Order of the Silver Crescent - Milissent de Haithwaite

This was my first high merit scroll to be presented in court, and I was honored to be trusted with it! The recommendation from the recipient's husband, Kep, was one of the most touching write-ups I have read. As a consequence, the words took me especially long to write, as I wanted to make sure I got them exactly right.

Presented at Ducal Challenge, Sept 20, 2025.

Words, Calligraphy, and Illumination by Sabine di Sandra

Illumination and Calligraphy

I was asked to do a 14th century French scroll (words in English or French, and I chose English due to time limitations). I knew Milissent likes unicorns, so I went to my favorite French scroll source, looked up the French word for "unicorn" (it is "licorne") and searched. When I saw this one with a unicorn and a crescent made of water, it felt like it was meant to be. I just converted almost all of the land animals into unicorns, instead.

None of the unicorns I found from these 14th century French exemplars looked like what I expected (some were clearly goats with horns, none seemed to have a mane like a horse), so I kept that art style in the final piece.

The calligraphy is a variant of batarde script. I started with the batarde script in "The Calligrapher's Bible" and changed a few of the letters to better match the script on another page of this exemplar. The fat long s and f letters are a key part of the script, and I was surprised that I ended up liking this script as much as I did. I will likely use it again, if I ever make another French scroll!

The main exemplar - f. 196v, Orphée charmant les animaux (https://mandragore.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cgfbt227319)

A closeup of the main illumination

The 14th century French exemplar of the unicorn sitting in Milissent's lap (minus the part where it is getting eaten) - https://mandragore.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cgfbt227319

Words

Subjects of the East, hear now Our words as we raise one of the gems of Our Kingdom into the light. For over a quarter of a century, Milissent de Haithwaite has toiled for Our subjects: feeding the masses, leading and orchestrating events, and even gifting unicorns to the kingdom’s children. She has traveled vast distances for the benefit of strangers, and serves her home Shire with tireless hands. Her dedication to the happiness of those around her has not wavered in times of peace, war, or even plague.

How can one measure service? Would it be counted in plates of food, or in years? Missives sent to coordinate events, or the smiles of children as they hold a new toy? Truth be told, the lives that have been touched by these works can never be counted. But We have heard the tales of the marvels of Milissent from wise counsel, and do declare that she is most worthy of recognition.

For her rare dedication and tireless spirit, We, Ryouko'jin Saisei, Demon-King of the Three Heavens, and Maharani Indrakshi, Horned Queen of the Night Sky do Grant Milissent de Haithwaite recognition by induction into the Order of the Silver Crescent. Done this day, A.S. 60 at Brennan and Caoilfhionn's Ducal Challenges in the Barony of Settmour Swamp.