Author: Mellitus of Rouncivale

In Memoriam – Baroness Briana Etain MacCorkhill

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The arms of Baroness Briana Etain MacKorkhill - Image courtesy of the Memorial Shield Project

The arms of Baroness Briana Etain MacKorkhill – Image courtesy of the Memorial Shield Project

The heart of Calontir Falcon is heavy with grief at the loss of one our cousins. Her Excellency, Briana Etain McCorkhill has left us.
Briana was a fixture of Calontir from its earliest times. She will always be remembered as a most excellent clothier and was rarely seen in anything less exquisite garb. Her Excellency was a founding member of the Canton (now Shire) of Cum An Iolar and often served as master of ceremonies for the Walk Through History at Clothiers’ Seminar. Costuming Seminar, as it was called long ago, changed its name to Clothiers’ Seminar at the suggestion of Baroness Briana and others who told us that garb was not costume; garb was clothing.
Throughout her life in the SCA, Briana served to enrich Calontir. She held offices in the Barony of Forgotten Sea and in Cum An Iolar, and was event steward at many events over the years, including many times as event steward for Clothiers’ Seminar. Briana also served as Calontir’s Kingdom Minister of Arts & Sciences and as Baroness of Forgotten Sea, the seventh to hold that stewardship. Briana was fist awarded arms on September 22, A.S. XIX. The same King Shadan and Queen Erzebet further recognized her as a Golden Calon Swan on March 6, A.S. XIX. She was brought into the Order of the Torse on June 2, A.S. XXV by King Tomeeki and Queen Fiona. King Thorvald and Queen Branwyn brought Briana into the Order the Calon Lily on September 4 on A.S. XXIII. She served as Baroness of Forgetten Sea from A.S. XXXIII to XXXVII.  In regonition of longtime service to Calontir King Lorrell III and Queen Cadfael II on  July 28, A.S. LXII.
Briana inspired many through the years. Her research into Italian Renaissance clothing was admired throughout the Known World. She was one of the first in Calontir to share her research and knowledge through the internet. There are many people whom she helped find a path in the SCA. Many of those she inspired are now peers of the realm.
Briana is survived by her husband, Master Modar Neznanich, her housemate Mistress Jadwiga Marina Majewska, and the numerous students of House Leatherwolf. Calontir shares their grief at the passing of this lady. May the light she brought to Calontir be ampliflied by all of those whose lives she touched.

“fortis suturis experimentum temporis”
Stong stitches stand the test of time

Baroness Briana Etain MacKorkhill

Baroness Briana Etain MacKorkhill

In Memoriam – Master Trevarr of Steelholm

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Sad tidings came to Calontir as Spring approached the land. Word arrived that Master Trevarr of Steelholm had passed from this life. In the earliest days of Forgotten Sea and Calontir, the name Steelholm conjured legends. Steelholm was the armory created in the basement of Master Trevarr’s house in Forgotten Sea. Many young fighters who are now Calontir legends themselves made their first armor at Steelholm under the guidance of Master Trevarr and his brother Master James.
Trevarr of Steelholm was first awarded arms in the Society from the Middle Kingdom on July 14 A.S. XV. He and his brother were both brought into the Order of the Silver Hammer on November 18 A.S. XIII. They were the second and thrid companions in that Order. King William I and Queen Mamara I elevated Master Trevarr into the Order of the Laurel on June 22 A.S. XX.
Although he was rarely seen in Calontir in recent years, his impact on the Kingdom’s early days cannot be denied. Master Trevarr left us on March 5, A.S. LVIII. Please raise a cup in honor of his memory.

Master Trevarr on Steelholm on the right

Master Trevarr of Steelholm on the right

In Memorium – Countess Caillin MacKenzie

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The Arms of Caillin Mackenzie

The Arms of Countess Caillin MacKenzie

Good gentles of the Heartland, we have lost one of the fairest Roses of Calontir. Countess Caillin MacKenzie passed from this life of February 27, AS LVII. Countess Caillin was Winter Queen of Calontir in AS XLII. Caillin was gracious both on the throne off, and her smile was a source brilliance in our Kingdom. As we prepare for Gulf Wars, let us pause to remember this remarkable lady.

