Court of Their Excellencies was closed.

Faithfully submitted,

Gwendolyn the Graceful, Brehyres

Comet Pursuivant

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