Speaking of Hangin' with the Queen

Made a trek to the Texas Renaissance Festival with the Queen yesterday. Hard to believe it's been open for 30 years. Even harder to believe, I've been making that trip almost as long...as it's been around. Still a magical place, although to my jaded eyes, the golden gilding of the faire seems a bit tarnished at this point. Still and all, it is good to see and converse with old friends and acquaintances. We, that is, the Queen and I, did not throw on our glad rags, as yet another hot and muggy October day was forecast in the Houston area. (This has been an unseasonably warm October in the area) The Queen had deigned not to wear her Togs due to the fact that she had paid her dues, a fact I heartily agreed with. So we went incognito and folk that the Queen had known for years did not recognize her (nor I) until (or if) she got in their face. You see, she has been quite notorious. She has this large, purple hat from the House of Dra, made of dyed chicken feathers. It was good to walk the grounds again, although it is always a different trip when not going as your true self. This is because, since you are in disguise, it is quite impossible to talk shit to the patrons of the fair. This was always one of the greatest skills to be developed when working at any renaissance faire as well as courtly manners and gestures. It is a great thing indeed to insult someone with a lively bit of banter that basically said they were the worst kind of oaf (or some other such) , in the King's English, all the while smiling sweetly. The light comes on at about the time that any participants within earshot give a hearty, "Ho, Ho!" or "Well met, indeed, sir!". Only then does your victim put two and two together and realize he has been skewered most thoroughly. But all in fun, of course. But this can be a dangerous game as a mate of mine found out once while walking the grounds in a semi-sober state as well as in civilian clothing. The plays the thing is't not? Interaction with the crowd is what I crave. We met up with friends, who were indeed dressed for the occasion. And I took no small pleasure in whispering in Sir Roger's ear what he should say to this buxom wench or that brazen knave for he and the Lady Nancy are new and need a little (just a little) coaching. So, though we had a good time drinking and shopping and noshing, the faire can expect another visit from us in full regailia and with a retinue as well, eh! I think my first visit was in the eighth year. A couple of years (and many visits) later, I decided I wanted to work there. Not for the money. But for the Magic of it all. Couldn't really figure out (at first) how I was going to do it though. Spent 13 years, Springs, Summers, and Falls working there. Ahhh but there's more to tell...