When Caillin came to the SCA, she soon found a passion for the art of cookery. She quickly earned renown as cook of unprecedented talent, and received her arms from King Martino I and Queen Ariel I in the summer of AS XXXVII as a Companion to the Order of the Leather Mallet. Her service in feasthall and her service to our Society came to the attention of King Joseph Angus I and Queen Phaedra I who awarded Caillin Companionship to the Order of the Torse on September 20 AS XXXVIII.

Countess Caillin’s efforts were not limited to cookery and service. She donned armor and joined the Falcon Army and gained renown on the field of battle. King Tristram I and Queen Katrine saw her worth to the Falcon Host and invested her a Fyrdman of the Order of the Iren-Fyrd in March of AS XXXIX.  Caillin was a bastion in the Calontir Army and fought with valor and honor. Her deeds on the field came to the notice of King Semjaka and Queen Xorazne who awarded Caillin the distinguished Order of the Sword of Calontir in August of XLI. During her time as Princess and Queen, Caillin fought alongside her army.

Through all, she continued to develop her culinary skills and learning of period cookery.  King Seridan and Queen Sile II recognized her talent and knowledge and welcomed Caillin into the Order of the Silver Hammer in July of AS XXIX. On May 6, AS XLI, Tristram of Lindesfarne carried Caillin’s favor onto the Crown Tournament field in Spinning Winds and emerged victorious. Tristram and Caillin reigned as the 46th Crown of Calontir, and the days of their reign are legendary. As a countess and Companion to the Order of the Rose, Caillin continued her growth as a leader amongst the cooks of Calontir. She taught any who asked the craft of the kitchen, and the Order of the Laurel, King Angelo, and Queen Jane invited her into that order on November 17, AS XLII.

The duties of life brought Caillin to move to Gleann Abhainn. Her absence was noticed by friends who missed her bright smile, her hospitality, and her gracious demeanor. As she enters into her final rest, Calontir sends her family the love and support of the Heartland. As Queen, peer, and generous person, she touched the lives of many in Calontir. She will be greatly missed. Countess Caillin is survived by her husband, Laim Mackenzue, their children and step-children, and Duke Eringlen, her brother. May her memory be a comfort to all thos to whom she was close.

“Rosa semper floret in cordibus nostris“ – The rose will forever bloom in our hearts

Countess Caillin in Armor

Fyrd Countess Caillin

Queen Caillin

Caillin 46th Queen of Calontir

Sing “Non-Nobis”

In Memoriam – Lady Mairgreg ingen Ghillebrath

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Sad news has reached us from Dun Ard. Lady Mairgreg ingen Ghillebrath succumbed to pneumonia on February 12, AS LVII.
Mairgreg came to the SCA in the Shire of Dun Ard and quickly became a member of the community there. She was awarded arms by King Chrystofer II and Queen Salamandra on March 30 AS XXX.
Friends remember her for talent with needle and thread. Such was her talent in the clothier’s craft, that King Luther and Queen Lenore welcomed her into the Order of Golden Swan in December of AS XXXIII.
Her service to Dun Ard will be remembered as well. She gladly took to whatever tasks present needed to be done. King Eringlen III and Quee Alathea II inducted Mairgreg into the Order of Torse in recognition of her service to Dun Ard on April 17 AS XXXIV.
Though absent from our company for some time, Lady Mairgreg ingen Ghillebrath will be missed by all those whom shared her company. Mairgreg is survived by her husband, Lord Gwylon ap Owen and their daughters. May they feel the love and support that Calontir is sending them, and may they find peace in the memory of Lady Mairgreg.

Sit falco cum suo spiritu – “May the Falcon fly with her spirit”

Sing Non-Nobis

Editor’s Note: My memory of Lady Mairgreg was limited. I invite those who knew her to provide more details that I can add to this memory.

In Memorium – The Honorable Lord Toke Ormsson

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The Arms of Toke Ormsson

The Arms of THL Toke Ormsson

The skalds at Bragi’s hall have called one of our own to his final home. There is one less voice raised in the Falcon Host this day. Calontir grieves at the passing of the Honorable Lord Toke Ormsson. Let us all pause and raise a horn at the lost of this remarkable man.

Toke has been part of our Kingdom for many, many years. Toke found our Society in the earliest days of the Kings of Queens of Calontir. In his time, he saw almost every Calontir Crown come and go. Early on, he took the path of the skald to remember the history of our Kingdom and to entertain its folk. Evenings would often find Toke sitting around the fire sharing his wisdom and telling the tales of the Old Days. He was known for encouraging new members of the Bardic College and formed many close friendships there.

