The wheel of time has turned, and Investiture has come and gone. Dame Sciath ingen Chaennaig has been released from her duties as Baroness of Rising Waters, and Okimâw Mihko Pîsim and I, Umesaya Soukurou-rokui, have risen to the Baronial Seats. We are so thankful for all of the tireless efforts of Dame Sciath (and the newly made Baron Ieuan ap Gwilym) over the years. The Barony has been forever changed in such positive ways by you.

                Investiture was a lovely, well-attended day that we will look back on with fondness. As expected, We were both kept busy throughout the event, greeting Nobles, accepting congratulations, and participating in activities. House Ōkami provided a delicious lunch that was enjoyed by all, and the feast team created a Japanese-Cree fusion meal that was so delicious (the salmon, especially, disappeared quickly; it was scrumptious). Our marshals kept the fighting folk happy and busy with a variety of tournaments, and there was even a block printing class for the littles. In the afternoon, we held our first court, where we announced our first Baronial Champions: Lady Eydis Drifa (Archery) and lord Merrick of Wight (Thrown Weapons). Additional Champions will be announced at a future date.

                In addition to our Champions, there were a number of Baronial Officer changes announced at Investiture: Aibhilin kenari fra Skye (A&S Minister), lord Gaspar Calico (Chronicler), and Dame Sciath ingen Chaennaig (Exchequer). We would like to thank each of the previous Officers for performing to the best of their ability and look forward to serving with the incoming Officers.

                The Horn of Friendship, which has long been passed between the Baronials of The Barony of Rhydderich Hael and The Barony of Rising Waters at Investitures, was passed back across the border to us, to be held in trust until the next Baronials of Rhydderich Hael rise to the Seats. We look forward to continuing the friendship between our Baronies.

                Finally, the Baronial taxes were announced (due at Lady Mary). The Baronial Populace can choose to:

• Learn a thing and tell us about it
• Teach a thing and tell us about it
• Boast about a member of the Barony
• Learn something about a culture other than your persona and teach us about it
• Perform a thing for us (The Feast of Bacchus would be a great time to do this!)

Taxes can be submitted by emailing the Baronial account (risingwaters@gmail.com) or by telling us/performing for us in person.

                There are so many more people who could be thanked, or have been elsewhere, who made Investiture a success, so to all that we may have missed, THANK YOU. You made this day such a happy occasion for us, and we will be forever grateful.

A gentle reminder that Umesaya-rokui and Okimâw Mihko do not use the titles “Baron” or “Baroness”. Though we understand that it will take time for people to become acustomed, we would greatly appreciate being referred to by our chosen titles “-rokui” and “Okimâw” respectively. Using “Their Excellencies” or “Baronials” is perfectly acceptable. Thank you for your consideration!