Toke was first awarded arms by King Voelkmar and Queen Isadorra on a snowy day in February AS XXV. His skill as a bard earned Toke Companionship within the Order of Golden Swan from King Conn and Queen Cadfael. King Rorik and Queen Morganna brought him to their court to award a Leather Mallet in recognition of Toke’s talent for making liquers. These same Royals saw the service Toke Ormmson provided and recobnized this service with a Torse. The long summer nights at Lilies will seem to pass more slowly without the stories and anecdotes the Honourable Lord Toke shared. 

THL Toke served his shire and his Kingdom as a fighter and an officer. King Duncan I and Queen Ylva I recognized both his spear and his labors with Companionship within the Orders of the Iren-Fyrd and the Cross of Calontir. His service to the Equestrian Community helped to bring Toke the attention of the Order of the Cross. The fruits of his service are born out by the thriving community of riders that he helped to build in Calontir.

The Honourable Lord Toke Ormmson passed from this life on February 1, AS LVII and is survived by his wife of many years, the Honorable Lady Katrin and his sons Sir Erik and Master Orren. May they and all of the rest of their family feel the love of Calontir as the wings of our Falcon enfold them.  

“Now there is silence where once there was singing.
Cold is the fire that called us this night.”

-Words by Master Mikal Hrafspa called the Ram

Sing Non-Nobis

Toke Ormsson in Garb

THL Toke Ormsson

Toke Ormsson with a horse

THL Toke with a Steed

Toke Ormsson

THL Toke Ormsson

In Memoriam – The Honourable Lord Alban St. Albans

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Alban St Albans arms

Image Courtesy of the Memorial Shield Project – SCA

The sad news has spread that the Honourable Lord Alban St. Albans has left us for the next life. Alban has part of Calontir since the Principality days. He was first awarded arms by King Chepe and Queen Arwynn in February of AS XVIII, one week after Calontir became a Kingdom. His presence and hospitality are well-remembered by those who knew him.

Alban delighted in the printed word and collected rare books and manuscripts. He would often open his home to people travelling to Standing Stones for events. Those who were fortunate enough to stay with Alban were treated to viewings of his period manuscript pages. Alban gave shelter to any who needed it, and his generousity seemed limitless.

Alban was well-regarded by Calontir for his work as a book herald, helping many to find their arms. He was awarded a Simple Grant of Arms in August of AS XXI. King Tomeeki and Queen Fiona awarded Alban Companionship within the Noble Order of the Cross of Calontir in August of AS XXV for his service to heraldry.  Alban was also considered an expert on peerage concepts of homage and fealty.  He gave several workshops on the topic. He was recognized as a Companion to the Order of the Silver Hammer by King Eringlen and Queen Alathea in May of AS XXXIV. His wordfame and service spread so far that Alban was awarded the Queen’s Treasure, a non-armigous award  of the West Kingom.

Alban will be remembered for his smiling presence. Alban’s hospitality and generousity will be missed by all who knew him. When learning of his passing, many friends remarked on how Alban had welcomed them when they were new, offered crash space for events, and showed off his collectoin on period manuscripts. Although health problems had prevented Alban from travelling in recent years, his presence was still felt and shall continue to be felt by all those who knew him. Alban entered his final rest on January 21, AS LVII. His family has asked for privacy while they grieve. Alban’s collection of books and manuscripts will be donated to the University of Missouri.

In libris veritas est – “In books there is truth”

Sing “Non Nobis”

 

In Memoriam – Lord Eynon ab Iohannes Mal

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The Arms of Lord Eynon ab Iohannes Mal

The Arms of Lord Eynon ab Iohannes Mal – Image courtesy of The Memorial Shield Project – SCA

Calontir, as we come together this holiday season, please pause in your celebrations and raise a toast to Lord Eynon ab Iohannes Mal, who passed from this life on December 23, AS LVII. Lord Eynon was one of the founding members of the Shire of Theobald College, and he could often be found at events working behind the scenes. It is said that he would undertake anything and everything needed so that his friends might enjoy the event. From the time Lord Eynon joined the SCA, Lord Eynon enjoyed meeting new people and it has been said that he truly never met a stranger.

Many have remarked on Lord Eynon’s smiling presence at events, his happy countenance, and his willingness to help with whatever needed done. Lord Eynon was talented with needle and thread and made much of the garb he wore for events. He enjoyed camping and was not averse to partaking of a sample of mead from time to time. Lord Eynon was awarded arms by King Matsunaga and Queen Elena in April of AS LI. Just a week prior to his passing, our Konungr Logan and Dróttning Ylva called Eynon into Their Court and awarded him Companionship within the Order of the Torse. 

Calontir grieves with Eynon’s lady wife, Lady Berke Chinua and his family. May the wings of the Calontir Falcon enfold them and give comfort to them during this time of grief.

“Maneat quod aedificavit” – Let that which he has built endure

Sing non-nobis

 

 

In Memoriam – Kenzo of Foxridge

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The Calon Choir is called again to sing “Non Nobis” to honor of our own who has passed. Kenzo of Foxridge passed from this life of December 6, AS LVII. Kenzo was every one’s friend in Foxridge. All who met Kenzo liked him, and he was never heard to speak an unkind work against another.


Kenzo was a talented poet and skilled archer. He served Foxridge as its Minister of Arts and Sciences. He began in the Society 2- years ago during the days of the Contact Group of Riverwatch (Dubuque IA). Kenzo was always ready to pitch in and lend a hand whenever it was needed. Kenzo will be dearly missed.


Please spare a moment to honor the memory of Kenzo, who was taken from us far too early.

“Ta talénta mou stin ypiresía” – My talents in service

 

Kenzo of Foxridge

Kenzo of Foxridge

Sing “Non Nobis”

In Memorium – Master Wilhelm von Lich

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The arms of Master Wilhelm

The Arms of Master Wilhelm von Lich – Image Courtesy of the Memorial Shield Project – SCA

For many years, the legacy of Calontir has been preserved with images so that we can remember the important events in our lives. Master Wilhelm von Lich was a leader among the Calontir Civilian Press Corps, and he could often be seen taking pictures of the happenings at our events.

Today, Calontir mourns his loss. Master Wilhelm von Lich passed from this life on December 6, AS LVII.

Master Wilhelm was a kind man who loved serving his Kingdom. With his sharp eye and his camera, he gave us the photos of our Calontir journeys. Master Wilhelm also served Calontir as a Chiurgeon and was recognized as a leader amongst our care-givers. His service as a Chiurgeon brought him recognition from Their Majesties King Damien I and Queen Issabell I. Those same Royals elevated Wilhelm to the Order of the Pelican during their second reign.

Calontir will remember his smile, his gentle courtesy, and the many contributions he made to our Kingdom over the years. May his friends and family find comfort in their time of grief and may they feel the love this Kingdom had for Wilhelm.

“Oculus qui meminit” – The eye that remembers

Master Wilhelm von Lich’s images may be viewed here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/vilhelm_lich_photostream/albums

Sing Non Nobis!

In Memorium – Mistress Marie of Cologne

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The Arms of Mistress Marie

The Arms of Mistress Marie – Image courtesy of the Memorial Shield Project – SCA

Fyrdmen raise your weapons to honor the passing of one of brethren. Mistress Marie of Cologne passed from this life on August 27th, 2022.

Marie was known for her kindness, generosity of spirit, and service to archers of Calontir. Whenever arrows were loosed on the archery range, Marie was often there. She was recognized as a Companion to the Order of the Boga-Hirth by King Joe Angus and Queen Phaedra in AS XXXVIII (2003). Her work in service to Archery, the Kingdom, and the SCA were recognized by King Martino and Queen Ariel in AS XLIV (2009) with Companionship into the Order of the Calon Cross. King Duncan and Queen Ylva admitted Marie into the Order of the Pelican in AS LI (2016).

To her friends, Marie was known for kindness and her support of the people of Calontir. Many remarked on her giving nature and how Marie had helped them when they were new to SCA. King Donnegal awarded Marie the King’s Favor in AS XLVIII (2013) for her generosity. May her kindness of spirit live on in all the lives she touched. Mistress Marie of Cologne will be missed at the Archery Range and throughout Calontir.

“Cor et Servitium” – Heart and Service

Master Thomas escorts Marie into Court

Master Thomas escorts Mistress into Court for the announcement of her Pelican

Sing Non Nobis!